The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1889-10-09

ANOTHER oBLITRRATRD GRAVEYARD, By J.
NJ. HAGAMAN.
Upon the south side OF the York road,
two miles west of Ringoes near the line
between Howard Hoagland aud Horatio
Runkle upon triangular plot skirted on
the south, west and north by gulches, is
an area once used as burial place for me-
groes, Not body has been buried here
for many years; every grave stone has
been removed aId tho evidence Of graves
was long ago entirely obliterated by plOw-
ing.
The spot has long been in possession of
the Hoagland family, who for while at
the least, tried to protect it. But once on
a time, MIR. Derlc Hoagland set his slave
Jack at blowing in the field in which this
plot is. Jack plowcd up some of the
graves. His master somewhat indignant
at his conduct, took him to task and ask
ed him why he did it. Jack, in that Az
ricanic way peculiar to the old slaves, re-
piled: "Wall massal Thought 1t would
do those old myers good TO have the dirt
stirred up about them."
Jack Hoagland was something OF wit.
Once he became dissatisfied with his con-
dition as slave and ran away from his
master. A reward was offered. Some
one in Pennsylvania saw that Jack an
swered TO the description of tho abscond-
ing slave, arrested him, and shut him up
in garnet to have him ready upon the
following morning. Jack knew about
the reward and what usually befel fugi-
tive slave when returned to his master.
Discussing these problems in his sky dom
itory, Jack concluded that there was lit
tie hope of escaping from lis master, 80
rigid then were the laws respecting fugi-
tive slaves, and that II he could save to
his master that reward that he had offer
ed, perhaps II would appeasc the wrath
OF bis master somewhat and save some
thing to his back. According, when
Jacks custodian was asleep, he uncorded
his bed, let himself down out of the win
dow by means OF the bed cord and hasten
ed away to his MASTER When they met
| Jack told his master that he thought Il
be awful hard for him to have to pay TO
one all that reward money for bringing
back SO worthless niger as he was. So
| ha Sb<., Ia 4, 4
and save his master that expense.
In. descending the rope Jack slipped
and sprained his ankle. But he had set
ont to return 10 his master, and TO his
master he went.
This Jack is the same negro that passed
by the name OF Old Jtsck Hoagiand in
Lambcrtville, N. j., 30 years ago. He
used TO attend the horse and make garden
for the Rev. p. o. Studdiford, d. ID.
Many remember seeing him about the
town wearing black pigeon tailed coat,
the tip of which almost reached the
ground.
| Jack was ready and often, in auiel
way, made sport and 10 so doing, he
often won treat. Once for a little wit
some one at Gaddis' Hotel asked him Il
| drink with him. Jack of course accepted
the invitation. Mr.. Gaddis. A very dipui
fed landlord. was In the bar. As Jacl
was lifting his glass to drink, The pcrsor
with whom he was drinking. showed III,
water nitcher toward him aakin0 him
/ he did not wish to pour a little water il
his brandy. Jack promptly replied: mo
No MIR. Gaddis always waters il wei
before he offers 1t to us TO drink" Fo
this of course, Jack got another treat.
For MIR. Studdiford. Jack often ran or
rands at which he was very apt. On,
day couple came TO be married. Jus
at their arrival Mr.. Studdiford was moi in
so Jack was sent to look him up. Jacl
set out In good spirits, went to all the no
tells 10 the place inQuiring for the Rev
Mr.. Studdiford, and returned, after
long absense, to tell the folks he had no
found him. But upon his return, he found
the Rev. DR.. at home. sWelll Jack
where have you been all this while look
ing for me 2" was the inquiry made By
Mr.. Studdiford.
ssWhy, massa, went to every hotel II
the place, and TO some of the saloons =,
Mr.. Stnddiford, somewhat indignant
said you went TO the hotels and 81
looms 10 look for me Why did you 90 I,
those places ~ Jack replied "Why, mas
ss, there's where you always go to lool
| There lived In the Hoagland famil,
once an old Guinea Negro slave who wa
known to have a considerable OF gold
but where he kept 1t, no one could tell