Jasper County Democrat, Volume 10, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 May 1907 — Page 1

Jasper County Democrat,

SI.OO Per Yegr.

JURY DISAGREES

In the FlHroy Township Trustee Case. IS DISAPPOINTMENT TO BOTH SIDES As It Means Another Trial of the flatter.—Reported to Have DeadLocked io to a For Parks. The moat interesting case of the present term of court, that is, the case that drew the largest crowds of spectators, was the township trustee case from Milroy tp., and the court room was comfortably filled during the progress of the trial. The case begun Tuesday and the evidence from the score or more of witnesses was not all in until about 2:00 p. m. Wednesday, and at 2:45 it was given the jury, defendant’s attorneys declining to argue the case and thereby shutting off further argument after Leopold made a brief opening talk for plaintiff. After being out all night and still unable to reach an agreement, the jury was discharged. It is reported to have stood a part of the time 9to 3 in favor of Parks, dead-lceking at 10 to 2 in his favor. The jurors weref B W Burrii J P Simona * Joseph Hallagan • Athos Alter William F Smith * Leonard Lefler * Joha W Nowels Frank Weber Bnkit Morlan Milton A Jones Robert Michal • Lewis Ziok |

Those having a star opposite their names were not of the regular panel, which was exhausted before a jury was agreed upon. Politically they are have stood 9 republicans to 3 democrats. The facts in this case while familiar to most of our readers and to the people of Jasper county in general, will bear a brief repeating. Last December Wm. C. Huston, the democratic trustee of said township traded bis farm there for a store, house and lot and stock of general merchandise at Perrysburg, a little town in Miami county, but still retained some 30 acres of land in the township. To some be is reported to have said, so the evidence disclosed, that be was going to leave the township permanently while to otners he stated that the store property was for sale or trade and he was simply going over there to look after it temporarily until be could dispose of it, when he expected to return to Milroy He bad a sale and sold off most of his personal property and moved his family to Perrysburg, but did not move all bis household effects, and moved his office from the former residence in Milroy into the residence of Branson Clark of the same township, where he still held bis office, coming back here on his regular office days and at such other times as his presence was needed to look after the township business. * He published a card in the paper stating that he would hold his office on such and such days at Mr. Clark’s, and did so. At the election in 1904 the democrats elected 8 of the 13 township trustees of Jasper county. Theodore Phillips of Gillam, one of the democratic trustees, resigned his office last spring and went west for the benefit of his wife’s health, and she has recently died there. _ This left the democrats but one majority, and when Mr. Huston left temporarily the republicans evidently saw a chance to win out, as they thought, and a quiet campaign was inaugurated to oust Mr. Huston from office and thus re-elect a republican county superintendent next June. Although Mr. Huston was here every week almost, nothing was said to him about the matter, we understand, and a petition was quietly circulated and some 35 names secured thereto, declaring the office vacant and asking that Geo. L. Park’s, Mr. Huston’s opponent in the election of 1904, be appointed trustee. This was filed with the county auditor and he declared the office vacant and appointed Mr. Parks, who went at once after qualifying to the home of Branson Clark and demanded the township books, Clark, demurred about turning them over, when, so Clark testified, Parks

told him that if he did not let him have the books fee would send the eheriff'after them Clark did not want to get in any trouble over the matter and Parks loaded up the stpff and carried it away. This was sometime in March. Huston wqs then notifibd by Clark what bad been .done and he came here at once and made a demand for the property taken by which was refused, and quo-warranto proceedings were then begun to recover possession of the property and for SIOO damages. Since this time Huston has transacted a part of the township business and Parks a part, the county auditor only recognizing the latter as the trustee. Huston had ail the. township money but Parks has drawn some of th© later “draws.”

The plaintiff was represented by Attorneys Sellers of Monticello, Honan, Hersh man and Leopold of Rensselaer, while defendant was represented by Attorneys Foltz, Irwin, Halleck and Parkison, all of Rensselaer* The evidence was conflicting on a few points, and a disagreement of the jury was generally expected, although it showed to the unprejudiced person the intent of plaintiff was to return to Milroy and was only temporarily away from his township. It was attempted to show by the township assessor over in Miami county that plaintiff had been assessed there on both x personal and poll, but the assessor got all balled up on attempting to introduce a “copy” of the assessment sheet, and admitted on cross examination that the list covered only the store property, etc., in that county, and plaintiff had stated that he had some notes and other property here and was to be assessed on sneb here, and was so assessed later, and also assessed poll here. In assessing the latter a man’s ace is only asked, and if under 50 he is put down “one poll,” without the assessor’s so stating to the party whom he is assessing Several witnesses were here from near Perrysburg to t stify for both plaintifFand defendant. It is now practically impossible to get an adjudication of the matter before the June meeting to elect a county superintendent, the matter will rest until the September term of court, when it will either be re-tried or taken to another county on change of venue. The taking a change of venue at once and attempting to get it retried in Newton county was discussed by Mr. Huston with his attorneys, but it was thought hardly possible to perfect the change and get it tried prior to the June meeting of trustees, and it was decided to let the matter remain in its present status until the next term of court here. The Newton circuit court does not convene until May 13, there being this time a week’s intermission after our court closes.

THE GRIM REAPER.

Miss Almira Monnett, mention of whoee critical condition was made in last week’s Democrat, died at 10:30 o’clock last Saturday without having regained conscious* ness She was about 64 years of age. Almira Monnett was born in Crawford county, Ohio, May 27, 1843, and was the youngest child of Thomas and Mary Monnett. She came to Jasper county when a child and practically all her life has been spent at or near Rensselaer. She attended DePauw University when a girl and has contributed at different times in later years to its different departments, maintaining a prize in oratory and donating to the library fund. She joined the M. E. church many years ago, which was the denomination of her parents and grand-parents. One sister, Cordelia P. Monnett, and one brother, Fletcher Monnett, both of Rensselaer, survive her. The funeral was held at 2 p. m.. Monday from Mr. Cox’s residence, where deceased had rooms. The funeral was conducted by Rev. H.,L. Kindig, and interment made in Weston cemetery. ✓ Mary’ the eight-yeastold daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Benjamin, died at 5:30 a. m., Thursday after some ten days sickness from that dread disease, meningitis. The fuheral was held at 2:3(K p. m., yesterday, from the residence, Rev. H. L. Kindig conducting the services, and interment made in Weston cemetery. ( I

Rensselaer. Jasper County, Indiana, Saturday, May 4, 1907.

HALLECK'S LIBEL CASE IS CONTINUED.

Owing to other cases intervening and the probable inability to reach the libel case of Abe Halleck, the chairman of the republican county central committee, vs. The Democrat editor, the same was continued by agreement. So far as the defendant was concerned the continuance was a disappointment, as be was anxious to have the case tried at this term, but it being set for Thursday of the last week of the term and the Huston case lasting two full days it could not probably have been reached fortrial before yesterday, if at all this term. .It therefore goes over to the September term.

SUICIDE IN GILLAM TOWNSHIP.

Anthony Caster Blows His Head Off With Shotgun Yesterday Morning. Anthony Caster, aged 59 yeaTs, a farmer residing in Gillam tp , on the Vanatta farm near the oil field, committed suicide at 4:30 a. m., yesterday by shooting bis head off with a shotgun. Mr. Caster had been shooting crows of a morning and nothing was thought of bis getting up and going out with the gun. When found his head was blown off and he had evidently placed the muzzle of the gun in his mouth and then touched the trigger. It was a clear case of suicide. The man was no doubt demented when he committed the rash deed, and is said to have been insane once or twice before this, A wife and four children are left. Funeral will be held to-morrow and burial made in the Independence cemetery in Gillam tp.

DON’T OFFEND UNCLE SAM.

Carroll County Citizen: It is dangerous business to trifle with the rural mail boxes as the exper* ience of two youths, Daniel and James O’Connor, of Adams township, will show. They were taken to Logansport before C. H. Stuart,. U. S. commissioner, who bound Dan over to the Federal grand jury, but on account of his youth released him without bond, and entirely vindicated James O’Connor because of a lack of evidence. It was shown at the hearing that Dan O’Connor, aged 12, and James/aged 15, and sons of Dan O’Connor, had damaged two rural mail boxes which they found on posts at a country cross roads.

HE “STOPPED” ON THE RETURN TRIP.

Lake County Star:Considerable excitement whs stirred up at Black Oak last Sunday, by a Chicago Hutomobile driver who run into Louie Swing’s buggy from pure carelessness, smashing the vehicle and dumped Louie and wife and child on the ground. The machine never, slackened. All the surrounding towns were wired to catch the fellow, but be went on to Valparaiso unmolested. When returning in the afternoon a Hobart telephone notified them that he was on the return trip, and twenty citizens at Black Oak met him in the road with shot guns. He stopped under protest, but was glad to get out of it and be allowed to pass on after paying $35. He proved to be the demonstrator for the Matherson Automobile Company in Chicago, and it is said he had already run over two men and a boy in Chicago before this escapade. None of the Ewing family were hurt.

A MISSION AT FRANCESVILLE.

On the 12th otMay Rev. Father George and Father Vigilius Krull will open a week’s mission at Francesville of which place Rev. J. A. Simetz is the pastor. All are. welcome to attend the sermons which will be given every evening at 7;30.

YOUTH AND AGE.

You need good teeth at every period of your life. We’ll preserve the good ones you have, or give you good ones in place of poor ones. ; We understand how to care for the teeth of little children and are just as considerate of the feelings of the elder ones. J. W. Horton, __ * Dentist. Office on the east side. Everything chick, new and nobby in walking shoes and slippers. Chicago Bargain Store.

THE COURT HOUSE

Items Picked Up About the County Capitol.

Commissioners’ court convenes Monday. ,

Next Monday is the last day for paying the spring installment of taxes to avoid penalty.

Only five marriage licenses were issued last month, against 7 for the month previous and 4 for April 1906.

The county board of education will meet Monday, at which time the ennumeration reports will be made and a truant officer be elected.

There were two May day marriages in the clerk’s office Wednesday noon, Judge Hanley drawing the first prize of a nice looking young couple from the Gifford district, Mr, Geo. W. Haniford and Miss Mand Mae Martin, and Squire Irwin the second couple, the much married Theodore Hurley to Mrs. Sarah Cavinder, both giving their residence as Rensselaer.

Marriage licenses issued: April 26, James A. May, Jr., of White county, aged 29, occupation farmer, to Ruth Miles of Wolcott, aged 28, occupation teacher. First marriage for each. May 1, George W. Haniford of Gifford, aged 23, occupation, railroad employe, to Maud Mae Martin, of Newland, aged 17, occupation housekeeper. First marriage for each. May 1-, Theodore Hurley of Rensselaer, aged 70 years, no occupation but draws pension of S3O per month, to Sarah Cavinder, also of Rensselaer, aged 66, occupation housekeeper. Fourth marriage for male, his former wives having died, the last one Feb. 17, 1905; second marriage for female, her first husband having died June 3, 1901.

New suits filed: No. 7163. William O. Jackson vs, Cornelia A. Jackson; suit for divorce. The complaint states that the parties were married in Jasper county, Nov. 4,1895, and lived together as husband and wife until Dec. 7, 1905, when defendant wholly abandoned plaintiff; that defendant was guilty of cruel and inhuman treatment, would not stay at his home in Wheatfield, refused to do the ordinary housework or prepare plaintiff’s meals, and was repeatedly away from plaintiff’s home after night- in company with other men. Plaintiff avers that he believes defendant is now a non resident of Indiana. . No. 7164. Rachel E. Knox vs. Mary A. Howe, administrator of estate of Wm. Pierce, deceased; action on claim, Demand $1,714, most of which is for board and care of deceased since 1899.

This is the last week of court until the September term, which convenes Sept. 9.. Following are some of the more important proceedings since our last report: David D. Gleason vs. James Wiokizer et al, Truman F. Palmer special judge; judgment for $514.54 and costs, vs. Ella Fisher and Isaiah Fisher, and real estate ordered sold. Hastings Industrial Co. vs. Greenip I. Thomas; dismissed by plaintiff. Horace Marble x vs. Andrew Grube et al; change of venue asked for from county by remonstrator Marble and case sent to Newton county. - A little sparing was done in the Tyler ditch case and the remonstrators will appeal to the supreme court. T. F. Maloney and C. J. Hobbs appointed drainage commissioners in the Carr ditch (a continuation of the Iroquois) the regular drainage commissioners being disqualified by reason of being affected by said ditch. W. A. McCray, Geo. Ade and two or three others had filed objections to the regular drainage commissioners, etc., and it is reported will remonstrate against the ditch at the proper time. . •* .

T. B. Cunningham as trustee of the Newton county Bank, and Jesse J. Frye, vs. R. A. Gilbreath and J. M. Gilbreath; judgment by agreement of $80.90 against defendants.

Trustees of Wheatfield Lodge No. 689,1. O. O. F., vs. William H. King, et al; cause dismissed by plaintiff as to David H. Yeoman; judgment and foreclosure for $252.49 in favor of plaintiff, and real estate, lots 7,8, block 6, Graham’ssecond.addition to Wheatfield, orderetrsold, and if real estate is not sufficient to pay judgment and costs the residue shall be levied on the goods and chattels of defendants William H. King, Millie M. King and Martha* E. Whitaker, subject to execution without relief from valuation or appraisement laws. The Sorensen shooting scrape at Roselawn, brought here on change of venue from Newton county, drew a big crowd of witnesses from Roselawn Monday, some twenty or more being here. The prosecuting witness was Guy Givens, who was shot in the leg by Sorensen. The trouble is said to have originated over some females having been in a saloon at Roselawn, whom Sorensen was instrumental in getting out of the place, it is reported, and Givens is reported to have said he would “get even” with him, or words to that effect. Sorensen seems to have prepared for trouble by procuring a revolver, and the two met at the railroad station where after a few words passing between them Sorensen pulled his revolver and shot Givens in the leg, inflicting a slight wound. The jury found him guilty as charged and fined him SIOO and costs, the costs, no doubt, reaching SIOO more.

REPORT OF HANGING GROVE S. S. CONVENTION.

McCoysburg, Ind., April 28, 1907. Hanging Grove Tp. Sunday School Convention opened at 2 p. m. with singing. Mrs. Ella Parker being absent the Devotional exercises were led by Mrs. John Randle. The first work taken up was: “How to get more of our people interested in S. 8. work,” led by County President Mr. Hamilton, which was very ably handled. Discussion by Mr. Stewart and Mrs. John Randle. Singing by congregation. The next subject presented was a paper on some phase of S. S. work. The work presented was on the primary interests in S. S., by Mrs. Ray Holeman. Discussion by Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Stewart. The subject, “Men and Boys, How to Reach and Keep Them in S. 5.,” was presented by Miss Tanner. Singing* by congregation. The last subject on program, “The Necessity of Home Study and Classification of Scholars,” was talked on by Rev. Bullard. The question box conducted by Roy Bussel proved a very interesting feature of the afternoon. Report of Sunday Sobools: McCoysburg— attendance 25 and more. McCoysburg—collection 15 to 25c. Parker—attendance, 25 to 35. “ —collection, 25 to 35c. Interest good. A collection was taken to pay expenses of the convention and the remainder to be used for the county and state. The collection amounted to 12.36, $1.36 to be used for the county and state. Lastly on program was the election of officers, Mr. Joseph Stewart being re-elected President and Ola Randle Secretary. Joseph Stewart, Pres., Ola Randle, Sec.

HOUSE FOR RENT. I have a good bouse with garden, etc., for rent at my farm two miles north of Rensselaer, and tenant can either truck farm or I will hire him. Alf Donnelly. For Rent:—Two suites of rooms over Ferguson & Ferguson’s office, suitable for office or residence purposes. Apply at First National Bank.

Notice: —Persons still owing dog tax should pay now before allowing them to go delinquent, as the law perscribes a fine for delinquents. The township assessors must report to the trustee by the 15th of May, and all dog tax should be paid by that time. Township Assessor.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT—ELLIS OPERA HOUSE.

The Premier Lyceum Entertainers, Monday evening, May 6. This well known musical organization will appear for one night and present one of their high-class programp at popular prices. No one loving good music can afford to miss the opportunity of hearing. these young artists. Don’t let your friends tell you next day how good a show it was and what you missed. Get in line early for tickets. The company includes: Madam Miaro Wilson Syria, Soprano Soliost; Miss Hazel M. Hammel, Italion Harpist; George B. Price, Violin Virtuoso, a boy wonder on the violin; Wm. H. Wilkinson, Tenori Baritone; Sorenzo Muszar, Saxiphone and Monologue Artist. Come and bring your friends. Admission—2s, 35 and 50 cents. Auspices of ladies’ of the choir of the Presbyterian church.

GANGLOFF BRIDGE STILL OUT.

jkHie work of replacing the big steel wagon bridge near the Gangloff farm east of town,® has been delayed considerably by the high water. It is more of a job replacing it than moving it out of the way, owing to the much greater debth of channel since the dredge went through, and the consequent greater amount of truss or tressel work necessary. It will perhaps take all next week to get the bridge back in place.

COMMUTATION TICKETS CUT OFF.

And now it is announced that the Monon will cut off the sale of the 25 cent, per ride commutation tickets between Hammond and Chicago, this requiring passengers to pay full rates between Hammond and Chicago or purchase a ten ride ticket which is good only in hands of the purchaser and must be used up within a certain time. People all along the line south of Hammond who make frequent trips to Chicago have been in the habit of usipg these cheap commutation tickets and thereby saying quite a little car fare each trip, they being good in anyone’s hands and for as many as you desired to let ride, the conductor punching out for each person. The new two cent fare law is responsible for the Monbn’s action in this matter.

The greatest line of fine muslin underwear and shirt waists ever shown in town. Chicago Bargain Store.

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENTS.

CHURCH OF GOD. Topic Sunday morning next — A brief horoscope, not astrologic but prophetic, of Dispensations— Times, past, present and yet to be — “Times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19. Whosoever will, let him hear.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS.

April 20, to Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Sigler, at Tulsa, I. T., a son. April 24, to Mr. and Mrs. George Crockett, southeast of town, a sonl April 25, to Mrs. Charles Pennett, at the home of her mother, Mrs. John L. Nichols, north of the railroad, a son. April 28, to Mr. and Mrs. Ancel Potts of Newland, twins, both boys. Just returned from the city with all the newest novelties in ladies’ furnishings, silk suits and waist patterns, wash dress goods, fans, umbrellas, rugs, etc. Chicago Bargain Store.

THE BEST EVER. The U. 8. Cream Separator skims closer, will last longer, is easier to clean than any other make and don’t cost any more money. Call and see this great labor-saver at Worland’s buggy store. April showers, the old folks say, Brings the flowers of May; But the reign of Buggies that Roberts sells Are the Buggies that users should buy. C. A. .Roberts, The Buggy Man. There will be a dance at Warner’s Hall, Thursday eve,Tlay 9th. Good music and very best of order, flusic by Healy orchestra.

Vol. X. No. 5