The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-05-13
HALE AND STRONG AT ia.
Chewed Tobsco More Than a Century
and Remembers Washington,

Prom the Philadelphia Press.
BEAVER, May 1.-"Richard Reddick
born in Richmond county, Virginia. july
4, 1777," is transcript from public record,
that is held by Mr.. Reddick himself
as an evidence Of what he considers divine
favor.
81 will be ia years old next July T." was
the answer Mr.. ReddIck made to repor-
ter's questions yesterday, aud. with laugh
he added: II am living on borrowed time
| now"
The words were spoken in clear. crisu
tone, and came from man who, not only
by legal document, but by the recalling Of
| incidents of eighteenth century date, proved
himself to be as old as he claimed. Reddick
is a colored man who lives with his aged
wife at Bridgewater, Beaver county. When
seen be was seated on the doorstep of his
humble dwelling. His wife was seated by
his side, and the two were talking Of re-
ligion.
The old man had just returned from
his days work, and was resting himself.
he was smoking corn-cob pipe. The pipes
age was more doubtful than its owners, and
it was somewhat stronger. The theory that
tobacco will shorten life was sadly demol-
ished by his practical illustration to the
contrary. His hearing was as keen as that
out moments hesitation. His eyesight
alone has become impaired.
In explaining the trouble with his eyes,
Reddick unconsciously commenced the
story of his life. 81 was born in Richmond
he said. my father was a slave, my
mother free woman. As was the custom.
l having been born of a free woman was a
free man. Ny mother worked for wealthy
family. Her mistress was a delicate lady
and had a daughter, Miss Liza Jane, about
my age. We we're playmates together, and
called each other brother and sister,
'One day while we were playing at fry
ing fish, some fat flow into my eyes, and for
time l was almost blind. It was partly
sisters fault and her parents took me in
charge. When l got better drove carr
riage for them.
There were no railroads then, and I
often drove the ladies on trips that lasted a
month or so. After | grew up l became a
sailor and went all over the world. liked
the sea, and was only brought away by a
letter from Miss Liza Jane, telling me to
come home.
"When got there found her on her
deathbed. Her parents were dead, and she
feared that when she should die l would be
claimed as slave. Her only hope was to
get me back in time to secure my free
papers, and | did SO just about an hour be-
fore she died.
Immediately after l was told l must
leave the state. A white friend came with
me, and represented himself to be my mas
ter. We went to Alliance, o., and / COM
menced working for farmers. | have done
that and gardening ever since | helped
clear the ground on which Youngstown now
stands. Along in 1920 1 came to this valley,
and have been in Pennsylvania ever since.
This country was all woods then. The
feeling against negroes was intense, and /
remember that at one time colored people
were not allowed on the Pittsburg wharf.
"When the war broke out, / wanted to
Join the northern forces, and went TO en-
list, but they would not take me on ac-
count of being too old. Two of my sons
went out, though.
II have seen nearly every President, and
met Washington often. suppose am the
only living American who has the cheek to
claim that Washington failed to keep his
promise When war broke out he offered
freedom to the slaves that would espouse the
cause of America. After they had fought
in the winning fight, he did not even use his
influence for their emancipation.
my seven children are scattered all over
the country. They leave me to take carr
of myself, and | earn my living by doing
gardening for the neighbors. / have only
been sick twice in my life, once with cholera,
and the other time with white swelling.
was never prescribed for bye doctor aud
take no medicine.
II take a drink OF liquor when feel like
it, but never get drunk. / smoke aud chew
tobacco. learned 20 chew when a baby.
| swallow tobacco when my stomach
troubles me-"