Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1886-05-28
Why Gordon * ept the Farm, nm

at Montgomery, Ala, brings to mind
that his father became q millionaire
solely through his love for good spring
water. sz-S
The elder Gordon, father Of General
and Walker Gordon, formerly resided
in what is now Marion county, Tenn.
About forty years ago he bought q
strip of barren.mountain land for $50.
The land was too poor to be Harmed,
had no timber of value on it, and Cor
don bought it more to help it's owner
than because he wanted the property.
Soon after he moved to Georgia, ana
almost forgot that he owned the tract.
One day an old Tennessee neighbor
rode up to his door and was received
with great cordiality. The Tennessee
an said he was in Georgia on business,
and thought he would call on his
neighbor before returning home.
After conversing on different subjects
the Tennessean brought the subject
around to real estate.
+ "By the way, Gordon" said the
Tennessean, casually, you have q
piece of land near mine, would you
like to sell it? 1t is not worth much, +"
he continued, "but it will do for me
to let the beeves run on"
SWELL" replied Gordon, II had al.
most forgotten that strip; what'll you
give for it,"
II don't think it's worth more than
$1O," said the Tennessean carelessly.
"Oh! I reckon it's worth more than
that. paid $50 for it, but then Lust
lief get shet OF it, for it's no use to me
now"
"I'n give you 800 for it,"
"Go a little BETTER" said Gordon,
with smile.
"Well, I'll give you $50 for it,
Gordon thought there was a slight
eagerness in the Tennessean's voice,
and 50 stood out for more.
The Tennessean raised to $50, and
being refused, continued to raise until
he. reached $500. BY this time Cor
don was aroused, and informed the
Tennesseal that he reckoned he'd
take a trip TO Tennessee and look at
the land.
His neighbor now saw he had made
a mistake, so tried to dissuade Cor.
don 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 rife
as anybody, and was not afraid of a
few hundred miles in the saddle, if it
was through a wild mountain coun-
try.
After some further talk the pair
made arrangements and started out
The ride was through wild though
beautiful country, and was accom-
plished in safety. After a rest at tbs
house ofthe Tennessean the two gen.
tlenen started out to investigate the
land.
It was a dreary looking place, 8
short distance south of the present
Memphis & Charleston Railroad
and not far from the Georgia line
The land lies on the mountain side
and is about as miserable a looking
| piece OF land as can be found. Ole
| Gordon gazed at it few minutes anc
| said:
| II reckon you were right, neighbour
| the land is not worth S."
They proceeded short distance fur
Their, and Gordon was congratulatine
himself on the idea of getting 500 foi
land that was OF no earthly use te
him, when he spied trail winding tc
the right towards q cove.
"Where does that trail lead to?'
| ooh, that leads to q spring." said
the Tennessean hastily; "but come
over this way" he continued.
".Oh, If there is one thing above al
others that am fond Of" said Cor
don, "it's a drink of Tennessee sprin,
water. Ihave not had good drinl
since I've been in Georgia. It makes
my mouth water to think OF it,"
"Tll take you to q better sprins
than that" said the Tennessean ner
vously. "Come on"
''This one will suit me-" persisted
Gordon, starting down the trail
Finding that Gordon was determined
to follow the trail, the Tennessean re
luctantly followed.
Gordon had scarcely gone 1OOyards
before he saw where the blacksmiths
had been digging coal from the mount
ain side. The Tennessean's object II
wanting the land Immediately flashed
across his mind. Turning to his com
panion with a meaning smile he said
"Well: neighbor, / reckon Tllnot self.'
The Iennesean looked very uncom
Portable, and Gordon's good humol
made him feel more 80.
The mine was soon after promptly
opened, and a short railroad wa,
built connecting it with the Memphi
d Charleston Road. These mines
which have now passed into othe
hands, Mr.: Gordon having sold then
and moved to Alabama, have, sine
their discovery been valued at 81 900,
900. Old Gordon is still alive, and i
a hearty man of so, while his two sons
Walker and the General, conduct tn,
vast coal aud land.interests owned b,
the family in Georgia, Tennessee ant
1 Alabama.-Boston Traveller.