davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
VOL. XXVI.-NO. 4S.

the seeker for pearls. In favorable situa-
tions-as in the branches of clean-growing
coral and where there is little or no sand to
disturb them-they often attain prodigious
size, not infrequently measuring yard in
the diameter of their open valves. Some
times dozen of these are linked together,
and, if they contain pearls, are sure to
have the largest in size, shapeliest in form
and purest in lustre. The oysters which
produce the greatest number of pearls,
however, are thick, stunted and deformed,
which seems to indicate that the formation
of pearls is due to some disease in the ami
NAL Strangely enough, however, the
finest pearls are often found in the health
lest oysters. In former times, when trad
ing began first to be practiced with the
natives, many very large pearls were Sc
cured, which the savages had found and
placed in their temples-not from any
notion of their value, but because it was
their habit to place the largest of every
thing, whether cocoanut, crab, oyster or
what not, before their gods. The seduc-
tions of beads, rum, and red calico led to
these things being Withdrawn from the
place where they had lain for generations
and given to the traders-foolish people,
who regarded them as having value. As
for pearl shell, the natives were more than
delighted to give half ton of it for a sin
gle tomahawk, and some groups, like Pau
motus, having exported as much as thou
sand tons year the last quarter of CEN
tury, representing a value in Europe Of
over S5,O00,000 Although this particular
group does not now export over 200 tons
of shell year, there are plenty of others
possessing vast deposits that have never
been touched, and should yield equally
large returns. If, also, any means could
be devised for excavating and sitting the
sand of old beds, great value of pearls
could doubtless be found, since the num-
ber which fall to the bottom from dying
and decaying oysters largely exceeds that
which has been brought to the surface by
the pearl fishers.
The Polynesians are most expert pearl
fishers and do not use any stone to sink
themselves or any apparatus to close their
nostrils, as do the Cingalese. They can
/ ItiEdAh hdtNl oNCi hAlhueO9f
and bring up shell from depth of 120
feet-although not liking the undertaking,
and needing to be paid extra for it. The
cost of raising shell by this means is about
S25 a ton.
There are scores of smaller enterprises
carried on in the South Pacific Islands in
connection with the more important ones
that | have mentioned, which bring good
and constantly increasing returns, and it is
only question of time when the vast
archipelago of which they are members
will become as valuable (and even more
so) as that which contains the West Indies.
The rivalry between Great Britain, Ger
many and France, in annexing various
groups to themselves, is significant; but
even more striking are the energy and
secrecy with which many leading firms in
this city and the capitals of Australia are
cultivating the fields to which the attention
of the outside world has been, as yet, little
attracted.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
FARMERS!
LEND US YOUR EARS.

1t is an undisputable fact that the Home
Manufacture of Fertilizer in this county has
reduced the cost of it to the farmer from
three to five dollars per ton and saved to
them Thousands of Dollars. Therefore, is
il not wisdom on your part TO encourage us
while we are trying to save you money, and
bring you nearer to the manufacturer? We
desire to deal directly with you as possible,
thereby saving to you all extra commissions.
We therefore invite all farmers, farmers
clubs and grange organizations to call on us
before purchasing elsewhere. We manuiac.
ture ali of our own brands of goods and
Guarantee them as represented. They are
drier, have less acid and moisture than the
nsnaI city mixture and will drill perfectly. We
guarantee them free from shoddy or any in.
active material and
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
DATIFIcATIoN NOTICE.

In the Orphans Court of Carroll County.
AUGUST Term, 1891.
Estate of Jeremiah d. Bowersox, deceased.
On application it is ordered this 21st day
September, 1891, that the sale of the Real
Estate of Jeremiah ID. Bowersox, late of Car
roll county, deceased, made by Amelia B.
Bowersox and William Flickinger, executors
of the last will and testament of said deceased,
and this day reported to this court by said
executors, be ratified and confirmed, unless
cause be shown to the contrary on or before
the 4th Monday, 18th day, of October, next;
provided a copy of this order be inserted for
three successive weeks in some newspaper
printed and published in Carroll county, be-
fore the Sd Monday, 18th day, of October,
next.
The report states the amount of sale to be
four hundred and sixty. FIVE dollars and sew
enty cents, (S465.70.l
DAVID ii. H0FFACKER,
JAMES p. SUMMERS, Judges.
JAMES W. WHITE.
True eopy,-Test:
GEO. M. PARKE,
Sent 26 St Register of Wills.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
sPECIAL PREMIUMS

to wheat growers using our grades, as fol-
lows: $40 for the largest yield per acre on
one acre or more, $50 for the largest yield
per acre on five acres or more, $50 for the
largest yield per acre on ten acres or more.
See circulars for further description. Our
premiums last year were won by David
Cover, of Winfield, and r. F. Cook, of
Warfeldsburg.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03

Reayer sells Ladies' good Dress Shoes from
$l.25 up.
Reaver sells Mems good Dress Shoes from
$l.25 up.
Reaver sells Boys good Shoes from $1.00
up.
Beaver sells Mems Wool Hats from 25c. up.
Reaver sells the Cheapest Straw Hats in
Westminster.
Rleayer sells the best and cheapest Trunks
and Satchels. The best assortment and larg-
est stock.
Beaver originates style and prices, others
initiate.
it is hereby publicly announced that our
prices are lower, ogr goods better, our assort-
ment and stock larger than that of any other
Shoe and Hat House in Westminster. Pay
no middle prices, buying direct from manu-
facinrers, thereby saving the middleman' S
profit.
SOLE AGENTS FOR
Dunlap and Yeoman style of Stiff Hats;
W. L. Douglas Shoes for Men; Freedmen,
Son & Co. Ladies' fine Shoes of Philadelphia;
also the Carlisle, Pa. Ladies' fine Shoes.
Reayer's greatest ONE PRICE SHOE,
HAT AND TRUNK STORE IN MARY.
LAND.
U. L. REAVER,
Next door to Postoffice,
may 16 Westminster, Md.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
EREE EXCURSION TO
'REE EXCURSION 10
Oak Hall, New Windsor, Md,
For the next 60 days, to witnesss our Closing
Out Sale of Spring and Summer Goods.

t0n exhilfhion you will find India Silks, 75
to soc, reduced from SIPS; light wool Dress
Goods. reduced from so to 35c; embroidered
Robe Dresses, iseduced from $3.50 to $3.50;
pl wool Shallias, f24 to l5c, reduced from Is
10 2ae; Shantony iP0ngees, at l2!c, were zoe;
Cotton Shallies, % to SC, were to 1Oc;
Pine Apple TISSUES, l2Ic, reduced from 10
and l9e We have many Jobs in
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
MAGISTRATES OFFICE.

l take this method of informing my friends
and the public that have opened an office
for the transaction of the
DUTIES OF A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
in the Haines & Co. Building, next door to
the store, nearly opposite the First National
Bank, and respectfully solicit patronage.
GEO. w. MATTHEW'S, j. p,
mays tt Westminster, Md.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
THE BIGGEST YIELD OF WHEAT IN
CARROLL COUNTY.

The following letter from Mr.. John II.
Stem, one of the most reputable farmers in
the County, is submitted for the benefit of
our patrons and all those interested:
WINFIELD, Mp, July 28d, 1891.
II. S. Roberts & Co.-Sirs: | threshed
Yesterday from a scant nine acre field, sowed
gith 800 lbs. to the acre of your "Big Gun
and Pride Fertilizers" $50 bushels Of iuheat,
averaging about f2 If bushels 10 the acre. l
sowed u bushels of seed to the acre. These
are facts that it seems to me the people ought
to know. If any one doubt it am willing to
subsantiaie it with my oath, and other proof
j. necessary. JOHN Ii. SlEM'
SEND FOR OUR FARMERS MANUAL.
II. S. ROBERTS & CO.,
ives 3m Westminster, Md.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
Will Guarantee them under
Forfeiture of the Pur-
chaSer'S Bill

10 produce as good results in crop contest
as any other for the same money, and chal-
lenge competition. We are having reports of
from IS to A bushels per acre having been
raised this year from the use of our Phos-
phate. Besides the above guarantee we are
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
Paints. Oil and Glass.

If YOU are in immediate need Of any of
these goods, we request You kindly write us
for quotations before buying elsewhere, as we
are in business to serve the cash buying trade
nj close prces. Yours very truly,
BABYLON q GILBERT,
apr25 Iy Westminster, Mo.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03

The man who owns arailraad never gets
half as much JOY out Of il as the one who
travels on free pass,
He that sits with bis back to draft
sits with his face to coffin
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03

Clothing at greatly reduced prices. If you
will come to see us we will prove to you con-
clusively that we can give you pleasant
summers S entertainment by offering goods at
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
Hay Forks. Ropes and Pullies,

Shovels, ''D'' and Long Handle; Seythe
Rifles, Scythe Stones, Mattoeks, Grub Hoes,
Garden Hoes, Onion Hoes, Handled Plant.
ers Hoes, Handled Grub Hoes, Handled
German Eye Hoes, Galvanized Water Pails,
Galvanized Well Buckets, Crown Well
Buckets King Well Buckets,
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
ChamDion Lawn Mowers,

PENNSYLVANIA Mowers, Maslin Kettles, Brass
Kettles, Spring Hinges, Gem Ice Cream
Freezers, Wire Window Screens, Wire Door
Screens, Green Wire Cloth, Poultry Wire,
Barb Wire, Annealed Wire, Door Hinges,
and a full and complete line of Builders
Hardware
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03

The greatest known depth of the ocean
in the Pacific, is near the Ladrone Islands,
where soundings were made to the depth
of 36, $50 feet, or little over FIVE miles.
In the Atlantic the greatest depth found
IS just 2S,250 feet, or nearly four and-a-
half miles. In those parts of the ocean
most free from islands, as in the route from
Newfoundland to Ireland, the is ocean most
shallow, seldom exceeding 10000 feet.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
THE
sayHAGERSTOWN FAIR. -ea
BIGGER, BETTER & BRIGHTER
THAN EVER.

Composed of the County Associations oil
Washington and Carroll, Md, Franklin and
Adams, Pa, Berkeley and Jefferson, West
Va, Baltimore and Washington cities, will be
held at
HAGERSTOWN, Md, OCTOBER IS, II
Is AND 16, 1891.
BENEW ATTRACTIONS. 7Sa
Among which is the great
Myrtle PEEK COMBINATION.
BRACES. RACES -25
Steeple Chases, Hurdle, Chariot,
Running and Trotting Races.
This is Everybodys Year to Attend. Every
Day a Big Day.
Low Excursion Rates and Excursion Trains
on all Railroads.
Entries close October 10. For Premium
List and information send to
P. A. WITMER, Sec, Hagerstown, Md.
JNO. W. STONEBRAKER, Pres't.
sept 10 ct
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
OAK H AL L.

P. S. Free out door concerts may be
expected during the summer evenings, to add
to the attraction, by the glee club of the town.
Come one, come all. As an inducement we
will pay all railroad and toll gate fares, when
buying $500 and upwards at my place dur
ing the time named.
Respectfully yours,
june 81 GEO. C. ANDERS.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
DRESS GOODS
JOB LOT OF SLIPPERS.

that We will close oat at half price. Straw
Hats half price.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
DABYLoN &c GILBERT,
Wholesale and Retail Dealers in
Hardware, Cutlery, Guns. &c.

We call your attention to the following list
of seasonable goods, having n complete stock
of same bought exclusively for cash. We are
enable to offer them at snch prices 10 the
close buying trade as will defy any Legitimate
nomDatitinn
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
Binder TWine.

Harvest Rakes, Malleable Iron Rakes, Steel
Rakes. Wood Head Rakes, Lawn Rakes,
Forks, ''D'' and Long Handle; Scythes and
Snathes, Grain Cradles,
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
Headquarters for Good Goods
and Low Prices.

Truly thankful for the liberal patronage here
toiore received, we hope by continuing TO
sell good goods at the very lowest prices to
merit a continuance of the same.
Very respectfully,
6. W. MORNINGSTAR,
No. SO w. Main Street,
dec27 ly Westminster, Nd.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
onr Grocery Department

Our Grocery department.
Is stocked with Fancy and Staple Goods.
Sugars, Tea, Coffee, Syrups, Spices, Flavoring
Extracts, Raisins, Currants, Citron, Cali
fornia and French Prunes, Evaporated Fruits
and Canned Goods of all kinds; a full line Of
CONTEMPORARIES.
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
VERY LOW PRICES.

We will also prove to you that the much
abused tariff is not a tax if you deal at
The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-10-03
A large stock of
CIGARS AND TOBACCO.

Best BraRds of Flour at manufacturers
prices, and all goods kept in first class house
furnishing store. We cordially invite you to
come and examine our stock. 1t will be n
pleasure to show goods, and when You see
our goods and get prices you will be convinced
that we are
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-12-05

our people knew no more about that
newly acquired territory than they did
of the Nosth Pole.
Emory went as far as the ruins on
the Rio Pccos (the Cicuyc of Coronado's
march), and was the first TO sketch the
ancient Aztec temple tn ere, with which
so many tourists now confound the old
Catholic church near it's site, the debris
of which, may be seen from the car
windows rs the overland train passes
through the historic valley.
Lucicn b. Maxwell was the compcer
and comrade of Kit Carson, belonging
to that host of prominent BORDER men"
long since dead, famous in the history
Of the early invasion of the far west,
both he and Carson having done moro
than any other to place Gen. John G.
Fremont in the front ranl, OF American
explorers.
Maxwell when at the zenith of his in
huencc and wcalth--a period during the
war of the rebellion, when New Mex
leo was isolated and almost independent
Of care or thought by the government
ut Washington-lived in sort of bar
barrie regal splendor. akin to that of the
mobiles of England at the time of the
Norman conquest. This continued for
some years. until he met with reverses
and was compelled to sell out, but
was still Il very wealthy man.
The thousands of cultivable acres
comprised in the many fertile valleys
of his immense estate were farncd in Il
primitive, feudal sort of way 10y native
Mexicans principally. under system
of ''peonagc" then existing in this ter
ritory These semi-serfs were rs much
his "thralls" rs were "Gurth and
Wanda" Of Cedric of Rothcrwood,"
only they wore 40 engraved collars
around their neclis bearing their names
and that of their master as did those
mcnials of the old Saxon But Max
well was not IA hard governor, his pco-
pie really loved him as he was ever
their friend and advisor
His house was Il palace when com
pared with the then prevailing STYLE of
architecture in that country and cost
an immense sum Of money 1t was
large roomy. purely American in its
construction, but its usagcs strictly
MeXican--a jUste majcv between the
customs Of the higher and lower custcs
OF those curious people.
Some OF its apartments were claLo-
rately furnished. others devoid of every
thing excepting 4 table for card play.
ms and games complement OF chairs.
!he principal rooEs, "a extended rec
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-12-05
THE MAXWELL RANCHE.
History OF the Only Baron Ann
erica Ever Had.
Col. Henry Inman Describes TIL o Lilo v,f
Ono OF tho Most Eccentric and Ex-
traordinary Men Ever Pro-
duccd by This Country.
Especial LctScr.1

lSpeclai LCtNCr.I
"The Maxwell Rancho" title to- which
in favor of an alien company was some
time ago determined by the supreme
court OF the United States, has been
fertile theme for newspaper corre-
spondcnts, but in every instance their
articles have been confined to the legal
points involved in the great suit. Of
the eccentric, improvidcnt and mar
Vicious man whose name the large, i'm
mcnsely valuable and picturesque tract
bears, nothing has been mentioned.
The reason of their silence on the
subject is, perhaps, evident; dead years
since, Maxwell belonged to vanished
Observation-Disclosures as completely ex-
tinct as the old tribe Of Mandans-thc
like of which will never be seen again,
because there is no longer any from
tier"
Since the correspondents of our lead
ing eastern journals, through the
medium of that most potent civilzer,
the railroad, have freely entered that
once terra incognita, New Mexico, they
have usually met the modern occupiers
OF that strange Countrywide "tender-
foot" so-callcd, themselves of that class
and have picked up the apocryphal,
unreal stories current among them.
The vast tract of land, fifty by sixty
miles in its rectangular measurement,
comprising an area of one million nine
hundred and twenty thousand acres, SO
far as the right of possession by Max
we'll is concerned, | shall not discuss
here; that question the several courts,
during a series of years, have tctiously
argued in reams of legal cap" and it's
rehearsal would be devoid of interest.
state as n fact, merely, that the once
primitive herdcr of sheep-who after
wards owned SO many that he had no
conception of their numbcr-acouired
his monarchical domain publicly known
as "MaXwell's Rancho" but in law as
the Bcaudicn- Miranda Grant" by mar
riage and legitimate purchase.
Tho "ranche" is situated in one of
the most charming and picturesque por-
tions of the Rocky mountains, and Mt
the time Maxwell came into possession,
the whole region was an almost un-
known, certainly an unexplored coun-
try. Except to the limited number of
traders with remote Santa Fc, New
Mexico was then as much of "a scaled
book" rs are the hicroglyphics of
Uxmal or Palenque to-day; for until
Capt. Emory, of the United States to-
geographical engineers, returned from
his expedition to discover the sources of
the Red river-which was organized
Immediately after the Mexican war
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-12-05
Judsc Griffin.

AS far as is known Judge Griffin has
no opponent for the position of county
Judge for the ensuing term, and the
only reason the Roanoke county bar has
not met and passed the customary reso-
buttons is that they feel confident he
will be reelected. BY his strict i'm
partially and intelligent construction
OF the law whilst on the bench, and his
courteous and kindly treatment of all as
citizen, he is to day one of the most
popular and highly respected residents
of Salem. Regarding Judge Griffin. tho
writer parodying the peasants comment
about Lady Canning, would remark:
when the legislature made him o
judge it spoiled the best common
wealth's attorney Roanoke county ever
had -
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-12-05
THE RcANoKE TIMES SATURDAY DECEMBER J. 1891.

tanSo'ar affair, which might properly
have been termed 1.-The baronial hail."
was almost destitute of appointments
savca few chairs, II couple OF tables and
an Anticipated bureau. There Maxwell
received his friends, transacted busi-
ness with his "vassals" and held high
carnival ut times.
have slept on it's hardwood floor
rolled UP in my blanket with the
mighty mon" of the Ute nation lying
"heads and points" all around me as
close as they could possibly crowd after
Il days fatigung hunt in the noun
tains have sat there i'll the long
winter evenings when the great room
was lighted only 10y the cheerful blaze
of the cracking logs roaring up the
huge threats of its dual fircplaccs built
diagonally across opposite corners.
watching Maxwell, Kit Carson and
half a dozen chiefs silently interchange
ideas in the wonderful sign language,
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-12-05
The Rain Didn't stop Them.

If any man had predicted at o o'clock
yesterday morning that the parlor of
the Young Mems Christian Association
would be packed full of ladies at II
CLOCK to hear Mrs. Davis, he would
have been looked upon. at least, with
the suspicion that his case was worthy
OF a commission of a lunacy. Notwith-
standing the fact that the rain was pour
ing, large number Of our bravest ladies
vontured out in the slop and by l1:30
o'clock the association parlor was full.
This can be accounted for by tho fac
that Mrs. Davis. in her admirable ad-
dress. Friday evening captured the
town" Her exposition of tho work of
the Kings Daughters and Sons was IA
revelation to her hearers. Tho meet
ing at the rooms OF the association yes
terday morning was marked with ear
nestness and enthusiasm. Mrs Davis
gave wonderful account OF the work
being carried on in North Carolina by
this noble band of workers. She
strongly advocated the organizing OF
children's circles. Mrs. Davis visit
will doubtless give great impetus to
the work Of the organization in this
CITY.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-12-05

In accordance with an order issued
recently by Capt. Wilbur S. Pole, of
the colonels staff of the Second Vir-
ginia Regiment, Ordinance Sergeant
Hess has collected all tho guns, bay
onets, belts, cartridge boxes and KNAPP
sacks Of the JEFF. Davis rifles, and will
hold them until he receives further or
ders. This company, although in num-
bers one OF tho strongest in the State,
has not commissioned officer residing
in Salem, and as they apparently will
not resign the Governor will revoke
the commissions and disband the com q.
pany. The boys will then be given
thirty days 10 reorganiZe and elect new
officers, and they are anxiously await
ing those orders They say that if
they can get the officers they want they
will maintain company as good as any
in the Second regiment.
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-12-05
RAILROADS
II : 8 : mn NOrfo!k2WeSternR.R


SCHEDULE IN EFFECT DECEMBER G 1891.
wEsrBouND, LEAVE ROANOKE DAILY.
"s' u; m; i9r Radford, Pulaski, Bristol: also for
lev piwisj rnOOcahontas, Elkhorn, Cllnch VAL
ic Lehman" md s,,eepers to Memphis and New Or
,o,i ' :" anu 10 louisville via Norton
no connection beyond '0 s'"'ione-
o'i' p y, NJ LOT hadford, Pulaski, Bristol Con-
hhou t Ut itadford for Dlucilcld and Poca-
" HIbnias rnilman sccpers to Memphis VIC
r Eonrh AND EAsTBouND, LEAVE ROANOKE BABY.
tS sg !" II" i3r Sncnandoah; no connection beyond
iN'T p ~, W; iof iiagerstown Pullman slecpers to
NEW iork wa harrisburg and PhIladcInhia'
Ai'iS r. III; LOT Hagcrstown. Pullman aIoc,icrs RI
MS ION via Shcnandoah Junction md to
New ork via HARRISBURG anu W
10" 1a u. III. Tor petersburg and Richmond
lsl5 D. III. daily for Richmond and NnrScil t,,,,
man parlor car to Norfolk ii oih' Aui-
III p TOT r Ly;nShnurg; no connection beyond
LILO - III. LOT richmond and Norfolk pui,m,,,
sleeper to Norfolk and Lynchburg TO Rich.
Clincn Valley Division-Lcavcs Blucheld daily
.:oJ a. M. Tor Norton, and 2:tl5 D. IN for NorI
ton louisville and points on l.. L. N. r. r.
North Carolina Division-Lcavc Pulaski do,,v
,:eo n IN. for IvanhOc and l:3O D. M for Ivan.
noe ana Gossan and $40 u M (exccpt SIM
day. for Betty Baker.
onlco or to w n kEVTII Hoe
General Passenger Agent. Roanoke, Va.