The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1886-06-30
FOND OF SPRING wATER.
An Investigation which Well lsepais
for the Trouble.


for the Trouble.
The elder Gordon, father of General and
Walker Gordon, formerly resided in what is
now Marion county, Tennessee, and about
forty years ago he bought strip of barren
mountain land for $50. The land was too
poor to be farmed, had no timber of value
on It, and Gordon bought 1t more to help
its owner than because he wanted the prop
srty. Soon after he moved to Georgia and
almost forgot that he owned the tract.
One day an old Tennessee neighbor rode
up TO his door and was received with great
cordially, The Tennesseean said he was
In Gcorgin on business and thought he
wcnld see his old neighbor before returning
home.
After conversing on different subjects
the Tennesseean brought tho conversation
around to real estate.
By the way, Gordon, (" said the Tennes-
seean, casually, "you have piece of land
next mine. Would you like to sell itp 1t
Is not worth much, " he continued, "but it
will do for me TO let the beeves run on"
, Well, y replied Gordon, {" had almost
forgotten that strip; whatll you give for
| itT
81 don't think it's worth more than &c."
said the Tennesseean, carelessly.
"Oh! reckon it's worth moro than that
paid $50 for it, but then I'd just as lief ge'
shet OF it, for it's no use to me now"
We'll, I'll give you $50 for It,"
Gordon thought there was slight eager.
ness in the Tennesseean's voice, and so
| stood out for more.
The Tennesseean raised to $50, and be-
ing refused, continued to raise until he
reached 800. By this time Gordon was
aroused, and informed the Tennesseean that
he reckoned he'd take trip to Tennessee
and look at the land.
His neighbor now saw that he had made
mistake, SO he tried to dissuade Gordon from
the trip, saying the roads were not only bad
but dangerous TO riders. Gordon said he
reckoned he had as good horse, pistol and
rifle as anybody, and was mot afraid of
few hundred miles in the saddle, If IL was
through o wild mountain country.
After some further talk the pair made ar.
engagements md started out.
The ride was through wild though beau.
tiful country, and was accomplished IL
safety. After rest at the house of the Ten
nesseean the two gentlemen started out to
investigate the land.
It is dreary looking place, short dis
lance south of the present Memphis and
Charleston Railroad and not far from the
Georgia line on the mountain side, and Is
about as miserable a looking piece of land
as can be found. Old Gordon gazed at il 0
few minutes and said
:" reckon you are right, neighbor; the
land is not worth S."
They proceeded short distance further,
and Gordon was congratulating himself on
getting 800 for land that WAS Of no earthly
use to him, when he spied trail winding
to the right toward the cove.
"Where does that trail lead to ?o he ask
cd.
"Oh, that leads 10 q spring." said the
fennesseear, hastily shut come over this
way he continued.
"Oh, II there Is one thing above all others
that am fond Of" said Gordon, sits q
drink of Tennessee spring water. have
not had a good drink since I've been in
Georgia. 1t makes ny mouth water Il
think Of it."
I'll take you to better spring thar
that" said the Tennesseean, nervously.
"Come ON
This one will suit me-" persisted Cor.
ion, starting down the trail. Finding that
Gordon was determined to follow the trail
the Tennesseean reluctantly followed.
Gordon had scarcely gone 100 yards be.
fore he saw where the blacksmiths had been
digging coal from the mountain side. The
Tennesseean's object in wanting the land
immediately flashed across his mind. Turn.
ing to his companion with meaning smile
he said; swell, neighbor, reckon I'll moi
SELL" The Tennesseean looked very un-
comfortable and Gordon's good humor made
him feel moro So
The mine was soon after promptly OPEN
ID and o short railroad was built connecting
Il with tho Memphis and Charleston road.
These mines, which have now passed into
other hands, Mr.. Gordon having sold them
and moved to Alabama, have since theis
discovery, been valued at 81 100000.
-->.aes--.~--