davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1902-05-22
The Booming
of kittelS.

and Hotel, read the sign over a
Il solitary log cabin which in the
early eighties was the only hab-
itation in Sage Brush Valley.
The few hslf-breeds, prospectors and
cowboys who were compelled to patron.
ize the oily Mr.. Kittels, came out of
their business encounters with him
convinced of the small purchasing
power of gold when welded against in
flated prices and greedy salesman
Their opinion of the place and its ur.
bane proprietor was finally expressed
in a rudely lettered sign which they
fastened above the first, it read, "The
Robbers Roost." Wide-awake Mr.. Kit
tells appreciated the value of any adver-
tisement and the sign remained.
Eventually came new stores, black
smith shop and saloon, and for several
years the settlement was known as the
Robbers Roost, but when a post Office
was established and Mr.. Kittels as the
Original Robber and oldest citizen was
appointed postmaster, Kittels was
decided upon as the proper appellation
of the now growing community.
Emigration was teeming west, the
pretty valley was filling with settlers,
lin the evening the camp fires of
hundreds of prospectors dotted the
surrounding hills, and beyond the hills
thousands of sturdy pioneers were
breaking the virgin soil of future
rich farms. Kittels was the supply
point for hundreds of miles around.
The eastern investor was there or was
represented, spectators came and real
estate men galore. The railroad came
and with it arrived English tourists
with their eyeglasses and plaid caps;
labor was in demand and KitteIs was
prosperous.
While in the midst of this prosperity,
a fire started and the long blocks of
wooden buildings were destroyed in a
night, not business house was left,
but coward;ce had no abode in that
breezy western valley and not man
was discouraged.
The Original Robber, now leading
banker, raised sign above his safe be-
fore it had time to cool, "Money to
Loan" "Kittels must be rebuilt" His
enthusiasm became epidemic; eastern
capitalists who had seen the prosperous
looking town We're warmed up and
Joined in the cry, "Kittels will be
rebuilt;" insurance adjusters promised
speedy settlements and incoming trains
brought architects and contractors.
The Original Robber loudly refused
$4,000 for his corner lot still covered
with ashes. Among those smoking
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1902-05-22
TEpMa.J Shopper year, in advance
Six Months 80 cents,

ruins boom was born, the like Of
which has seldom been seen; people
seemed to be crazed with excitement.
staid business men lost their heads and
the English tourists lost their plaid
caps in the mad rush to cable for funds.
AS If the fire were pre-arranged, lurid
advertisements appeared in papers
throughout the land. The Original
Robber proved skillful press agent
and such telling phrases as "The New
Pittsburg," Keep your eye on Kittels,"
"Kittels arises Ph9nixlike from her
ashes," originated in his fertile brain;
and while doing this he had time to
plat his twenty-third addition.
People poured in faster than ever
and were regaled with plans of the
Reduction Works." the new "Court
House." and gazed longingIy at front
elevations of the Electric Light Plant"
and the $4,000 Hotel. Lots were sold
right and left, prices were based on the
Original Robbers S20, ,OOOcorner. Kittels
was booming.
Handsome brick and stone buildings
were actually erected and were covered
by still more handsome mortgages; the
Grand Hotel building and Court House
became realities; the money expended
in these building operations naturally
kept things lively for a year or more
then Kittels was dead.
The coal from the 'sVast deposits" in
the hills refused to burn, the iron ore
from the same source refused to smelt,
the gold and silver vanished like
prospector's dream. The rich farming
country over the hills secured railroad
of its own and no longer paid tribute
to Kittels, but the saddest loss of all
was the Original Robber. Yes, he was
gone. When the boom died down and
people began to figure to find out
"where they were at" it was discovered
that he had not retained single share
in the Bank, the Smelter, or other
"great enterprises" and with his share
in these companies he had disposed of
during the boom of 32O acres of town
lots including his famous corner.
Once in while solitary vagabond
occupies room in the "New Court
House" and roundly curses the fate
that brought him to such flag station
as Kittles. And once in a while comes
dainty crested envelope from Old
England bearing letter begging that
some one will move into the deserted
$4,000 hotel and pay the taxes in lieu
of rent. In the directors room of
many an eastern Investment Co., the
president says with heartfelt sigh,
"Gentlemen, we will now take up the
matter of our investments in Kittels."
The few remaining inhabitants of
Kittels blow out their lamps early to
spite the Standard Oil trust and retire
to bed-Kittels is sleepy. The Original
Robber is in China and stands with the
glad hand extended to welcome "Ameri-
can Commercial Invasion" of that
country. He has many government
concessions and all are for sale.
w. E. G.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1902-05-22
Good Sea Yarns.
THERE are no better stories to
be found in current fiction
than James B. Connolly's tales

"HERE are no better stories to
be found in current fiction
than James B. Connolly tales
of the fishermen. They are as
fresh and wholesome as the salt breath
of the sea. Mr.. Connolly's characters
are real folks, who follow a vocation
full of danger and whose lives are
spent amid trials and hardships. He
brings out all that is good in these
hardy fisher folks and finds among
them many heroes unconscious of their
true worth. He has sailed with them
and shared their joys and sorrows, has
been at sea with them in calm and storm
and knows his men as few writer's know
the characters they give life to. We
should be grateful to Mr.. Connolly for
depicting this type of character so
truthfully, for it does one good to read
of the deeds of real earnest men, who
do things in natural manner.
Mr.. Connoliy's latest tale Of the sea
is, "On a North Sea Smack rattling
good tale full of instructive knowledge
of the ways of English fishermen. The
hero of the story is a Scarborough
skipper who takes the writer with him
in his smack. This old sea dog is a
very interesting character -shrewd,
honest, full of natural courage and not
without a broad wholesome sense of
humor. The crew of the boat are
rough, kindly men such as one would
like to know better and with whom one
would feel safe in times of real peril.
The boat was called the Venus and
was Of type fast being crowded, out
of the sea by more modern vessels.
"Her skipper could swear to her record
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-22
NJ. E. Church Anniversary.

Next Sunday will be the second Ami
versary of Whatcoat NJ. Il. Church,
Snow Hill Two years ago, Nov. %.
1900, this beautiful house of worship was
dedicated by Bishop McCabe to the
worship of Almighty God, and the en-
tire sum of money was subscribed To pay
for it. During the two years as the sub
scriptions have come due they have
generally been met and the cost of
erecting the building has gradually
melted away until now practically the
entire amount has been PAID i'll or ar
ranged for and it is proposed To make
Sunday IA time of general rejoicing and
not ask for any special collection. The
pastor, Rev. Mr.. Green, will be assisted
on Sunday by Rev. s. NJ. Morgan, who
will preach in the morning and Rev. Dr.
Martindale in the evening. In the af-
ternoon:at 30 the Sunday School will
be addressed by the visiting ministers.
The League service at $50 p NJ, will
be led by the pastor. During the week
services will be held and the various
Snow Hill pastors will officiate.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-22
HORACE FASS|I1
DIES SUDDENLY
\ NEAR SHOVEL 5!
5uccunbs Without Warning in
the Presence of Friends He
Was Entertaining.

Mr.. Horace Fassitt, wealthy Phila-
delphian, who owned cottage near
Showells Station, Worcester County,
dropped dead at that place Friday night
Mr.. Fassitt was in the habit of visit.
ing this county every spring and fall to
enjoy the sport of cunning for the
various kinds of wild game To be found
on his premises and in the surrounding
country. Last Thursday he left Phila-
delphia with party of friends and
came down 70 spend week or more. as
there was evidence of plenty of game
He was apparently in the best of health,
and evidently enjoyed the trip very
much, as he laughed and joked with
the train men on his way down and ar
rived at his cottage in the same content
ed spirits.
Friday evening while entertaining
his friends and some of the neighbours.
he was seen to reel and then fall heavily
to the floor. He was unconscious when
picked up and never rallied again. In a
few moments he was cold i'll death and
the people of that section had lost Il
friend and neighbor whom they loved
for his kindly feeling and the many
favors he had bestowed upon them. He
was a very benevolent man and will be
greatly missed by many poor people.
Mr. Fassitt leaves wife in Philadcl-
phia to mourn his death and his remains
were carried to that city for interment
on Saturday. ~
Mr. Fassitt was ovef sixty years of
age and was descendeht of the wealthy
and influential Fassitt family which re-
sided near Newark this county some
seventy years ago. His parents moved
to Philadelphia before his birth. and
when they died left him sufficient
competency for life, but he also made
considerable money himself and was
quite wealthy man.
Mrs. Jennie Dickerson OF this town
is distant relative of the deceased, and
the MESSENGER loses in his death an
appreciative subscriber. one who took
occasion very now and then to write US
something complimentary about the
paper. declaring in recent letter that
it was the best county paper he knew
of any where While we did not know
him personally, these pleasantries drew
us unconsciously to him and we feel
that we have lost good friend.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-22
BOX IRON.

Mr.. II. f. Clark, and Mr.. Oliver Payne,
of Snow Hill, were in our village one
evening this week.
Mr.. L. +. Henderson, of this place
has been visiting relatives and friends,
at Bridgctown, West Va.
Mr.. Columbus Figgs. who came home
last week from the United States Life
Saving Station, on account of sickness,
is, we are glad to report, much better.
Miss Emma Riggin spent IA very plea
SAINT evening with Miss Mamie Figgs
this week.
Miss Mary Clark. has been visiting
friends near Snow Hill.
Miss Maud Davis. paid visit to
Snow Hill, this week.
Capt. William Truitt. had the mis-
fortune to fall from his bicycle one dav
tbs week was hurt right badly. We
lbpe he will soon recover. BE little
hlore careful the next time. Will.
WE had very quiet marriage in our
1.-THE village last Sunday evening. the
c6ntkicting parties We're Miss Ella Floyd
And MIR. Levin J. Twig.
Our oystermen are anticipating a fine
oyster season. we hope their expecta-
tons may be fully realized.
Revival services are now in progress
at Corners NJ. +. Church, conducted by
our pastor Rev. j. a. Brewington. We
hope much good may be done.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-22
LIBERTYTOWN.

Miss Lucinda Perdue. of Powellville,
visited Misses Bessie and Laura Clark
"a part of this week.
Mr.. John w. Griffin. who has been
employed i'll Delaware, returned home
Saturday.
Mr. George Rlyne. of Salisbury. Wis
tied relatives here the first of the week
Mr.. Goldie Dennis and his little sister
Margie visited their uncle, Mr.. Edward
Hudson, at Georgetown, last Saturday.
Miss Annie Patey. of near Mt. Pleas.
ant, visited Miss Olivia Timmons Satur.
day and Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Fillmore Dennis spent
Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Davis
near Willards.
Mr.. Sewell Rayne visited Messrs Jo-
seph and Francis Birmingham near
Ironshire Sunday.
Rev. w. ii. Bancroft will preach here
tomorrow afternoon at 2.30 o'clock.
Miss Annie Birmingham visited the
Misses Bessie and Clara Clark this
week
Messrs. John and Oscar Timmons
visited friends near Ocean City Satur-
day of last week.
Miss Ella Nicholson visited friends
and relatives. at Powellville part of
this week.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-22
NOVEMBER WEDDINGS +!
rlr. Charles e. Pruitt and Miss
\ Laura Price.

Shnby Presbyterian Church. Stock
toH was the scene of a beautiful we'd
ding ceremony last Wednesday at noon.
Vhe contracting parties were Mr.. Chas.
f. Pruitt. an officer of the steamer Ida
'of the b.. q. q A. Co, and Miss Laura
f. Price, daughter of the late Gideon
Price, of Stockton.
The pulpit was deliberately and beau
tifully decorated with chrysanthemums
and potted plants and the auditorium
was filled to overlooking with the many
friends of the bride and groom.
Promptly at the appointed time the
ushers, MesSrs. Thomas Wharton and
Thomas Cottman. to the strains of Men
delsohns wedding march, advanced up
the centre isle followed by Miss Price
leaning upon the arm of Mr.. Pruitt.
They were met mt the altar by Rev. j.
b. North. pastor of the church, who per-
formed the wedding ceremony in most
impressive manner.
The bride was attired in costume
of steel broad cloth and carried "A
boquet of brides roses and maidenhair
ferns. The groom was attired i'll black
and the ushers in full dress coats ami
light trousers.
Mr.. Pruitt is a native of Snow Hill,
where he has many friends. among
whom are the editors of the MESSENGER
Mrs Pruitt was one of Stockton's most
popular young ladies and great work
er in the Presbyterian Church She was
the recipient of many useful and valua.
BILE favors from admiring friends and
relatives.
We wish them much joy and long
and happy welded life.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-22

The members of the Junior League
of the NJ. T.. Church held social at the
parsonage on last Saturday afternoon
from 3 to 5o'clock. Various games were
INDUCED in by the young folks, possibly
the most ENJOYABLE of which was
"cobweb game" in which the children
untangled numerous skeins of colored
yarn. After two hours of play. refresh
ments were served The affair was i'm
charge of Mrs. NJ n. Green, and
Misses Katherine Townsend and Mil
dred Aydelotte.
Mrs. Henrietta Murray. wife of the
nate Rev. James Murray. died at her
nome Jh Pocomole City Saturday and
tlTe funeral took place Monday after
noolJ interment being made in POGO.
molgk City. Mrs Murray was devoted
To her sister. Miss Sallie Spencer, and
resided with her at the time of her
dgath. She was sister of Mr.. Benja.
nun Spencer. of Snow Hill. and was a
good Christian woman who will be
greatly missed by large circle of true
and devoted friends. The MESSENGER
extends its sympathy to the sorrowing
relatives
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-22
BarneS--MCMaSter.

ST. Mary's Protestant Episcopal
ChpfchA Pccomoke City, was the scene
OLA beautiful wedding Wednesday, the
hkppy groom being Mr.. Francis NJ
Barnes, a member of the lumber manu-
featuring firm of Schoolficld. Barnes
& Co, Pocomoke City. and the bride
Miss Mary Anne McMaster, daughter
of School Examiner f. w. McMaster,
of this county.
The church was handsomely trimmed
with chrysanthemums and potted plants
and large assemblage of friends of the
bride and groom witnessed the cere-
mony. The bride looked handsome in
"a costume of blue velvet and carried a
beautiful bouquet of brides roses The
ushers were Mr.. Samuel K Dennis. priv
ate secretary to Gov. John Walter
Smith: DR. Fred Adams, of Kingston
Mr. Frank Porter, of Somerset county,
and Mr.. J. Harry Young. of Pocomoke
City. Miss Emma Barnes, of Kings
Greek, was maid of honor, and Mr..
James U. Barnes was the groomsman.
The bride was given away by her father
Mr.. +. w. McMaster and the marches
were rendered by Miss Lollie Miles.
After the ceremony, Mr.. and Mrs.
Barnes left fora wedding trip to Norfolk
and Richmond and will return home by
way of Washington. The bride was the
recipient of large number of beautiful
and useful presents.
Among those present at the wedding
were Mr.. and Mrs. w. S. McMaster.
Miss Ella McMaster aud Mr.. Robert f.
Ducr, of Princess Anne: Mr.. and Mrs
w. ID. Corddry and Mrs ID. Frank
Fooks, of Snow Hill; Mrs. w. u. Polk
of Salisbury; Mr.. and Mrs. +. J. Barnes
and Mr.. Benjamin Barnes. of Kings
Creek; Mr.. and Mrs. Clarence +. Barnes,
of Atkinson district; Mrs. John Keas
and Miss Maud Whaley, of Berlin; Mrs
James p Dale. of Whaleyville, and
Hon. Lloyd Wilkinson. of Baltimore.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-22
Grand Officers Visit EleCta
Chapter.

Last Tuesday evening Electa Chapter
Order of the Easton Star. was favored
with Il visit from four of the officers Of
the Grand Chapter of Mary land. Worthy
Grand Matron. Mrs. Maggie + Scheafer;
Grand Patron. Edwin +. White; Mrs
Sophie Newton and Mrs. L. p. White
The Chapter was called to order in the
Masonic hall. at eight o'clock by the
Worthy Matron, Mrs. Sallie Boetcher
During the evening the Grand officers
with the assistance of the local chapter
eXemplitied the beautiful ritual of the
order. Addresses We're made by the
visitors and at their close ice cream and
cake Were served under the direction
of Mrs. Corddry and Mrs. Wilson, COM
mittee on refreshments. 1t was late
when the meeting adjourned. all express
ing themselves as having had an enjoy.
able evening.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-22
GIRDLE7REE.

Miss Lena l.. Scarborough, who has
been the guest of friends at Pittsburg,
Philadelphia, Wilmington and other
cities. has returned home much pleased
with her visit.
MIR. Augustus Tietjen, of New York,
has returned to his home ut the above
mentioned place, after spending few
days very pleasantly ut the home of
Mr.. A. Wash. Webb.
Mr.. George l.. Barnes has returned
home from business trip to Philadel-
phia.
Messrs John Archer and John Han
cock spent few days this week with
friends at Suffolk. Va.
Mr.. H. q. Turner and family and
Mrs. Larimer. of Laurel, Del, are visit
ing at the home of DIR. q. III. Bennum
The young people of our town were
beautifully entertained ut the home of
Prof. Baughman, at Box, Iron last Fri
day evening.
Mr. George Westfall has gone to
Rochest II. n. Y, where he has accepted
"A position.
Mrs. Mary Jones and Mrs A. w.
Webb made business trip to Pocomoke
City Wednesday.
Mr. Robert Scarborough, of Philadel
phia, was among the visitors in town
last week.
Mr.. Clayton 7. Richardson spent this
week i'll Baltimore purchasing Christ
mas goods.
MIR. Benjamin Gordy near town is
dangerously i'll at this writing.
Miss Kitty Rowley and Miss Verona
Scarborough made short trip to Box
Iron Tuesday.
Mr.. Carl Brewington. we are glad To-
report, is some better at this writing.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-22
Our Annex.

Owing to increasing trade, (thanks TO
my friends) have been compelled from
time to time to enlarge my stock of goods
until all available space has been utilized
| therefore have been compelled 10 rent
another store, as an annex in which To
display my fancy goods for weddings
and Xmas. You will find them in the
Annex next to the store of Mr.. John w
Vincent, Jeweler | have fine line of
Cut Glass, Oriental busts, India ware
Japanese ware, Brio a.brac Cuspidors,
JardinIers, Photo Frames, beautiful
line of lamps and other things to mum.
erous tn mention. We do not forget to
thank our friends for their patronage
in the past and hope To merit contin-
uance i'll the future. PAUL JONES.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-22
TUESDAY,
December is, 0O2
at 2 O'clock, PM,
fnllnwinr vnlnahle real estate

the following valuable real estate:
All that farm located in the Second
Election District of Worcester county,
about five miles from Snow Hill, which
was conveyed by Ephraim X. Wilson
and wife to a certain James L. III. Spen-
Ger, by deed bearing date the eth day of
December in the year 1876 and record
ed among the land records of Worcester
county in Liber l. L. NJ, No. 5. folios
80 and &c, and which was devised by
the said James L. III. Spencer to his
children, Charles b Spencer, Walter b.
Spencer. George p. Spencer. Doliie "
Spencer and Winnie Lee Spencer, con.
tanning two hundred and fifty acres,
more or less.
The SAID James L. III. Spencer having
sold during his lifetime. a part of the
timber standing on the said farm to the
Godfrey Manufacturing Company, the
same will be sold subject to this con-
tract. But there is about 100000 feet
of timber of good size undisposed of.
- The widow of the said James L.
III. Spencer, IA certain Emma f. Spencer.
having waived her dover in said real
estate the same will be sold clear of her
dover therein.
TERMS OF SALE. ~s
Ten per cent of the purchase money
will be required i'll cash on the day of
sale; the balance thereof to be paid in
two equal installments of twelve an.
eighteen months from the day OF sal.
the deferred payments to be secured
the interest bearing bond of the
chaser or purchasers. with suret
sureties to be approved by the t.
or all cash at the option of &
chaser.
~ Should purchaser of s.
ty desire tenant for the year
is man, who is able to
farm, ready to enter into
rental with the purchaser
CHARLES !
Robert w. Townsend
Auction
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-22
A. p. BARNES, Solicitor.
TRUSTEES SALE
OF VALUABLE
REAL ESTATE!

BY virtue of decree, passed ON the
18th day of November. A. ID. 1902, by
the Circuit Court for Worcester county.
sitting i'll equity. in the case wherein
George p Spencer and others. by their
next friend and mother. Emma +. Spen-
Ger, are plaintiffs. and Charles B. Spen
Ger and others are defendants. the same
being 1888 on the Chancery Docket of
said Court. |, the undersigned trustee.
will offer for sale at public auction in
front of the Court House door in Snow
Hill, Maryland, ON
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-11-22
NOTICE TO TEACHERS.

The teachers of Worcester County
public schools will be allowed Friday
after Thanksgiving as holiday and
need not open their schools on that day
BY order of the Board.
f. w. MCMASTER. Sec'y