davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1917-12-15
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN THUS DESCRIBES ORIGINAL

Excursions through the patent office
files often bring to light surprising
things. The most ludicrous ideas are
found there slumbering, ideas put for
ward and patented in all seriousness
by the single track mind that gave
them birth. And now and again one
stumbles upon the most unlooked-for
anticipation of some highly modern
device, an idea which had to be for
gotten and invented all over again
years later, when the world was better
prepared for it.
In the latter class is United States
patent No. 61,344, granted to Jesse S.
Lake of Smiths Landing, N. j., under
date of January 22d, 1857. The sue
cess of the British armored tank has
led to a very interesting controversy
as to whose idea the traction belt real
" is. In the presence of Mr.. Lake
this will have to take a different turn,
and r~eyolve about the question of
whose suggestion it was that directly
stimulated the British military engi-
neers to take up the crawling tractor
or caterpillar or track layer or what
ever name be attached to the funda-
mental and easily recognized principle
underlying the tank. For so years ago
Mr.. Lake built track layers that really
ran and did useful work. Of course.
they were not tractors, and could
therefore go only where a horse could
precede them; but track layers they
certainly were, as is made plain by the
drawings which we reproduce from
the Lake patent and by the following
comprehensive description and claims
quoted from the same source:
Il have invented a new and improv-
ed Self Track-Laying Car for common
roads. The object of my invention is
to furnish a car for common roads that
will lay its OWL track, thereby ena-
bling it to carry heavy weights, and be
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1917-12-15

drawn with great ease.
"As the car is drawn by the team or
other power, the M pass over the
wheels. Said runners are prevented
from running off of the wheels by flan-
ges, and as the a advances the
wheels and floats are taken up in the
rear of the car and carried ahead on
the upper side of the runners, some
what in the form of an endless-chain
horsepower. To turn the car laterally
out of it's course, the team is caused
to draw ~laterally upon the perch, car
rying the outer ends of the flanges a
in said fianges; and the floats are
caused to be laid a little out of a right
angle with the course of the car, thus
causing the car to move in a curved
line.
Il claim the combination, with a
truck, car or vehicle, of the within
described revolving track, consisting
of an endless series of trucks or floats,
connected together by flexible chains,
cords, or straps, and operating in the
manner and for the purposes speci-
fed"
We are indebted to DR.. H. L. Harley
of Pleasantville, N. j., for some details
of Mr.. Lake and his invention. He
made several of these vehicles, and
had them in operation about the vii
lage where he lived. His neighbors
dubbed the thing Lakes He'll Wagon"
because of the clatter it made. The
necessity that brought the He'll Wagon
into existence was the difficulties en-
countered in building the Old Turn
pike between Atlantic City, on the
Absecon sand bar, and Pl~easantville,
on the mainland. Between these two,
a distance of some five miles, is a
stretch of soft meadows and shallow
bays. A narrow tired wagon, even
with the lightest load, would sink to
the hub, so Jesse Lake set about to in
vent something that would overcome
this; and the self track-laying car"
was the result of his labors.
A Department of Agriculture Report
of 1866 speaks enthusiastically of the
Lake invention. The writer of this re-
port saw the thing in use, and was GER
tain that it was worthy of general in
PRODUCTION. After describing the
familiar principle of operation at
length and in several ways, in order
to be certain of getting it across, he
remarked that he saw a span of old
plugs of horses that needed a whip to
quicken them to a moderate walk,
move off with comparative ease with
a five-ton load of earth. The boys of
the neighborhood often borrowed the
He'll Wagon to bring their boats up
from the bay for repairs, or to haul
home a ton of coal. Either of these
stunts could be performed by one boy
with great ease and tremendous noise.
Uncle Jesse" appears to have been
a good deal of an eccentric. In his
wonderful shop, which was dignified
by the name of foundry" could be
found pretty much anything from a
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1917-12-15

There Is more Catarrh in this section OF
the country than all other diseases put to-
gether, and for years it was supposed to be
incurable. Doctors prescribed local remedies
and by constantly failing to cure with local
treatment, pronounced it incurable. Catarrh
Is a local disease, greatly Influenced by con-
stitutional conditions and therefore requires
constitutional treatment. Halls Catarrh
Medicine, manufactured by F. J. Cheney &
Co., Toledo, Ohio, is a constitutional remedy,
is taken internally and acts thru the Blood
on the Mucous Surfaces of the System. One
Hundred Dollars reward is offered for any
case that Halls Catarrh Medicine fails to
cure. Send for circulars and testimonials.
F. j. CHENEY & CO., Toledo, Ohio.
Sold by Druggists, 75c.
Halls Family Pills for constipation.
advertisement.
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1917-12-15
PLEASANTVILLE TRANSFERS.

Crawford M. Townsend to Charles
Frambes ct ux., 50x105 it., Northeast
side of Brad ST., $50 it. Northwest of
New Road; $2.250.
John M. Fleming ct TX. to Harris
Brothers Cigar Co., Inc, 30x140 it.,
East side of Somerset Ave-, 675 it.
from where North side of Washington
Ave. intersects the same, ETC.; $240.
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1917-12-15
His RUPTURE

1 was badly ruptured while lifting a trunk several
years ago. Doctors said my only hope of cure was
an operation. Trusses did me no good. FINELY l
got hold of something that quickly and completely
cured me. Years have passed and the rupture has
never returned, although am ding hard work as a
carpenter. There was no operation, no lost time,
no trouble. I have nothing to sell, but will give
full information about how you may find a COM
plete cure without operation, if you write to me,
Eugene NJ. Pullen, Carpenter, 1019D Marcellus Ave-
nue., Manasquan, N. j. Better cut out this notice
and show it to any others who are ruptured-you
may save a life or at least stop the misery OF rupture
and the worry and danger of an operation.
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1917-12-15
ROSTER OF OFFICERS OF THE
CITY OF PLEASANTvILLE.

Mayor-Thomas F. Crawford.
Clerk-Nehemiah Andrews.
Assessors--First Ward, Reuben E.
Bates.
Tax Collector-Webster Price.
City Treasurer-Geo. Zippler, Jr.
City Engineer-Samuel J.. Clark.
City Solicitor-Louis D. Champion.
Chief of Police-Clarence Krewson.
Police Justice-David D. Martz.
Building Inspector-Paul Wootton.
Plumbing Inspector-Walter Martin
Overseer of the Poor - Daniel s.
Edwards.
Janitor of Fire House and City Hall
Mark Fritsch.
Street Supervisor-Walter Barnett.
Chief Fire Dept.-Paul Wootton.
Fire Warden-James A. Gilkey.
Sinking Fund Commissioner
Mayor Thomas F. Crawford, George
Zippler, and Charles w. Schmidt, Sr.
Members Atlantic County Board of
Freeholders = Clark Adams, First
Ward; John P. Ashmead, Second Ward
Councilmen-At-large and Presi-
dent, Albert E. James; First Ward,
Wilbur Adams, Frank Blackman, Mi
chael Lutz; Second Ward, Jacob Derr,
Walter ]. Anderson, Edward N. Me.
loney.
Council Committees
Finance-Anderson, Meloney, Ad-
ans.
Streets-Meloney, Adams, Black
Public Property-Adams, Anderson,
Meloney.
Lights-Meloney, Derr, Anderson.
Police-Adams, Meloney, Lutz.
LicenSes-AnderSon, Blackman, Ad-
ans.
Ordinance-Blackman Derr, Lutz.
Poor-Derr, Lutz, Anderson.
Council meets on first and third
Monday evenings of each month. s
o'clock in June, July, August and
September; 7.30 o'clock all other
months. .
Board of Health.
Thomas G.. Drinkwater, president;
George w. Singer, vice-president;
Samuel G. Bowen, Jr., secretary; Hen
ry Crawford, registrar of vital Stats
tics; Neil S. Campbell, Earl Sanders,
Pardon Adams.
Inspector-Dr. w. J. Hudson.
Meetings are held on second Thurs.
day evening of each month at 7.30
o'clock in Council Chamber.
Board of Education.
Decentralization L. Harley.
Vice-President-Edwin Woolbert.
Secretary-W. G. Penhallow.
Custodian School Fund-Webster
Price.
Medical Inspector-Dr. J. II. North.
City Superintendent of Schools
DR.. William Whitney.
Members-Halvor L. Harley, Edwin
Woolbert, Charles d. Thompson, JOS
eph H. Bradley and w. G. Penhallow.
Committees
Finance-Bradley, Thompson, Wool
bert.
Building and Repairs-Thompson,
Woolbert, Bradley.
Observation-Disclosures, Bradley and
Thompson.
Property-Woolbert Bradley, Thomp-
son.
Grievance-Bradley, Penhallow and
Woolbert.
Books and Supplies-Penhallow,
Bradley, Thompson.
Truancy-Woolbert, Thompson and
Bradley.
Regular meetings first Tuesday of
each month.
Board of School Estimates.
Thomas F. Crawford, Mayor; Wal
ter J. Anderson and Edward N. Me
loney, Councilmen; Halvor L. Harley
and w. G. Penhallow, members Board
of Education.
When you leave Pleasantville to es-
tablish a home in some other locality,
you will want to keep in touch with
YOUR home town Don't fail to have
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1917-12-15

When you leave ~Pleasantville to es-
tablish a home in some other locality,
you will want to keep in touch with
your home town. Don't fail to have
The Pleasantville Press sent to your
address each week. 1t costs only 81
a year in Atlantic County, and $1.25
outside the County, and you get many
times your moneys worth.
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1917-12-15

The Red Cross Christmas Seal this
year is prettier than ever. Buy a sup
ply and help in the campaign against
tuberculosis. One cent each. They
may be secured at The Pleasantville
Press office.
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1917-12-15

The Pleasantville Press a whole year
to any address in Atlantic County for
81; outside of Atlantic County, slips.
Can you afford to be without it?
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1917-12-15
vINOL MAKES
GOOD BLOOD
Positive-Convincing Proof

Many so-called remedies for amaze
mia are only so in name. Their max
ers are afraid to prove their claims by
telling what their medicines contain.
The only way to be honest with the
people is to let them know what they
are paying for. Here is the Vinol
formula. When the doctor knows
what a medicine contains, it ceases
to be a patent" medicine.
p Cod Liver and Beef Peptones, Iron and
= Manganese Peptonates, Iron and Ann
monium Citrate, Lime and Soda Glycero-
~phosphates, Cascarin.
Any doctor will tell you that the in
gradients of Vinol, as named above,
will enrich the blood and Danish amaze
mia and create strength. When the
blood is pure and rich and red, the
body is strong and robust.
You can prove this at our expense
because your money will be returned
if Vinol does not improve your health.
H. j. DENNIS u 90,
Druggists, Pleasantville
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1917-12-15
THE FAMOUS CRAWLING TRACTOR
ORIGINATED IN PLEASANTV|LLE

JESSE S. LAKE, FORMERLY OF SMITHS LANDING, PATENTED CAT
ERPILLAR IN 1867 FOR BUILDING TURNPIKE BETWEEN PLEA
sANTvlLLE AND ATLANTIC cITY-cALLED "HELL WAGON"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-18
PROHIBITION PARTY { LEADERS OPPOSED
 ID MERGER PLANS
Would Wait Until They See What Bryan Is Going to Do With the
 Democrats

Chicago, January 17.-When the na- tional committee of the prohibition party completed today's session the proposition to amalgamate with any major political party which would incorporate prohibition in its plat form seemed doomed although another session to be held tomorrow may change the situation.
 The question, however. was put souarely up to the committee today by Oliver w. Stewart. who advanced the merger plan, but he was voted down. Many committeeman expressed the opinion that the party would retain it's entity until after the elections of 1918. although ready to operate with all other anti-liquor organiza- tions. Those opposing MT. Stewards resolution held that it would be wise to wait until 1920 to see if William J. Bryan would be able to swing the democrats to prohibition.
 A resolution by o. $. Bishop of New York welcoming the proposition of the IntercolIegiat Prohibition association to federate all anti-hquor organiza- tions was adopted.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-18
HEARD ISSUES STATEMENT

Jacksonville, January 17.-(Special.-J J. Heard president of the Heard Ma tional bank, which was closed on Tues day, issued the following statement to- day:
 'To Heard depositors and the public:
 T had not intended at this time. to make a further published statement with respect to the affairs and future of the Heard National bank, feeling that all of my thought, time and energy should be devoted to guarding the interests of the depositors, creditors and shareholders of that institution. To this work I am applying myself conscientiousy and con fidently. A statement, however, carried in the Associated Press today, and pub lished in the local papers here, attributed to Honorable John Skelton Williams, comptroller of the currency, demands mo- tice and denial
 Among those friends and business as- sociates with whom I have spent my busi- ness life in Florida, do not believe that denial or explanation even of unwarrant- ed and unjust statements as those ac- credited to the comptroller are necessary; but to the general public, and particu- larly those interested in and who have heretofore given the Heard National bank their patronage I wish to say that the unquestioned assets of Heard National bank furnish absolute and complete se- curity to every depositor and creditor of that institution. In opposition to the state ment of the comptroller of the currency, 1 direct attention, first, to the fact that these charges. with a single exception state no facts but in general terms, charge lack of experience, incompetency and recklessness.
 While this official is entitled to his opinions, I submit that the actual con-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-18
Special Bargains
 by Merchants in
 Today's Age-Herald

Joveman, Joseph & Loeb-Everwear ho- siery for men, s5c the pair; s2 the box.
 Porter Clothing -o.-showing of spring hats for men, the "Beacon," ss.5O; "Rox. ford" $4; Knox," s5.
 saks-Mrs. o. c. Richardson. author. ized instructor of New York. will ex- plain the health and fashion features oi the Memo corset, this week
 Parker's-Home-grown potted plants, si to $5.
 ster-Northington says use Isis, the Creme Supreme, the next time.
 Burger offers colored kid boots, $ 50 to s1o values at $e.45,
 Sonmer Tailoring company offers 200 pairs of Regal shoes at $4.
 D. and A. Rich feature certain styles SS stetson shoes at s5.s5.
 Ponton S Orr advertise the arrival of new spring materials that lead in SUI premacy.
 Blach's advertise the famous Johnston & Murphy shoes at ss.
 Forsts Shoe Store offers regular s6 value ladies boots at s4.95.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-18
PRESIDENT HEARD ISSUESSTATEMENT
 ON BANK FAILURE
Spirited Reply Is Made to Comptroller Williams Charge as to Cause of
 Closing Institution

Jacksonville Fla, January T-The First Germania State bank here did not open for business today. Closed by order of the directors was the only notice posted on the door, and officials of the institution did not disclose reasons.
 The December statement showed the bank had deposits of $201, .o2, and that it's total resources were $2S0, ,57S, ,o4.
 The state comptroller today took charge of the Citizens Bank at Live Oak, Fla This bank it was reported, had deal ings with the Heard National bank here, which did not open yesterday. It is stated the Live Oak directors requested the comptroller to take charge. Efforts were being made today by stockholders to ar range for reopening of the bank tomor- row.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-18
ISSUES
 ULT|MATUM ID
 {. O. p. LEADERS
Progressives Will Not Ac- cept Harmony Plan" as Proposed by Repub-
 Iican Subcommittee

New York January 17.-Fortifled by tel egrams and letters sent to him by pro gressives from many parts of the coun- try, George w. Perkins today laid down an ultmatum to the republican leaders that the harmony plan proposed yester- day by the subcommittee made up of members of the republican national com mittees executive committee would not be acceptable to the progressives. MT. Perkins said he had a conference with Republican National Chairman William R. Wilcox in which he told the chairman that the proposed supplemental commit tee" to be made up of progressives and republicans, provided for in the harmony proclamation, would not do.
 He renewed his demand for a meet ing of the full national committee to take up the question of republican-progres- sfve co-operation Among others he made public a telegram from Coleman DuPont, republican national committeeman from Delaware indorsing his stand.
 'This committee. as proposed, would be ilnpotent" MT. Perkins said. We want a committee representative of both parties which shall have real powers. This Is a crisis in the affairs of the republican party and we want to see what the re publicans are going to do about it.
 II they uOu | WALL US pFORTtSSlNSS Witii them to oppose the incompetent demo- cratic administration, why we want to know that. If they won't call together the national committee, why we want to know that as basis for our future ac- tion If they do call the committee to- gether and it refuses to act, that will be the basis of our future action. But whatever their attitude. this is the time to declare it, not on the eve of the next national election.'
 The telegram from MT. DuPont as given out by MT. Perkins read:
 You are right The action of the exec utive committee yesterday worked a great injury to the republican party" William Allen White of Enlporia, Kas., wired "Glory in your spunk. Go to it.'' Among others who sent messages of support were Francis W. Bird of Boston, Mass, Charles J. Bonaparte of Baltimore, Alexander P. Moore of Pittsburg, B. F. Harris, Cham paign, H., and Roy c. Woodruff, Bay City, Mich.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-18
ANNIsTON

Anniston, January 17-(Special. ) Judge Hugh B. Merrill of this city who will take the place of six judges houn, Clay. Cleburne, Talladega and Randolph-has given out statement here regarding the encouragement of his schedule that will be of interest to lawyers all over the state.
 Before making up his itinerary Judge Merrill conferred with the chief justice of the supreme court, who has named judges who will relieve him in some of the counties of the state.
 William H Finn. one of Anniston's pioneer citizens, capitalist and one of the most travelled men in America, left this city Wednesday on trip to Bra gil. He will be in South America for about five months. MT. Finn has cir cumnavigated the globe several times
 J. S. Morris, special agent for Cal houn county, has reported to the Uni- ted States census bureau that there were 14,208 bales ginned in this coun- ty from the crop of 1916 up to aJnu- ary l. 1917. counting round bales as half bales. This is compared with 19.- S2u bales ginned to January 1, 1916.
 uQS6 InOIIldS W SOicludIl, JI., WHO went out of office with the expiration of the city court of Anniston by limi- tation, has taken up his duties as pro- bate judge of Calhoun county, to which he was elected. John Williams. presi- dent of the Anniston city council. is his chief clerk.
 W. w. Whiteside. whose office as chancellor of this division has been abolished. has taken quarters in the Willett building and will practice law in Anniston. His home is at Oxford. Mayor L. l.. Scarborough yesterday signed warrants in payment of the city $ debts aggregating $2s,00O Some of this money was due on short term notes but the greater part of it was for supplies furnished the city The bill for electric Lights was the biggest item in the budget of bills. Lights are now costing Anniston about $500 a month.
 On June 30, 1916, Mayor Scarbrough says, the city owed approximately s26,00( in small debts and there was no money on hand to pay this amount until tax receipts begun to come in. Since the last week in December, Tax Collector w. O. Ward has been kept busy issuing licenses and receipts for taxes, with the result that the city financial outlook is bright once more.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-18

Under the provisions of the consoli- dated court bill, Judge H. A. Sharpe who was elected as presiding judge, has general supervision of the several divisions of the court and of the work of the various judges In order to obviate the necessity of having the judges report to him each morning and , night, it was suggested by Judge c. B. Smith, that, as Judge Sharpe's duties are many and various, he install a time clock apparatus, and that each judge punch" the clock on entering the courtroom in the morning and again at night when they get through with their daily grind.
 Acting on the suggestion, Judge Sharpe filed a reauisition with the board of revenue for one of the time marking clocks such as are used in the large department stores. And let it here be said, that, if the board Is as unanimous in it's future actions and as prompt in reaching conclusion as it was in allowing the aforesaid re- quisition. the future meetings of the board will be shining example of harmony and expediency.
 Commenting on the requisition and the purpose of the clock, one of the members of the board stated it was enc of the most practical ideas that had been suggested since the present board took office, and that as they are the peoples direct representatives in these matters, it was proper for them to see that due service was rendered by the employees of the people in all capacities They commended Judge Sharpe for his action in the matter and when the vote was taken to buy the clock, they all said "aye" in q tone of voice loud enough to be heard four blocks away.
 A little while later. Judge Sharpe
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-18
Deaths and Funerals
Irby Angel

Funeral services over the remains of Irby Angel, aged B, who was found dead in bed inNa room of a local hotel. will be conducted from the family resi- dence, 1019 Fifteenth street, north, this morning at 10:so o'clock The post nor tenn Tuesday night by Coroner Rives failed to reveal the cause of the death. He is survived by five brothers. one sister and his mother The following will act as pallbearers: Samuel Lee. Thomas Brown, Morris Morse, IT. E. Mccormick pr. V. T. Kissell, Douglas Beatty, F.. M Smith, Dr. Michael Nolan, Grattian Brit ton. Howard Kelly. Duncan Nolan and F. A. WestbrOOk.