Whitley County Pleas Court Cases March 20, 1867

Columbia City Post Wednesday, March 20, 1867

A list of the principal cases decided at the march term of the Whitley County Pleas Court.

• Shaw vs. Shaw; Divorce; submitted to court, divorce granted.
• Strait vs. Peck et al; mechanics lien; submitted to court; judgment for Plaintiff for $355.
• Klingaman vs. Gutscher; claim to recover personal property; Jury trial; verdict for Plaintiff.
• Gutscher vs. Klingaman; civil action; jury trial; verdict for plaintiff; judgment for $5.66.
• Lee vs. Lee; divorce; submitted to court; divorce granted.
• Joslyn vs. Lynch; foreclosure; submitted to court; finding for plaintiff; amount $1033.50.
• Hickman vs. Harter; jury trial; verdict for defendant.
• Hedden vs. Hedden; divorce; submitted to court; divorce granted.
• Goodrich et al vs James et al; jury trial; verdict for plaintiff; judgment on verdict that probate of will be set aside and cancelled.
• Helms vs. Perry; foreclosure; submitted to court; judgment for $981.
• Maring vs. Bell; case submitted to court; judgment for the defendant.
• McKindley et al vs. Jay et al; foreclosure of mortgage of $752.35; judgment against defendants.
• Miller vs. Estlick; jury trial; judgment for plaintiff.

Agricultural Meeting May 24, 1865

Columbia City Post Wednesday May 24, 1865

Agricultural Meeting. -- The officers and directors of the Whitley County Agricultural Society are requested to meet at the Recorder’s office, in Columbia City, on Saturday the 10th day of June next, at 1 o’clock P.M., to arrange a Premium List for the coming annual Fair, and to transact such other business as may be necessary for the good of the Society.

The following are the directors: Wright Lancaster, of Cleveland; William Rice, of Richland; Robert J. Elliot, of Troy; Martin Bechtel, of Washington; John Haywood, of Columbia; John Q. Adams, of Thorncreek; Thomas Neal, of Jefferson; Francis Mossman, of Union; Francis Tulleys of Smith; and Washington Jones, of Etna. All persons feeling an interest in the welfare of the Society are requested to be present. By order of the President of the Society.

Daniel A. Quick, Sect’y.

Cotillion Pic-Nic July 20, 1864

Columbia City Post ~ July 20, 1864

The lovers of a social dance are invited to a Cotillion Pic-Nic to be given at Troy Centre, on Thursday, July 28th, 1864, to commence at 9 o’clock A. M. No pains will be spared to make it the Excelsior entertainment of the season. Managers of Invitation; Frank Goodrich, Thomas Griffiths, Saul Arnold and Franklin Cummins. Floor Manager; John H. Tucker. Refreshments can be had on the grounds. Music by Dennue’s string band.

Local News April 14, 1859

Columbia City News - Thursday April 14, 1859

One Hundred Years Old.
Mr. Joseph Shoemaker, a resident of our town has arrived at the good old age of 100 years. He was born in the State of New York on the 4th day of March 1759. He is quite active, chops wood and splits rails – has cut several cords of wood the past winter – can and does make shoes; yet he never wore spectacles, reads quite fine print easily; has but few gray hairs on his head; in short he is a most remarkable man of this age. He voted for George Washington for President. His son Asa Shoemaker died in this county some years ago, our townsman, Joseph F. Shoemaker (commonly called “Uncle Freeman”) is a son of the subject of this notice.

Beaten.
We learn by Express that Ex-Sheriff William H. Dunfee was a candidate for Supervisor in his district, and was badly defeated by Henry Brown. Dunfee received 2 votes, one by somebody, and one by somebody else; a great man has fallen! Of course he ran on his own ticket.

Local News June 23, 1859

Columbia City News - Thursday June 23, 1859
Published in Whitley County Roots v7 n4 December 2002

That Ice Cream Supper.
On Tuesday evening last one of the nicest parties ever held in Columbia City, came off at the residence of Mr. John Rhodes, there were about fifty or sixty persons present. “Mine Host and Hostess,” Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes had prepared a most sumptuous repast, which, the party did ample justice in all respects. At about 11 o’clock the party dispersed well pleased with the very sociable visit at Mrs. Rhodes.

New Brick.
Mr. John Brandt has on hand a nice kiln of nicely moulded and burned brick, in the north part of town, which he will sell cheap for cash. All persons wanting a good article of brick can be supplied at Brandt’s kiln. John has worked hard and spent much money in his enterprise, hence should be patronized. Kiln ½ mile north of town on Wolf Lake road.

Milliner Shop.
This week Miss Emma Jane Cook announces to the people of Whitley County – the ladies more especially, that she is still engaged in the millinery business. Emma is a good girl and is highly worthy of a liberal share of public patronage. With two as good milliners as Emma Jane and Mrs. Tatner, we certainly thing all the ladies of Columbia City and surrounding country could be well supplied with the best of millinery.

Dissolution.
By a notice in another column of today’s paper it will be seen that the partnership heretofore existing between Adolf Sheifermyer and Adam Shineman has been dissolved by mutual consent. The business in future will be carried on by Adolf Sheifermyer, who intends to keep a good Bakery and family grocery.

Columbia City High School Class of 1916

Columbia City Commercial Mail - Friday May 26, 1916
Members of ’16 Class Have Varied Plans

The class of 1916 that graduates from the Columbia City high school next week is one of the youngest ever to receive diplomas here. It comes within one of being the largest class to graduate, the class of 1909 having forty-two members. The average individual age of the members of the ’16 class is 17.2 years, and of their number thirty-eight will go to college, twelve of these having already decided upon the school they will enter. As to the future life work of the individuals in the class, many professions and avocations have been chosen, and if plans are carried through, the class of 1916 should have a wide representation in the future world of industry, business and professions. A short sketch of each student has been prepared, as follows:

• Gail E. Lancaster, aged 17 and son of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Lancaster, 330 North Chauncey street, is the class president. He attended school entirely in Columbia City, and plans to enter DePauw University next fall although he is undecided as to his future occupation.
• Robert H. Fagan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Fagan of this city, and graduates at the age of 17 years. He held the honor of being vice president of his class and will enter the University of Michigan within the next year or so to prepare in medicine and surgery. He obtained all his education to date in the local schools, and was a member of the Senior debating class this year.
• Leman S. Baker, 20, came to Columbia City from Winona last spring to reside with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Baker, of North Elm street, and last fall entered in the Senior class of the high school. His earlier education was obtained in Trumansburg, N. Y., and he will enter Cornell University at Ithaca, N. Y., next fall, and make a decision as to his life work within the next two years. Mr. Baker received the honor of being appointed Senior track captain this year.
• Elenora B. DeVine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. DeVine of Etna township, received her preparatory work for high school at Etna, and graduates at the age of 18. She will enter Indiana University next September to take a literary course.
• Edith Jackson, 17, is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John P. Jackson, who reside near Lorane. She attended school in Thorncreek township before entering the Columbia City high school, and will take up a course of studies at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., probably next fall.
• Bernice Briggs, aged 17, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Briggs of East Van Buren street. She attended school twelve years in Columbia City, and expects to become a student at Indiana University within the next few years.
• George Albert Burns is the son of Elgia and Elma Burns of Thorncreek township. He was a student at the Johnston school in that township prior to entering the local high school from which he graduates at the age of 19. He will enter Winona Summer school this summer, and will probably take up teaching.
• Carrie Katherine Wetzel, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Wetzel, of North Line street, has received all her education in the Columbia City public schools. She intends to take up book-keeping for a life work, and will enter the South Bend Business college next fall to prepare herself for her chosen occupation.
• Mary M. Yontz, 19, is the only daughter of Guy Yontz of West Market street. She attended school in Columbia City all her life, and has decided to become a kindergarten instructor. She will enter the Chicago Kindergarten school in a few months to take an extended course.
• Willie B. Nichols graduates at the age of 18, and will enter Wabash college next fall, although he has not yet chosen any profession or occupation. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Nichols, Sr., of Thorncreek township.
• Ann Irene Secrist, 17, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Secrist, of North Line street. She prepared for high school in the West Ward grade building and will study at Winona Lake this coming summer, with a view of entering Indiana Universiy later on, where she will take a literary course.
• Naomi Grace Estlick, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles N. Estlick of Troy township, will enter some institution of learning this fall. She received her common school education at the Scott school in Troy township.
• Clarence A. Feist is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. John Feist of this city, and he has held the office of class treasurer for two years. He prepared for high school in the local schools, and has chosen banking as his life work, and expects to enter college within the next few years. He is 17 years of age.
• Mildred V. Crawford, 18, was a student in the local grade schools before entering high school. She plans to enter a higher institution of learning next fall, but is undecided as to her life work. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Crawford of North Chauncey street.
• Cleo M. Coyle received her education in Columbia City and will enter college next year. She is 17 years of age, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Coyle of South Walnut street.
• Ernest Gerkin graduates from the high school after having prepared himself in the common schools of Troy township. He will take up law, but is undecided as to what college he will enter. He is 18 years of age, and the son of Mrs. Ambrose Gerkin of Troy township.
• Laura Keirn, 18, prior to entering the local high school was a student at District No. 10, Thorncreek township. She will enter some college, but has made no decision as to her future occupation. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Keirn of Thorncreek township.
• Ralph Joseph Meyers is 18 years of age, and received his preparation for high school in this city. He will probably enter college this fall. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Meyers of West Spencer street.
• Leo A. Bauer, 17, is a son of George Bauer of this city. He will enter college and take up an engineering course in a year or two, and his education in the common branches was received in the Thorncreek township schools.
• Rex Ball is 18 years of age, and a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Ball, of North Main street. He is undecided as to his life work, but will enter some institution of learning within the next six months. He received all his education in the Columbia City public schools, and was one of those who represented the Senior class in debate this year.
• Edgar Everett Welsheimer, 20, is a son of Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Welsheimer of this city, and his entire life as a student was spent in this city. He is undecided as to the future.
• H. Marguerite Waugh, aged 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James A. Waugh of Thorncreek township, received her common school education in Thorncreek township. She will enter school next winter.
• Esther Grace Brown, 17, is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Brown of North Washington street. Her education was received in this city, and she plans to enter a higher institution of learning next fall.
• Nell G. Van Voorst is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Van Voorst of this city, where she received her entire education. She will enter college, but does not yet know just where. She is 18 years of age.
• Katherine Waterfall, aged 18, and daughter of John Waterfall, a prominent local carpentering and building contractor, will enter college next fall. She attended school in this city from the early grades through high school.
• Philip Martin McNear has chosen dentistry for his life occupation, but does not yet know what school he will enter. He graduates from C. C. H. S. at the age of 18 years, has spent all of his life here, and is a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McNear.
• Ruth Orner is a daughter of Ex-Trustee of Columbia Township Charles Orner and wife of North Line street. She attended school in the West Ward grade building in this city, and there received her preparation for high school, and it is her intention to enter college within the next few years. She is 19 years of age.
• Edward B. Raupfer, 19, is a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Raupfer of this city. He prepared for high school in this city, and will enter some university within the next few months.
• Lois M. Rhoads, 18, is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Willis Rhoads of Thorncreek township, and prior to entering the local high school, where she spent four years, she was a student at District No. 7 in the above named township. She will enter college next fall, probably at Northwester University.
• Susie A. Rouch, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Rouch, is 18 years of age, and spent her early school life in Thorncreek township, where her parents reside. She will take up some line of work in the next four or five years, and plans to prepare for the same in some university.
• Mark J. Terman, 17, is a son of Ollie Terman of Troy township. His common school education was received at District No. 2 in that township, and Mr. Terman plans to enter some college in the fall of 1918, to take up a course in electrical engineering.
• Merle Fisher, 17, is a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Fisher, the former being president of the Columbia Woolen mills. The family formerly resided at South Bend, Indiana, prior to moving to this city two years ago, and Mr. Fisher received his common school education and part of his high school work there, before coming to Columbia City. He will enter college, but has not chosen any future occupation.
• Marie Friskney, 17, is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Friskney, who resied in Thorncreek township, where Miss Friskney received her grade work in school. She will enter college to prepare for some line of occupation.
• Orpha Gandy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. D. Gandy of Ormas, is 17 years of age. She received her preparation for high school work in the local grade schools, and was a member this year of the Senior representative debating team. She will enter college next fall, and has several places in view.
• Ernest Erne, 17, is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Erne of West Market street. He attended the West Ward grade school, and will enter college next winter.
• Vernice Carter, aged 18, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Norman E. Carter of West Market street. She is secretary of her class and has received all her education in this city. She is undecided as to whether or not she will enter college, and has made no decision as yet with reference to her life work.
• Ellen Irene Leininger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Julius B. Leininger of East Market street, is 17 years of age. She was a student in the West Ward building before taking up high school work, and so far as known at present, will not enter any higher institution of learning.
• Everett Wilcken, aged 17, son of W. F. Wilcken, who resides south of the city, in Columbia township, will not enter college, but has chosen agriculture as his life work, and will become affiliated with his father in that occupation. He studied at District No. 10, Columbia township, before entering high school.
• Mary Hunter Faust, 17, daughter of Mrs. Jessie Hunter-Faust, of North Line street, received her common school education in this city, and after completing three years in high school, entered Ward Belmont college at Nashville, Tenn., where she has nearly completed the first year of a two-year course. She has met all the requirements for graduation in the Columbia City high school, and has turned in a thesis with the other graduates. She is undecided as to her life work, but will make a decision after graduating from her present college course.
• Clara Rosella Colchin is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James L. Colchin of East Market street, and she graduates at the age of 19 years. She received her preparatory work for high school in the Waterloo public schools, and came here three years ago with her parents and family. Miss Colchin will not attend college this year, although very probably she will take up a course of some kind later, and her life work is un-chosen as yet.
• Mary Ellen Bechtoldt, 18, is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Bechtoldt, who reside just a mile south of this city. Miss Bechtoldt spent her school life in Columbia City, and has decided to take up domestic science teaching as a vocation, and will take a course some place this winter. While in high school she was a member of the board that issued the “Columbian.”

Local News February 22, 1905

Columbia City Post - Wednesday February 22, 1905

• The residence of Ex-Sherrif Gallagher on south Main street, is quarantined. Mary, the little four year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher has a mild case of scarletina.
• Frederick Switzer, of Union township, left Tuesday for St. Francis, Arkansas, expecting to locate there. The town is a new one and is just over the Missouri boundry line.
• Gilbert Humbarger, of Thorncreek township, owner of a fine pair of Belgian draft horses, has a large gray mare that is with foal which he offers for sale. She is nine years old and in good condition.
• Undertaker Briggs left Saturday forenoon for Logansport where he was called to care for the body of Miss Alice Harley who died at Long Cliff Friday night. The deceased was a sister of Alonzo Harley of this city and Wm. Harley, formerly of the Columbia City National Bank. She was an inmate of the institution in which she died for a number of years.

School No. 6 Thorncreek Township April 25, 1900

Columbia City Weekly Commercial – Wednesday April 25, 1900

School No. 6, Thorncreek township closed last Friday. The day was fittingly celebrated by the usual big dinner and a literary program in the afternoon. One hundred and fifty patrons and friends were in attendance, thus showing their interest in the work and appreciation for the teacher. A very tempting dinner was served at the noon hour to which all did ample justice. The recitations and songs given by the pupils showed careful training and many called forth considerable applause.

The following program was given:

• Music - Anspaugh brothers.
• Welcome Address - Ruth Ramsey.
• Song - Ressie Cleland, Ruth Ramsey, Orpha Ramsey.
• Song - America.
• A Warning - Ressie Hively.
• The Dying Child - Ethel Humbarger.
• The Biggest Piece of Pie - Clarance Windle.
• Music.
• How He Teased Ned - Jesse Demoney, Earl Chapman.
• Sister and I - Anna Kessie.
• Song of the Winds - Ten little girls.
• Railroad Crossing - Jesse Demoney.
• Choice of Occupations - Bessie King, Ruth Ramsey, Lena Kessie, Ella King, Orpha Ramsey.
• Song - Here’s where scholars do their best.
• Who’d be a Boy Again - Forest Born.
• The Arithmetic Lesson - Letha Born.
• What I can do - Grover Chapman.
• Johnie’s Opinion of Grandmothers—Yost Braddock.
• Song - Ruth and Orpha Ramsey.
• Dialogue - Reading A Letter - Forest Born, Ben Hively, Cecil Gradless, Firmer Born, Jesse Demoney.
• How Mickey Got Kilt in the War - Bennie Hively.
• If I Were You - Lena Kessie.
• My Dolly Not One Year Old - Chloe Hill.
• Song.
• Up In A Tree - Walter Hively.
• The Scarecrow - Chester Hively.
• Story of an Apple - Albert Braddock.
• Music.
• The Drummer Boy - Orpha Ramsey.
• Music.
• Mice At Play - Ernest Born, Ressie Cleland, Earl Chapman, Albert Braddock.
• Curious Medley - Roscoe Staples.
• An Old Man’s Story - Nellie Braddock.
• Song - The Meadows.
• The Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat - Bruce Staples.
• Flag Exercise - Ella King, Velma Born, Otto Hively, Oscar Hill, Walter Hively.
• Two Little Orphans - Orpha and Ruth Ramsey.
• Six Years Old - Grover Ramsey.
• The Bent Pin - Heber Humbarger.
• When from School We go - Florence Windle.
• Music.
• Dialogue - Marshall Born, Bruce Staples.
• Song - Vacation.

Closing Address - Cecil Gradless.At the close of the program Miss Ethel Humbarger stepped forward with a handsome photograph album and in behalf of her classmates presented the same to her teacher. Miss Ergenbright has taught a very successful school and both the patrons and pupils showed their appreciation for her earnest effort by extending her an invitation to teach School No. 6 again next year.

Genealogy Blog Finder

I posted this on my kinexxions blog in mid-January but I think it is worth repeating here also.

The genealogy blog-world is growing very fast. To get an idea of some of the other genealogy blogs that are ‘out there’ check out the Genealogy Blog Finder created by Chris Dunham. As of today there are 551 blogs listed in 26 categories. And while you're at it, if you're in the mood for some humor or even if you're not, take a look at his blog The Genealogue.

Whitley County Kinexxions

On January 12th of this year I created my kinexxions blog with the intent of including information about Whitley County people, places and events as well as information on the families that I am researching. After tossing it around for a while I've decided to use kinexxions as a personal research log and for posting 'family' information. Thus, this new blog, Whitley County Kinexxions is born. Contributions are welcomed. If you have news clippings or other information that you would like to share I'd be more than happy to post them here. There is the possibility that in the future this blog may be opened to other 'authors' who can contribute Whitley County information to it as well. If you are interested, let me know.

The newspaper transcriptions that will be posted here are not intended to be comprehensive for any specific time period. They are mostly items that I found interesting, usually while looking for information on my ancestors. It's extremely easy to get 'lost' or sidetracked when researching in newspapers, but it is so interesting to get a glimpse into the life and times of my ancestors, even if the articles don't specifically 'relate' to them. Some of these transcriptions have been contributed to Whitley County Roots, which is the quarterly publication of the Genealogical Society of Whitley County. Since distribution of that publication is limited to members and local libraries, my goal is to try to get this information out to a somewhat wider audience.

I hope that you will enjoy the information that will be posted here. If you find something especially interesting or something that provides a clue to the families you are researching, please leave a comment to let me know. Your feedback will be appreciated, and as stated above, if you'd like to be a contributor, please contact me (rrwiseman - at - gmail.com).