smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1869

VISITS FROM A DEAD WIFE.-A pa
per at Monongahela, Pa, vouches for
the truth of the following singular sto
ry: "Not very long ago, the young
and beautiful wife of one of our citi-
zens was called to her final account,
leaving her husband sad, discoaSolate
and bereft. She was buried in the
adjacent cemetery, and the husband
returned to his disconsolate home, but
not to forget his loved one. She was
present with him by day, in spirit, and
in his dreams by night. One peculi-
arity of his dreams, and one that
haunted him-being repeated night
after night-was this: that the spirit
of his wife come to his bedside and
told him that the undertaken had not
removed from her face the square
piece Of muslin or napkin, which had
been used to cover her face after
death; but had screwed down her
coffin lii with it upon her, and that
she could not breathe in her grave,
but was restless on account of the
napkin, He tried to drive the dream
away but it bided with him by night
and troubled him by day. He sought
the consolation of religion, and his
pastor prayed with him, and assured
him that it was wicked to indulge
such morbid fancy. 1t was the sub
iect of his own petition before the
Throne Of Grace; but still the spirit
came and told anew the story of her
5ufocation. In despair he sought the
undertaken Mr.. Dickey, who told him
that the napkin had not been remov
ed, but urged him to forget the circum-
stances, as it could not be any posi-
ble annoyance to inanimate clay
While the gentleman frankly acknOwi-
edged this, he could not avoid the ap-
partition; and continual stress upon
his mind began to tell upon his health.
At length he determined to have the
body Gisinterred, and visited the un-
dertaker for that purpose. Here he
was met with the same advice and per-
suasion. and convinced once more of
his folly, the haunted man returned
to his home. That night more vivid
than ever, more terribly real than be-
fore, she came to his bedside and up
braided him for his want Of affection
and would not leave him until he had
promised to remove the cause of all
her suffering. The next night with a
friend he repaired to the sexton, who
was prevailed upon to accompany
them, and there, by the light of the
cold, round moon, the body was lift
ed from its narrow bed, the napkin
removed from the face of the corpse.
That night she came to his bedside
once more, but for the last time
Thanking him for his kindness, she
pressed her cold lips to his cheek
and came again no more"
Year: 1869

Fear of wild beasts, while large for
ests existed in the state, produced
much imaginary and some real suffer-
ing. Bears were very common, and
sometimes very bold. The boldness
of these animals on some occasions is
illustrated by an event in the town of
Addison. Mr. John Strong moved
his family into that town in February,
17T6. He had erected rude hut of
logs in which they lived. During an
evening in September, while Mr..
Strong and some of his neighbors had
gone to Albany to procure provisions,
Mrs. Strong and her children, sitting
about the fire, heard a noise at the
door. Looking towards it, she saw
the blanket, which served instead ola
door, raised up, and an old bear pro-
truding her head into the room.


A pan of milk was on the table, and
camp-kettle of samp had just been
taken from the fire, intended for sup
per. The sight of the fire caused the
bear to start back. Mrs. Strong
caught the baby, and sending the old
er children to the loft, she followed
and drew the ladder after her. The
floor of this loft was made by laying
small poles close together, which gave
ample opportunity to see all that was
passing below. The bear, after re-
connoitering the place several times,
came in with two cubs. They first
upset the milk that had been placed
on the table for supper. The old bear
then made dash at the puddingpot
and thrusting in her head swallowed
large mouthful. and filled her mouth
with another, before she found it was
boiling hot. Giving a furious growl,
she struck the pot with her paw, up
setting and breaking it. She then
set herself up on end, endeavoring to
poke the pudding from her mouth,
whining and growing all the time. -
This was so ludicrOus, the cubs sitting
up on end, one on each side, and won
deriDg what allied their mother, that
it drew a loud laugh from the children
above. This seemed to excite the an
ger Of the beast more than ever. and
with a roar she rushed for the place
where they had escaped up alott.-
This had been covered up when Mrs.
Strong drew up the ladder, and now
commenced a struggle, the bear to get
up, and the mother and children to
keep her down. After many fruitless
attempts, the bear gave it up, and to-
ward morning moved off. After Mr..
Strongs return, door made from
slabs split from the bass-wood and
hung on wooden hinges, gave securi-
ty from like inroads in future. But
few, if any, Of the first settlers were
seriously injured by bears. Bat a
very painful event did occur from an
attack Of wolves. Soon after Ben
nington was settled, several younE la
dies returning on a winters night
from a quilting frolic, were pursued
by pack of wolves. They sought
refuge in some trees, and had hardly
secured themselves among the lower
branches, before the fierce animals
were bowling beneath them. Sudden
ly the limb on which one of the party,
Caroline Mason by name, was stand
ing, broke beneath her weight, and
she fell screaming among the hungry
beasts below, which quickly tore her
in pieces and devoured her.
Year: 1869

the ground, then drew my knife, but
not soon enough to avert a catastro.
phe. A single blow from the cata.
mounts paw sent me whirling head
long to the earth-a result which ap.
parently SO astonished my assailant
that it preferred to reconnoitre before
further proceedings. This gave me
time to gather my senses, and when
the beast came sliding down the tree,
as it did, rump foremost, was on my
feet ready for close quarter struggle.


Now was my time! | bounded to
the tree trunk, and, before the panth-
er could drop to the ground, had bur.
led my knife to the handle in its back.
The blow was not we'll aimed, for in
stead of piercing a vital organ, the
blade penetrated to the bowels. leav-
ing the creatures strength compare.
lively ulimpaired.


remember but little else that hap.
pened. | only know that, as We roll
ed on The earth in a deadly struggle
the panther's fangs fastened upon my
left thigh, felt that another beast of
some kind had mingled in the fray
Then al became dark; and when
awoke 20 consciousness, it was to find
two ofmy camp fellows, and my good
hound bending over me-the panther
dead not five feet away.


Their story and mine were soor
told. Alarmed at my arrival al
the camp, they had sailed out at dark
in quest of me. After a long time the
hound struck my trail and following
they cane at the moment when | clos
ed in With the panther. The hounC
it was which saved me, for it was ht
who thtottled the brute at the momen
| became unconscious.


| was considerably injured both b,
the fall from the tree and by the pan
theirs teeth, which lacerated my hesl
badly, but did not crush any bones
A camp was extemporized on the spot
huge fire built to keep off the wolve
and 10y its genial warmth, slept th'
sweetest sleep of my lie.


had fought my last panther fight
Year: 1869




1t is hereby enacted, &c.


Sec. 1. 1t is hereby declared to
be unlawful for any person or persons
to fill with mineral waters any bottle
marked, stamped or impressed with
the name of any spring or springs
thereon, without the consent of the
owner of said spring or springs, with
fraudulent intent; and person so
offending shall be liable to a penalty
Of fifty cents for each and every bot
tie so filled.


Sec. 2. Any person or persons
who shall wilfully vend or keep for
sale any mineral water in any bottle
or bottles which shall be marked,
stamped or impressed with name of
the mineral water thereon, knowing
the same not to be genuine, or who
shall, with intent to deceive, knowing
ly dispose of in any manner any wa
ter bearing the name of any spring
other than that from which it is TAX
Year: 1869

Snow EYEs.-EIlis, in speaking of
the Esquimaux, says: "Their snow
eyes, as they very properly call them.
are a proof Of their sagacity. These
are little pieces Of wood, bone, OF
ivory formed to cover the two eyes
and tied on behind the head. They
have two slits of the exact length OF
the eyes, but very narrow. This In
yention preserves the eyes from snow
blindness, a very dangerous and pow
erful malady, caused by the action OF
the light reflected from the snow
The use of these eyes considerably
strengthens the sight, and the Esqui-
maux are so accustomed to them that
when they have mind to view dis
tant objects they commonly use them
instead of spy glasses.
Year: 1869

DECEIT OF SONG WRITERs-The man who
wrote "Old Arm Chair" never had an arm
chair in his life. The best he had was an old
split-bottom chair without any back to it.


| Drcamt | Dwelt in Marble Halls" used
to cheat at marbles when boy, and his dream
was horrid nightmare, brought on by remOrsc
at the rccollectons of fraudulent marble haulS.


The author of Rain on the Roof" always
slept in the basement, except when he slept
out of doors.


There is the author Of "Old Oaken Bucket
too; there wasn't bucket on the whole farm,
water being dipped from spring with gourd.


The man who wrote )" Home, Sweet Home
never had home.


If had but Thousand Year stated
privately to his friends that he would be per-
fect!y contcnted with just half that sum, as he
was doing chores just for his board and three
months schooling in the winter.
"What are the Wild Waves Saying?" knew
very well they were rerroaching him for run
ming away from Long Branch without paying
! his board hill.


The author of eve Net by Chance" knew
very well that it was all arranged befol ehand.
lie had been weeks in contriving it-and she
admired his contrivance.
Year: 1869

You smooth the tanglcs from my hair,
With gentle touch and tenderest care,
And count the years ere you shall mark
Bright silver threads among the dark
Smiling the while to hear me say,
you'll think of this again some day r.


Some day
do not Scorn the power of time
Nor count on years Of fadeless prime;
But no white CLEANS will ever shine
Among those heavy locks of mine.
Ay, laugh as gaily as you may,
You'll think of this again some day


Some day
Some day shall not fell as now
Your soft hands move about my brow;
shall not slight for light commands,
And draw your tresses through my hands,
But you will see no touch of gray,
And yOu-yOu will not laugh that day


Some day
know how long your loving hands
Will linger with those glossy bands,
When you shall weave my latest crown
OF their thick masses long aud brown;
But you will see no touch OF gray
Adorn their shining locks that day


Some day
And while your tears are falling hot
Upon the lips which answer not,
You'll take from these one treasured tress,
And leave the rest to sientness;
Remember that used to say,
You'll think OF this again some day


H.
Year: 1869

A shrowed old gentleman once said to his
daughter: Be sure my dear, you never mar
ry a poor man but remember that the poorest
man in the world is one that has money and
nothing else"
Year: 1869

Five thousand emigrants landed at New
York IN the month Of July, making one hun
ored and sixty-eight thousand for the year thus
1ar. This is thirty-five thousand more than
were landed up 70 the same time last year
Year: 1869

Mr.. George T. Downing is commended IN
The NelOport Daily Neus as fit person for
Collector of Customs at that port. We volun-
teer an Endorsement of all that can be said in
favor of Mr. Dovnings fitness for the post,
and then add our hope that he will not be APP
pointed, OF, if appointed, will not accept. Mr.
Downing knows enough to keep hotel, and
of course needs no office. We do not insist
that he shall decline, but we trust he will have
no opportunity. There are lots of colored men
who are eager for office, but Of those whom
Gen. Grant originally selected for Ministers to
Hayti and Liberia, one if not both showed
their fitness and good sense by refusing to 60.
The Blacks have had hard name, not en-
trely undeserved; but when they shall have
become a race of ofice-scekers they will have
sunk to q lower level than when they were
slaves.
Year: 1869

Georgia Judges are engaged in solemn decis-
ions intended to prohibit social equality be-
tween whites and negroes in the marriage re-
lation No objection seems to be made to the
actual facts, provided the fOrnality of
that relation be dispensed with. They call
their decision one to prevent amalga-
nation. 1t might better be named one
to encourage amalgamation and breed
social decentralization. If, instead of holding
relations between white men and black
women to be entirely Illegal, they should
declare them, on the contrary, legal and bind
ing, they would do more to prevent amalgama-
ton than by thousand such decisions as we
report in another column. Let those who choose
black women for the mothers of their children
be held to a legal responsibility for the con-
nection and its consequences, and we shall
perceive sudden check to the bleaching
urOcCSs.
Year: 1869

We know Of hardly any reading which /,
more entertaining, and possibly instructive
than that of the forlOm resolutions which ara
passed by modern Democratic Conventions
They are sncl palpable begging of the ques.
ton such spasmodic effort to make bricks
without straw; such admirable exempliieatiop.
of the art of saying nothing in great many
words. and they have, witllal, such a flavor Of
antiquity, that we read them with a feel
ing of commseration for their empt


ness, and of admiration for their ingenious
ringing of changes The keynote however.
of them all is always the same-a deep
base dover G. growl at the Administration.
which is to all past Administrations as Naza-
reth was to all other Jewish cities, so that no
good can possibly come ont of it, Annually,
for many years past, the Democrats of Yer
mont have been resolving. 'Tis labor of
lovely hatred 'Tis magnanimOus airing Of
preiudices. IT'S the most remarkable exhihi-
tion of pluck which the world ever witnessed.
Such firmness, not to say Obstinacy such sin
gle-sightedness, not TO say blindness such
INSTRUMENTATION, not to say deafness such
determination, not to say desperation, Is
enough to make man hesitate whether
to naugh at or to laud human
nature. The Vermont resolutions are "goncrali-
"ties" which do not "glitter." They declare
an undying attachment to Democratic prin-
"ciples" without giving us the least notion Of
what Democratic principles" are; they are for
can equal system of taxation without point
ing out any method by which taxation can be
equalized; they are for nothing which is not
Constitutional" but what is Constitutional"
they do not tell us; and they express n want
of confidence in the Administration without
pointing out what the Administration has done
to forfeit confidence. They are ingenious, how
ever, in their way. They compel the Republic
cans to hit out at nothing-the most wearisome
exercise in which mortal can engage.
Year: 1869

We do not pretend to understand in detail
the political contest now proceeding in Yir-
ginia yet it is but fair to say that the CLASH
fication of candidates given in our last was
arbitrary and unreliable. 1t may do to term
the anti Wells State candidates Democrats, y
though we believe none of them answer to
that name; but when such men as James w.
Hunnicutt and Lewis Mckenzie are placed in
that category, the distinction utterly breaks
down Hunnicutt (of Richmond) was the Editor
of The NelO Nation. about the toughest and
most ultra Radical sheet ever issued; yet we
believe he now favors Universal Amnesty
while Lewis Mckenzie (of Alexandria) has
been Jealous Republican Unionist so long
that we cannot say when he became such
We believe he, too fayors Universal Amnesty,
and it may be that the Conservatives" sup
port him for Congress on that account or as a
choice of evils We do not recognize the
others printed in our last as Democrats,
and have no advice to give to our readers in
Virginia but to be sure to vote for the New
Constitution and against all prescriptions, test
Oaths and acknowledgements.


Election, Tuesday, July 9Th
Year: 1869

The English press have begun to praise the
action Of our Courts in the arrest Of the Cuban
Junta. They bear in memory certain legal
failures Of their own, we doubt not, but agree
with Gen. Grant in maintaining the principle
that the more honestly laws are enforced the
sooner is public opinion led right.
Year: 1869

When we consider that Wealth tends
steadily away from the City-that is, larger
and larger proportion of our capitalists and
business men reside outside and are assessed
outside of our City's limts--it must be felt that
this exhibit is satisfactory, and utterly incon-
sistent with the absurd notion that the coun-
try is growing poor.
Year: 1869

time DEVELOPMENT in relation TO the new, port
of Heppens, and it was-the Cable tells US
heard with enthusiasm. Hanover, however
has been of late a malcontent in respect to the
policy of Count Bismarck, and she at least
may have taken private exception to the cheers
raised IN honor of the dogmatic old King.
Year: 1869

The business of chastisng editors with cow
hides, OF otherwise, seems to be in bad way.
The last individual who came on grief in at
tempting it was an irate ofice-holder in the
heavenly tempered town of Nashville.
Year: 1869

A child beginning to read be-
comes delighted with a newspaper,
because he reads of names and
things that are familiar, and he
will progress accordingly. A
newspaper in one year is worth a
quarters schooling to a child. Ev-
cry father must consider that in
formation is connected with ad-
vancement. The mother of a
family, being one of its heads and
having a more immediate charge
of children, should herself be in
structed. 4 mind occupied be-
comes fortified against the ills of
life, and is braced for energy
Children amused by reading or
studying are Of course more consid-
crate and easily governed. How
many thoughtless young men have
spent their earnings in a tavern
or grogshop, who ought to have
been reading! How many parents
who have not spent twenty dol
lars for books tor their families,
would have given thousands to re-
claim a son or daughter who had
ignorantly, thOnghtlessly fallen in
to temptation.
Year: 1869

FROM. me flttsourg aEyenlng Mahau


On last Friday night, a bah was
given at Lafayette hall, which
was largely attended; handsome
ladies, ,predominatipg. One young
lady in particular, attracted the
attention of a gentleman of a ten
der age, who sported al. elegant
gold watch and chain, valued
at $3.50. Sometime after mid
night he engaged her company to
dance with him, and drawing forth
his watch, looked at its face to as
certain what time would be re-
quired to finish the present one
The young lady admired the time
keeper ever so much, and would be
under lasting obligations if her
new companion would just loan it
to her until she ready to go.
home Pleased at having it in his
power to accommodate this whim.
he unfastened the chain from his
button hole, and placed the watch
In her hands.


Time passed pleasant enough
until 4 o'clock arrived, when the
young gentleman expressed a de-
sire TO accompany the lady to her
home, as the entertainment was
drawn to an end. She accepted
the proffer, but never thought to
return the gentleman's watch,
which she retained possession Of.
They walked up Wells street until
arrived at a fine-looking three-s sto-
ry house, when she pleasantly
asked him TO remain on the steps
until she could go round and open
the door. He did as requested,
and she trIpped lightly into an alley
and disappeared. He waited long
in hopes Of her-coming he linger-
ed until daylight but the door re-
manned closed Upon, inquiry be
learnedthatnos such people lived in
that house, and in despair he came
and told his story to an official at
the watch house. The where
abouts of the young lady, the
watch and chain, have not yet
been diseoyered.lbN I9yHA
Year: 1869

A writer in Hearth and Home
says thatmonograrns, ,initiafletters,
or other designs can be printed on
such, fruit as apples, pears and
peaches by the action Of the sun,
with very pretty effect either a
light or dark color. To do this,
draw the monogram, letter, or de-
sign Oh piece of writing paper,
and paste it with mucilage or glue
upon the side exposed to the sun


Just before the fruit begins to col
or, and when the fruits ripe, and
the paper is removed the design
will appear in a lighter or differ
ent color from the rest.of the fruit;
as for instance if the experiment be
on a yellow -feshed peach with a
red cheek, the design will appear
in gold, surrounded with red. If
the opposite effect is desired, take
a small oval or circular piece OF


paper, and cut out or pierce the
letter or design in it, and paste it
on the fruit, which when ripe, will
have it in high color on a yel-
low or light green ground, of the
shape of the piece Of paper, and
this will be surrounded by the
brighter color Of the fruit.
Year: 1869

An ingenious man in Illinois has
patented a seli-acting water ell
evator. 1t is about the size of
quart cup, but will raise thirty gal
Ions OF water from a well or cistefn
in an hour, and by the necessary
piping will lead it all ever the
house,
Year: 1869

STATEMENTS have recently been pub
lished that the Government was making
extensive preparations to enforce respect
to the American interests In Cuban wa.
ters. It has now been ascertained from
authentic sources, that the number of
vessels to be employed in the public SER
vice in that direction will not, probably
be more than two or three more than
heretofore in that squadron, the number
being necessarily limited by the fact that
Congress had made very great reduc-
ton in personnel Of the navy, but apart
from this, the vessels to be sent to that
coast, are deemed sufficient for all legit-
innate purposes, as<no trouble with the
Spanish authorities is apprebended. The
fitting out of several iron-clads has nc
significance, but is part of the plan Of
the Navy Department to save them and
other similar vessels and especially the
machinery from decay to which they
now are exposed from being out OF com
mission.
Year: 1869

GOVERNOR HoFrMAN, of New York,
in a veto message lately announced the
following truths, viz: Legislation is a
public trust" and not mere privilege
.sto be exercised for private benefit or
emolument = that it should be as ''im-
partially administered as any judicial or
other power of government" and that
.sit is in the name of the people, by the
people, and should be FOR the people"


These are golden words Of wisdom.
How grand it would be if they were so
impressed upon the hearts of Legislators
as to brand and burn them with shs1G
and disgrace every time they raised their
voices or gave their votes in violation of
such sacred truths.
Year: 1869

The present convention shall be ratified by the Presidsnt of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate thereof, and by She President of Peru, with the approbAtion of tho Congress of that republic, and the notifications will be exchanged in Lima as soon as may be. within six months of the date hereof
Year: 1869

Every claim shall be presented to the com- missioners within two months from the day of their first meeting, unless ia any case where reasons fer delay shall be established to the satisfaction of the commissioners, or of the arbitrator or umpire, in the event of the com- nissiouers differing in opinion thereon, and then and in every such case the period for pre-. senting such claim may be extended to and period net exceeding one month longer.

 The commissioners shall be b9und to ex- anime and decide upon every claim within six months from the day of their first meeting.

 ARTICLE ".

 All sums of money which may be awarded by the commissioners, or by the arbitrator or umpire, on account of any claim, shall be paid by the other, as the case may be | within four months after the date of the decl