davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11
PROFESSIONAL MOURNERs.
Curious CaIabrian Customs Which May /
Observed In New York.

Curious Calabrian Customs Which May 10
Observed In New York.
In the Italian quarter found myself
the other day i'll home which had been
darkened by a double misfortune. A lit
tie Italian boy had fallen from a fire es-
cape to the street and been instantly
killed. His widowed mother, when she
came upon the body of her son, went
mad with grief and attempted to take
her own life. She was taken to the hos
pital.
The boys body lay upon table, and
a blazing candelabrum stood at it's head.
At the side the boys foster father and
his wife knelt in prayer. Seated about
the room was a group of women chant
ing an Italian death wall. One of the
women raised her face, and her quaver-
ing voice filled the room:
Happiness has departed from us for
everp'
And the others droned the refrain:
Forever! -
"He will never be absent from our
thoughts!''
HNeyer from OUR thoughts!''
And SO on, strophe and antistrophe,
the chief waller leading and the chorus
echoing the dismal refrain. 1t was a
sight and a sound to move even the
tardy sensibilities Of a reporter.
Such scenes are not uncommon in the
Italian quarter, though they seldom
come under the eye of visitors. The pro-
fessional mourner is an institution i'll
some Of the provinces of southern Italy.
She-the Office belongs entirely to the
softer sex-is analogous to the Irish
!skeener," but with the difference that
her wall is more musical than weird,
whereas the ''keener'' is weird, pierc:
ing-almost anything but musical.
The italian wailers-they are called
ttprefche'' in their native tongue-are
doubtless descendants Of the profession
al moumers of ancient Rome. They are
most common, and their office is most
clearly defined in the provinces Of Abruz-
70 aud Calabria and in Sicily. There
they are regularly retained and reward
ed with AIee. In other provinces a rel
alive Of the afflicted family may assume
the office and lead the chorus, Or the
function may be of a wholly miscellane
Gus character, all the mourners joining
ia a song of woe. New York Herald:
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11
President Folks Nashville Home,

The Old Polk place Oh Vine street., the
home of President James K. Polk, and
the scene of many brilliant gatherings i'll
former days, is viewed with interest by
many visitors TO Nashville. Many e9-
nressions Of regret are heard from those
vino view Fi9e pic,uresqli.j PGlk place FOR
the first {ima thar the historic old hb1ne-
stead should have been allowed to fall
into such state of dilapidation. They
think the old place should be maintain
ed in good repair for the sake of the
memories that surround it. 1t has been
suggested more than once that it would
make an ideal home for the official resi-
dence Of Tennessees governors. The
excuse that can be very properly offered
by Nashvillians for the present condi-
ton of the Polk place is that they have
nothing to do with it, the property being
in litigation. Il is feared that ultimate
", i'll the division Of the property, the
old place will be cut up into lots, and
il that Il done the home of Polk will
become only d memory. Nashville
American.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11
The American Pie.

The truth is that the American pie,
whether of pumpkin, mince, apples,
berries or any other material, is indig-
enous to the soil and cannot be success
fully initiated elsewhere. The foreign
ers must come here in order to learn
how to make pies, And every American
is born with an appetite for pie. Tfe
foreigner i'll our midst, and the immi
grant, assisted Or otherwise, has to ac
quire it, His Americanism, in fact, may
be tested by his taste for pie. He is not
q good citizen and fully qualified for all
the responsibilities and duties of voter
until he has learned to lore pie like o
native. And his wife and daughter must
learn to make pies. Not the monstrosi-
ties that sometimes pass by that name,
fhe soddef, heavy, half baked abomina-
lions that fill the eater with honieidai
and suicidal tendencies, but the rich,
Eare. racy and healthful CONNECTIONS
which every we'll trained American
housewife knows how to prepare. Troy
Ti,ooc
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11
THREE FOR A NICKEL.
A Shrewd Ohio Postmaster Causes Rush
For Postage Stamps.

"A Shrewd Ohio Postmaster Causes q Rush
For Postage Stamps.
The business world of the village of
Johnstown, in Ohio, had succumbed to
the heat and had lain down for the sum-
mer siesta. Plainly things needed STIR
ring up, and it was Postmaster and Edi-
tor W. A. Ashbrooke who did it. His
humble instruments were merely piece
Of white pasteboard and some black
paint, the latter, however, mixed with
shrewd quality of brains.
When his preparation was finished, a
large placard challenged the notice Of
all passersby with the startling legend,
postage stamps, three for 5 cents :"
The first response to this a]luring state
ment was from a drummer He accosted
the postmaster, "Do you mean to say
that you actually sell three postage
stamps for nickel?" The postmaster
replied that this was undoubtedly the
case "Well," said the drummer, ct
never saw a reduction in stamps before.
I'll take So worth. don't need 'em,
but it's the best bargain in stamps
ever heard OF.
He waited with gratifed smile
while Mr.. Ashbrooke put his So bill in
the drawer and counted out the stamps.
By this time his expression of compla-
cency had given place to one of chagrin,
and as he pocketed the stamps he re-
marked, "Well, that's one on ME. -
Presently winsome girl came trip
ping up with letter to her sweetheart.
When she read the placard, her eyes
sparkled with pleasure to think that the
stream of coin she was steadily pouring
into Uncle Sam s Golfers was to be even
slightly diminished. She laid down
nickel with a confident air and said,
"Give me three stamps
The obliging collector Of government
revenues pushed her out two twos and a
one Then perhaps he didn' pay for his
little joke. Feminine scorn held the
floor in that Office for the next five min
utes. Then, with the somewhat feeble
peroration, "Will Ashbrool1e, you think
you'll smart, don't you?' the offended
maiden flounced out Of the offce.-
Fittsburg Paper.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11
Gratitude.

Gratitude is short cut to sincere and
lasting friendship Some people COM
plain that they have no friends, iiaya
they mayer bad a favor done to them2
Why, every man has had score of IA
vors done him every day of his life 4!
Those who bear it i'll mind, who say a
word of hearty thanks. who watch a
chance to do a favor in return, never
lack friends.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11
Shop,ifting Extraordinary.

udge-What S the charge against this
mane
Green Policenan-Faith, Oh believe
they calls it .::shop liftin,' sor.
Judge-You believe? Don 'tyou know?
Explain what he did,
Policeman-Why, he troied t. blow
up a droy goods sthore he wor dis
charged from.-Philadelphia Record.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11
Not His Funeral.

Bluffkins wrote q very bad hand gem
orally, but in writing hurriedly. MAX
ing an appointment with a friend, he
exoelled even himself.
He had left the letter lying for half
an hour, and on going to address the
envelope he happened to glance at his
epistle.
Scarcely word could he decipher,
but calmly inclosing it he said to him
self:
after all, what does it matter2 It's
Hawkins has to read it, not /, ''-Bos-
ion Budget.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11
An Easy Mark.

"May ! awsls what you have?" re-
quested the tenderfoot politely.
Ace high said Alkali Ike grimly.
sob, dear me. And I've only got
three kings. Seems to me neveh nave
any luck at pokah.''
'Taint all luck, mister It's speri-
ence. You'll l'arn arter awhile. New
York Recorder.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11
NlRG1NIA-ln the Clerk u office of the f,ircpi1
Court of AuguStA county. Oct ID. fSAl

VIRGINIA..ln the Clerlsa office of the Circait
Court OF Augusta county, Oct. ID, 1895.
Hugh G. Eichelsegger and James Bum
gardner, Jr.. who sue we'll on behalf of
themselVesa as nfall other creditors of Joh.s
StGpef, dec who will unite in this salt
ana contribute to the costs thereof, Plaintiffs
N. c. Watts. Sheriff of Augusta county,
ana as such administrator OF John Stoner
oec VI anu o'heIs' Deientsa ats.
In ChanCery.
The object OF this suit is to have q settlements
OF the estate OF John Stoner, dec'h,a setlleme ns
OF the accounts ofhiS administrator an aseer-
tanment of the debts OF said John Stoner anfs
to have sale of the real estate for the purpose OF
paying said debts 1t appearing by affidavit filed
tnat David Stoner is nonresident of the ate
of Virginia, it is ordered that he ppesr here.
within fifteen days after due publ iea ION hereof
and do what is necessary to protect his interest
in this suit coA-yeste.
LIS e. WOODWARD,
Ju i. H. g II. RumgafdnsF, q. Clerk
VIRGlNiA~-fn the Clerks office of tho ssireuit
Court OF Augusta county, Oct. aa, 1895
Osbert l. Titten, Plaintiff
Charity Hout1, John F. LATIN and
others, Dafamasnrs
IL Chancery.
The object ii this suit is to obtain a decree fes.
paftiis.n of a tract OF land situated in Aupustsa
county, Va, of which Samuel i.ftten died sei.eta
and possessed. among tho heirs at-laW Of Sam'k
Lltten, decd. 1t appearing by affidavit. filefA
that John F. Litten is a nor. resident of This
State, 1T Is ordered that he appear here Withir,
fifteen days after due publication hereof and do
what is necessary 10 protect his Interest in this.
suit. A Copy-Tes,e " ~
JOS. g. WOODWARD
oct lit
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11
A LITTLE CHILD.

Bright, golden curls and innocent white brow,
And lips like red rose petals blown apart,
And laughing eyes of blue pray you now,
Come yet little closer to my heart!
Nay, fear me notl Thy child heart under
stands
Love that trusts all and knows not to con-
denim,
Give me to hold thy tiny, tender hands,
That l may warm my withered soul with
them!
Oh, let me feel-since in my memory
No earthly love upon my life hath smiled
That heaven in mercy hath reserved for me
The kisses and the clinging of child.
Atlanta Constitution
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11
Dutifui Girl
= F7T'
lid you let George kiss

Aother-Ethel, did you let George kiss
you at the gate last night?
Daughter-No, mother. You have al
ways told me never to let a young man
kiss me- and SO before l kissed George
good night when he went away I made
him promise faithfully not to kiss mo in
return.--Somervill Journal.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11
SUMMER SONG.

Sing me a song of tho summer time.
Of the fire in the sorrel and ruby clover,
Where the garrulous bobolinks Tilt and chime,
Over and over.
Sing ME song of the strawberry bent
OF the black cap hiding the heap of stones,
OF the milkweed drowsy with sultry scent
Where the bee drones.
Sing me q song Of the spring head still,
OF the dewy fern in the solitude,
Of the hermit thrush and the whippoorwill =
Haunting the wood.
Sing me song of the cleaning scythe,
OF the scented hay in the buried vain,
Of the mowers whistling bright and blithe
In the sunny rain.
Sing me song of the ounce and the gage,
OF the apricot by the orchard wall,
Where bends my love Armitage,
Gathering the fruit of the windfall.
Sing me song OF the rustling, slow
Sway Of the wheat as the winds Groom,
Or the golden disk and the dreaming glow
Of the harvest moon.
Duncan Campbell Scott in Scribner's.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11
Tonsorial Item.

Victim-Hadn't you better try the
crimping iron on piece of paper to see
if it is not too hot?
Barber-Don't need no paper. As
coon as I smell your hair burning 1
know right off it is too hot.-Texas
Siftings
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11

Gay, the Goth day Of October, 1895,
proceed to take, state and settle the following
accounts:
LIST. The amount of complainant's debt seenr-
ed by vendors hen on the land in the bill mem
toned;
ID Whether all the alienees or parties other
wise interested in this cause are properly before
the COURT
Sd All alterations made By the Grottoes Conn
pany OF the parts of the tract of land in COM
plainants bill mentioned, conveyed by James
a. Fulton and wife to the Grottoes Company,
and their respective dates of alienation.
ith. What parts OF said tract that have been
reea:e from the vendors lien by the holder of
SAID lien and the value of said parts at the time
of release. and the effect of said release upon
cOmplainant'S debt.
hth. How said tract of land should be subject
ed to the payment of com painant's debt.
9Th. The fee simple and annual rental value
OF said tract. and together with said accounts
| shall state any other matters deemed PEI tinent
by myself or required by any other party in this,
cause to be stated.
j. NJ. QUARLES,
Comr in Chancery of the Circuit
sep27-4t Court of Augusta.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11
4. Starter
= 80. :.

Mrs. Twickenham-Will you have-a
piece Of the mince pie, Willie?
Willie Slimson-Yes'm docking at
the piece), to start with:-Brooklyn
Life.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11

" IRGINIA-In the Clerks office of the Circuis
Court of Augusta county. Oct. Sd, lSGa
Augusta National Bank OF Staunton> Plt'fr
vs.
E. M. Taylor and Others, Defendants
In Chaneery and on a TIA chment returned j
executed.
The object of this suit is to recover frc.sa said
defendants the sum of 1929, with interest ON STA
part thereof from Oct. 18th, 1898, and S55 resi-
due thereof from Oct 18th, 1895, due by two ne
gotlabe notes and to attach and subject to the
payment of said debta house and lot on Fayetle
street in stanton, Va, which was conveyed by
Sarah c. Taylor and f. NJ. Taylor tG Ann f.
Jessup Trustee for Warren c. Jessup by deed
OF Dec s. 1894, recorded in the clerks office of the
Court of Hastings for the city of stanton in D.
B y, page 3Q2 and also any personal property
OF the defendant Sarah G. Taylor in the city OF
stanton and county Of Augusta. 1t appearing:
by afhdavit tiled that e. NJ. Taylor. Sarah G.
Taylor and Ann E. Jessup, defendants i'll this
cause are on-resdents of this state, it is order
ed that they appear here within fifteen DAYS
after due publication hereofand do what is nee,
essary to protect their interests in this suit
A Copy-Teste,
Patrick & Gordon, Pc. :reri.
oct 1-4t,
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11

Julia married me at the same time
and Place as Annie became Mrs. Nal
colin. now spend my evenings endeaY-
oring to solve difficult problem, and
that is, Why do they call woman this
weaker sex?-Londm Tit-Bits.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11

company? 1 cid not ask you before %
cause Of the concert engagement. -
"Thanks! 1 shall enjoy it immense
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-10-11
FINEST CAFE IN THE CITY
dec 2}-I

COMMISSIONERS OFFICE
" Stauntcn, Va. Sept. %, 1895.
P. H. Trout,
Prospect Heights Land Co.
j. X. Taylor, ex'or, etc.,
VS..
Same.
All persons interested in the above STYLED
causes will TAKE NOTICE, that in pursuance
OF a decree OF the Court of H ustings for the city
OF Staunton. entered at the July terri 1895, I
shall at my office in stanton, Va, on
Saturday, the 96th day of Oct. 1895,
proceed to take, state and settle an account
showing the exact amount due from each of the
stockholders upon their subscription to the CAP
ita stock OF said company.
K. f. II. NELSON,
Commissioner in Chancery.
Henry W. Holt, p.q. sep 27-4t
Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1895-02-24
FIRST IMPRESSIONS.


have been thinking. Harry that /
should like to invite Cousin Agatha to
spend the winter with US. what do you
say to my planfr
Really. Alice, l can say nothing about
H. since know nothing OF the LADY,
Oh had forgotten that you had never
seen her; she is only distantiy related to
US but being left an orphan at an carly
age she became an inmate Of our family
ana continued to reside with us until she
was married. Agatha is several years
my senior and entered society while was
yet In the schoolroom. she married rather
In opposition to the wishes Of my parents,
as they approved neither OF the profess
sion nor the character of her husband.
who was an officer In the army. and
known to be man OF dissolute habits.
foor thingl she has fully paid the penalty
OF her folly during seven years of poverty
and discomfort Her husband was sent
from one frontier station to another,
until the health OF both was destroyed.
and at the time OF his death they were
both at sackett's Harbor."
Then she is widow"
Yes, her vile husband died n year since,
ana Cousin Agatha is released from bond
age, but reduced to actual penury / re-
ceiNed letter from her yesterday the
FIRST she has written since my marriage.
end shealludes most touchngly to her des-
olate condition as contrasted with my
happiness'
And that letter, suppose. induced you
TO think OF Inviting her to spend the win
ter with us"
ut did, Harry; for I felt as II It was
almost selfish in me to be so happy when
my early friend was pinlng In Loneliness
Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1895-02-24

became more and more characterized by
genius, his musical taste developed itself
Surprisingly, and ere many weeks had
elapsed. Alice had the satisfaction OF re-
peating 10 her husband many heart.
warm compliment breathed into the ear
Of the happy wifo by Cousin Agatha In her
hours OF confidential coinmunlng with her
friend Nor was MIR. Wentworth slower
In discovering the latent charms OF hi,
guest Restored TO her former health. and
associaung as the guest OF Mrs Wont.
worth. In pleasant circle OF society,
Cousin Agatha threw aside the weeds OF
widowhood. and appeared In all the at
tfactlve coduetry Of tasteful and heeom.
Ing dresses. Her iuNuriani lresses were
once more allowed to shadow her low
feminine brow, and fall upon her graceful
neck. or, u bound up In conformity with
fashion, the very restraint was studlously
arranged IA such manner a. to display
their rich redundancy. Her grey eyea
sometimes seemed actually flashing With
light. and again were filled with the soft,
liquid lustre OF intense sensihility, and
then her smile, displaying her brilliant
teeth and lighting up her whole face, had
the eject Of a sudden sunbeam upon a
darkened landscape,
The charm OF Agniha's face was It's
vivid and varied expression. the grace
Of her person was the effect OF long and
carefully studied ART. Not a look not q
gesture, not a motion of her fringed eve.
lids but was the result Of practice There
was u perfection OF grace In her attitudes
that seemed like natures self. Her head
always assumed a pretty position. hei
curla always seemed to drop In theii
proper place her drnncry always fell IL
becoming folds. and no one observed that
she was particular IN avoiding eros,
lights, especially careful not TO face d
broad glare OF sunshine. and romarltnhl,
fond OF placing herself at the arm Of
sofa, 20 as TO obtain n line background
for the exhibition OF her attitudes HARRY
Wentworth wondered how he could ever
have thought her ugly. And then hci
what could be more gentle
more feminine. morn fascinating than tn,
tenderness OF her tones aud tho sweet
ness Of her department? She seemed {,
look upon gentlemen rs II She felt all
woman's hclpleHsness. and was willns
to consider man as "ohovullcr sat
peur ct sans reprocho," born TO be hci
natural protector, There was something
50 pleading IN the soft eyes which Nh,
liftcd to the fRco OF tn, stcrnor rex. tina
few could resist their charm. and ac
tually Harry Wentworth was not one o.
those few,
Long before the time fixed for the ter
mination OF her visit, Alice had urged he
to prolong her stay. and when Mr. Went
worth added his earnest entreatlos. sht
was Induced TO promise that she woul,
set no other limit to hs duration thar
such As circumstances might create. Ru
as week after week heeted by. Alice be
gan TO doubt whether she had acted wise
ly In this request She was ashamed {,
acknowledge. even to herself, the feeling
Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1895-02-24
HE WAS ASLEEP.
An Incident that stirred up sleepy Gin
clnuati

Ctnuatit
This Incident happened about o'cloe'
last evening. Somebody noticed that t.s
door of the pllnt shop ~. Isl Walnut
street was unlocked and tn, there waH
no light IN the place. This, Of course. Is
not an unusual proceeding. But the un-
usual part came when, at odd times,
strange noises were heard from the In
terror
The first man that Investigated changed
his mind before he turned the knob, ana
from Indications suddenly recollected an
important engagement
Then. by ones and twos. came others,
who wondered about 1t all Some of the
newcomers were men, and brave men,
too. but It seemed as II each one had
brave acts to do somewhere else,
II guess he's dead" remarked young
woman, who became lntonuely Interested
II was not two minutes until those on
the fringe of the crowd knew TO dead
moral certainty that murder had been
committed one woman pushed into the
mass OF humanity. and coming back re
marked, in a decided tone; yes rs
murder. His blood is running out under
the door"
Those nearest the doorway became un-
easy. and formed half circle about 10
feet In diameter. There was much 'alE'
but little action. The butcher came from
the corner. Scenes OF blood were in his
line. and It was confidently expected that
he would solve the mystery.
Some more people slipped to window,
and one saw the headless trunk of a man.
Then the butcher ran to the door showed
II violently open. dashed.-no, not into the
49, tina HE awn premigga.