Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1908-08-28
Middlebrook Items.

Middlebrook, Aug. pa slight of
hand performer struck our town last
week, and turned out to be man who
showed here 80 years ago. He appear
ed to be about 10 years of age, highly
educated, a fine speaker, and once had
a national reputation as aventriloquist
He was travelling afoot, and putting up
with anyone who would accommodate
him. He announced that he would
give show at Mish's Hall, and a
crowd turned out, and part OF the
string band was on hand to play for
him. He made few trips behind his
curtain and soon he was so drunk he
could do nothing. The show broke up,
and the people were out their money.
He was refused lodging all over the
village and remained several days sleep
nepout of doors or anywhere he could
This shows what drink will bring a
man to. This man once went about in
style, and had plenty of money. Now
he is poor, walking about the country,
doing no good, life spent, his sun fast
setting; no home; nothing. 1t was a
pitiable sight to behold. Old, gray,
lettering on the verge of the grave, this
once prosperous, well to do, bright
man, laying in back alleys of the town,
helplessly drunk, at the mercy of any,
thing coming along. He left here
Monday much to the relief or every
body. We hope he will do better at
his next stopping place.
Miss Lottie Smith has returned home
from visit to Rockingham county.
Ben. Arehart is in stew, one of his
white hounds went on drive alone,
and Ben cannot hear of him. He has
been offering reward for information.
He is a fine young hound, and any one
knowing anything of his whereabouts,
can make Ben awful glad by letting
him know.
A set of instruments have been Or
dered for the new band to be organized
here soon.
Mr.. Wilbur Palmer of Greenville,
was in our town last week. He has
purchased fine driving horse, and
was over having Smith & Son, shoe
him.
What is the reason the law for cruel
ty to dumb beasts is uot enforced. What
is the use to be particular about some,
and not all the laws.
James Christopher & Go. have bought
a new hay baling outfit, and are going
to run it in this vicinity. 1t is good
outfit, and in hustling hands.
Mr.. John Clemmer is erecting new
tenant house, and ]. P. Smiley, a new
barn; FL. T. Rosen is going to build a
barn.
The lawn party held by the band
boys, was success.
Rev. Mr.. Folk is away on trip.
Mt. Tabor has not yet secured a
preacher. This is good charge, and
strange some one has not taken it. DIR.
Fox says there is great scarcity of
preachers. No young men want to
enter the ministry, which is the noblest
life man can lead, if there is not as
many dollars attached as in some other
calling; strange that more of our bright
| boys don't choose the ministry.
Some of our citizens went to the Hot
| Springs, some of them shook hands
with Taft and lady, and pronounce her
the best politician.
| A little boy named Graves, living on
the Caldwell farm near here, was sc
badly burned last week that he died,
He took the coal Oil can and poured il
on the fire, there was an explosion, the
burning oil flew all over him, before
any one could render aid he was burn.
ed to death. He Hinged day and night
1t was indeed sad and tragic death
and another warning about stating fires
with oil. The parents have the sym
DafhV of all