The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1859-01-06
From the New York Mercury.
UNCLE NED"
A DOM RSTIC SIX ETC II
BY JEssAMY JAssAMY.

! Perhaps the old int abitants of certain little
village, located on the banks of the Hudson, no,
hundred miles from New York, stIl remember
a tall muscular darkey, called Uncle Ned
who many years ago, lived close to the town
! line.
Ned was dog fancier in fact, he had estab-
lished regular dog college, where he tutored and
| trained the various specimens OF the canine spe-
ces, confded to his charge for that purpose, by
gentlemen, far and near.
Well do recollect, as though it happened
yesterday, seeing him go along the road with a
pack of mongrel ours at his heels. His train
consisted of dogs of all kinds and sizes, from the
huge Newfoundland to the little lap. dog, all un-
der complete control, and each one in his prop
| er ace. He also had four Of his best train
ers" broke to harness and when he would come
out on a summerday with his double team
streaking it down the pavement or road we lads
thought it very nice sport, and would follow
him in crowds mile or more on his journey
With his celebrated team, and his learned span
| el, which he had taught TO perform thousand
cunning little tricks, added to his own tall com
manding appearance. Ned became quite noted
| Parsonage
One Of the numerous pack he had learned to
steal. The way he managed to do it was as fol.
! lows:
He would go on ahead--the dog close TO his
heels--unlil he saw any particular article which
lie CONelGu--d pair Vi DOOlS pcIUdPS-US WOulu
point it out to the sagacious animal and after
he had gone three or iour block further on, he
would turn around and bid him ''go and fetch
! it" The four-fOoted thief always obeyed i'm
mediat ly, and invariably got of in safety with
| his ill.gOtten booty.
| Some of the old shoe dealers in New York
could, perhaps affirm to this to their sorrow, for
| do believe lhat Ned did not purchase pair OF
boots during ten years, and lie g. neraly went
we'll shod.
Aftera while, however, the two rogues became
So noted, that whenever they hove in sight, a
| strict watch was kept upon their movements
until they had gone. The tailor took down the
garments hanging outside the door; the shoe
maker slowed his stock under the counter; The
grocer dispac his turkeys aud geese; the
butcher his choicest roaSts and the timid halter
locked his doors, SO that it Was but Sci dom they
obtoined an opportunity TO indulge their thiev-
ing propensi'ies. Uncle Ned there ore, as
matter of policy, Abandoned his old habits after
awhile sold his dog for large sum 10 burglar
and became all honest man.
As ''Uncle Ned advanced IN years he became
pious, aud joined the Methodist church. He
went regularly to meeting twice every sabbath
and IN the pray and class meetings took part in
the exercises. 1t was rich treat to hear him sing
--ior he had. very fine volce-esp, claly during
'protracted nee tngs." People came miles 10
|
calst sitting III his Iitlle pew close by the stove
| i'll the corner, his eyes closed, his head thrown
back, US he warbled :orth some of the good old
songs OF Zion. Some times, when the excitement
was great, the congregation would join in with
him, but his shriii, clear voice could h4 distinct
! y heard above the rest. He continued wor-
thy member as long as resided there, and may
be to this day, il alive, good Christian.
lie was, in truth, remarkable character. He
/ smoke sc well ms he SauU kNhpn - ITucla NJ
arose 10 address the meeting, all eyes would turn
toward him; and pin dropping might have
been heard, so universal was the silence. AS he
commenced 10 exhort nc spoke in Low, musi.
cal tone, gradually increasing IN volume, until,
reaching high key, h. would, in his natural
loud voice, deliver an address, which, for articu-
! laion aud pathoS might have done honor TO an
educated person. AS he spoke of Jesus the
Cross, and Calvary, his voice would become bro
ken and tremuous-he sobs, and bursts into
tears No longer able to speak, he sits down
| in his humble seat amid the weeping audience.
Others might follow, but none could talk ds we'll
as the poor colored brother.
AS he advanced in divine life, so did his use
iulness increase. He travelled muth, especially
among those of his own color, laboring hard
with them to bring them to Christ.
! He made ample reparation for his numerous
thefs, selling his little house for that purpose
The brethren, however, bought it sfterward.
and gave it back to him.
Dear" Uncle Ned !" How the children loved
him He tcas so good, and told us so many
good stories about the angels and heaven. Often
have we left our play, when We espied the dear
soul coming toward us, and, gathering round,
would ask him 10 tell us again about Jesus. lay
ing in the manger and the Shepherds,
"Who watched the focks by night
Seated on stone, or on the soft, green grass,
the humble deciple of he Savior would there
| inculcaIe lessons OF piety upon Our tender minds
which most OF us, doubt moi, have never for
gotten and trust that the good seed thus sown,
may yet bring forth abundant harvest
God bless you, Uncle Ned
The population of San Francisco is estima led
| 70 be rs, 900 or 81, 900 at the present time