Evening star., 1919-08-24
MORE THAN z3 YEARS OF AGE
AND IS EXPERT WITH RIFLE
J. Eakin Gadsby, Personal Friend and
Special Messenger for Lincoln, Carries
Unique Shooting Permit for D. c.

j. Eakin Gadsby, real estate ap-
praiser. real estate tax expert. special
envoy for Charles C. Glover In the
matter of making selections Of choice
sites, picking tax sales that are worth
while and owner of the only permit
issued by the police department OF
the District of Columbia to execute,
by shooting. pigeons when they are
too numerous and cats when they have
a penchant for birds and squirrels. Is
one of the most interesting charac-
ters in the District of Columbia
Mr.. Gadsby also holds the position
of general utility man for the Riggs
National Bank, more by reason OF has
general knowledge concerning real
estate. titles. etc. than by spec1aIlz-
ing behind the counter when Vacan-
cies occur.
He also holds a number of envianle
records. He is one Of the few WASH
inetonians who were born here De.
fore the war" he was 'Lincoln's boy"
and carried messages from the senate
to "Old Abe" when the latter was
President and had access to the
presence almost any hour OF the DAY
or night
messenger, riding hither and thither
on confidential messages that required
the greatest tact and courage 10 de-
liver and in this service ne was
caught and stripped many t1me'
but never yielded a secret to his cap
tors.
Tells a Lincoln Story.
Mr.. Gadsby tells a splendid Lincoln
story, although not told by Lincoln.
negroes in the District, and before
the emancipation act, a strong oele-
CATION of the race, headed Dy ven
erable pastor and MEMBER OF Cou-
gress. called to express their grau-
fuf]e to the President. as their spokes-
man said, "for making US free. CIV
inc us a chance to educate our cnii-
dren and giving US farm.
MT. Lincoln responded pleasantly
and was followed by the member OF
Congress, in an urgent appeai tor .ne
support Of the young men OF the col
ored race for the federal cause, as
defeat would mean the return 10
The old preacher spokesman OF the
marty then turned to Mr.. Lincoln ana
the following conversation s ton ensres ersr see two
dogs fighting over a bone?
IVES sir" said Mr.. Lincoln. many
time. and I've sicked them on lot
q good fight"
ASK yous uiu ySo S'S~ -
fight back? -
out waiting for the explanation, ana
laughed heartily over the story. while
the preacher was proceeding. well
Mr. President. we's the bone,
Has Interesting Personality.
If you do not know J. Eakin Gads-
by you have missed meeting very
interesting personality. You PROB.
ably have seen him. A pleasant-faceo
little old man, for he admits to sew
enty-three years, carrying cane ana
always, up to a few days ago. wear
ing an old felt hat
Special attention is called to TINS
fact because he came down town
Tuesday Of this week arrayed In
uatty new gray suit, topped by
straw hat, the first he has worn IN
twenty-five years. and with Well
polished shoes. When he arrived AZ
the Riggs Bank at 10 a.m.. as usual
and presented a check for payment,
he had to be identified before the
cash was turned over. He looked so
different,
OF course, explanations were in or
der and Mr.. Gadsby admitted that he
had won the outfit by an exhibition OF
skill with his little Wesson .22-caliber
rifle.
Wins Outfit Shooting Hawk.
1t seems he was riding with Capt.
s. H. Smith in the latter's auto a Few
days ago. when. in passing under