davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1886-04-22
A MAD ALLIGATOR.
How He Came to Ruin His Prospective
Captor's Mansion.

Captor's Mansion.
A German, living near New Orleans,
ON one of the bayous where alligators
are quite numerous, finding his chick
ems and ducks disappearing very fast,
was unable to account for it, until one
morning, about daybreak, he discov-
cred an alligator of unusual size APP
preaching the house, under which was
kept the hen-roost. Creeping along
through the long grass, in few min
utes the animal reached the house, and
at once broke open the hen-coop and
commenced his havoc, first with eggs
and then with chickens-at least with
those that did not escape through the
broken bars The German, thinking it
rather an expensive amusement, con-
trived plan to capture the monster.
Accordingly, he procured long rope,
and made at one end moose or slip
knot, and then, running the other
through block and tackle. attached it
to a high pole which stood near the
house. The next morning he set the
trap near the chicken-coop, and
watched for the alligator to make his
appearance. About day-break along
came the alligator, and as soon as he
approached the place, and put one
front leg through the moose, the Ger
man gave the rope a sudden jerk, and
commenced pulling it with all his
might. The alligator was. however,
too much for him, and it was not until
his son and two or three negroes came
to help him that he succeeded in haul
ing him up to the pole. No sooner,
however, did they suspend him in the
air than he commenced lashing his tail
to and fro, and the pole being near the
house, it was not many minutes before
down went the house, furniture and
all, under the heavy blows from his
tail, scarcely giving the family time to
escape - Christian al Work.
Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1886-04-22

to success. Nevertheless
such a banjo, il carefully
made and properly strung,
can be made to give forth
very musical tones, and
where the real thing" can
not be had the combination
OF cigar box and broom
stick makes a good substi-
tute. If you would like to
try your hands at it, | will
tell you how to go to work.
Procure a cigar box eight
and a quarter inches long,
four and three-quarter
inches wide, and two and "a
quarter inches deep. This
is the ordinary size OF a
box used to contain fifty
cigars.
The bottom of the box
forms the head OF the BAN
10, thus allowing the cover
to be opened or shut. In
each end of the box cut two
round holes, three-quar'
ters of an inch in diameter,
hall an inch from the top
and an equal distance from
the two sides OF the box.
Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1886-04-22

tHt HOIes III tnt CIpHf DOX
and the small bridges in their respective
grooves. The tail-piece is then fastened
close to the end of the box by twisting the
wire around the projecting piece OF broom
stick and staying it. Place the piece of
bent tin on the edge of the box, under the
wire holding the tail-piece, thus preventing
the wire from damaging the box. Fit the
keys in the keyboard and the short key
into the hole in the side OF the handle
Knot the strings before threading them
through the holes in the tail-piece. Before
tightening the strings the last bridge is
placed under the strings, two and a half
inches from the end OF the box, and your
banjo is finished.-John Richards, in Har-
per's Young People.
Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1886-04-22

be drilled to al
low a piece of
wire about six
inches in length
to pass through
them. A piece
of tin an inch
and a quarter
long and three
quarters of an
inch wide, bent
so as to fit on
Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1886-04-22

-Sheepkilling on the railroad track
is becoming popular sport. The last
exploit was that of an engineer running
train near Reno, who killed forty
animals out of possible seven hum
dred.- TirQinia City (Nsr.l Chronicle.
Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1886-04-22
A ClGAR-BOx BANJO.
A Home-NIade Instrument, and How 1t
May BE Manufactured.

A cigar-box banjo is something which
most boys have heard OF, and same have
attempted, with more or less success, to
make. Possibly their older relatives have
ridicued the home made instrument, and
it has had TO contend against prejudice,
which 90 ,va tnny 10 a1nnat fatal
Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1886-04-22

FIG. 4. the edge OF the
box, will berequired. Strings
can be purchased at almost
any music store.
Having purchased the
strings, begin to put the
various parts together by
fitting the handle through
Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1886-04-22

inch and a quarter wide
and a quarter OF an inch
thick. Five small holes an
equal distance apart and a
quarter of an inch from the
end of the piece of wood
must first be drilled, and
through the small end two
holes a quarter OF an inch
apart and three-eighths OF
an inch from the end should
Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1886-04-22


of an inch in diamter. Then shape the
N handle according to the outline oo
| of the diagram, and across the
HI TOP of the handle cut a groove ss
H three-sixteenths of an inch wide "!
II and equally deep CA, Fig. ~; D
H this is to hold a small bridge to
II keep the strings from touching l1
II the handle. Il
II In the side of the handle drill
II hole half an inch above the I'LL
II angle (B, Fig. 1)-this is to |
II hold the fifth key; and just
II below the angle groove three |
II sixteenths of an inch wide and
II equally deep should be cut Tor
H the purpose OF holding small
II bridge for the fifth string (C, |Isl
II Fig.
ILL From an old broom cut a
n piece of stick twenty-four inches
long; whittle this fiat on one
side, and on the other side,
eight inches from the end, cut
the stick away so that 1t Will
slope and become flatat the end
II Zig. y. Eight and three
quarter inches OF the other end
of the stick must be cut away,
so as to fit snugly the holes in
the cigar box, the end project U
~ ing slightly. This broomstick FIG.
is the backbone of the handle, 3.
vhich is fastened to it by two three-quar-
tar-inch screws, as shown in Figs
Five keys shaped like Fig. A can be cut
out of tough pieces Of wood, each piece
being half an inch thick, two and quarter
inches long, and one inch wide Make
those belonging to the keyboard fit
tightly in their holes. The key for the fifth
string can be cut half an inch shorter than
the others. Each key should have hole
bored through it, as shown in Fig. 4.
The small bridge is piece OF wood a
quarter of an inch high and three-six-
teenths of an inch wide, which is made to
fit the groove Zig. l, A. with four
notches cut in to conduct the strings. A
similar bridge. with only one notch, and a
quarter of an inch long, will answer for the
fifth string.
The large bridge is made OF piece o.
wood two inches long, five-eighths OF al
inch wide, and quarter OF an inch thick
The shape OF the bridge can be seen in the
illustration OF the finished banjo. Five
notches an equal distance from each othel
should then be cut in the top edge OF the
bridge.
The tail-piece is the piece to which the
strings are attached at the lower end o
the instrument 1t is made from piece o
hard wood an inch and hall long, al
Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1886-04-22

With lead pencil mark off, on piece OF
soft wood nineteen inches long, four inches
wide, and hall an inch thick, the shape OF
the handle, as shown in Fig J.. Before
saving the handle out, the four key-holes
should be bored, each hole being quarter
of an inch in diamter. Then shape the
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03

candidates the publishers of the
TIMES will run for nothing, except
for about 800 subscribers. We hope
to be elected.
There were at least three hun.
dred persons from this county who
availed themselves of the oppor.
tunity to hear Moody and Sankey
last week at Knoxville. AS far as
we are able to learn, every one was
we'll pleased. The secret of their
success in getting ahOld on the peO-
pie is the sincerity and simplicity
with which they handle their work.
Mr.. Moody is the intellectual pow
er and at times he has the entire
audience in tears. Mr.. Sankey's
power in singing is his clear, dis.
tinct pronunciation and force more
than in the melody of his voice
Staub's large orpera house wal
filed to overlooking at every meet
ing, and hundreds were turned
away. The evangelists left Knox
vile Friday morning for Chatta
nOoga, at which place they remain
ed over Sunday.
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03
. FLAG BRANCH.

Health is good at this time.
Piney Level Church had Q called
meeting last Sabbath, and called
Rev. Mcpherson as pastor for the
next year.
Piney Level Church has q prayer
meeting every Sabbath night; also
singing at O'clock, conducted by
Mr.. Willard Amerine.
Rev. Reagan breaches at Piney
Level the second Sabbath in this
month. Subject: Temperance.
Some one ought to be appointed
to attend the Piney Level Church
graveyard; about those large trees
being cut down and tearing Il up
It is not right.
Farmers are doing but little, on
account Of the bad weather.
"Shindig" carries the day on
Crooked Greek, and DR.. Robbins ID
President.
A. P. 6eaton is one Of the best
farmers on Gravel Branch.
DR.. Robbins is doing q lively bus.
mess.
JACK.
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03
JACK.

CARPENTERS CAMPGROUND.
We have mud in abundance.
Miss Sallie Hannah is improving.
Mr.. Lindley Coppock has been
indiposed for a few days.
There was a singing in our neigh.
borhoOd the other night. A good
time IL reported.
On Sunday, Jan. oath, Mr.. "Hard.
times" had his horse fed from the
bunch of oats that had been await
ing his coming. That's right Billy;
call again.
Mr.. Cabe Best has made q new
plank walk and fence in front Of his
dwelling.
Mrs. George Brawner had quilt.
ing to-day.
There are preparations being
made for q new Westinghouse al
the CampgrOund.
Miss Libbie Coppock was visiting
friends yesterday.
DR.. Garner has fine, large boy,
seven weeks old and no name,
Girls, don't FORGET that the 18th Of
February Is st. Valentines day.
Farmers will get behind with
their work II the bad weather con.
tinues much longer.
AUNT PATSY.
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03

VIM. M. Murray, of Morganton
was in town Tuesday and gave the
TINES u pleasant call.
Walter Thomas Mills was very
anxious to know whether we have
sidewalks in Maryville. He made
diligent inquiry about it, but no one
seemed to know anything about it.
Much interesting matter was
crowded out Ct this issue by the
lengthy articles on the LIST page
We trust, however, the sermon
will be appreciated by all of Our
readers.
CIV. Taylor, Of Russelville, and
W. B. Miller, of ROgersville, were
in Maryville Tuesday morning, col.
lecting interest on BlOunt County
railroad bonds to the amount OF
5000. $3.50 were also paid to Geo
W. FulsOm and Mrs. Shannon.
We want it distinctly understood
that there are some persons who
are not going to run for Office this
spring. Although there are many
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03
SUNSHINE.

This is beautifully situated
place, about six miles from Mary
vile. In the east the mountains
can be plainly seen, and their snow
covered crest is a splendid scene in
winter. In other directions you
can see as far as your eyes will let
you.
The singing at Piney Level was
q success. Mr.. Lawson understands
his business. We hope he will
come again.
Mr.. Reagan breaches at Piney
Level the second Sunday in next
month, at 8 o'clock; also Sunday
night at early lamp lighting. We
hope to see alarge crowd in attend.
ance.
The candy pulling at Mr.. viii.
liams' would have been q success II
they had made the candy out Of
sugar. GUESS.
Jan. %, 1885,
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03
BRICK MILL.

Our town Is improving.
Hulin Is doing a fine business,
and isSsituated on Main Street now.
w. R. Bryant has boot and shoe
shop on High Street.
It is rumored that the city OF
Peth is to open soou with . full
stock Of g0ods, and 1t is also situat-
ed on High Street.
We have some fine dwelling
houses in our town; also one mill
and one lanyard. But, alasi our
blacksmith shop is closed. Hope
some one will start II again.
There is plenty Of mud.
1 think the boys have all goio to
see their girls. That is right ~.
This is good day for that bust -,
Silk handkerchiefs are fashicSe.
BILE in our town, and we hope that
the ladies' hand-pockets will follow.
ROAMEn.
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03

istration and Republican Senators
has become intensely interesting.
The Senators have called for more
papers and information bearing on
removals from office. The late
Cabinet meetings have been de-
voted to discussing the Senate's re.
quests, and the President has de-
cided to disregard them. He takes
the position that the resolutions Of
Senators Edmunds and Morrill,
asking for Information in regard to
appointments and removals were
attempts to make him subordinate
to the Senate. The Senate will be
formerly notified of his decision
and what next?
The debate over Dakota's admis.
sion is going on in the Senate now,
and it promises to be long and in.
teresting. If it were possible fol
Democratic politicians to consider
the question from any point of view
except that of the partison, Dako'
ia would pass through both Houses
of Congress without debate; hel
claims to Statehood being SO fully
established by her wealth, popula
ton, education, etc. Interest II
Dakota and her affairs has been en-
HANGED by the presence and promi
nence in the Senate of her two ap
plicants for Senatorial honors
Messrs. Moody and Edgerton. The!
are both portly, dignified looking
gentlemen, who pay strict attention
to the discussion of their coming
commonwealth, occasionally en-
Tightening speaker on some poin
that needs explanation.
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03
FOUR NILE BRANCH.


The friends Of Sunday, Schools
held q convention here. John
Ridge was made President and X.
D. Anderson Vice. resident, w. O.
Nelson Secretary.
Introductory address by d. p.
Cunningham.
First topic: @What Is q Sunday
School? its objects and aim Of in.
struction ?" Debated by w. R.
Best and Others.
Second topic: "The best method
Of organizing q Sunday School"
w. O. Nelson and Others.
Third topic: SHOULD every
church have a Sunday School p
]. E. Ridge and others.
A question drawer was opened,
which gave the Convention q mum.
Der of subjects for discussion.
The Convention will hold its next
session at Towards Chapel on the
second Saturday in March at 10
o'clock A. M. 49,
&c. Howard, J. E. Ridge and X.
D. Anderson were appointed q com.
mittee on programme. i
J. E. RIDGE, Pres.
w. O: NELSON, Sec.
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03

was gotten up by Moses Gamble
and Andy Coulter.
p. NJ. Seaton was engaged last
Saturday In remodeling his parl0r.
Granville Dearmond was the boss
workman. Nell il ont of No Times
prosperous farmers. @
Andrew Hitch paid r. P. Chand-
Ter q flying visit last Saturday
night.
James Houser. who lives on Pep
permint Branch, is going to move
to Knoxville. He will sell his
farm Ing implements very cheap.
T Dun.
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03
All kinds Of job work done at this
Office. If you want nice work call
at this Office.
SANDY SPRINGS.

As we are readers Of the TIMES,
we like to hear from different parts
of the county; and hence we write
from Sandy Springs.
The men of this locality have
been attending Court, and there
hasn't been enough left to care for
the women and children.
Our Sabbath School has been re-
organized. A. B. Montgomery was
elected Superintendent. We hope
to have a better school in the flu.
ture than we have had In the past.
Mrs. ]. g. Anderson, who has
been visiting her daughter, Mrs. J.
T. Reagan, has returned.
Miss Mollie Jones has been on
the sick list for a few days; also
James Porter.
We have agood school in progress
at this place, taught by g. H. Larue.
We learn that school is to have a
social Friday night.
Mr.. J. A. Porter attended Court
last week and snapped horses sew
eral times.
Mr.. and Mrs. willis gave a social
last Tuesday night which was en-
joyed very much by the young
folks; but the best Of all, Lyle An.
ders0n's horse broke loose and he
had to sail his new boots in the
mud.
Mr.. A. NJ. Piper has been visiting
]. N. Allen, of this place.
Miss Nellie Anderson was the
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03
OUR ALLIANCE.
Met at the Court Eo,ase
IA NGaryvr11e, ca last
wednesday. Jan. AZ.

In pursuance of a call made by
Will A. McTeer, a member of the
Temperance Executive Committee
for the State of Tennessee, for the
purpose of organizing a Temper.
ance Alliance for BlOunt
County, in connection with the
State Alliance, quite a number of
citizens met at the Court House.
The meeting was called to order by
w. A. McTeer, who, in few words,
explained the object Of the meet
ing as above.
W. h. Henry, Esq, was called to
the Chair and ]. P. HOOke was re-
quested to act as Secretary. On
motion the Chair appointed Rev,
J. A. Ruble, A. X. Kinnamon and
r. 8. Kithcart a committee on per.
manent organization.
The Committee reported the fol.
lowing: for President, DR.. J. w
Gates; for Vice-Presidents, w. M
Watkins and l. G. Thorne; for Sec
rotary and Treasurer, w. H. Hen
~, Esq.
The Committee also reported ir
favor Of adopting the Constitution
of the State Alliance.
The report was accepted ant
adopted.
On motion the Chair appointed
the following committee on dele
gates: Josaas Gamble, Esq, J. I
McIlvaine and F. M. Watkins.
The Committee reported the fol
lowing as delegates to the Stat
Convention:
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03

guest of Clemmie Porter Thursday
night.
Messrs. Will and Jesse Broadly
visits Sandy Springs quite often.
Wonder what the attraction Is?
JESSE AND JOHNNIE.
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03
WATKINS & DAVIS.
BUTCHERS & 0ROCERS.
Nouthsast uf Court Hopse,

Southeast VI Court House,
MARYVILLE, TENN.
Having added Z new stock Of
FAMILY GROCERIES, in con-
nection with our butcher business,
we are prepared to furnish fresk
Meats, Bacon, Lard and Groceries
as low as the lowest.
- Highest Cash Prices paid for
Fat Stock.
~Cash paid for Butter, Eggs,
Hides, &c. A
Come and see US before trading.
e-em.
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03
COLLEGE NOTES.

10 the SCuO0nC6 I6eC 0aDD8Cn aIter.
noon, in the Chapel. Mr.. Clements
has two sons in College. ..'coa,.
Mrs. Atkinson has gone to Jones'
boro on a visit; will be away some
time, and the table will be taken
care Of by her daughters.
Misses Loudon, Hill, Gilmore and
Greenlee went to Knoxville last
Thursday to hear Moody and San
ky. They returned Friday.
Miss Agnes Clemens went to
Knoxville last Thursday and at
tended the three services held by
Moody and Sankey on that day.
Prof. Gilmore has recently bought
a new upright piano. 1t is u very
beautiful instrument, and is not
only pleasing to the eye, but to the
ear also.
Rev. c. A. Duncan, who is preach
ing at JonesbOro, Tenn, conducted
the worship in the Chapel Monday
morning. He left for his home on
Tuesday morning.
President Bartlett and family
were among those from Maryvihe
who attended the meetings in
Knoxville conducted by Messrs.
Moody and Sankey.
The Rev. Mr.. Davis Synodical
Evangelist, began series Of meet
ings in the Chapel last evening.
We pray for a good meeting. "The
harvest is great" All invited.
If anybody wants to swop knives
they can very easily do so by call.
ing on John Creswell. Mr.. Cries.
well is man who will always deal
fairly, so you need not be afraid to
trade with him.
A great many of the students
went up to Knoxville to hear
Messrs. Moody and Sankey. Some
were there two or three days,
and all were very much delighted
with what they heard.
The Alpha Sigma Society has in
vited the Bainonian Society in to
Join in a discussion on next Friday
evening. We expect lively de-
date and we think the negative will
gain the question, but will tell you
more about that after it is over.
Miss frankie Post went home
last Saturday morning and will not
be back this term. We are sorry.
Miss frankie was always cheerful
and made those about her pleasant,
Her many friends on College Hill
will miss her. We shall be glad to
have her come back on a visit.
One of the Senior boys attacked
one of the Sophomore boys in the
Reading Room, last Monday, with
his knife drawn, and made some
fearful threats. They came nearer
and nearer to each other and dread.
full might have been the result, had
not the third party, who, being a
lady, interfered and stopped the
quarrel.
Mr.. John Mckinley boarded the
train last Thursday afternoon as II
was leaving for Knoxville and rode
almost to Rockford. As the train
neared that station he remarked
that he was going to jump of; both
Conductor and friends told him not
to do it, Notwithstanding he did it
and we all supposed he was badly
hurt by the fall. The next morn.
; ing came with the news that he
was unhurt
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03
GRAVEL BRANCH,

There was q social ut Willard
Amerine's last Friday night. The
leading games played were blind.
fold and FrOg in the Meadow. II
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03
State News.

otate News.
Mrs. Balkey's residence at Frank
lin was burned few days since.
DR.. G. w. Currey, of Nashville.
died very suddenly on the 25th OF
January.
The stock yards at Columbia
were destroyed by fire on the oath
OF January.
James Myers was on a spree at
Chattanooga and lost his wallet,
which contained $500.
Frederick Smith, of Memphis,
while drunk set hls house on fire
and persisted in the flames.
There has been no new discover
les in the Nashville murder, where
10 mans body was found chopped
into pieces.
Alice Hall, Cleveland, was han.
ding coal oil in kindling a fire when
her clothes took fire and she was
seriously burned.
The Base Ball Club Of Chatta.
nOOga makes q suueal for money:
they asked for $4,000, but only rails
ed $1,000 by subscription.
Alb. Whistlehunt, who was drunk,
was shot by man by the name Of
Blevins, who was also drunk; they
were both of Unicoi County.
Ex-Governor John G. Brown will
resign his attorneyship for the Mis-
souri, Pacific Railroad, as he is the
Receiver Of the Texas Pacific.
John Petty, of Loudon, was ar.
rested for placing crossties on the
the track of the E. T., Va. 4 Ga
Railroad. He was Jailed at Knox.
vile.
Eighty men came down into Ten.
nessee last Wednesday from the
North to look at the country. They
want homes in the South and have
money.
Some persons are apprehensive
of a flood in the Mississippi, from
the Ohio water sheds. Already 9
bet of some magnitude has beer
made on the probability of a great
food.
Travelling business tramps arr
doing great damage to people wht
buy from them and use the impur,
articles they sell. These trampl
sell baking powder, tea, and othe
articles-such as pills, cure.alls
liver invigorators, &c. A large pc
cent. of the articles sold by then
are frauds.
A dog on Walden's Ridge is rails
ing six pigs, the mother of whicl
died. The dog had her pups takel
from her at the same time Of th
death of the SOW, so she adopte,
the pigs. Captain D. B. Corbin, O
Chattanooga, saw the dog mothe
accommodating the pigs with
hearty meal.
Major Ogden, of the E. T., Va. (
Ga. r. r., has been elected Commits
sioner of the Southern Railroa,
Pool. This gives him entire con
troll Of the question of freights o.
the principal roads passing through
Tennessee. His headquarters viii
> be at Louisville, Ky. The Knox
vile Journal says it is a handsom
! tribute to the ability and homes,
square dealing of Major Ogder
The TINES always rejOices over tn
, victory Of honest, upright mer
r We congratulate Major Ogden.
The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-02-03

CATTLE AND SHEEP.
WHOLEsALE PRICES. A
Cattle good heifers, gross, Yh3
oneep-....''.'fs.';.'...:$D4