White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1861-06-20
LEGISLATIVE SKETCHES.
ABRAHAM RAY.

Mr.. Ray, one of the Representatives of the
Shawnee District, is native Of Germany, and
was born Jew; but his parents neglccting to
circumcise him until the ninth day, the Jews
never would recognize him. However, he was
always regarded as Jew. by the public. He
was educated in the University Of Giessen,
where he was q universal hvorite. Always Of
cheerful disposition, he ever shed happy in
fuence about him. This trait secured for him
the esteem of his fellow students, BY whom he
was called "a. Ray of light serene"-meaning
light heart and serene disposition. He was
passionately fond of music, and, during his col
legc days, invented musical instrument, which
he gave the unassuming name of Jew's-harp.
Herr Ray possessed very enthusiastic temper
ament, and initiated the practice of cheering
and applauding public speakers. This is why
such applause is called Herr Raging" (cor-
ruted into hurrahing.") This term came in
to vogue when Shakespeare was at the height Of
his glory, and he found it very convenient in
arranging his plays. Indeed, when Mr.. Ray
stopped in London, on his way to America,
Shakespeare publicly thanked him for the favor,
in the memorable laeonic speech: 9" I thank
thce, Jew, for teaching me that word!" Mr..
Ray has amassed a handsome fortune by the
publication Of rays Arithmetic
L.F. SMITH,
Is Representative from Leavenworth His
complexion is very dark, and to designate him
from other Smiths, of whom there are several
in the country, he is called "Black Smith"
Some years ago, Mr.. Smith had revelation
from above, commanding him to establish a
new Church, to be called Mormons, the princi
pal creed of which should be women. Rather
liking the creed, he obeyed, and soon found
himself the leader of large Church. Remov-
ing Westward, he founded the city of Nauvoo;
but after remaining there for few years, a
war was made upon them, and they were COM
PEELED to leave. Smith was shot, and left for
dead; but he niraculously recovered, and star
ted to join his flock at Salt Lake. When he
reached Kansas, for some unknown reason he
remained here, and has never since united with
his people, who mourn him as dead. He has
large number of wives and children, who have
become scattered, until some of them may be
found in every community. Mr.. Smiths great
forte still lies in the practice of the Mormon
creed. A few years since he went down into
the Indian country to indulge his forte, and the
place is still called "Fort Smith" He is
son of Gerrit Smith, of New York.
ROBERT MORROW,
Is one Of the Douglas County Senators He
is the son of celebrated Merchant Prince of
Asia Minor, named Sodom Go Morrow, who
was severely dealt with in consequence of GER
tain operations in salt and birthstone. His son
Robert was light hearted youth, but he met
with circumstance, when young man, which
threw cloud over his after life. The sad sto-
ry has been alluded to by talented author.
He fell in love with beautiful young lady,
whose parents had determined she should mar.
ry another. The young couple determined to
be married secretly; but the lady's brother Ho-
ratio discovered the plot, and informed his IA
ther that she had arranged to marry Morrow;
upon which the old gentleman exclaimed: "To
Morrow didst thou say, Horatio7 The Morrow
will never come" Then straightway going to
his daughter, he commanded her to "take no
heed of the Morrow" Ordering carriage, he
sent her far away, where she soon
died of q broken heart. The lover, upon hear
ing of this, was never more seen in that part of
the country. He exiled himself in the West,
and devoted his tine to the cultivation of the
&" Morrow fat pea
JAMES B. ABBOT,
Is Representative from Douglas County. He
was born in the southern part of Scotland, on
the banks of river, which could be lorded near
his fathers residence, in seasons of low water.
The place was known as "Abbot's- ford" Mr..
Abbot is chiefly distinguished for his Histories
of Napoleon and Josephine.
ALFRED GRAY,
Representative from Wyandotte, is also of
Scotch birth. His father was "Auld Robin
Gray" or Grand-daddy Gray" as he was
more familiarly called. The subject of this
sketch was very dull youth, and it was almost
impossible to get anything into his head. So
notorious did this hard-headed trait become,
that a species of hard rock was given the name
of " Gray head" The execution of his moth
er, Lady Jane Gray, had an extraordinary effect
upon his mental faculties, and from that time
he frightened up, and eclipsed all those who
had previously derided him. His "Elegy in a
Church yard" is one of the finest productions in
the English language. His daughter, Nelly
Gray, has also been celebrated in song.
Representative from the Bourbon District, was
brought up to the trade of making 6sh-hooks.
He acquired an education by improving oil the
odd moments he could spare from his labors at
the forge. His business was not remunerative,
and he could not afford to purchase books or
paper. He had but two shirts; and he frequent
", with bit of charcoal, scratched down racy
sketch upon the tail Of his linen. Then chang
ing shirts, he would send the one containing the
sketch to q neighboring printing Office, where
his production would be pu. in type, and the
shirt returned. The series became very popu-
lar, and were brought out in book FORM, under
the title of "Chsrcoal Sketches" The sale
of this work brought him considerable amount
of money, which he invested in large Hotel
in Columbus, Ohio, called the Meal House. /"
The house was destroyed by fire, several years
since, and Mr.. Neal came to Kansas, to try his
fortunes anew. This loss left him deeply in
volved in debt; and from the large amounts