davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Milford chronicle., 1920-02-27
JESSE WELLS TRAGIC
DEATH is A MYSTERY
FORMER TREASURER OF SUSSEX COUNTY
KILLED AT HIS HOME NEAR DELMAR
LAST FRIDAY MORNING.
WIFE MAY EXPLAIN DEATH
WAS WEALTHY AND HAPPY. A PR0MI-
NENT MAN IN POLITICS. NO CAUSE
FOR CRIME KNOWN.

The tragic death of Jesse T. Wells.
well-knOwn farmer and former treas
urer of Sussex County on Friday last
was startling TO all who knew him.
He was a large owner of land of a
high grade and surrounded with
pleasant conditions.
The case is shrouded in mystery.
and the coroner's jury. which inyesti-
gated the shooting failed to establish
whether il was case of accident
suicide. or MURDER The jury's verdict
was that he came to his death from a
gunshOt wound, fired in an unknown
manner.
Mr.. Wells was found dead in the
bedroom of his home near Whiteville
early Friday morning. He and his
wife had retired and were alone in the
room at the time. although their son.
Daniel Wells, and their daughter, Mrs
Eva West. who were visiting them
were in the house.
In the house at the time Mr.. Wells
was shot there were four members of
the family-Mrs. Sallie Ella Wells
his wife; Thomas Brittingham, a SON
in-law; Daniel Wells and wife, Jen-
ME Wells. Mr.. and Mrs. Daniel Wells
and Mr.. Britungham occupied rooms
in the upper floor and Mr.. Wells. who
was found dead, and his wife slept
down stairs.
According to the story told to the
jury by members of the family. Mr..
Wells retired between 10 and IL o.
clock. He had been talking to his son
and daughter-in-law Thomas Brit
tingham, the son-in-law, was upstairs,
being, confined TO his bed with infiu-
enza. A few days ago his wife died.
Between u and l o'clock those in the
house were awakened by a shot from
gun. Before they could get down
stairs Mrs. Wells had come upstairs
to them. The physical condition of
Mrs. Wells, ii was said, has been such
for long time that she had been un-
able to talk and hear but little. and
realizing that they would lose time
if they stopped to make inquiry of her
what had happened, they went down
to the bedroom of Mr. Wells where
they found he had been shot in the
head. He was lying on his left side
and leaning on the side OF the bed was
a shotgun
Il was not until II. B. Hickman. an
undertaken of MillsborO. and Dr..
1A+fNA 0AAAAANos VI AuuIlUOEOt were
called that an examination was made
of the wound, which disclosed that
the shot had evidently penetrated
from the back of the head.
William p. Parsons, a neighbor tes-
titled that he was called BY mem
bers OF the family shortly after Mr..
Wells was shot and told the position
in which he found him, where the gun
was found. etc.
Mrs. Wells. because OF her physi-
cal and mental condition. could not
be examined to give any coherent
story Of what took place in the bed
room.
Mr. Wells was about 60 years old.
an active Democratic political worker
iii his district and was regarded as
one of the most influential and veal
thy farmers in the southern part of
the county
Milford chronicle., 1920-02-27
MAN ASKS QUESTIONS
REGARDING MILFORD SCHOOLS

A communication, dated February
23rd, and addressed to G. Marshall
Townsend, was received at the Chron-
icle Office Thursday morning. In this
letter the writer asks a number Of
questions concerning the operation Of
the Milford Public schools-especial-
ly as to the charge for outside pupils.
This communication was signed,
From a Taxpayer" The publishers
of The Milford Chronicle have no OBJ
lection to publishing articles either
for or against matters of public inter
est, but no articles attacking the
workings of the schools will be pub
lished unless the name Of the writer
is printed. We invite an open dis
cussion of all public questions thru
the columns Of the Milford Chronicle,
but under no consideration will this
publication allow an attack on any
thing through the columns by UNDER
hand methods.
G. MARSHALL TOWNSEND,
Local Editor.
Milford chronicle., 1920-02-27
BIRTHDAY PARTY
SUNSHINE SOCIETY CELEBRATES ITS
PRESIDENTS BIRTHDAY.

At the home of Mrs. c. D. Abbott
the Alden Branch OF the Sunshine So
clety of Milford enjoyed a birthday
party given in honor OF the president,
Mrs. II. L. Bunstein. Mrs. Daniel
Hirch entertained with a number Of
different games. which caused lots OF
merriment. The vice president, Mrs.
r. c. Hall. presented a little gift to
the president saying how much love
and esteem the society has for her,
and wishing her many more happy
birthdays Mrs Bunstein in her sweet
and pleasing manner spoke of her
love for each one, also her appre-
citation and thanks After which re-
freshments were served by the host
ess. The day was one 10 be remem-
bered by all Mrs. H. T. Bunstein
Mrs Charles Barker. Mrs. George H..
Drapher. Sr.. Mrs VIM II. Davis. Mrs
John Ratclin Mrs. Lallie Truitt. Mrs
s c. Evans. Jr Miss Edna Barker,
Mrs Charles Holzmueller. Mrs. Geo
F, Pierce. Mrs. Mark L. Davis. Mrs. A.
W. Powell, Mrs. +. p. Ruhd Mrs. G.
II. Hall, Mrs Arthur Gray. Mrs. B.
3. Nicoll. Mrs. r. c. Hall. Mrs.
Thomas Davis, Mrs Daniel Hirch.
Mrs. o. d. Ackens, Mrs VIM. c. Smith,
Mrs VIM. Aldred. Mrs. c. II. Abbott,
Mrs. VIM. Draper. Miss Bessie Rat
clih, Mrs. Hester Bunstein. Miss Cor
nelia Pierce, Mrs. Haswell Pierce.
Mrs. John Sharpe, Mrs. John Horton
and Mrs. c. d. Abbott were among
those present
Milford chronicle., 1920-02-27
MILLSBORO TO HONOR BETS
WHO LEAVES TO JOIN The PHILLS FOR
SPRING TRAINING IN THE SOUTH.

The Young Mems Club of Mills
boro, Del. will give a banquet next
Tuesday evening, March ?, in honor
OF their fellow member. Walter W.
Belts who leaves for the purpose Of
joining the Philadelphia base ball
club Tor a tryout in training this
spring in the south.
This is the first banquet the Y. NJ.
C.. A. Club has ever given. and its
secretary happens to be Mr.. Belts.
This will be a memorable occasion
for the members as well as for Mr.
Belts.
Mr.. Belts is considered to be the
best base ball pitcher in Delaware
and his fellows are delighted that he
is to get the chance to make good in
professional base ball. He is one Of
The charter members of the Millsboro
Club and one of the best-liked men in
the game of base ball.
The Millsboro Band will furnish mu
sic for the occasion, and every effort
is being made to have this affair one
of the memorable social events Of
MillsbOrO.
Milford chronicle., 1920-02-27
INCOME TAX FACTS YOU SHOULD
KNOW

BridegrOOms are worrying as to how
they shall figure their income tax. A
constant stream of inquiries from the
newlyweds is reaching the Internal
Revenue officials. In many of these
cases both the bride and groom were
employed up to the wedding date;
and the principal point on which ad-
vice is asked is as to whether the
brides income must be shown on the
grOom's return.
The answer is given by the Internal
Revenue man is that all of the earn
ings and other income of both the
bride and the groom for the year 1919
must be considered, even if it was
all spent on trousseau, diamonds,
wedding trips and bonbons. The fact
that they were married on or before
December 81, joins them for the whole
year, so 1ar as Income Tax Is con-
cerned.
A bride of 1919 is in duty bound to
figure up her income and to add it to
hubby's 1919 earnings to determine
whether an Income Tax return is re-
quired. II the total was $4,000 or
more, a return must be made; in
which case both bride and groom may
file separate returns or must file a
Joint return. The latter method is
preferred by the collectors, unless the
aggregate net income of both husband
and wife is $4,000 or over.
And they all want to know whether,
although married only part of the
year 1919, they are entitled to claim
full exemption as a married couple.
The answer is a decided yes; they are
allowed $4,000, plus 5000 for each de-
pendent who is under Is or who, thru
age, defect, etc, is incapable OF self
support. This exemption may be split
in any proportions on the separate
returns Of husband and wife, if they
file that way.
"And remember that March 10, is
the final date for filing returns and
paying Income Taxes" is the warn
ing that the Revenue men add to the
q hova advipp
Milford chronicle., 1920-02-27
MILFORD GRANGE

There was LARGO at,ou,
Grange last SATURDAY. sSternce S.enuance at
the degree work vas aIteInooh r',.I and
torn: 10 c,,,i Nine candidates were taken TTe ins
abpndan4 lIil membership after which
ana very pleasant social IRE, ere served
Next Mex, Saturday this varied e IoIr n spent
Ge WI be given: Report Of Lactnro,.. y, ~ am
conference by Mrs. Nunn iyyJ.ereI WIat .I $
{lo1ng l1td, people can do to advance nes the tle
yop8g ligl gs[5 5o2,,,, OF the Grange. BY several
est ~ tbo biieIl,oers GLs Legislation of inter-
f. eS, 20 me Grange. A. p. Peet sit+,,.il- arf.
feature. Mrs Clarke. fnstrnnI .oII pl, Prise
co' eoio' MRS Heibner Owing to the ','Vli, bib
Gosl S. OF living loafing loyino ~ r'oe NisLi as1
laug9hing' lal9 we will have a bar5 @ ,inla Gna
NJ aq'isl -.oo az Grange Hail February 97 ~
ciotbes ,oO oD, p. m. Lay away your good
UNIQUE program viii be- randoraj n VII
come and play brothers ana siSto-5 49, Gu
Milford chronicle., 1920-02-27
The FARM EQUIPMENT
WEEK DEMONSTRATION
LABOR SAVING MACHINERY DEkONSTRA-
TI0N AT THE PIERCE HARDWARE
co. STORE ALL THIS WEEK.
SllO IN PRIZES GIVEN OUT
HALF OF THE LABOR CAN Be SAVED ON
EACH FARM BY USING LABOR SAVING
DEVICES BRIYEN BY COAL OIL.

All Of this week the sales rooms Of
the Pierce Hardware Company in Mil
ford have been crowded with interest
ed people looking at the display Of
machinery especially adapted for max
ing the work on a farm less laborous
ana more quickly accomplished.
10 get and hold the attention OF
the farmers and those interested in
agricultural enterprises three prizes
nave been arranged for, and they will
be awarded on Saturday. tomorrow.
Inc plan is simple for the awarding
or these prizes. and IL IS carried ont
by sending out 20 farmers generally.
Wherever dispersed. a card with a
INST OF the implements. tools. machin-
cry repairs, etc, printed upon It. and
they are directed TO check opposite
each or the articles such as they
would probably have need for during
the coming season. and return il 10
the fleree Hardware Company. These
cards viii be placed in a churn to-
morrow, and after whirling for sew
eral minutes one will be drawn ont
and that card bearing the name OF the
man VINO returned il, will entitle him
10 the nrst prize, which is a IL horse
power Fairbanks Morse oil engine sill
ling for $50. '''' '''
Inc second prize will be selected bv
whirllng the churn again. and draw
ing theretrom another card, etc. and
that VIII entitle the person to a suit
OF carriage harness worth $25. The
thlrd prize will be awarded in the
same manner and it will be 5 gallons
OF automobile oil. These prizes are
absolutely free and the awarding will
De made at three o'clock tomorrow az
ternOOn.
The demonstration this week has
snoWh ~ horse power oil engine
1rFlng a dynamo operating a sixty
nEe ilght electrict lighting plant with
storage batteries. and one water pumn
ana large tank OF steel holding five
hundred gallons.
Another 3-horse power oil engine
was driving a dynamo and batteries.
water pump, a churn, a washing ma
chlne, cream separator and a small
feed mill. '''''i
A siX-horse power engine was also
working cutoff saw, a large feed
mil and the electric lighting and
pumping machinery.
a lO-horse power engine was driv-
ing a real stone burr grinding mill
ana ensilage cutter and the other ma
chinery ''0i ma
The large store was brilliantly IL
lumlnated from the electricity devei-
oped by the dynamo. and the disnla,,
was very interesting to ali who have
witnessed it.
1t will be continued the balance Of
the week
Milford chronicle., 1920-02-27
The AMERICAN LEGION
CARLISLE-TRUITT POST NO. 10 OF MIL
FORD IN FL0URISHING CONDITION.

Last Sunday morning in the Ave
nue. N. r. Church in Milford a SER
vice was held at which the HOnOrs OF
the French Government conferred up
On those Who died in France and in
me American Army during the great
war. were presented TO their nearest
living relatives. At the same time the
Delaware State Medals were given "a
those who lost sons or relatives in the
war These latter medals will soon
be ready for distribution to every man
who was in the war in any branch OF
the service.
Those who received medals on Sun
day at the n. r. Church. were Mrs. p.
T. Carlisle. Mrs. Saunders Truitt and
Mrs West.
The Post when first organized met
in the State Armory, but they are now
trying TO get a Post Room where thGT
can claim il as their own. and enjoy
their meetings and social hours. and
to that end are preparing to have a
series of dances, the second of which
will be given in March, to which they
ask the public patronage. In addition
they desire all eX-service men 10 en-
roll with the post as early as possible.
Carlisle-Truitt Post was named af-
ter Lieutenant Paris T. Carlisle. 3rd.
who was killed in France. and Lieu
tenant Richard 5. Truitt, who died in
training camp, and they gave their
lives for their country's honor. The
membership at present of the post is
iifty' and the purposes Of the Ameri-
can Legion are "Americanism" first.
last and all the time.
Forever hOnored by millions they
saved,
halloWed the ground where our he
roes sleep
The American Legion will work
To complete their task-'Tis not IN
weep.
Ever loyal, ever grateful.
True Americans, in song and story
viii keep alive in memory
Ihelr wonderful endless glory.
Milford chronicle., 1920-02-27
GROWERS MEET GAMERS

An important meeting was held at
Hotel DUPONT, Wilmington Thursday.
February u. The Executive Com
mittee of the Tri-State Gamers As
sociation invited the Producers As
sociations of Delaware, Maryland,
and Virginia TO send a committee to
confer with them and in accordance
with this invitation, Mr.. John A. Pat
ten and Mr.. l. o. Taylor of Mary
land, Brooks L. Ross, Seaford; George
A. Hill, Bridgeville; Edward S. Nc
Cabe, Selbyville; r. G. Houston,
Georgetown, and c. r. Cosden of Do
yer met with the executive committee
of the tri-state Gamers Association.
Representatives from the Agriculture
Department of Washington and the
Agriculture Colleges of Indiana, New
Jersey, Maryland and Delaware were
present.
The purpose Of this meeting was ex-
planned by Mr.. Silver of the Tri-State
Gamers Association, which was to
bring about, if possible, cooperation
on the part of the growers to obtain
increased yields per acre of tomatoes,
so that the farmers would be able to
produce them more economically,
President Bennett of the Tri-State AS
sociatiOn explained that the Gamers
were requested to state the difficult
ties which confronted them in their
business because of western compe-
titiOn, and the growers were asked to
explain difficulties under which they
labored in producing and marketing
at the present time the crop Of toma-
toes. Experts from Washington and
the different states were requested to
suggest a remedy for existing diff
culties. The Gamers are confronted
by critical situation because the large
yield obtained by western growers en-
ables the western Gamers to secure
at a low price, so that, theq
are anxious that the Tri-State grow
ers, who have heretofore furnished
two-thirds of the tomatoes packed in
the United States, should by improved
methods in the selection of seed,
growing of plants, and cultivation, in
crease their yield per acre.
After Mr.. Silver had explained the
purpose Of the meeting, DR.. Simon of
the Maryland Agricultural College ad-
dressed the meeting. He was follow
ed by Mr.. Ross and Mr.. Houston who
spoke in behalf of the growers. Profs.
Cook of New Jersey and Temple of
Maryland explained the difficulties in
growing the crop in Maryland and
New Jersey and the experiments that
had been made there.
DR.. OrtOn of the Agriculture De-
partment at Washington explained in
detail the different plant diseases to
which the tomato plant is subject and
their treatment. Others present
joined the discussion.
Owing to the inability of the repre-
sentatives of the growers to remain
over night, it was decided that sub
representing the Gamers
association and producers would meet
at a later date for further conference.
Milford chronicle., 1920-02-27
FLAG PRESENTATION

In the early days Of the war Miss
Frances Layton Grier, daughter of
DR.. and Mrs. Frank L. Grier, placed
on the pulpit reading desk of the Av-
enue church of this town, very
pretty small flag mounted on a brass
staff and base. Last Sunday morning.
in keeping with Washington's birth
day celebration, and the visit of the
Carlisle-Truitt Post of the American
Legion, to present the memorial Of
the French Government to the near
est kin Of deceased soldiers, Miss
Frances pleasantly surprised the
large audience by presenting a large
and elegant silk flag raised up on a
staff and heavy base, with eagle over
looking from the top Of the staff. The
staff bore a plate appropriately in
scZibed and the flag was presented by
the donor thru letter to the pastor,
in which the smaller flag was given
to the pastor as a souvenir Of the as
sOciation in the service Of prayer and
sermons for victory during the war.
The pastor responded thanking Miss
Frances both for the church flag and
the personal gift
Milford chronicle., 1920-02-27
INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION

Inc christmas holidays saw the
closing Of the most successful evening
industrial classes so far set m in Dei9
aware The number and reguIaritv
OF the students in these classes in
uIa"lng and building trades is a good
Iuuicalion OF the permanent need of
sucH WORK. especially in the view of
1eHuehcy 10 relax after the war i'm
pulse Is gone. The new term opened
III January with thirteen teachers. has
again Deen eagerly sought and Il ia
cohhdently expected that within a
SHoFt tlme the city of Wilmington will
oe aDIe 10 ofer a wider variety Of
.Idue extension courses in the even
lns' Ihe most probable of these new
courses are for men EMPLOYED az ma
chlnlsts, pattern makers and eIectri-
clans. anu eieo'Il-
Ihose who are familiar with Dai-
aware know that outside Of the cify
Oi wilmington there is no LARGO il,
dustrlal center, but there are trro
hileeighboring manufacturing commpn1
lues where the progressivenass ~ ~,
local school authorities ana tbe an
cooperation Of the mannfact,rore
nave made it possible IN onar o,,o,,
's u due classes. -Four men have
been employed to give instruction In
blueprint reading. elementary draw
ing. ana mathematics in New Castle
aand IN ClaynOnt and the fact that he
tween so and so men registered the
first week is very encouraging. In New
Castle the largest number of men
come from two steel casting concerns
and from a hard fibre specially plant
Up 70 this time. all the Claymont
men have been employed by the Worth
Steel Plant the most striking feature
Of the class being that it is made up Of
superintendent, foremen and iourn-
eymen steel makers and shop mainte-
nance men.
Claymont which has had all its
growth within a year or two. is also
the home of the plants Of the General
Chemical Company and Of the Nation
al Anytime and Dye Company and
promises to be a community Of con-
siderable industrial prominence
Although three is no compulsory
part-time continuation law in Della
ware Wilmington has been for two
years conducting a very successful
plan of part-time work in the two
large ship years In less than a two
year period. the Pusey & Jones Co
and the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp
have built up systems of apprentice
ship with over 100 boys all over 16
who meet in rooms in the shops on
Saturday forenoons. Under teachers
from the high schools and from the
shops these boys study English and
citizenship, mathematics and mechan-
les and draftinging or chemistry four
hours a week on the employers time
Since it is a part of their apprentice
agreement that the boys shall also at
tend evening school, they are really
under instruction about 300 hours a
year. For the day work they receive
their regular pay and the time spent
in the evening classes is doubled and
deducted from the required term Of
apprenticeship.
All the industrial classes in the
Delaware Schools receive State and
Federal aid. The city of Wilmington
employs a special supervisor who is
responsible for all the evening trade
classes, the high school cooperative
class and the part-time classes.
Milford chronicle., 1920-02-27
FELTON, ACCEPTS
The SCHOOL CODE
The LAST SPECIAL DISTRICT IN della
WARE EXCEPT WILMINGTON TO
COME UNDER The LAW.
TRANSFERS ITS POWERS TO
KENT COUNTY BOARD. SEVERAL RURAL
DISTRICTS WILL Be CONSOLIDATED
WITH FELTON,.

The Board Of Education of the spec
ial school district of FELTON, decided
last Saturday 10 get in under the new
School Code. and turn over its affairs
TO the Kent County Board. BY its
action every special district in the
State except that of Wilmington. will
be under the new Code. There are IA
special districts in all.
Under the change the FELTON, dis
trict Will gain the advantage of a reg
ular high school course as provided
by the Code, something it has not
had, and ultimately it is expected to
obtain a fine big building which will
house pupils from a large consoli-
dated district. At present the FELTON,
school has been instructing pupils
from FELTON,, Rice's Pratt's Branch,
Forest Lane and Black Swamp. This
arrangement will be continued until
the end of this term.
Next Fall it is anticipated a high
school course will be established
which will add to the FELTON, school
the pupils living at Viola. Canter-
bury and McGees. There are about
$50 pupils now in the FELTON, school
and it is believed the high school
classes will add about 80 more.
J. Norris Harrington presided at the
meeting of the Board at FELTON, on Sat
urday at which the change to the Code
was made. Thursday the Board held
a conference with the Kent County
Board when the advantages Of trans
ferring its affairs to the latter were
Opposition to the new Code has been
bitter at FELTON, in spite Of the fact
that the district was in sore financial
straits and its school building and
equipment inadequate and many years
behind the times.
Milford chronicle., 1920-02-27
TOLD IN 4 FEW LINES

Get your pies, cakes, bread etc. at
Pettyjohn's Pharmacy this Saturday.
Bake starts at II a. m.
II you like good things to eat in
the way of pies, cakes and bread. get
them at PettyiOhns Store on satur-
day.
The local W. c. T. U. will meet
with Mrs. C. NJ Hammond next Tues
day evening at 1880. Text word
Pure"
The monthly meeting Of the Ladies'
Ald Society will be held at Chapel on
Wednesday, March 3, at D. m. Am
ladies' of church are welcome.
The Suffrage Association Of Milford
WIZ nold a bake on Saturday, Febru-
aiy -. IN Pettyjohn's Pharmacy.
everything good in the way Of cakes.
pies ana breads viii be sold Come
early and get what is good.
The ladies interested in wop.an
Suffrage held a bake in the old Ma
tlondl Hotel, North Milford last Sat
urday, and so great was the demand,
that they barely got the doors open
before the entire stock was taken.
Isaac Griffith, a colored man who
has followed hod carrying for many
years in Milford, died suddenly last
Sunday morning from pneumonia. He
was getting on in years, and had saw
ed several hundreds Of dollars, which
he had deposited in the bank in Mil
ford.
Minors Scott was badly cut about
the face last Saturday morning while
working in the shop Of William Dem
ney in North Milford. A piece of steel
slipping caused the accident. He was
nearly killed three months ago when
he was knocked from the fire truck
While enroute to Little Creek to fight
q nTe there.
Milford chronicle., 1920-02-27
A VALENTINE PARTY

On Tuesday evening, February six
teen, the home of Mrs. Henry Clarke
was the scene of a very pretty VAL
entine party. About thirty-fve guests
were present. Many novel features
we're witnessed by the guests. Little
Miss Althea Bethard, not quite three
years old, played the part of little
Miss Cupid. Refreshments we're serv-
ed in abundance and the party broke
up at a late hour and after very en-
joyable evening had been spent by
all