Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1871-07-12
sttlstsIIaneous Araeing.
WONDERFUL POWERS OF MEMORY.
4 Blind Man with Faculties Difficult to
Explain.

An exhibition was given at the Wen
dell House parlors few weeks ago, of
the remarkable powers of memory and
association which were ascribed to one
Daniel McCortney, of Cardington, Ohio.
\ number of our prominent citizens and
representatives of the press were present,
who were given full opportunity Of
testing the accuracy and universally of
the knowledge claimed. 1t was asserted
that Mr.. McCortrev, could remember
the day of the week of any given date
during the last forty-four years, that he
could tell any important event which
transpired at the time, the state Of the
weather, the place in which he then was,
his occupation, and persons who Were
present with him.
1t may not be amiss to state that Nc
Cortney is fifty two years of age. nearly
blind, having only within the last eight
years been able to distinguish the coar-
est print and acquire an imperfect knowl-
edge of reading he is consequently
ignorant, except as he has gained inior-
nation from contact with the world and
the conversation Of those among whom
he has moved. He was born near Mount
Pleasant, Westmoreland county, Pa, but
has resided the most of his life in this
State. He is one of seven children,
none of whom exhibit the same faculties
of mind with himself.
During the years in which he has re-
manned in obscurity, he has been per
forming the common duties of the laborer
saving wood, working upon the farm,
or assisting about the shops or railroads.
In his general appearance he exhibits
the same awkwardness and peculiar
marks of intuition which distinguish b
Blind Tom and other prodigies with
whom the public is familiar; remarka-
bic knowledge which puzzles themselves,
something which they can never i'm
part and which none can learn.
After the company had assembled.
McCortney was led into the room by his
agent, Mr. O. C. Brown, and introduced
to the company. Being seated he was
asked by gentleman present, if he
knew him. He replied that he knew his
voice, and spoke the gentleman's name
He then told when and where he saw
the gentleman last, the year, day of
month and week, which were pronounced
correct. Several passages were next
read in different parts of the New Tes-
lament, and their exact location, book,
chapter and verse Immediately given.-
Those present now engaged in general
and merciless examination. embracing
this opportunity for acquiring knowl
edge of dates and days half forgotten,
which were connected with some impor-
tant event in their lives. 1t is safe to
say that every married man present, gave
the date and asked the day of the week
of that happy event, all found the state
ments of their mothers corroborated, and
many found his memory more correct
than their notes. Events of National
and State history for the last forty years
which had any claim to Importance, were
descrlb bed as soon as the date was given
The most difficult mathematical prob
lens were propounded and answered al
most instantly. The exhibition was
most full and unanswerable argument in
support Of the claim that Daniel McCort-
ney has no peer in the class to which
nature has assigned him. that his peculiar
gifts are more varied and wonderful
than any other, and the public have a
right to witness their workings.-Cgeare
land Leader.
A live alligator, seven feet long, was
caught in the streets Of Belleville, Ala,
!. 6aw days AGO.