The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-07-08
FOND OF SPRING WATER.
How the Father of Gen. Gordon Discover
ed that He Owned u Rich Mine.


The elder Gordon, father of Gen. and
Walker Gordon, formerly resided in
what is now Marion county, Tennessee.
About forty years ago, says the Boston
TrdUeLLer, he bought a 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 it more
to help its 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 cordiality. The Tennesseean
said he was in Georgia on business and
thought he would see his old neighbor
before returning home.
After conversing 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? 1t
is not worth much," he continued, ''but
it will do for me to let the beeves run
on"
WELL" replied Gordon, II had al
most forgotten that strip; what'n you
give for it?''
81 don't think it's worth more than
| $10," said the Tennesseean carelessly.
"Oh! reckon it's worth more than
| that. paid $50 for it. But then | just
as lief get shet of il, for it's no use to me
| now"
| ''Well, I'll give you $50 for it"
Gordon thought there was a slight
| eagerness in the Tennessean's voice, and
| so stood out for more.
| The Tcnnesscan raised to $50, and
being refused, continued to raise until
he reached $780, BY this time Gordon
was aroused, and informed the Tennes-
sean that he reckoned he'd 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
were not only bad, but dangerous TO
riders Gordon said he reckoned he
had as good horse, pistol, and rifle as
anybody, and was not afraid of a few
hundred miles in the saddle, if it was
through a 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 Il 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
& 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 a few
minutes and said:
II reckon you were right, neighbor
the land is not worth 81"
| They proceeded a short distance fur.
ther, and Gordon was cOngratulating
himself on getting 800 for land that
was of no earthly use to him, when ht
spied trail winding to the right to
ward cove.
"Where does that trail lead top" he
asked.
'+Oh, that leads to a spring." said the
Tennesseean, hastily; 'but come ovel
this way" he continued.
..Oh, if there is one thing above al
others that am fond Of" said Gordon
..it's drink of Tennessee spring water
have not had good drink since I've
been in Georgia. 1t makes my moutf
water to think of it."
III take you to a better spring thar
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 Ghundrec
yards before he saw where the black
smiths had been digging coal from th'
mountain side. The Tenncssean's oh
ject in wanting the land Immediately
flashed across his mind. Turning to his
companion with meaning smile he
said: .Well, neighbor, reckon I'll not
SELL" The Tcnnessean looked very un
comfortable, and Gordon's good humol
made him feel more so.
The mine was soon after promptly
opened, and a short railroad was bull
connecting it with the Memphis anC
Charleston road. These mines, which
have now passed into other hands, Mr.
Gordon having sold them and moved t.
Alabama, have since their discovery
been valued at 81 100000.