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Newspaper
Bluffton Banner
Location
Bluffton, Indiana, United States of America
Date
Jan 06, 1904
Page
3
The county Democratic primary drew about 2,200 votes despite a cold stormy day, a turnout deemed remarkable compared with the 2,800 votes cast in the last general election and the limited number of offices on the ballot.
At Monday’s canvassing meeting for the recent election, Chairman Smith announced that newly elected committeemen will be summoned on the last Saturday in January to organize. A county chairman to serve until the next election will be chosen at that meeting, with a secretary and treasurer also to be elected. The venue is likely Chairman Smith’s East Market Street office, time to be announced.
A large crowd gathered at Ho ward Presdorf's home near Domestic to celebrate Mrs. Presdorf's 40th birthday with an elegant noon dinner. Gifts included cash and silverware. guests listed include Sanford Shepherd, George Wiest, Amos French, and several Bluffton residents. The event featured abundant chicken and fond recollections for those present.
Dr. Charles Blackman arrived home from the west with a bandaged left hand after aiding at the Chicago theatre fire. He and his nephew were seated behind latecomers when the blaze broke. he helped remove up to thirty bodies from the ruins as rescue workers faced smoke and gas. The doctor recalls chaotic hours, thieves looting corpses, and drivers delaying wagons, with most deaths from suffocation rather than burning.
Postmaster Sharpe reports year end figures showing stamp sales of 14151.01 with 10483.02 spent on current expenses including rent and carrier pay. Of receipts 3667.99 returned to the government as its share. Bluffton office emphasizes not indebting the postal fund, contrasting with debt in smaller country offices. Some postmasters earn five cents per stamp canceled yet profit is minimal.
Notice lists the marriage license between Ernest Hoover and Miss Bertha Gaston. An advertisement promotes Stout's drug store ground black pepper and a January sale on ladies' skirts by Walmer & Engeler with many styles and low prices.
The state teachers association held its final session Thursday electing officers and hearing papers. President W L Bryan of the state university was chosen over the machine slate that favored Supt Robert Hills of Logansport for state superintendent of public instruction, causing unprecedented excitement among members. Dr Bryan is known in the city for lecturing at Wells county teachers institutes.
Mayor Mock announced that Architect Kiebele nearly finished plans for a modern city hall. Council will review them next reg ular meeting and seek funding avenues. The current building is unsafe and behind times, with space to house fire equipment and offices on two levels. The project hinges on the city’s finances, but progress is expected beyond mere talk, amid other city improvements.
The Faylor heirs sue to set aside a deed to D. D. Studabaker alleging fraud in Miss Katy Faylor’s ownership of a northwest Decatur farm. Studabaker claims the deed was fair as a reward for lifelong care and burial honors. The case moves to Adams circuit court after venue change with two weeks expected for trial time and substantial evidence. The piece ends with an unrelated ad for Stout's squid smoke.
W A McAfee will present a fine crayon portrait of Lew Dailey to the Lew Dailey Post G A R at Friday’s meeting. Dailey, a first lieutenant in Company JI, Twenty second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was the first Wells county soldier killed in action during the Missouri march at age 19 after a gun misfire caused a fatal ankle wound.
Wm F Conrad of Preble visits sister Mrs Harry Stout. Attend Walmer Engeler's January sale with ladies kid shoes, turn and welt sole, priced from 2.50 to 3.00, now as low as 1.48 a pair.
The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette reports that the 1903 law extending terms for Allen county officers may be unconstitutional. Judge Hench questions its authority and indicates the matter could go to court, potentially forcing new elections and two year terms for treasurer Jacob Funk if invalid. One-half off hats during January sale at Walmer and Engeler.
A young woman engages a salesman in a leading store in a humorous Christmas encounter. She asks about prices to memorize styles and distinctions, claiming a purchaser will buy for her and testing if he offers cheap goods. Bromide of Quinine tablets advertised at 25 cents.
Editor Dale J. Crittenberger leaves Anderson News to lead the Indianapolis Sentinel editorial department while Frank Snively takes a senior advertising post there. Tom Taggart plans to recruit state talent to guide the paper, hinting at a brighter Sentinel future. Mayme Beers and Martha Dougherty return from Dunkirk after a visit with friends.
A Sunday night blaze in Huntington damages the Christian chapel used since 1851. Worshippers flee safely as embers rain from holes in the ceiling. Fire gains between ceiling and roof from a defective chimney. department arrives too late to save the structure, valued at about 30,000 dollars with 1,000 dollars of insurance.
Funeral rites for Frances Leach, a victim of the Iroquois theatre fire in Chicago, were held Tuesday in Montpelier. The service took place at 2 o'clock at the home of her brother Doctor Maddox, with Bluffton women among the mourners visiting for the ceremony.
A telephone message from Keystone Tuesday said Carl Hedges, a young man, broke his leg while employed by the McDonald Oil company on the Joseph Burns farm. The report did not explain the cause but suggests misfortune while handling a tool related to the lease.
Two townships Liberty and Nottingham held Saturday meetings to nominate trustees from the teaching ranks. Joseph L. Jamison, long time county teacher and current Liberty Center grammar grade lead, will not teach in his township if elected, though he may finish his present term. Amos W. Sawyer, likely a longer serving teacher, was also nominated.
A brief grateful letter from BD Saurhr expresses deep thanks to Democratic colleagues who supported his nomination for treasurer. He vows to honor the party and continually show appreciation.
The C. B. and C. reports new equipment with a two car baggage and passenger coach joining service while another coach awaits between Chicago and city. A new engine has arrived and another is in use, placing two engines ready to handle business. Survey crews split between Union City to Portland and Bluffton to Huntington face cold, slow progress on provisional routes. Smith H. Bracy and H. C. Atherton returned to Chicago to oversee railroad matters.
Hartford City faces a gas fuel shortage affecting seven glass factories and a large workforce. With insufficient gas, plants cannot melt glass, risking relocation of operations and a severe blow to the town, which relies on glass production as its core industry.
A Kiowa squaw’s elk tooth dress sold in El Reno Oklahoma for 1600 dollars. The buyer called it a bargain, noting elk teeth rival pearls in value and that the price was steep for one dress. Walmer & Hugeler advertise ladies shoes reduced during their January sale.
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