Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-09-01
RECALLING the PAST.

Sayings and DOtngs of Georgia's Cover
nOrs and Jucges-Gov. Mathews Di-
vorce.
Gov. George Mathews second wife was
a Mrs. Reed, of %Staunton, Va. A year or
two after their marriage, accompanied by
two Of her stepdaughters, daughters Of
Gov. M. by his first wife, she made a visit
to her friends in Virginia. When the
time had passed which was al
lowed for her visit, she wrote to
GOV. NJ. TO come or send tor her.
He wrote her that as she had gone with
out him she could return In the same way.
She replied that she "would not again
travel so far without his protection"
The case was referred to the Legisla-
ture. A divorce vas granted, though he
and his wife had never quGrreled-had
parted ia kindness, and had no intention
at the time of continuing to i've apart.
Gov. Mathews residence on Broad river
Was in a catin Of small logs, with the
sides scalped off; the openings between
them chincked with puncheons, and
daubed with red mud.
THE FLY ON THE NOSE.
Judge c. b. Strong, when a young man
at the bar, to use his own language, was
rather cholerlo and impatient OF contra
1NANG 49, ENs A@ 49,
were questioned, or he was interrupted,
to give a passionate reply. Judge Peter
EARLY, who was fond of him, told him
privately that he would have to rebuke
aim in open court If he did not control his
temper.
Judge $. said he knew his weakness,
but found he could not restrain himself.
"Well.'' said Judge EARLY, Il will aid
you. When | perceive you are going too
for will nyaf mn Il utror 4qna1 my raNaa
and then you must hold in"
Agreed aid Judge 5. A short time
after that the Judge was earnestly ar
guing a point, when Judge Early put
his finger to his nose, whereupon Judge
5. took his seat"
$50 on" SAID Judge Early, s'you We're
taking an original and interesting view
Of the case"
y thought So" said Judge S, shut the
court might decide the Natter
When the court suspended for Dime
Judge Early sought Judge Strong, and
asked HIM why he had got into such a
pet?"
"Why, said Judge S, 81 thought l was
orderly, though earnestly, speaking to the
point, and why, therefore, did you put
your finger upon your nosey''
"Why, d-n it," said Judge Early, 81
was only brushing one Of Uncle TOby's
obstinate flies away, which had lighted
upon IT,
HIS HORSE FIRST.
Judge Strong was practicing law
in Putnam county in 1912, when the Gov
ernor called upon her citizens to rally to
the defense of the State. AT the head OF
a cavalry company, Judge Strong followed
Gen. Floyd through an unDrOken wilder
ness of 200 miles to meet the numerous
Indian enemy. In two hard fought battles
Of Calleebee and AutOssee, the power OF
the Lower Creeks was crushed.
In one of the fights Judge Strong was
mounted upon his horse, Old Roam, well
trained and of great sagacity. In one OF
his charges a rifle bail passed directly
through Old Roam, piercing both skirts OF
the saddle, and, at once, instead Of heed
ing his own peril, and the flying balls,
Judge s. seemed wholly absorbed in SYM
patty for his horse, and proceeded to help
him up. To the surprise OF all the horse
had strength to stand and walk. The
Judge told his servant to carry Roam home
to Putnam, 250miles, and nurse him until
he got well or died.
At this juucture an aid of Gen. Floyd
rode up and said.A
"StrOng, let Old Roam 90 TO the devil or
die, while you attend to the Indians"
"Ih be cursed If l do" said Judge s.,
sfOld Roam has carried me safely through
900 many hangers for me to desert him In
his DISTRESS"
Old Roam did reach home and recovered.
AN ARMED JUDGE.
Judge Strong, was holding court
in 1882 At Macon. There was a very ex-
citing trial for murder. Henry Byron, a
noted gambler and desperate, had killed
Thomas NJ. Ellis IN Macon, a gentleman
of high standing. the accused WAS sup
ported by a powerful influence, growing
out Of the failure of the Bank OF Macon,
Of which Mr.. Ellis had the chief control.
TIT best of legal talent was employed by
the friends of Byron. Bail had been re-
fused.
The trial opened. A rumor was aioat
that, in the event of conviction, a rescue
would be attempted in the court room,
and that the prisoner, the moment the YER
dict was delivered, would shoot the Judge,
an then the uproar would Ommence,
This reached the ears of Judge Strong.
He provided himself with a brace OF pis-
tolls charged the jury with irmness, and
continued in his seat with a pistol in each
hand, concealed under bis cloak until the
return of the jury. While their names
were called he kept his eyes fixed on the
prisoner, and had determined, il the YER
dict had been guilty and the prisoner
had made the slightest demonstration, to
have shot HIM dead in the box. Mot
guilty , was the verdict. The above facts
were from he lips of Judge Strong him
self. Byron was killed a few years after
III Milledgeyille by Robert McComb, in
~self-defense,