davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Western Kansas world., 1886-03-06
HANCOCK'SS SCHOOL MASTER.
Hearing of His Pupils Death on the Eve
of His Ninetieth Birthday.

Hearing of His Pupils Death on the Ev,
ofHis Ninetieth Birthday.
Philadelphia Press.
There was one very old gentleman il
this city in whose heart the news sanl
like lead. He was the lamented gener
ais schoolmaster, Eliphat Roberts. He
is very feeble now, and he totters whe1
he walks. His head is covered with
thick, white hair, his sight is dim, and
his hearing is bad. He is 80 years old
to-day, and it will the saddest birthday
perhaps, he has ever known. No news.
boys shouted EXTRAS where he lives, away
up town, in pretty Wilmington street, in
the neat brick dwelling house, No. 1916
where he is tenderly cared for by affec-
tionate relations. It was dusk last even
ing when reporter rang the bell. The
old gentleman was the center of the fam
lily circle in the cazy dining room. Sup
per was finished, and he had pushed back
his big arm chair and was looking into
the CRATE fire. The children hovered
around him and listened intently to one
of his old-time stories.
''The gentleman wants to see you,
uncle" said a bright little woman with a
cherry voice, and he slowly arose, half
turned, gave the strangers hand a cor
dial grasp, and asked him to sit down.
Tomorrow is grandpa's birthday"
lisped wee little girl, who couldn't con-
tain herself and wanted to be bospitable.
Then the same bright little woman shook
her finger at her and smiled. Grandpa
must have heard it, for he s1liled Just
little.
"You were Gen. Hancock's school
master?" querried the stranger. Then
the dim eyes frightened, and he answer
ed earnestly: "Yes. indeed, was, and
I tell you, sir
Here the bright little woman inter-
rupted him with: "Oh, that's uncle's
great subject. He's just in ecstasy if he
can get anybody to talk about his gen.
eral,"
Doesn't he know of bis death?"
whispered the stranger. Four faces
blanched, four voices hoarsely said '.No,"
and the old man looked and wondered
and arose from his big easy-chair. Then
the bright little woman-sad little woman
now-put her face tenderly to his and
said, pathetically:
"Uncle, your brave pupil is dead"
'Deadv' said the old man in a strange
voice. "Deadr' and he dropped like
log into the big chair and buried his
face in his hands. 1t was a crushing
blow to him:
The old schoolmaster was the first to
break the silence. "Winfeld came to.
my school in Norristown when he was
only seven years DID," he said, s'and 1
won't 1atter him. He was Just like
other boys about studying his lessons,
but 1 always liked the little fellow as
schoolboy, and you know him as man.
That boy was born commander. He
hadn't been at school six weeks before he
had organized a company and was cap
tam, and he had them in good drill, too.
Those schoolboy soldiers never thought
of having any other commander. re-
member funny story about him One
time the proud boy captain was reviewing
his troops when the order oane from
headquarters that he would hsee tocoane
in and wipe the diahes tsesnDe his
Western Kansas world., 1886-03-06

mother was sick.A The little fellow
sheathed his wooden sword bravely for
the apron and dish-towel, but his troops
st,od at the kitchen window and taunted
him so that finally ,exasperated, he chased
the whole lot of them seven blocks with
the towel.
'Then again I picked him up bodily
out of fight and carried him into the
school house. When he left my school
he went to West Point, and didn't see
him again for twenty five years. I heard
he had been brought here from Gettys-
burg wounded, and with some trepida-
ton as to how the great general would
receive me, went to the hotel to see him.
I'll never forget his welcome in my ife
He grasped both my hands and said:
My old friend never could forget you
ssThen, one time after the war, when
he was reviewing the troops, he was COM
ing to the La Pier house, where the La
Fayette now stands, accompanied by his
staff, and I edged my way through the
crowd just to get a glimpse of him. The
colored porter was very officious, and
was ordering me and others off the steps
when Hancock caught sight of me. He
sprang between the porter and me, and
taking me by the hands, brought me up
the steps and introduced me to all the
officers as his schoolmaster who had once
saved him from being whipped in fight
by carrying him off.
"One day last March, I was sitting in
the parlor here and the door-ben rang. I
opened the door and a fne-looking man
entered. He said: Don't you know
me? My sight was bad Lthen, and I
didn't Then he said: 4 am Hancock.
1t was a happy meeting, He learned
about my daughter Clara, and went from
here to Washington, and by his influence
got her in the mint, where she nowis. He
once acted as pall-bearer when member
of my family died, and he has always
been more than kind to me.
Western Kansas world., 1886-03-06

adjusting total losses. None but what
are known as wildcat companies are now
taking risks in Idaho.
A Chattahooche river, Ga, planter was
bitten on the leg lately by rabid mule,
and since the member has so swollen
that fears of amputation becoming neces-
sary are entertained. The sufferer at
times displays symptoms of hydrophobia.
San Diego, CAL, enjoys the spectacle
of woman who mounts horseback with
the aid of stepladder instead of in the
time honored manner.
Western Kansas world., 1886-03-06
a Sick Story.

Boston Record.
''Ten me a story" said the small boy,
jumping into his big sisters bed one of
the late cold mornings. "Oh, L can't,
I'm SICK" she said. "Well I'll tell you
one," he offered, ,genially. II don't want
to hear it," she answered sleepily. "Fm
sick, 1 tell you" A smile of the most
engaging sort broke over the small boys
face. He bolstered his cheek into his
hand and his elbow into his sisters pill
low and said: "Tm awful sorry. I'll
tell you what I'll do: I'll tell you sick
story"
Western Kansas world., 1886-03-06
Truth is Mighty.

New York Times.
Elderly femele (at the gate of heaven
Can I come in?
ST. Peter-Are you married?
Elderly Female-No sir; never had
chance.
st. Peter-How old are you?
Elderly Female Forty-seven, sir; and
I've worn false hair for twenty-one
years.
st. Peter Ito assistant Give this
lady pair of golden wings studded
with diamonds and mark her 100 in
truth
Western Kansas world., 1886-03-06
An Appropriate Name.

An ApprOpr1ate NaHe.
Boston Courier.
Manager Ito supernumerary)-I an
going to give you small part in the
new play. Do you wish your real name
on the bill or will you use an assumed
name?
Supe-I guess I will use an assumed
name.
M.-Very good. What shall it be?
S.-Signor Vermicili.
M.-That's a high-sounding name.
Why do you use Vermicili? Got it out
of cookbook, did you?
S.-Yes, and I use it because am a
supe, you know.
Western Kansas world., 1886-03-06
ITEMS OF INTEREST.

Recently, while sinking well on tn
desert south of the railroad, near Flor
ence, Arizona, workmen found eighty
feet below the surface of the ground
fragments of Aztec pottery, upon which
were figures resembling in design ani
outline, the ornaments on the pottery O
the Papagoes and the Aimas of to-day
This would indicate that century aftel
century must have rolled by since the
prehistoric inhabitants of that section be-
came extinct or were driven away.
While grading and repairing the rail.
road track near The Dallas, Oregon, re.
Gently, one of the workmen found large
oval-shaped piece of petrifed wood
Close examination disclosed the fact that
it was almost divided in two parts, and
after little pulling the inside was ex-
posed to view. There, imbedded in the
hard stone, was worm about an inch
and half long and as hard as the stone
that surrounded it.
Two men at Eureka, New, are making
good wages at trapping foxes and coy
otes. The fox skins readily bring SIS
each in San Francisco, the coyote skins
81 each, and the coyote scalps, under the
state law, bounty of so cents each,
without taking into account the meat for
sausages or for chicken feed, The sport
is also said to be no small part of the
compensation for running the traps.
An American cheese cut at grocery
in Ashford, England, was found small
glass bottle containing the following
message: "Ashford, New York, August
Is, 1885. Whoever receives these letter
will please be kind enough to send the
names Of some respectable young ladies
to correspond with some young gentle
men of this place. Yours, Eugene
Hughy, Ashford, Gait. Co., N. Y"
A professional roller-skater at New
burgh, N. Y, wore bustl~ which con-
tanned an electric battery which furnish
ed electricity for an incandescent lamp
which she wore in her hair. The wires
connecting the lamp and battery were
concealed under her dress, and a switch
by which the lamp was contrOlled was
worn in the palm Of right hand under the
glove.
Judge Harry White, of Indiana, Pa,
it is stated, paid his brother Alexander
$500 in settlement OF the legal quarrel
over their mothers will. In the course
of the case the brother exchanged vile
accusations and Judge White was arrest
ed on criminal charge preferred by Al
exander, but he he has just been cleared
of the accusation.
1t is sail that reputable insurance
agents are boycotting Idaho because OF
an insurance law now in vogue in that
territory known as the "valved policy
act" which removes from the underwnt-
ems the privilege Of inquiring into and
Western Kansas world., 1886-03-06

A Serious Nursery Quarrel.
Philadelphia Call.
Tom-We've got bay window In our
house.
Bessie-So have we. And a balcony.
Tom-Pooh! That's nothing. We have
two bathrooms.
Bessie--So have we.
Tom-We've got something you folks
haven't Iheard papa tell mamma about
it last night.
Bessie-Tn bet we've got some of 'em,
too. What is it?
Tom-A defective hue.
Western Kansas world., 1886-03-06
a Beautiful Play.

New York Sun.
Saloon Keeper-(whose place of bust
ness adjoins theater, to manager )-Vot
vas dot next blay Won dot pill poard, Mr..
Dropcurtain?
Manager-Hamlet.
Saloon Keeper-How many acts vas
dot "Hamlet? %
Manager-Five.
Saloon Keeper with great satisfac-
ton )-Fxe acts NIT dat "Hamlet" Dat
vas beautiful blay.
Western Kansas world., 1886-03-06
KANSAS CHURCHES.

Twelve accessions are reported to tn
Baptist church Of Clay Center.
A new Presbyterian church has beer
erected at Downs, Osborne county, at t;
cost of $3.50.
Rev. A. C. Lyon, of New Jersey, ha:
accepted call to the First Baptis
church of Salina.
Eighty y-fve accessions are reported tt
the Methodist church of McCune, Craw.
ford county.
The Baptist society of Wamego has
expended $3.50 in reseating and furnish.
ing their church.
Voltaire, the Sherman county town
with the unbeGeving name, has organ.
lied Sunday school
The Rev. George K. Little, the boy
preacher, has been holding series OF
meetings at Mcpherson.
Hanover Democrat: The Lutherans
of Morton are collecting in the money to
| build church in that town.
AS the result of four weeks revival
at Marion, Marion county, forty five ac-
cessions are reported to the christian
church of that city.
Rev. A. S. Merrifeld, for five years
pastor of the Baptist church at Newton,
has accepted a call from that denomina-
ton at Burlington.
Salina Jo,unaI: As stated by the pas
tor, the collection for the cause of mis-
sions in the Presbyterian church of this
city this year, amounts to over $3.50.
Anthony Republican; The new Bap-
tist church is almost under roof and be-
gins to take on very much the appear
ance of metropolitan church edifce.
Three evangelists have been laboring
at Wilson, Ellsworth county, and as
result 125 have professed conversion,
and rs have joined the Methodist church.
The Southern Kansas Conference of
the Methodist church will convene at
Parsons on the 4th of March. Bishop j.
W. Walden will preside There will be
hundred and fifty ministers in atten-
dance.
Marion Register: The protracted
meetings that have been conducted at the
Christian church during the past few
weeks have closed with forty-five new
members added to the church, making a
total membership of the Christian church
in this city $50.
A new Methodist church has been
erected at Annelly, Harvey county; and
was dedicated few days ago. The cost
of the church building was $1,757.99,
of which 81 1888 had been raised and ex-
pended, leaving over $400 to be raised,
which was soon done.
At the M. E. District conference, which
met at Meriden on the 18th inst. j. O.
Forceman reported AZ converts, j. Law
renee, $50, G. w. Patton 20, G: H. Call
ID. E. H. Holland so, G. N. Riggle 2O4,
r. Rector 8, W. S, Morris 43, J. M. Hill
bert 125, J. Wenbigler 32 q. P. Wagon
er 2.
st. Marys Ea:press: We understand
that the Dunkards have organized several
churches in this neighborhood. They
are an agricultural class of people who
are noted for their thriftiness and great
plainness of life and dress. They have
no paid ministry, but are always well
supplied with religious instruction, bas-
ing their doctrine upon somewhat lib
eral Interpretation of the Bible. They
seldom vote, never enter the army, and a |
lawsuit is an almost unheard of thing |
among them. They till their farms and
are noted for excellence in this direction;
and are also noted for their promptness
IN money matters and payments.
Western Kansas world., 1886-03-06

At Riverside, Cal, grocer advertised
that he would deal strictly on cash prin-
ciples. Next day came one of his oldest
customers and asked for the loan of So.
Certainly" said the grocer, handing
him $5 gold piece, twill that be
enoughr. "Yes," replied the customer,
81 Just wished little money with which
to buy few groceries" and he turned
away to give his order to a clerk, while
the grocer stood wondering where the
cash system would finally lead him.
Western Kansas world., 1886-03-06

The late State Chemist of Delaware,
Prof. Chas. P. Williams, says that Red
Star Cough Cure Is safe and valuable
and contains neither morphia, opium nor
any other narcotic poison. The price is
only 25 cents.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-03-17
Baldwin District Fair.

The subscription Of corporators to the
Baldwin District Fair continues to grow,
and may be safely placed to date at So, 900
since the organization of the District Asso-
citation. This is gratifying to FARM AND
HOME, for it was this paper that came to
the front to save the Baldwin-Augusta Fair
from humiliation by proposing and work
ing for the District Association plan, to
take the place Of the struggling association.
There were those whosopposed our efforts,
and others joined in the movement reluc-
family, and only when they discerned that
the effort would be a success. As great as
this beautiful Shenandoah Valley is in re-
sources and capabilities, yet we are con-
WINGED that it is only able to perpetuate two
really good AIunal Fairs, and now we shall
have them: one at Staunton, the other at
Winchester If our Valley people will take
proper interest in these two Fairs, which
can hold their exhibitions without conflict
of dates two good Annual Fairs will take
the place of q number of much less valua-
BILE county exhibitions. We should rejoice
if tie conditions of agricultural and me-
chshical industries in the Valley would JUS
tily all exhibition in each county, but this is
impossible at present, and we therefore be-
|1ieve that if all of our Valley counties will
heartily unite in building up these two real
ly good Fairs, it will be far better than di-
vided effort can possibly be. The Shenan-
doah Valley Agricultural Association has
been practically District Fair Association
for years, and now that the Baldwin-Au-
gusta has become a District Association,
with eight Or nine counties at its back, it
will doubtless be not only financial sue
cess, buta veritabe and practically valuable
annual exhibition. As godfather, FARM AND
HOME is proud to be sponsor and of its
work in helping to secure the organization
of the Baldwin District Fair Association
Va. Farm and Home
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-03-17
Burned to Death.
Editor Monroe Co. Watchman:

E0tOf monroe 20. W0tchnlGn.:
The residence and other large buildings
at the Lewis place, near Gap Mills, Mon
roe county, belonging to Oliver Beirne,
Esq, narrowly escaped destruction by fire
on Sunday morning last, the 7th inst I
was alarmed about o'clock by the cry of
fire p and upon investigation I found the
little cottage of two rooms, occupied by an
old colored woman named Aunt Susan
Wickham, in flames. In a few minutes
quite crowd gathered to my assistance
There were three other large buildings and
the smoke-house within 20 or 80 feet of the
burning, building but by our united efforts
we saved them.
Poor old Aunt Susan was burned to
ashes. Nothing could be done to save her,
as the whole building was enveloped in
flames when discovered, and she was help
less with sickness and old age. 1t is
thought she was about 100 yeats old. Mr.
Blair brought her from Richmond about 20
years ago to nurse Colonel Andrew Beirne,
and Mr.. Oliver Beirne has taken care of her
ever since. Her bones and ashes were
found beneath the ruins of the house, but
strange to say, her heart was found as
sound as could be, unconsumed by the fire
which lasted for six or eight hours.
l think the fire must have caught near
the hearth, or perhaps from the old woman s
pipe while trying to smoke in bed. Dead
Goals of fire were found in the barn-yard,
200 yards distant The large dwelling
house was in small blaze along the caves
for distance of 80 or 40 feet at one time,
but l cut through the ceiling aver
head, and through the roof, and with a
quantity of water which was handed up to
me, succeeded in drowning it all out.
l owe many thanks to kind people who
rendered such valuable assistance and
service in preventing the destruction of the
other houses. Thes loss from the fire is
about 5000 or $500.
LEWIS F. BECKNER.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-03-17

UNITED BRETHREN APPoINTMENTs.-At
the recent Virginia Conference of the United
Brethren held at Berkeley Springs, W.
Va, the following appointments were
made for the present year.
Potomac District.-A. NJ. Evers, Prssid-
ing Elder.-Boonsboro Circuit, G. NJ. Holt;
Keedysville Circuit, j. K. Nelson; Hagers-
town Circuit, S. Fl. Smell; Hagerstown
Station, c. J. B. Brane; Myersville Circuit,
]. M. Underwood; Mechanicstown Circuit,
G. j. Rouda bush; Frederick Circuit, W. s..
Martin; Frederick Mission Station, W. O..
Fries; Potomac Circuit, Fl. II. Fout; Mar
tinsburg Mission Station. j. R. Ridenour;
Berkeley Circuit. J. D. Fried; Vancleaves-
vile Circuit, to be supplied.
South Branch DiStrict.-J. W. Hicks, P.
E. Winchester Station, G.. P. Holt; Bloom
cry Circuit, G. B. Fadez; Franklin Circuit,
N. F. A. Cupp: North Fork Mission, s.
Scott; Westernport Station, J. NJ Bolten |;
Lost River Mission, N, A. Kiracofe; South
Branch Circuit, P. ] Lawrence; New Creek
Circuit, W. H. Clarry; Homecoming Circuit,
N. H. Neese; Deer Park Mission, A. Day;
Elk Garden Circuit, A. S. Castle; Garrett
Circuit, E. A. Pugh; Berkeley Springs
Circuit, W, r. Berry.
Shenandoah Crcua-J. W. Howe, P.
E.-Churchville Circuit, S. K. Wine; Au-
gusta Circuit, G. P. Dyche: Rockbridge
Circuit, R. Byrd, Dayton Mission Station,
A. P. Funkhouser; Dayton Circuit, H.
Jones; Lacv Springs Mission Station, J. D.
Donavan Elton Circuit, J. M. Holt; Madi-
son Circuit, w. S. Rau; Crosskeys Circuit,
W. Ii. Samsell; Edinburg Circuit, G. FL.
Crowell; Winchester, ]. E. Holt; Front
Royal Mission, J. A. Negly, Singers Glen
Circuit, J. E. B. Rice; Freeman's Mission,
Il. X. Clifford.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-03-17
Daring Express Robbery.
THE MESSENGER KILLED AND THE SAFE
R1FLED OF $4,000.

Kellogg Nichols, of Chicago, messenger Of
the United States Express Company on the
Chicago and Rock Island and Pacific west
bound express, was killed and the safe in
the car robbed of about $50, 900 in money
and vauables early Saturday morning near
Joliet, ILL., The train left Chicago at II
o'clock Friday night. Tt consisted of a
locomotive, two baggage cars, two sleepers
and three coaches, in. charge of Conductor
Wagner. The train left Joliet at 1915 A.
NJ, and arrived at Morris at 100 A. M.
The Messenger Nichols did not appear at
the door to deliver his packages. The
agent waited on the platform for several
minutes, and, firing of the delay, opened
the car door himself. He saw Nichols e
body lying in corner covered with blood,
the safe open and the valuables missing
The interior of the car bore evidence of a
| terrible struggle. The only article left by
! the highwaymen was stove poker, which
| had been used as weapon. The baggage
man, N. II. Watts, yonng man about "a
years old, said that just after the engineer
had whistled for Minook masked man
entered the car, and, putting gun to his
head, compelled him to keep quiet. He
could hear some one at work at the safe
behind him. Shortly before the train ar
| rived at Morris the robbers left.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-03-17

The circular issued by the Northwestern
roads in the interest of tariff reform urges a
reduction from the present rate of SIT per
ton of steel rails to about $5 go per, ton
The latter rate, it is argued, will enable the
steel rail mills to pay dividends of 10 per
cent. and over, and not necessitate any re-
duction in the wages of their men. This
profit on their Investment ought, it is SUBJ
mitted, to content the steel makers Their
present enormous profits ought to be abated
somewhat in the interest of the railroads,
which at present can hardly earn fixed
charges and reasonable rate of interest on
their bonded debt, not to speak of dividends
on stock. The railroads rank with the
greatest industries of the country, and by
reason of their $7,G76, 800, O54 of invest
ments, the employment they give to $780,
600 persons, and the large services they
perform for the public, they are certainly as
much entitled to the protection of the
government as are the twelve or fifteen
steel-rail mills to which! they pay ruinous
tribute. The disadvantage the great body
of the people labor under in seeking tariff
reform lies in their inability to organize
against the compact few who profit by high
taxes. If the railroads with their skill and
GENE to the peoples aid in this
matter, reform is still not impossible
Baltimore Sun.