davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1907-02-14

had liberal English education and
was considered wealthy. BILL" con-
tinues our excellent friend, II am get
ting old; have seen too much trouble to
. give lifelike picture of this woman.
I won't try it. None Of the poets or
romance writers has ever given to us
picture of heroine so beautiful as
good description Of Miss Owens in 1886
would be-"
Mrs. Hardin Bale, a cousin to Miss
Owens, says "she was blue eyed, dark
haired, handsome not pretty, was
rather large and tall, handsome, truly
handsome, matronly looking, over Or
binary size in height and weight. Miss
owens was handsome-that is to say,
noble looking, matronly seeming"
Respecting her age and looks, Miss
Owens herself makes the following
note Aug. 6, 1866:
Born in the year eight; fair skin,
deep blue eyes, with dark curling hair:
height five feet five inches, weighing
about $50 pounds"
Johnson G. Greene is Miss Owens
cousin, and while on a visit to her in
1866 he contrived to get her version Of
the Lincoln courtship at great length.
1t does not vary in any material part
from the account currently received in
the neighborhood and given by various
persons, whose oral or written testi-
mony is preserved in Mr.. Herndon's
collection of manuscripts. j. c. Greene
described her in terms about the same
as those used by Mrs. Bale, adding
that "she was nervous and muscular
woman" very intellectual" "the
most intellectual woman he ever saw"
with a forehead massive and angular.
square, prominent and broad" ~.
After Miss Owens return to New
Salem, in the fall Of 1886, Mr.. Lincoln
Il was unremtting in his attentions, and
wherever she went he was at her side.
She had many relatives In the neigh
borhood-the Bales, the Greenes, the
Grahams- if she went to spend an
afternoon or an evening with any of
these Abe was very likely TO be on
hand to conduct her home. He asked
her to marry him, but she prudently
evaded a positive answer until she
could make up her mind about ques-
tionable points Of his character. She
did not think him coarse or cruel, but
she did think him thoughtless, care
less, not altogether as polite as he
might be-in short, deficient" as she
expresses it, lin those little links which
make up the great chain Of woman's
happiness" His heart was good, his
principles were high, his honor sensi-
tive, but still in the eyes Of this refined
young lady he did not seem to be quite
the gentleman. 'He was lacking IN
the smaller attentions" and, in fact,
the whole affair is explained when she
tells us that "his education was differ
ent from" hers.
Abe Was Ungallant.
One day Miss Owens and Mrs. Bow
lin Greene were making their way
slowly and tediously up the hill to
Able's house, when they were Joined
by Lincoln. Mrs. Bowlin Greene was
lgE gaS% b5@s54g
Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1907-02-14
Springfield, May z. 1897.

Springfield, May Z, 1887. s
Miss Mary S. Owens:
Friend Mary-I have commenced two
letters to send you before this, both OF
which displeased me before I got half
done, and SO ! tore them up The first
thought was not serious enough, and
the second was on the other extreme I
shall send this, turn out as 1t may
This thing of living in Springfield Is
rather dull business after all-at least
1t Is so to me. I am quite as lonesome
here as ever was anywhere in my life.
have been spoken to by but one woman
since I've been here and should not have
been by her If she could have avoided it.
i've never been to church yet nor proba-
bly, shall not be soon. stay away be-
cause am conscious should not know
how to behave myself.
I am often thinking about what we said
OF your coming to live at Springfield. I
am afraid you would not be satisfied
There is great deal of flourishing about
in carriages here, which it would be your
doom to see without sharing It. You
would have to be poor, without the means
OF hiding your poverty. Do you believe
you could bear that patiently? Whatever
woman may cast her lot with nine
should any ever do so, It Is my intention
to do all IN my power to make her happy
and contented. and there is nothing can
imagine that would make me more UNI
happy than to fail in the effort. know
should be much happier with you than
the way I am, provided saw no signs OF
discomfort in you. What you have said
to me may have been in the way Of lest,
or may have misunderstood It. If SO,
then let It be forgotten: II otherwise. /
Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1907-02-14

carrying "a great big fat child, heavy
and Grossly disposed. = A Though the
woman bent pitiably under her burden,
Lincoln offered her no assistance. but,
dropping behind with Miss Owens, be-
guiled the way according to his wishes.
When they re;lched the summit, Miss
Owens said to Lincoln laughingly, You
would not make a good. husband, Abe
They sat on the fence, and one word
brought on another till a split or.
breach ensued.''
standing Lincoln went off toward Ha-
yana on surveying expedition and
was absent.about three weeks. On the
first day of his return one Of Able's
boys was sent up ito town" for the
mail. Lincoln saw him at the postof-
fee and asked if Miss Owens was at
Mr.. Able's." The boy said, Eyes"
'"Tell her." said Lincoln, chat I'll be
down to see her in few minutes"
Now, Miss Owens had determined to
spend that evening at Minter Ora
hams, and when the boy gave in the
report ''she thought moment and said
to- herself If can draw Lincoln up
there to Graham's it will be all right"
This scheme was to operate as test
Of Abe's love, but 1t shared the fate
Of some Of 'the best laid schemes Of
mice and men, and went "all agley."
Lincoln, according to promise, went
down to Able's and asked if Miss Ow-
woo IN h1n ror,1ia1 fbof ho
had gone to Graham's. about one and
a half miles from Able's, due south
west. Lincoln said, didn't she know
1 was coming?" Mrs. Able answered,
NO." but one Of the children said,
eyes, ma, she did, for heard Sam tell
her So" Lincoln sat awhile and then
went about his business. ''The fat
was now in the fire. Lincoln thought,
as he was extremely poor and Miss
Owens very rich, it was fling on him
on that account. Abe was mistaken in
his guesses, for wealth cut no figure in
Miss Owens eyes. Miss Owens re-
GREETED her course. Abe would not
bend, and Miss Owens wouldn't. She
said if she had it to do over again she
would play the cards differently. y
She had two sons in the southern ar
my. She said that If either Of them
had got into difficulties she would will
ingly have gone to old Abe for relief"
In Miss Owens letter Of July %,
1866, it will be observed that she tacit-
~ admitted to Mr.. Gaines Greene ''the
circumstances in connection with Mrs.
Greene and child" Although she here
denies the precise words alleged to have
been used by her in the little quarrel
at the top of the hill, she does not
deny the impression his conduct left
upon her mind. but presents additional
evidence Of it by the relation Of anoth-
err Incident of similar character, from
which her differences We're the same,
Fortunately we are not compelled to
rely upon tradition, however authentic,
for the facts concerning this interesting
episode in Mr.. Lincoln's life. Miss
Owens was still alive to tell her own
tale at the time this narrative was
written. and we have besides his let
tiers to the lady herself Mr. Lincoln
wrote his account Of it as early as
1888. AS in duty bound, we shall per-
nit the lady to speak first:s az
Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1907-02-14
Lincoln to Mary Owens.

Vandalia, Dec. 13, 1886.
Mary-I have been sick ever since my
arrival or I should have written sooner
1t is but little difference, however, as
have very little. even yet to write. And
more, the longer I can avoid the NORTH
cation of looking in the postoffice for your
letter and not finding it the better. You
see, am mad about that old letter yet.
I don't like very we'll to risk you again
I'll try you once more anyhow.
=. The new State House is not yet finished
and consequently the legislature is doing
little or nothing. The governor delivered
an 1nhammatory political message, and it
is expected there will be some sparring
between the parties about it as soon as
the two houses get to business Taylor
delivered up his petitions for the new
county to one of our members this morn.
ing. I am told he despairs Of it's success
on account of all the members from Nor
gan county opposing it. There are names
enough on the petition, I think. to- justify
the members from our county in going for
it, but if the members from Morgan op-
pose it, which they say they will, the
chance will. be bad.
Our chance to take the seat of govern
ment to Springfield is better than ex-
pected. An internal Improvement con-
vention was held here since we met, which
recommended a loan of several million Of
dollars on the faith Of the state to con-
struct railroads. Some Of the legislature
are for it and some against it. Which has
the majority cannot tell. There is great
strife and struggling for the Office Of the
United States senator here at this time
1t is probable we shall ease their pains in
a few days. The opposition men have no
candidate Of their own, and consequently
they will smile as complacently at the
angry snarl Of the contending Van Buren,
candidates and their respective friends as
the Christian does at Satan's rage You
recollect that I mentioned at the outset
Of this letter that had been unwell.
That is the fact though I believe I am
about well now. But that with other
things cannot account for have con
spired and have gotten my spirits so low
that I feel that would rather be any
place in the world than here I really
cannot endure the thought of staying here
ten weeks. Write back as soon as you
get this and. If possible, say something
that will please me. for really have not
been pleased since left you. This letter
is so dry and stupid that I am ashamed
to send it, but with my present feelings
I cannot do any better.
Give my best respects to Mr. and Mrs
Able and family. Your friend,
LINCOLN.
Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1907-02-14

THE POOR THING SEEMED TO SAY VISIT
FULLY, MY LAST HOPE IS CONE"
he said to her in Springfield, Tell your
sister that I think she was a great fool,
because she Gid not stay here and marry
me- Characteristic of the man. Respect
fully yours MARY S. -.
Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1907-02-14


Mr.. w. II. Herndon: .
Dear sir-I do not think that you are
pertinacious in asking the question rela-
tive to old Mrs. Bowlin Greene, because /
wish to set you right on that question.
Your information no doubt came through
my cousin, Mr.. Gaines Greene, who Wis
tied US last winter. Whilst here he was
laughing at me about Mr.. Lincoln and,
among other things, spoke about the cir
cumstance in connection with Mrs. Greene
and child. My impression is now that
.tacitly admitted it, for it was season Of
trouble with me, and gave but little
heed to the matter. We never had any
hard feelings toward each other that !
know Of. On no occasion did say to Mr.
Lincoln that did not believe he would
make kind husband because he did not
tender his services to Mrs. Greene In help
ing Of her carry her babe AS said to
you In q former letter, thought him
lacking in smaller attentions. One cir
cumstance presents itself just now to my
3alnd's eye There was q company Of US
Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1907-02-14
Letters From Mary Owens.


Mr.. w. H. Herndon
Dear Sir-After quite a struggle with
my feelings I have at last decided to send
you the letters in my possession written
by Mr.. Lincoln, believing, as I do, that
you are a gentleman of honor and will
faithfully abide by all you have said.
My associations with your lamented
friend were in Menard county whilst visit
ing a sister, who then resided near Peters,
burg. I have learned that my maiden
name is now in your possession, and you
have ere this no doubt been informed that
I am native kentuckian.
AS regards Miss Rutledge, I cannot tell
you anything, she having died previous
to my acquaintance with Mr.. Lincoln,
and I do not now recollect Of ever hear
ing him mention her name. Please re-
turn the letters at your earliest conven-
ience. Very respectfully yours
MARY S. -.
Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1907-02-14

Mr.. W. H. Herndon: y
My dear Str-Really you catechise me in
true lawyer style, but I feel you will have
the goodness to excuse me if decline
answering all your questions in detail,
being well assured that few women would
have coded as much as have under all
the circumstances '-
You say you have heard why our ac-
quaintance terminated as it did. I, too,
have heard the same bit Of gossip, but
never used the remark which Madam Ru-
NOR says I did to Mr.: Lincoln. I think
I did on one occasion say to my sister,
who was very anxious for us to be mar
ried, that thought Mr.. Lincoln was de-
fcient in those little links which make
up the chain of woman's happinesgat
least 1t was so in my case. Not that
believed it proceeded from lack of good
ness Of heart, but his training had been
different from mine: hence thsrs was not
\.at congeniality which would otherwise
lave existed.
From his own showing, you perceive
ihat his heart and hand were at my dis
posal, and suppose that my feelings
were not sufficiently enlisted to have the
matter consummated. About the begin
ming Of the year 1888 left Illinois, at
which time our acquaintance and CORE
spondence ceased without ever again be-
ing renewed.
My father, who resided in Green coun-
ty, KY, was gentleman Of considerable
means, and I am persuaded that few per-
sons placed a higher estimate on educa-
ton than he did. Respectfully yours,
MARY s. -.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1907-10-14
Necessity OF a Varied Dick.

a matter Of no little importance
in maintaining a good healthy appe.
lite Is variety OF diet. Appetites
soon flag II there is a monotonous
sameness in the daily food. An
unusual delicacy will add to the
enjoyment Of the whole meal.
OF course bread is the staple food.
No meal is complete without bread
or some other wheat food. We
may think We never tire OF bread.
but try some radical change and
see how welcome It Is. Try Nation.
al Biscuit Company's Graham Crack
ers. The unbolted wheat of which
they are made is not only delic-
ious but stimulates the appetite and
digestion.
The flavor OF the National Biscuit
Company Graham Crackers Is entire
ly different from the old coarse kind
originally made by DR.. Graham. The
same progress which experience,
skill and study have produced in all
the products Of this company has
made the Graham Cracker not only
n health food but a delightful deli.
cacy.
For the indoor worker-the office
mantle inactive, nothing makes a
better lunch than Graham Crackers
and milk. Light, but sustaining,
without heaviness or ~sleepiness so
often following a hearty lunch of
rich foods.
Keep Graham Crackers on the
table as well as bread and the staff
Of life can be eaten in either form
that particularly appeals to the
taste.
National Biscuit Company Graham
Crackers come in moisture and dust
proof packages, keeping in all their
delightful flavor. c~rispness and fresh.
ness.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1907-10-14
Child Labor Conference.

Nashville. Tenn, Oct. lI.-In re-
Spouse to a call issued by Governor
Patterson. leading textile amnufac-
turers and representatives OF labor
unions met here today to consider the
question OF child and female labor
in shops and factories, with a view
of adopting uniform laws that will
be Just and agreeable to all parties
interested. Delegates are h.
nearly all the cotton states. Statistics
show that there are 1,750,000 children
laborers in the United States between
the ages of 10 and 10 years. OF whom
10000 are girls. Southern states
are not the principal offenders. as
popularity believed, Pennsylvania hav-
ing more child workers han the
Carolinas, Georgia and Maryland com
bined. /
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1907-10-14
MURRAY WILL Be SPEAKER
HIS ELECTION TO THAT OFFICE
REGARDED AS SURE THING
BY EVERYONE.

Muskogee, !. T, Oct. l3.-If the SEN
uhtht OF the democratic press OF the
new state counts for anything. VII
nam VI Murray OF Tishomingo. presi-
dent OF the constitutional convention.
VIII be the speaker of the lower house
OF the first Legislature. Nearly ey-
cry democratic paper of prominence
In the state which is not supporting a
C candidate. is supporting Mr..
Murray. OF course, all over the state
where there is a candidate in a GER
tain county the democratic organ OF
that locality Is usually supporting the
local candidate, but the support of
Nneray is general over the state.
During the past few days favorable
comment for him has appeared I'm the
Leader at Guthrie. the Capital at
South McAlester. the Times Democrat
at Muskogee. the New State Tribune
at Muskog g, the Capital at Tlshomin-
go, and half n dozen democratic coun-
ty papers. The further fact that
many of the members of the legisla-
ture were members OF the constitu-
tional convention insure their support
for Murray. The fact that Murray was
so bitterly attacked. caricatured and
ridiculed by the republican press has
created a desire to reward him
among the democrats. Added to this
is the fact that Murray Is one of the
foremost o~rganizsrs and politicians in
the state.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1907-10-14

! PERSONAL MENTION.

j.. Grassland and wife are here
on a visit to the family Of J. Spreck.
lemyer in Southwest Ardmorc.
Dick McLish Jr. is here from Bro.
mide on business.
+. +. Ormsby and wife, accom-.
panied by MIR. Ormsby's mother,
Mrs. n. +. Ormsby are In the city
from Denison. the guests of the
family Of g. w. Ritter. Mrs. Orms-
by senior is an artist of no mean
accomplishment. and will in all prob
ability organize a class for teaching
relief painting In this city.
Clyde Wyatt is in The city from
Oklahoma City to attend the bed.
side Of his sister. Mrs. c. A. Grimes.
who is very Ill.
j. S. Hanna. a prominent farmer
of the Overlook neighborhood. and
father Of our townsman. James Han
ma, is In Ardmore today.
Mrs. Herbert Jones of Oklahoma
city is visiting Mrs. Fred Gates.
this city.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1907-10-14
GAS PIPE here
WILL BE PUT IN POSITION AT
oNCE-GAS HERE BY
NOVEMBER IS.

The promise Of the gas people 10
have natural gas pipcd into the city
about the middle Of November will
be fulfilled to the letter If every
thing pans out. as 1t has begun.
The first shipment of pipe has ar.
rived and will be put down The
gang of workmen secured for the
purpose of digging bitches have al.
ready finished digging between five
and six miles In which the pipe
will be placed, and within the course
ct the next few days It Is expected
that other shipments will arrive and
be placed In the ground by the time
the date which is set when natural
gas will be turned on. the gas will
be here, and people will be ready with
plumbing work to begin its use.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1907-10-14
TOMORROW NIGHTS MEETING
LADIES ARE URGENTLY RE.
oUEsTED TO BE PRESENT
AND GIVE AID.

The great meeting TO be held to-
morrow night in the court house of
the Commercial Club is one OF i'm.
portance and the beginning OF a meet
ing of like nature to be held once
in each month by that organization.
The welfare of the city will be dis.
cussed by competent speakers, and
discussed during the year or so long
as these meetings are kept up.
1t Is the object Of the Commercial
Club to interest every man, woman
and child in the future of Ardmore.
and the good women especial, so
that they may secure the co-opera-
ton of everyone in awakening civic
pride in the people OF this city and
have a city beautiful.
The women OF Ardmore are already
getting busy in their clubs calling for
the commission form OF government
fOr the city, ana III the women want
anything they usually get what they
want.
Every city In the nation which has
tried the commission form OF gov.
eminent has come out on top, no mat
ter how far they have been In ar.
rears, and since that has proven
the best form Of government for a
city, 1t is best that every city should
have the same form.
The speakers chosen to talk to the
people tomorrow night were carefully
pisked by the board OF directors, and
a special invitation is sent to every
lady in town,
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1907-10-14
THAT TOWN SECURES THE C
o. & @. LINE.
CONTRACT SIGNED TODAY
BY Railroad Officials and Springer
Citizens-Work to Begin Within
Sixty Days on the
Line.

The business men of the little
Interior town Of Springer are unlike
the business men and property own.
ers of Ardmore. They don't wait for
things to cone TO them. but they
get busy and do something. As ev.
clusively announced in the Ard.
moreite of a few days ago the com.
mittee of Springer property owners
and lei who " property in that
little town. together with a committee
of citizens have closed the contract
with f. s. McCarty Of the Colorado,
Oklahoma and Gulf railroad for the
construction Of that line through
that city. The business interests OF
Springer have donated the right OF
way and depot site, also raised the
bonus OF $4,000 required by the rail.
road company TO secure the build
ing OF hat line into Springer and
which will go west from Springer
toward Milo. and thence north to.
ard Arapahoe. Okla.
The line will be built from Arapaho
to either Denison or Sherman. Tex,
and later IN north from Arapaho
to Deenvrhy .happnwKaihHss Tx In
10 Denver. Colo. and southeast from
Denison OF Sherman TO the gulf.
Construction work Is to besain on
the line within sixty days and In
all probability will be built from
Springer to connect with the Santa
Fe a short distance north OF Der.
wyn.
Byron Drew OF Ardmore. +. NJ. Fox
of Ardmore and the following citi.
zens of Springer, II. r. Scivally. John
Patton, ]. NJ. Arnold and NJ. STAINS.
berry are here this afternoon clos.
ing the contract and preparing the
papers which assures the oonstruc
ton OF the line through Springer
and which Ardmore had an cpportu
nifty to secure along with the con
struction OF terminal facilities which
was turned down by a number OF
business men and property owners,
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1907-10-14

Mr.. and Mrs. J. S. Adamson. for
mcrly OF Paris, Texas. have arrived
in the city and will make Ardmore
their home. Mr.. Adamson has ac-
cepted a position as advertising man
and window trimmer with the firm
of Westheimer & Daube. Mr.. Ad-
amson, while yet a young man. has
had fifteen years experience in re-
tail craftsmanship aud five years
practical work In "ad' writing. He
will prove a valuable man to West
heimer q Daube and TO the city.
The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1907-10-14

Clay Waller. who for the past
three years has been in the employ
of the Whaley Mill and Elevator
Co. of this city in the capacity of
travelling salesman. left this after
noon for his former home. Henriet.
ia, Texas. Mr.. Waller e TO that
point to accept IA position with the
Henrietta City Milling Co. The new
position he is to assume brings with
1t a raise in position and salary.
Since making Ardmore his home NV.
Waller has made many friends, who
wish him well in his new position.
Warren Martin. no for some time
has been connected with the Whaley
Mill and Elevator Co.. will take the
position of travelling salesman made
vacant by Mr.. Walters resignation,