Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-06-04
FAITHFUL AND TRUE.
The Love Between Jake Hetherlngton
and His Pet Mule, Jack.


Half a century ago, says Marietta, o.,
correspondence fthe Pittsburg dispatch, Jacob
Hetherington began digging coal about mile
below where Bellaire, on the Ohio, now
stands. He was an English miner. and was
in no haste to gain wealth. Believing in the
maxim that a rolling stone gathers no moss,
he concluded to drive permanent stakes. 81
he went in debt for e ght acres Of land. which
he purchased at low feures. His trade was
limited to a few families until, to his delight,
one day small boat run her nose up to his
little works and took some coal. She came
again and Others followed. His business
gradually increased until he concluded to take
a par ner. The new firm became known as
Jake Hetherington and his mule Jack. Capt.
tai: strength. willingness to use 1t, and de-
year after year, Jake and Jack tOlled to-
gether. Steamboat men became interested in
the firm, and declared that pluckier combi-
nation never did business on the Ohio.
Larger boats began coaling with the firm
because Of its reliability. Then, too, Jake
Hetherington became known mp and down the
river as mighty oblegin fellow" The day
was never too cold nor the night too dark for
him TO lend helping hand to bOatmen.
For ten years he mined his own coal and
drove his faithful, silent, yet active partner.
They became fond friends indeed, and people
noted that a real affection existed between
them. Jack manifested his appreciation Of
his masters kindness, and rebelled when a
new driver was employed.
From few bushels per day Jake Hether-
lngtOn's business increased TO several thou
sand, and the BelmOnJ coal works fed the fur
naces Of scores OF steamers. The coal vein
being feet and having secured 700 acres of
land, he was considered substantially insured
for life. Soon after the close of the war he
concluded to revisit England and once more
view the scenes of childhood, not as poor
boy, but as a wealthy man. Intrustlng his
business with his boys, he departed, and dur
ing his visit employed an architect to draw
him plans of a house that had taken his fancy.
That he did not forget his old partner Jack is
shown by the house.
Occupying a commanding position near
where he first mined coal stands his dwelling,
which was completed in 1870 at cost of $685.
0O0. Entering the main doorway. visitors OBJ
serve noble arch. the keystone of which
causes surprise. 1t is faithfully cut like
ness Of JACK. wearing an expression of great
ness, such as we behold in the marble heads
OF other mules who reach wealth, not by in
cassant toll, but by electricity.
When this mouse was competed and luxuri-
ouSly furnished, the first guest was he mule,
Jack, then 2S years old. Why not? He had
done much to create this splendid home, and
JACK HetherlnRton never forgot 1t. Jack
having retired from daily toll. was fat and
sleek on the most eventful day Of his life. The
nelghbOrs assembled TO witness the entrance
of old Jake through the splendid doorway
He 'OllOWed his master like dog. Into the
Kitchen, dining room, library and parlor JACK
went, now and again expressing a mule sense
Of mis- appreciation. Carefully he ascended
JIC W uc duu aDlill CdIpCbSu SthlIW dJ dutl
viewed every room on the second floor.
After this singular visit Jack returned to
his own comfortable quarters to enjoy an ex-
ira allowance Of oats
About ten years after onenlng the Hether-
lngtOn mansion Jack was taken sick. The
best doctors in the neighborhOod were called
to attend him. Tney exerted themselves. as
Mr.. HetheringtOn was greatly concerned.
But Jack grew worse and worse. and one OF
the boys was sent quite distance for either
medicine or another doctor. He met farmer,
who SAID he could cure the mule. Upon see
ing Jack the honest farmer said whisky was
required, and that he had some with him. but
it IS too good for a mule. Had that mule
been young, IN good health and kicked the
honest yeOman, he would not have been more
astoniShed or felt hurt more than he did
when Jake Hetherington turned his batteries
of wrath upon him. And all becaus3 of his
assertion that the whisky was too good for
his royal hiGhness, Jack.
Well. after much gro ming and tender care,
Jack died Mr., Hetherngton wept as a
child when food Of old-time recollectons
swept through his memory. A marble shaft
with appropriate inscription marks Jacks
grave.