davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01

the murder the housemaid found his
study in disorder, aud, entering his bed
room with Courvoisier, saw that his
bead WAS nearly severed from his body.
Two bank notes, supposed to have been
taken from Lord Williams body, were
found behind The sKirting-board OF the
buffers pantry. Those notes convicted
Courvoisier. He was hanged July G.,
lS40 Upward of 10000 people were
present ut the scene. Most of them
waited all night at the debtors door of
the Old Bailey. High fees We're paid for
house roofs, and the windows were
crowded. As the bell began to toll at s
o'clock the multitude uncovered, and
at two minutes past the hour Courvoisi-
er assembled the steps leading to the
drop, followed hy the executloner and
ordinary of the prison. He died with
out q struggle. The case of bis death
Was universally attributed to Calcraft's
skill. A new genius had risen in the
business. Jack Ketch was outdone.
For twenty-four years Calcraft contin-
ued to win the applause OF press and
public. Not contining his exertions to
Newgate, he travelled in the wake of the
Judges around their circuit. He never
bungled. He has executed seven pirates
together and performed his work with
entire satisfaction. He hanged the three
Fenians at Manchester, and showed ex-
IRENE contempt for the threats that were
made against his life. In 1864 he hang
ed Franz Muller, the young German
tailor, who to pay his passage to Amer
lea, murdered Mr.. Briggs in carriage
on the North London Railway. On the
night that Muller died there was dis
graceful scene around Newgate. The
house was filled with spectators, who
had paid more than a couple of guineas
apiece for place, and who spent the
night playing q. cards and singing Choir
ouses. When Muller set foot on the
scatfold he looked up at the chains with
perfect selfpossession. Then he muir
INJURED confession TO the attendant
clergyman, and the drop fell instantly.
These were the three great criminals Of
of Calcraft's career--ereenacre, Cour-
voiser and Muller. In 1868 public ex-
ecutions were abolished, and the hang
mans glory was departed. The gallows
was henceforth erected in the prison
yard at Newgate, and silence reigned on
the spot which had seen the executions
of Governor Wall, who hogged man
to death; of Bellingham, Mr.. Percivars
assassin; of the Cato street conspirators,
whose heads were cut off on the scaffold
after they were hanged; of Fauntleroy,
the banker, land of Bishops and Williams
the "burkers.n Calcraft soon retired
from business which was rapidly fall
ing in popular esteem, and Marwood,
his Lieutenant, succeeded him.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
Witches or Tremens.
TitusYille lPa.l Herald.

That strange delusion, witchcraft has
broken out in the Pierce family, who
reside mile and half west of the
town of Butler, writes our Millertown
correspondent. 1t first worked it,
deviltry in the soul of George W
Huselton's nephew, who boards with
the Pierces, and then attacked the
hired man ON the premises. All of
Pierces' neighbors say it is the genuine
witchcraft, many prominent citizens
supporting the belief. The Pierce
family have always been known as
very peculiar people, and that the cid
boy should have taken notion to make
their house his temporary abiding
place is not surprising. The victims of
the alleged disease act very strangely
and their friends always give them a
wide berth whenever they see them.
They profess to hold spirit rappings,
and see more living monstrosities than
Barnum ever invented.
The father OF one of the unfortunate
men went to Millerstown one day to
procure the services of witchmaster
who lives here, who has "had EN-" again
and again, and told the witchmaster
that he should think the delirium
tremens were not circumstance to this
poor boys disease" The witchmaster
here exercised his charms over the
witchery that was in the young man,
but he could not accomplish lanything.
Then another witchmaster, living
few miles out in the country, was en-
gagged, and he commenced operations
by cutting circle around whiteoak
tree and cordially invited the devil to
come out of the person. He performed
this ceremony while alone in forest,
and the writer has his own words for
the same. He said if the young man
were released from the thraldom of the
evil ones terrible noise, as though an
army were rushing through the forest,
would be heard, and the tree in the
circle that had been prepared for the
DEVILS reception would be torn asunder
with a loud report.
Upon making inquiries the writer
learned that there are six men following
the occupation of witchmasters in this
county. Their fees for professional
services are very reasonable in simple
cases, but when the old boy gets two
months start of a patient great difficulty
is experienced in driving him out, and
the fee is SIS treatment. Probably the
most effectual way of Kidding the
Pierce family of witchery would be
to arrest all the witchmasters for bam-
boozling simple persons.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
New York sharpers 0utwitted.

A Pittsburgh (Pa. dispatch says Mr..
L. +. Scott, an elderly man and q veal
thy merchant of that city, was in New
York u few days ago, when young man
accosted him on Broadway, vino called
him by name, and said he was a nephew
of John Schoenberger, of Pittsburgh.
He persuaded Mr.. Scott to go with him
into room on the top of a tall build
ing somew here on Broadway to identify
him, as he said he had drawn lottery
prize. The old confidence game was
then played, but Mr.. Scott would not
lose any money, and attempted to leave
the room. but a burly negro prevented
him. The young man and another
man demanded 81 900, and said it they
old not get the money he would soon
be floating In the East river. He had
only little money, but they said his
cbeck would do. He agreed to this, but
drew the check on bank where he had
no deposit, and was then released by
the men, who seemed to know his finan-
cial standing. TIE old gentleman left
New York hurriedly, ana did not have
time to hunt the men up again. Natu-
rally the check was not paid.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
.sHARMONYv
History ofa Defunet Free-lovers Village
in Michigan.


About six miles west of Battle Creek
Michigan, is a dilapitated village
known as Harmonic" or the prairie
Village" The country surrounding is
beautiful prairie. The village was
originally started about twenty years
ago by set of religious fanatics, who
called themselves "Free-lovers, and
who lived up to their name in the most
libidinous manner. They separated from
the sect in this city, now known as
spIritualists, and founded this village,
erecting church and a school, or in
stitute for PRONUNCIATION of their doc
irines. The original name of the village
was Harmony" from the motto of the
church, but it wRs afterwards changed
to Harmonic. Just before the war they
were hourishing organization, num-
boring about 300 members, and sending
over 200 children to their institute. The
founder and chief leader was an Elder
CARMEL, we'll educated man, but led
more by licentious passions than
love for religion. For several years their
organization flourished and their num-
bers increased. Things went on in this
way until the neighbors from the sur
rounding country and from this city,
who were lovers OF chastity and moral
ity, made raid on them, and exposed
their iniquite us proceedings and put a
stop to their nefarious practices. Among
the most lewd and corrupting tenets
was that which stated that return
to the nude simplicity of Adam and
Eve was desirable object to be attain
oil and for tho furf haranca of this oh
iect, they frequently, and at stated in
te rivals, engaged in dances of the most
disgusting character. The members of
the church were alone admitted to these
carnivals of cupiditv, where all danced
in the dark in state of entire nudity
These at last became such a source of
annoyance and such PRONUNCIATION of
vice that the moral-loving neighbors
made raid upon them and broke up
the church. Their object of educat-
ing the youth Of the village to SIM
plicity and innocence of vice by culture
and constant lecturing against it, proved
but school for crime, ard from it have
emanated many of the criminals OF
this vicinity. There are still to-day in
this city many citizens who once we're
believers in the doctrine before it was
carried to the extreme that 1t was. But
this modern Sodom and Com orrah, like
its prototype, aroused the wrath of the
deities, and now the once fiourishing
and prosperous village of 700 inhabi-
tants is a poverty-stricken hamlet OF
buta few dilapitated houses, and is any
thing but the exemplifcation of its
name.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
THE late Mr.. Delane, formerly editor

THE late Mr.. Delane, formerly editor
the London Times, If he was some.
times hasty and severe with his staff
was always just in the long run, and
sometimes generous. On one occasion
when he had come down" more heav-
lily than usual on one of his writers for
fancied error, but which ,afterward
proved to be correct information, he
wrote an apology to that gentleman
and, knowing him to BE interested in
the sale of certain annual publication
he voluntarily sent for copy of it, or
dered it to be reviewed at full length in
the Times, and made the fortune of the
book.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01

In conformity with request from
abroad, the Rev ]. G. Fletcher, of In
oianapois, has forwarded to Rome a
parchment giving the parentage, birth
place and residence of his daughter,
Miss Julia Fletcher, author of 'Kismet,"
who is soon to wed Lord Wentworth,
the grandson of Lord Byron. The doc
uments are signed by Governor Will
liams, the secretary of state, and coun-
ty clerk. She was born in Rio Janeiro,
at the time her father was chaplain of
the American embassy, but has lived
here until the few years which she has
spent abroad.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
4 Singular Mania.

4 singular instance of mental disease
was brought out in the. New York city
courts a day or two ago. The COM
plainant was a Miss Sennett, who
claimed that the landlady at the board
ing-house where she had lived had
seized for pon-payment for board pet
white rat that belonged to the plaintiff.
In the course of the testimony it was
shown that Miss Sennett was addicted
TO tho use Of morphia, taking this drug
in such quantities as to be most of the
time in partially insensible condition.
With full knowledge of her condition,
the boar ding-house keeper had, in many
ways, imposed upon her, making her
pay exorbitant prices for the services
she received, until, at last, she was
forced by these exertions to quit the
place, and then seizure was made OF
the white rat in question. The rodent
was greatly priced on account of the
aid he rendered to the unfortunate
woman in her system OF dissipation. 1t
her arm every day by using hypoder-
mic needle, and the rat had been
trained to lick the wound, thus produc'
ing a peculiar sensation. Miss SEN
nett succeeded in regaining her pet,
though it is probable that the legal de-
cision in her favor will go long way
toward ending her life. The instance
shows how strong the human craving
is for artificial stimulants, and to
what disgusting practices a yielding to
it will lead persons of intelligence, and
natural refinement. III Miss Sennett
had been a confirmed drunkard her
case would be more hopeful than it
now is.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
CALCRAFT, THE HANGMAN.
Death of the Most Famous ExecutiOner
Of the Age..-His Skill in Drawing the
Bolt aud Bobbing for TrOut--A ! Dis
ciple of Izaak Walton and Jack
Kafab
New York Herald.


The noted executioner Calcraft, who
for forty-six wears held the Office Of
hangman in England, is dead.
There is a stream in the surburbs oil
London known to jaunting clerks and
holiday-making sch DOL boys as the
River Lee, where cockney youths take
their aquatic diversion on Saturday
afternoons during the Summer months.
On the days when the river was deserted
lean, nensive and clerical person
would frequent the banks, a book, in
one hand, fishias rod in the other. Il
was Calcraft, the hangman. Where he
came from, who he was, why he had
chosen his particular profession, nobody
ever knew. Legend had it that he " is
a convict, who had been pardoned on
the condition that he would adopt the
executioner's profession. Others averred
that he had embraced it through GER
tain morbid love of death. Calcraft
never betrayed his secret, and all biog-
rapIiies of the man are fictitious. This
alone is certain, that he has executed,
with punctuality apd dispatch, some of
the most noted criminals of the CEN
tury. He entered the business in 1888,
about 90 years afterthe Tyburn Tree had
been removed, and the gallows was set
up almost every Monday morning in
the narrow passage between Fleet street
and Ludgate Hill, known as the Old
Bailey. He first came into public no
toriety at the hanging of James Green
acre, in 1887. This man had murdered
Hannah Brown, woman to whom he
had been engaged to be married, and
then had cut the body into pieces and
hidden portions of it in various parts
of London, the trunk being placed in a
sack and concealed behind some
iag-stones near the Pineapple toll
bar, in Edgeware road. He con-
fessed that Hannah Brown had de-
ceiyed him by pretending to have some
property, and that one night she called
at his lodgings and laughed at her trick.
In rage be struck her with silk
roller. and, the blow proving mortal,
he formed the resolution of cutting
up and concealing the body. No Grim
inaI case since the trial of DR.. Dodd had
stirred so much excitement IN London,
On the night Of Greenacre's execution
hundreds of persons slept on the steps
Of the prison and Of st. Sepulchre's
Church, and boys remained all night
clinging to the lampposss. The crowds
ia the streets whiled away the night in
ribaId jokes and drunken brawls.
Greenacre, when he passed to the gal
lows, was totally unnamed. He coald
MOI articulate the responses to the ordi
nary and hal to be supported or he
would have fallen.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
Cnnsnmntion Cured.

An old physician, retired from pHactice, having
had placed in his hands by an East India m H.
sionary the formula of a simple vegetable rene.
dy, for the speedy and permanent cure for con.
sumption, bronchitis catarrh, asthma, and all
throat and lung affections, also positive and
radical cure for nervous debility and all nervous
complaints after having tested its wonderful cura-
tive powers in thousands Of cases, has felt it his
duty 10 make it known to his suffering fellows
Actuated by this motive, and desire TO relieve
human suffering, viii send, free Of charge, to all
who desire it, this recipe, with fun directions for
preparing and using, in German, French or Eng
FISH. Send by mail by addressing with stamp,
naming this paper, W. W. sherar, 149 Powers
Block, Rochester. n. Y.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01

The Boston AdpTtisT gives the num-
Der of pardops granted under the sew.
eral governors of Massachusetts for the
last twenty-four years as follows: Gov.
Gardner. three years, 63 pardons per
year; Gov. Banks, three years, AZ per
year; Gov. Andrew, five years, 165 per
year; Gov. Bullock, three years, 105
per year; Gov. Clafiin, three years, l39
per year; Gov. Washburn, two and one
third years, sc per year; Acting. Gov.
Talbot, eight months, % per year; Gov.
CASTOR, one year, 81 per year; Gov.
Rice, three years, 63 per year.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
Alaska's Climate.
San FrancIsco bulletin.

Alaska is pleasant country TO live
in, notwithstanding all polar bear and
iceberg stories. The climate OF the
islands, and all that part of the MAIN
land that is bathed by the warm ocean
currents from Japan, is remarkably
bland and temperate, and free from ex-
tremes Of heat and cold throughout
the wear. There is great deal OF rainy
weather, but it is OF good quality, mild
in temperature, gentle in It's fall, filling
the fountains of the deep, cool rivers,
feeding the moses and trees. and keep
ing the whole land fresh and fruitful.
Out of 147 days, beginning May IL OF
this year, rain fell on slxty-tiye days
and forty-three were cloudy; but on
some of these the RAIN lasted only few
minutes, and hardly any could be cali
cd stormy and dismal. The wettest OF
this weather seems TO be perfectly
healthy, and there is no mildew in the
houses. Thunder is rarely heard
Hasa and clap, faint and far away
once in two or three years. The cause
Of 40 much rain IS found Ia the yapor.
laden winds from Japan.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01

his death to his people in St. Peters
burg, and they, recognizing the true wo-
manin the young girl who had followed
their son from far.off country to his
own home only to bury him alone and
forsaken in foreign country, invited
her to make her home with them. She
accepted, and at present she wears her
widows weeds in the Russian capital.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01

THE Utica Herald, speaking Of the
probable retirement of Judge Hunt,
says: 'The health of Judge Hunt is
such that, while his friends hope for his
gradual recovery, it is obviously impos-
sible for him to bear his share of the
great burden which rests upon the
judges of the over-crowded supreme
court"
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01

Saturday Reuietc; Even an uneducat
ed English audience would probabl Y re
ceive with laughter and Kisses those
oratorical appeals to national conceit in
which even the most cultivated and
most eminent American orators are not
ashamed to indulge. and which evident
ly find an echo in the breasts of their
hearers"
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
Distance All C0mnetitOrs.

The dairyman who uses Gilt Edge Butter Max.
er viii increase his product per cent, improve
its quality 20 per cent, and distance all competit-
ors who do not use it. 25 cents worth OF the pow
der win increase product and market value OF
s..4ne 500. Can you make better investment?
Sold by grocers, druggists and general storekeep:
ers. Send stamp for "IIints to Butter-Makers.'
Address, Butter Improvement Co., Buffalo, N. Y.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
"A Reyolution In Fira.Arm,

The Chichester Rifle Co. offer in their new Seven.
shot Repeating Rife wonderful BARGAIN
These Rifles which have been In course OF mann.
facture Tor over year aud first offered fel
Sale) are first class in every respect made of Tn,
black walnut stock, pistol grip. embodying man,
new anu practical ideas and elegant Shooters al
numerous Targets and testimonials attest The,
are offered at the low price of $3.50 simply to In.
short time
Every Sportsman should own one. They are on,
OF the incest. best made, and most accurate Rifle.
IN existence, and are worth mech more thnn IN,
price asked. The Chichester Rifle Co have Ger.
talniy been the asst 20 get up firstciass Rife FOL
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
4 PULL BACK IN PARADISE.

little 'sPull-back'i sought one day
The gates Of Paradise:
St. Peter wiped his spectacles
And rubbed his ancient eyes.
And throngs of female angels came
With curious gaze, the while
Intent, as ladies always are,
TO see the latest style.
The saint put on his glasses then,
And observation took,
"Hhati What he said "this traYerses
The laws Of mus nj look
- Tied back in front piled mp behind,
Twill never do, feari
The thing is TO ridiculous:
Yon cannot enter mere"
What did she do, my curious friends
She got behind q tree,
And in iiffy out she came
As angels ought to be.
st. Peter kissed her then, and said,
''Pass IN, my little dear,
But mind you mustn't introduce.
Such naughty fashions here"
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
Thp Earth.s par lnereasing.

In recent lecture on Eclipse Prob
lems," Professor Charles A. Young, 81
Princeton, said, with reference to the
observed increase in the rapidity of the
moons motion, that the discovery led
ut first to the opinion that the moons
orbit was growing shorter, and that
ultimately the moon would come down
upon us. More accurate calculation.
however, shows that there is no danger
OF SO disastrous = result. The moon i
rot coming nearer, but our day is gov
lug longer, owing to the friction of the
tides upon the earth's surface. The
tsdes act like braks, and slowly al
ininish the speed Of the earth's rosa'
ton.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01

Females that are liable to suppression BY tax
Ing cold, or irregular or painful menstations,
should always keep Carter's Compound Extract
OF Smartweed on hand. and its use will convince
them that it is Natures remedy in those com
plants. II. Bosworth & Sons, wholesale SCENTS,
Milwaukee. o. Noble & Co., Projectors, Erie,
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01

A NEWFOUNDLAND dog which is kept
in his store BY John f. Edgerton, Of
New Bedford, Mass, Is a hrst-rate
watcher. A few evenings ago, when
an attempt was made to break into the
store, the dog made such tumult as
TO frighten away the would-be burglar,
and in the animals effort TO bite the IL
terloper il dragged safe weighing five
hundred pounds, to which it was
chained, several yards across the floor.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
High Pric4a l.nttar

Dairyman often wonder how their more favored
competitors get such high prices for their butter
w year round 1t Is by always having uniform
glfe edged article To put the sgitedge" on,
Richardson Il Co.'S Perfected Butter Color. Ey
cry butter maker can do the same. Sold eyery-
where and warranted as harmless as salt, ano
perfect in operation ~
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
Canse and Effect.

The main Cause of nervousness is indigestion,
and that is caused by weakness of the stomach,
without using Hop Bitters to strengthen the
stomach, purify the blood, and Keep the liver and
kidneys active, TO carry off all the poisonous and
waste matter of the system. See other column.
-AdgaaCe.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01

WHILE the railroad station at Bar
ritz, on her way to Madrid, Eugenie
was surrounded by two hundred per-
sons. .sThe august widow Of Napoleon
ILL., writes q reporter Of a French
newspaper, gave her hand to be kiss
ed by everybody that she knew"
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
Shan,t ITake a RlrA pill2

No, don't take ii and run the risk of r,ercurlal
poison, but when bilious and eonsapated get
box o. the celebrated Kidney-Wort, and 1t will
speedily cure you. II Is natures great remedy
Tor constipation, and for al kidney and liver dis.
eases 1t acts promptly on these great organs
and so restores strength and yigor.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1880-01-01
When Ynn FnnI Mann

take hidneyWort, advertised In another column.
IL acts energetically on the bowels and Kidneys
ST the same time, and SO cures host OF diseases
caused by the inaction OF these organs III you
are out OF fix, buy it at your druggists and save a
doctors bill.