davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03
A Watch Night in Clark County
Proceedings At an African Church. Modern Version of Prodisal
Son Story

were exhausted the preacher would yell:
"Swing de tune agin! swing her ag1ni'
This always had the desired effect. Final
~ they became weary and a halt was or
dered.
King Lewis Armstrong next said a few
words. in which he strongly advised the
young colored men Of Memphi to change
their ways before il was too late.
Oar amt no better time n now" he
said. dis present time you orter quit yer
ornery ways, forsake de exampul of de
wicked Herod and get into de ark 0f glory,
wot am lighted wild electric light an full
OF groceries for de winter. We am Jes
about gettin' into another year, an all OF
US oughter make W our mines TO do bet
ter. Git away from de sins dat has kivered
you UP, an if you die next year you Will
be comfortable in Aberhan's buzzum.
What I'm tellin' you is facts. faint no
guess work. Eff yOu doan believe II look at
dat prooigal son what de good Book tells
us about.
Oar was a man dat was nifty we'll fixed.
He had a good job on his folders farm, an
a boss an wagon to use whenever ne
wanted IT, an no Sunday milkin TO DO.
But his heart wasn't satisfied. He thought
de old man wasn't farmin' de place right.
He lowed he could do a heap better a
wukkin' for his self, cos de ole man was
behind de times. De prodigal he had been
readin' de 'tisements in de papers bout
men wanted TO take big Jobs an nuthin
much to do. So he says: Guess Ill quit
de ole man. Gimme what's comm 10 me
an I'll try my luck sommer else De ole
man TUX him at his word, guy him de
money an chased him out. But he didn't
make no money. He jes' fool 1t away on
farm mortgages out West an boss racin' in
de East till he bowed il all in. Den he
come back on de farm, an de ole man TUX
pity on him, forguv him for what he done
an give him a home ag'in. An OATS what
de LOrdn do for you eff you doan put 1t
off too long"
The effect of this on the congregation was
marked and soon there were many sinners
on the mourners' bench. From that time
until midnight there was singing and
prayer until king Lewis said.
Hit doan make do difference de
clock strikes; look at de hans an they'll
tel you de time. Fact is, L believe dat ar
young Willyum Lord Garrison has been
monkeyin' wild de strikin' tools in dat clock
anyhow"
This was denied by the accused, and 1t
was finally decided to refer the matter OF
the time to Elders Jordan and Bibbs. There
was Just two minutes difference in their
watches, so a compromise was struck by
Bibbs setting his watch a minute fast
Then, as both watches pointed 70 the hour
Of twelve, the preacher blew a long blast on
a tin horn, the worshipers shouted and
sang and the new year was started on its
way. WILL DlEIZ.
CharlCStOWn. Ind.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03
Handicraft Down in Floyd Count,


t~restles holding a small dull-green oaken
music cabinet, with simple but artistic
strap-hinges and hasps. Among the tools
on the wall are almost as many quarter
sawed, weathered cobpipes, of a rich dull
brown finish, and an amateur cobbler's kit,
for halfsoling hilltop shoes, declares an
other noteworthy accomplishment of the
master of the shop, himself a tall, slim,
somewhat quiet, brOwn-eyed gentleman, in
autumn oak-colored working garb, and
artistcally slouched cap.
From bOyhOod Mr.. Pierce has been a lover
of wood; like Henry Ward Beecher, his
heart warns at the sight of a board or a
nothing For a number of years, while
in clerical railroad work, his leisure was
occupied with the saw and the plane
making simple and beautiful bits of furni-
tuTe-"such as might catch the eye of a
duchess, and at once serve the need and
refine the taste of a cottager." With Adam
Bede, too, he loved out-of-doorS; and, at his
pen-and-ink work had dreams of a crafts
man shop cup a bit of a hill' where he
could "see the fields for miles 'round-a
bridge or a town-and a bit of steeple here
and there" Now, with the vision realized,
the high aim of lakewood shop is TO put
forth only useful, substantial and beautiful
oaken furniture of exquisite grain, of sim
pie, sturdy line, and of desirable durability.
No curves are seen in the lakewood benches,
tables, chairs, and stools, and wooden pegs
take the place of nails-such furniture, in
short, as a primitive, untaught workman
with primitive ideas and tools might pro-
duce.
In color-scheme, too, the hilltop furni-
ture, oaken chests, settees, smoking-tabies,
magazine-shelves, candlesticks, exhibits
characteristic woodland aspirations; it
would show always the dull gray browns
and greens, such as old oaken logs might
acquire by lying long hidden in deep for
ests, or the rich tints of old oak mellOwed
in ancient halls, or worn smooth by the
touch of loving human hands. Men from
the city who visit the little hilltop craft
shop regard it as somewhat singular If not
altogether an eccentric deviation from ordi-
nary commercial enterprises. and generally
remark: Yes, it's nice up mere, OF course,
and you like your work, but don't you get
dreadfully lonely ?" Then Craftsman Horace
Pierce puffs hard on his weathered cob
pipe. points out of his jOb-lot little windows
to the glorious company of rich, wintry
blue Indiana hills, and goes on making oak
shavings.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03

one of the last teachers at the school. II
was noted as a very turbulent one, and
hut few teachers coulo finish a term. Mr..
Garrigus was called in TO finish the term
of a teacher who had been run out He
illustrates the effectiveness of the discip-
line he established by relating the fol-
lowing occurrence, happening during his
school year:
one day a mouse creDt out 10 nibble at
the crumbs left. i'm the lunch baskets, and
after it had satisfied its hunger ii was
stricken with a thirst. 1t silently stole
up the rough log wall To the shelf upon
which rested the water bucket and tin cup.
1t crawled down into the tin cup resting
its hind legs upon the rim at the top, but
when il started TO get out it found that
il was a prisoner. l had intended myself
to go over TO il and free IL from its situa-
ton. as | wore carpet slippers and would
create little disturbance. But a hand
shot up and 1 nodded my permission TO the
pupil to go over to where the mouse was
imprisoned. lie slipped up TO il and, grasp
ing its tail, had shaken the mouse and
broken its neck quicker han it takes TO
tell it
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03
Log Schoolhouse With a History
Under Its Roof we Noted Indiana Educators We're Students~Hon- Milton
Caunsus a Teacher

log schoolhouse erected six
miles east of -Kokomo, Ind. in
- 1852. with funds raised by a neigh
IxNIl5 borhood subscription, is still
49, standing. and it was beneath it's
roof that Prof. John Miller, who holds the
chair of astronomy at Indiana University,
formerly of the Leland-Stanford University.
and his brother, G. B. Miller, president of
the Cogswell School. San Francisco. Cal.
received their earliest education.
Just after the civil war the Democrats
held a meeting in the schoolhouse. and at
its close there were repeated calls for
"Garrigusi" ''Garrigus.' Mr.. Milton Gar
rigus arose and said: This is a Democratic
meeting. and 1 do not care to give any
cause of offense by making a speech The
cries over the room continued greater than
before and finally Mr.. Garrigus sprang to
his fee. in the attempt TO excuse himself
the second time. when the meeting was
converted into a scene of riot. Fists were
shaking and indignant voices threatening,
and men had almost come TO blows, when
the stentorian voice Of a Democrat who
was deeply respected, whose faith in his
party had remained intensely loyal after
a long service in the field for the Union
cause, and whose physical qualifications
were respected by many who disliked his
views, if not the man himself, rang out
in anger and commanded the attention of
the turbulent crowd. Mr.. Garrigus has
been asked TO speak," he exclaimed. This
is a Democratic meeting, but he will speak
even if i have to force attention for him.
Mind thatl' The audience became quiet,
and the speech, which did not mince mat
tiers from the viewpoint of the speaker,
was delivered.
Upon another occasion one of the men
of the neighborhood. who entertained senti-
ments unfavorable TO the Union cause,
expressed himself in the schoolhouse in a
radical manner. A young man who was
present demonstrated with him because of
the opinions he had expressed and the
language he had used. A quarrel ensued
and the young man struck at the South
ern sympathizer with the immense heavy
iron poker then used and missed the sym
pathizer's head by a narrow margin. The
dent above the door in the wood where
the poker struck can yet be seen. and had
the sympathizer been hit, he would never
have known what struck him.
Mr.. Milton Garrigus, of Kokomo, was
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03
LOG scHooLHoUsE NEAR KoKoMo
The Old Log Schoolhouse

The heroes of the crossroads school,
AS barefoot boys or men.
Uphold the banner Of our faith
To-day as they did then.
Tho some shall fall with shattered strength
Exu1tant souls are they
Who feel their triumph borne aloft
Unfettered by their clay.
Within the weather-beaten walls.
Out where the crossroads meet.
Live memories of our deepest hopes.
OF old ambitions sweet
Such pictures as. we rear to-day
In modern civic pride
OF stouter stuff than those fond dreams
That would not be denied.
Yet. was it sentiment that spoke
To sleeping souls back there
That led them forth to find the joys
We live to love and wear,
Just as to-day the Spirit speaks
To us of things unknown
And gives us splendid strength to bear
The burdens faith has shown.
Here on this altar courage laid
The hope that could not fail.
o patient priestess. yours the pride
That let no candle pale!
o ragged devotees, in truth
Your sacrifice divine
Had not such blessings brought to earth
From carved or jeweled shrine.
And so we plead one tender thought
For these moss-covered homes
Where dwelt the hopes and fed the plans
That in triumphant domes
Have fixed the glory of a State
AS high as fame can reach
A glory glad to shine for all,
With brighter hope for each.
Build to the new ideals. build
OF science, strength and skill
Such palaces as Progress claims
And set them where you will.
But for the faith that must not fail
To reach it's grandest goal
In simple, sweet consistency,
oh! keep its vision whole.
oh, let it know whence came its pride
Lest be forgotten those
Fine qualities of gentle grace
A lowly ruler knows.
Turn to the old log school some time
The h-alf-bewildered eyes
That in the blindness of the blessed
Their blessing may despise.
So live the State. so wave the flag
That holds mems freedom first.
So shine the glory and the power
That will not let me thirst
For knowledge Of the better law
or of the simple rule
That first found shelter, hope and strength
Within the old log school.
So speak the gratitude that comes
To touch US tenderly.
When, as we look thro' misty eyes.
The log school passes by,
That first affections arms shall reach
And save from heartless mold
The cradle where our conscience grew
These greater gifts to hold.
Dear old log schoolhouse. racked and rent
BY tempest and neglect,
The course of empire from your door
Led on thro' fame. direct.
Proud victory from fertile fields
OF triumph will restore
In sacred trust for life to come
The cherished charm you wore.
George T.. Bowen.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03

Tour log schoolhouses are still in use in
diana and are reminders of pioneer day
Current item.
The crossroads school, a rude affair,
of oaken logs, rough hewed.
Guards with the heart of loyalty
It's rustic solitude.
Nor asks nor hopes a fairer fate
Than the renown it hears
Sung to the service of its sons
Across eventful years.
Brave years, or glad, or sorrowing
Ger some unconquered want.
Brave years, withal. whose rugged heart
No poverty could daunt.
Brave years that learned their fortitude
There in the simple rule
That fashioned men, and women, too.
Back in the old log school.
The honors of a mighty State
CLEAN from the scrolls of fame,
Her valor saved a nations pride
And keeps its sacred name
Guards it as in those virgin days
Her purpose. strong and pure,
Built, as it built those oaken walls.
A virtue to endure.
The old log school of other days
Has moldered to the dust,
As may these nobler piles of stone
That shrine the light we trust.
Only the spirit marches on
Across life's wilderness,
Winning from each opposing force
The joys we live to bless.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03

not sell to municipal governments or to the
railroads, but to the large jobbing trade.
Here is another of his stories showing just
how it is done. In the Southwest is a large
Jones small orders, but nothing at all COM
mensurate with the size of the business
they were doing, and try as hard as he
could. Jones could not get a foOthOld. At
last he suggested to the buyer, whom we
will call Fred Smith, that if he wanted any
personal favors, to hint at them, and Smith
replied:
I'm full of goods now, but well see on
your next trip
on the next trip Jones had a special price
to offer and he got Smith into the barroom
of the hotel where, sitting over drinks, he
expatiated on it. When through, Smith
said:
TON, I have a payment of 81, 600 TO make
soon; could you raise it for me?' Tom re-
"Oh, yes, but you know, Fred, we haven't
had much more than a smell Of your bust
ness. Are you going to give us a good slice
Yes" Smith said. "You get me that 1880
and We'll fix it."
This time Jones did not quite trust his
man and just could not quite get his draft
cashed till the order was made out, and fif-
teen minutes later the cash was obtained
and handed over to Smith without receipt.
The order amounted to S47. 600, and on his
return to New York the millionaire head Of
the house remarked to Jones that he had
got that order cheap.
1t has been a common remark in the
West that the purchasing agent Of a rail-
road would become rich on a salary of 5000
or $1,000.
One purchasing agent once said to me-:
What is the odds if l do take a commits
sion? Others would if 1 didn't. 1 buy at the
lowest market prices. Combines control
most prices and If | did not take the COM
mission the impair would pay the same
price wherever 1t bought" OF course this
last is only true in a few instances. "And,"
he concluded, 1.-The directors and president
do it by selling stock of roads they own at
ten times its cost to our road"
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03

@1HE annual watch meeting OF the
members OF the African Baptist
- Church at Memphis. Clark coun-
I[CHgM ". last Thursday night was in
- many respects a novel one.
For many years the sable residents Of
the little village on the banks OF Silver
creek have been in the habit of holding a
watch meeting on New Years eve. These
meetings are always well attended by old
and young. and have often developed a
great revival Of religion in that section.
The New Year watch meeting held a year
& was a failure because the preachers
watch stopped at half past II o'clock. and
the fact was not discovered until daylight.
To prevent a recurrence Of that mistake
It was decided this year to have a big
eight-day clock. owned by king Lewis
Armstrong, who has long enjoyed the
honor OF ruling the d~estinies Of the Mem
phis colored people, repaired in proper
shape and taken 10 the church 20 mark
the passage Of time. This was done, and
the clock was put in the church just back
of the pulpit, where everyone could see it.
And. 10 keep the clock I'm time, Elders Jor-
dan and Bibbs were instructed to have
their watches wound up and set by Penn
sylvania Railroad time to avoid and possi-
biliry Of a mistake. This they agreed 10 do.
Promptly at s o'clock the services be-
gan, and the church was filed. king"
Lewis Armstrong sat in the pulpit with the
preacher. Elder Bibbs occasionally devoting
g few minutes to keeping the stove red
hot.
IBIS yer watch meetin'.' said Preacher
Summers, will begin wild a hymn, I'm
Going Over JOrding. BY and By You all
knows de tune; hits been sung yer a good
many years-and hit means US as much
now as hit ever did. An when you am
a-singin' hit, brethering, doan fOrgit 20
think what de words mean. De tune alone
won't save yer souls. Oar am plenty Of
good singers dat amt got no more 'ligion
than a skunk. Singin' am like prayin'.
You has got to mean de words you is usin'
or you amt no good"
The choir, which was stationed just back
OF the stove, t~hereupOn raised the tune.
After two or three verses had been sung
the entire congregation began to enter into
the spirit Of the occasion, swaying their
bodies TO and fro in time with the music,
and keeping a peculiar sort Of double time
with their feet on the floor. AS the verses
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03

case, and the space in the 14-foot room is
thereby shortened. The second-fioor rooms
are cut on the outside walls; otherwise the
ceiling IS S feet 6 inches high. The first
floor is 8 feet.
This is a pretty, comfortable, economical
house, which can be built for less money
than the estimate where building is cheap.
There is no hard wood included, ordinarily,
I'm the price. North Carolina pine floors,
whitewood or cypress interior finish, hot
air heating and plain plumbing.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03
Requiem.

Helpless / gaZed upon the fray.
When Cupid fought with Father Time.
/ viewed them as some p~antomime-
Nor could l speak 10 bid them stay.
Though my heart in the balance lay,
Helpless l gazed upon the fray,
When Cupid fought with Father Time.
IL was no battle OF a day:
Watching. 1 heard the requiem chime
OF dying years that left me gray
Slow years, that found me in my prime.
Helpless / gaZed upon the fray.
When Cupid fought with Father Time.
-Burges Johnson, In Harper's Weekly.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03

SBtNo0 Wv 4" NAS
- country ii should come as inter-
ILNYllt esting tidings that our own In
- diana has not fallen. behind in
enlightened appreciation Of this valuable
movement. Two months ago a small but
competent wood handicraft establishment
was opened on Silver Hill, at New Albany,
by Mr.. and Mrs. Horace Pierce, the former
as manager and craftsman, insisting that
the latter, as inspiration and idea-contribu-
tor. should share in The reputation and re-
suits. A fine flavor of trade-heralding-in
the truest analysis the earliest and noblest
of nobilities, is noticeable in the subtitle,
the Sign of the Saw and the Plane"
which is annexed to the business announce
ment of the 'Oakwood Shop" From the
crest of one of the beautiful Floyd county
hills the two odd little windows of the
shop, itself a mere pigeon-cote in size and
appearance, look out upon New Albany's
broad spread Of homes and smoky factories,
and also upon far-stretching ranges of the
blue northern hills. The quaint two-pane
window in the droll little shop-door faces
upon a gentle garden slope between the
hapdicraft room and the low, coy, modern
cottage home of Mr.. and Mrs. Pierce, and
beyond lie jap~onica-hedged lanes, with
meadows still beyond, against the high blue
western hills. Truly, in no more beautiful
and inspiring spot could the spirit of the
true, the beautiful and the good be found
working out it's earthly mission.
On the interior the akwoo shop is elo-
quent of its intention and altogether at
tractive to the lover of wood handicraft.
1t is knee-deep in odorous oak shavings and
is heated by a unique old-fashioned little
cast-iron stove; even the old iron poker Is
not akin to ordinary pokers. Against the
south wall is a high pile of rich weathered
oak, and under the interesting mismatched
windows is the craftsman's bench. In the
center of the little woodwork den stand
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03
4 Charming Home Costing only $3.50

and TO the left the living room, with artistic
spindled entrance and pretty windows and
a corner fireplace. The dining room is well
lighted. and is connected with the kitchen
by a pantry, while there is a store pantry
opening into the kitchen. The latter is a
good room. airy and convenient.
On the second floor are four bedrooms and
a bathroom. and good closets. Two rooms
can be finished in the attic. in which case
the staircase must go over the main stair
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03
A NEW STORE
Full of New Pianos
of the Newest Designs.
A Product of Unsurpassed Beauty
That Arrived Too Late for
the Holiday Trade.
Something of Interest to the
Piano Buying Public.

I had two carloads Of pianos ordered
for the holiday trade. but was unable %
get located In time to establish myself. as
1 had expected 10. for the holiday business.
Consequently am overstocked and am go
ing TO give the piano-buying public a
chance 10 settle the mOOted question OF
buying a piano by bringing the price down
to the lowest point possible. as well as
make the terms easy enough 10 suit the
convenience Of all.
Monday. january a..
I will place my entire stock on sale at q
discount of 10 TO 20 per cent. of. This means
a positive saving TO you. as 1 sell DIRECT
FROM FACTORY TO CUSTOMER" which
makes this a doubly inviting proposition.
Ny stock comprises such well-known
makes as the smith & Nixon. A
GRAND PIANO IN AN UPRIGHT
CASE; Ebersole. Haines Bros. stanley
& Sons, Armstrong. Arion and others.
They are all included in this sacrifice sale.
as 1 MUST MAKE ROOM for the stock
that is arriving daily. So remember that
the old adage, CONE MANS LOSS Is
ANOTHER MANS GAIN. will be DEM
onstrated to the satisfaction Of all during
the few days OF this marked-down sale. A
few of the special bargains. They are in
struments that have been taken I'm ex-
change for new pianos: One Esty organ.
high top. in good condition. $3.50. One
secondhand upright. Sl25. one new piano.
case slightly damaged. $l5s. II you antici-
pate the purchase OF a piano a call will
convince you that there is a money-saving
opportunity at hand. II. c. KIBREY.
1877 North Pennsylvania Street.
First door south Of Denison Hotel entrance.
Cash or payments"
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03

This house is unusual in it's style, but to
most is very pleasing. 1t has a wide, low
effect, and is 30 feet 6 inches wide without
the corner porch. 1t is AZ feet deep over
all. 1t is of shingle, and is very effective
I'm all green with white trim. or all brown
with pale yellow or natural finish trim.
II has pretty gables and swells, and its
round porches are quite effective and give
enough shade without darkening the rooms.
There is a square hall with pretty staircase,
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03

c. w. Kriel. sole distributor for Wilkie
Collins, 10 cent cigar, Tom Benton, . cent
cigar. Enough said.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03

a banker, who is a granddaughter of
Mendelssohn, has just paid the record price
of $4,000 for a Stradivarius ~violoncello.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03

ALL local observers of the wide
spread handicraft revival in this
country ii should come al inter-
esting tidings that our OWL In
diana has not fallen. behind in
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03

He annual watch meeting Of the
members Of the African Baptist
Church at Memphis. Clark
", last Thursday night vas in
many respects a novel one
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-03

Cash or payments"