Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1897-06-03
MISCELLANEOUS.
A Wonderful Parrot.
HIS CHARACTERISTIC SAYINGS AND
DOINGS.

| DOINGs.
A writer in the Providence Journal
some years ago, gave the following
entertaining account Of some of the
remarkable sayings and doings OF
Father Dods' parrot:
August %, 1889, Poll was found on
a wharfnear where the postoffice now
stands. Mr.. Dods, going from his
home on Westminster Street, near
Turks Head, to get a breath of fresh
air from the water, heard the pitiful
cry of "Polly's hungry! PolIy's
hungry!" Pursuing the sound, he
soon succeeded, on removing some
lumber, in releasing beautiful dove.
colored male parrot, with brilliant
tail of bright scarlet plumage. The
day had been an eventful one to Mr..
Dods, who had experienced great
JOY in the new relation of father.
POlly's introduction to the family
was therefore kept with that of the
infant daughter, and his subsequent
life of thirty-One years was inti-
mately connected with the increase
and change incident to the family.
Polly was supposed to he a fugitive
ito use the words of the record)
"from Guinea vessel which had
set sail that day from bold water ~
his language confirmed that
supposition, calling call hands,"
maklug free use of sea phrases, and
singing snatches of sailor songs.
The profanity of the bird so aston.
ished and alarmed the young mother
that great pains were taken to correct
its bad habits before the little daugh.
ter could understand such rough eX.
pressiOns.
Poll was teachable, and soon
adapted his conversation to his new
surroundings. AS one after another
was added to the family circle, he
gave welcome TO each, and watched
over all with great vigilance. The
names of father and mother were
spoken as plainly by Poll as the chill.
dred. If the eldest daughter (his co.
temporary had charge of the cradle,
and left it FOR moment, Poll was
sure to say, when the mother re.
turned, Mother, Sally didn't rock
the cradle"
He was often complained of for
being a great tell-tale. The children
Of the neighborhood also received q
share of his attention. His memory
was perfect and sometimes quite dis.
tressiDg.
A little truant boy living near by
gave his mother so much trouble
tbot Ohio xuao fronuopfIx, Of tho loor
calling loudly for him by name. Al
last the little fellow sickened and
died. The mother, overcome by
her greif was very i'll for long time
On her recovery it was impossible
for her to go near the door when Pol
was swinging in his outdoor cage
without her feelings being narrowed
by his calling, almost in her owr
tone of voice, Geordie! Geordie -
At this time Poll was not receiv
ing the training and nurture of s
professedly Christian home. Stric
attention had, however, been giver
to moral education, so sadly neglected
in his youth. AS time went on h,
became a general favorite, less self
willed and high-spirited, returnin,
love for love, needing only gentle re
proof for wrOngdoing.
In 1905 there was powerful re
ligious awakening in Providence
Mr.. Dods, his wife and eldest daugh
ter were at that time brought unde
the influence of Divine truth, and re
ceived into the fellowship of tn
First Baptist Church. Conversion i
those days meant a great deal, an,
was followed by marked results
The atmosphere Of the home becam
so wholly religious that even tn
hOuse-dOg, Tiger, went regularly
church with his master, and when q
one time the good man was very sc
riOusly iii and the family were keI
at home by care and anxiety, Tige
could be seen, at the first sound {
the old Baptist bell, making his wa
to church and to the family pew
where he quietly remained until tn
service was over. This was 80 we
known In the town that when
Frenchman, on some business erran(
inquired In his broken way for til
man who had "one very religion
dog" he was Immediately directe
to Mr.. Dods.
1t was not strange that so INTEL
gent bird as Poll should be in
pressed by these strong religio,
influences, aud after few years b
come 80 accustomed to the evenir
service and fraternal greetings as
really give evidence of being a got
Christian parrot, speaking In the co