Gilpin observer., 1909-06-17

mendous size, extraord1n-
ary muscular development and Hercu-
lean strength had made them famous
among the country folk as well as
gaining for them a reputation for per-
feet fearlessness which was clearly es-
tablished and proven. Either one
of them could pick up 200-pound
man and toss him over fence as II
he were bag of buckwheat. But for
all their physical capabilities they
were not of quarrelsome nature.
There are men so constituted that
they will put up with anything short
of actual, premeditated insult rather
be drawn into a fight. and the Need
hams belonged in this category.
One interesting feature of their ap-
pearance was that they looked so
much alike that many people mistook
them for one another and could not
tell them apart. In fact, they looked
more like twin brothers than like
father and son. The outdoor life they
led and their constant trudging about
the country kept their muscles hard
rs steel. Both were over six feet in
height with massive frames. huge
heads and shoulders, copper-colored
skin and jet black hair, and despite
their great weight moved with the
springy. cat-like grace of panthers.
The father was known the country
over as Doc" Needham. He was not
a regular practitioner, but an Indian
herb doctor. great many people be-
lieved in his medicines. and there were
tales of marvellous cures he had
wrought. One legend was that with
three drops of the essence of a certain
root he had restored to life a man
who was about to be buried. However
that may have been, the fact remained
that Doc" Needham had succeeded
in establishing himself In the conf
dence of the country folk, and certain
ly did a great deal more good than
he did harm. ...
At the township fair In Wallace,
county OF Elgin. in 1874, the Need
hams were present with their supply
of herbs and as usual big crowds
gathered to see their exhibition and
buy their medicines. Among those at
the fair was Harry Fitzsimmons, a
huge fellow. built like bull. with
thick neck, deep chest and heavy
bead. He claimed to be a fighter and
prided himself on his ability to whip
any man in the county. He had a
boon companion with him named
George Lipsey. The latter was some
thing Of a fighter himself but de-
ferred to Lipsey as the king OF the
county where a question Of physical
superiority was involved. That day Mr..
Fitzsimmons was in a trouble-seek-
ing mood. having thrashed a couple
Of husky country fellows who had
dared to provoke him. Both of his an
tagonists had gone under quickly and
F1tz' faith in his own prowess was
greatly enhanced thereby Flushed
with his easy victories and a stranger
TO defeat, he came upon the Needhams,
father and son. busy with their medi-
cines. The sight Of the famous pair
caused a scowl to deepen on his brow.
Fitz had heard Of the Needhams and
their feats of strength until he was
weary of such stories. He determined
that he would convince the country
side that he was the sole and undis-
puted champion. With this laudable
object In view he made repeated at
tempts to pick quarrel with the
Needhams. but being peaceable. law
abiding men they ignored him and re-
fused to be tempted into fight.
Fitz and his companion grew bois.
ferrous and the Needhams moved quiet
ly away. but the two troublemakers
followed them. roaring out numerous
insults. Young Needham could be
seen speaking earnestly to his father.
and entreating him to grant some re-
quest, but the older man shook his
head sternly. Fitz and Lipsey per-
sisted in their vocal attacks. and at
last Doc Needed nodded to his son.
Young Needham Immediately threw
off his coat and walked over to within
few feet of his challengers. Fitz,
rightly defining this movement as an
acceptance OF the battle gage, rushed
upon him ut once. Lipsey made as
though to join in the attack, but was
gripped by an iron hand which drew
him back. Glancing up he perceived
that It was none other than Doc Need.
ham who was guarding his son from
unfair interference. Lipseys first i'm.
pulse was to struggle with his captor,
but on reflection he remained passive.
The elder Needham had not spoken a
word to him. but that viselike grip
Of his arm spoke volumes. Lipsey sud
deaiy realized that he would be help
less as child In this veteran giants
hands should he attempt to Join is.
sues In combat with him. Plainly dis.
cretion was the better part OF valor.
and he made no further move indlca-
tive Of a desire to aid the redoubtable
Fitz.
The latter was huvlirg himself upon