davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
Timely Topics.
Communicated

One Of our representatives in the Lcgis
laiurc should introduce bill to repeal
the obnoxious hawk law Of Worcester
County. Surely they know Shat AN un-
necessary drain II Is upon the taxpayers.
The greater number Of hawks the county
pays for are either falsely sworn too OF
come out Of the adjoining counties. There
is one family in Atkinson's District near
the Somerset line, that has sold To parties,
ut discount, several hundred dollars
worth of hawk heads.
As the report Of the tax.commission is
unfayOrablc 10 the taxation or mortgages
there is little hope Of anything being done
this session Ia relieve the over bur,lcne,l
taxpayers. The exemption uf mortgages
may be advantageous 10 Baltimore City.
but is certainly oppressive To Worcester
Comfy at least. The wealthy class Of men
Of the section of this county have moved
to town, and are stripping their land. aud
converting the money into private securi-
ties. AMI when the assessors come around
they will find nothing hut poor land. de.
void 81 timber, ar improvements. And on
the other hand If,hey fini any one who
Is too poor 10 live In town. and has tried
To improve his farm. AMI spent his money
ON the farm and has tried 10 improve his
neighb"rhood, Is Il right, Is IL just. that
he should be taxed for all. and perhaps
mOre than he Is worth. whilst the man
with the mortgages can live In town at
his ease exempt from taxaiiong
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
The Lightning Calculator.

Reuben Fields, most extraordinary in.
diyidual, has returned to his home near
this place, after an absence of some years
in the West Fields is known far and
wide as the Mathematical Prodigy" and,
indeed, he is most wonderful creature.
Perfectly illitcratc. not being able to tell
one letter or figure from another. he bears
the same relation 10 the science of maihc-
MATES that Blind Tom does to music
Fields is about twcnty.cigh, years Of age,
and his ability to quickly and correctly
solve the most difficult problems was dis
covered when he was but eight years old.
Tha, faculty continued TO develop until he
is able to solve, with lightning.like rapid.
ily, any problem in simple or compound
fractions, or anything in the higher
branches of mathematics. For instance.
the moon Is certain number Of miles
from the earth grain Of corn is 50 long ;
how many grains will it take To connect
the points? The answer To this or any
other problem comes like flash. lie can
also tell 10 the fraction Of second the
time Of day or night This marvellous
man has been tested by the most expert
mathematicians and his answers 10 prob
lens have been found to he invariably cor.
rect. Scientists have examined Fields
head and pronounce his wOndrously de.
velopcd faculty profound mystery to
them. Fields knows little else than this
extraordinary ability. lie claims that his
power In this respect is n direct gin of his
Creator and liable 10 be taken away from
him if not properly used. The possessor
Of this gin never went To school II day In
his life. and never did II days work, cx.
ccpt to occasionally aid merchants In in.
voicing their goods, and in this business
he has been known to keep score or
more ofclcrks busy footing up columns Of
figures. lie Is n very large man and has n
look the reverse of intelligent. Having
no occupation. he lives among his nc
quaintanccs, putting up wherever night
ovcrlakes him. lie is very proud Of his
gif, aud frequently compares himself TO
Samson. Fields gave an exhibition of his
power, before Governor Crittenden and
other distinguished men Of Missouri an n
late visit West. and they unhcsitatingly
pronounce him one Of the greatest won
ders Of the century.-O~ingsrihe n.y.
Letter 81 Mr Courier JyurAdl.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
Girdletree.

Correspondence Of the MESSENGER.
Although little early in the season two
OF our young men took salt water bath
one day this week They were cutting
Ice on the bay when II gave way and they
Owed deep into the water. From their
looks when they so, GU, |, was cold bath
aud bu, little enjoyed. They will likely
be more particular In the future how they
cut ice on tho bay.
The severe cold weather Of las, week
caused some depression n the business OF
our town. The bay was frozen over with
ice from three to five inches thick. conse
quently our oyslermen could do but little
work. As soon as the weather would
permit, however. they waded in aud as n
result over 600 barrels of the bivalyes
we've shipped from our depot alone on
Tuesday morning. From this time till
the close of the season our oystcrneh will
he busy aud our merchants will enjoy
u lively trade.
The is some talk Of lively wedding To
take place in our town soon. How true
this may be can not tell.
Our young folks have had lots offun on
ice lately Every night las, week large
crowds eongrcgatel on Rowlcy's lagc, aud
among the crowd we noticed some Of our
old ialks who enjoyed looking on.
We may expect aplcniy Of cold water
this summer Judging from the number Of
carts loaded with ice which have recently
been seen ON our roads.
We think IL the railroad officials were
TO visit our town and sec the inconyen.
fence TO which shippers from here are
subjected. they would no, hesitate TO en-.
large their depot and freight house. We
feel sure that few stations on the road
have less facilities for storing freight, aud
the demand for more room at our depot
Is already a necessity.
Preparations are being made for the
erection Of several new dwellings In the
spring.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
From Stockton.
OF the MESSENGER.

Correspondence OF the MESSENGER.
The ". c. I. L. met at the residence of
Mr.. John Taylor last Monday evening and
good time was enjoyed by those present.
Mrs. Virginia Lambdcn, of Pocomoke
City, visited our town one day this week.
Mrs. Lambden was here for the purpose
of getting up class in music. She is
said 10 be fine musician and our young
folks are offered II fine opportunity to cul-
tiyaie their musical talent. We have not
been able TO find out with what success
Mrs l.. me, but shall expect To hear 'mu.
sic in the air" before many days
Ice harvcs,crs have taken advantage of
the recent cold snap and have filed their
howscs with choice ice. They now rejoice
To think of the time when summer can bc
made more enjoyable by its use.
Mr.. Henry Burbagc. one of pocomokc' $
society bcaux, paid our tow flying Wis
Il this week Ills friends here were glad
To see him and were only too sorry his
visit was NJ short. Come again Henry and
do not limit yourself. We will try and
make it pleasant Cor you here il You will
remain long enough with us.
Rumor predicts n brilliant wedding in
this town in the near future. We will
not mention any names but many Of your
readers here can guess the first time.
There will be preaching In the Chapel
OF the Holy Cross tomorrow Sunday
morning at the usual hour. Rev. 4. Bate
will Ofllciate.
We would he pleased 10 make our letter
more lengthy for we like to see such al
interesting paper rs the MESSENGER, a
success. Your many readers here look
upon II as the only means Of getting the
county news and perusc It's columns with
much interest and then carefully lay II
away for future reference. Our time
however. is SO limiied that we will have ia
ask your readers in all parts Of the county
to excuse us this time Bon.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
A Marrow Escape From Fire.

Correspondence Of the MESSENGER.
WILTON, MD, Jan. 3O.-'rhc residence
OF DIR. John d. White, at Wilton. in this
county, caught on fire Monday morning ut
10 O'Clock. The wind WAS blowing u
perfect gale from the northwest and the
chimney which was foul caught an fire
and was soon in u blaze from the bottom
to several feet above the top. The SCOT,
on fire, fell in every direction setting fire
to leaves in the yard and also to the roof
OF the cook room. Had il not been for
the timely arrival of help from the village
the bul'iin. and contents would certainly
have been destroyed together with out
buildings
Df White and family wish TO publicly
return their heartfelt thanks. To those
who responded to the alarm. and saved
their dwelling from the devouring cle.
mcni. Especially are their thanks due TO
! VIM. :. Powell who was the first to AZ
rive iletOok bucket of water anl 90.
ing up into the the garrett poured tho
water on the burning roof aud thus saved
the building Eye WITNESS.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
A RIP VAN wINKLE.
A Wisconsin Man who has Slept
Eleven Years and is not
through vet.

Eleven Years and is not
through yet.
The case of Herman Harms, Buffalo
county, Wis, farmer who has enjoyed n
Rip Van Wrinkle sleep Of eleven years,
completely puzzles the physicians. In
1877 Harms moved 10 the State from ILL.,,
taking a farm ON the Mississippi River,
opposite Winona, In Utica Township.
While attending his sick wife one day he
suddenly fell asleep and dropped to the
floor. lie was picked up by his friends
and placed upon bed. and has not since
been of II. lie sleeps soundly all day,
and AT or 10 o'clock in the evening rises,
takes q little nourishment and at once
lies down and goes TO sleep again. Dur
ing the time he Is awake he pays no At
teniion to anybody, but drinks little
soup or coffee without making any re-
marks, and at once goes sound asleep.
Ills sleep is quiet and without any appar.
ent pain or discomfort.
When he first fell asleep he weighed
1870 pounds, but he has now dwindlcd to
ninety pounds. Ills pulse Is regular and
very strong, rather more vigorous than
the pulse Of the average widc.awake man.
His head Is very warm while the flesh of
his body Is cold and has the appearance of
dead mans flesh. While he sleeps one
hand Is closed tightly In front Of him and
the other pressed firmly against his right
temple, and he invariably sleeps In the
same position. Ills eyclids seem to blink
very fast at times rs II the light hurt
them.
The opinions Of physicians as 10 his
trouble are very various. Some say II IL
kidney trouble, some say he Is crazy and
others assert his heart is in dormant
state and that he will never recover from
his present condition. Mr.. Harms is forty.
nine years old. and up to the time he was
taken In 1877, had not been sick n day in
his life. 10 has five children.
When the story Of his peculiar ailmcnt
was first published Il was so ridiculed that
no one took the trouble to investigate the
case. II Is fact that this man has slept
eleven years, and only once has he dress
ell himself and gone out Of the house.
The doctors say he will soon die, because
he is losing flesh so fast. At the time he
awokc in 1892 he was told he had been
asleep for four years, but lie would not
believe il. lie was led to the mirror. and
when he saw his gray whiskcrs and long
hair his surprise was great.
His hair which has not been cut, Is now
over two feet long and very black. Ills
flesh is ola yellow color and is very ilabby.
IIerms came 10 this country from Han
over In 1869.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
From Berlin.

Correspondence Of the MESSENGER.
Miss Register. Of l.cwesiown. Is. visiting
the Misses Taylor at Oak Grove"
Prof Frankenicld lcfi for his home in
Philadelphia. las, Saturday morning.
Judge Holland paid our town ilyIng
visit on Tuesday last.
The wagons still continue their trips tn
the pond
Mr.. Charles II Mumiord of Philadel.
phla, son Oft. II. Munfor,l. of Syncpux.
cni. left for Cape Charles City last Saiur.
day morning.
Miss Ella Atkins is visiting friends In
Milford, Del.
Mr. Cyrus ". Williams. of Cape Charles
City, Va, is visiting his brother, near Der
lin. Welcome home, Cyrus. We are al.
ways glad To see your smiling face.
Mr. T.. \. Furbush has moved into one
of the new residences on Broad street.
Mrs. J. &. Collins has returned from
Chincotcaguc Island. where she was call
ell by the extreme illness Of her daughter,
Mrs. !. J. Birmingham. She len her very
much improved.
Mrs. +. Il. Atkins Is visiting Dover,
Del. this week.
Mr. Henry Anderson paid us visit last
week. Come again, Henry! ann always
glad To see you.
Mrs. Jennie Gilmonr. of Delaware, Is
visiting the family of Mr.. Samuel \. Ne.
Mullen.
An ox.cari loaded with the youth and
beauty 81 syncpuxeni arrived on time nj
the Pond. Monday evening. One az the
lads became 80 infatuated with one ofsuT
Berlin girls that Il was almost impossible
To persuade him to leave; when he did
make M his mind 10 go the cart had lefl
and he Ind TO get over the ground at n
lively rate 10 oyertakc them.
Mrs =. A. Robins has been confined Ia
the house for several weeks. PETE.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
New Music.

Mr.. G. Kettlcwell. composer OF the
"ldlcwill waltzes' will accept our thanks
for copy ofthe same The waltzes are
published as compliment to the Mary
land National Guard and dedicated TO
Hon. Henry Lloyd, Ex-Governor Of this
State, and the members Of his staff. II is
most beautiful music aud we predict for
il great run. Mcssrs Otto Sutro & Co,
of Baltimore, are the publishers. The
title page is very pretty and is something
new. 1t bears large lvorytype Photo
engraving Of Gov. Lloyd and his staff, all
excellent likeness.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
Music Hath Charms.

Contributed.
A wellknown citizen OF Coulbourne's
district has discovered q new style Of
soothing syrup, and as he has no children
Of his own win sell out very cheap.
lie has tried Il and Il works like charm
that Is ON the baby. He does not pre-
tend that Il has charmed him-quite the
reversc-and he does not care TO repeat
the dose. Sunday last the aforesaid gen.
tleman's wife thought she would step
over to the Gypsey camp, which was quite
near their house, and rs body-guard,
took the colorcd cook along. Now this
colored cook, like the majority Of colored
cooks, had a wee pick.a.ninny, and as IL
was too small to appreciate visit to the
Gypsy camp, or indeed any place, the
master Of the house, who was not feeling
well, consented TO remain home and take
care Of il, that his wife might enjoy an
airing. So the little coon was well filed
from the maternal dairy and tucked snugly
away in the cradle, fast asleep, and the
gentleman sat down to read the Christian
Obsercer, as Is his custom on the Sabbath
day. The feminine portion Of the house.
hold had scarcely gotten out Of sight how
ever, before that youngstcr aroused and
commenced bawling nj the rate of sixty
miles an hour. Here was picnic for
man who knew nothing Of the care Of
infants, still Us the noise increased some.
thing had TO he dons, the din was terrific.
he took the thing by the heels, laid II on
table and poured sugar In It's mouth; milk,
water, toddy, and whatever came to hand,
were tried successfully, followed by tor
rent Of familiar American quotations with
out any effect. The squall increased and
our friend was driven almost to dcspcra-
ton, when suddenly bright thought
flashed across his nearly added brain. lie
had read that Emusic hath charms TO
soo,h the savage breast" perhaps II might
work on the descendent ola savage. lie
was fine performer on the violin and
would MS last resort try that The In.
strument was quickly secured and soon
the notes Of "Rock Of Ages" and other
Sunday music floated upon the air. but II
was no SO. Then Baby Mine" "Peck.a-
Boo" etc, were tried, but the kid refused
TO lie comfortcd. although Il showed dis.
position to let up. Faster and more fu.
nous became the music and the signs Of
weakening in the babe increased, this was
encouraging and Yankee Doodle"
Money Musk" and "Spccd the Plow"
followed in quick succession. The eyes
of the desccndent of Ham are closing.
The Devils Dream" is being played and
the cyelids close tightly. lie sleeps,
soundly, but the player pauses not; he
keeps on with the music and so intent is
he in his occupation that he fails TO see
u ncighbor standing at the door taking in
the whole scene and nearly dying with
laughter The violin was put away and
the ncighbor called in and pledged To Sc.
crccy and the two wiped their mouths
with bottle while the neighbor swore
newer to diyulgc the scenes at that Sunday
matinee. On his part, the player regis
tered VOW never again TO undertake u
job that he knew nothing about.
PEPPER TEA.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
The Berlin Band.

Prof Frankcniield writing for his Band
.heseagerirom Berlin says found the boys
of the Berlin Band li,cly crew, and for
the next MESSENGER shall write up the
trip and tell you all about il aud what
progress the boys male while under my
instructions. One thing certain. they mr..
u very apt set of pupils and you may cx-
pee, 10 hear good news from them. Prof.
Fankcniicd is good instructor and rs
he says there is good timber for u first
class band among the Berlin boys, We hope
to see aud hear them discoursing sweet
music by the summer.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
A Useful Man.

There are few as useful men In the
community as Mr.. Luthur Briddcll. lie
Is ilrst.class machinist, and can make al
most anything in the way Of machinery
lie works wood MS readily as iron and
knows just what to do when piece Of
machinery gets out Of order. He Is also
an inventor. but like most Of them, has
not rcapcd much benefit from his inven.
lions.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
Drowned in the Well.

Miss Zipporah S,urgis,a sister Of School
Commissioner Jacob Sturgis, and Mr..
Charles Sturgis, was found drowned in
the well nj the residence OF the latter gen
tlcmcn on Thursday evening. 1t is not
known whether she committed suicide or
not. She was subject To epilepsy, and
il is though, by some that she fell into the
well during one oftlcsc attacks. She was
about 30 years of age The remains were
inferred in the Episcopal Cllurchyarl yes
terlay afternoon.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
List of Letters.

The following is a list Of unclaimed let.
tiers remaining in the Snow Hill Post
Office for the month of January.
Harriet Ann Bibbins, II. G. Bell. James
Benson. Miss Kate Hartman, Mrs. Martha
Hartman, +. p. Hammond, Charlotte Rca.
bins.
Persons calling for the above letters
will please state they are advertised.
I'D. HACK, Postmaster.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
Blood Poisoning.

Capt. Thomas Saddlcr. one Of lIavrc-
dc Grace's Oldest inhabitants died from
blood.poisoning ON Tuesday. Several
weeks back he cut his foot while trying to
remove corn; blood.poisoning followed
and caused his death. Our readers should
think of the danger ofmce,ing the same
fate and therefore he very careful when
they are cutting their corns We have
always been taught that it is dangerous
to cut corn until |, blccds An ounce Of
caution Is worth pound Of cure.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
Thick Ice.

1t Is very seldom that II Is cold
enough in this section TO make inches OF
ice, but such was the case the first part
of this week. Ice measuring o. inches
was cut on Purncll's pond last Wednes-
day. Our ice houses are now pretty well
filled and with the best Ice we have seen
cut IN this section for number Of years
We hope Il will be cheap enough next
summer for even the poor printer to be
able 10 cool his parched lips occasionally
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
ROAD srPEI,YIsoHs.

ROAD SUPERVISORS.
LIST District--Jas. ). Cl"gy, William G.
Blades and Peter Tarr.
Cd District-Jcssc J. Truitt, James b.
Truitt and John G. Ellis.
81 District Samuel CULLEN, and David
IIayman.
4th Dis,rict-lrving llolston.
9TH " J. Hugh King.
9th a. John West.
7th " John II. Shocklcy, Thos.
II. corbin.
9Th Dis,rc,-.Iohn W. Braucl,amp. Jas
r. Hancock.
9th District -Staphcn p. Tmmons, .Ino.
q. Donnaway
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
$500 Covered His Stock.

Clerk of the County Commissioners,
Marine, dropped into the store Of Nichol
son--thc Jcw,-rcccnil, 10 find out what
his asscSsable property amounted To.
Mr.. Marine did not stale hi, business
immediately on entering the store hut
sauntcred around examining iirs, one ar.
ticlc then another until he had looked
pretty we'll over the stock.
You've got II pretty big stack said
the amiablc Clerk
"Oh, yes replied the smiling son of
Israel, AMI his eyes sparkled rs he thought
of the suit of clothes he would probably
sell The handsome stranger with the hand.
some black nustachc. YES. IL ish putty
pig sthock, a.bowu, dwo ,ousand. -lwcnty.
fife hunirch lolla."
Don't you want too py som clodings y
Not To day, replied Mr.. Marine. The
County Commissioners sent me around
here To- look AT your stock that they might
know how much To assess yOu.-GoOsl
day -
Hold an . Sthop. Yelled the dumb.
founded jew ~ he thought 0f the twenty
five hundred dollar valuation he hal inst
placed an his stock. Mine Got un Him
mel dot vas rong. 40 clip me Moscs.
life hunirrht dolla will cOvur der sihock
anl der ouse ces full init shildrins."
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
coMMIssIONER's OFFICE.

COMMISSIONERS OFFICE.
County mmisaoners-CharlesT II. Col.
bourn, President; Major W. Pilchard,
Charles Bishop. Edwin A. Mariner, John
ID. Dale. A. d. Marine, Clerk.
C0unsel--W IN. T. Dickers0n.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
JUSTICES or THE PEACE.

JUSTICES or THE PEACE.
ist District. ID. 4. Robinson. VIM. ].
=. Clarke.
81 Dis,ric,-Jamcs q. Messick. John b.
Mock.
81 Dis,rict--Wm. ID. Pitts. james Brit.
tinghsm.
4lh Disirict--Lsmte r;. p. Ayers.
9Th d" Thomas Parsons.
9th " Benjamin Carmean.
7th Jos. Carey. Washington
Pusey.
sth District--wm. O. Payne. Jesse S.
Jones. Levin J. Jones.
9th Distric,-.Iamcs Bratten.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04
From Coulbourn's.

Correspondence Of the MESSENGER.
Mr.. Rufus Shockley and Miss Martha
f0oks were married on Wednesday night
oflast week. They are both natives OF
this county and We wish them success.
Mrs. Mary Sturgis. wife of Joshua Stur'
gis, died on the 18th of January She
was much beloved by all who knew hei
and will he greatly missed The bereay'
ed husband has our heartfelt sympathy in
this. his greatest loss. lie has lost sou
aud daughter in the last fifteen months
Mr.. J. W. shocklcy paid Us flying
visit This week We ARE always glad To have
him with rs. lie sad Mr.. Purncll FoOks
have purchased the house and lot on the
corner Of Division and Camden Streets,
Salisbury. aud will open store there as
soon rs they can get in their stock. We
wish them success.
Eggs are - cents dozen al coul.
blurn's.
Miss Clara Carmean gave socia1le an
the 2Gih which Was n success.
OLD RIP.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04

Pearson Townsend, youth of this
town. disloca,ed his arm while playing Al
THROWN Ice. which was being cut on the
pond.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04

Subscribe for the Mcssen
ger.--Si a year.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04

SURVEYORS UPPIcE.
Snrreyor-William NJ. Richardson.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1888-02-04

ADVICE ro MoTmERs Are You disiurb
ed al night aud broken oi yonr Ie,i by n
sick child suffering and crying with pain
or Cutting Teeth. II 80. send at once and
get n bottle Of Mrs winslow's Sonihing
Syrup, for Children Teclhing Its value
Is ilcalculahle. u will relieve the pear
little sufferer Immediately. depend upon
II, mothers; q ere Is M mistake about II.
II cures Dlarrliea. regulates the Stomach
and Bowels. cures Wind Colic, sDilens
the Gums, reduces Inflammation. and gives
tone and energy Ia the whole system
Mrs. Winslow's Soothing syrup for
children ieei hing Is pleasant To the taste
and Is the prescription Of one OF the old.
est and beet female physicians aud nurses
u the United States. and Il for sale hy all
druggist throughout the world. Prize
twenty-five cents n hottie. BE sure and
ask Tor Mas. WINsIOws SOoTmING
sYRUr," and take ma other kind.