Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-07-05
FOND OF SPRING WATER.
How the Father OF Gen. Gordon Discover
ed that He Owned a i;ich Wine.


The elder Gordon, father of sen. ana
Walker Gordon, formerly resided in
what is now Marion county, Tennessee.
About forty years ago, says the Boston
Trarelier. he bought a strip of barren
mountain land for $50. The land was
too poor to be farmed, had no timber IF
value ON it, and Gordon bought ii more
to help IFS owner than because he want
ed the property. 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 cordality. The Tennesseean
said he was in Georgia on business and
thought he would see his old neighbor
before returning home.
After conyersing on different subjects
the Tennesseean brought the CONVERSE
ton around to real estate.
by the way, Gordon" said the Ten
nesseean, casually, you have piece of
land next mine Would you sell it? II
is not worth much, " he continued, "but
it will do for me to let the beeyes run
| on
''WeH," replied Gordon. Il had al
most forgotten that strip; what'lI you
give for it?"
Il don't think it's worth more than
SIC" said the Tennesscean carelessly.
"Ohi / reckon it's worth more than
that paid $50 for it, But then just
as lief get shet of it for it's no use to me
| now.
"Wen, I'll give you $50 for it"
Gordon thought there was slight
eagerness in the Tennessean's voice, and
so stood out Tor more.
The Tennessean raised to $50, and
being refused, continued to raise until
he reached 500. BY this time Gordon
was aroused, and informed the Tcnnes-
| sean that he reckoned ned take trip
| to Tennessee and look at the land.
His neighbor now saw that he had
made a mistake, so he tried to dissuade
| Gordon from the trip, saying the roads
| riders. Gordon said he reckoned he
had as good horse, pistol, and rifle rs
! anybody, and was not afraid of a few
hundred miles in the saddle, if it was
| through wild mountain country.
After some further talk the pair made
| arrangements and started out.
The ride was through wild though
beautiful country, and was accomplish
ed in safety. After a rest at the house
of the Tennesseean the two gentlemen
started out to investigate the land.
1t is dreary looking place, short
distance south of the present Memphis
| d Charleston railroad and not far from
the Georgia line. The land lies on the
mountain side, and is about as miser-
able looking piece of land as can be
found. Old Gordon gazed at it few
minutes and said:
81 reckon you were right, neighbour;
the land is not worth So
They proceeded q short distance fur
Their, 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 to-
ward a cove.
Where does that trail lead top he
asked.
ooh, that leads to a spring" said the
Tennesseean, hastily; ,but come over
this way" he continued.
''Oh, if there is one thing above all
others that | am fond of, said Gordon,
sits drink of Tennessee spring water.
have not had good drink since I've
been in Georgia. 1t makes my mouth
water to think Of it."
'I'll take you to a better spring than
that, " said the Tennessean, nervously.
Come on.
This one will suit me-" persisted
Gordon, starting down the trail Find
ing that Gordon was determined to fol-
low the trail the Tennesseean reluctantly
followed.
Gordon had scarcely gone hundred
yards before he saw where the black
smiths had been digging coal from the
mountain side. The Tennessean's OBJ
ject in wanting the land Immediately
flashed across his mind. Turning to his
companion with a meaning smile he
said: well, neighbor, reckon I'll not
sell. The Tennessean looked very I'M
comfortable, and Gordon's good humor
made him feel more So
The mine was soon after promptly
opened, and short railroad was built
connecting it with the Memphis and
Charleston road. These mines, which
have now passed. into other hands, Mr..
Gordon having sold them and moved to
Alabama, have since their discovery,
| hnpn valuad at 21 0O0 600