Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1871-09-23
The Fire Proof Maryland Negro.

The Fire Proof Maryland Negro.
A newspaper extract OF somewhat
doubtful origin was circulated some
time ago, giving al account OF the won
dertul performances of anegro in Talbot
county, Maryland, in handling red-hot
iron and doing various other teats with
fire, and now 4 correspondent Of the
New \ ork Hernhi has furnished details
of the matter, with names of witnesses,
to that journal We give below his let
ter, written from Easton last month, IS
published in the Heraid He says
Business recently called me TO the
Eastern Shore of Maryland, to the point
from which we write, the county-seat
of Talbot county. While there / heard
from several gentlemen of prominence
the story OF negro blacksmith, who
lived in an adjoining county,upon whom
fire had 10 effect whatever. The story
was so incredible that | gave it little
heed, although it came from most relia-
bic sources, aud was related to me by
gentlemen OF the highest standing in the
community for honor and integrity.
a day or two after first heard Of
this remarkable negro, Mr. I. X. Rob
son, editor of the Easton Sor, called at
my room and stated that the negro was
in town, and that the physicians were
going to make an examination CT him at
the office of DIR. L. Stack, and invited
me to witness the operations, which l
very gladly did Mr.. Robson and my
self went at once to DR.. Stacks office,
where were assembled Drs. Aderson,
Goldsborough and Comegys, ofEaston;
DR.. J. A. Johnson, editor Of the jour
nai at Easton; Mr.. A A Pascult and
Mr.. John G. Henry, all prominent cid-
zenS of Talbot county.
a brisk fire OF anthracite coal was
burning in common coal stove, and
an iron shovel was placed in the stove
and heated to white heat When AL
was ready the negro pulled of his boots
and placed the hot shovel upon the solcs
of his feet, and kept it there until the
shovel became black. His feet were
then examined by the physician, and no
burns could be found, and all declared
that no evidence of heated substance
having come in contact with them was
visible
The shovel was again heated red hot,
and taken from the stove and handed to
him. He ran out lis tongue a. far a. he
could, and laid the heated shovel upon
it, licking the iron until it became cooled.
The physician examined the tongue, but
found nothing to Indicate that he had
suffered in the least from the heated
term.
A large handful of common squirrel
shot, procured trom store near DIR.
Stacks office. was next placed in All iron
receptacle, and heated until melted.
The negro then took the dish, poured
the heated lead into the palm Of bis
hand, and then put it into his mouth,
allowing it to run all around his teeth
and gums. He repeated the operation
several times, each time keeping the
melted lead in his mouth until soiidiiied
After each operation the physicians ex
amined him carefully, but could find
nothing upon bis flesh TO indicate that
he had been in the least affected by the
heated substance he had been handling
After the performances with the lead he
deliberately put his hand into the stove,
in which was a very hot FIRE, took there
from handful of hot Goals and passed
them about the room TO the gentlemen
present, keeping them in his hand some
time. Not the slightest evidence of
burn was visible upon his hand after he
threw the Goals back into the stove.
The exhibition was regarded by all
who witnessed it ss most remarkable,
for there was no opportunity for the
practice Of chicanery.
Every gentleman present was there
for the purpose Of detecting, ifpossible,
any trick, if trick there was, and none
could have had the least interest in aid
ing OF abetting the negro in bis perform
ances Whatever solution may be had
of this matter, there can be no doubt
but that this negro handles fire in the
manner set forth above, without the use
of any mechanical or chemical appli-
ances whatever, for he has been subjec-
ted to the severest tests possible, not
only at the time specified by me, but at
several other times and places, and in
the presence of some of the first men in
the State of Maryland. In addition to
the case cited, which came under myt
own observation, / will state that in