New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1928-12-28
DEAN Of DRUMMERS
reaches NINE7IES
Started on Road s. Years Ago
After Civil War

New York, Dec IS - When
Charles Terry was discharged FROM
the Union Army SIS years ago be-
cause Of a sunstroke, he became a
travelling salesman. He's been on the
road ever since and today. at %.
he IL the Oldest drummer in the
country.
In New York City, with other
oldsters Of. his transient profession,
Uncle Charley" has been helping to
inausurate campaign for the en-
dowment of a S3,o0n.00o home and
hospital for aged travelling men.
home. il to he erected on 1000
acre tract that has been donated for
the purpose near Winston Salem. N.
c.
There was ", P. Mccormack, SIS.
who Ia the most travelled salesman.
with about 100000 miles to his
credit. There was John Peter Nc
colley, also SS.'whose SIS years with
one organizat ton sets another record.
Many another drummer at the meet.
ing boosted an age well beyond the
allotted three score and ten: but Old
Charley Terry was the dean OF them
all.
Has Met Many Famed Men
when ! first started" he recall
ed, Il went either on foot or on
horseback. Later l used the train
and still later | covered a lot OF
ground in a buggy. Now use an
automobile-and sometimes ! think
that is the hardest way of ALL"
Terry has known many Of the ia
NOUS men Of the almost a century
he has lived. and has witnessed and
taken part in many events that We
study about in history.
For instance. he met both Ahrs-
ham Lincoln and Stephen A. Doug
las when they were contending for 4
seat In congress and conducting their
famous debates in Illinois. Terry lis
tened TO both and voted for Lin
coin.
He heard Abraham Lincoln defend
Armstrong In the celebrated murder
trial at Beardstown. III.
"A scene I shall never forget" he
said. Il did MOI arrive in time to
hear the evidence. but heard Lin
coins speech. and saw the Judge.
the Jury. and spectators In the
courtroom weep as Lincoln pleaded
for his client and shouted to Arm
strong's mother dramatically: 'Aun.
Maria, your hoy will 60 homo with
sou tonight"
"Doubled-Up" Will, Greeley
Terry voted twice for Lincoln In
Illinois. he also met another famous
character. Horace Greeley.
Dressed In q most amazing fash
ion" he laughed. He wore 4 broad
brimmed Quaker hat and a shawl
thrown around his shoulders. got
on the same train with him. Both Of
us were going to Maridocia- When
We arrived. the train hotel was full.
20 Greeley suggested that he and
double up. which we did. He was on
his way to Quincy. making the trip
by stage part Of the way. It was
at this time he uttered his famous
Go west. young man, and grow up
with the country"
In 1870 Terry moved to Atchison.
Kansas, where he lives today. to sell
sewing machjnes. Later he sold for
carriage manufacturers OF ST. Louis
and Des Moines. When automobiles
put the carriage trade out OF the
running, Terry went with the Imple-
rent and Hardware Trade Journal.
He calls on retail implement and
hardware men and attends the big
trade conventions.
During his span Of 81 years. Terry
has been unusually healthy and al
ways active
Takes Time or to Fish
~ like to work hard" he said,
land I don't intend to give 1t up I'M
til have to. I can still eat and
sleep we'll. and I have no rules for
longevity. .,.
II always enjoyed a good meal.
I've always eaten what ! wanted.
and all I wanted. used to be
heavy user OF tobacco, but 80 years
ago decided 1t was a bad habit.
so quit smoking and chewing"
Fishing il Uncle Charleys" favor
te sport. and all his life he has made
It a practice to take q day off. when
he felt like 1t. and get out the fish,
ing tackle.
IT I made . success Of selling. ]
have done so by using a perpetual
smile. and plenty OF patience" he
declared. Those sre the only two
arguments thta found to be 100
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