The Magnolia gazette., 1883-10-18
Horace CIreelcy's Farm.

AAWAhNN NANNANJ AA-AiaN
After the death Of Horace Greeley it |
was intended that his farm ut Chappa-
qua should be sold and the proceeds
divided between his daughter, Gabrielle
and Ida, the latter Of whom was the
wife Of Colonel Nicholas Smith. For
some reason this was not done, and
when Mrs. Smith died, more than a
year ago, the farm was still unsold
Colonel Smith, who had lived on the
falSa after Mr.. Greeley's death, re-
moves to Shelbyyille Kentucky, with
his threc children, and the farm was
rented in part.
Miss Gabrielle M. Greeley recently
brought friendly suit for the sale Of
the farm, and il was ordered to be sold.
The time Of sale ewas fixed for yesterday
noon in front Of the post-oIlice on Main
street, Chappaqua. The post-oilice
consists of a little shed iutting out on
the end of piazza which runs along
the front of Il country feed store. II is
set with small glass panes bearing the
numbers of the letter-boXes, so that n
person driving past can see if he has
letters without alighting.
At noon about twenty Of the villagers,
farmers and storekeepers who CHANGED
to be in the neighborhood gathered on
he stoop and retailed old stories about
Mr.. Greeley. A few hundred yards
down the road could be seen the cato
of the Greeley farm, and Immediately
in front of the post-olfice was the swamp
on which Mr.. Greeley expended so
much money in his effort to convert it
into good ground. Presently the auc-
tionecr, John A. Haight, appeared. He
owns pickle factory IN the town, and Is
an old resident. He Is a small man, with
1lorid complexion and stitf gray nous
tache and hair No one came up on
the trains from the city except report.
ers.
Soon after twelve o'clock Miss
Greeley drove up alone in top Buggy,
with spirited bay horse. Miss Cree
ley was dressed in deep mourning for
her sister. Her brown hair was brushed
down plainly over her forehead, and
the healthful color in her cheeks showed
how well her stay for several weeks
past had agreed with her. AT her feet
was u large bunch Of brightly colored
leaves. She reined up the horse oppo-
site TO the auctioneer, and spoke to her
lawyer, Mr.. Porter.
Auctioneer iaight stood on the high
est Of the three steps OF the stoop and
said The sale would begin. A dozen
urchins deserted their play and stood
near his feet. Mr. Haight read the
long legal description of the property,
which said that the farm consisted oi
about seventy-seven acres, orchard,
,l,.,t anl ,.gnCI1anH
"What am | offered for the prop.
erty?
Miss Greeley leaned ont Of the side Of
the buggy toward, the auctioneer, and
said in clear, musical voice: "Ter
thousand dollars.
"Thank YOU said Mr.. Haight.
"That settles it, said half dozer
voices: "no one will bid against her. =
No one did bid. The auctioneei
pleaded for $500 advance, $500, 500
J $50 and S25, but no one made sign
He dilated on the value of the farm
said it was going dirt cheap, and callee
, on the bystanders by name TO bic
, higher, but there was no response
Then he took short recess, and again
offered the property.
: IL will take $40 advance he said
| who will bid s10,1o0. Wont you
DR.. ?n
! The Doctor addressed examined hi
5 pockets i'll a spirit Of humor and de
2 clined to bid.
Z "Ten thousand dollars once; fai
I warning. Ten thousand dollars twice
Ten thousand dollars third and las
, time. Gone. Sold TO Gabrielle NJ
Greeley for $4,000"
r Miss Greeley smiled pleasantly, an
. said she was glad, as she did not wan
i tho old farm to go ont Of the family
4 She had no plans regarding it just 9
S present, but would put il in repair an
\ probably move there next year.
4 There are two houses on the farm
a one near the gate and the other on tn
hill. The latter is unoceupied. ~
L SIM.