The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-03-17
How General Grant Became n Fire.
man.

THE HISTORY OF A WOODEN MAN.
In the spring of 1870, just previous
to the Fenian raid, the Samson brothers
opened new confectionery and cigar store
in the building now occupied by Seymour
ii. Wood, on Main street. A cigar store
being a necessity, the firm sent to New York
for sign to place outside the store so as
to attract the attention of the young 'bloods'
should they want to enjoy fragrant Ha-
vana. The sign, which cost 1925, soon ar
rived and was put into position. In the
following month of May the Fenian raid
took place, and one morning during the ex-
element large body of hungry Fenans
arrived from the south, on their way to
Franklin where the Fenan forces rendez-
voused. AS they were passing up Main
street, and when nearly opposite Samsons
store, the image of General Grant attract
ed their Captains attention. The men
were ordered to 'halt," the Captain on 60
ing into the store soon found cut that re-
freshments were to be had, and Immediately
ordered "rations" for the men. Such
hungry lot of individuals never sat down
to breakfast. They succeeded, however,
in getting all they wanted to eat, anG after
breakfast the brave bhoys started on their
way to Franklin. During the excitement
of the raid Samsons store was well patron
lied by the Fenians, who generally consid-
cred Gen. Grant their friend.
Some time afterwards the firm removed
to Burlington and opened a new confec-
tionery establishment on Church street and
of course the "wooden man" was taken
there and placed outside the door. Bust
ness was rushing for time, but finally the
Democrats got thoroughly disguised with
Mr.. Grant and the sign was at last taken in
and laid up in the rear of the store. The
principal of the Episcopal Institute went so
far as to exact promise from the students
that they should not enter a store where
a wooden image was placed outside. Some
of the students, however, did not fulfil their
promise and were to be seen in the store
every day. The principal awhile got wind
that his pupils were still used to patronize
the place, and one day, while in town, Gu
riosity prompted him to go into Samsons'
and find out, if possible, the truth of the
matter After entering the store he walked
up to Ed Samson and asked him if any of
the students had been in there lately Ed
was now in a predlcament; he hardly knew
what to say 4; the students were all good
boys, you know forgetting himself for a
moment, he told the dominic that he did not
recollect of seeing any of the students in
there lately, and that was the last of the
learned teachers attempts to 'smoke
out" the youthful followers of seen.
Grant"
After removing back to st. Adams, the
SamsoRs did not think it worth THEN while
to take General Grant" along with them
and he remained in Burlington until Bob
Kingsley, our well known auctioneer, bought
him at auction for five dollars and soon af-
forwards sold him to Orrin Smith for TWEEN
ty five dollars. People have generally sup
posed that Grants price was rather more
than this. Orrin after having the image
for some time, removed it TO his house on
Mechanic street where it lay about year
and half; several of Orrin's friends were
in his store discussing politics and one of
the party inquired of Orrin where General
Grant was? He replied that the General
was up at his house. Edgar Watson, who
was present, asked Orrin how much he
would sell him for. Orrin replied, "gve
me fifty cents and he is yours This was
after the third term business began to look
like a reality. The scrip was handed over
and the next morning General Grant could
be seen standing outside the 90 cent store
Edgar left him for sometime when he was
bought by the Washington Engine Com
pany for 80 cents, Edgar making 40 on his
bargain. The Washngtons have now re-
modelled the statue into q fireman. The
hat that the general wore has been replaced
by an elegant fireman's cap, painted white
and the word Engineer" is on the front
piece. In the right hand he holds fire.
mans trumpet, and his left han is over
large nozzle. The statue has been painted
in exquisite style and all in all is well worth
going to see. The company are making
arrangements now so that 1t will be hung
out over the main entrance of their engine
room ON Center street. We doubt if an
other engine company in the State can boast
of such "nobby" fireman, one who has
led a more brilliant career, or been held
by turns so cheap and dear, and only need
ed paint the third time to appear.