davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08

Supposed to bctIhe Work OLA
Revengeftll Negro.

LoUI svILLE, August 6.-The
possibly origin Of the fire on the
steamer Pat Rogers is given here
as follows: About two weeks ago a
negro thief was detected by the
Waterman on the boat, who fired
at but missed him. This negro
took passage on the Pat Rogers
when she left this wharf on Tues
day, and waa heard to say to sew.
eral negroes before starting that he
make il shot as hell for that
Waterman before the boat reached
Cincinnati. One of the most
THRILLING AND MIRACULOUS Es-
CAPES.
was that of Miss Il. J. Williams, OF
Louisville, who threw away her
valise and extra clothing, and .af-
ter securing the services of a gen
tlemen in throwing overheard a
crate of peaches, she leaped into
the water after it with life pre-
server, where she attempted to
cling to the crate. 1t revolved like
a reel. and for two terrible hours
she struggled with the crate, and
had just closed her eyes ia despair
when she was drawn into a kiff by
Mr.. Huff, who rendered valua
BILE services in seveaal other cases.
Miss Kawden, of Louisville,
jumped from the boat toward the
Indiana shore, and the hungry
tongues of flame licking along the
surface of the water, horribly
burned her head and face. She
had no life preserver, and secured
only one end of a plank by cling
ing to the pantaloon leg of man
who swan past her. She says that
while moving through the water
several drowning persons extend
ed their hands toward her, some
grasping her hair and tearing it
out by handfuls.
THE LAST LIVING OBJECT
seen on board of the boat was a
little child, three or four years of
age, running about screaming
with fright, surrounded by flames
and its legs, arms, and face expos
ed to the terrible heat The negro
crew behaved badly, hurrying off
the boat before there was any i'm
minent danger, and monopolizing
all available means of SUPPORT.
Two colored men and one white
man rowed away in the lifeboat,
which could have been used 70 con
vey twenty or thirty persons to
to the shore. The river is being
dragged for bodies this morning
The Cargo of the boat was valued
at 10000. insurance not known.
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08

Earnest Ortmeir, the murder OF
the Hammett family, who is now
in Jail in Pittsburg awaiting the
signing of his death warrant by
the governor, has made another
confession. He said his object was
to get some money, supposed to be
in the house, but now he says he
attempted to outrage Ida, the
Oldest girl, aged. eight years. Her
screms aroused the other two oh IL
dren, SO alarming him that he kill
ed al of them. When Mr.. and
Mrs. Hammett returned he also
killed them, and then set fire to
the house, hoping to conceal all
traces of his crime.
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08
A wonderful story of disinteres

A wonderful story of disinterest
edness comes from down East to
the effect that, as a young lady
was going aboard of steamer at
Portland on wednesday last she lost
a gold locket from her neck and
it fell into the water. A young
man, who was standing near and
saw the accident, took off his coat
aud dived for the locket, and
though he did not succeed in get
ting it at first, persisted in his
endeavors until he found the
jewel. The girls father offered the
fellow handsome reward, but he
refused it. Only think Of young
man taking all that trouble mere
ly to save a lock of some other
young fellows hair for girl to
gush over
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08
A QUIET HINT FOR HUSBANDS

Whenever you find a stout
healthy minister of the Gospel
hanging around your wife, with q
''holy and sincere admiration and
Affection" which sentiments is
reciprocated by yonr wife, having
a 'lofty spiritual, religious yearn
ing and pure platonic love for that
priest" that attracts her frequent
ly to his side, do you, unsophisti-
Gated young husband, just go
right out to the nearest cobbler
and buy heavy pair of pegged
stogy boots. Put them stogy boots
right on, and the next time that
minister calls at your residence to
peddle his spiritual essence" take
him gently by the coat collar,
make a short Grafton, whereof the
peroration shall be, sget ontl'
and the clinch the argument q
posterior with them stogys. It's
the best way to get a long with an
intimacy, innocent thought it may
be, that sometimes brings cheap
of trouble" in its train Troy
Bugget.
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08
Communicated
THE SALARIES OF TEACHERS.
To The Eds. Independent:

To The Eds. Independent:
In this mornings issue of your
valuable paper, you publish the
list Of teachers appointed by the
Board of Education and the salary
to be paid to each teacher. AS the
Board have made a "new depar-
ture 2 for the education of our
childrn for the coming year. it
will b. well for the taxpayers TO
keep their eyes open and see that
things are done properly and in
order. To me, the action of the
School Board in arranging the sal
aries of the teachers, is a down
right outrage. Teachers who have
taught for years and demonstrated
their capacity to teach have their
salary reduced, whilst others,
who nave no experience in teach
ing free schools and who are not
sup in the art of teaching" are
"boosted to better positions at
larger salaries. What is the mean
ing of this ? II the old teachers are
not capable, the School Board
ought not to employ them, and if
they are capable, why give new
and inexperienced teachers the
best positions at the largest pay
Will some one rise to explain?
The selection of assistants in the
"High School," | doubt not are
the very best that could be made
The ladies selected have the re-
spect and confidence of our people,
and the love and affection of our
children, and will make valuable
assistants; but why pay one of
them $50 per month and the other
only $40? Is one so much more ca
pable than the other? Or is the du-
ties of the LIST. assistant so much
more onerous than the second, that
she must have the additional $40 ?
Willssome one explain, and thus
allay the disposition OF some OF
our people to censure the B. ard OF
Education for its action.
If our people will make calcu-
lation of the expense that the
school Board are at in providing
eighteen teachers at salary OF
SS52. 80 per month, or $8032.50 for
nine months; and then add the
cost of the I" Hughes property -
with the $4,000 or $4,000 tor the
Ward schools, they may have some
realization of what our school taxes
will be for the next year or so.
have written the above in no
captious spirit, or in opposition to
Free Schools, but to call attention
of our people to the action of our
Board in incurring debts that un-
der the depressed state of all kinds
of business, we are in no condition
top pay. MAC.
Martinsburg August 9Th.
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08
TFrom the Hagerstown News, ]
A CAVETOwN SCANDAL.

For several years there has re.
sided in the neighborhood OF
!. Cavetown, man named Benja-
min Ridenour. In early life he
married, and a bright and inter-
nsting family grew up around
II, I'm. His wife and childen were
ha opy and comfortable, with
bria hit hopes for the future, until
the q vii hour when the husbands
heart began to grow weary of fad
ed chez, IS and bronzed brow th [
had mee. '-ly and lovingly given
nm their n alden bloom for hm,
and him on. y:
Tn the neh .hborhood resided a
Mr.. Diffendal Among his fam
ly was youA anu nanosonie
girl, across whoe 'paIn hlueno VI
evil glance had fssA len. ny insidi-
Gus approaches he drew ner grad
ually into his powe :, unlli IKE
the poor weak fawn 81 10 lay heip-
less in the villains arm >.
Then came the terrible proposal
he to leave his wife and cnliuren
to the care of a merciliess world
she to leave her fathers HI 'me--
to tear asunder every tie thai nad
bound her TO the cherished heA rtn
--forsake father, mother, br o.
theirs and sisters to join him in
crime shocking in the extreme,
but scarce comprehended by one
so young, so ignorant of the temp
tations and evils which beset the |
path ofthe maiden. The one dark
step had been taken--how easy for |
the tongue used to fiattery, and to
which burning lust had given
the euphony of tender persuasion,
to influence to still darker step. /
Mrs. Ridenour awoke one morn
ing but no husband was there to
feed the little mouths, and to be a
father to the helpless babe at her
feet. Mr.. Diflendal one morning
missed the bright-eyed little girl
that had been light to his home
and a joy to his declining years.
Both had fed, and the tongue of
cruel gossip but riveted the nails
which had already been driven in
to their hearts.
Several months passed away
and the names of the clippers were
fast fading from public memory,
when Ridenour and the girl he
had so baseIy seduced from her
home, suddenly arrived at his
lRidenour 81 home. It was his
home. What could tho poor wife
do but to submit when he brought
another under the roof. There the
wretch and the dishOnOred
girl assumed domestic authority,
the wife being compelled to sub
NIT to insult and drudgery in sill
ence.
The late Grand Jury indicted
Ridenour for adultery, and a
bench warrant was issued for his
arrest. He has so far eluded the
officers Of the law; but we hope
he may yet be captured and pun
ished to the utmost extent Of the
law, There should be but one
doom for such sc0undrel-
the house whip and then the bull
let. /
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08

A FATHER CUTTING HIS THROAT
IN THE PRESENCE OF HIS chill
DREN.-Joseph Taylor, a laborer,
living near Trenton, N. j I, went
home last Thursday evening under
the influence of liquor: He took
his four children into an outbuild-
ing, and, after seating himself, he
cut his throat from ear to produce
instant death, and the children ran
terrified into the house and gave
the alarm. He died Friday morn
ing. This was the fourth attempt
he had made upon his life, each
one being produced by excessive
drink.
HORSE THIEvEs.-Quite large
number of horses have been stolen
lately through the belt of the coun
try comprising Somerset and Fay
cite counties, Pa, Garrett county,
Nd, and Preston county, w. Va.
Rewards are now offered in pos
ters at Grantsville for three sepa-
rate lots of horses which have late
ly been stolen, and it is the impress
sion with many that there is an
organized band of horse thieves
passing through the country along
the Pennsylvania or Mason and
Dixon's line. AS yet none of the
horses have been recovered nor
any of the thieves captured Gar
ret county Md. Herald.
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08

A GIRL FIEND IN NEW YORK.
"A girl fifteen years old, named
Henrietta Wobel, is under arrest
in New York, having confessed to
setting fire TO Il room in a hotel at
West Farms, because she saw the
infant child ofthe proprietor asleep
in bed, and as she states, wanted
to sec it burn up The fire, how
eyer,was extinguished, but not I'M
til the little one was somewhat
burned. She appears to have the
same devilish mania that effects
the Pomeroy boy in Boston.
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08
NEW YORK.
MAYOR HAvEMEYRR's ANSWER TO
THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM.


THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM.
ALBANY, August g. Mayor
Havemeyer's answer to charges
brought against him are made pub
lie to-day. The mayor reviews
the charges and says of the first:
" AS to the neglect of duty in re-
fusing to investigate the official
conduct If Commissioner Charlick
and Gardner, that he believes it TO
be quite inexpedient as a general
rule for the mayor to institute a
formal investigation into the con-
duet of heads of departments with
a view to their removal from Of
fee, except upon the making of
some grave charge by some respon-
sible party who avows his readi-
ness TO maintain it by proof" AS
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08
HOME OONFORT.

my DEAR said loving spouse TO
her lord, = do come home early in the
evening, and can sit and read to you,
or listen to you read, and we can have
he incest possible time" WIZ, how
lis that?' said the husband. You used
to be too busy with your sewing to talk
or read or listen.v "Oh, since you
bought me that labor-saving Howe
Sewing Machine. / have no further
trouble, and have more time to spare
than know what to do with.
What husband who values his wife
health, beauty or comfort, will deny
her the blessing os sewing machine?
How many gloomy evenings would be
passed in happiness with. such an an
gel of relief, in the house BY paying
TEN DOLLARS AND FIVE MONTHLY. one
of the world renowned I'll owe machine
can be obtained of Mr.. f. T. Kirby,
Maftiusburg, w. Va. s.
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08
A DEMOCRAT.

DEATH CAUSED BY A FISH BONE.
John Craig, coloIed man, liv-
ing on small thOroughfare in the
western section of the city, known
as " Blind Johnny's Court" died
about three O'Clock yesterday
morning from the effects of getting
a fish bone stuck in his foot. A
few days ago Craig was walking
about the floor of the house bare
footed when he ran fish bone into
his foot. 1t caused some pain at
the time, but nothing serious was
contemplated. The pain, however,
continued to grow worse, and fin
ally got so bad that a physician
was sent for. Before the arrival of
the doctor lockjaw had set in,
which terminated in the death OF
the patient. Coroner Mackall, az
Ter learning the cause of death, did
not think it necessary to hold an
inquest. Craig was about thirty
five years of age, and leaves wild
ow : nd eight children.-Balto.
San.
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08
LOUISIANA.
THE LOUISIANA DEMOCRAT

New ORLEANS, August 6.-The
democratic state central committee
having changed the place of meet
ing of the convention from New
Orleans to Baton Rouge, the COM
mi tee of seventy met last evening
and issued an address to the people
of all parties opposed to the Kel-
logg government, requesting them
to elect delegates to the convention
which will decide upon theconduct
of the campaign.
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08
TENNESSEE ELECT ONs.
A Heavy Vote Being Polled.

MEMPHIS, August 6.-The elec-
ton is progressing very quietly.
Not a single disturbance has so far
occurred at the polls, and there is
less drunkards than has ever been
seen on any former election day.
The indications are that very
heavy vote will be polled. Bn j.
ness is almost entirely suspended
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08

Mr.. Henry Sites proprietor of
the 'Red MILL near w lliam-
sport, was suddenly stricken down
by death on yesterday morning
supposed to be from heart disease.
He was riding out ON horse back
near his home when he dismount-
ed throw to a stone at dog which
annoyed him, when he fell and ex-
pired before relief could be obtain
ed.-Hagevsto,O,a Daily Free Press.
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08

Christopher Rice and Charles III.
Tarbell walked a match In Rut-
land on Friday, Rice going fifty
miles in nine hours and fifty-two-
seconds--a feat said to be unnpar
alleled.
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08
&c, WEST vI1sa1NIA, SATURDAY.. AUGUST s.1s74.

to the next charge OF grossA niscoh
duct in Office and abuse of & ne up
pointing power, the mayor say
that he considers that charge ron
legal and moral point of view =,
Touching the legel question, \ ,.
says all must agree that Charlicl
and Gardner were not Ineligible
to reappointment afterI conviction
and resignation, unless they We're
made so by the provisions ofsome
statute, as he had been and is still
advised. In conclusion the mayor
says, in order to meet technically
the formal part of the accusations
made. against him, he is to be un-
dersfood as interposing a plea OF
not guilty to each and every one
of the charge, and specifications
MORE OF THE SCANDAL.
NEW York, August. 6.--Tbe
public mind has been somewhat
appeased by Moulton's appear
ance, although much curiosity
still exists to know the character
Of the letters he is expected to dis
close He is engaged to day at his
residence preparing his statement
for the committee He declines to
be Intercepted on any point what
ever concerning the scandal.
Tilton and his counsel, who are
preparing his case for the courts,
also decline to see interviewers.
From the appearance of the
case, there Is no means of conject.
uring when the committee will ad
journ.
A NEW MODE OF ELECTION.
New YORK, August Elm the
Topeka Kansas convention res
olution was read favoring the cleo
ton of President and Vice Presi
dent, and United States Senators,
by direct vote fthe people.
CONVENTION IN COLORADO.
DENVER, August 6..-The Re
publican State Convention assem-
bled here yesterday, and was
largely attended. A preliminary
organization was effected, when
the convention adjourned until to
day.
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08

The Cristidn Union has an up
permost Topics" department.
The allegation is again made
that alligators swallow their
young.
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08

A BRUTAL E.-John
Franks, a resident of Marysville, a
small town near Fort Wayne, on
Monday took a young girl named
Elizabeth Barton out riding. He
drove into a dense wood and there
brutally outraged her. The villain
then put the girl into the buggy
and drove back 10 town, where no
tied up his horse and fled to the
woods. About three hundred men
were securing the woods all night
in search of him, determining to
hang him if captured. He eluded
them and came to Fort Wayne,
where he was caught Tuesday and
placed in Jail. A large number of
the citizens of Marysville are in
Fort Wayne, and it Is feared the
attempt will be made to take the
prisoner from Jail and dispose OF
him. This is the third time Franks
has been arrested for rape during
the Il st few years.
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08
NO.19.
!. GOSSIP.

They are shooting mosquitoes
In Jersey.
Newport wantsa mounted police
please. 1880 ''
Grasshopper excitement in New
Hampshire. W
To dispose of the Indian trouble
Shoot the Kaws,
Queen Isabella hangs outat Ma
poleon's villa at Vicny.
They say that Pittsburg really
needed good washing.
Victor Emanuel won't wear
gloves. Nor govern with them.
The fire insurance companies
are making 1t hot for Chicago.
Berks county, PA, has 9s-year
old mower, and scythes for
more.
Long Branch wishes to ring in
q few more bellies with good
tongues.
Some peach. Delaware rronis-
es a million baskets of 'em this
season.
The worst tidings from the
grasshoppers yet are that they like
onions.
Gen. Custer, having sacrificed
j. g golden curls, is said to look
DO. tic.
DIR. Mary Walker bootifully say
The ism Z afraid of Bristow or any
,ther to. :.
English Parliament keeps talk
ng about dispensing with the
services OF } ack Ketch.
Joe Jefferso. Is so passionately
Iond of trout f. shing that he can't
% persuaded to swear off,"
A WrDow AND HKg Two CHILDREN
KILLED BY LIGHTNING. TO Captain
srael Winton we are linda bted for the
PARTICULARS Of terrible casualty that
ccurred about six miles from Fredericks
urg. Ray county, on Tuesday evening.
! widow woman named Mary Adam
on, had resided on farm in that
for several years in compa-
~ with her two children, one boy
even years old. and the other girl
ged FIVE. During the afternoon she
isitad neighbor residing about a mile
istant, and started home just after
upper. The clouds at the time threat
ned storm, yet Mrs. Adamson sup
osed she could reach her house before
came up, and felt anxious about some
lotbing that she left hanging on line
o the yard. When about half the dis
ance had been accomplished the storm
anne on with terrible force, and the
'arties sought shelter under tee. An
our afterward neighbor passing the
pot noticed three bodies lying near the
rec. All had been evidently killed bya
troke Of lightning. The little girl lay
bout Eve feet from the mother, her
lothing completely burned off and the
PIPER portion Of the body badly scorch-
d, A few feet from hcf was the body
4 the boy; he bad evidently been struck
quarsIy on the head, as nearly one half
be hair. was singed off. The person of
he mother showed but few marks Of
be shock. She occupied a half sitting
posture, leaning against the tree, the
light hand dropping by her side, the left
as II reaching for some
hing. -IV. Joseph (MO.l Herald.
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08

The Gazette of Lexington, KY,
tells a story of the Rev. Nelson
Grayson, a negro clergyman in
that town thirty years ago, who
was accused of great improprie-
ties. The investigating commit
tee reported that as Brother Gray
son had kept entirely within his
own church and had not gone out
tofollow after strangers, he should
be honorably acquitted
Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-08-08

They have moonlight pedestrian
matches at Newport. Luna tics
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1874-09-12
A Battle with a Monster.

A young man named Franklin Ru-
bright was on his way from his fathers
home to Windsor Castle, Windsor
township, Pa. When about half a mile
from the village, he met a monster
black snake lying along the roadside.
When within a few yards of the reptile
it made for him, and Mr.. Rubright,
having nothing with which to defend
himself, was obliged to run. He soon
found a club, however, and showed
fight. After knocking down the snake
several times as it rose up In front of
him, the reptile seemed to be dead, and
he endeavored to drag it along with
him, but the serpent soon recovered
strength and fercely attacked him
second time. The fl ght this time lasted
several minutes, when the snake was
again defeated, and fled to neighbor-
ing corn field, where it was soon lost
sight of, as it was about getting dark.
According to Mr.. Rubright's estimation
the snake must be at least fifteen feet
long and from four to five inches thick.
Search was made for it the following
morning, but without success. The
snake has been seen at different times
in the neighborhood within the last
twenty or twenty-five years. Its hid
ing place, it is thought, has now been
discovered, and party of men are
about to make thorough search for 1t.