davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
Doo4h of an Old Citizen.

Jesse Lake. one Of the oldest citizens OF
Middletown, died on Monday night in the
7etb wear of his age. He had been i'll
since December. Mr.. Lake was born in
Elk Neck. Cecil county, Md, where he
snent the wears of his early life. He came
n MiddIetown about fifty years ago and
engaqed in blacksmithing and afterwards
formed a partnership with Albert Pen
nington for the manufacture OF agricul-
tural implements at the machine shops on
Maip street where Mr.. Pennington still
carries on business. About the year 1856
Mr.. Lake retired from the firm and en-
gagged in grain buying, in which he con-
timed for several years, or until about
1860, From that time until his fatal i'll
ness he devoted himself mainly to agri-
cultural pursuits. BY industry and fru-
qality he accumulated considerable prop
erty. including some valuable real estate
in Middletown. lie was twice married
and leaves three children-one by his first
wife and two by his last wife, who died
about nine wears ago. Mr.. Lake was a
man of firm, decided views; what the
world calls peculiar, in some respects, but
honest and conscientious to fault. He
bore the reputation of being easy with and
generous to his tenants. In his youth
he possessed unusual bodily strength,
which he seemed to retain even to an age
when men generally fall into decay.
There are gray-haired men in Middle
town who can tell Of Jesse Lakes mar
velous strength of arm and his athletic
feats which they witnessed when they
were small boys and brought horses to
his shop to be shod. 1t is related of him
that for time he had no "striker," or
assistant, in his shop, but welded heavy
sledge hammer single handed whilst he
held the shoe on the anvil by aid Of his
other hand. He was a member OF the
N. E. Church for many years and assisted
materially in building the present church
edifice. Mr.. Lake felt warm interest in
the laboring people, whose earnest cham
pion he remained all through his life, and
less than year ago he offered a valuable
lot to any person or company who would
erect a manufacturing enterprise that
would secure employment to the working
classes of the town. This offer was EN-
hraced by Messrs. Biggs, Clayton & Co.,
and their large cannery was erected on the
lot thus contributed. He was one of the
projectors of our bank, assisted in getting
its charter, and was one Of its directors for
number of years. When surveys were
being made for the route of the Delaware
railroad, and there seemed to be doubts of
it's coming to Middfetown, he used his in
huence in the right direction. He held
the office Of Justice Of the Peace for many
years and was well versed in such points
of law as his office called him to give an
opinion upon. He possessed remarka-
bly, retentive memory. He was always
a liberal contributor to worthy causes.
His funeral yesterday was largely at
tended. The services were conducted at
the NJ. E. Church by the pastor, Rev. Mr..
Murray, who recounted many interesting
facts in connection with the life Of the
deceased.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
The MutuaI Loan,

The annual meeting of the stockholders
of the Mutual Loan Association of Mid
dletown was held on Tuesday evening,
and the following officers elected: Presi-
dent, IT. A. Nowland; president, G.
e. Hukill; Secretary and Treasurer, A.
G. Cox Directors, r. H. EliasOn, ]. B.
Foard, w. Scott Way. All are re-elec-
tions, except that Messrs. Nowland and
Hullill change places. Mr.. Hukill de-
clined the nomination for President, hav-
ing served the association faithfully in
that position for four years. The
attendance of stockholders was good
and the bidding for money more spirited
than for more than a year. The cash in
the treasury, about $1,000, was sold at
twenty and thirty-ive cents premium,
and the April receipts, about $1,000,
brought twenty cents premium. During
the past year five cents has been the high
est premium paid for the associations
accumulated funds, and for months pre-
vious to the annual meeting they went Off
slowly at par. The brisk demand for
money Tuesday night will make the
stockholders feel good. The prospect now
is that tho surplus funds will command
fair premium straight along through the
current year. The auditors report, sub
mitted to the meeting, shows encouraging
gains for the shareholders. The receipts
for the year have been as follows: Dues,
sII, ,374.OO; interest, S3,7O2.62; premiums,
s772.74; fines, S252.46; loans returned,
sl2, 122.OO; entrance fees (ninth series),
S51.O0. The disbursements during the
same period were as follows: Loans, S25,-
1884; Withdrawals, S4,5lS.OO; interest,
$3.50. SO; expenses, S293.5O. The assets are,
loans of all series amounting to 500, $500; ;
bills receivable, S6O1.92; loans in process
of collection, S359.73: interest and pre-
MUM on loan, $1,000; fire-proof safe,
S64.2SJ dues and interest unpaid, S224.95,
and cash in treasury, S3,798.3s. The liza
bilities consist of 8S5 shares of stock of all
series from one to nine, inclusive, amount
ing to S68, ,SS4.32, and an undivided balance
of three cents. The following table shows
the total dues paid in on each share, the
net profit on each share this year, the total
profit on each share, the present valne of
each share, and the withdrawal value of
each share:
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24

adventure while they were ducking,
Tuesday, that they did not relate when
they came home. Joe saw fine looking
bunch of ducks near the shore and said
he and Harry would creep around and
fire into them, while Col. Kates staid on
the bridge and took them as they came
over. Accordingly they crept round the
shore cautiously, until within easy range,
when Joe blazed away. The ducks didn't
move, hut the heads few off two or three
of them. They were wooden decoys.
= The one hundred shares of Mutual
Loan stock offered on Saturday were taken
like hot buckwheat cakes veneered with
maple syrup. The books were opened at
p. NJ, but long before that hour there
were enough applicants in waiting to take
double the amount of stock advertised.
Those who did not come to the secratary's
office until near the appointed hour got
left. Perhaps three hundred shares could
have been sold had the Association been
able to offer them. Its charter permits it
to have no more than one thousand shares
out at one time. The first series of stock
will expire during the current year, and
next March those who got left this time
will have another opportunity.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
Tobacco Culture.

The EUery EUening publishes an inter-
view between a representative of that
paper and DIR. Charles II. Richards, of
Georgetown, on tobacco culture in Della
aware, in which the doctor expresses the
opinion that Delaware farmers would do
we'll to turn their attention to the cultiva-
ton of this crop. He has experimental
with a the weed'' and finds that tobacco
can be raised easily on our soil. A num-
ber of other Sussex farmers have expert
mented with this remunerative crop and
the result in every case has been satisfac-
tory. Some years ago Mr.. Jesse Lake, of
Middletown, demonstrated by yexperiment
that fine tobacco can be proftably grown
here. In Pennsylvania and Connecticut
the crop has been one of the most prof.
table to farmers and we see no reason why
it could not be made equally as remuner-
ative in Delaware. The experiment is
certainly worth trying, in a small way at
least. The time may come when Della
ware wrappers may outstrip the Connecti-
cut or Pennsylvania weed.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
Personal.

Mr.. j. f. Hendrickson, of Philadel-
phia, spent Sunday in Middletown.
Mr.. Samuel Peacock has heen i'll for
some time, and has gone to Philadelphia
for medical treatment.
= Miss Emma Cotton, of Thurlow, who
was the guest of Miss Lydia Hurn for sew
eral weeks, returned home on Monday.
During herbrief visit to Middletown she
made many friends.
Mr.. Thomas Peacock, for several
wears resident of Middletown and for one
year its special policeman, will in a few
davs remove to New Jersey to engage in
farming near Bridgeton.
Mr.. and Mrs. W. R. Rothwell, who
left us in February, are now in Denver,
Colorado, where they will probably 10
cate. Mr.. W. W. Rothwell has also gone
TO Denver with the expectation of going in
business there.
Rev. G.. Patchen Smith, one Of the
most promising young men in the VIII
mington NJ. E. Conference, has been made
the beneficiary of collegiate term al
Drew Theological Seminary, which IN
cludes two years. course of study.
Rev, r. S. Rowe, who, while II
charge Of the NJ. P. Church at Warwick
made many friends here, was sent to the
Washington street church, Baltimore, ny
the late NJ. P. Conference. During the
past year he was stationed at Oxford.
We went into the Citizens National
Bank few days ago to draw out SlOOO'
for little spending money, and learned
that Mr.. J. S. Crouch, the popular teller
is on the sick list. He has been confined
to his home for more than week, but i
getting better. Everybody will be giat
to see Jack back at his post.
- George A. Millington, known to ou
people as the genial proprietor OF Wood
land Beach, spent several days in Middle
town this week. He has entirely recover
ed from his late illness and is gettinI
Woodland in order for the coming season
Many improvements will be made. A
an excursion resort, Woodland will doubt
less be this season even more popular witt
upper Peninsular people than it has beel
in the past. 1t is a delightful point, toe
for Philadelphians who want little steam
boat trip and a good dinner by the oa.
side.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
MARYLAND Matters.

&C. W. Cruikshank, Esq, has been
appointed one of the trustees of the Elkton
Public School, to fill the vacancy caused
hy the death of Daniel Bratton.
A farm belonging to the estate of the
late Nicholas Voelcker, 121 acres, situated
in Elk Neck, was sold last week to Will
liam J. Wilson, for s1,25O, Voelcker, it
will be remembered, was murdered last
fall and his body anchored in the Elk
river.
1t is now supposed, in the light of late
developments, that William Berry shot
Miss Lille Roach accidentally on pur-
pose" AS will be remembered, the shoot
ing occurred at Crisfield. Berry had ac-
eompanied Miss Lille and two or three
companies home. At the gate he pointed
a pistol at Miss Lille, apparently in play
fulness. She said, "Who's afraid of your
pistol y and about that time it went of
and put ball in her left breast. 1t is now
alleged that Miss Roach had repeatedly
declined the attentions of Berry. Her
wound will notprove fatal. The shooting
will be investigated.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
Harrigan Respited.

Jeremiah Harrigan, who was to have
been hanged to-day at New Castle for the
murder Of Dennis Shea, has been granted
a respite until December 18th. Governor
Hall met large delegation of citizens Of
New Castle county at Dover on Tuesday
and heard their argument and examined
their petitions in behalf of Harr:gan. On
Wednesday special messenger brought
the official document granting the respite
to Sheriff Clark. Executive clemency is
granted in order to "give the friends of
Harrigan and those interceding in his be-
half an opportunity to produce testimony
that would be received in court as legal
proof of a state of facts that would have
justified verdict for a lesser degree of
homicidal crime" There was a very
widespread sentiment in favor of respite
in Harrigan's case, and the Governor is
fully justified in granting it.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
The I.rcenm-

The Lyceum meeting Monday evening
was pleasant affair, though leaky sky
prevented as large an assemblage of MEM
bers as usual. Miss Jennie S. Wright
read pretty selection, entitled, Before
the Wedding" and Mr.. w. T. Kane
further entertained the audience with an
original essay on the foibles of Fashion.
Several questions were answered in way
that conveyed much entertainment and
instruction. One of these answers in par
ticular-a description of st. Paul's clock,
by Miss Jennie s. Wright-is particularly
worthy Of praise for its simplicity of Ian
guage and clearness. Several selections
on the program were postponed until
next meeting, at which all questions out
will be called for. Through the kindness
of Hon. E. L. Martin, the Lyeeum is now
receiving regularly "The Patent Office
Gazette" a valuable acquisition to its
library.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
State.

Sussex peach-trees are coming i'll
blossom.
- Tschudy & Cats are rebuilding their
basket factory at Smyrna.
Sixteen of the Russian refugees have
found homes near Frederica.
- Miss E. S. Chadbourne will read at
Dorsey's Hall, Milford, Tuesday evening,
18th inst.
- The Torbert Guards and Governors
Cavalry are considering the project Of
Jointly building an armory.
Thomas H. Denney has sold his farm
containing 2l1 acres, situated on the road
leading to Little Creek Landing on the
outskirts of Dover, to New York gentle
M IN. for $4,000 cash.
w. T. Newnom has sold his farm near
Pearsons Corner to Alfred Redlnile, Of
Wilmington, for $1,000. J. w. Flick's
farm in West Dover hundred, containing
ITO acres, has been sold to Jacob Smith, of
Pennsylvania, for S1,7OO.
= Mrs. Susanna Taylor, residing near
Middleford, Sussex county, has in her
possession large china pltcher bearing
the date 1898. This is said to be the oldest
pitcher in the State and belonged to Mrs.
TayIor's great-grandfather, having been
given to him by the British during the
revolutionary war.
~ Mrs. Emma E. Quigley, widow of the
late Rev. F. B. Quigley, died at the resi-
dence OF her father, Sidney Smith, at Rox-
borough, Philadelphia, on Tuesday. Her
death occurred just six months alter the
death of her husband, who, as promising
minister Of the Wilmington NJ. E. Confer
euce, was well known on the Peninsula.
The death of Mrs. Quigley is the fifth in
the family within the past few months.
Her remains wereinterred at Wilmington
to-day.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
Correspondence Of the Transcript.
Port Penn.

The first two shad of the season were
caught in a gill net, by James Conard,
last Saturday. There are eight boats to be
fitted out this year, and about twenty men
will be employed in them. Fish of all
kinds are as yet rather scarce.-There
has been no report of frosted peach buds
yet in the few remaining orchards. Sew
enty-five per cent. of all the trees in this
vicinity have been taken up root and
branch, during the past year or So
DilwOrth and Stewart have commenced
making cans.-The Grange seems well
patronized now, and the weekly discus
sions are said to be nteresting.-The
singing class think of giving parlor con-
cert next Week.-Mrs.. T. T. Dilworth
exhibited at the Grange hens egg weigh
ing five ounces, and eight and one-halt by
seven inches in circumference.-Spr
is evidentally here but seems discouraged
by the cold raw winds. E.
March 22d.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
Odessa Items.

- Rev. Mr.. Irvine preached at Draw
yer's Presbyterian Church last Sunday.
- The Clio resumed her trips yesterday
between this point and Philadelphia, going
out with good freight.
= Mrs. Amanda Deyo will make an
address on Temperance, in the NJ. E..
Church, Sunday evening next, at half past
seven.
= Lord & Polk are making heavy ship
ments Of phosphate to Virginia, where
their "Truxillo' has met with popular
favor from truckers.
- Rev. ]. P. Otis, assigned to st. Paul's
NJ. E. Church by the late session Of the
Conference, failed to fill his appointment
last Sunday on account of illness. He is
suffering from an attack of erysipelas and
is at the residence of T. NJ. Wood, in
! Queen Anne's county.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
What Mrs. Grundy Saws.

That every closet will soon have its
skeleton again.
That the Town Commissioners should
appoint policeman.
That some of Middletown's side walks
need repairing badly.
That there is to be church wedding in
Middletown early in April.
That the town water-works will be conf
pleted during the summer.
That everybody is going to hear Miss
Chadbourne next Thursday.
That the spring bonnet is to be thing
of beauty, and joy to its possessor.
That many of the Methodist preachers
would like an appointment at Middle
town.
That young men can do as well here as
they can in the West if they will go to
work.
That Joe Gary ought to have first as
sistant secretary to tend shop while he goes
ducking.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
Assessing Voters.

Twenty-Five negroes, under white lead
ership, were taken to Wilmington on
Monday to be put on the assessment lists
of West and East st. Georges hundred.
The name of Wesley Gale was the first
proposed for assessment. William Downs
appeared as respectable freeholder," z" to
vouch for him. Mr.. Polk objected to
Sweet William, as he did not think he
exactly filled the bill of respectable
freeholder." He knew nothing good or
bad Of Downs except what he had heard.
He had heard much he did not care to
repeat. DR.. Ellison thought Downs
should be taken until it was positively
shown that he was not &" respectable free
holder" Col. Febiger thought heresay
evidence was not worth much. Clerk
Cochran said he knew Gale to be a bona
tide resident of the hundred. Mr.. Polk
said he was willing to vouch for him and
his name was put on the list. "Wes." "
has been turning the TRANSCRIPTS power
press for several years and yet he still
votes the Republican ticket. Alas! for
the power OF the press. turning out DEM
ocratic doctrines for four years ought to
have changed his "principles, and per-
haps would if he had had any of his own.
Like the rest of his race, however, his
political principles are furnished to him
on election day. But to return to the
Levy Court Aaron Brown was the next
s.prominent citizen of st. Georges hun
dred" proposed for assessment, with
Downs as voucher. Mr.. Polk again OBJ
iected to Sweet William and by a vote Of
six to five Brown got left. In the after
noon Nathaniel Wilkinson came forward
to be assessed, with Sewell Shockley as
voucher. Shockley was objected TO. DR..
Ellison then vouched for Wilkinson and
his name was placed on the list.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
Assaulted in Con rt.

Assistant District Attorney John O'Byrne,
Of New York, formerly Of Delaware, was
on Tuesday assaulted in the Court Of Cen
eral Sessions by a convicted prisoner
named John Shay, youthful but noto-
rious offender. The jury had just found
the prisoner guilty of grand larceny.
While the clerk was asking the ususl
questions OF the foreman Assistant Dis
trict Attorney O'Byrne sat with his back
t. the prisoner, who was Immediately be-
hind him at the side of his counsel.
When the verdict ofguilty was pronounced
Shay darted suddenly forward and struck
Mr.. O'Byrne a vicious blow under the
ear. The Prosecuting Attorney, who was
suffering from rheumatism, was dazed by
the blow and stood for moment uncer-
tain how to act. Before he could recover
himself Counsellor Price, Court Officer
Colligan and several other officers had
seized Shay. Mr.. O'Byrne was much
shaken up by the blow.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
Amusements.
MISS =. :. CHADBoURNE.

MISS lie 81 CAADBOUhNEs
Miss E. s. Chadbourne will read at Mid
dletown Hall, under the auspices Of and
for the benefit of Irving Lyceum, next
Thursday evening. tits hoped our people
will earnestly encourage our Literary
Society in its efforts to bring good talent
here, by good house on this occasion.
! Miss Chadbourne has won a high place
among the best known elocutionist now
before the public. During the past sea-
son she has read to delighted audiences
in many of the larger New England towns
and has won only praise. The Boston
Advertiser says of her: "Miss Chad
bourne's stage presence is remarkably
winning, and her dialect exceptionally
fine. She has fine voice, clear ennun-
citation, and magnetism that wins and
holds her audience" The Providence
Morning Star says: "Miss Chadbourne
is certainly the best lady reader who has
appeared here, and she was the more ap-
preciated because she relied upon her own
merits to win popular favor. Her greatest
charm is the vivid naturalness which is
alike conspicuous in her humorous and
pathetic selections" Miss Chadbourne has
twice appeared before Middletown audi
ence but. on both occasions the weather
was unfavorable and, consequently, the
audience was few in number, though great
in appreciation of the readers efforts.
She was much pleased with Middletown
and MiddIetown people, and as she comes
this time for the benefit of our young lit
erary society, which is struggling to pay
debt that is hanging over it, let us hope
for an audience that will be a pleasant
surprise to Miss Chadbourne as we'll as an
encouraging testimonial to the laudable
efforts of the Lyceum in furnishing good
entertainment. Miss Chadbourne's selec-
tions will be mainly new. The musical
talent of the Lyceum, aided by some of
their friends, will render a number of vo-
cal selections. Reserved seat tickets for
the entertainment are now on sale at the
post-office.
REV. ]. s. WILLIS.
Efforts are being made to engage the
Rev. J. s. Willis to deliver a lecture in
the Town Hall early in April. Mr.. Willis
has lectured in several Peninsular towns,
and his audiences have been delighted
with him. We hope to be able to give the
date Of his lecture in our next issue.
sANFoRD'S COMPANY.
Sam Sanford and company will appear
tonight at Town Hall in "Ten Nights in
a Bar Room.'' Sam is said to be meeting
with great success this season, and his pre-
sentation of the stirring temperance drama
is we'll spoken of by the press.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
SAMPLES and Catalogues by mail when requested
School Examination.

Nothing is more important than that
parents should know what progress their
children are making in their studies.
They have right to know and should
ascertain the status of the child in the
school. To afford them an opportunity to
acuuaint themselves with the respective
standing of the pupils, we will hold am
examination, commencing on Wednes-
day afternoon, March 29th, and closing on
Friday 3lst. On Wednesday, we will ex-
anime in natural philosophy, physical ge-
ography, descriptive geography, and in
history; on Thursday morning, descriptive
geography and grammar; in the after
noon, grammar and mental arithmetic; on
Friday morning, reading, algebra and
written arithmetic; in the afternoon, in
written arithmetic, spelling and etymol-
ogy. Parents and friends, we cordially
invite you all to be present.
4. D. HARRINGTON,
Teacher Public School, Odessa, Del.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
RnrrIarr at CLAYTON.

The post-office and dwelling of the post
master, Mr.. McConaughey, at Clayton,
was entered by thieves Sunday morning.
The change in the post-office till, amount
ing to about $3.50, was taken, and the
dwelling was riied of number of arti-
cles of value, including Mrs. McCon-
aughey's gold watch and chain, all the
postmaster's clothing, except a suit by his
bedside, and all the provisions for the
Sunday dinner, except pound Of butter.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
The Young Democrats.

A number of the young men of Middle
town met in Reynolds Hall Tuesday
evening to organize Democratic club.
Owing to the storm the attendance was
light, and only temporary organization
was effected. F. A. Lewis was called to
the chair and J. F. GrifFenberg, Jr., was
elected secretary. Several committees
were appointed, after which the meeting
adjourned. A meeting for permanent
organization will he held on next
Tuesday evening, 2Sth inst, when large
attendance ofyoung Democratsise expected.
The organiz ltion will probably be known
as The Young Mems Democratic Club OF
Middletown.
Middletown transcript., 1882-03-24
Uncle Tom at the Hall.

Abbey's combination appeared in +" I'm
Gle Toms Cabin" at the Hall last evening
before a large audience. The play was
we'll presented in every respect and the
audience seemed to be we'll pleased. The
part of Lawyer Marks" "Phineas, -
"Cute," and "St. Clair" were we'll sus-
tained, and Miss Almond made an excel
lent "Topsy." The trick donkey was
good, but the hlood-hounds added moth
ing to the play, except in noise, and the
chase after ElizI was tame. Little Elsie
Loan made charming Eva.