Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-09-15
A TOWN ON PAPER,
And a Texas Ranger Selling and
Giving Away the Lots.

An individual known as Captain
Cole has favored Memphis with a
visit occasionally ever since the war.
He is a small, red headed man, with a
heavy red mustache, generally wears a
broad brimmed SLOUGH hat, is fond Of
talking, fond Of whisky, and claims to
have been a conspicuous actor in the
late war, and to be Familiarity ac-
quainted with many Of the prominent
men Of the country. He was here not
long ago trying to get up an excursion
to Texas at a low rate Of fare. A few
gentlemen agreed to go, but somehow
all backed out. Cole stated that he
was in the service OF Mr.. Huntington,
the great railroad man. He also
stated that he was a candidate for
Congress in a district way down
toward Ell Paso, and that all
creation could not beat him. Ho
furthermore remarked confdentially
that Texas would be divided up into
three States, and that the capital Of
one of the new States would be at
Williamsburg, in Throckmorton coun-
ty, its geographical and political cen.
ter. Then followed the information
that he owned and offered for sale
some lots in that thriving place, where
there were already three hundred and
fifty houses, and people moving
in every day, BE exhibited a
magnificent map Of the place.
Whether he sold any lots we know
not. He became acquainted with
Mr.. S. Pump, Of this city, and took
such a fancy to his little daughter
that he resolved to give the child q
choice lot 5Ox2OO.feeti in the rising
city Of Williamsburg.
Mr.. Pump paid out some fees and
afterward loaned Cole some money,
which, it is hardly necessary to re.
mark, has never been paid yet. Mr..
Pump sent the deed out to the County
Court Clerk of ThrockmortOn county
to have it recorded, and received the
following reply:
THRoCKMoRToE, TEXAS, Aug. 81, 1881
SIMON PUMP. ESQ, Memphis, Tenn.
Dear Sir-Yours Of 18th inst to hand,
In reply will say that the deed you men.
ton was received at this Office, but as no
fec accompanied it, II has not been re.
corded. The Mr.. Cole from whom o
daughter purchased the lot is considered
here a irst-class humbug. l have moi
taken the trouble TO examine, but il il
more than likely that the lot sold o ha.
already been sold, perhaps to more thar
one person. | have several deeds mad
by Mr.. Cole to parties East, sent her,
with instructions for me TO record anC
charge to Mr.. G. Now, knowing him a
| do, l must decline. Parties wishinl
their Deeds returned, will get them re
turned by notifying me and sending post
age. II you wish your deed recorded
you will please send 80 cents 10 cover re
cording fees and return postage. / an
always willing to accommodate where ]
can conveniently, but l cannot trust MP
Cole. / have written to him NOR
than once. Tell your neighbors TO watcl
him. The lot you bought is in a pape,
town; there is not a house in it, nor ever
nearer than a mile.
Hoping you will not think me selfish il
the matter, and also that peoph will som,
time find Mr.. Cole cut, l remain
Yours truly,
M. +. BARBER,
County Clerk T~hrookmorton county.
p. ST Mr.. Cole is in your part of tn
country, you will do me a favor by show
ing him this letter, and 10 any Of you.
n%eighbors in case you think they ar
liable to be duped by him. NJ. +. B.
Cole probably picked up some none,
by borrowing and otherwise Will,
here, but some days ago he pickle,
himself up and got out of town. II
may be remembered by a few as tn
man who was agent Of a sort Of lotter,
or land drawing, and had an Office ii
the Bethel Block eight or ten year
ago. After selling a great many ticket
he suddenly disappeared, but no draw
ing was ever heard Of. Cole is a smart
plausible fellow and makes a good i'm
preston when not drinking. w,
know more Of his history but this vii
do for the present.