Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 June 1917 — Page 1

Jasper County Democrat.

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STOCKTON JURY VOTES ACQUITTAL

Verdict For Defendant Reached On Second Ballot. WERE OUT BUT 25 MINUTES Stood 11 to 1 for Acquittal on First Ballot. It Is Reported— Trial Lasted Eighteen Days. The Stockton perjury trial which had been grinding in the Newton circuit court for the past sixteen days exclusive of Sundays) ended a little after 3 o'clock Thursday afternoon in a verdict of not guilty. The case went to the jury at 2:50 o’clock and the verdict was returned twenty-five minutes later. It is understood that the jury stood eleven to one for acquittal on the first ballot and was unanimous on the second ballot. The verdict was not unexpected by those who had followed the trial closely although, in view of the conflicting evidence, many had looked for a disagreement. The jury was an exceptionally strong one, composed of intelligent and substantial farmers and business men with whom the attempts of some of the attorneys to intimidate, bulldoze and browbeat witnesses had no affect except possibly to re-ac: against them. Some lawyers who have never progressed beyond the backwoods custom of years ago seem to think that such tactics are an evidence of great legal talent, but it is noticeable that while they are permitted to do this in some courts, this class of lawyers are not very successful in trials before juries. It is probable that more of this browbeating was. done in this trial -han any cause tried in this circuit for many years. It is needless for The Democrat to restate at length what this trial was about, as it is familiar to practically every man, woman and child in Jasper county. An investigation was made hei e by field examiners of the state board of accounts in February, 1916, of

charges that corn had been hauled from the county poor farm by teams of County Commissioner D. S. Makeever during the year of 1315 and that no account of said corn was made in the reports of the poor farm superintendent. Among the witnesses examined by the field examiners was Ernest Morlan and Jay XV. Stockton, who each testified that they had seen teams of said Makeever hauling corn along the road leading from the poor farm during said year. The matter of this testimony wds taken up by the next grand jury and Morian and Stockton were indicted for perjury, the indictments charging that they had NOT seen the teams of Makeever hauling corn from said poor farm during ;he year of 1915, and swore falsely when they said they HAD seen them.

Morlan was tried at the last September term of court in this county and, in view of the conflicting evidence, a disagreement of the jury was looked for. He was found guilty, however, after a very brief deliberation, was fined SIOO and sentenced to the penitentiary for from two to fourteen years, the sentence being suspended during good behavior. Mr. Stockton took a change of venue to White county where the indictment was held bad after some evidence had been heard. A new affidavit was filed here and a change of venue was again taken and the case sent to Newton county. It was taken up there on May

28 and during the trial some 150 witnesses were summoned. The prosecuting witness. Mr. Makeever. had several attorneys employed, and, while ostensibly a state case, the state's attorneys took no part whatever in the trial of the case. This fact no doubt had its influence on the jury. Much bitterness was shown in the trial and the reputation of the defendant for truth and veracity was attacked. The prosecution had some eight or ten witnesses who testified that It was bad. but their

Continued <* pace four.

GRANDMA IS DEAD

Aged Widow of Jared Benjamin Passes to Great Beyond. Mrs. Lottib Halstead Benjamin, the aged widow of Jared Benjamin, one of the pioneer citizens of Jasper county, who passed to his reward eleven years ago, died at her home on Lincoln avenue- at 1 p. m. Thursday of old age, and the funeral will be held this afternoon at 2; 30 o'clock from the Church of God,, conducted, it is expected, by Elder S. J. Lindsay of Oregon, Illinois, and burial made in Weston cemetery Beside her husband. She leaves two children, Mrs. J. C. Martindale and Miss Mattie, wticP lived with her mother and cared for her, and many old friends who will, regret to learn of her death.

While we have not much data at hand at this itme, we hope to have a complete obituary for our next issue. As we understand, however, Mrs. Benjamin was born in Ohio August 8, 1824, and came with her parents to Indiana when a young girl. Her father was ferryman for .some years on the Kankakee river at a point about where Baum's bridge is now located. After her marriage to Jared Benjamin she came with her husband to Newton township where they resided for many years before locating in Rensselaer, where- her husband died about eleven years ago. Both were for many years prominent .members of the Church of God here and were highly esteemed people. Until recently she had enjoyed very good health and took a walk with her daughter each afternoon or evening. Only last Sunday her nephew, J. D. Martindale, took her out for an automobile ride and they drove to Remington. But the bodily machinery had worn out and refused to run any longer, and a good woman was gathered home to her fathers.

KILLED FISH FOUR FEET LONG

And It Cost Fred Phillips Two " Season Tickets to the Gayety. Fred A. Phillips is possessed of a renewed faith in humanity and an inclination to believe any and all fish stories. While seated in front of the Gayety Wednesday evening he overheard a couple of lads telling another of a fish four feet long that had been taken from the Iroquois. Mr. Phillips was disinclined to think that fish of that size inhabited the river at this point and so stated his thoughts to the boys. The latter were very emphatic and offered to bet that the fish was actually four feet long, whereupon Mr. Phillips offered to bet them two season tickets to the Gayety that the fish was not four feet long. The youngsters promptly took him up and sped away, returning shortly with a garfish that measured four feet and one inch in length. Mr. Phillips forthwith handed over the tickets. The fish was shot by Sam Duvall near the Gangloff bridge, and is the first one of this specie to be found near here in several years.

RECEIVED A CHECK FOR $50

A. E. Shafer & Son Win Ninth Maxwell Economy Test Prize. A. E. Shafer & Son, proprietors of the Main garage and local agents for the Maxwell automobile, on Thursday received a check for SSO from the Maxwell corporation, representing the ninth prize in the second division of the recent Maxwell fuel economy test, in towns of 3,000 and under, in the U. S. and Canada.

Along with all other Maxwell dealers throughout the country Messrs. Shafer & Son took part in the contest, using several local cars. The car to win the prize belongs to C. E. Prior, and was driven 36.8 miles on one gallon of gasoline. In the near future the Maxwell corporation will conduct another cntest, which will be open to every owner of a Maxwell auto. Because of the unusual record made by Mr. Prior’s car he will no doubt enter the coming contest.

LATE BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS June 15, to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Biggs of west of town, a son. ON TRACK SOON Another car extra good quality middlings, $2 per cwt. at car. Phone us your order and we will notify you when car arrives.—IROQUOIS ROLLER MILLS. Phone 456. j-21

THE

RENSSELAER, JASPER COUNTY, INDIANA, SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 1917

COURTHOUSE NEWS IN BRIEF

Interesting Paragraphs From ths Various Departments OF JASPER COUNTY CAPITOL The Legal News Epitomized—Together with Other Notes Gathered from the Several County Offices. At the regular meeting of the city council Monday evening A. H. Hopkins was re-elected a member of the school board to serve for three years from date. Six of the decorators wlio were working on the interior redecorating of the court house went on a strike Thursday morning. They were receiving from 50 to 60 cents per hour and could put in as much extra time as they desired. But they wanted 10 cents per hour more and the contractor refused to accede to their demands, and paid them off and went to Lafayette to seek new men. The east court room, the third floor lobby and some of the side rooms on this floor are completed, and they present quite an attractive appearance. A mistake was made, however, in not including the court benches, tables, and other oak furniture in the specifications, as they now look quite “rusty” beside the doors, window casings, etc., which were included in the specifications. Had they been included in the original specifications it is probable the entire contract could fiave been let as low as it was let with these stems omitted. Something will 'have to be done with this to make it conform with the oak trimmings in the rooms and it will probably cost a few hundred dollars extra now to get this done.

WAR PICTURES AT GAYETY

Shown for ' Benefit of Red Cross and Belgian Relief Fund. Official war pictures, taken by a corps of about a dozen expert photographers under the auspices of William K. Vanderbilt, president of the Charity Relief corps, are being shown at the Gayety airdome each Wednesday evening. These pictures show as much of the actual operations as it is possible for the camera to get. Life in the trenches and the bursting of shells, devastation of the country, barbed wire entanglements and other fortifications, and also the discharge of the giant allied cannon are vividly shown. Scenes about the hospitals at the front and the carrying forth of the dead and wounded, while not presenting a very pleasing situation, yet are shown in all their stern reality.

The pictures are authentic and the royalties received from their exhibition are devoted to the Belgian relief fund and the Rec Cross. If you want to see genuine pictures of the great European war, extend the Gayety each Wednesday evening.

SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FALL

Bruce Stevens of Morocco Brought to Hospital Thursday Night. Bruce C. Stevens of Morocco was brought to the hospital here late Thursday night for treatment for injuries received in a fall that afternoon. Mr, Stevens is a teacher tn the Morocco school but since school closed he had been working for a contractor erecting a new bridge just north of Morocco, Thursday afternoon Mr, Stevens was working on top of the bridge when some of the scaffolding gave way. He fell sereval feet and struck his back across a large piece of timber, another large piece striking on top of him. He was brought to the hospital about 11 o’clock Thursday night, and yesterday afternoon was reported resting easy. It is difficult to determine at the present time the exact extent of his injuries. Mrs. Stevens recently underwent an operation for appendicitis at the hospital, from where she was taken to the home of W. D. Bringle one week ago Thursday.

Ad armload of old papers for five cents at The Democrat office.

ATTENTION, YOU AUTO OWNERS

All of the automobile owners in the vicinity of Rensselaer; farmers and others, are requested to meet in front of the court house at 2:30 Sunday afternoon, and go in a body to Remington to attend the Red Cross band concert and speech. Following the meeting at Reinington all ’ will return here, accompanied by a large representation from the south end of the county and the Remington band for another similar meeting at 7 p. in. Those With spare room in their cars are asked, to take others with them. .

UNION TOWNSHIP GRADUATES

Will Hold Commencement Exercises Next Thursday Evening. Commencement exercises for the eighth grade graduates of Union township will be held at Rosebud church next Thursday evening. June 21, commencing at 8 o’clock. An interesting program has been arranged for the event, and a large attendance is expected. There will be four musical numbers, and the class address will be delivered by the Rev. Charles W. Postill of this city. His subject will be “A Workman That Needeth Not Be Ashamed.” Following the commencement address diplomas will be presented to the fourteen graduates by County Superintendent Ernest Lamison. The Union township graduates are as follows: Russell Burroughs, Olive Burch, Pauline Comer, Charles Cooper, Lottie Davisson, Anna Erwin, Beulah Geary, Gladys Hammerton, Rosa Reed, Aleece Stanley, Warren Switzer, Nora Vfest, Sherman Williams and Landis Wood.

HEAR REMONSTRANCE TODAY

Absence of Commissioner and At. torneys Caused Postponement. Thursday was the day set for hearing the remonstarnce from Wheatfield township, but because of the absence of Commissioner Makeever and some of the attorneys who were attending the Stockton trial at Kentland, the hearing was postponed until a later date. Commissioner Welch was in the city ready to take up the matter, not haying been advised that a postponement was to be made. The case will come up again at 9 o’clock this morning, and both sides are prepared to make every effort to carry the day. R. C. Minton of Indianapolis, attorney for the Anti-Saloon league, was in the city Thursday and will be here again today to represent the temperance forces.

COUNTY IS ASKED FOR $4,200

As Our Share of the $100,000,000 Red Cross Fund. Jasper county has been asked to contribute $4,200 to the Red Cross, and every effort will be made to secure the stipulated sum, which is our proportionate share of the $100,000,000 to be raised in the United States to aid this great organization in its work of relief to the stricken and wounded warriors of our country. That the county will provide this sum there is little doubt. Charles G. Spitler, president of the county Red Cross organization, has ’ appointed a committee composed of himself as chairman, Rev. Christian Daniel, J. H. Chapman, B. J. Jarrette and B. F. Fendig, to conduct the campaign, which will be next week. He has also appointed a publicity committee composed of S. P. Hilled,. L. H. Hamilton and F. E. Babcock. The campaign will be opened at Remington at 4 o’clock Sunday afternoon. There will be two bands to furnish music and William T. Abbott of Chicago, one of the foremost Red Cross workers of the nation, will be present and make an address. . Another meeting will be held in Rensselaer at 7 >p. m. Sunday and Mr. Abbott will again speak. The same bands will also be present and there will be an abundance of good music. A good time is assured everyone and an immense attendance is desired. The Red Cross society at Remington is very active and is pushing the work vigorously. Two auto loads of boosters were in Rensselaer Wednesday arranging for the campaign next week. The society there now has over 100 members.

Buy your gasoline engines of the Watson Plumbing Co. ts

GENERAL AND STATE NEWS

Telegraphic Reports From Many Parts of the Country. SHORT BITS OF THE UNUSUAL Hapi>enings in the Nearby Cities anc Towns—Matters of Minor Mentios from Many Places. GROOM OF AN HOUR IS FREE Orie S. Winger Given Divorce from Fleeing Bride. The granting of a divorce to Orie S. Winger from Retta Winger by the superior court at Lafayette Thursday came as the grand finale of the sensational Winger wedding at Covington last July. They were married on the afternoon of July--15 and went to a restaurant for supper. The bride said she did not care for anything to eat, pleading a headache, and while Winger and the other members of the party were eating, she went outside. That was the last time that Winger ever saw her, although he instituted a state-wide search for her. He alleged that she has said that she will not live with him, and that she married him to escape the custody of her parents. The affair created a considerable sensation at the time.

254,475 REGISTER IN INDIANA

According to Latest Unofficial Returns Reported Yesterday. At noon Thursday’ the official returns, compiled unofficially, showed a total registration of 254,475 men of military age, with a possibility that some 4,000 or 5,000 names would be added, when reports of registrations subsequent to June 5 are received. The figures compiled are subject to changes because of errors existing in the 'reports from local registration boards. The registration of white persons amounted to 229,643 and the registration of colored persons was 10,03# Alien registrations totaled 13,649 and the total number of alien enemies reported approximated 1,149. Mr. Eschbach estimated that, with the additional names to be put in the totals, Indiana's quota will be very close to 260,000 men, or approximately the same as the estimate for Indiana made by the war department. It is estimated that about 60 per cent of all men registered are asking for and probably will be entitled to exemption.

LEO WORLAND RECEIVES HIS EMBALMER’S LICENSE

Leo Worland has received his license from the state board as an embalmer and funeral director, and in partnership with his father has established and equipped one of the most modern undertaking parlors in this section of the state. Mr. Worland is a graduate of the Cincinnati College of Embalming and in addition to his technical training is possessed of a wealth of good ideas that speak for the success of the enterprise. Their parlors are in the Worland furniture store. Upon entering the parlor there is nothing that greets the visitor’s vision to abhor, the room being so furnished and arranged as to convey the impression of a cozy library. In an adjoining room* is carried a complete line of caskets, very tastefully arranged. Rensselaer being the center of one of the largest trade territories in the state, the firm of Worland & Sons will meet with well-merited success there is no doubt.

BIG FARM AT PUBLIC AUCTION

A. C. Stauffenberg of Manhattan. Illinois, was here Tuesday and Wednesday looking after his real estate interests in Jasper county. Mr. Stauffenberg owns lands in three different states and has decided to consolidate iiis holdings. He therefore is offering his 303acre farm four miles southeast of Rensselaer for sale and will sell same at public auction next Saturday afternoon, June 23. An advertisement appears of same in another place in The Democrat Mr. Stauffenberg’s home farm in Illinois was just outside of the path of a recent cyclone which

passed through his . vicinity and* while he escaped with damage . Of only is2oo to S2OO, some of his heigfibors, a half mile tp a.milo north of him had their farm buildings entirely ’swept away and ’ the damage wrought runs up into a great many thousands of dollars. This storm “staffed over about Minooka. Illinois, and three people lost their lives therein.

MISS HEMPHILL IS SELECTED

To Succeed Miss Hr lineman as Hos« pitai Superintendent. Ala special meeting of the truss tees of the Jasper county hospital, held at the First National ban’.C Tuesday afternoon. Miss Mattie Hemphill was selected to become superintendent of the instiution on July 1. when the resignation, of Miss Bertha Brunneman will take effect. Miss Brunneman is a very competent person and will probably accept some larger place. Miss “Hemphill is a home lady and her appointment will meet with ' general approval. She is a graduate nurse and has had sever.' years of experience, which mat her well fitted to take the posith , of hospital superintendent. In addition to her ability she is a lady of the highest character, kind and sympathetic, and will humanely administer the duties imposed upon her. The board! also recommended tha reientum of Miss Harper as surgical nurse, and Miss Comer and Miss O’Keith in their present positions.

HORSES STILL IN MAJORITY

There were 997 Autos; 9,303 Horses; 190.029 Head of Cattle; 10.107 Hogs; 893 Sheep in Jasper County March 1. According to figures compiled by the county board of review there were 997 automobiles owned in Jasper county on Mhrch 1 last and their total assessed valuation is 1172,390. The average valuation is $173 each. Rensselaer takes the lead on the number owned in any town or city in the county, 221, which, placing, the population at 2,500 would make one automobile to every eleven persons here. Marion township has eighty-three, making a total of 304 for the city and township. Remington has seventy-five and Carpenter township 120, a total of 195 for town and township. Wheatfield town had thirty r four and Wheatfield township thirtyseven. Barkley township has sixtynine; Gillam forty-three; Hanging Grove thirty-two; Jordan slxty-six; Kankakee forty; Keener, thirtyfour; Milroy six; Newton fortyseven: * Union sixty-six and Walker twenty-four.

There were 9,363 horses in the county and their assesed value is $604,471, an average of $64.47. There were 20,629 head of cattle and their assessed valuation is $633,468, an average of $31.23 per head; 10,107 hogs, assessed at $73,553, an average of $7.27 per head; 893 head of sheep assessed at $5,110, an average of $5.83 per head.

Vurcles Methodist Rev. E. W. Strecker, pastor.— 9:30 a. m., Sunday school. The attendance is fine. Let us continue to measure up to our splendid record; 10:45 a. m„ worship, and sermon, 'subject /‘Christianity in a World of Turmoil.” We sljall hold only one Sunday service at the church during the summer. Do all within your power to attend that service, chureh can be strong whose members take church-going lightly. Be loyal; 6 p. m., Epworth League, topic: “Wisdom of Mind and Soul.’’ leader, Beatrice Tilton; 7 p. in., union service at the court house. June 20 is settlement day. All financial obligations of the church should be met in full on that day. This can be done if every mem'ber of the church will bring up his financial obligation to the church in full by that day. Either bring or, if it is impossible to come, send your money by next Sunday. Presbyterian Rev. J. Budman Fleming, minis(Continued on Page Four)

Vol. XX, ko. 23