davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
cONTRAc
t. BRIDGE q
WRITTEN FOR CENTRAL PRESS
By E. V. SHEPARD
EXPENSIVE STRATEGY

WHEN l BEGAN to play con-
tract bridge twelve years ago, one
of the first things 1 dug out for
myself was the following priceless
rule: when you have an oppor-
tunity to make the opening bid, if
your hand is worth within two
tricks Of game, without defensive
strength or support for any call by
partner, make an opening game
bid" Had South known and fol-
lowed this rule it is probable that
he would have been allowed to PLAY
the deal at 4-Spades, with maxi
mum loss Of four tricks. Note
what happened because he thought
that he should pass, then enter the
auction later. 1t was expensive
strategy,
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
To Atlanta

Rev. Charles Holding, rector of
Holy Trinity Episcopal church, din
Atlanta, Ga, and Mrs. Holding, have
returned to their home after visiting
Mr.. and Mrs. G. 0. McPhail.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Miss Singleton Improved.

Miss Lucy Cobb Singleton was re-
ported improved at her home on Will
liam street today, following an ear
operation several days ago.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
To MOrehead.

Mrs. J. T. Gilmore and daughter
Miss Blanche Elmore, and Mrs. w. T
Cheatham left this morning to spend
some time at Morehead with Mrs. R.
p. Watson.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Miss Walker Home

Mss Katie Walker has returned to
her home on Young street after Wis
ltinS relatives in Drewry for some
time
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Guests of Parents.

Mr.. and Mrs. Roy M. Aycock and
son, Roy, Jr., of Norfolk, were the
weekend guests Of Mr.. Aycocks par
ents, Mr. and Mrs. George Aycock,
of West End.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
To virginia Beach.

ro MISS Sadie Boyd Miss katnerln e
Miss Virginia Boyd, of Raleigh, left
Yesterday to spend a week at Virginia
Beach.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
True Blue Class

The True Blue Glass of the Con-
gregational Christian chrsch will
meet tonight at o'clock with Mrs.
J. T. Hamm on Harrell street, with
Mrs A. S. Newman as joint hostess.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Here FrC,:1 GreenviIle

Richard Evans, of Greenville, spent
the weekend with his parents, Mr.
and Mrs. D. e. Evans.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
She Got Her Man-Bv Mail

Marjorie Cole
(above),
correspondent
for a
broddcdsting
chain,
replied to
a business letter
sent by alan
W. Elphic, of
Surrey. England,
she
added a personal
+, postscript.
n regular CORE
spondence
developed, and,
when Elphic
came to america,
he proposed
. and
wds accepted.
They'll marry in
England.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Here from Hickory.

Mr.. and Mrs. r. J. Link, of Hickory
arc the house guests of Miss Dorothy
Wester, at her home on Young avenue
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Miss Watson Home

Miss Rosalie Watson, who has been
quite ill at Camp Mt. Shenandoah, has
improved sufficiently to return to her
home on Belle street.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Here Yesterday.

Edwin G. Watkins, Jr., of High
Point. was the guest yesterday OF
William Watkins.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10

Mrs. Grafton Kimbrough and son,
Grafton, Jr.. of Columbus Ca arc
the guest of Mrs. Kibrough's broth
err, G. o. McPhail, and Mrs. McPhail
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
To Charleston.

Mrs. S. H. Serree and son, have re-
turned to their home in Charleston,
w. Va, after visiting Mrs. w. W.
White.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Weekend Here.

Harry ID. Harper, of Newport News,
Va. spent the weekend here with his
grandmother, Mrs. H. H. Harper
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10

Mrs. Elsie Gay Pace has returned
home from a weeks visit with her
father ~ T. Gay, in Jackson.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10

Miss Florence Walker and Mrs.
Eric Smith are spending some time
in New Bern with Mrs. Bryant.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Home For Weekend

Frank Mills, of Greenville, spent
the weekend at his home on Belle
CtrpCt
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
VISITING Parents

Mrs. E. H. Kirby, of Philadelphia
Pa, arrived Saturday to be the guest
of her parents, Mr.. and Mrs. S. r.
Harris.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
To Canada.

Herman Breedlove and Oliver Brew
er will leave Tuesday for Simcoe
Onatrio, where they will cure tobacco
for the season.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
GreenvilIe Guests.

MIR. and Mrs. w. w. Aycock, of
Greenville, spent yesterday with Mr..
Aycock's parents Mr.. and Mrs. George
Aycock, of West End.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Visit the Beach.

Mrs. L. w. Hobgood, Leonard and
Elizabeth Hobgood spent the past
weekend at Ocean View, Va.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Return to washington

Mrs. S. G.. Walters and daughter,
Miss Doris Walters, have returned to
Washington, D. c., after visiting
friends in the city.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10

COVE Clayton, of Dallas, Texas, is
visiting his parents, Mr.. and Mrs. D.
r. Clayton.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
RepOrted Ill.

Miss Marion Johnson, formerly of
Henderson, was reported critically ill
in Protestant General hospital, Nor
folk, Va.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Here from Richmond

Mrs. w. E. Capps, of Richmond, is
spending sometime with her grand
mother, Mrs. L. H. Walker, on Young
street.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Guest of Miss Draper.

Miss Bessie Draper. of Rocky
Mount, is tho house guest of hel
cousin, Miss Carrie Draper.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
To Rocky Mount.

w. E. Draper has returned to his
home in Rocky Mount after visiting
here for some time.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Miss Watkins Here

Mis- Anne Watkins, of High Point
IS the house guest of Miss Mary
Frances Williams, on Harrell street
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Here for Weekend.

George V. Boyd, of Oxford, spent
the weekend here with his mother
Mrs George Boyd.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Heref rom Reidsville.

w. W. White and family, of Reds
ville spent yesterday with Mr.. Whites
mother Mrs. w. w. White.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Here Yesterday.

Mrs. Louis Siebert, of Avon Park
Fla. was the guest yesterday of Miss
Carrie Draper.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10

fish naval officer, was killed by a
rebel shell aboard his yacht in Gijon
harbor His wife was wounded. Great
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Guest from Buffalo.

Mrs. G. H. Johnson, of Buffalo, S. c..
is the house guest of Mrs. Ada S.
Parker, at her home on Chestnut
street
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Wife Preservers

A new garnish is made of q
large dill pickle with the center
removed with apple corer, and
stuffed with pimento cream
cheese. Chill, slice and decorate,
cold meat plate.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
In Durham YESTERDAY

Mrs. Franklin Mills and son, Frank
lin. spent yesterday in Durham, Wis
iting relatives.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10

Norma Shearer, movie star, born
in Montreal, 80 years ago.
Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-08-10
Quick Disposition of Ashe-
vile Case Appears Probable

CONTINUED from Page One.)
Evening star., 1936-04-05

in the Daily Critic of December 80
1885, the following item:
"At least one good result may be
accomplished by the tributes in books
magazines and newspapers of recent
date to the perfection and beauty OF
the plan of this city. These COM
ments may serve to attract attention
to the unmarked and neglected grave
of Mai. L'Enfant, just outside the Dis
trict limits.
"a Critic reporter called upon Mr..
W. w. Corcoran to ascertain the facts
In regard to Mai. L'Enfant's burial
place and the prospect of securing for
him a more suitable place Of inter-
ment. Mr.. Corcoran was found at
work upon his personal correspond
ence, replying to letters of birthday
congratulations His interest was a.
once aroused by the mention OF the
subject.
1T is true he replied to an in
quiry, that Maj. L'Enfant's remains
are inferred in a garden Of the Riggs
estate in Maryland, a mile and hall
beyond the District line. The grave
he went on to say, is unmarked by any
monument and is in an out-of-the-way
place. LEnfant was very poor in the
latter part of his life. and was be-
friended by Mr.. Dudley Diggs, whose
old home, Chillum Castle Manor, was
beyond the Soldiers Home, outside the
District line, and is now part OF the
Riggs farm. Here LEnfant lived Tor
some years and died, and in the garden
of this old homestead he was buried by
his friend and patron, Dudley Diggs
Evening star., 1936-04-05

Ringgold, marshal, District of Colum-
bia."
And the following statement is
added:
The above property has been sur
veyed and divided into lots contain
ing from so to 100 acres each, with
a due proportion of woodland at
tached thereto. It will be sold en-
tirely or in lots to suit purchasers. "
However, whatever may have been
the result of this sale, the property
remained for many years afterward IN
the Digges family, for we do know that
1t was at Green Hill that Pierre
Charles LEnfant, American patriot
and French engineer. spent his de-
clining years as the guest of William
Dudley Digges, and died there more
than a century ago.
PRIOR to this. L'Enfant had ac-
cepted the hospitality of Thomas
Digges of Warburton, on the Potomac,
and it was after his death that the
nephew, William Dudley Digges, gave
him place he might call home, for
his old friends of the Revolution were
then few and far between, and his
service to his adopted country. both
as q soldier and as the engineer who
designed the Federal City, were nos
so manifest or so outstanding as they
are today. Indeed, it took many years
to arouse a just public sentiment. and
before the public could realize the
beauty of his plan for the Nations
Capital, and the great debt Of graft
tude owed to the memory of the man.
For many years efforts were made
Evening star., 1936-04-05

Creek. though 1t was much larger a
century ago.
Directly across the road from the
mill still stands the miller's house, and
when the writer passed this way it
was occupied. Apparently the State
of Maryland regards these old relics
as historic landmarks. for near the
mill there is this typical Maryland
marker which states:
"Adelphi Mill.
"This Old grist mill, built in the
Summer Of 1896, probably by two
brothers, Tssacher and Mahlon Sco-
field. In 1911 the mill was also used
for wool ca riding. The miller's cottage
is of the So me period"
THE mill is about so feet front by
60 feet in depth. 1t is one story
under ground and two stories above
the level, and the walls, which time
has failed to destroy, are still fairly
we'll intact. Above the walls there
was originally a superstructure of
wood, covered by hip roof containing
one full story and an attic beneath
the sloping shingle roof and the
ridgepole.
Evening star., 1936-04-05
RECOGNITION CAME SLOWLY
Great Beeactor of Washington Occupied Modest Grave for
Many Years-Chillum Castle Manor Was Home of
Late Col. E. Francis Riggs.

Motley Rozer Digges, and the patent
is again specified as containing 1000
acres "at the Eastern Branch"
The estate of Langley Park" con-
tanning about 500 acres, which lies
to the west of the Riggs road and to
the north Of University lane, and
which is owned by L. Mccormick
Goodhart, an attache of the British
Embassy, embraces part of Eliza
beth's Delight" as well as Rrobably
parts Of "Adelphia" and "Bergundy."
Langley Park, with its magnificent
mansion, is one of the most beautiful
estates of Maryland, though the build
ings are modern. Here the mingling
of British and Colonial American
blood, nearly always good combina-
ton, shows up to particular advantage
in the distinguished host and hostess
who are adept in the art Of entertain
ing friends and making them feel
perfectly at home. Mr.. Mccormick
Goodhart has for his American back
ground the noted Mccormick family
of Chicago, and the Goodharts, Of
course, are British, and because OF
this he has named his estate Lang
ley Park, for his paternal ancestral
place in the County of Kent, England.
Mrs. Mccormick -Goodhart Is the
daughter of American legislators, her
father and grandfather having both
represented the State Of Pennsylvania
II, the halls nf Congress
CHILLUM CASTLE MANOR, Of
which Green Hill was part, was
evidently once sold under the ham,
mer in order to satisfy financial obli-
cations, for on October IL, 1924, there
appeared the following notice in the
National Intelligencer:
"Marshal's sale: BY and In virtue
Of three separate writs Of fiery facias
issued from the clerks court Of this
district for the County Of Washing
ton, to me directed, I shall expose to
public sale and to the highest bidder,
Monday, the twentieth day Of Sep
tember next, for ready money, all the
following described land and premises;
viz, all that part of tract of land
called and known by the name OF
Chillum Castle Manor, seized and
taken in execution as the property
and estate of william Dudley Digges,
and will be sold to satisfy debts due
to Joseph Parker and James Camp
bell, use of c. G. and J. Brent Elisha
Riggs and George Peabody, and
George Hoffman, assignee of William
Brent. Sale to take place at II noon,
at the county court house. Tench
Evening star., 1936-04-05

full manners and kindly nature. Len
FAINT, he says, established, without ef-
fort or ostentation, his absolute right
to the credit of being the designer of
the National Capital. The official
records, Mr.. Corcoran added, confirm
this beyond all question, and no effort
to deprive him of this distinction can
be successful.
"Mr. Corcoran says that there can
not be an individual who has better
claim to a grave and a monument on
public grounds in Washington City.
No park or public reservation could be
dedicated to more suitable purpose
than to perpetuate his memory. The
object is, In his opinion, essentially
one for public and congressional ac-
ton. and he believes that Congress will
in time recognize the propriety of TAX
ing proper steps. The subject has
once been presented to Congress and
found an earnest advocate in the per-
son of ex-MiniSter Kasson. then a
member of the House. When he left
Congress the matter was neglected.
"Mr. Corcoran hopes to live to see
Mai. L'Enfant's claims to public recog-
milton as the designer of the Capital
City gratefully and appropriately ac-
knowledged."
RUT Mr.. Corcoran did not live to see
LEnfant's body removed and
proper respect shown to his memory,
for tide and time wait for no man,
and it was not until 1908 that.
through the continuous efforts Of the
Columbia Historical Society and few
other interested persons, Congress ap-
propriated $1,000 to remove and rem
der accessible to the public the grave
of Maj. Pierre Charles L'Enfant." On
April %, 1909. in accordance with this
act. the mortal remains of the de-
signer Of Washington we're exhumed
and conveyed to the receiving vault
at Mount Olivet Cemetery and, on the
morning of April %. they were con-
veyed to the rotunda of the Capitol,
where they lay in state from until
IL u ClOSh WILL. cStOl u,
they were transferred to the final rest
ing place in Arlington National Gene
terry, and his tomb now occupies a
fitting and conspicuous place in front
of Arlington Mansion. overlooking the
Capital City of the United States of
America.
At Green Hill when the body OF
L LEnfant was taken up there were in
attendance Commissioner Henry B. F
Mcfarland, DR.. william Tindall, ther
secretary to the Commissioner; George
Howard, a grandson of George Riggs
who then owned the estate; Mai. Gist
Blair and number of others, includ-
ing DR.. James Dudley Morgan. q de-
scendant of William Dudley Digges
who later wrote most interesting &C.
count of the transferring of the re-
mains of L'Enfant for the Columbia
Historical Society.
At Green Hill, to the rear of the
mansion and at the same spot from
which LEnfant's body was removed
there is today vacant tomb appro.
priately inscribed in Latin, telling oi
| the removal of its former distin.
Evening star., 1936-04-05

was born March 4. 1925, and who
was the daughter of william Dudley
Digges, of Green Hill, the ances-
tral Chillum home of the Digges
family in this part of Maryland. The
progenitor of this family in America
was Edward, son Of Sir Dudley Digges
of Chillum Castle. Kent, England, who
arrived in the Colony Of Virginia in
1850 and became Governor Of Vir-
ginia six years later.
IN THE early wills Of Maryland ap-
pears the testament of william
Digges of Charles County. probated
July "a, 1895, In which he leaves to
his wife Eliza ''Digges' Purchase" and
mentions his sons Charles, William,
Dudley, John, Nicholas and Edward
and daughters Jane, Eliza, Ann and
Mary The estates mentioned in the
will. besides "Digges' Purchase" are
"Digges' Addition" "Baltimore's Gift, "
"Pierce's Encouragement" in Balti-
more County, and "Elizabeth's De-
light" which was left to Nicholas
Digges, and which was then tract
Of 1000 acres.
When the will of Edward Digges
was probated In TIA, the testator
left "Elizabeth's Delight" Ito brother
Motley Rozer." which probably meant
Evening star., 1936-04-05
Star staff Photo.

THE Rambler" the writer's prede-
cessor in writing these stories for
The Star, who died February II, 1928.
and whose real name was J. Harry
Shannon, visited this old mill in the
Spring of 1914, and then met H. T.
Freeman, who was residing in an old
brick house near by. The interview
between THE Rambler" and Mr..
Freeman brought out the following
interesting comments:
THAT he was born there In 1857 and
had lived there all the years since.
His father. William H Freeman, lived
there all his life. and his grandfather.
Thomas Sheckles, lived there before
him. He said that he understood
Evening star., 1936-04-05

guished occupant, and not far away
TO the north Of the chapel-are four
little wooden markers containing the
names Winnie, Worcester, Heather
and David. Col. Riggs prize CANNES,
for the colonel was lover of dogs.
A mile and a half to the north Of
the Riggs mansion on the Riggs road,
at probably what was once the north
ern boundary of the old Digges estate,
may be found a picturesque old mill.
early known as the Adelphi mill. The
Northwest Branch of the Anacostia
River crosses the road at this point,
and this stream in days gone by fur
nished the motive power for the mill.
1t will now compare in size with Rock
Evening star., 1936-04-05

to have the remains of L'Enfant trans
ferred from their lonely, unmarked
spot at Green Hill to Arlington Ma
tional Cemetery, but. like many other
worthy suggestions and projects, little,
If any, consideration was given the
subject. AS an illustration, we find
Evening star., 1936-04-05

MIR. CORCORAN says he can re-
AvA member L'Enfant very distinctly
as an old gentleman who frequently
visited Georgetown in the years imme-
diately preceding his death in 1925,
and who won many friends by his
superior talents, fine presence. grace
The Nome daily nugget., 1936-07-09
ELLIS PARKER Jr. SURRENDERED CONNECTION THE WENDELL
 kIDNAPENC IN NEW JERSEY
Released $500 Bail. Father And Several Others Been indicted in Connection
 Torture Confession of Wendell
(By The Associated Press)

Nby | lc hSSOCIdICo INoSJ
 MOUNT HOLY, New Jersey, July 9, - Ellis Parker Jr, a fug- tive from justice since April 23, in connection with the Paul H. Wendell kidnapping, surrendered to his father Wednesday, and was released on $500 bail.
 His father, together with sever al others, have been indicted in the case on charges that Wen dell was kidnapped and tortured to confess guilt of the Lindbergh Kidnapping.
 Governor Hoffman of New Jer- sey Tuesday denied eXtradition of the elder Parker to Brooklyn for trial.
The Nome daily nugget., 1936-07-09
Roosevelt Sons
 Yachting Cruise
 Pres. Join Later
(By The Associated Press)

(By The Associated Press)
 PORTSMOUTH, New Hamp- shire, July 8, - The three sons of President Franklin D. Roose- velt-James, Franklin Jr., and John, left on a short cruise all ong the coast of Maine, despite a minor accident to their yacht Sewana, aboard which the Pres ident will join them Monday at Pullit Harbor, Maine.
 The yacht was dented slightly four feet above the waterline by a fishing scchooner as she lay a a whalf. It will be repaired in Maine later.
The Nome daily nugget., 1936-07-09
Two Youths Arrived kctchikan 26-Foot Outboard Motor Boat
 Sixteen Days Enroute, Seattle
(By The Associated Ioress)

tby The ASSOcldted l'reSS)
 KETCHIKAN, July s, - Six teen days from Seattle Amos Burg of Eugene, Oregon, and Roy Pepper of St Croix, Wis consin, arrived here today in their 26-foot, outboard motor boat.
 They will remain in s5utheast- ern Alaska until September do- ing colored photography work.
 They said their 31-year-old boat was the one in which they circled Cape Horn several years ago. The distance they travelled on this trip, from Seattle to Ket- chikan was 654 miles.
 The Cutter Dahpne, bound north from San Francisco for the Boring Sea Patrol, turned off it's course and brought Joseph Beck, member of it's crew who fell down a companionway, to the hospital here.
The Nome daily nugget., 1936-07-09
Edward Lynch Freed Suspicion
 Death Woman
NBy The Assoclated Press)

tBY The ASSoclated PfeSS)
 CHICAGO, July 9, - Edward Lynch, aged 3l, held as fugi- tive from criminal prosecution in Denver, was cleared today of any connection with the staying of Mrs. Florence Thompson Cast le on June 29th
 Lynch is wanted in Denver on robbery charge, officials de- clared.
 The night club entertainers son, seVen-year--oId Jimmy Cast Ie, sad that Lynch was not the man who beat h:s mother to death with a brick.
The Nome daily nugget., 1936-07-09
The Washington
 Newsletter
OFFICE OF A. J. DIMOND Delegate from Alaska
 (By J. J. ECKLES)
June 20, 1886.

June 20, 1886.
 Proposals for bids for the con- struction of the Nome Federal building were put on the market June l5, and are to be called for award of contract July 20.
 While this is two weeks later than the time originally set for completion of the plans and spec ification, it is believed that suffi- cient time for a substantial start on the construction will be av- ailable yet this season, Recog- nizing the need for immediate commencement of the work on account of the short working season at Nome, the Treasury Department which is in charge of the design and construction of all federal buildings, has made special efforts to hurry the erection of this building. They believe that if the contractor can complete the outer structure and install the heating equipment be- fore severe weather arrives, the interior work in the building can be carried on throughout the winter.
The Nome daily nugget., 1936-07-09
Thomas Meigghan g Celebrated Actor
 Died New York
(By The Associated Press)

(By The Associated Press)
 NEW YORK, July g, - Thomas Meighan, famed screen actor, died Wednesday night at his Long Island home.
 He had been ill for some time. Meighan lapsed into coma sev- eral hours before death. His wife the former Frances Ring, and her sister Blanche Ring, were at his bedside. Meighan was one of the top performers in the days of the silent films.