Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 July 1908 — Page 1

THE TWICE - A - WEEK

Jasper County Democrat.

91.00 Per Year.

MILK SPILLED

And Passengers Given a Shaking Up II MU ANO FREI6HT TRAIN WRECK At Lowell Sunday Morning, When a South Bound Freight Crushed. Into the Former. < What might have been a bad wreck occurred on the Monon Sunday Just north of Lowell, when the milk train and a through freight collided head on. Frank Maloy, the Lowell agent, was on the platform when the train pulled out for Cedar Lake, and to his horror he saw the freight rounding the curve only a few hundred feet away and bearing down on the passenger train at considerable speed. The engineer on the passenger had seen the freight and had brought his train to a dead stop, in fact was trying to back up out of the way. But he had not discovered the freight soon enough, and before he could get started back the two engines had welded themselves together, and the freight train being much the heavier pushed the passenger back en the track some twenty-five feet and this is all that saved the expense of several first class funerals, provided there would have been enough pieces found to have identified the owners. The most seriously hurt person was Wright Hinkle of Monon, who had his nose broken and his under lip badly cut. He was on his way to Denver to attend the democratic national convention, but after the wreck he got his wounds dressed and after taking a look at himself concluded he was in no shape to go, as he no doubt would have become more famous than the Dutch fisherman from that town who sunburned his nose in a most horrible way, causing everyone he met to inquire what was the matter with the nose. The milk train passengers from Rensselaer were J. A. McFarland, N. Littlefield and John H. Jessen. They were none of them seriously hurt, and outside of some painful bruises escaped in pretty good shape. The freight crew and engineer—an extra man—were clearly to blame for the whole thing, and something more than a mere dismissal should be their fate. The freight should have run into siding at Cedar Lake instead of trying to reach Lowell ahead of the milk train. Both engines were badly damaged, all the big lot of milk cans on the milk train upset and every gallon of the milk spilled and the platforms on one or two cars smashed up. One or two cars on the freight were also somewhat damaged. The engineers and firemen stuck to their posts and escaped Injury except the engineer of the passenger who had a couple of fingers badly bruised. The track was not torn up, and after a delay of five hours the wreck was cleared away and an engine from the Hammond yards, that came down with the wreck train, took the milk train on to Chicago. The baggage car was so badly damaged that it was cut out and run to the shops for repairs. The northbound passenger trains and also the southbound trains went around by Wilder, the afternoon trains being being the first to go over the line after the wreck.

COME TO RENSSELAER NEXT FOURTH.

The weather the 4th was ideal. A fine, much needed rain Friday, all forenoon and again at night, made it most too wet to work in the fields where the farmers were so disposed, and as a restilt everyone "laid off” and celebrated either at their home or some of the neighboring towns where there were celebrations. The rain had cooled the atmosphere so that it was most delightfully cool, and the sun shone practically all day. Rensselaer people went out of town by rail to the ■ number of about 500, while still others drove to Parr, Fair Oaks or McCflysburg. Good crowds were in attendance at all these places and all. seemed to enjoy themselves. Next year The Democrat hopes to see Rensselaer celebrate again and give a celebration, too, that will be worth coming a long ways to see. People will go some place on the 4th of July, and if their home town

does not furnish entertainment they will go to some place that does. Probably (5,000 would have been spent in Rensselaer Saturday among the various business men, to be left here and circulate in the various channels of trade, Indirectly helping everyone here, had we celebrated. Instead of this perhaps onehalf that sum was spent by our citizens and residents adjacent to Rensselaer at other places It ought not to be hard for the Rensselaer citizen of average business acumen to see that it is advantageous for us to celebrate and keep this money at home.

A GROUP OF OLD TIMERS.

A sight not witnesses on the streets If this town for years occurred Monday morning, when Wallace Murray, William Kenton, Joseph V. Parkinson, Henry Harris, Louis Davisson, Simon Phillips, Benjamin Harris and James Shindelar, Sr., were all on the street at practically the same time. These men are all early settlers and in* all probability would rank in the first row as the largest group of old settlers that have met for many a year. Their ages all range well up In the seventies, and some are past 40, Simon Phillips being past 86. And this group does not inculde the names of John Makeever, the dean of them all in age, William F. Powers, David Nowels, Wm. Bull or David Halstead, who live in town but who were not on the street on the morning in question. And all those mentioned appeared to be enjoying very good health, with a prospect of meeting again some years in the future. Here is to their future health and happiness, long may they live to enjoy the friendship of their fellows.

M. H. HEMPHILL DEAD.

pMarcus H. Hemphill died at the family residence in this city at 1 a. m. yesterday of heart and kidney disease, after an illness of over three months duration. The disease became acute several weeks ago and he was taken to Chicago to consult a specialist, but no hope was held out to him of a change for the better, and from that time he grew gradually worse until the end came as before related. jC Marcus Herron Hemppul, second child of James and Elizabeth Young Knox Hemphill, was born near Chillicothe, Ohio, April 29, 1843, and came with his parents to this county in April, 1857, the family settling on the present site of the Henry Thornton farm southeast of Surrey. In November, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, 48th Ind. Vols., and served to the close of the war in 1865. In July, 1866, he was married to Matilda Baker, and to this union there was born four children of whom three survive, Mrs. J. H. Hoyes, Mrs. Frank Alter and Charles E. Hemphill of this city, with the widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Hemphill. In 1890 he was elected county treasurer on the republican ticket and again in 1892, serving two terms. He was treasurer at the time the Dwigglns bank went to the wall in 1893 and had (10,000 deposited in their bank here at that time, but got out without loss. Every public trust that was ever placed in his care was faithfully executed, and every penny accounted for. Since leaving public office he has been engaged in the livery business, almost continuously to the time of his death, and his customers always received courteous treatment. In his death Rensselaer loses, one of her best citizens, and a most respected man. The funeral will be held today at 3 p. m., from the house, and burial made in Weston cemetery.

CONTINENTAL INSURANCE CO.

The largest and one of the best American companies writing fire and wind-storm insurance on city and farm property. Farmers, before renewing your insurance see the Continental’s most liberal contract. Any limit you wish on horses and cattle. In case of loss we pay on adjustment without discount, all at the same price that smaller companies will ask you. See that your Insurance Is written in the Continental. Call at my office any time and let me show you. The same office the Continental has been represented in for years, Room 4, 2nd floor, I. O. O. F. building. A. J. HARMON, Agent. Successor to J. F. Bruner. It is worthy—Home. Grocery. Wanted—A good young Jersey cow, either recently fresh or to be fresh within a few weeks. Inquire at The Democrat office.

RENSSELAER, JASPER COUNTY, INDIANA, WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1008.

THE COURT HOUSE

Items Picked Up About the County Capitol.* The state supreme and appellate courts adjourned Thursday for the regular summer vacation. They will convene again October 1. , —o— Marriage licenses Issued: July 2, Joseph O. Winfrey of Mississippi, aged 47, occupation farmer, to Belle Wiseman of Rensselaer, aged 21, occupation housekeeper. Second marriage for male, first wife having died April 1, 1906; first marriage for female. . ——o— The contract has been let for one of the largest dredge ditches yet constructed in northern Newton county—known as the Lawler ditch, and touching Beaver, McClellan and Lake townships. The ditch will be twenty miles long and will cost |IB,OOO. The contract was let to E. D. Barr, of Potterville, Mich. —o — Sheriff O’Connor is having some extensive improvements made to the dwelling on his farm at Knlman, preparatory to retiring from the strenuous life January 1 to the peaceful and happy occupation of a granger. John will no doubt be the first sheriff to retire from office in Jasper county in the past third of a century who goes out with more money than he had when he went in. And this is due to his exemplary habits. Fowler Leader: Receiver Elliott of the Fowler and Ambia banks and A. B. Jenkins, of Logansport, were in Fowler this morning. There was paid to the receiver of the Goodland bank (5,000 by Daniel Baldwin. Some property has been sold on which the Goodland Bank had a mortgage of (2,500. This mortgage has five years to run, but the purchaser offers to pay now less fifty dollars. With this money on hand a dividend will be paid within ten days or two weeks. —<o — The county commissioners met in regular session Monday and were still grinding yesterday. Following is a report of Monday’s proceedings except claims allowed: Vaughn Woodworth of Rensselaer appointed to a scholarship at Purdue. Trustee of Marion tp. granted permission to extend additional poor relief, not exceeding (15 per quarter, to John Alberson, Allis Potts and Cecil Potts. Winamac Bridge Co. awarded contract for new bridge in Milroy tp., at (778. —-O- • : -■ J ' '■ E. P. Honan plucked feathers from the eagle’s tail at Fair Oaks, Rev. Clark at Parr, and Geo. A. Williams at Dunn’s Bridge. Mr. Honan was kicked quite badly by a race horse at Fair Oaks, in rescuing a rider with whom the horse had fallen during the racing, but it was nothing very serious and he was neither brought home in an automobile nor confined to the house, as asserted by the Indianapolis News’ telegraph liar. He has been about about all the time. The kick was on the side of the left leg, near the knee, and it discolored the flesh quite badly, but no bones were broken.

SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNIC. The Christian Sunday school will hold its annual picnic on Thursday of this week in Nagle’s grove south west of town. Wagons will be ready to leave the church at 9:30. All members of the Sunday school and parents of the children together with the members of the church are urged to attend. Those having conveyances will report to the superintendent or the pastor. BAND CONCERT PROGRAM. July 9th, 8 o’clock. March Nahant Twostep <College Girls Waltz Minerva March The Master Mechanic Military March ....Samsonian Overture. .... .The American Patrol TwostepThe Man of the Hour Closing March New Annapolis DANCE AFTER BAND CONCERT. A dance will be given in Warner’s hall commencing right after band concert Thursday evening. CELERY PLANTS. Thousands of them at Harvey Grant's, on north gravel road.

LEWIS DAVISSON IS ALSO AN OLD SETTLER.

Lewis Davisson, the subject of this sketch, was born in Johnson county November 21, 1826, and moved with his parents to Boone county, settling near the little town of Mechanicsburg, now on the traction line between Frankfort and Lebanon, in 1833. ’ The family did not stay here long, and in 1(40 they moved to Jasper county. 111., and from there to, Jasper county, Ind., in 1849, settling at a place called Tail Holt from that time to the present day. This little town, or what waa a little town for many years, is sometimes called Haddock’s town, and was situated at the outlet of the big marsh by that name, in Gillam township, and which was a veritable lake at the time of which we are writing, 1849. Here in 1850 and ’sl Mr. Davisson built a saw mill, locating it on the outlet of the marsh and using the water flowing through the narrow channel which had been dammed by beavers years before, to run the mill. This beaver dam made the digging of a mill-race a small affair, the work of getting that part of the mill in working order did not take long, but when it came to getting the other part of it in working order—that was another affair. Finally it was completed and George Kessler, who died many years ago, fixed up a boat and brought logs from what was known at that time as Red Oaks, on the north side of the lake, to the mill. There was already a grist mill at Rensselaer, and in 1853 a set of burrs was installed at the saw mill and corn could then be ground there, as the luxury of wheat bread was almost unknown. In 1849 there was no settlement after leaving the Nowels settlement, east of the present station of Surrey one and a half miles, until the McNeil settlement, south of Wheatfield, was reached, between Rensselaer and the Kankakee river, and it has been of comparatively late years that the country north of Wheatfield was anything but a big mgrsh, covered most of the year with water. McNeil soon set out some apple trees and was probably one of the very first of the early settlers to do this. The Haddocks mill soon changed hands, and John Haddocks became the owner, and he turned it into a distillery after a time, and from this source came much of the whiskey that was consumed in this vicinity in pioneer days, and especially during the time the state ditches were dug, many of which still remain, a few of them still in use. Many Irish and Germans worked on these ditches, and it is related that Haddocks would frequently order more water, after he had tested the new whiskey by tasting it, remarking that “that’s too strong for the Irish, bring another bucket of water.” Finally the dam which had been made higher at the mill site backed up the water so much that it had to be removed, and then the mill was run by steam power. In 1852 Mr. Davisson bought a mill site on the Big Monon, in White county, and built a mill there. Soon after this, on March 23, 1853, he was married to Hepsabeth Haines. In 1856 he sold his mill and moved to Francesville, where the railroad had already been built, and farmed for a few years. He soon got the mill fever again, and bought and built mills at various places in Carroll and Warren counties, finally settling on a farm in Barkley township, “this county, where he lived for many years, and in 188? he bought a farm in Union township, remaining there until 1896 when he came to.town and has lived here since. His wife died Sept. 12, 1906, since which time his daughter has lived with him and kept the house. Mr. ' Davisson has five sons, all. democrats and good • men, and two daughters all living in Jasper county, and two of them are township trustees in adjoining townships, a very uncommon occurence. He is enjoying very good health and bids flair to live several years yet, enjoying the confidence and esteem of everyone who is acquainted with him.

Fruit jars—Home Grocery. Celery plants for sale. C. R. RAMP. We try hard to please—-Home Grocery. For Sale!—A good set of binder canvass, for 6-ft Deering binder, cost |l2. HENRY L. WORTLEY, Goodland, Ind.

TO THE PUBLIC.

I have two very valuable inventions. One is “Horse Shoeing Stocks,” with which toe public is somewhat familiar, the other is a wagon coupling. These articles are now being manufactured by me and sold at a good profit. It takes money however, to enlarge the business, and I have decided to organize a stock company with a capital of (15,000, divided into 150 shares of (100 each. I will retain 75 shares for my inventions, patents and good will of the business, and offer to the citizens of Rensselaer and vicinity the remaining 75 shares, or as many thereof as may be necessary to secure a sufficient working capital to manufacture and place the goods on the market. The stock will be sold at par value, (100 per share. In offering this stock to the public at par, I will say, I will guarantee to each stock-holder a square deal and my earnest and untiring efforts to make this home enterprise a complete success, and I am confident that it will not only build up our city, but it will yield handsome profits to the purchasers of the stock. Respectfully,

LUTHER HEMPHILL.

C. A. ROBERTS AND B. S. FENDIG “ROCKED.”

A blast shot off just before noon Monday in the river back of C. A. Roberts’ buggy and implement store threw rock in all directions, and one piece weighing five or six pounds struck Mr. Roberts’ store about two feet from the eaves and crashed down through into the room below. Fortunately it struck so near the side of the building that the damage was very slight. The room was full of new buggies, and had it struck five feet higher up it would have crashed down onto a buggy and caused perhaps (25 damage. Another rock from the same blast struck the tin gutter on B. S. Fendig’s residence and bent it down perhaps six inches where it hit. Mr. Moore says the cause of the rock flying so much from this blast was because of the presence of considerable clay in the rock crevases, causing the heavy rope netting to be raised so high by the blast that the rocks escaped from in under it. During the afternoon a stone weighing some five or six pounds came down at the rear of I. A. Glazebrook’s residence, striking the lower window sill and partially imbedding itself there. * Miss Viola Glazebrook was standing just inside the window looking at the blast when the rock struck the sill. A foot further and it would have struck her.

AUTOMOBILE TROUBLES.

A party consisting of Chauffeur Walter English, Ira Sigler and little son, George Goff and Jim George left Sunday morning on a business and pleasure trip, Sigler having a little business to look after between Mt. Ayr and Morocco. On getting out of town a couple of miles one of the auto tires went down on them. This was fixed up and they again hit the dust. But it was only a short time until the tire again went down, and again it was pumped up. This was repeated time and again, the party making Morocco, Kentland and Goodland. Near the latter place, ‘way along in the night, the tire got in such shape that it could no longer be made to do any good, and a telephone message for aid was sent to the “home office.” Billy Timmons hastened to the relief with another machine loaded with repairs. The tire was fixed up and the party piloted to Remington, or near there, when the tire blew up with the report of a cannon. Billy then brought English, George and Sigler on to town, arriving here at five or six o’clock in the morning, leaving Mr. Goff in the stranded machine by the roadside to look after the machine until he could return and bring it and him in. Arriving here, it is reported, Billy succumbed to the wiles of Morpheus, and it was nearly ten o’clock when he' awoke and hastened to Mr. Goff’s relief. The boys were out all day and all night long, and had a most strenuous time of it indeed.

Picnic Goods—Home Grocery. PLEASE CALL AND SETTLE. All parties knowing themselves indebted to the River Queen Mill are requested to call in and settle their accounts. ALFRED COLLINS, Quick deliveries—Home Grocery.

TO THE BRYAN

Democratic Leaders Are Assembled in Convention at Denver. NATIONAL GATHERING OPENED Temporary l Ohairmiuo Bell Deliver* the First Keynote Speech to the Multitude. WABMLY QRUTEBAS M BISKS Itaaitaeu Tboasand People Hear Him •ad Cbeer Hto Sentiments— HooW Deee Grover Cleveland—BoNzee and InoAdents. Denver, July 7.—A thousand miles weet of where, in the great dty at the foot of Lake Michigan, one great political party, just three weeks ago, met to name a candidate for president of the United States, another great party, today at noon, was called to order In national convention for the same purpose. In a hall which for the purpose probably has not its equal in the country, and which was made beautiful with draperies of red, white and bine, and otherwise decorated with palms,

THOMAS TAGGART.

ferns, and great portraits of Democrats who have made national and international names, and with the same practical certainty of who the man would be who would carry the party banner to victory or defeat, the Democratic leaders of the nation met, as had the Republican leaders three weeks previously. What Taggart Faced on Arising. As Thomas Taggart, chairman of the national Democratic committee, arose to call the gathering to order be faced a sight to thrill every fibre of his being. Facing him sat 2,004 delegates and their alternates from every state, territory and island possession of the country. Back of them and on each side of them, rose rank on rank of men and women, come there to observe the proceedings, cheer their favorites, and spend nearly a week in the strenuous excitement of a national convention. Fourteen thousand—perhaps 15.000 —• in number, they watched with absorbing Interest the opening of the great national meet Old Glory Is Everywhere. For two hours or more the people lucky enough to have tickets had been streaming into the hall to find their seats. Those who came first and got seated looked for a time like animated oases in a wilderness of chairs. But the spaces filled rapidly, the operation of seating the people going on to the strains of music from bands stationed at different points in the great auditorium. Describe the scene? That is impossible unless columns were devoted to that purpose. Of course the national ensign bad the chief place in the decorations. It hung fluttering In the breeze from the lofty roof; it hung festooned around the balconies; it draped the open spaces of the walls; It waved in the bunds of everybody, and it was a favorite decoration pinned upon the breasts of the ladies, whose bright dresses had no small part in the general scheme of color. FIHST SOUND OF THE GAVEL Taggart Calls for Order and the Convention Is “On Its Way.’’ Such was the scene—a brilliant one —that Taggart saw as, gayel in hand, he rose, and occupying the place behind the chairman’s desk brought his gavsl down with a sharp rap. Previous to this the throng had sent up p continued buzz of conversation and comment, punctuated every few minute by cheera and band-clapping as

« I".*. Th W

Vol. XI. No. 20.