The Democratic advocate., 1878-11-30

SToxE Road ITEus.-James Yiugling Esq.
purchased last week from Mrs. Mary Morley,
small farm containing u acres, more or
less, for $500. The farm is pleasantly situa-
ted about one-fourth Of mile northwest of
Mayberry, and is convenient to churches.
mills, blacksmithshops and stores.
Mrs Mary WoFIey Immediately after selling
her farm purchased a small property from
Mr. Plus keefer, containing 81 acres, more
or less, for S600 situated about one-fourth
of q mile east of Mayberry, on the county
road leading from the Stone Road to the
Plank Road
Mr.. Hall Jones, residing quite near the
village of Mayberry, is roofing and weather.
boarding his dwelling house, which, when
painted, together with the newly-built barn
and the new ouibuildings, viii add greatly to
the general appearance of the farm. The
barn, however, had very narrow escape froTh
being burned on Saturday evening last, while
his son and Mr.. Albert Hess, for some cauSe
or other, we're cleaning the stable after dark 4,
and had in use a coal oil lantern, which, at
the time of the accident, was sitting on the
dnngyard near straw stack, and was knocked
over and broken By some sheep in the yard.
| Fortunately the accident was Immediately dis
covered By Mr.. Hess, whose presence of mind
prompted him 10 seize the burning straw and
carry il quickly out Of the yard. Had it not
been for the scantiness of oil in the lantern it
Is not likely that il would have passed off so
welli but this should be warning to all who
may have occasion to use a lantern not TO
place it within reach Of cattle.
Mr. Absalom Zepp, Of this vicinity, dug a
well near his barn last spring to the depth of
ten feet, where he found clear fresh water,
which soon rose to the height Of 81 feet, and
consequently further excavation was post
poned. While digging Mr.. A. noticed very
peculiar smell resembling the strong scent of
horse dung. The first two feet Of excavation
were of black soil, and the remaining eight
feet were soft sand rock, capable of being
taken out with pick. Mr.. a. thinking that
water obtained at a depth of ten feet would
certainly fail during severe drought, resolved
to wait and test it before placing a pump in.
The water kept about the same height, how
ever, until harvest, when it gradually began
to fail. Immediately after harvest Mr. A. de-
termined to draw out the water, which was
yet but SIX inches deep, and resume the ex-
cavation 20 a greater depth. But ON descen-
ding the well he was nearly snifoeated by the
same peculiar smell which he had noticed
while digging, and after dipping two wash
basins Of water into bucket he was obliged
to ascend to the top Mr.. A. then sent for a
candle, lit it, and let down slowly into the
we'll, thinking If there was any sulphur in the
well the flame of the candle would be extin-
guished; but, to his surprise, the well was ig-
nited and began to roar like a chimney on
fire. He, excited by the strange phenome-
non, drew out the candle and quickly replaced
the boards over the top, which smothered the
hre. Afterwards he sent for q pumpmaker,
who also let n candle down much quicker
than Mr.. A. had let it down, and the conse-
quence was, it drew long streak of FIRE and
nearly burnt the rope off before it reached
| the bottom. II was then taken out and the
rope made wet, and was again let down, and
after remaining down about two seconds it
struck blaze round the candle rs large as q
| half bushel measure. The candle was quickly
drawn out, by which time the sparks began to
| fly out at the top. Mr.. 4. being afraid it
might set his barn on fire, quickly replaced
| the boards and again smothered the fire as
before. He has made no candle experiments
since, but is very anxious TO learn from some
one that is versed in testing gases, as he
would like 10 continue the excavation, and
unless he succeeds in exhausting the gas, he
will be obliged to abandon the excavation.
Most of our farmers have finished plowing
for corn and are now principally engaged in
hauling wood for the approaching winter and
threshing out their grain.
Mr.. Charles Babylon, Of Mayberry, slaugh-
tered on the 26th instant, two hogs weighing
AIS pounds, or an average of 239 lbs. each.
The MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC ENTERTAIN
NEST at Odd Fellows Hall on Thursday eve
ming was agrand success. The programme was
charming one, and was admirably perform
ed. The band, composed of the National
Grays, of this city, and the Mount Pleasant
Band, and numbering 80 performers, under
the leadership of Prof. Ellis, played in ex =
cellent time and harmony, and their selec-
tions were popular.
Miss Mae Blackman's s talents as q reader
we're well displayed in the selections she gave,
and the audience greeted her with hearty ap-
plause whenever she appeared. In the char
acter of Vietorine Wigfall, in the drama of
Esprit Of 10; or the Coming Woman she
gave evidences Of possessing histrionic talent
of a very high order. She was the star of the
occasion, and her performances further in
gratiated her with our citizens, with whom
she is ever favorite.
Miss Sallie Grouse added much to the en-
joyment Of the evening by her sweet songs.
| ssRobert, Toi Que j aime," Last Rose of
Summer and 'iMerry Zingara'' were charm
ingly rendered and loudly applauded. Miss
Grouse has an excellent voice, of great power
and range, and has good control over it.
The Sextette made favorable impression,
and for their hrst appearance IN public may
feel gratified at their success.
Miss Mary B. Shellman's poem, .Plague-
Stricken, or Waiting for the Frost, - was a
very creditable production, rendered doubly
attractive by Miss Blackmans rendition of it,
and the beautiful tableau.
'Lend Me Five Shillings" was well played
all the characters being creditably sustained
and the amateurs are to be congratulated for
aequitting themselves so handsomely.
''The Spirit Of '76; or the Coming Woman,
was well received and heartily enjoyed by the
large audience. Profs Wright and Ingle
Mrs. Vanderford, and Misses Blaekman
Beaver and Shellman all played their part.
well, Prof Ingle and Miss Blackman espe-
cially.
Altogether the entertainment was an admi
rable one, and to Prof. Ellis and Miss Mary
B. Shellman, who arranged the programme
the thanks of the community are due for IN
evening of genuine pleasure. The net pro
eeeds are about $T5.
SERIOUS AccIDEXT.-The Banner Of Lib
eTty of the 22d inst, says Samuel j. Stoner
son of Mr.. Abraham Stoner, residing neal
Union Bridge, made a narrow escape from
death on Saturday night last, on his return
home from the band entertainment held il