The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-08-14

Nearly everyone who has travelled In
the United States or any portion OF
the country has noticed at various
places the following: "A-No. l South. +"
Very few of the same multitude of
travellers know the meaning OF the
numerals or the significance of the no.
tation.
When the subject is thoroughly
threshed over it comes to be found
that one of the most famous of Amer
lean characters is responsible for the
notation.
"a No. l" is the most famous hobo
alive.
He is proud of his distinction. And
by no other name or designation Is
this odd character known.
A few days ago he was reported in
birmingham and upon investigation his
characters were found on the Terminal
station bulletin board. This man has
a life story that is perhaps as romantic
and as fully charged with interest as
any person who has ever lived.
1t is said that many years ago he
lost his family very tragically. AT
the time he was a prosperous man OF
a community in Ohio When his grief
came about he sold his business and
became a full fledged tramp. This man
does not seek notoriety but he is bet
ter known among the railroad folk than
many distinguished persons. lie would
be offended to be called a Knight OF
the Road but when he is called a
hobo and placed as "A No. L he Is
pleased.
He has saved many trains from be-
ing wrecked and has to his credit the
rescuing of more people from death
by trains than any other man in the
country.
When he was In Birmingh am a year
ago a few of those CONNECTED with rail-
roads talked to him of his experiences.
During his stay here he said he was
going to ride away from birmingham
one of the fastest trains operated by
the Louisville and Nashville. A special
service man offered to furnish the IA
nous hobo with Pullman berth but
he scorned the offer.
II had rather ride blind baggage
car than the Pullman" said the hobo
The special service man said If the
hobo started off on the fast train he
would take him off. The tramp said:
IF you see me l am willing" The fast
train rolled in, stopped and the hobo
moved off from the crowd. 1t was
only a few minutes before the train
started on its journey. About the cor
ner of the freight house the tramp
waved farewell to the sleuth ana
those interested and he was gone again.
The special service man never did see
the tramp board the flyer.
That is the way "A-No1' does things.
He does not ride freights and is always
on the blind baggage cars. The railroad
men respect this odd character very much
and no harm can come to him from rail-
road special service men.
When he visits a city he makes 1t a
rule to place his signs on the depots and
other places. He is neatly dressed and
In every respect gentleman.
In his inner coat pocket he carries let
tiers from the chief of detectives of every
railroad and from the presidents of most
of Them all testifying to his heroic eff
forts to prevent wrecks and save peo-
pie from injury. He never exhibits these
letters except when an emergency is
faced. Then his true character is shown
by the testimonials.
In his pocket is carried a letter to
send word to a certain person in case
he is killed in wreck. 1t is also pointed
out that he has money in bank to pay
his funeral expenses and a grave lot
already paid for.
The hobo has written a novel of his
experiences which is rich in descriptions
of his perils. his work In wrecks and
his views of life in general.
In all he has made seven trips into
every state in America. He has been
around the globe several times and is
now making another lap
He is an interesting conversationist
but never boasts of his odd method of