Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-03-28
THE PRESIDENTS COW.
A STORY OF WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON

which was current and credited in Wash
ington during the brief administration
of President Harrison. who was called
the 'CincinnatuS of the West by the
Wings and Granny Harrison" by the
Democrats. When he came to Wash
ington to be inaugurated no one was
surprised at the plain looks and the sim
pie manners of the old here, because the
pictures of the log cabin in which he
had lived were common during the cam
paign as illustrating his simple habits.
No, nor were they incredulous of the sto-
ry they soon heard of him.
1t seems that there was no cow-or no
satisfactory cOw-at the White House,
so the old ex-farmer made inquiries,
and learned that Saturday was the day
when the drovers came in from the
country to the Marsh market to sell their
cattle. Consequently, early on Saturday
morning President Harrison, instead of
sending a servant, arose and walked
down to the market. There he found
cows galore.
He soon made a trade with burly
Montgomery county drOver, by which he
became the pOssessor of a fine Durham.
"Where shall drive it, sir?" inquired
the drover, who did not recognize the
President.
ITO the White House | will show
you the way" replied President Harri-
son.
why, you don't mean to say, friend.
that you've bought this yere beast for
old Granny Harrison?" demanded the
drOver with dilated eyes.
Yes replied the old hero, without
showing the resentment that a smaller
man might have thought necessary.
The drOver left his cattle in the care
of his son and turned the Durham out
on the avenue, where he and the Presi- |
dent walked side by side behind the |
cow, guiding her way. The President,
on the inside, gently raised his stick
when sukey made an effort to prone
made the sidewalk, and the drover flour
ished his whip when she threatened to
break into the middle of the street.
I'm Democrat, myself" the drover
volunteered to inform his companion,
land voted for old Van, of course, but
the other day at the 'nauguration-ha
hal hal-Pll be doggone if l didn't fling
up my hat and hurrah for Granny Har-
rison with the best on EN-! Couldn't
help it, somehow"
Thank yOu," said the President.
'Oh, you're Wing! But | might
known that by your having a siteration
N the White House, as l s'pOse you
nave, hain't you?"
"Yes," said the President.
what be you there now? Gardener" I
NO"
"Coachman, then, or body servant?"
Neither. L suppose l may call my
elf a general servant"
"Oh, yes! Run errands, wait on the
able, answer the knocker, and like O.
hat" remarked the drover, who had no :
dea of what the domestic establishment y.
# the President of the United States
vaS like.
something not very unlike that" L
aid the President with tolerant smile. U
"DO you see much of Granny Harri- 7
on, nOw?" inquired the man, as they
cared the White House grounds. Z
considerable" replied the President. L
"How do you like the old fellow" O
That's hard to tell. Too well, most .
kelly" thOughtfully replied the old
erO. IL
''I'll go bail you do" h
"Well, here we are," said the Presi- '
ent, opening the gate that led to the IT
table. 8
Several men servants came forward, C;
,uching their hats. 2
Take charge of this COW and attend ri
} her." ordered the President. ST
Then, turning to the drover, he said: IL
Come, friendI Come into the house pl
Id take some breakfast" IN
'Thanky! don't careif l do Say,
'uld you get me sight of old Granny &C
arriSOn?" as
didn't you see him at the Inaugural tn
On?" NJ
"LOr', yes! but not nigh enough 81
know what he looked likel | would to
le to get squint at him, anywaysr' W
''COme in, friend" said the old SOL 70
er, leading the way up the steps and gr
rough the south door into the man. cr
IN. wi
The drover turned around and looked slC
t upon the grounds and then remark
a better place than that ar log cab 70
out in Ohio 10
Il don't know" replied the old sol ex
er, leading the way along the hall otl
Here they were met by a servant nj,
essed like clergyman, who bowed -
d opened door to the left. The 81
eSident ushered his guest into the th'
eakfast room, where breakfast was ito
nding ready.
'Lor' mighty! what sight of silver
d chiny!" exclaimed the drover gazing rx,
the glittering service Here were ,
re servants, who with deep bows -,
ced chairs to the the table. VII
sit down, friendr' said the illustriOus eye
st politely indicatinga chair.
Look here! | say, now! Amt YOU the
ing on great liberty? Granny Har- ~
IN wouldn't like this here now, would o
;" inquired the drover, puzzled and the
itating.
1 think he would, very much. Pray be
down" col,
Now, just look here. Amt you too I
sh?" inquired the drover with his dis,
Ids on the back of the chair, which sue
some reason or other he did not take. VIII,
no be you anyhow, rs makes so bold nea
takes slch liberties In the Presidents am,
Use? You amt told me your name L
likewise your siteration here as gives chill
so much freedom" to d
The people call me William Henry SOU
rrlson, and have made me President fall
he United States" quietly replied v
eX-farmer. fall
Lord Almighty" cried the drover. the
he bolted from the house and never eve.
)ped running until he was off the arol