Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

built. The apprentice who did not regard
post-hole digging as n.aCiise work, after
making good a TAcGrd in the business
world as did "Old Gimlet," is one Of the
substantial citizens of the older generation.
Familiar Figures.
'Old Leech." with frame that was long,
lank and why, attired in the old-fashioned
habiliments and wearing a queue, whose
age. II made known, would have confirmed
the popular impression that he was one Of
the few survivors Of tho continental
army, was a familiar figure throughout
the city. He was by occupation cooper
and had fine clientage among the house
keepers, whose barrels, buckets and tubs
| he was wont to repair, and few were better
known or more respected When once seen
| he was easily known afterward He was
| so much above six feet that he jocuarly
! gave his height as five feet fifteen inches
l believe" and from his slight figure, which
was aided by six-foot staff and the long.
| flowing queue, he appeared to DO even
| taller.
A blind man who was happily married to
handsome woman was an object of In
peddler. whose pack was carried in a
basket AS he felt his way with a pole
along pavements or gravel walks, or passed
over beds of grass, sand or what not, he
was often followed by boys, who thought
he might stumble and spill his wares. He
was never known to make a misStep, how
ever, and so well was he acquainted with
the streets that 1t was said If he had been
landed from a carriage in any portion of the
city west Of the Capitol he would In ten
minutes discover where he was.
Probably the best known fishermen of
haIf century ago were a distinguished
jurist then located as a lawyer at 9th and
+ streets, and a well-known barber and
hadr dresser, then on Pennsylvania avenue
near 18th street. The first, little old man,
in short clothes and slippers, '.shad belled''
coat and rufied shirt, with his rods and
buckets, was often accompanied by the
other in sporting attire. and 1t was not
uncommon to hear that they had walked
to the Little Falls, made a good haul and
walked back to Georgetown. If their catch
had been heavy they would take an omni-
bus. Each of them had the reputation OF
being plain takers and good swearers, and
sometimes when accosted the atmosphere
would become. figuratively, blue.
Parson ---. as he was called, a clerk
In ore OF the departments. enjoyed the
reputation of being the earliest riser in his
section OF the city. as well Of the
stingiest of men 1t was the latter char
acteristlc which was responsible for his
early rising. for being greatly interested
in the news OF the day ard too penurious
to buy paper. he would read the papers
OF his neighbors. AS soor he thought
the paDer had been drop Il a neighbor-
ing door he was ready pounce down
upon it. and In good weather would sit on
the steps and read column after column of
editorial and news matter ere the sub
scriber was astir. And when the weather
was too cold or inclement, he would not
hesitate to take the paper home and read
1t, returning 1t before the neighbor came
down 1t is needless to say that the boys
or the neighborhood got onto his habit and
that by meeting the carrier and getting
! the paper from him disappointed the early
riser but knowing the boys route the