davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04
VOL. 3.--NO. 20.
THE MuRDERER OF NoRCRoss.

The Philadelphia North .7mcricnn, in speak
ing of the supposed murderer of young Nor
cross who was recently killed near Altoona,
saws High constable Blackburn, of this city,
has been on the search of McKim for some
time past. The officer, after visiting Pitts
burgh and obtaining full description of tho
murderer, visited Chester and Delaware coun-
ties, where it was found he was charged with
the larceny of 90 horses. He also discovered
that McKim had three wives, his lawful one
residing in Delaware and the others in New
Jersey.
At Altoona it was ascertaned that man an
swering to the description was seen lurking
about the building in which the inquest upon
the murdered man was held, until a verdict Of
murder was rendered by the jury. He then
disappeared, and was not traced again until
the officer arrived at Reading here it was
found that be had spent several days, and then
left with two women of loose morals, after hav-
ing purchased dresses, iewelry, &C.. fer them.
From this place he went to Pottsville with his
female companions, rented and furnished a
house for them at an expense Of about $500,
and here he would have been arrested but for
the foolishness of a gambler who made his ac
quaintance.
1t appears that while the supposed murderer
was on his way to Pottsyille with the women,
the gambler entered into conversation With
one Of the women. and by this means received
an invitation to visit the house to be opened
by their friend. The gambler, finding that the
man had some money, determined to iuveigls
him into game, and strip him, but before he
could accomplish his object, he (the gambler)
saw description Of Norcross's companion and
supposed murderer, but, instead of having
McKim arrested Immediately, he commenced
telegraphing 10 the Mayor of Philadelphia for
a fuller description, and after two days had
been spent in this way, the gambler came to
the conclusion that McKim was the man, and
telegraphed to the Mayor TO send up an officer
In the meantime the gambler had informed
one OF the women of the discovery he had
made, and requested her to keep quiet; bu.
she, feeling, I suppose, some compassion for
the man that had clothed and fed her, informed
N Kim that hew suspected, aud he, without
| admitting the truth, left Pottsville two days
before the officer from Philadelphia arrived.
" Kim was seen after this in Philadelphia, but
all traces now have been lost of him. His
trunk is still at the Pennsylvania depot, and in
it is carpenters rule with his name upon it.
The furniture which he had in the house at
Pottsville, and the jewelry which he gave the
women, has all been seized By the authorities
of Pottsvlle, and will be sold, and the pro-
ceeds given TO the friends of the deceased.
The women that lived with him we're hootcd
and pelted as thew were going to the depot to
leave the town. M'kim is a out 6 feet high,
stoop-shouldered, sandy hair, bald in front,
high cheek bones, and there is scar N the
palm and on the back of one Of his hands,
caused by pistol shot.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04

GARRoTING.-The Lewistown. Pa, Gazette,
of the 18th Feb, says-ssThe first attempt at
introducing this species Of robbery was tried
last week by woman inveigling man into a
house, and soon as he entered it, had him
knocked down by a man in waiting, and robbed
of watch. The case came up before a ma
gistrate, but was afterwards settled by the par
ties One of the pecularitics of this case was
that one of the party was implicated in a rob-
berry on Thursday, committed to Jail on Fri
Sunday" They seem to be rayther fast peo-
pie down thar in Lewisteown.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04

Mutually THANKFuL.-The Christian Intel
igencer tells story of Young lawyer, who,
while dining with Gen. Jackson, .sthanked
God that he had too much good sense to be-
leve in such place of torment as he'll" The
General replied that she thanked God there
was such place, to put such skeptical rascals
as the lawyer in.''
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04

l was fascinated by her conversation, and
was continually reminded by her grace and re-
tinement ot manner, that she capable of
moving with distinguished success in far
higher sphere than that which fortune seemed
to have allotted her. l am naturally neither
talkative nor prone to confidence; but there
was that in thisyoung lady which inspired both,
and conversed with her as had never con-
versed with any. Her questions of the vari-
Gus countries with which | was familiar. indi-
Gated remarkable knowledge of literature
and incredible store of inform alton.
We progressed in intimacy, and as our con-
Yersation turned upon the causes which induc-
ed so many to leave their native land, laugh
ingly remarked that owed my own travels to
falling with pretty girl into ford
had hardly spoken these words, ere the
blood mounted to her face, and was succeeded
by qnite remarkable paleness. I, I,attributed
this to the heat of the room-laug ghed-and, at
her request, proceeded to give the details of
my ford adventure with Helen Graham, which
did, painting in glowing colors the amiabili-
ty of my love.
Her mirth during the recital became almost
irrepressibe. At the conclusion she remark
ed
''Mr. Roberts, is it possible that you have
forgotten me 70
i gazed an instant-remembered- was
dumbfounded. The lady with whom had be-
come acquainted was Helen Graham herself.
l hate, and so do you, reader, to needlessly
prolong story. We were soon married. He
len and made our bridal tour to the old place.
As we approached it in our carriage, greeted
a stout fellow working in the field, who seem
ed to be better sort of laborer, or perhaps
small farmer, by inquiring some particulars
relating to the neighborhood. He answered
well enough, and was about to give him a
sixpence, when Helen stayed my hand, and
cried in the old style
''Hey, Donald, mon, dinna ye ken yer old
fren's 20
The man looked up in astouishment. II was
Donald Leon. His amazement at our appear
ance was heightened by the styles and it was
with the greatest difficulty that we could in
duce him to enter our carriage and answer our
numerous queries as to our old friends.
Different men sstart III lfe'' different ways.
l believe, however, that mine is the only in
stance on record of gentleman who owes
wealth and happiness to rolling over with
pretty girl in stream of water.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04

USEFUL INTENTIONAL countryman passing
ever railroad in Northern New York, which
is proycrbially slow. asked the conductor why
acow-eatcher was attached to the rear ear in
stead OF the usual place; he was informed by
the officer that it was Sin order to prevent the
cows on that road from running into the train.'
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04

a SHARP 1oUSGsrER--A little boy on his
return from Sunday School recently, address
sed his mother follows: mamma -, s.Weil.
my dess." ''M NINA, the teacher says that
people are all made of dust'' s.Yes. NV dear.
so the Bible says" swell, mamma, are white
people made of dust ?'' '.Yes'' @Wcli. then,
s'Pose coiored people are made of coal dust,
ain't they 2''
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04
was seized, sent to England, tried and exc

was seized, sent to England, tried and exc
cuted.
Centuries have passed, and all traces of tho
manor house of Coeymans have disappeared,
but tradition still points out its site, and tells
of an old stone house, and of spectre in rust
ling silks and high-hecled shoes that glided
through its lonely halls long after Madame
Coeymans went to her grave.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04

HooPs.-The Chicago Herald says A lady
down Water street, in passing West India
some barrels of sugar, became so entangled
with the hoops, &c, that before the cooper was
aware of his mistake, no had seized the lady's
skirt and got the lady and sugar mixed that
it was a long time before he could separate
them.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04

New LITAYY.-Here is a litany which, al
though not exactly orthodox Will pass among
sinners
From tailors' bills, doctors pills, western
chils and other ills-deliver US.
From want of gold, wives that scold, maid
ems old, and by. sharpers .ssold"-deliveru
From seedy coats, protested notes, sinking
boats and illegal yotes-deliver us.
From creaking doors, wife that snores,
ssconfounded bores," and dry good stores
deliver us.
From modest girls, with waving curls, and
teeth of pearls-never mind.
From singing flies, coal black eyes, bakers
pies, and babies' cries-deliver us.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04

WHAT ARE WE TO DO FOR SUGAR "A falling
off i'm the sugar crop in Louisiana of two
thirds-a continued Abandonment of sugar es-
tates in the British West Indes-the unpro-
ductiyeness OF the Central American regions,
in consequence Of political troubles, and the
largely increased prosperity of the world of
consumers, have led to rise of nearly one
hundred per centum in the price of one of the
most valued necessaries of life. Nor is there
the least prospect, in the opinion of those best
qualified to Judge that this enormous rise will
be followed by corresponding fall fer years
to come. The necessity win stimulate renew
ed attention to our Northern sugar-the ma
pie. 1t is already more largely grown than is
suspected. New York and Vermont arc lar
ger sugar producers than Louisiana. Canada
makes seven pounds of sugar for every four
that she imports. Scientific skill, applied per-
severingly to our backwoods article, may ena-
bic it 10 supersede the prodnce of the cane.
But still higher expectations are formed from
the experiments which have been made with
the sorghum, or Chinese sugar cane. 1t has
been grown successfully in thirteen States,
from Vermont to Louisiana, from Georgia to
Minnesota. 1t possesses marked advantages
over the common sugar cane, in ripening three
months sooner, in growing readily from seed,
and in opposing but little obstacle to the ex-
traction of the saccharine matter. y careful
agricultural chemist estimates that, with prop
er cultivation, it will yield 1000 to 2o00 pounds
of sugar to the acre and another has himself
obtained 468 gallons of syrup to the acre.
We advise farmers who want to make money
TO give little thought to this sorghum, and
also to the maple. There is fine fortune for
the man who shall supply our breakfast tables
with pleasant, wholesome article of North
ern growth.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04

GyHow much easier it is to preach than to
practice. The day after old Gloss discharged
his clerk for stealing. BE sold a hogshead. of
coiorea alcohol for pure French brandy.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04

Wonruo FRr1xe.-A poultice of common
white Limo beans applied to the throat, while
hot, il is said. will cure qunsy'
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04

A lady has lately died at Actopan, in aexi-
CO, at the wonderful age of lS6 years. Mexi-
CO has had seventy-dve politicsi changes IN
this vomsn's iifetims.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04

scoundrel and polltroon, the latter complains
that he does not spell paltroon correctly.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04
WASHINGTON GOSSIP.

Senator Wright, of New Jersey, submitted
his long expected report in favor of the gener-
al adoption of iron as building material by
the national government. 1t fully sustainS
Guthrie's policy of discrimination in favor of
American iron in the purchase of government
material, or of extending Incidental protection
to this interest in the disbursement as well as
in the collection of public revenues. 1t is re-
garded as one of the most significant party
movements of the day, and as having some
reference to the five hundred thousand votes
given by the iron men for Buchanan in Penn
sylvania and New Jersey at the Presidential
election.
There is some talk among the members of
making a move to repeal the Iowa bill passed
last session, granting land for railroad pur-
poses, as it is alleged that it was passed by
fraud and corruption.
Gen. Cass is putting on the airs of youth in
view of his appointment to the Premiership.
He has mounted claret-colored coat, and has
suddenly discovered that he is quite too young
to ride to the Capitol. He has accordingly "a
bandoned his carriage, and walks daily to the
Senate with short and brisk steps worthy of
Mercury just lighted on the hcaven-kissng
HILL
Private letters from Mexico have been re-
ceved here, which state that highly impor-
tant treaty has been, or is about to be conclu-
ded between Mr.. Forsyth, our Minister, and
the Mexican Government, whereby large
share Of Merican Territory, embracing the phols
Of The State Of Sonora, is 10 be ceded TO TIE Uni
ted States, tor the sum of Sl5, 1000, ,000--three
millions to go towards the payment of Mexi-
can claims. Certain concessions in favor of
american commerce are also embraced in the
treaty.
l learn that the inaugural Of Mr.. Buchanan
is finished. 1t will be short.
The policy of Mr.. Buchanan respecting our
foreign ministers is considerably canvassed.
The applicants for the first class missions will
be numerous. twill be expected by the Pre-
sident elect that every minister, charge d. at
faires and consul will send home his resigna-
tion without delay. They will all be displaced !;
there will not probably be single exception.
Our diplomatic corps is to be entirely renova-
ted and rejuvenated.
All the home officers will be changed. There
is to be rotation. This is certainly the policy
of Mr.. Buchanan. Most of the collectors,
postmasters, marshals, district attorneys, &C.,
Will be allowed TO remain till their terms of Of
flee expire; the remainder will be removed
before the expiration Of their commissions.
This information you may rely upon.
General Cass received an official notification
to-day from Mr. Buchanan of his appointment
as Secretary OF State, and despatched letter
this evening informing the President elect that
he accepted the position. Both letters were
understood to be exceedingly fclicitous.
Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-03-04

In one of the interior towns of Virginia,
Miss Nancy Shrew was lately married to Mr..
Samuel Devil. A shrew and devil will n, AXE
an even team, says al exchange.
The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1857-05-09

rights of the sovereign States, and always with
u due regard for the prerogatiyes assigned to
the general government
Late events have been such as to leave no
margin for evasion or cquiyocation on the part
of political parties in this country. Positive
principics in al their native nakedness, for good
or for evil, have been brought to bear directly
upon the politics of the country. Questions
not susceptible of debate, except upon the high
ground Of constitutionality, have almost cxclu-
sivey engaged pnblc attention. And it is to
the Democratic purity that the nation has turned
for a vindication Of the constitution and the
protection of the Union
North and South, East and West, the war.
fare is wagcd now as ever, upon the same plat.
form and the same principles, on the part Of
the Democracy Douglas Of Illnos Toucy of
Connecticut, Alexander Of New Jersey and all
that noble band Of Northern National Demo:
Gratis, have been, and are still, fighting under
the same flag that floats over Wise and Hunter
OF Virginia, Cobb Of Georgia, Jones Of Tcnncs;
see, Pickins Of California and their thousands
Of co-laborers and confrcres through out the
South.
Such Il party must always triumph as long
as patriotism is alive in the hearts Of Ameri.
cans, aud PrtRoPtes are rcsortcd to for the
adjustment Of difficulties and the dissipation Of
dangers.
The South is of course considered safe for
Democratic principles since the vote Of Novem-
bcr last.--And in the North there are more
encouraging indications that our canse is
strengthening. In New England in the North:
West, and indeed almost every wheLc, where
the people have spoken at the polls since the
election Of Mr.. Buchanan, the Democratic par;
ty has been shown to be gaining ground
But let us not relax our efforts or abatc our
ZEAL as long as there is an abolition fanatic in
Congress ora Black Republican party in the
country.
The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1857-05-09
LEGAL SALES.
PROBATE SALE.

TIM STATE OF LOUISIANA, 9TH District Court
PARISH OF Wesr FEIIeIANA. { No
Succession of John Wicker, deceased
TN PURSUANCE TO an order to me directed from
the Honorable Court aforesaid, will sell at pub
lie auction ut my Office in the town of Jackson. par.
isl OF East Fcliciana DIT II o'clock, A. NJ . on
TUESDAY, the 21st day of May, 1851.
the following described property appcrtaning to said
succession. to-wit:
Five (5) 'ots of ground in the town of Jack
son together with all the Improvements
thereon, said lots being numbered one, two,
three, and four, and the eastern half of lots
seven and eight, all in square number thirty
four, according to the fguratve plan of the
town of jackson.
TERMS OF SALE
One half Of the purchase price cash, the balance
on credit until the first day Of January 1858. the
purchaser to give his note with approved personal
security with eight per cent interest after maturity,
and consent that mortgage importing confession
ofndgmcnt be retained on the property until full and
final payment
april lS 1857. G. W. CATLETT. Auctioneer.
The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1857-05-09

The STATE OF LOUISIANA, 9TH District Court
PARISH or EAST FELlcI,NA. No. GGO
Mary Wilson. vs. John Rist
Df Virtue Of wrt.of Il, ia. to me directed in the
- above entitled suit by the Honorable Court afore
said, have seized and will offer for sale at the
door of the Court House in the Town of Clinton said
Parish on the
First Saturday in JUNE, A. d. 1857.
at II o'clock \. NJ all the right title interest and
claim OF the defendant John Rist in and to the fol
lowing property which he has given up to satisfy
plaintiffs demands and all costs to wit.
Two certain town lots, situated lying and being
in the town of Port Hudson said parish and
State, with all the buildings and improve.
mcnts thereon and all the rents and revenues
arising therefrom, known and designated on
the figurativc plan of said town as lots Nos
two (2) and three (3) in square No, fifteen
Q5)
TERMS or SALE.
Cash with the benefit of appraisemcnt
May 1857. b. NJ. G. BROWN, Sheriff.
The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1857-05-09
PROBATE SALE.

The STATE OF LOUISIANA. ! 7th District Court
PARISH OF EAST FEIIcIANA, No. 1882
Succession of J. w. Lownsdae.
I'm pursuance to M order to me directed from The
l. Honorable Court aforesaid, | will sell at public
auction at my Office in the town of Jackson. at II
o'clock 4. NJ, on
WEDNESDAY, May the 18th, 1857,
the following described property appcrtaining TO
said succession, to wit:
A certain tract of land containing $50 acres
more or less bounded as follows, north by
lands Of NJ. j. Barr, south by lands of Jones
and McManus, east by lands of Mrs. Catlett,
west by Thompsons creek.
TERMS or SALE
One half cash, the balance on one years credit.
purchaser to give his note with personal security
and mortgage to be retained importing confes-
sion Of Judgment. G. w. CATLETT.
April Ii, 1857 Auctioneer.
The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1857-05-09
A TALE OF THE YELLOW FEVER.

In September, 1905, the yellow fever pre-
vailed to fearful extent in New York. As
never left the city in fever times, was sitting
in my tent door in the cool Of the day. l be-
held strange man moving from the South, and
vending his way northward. lie walked in
the middle ofsthc street, and was reading the
signs on the right and lcft.-IIc paused in
front ofmy door. As he stepped inside--"Mr.
Thorburn" said he.
Where did You get my name2" Inquired.
II saw it over the door," said he. II have
just come on shore from the ship Draper, from
Liverpool. am carpenter by trade. My
name is Robert Hoe | am now in my eight:
tecnth year"
Robert were your indentnres fulfilled be.
fore you left England9" says l.
81 never was bound-I learned the trade
with my father,' he replied. ~ can find work.
have no money Can you recommend me to
Il house, in u healthy part of the city, where l
may board till get employment~
lie was tile picture of honest simplicity. Ny
heart warmed towards him, for | knew the
heart OF q stranger, having been stranger
myself Igave him chair and went up stairs.
Says /:
"Gudc wife, stranger standeth at the door
shall we take him in~
"If thee plcascs," she answered
"If he takes the fever, will thee help me to
nurse him."
81 WILL" she replied.
Thank you, my DEAR" said !; "lor this, God
will bless you"
| kept himhome as much us possible. The fe:
yer seized him, however, before he was week
in my house, got the best medical advice.
NJ "a I ~, a.,
generally the crisis, he was under the operation
of powerful medicine. The white Of his eyes
and HIS clear skin were as yellow as the gold
Of Mexico. The burning fever was coursing
through his veins and drinking up his English
blood. Hc looked wildly on my face.
80, Mr.. Thorburn, Mr.. Thorburn, l shall
die! ] never can stand this!o
ode Robbcrt?" Lsays |; we all must die.
But you wont die this weckw
in this | spoke unadvisedly, but thought
with Pope Plus the Seventh, the end would
sanity the means. (Fancy kills and fancy
curcs.) ! knew there would lie lull in the
fever, when the medicine ceased operating, and
wished to pesuadc him to live if possible
While conyersng he dropped asleep. lie slept
two hours. | felt his pulse when he awoke.
''TutW says |. "Robert you are fifty per
cent beCter already. / hope you have many
years to live and become a master builder
married to one Of our bonney Yankee lasses.'
hope 10 carry your grandchildren in my arms;
before you dic."-(In 1916, this prophecy was
fulfilled to the letter.
From that hour the fever left him. He be.
came respectable master builder 1t was he
who made the grand Improvement in til e print
ngprcssI His sons.and grandsons continue the
business, and are making further improvements.
He died in ls43; but his name will live
while types are set and printers breathe Books
which previous to this sold for one dollar, can
now be Bought for fifty cents. Some Of tho
type setting fraternity will be pleased to hear
where Hoe lived, moved, and had his being.
The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1857-05-09
WANTING TO HIRE.

NIGIlT or Ten stout Negro men for the purpose Of
.U cutting cord wood on or near the banks Of the
Mississippi River, six miles above Baton Rouge. |
will pay the rates Of 100000 per year for good hands
hey shall he fed bountilul, and proper care taken
ol them Those who have Negro men to hire must
apply soon Jan 81 '57l JOHN NETTLES.
The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1857-05-09
The STATE or LOUISIANA,
PARISH or EAST FELIcIANA.
George Opdykc, ct. al.
7th District Court.
No. 1905, ll09,

u. j. Banton. ana l'o''
D1 virtue of writ of fcri iacias TO me directed by
ID the honorable court aforesaid, against the de.
PENDANT A. H. Hart, on n twelve months bond | have
seized and will offer for sale at the door Of the court
house in the town of Clinton. said parish on
The First Saturday in JUNE, A. D. 1851,
at II o'clock A. W. all the right title interest and
claim of said Arthur b. Hart, in and to the following
named slaves that have seized to satisfy plaintiffs
demand and all costs, to-wit:
A negro woman named DIANA, aged about
q years, and her two children, viz:
CLARK, aged about 3 years, and
FED, " q" 3 months.
TERMS OF sAIE--casl.
may 2, 1857. b. NJ. G.. BROWN Sheriff.