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Newspaper
Bluffton Banner
Location
Bluffton, Indiana, United States of America
Date
Apr 20, 1904
Page
5
A Turner base pumper, William Swartz, lost his home near Ruth to a fast spreading stove pipe fire. An infant died in the blaze and a four year old boy was found safe outside. The family had no insurance and neighbors aided the grieving parents as remains were privately buried.
The Celina Standard reports broad support among Celina business leaders and farmers for draining the reservoir. Proponents argue the lake serves no use, hinders Celina’s trade with the south county, and converting the basin to farms would lower taxes and boost regional growth, potentially creating a northern Oslo trade hub.
The Post Office Department will stop promotions based on bare congressional recommendation. A merit based review will examine each candidate’s efficiency, last promotion date, and length of service before approving promotion lists from offices. Officials warn of past favoritism and say 6,000 clerks will gain $100 raises under a $500,000 bill.
Col H K Landis of Indianapolis and Col Will J McKeon of Anderson visit Bluffton to organize a canton of the Patriarchs Militant in the Second Regiment. They urge full Odd Fellows attendance to assess prospects and push a drilled, creditable unit for the town.
Pete Griffin disposed of his box ball alley and shooting gallery and left last night for the Indian Territory to join his father who has purchased lands. The alley was bought by John Julian who will run it until he sells it. Pete Green will remain in charge until the place is sold.
The article cautions readers about switching from wood to gasoline stoves as gasoline becomes scarcer. It emphasizes that gasoline vapor is highly dangerous and as risky as nitroglycerin, urging strict flame avoidance and careful handling to prevent injuries.
Pretty lace curtains enhance rooms and the Peoples' Store advertises a handsome collection of lace curtains and curtain goods in white, Arabian designs, and tapestry options. The store promises competitive prices and a large rope portieres assortment, inviting customers to call to confirm.
Oil men returning from Kansas see strong prospects in Hancock field with expected production gains over last year. Weather and roads will boost local development. price fluctuations may slow progress. DeLacour Field show to start rehearsals next week for road tour with proceeds to the public library. Bluffton’s is not the first stock house linked to DeLacour.
Farmers across Wells County begin spring plowing as oats become the first crop. good ground conditions and long days of work mark a hopeful season. Despite earlier bad weather delaying oats, farm life continues with resilience and typical rural rhythms.
The nuisance case over a dumping ground likely heads to the grand jury for action after repeated notices to abate. Punishment, if pursued, would be in circuit court, not a justice court. Also reported: Henry Powell residence on Wiley avenue sold for 2600 dollars to Albert H. Dutton. Inter-State Life Insurance stockholders hosted a Wayne club banquet in Fort Wayne honoring president Charles A. Ludlow with about seventy five guests. Mr and Mrs John Postal attended.
Harvey Curry, station agent, discovered a Clover Leaf depot blaze on Monday. The bucket brigade fought the flames until the roof burned away. Curry rushed through smoke to recover hidden money from the office safe, narrowly escaping serious burns.
Ripple and Stoltz grocery and meat firm dissolves after a brisk two month run begun February 13. An inventory was taken and Tuesday morning Sherman Ripple becomes sole proprietor with Hipple as the remaining outlay owner. Stoltz retires but stays as clerk to aid the transfer.
Paul Ersham is unlikely to receive any refund of his license money after his Wednesday evening fire. The sole refund provision applies only if the holder goes insane or dies, in which case a guardian or executor may claim the unearned portion for the issuing county or state. Mrs. O A Clark returns to Indianapolis from a visit near Murray.
State figures show Indiana’s divorce to marriage ratio rising across decades, with 1 to 6.7 in 1900 and 1 to 7.6 by 1902, contrasted by Michigan’s 1 to .8 in 1900. Data from 1870 to 1902 reflect changing divorce rates and population effects.
The Ohio & Indiana Old Settlers Reunion will again run the excursion to Youngstown Ohio in September. O L Enos of the Chicago & Erie line confirmed travel and reunion plans at Huntington and Kingsland with rates unchanged and a possible half fare from Youngstown to other points. The yearly assembly draws about two thousand attendees ending in a large reunion in Ohio, alternating locations with Indiana every other year.
Hartzell and Hartzell are in circuit court over the disposition of the old Hartzell hotel property at Montpelier. Mack & Sons represent one side while Jay Hindman represents the other. Several witnesses were to be examined and a decision may come tomorrow. Nehrer v Saunders for ejectment was dismissed after costs were paid. Leyi Mack and Abe Simmons sued John L Fayvier for 400 dollars on a note from 1894 at 3 percent interest. Grand jury room sees constant crowd as indictments are expected from across the county.
Construction on the C B & C line proceeds rapidly with a goal to reach Portland within forty days. Weather delayed progress but ballast work between this city and Pennville continues daily. The Braceys push the project, expecting the route to be first class by midsummer and to unlock shipments from Bluffton and surrounding towns to larger markets.
Plans for several Bluffton glove and mitten factories faded as promoters quit the effort within ten days. Three moves collapsed and none will start soon. The Boss company is restoring workers at a higher pay, with amicable adjustments and uninterrupted operations.
The state cases may be set this term of court by Friday this week and all cases, state and civil, will be given hearing dates. The Whittings of Cleveland will arrive in the morning to rehearse with the De Lacour and Fields show company. Miss Gusta Markley is taking the school enumeration this week.
Trance mediums and materializers form a combine in Indianapolis, with reports they will raise prices to boost income. Patrons allegedly flocked less as sittings cost less, and a move to higher charges could affect opportunities to contact departed relatives.
In Muncie the Eighth district Republicans met to nominate two delegates to the national convention. La C Davenport of this city was slated for one seat and drew strong local backing. Supporters from the city traveled to Muncie to boost his chances, but no selection details were available as the session progressed slowly after dinner.
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