Jasper County Democrat, Volume 16, Number 101, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 March 1914 — TELEPHONE CO. HAVE SOLD OUT [ARTICLE]

TELEPHONE CO. HAVE SOLD OUT

Controling Interest Bought by A. L Clark and W. L. Bott NEW OWNERS NOW IN CHARGE Will Probably Continue the present Magneto System, and Therefore Ask for No Increase in Rates. A controlling intere t in the Jas per County Telephone Co., has been sold to A. L. Clark, of Morocco, and William L. Bott, of Star Q'ty, who are now in possession of the plant. , The new owners secure the stock owned by Delos Thompson, B. F. ■ endig and Mrs. Kate Watson, a little over 60 per cent of the whole amount, we understand. Both gentlemen expect to move here with their families and take active charge of the plant, but will not do so until June, it is understood, on account of closing up their business affairs at their present places of residence.

Both Mr. (51ark and Mr. Bott have had previous telephone experience, the former having owned the plants at Monon and Morocco, and the latter an interest in a plant up in Pulaski county. Mr. Bott is cashier of the State Bank at Star City, but will give up that position to come here. For the present at least all the old employes of the company will be retained, including Supt. J. J. Montgomery, and lineman Tom Hoyes. The old rates will be continued, it is reported, and the present magneto system will not op changed, as contemplated- by the old company, who had expected to rebuild the local plant entirely. Mr. Clark was here a few hours Monday, but The Democrat did not get an opportunity to interview him on the plans of I“e new owners before his return home. It is reported, however, that ■they expect to soon purchase a new switchboard and it will be possible then to render good service with less help than is required with the old board. The Wolcott exchange is also owned by the Jasper County Telephone Co., and of course the new owners also secure a controlling interest in that plant. .The pnbli • utilities co’nmissipn had been asked to. make an appraisement of the property by- the old company and fix an adequate rate for service on such appraisement. Whether the new owners will desire this now is unknown, but the general understanding is that they think the present rates adequate for the system we have, and will ask for no change for the present at least.