davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The morning times., 1896-12-26
FATHER FOUND AND LOST
End of George E. JOhnsOn'S
Search for His Parent.
REPUDIATED BY COL. JOHNSON
The Aged Soldier and Diplomat De-
clares That the Man Who Claims
Attempting Blackmatl
story Growing Out of the War.

One of the strangest stories is involved in
the life history OF George Edward john
son, formerly of the Agricultural Depart
ment, who has just discovered his father,
whom he believed dead until ten years
ago, but whom he could not find until
within the past two weeks.
The dramatic part ofthe narratives that
the alleged father. Col. Edmund Johnson,
now of Vineland, n. j., well known here,
also has son George Edwardliving whom
he loves and cherishes, while the other
George Edward, u claimant for paternal
affection, he calls al imposter and black
mailer.
The circumstances and incidents in the
case furnish material for most realistic
drama or yellow-back romantic novel to
while away weary hours.
Col. Edmund Johnson, the reputed father,
is either a man whose past will not bear
uncovering, involving the abandonment OF
a young wife and three children, or heis the
victim of circumStantial evidence that is
likely to mix his identity in a disagree
able way with that OF q man similarly
named, who may, however, have died
hero'S death in the civil war
The story.
Back in sci Edmund Johnson lived in
New York City. lie was married. the
father of two children, and about to be
blessed with third. He was offered
commission as captain accompany L, Thirty
first New York Volunteers. accepted and
went to the front in December, l SCI.
Soon aftcrward the wife heard that he
had heen killed in battle, and her husbands
.aI l.ar hn tn tn
California. by way OF the ISthmus of Pan
anna. One of the children had previously
died, and was buried in Greenwood Gene
terry, New York.
The last child, born after the fathers
departure, was named George Edward, and
he and the other, Carrie, grew 10 maturity
in the far West In 1868 Mrs. johnson
married in Virginia City, New, but she was
not happily married, and always mourned
her first husband.
The years rolled on and then the wife
hear dthat she had been deceived, and that
her soldier husband still lived, had mar
ried again and resdedinthe East. She was
prostrated by the news, but kept it secret
within her bosom. About ten years ago
she sent her son, George Edward, to New
York, oStensibly to find more facts Of his
fathers death. He went, and learned, as
she had been told, that his father was not
dead, although hc could not be located
The wife in few weeks died, grief
stricken 10y the frauds practiced upon her,
and worn out by the hardships she had un-
dergone She confided TO her son her two
marriage certificates, little Bible given
her by the truant husband, and an old
fashioned daguerreotype of him.
George Edward johnson, the son, be-
came Interested in mining in Colorado and
prospered, although he was al ways haunted
by the desire TO find his father. During
President Arthur's administration he was
given place in the Agricultural Depart
ment. and Whileliving here became d mem
ber OF Ascension Church.
The morning times., 1896-12-26
He Came Here.

A blank occurs in the story until less
than two weeks ago MI Woodruff met
johnson, now a man of thirty odd years,
on the street, inquiring he WY TO Ascen-
sion Church on the way Johnson told his
story, at the church showed his proofs, and
enlisted his hearers sympathy. He was
pennileSS, and had pawnedt the watch given
him by his mother, in order 10 get here.
He had come in search OF his fathers
address and hoped to find il through the
War Department. The next day Mr.. Wood
ruff took Johnson to No. 731 Twelfth
street northwest and paid his board for a
W eek in advance. Then he went with the
young man 10 the War Department, and
there learned that Capt. Edmund johnson
had not been killed in war, but had be-
come a colonel, and was alive when Ia st
heard from, three years previously.
Later Intelligence was obtained at the
division Of survivors OF the army and
navy at the Pension office, where John
son was told that Col. Johnson had drawn
his pension OF $72 a month at the last
pension day, and was living in Vineland,
n. J., where he had wife and children,
one son bearing the name George Ed
nund johnson, singular coincidence, to
say the least.
LaspeTeek he wrote to his reputed father
as follows:
Dear sir: | write you these few lines
in pity and love- You will remember
your wife Anna, who left New York city
for California in December, 1861, with
her little Carrie. / found out last March
that you Were not killed in the late war.
i have spared no time or expense to find
you, always believing You were alive.
Mother died ten years ago. / am here a
broken-he8rted man and almost to the
brink OF the grave with grief. l have
maintained the closest secrecy in this
matter, bearing this heavy cross like
man and trusting in Gods love. i came
to New York last winter on big mining
deal, when j found out where you live.
l have had quite talk with Judge Calvin
E. Pratt, colonel of the Thirty-first Vol
unteers, and he was very kind to me. Ad-
dress me, George Z. johnson, No. 731
Twelfth street northwest, Washington, d.
The morning times., 1896-12-26

Liver His DR.. Agnew's Liver Pills are
the most perfect made. and cure like magic,
Sick Headache, Constipation, BiliOusneSs.
Indigestion and all Liver Ills 10 cents
SOI,I by T. =. Williams n co., Ninth ard
F streets, and Etlu Onsls Il WEliITaS, Third
and Pennsylvania avenue.
The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-07-01
Dr.. BROKER Declines.
To the Editor of the Dispatch:

To the Editor of the Dispatch:
Quickly after the appearance of
nv announcement for the House,
card was forwarded to your Office
substantially asking its withdrawal.
A more formal declination may be
more satisfactory to my friends.
Being entirely unwilling to re-en-
ter public life, there is only single
exigency under which I could be in
duced again to offer for public place.
The many kindnesses received in
other days at the hands of the peo
ple-always gratefully remembered
have imposed upon me an obligation
so weighty and enduring that, if
perfectly sure that a majority of
the Democratic voters desired my
services, snould then feel that to
decline would be manifestation OF
ipgratitude.
That such an emergency has arisen,
or is likely to arise, is not in evidence,
and as my interests and inclinations
are all the other way, with grateful
acknowledgment to my friends for
their earnest solicitations, I respect
fully request that the announcement
be withdrawn.
The manifest and expressed desire
of many good men of the Reform
pars7-with whom I have recently
differed-so have me again preferred
to position of public trust, has
touched me deeply, and is here &C,
knowledged with a heart overfowing
with gratitude. I trust and believe
that the time is near when factional
strife shall cease. the bitterness of
the past be buried and reunited
Democracy, in county and State, a
band of brothers as Of yore, present
ing an unbroken front and feeling
the elbow touch. shall move onward
together in the march of progress.
That men will again be chosen to
conserve the peoples interest on in
diyidual merit without regard to fac
tioDal differences. Only then will
The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-07-01
FOR COUNTY SUPERVISOR.

The m nv tIienis OF S. ROSTON smith
announce him as candidate for County
Supervisor and pledge him 10 abide the re-.
snlt of the primary. If elected, he Will
move to the county seat.
The friends of WE iLEY HARSEY an
nource him as candidat o. County Su-
perviSor, and pledge him to abide the result
OF tie Den o "a ic primary.
After maturely cen 'id-rinS the soicita-
tons of N many friends to make the race
for Supervisor, hereby announce myself
a candidate und will abide the Den nocratic
primary. LEWIS J. LANGFORD.
Weare authorized to announce S l.
SMI1H H as candidate for reelection to
the Office Of County Supervisor for Lex
ington County. He is pledged to abide
the result of the Dem ocratic primaries.
The HON. J. H. COUNTS is hereby
nominated for the office Of County Super
visor for Lexington County. The many
noble qualities of Mr.. Counts are too well
known tor any comments, but for the ben
eft CT those who may not have had an op-
portun;ty,!o know of his real worth. We desire
to say that he is a gentleman of high moral
character, excellent judgment. plenty OF
push and IS a true Reiormer. In cur cpln-
icn he is the man for the place, and We beg
of the voters of the county q liberal sup
port for him in the coming election.
FRIENDS.
The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-07-01

white robed army Of comrades who
have gone before US to the better
land, but whose spirits are with US
today; and voicing the sentiments OF
the thousands who long to be with
US, in their name and as their repre-
sentative, lay at Virginia's feet the
sincerest tribute Of our greatful
hearts.
The speakers tribute to Virginia
and Virginians was greeted with pro-
longed applause.
Various committees were an
nounced and Gen. Stephen D. Lee
read lengthy report from the COM
mittee on history.
Richmond is to be congratulated
in the manner in which she prepared
for the entertainment of her visitors.
There has been no delay in the assign
ment of the great host of veterans to
comfo,tab quarters and the city is
amply prepared for the entertain
ment of as many more.
A reception was given n honor CT
Mrs. Jefferson Davis and her daugh-
ter, Mrs. Hayes, in the Confederate
Museum tonight by the regents OF
that institution. When the hour
fixed for Mrs. Davis and her daugh-
ter to receive arrived there was g
solid mass of humanity i'll the streets
about the house. The crowd num-
bered many Thousands. Everybody
made mad rush to enter and it was
apparent that the program could not
be carried out as arranged.
The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-07-01
Notes Maze on the Wing.

Dr.. Geoge Smith on a recent trip
through portions Of Hollow Creek,
made the following notes:
Mr.. j. Walter Dreher has the
most convenient and neatest dwell
ing in that section, which reflects
credit on Messrs. Charlie Harman
and George Hayes. contractors and
builders.
Priceville is not behind by odds in
fine crops and prosperity generally.
Mr.. Henry Price has built hand
some and commodious dwelling and
the painter is now putting on the
finishing touches. At an early day
it will be occupied.
Mr.. Henry Price is truly a model
farmer. He has the finest corn and
cotton crops that I have seen. He
also has the best and most conven
lent ginning and packing arrange
ments, by which he can gin and pack
a bale every hour.
Others have good crops but rain is
much needed.
The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-07-01
EnR SOLICITOR.

Thanking the people of Lexington
county for their support in the ia t., l
Eereby nnnourcc mv>e as candidate Tor
reelection to the office 0! Solicitor Of the
Fifth Judicial! Circuit. l rely upon my
record in the discharge of the duties CT
said office. and will abide the result OF the
Democratic primary.
p. H. NELSON.
thereby announce myself a candidate
for the office OF Solicitor of the Fifth Ju.
dicial District OF South Carolina, and stand
pledged to abide the result of the primary.
J. A. MULLER
Please ammo lnce the name of Hon. j.
WM. THURMOND rs q candidate for So
,icitor of the Fifth Circuit MIR. Thur
mond's victories for the State and his bold
stand for the great masses of the people
entitle him to promotion to said office.
We pledge him to abide the result OF the
Democratic primary. RsFoRMEEs.
El,efeld, S. c., Mag 13. 1896.
The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-07-01

we secure the best results from the
best of governments.
The necessity for division no longer
exists. The questions which sepa-
rated US have been eliminated for the
most part, and are no longer living
issues. The sub treasury scheme,
which many of US believed to be a
dangerous delusion, has been repu
dated. The plan for government
ownership of railroads and telegraph
lines, which would have placed these
enterprises under the control OF poll
ticians rather than business men,
has been abandoned. The dispen-
sary matter has been settled by con-
stitutional enactment. These were
the rocks upon which we split. Ma
tional finance is now all absorbing,
and the Democracy Of this State is
practically united with reference to
free coinage. Certainly not divided
on factional lines on this issue. Ihe
resolutions OF the recent county con
vention in favor of the free coinage
of silver and the repeal of the ten
per cent. tax on State banks were
admirable in principle and in spirit,
either will bring some degree OF re-
lief. but the best results can be had
only when the one is supplemented
by the other.
The selection of our best men for
Office without considering past polltl-
cal differences will not only give US
the most efficient form of government
but will quickly allay the feelings OF
bitterness which have so unhapplly
disturbed, in recent years, our hith'
erto pleasant relations.
June 26, 1896. w. T. Brooker.
The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-07-01
FOR SENATOR.

Complying with the request of friends,
I hereb.j announce myself q candidate for
State Senator from this county, and it
elected will do. as heretofore, the best |
can for the interest of the people. l
pledge myself to abide the result Of the
primary. W. Ii. r. kAol.
The many friends Of CAPTAIN D. J.
GRIFFITH. not forgetful of mis- brilliant
record, heroic in war and spotless in peace,
realizing that be is honest. safe, patriot C
and qualified. respectfully present his
cllims to the Democrats OF Lexington for
the nomination for the Senate. He will
faithfully abide the result Of the primary.
After maturely considering the solicita.
ton of my friends to come before the voters
Of Lexington county Tor the State Senate,
respectfully announce myself as candl-
date for same subject to the action OF the
Democratic primary.
J. WALTER MITCHELL.
The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-07-01
FOR SHERIFF,

The many friends of S. PRESS. GEORGE
hereby announce him as a candidate for
Sheriff. and pledge him to abide the result
Of the primary.
At the rcqnest Of my friends from di!-
ferent portions of the county. l announce
myself as a candidate tor the Office CT
Sheriff, and pledge myself to abide the re-
suit of the primary.
JAS. H. FIELDS.
The many friends Of TuOS. H. CAUGH.
NAN announce him as candidate Tor
sheriff, and pledge him 10 abide The result
OF the primary.
Wea-e authorized to announce GEORGE
S. DRAFTS as a candidate for re. election
to the Office Of Sheriff Of Lexington County.
ard he is PIE lged to abide the result OF the
Democratic primary.
The many friends of W. L. X. JOHN
son announce him as a candidate for
Sheriff, and we assure the voters that {
will abide by the result Of the primary cleo
ticn. FEIrNDs.
The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-07-01
FOR REPRESENTATIVE.

The many friends OF COL D T. BARRE.
knowing him to be competent in every re
spect. hereby announce him as candidate
for member OF the House Of Representa-
.i7es and pledge him to abide the result o'
the Demo ra ic primaries.
MAJOR j. q. KOON is announced as a
candidate for the House of Representatives,.
In the school of experience he has learned
the wants of the prople. AID will labor to
presen the best interest of his county ard
State. Economy will be his watchword
Will abide and support result OF the pri'
mary.
The friends of D. F EFIR0 announce
him as candidate for the House of Rep
r.senta:ives and pledge him to abide the
result OF the primary.
Tue friends of E. L ASBILL, present
his name t, the Democratic voters of Lex
ington county as candidate for seat IL
the House OF Representatives and pledgt
him to abide the result of the Democratic
primary, and to support the nominees o
the party. VoTEEs.
The friends of ". II. SHARPE an
nounce him as candidate for the Honst
of Representatives, in the approaching
Democratic primaries, and pledge him te
abide the result.
The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-07-01
Superior to All Other.
GERESTo. Miss, Nav 9Th, 1892.

GERENTo, MISS May 9Th, 1892.
Although I never used any secret
remedies before, I prescribe st.
Joseph's Sarsaparilla in my practice
as would any prescription OF my
own compounding, and any physl-
clan who will do the same will be
greatly pleased at the results
achieved In my opinion it is supe-
rior to all others and has been es-
pecially useful to me in Rheumatic
and Scrofulous cases.
R. NJ. KITTREL, NJ. D.
For further information call at
Julian E. Kaufmann's drug store
and ask for a pamphlet entitled.
"A Treatise on the Blood" 81,
The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-07-01
DTS from In and Near Leesv;lle.
To the Editor of the Dispatch:


To the Editor of the Dispatch:
The candidates are coming cut in
full force. Go it, boys, I hope to
hear some OF your political views
very soon.
Many of Mr.. Irby's friends in this
section were sorry to hear OF his
withdrawal from the race for United
States Senator.
Mrs. Nichols, who has been quite
sick for sometime, is spending few
days with her sister, Mrs. j. Ed
wards, and is under the skillful treat
ment of DIR. D. M. Crosson.
Mr.. P. D. Risinger will begin his
summer school at Cedar Grove very
soon. David is an excellent teacher.
Mr.. Luther Etheredge has gone on
"business trip to Rock Hill. he
will return in few days and teach a
summer school near Ridge Spling.
Mr.. Etheredge is student OF New
berry College.
Mrs. James D. Kinard has re-
turned from Peak, where she has
been visiting relatives.
The young folks had picnic near
here last Friday. Everybody reports
a huge time.
Have your tax receipt and be ready
to register in July, This is a right
we all have and it is our duty to en-
Joy it. 4 H. T.
The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-07-01
Buckien's Arnica Sa|Ve.

The Best Salve in the world for
Cuts, Bruises, Sores, Ulcers, Salt
Rheum, Fever Sores, letter, Chapped
Hands, Chilbl.ins, Corns, and Skin
Eruptions, and positively cures Piles
or no pay required. tits guaranteed
to give perfect satisfaction or money
refunded. Price 25 cents per box.
For sale at j. E. kauffman's.
The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-07-01
BAPTIST Sunday School Convention

The next meeting Of the Lexing-
ton Baptist Sunday School Conven-
tion will convene with the Convent
Baptist church, on Friday before the
fourth Lords day in July. The fol-
lowing is the program.
Meet at 10 o'clock.
1890 devotional exercises and or
ganization.
1O:30-11, address of welcome by
Rev. N. G. Cooner. Response by
Rev. Joab Edwards.
1l:0O. Introductory sermon by
Rev. Z. F. River. Alternate, Rev.
S. J. Riddle.
12:O0.1:00. Recess.
LOO 200. First query-"Who
should we elect as teachers in our
Sunday schools?"- ?"-opened by Henry
NJ. Fallaw. Alternate, Albert Rod
gers.
100000. Second query-s'How
to get young men to attend Sunday
school9"-Opened by D. J. Knots.
Alternate, S. E. Berry.
Miscellaneous business. Adjourn.
SATURDAY.
Meet at 10 o'clock.
1O.1O:30. Devotional exercises.
lO:3O-l1:3O. Third query-'Should
the young ladies exelt their influence
in interesting the young men in Sun
day schools?"-Opened by G. H. Cor
bitt. Alternate, G. D. Gunter.
11:O0-12:O0. Sermon by Rev. S.
J. Riddle.
12:O0-1:00. Recess.
100000. Fourth query.-''Is ii
not as much church members duty
to attend Sunday school as the regu
lar church service?"- ?"-Opened by J. G
Fallaw. Alternate, DR.. E. G. Ridgell,
Miscellaneous business. Adjourn.
SUNDAY.
Met at ten o'clock.
1890. Devotional exercises.
l0:3O.11:O0. Fifth query-'Should
we not strive to cultivate a spirit Of
love and unity in the Sunday SCHOOL,
Opened by W. B. Fallaw. Alternate,
R. G. Able.
11:OO-l2:00. Missionary sermon
by Rev. n. A. Hemrick.
Sallie I. Craft,
Rosa Belle Rawl, Committee
Maggie Goodwin,
Nav all OF the schools in the county
be represented at the meeting of our
beloved convention, and let all come
praying that the Lord be there and
that to own aud bless. God grant
that this convention may be a great
power in saving the boys, girls anc
young men an women from eternal
ruin. Brethren and sisters, let US
rally to the work and save the boys
and girls for Christ. God bless the
convention.
J. G. Fallaw, Secretary.
The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-07-01

For sometime past Commander Roof
and Adjutaut Harmau have been &C
tive in making arrangements for the
pleasure, convenience and comfort
of those members of Camp Lexing-
ton and any Confederate Veteran
who desired to attend the sixth an
rual reunion of the United Confed-
edrate Veterans at Richmond, and
witness the unwilling of the monument
to the memory of the great Confed-
crate chieftaip, Jefferson Davis.
They were greatly assisted in their
work by the officials of the Southern
Railway Company, who made very
liberal rates for the round trip and
provided ample accommodations so
as to prevent crowding and thus
making the trip pleasant.
About twenty six persons from
this place joined the contingent from
stations below, who were in turn
joined by others at Columbia, making
the total number going from this
county about forty,seven, as follows:
George NJ. Caughman, Capt. J H.
Counts, Jasper S. Derrick, 0. A. Der
rick, r. V. CAN'T, NJ. D. Harman,
D. T. Hare, DR.. C. E. Leaphart Mike
Meetze, T. S. Harman, J. NJ. Miller,
John j. Reeder, J. W. Reeder, Ben
ismin Rswl, Capt. S. NJ. Roof, J. NJ.
Shealy, F. P. Smith, J. G. swygert,
A. E. Wlngard, A o. Wilson, L. O.
George. S. P. George, J J.Lown, W.
M. Lown, Paul P. Clark, Wesley
Nichols, S. NJ. Pearson, j. E. Full.
mer, J. L Shce, Rev. Joab Edwards,
Rev. J =. Myers, J. S. Hogan, T. c
Smith, F w. Oswalt, M Crouch, ".
E. Matthews, DR.. j. ". Geiger and
B, F. Boyd, colored.
The following persons accompanied
the Veterans as 8 body guard: Ar
thur T. Hartman, Singleton Harman,
Samuel J Leapha1t, Bob Leaphart,
Sammie Roof, Samuel B. George and
A. J Fox.
The whole contingent was ehapa-
roned by Mrs. NJ. D. Harman, Mrs.
NJ. NJ. Miller, and Miss NJ. L. Miller.
Mr.. Singleton Harman, writing to
the Di-patch under date of June
3Oth, says that the party arrived safe
at Richmond yesterday in good
spirits. On our arrival the male por-
tion of our party were taken in
charge by committee who quartered
us in the old Exposition building
: which had been neatly fitted up with
hunks and laid with clean straw.
Our accommodations are that
all could be reasonably expect
ed, considering the vast num-
Der of people who have to be
provided for and looked after. While
the hospitality of this grand old city
is severely taxed, she is prepared for
all emergencies and is meeting all
demands made upon her. Captain
Roofs face constantly wears broad
happy smile as he treads the old ia
miliar camping ground which in the
days that have passed resounded with
the tramp of Lees immortal host.
Occasionally his eyes flash with the
fire and vigor of youth as other
scenes of the living past pass before
him. Uncle Marion, 'sthe Old Goth
as he is called at home, is in all his
glory and is as happy is boy when
ne first puts on long pants.
The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1896-07-01
Notice..

ALL PERSONS INhEBTED TO THE
n Estate of Ms Matte Vi. Counts. de.
ceased, will come frward and make pay
ment on or be!0ce ita l5Ih d'y of July.
1896 and ;hnS.. holding c!ll:us against the
same will present. The III prop riy at e't.d, TO
the under,i sntd. fJr settlcm"n;
II \ SIAM. c. {. g p.
Administrator Of the Estate Of Matte NJ
Counts.
June !, 1895 4w"3.