davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
Resignation Of Pension Agent Bliss.

The following letter written by A. NJ.
Bliss to the Republican and OBJ
server under date of Dec. 10, 1886 will
be OF interest to the ex-soldiers of
Grant and adjoining counties. "Mr.
Editor: Before me lies a paper, dated
November 20, Washington, d. c.,
which informs me that my resignation
as special examiner will be accepted
December 81. 1886. The language is
plain and needs no explanation. A
brief synopsis of the work which called
me to your town may be of intesest to
your readers.
A special examiner takes up no cases
except such as are referred to him from
the department with the testimony al
ready filed in the case, and with in
structions to establish some particular
point or perhaps to make thorough
examination of the case. In all cases
except criminal the claimant has right
to free. fair and open examination, to
be present in person or by an attorney
when the testimony is taken, and to
cross examine the witnesses and intro
duce any evidence he may desire in his
own behalf. When the testimony has
all been taken and every doubtful point
cleared up as far as possible aud the
claimant has been subjected to medi-
cal examination, then it is the duty of
the examiner to analyze the case, write
report thereon. giving his opinion as
to the merits of the claimant together
with recommendation in regard to
the admission or rejection, and return
it to the pension Office. l have so ex-
amined and reported upon betwe en
three and four hundred cases. l have
endeavored to do my duty to the best
of my ability, without fear or favor.
1t may not come amiss here to state
a few facts as find them in my records.
1 find fifteen cases reported as of boubt-
full merits; eleven for rejection; the re-
meritorious or for admission.
The law throws the burden of proof on
the claimant, and every step must be
proven clearly. In view OF this fact it
seems that those figures should go
someways in disposing of the cry of
fraud in getting pensions. l say this
in justice to many old soldiers who are
simply because the public
are not informed as to the merits or de-
merits of their respective claims. No.
body knows better what a man has got
to prove to get a pension than
one who has ridden over the hills of
Crawford. Grant, Richland, Sank, YER
non, Monroe and Juneau counties for
over three years in search of evidence
to prove that mans grandmother
wasn't bow-legged when he wanted a
pension for sore eyes.
take this occasion to express my
to the many citizens in all
conditions of life who have uniformly
shown me the greatest kindness and
courtesy, allowing me to trespass on their
time and giving me all the information
in their power when it would not in the
least concern or benefit themselves.
heartily thank you all and shall retain
a cordial remembrance of you, regard
less of party. place or position.
After January 1st / will be glad to
give.to any old soldier or widow. having
an honest claim against the govern
ment any information or ASST stance that
may be in my power that will not in
terfere with my regular business.
a. NJ. BLISS.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
NOTICE.

The 18th Annual Meeting of the Ger
man Mutual Fire Insurance Society,
of Liberty, will be held in the Town OF
Liberty on the 4th of January, 1887,
IL O'Clock at noon, in the Frame school
house, near the Rock church in Liberty
Ridge, to transact such business as
may come before you. Every member
should attend to it.
This society only had $50 losses this
year, this small sum will not make it
necessary to make an assessment.
II. BALD, Secretary.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
Ghastly Condolences.

The Richland Center Republican and
Observer of Dec. % contains the follow.
ing: A dispatch from Boscobel says
that the finding of the dead body of an
unknown man at hay barracks, be-
tween that city and Blue River, brings
to the recollection of many old residents
the peculiar and remarkable fact that
within short distance from the locality
where this last body was found there
have been discovered at least three
others. At an early day that region
abounded with some tough characters.
The railroad passed through country
very sparsely settled. Some twelve or
fifteen years ago, man named Clark
was found dead, who was somewhat of
drinking character, who had left Bos-
cobel and passed east on the track. A
freight train coming in during the
day brought in his headless body.
Whether he met his death by a passing
tram or was killed and laid on the
track to ward off suspicion, no one
knew. Afterwards the railway company
were having trouble ia that section.
ALI kinds of depreciation were committed
such as soaping the track, stealing
ties after they had been paid for, and
placing ties and rails across the track
with the apparent motive to wreck the
train and thereby damage the company.
So vexatious did this become that a
special Waterman was sent out, whose
duty it was to watch prior to the pass
ing OF q passenger train. All worked
we'll enough until one morning he also
was found dead on one side of the track,
with the back of his head mashed.
Every one had theory as to how he
met his death, but the fact was never
satisfactorily settled.
The next case happened only few
rods from the preceding one. A body
was found in very novel position. 1t
was full-grown man, with the clothing
torn in shreds and the flesh almost de-
voured by wild animals. 1t was never
identified. Not paper or trinket or
anything could be found. A storekeeper
at Blue River station kept for long
time the vest and hat, hoping thereby to
obtain clue to the mans identity, but
without success. 1t was generally be-
lieved, however, to have been the body
of school teacher from southern Grant
county, who had school in Richland
county, and crossed and recrossed the
country about that point. Such man
was missing, having finished his term of
school and started for that home, he
never reached. The cause of his death
was never explained.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

ROBBERY IN GALENA.-Just before
daybreak last Friday morning burglars
entered the jewelry store of Julius
Kruger, on Main street, Galena, and
robbed the safe of $3.50 in mon ey and
$500 worth ofgold watches, diamonds
and other jewelry. &. So far no clue to
either the thieves Or property has been
discovered
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

James Tennent has just received
large assortment of candies, nuts,
canned goods of all kinds, cove and
fresh oysters, pickles. sauces, and celery
and crackers and cookies of all kinds.
He will furnish you with good meal
at any time. Oysters served in every
lyle. 3lw2swSw
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
Musical Convention.

A musical convention lasting ten
days, beginning Tuesday evening, Dec.
%, will be held at the Methodist church
in this city. The convention will be
conducted by Mr.. +. A. Porter, gentle
man who has had nine years experience
in teaching vocal music and conduct
ing musical institutes. All interested
in vocal music are requested to come
to the church next Tuesday evening.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

FOUND HIS MoNEY.-Dr. A. K. Law,
of Belmont, has found his pocket-book
and all of his money. He concluded
that he might be mistaken about having
it in his pocket at the hotel in Platte
Vile, and went back to his lead mines
near Livingston, and found the book
near the wash place, where he had lost
it while washing his hands after a visit
under ground.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

DEATH OF Mrs. SCHMITT.-M Mrs.
Maria Schmitt, mother of Anton Schmitt,
Of this city. died at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. John Race, who resides
three miles west of Lancaster, last Satur-
day night, December %, 1886. aged
about as years. She was a native of
Germany and had been in this country
for the past twenty years, making her
home with her son, until last fall when
she went to live with her daughter. Her
funeral will be at the German Lutheran
Church to-Snerrow at P. m.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

To OUR OLD SUBsCRIBERS.-If you
wish to do friend favor, call his at
tention to the excellence of the GRANT
COUNTY HERALD, and advise him to
subscribe at oiice. Only $3.50 year
for a semi-weekly paper with stories by
the best authors, summary of the gen.
eral news. and all the town aud county
newsl Fifty per cent moro reading
than any other county paper, and ttcice
ectch lncek. -. :. -. -
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

A TEST CAsE.-Detective Chas. Benn-
EFT gives us the following: For num-
Der of years fishermen from the Iowa
side have been in the habit of coming
across the Mississippi river and with
large seines cleaning out the fish from
our small lakes and sloughs In the
darkness of the night they would come
across, seine out from 1900 to 15OOipounds
of fish and ship them to j. Fl. Scrogum
in McGregor. Ageneral complaint com.
ing from the people on this side, de-
tective Chas. Bennett went last Thurs
day to McGregor and after inducing ID.
II. Lewis, one of the main fishermen, to
come onto the ice, arrested and brought
him to Lancaster. Scrogum said he
would make it test case; he had been
receiving money from unknown parties
to help out just such fight, and had
plenty of it in the treasury; he would
fight Lewis's battles. Lewis was allow.
ed his liberty here in Lancaster and was
by Bennett kept at the Wright House
until his trial occurred the next day.
Justice Baldwin fined Lewis 1926 and
cost. amounting in all to about $50.
After the trial Bennett sent a dispatch
to Scrogum Gas he had promised to do)
stating the outcome of the trial. Scro-
gum would not pay for the dispatch,
and after Bennett had paid for it, the
bold fish dealer who was suffering to
fight Wisconsin. replied to it thus: ST
can do nothing in the matter" Lewis
is in Jail here. The arrest was made
merely to test the case on the detectives
part.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

DR.. T. Z. McDermott. of Feunimore,
requests that all parties having owed
him for eight months or over, will call
promptly and make satisfactory settle
ment of their Indebtedness to him be-
fore asking for continuance or renewal
of his services. 28w2-w&s
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

SOLD HIS FARM:-Mr. VIM. II. Bur-
CESS informs us that he has sold his
farm between Beetown and Lancaster
to George Moore. Mr.. Burgess in
tends to come here to live after Jan.
Is. He will have an auction sale of
farm property at his farm about i've
miles east of Beetown Jan. 6, 1887,
Look out for his posters, and announce
ment Of sale in Thursdays HERALD.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

DIED.-Thomas Tomas, man ad-
vanced in years, died at his home inNorth
Lancaster last Thursday. His funer-
al was held yesterday. He was man
who was respected by his neighbors,
and whose loss will be felt by many.
A more extended obituary will be given
in a later issue.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

DEATH OF THOMAS WEBB.-Mr. Thos.
Webb, n prominent farmer of the town
of Hazel Green, died very suddenly on
Wednesday, December Is. He was as
well as usual through the day and after
supper had started out to the barn to
finish doing lis chores. On his way
back to the house !. fell to the ground
and died in few minutes. He was q
native of Cornwall, England.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
Judge CIementson on Horse Racing.

Judge Clementson has laid down rule in the
case of Earnest vs.. Shullsburg Driving Park As
ISOLATION, that premiums offered for trials of
speed Of horses, Is gambling under the statute,
and that an action win not lie to recover the
premium awarded.
The horsemen think the Judge is wrong The
Judge, by implication holds that when you pay
your entrance fee, that ron are simply betting
that your horse win win. BY the same rule,
when you enter bushel OF onions that you are
betting ten cents that you have the best bushel
Of onions.
II the rule is correct, Mr.. Earnest win soon
want to know as John Randolph did. ..who will
hold the man that holds the takes."-Darlington
Democrat.
Was it Judge Clementson's duty to decide the
horse race, is the question that is sgtating legal
minds.-Darlington Democratic Register.
As we are informed the case referred
to arose out of the races held in Shulls-
burg in July last. We have obtained
from the reporter the remarks made by
the Judge in dismissing the action. Our
readers can judge whether the decision
is as broad as is above suggested. The
following is what the Judge said:
II have listened to this case as long
as will. The nature of the action was
apparent to me from the start. but in
order that / might not be considered hasty
in giving my opinion of it, have listen
ed to testimony for nearly two hours.
The nature of the action is now plain to
all. 1t is not an action to recover money
lost at a horse-race from the stakeholder
or winner, under the statute, but it is an
action brought to have this court deter
mine whether the plaintiffs horses won
at a horse-race, and if all his winnings
have been paid over to him, and if not
to give judgment for the unpaid sums.
The gathering at which the plaintiffs
horses ran was not even an agricultural
fair. The bills and program show it
to have been meeting for racing only.
The plaintiff paid, or was to pay, ten per
cent. of the entire purse in each race for
each horse entered. In other words he
bet ten per cent. of the amount of each
purse that his horse would beat the field.
l do not propose to sit here and decide
who won at horse-race. Courts
neither in this country nor in England
will prostitute themselves to do so.
dismiss the complaint in this action and
will hear no more of it unless the
Supreme Court directs me to do SOL
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

Two OF the churches, the Episcopal
and German Lutheran, had Christmas
trees that were well attended and sue
cessfully managed. Several families
had private trees. The Meyers had a
tree at the home of K. Meyer. Jr. Mrs.
Lowry had a tree for her children and
some of their friends. Mrs. DIR. Hassell
had tree for the Hassell and Chandler
families. There was family gather
at Mrs. Burr's, at which four of her
children and their families were present.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

A NEW. u. B. PREACHER. - Ed
ward K. Perrin. of Bloomington, now
carries the title of Reverend since
the quarterly-meeting held by Ed
or A. j. Hood at Pleasant Ridge week
ago. His certificate is signed by Elder
A. j. Hood and r. Richmond Secretary
of the conference, showing that he is
an approved preacher and exhorter of
the gospel in the church of the United
Brethren of Christ
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

A. +. d A. M. Installation.-A public
installation of new officers of the A. +.
& A. Nj. lodge at Montfort, will be held
Tonight ,(Monday) Dec. q. The exer-
oises will commence. at $50 sharp.
There win be,,s supper gwen at the
Frankland House. A good time is an
ticipared.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

Record: The Grant County Herald
issued magnificent Christmas number.
as is its usual custom. When the SUBJ
ject of enterprise is concerned, the
Herald is never found in any but the
front rank.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

The EVENT OF THE SEAsoN.-The
great and browning social event of the
holiday season of 1867 in Lancaster,
will be the Old and Young Folks Ball
next Thursday night, at Hyde's Hall.
People are expected from Platteville,
Boscobel. Fennimore, Bloomington, Cass-
vile, Potosi and other places, and all the
Lancaster people who ever dance will
be out. Whoever wants good time
will not miss it.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

Monitor The Herald comes to us
this week with its Christmas greetings;
the display advertisements are very fine.
We notice that of Him, Hilderbrand &
Parker stands at the top there is where
they belong always At tho head.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
1887.
HaFper's Bazaar.
ILLUSTRATED.

HAMPERS BAZAAR combines the choicest Gtera.
ture and the finest art illustrations with the lars,
Iashlons ana the most useful family reading lis
stories poems, and essays are by the best writer's
ana It's humorous sketches are unsurpassed lis
papers on social etiquette decorative art. house-
keeping IN all its branches, cookery, etc. make il
indispensable in every household Its beautiful
fashion plates and pattern-sheet supplements
enable ladies to save many tinlasthe cost OF
subscription by being their own dressmakers
Not line is admitted TO its columns that could
shock the most fastldious taste
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

The GRANT COUNTY HERALD has
The largest bona tfde circulation of ana
paper in Grant County, and the ps.bliSh-
CT Is readY TO furnish proof of u.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
JEown and County News.


MARRIED.-At the parsonage in Patch
Grove Dec. % by James Jefferson Mr..
William Madison Parks and Miss Lucy
Chilson, both of Mt. Hope.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

MARRIED:-At the country residence
of the BRIDES parents at Block House
Branch, Dec. Is. 1886, by Rev. M.
Baker, Mr.. David Wilkinson. of Big
Patch and Miss Susannah Z. Robinson.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

DENTIsT.-Dr. T. E. Eddy will be at
the Office OF DIR. w. p. Hartford in
Beetown one week, commencing
Dec. q, to look after his cid patrons
and all others that may ueed his SER
vices.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

NOTICE All persons indebted to
Miss c. Cox will please call and settle
before Jan. ]. 42w2
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

LANCASTER, BEETowN & BLOOMINGTON
STAGE.
LEAVES Lancaster every Tuesday. Thursday and
and Saturday at a. m and Arrives at Bloom
ington at i2 m.
LEAVES Bloomington at p. m. on same days
and Arrives at Lancaster at 8 p. m.
s. JOHNSON. Prom.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
HARPER'S PERIODICALS.
Per Year:

hakPEk.S HANDY SERIES, One Year (5e
Nuhoersl .-...+-' -.............. 10 90
Postage Free 10 all Subscribers IN Ike United
States or Canada.
Tie Volumes of the Bazaar begin with the
first Number for January of each year When
no time is mentioned, subscription will begin
with the November current al time OF receipt OF
order.
Bound Volumes OF Harpers Bazaar, for three
years back, in neat cloth binding will be sent by
mail. postage paid. or by express free of expense
tprovide the freight does not exceed one dollar
per volume,l for 81 per volume.
Cloth Cases for each volume, suitable for bind
ing will be sent by mail, postpaid. on receipt OF
81 each
Remittances should be made by Post Office
Money Order or draft, to avoid chance loss
Newspapers are not to copy this advertis ement
without the express order OF Harper &c Brothers
address HARPER & BROTHERS, New York.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
FREDRIcK. A. BRrAS's Estate

FRIEDRICH. A. BRYAN's ESTATE
Chicago Herald; The will of friedrich
A. Bryan was admitted to probate by
Judge Knickerbocker Yesterday, and
Friedrich w. and John C. Bryan, of 10
Throop street, sons of the deceased,
were confirmed to execute its provisions
under bonds of $1,600.00O, security
being waived. The estate is valued at
$500, 900, and consists of the Bryan
Block. corner of Monroe and LaSalle
streets, the family residence at Throop
sreet and Bryan place, with other real
property, money in bank in excess of
$4,000 and $41, 900 life insurance,
besides other personal property. The
estate goes to the five sons and one
daughter, leaving all but S11 900 of the
life insurance, which is directed to be
applied in pryment of encumbrances
on the Bryan Block, and the rest divi-
ded equally among the children. Each
child is to receive $1,000 per year from
the net increase of the estate, the bal
ance to be invested in first mortgage
loans on city real estate until the Young
est child attains the age of twenty-five
years, when it is to be divided. The
estate itself is to remain under the
management of the executors until the
Youngest child living at the time of the
testator's death reaches the age of forty
years, when it, or the proceeds from its
sale. are to be divided equally among
all the heirs. The will is dated July 8,
1876. The testator died Dec. IS.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

AS w. H. Decker and Will Orion
were passing neighbours house last
Friday evening they perceived hang
ing lamp on fire. the flames streaming
nearly to the ceiling. The family was
absent at the time except the girls in
the kitchen. They did not stop to ring,
but rushed in through the back door
to the room where the lamp was in
flames, promptly took it from its place
and threw it out into the snow. There
gentlemen deserve good deal of credit
for prompt and decisive action which
no doubt saved house from destruct-
ion by fire. Mr.. Deckers hands were
considerably burned.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
LANCASTER 3 BURTON STAGE.

1-'0-17N k11s % ID UNI ~ o. zNHl7'
LEAVES Lancaster every Tuesday Thursday and
Saturday at q. m. and Arrives at Burton At
ian.
leaves Burton at 1890 p. M. on same days and
Arrives at Lancaster at s 40 p. N.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
STAGE ROUTES.

LANCASTER & PLATTEvILLE STAGE.
Daily.)
LEAVES Lancaster at 2 D, m. and Arrives at
rel; Platteville at D. M
VEAsHs Platteyille at s a. m. and Arrives at Ian
caeterat u m. p EgSsE,aGBEEs, Prop.
LANCASTER & sPECHT's FERRY STAGE.
(Daily)
LEAVES Lancaster at s O. MI and Arrives at
Specht's Ferry at IL m,
LEAVES Specht's Ferry at p. IN. and Arrives ut
Lancaster at p. m. GREEN BROS, Props.