The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-06-07

gan to answer questions In a low, almost
inaudible manner. He began to tax
about his slave days, but all the time he
kept his eyes on the photographer who
was setting up his camera about ten feet
away. He talked in such low tones, how
ever, and so much against his will. that
what he said could not be understood, so
the Leader reporter sought TO change the
subject. Il suppose" said the reporter
that you have seen a great change since
you have lived out this way.
Yes, have" he Responded. The
world do move. the world do move, and
Please step out into the light; you re
in the shadow of that tree" interrupted
the photographer. But old Henry was
obdurate He didn't want to have his
picture taken. At first he said that he
didn't want the picture taken with his
working clothes on. He wanted to be
dressed in his best clothes. When it was
explained TO him that the newspaper pre-
ferred to have his photograph with him
dressed in his working clothes, that set
tied it with the old man. He now felt
sure that they were going to make fun of
him. so he almost became beside himself
with anger and ran toward the barn
and shouting and mumbling to himself. 1t
was useless to make another attempt to
get his picture
Henry Wright has been a great rabbit
and squirrel hunter in his day. Even
now he knows the llaunts Of all kinds OF
animals in the country west of Cleveland.
1t is said Of him that he knows where
every coon is located in Rockport town
ship. During his life he has shot many
thousands of rabbits in Lakewood AMI
the surrounding country. Every winter
he spenos much time in hunting rabbits
He salts them and packs them away. A
number of the old residents of Lakewood
went hunting many times with the OLD
Negro in their younger days.
Many persons have credited "Old Hen
rv'' with the gift of fortune telling, and
some say that he, when he was younger
practiced ''voodooisT." Those who know
him well. however. assert that there Is
nothing in these stories. 1t seems that
years ago he did do something In the
fortune telling line, but only for his
friends. and it is not recorded whether
or not the fortunes that he told ever came
true. one of Henry Wright's best
friends is c. R. Male.
Yes. I have heard that the old man
has some peculiar qualities said Mr.
Male in an interview, but I don't be-
lieve he has the gift of second sight, ETC.
He has always peen a sh rewd and observ-
ing man. and he has foretold number OF
local changes that have come true This
may have given rise TO the stories that he
possesses power over evil spirits, is for
time teller. etc He is quite character
though. and can tell many interesting
stories and anecdotes about his old slave
DAYS. and about the changes that nave
taken place in Cleveland and vicinity IN
the last fifty years. He often comes over
to my hrickyard to visit me, for l nave
known him since 1 was a boy"
Henry Wright can neither read nor
write. He has always been temperate
He smokes occasionally, and always takes
his tobacco in the form of cigar, but
altogether he smokes only ten or twelve
cigars a wear. When forced to move from
the Mars Wagar allotment the old man
9nd his son will probably build another
shanty on another farm in the vicinity
Of Lakewood.