The Decade Was 1910's

Various newspaper items concerning Boone County and its residents in the 1910's. You'll find a bit of everything ... deaths, births, accidents, crime ... and even humor. All items are transcribed exactly as they appeared in the publication, so please bear in mind that it was a different time and sometimes those editors wrote with a bit of flair, and describing gory details seemed to be their specialty! Even if you don't find an ancestor or two among these pages, you'll still find it interesting to read the news of their day. And if you *do* find a relative in some of these news clips, you might turn up a real surprise or two!

Use the "find" feature on your browser to locate particular surnames
 

The Fort Wayne News and Sentinel
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Saturday Evening, July 26, 1919
Pg. 1, Col. 7

THREE BROTHERS DIE, ONE DYING IN CROSSING CRASH

(By United Press)

FRANKFORT, Ind., July 26 -- Three brothers were killed and a fourth probably fatally injured, when the auto in which they were riding was struck by a T. H. I. & E. car, at Mechanicsburg, south of here, late yesterday. The dead are: Evere_ [?] Caldwell, 8; Buren, 18; and Adrian, 12. Their bodies were mangled. Donald, aged 6, was not expected to survive today. The boys are thought to have failed to hear the car coming, as the approach was unobstructed and they drove directly in front of it.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - November 17, 2008
 

The Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Indiana
April 17, 1911
Pg. 7, col. 1

SAY MRS. SMITH MAY RECOVER

Physicians Hopeful in Case of Woman Accidentally Shot.

LAFAYETTE, Ind., April 16 -- Mrs. Edith Smith of Boone County, who was shot by her brother, Layton Lanpher, at the home of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Lanpher, near Mechanicsburg yesterday afternoon, is in the Wabash Valley Sanitarium, two miles north of this city. This institution is conducted by the Seventh-Day Adventists. The physician in charge of the institution said tonight that Mrs. Smith was getting along nicely and if no complications set in would recover.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - November 17, 2008
 

Crawfordsville Review
Tuesday May 2, 1916

Coatesville, Ind. -– May 1 -- Job LEE, age 17 employed on the farm of Mrs. G N Rudd, one mile north of Amo was killed on a crossing of the Vandalia in Amo 3 miles east of Coatesville Sunday by a fast passenger train. He was delivering cream to the station and drove directly on the track in front of the train. Lee’s brother is a son-in-law of Mrs. Rudd. In Jan 1913, Mrs. Rudd’s husband was killed in a railroad accident at Terre Haute, when a train from the west telescoped the car in which he was seated. Lee’s horse was killed the buggy demolished.

Transcribed by: Karen Zach, Montgomery County INGenWeb - October 16, 2007
 

Crawfordsville Review
Tuesday May 2, 1916

Lebanon Reporter -- Martin L. CLOUSER brought suit Saturday afternoon against Viola Clouser for divorce alleging cruel treatment in that the defendant cursed and struck him. The couple married April 25, 1893. They have 8 children. The plaintiff’s attorney is Ira M. Sharp.

Transcribed by: Karen Zach, Montgomery County INGenWeb - October 16, 2007
 

The Daily Review
Decatur, Illinois
November 24, 1911

Personals

Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Maris are absent in Boone county, Ind. They went over to inspect the land there. As the former lately sold his business here he may invest some of his money in Hoosier soil.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - August 20, 2007
 

The Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Indiana
Thursday, April 24, 1913

OFFERS $10,000 FOR SCHOOL

Boone County Farmer Asks That Citizens Furnish Site

Lebanon, Ind., April 23 -- F. J. Witham, a prominent farmer of Clinton Township, Boone County, has offered to donate $10,000 for a building for a vocational school for the teaching of agriculture and domestic science if the people of Lebanon and Center Township will provide seventy acres of grounds as a location and maintain the institution in connection with the Lebanon High School. Mr. Witham also offered to give $2,000 to institute[?] a fund, the interest from which would go to paying premiums in contests conducted among the pupils of the vocational school. Mr. Witham's offer will likely be accepted.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - March 11, 2007
 

The Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Indiana
May 31, 1918
Page 10, Col 2

State Briefs

LEBANON -- Roy Miller, 27 years old, committed suicide by shooting himself in the head. It was stated he did not ___ [want?] to be called for army service. He ___ [had?] been employed at a condensed milk ___ here.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - March 11, 2007
 

The Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Indiana
May 8, 1918

Returns Slow Coming in From State Primary

BOONE COUNTY RETURNS

LEBANON, Ind., May 7 -- Nine precincts out of sixteen in Boone County give the following vote for the Democratic congressional nomination: George W. Osborn, 315; Charles E. Howard, 267; William V. Rooker, 126. Fred S. Purnell, Republican, had no opposition. Ben F. McKey of this city was nominated for state representative on the Democratic ticket. Murray S. Barker of Thorntown is nominated for state representative on the Republican ticket on the face of the returns available tonight.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - March 11, 2007
 

The Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Indiana
May 5, 1918

ORATORS OF LEBANON WIN

LEBANON, Ind., May 4 -- Lebanon won both the boys' and girls' sections of the Central Indiana High School Oratorical Association contests here this afternoon. The boys' contest resulted: Russell Richardson, Lebanon, first; William Miller, Crawfordsville, second; James Clark, Lafayette, third; Fred Sidney, Frankfort, fourth; Harry Mallott, Noblesville, fifth. The girls' contest resulted: Eunice Wysong, Lebanon, first; Frances Snyder, Crawfordsville, second; Ruby Lyden, Noblesville, third; Thelma Denton, Frankfort, fourth; Thelma Cowger, Delphi, fifth; Catherine Gosskin, Lafayette, sixth.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - March 11, 2007
 

The Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Indiana
November 24, 1917
Page 1, Col 2

[excerpt of longer article]

DOCTORS CHOSEN TO AID IN DRAFT

Three Indianapolis Physicians Nominate Men to Assist Boards of State

Three Indianapolis physicians, representing the National and State Councils of Defense, yesterday nominated Hoosier physicians who will form the medical advisory boards for each of the local district conscription boards in Indiana. [text omitted] The names will be submitted to Provost Marshal Crowder at Washington and it is believed that each physician nominated will be accepted and appointed. The list follows, the first name being that of the chairman of the advisory board: [text omitted]

BOONE -- J. R. Ball, Lebanon; Perrin B. Little, Whitestown; H. N. Coons, Lebanon.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - March 11, 2007
 

Fort Wayne News
Fort Wayne, Indiana
November 30, 1914

Westfield -- A 5-mile ride on a donkey was the penalty enjoyed by Prof. John Osborn, teacher of science and mathematics, when he returned from Whitestown where he was "secretly" married to Miss Bonnie McKinney. Students of the high school engineered the donkey affair. The "prof" acquiesced with becoming grace.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - 1/20/2007
 

OIL DRILL PROVES DREAM IS NOT GOOD PROSPECTOR

The Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Indiana
Monday, February 14, 1910

Heirs Following Request in Will, Spend $1,250, but Find No Crude Under Farm

Lebanon, Ind., Feb. 13 -- It has cost members of a stock company, organized at Whitestown, just $1,250 to prove that "dreams go by contraries." A few years ago George Webster purchased a tract of land east of Whitestown. One night he dreamed there was an abundance of oil beneath the surface of his farm. In his dream the exact spot where a well should be drilled was so vividly pictured that the following morning he identified the spot and marked it with a stake. Before his plans for sinking a well could be matured he was stricken with a fatal illness. He executed a will, however, bequeathing the farm to his widow and his brother, Henry Webster, a resident of Ohio, conditioned upon their drilling a well on the spot he designated.

The heirs complied with the provisions of the will, organizing a company of Whitestown residents for the purpose. W. H. Harrison of Noblesville contracted to sink the well and work began on it last fall. The drill was sent seventy-five feet into Trenton rock without a sign of oil and the well has been abandoned at a depth of 1, 187 feet.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - 10/2006
 

The Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Indiana
Wednesday, May 4, 1910

Latest News From Indiana Cities

Lebanon, Ind., May 3 -- Lightning burned the barn on the J. W. Slagle farm near Whitestown last night and four horses, two cows and eight hogs were cremated.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - 10/2006
 

The Weekly Sentinel
Fort Wayne, Indiana
August 23, 1916

New Librarian at Winona

Lebanon, Ind., Aug. 17 -- Miss Caroline Myers, who resigned her position as reference librarian in the local library several months ago, has accepted a position as librarian with the new Confederate college at Winona. Miss Myers will be given the work of selecting a large number of new books for the library as well as recataloguing the present ones. The new position pays a nice salary and the friends of Miss Myers are highly pleased that she has been able to get it. She will begin her new duties Sept. 1.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - 10/2006
 

The Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Indiana
April 12, 1913

Female Help Wanted

WANTED -- Middle-aged, elderly lady as housekeeper, light work, pay $3 week; three in family; good home for right party. WM. WRIGHT, R. F. D. 31, Boone County, Rosston, Ind.

[second help wanted ad below]

The Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Indiana
September 12, 1914

FEMALE HELP WANTED

WANTED -- Middle-aged lady as housekeeper for widower with one girl in country. Address WM. WRIGHT, Rosston, Ind., R.R. 31.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - 10/2006
 

The Fort Wayne News and Sentinel
Fort Wayne, Indiana
October 18, 1918 - Saturday

The Day's War Casualties

Washington, Oct 18 -- The following casualties are reported by the commanding general of the American expeditionary forces:

Indiana - Wounded Severely [Boone County excerpts only]

Clark M. Schoemaker, R. F. D. 31, Rosston

Transcribed by: T. Stover - 10/2006
 

The Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Indiana
August 18, 1911

FOUR FALL UNCONSCIOUS WHEN LIGHTNING HITS BARN

Two Recover and Rescue Companions From Flames That Consume Structure

LEBANON, Ind., Aug. 17 -- An electric wind and rain storm did considerable damage in the vicinity of Zionsville late this afternoon. Lightning struck a barn on Walter Pitzer's farm, knocking Pitzer, Roy Games and two other men who had taken shelter in the barn unconscious. Two of the men soon regained consciousness and rescued the other two from the flames that followed and destroyed the barn. Several head of live stock perished in the flames.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - 10/2006
 

The Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Indiana
May 24, 1912

AUTO'S PLUNGE KILLS BRIDE OF ONE MONTH

Whitestown Banker, Wife and Son Injured When Car Goes Over Embankment

[Special to the Indianapolis Star]
CARMEL, Ind., May 23 -- Mrs. Frank Smith, 20 years old, a niece of Judge Samuel Artman of Indianapolis, was killed and three others painfully bruised this morning when an automobile in which they were riding went over an embankment six miles east of Carmel. The injured are Preston Smith, president of the Citizens Bank of Whitestown, Ind.; Mrs. Preston Smith and Frank Smith. The latter is a son of Preston Smith and husband of the young woman who died under the car.

The entire party was pinned beneath the automobile at the bottom of the embankment, and more than a half hour after the accident they were extricated by farmers who had been summoned by Mrs. Lon Warner. Mrs. Warner, the wife of a farmer, rang her dinner bell as a signal for help.

VICTIMS BODY REMOVED

Mrs. Frank Smith, who had been married less than one month, was dead when removed from the wreckage. She had suffered a concussion of the brain. The body has been sent to Whitestown for burial. The other members of the party proceeded to their homes this afternoon, none in a serious condition.

Frank Smith, who was driving , attributes the accident to a rut in the road. His wife was seated with him. Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Artman of Lebanon are the parents of the automobile victim.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - 10/2006
 

The Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Indiana
July 29, 1912

HOLD BOONE COUNTY REUNION

The rain yesterday had scarcely ceased when former residents of Boone County began gathering at Brookside park for their annual reunion. About 200 of them engaged in a "hand shaking" and entertaining program. The principal address was given by W. H. Parr of Lebanon, and music was provided by Miss Ida Siefker and by Mrs. D. H. Olive, who sang Mrs. Claude J. Stephenson's "Back to Boone." Mrs. Stephenson presented several character sketches and Mrs. S. R. Artman gave some original musical monologues. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, R. C. Jacks; vice president, W. H. Miller; secretary-treasurer, James M. Berryhill; executive committee, D. H. Olive, W. H. Dooley, Mrs. Claude J. Stephenson, Mrs. D. H. Olive and Mrs. James M. Berryhill. A picnic supper was served.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - 10/2006
 

The Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Indiana
June 8, 1913

PICKPOCKET GETS PURSE

Whitestown Man Robbed of $40 on Interurban Car

Edward Losh of Whitestown, Ind., reported to Patrolmen Howerton and Bernauer that his pocket had been picked of his purse containing $40. Losh said he was getting on a interurban car when a stranger asked to assist him. When he left the purse disappeared.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - 10/2006
 

The Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Indiana
May 21, 1915

Today in Indiana - History and Biography

His Thirty-Eighth Birthday

This is the thirty-eighth birthday of Walter J. Tingle, Indianapolis attorney. He was born at Zionsville, Ind., and graduated from the Union High Academy in 1897. In 1907 he graduated from Indianapolis College of Law. In 1910 he was elected to Legislature.

His Forty-Seventh Birthday

This is the forty-seventh birthday of Oel L. Thayer, secretary-treasurer of the Central City Paper Company of Indianapolis. He was born in Whitestown, Ind., and after graduating from the Indianapolis High School began work on the Indianapolis Sun.

Transcribed by: T. Stover - 10/2006
 

Unknown Boone County, Indiana Newspaper
October __ 1919

SOLDIER BOYS ENTERTAINED

Dr. and Mrs. Hall Continue Family Tradition

An Event Which Will Long Be Kept In Mind By The Soldiers

Sunday, October 5th, Dr. and Mrs. S. A. Hall entertained the oversea soldiers of Jackson Township at dinner.

The menu consisted of baked chicken, roast beef, potato salad, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, noodles, oyster dressing, baked beans, slaw, catsup, celery, pickles, angel food cake, fruit salad, ice cream, peach, apple and pumpkin pie and coffee.

The house was beautifully decorated with potted plants, patriotic pictures and flags. The table was decorated in a similar manner and plates were laid for sixteen. Two chairs with flags at half-mast were set for Herdis Brown and Bert Nisley of Advance, two boys who did not return.

During the dinner hour Miss Ruby Cornelius entertained at the piano, with popular soldier songs and patriotic airs. Small bows of red, white and blue ribbons were the favors.

After the bountiful dinner, Mrs. Verna Crouch sang, "The Old Flag Never Touched the Ground," and led the boys in the singing of "A Long Long Trail" and "Smiles," two favorite soldier songs.

Dr. Hall then welcomed the boys and said that during the Civil War his grandfather fed the boys in blue, and during the Spanish American War his father had entertained the soldiers. He spoke of his pleasure in carrying out the family tradition and in entertaining the heroes of this great war.

Ora McDaniel, who presided at the head of the table spoke briefly after which Ollie Perrin, brother of Mrs. Hall gave an inspiring talk on the symbolism of the flag.

Fred Riner, Austin Beaver, Farl Waters and Harold Smith gave brief speeches and after giving three hearty cheers for their host, the boys betook themselves to the veranda for a social talk and smoke.

A photograph was taken by Mr. Vanhorn, after which they were entertained with music.

The boys left late in the afternoon voting the doctor and his wife royal entertainers.

Those who responded to the invitation were:

Ernest Beck
Frank Heath
Fred Riner
Rex Shinn
Raymond Jackson
Russell Wiley
Austin Beaver
Glenn Groves
Earl Brown
Farl Waters
Winson Smith
Leonard Cox
Harold Smith
Claud Mangus
Carl Bartlett
Oral Duzan
 

Submitted by: Louise Thompson - October 13, 2006
Transcribed by: T. Stover - from copy of original news clipping

Unknown Boone County, Indiana Newspaper
May 11, 1916

C. W. B. M.

Advance, May 11 - At the beautiful country home of Mrs. Marion Riner, the C. W. B. M. of the North Christian church held an all days meeting on Thursday, May 10. Topic, "The Fields in the U. S., the Christian relation of the United States to the World," Mrs. John T. Jones, leader.

Song - "Onward Christian Soldier."
Prayer - Mrs. Carl Riner.
Hidden Questions - Leader.
Bible Reading - Psalms 90 - Mrs. Lawson Brown.
Song - "Jesus Paid It All."
Season of prayer.
Business period.
Bible Study - Mrs. Carmon Ross.
Recitation - "The Gift of Love," - Edyth Brown. "Kings Highway," the last chapter - Esther Sparks.
Special music - Miss Verna Comelins.
A Letter from a Foreign Missionary - May Cornelius.
Song - "Blest Be the Tie."
C. W. B. M. benediction.

Each guest furnished something for the bountiful dinner spread at the noon hour, of which 30 members and guests partook. Those present were Mrs. Thomas Burrin and children, Mrs. J. T. Jones, Mrs. Chas. Farlow, Mrs. Carl River, Mrs. Herbert Pointer, Mrs. Perry Pointer and children, Mrs. Lawson Brown, Ms. John Whitecotton and son, Ms. Chas. Thompson and children, Mrs. Earl Whiteley and son, Mrs. Joe Frazier and son, Mrs. Carmon Ross, Misses May and Verna Cornelius, Esther Sparks, Verna Whitecotton and Edyth Brown.

Mrs. Alice Fulwider, Mrs. Baxter Reed and Mrs. Ellen of Dakota were guests. The next meeting will be held the second Wednesday in June at the church at 2 p. m. Verna Corneulius [sic] leader. It will be a "Guest" meeting the societies of the M. E. and Christian churches will be invited.

Submitted by: Louise Thompson - October 19, 2006
Transcribed by: T. Stover - from copy of original news clipping