davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-05
."I'm sure I've seen that name before

L Ii sure I've seen tnaG name before
somewhere.
The hadii laughed. "I'm afraid that
neither 1 nor any of my people have
been celebrated enough to have come
into public notice, skipper, but we had
namesake some years back who was
famous. A horse named Cortolvin wen
the Grand National in 1867. That's
what you'll have got OH your mind"
Captain Kettle stiffened. II beg your
pardon, sir, . he said, with acid polite
ness, "but / don't see you've earned a
right to insult me. When am at sea,
am what circumstances make me.
When am ashore in England, would
have you know l am very different
person. l AM regular attender at
chapel and man who, outside business
matters, tries to keep entirely straight.
In England, sir, l take an interest in
neither pocket picking, horse racing nor
sacrilege, and have it on the word of
q minister sit under that there is very
little to choose between the three"
Cortolvin faced the situation with
ready tact That this truculent little
ruffian who could flirt with homicide
without second thought should so
strongly resent the imputation of being
interested in horse race did not sur
prise him much. He had met others of
the breed before. And be smoothed
down Captain Kettles ruff1ed feelings
with the easy glibness Of man of the
world. But the needs of the moment
were again recurring to him with vic.
lence, and he broke off artistically to
refer to them.
"Don't you think" he said, my
fellow pilgrims will bear little atten-
ton now, skipper"
~ will be OF and make up bit of a
surprise packet for thenl," said Kettle.
Excuse me, sir, for two minutes while
/ go and give instructions to my chief.
Ana LIE ,wung on L.. .3.th helmet and
left the charthouse:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-05

He shall haze my first shot. said Kettle.
matter just then very near to his heart
and he had forebodings as to what
might happen to her.
He went back again inside the chart
house, sat himself upon the sofa and
ran finger round inside the collar of
his white drill coat.
do you like cheroots, sir?" he said
to his battered guest.
'Nice cheroots," said Cortolvin.
Wonder how many I'll smoke. Those
true believers are a pretty tough crowd,
aren't they? There's one Sudanese fell
low in Darfur suit of mail. Did you
notice him? He's been big war sheik
in his day. He helped to smash up
Hicks Pasha's army and commanded
thousand men at the storming Of Khar-
tum, but he got sick Of Mahdiism
about year back and set out to perform
the hadj. When it comes to fighting,
you'll see that man will shine"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-05
CHAPTER n

The sun climbed higher into the
feckless sky and lolled above the Saigon
in insolent cruelty. The Red sea heat
grew if anything yet more dreadful
The mems veins stood out in ropes
upon their streaming bodies. and it
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

where he had splendid chance to
study human nature. but had no oppor-
tunities Of Obtaining any additional lit
erary education.
At the close Of the war, leg gone,
shoes gone, money and horses gone, he
came home to look after his mothers
home and estate which had been almost
annihiIated by the emancipation of her
slaves.
In 1868 he was elected Judge of Pro-
bate and Clerk of the Superior Court
under the new regime, which office he
held for fourteen years. Subsequently
he was elected to the Legislature, once
to the House aud twice to the Senate.
He was cashier for Dowd and also
for Craig, while collectors Of internal
revenue.
Mr. Sheriff. has time and again been
elected a delegate to the annual confer
ence of his church. and was a delegate
70 the last general conference held in
Baltimore, 1899 He was elected State
Librarian by the last General Assembly.
Conservative in religion and politics,
yet true to principles espoused, he has
won that confidence and respect from
his felIow-men and co-laborers which
his conduct through life so richly de-
Snrync
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
JOHN W. THOMPSON.

JOHN W.
Looking to the material development
of the immense and widely varied re-
sources Of this State, our last Legisla-
ture charged the Department of Agri-
culture with the duties of encouraging
immigration. The Board of Agrieul-
ture elected Mr.. John w. Thompson
assistant commissioner of agriculture
and placed him at the head Of the State
Bureau Of Immigration. Mr. Thomp-
son is a gentleman of widely recognized
ability. unqnestioned integrity, genial
disposition and sound practical expe-
rience. He has held a number Of inn
portant public Offices. serving from
1S90-1S94 as Clerk of Wake County
Superior Court. and was for several
years secretary Of the State Democrat
ic Executive Committee.
During the interim between his val
liable public services, Mr.. Thompson has
acted as General State Agent for the
Manhattan Life Insurance Company Of
New York, doing a very successful bust
ness. The purposes of the State ImmI-
grafton Bureau is to persistently and
Systematically keep before the outside
world the great and diversified mineral
and industrial resources of the State for
the object of inducing settlers and in
teresting capital. Mr.. Thompson's
methods. in q measure, will be to judic-
iously advertise the State in papers and
magazines throughout New England
and the great Northwest, TINS getting
i'll touch with home-seekers, and capital
looking for Southern investment Par
ties interested will be freely supplied
with descriptive literature and all ques-
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

tions courteously and specifically an
swered No commissions or real estate
brokerage will be charged by the I'm
migration Commission for effecting sales
of property, as the institution is purely
and simply d State affair." For those
throughout the State who have lands and
other properties to SELL Mr.. Thompson
has special blanks prepared, upon which
descriptions of the said proper
ties are to be -..ed III and tD
turned to the Immigration Office, where
they viii be registered and opened for
The inspection of proposed purchasers.
This is an admirable plan to put the
people of North Carolina in touch with
possible investors and no more compe-
tent or thoroughly fitted man for the
place could be found than Mr.. Thompson.
Judging from the large mail constantly
pouring into Mr.. Thompson's office, and
the character of the letters received, his
work is already beginning to show re-
suits, and a great and lasting material
benefit is bound to accrue to the State.
During the year Mr. Thompson will
make trips into New England and the
West, for the purpose of meeting per-
sonally capitalists and others, and eX
planning to them just what the old North
State has to offer. The State Immigra-
ton Bureau is well organized and
thoroughly systematized institution
through which outside parties can be
put in touch with the land owners Of
North Carolina without fear of falling
into the hands of Inscriptions or de-
signing persons who might drive them
from rather than attract them to the
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
1876

He received a liberal education, attend
ing the Sylvan High School, and sub
sequently after leaving school he took
a business course in commercial law and
banking in New York.
After completing this course he return
ed to his native State and accepted n
position as bookkeeper in the mercantile
house of d. McCauley & Co, at Chapel
Hill. Subsequently he accepted a posi-
ton in. the Bynum Cotton Mills, in
Chatham county, as bookkeeper and
treasurer, and successfully filled those
offices for a period of two years.
At that time he went to Mount Airy
and accepted the position as cashier of
the bank. While a resident Of that town
he was elected mayor. and filed that po-
sition in a very creditable manner for
four years. He resigned this position 10
accept the Secretaryship to the Railway
Commission April LIST, 1891, and success
fully continued in that capacity until the
organization of the present Corpora
ton Commission by the recent Legisla-
ture in 1899, when he was appointed
clerk to this body.
The duties of the chief clerk to the
Corporation Commission are intricate,
varied and complex, requiring experience
and talent peculiarly suited. Mr. Brown
has large experience, and Is an ex-
pert accountant and is thoroughly eX-
perienced in railroad statistics transpOr-
tation rates, banking, in the matter Of
assessments and taxation. Having taken
special course in commercial law lie is
peculiarly fitted for the many points
which daily arise. The books Of rail-
roads must be examined and railroads
tariffs are to be examined.
Mr.. Brown combines ali these requi-
sites, and certainly fills the position to
the satisfaction of all concerned.
In the matter of politics Mr.. Brown IS
a Democrat of answering faith, both
by Inheritance and principle. and has
never voted any other than a Demo
cratic ticket. He has always worked
hard for his partys interest, believing
\ that the principles of Democracy arc
4 just and right
As a citizen of Raleigh he is thorough
AIy progressive and believes in pushing
a The Capital City to the front. and is ever
n eady to devote both his time and means
A o the accomplishment or that object.
E re is member of the Royal Arcanum
nd Of the Methodist Church.
Personally he is genial and courteous.
and there is always sincere uniformity
about his manner that has made for him
the many friends and admirers he has
wand they are legion. His work as
clerk Of the Commission is thorough and
conscientious, and deserves the comnlen-
dation of the public.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
Leading Dealer in General Merchandise
in DillsbOro.
MEMBER OF BOARD OF AGRiCULT JRE
Predicts Brilliant Future for the State of North
Carolina Both Politically and Financially.
"A Veteran of the Confederacy
and Loyal Democrat.

engaged l. all that terrific fighting about
Richmond, virginia, and was hnally cap
tured at Cumberland Gap and taken TO
Camp Douglass, Illinois, where lie lay III
prison twenty-five months. during inns
tedious period he accomplished an extern
siye mathematical course without any III
struction whatever. This was indeed q
proof Of his great pluck and determlna-
ton 10 succeed in life.
After the close of the war MR. dis
founded the concern VII Oh bears his
name, and by his energy business ca
racity and personal popularity built UP
the business until it is to-day lie
splendid shopping center that 80 attract
ed us n Dllsboro. The large and hand
some store is completely ami tastefuly
stocked with boots, shoes, hats. hard
ware, grooeri q. dry goods, notions. aud
general merchandise. The trade is inn
mense, and the general verdict is that
it as a real pleasure to shop at Dills
Besides this enormous retail business,
Mr. bills, perhaps from a fondness for
the pursuits of his father and himself in
his earlier days, cultivates with much
success about one hundred acres in corn.
wheat, oats and various other farm
products.
In politics Mr.. Dills is a Democrat
of the uncomlromising order, always
ready and willing to take off his coat
and go to work in a campaign, or give
literally Of his means for the sake of his
beloved party.
lie was honored with an appointment
to the State Board Of Agriculture in
March of 1899. the Board undoubtedly
will derive incalculable benefit from his
vast and practical experience of farm
ing. and thereby the whole people OF the
State will get the advantage of that
experience. Mr.. DIns has filled several
positions Of honor in his county, for one
thing representing its people in the Gen
eral Assembly of 1889. In these posi-
tons he has always performed all the
duties Of the various Offices in a manner
that could not fail to give the most COM
plete satisfaction TO the people and re-
fleet much credit upon himself. He is
heart and soul in favor Of the Constitu
tional Amendment now proposed. think
ing that this is white mans State, and
being unwilling to see North Carolina
any longer under the fear of black domi.
nation. He believes that his State has
n brilliant future both politically and
commercially, and when one notices the
nnmberless new enterprises and indus
tries springing mp in all parts of the
State, he needs must agree with him.
Mr.. Dills was happily married on &c.
tober Sth, 1876. and has three interest
ing children. His home life is truly
beautiful. and his charming wife is an
ideal hostess. according TO the verdict OF
all who visit the hospitable home. and
they are many indeed Mr.. Dills is de-
voted to home life, belonging to prac-
tically no societies or clubs except the
Masonic fraternity, Of which he has
been a member for twenty-nine years. In
religious belief he is a Presbyterian.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

His father. William II. Duncan. was a
merchant Of Beaufort and a man of ex-
cellenf standing. Our subjects grand
father, Thomas Duncan, was Il sea cap
tain and leading citizen Of that section
Our subjects mother was Miss Ram
sey, daughter of Isaac Ramsey, a well
known business man Of Beaufort
Young Duncan was educated at the
schools of Beaufort. During 1879 he
engaged in farming in Carteret county.
At tile same time he engaged in ginning
and specializing until 1889, when he was
appointed collector of customs at the
port Of Beaufort for the district during
President Harrison's administration.
He successfully filled that position until
May 1894, when he was succeeded by
john d. Davis.
During the fall Of 1894 Mr.. Duncan
was elected TO the Legislature. In 1896
he was Il delegate from North Carolina
TO the Convention at st. Louis than nom
mated Mr.. Mckinley for the presidency
lie was Mckinley man. During the
same year he was again elected 4 men,
Der Of the Legislature 1t may here be
said that he is the only Republican ever
elected from the county and Furthermore
the only man ever elected twice in sue
cession.
Mr.. Duncan was appointed collector OF
internal revenue for the eastern district
Of North Carolina January, 1898, and
qualified the first Of February. His
administration Of the affairs Of that
position has been excellent. collecting
two and quarter million dollars. this
being million in excess of anything
ever collected before.
Mr.. Duncan devotes his entire time
and attention TO the duties Of his posi-
ton, and takes a great deal Of pride in
its excellent standing. Aside from his
official duties. Mr.. Duncan is n director.
in the Atlantic and North Carolina Rail
road having been elected by the private
stockholders. He is member Of the
State Central Republican Campaign
Committee, and is a member of the Odd
Fellows. Collector Duncan is a pleasant.
genial gentleman and a hard worker in
the interests Of his parity.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
THE NORTH CAROLINA BOARD
OF HEALTH.

The State Board Of Health was organ
lied just twenty years ago under Chap
ter III Laws Of 1879, with DIR. s. s.
Satchwell, of Rocky Point, as President,
and DR. Thomas +. Wood, of Whining
ton. as Secretary.
DR. Wood, can with singular Justice
and propriety, be recorded as its father
He originated and by persistent effort
carried to completion the moyement
which resulted in it's establishment by
and during the first six years of its
feeble infancy kept it alive by an inn
mense amount of work without pay, and
by supplementing the pitiful appropria-
ton of 5000 a year from the State with
the expenditure during that period Of
more than 81 ZOO OF his own scanty
means. Such devotion to a good cause is
rare. and to his lasting honor it should
be known to the people of his State for
whom the self-sacrifcing work was
done.
The object of the Board, as its name
implies. is to promote the public health
IT has no executive power, and It's func-
tions are purely advisory. It's efforts,
therefore, have been chiefly devoted to
educating the people in the value and
water, clean premises and the prevention
of infectious diseases by quarantine and
q. Infection. This work has been accom-,
plished through the fundamentally of
health pamphlets, which have been wide
" distributed: popular sanitary meetings
or "health conferences with the peoples"
and the publication of a monthly bulle-
tin. which is sent free to every physician
in the State. and to every other citi-
zen who applies for it, In addition it
makes from time to time official sani-
tary inspections of all the State institu-
tons and of all public water supplies.
collects and publishes vital statistics and
advises communities and individuals
when requested on all health matters.
After many years of struggle it has
come to be recognized as power for
good in the State, and never more so
probably than since the outbreak of
smallpox eighteen months ago.
What it has accomplished can be as
certained by its biennial reports and by
a comparison of public opinion on sani-
tary matters to day with what 1t was
twenty years ago.
The personnel of the present board IS as
follows: George g. Thomas, NJ D., OF
Wilmington, President: S. Westray Bat
tie, M. D., Asheville; Henry W. Lewis,
NJ D., Jackson; Henry Fl. DodsOn, NJ.
d., Milton; Chas j. O'Hagan, NJ. D.,
Greenville; J. Il. Nicholson, Nj. d.,
Richards; Albert Anderson, NJ. D.,
Wilson, A. w. Shaffer. Sanitary Engi-
neer. Raleigh. and Richard II. Lewis,
NJ d. Raleigh, Secretary
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

In looking through the town of Dills
boro, the mercantile houses come prom
inently before us as being unusually
large and we'll stocked eydencing the
business ability and up-to-date progress
siyenesS of their proprietors. 1t is III
truth a difficult task to convince the
people of a smaller place they can be
just as well supplied in the local stores
as in those of some larger city, but some
of these gentlemen seem to have accom-
plished it right well. and it is indeed to
their credit as hustlers.
Among the leading firms of the kind
described above is the large concern of
w. A. Dills and Company, which con-
stantly carries on an extensive trade,
both in the town and throughout the sur
rounding country. and a trade that in
creases daily. 1t is just such business
concerns and men that make town
from a commercial standpoint, and the
firm of w A. Dills and Company has
done a great deal toward the advance
ment and best interests of Dillsboro.
The head of this concern will form the
subject of our sketch, and it gives rs
much pleasure to set down his life Gnd
business career for the benefit of those
who have not the pleasure Of his ac-
quaintance.
William Allen Oils first saw tbs light
of day in Macon county. now Jackson,
on March oath. 1872 His father, Philip
Dills. was born in Rutherford county on
January I'm, 1903. being consequently
now in his ninety-second year. great
old age. His Democracy dates from the
old rioman days, since he cast his first
fnx "A To. ba - cfil
a Democrat always voting The straight
ticket of his party and taking an eager
interest in political matters. Notwith-
standing his partiarchal age, he is still
hale and hearty. possibly because of the
regular life he has always lived, or the
beneficial effects of the wholesome and
honorable occupation of farming. which
he has followed all his life. Mr. Diils'
mother was Miss Mary Buchanan. who
was a native of Burke county, North
Carolina. having been born in 1906. She
died at the advanced age of eighty-iivc.
Mr.. Dills accordingly comes from an ex.
ceedingly long-liyed family on both sides.
pleasure in The fact His oldest brother,
J. Ramsey Dilis, is man Of consider
able note. having represented his county
several times in the Legislature. and rs
lawyer has won reputation and success,
enjoying a large and lucrative practice
in his county. The subject Of our
sketch received his early education at
the schools Of his county, and later on
obtained training that rarely fails IA
make a nan Of its subject, namely. bring
ing forth the fruit of the soil. Another
great advantage Mr.. Dills had in the
way Of training was his war career
which is SO trying to the body and son
He enlisted in the Confederate army ~
the early age Of seventeen, evidencing his
loyalty ami fearless patriotism. He was
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

AS in many other Things North Caro-
lima can boast of having the largest,
handsomest and most commodious prisons
in the South.
The penitentiary is situated upon am
pie grounds in the western suburb Of
Raleigh and is a substantial brick struct-
ue, strongly built and an imposing edi-
flee.
The activity Of the prison is largely in
farming, brick and mattress manufac
turing. In addition to the above they
manufacture all the clathing and shoes
used by the conyicts. At present they
have 1000 convicts, 100 OF whom are
United States conycts.
Conservative estimates place this years
productions as follows
$4,000 bales Of cotton.
100000 bushels of CORN
$4,000 bushels of peanuts
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
SILENT MUSINGS.

Her foot is the smallest that trips
Through the maze of the rapturous
dance;
Two beautiful buds are her lips
And her blue eyes my senses entrance.
Her hands are SO dainty and white,
And her hair is so wondrously fine
That I'm tempted almostbut not quite
TO ask this fair maid TO be mine.
But alas! Twould be useless, / fear,
Or my mute admiration to speak;
For her incomes ten Thousand a year.,
While mines but $40 per week.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
OF THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE PRISON.

Edward Il. Travis.
Benjamin w. Ballard,
Joseph w. Perry.
William H. Osborne,
James C. Davis,
James L. lie Grand,
Albert B. Young,
John L. Gwaltney,
Claudius Dockery.
Marion Morphew,
]. Henderson Wellington,
H. Hughes,
NJ NJ Peace,
NJ Il. Bryan,
\. Y. Sigmon,
w. C. Newland,
j. w. Denmark,
f. II. Clark,
r. Il. Cotton.
These are gentlemen all well know
throu ghout the State and who stan
high in their several capacities.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

raised on the Catawba River in Ca
tawba county. He was in school at
Taylorsyille, North Carolina, when Gov
ernor Ellis called for troops, and in an
swer to the call lie went to Newton
and enlisted for service on the 9th
day Of April, 1861.
His company was in the Second Regi-
ment, afterward the Twelfth Of North
Carolina troops, and he shared the for
tunes and misfortunes of his company
until May, 1864, when he lost his leg at
Spottsylvania Court House. From this
time until the close Of the war he was
confined in a Northern prison.
Ills education was necessarily limited.
the years he could have spent In school
having been spent on the tented field,
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
NJ. o. sIIERRILL,
Safe librarian.

EltItI 1T vi a ItIII
As an example of what determination,
pluck and perseverance can do for n
man who has had to fight his way in
life against overwhelming odds, young
man of his circumstances could find no
better than the man whose name cap
tons this article. AS Il public servant
and valiant soldier his example has been
well worthy of emulation. Not giving
way TO misfortune when he lost his les
in the cause Of the South he has led
an active life since that time, meeting
the daily needs Of his widowed mother
and his family.
Miles Osborne Sheriff. was born and