The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-11-11
"Artcinus Ward"

ton, Ohio, and sought work rs n jour-
ney man printer on the Standard, ut
that time the only journal in The place.
He had none of the evidences of pros
perity. On the contrary his clothes
and general appearance indicated that
he was in the same condition of many
of his brethren--"O usted," broken and
dcplorably hard up. He secured work
on the paper at a salary OF five dollars
week. and settled down to dream of
conlentment in life. This was Charles
I. Browne, better known as 'Artemus
Ward" who subsequently gained rec
ognition rs the first American humorist
and whose tour through England, made
under bitter disadvantages, gained HIM
self and his nation reputation for wit
even among the sluggish intellects of
that people.
In his biography it is told that he
grew disconnected with his home in
New England, and came westward
with the tide of emigration. Hearing
rumors that he had once lived in South
Charleston, NeoOS reporter took occa-
sion 10 visit that village and learn the
facts connected with the case. He was
directed to Mr.. Russell Reeder, re-
tired grocer, as the person most likely
TO be informed upon the subject. MIR.
Reeder is a gentleman well advanced
in years, but wearing his age well. At
ter few unavoidable pleasantries
touching the weather and crops, the
reporter proceeded to question him
with regard to his knowledge of the
great humorist.
"Were you acquainted with Arte-
mus Ward, or rather, with Mr.
BrowneP"
"Yes; was his closest friend. He
stuck type just above my grocery, and
in that way we became acquainted. He
was with me more than anyone else
here"
do you remember and can you give
description of his physiqueP"
Let me think minute. He was
tall, nearly six feet | believe; he had
bright eyes, Roman nose, very gen.
erous mouth and was of light COM
plexion. He was not handsome man,
and he wasn't ugly, but he had a gem
tlemanly bearing"
you say he came here rather pow
erty stricken.
Yes; and he left that way, too. |
dom think he had anything when he
came here, and | know he went away
worse off yet. He got $4 to So for set
ting type on the Standard, but that did
pot pay his expenses. He was in debt
ali the time, and he left owing $50 to
the lady whom he lived with. | re-
member that he wanted 10 20 away,
but hadn't cent and couldn't get
any, so we raised a sum in my store
and enabled MIN TO leave Charleston.
Ii it hadn't been for our generosity he
would probably have stayed there
until he received help from other quar-
tiers.
$50 he left debt of sixty dollars
here?"
Yes; but about the close of the war
he returned and delivered Il humorous
lecture in Charleston. The next day
he came round, visited us all, and paid
what he owed. lsuppose he was get
ting hundred dollars night then
quite jump from four dollars
week.
Did you observe his great powers
of humor while he was hereP"
81 never met him in my life but he
had some joke to get of. He was al
ways laughing, ana his genial manners
made him favorite, | can't remem-
Der any of his jests now, as it is twenty
years since saw or talked with him"
"Can you give me any further remi-
niscencesP"
"While he was here" continued Mr..
Reeder, che had partner or compan-
ion, whose name can't now remem-
ber They did the work of the S,and-
ard, as the proprietor was generally
drunk. Getting tired of this they
watched for a chance to get even with
the old man. Perhaps he overworked
them too much, or refused them their
wages; anyway they determined to re.
venge themselves on him for some.
thing. One evening the owner and ed.
itor of the Standard rot on glorious
drunk. lie became loud in his general
Joy and, as usual, left everything TO
browne and his partner. After his
day's work, the future Artemus Ward
sat down and composed some horrible
Jokes on the absent proprietor ridicul-
ing him for his empty head, and pre-
senting ludicrous pictures of his drunk
en- antics. 1t was published in the form
OF handful. and scattered broadcast
over the streets of South Charleston.
It was cure for the proprietor. The
STANDARD soon changed hands, and not
long after Browne left"
Perhaps he left in obedience to the
laws Of healthPn
mo; his employer took it in the
proper spirit. The reason of Brownies
leaving was his unsettled disposition.
lie always wanted to travel, and it was
inns desire that took him, when so
young, to the lecturing field"
us the house standing yet where he
Yes here, I'll show it to YOU"
Mr., Reeder, influenced either by n
spirit OF accommodation or desire to
see his queslioner somewhere else,
| pointed out the building The reporter
followed the directions, and found the
historic old house ut the corner of Main
and Chillicothe streets 1t is sub.
| 1..l