The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-08-28
BILL SHAVED GEN. MILES.
fFro.n the New York SUM-

From the New York SUM-
During the autumn of 1885, Major Cen
era1 Miles and a party of Washington
friends arranged for bear hunt in the
mountains of New Mexico. They arrived
at Magdalena in a special car and were
met at the station by Captain Slocum with
troop e of the Seventh United States cav
airy, detailed to act as escort to- the
man ranch, about so miles westward, they
pitched camp and next day started IN TO
Shortly after they left Magdalena a
ranchman rode into town with the start
ling intelligence that he had met Bin
tains- Bill told him that he had shot
and killed prominent citizen of Magda-
ir pursuit of him, also that the town
been visited by lot of little men
who overturned all the buildings. As the
man reported killed was alive and the
buildings were still on solid foundations,
the CONCLUSION reached was that i Bin had
soon organized and on Bilrs trail. On the
second days hunt his hiding place was
ing to Magdalena, fearing a lynching, as
the man he imagined he had killed was
ley and with the assurance that he would
be protected, he consented to return.
The posse and Bill reached Magda1ena
four days prior to the return of the bear
hunters. Bill was confined in a room for
two days and having greatly improved,
his release Bill walked into the Eclipse
saloon, and in a corner saw an old, I'M
used barber chair. Remarking that he
knew a thing or two about s.barbering,'
he begged the proprietor to give him the
chair and allow him to begin business as
a barber. The saloonkeeper, wishing to
hunor him, and feeling satisfied that no
one would risk his neck in BilTs care, gave
his consent Bill fixed up the old chair.
Sharpened a few rusty razors secured a
towel or two and was ready for the rush
to begin. The rush came not, but Bill
kept on waiting and was presently re-
warded.
General Miles and his party returned
from what had been a successful bear
hunt, and took up their quarters in the
special car. The general, being very much
in need of shave inquired of a loiterer if
there was a barber shop in town. The
loiterer, who was a wag, pointed out BIZ $
place, Whereupon the general remarked
The news spread quickly over town that
Bill was going to shave the famous gen
eral, Miles. Bill selected his razor, got out
a clean towel and awaited the arrival. 1t
was evident to onlookers that he was
growing nervous. When the general ar
rived at the saloon standing room was at
a premium. With some difficulty he man
aged to reach the chair, where Bill re-
ceived him with courtly bow. When
house. Those not close enough to see the
performance were rewarded by hearing
the Scrape, Scrape of the dull razor as 1t
was drawn across the victims face. Gen
eral Miles took his medicine without a
encouraged Bill, who thought the razor
was working so smoothly that his Gus
toner had gone to sleep. He regained his
nerve and at the end of ten minutes the
ordeal was at an end. The general. look
ing much relieved. handed Bill quarter
and departed. Bilrs face beamed with
pride while congratulations poured in
from all sides.
The next morning Bill put up this sign
cents" Bills fame soon spread through
out the surrounding country, and his
chair is now besieged by customers who
want to be shaved by the man who shaved
General Miles.