The Greentown Gem – 1923-08-09 - Page 1 |
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THE WORLD MOURNS • THE REENTOWN GEM SPECIAL SERVICE OF THE WESTERN NEWSPAPER UNION raexper For " I` 17. Peopie of Seisterry Flowsnarel . ( SINGLE COPY ) Orily $ 1.50 Par Veer s. \ FIVE CENTS Thirtieth Ninth Year. Greentown, Indiana, Thursday, August 9, 1923. No. 1 $ 5,000 DEMANDED IN BLACK MAIL LETTER HARDING FUNERAL TO BE HELD FRIDAY Death Came Last Thursday Evening Very Suddenly— Was Thought To Be Recovering BODY TAKEN FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO WASHINGTON Thousands Pay Homeage Along Route — Services at Rotunda Held Wed-nesday. RURAL CARRIERS TO HOLD ANNUAL PICNIC At Forks of the Creek Sunday, Aug. family reunion near Herbst, Sunday. 12th-- Expect Many Visitors From Mrf. Law.- A rolfield J ot. near Cet,,, Over County. was the guiest 1V1anday_ , of Mrs. Glen, Kelley and farn y. Mr. and Mrs. Marion Shockley had as their Sunday evening supper guests Mr. and Mrs. Everett Babb of Kemp-ton. Mr. and Mrs. George Werking en-tertained Sunday, Mrs. Susie Sloan, Miss Anna Linville and Harold and Kenneth Sloan. Mrs. Flora Bell Rensch and baby Virginia Rae are visiting at the home of Mrs. Rrensch's parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. I. Bell, west of town. Mrs. Chester Gang and baby and Mrs. Frank Burgan and daughter were visitors at Kokomo Saturday afternoon. Fred McCan, wife and children of Kokomo are spending the week at the home of Mrs. Mina Gentry, east of town. Mrs Nancy Burgan of Kokomo re-turned to her home Friday, after a two weeks visit with her grandchil-dren, Armour Burgan and family and George Shepherd and family. Mr. and Mrs. Emor Johnson and family have moved their household goods from North Meridian street to Kokomo, where they will make their future home. Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Hamer enter-tained Thursday evening, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Peters and sons of Cincinnati, 0., Mrs. Mary Peters of Kokomo and Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Mast of Swayzee. Dr. and Mrs. H. I. Kingery and daughters entertained Thursday even-ing, Mrs. Neva Ryan and daughter Helen of Frankfort and Irene Holli-day. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Mast and chil-dren left Saturday morning for Nap-panee, where they attended the Mast reunion on Sunday and went from there to Lake Manitou, where they spent the forepart of the week. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Singer and fam-ily stopped here a short time Monday Ad visited the former's sister, Miss Edith Singer. They were enroute to Wabash where they are making their new home after living in Colfax. Mr. and Mrs. Lon Kem per enter-tained at their home Sunday, Mr. and Mrs. Albert March, Miss Agnes Har-ness and Ralph Hicks of Kokomo, Mrs. Mary Kemper, Mrs. Gay Ackley and son Valore. Mr. and Mrs. Otis Wolfe were the victims of a pleasan* surprise Monday evening when a number of friends gathered at their home, the event be-ing in the nature of a miscellaneous shower. A pleasant evening was en-joyed and the young couple were recipients of many nice gifts. Among the out of town guests at the funeral of Miss Cora Brunk. Tues-day afternoon, were. Wm. H. Turner and wife, Wayne Freeman and Mr. Dietemyer of Kokomo. Mr. Foutz of Dayton, 0., Oscar Brunk of Akron. 0.. and Charles Brunk and family of Evansville, Ind. Mrs. Clarence McQuiston returned home Sunday. after spendin g the past three weeks at Rochester. Minn.. with her mother, Mrs. Rachel Coomler, who underwent an o peration for gall stones at the Mayo Bros. hospital. Mrs. Coomler is recovering slowly and will remain at Rochester a few weeks be-fore returning here. HON. FRED S. PURNELL TO BE PRESENT IN AFTERNOON Colored Jubilee Singers of Kokomo To Be On the Program— Big Basket Dinner • Noon Hour. The annual picnic of the Howard County Association of Rural Carriers and Patrons will be held at the Forks of the Creek Sunday, August 12th. This is an annual event and is par-ticipated in by many patrons of the routes over the county and their car-riers. This year it is planned to make it the best ever, and a fine program is being arranged for the afternoon. At the noon hour, 12: 30 p. m., the fea-ture of all such gatherings will take place, the big basket dinner. Every-body is invited to participate in this feature of the day's enjoyment. The real feature of the day how-ever will be the appearance of Hon. Fred S. Purnell, who has given the committee the assurance that he will make all efforts to be present and de-liver a short address. Everybody knows Fred and there is not much use of trying to give him an intro-duction at this time. The Colored Jubilee Singers of Ko-will be back again this year and will furnish some high class music for the entertainment of the crowd. There will be other musical num-bers and readings which will please. This is a time when the patrons of the rural routes and the carriers frol-ic together for a day of real enjoy; ment and the Forks of the Creek is an ideal spot for such an occasion with its flowing well and natural scenic location. It is expected that carriers and patrons will be present from all over the county and many from adjoining counties. The invita-tion is extended to everybody, and a good time is assured you, should you decide to attend. CELEBRATED BIRTHDAYS Chas. E., the eleven year old son of Letis E. and Mrs. Lamb, and Martha Ellen. the five year old daughter of Floyd and Mrs. Wright, celebrated their birthdays Sunda- at the home of Floyd and Mrs. Wright near Vermont. A bountiful dinner was served at the noon hour and ice cream in the after-noon. Those present were, Chas. A. Lamb, Letis Lamb, wife and chil-dren, Chas. E. and Eloise, Ben and Mrs. Gentry. Curtie and Mrs. Wright and son Dallas and Mrs. Retta Wood-mansee. Mr. and Mrs. U. S. Brannen enter-tained Friday, Mrs. Retta Woodman-see, Miss Ida Woodmansee, Albert Middlesworth and Mrs. Docia Daugh-erty of Indianapolis. daughter Jeanette attended the Steer_ The whole United States and the world was thrown into a deep state of mourning last Thursday evening when the report became known gen-erally of the death of President War-ren G. Harding, at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, where he had been suffering with a slight case of pneu-monia. Death came while he was con-versing with his wife, who was read-ing to him at the side of his bed, and, according to an official statement is-sued by physician, was due to cerebral apoplexy. The end came so suddenly that the members of the official party could not be called. It came after a day which had been described by Brig. Gen. Sawyer, the president's personal physician, as the most satisfactory day the President had had since his illness began. The physicians in their formal announcement of the end said that " during the day he had been free from discomfort and there was every justification for anticipating a prompt recovery." The first indication that a change had occurred in the condition of Mr. Harding came shortly after 7 o'clock when Mrs. Harding eersonally opened the door of the sick room and called to those in the corridors to " find Dr. Boone and others quickly." At that time Mrs. Harding was understood to have been reading to the President, sitting at his bus with thv vvenigig papers anal - sages or sympathy which had seen received during the day. The body was taken to Washington on a special train, where it lay in state until the final rites will be held Fri-day. A few hours following the death of President Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Vice President, was given the oath of office by his elderly father in their farm residence, and the United States was no longer without a President, in fact as well as in name. Pres. Cool-idge took up the reins well qualified for his position. Short and simple services have been the request of Mrs. Harding and this has been the rule. Services were held Wednesday about noon in the rotunda at the capitol, where thousands upon thousands of dignitaries and from all walks of life viewed the remains in deep silence and bowed heads. In death, the friends and foes of the man have been brought to see more clear-ly the real worth of the man who serv-ed as our chief executive. Warren Gamaliel Harding was born in Blooming Grove, Morrow county, Ohio, just thirty miles east of Marion, on Nov. 2, 1865, the oldest of eight children. His paternal forebears came from Scotland and some of them fought in the revolutionary war. Others were massacred by the Indians in Pennsylvania. President Harding's mother, Mrs. Phoebe Dickerson Harding, was de-scended from an old Holland Dutch family, the VanKirks. While Warren was still quite young, his father, Dr. J. F. Harding, a country doctor, mov-ed with the family to Caledonia, nine miles nearer to Marion. Warren at-tended school there for a time and later taught school there two years, working at odd times in the village printing office and acquiring the foun-dation of his training for his occupa-tional career. Young Harding played a cornet in the Caledonia brass band, played base ball and engaged in all the sports and village activities attractive to a well spirited and poular youth. The Ohio Central college at Iberia enuipped the future statesman with an education— one which cost him many a weary hour, since it was necessary that he earn his way. This he accomplished by cutting corn, painting barns, driv-ing teams arid on one occasion, by helping to make a roadbed for a new railroad. The study of law lured Harding's fancy when college days were over and when he was 19 years old, he moved to Marion, with a view to pre-paring for that profession. The law proved less attractiv . on closer in-spection. however, and Warren turned . to newspaper work. In colle ge he had been editor of the colle ge paper. He began work on the Marion Mirror, a Democratic newspaper. For his labor on the staff, he drew a salary of $ 9 a week. The Blaine campaign took place at that time and Warren insisted on wearing a Blaine high hat, thus a-rousing the indignation of his boss who fired him. ( Continued on another page) C, urleas of t: anti- White of Converse ' spent Tues-evening with Mrs. ClOra Curless. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Turner re-armed home Sunday after a week's visit with relatives in the southern part of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Armstrong and family had as dinner guests Friday, Mrs. Maggie Ayers and children and Frank Rioth and family. Mr. and Mrs. Kenton Maddock and children left Saturday morning for Tangier, Ind., and St. Joe, Ill., where they visited until Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Fleming had as their Sunday dinner guests, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Osborn and James Warns-ley of Kokomo. Miss Leah Powell, Miss Addie Res-oner and C. C. Hannah of Swayzee and Harry Kendall of Kokomo motor-ed to Silver Lake, Sunday. Mrs. Will Duncan and Charles Bog-ue and wife were dinner guests Sun-day of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Duncan and son. Mrs. F. P. Cates and grandson Al-bert Hofferbert and Mrs. W. P. Thompson visited at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Emery Creviston and sons near Van Buren, Sunday. Rufus Currens, Floyd Neyhart and Ed Neyhart went to North Manches-ter Sunday in the interests of the Street Fair and report some added features. Mrs. Mollie Turner, who has been sick the past two weeks, is improving. Mr. and Mrs. Glen Woody and chil-dren of Swayzee were Sunday even-ing guests of Mrs. R. J. Currens. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Ormel'Spen-cer, southeast of town, a fine eight pound baby girl, Friday. The little Miss will answer to the name of Ar-netta Jane. Dr. and Mrs. J. F. Powell had as Saturday night guests, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Hall and children of Kokomo. On Sunday they all motored to Ossian where they visited Mrs. Powell's par-ents, Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Chalfant. J. C. Symons and wife of Jerome, Mrs. Bert Symons of Greentown, Mrs. Rena Land of Curtisville and Mrs. Anna McVickor of Landesville, Ind„ were dinner guests Friday of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Himes. The Women's Foreign Missionary Society of the Wesleyan Methodist church met Wednesday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Maude Larowe. An interesting program was given and a good number was present. Mrs. Viola Armstrong arrived home Wednesday evening from Cincinnati, 0., where she had been visiting her sister, Mrs. Nora Stutesman, the past three weeks. Another sister. Mrs. Ida Hampson of Florence, Kansas, visited there at the same time, it be-ing the first time in twenty- seven years the three sisters had all visited together. Mr. end Mrs. Ross Kemper and Miss Veda Phares motorei, to the home of Frank Graf and family at South Whit-ley Sunday and spent the day. Other guests were, Miss Cleo Beetle of South Whitley. Douglas Miller and Mr. and Mrs. Will Phares of Fort Wayne. Miss Vada Phares, who has been visiting Mr. and Mrs. Kemper the past few weeks accompanied her parents to her home in Fort Wayne. Awl dresst up an kno plaise ter go. But ime watin fer de strete fare. Lawse ey bett dat itl wrane ergin sune doant yu. Sum wrane we hed tuthir da. Chereup, de froaste'l sune bee oan de punkins an de fodir inn de shok. MISS CORA BRUNK DIED LAST SUNDAY MORNING Miss Cora Brunk, daughter of Eli Brunk liivng on West Main street, died Sunday morning, following a long illness, aged 47 years, 7 months and 5 days. The deceased had been a resident of this community for the entire period of her life, excepting a few months when she moved to Koko-mo a few years ago, that she might be nearer to her work. She had a wide acquaintance throughout Howard County, gained through her connect-ions with various merchandising es-tablishments. She was a trusted and valued employe of the Wm. H. Turner Co. at Kokomo Prior to her last sick-ness, which called for an operation. All that loving hands could do, was done, that she might regain her health but to no avail, the pangs of disease having fastened itself about her and would not be denied. All who came in contact with her was her friend, and the sympathy of the entire com-munity is extended to the stricken family. The funeral occurred from the M. E. church Tuesday afternoon conducted - by the pastor, Rev. A. E. Leese, followed by burial in the local cemetery. The obituary will be found on an-other page. MEMORIAL SERVICES • REV. WHITE AND DR. H. C. MILLER TO GIVE ADDRESSES Services Will Be Simple In Compli-ance With Services at Washing-ton and Marion. In compliance with the various proclamations of the president and governor, Greentown in a spirit of reverence and mourning, will meet at the Meridian Street Christian church Friday afternoon at 2: 30 o'clock, to pay their respect to the late presi-dent, Warren G. Harding, whose un-timely death has thrown the entire nation and world in mourning. The nature of the services will be in keeping with the spirit of the oc-casion and will be simple in every detail, just as the services at Wash-ington where the body lies in state will be, in compliance with the wishes of Mrs. Harding. Proclamations by the president of the United States and the Governor of Indiana,- have proclaimed this day one of mourning, and all loyal Amer-icans are expected to observe these proclamations in some fitting manner. Therefore, it is the duty of each and every one of us to be present at the services to be held in the Meridian Street church, and thus pay our home-age to one whom we looked upon as the leader of the greatest nation on the face of the globe. The program for the services will be one in which all may feel that the spark of patriotism and love of country predominates; one in which all come with bowed heads in mourn-ing the loss of our twenty- ninth presi-dent, regardless of creed, politics or personal opinions. A large number and in fact every loyal citizen, who possibly can do so, should be present at this service. Don't forget the time at 2: 30 Friday afternoon. The music will be in charge of Mrs. J. E. Fulwider, and Rev. Clifford L. White and Dr. H. C. Miller will de-liver short addresses. Following is the program as outlined: Song, " Nearer My God To Thee" Congregation Devotional Rev. Bicycle Solo Mrs. Fulwider Scripture Lesson ____ Rev. A. E. Leese Quartette, " Lead Kindly Light" Talk Dr. H. C. Miller Talk Rev. Clifford L. White Song, " America" Benediction. W. C. T. U. MEETING The W. C. T. U. will meet at the home of Mrs. Emma Richer on North Meridian street Tuesday afternoon. It is hoped a large number of members and visitors will be present. John S. Mitchell of Windfall Received Spurious Letter Last Sunday Afternoon. THREATS LIFE OF HIS SON AS WELL AS HIS OWN Caused Much Excitement Monday When Letter Is Made Known to the Public. Our neighboring town of Windfall was thrown into a state of heated ex-citement Monday when it became known that John S. Mitchell, one of the most prominent and wealthy men of that community, had received a blackhand letter, directing him to hand over $ 5,000 that evening or suf fer the penalty prescribed in the let-ter. Mr. Mitchell received the letter Sun-day afternoon, but with his usual good judgment he began to think the mat-ter over before he acted. He was warned to never make known the let-ter under threat of death. After going over the situation thoroughly he decided to let matters take their course and not to comply any of the requests. However he was consider-ably worried, which is only natural. When it became known generally many volunteered their assistance in trapping the plotters, but this was deemed inadvisable. The letter was read before a tent meeting that even-ing, before a large crowd of citizens who openly expressed their indigna-tion at the spurious letter. As Mr. Mitchell said, it is not the money so much as the principle at stake. The, is nothing quite so low clown, mean, an i unforgiveable as a black hand, operator who is working' uncar the veil 0 darkness, afraid to get out in the open. One of this kind is worse than a burglar, or a thief who have some honor among their kind. A blackmailer, could be your best friend, and you would never know it, so sneaking and low down in their cussedness, that even a snake would not want to bother them. Much speculation was going the rounds early in the week, as to who might have perpetrated the dastardly plot. Many expressed the view that it was local talent, while others seem-ed to think it was professionals at work. However this angle of the case is being left to the proper authorities and their progress has been very fav-orable to date. They evidently did not figure that Mr. Mitchell would stand up for a principle, as he is doing, or else they would have thought twice before leaping into such a sneaking piece , of work. John S. Mitchell, president and gen-eral manager of some six or seven packing plants and various other en-terprises in and around Windfall, has done more for the community's best interests than any one single man in that territory. He has accumulated all his wealth by hard work, often times spending an entire night solving some difficult problem concerning his business matters in connection with the concerns he is at the head of. It is hard to understand who would do him such a mean trick locally, but stranger things than that have hap-pened. The Gem is permitted to publish the text of the original letter as a court-eousv from Mr. Mitchell, which will put down many spurious rumors a-float concerning the contents of the missive. The letter follows: Friday, August 3rd, 1923. John S. Mitchell, Windfall, Indiana. Sir: It is quite probable that your first impulse upon receipt of this letter will be to cast it aside, but if you have the intelligence that we give you credit with having, you will read carefully and consider well. This is to inform you that your son, June Mitchell, is in very grave danger. In fact it may mean his life, and in this letter we are going to show you how you can save him. To get to the cause of the whole thing we will say this. There are three determined men at the back of this letter. We have all been injured by you through your small and low down business dealings. You have at various times taken advantage of us when we trusted you, and the result has been that us and our families have actually suffered. Now we seek com-pensation. THERE IS ONE THING SURE: YOU WILL EITHER REPAY US IN BLOOD OR DOLLARS. This is a simple case of blackmail, and all of us are aware of the risk which we run. But that only makes us the more determined and desperate. First, get this, THIS IS NO JOKE, so get that out of your head at once. What we want is five thousand dol-lars. AND WE ARE GOING TO ( Continued on another page) E.. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Street and r. and Mrs. Ed Schaaf motored to Marntou Sunday and.. spent the .. 1Local 3Doingz•• = FRIDAY AFTERNOON ler, lian Street Chr— Chard. Di: ginning at 2: 30 O'clock.
Object Description
Title | The Greentown Gem - 1923-08-09 |
Subject | newspapers |
Subject, Local | Greentown, Howard County (Ind.) |
Item Type | newspaper |
Technical Metadata | Digital images captured by Ball State University 2008 |
Item ID | im-kokomo-news-greentown-1923-08-09 |
Local Item ID | Greentown History Center – newspaper collection |
Usage Statement | There are no known living heirs who would hold the rights to the accessioned Greentown Gem newspapers. Newspapers published before 1923 are in public domain. Permission granted by the Greentown Historical Society to view and print items from this digital collection for personal use, study, research, or classroom teaching. |
Date Original | 1923-08-09 |
Date Digital | 2008 |
Publisher | Gem Printing Company |
Description |
Local News depicting eastern Howard County in Indiana. Headlines: Harding Funeral To Be Held Today; Rural Carriers to Hold Annual Picnic; Memorial Services Friday Afternon; $5000 Demanded In Black Mail Letter; World Mourns; Local Doings |
Language | en |
Contributors | Kokomo-Howard County Public Library; Greentown Historical Society |
Source | Original newspaper: The Greentown Gem, September 09, 1923 |
Relation | Howard County Newspapers |
Transcript | [PDFs are fully searchable] |
Description
Title | The Greentown Gem – 1923-08-09 - Page 1 |
Relation | Howard County Newspapers |
Transcript | THE WORLD MOURNS • THE REENTOWN GEM SPECIAL SERVICE OF THE WESTERN NEWSPAPER UNION raexper For " I` 17. Peopie of Seisterry Flowsnarel . ( SINGLE COPY ) Orily $ 1.50 Par Veer s. \ FIVE CENTS Thirtieth Ninth Year. Greentown, Indiana, Thursday, August 9, 1923. No. 1 $ 5,000 DEMANDED IN BLACK MAIL LETTER HARDING FUNERAL TO BE HELD FRIDAY Death Came Last Thursday Evening Very Suddenly— Was Thought To Be Recovering BODY TAKEN FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO WASHINGTON Thousands Pay Homeage Along Route — Services at Rotunda Held Wed-nesday. RURAL CARRIERS TO HOLD ANNUAL PICNIC At Forks of the Creek Sunday, Aug. family reunion near Herbst, Sunday. 12th-- Expect Many Visitors From Mrf. Law.- A rolfield J ot. near Cet,,, Over County. was the guiest 1V1anday_ , of Mrs. Glen, Kelley and farn y. Mr. and Mrs. Marion Shockley had as their Sunday evening supper guests Mr. and Mrs. Everett Babb of Kemp-ton. Mr. and Mrs. George Werking en-tertained Sunday, Mrs. Susie Sloan, Miss Anna Linville and Harold and Kenneth Sloan. Mrs. Flora Bell Rensch and baby Virginia Rae are visiting at the home of Mrs. Rrensch's parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. I. Bell, west of town. Mrs. Chester Gang and baby and Mrs. Frank Burgan and daughter were visitors at Kokomo Saturday afternoon. Fred McCan, wife and children of Kokomo are spending the week at the home of Mrs. Mina Gentry, east of town. Mrs Nancy Burgan of Kokomo re-turned to her home Friday, after a two weeks visit with her grandchil-dren, Armour Burgan and family and George Shepherd and family. Mr. and Mrs. Emor Johnson and family have moved their household goods from North Meridian street to Kokomo, where they will make their future home. Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Hamer enter-tained Thursday evening, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Peters and sons of Cincinnati, 0., Mrs. Mary Peters of Kokomo and Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Mast of Swayzee. Dr. and Mrs. H. I. Kingery and daughters entertained Thursday even-ing, Mrs. Neva Ryan and daughter Helen of Frankfort and Irene Holli-day. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Mast and chil-dren left Saturday morning for Nap-panee, where they attended the Mast reunion on Sunday and went from there to Lake Manitou, where they spent the forepart of the week. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Singer and fam-ily stopped here a short time Monday Ad visited the former's sister, Miss Edith Singer. They were enroute to Wabash where they are making their new home after living in Colfax. Mr. and Mrs. Lon Kem per enter-tained at their home Sunday, Mr. and Mrs. Albert March, Miss Agnes Har-ness and Ralph Hicks of Kokomo, Mrs. Mary Kemper, Mrs. Gay Ackley and son Valore. Mr. and Mrs. Otis Wolfe were the victims of a pleasan* surprise Monday evening when a number of friends gathered at their home, the event be-ing in the nature of a miscellaneous shower. A pleasant evening was en-joyed and the young couple were recipients of many nice gifts. Among the out of town guests at the funeral of Miss Cora Brunk. Tues-day afternoon, were. Wm. H. Turner and wife, Wayne Freeman and Mr. Dietemyer of Kokomo. Mr. Foutz of Dayton, 0., Oscar Brunk of Akron. 0.. and Charles Brunk and family of Evansville, Ind. Mrs. Clarence McQuiston returned home Sunday. after spendin g the past three weeks at Rochester. Minn.. with her mother, Mrs. Rachel Coomler, who underwent an o peration for gall stones at the Mayo Bros. hospital. Mrs. Coomler is recovering slowly and will remain at Rochester a few weeks be-fore returning here. HON. FRED S. PURNELL TO BE PRESENT IN AFTERNOON Colored Jubilee Singers of Kokomo To Be On the Program— Big Basket Dinner • Noon Hour. The annual picnic of the Howard County Association of Rural Carriers and Patrons will be held at the Forks of the Creek Sunday, August 12th. This is an annual event and is par-ticipated in by many patrons of the routes over the county and their car-riers. This year it is planned to make it the best ever, and a fine program is being arranged for the afternoon. At the noon hour, 12: 30 p. m., the fea-ture of all such gatherings will take place, the big basket dinner. Every-body is invited to participate in this feature of the day's enjoyment. The real feature of the day how-ever will be the appearance of Hon. Fred S. Purnell, who has given the committee the assurance that he will make all efforts to be present and de-liver a short address. Everybody knows Fred and there is not much use of trying to give him an intro-duction at this time. The Colored Jubilee Singers of Ko-will be back again this year and will furnish some high class music for the entertainment of the crowd. There will be other musical num-bers and readings which will please. This is a time when the patrons of the rural routes and the carriers frol-ic together for a day of real enjoy; ment and the Forks of the Creek is an ideal spot for such an occasion with its flowing well and natural scenic location. It is expected that carriers and patrons will be present from all over the county and many from adjoining counties. The invita-tion is extended to everybody, and a good time is assured you, should you decide to attend. CELEBRATED BIRTHDAYS Chas. E., the eleven year old son of Letis E. and Mrs. Lamb, and Martha Ellen. the five year old daughter of Floyd and Mrs. Wright, celebrated their birthdays Sunda- at the home of Floyd and Mrs. Wright near Vermont. A bountiful dinner was served at the noon hour and ice cream in the after-noon. Those present were, Chas. A. Lamb, Letis Lamb, wife and chil-dren, Chas. E. and Eloise, Ben and Mrs. Gentry. Curtie and Mrs. Wright and son Dallas and Mrs. Retta Wood-mansee. Mr. and Mrs. U. S. Brannen enter-tained Friday, Mrs. Retta Woodman-see, Miss Ida Woodmansee, Albert Middlesworth and Mrs. Docia Daugh-erty of Indianapolis. daughter Jeanette attended the Steer_ The whole United States and the world was thrown into a deep state of mourning last Thursday evening when the report became known gen-erally of the death of President War-ren G. Harding, at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, where he had been suffering with a slight case of pneu-monia. Death came while he was con-versing with his wife, who was read-ing to him at the side of his bed, and, according to an official statement is-sued by physician, was due to cerebral apoplexy. The end came so suddenly that the members of the official party could not be called. It came after a day which had been described by Brig. Gen. Sawyer, the president's personal physician, as the most satisfactory day the President had had since his illness began. The physicians in their formal announcement of the end said that " during the day he had been free from discomfort and there was every justification for anticipating a prompt recovery." The first indication that a change had occurred in the condition of Mr. Harding came shortly after 7 o'clock when Mrs. Harding eersonally opened the door of the sick room and called to those in the corridors to " find Dr. Boone and others quickly." At that time Mrs. Harding was understood to have been reading to the President, sitting at his bus with thv vvenigig papers anal - sages or sympathy which had seen received during the day. The body was taken to Washington on a special train, where it lay in state until the final rites will be held Fri-day. A few hours following the death of President Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Vice President, was given the oath of office by his elderly father in their farm residence, and the United States was no longer without a President, in fact as well as in name. Pres. Cool-idge took up the reins well qualified for his position. Short and simple services have been the request of Mrs. Harding and this has been the rule. Services were held Wednesday about noon in the rotunda at the capitol, where thousands upon thousands of dignitaries and from all walks of life viewed the remains in deep silence and bowed heads. In death, the friends and foes of the man have been brought to see more clear-ly the real worth of the man who serv-ed as our chief executive. Warren Gamaliel Harding was born in Blooming Grove, Morrow county, Ohio, just thirty miles east of Marion, on Nov. 2, 1865, the oldest of eight children. His paternal forebears came from Scotland and some of them fought in the revolutionary war. Others were massacred by the Indians in Pennsylvania. President Harding's mother, Mrs. Phoebe Dickerson Harding, was de-scended from an old Holland Dutch family, the VanKirks. While Warren was still quite young, his father, Dr. J. F. Harding, a country doctor, mov-ed with the family to Caledonia, nine miles nearer to Marion. Warren at-tended school there for a time and later taught school there two years, working at odd times in the village printing office and acquiring the foun-dation of his training for his occupa-tional career. Young Harding played a cornet in the Caledonia brass band, played base ball and engaged in all the sports and village activities attractive to a well spirited and poular youth. The Ohio Central college at Iberia enuipped the future statesman with an education— one which cost him many a weary hour, since it was necessary that he earn his way. This he accomplished by cutting corn, painting barns, driv-ing teams arid on one occasion, by helping to make a roadbed for a new railroad. The study of law lured Harding's fancy when college days were over and when he was 19 years old, he moved to Marion, with a view to pre-paring for that profession. The law proved less attractiv . on closer in-spection. however, and Warren turned . to newspaper work. In colle ge he had been editor of the colle ge paper. He began work on the Marion Mirror, a Democratic newspaper. For his labor on the staff, he drew a salary of $ 9 a week. The Blaine campaign took place at that time and Warren insisted on wearing a Blaine high hat, thus a-rousing the indignation of his boss who fired him. ( Continued on another page) C, urleas of t: anti- White of Converse ' spent Tues-evening with Mrs. ClOra Curless. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Turner re-armed home Sunday after a week's visit with relatives in the southern part of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Armstrong and family had as dinner guests Friday, Mrs. Maggie Ayers and children and Frank Rioth and family. Mr. and Mrs. Kenton Maddock and children left Saturday morning for Tangier, Ind., and St. Joe, Ill., where they visited until Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Fleming had as their Sunday dinner guests, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Osborn and James Warns-ley of Kokomo. Miss Leah Powell, Miss Addie Res-oner and C. C. Hannah of Swayzee and Harry Kendall of Kokomo motor-ed to Silver Lake, Sunday. Mrs. Will Duncan and Charles Bog-ue and wife were dinner guests Sun-day of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Duncan and son. Mrs. F. P. Cates and grandson Al-bert Hofferbert and Mrs. W. P. Thompson visited at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Emery Creviston and sons near Van Buren, Sunday. Rufus Currens, Floyd Neyhart and Ed Neyhart went to North Manches-ter Sunday in the interests of the Street Fair and report some added features. Mrs. Mollie Turner, who has been sick the past two weeks, is improving. Mr. and Mrs. Glen Woody and chil-dren of Swayzee were Sunday even-ing guests of Mrs. R. J. Currens. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Ormel'Spen-cer, southeast of town, a fine eight pound baby girl, Friday. The little Miss will answer to the name of Ar-netta Jane. Dr. and Mrs. J. F. Powell had as Saturday night guests, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Hall and children of Kokomo. On Sunday they all motored to Ossian where they visited Mrs. Powell's par-ents, Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Chalfant. J. C. Symons and wife of Jerome, Mrs. Bert Symons of Greentown, Mrs. Rena Land of Curtisville and Mrs. Anna McVickor of Landesville, Ind„ were dinner guests Friday of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Himes. The Women's Foreign Missionary Society of the Wesleyan Methodist church met Wednesday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Maude Larowe. An interesting program was given and a good number was present. Mrs. Viola Armstrong arrived home Wednesday evening from Cincinnati, 0., where she had been visiting her sister, Mrs. Nora Stutesman, the past three weeks. Another sister. Mrs. Ida Hampson of Florence, Kansas, visited there at the same time, it be-ing the first time in twenty- seven years the three sisters had all visited together. Mr. end Mrs. Ross Kemper and Miss Veda Phares motorei, to the home of Frank Graf and family at South Whit-ley Sunday and spent the day. Other guests were, Miss Cleo Beetle of South Whitley. Douglas Miller and Mr. and Mrs. Will Phares of Fort Wayne. Miss Vada Phares, who has been visiting Mr. and Mrs. Kemper the past few weeks accompanied her parents to her home in Fort Wayne. Awl dresst up an kno plaise ter go. But ime watin fer de strete fare. Lawse ey bett dat itl wrane ergin sune doant yu. Sum wrane we hed tuthir da. Chereup, de froaste'l sune bee oan de punkins an de fodir inn de shok. MISS CORA BRUNK DIED LAST SUNDAY MORNING Miss Cora Brunk, daughter of Eli Brunk liivng on West Main street, died Sunday morning, following a long illness, aged 47 years, 7 months and 5 days. The deceased had been a resident of this community for the entire period of her life, excepting a few months when she moved to Koko-mo a few years ago, that she might be nearer to her work. She had a wide acquaintance throughout Howard County, gained through her connect-ions with various merchandising es-tablishments. She was a trusted and valued employe of the Wm. H. Turner Co. at Kokomo Prior to her last sick-ness, which called for an operation. All that loving hands could do, was done, that she might regain her health but to no avail, the pangs of disease having fastened itself about her and would not be denied. All who came in contact with her was her friend, and the sympathy of the entire com-munity is extended to the stricken family. The funeral occurred from the M. E. church Tuesday afternoon conducted - by the pastor, Rev. A. E. Leese, followed by burial in the local cemetery. The obituary will be found on an-other page. MEMORIAL SERVICES • REV. WHITE AND DR. H. C. MILLER TO GIVE ADDRESSES Services Will Be Simple In Compli-ance With Services at Washing-ton and Marion. In compliance with the various proclamations of the president and governor, Greentown in a spirit of reverence and mourning, will meet at the Meridian Street Christian church Friday afternoon at 2: 30 o'clock, to pay their respect to the late presi-dent, Warren G. Harding, whose un-timely death has thrown the entire nation and world in mourning. The nature of the services will be in keeping with the spirit of the oc-casion and will be simple in every detail, just as the services at Wash-ington where the body lies in state will be, in compliance with the wishes of Mrs. Harding. Proclamations by the president of the United States and the Governor of Indiana,- have proclaimed this day one of mourning, and all loyal Amer-icans are expected to observe these proclamations in some fitting manner. Therefore, it is the duty of each and every one of us to be present at the services to be held in the Meridian Street church, and thus pay our home-age to one whom we looked upon as the leader of the greatest nation on the face of the globe. The program for the services will be one in which all may feel that the spark of patriotism and love of country predominates; one in which all come with bowed heads in mourn-ing the loss of our twenty- ninth presi-dent, regardless of creed, politics or personal opinions. A large number and in fact every loyal citizen, who possibly can do so, should be present at this service. Don't forget the time at 2: 30 Friday afternoon. The music will be in charge of Mrs. J. E. Fulwider, and Rev. Clifford L. White and Dr. H. C. Miller will de-liver short addresses. Following is the program as outlined: Song, " Nearer My God To Thee" Congregation Devotional Rev. Bicycle Solo Mrs. Fulwider Scripture Lesson ____ Rev. A. E. Leese Quartette, " Lead Kindly Light" Talk Dr. H. C. Miller Talk Rev. Clifford L. White Song, " America" Benediction. W. C. T. U. MEETING The W. C. T. U. will meet at the home of Mrs. Emma Richer on North Meridian street Tuesday afternoon. It is hoped a large number of members and visitors will be present. John S. Mitchell of Windfall Received Spurious Letter Last Sunday Afternoon. THREATS LIFE OF HIS SON AS WELL AS HIS OWN Caused Much Excitement Monday When Letter Is Made Known to the Public. Our neighboring town of Windfall was thrown into a state of heated ex-citement Monday when it became known that John S. Mitchell, one of the most prominent and wealthy men of that community, had received a blackhand letter, directing him to hand over $ 5,000 that evening or suf fer the penalty prescribed in the let-ter. Mr. Mitchell received the letter Sun-day afternoon, but with his usual good judgment he began to think the mat-ter over before he acted. He was warned to never make known the let-ter under threat of death. After going over the situation thoroughly he decided to let matters take their course and not to comply any of the requests. However he was consider-ably worried, which is only natural. When it became known generally many volunteered their assistance in trapping the plotters, but this was deemed inadvisable. The letter was read before a tent meeting that even-ing, before a large crowd of citizens who openly expressed their indigna-tion at the spurious letter. As Mr. Mitchell said, it is not the money so much as the principle at stake. The, is nothing quite so low clown, mean, an i unforgiveable as a black hand, operator who is working' uncar the veil 0 darkness, afraid to get out in the open. One of this kind is worse than a burglar, or a thief who have some honor among their kind. A blackmailer, could be your best friend, and you would never know it, so sneaking and low down in their cussedness, that even a snake would not want to bother them. Much speculation was going the rounds early in the week, as to who might have perpetrated the dastardly plot. Many expressed the view that it was local talent, while others seem-ed to think it was professionals at work. However this angle of the case is being left to the proper authorities and their progress has been very fav-orable to date. They evidently did not figure that Mr. Mitchell would stand up for a principle, as he is doing, or else they would have thought twice before leaping into such a sneaking piece , of work. John S. Mitchell, president and gen-eral manager of some six or seven packing plants and various other en-terprises in and around Windfall, has done more for the community's best interests than any one single man in that territory. He has accumulated all his wealth by hard work, often times spending an entire night solving some difficult problem concerning his business matters in connection with the concerns he is at the head of. It is hard to understand who would do him such a mean trick locally, but stranger things than that have hap-pened. The Gem is permitted to publish the text of the original letter as a court-eousv from Mr. Mitchell, which will put down many spurious rumors a-float concerning the contents of the missive. The letter follows: Friday, August 3rd, 1923. John S. Mitchell, Windfall, Indiana. Sir: It is quite probable that your first impulse upon receipt of this letter will be to cast it aside, but if you have the intelligence that we give you credit with having, you will read carefully and consider well. This is to inform you that your son, June Mitchell, is in very grave danger. In fact it may mean his life, and in this letter we are going to show you how you can save him. To get to the cause of the whole thing we will say this. There are three determined men at the back of this letter. We have all been injured by you through your small and low down business dealings. You have at various times taken advantage of us when we trusted you, and the result has been that us and our families have actually suffered. Now we seek com-pensation. THERE IS ONE THING SURE: YOU WILL EITHER REPAY US IN BLOOD OR DOLLARS. This is a simple case of blackmail, and all of us are aware of the risk which we run. But that only makes us the more determined and desperate. First, get this, THIS IS NO JOKE, so get that out of your head at once. What we want is five thousand dol-lars. AND WE ARE GOING TO ( Continued on another page) E.. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Street and r. and Mrs. Ed Schaaf motored to Marntou Sunday and.. spent the .. 1Local 3Doingz•• = FRIDAY AFTERNOON ler, lian Street Chr— Chard. Di: ginning at 2: 30 O'clock. |