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Copyrighted by
JAMES B. ELMORE
1903
In the beginning " God said, Let there be light: and there was
light," except in Jackville, where the vine-clad hills threw
their balmy shade over the rippling streams, whose waters went babbling
and murmuring and leaping onward to a farther destination. There was
absolute stillness, quietude, in the place, save for the wild animals as
they stealthily crept about hunting their prey. But man, the despoiler
of these quaint precincts of nature, came along seeking a habitation and
rest; so in the year 1833 was commenced the settlement of the now
historic town of Jackville. It is queer to note that the first settlers
of the place bore titles of honor and distinction, such as "
Capt. George Bowman," "Col. .George McClain,"
and " Capt. John Hybarger." The first house in
Jackville was built by William Guilliams, and Judge Thomas Glenn
surveyed and platted the town. "Jackville" was so
named by reason of its rough, rugged surroundings, suggesting the nature
of the once famous President Andrew Jackson, whose honesty and sincerity
The hills and the valleys were great retreats for the troop of children from each family domicile, and they made merry and enjoyed life around the placid family vine and fig tree. In this rural place these children grew to manhood and womanhood. The air was free, the water was free, and man's rights were untrammeled; and it is not to be wondered at that if any one should cross the path of these titled men there would be a clash of arms. The blood that coursed through their veins was like that of a Jackson, and at a flash friendships were broken. These people were of Dutch descent, and were given to the use of lager beer, and, in its absence, resorted to the high "wines" of the golden corn, which nerved their sturdy arms to many daring deeds. Each bubbling spring had its copper still, the stills numbering, in all, about twenty-one; and in the absence of cow's milk, whisky was served in its stead; and, with a little boneset decoction, it was a terror to chills and fever.
This place was the home of a man, Boss Harlow, who once owned the land where the city of Cincinnati now stands. He was a noted cobbler, and ran a repair shop.
The children of this hardy race grew in beauty and symmetry, and all
joined in the sports of the times. In
Now there appeared upon the scene about that time a man who was fit to be called a "king," for that is what he was in Jackville. He had a large, warm heart; and he was "given to hospitality." It seemed that he had a magnetic presence. That man was none other than Harris Reynolds, to whom the stage of actors from this time must bow and of whom they must seek counsel.
The Mill Creek boys and the Wolf Creek lads had an aversion for each other on account of jealousy and rivalry about the fair ones; and they made the rural precincts of Jackville their fighting ground, especially when the week closed and the fiery liquid within them gave vent to spleen peacefully slumbering. It fanned the smoldering coal into life and opened the ball, which was "a warm reception." All of them were proficient in dancing, and the gay girls often helped to carry a royal joke to a free-for-all chafing.
Captain Hybarger often gave dances at his home. The fall of the year was
near at hand. The luscious pippins were streaked with red, and their
sweet essence filled the, air with aroma. They were ready to be cut and
dried, and many willing hands were waiting. Then the huge, round
pumpkins,.with their golden sides, were lying in the fields, with their
bosoms to the sun. The youngsters were waiting for the jolly apple
cuttings, the husking bees, and the social kissing parties that must
take place during the autumn, when Johnnie Oliver, alias "Blue
Blossom," appeared upon the scene announcing a dance at Captain
Hybarger's. Blue Blossom " ran with " a crowd
of boys of which he was chief, and did many deeds of daring equal to
those of-the knight-errants of old. Such occasions were free for all.
There were no buggies in those days, and horseback riding was all the
rage. The young ladies would ride either by themselves or behind their
lovers, when their
All was "merry as a marriage bell." The night came for
the ball at Captain Hybarger's. Great crowds of young folks
began to gather, dressed in the rich homespun of the day; and shouts of
glee in the distance announced the coming of Blue Blossom and his gang
of troopers, with their girls. There was not so much pride in dress as
there was to see who could dance the best and who could put on the most
airs. In that respect Blue Blossom, being very graceful and lively, was
quite proficient. Then there was the noble pedagogue, Duart
Cunningham--noted for his learning and sweet graces-- who was quite a
swell among the fair sex. He was tall and handsome, but a little lean in
his make-up. Then there were Robley Huts, a master at the
"light fantastic; " Samuel Bruner, also a hero and
quite glib of tongue, who made many a pleasing jest; William Haas, the
champion of many a hard-fought contest; Julius Harlow and George Alwood,
who could be relied upon as having the nerve of a Napoleon, and who
feared no one, except the devil. Among the ladies were Molly Bruno,
Nettie Sowers, Elsie McClain, Abby Hybarger, and Jennie Bowman, who were
among the noted fair ladies of those early times, the descendants of the
ancient settlers. The famous Crowder boys were there, and Joel Crowder
took his seat to render the music for the occasion. In this lively crowd
of people was one who
It soon developed that Cupid had a hand to play at the dance. Blue
Blossom was charmed with Molly Bruno's beautiful grace and
manners. If the pedagogue shuffled, she did the same; if he tripped it
lightly, she followed suit; and it was enough to charm the heart of a
king. Nettie Sowers was pretty and a good dancer; but Blue Blossom was
bent on making Molly's acquaintance, and he and his crowd of
followers, set about doing it. They would accomplish whatever he wanted
them to, if it was possible. As it happened, none of them knew Molly
Bruno. The Buffalo girls, with their escorts, danced in the other room;
among them was Clara Shanks, the belle of Buffalo Creek. The set was
finished, and all were seated; and Blue Blossom set about getting some
one to introduce him to the idol of his heart. The pedagogue stuck close
to Molly Bruno, guarding his prize; for he had seen how closely Blue
Blossom observed her, and he was a trifle jealous. Finally, Julius
Harlow said that he knew her, and that he would introduce Blue Blossom
to her for a good "jigger" of brandy. Blue Blossom
drew a flask from his pocket and handed it to Julius Harlow, and told
him to help himself. Blue Blossom also took a little for his owfl
nerves, for in those days liquor was free and nothing was thought
of' its use. Again the
Molly Bruno responded: "I am happy to meet you."
It was quite different to the introduction of William Haas and Nettie Sowers. When she was introduced to him and she responded, "I am pleased to make your acquaintance," he said, "I expect you are," as though he were lord of the earth. This was a rare exhibition of self-importance. Of course this was the style at Weasel Peak School, where there was more "licking" than learning, and where Professor Cunningham had never wielded the scepter.
Blue Blossom told Molly Bruno that he would like for her to dance with him. She said that she would be pleased to do so, but was engaged for the present, but that at the first opportunity she would grant his desire,
"Thanks," said Blue Blossom; and Molly Bruno excused herself and returned to Professor Cunningham.
Blue Blossom and Julius Harlow retired to drink their health at such luck. Blue Blossom felt himself much honored, and he put on quite a lordly air.
The Buffalo boys were very noisy, and a don't-care spirit pervaded all of them. All the ladies were handsome, having been reared in these rural parts, where plenty of exercise gave them both muscle and beauty. It took no cosmetics to make a beautiful woman in those days of cheer and leisure.
Blue Blossom danced with Elsie McClain; but he kept his eye on Molly
Bruno, who imitated each one with whom she danced. Elsie McClain was a
good dancer; she was as spry as could be. She, too, was good at the art
of imitation. Blue Blossom swung her with graceful air, being nerved by
his promised success. The pedagogue had a good hold upon the fair one,
and Blue Blossom rather feared him; but when the word was called,
"Promenade to your seats!" Blue Blossom lost no time
in claiming his opportunity and approached Molly Bruno for the dance.
Everything went well with him. The pedagogue, not to be outdone, seized
upon the occasion to take a bout with Nettie Sowers, who was a
delightful partner. It was a way the Professor sought to retaliate upon
Blue Blossom. It was a delight to be in the presence of the
schoolmaster, who was an object of dignity. But the young ladies love a
hero; it
Things became a little warm for the Buffalonians. Two men, from East Mill Creek, had brought. two long-handled gourds to the dance, which they had purloined along the way; and the rough boys used them as billies in their sport. Wilson Wagger--a large, burly fellow, who had appropriated his father's honey for dance money--was sought out for a target. A gourd was centered on his cranium, and he fell to the floor. He was afraid to arise, as so many were striking at him; so he ran out of the house on all fours, one Buffalonian jumping astride his back and riding him as he would have ridden a horse.
This ended the dance, and all sought their partners
"I shall be pleased to grant your desire," she said.
All were busy putting on their wraps for the home journey. The girls jumped on behind their male companions, and they went galloping over the hills and through the vales to their homes. The screech owls would screech, and the horned monsters would cry, "Who, who, who are you?" but it made no difference with such brave youngsters.
All the party were at home again, and all seemed well. The pedagogue went
back to his school, in the brakes of Mill Creek, where there was more
"licking" than learning. The benches were made of rude
slabs of timber, with pins for legs; and the clothes racks were pins
driven in the wall. The windows were holes in the walls covered with
muslin. Here Professor Cunningham reigned as lord and master, wielding
the birch at will. The larger boys cut the wood to feed the
old-fashioned fireplace, which occupied one end of the room. Here the
large girls and boys sat close together, "made love,"
and did many cunning things, "stealing a march" on the
Professor. The master was seated upon a three-legged stool, and he
revolved upon it much like a weathercock upon its pedestal. It perched
him high above the rural urchins, furnishing him with a good view of all
about him; and the rays of light passed out from him like the
coruscating rays from a candelabrum. Upon his desk lay the spoils of
many a conquest, as he passed around among the pupils, capturing French
pantaloons, mock birds, and half-eaten apples (probably impressed with
the print of Molly Bruno's beautiful teeth), which he long in-
At the sound of his voice the children would study with a rush, humming like bees--except Molly Bruno, who was licensed to smile occasionally, which made lasting impressions upon the Professor.
In the evenings Molly Bruno worked in her father's mill, grinding grain for sour mash, which was to be turned into the fiery water (called "whisky") of the still. Here she would sing and work, and the Professor would often loiter, feigning a desire to see "the old gentleman," when, in fact, it was to watch the pretty Molly feed the golden corn into the hopper. Here Molly gave the Professor a lesson in the art of milling; and as the corn dropped into the great stone to be crushed into meal, at the same time the Professor's heart was being crushed in the great mill of love.
It was a kind of boarding school which the Professor taught, for each
week he stayed with a different patron.
Blue Blossom lived out toward Hell's Half Acre, on a little spot of ground which he tilled like a garden; he also fished, hunted, and roamed the country in pursuit of ginseng, which was a cash article at the little store called "Rag and Sang," in Jackville. This sort of exercise gave strength to his muscles, beauty to his form, and freedom to his spirit. He, too, would call at the Bruno mill, when on his way to the village, for the purpose of seeing the beautiful miller, whose smiles were a charm for his soul and a balm for his aching heart.
At Weasel Peak School, Loring White held sway as rural pedagogue, lining the urchins up in the curriculum of the three "r's." He was a very popular man; but he was no such orator as Professor Cunningham. At one time White was a clerk in the Treasurer's office, at Crawfordsville. Cunningham swayed the hearts of men with his eloquence. White was a good speaker and an excellent dancer. He was the chief lord of Ward Town, in the shady dells of Mill Creek; but he would often make a friendly visit to the green hills and health springs of lovely Jackville, where Nature did her best to please the eye of man with her weird scenes.
About this time there came to Jackville, from the discordant fields of
Kentucky, one Johnson Clore, who
A cabinetmaker also began business at Jackville. He made coffins, and carried them on his head along the street from the shop to the finishing room. It sent a chill and a shudder to many a fair heart to see the coat of the dead upon a living head.
A book vender once came to Jackville; but he had a hard time in this
rural place, where Nature's book was opte to the people, and
they had but to scan a new flower when a new leaf was open. The
merchants had rude signs in front of their places of business, such as
"Sweet 'Tater Plants for Sale " and
"Cash for Jingsang." The book agent, in his hard luck,
referred to these signs, and said his book would assist them in such
work; whereupon Professor McClain exclaimed: "What is the
matter with those signs? I made them! " Hence the adage,
"When in Rome, do as Rome does," would work well in
this place. It was too delicate a matter to show the Professor; so the
book agent had to
It was nearing the time of general muster, and great preparations were being made for a grand time. The old muskets which the government furnished were brought from their dusty racks over the rude doors and burnished for the occasion. Mr. Harris Reynolds was the leading colonel. He was appointed by Gov. Joseph A. Wright, of Indiana. As the time of the muster drew near, the people would begin to "steam up" a little on "corn juice" and make merry. One old man, named "Mackelwee," took on a little too much of the fiery spirits; and the small boys sought to have some fun with him, when he became vexed and started for home. He lost his way, and wandered around in his delirium in the dark shades of night until he fell over the bluff of Mill Creek and broke the brittle cord of life, severing the frail connection of soul and body. A funnel-shaped hat upon the rocky cliff above caused the searching multitude to look below, where they discovered his remains.
Blue Blossom was a captain, and Duart Cunningham was the orator. The
barbecue was to be at Cap-
The delegation moved on in stately order until Coal Creek was reached.
Here all was in readiness. Captain White welcomed the people in the
following language: "Ladies and gentlemen of the great Common-
Duart Cunningham was ready with the following response: "Most noble Captain, allow me in the name of Jackson Township to thank you for the great kindness which you have shown to us to-day in so cordially making this concession. May the Lord bless you for assisting this cause, which is for the purpose of maintaining the rights of the United States. Most worthy Captain, you have our most sincere thanks."
Duart Cunningham was then introduced as the orator of the day. He delivered a very patriotic address, reciting the aid which the minutemen had rendered in the great war for independence; and he moved his people to greater love of country.
During all this time Blue Blossom was taking advantage of the Professor by making love to Molly Bruno, giving her candy and such sweetmeats as the times afforded.
The forenoon was taken up in speeches and dinner, at which Blue Blossom ate with Molly Bruno, while Duart Cunningham had to be content with Nettie Sowers.
Arrangements had been previously made for a duel at swords upon the speaker's stand between Colonel Reynolds and the conceited Captain Summers. At twelve o'clock the duel took place. The two men advanced upon the stage, looking like knights of yore. The word was given for action, and they commenced fencing and parrying. It was soon evident that Summers was no match for Reynolds, for he repeatedly touched the button over Summers' heart; and finally, by a clever stroke of the saber, he drew the hilt of Summers' sword from his hand, when a great shout went up for Reynolds. To this day Summers will not speak of the "Knights of the Golden Circle" or of his mastery at arms; while Reynolds is still that ever-warm, sociable fellow which makes him a leader of men.
After dinner was over, the tattoo was beaten to fall into line to muster;
and the great throng of men fell into line under the command of the
shrewd colonels and captains. Professor Cunningham was at leisure at
this time; and he sought the company of Molly, showing a warmer
affection than ever. He promenaded with her about the grounds,
commenting upon the many novel scenes about the place. Blue Blossom was
in the height of his glory, giving commands and looking like a plumed
knight. Molly Bruno lent her ear to the Professor in a half-hearted way,
while her side glances revealed the fact that she was observing Blue
Blossom very intently. It is very noticeable that the heroic
Daniel Roach, of Blue Blossom's gallant crowd, had come to the muster upon a mule, which was full of tricks. Daniel rode the mule around, touching it in the sides with his heels, which caused the animal to kick and rear, trying to throw its rider. He made it perform like a bucking broncho.
Blue Blossom made an engagement with Molly Bruno for Sunday afternoon, "stealing a march" on Professor Cunningham.
The rally being over, all gave three cheers for Andrew Jackson, the honored President, and started for home. Shorty Dawson, being well supplied with Jackson "nervine," started again upon his favorite "Jaybird" and played it until they reached home. Remembering that they had spent another happy day for their country, they felt quite sure that if England should declare war they could vanquish her in short order.
There were few disturbances in the neighborhood, and generally those few were settled between man and man with spleen and muscle.
Jacob Hybarger was the noted magistrate of the village, having served in
that capacity for twenty years. A woman had a man named
"Breant" brought before Hybarger for stealing horses.
Smyles Ratcliff was attorney for the plaintiff, and John W. Copner was
attorney for the defendant. The day came for the trial
William Haas was the bully of the town, and he loved to make excursions
to the little bordering towns and carry off the "championship
of honor" for being the best man. He and two of his chums made
a visit to the little town of Silverwood, and sized up the place as one
easy to be taken. They hunted up a beer emporium run by a good Dutchman,
George Vanpeldt. Haas called for the drinks, when some section men
stepped up to the "bar and drank at Haas' expense.
Haas refused to settle for the drinks, whereupon Jonas Blannerhasset
undertook to force payment. Only a few passes were made, when Haas was
knocked down and kicked, under a beer table, like a rag baby, and
Blannerhasset exclaimed: "Pay for de beers, or I licks de bully
There had lately moved into Jackville a peaceable, inoffensive man named "Putney," whom Haas was intent on initiating in his favorite skill at arms, and he accordingly went to Putney's house for that purpose. Putney commanded Haas to stay out or he would kill him, presenting his fowling piece at Haas' breast; but as that did not stop him, Putney discharged the weapon. Haas fell to the ground, mortally wounded; but he was brave, and exclaimed: "Bang went the gun, and down went the soldier!" It is needless to say that self-defense was the verdict of the jury.
In those early days the government paid little attention to revenue from whisky; but as time rolled on, the collector came, and things were not so pleasant. Then came about the illicit stills, and many a smoke-stack was connected with a house flue; the rugged hills were also a favorite retreat. Then it came about that strangers were accosted with, "Where are you going?" "What is your business?" etc.; and no smartness was tolerated, or there would be a warm reception, for the bungalow boys were "some."
It was Sabbath morning, and it seemed that the Lord had put more splendor in the beautiful sunlight than ever before. The rays of light went forth percolating the interstices of the shimmering leaves, and the beau- tiful cock robin warbled his morning lay from a tilting bough, lending his melody to the sweet, mellow shade of the vine-clad hills. Molly Bruno's golden curls absorbed the mind of Blue Blossom, whose heart was full of happiness--with a slight strain of fear, however, knowing that often a maiden's heart is full of deception and leads many a manly heart to sadness and gloom. The Professor's mind had probably not been relieved of the great strain of mensuration or the scientific rules of grammar as he expounded them to beautiful Molly Bruno and Nettie Sowers. Such things did not bother the mind of the genial Blue Blossom, whose heart loved Nature in all her glory.
It was two o'clock in the afternoon, and Molly Bruno was looking
forward to the coming of the merry Blue Blossom. Soon the sound of
horses' feet was heard in the distance on the old plank road
that led in from Hillsboro. Blue Blossom loped his black charger in
stately style along the way, and soon ar-
The Professor had an engagement with Molly Bruno, and went over to see her. She was the same sweet girl that she had ever been; and Mr. Bruno was more courteous to the Professor, showing appreciation of him. The Professor was quite versatile and a good entertainer; and he interested Mr. Bruno, as well as his daughter, with many a beautiful legend made rich in its essence by the hand of tradition. There was a house down on Buffalo Creek that was haunted, and the conversation drifted in that direction. Several families had lived there; but, to their sorrow and dismay, they were forced to move away on account of the spiritual rappings and imaginary light about the place in the gloom of night. The Professor boasted of his bravery, and said that there were no such things as "haunts," or ghosts.
It then occurred to Molly Bruno that she could test the mettle of the two
men on whom she was bestowing her affections; so she told Blue Blossom
about the ambition of the Professor, thinking that he would invent some
way to catch the deluding spirit and also make the Profesor prove his
bold assertion. She knew that tradition was a mighty factor in human
life, and that there were few that had no superstition in them; and
There was to be a dance at Tice Flood's, out on the Chalk Farm,
near Luthern. The invitations were sent out. The time came for the
dance, and a great crowd arrived. Joel Crowder and Shorty Dawson were
there, ready to play and call. A band of fellows, calling themselves
"Gray Cats," came from Northern Jackson; and their
motto was: "Rule or Ruin." There lived in the vicinity
of Alamo the greatest rowdy of the age, named "Rodney
McKinney." He proposed to a friend to go to the dance; but, on
investigation, it developed that neither of them had a horse on which to
make the trip. At the time the good old Father McKiniey was entertaining
the Methodist circuit rider at his home in a most hospitable manner. It
occurred to Rodney that the preacher's horse and sleigh would
serve them well; so he hitched up the old gray horse, and away they
went, scudding along to the dance. All went well at the dance until the
"Gray Cats" started to "run things."
Bandy Sowers drew a pistol and a Bowie knife and did a feat in jugglery
by throwing them in the air and then catching them by the hilts; but
this did not awe the "Gray Cats." The Jackvillians
were quiet until one of the "Gray Cats" took a small
boy, Robert Myer, and stood him up in the fireplace. Then the fun began.
Blue Blossom and his crowd overcame the "Gray Cats,"
put them out, barred the door,
All was merry with Rodney McKinney until he started to go home, when, to his horror, he found that the tail of the preacher's horse had been shaved by the "Gray Cats." He was dumfounded as to what to do, as the minister would now be sure to discover his ruse. All at once Rodney cried out, "O, I can fix it now!" and he stooped and picked up all the hair and put it into the sleigh.
"What are you going to do with that hair?" asked his friend.
"I'll show you when I get home," replied Rodney.
When they arrived at Father McKinney's, Rodney took the hair into the stable and scattered it all around the horse, as though the mischief had been done there. This was the good man's trial of woe, caused by the mischievous Rodney.
On that night Stanley Hall lost his life at the Mill Creek Bridge--whether by fair means or foul, the good Lord only knows.
Richard Chumley and family had lived in the haunted house, but had moved out that week on account of the awful spirits that infested it. There was a snapping and a cracking of doors and a glimmering of the windows in the starlight, which looked like the light of a candle or the spirit of some departed soul; and in their hallucination or restless dreams they could see a creature above their beds, dressed in pure white and looking much like an angel, hovering and bowing over them. They would cry out in their sleep on seeing this ghostly object.
The talk at the dance was about the Buffalo ghost, and Blue Blossom proposed a crowd to go and catch it. Many shuddered and shook their heads at the thought of such a thing, while Blue Blossom's men were ever ready to go. They proposed to the Professor to go on Friday night and watch for it. Of course he could not refuse, and it. was a "go."
Friday night came, and they all met in Jackville.
"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed the wily Blue Blossom. "One hero has fled. What will I do? Will I awaken my comrades, or will I brave it alone? I will try it myself. If I can succeed, I will gain a victory. I have heard those tappings. Surely it cannot be a devil or a man, If it is a man, I will outwit him; if it is Satan, I will storm his castle for Molly's sake."
So Blue Blossom sat up, awaiting developments. Soon a shooting star flashed a light upon the window. His hair rose a little and a chill crept over him. All was silent. His comrades still slept soundly. The swallows fluttered in the chimney, making a rumbling noise, then subsiding like the rustling of new silk, adding awe to the dismal sound. He heaved a long sigh. Then he arose, went to the chimney, and looked up; but nothing could be seen, save a bit of blue sky sprinkled with stars. He sat down again, a child of fate. Presently "rat, tat, tat!" was heard under the floor. Then there was a whistle, ending with a grating of teeth. His hair stood straight; his breast heaved; and fear, mingled with awe, filled his whole body.
"Will I awaken my comrades and leave, or can I stand this awful strain?" asked Blue Blossom. "I will try it still longer."
Reaching down to his boot top, he drew out a large
"Navy" revolver, which inspired him with greater
courage; but the great mystery was that he could see nothing to shoot.
He was an expert marksman, the crack shot of the neighborhood, having
carried off the honors at many a shooting match. "Rat, tat,
tat!" was heard again. Then he resolved to peep under the house
to see if anything was there. He knew that this was the place where the
Professor had parted company with them. He arose, went out, lay down
upon the ground, and peered into the darkness; and--behold!--the same
spectacle met his gaze that had startled the Professor, except that the
fireballs were sulphuric green and seemed like worlds of mystery. He
tried to speak, but his voice faltered and failed him. Again he tried,
and he stammered out: "Who--who are you?" There was no
reply. Again he asked: "Who are you?" Pointing his
weapon at the little dark space between the two orbs of fire, he took
deliberate aim and fired. The lights went out. The report of his weapon
aroused his comrades, who sprang to their feet; but they could see no
Professor and no Blue Blossom. They feared that a deadly combat had
taken place between them, and began to hunt for them. They ran to the
open door; and
"O!" exclaimed Blue Blossom. "He fled in the third watch when the spirits overcame him. Then I resolved to try myself; so I came out here and discovered two lights under the house, which I just now snuffed with my revolver. Bring a light, and let us see what it is."
Robley Huts and Julius Harlow ran into the house and came out with the candelabrum. They held it, while William Geeting crawled under the house, where he found a large woodchuck that had been digging its burrow in the sandy soil. Its forehead was pierced in the center.
Thus ended the spooks and the ghosts and the goblins of, Buffalo. With Blue Blossom a hero, the party marched away, singing "Home the Conqueror Comes."
It seemed that a new day was dawning upon the town of Jackville. Thomas
Allen had settled upon the banks of Wolf Creek. He had the strains of
ministerial blood in his veins; and, like Nimrod of old, he was a great
hunter. He named the place "Wolf Creek," from the
numerous wolves that infested that vicinity; and the good old man paid
his taxes in wolf scalps as long as he lived, as the State paid a good
bounty for them. His son, William Allen, inherited his father's
ministerial instinct, and he started a church and a cemetery at Wolf
Creek, which are noted to-day. Like the sermons of most of his Baptist
brethren, Rev. William Allen's sermons were prolix and long
drawn out, with a sonorous voice; but they reached the hearts and swayed
the souls of men. So famous did he become that he invaded the citadel of
Jackville, carrying the good work to success, converting the young
dancers by teaching them the golden truths of God. After a long revival
at Jackville, many persons confessed Christ; and, according to the
Baptist theory, there must be a washing away of sins in the virtuous
waters of quaint old Mill Creek. The appointed day arrived, and the old
people came to witness the baptismal service and to vie with the
Lord's children.
Again the autumn was here, with its rich colors; and
Professor Cunningham, Blue Blossom, Robley Huts, Nettie Sowers, Molly
Bruno, Ada Morgan, Clara Shanks, and William Geeting were at the
husking. Blue Blossom was alert, and he chose Molly Bruno as his
partner. The Professor husked with Ada Morgan. All was fun and joy with
the whole crowd. The jug of beaded spirits having been placed in the
heap of corn, William Geeting suggested that they hurry to see who
William Geeting urged the Professor and his huskers to greater efforts, and they won the enchanting prize. The Professor pulled the jug from its hiding place and set it on the winning side; but on went the huskers until all the corn was husked, when the merry parties drank to their hearts' content, according to the custom of the times.
When all was over, Mr. Sowers cleared the floor for a party. All were eager to exchange kisses, and such old-time songs as "Weevily Wheat" and "The Forsaken Lover" went ringing away till morning.
Blue Blossom and Molly Bruno started the play by
Blue Blossom took delight in making the song as ludicrous as possible. While the Professor felt a pang of embarrassment, he braved it through and chose Nettie Sowers to take his place in the chair. Then the tune changed to:
By this time the Professor's embarrassment had worn away; and he, too, marched around the chair, with Nettie Sowers hanging on his arm. The marching was kept up until all in the crowd had been chosen in the play. The song was changed to suit the circumstances, which added to the merriment of the young people.
At this time Walter Lawson made his advent among the party, and he became acquainted with Nettie Sowers. Cupid then set himself to work for the union of loving hearts. It seemed as though the Professor would be without company; but Ada Morgan, as lovely a creature as ever the sun shone upon, clung to him like a humming bird clings to a sweet flower. Youthful ambition, filled with pride, made love among the revelers as sweet as could be.
Professor White, from Weasel Peak, was there, looking rather wan, thinking that he was growing old, and that no beautiful lass had ever picked him off the parental tree, although he had exchanged lovely smiles with many a charming lass.
Jason Thomas was also there; and he had shown a preference for Nettie
Sowers, having escorted her home on several occasions. He was quite a
gallant among the fair sex. But Walter Lawson was the idol of Nettie
Sowers, and she had a far-away look in her dreamy eyes which seemed to
say, "I will follow thee where angels fear to tread,"
which was the expression of her great attachment to him; and the golden
cord of love united them in the holy bonds of wedlock. They were married
at the Sowers home, and the infare was sumptuous, having been prepared
with great care by their many loving friends. Nearly all the youngsters
of the neighborhood had planned a charivari for the night of the
wedding. A great many of them gathered to
At the party the Professor was alert, and he engaged Molly Bruno's company for the future. It had been some time since he had heard the rumbling mill grinding the precious grain which lent enchantment to his soul and visions of happiness to his dreams. However, Blue Blossom escorted Molly home.
Molly Bruno could not slight the Professor, on account of her parents, as
they thought so much of him; and they had great fears of the chivalrous
spirit
Again peace and quietude reigned in Jackville, while the rumbling mill ground away and the fiery liquid went trickling around through the worm of the still.
On East Mill Creek lived a man named "Jacob Fillmore," who made frequent excursions to the enchanting banks of West Mill Creek. He loved the fiery "netar." Once he climbed the pipe through which water was forced to the second story of the distillery. He went in and filled his demijohn with the precious fluid that lent enchantment to his soul and gave him wonderful imagination of spirits that inhabit the super-natural regions. While under this wonderful spell of enchanting elixir, he rolled a lot of saw logs down a hill. They bounded and leaped into the creek below; but when the magic spell was at an end, he had to replace the timbers upon the mossy bluff whence they came.
There also lived in this vicinity a man named "Cecil Yockaby," whose eyes were becoming dimmed by age. He had his eyesight tested by an oculist. He was told by the oculist that his sight was pretty good, but that he needed glasses. When Yockaby went across the way and took on seven glasses, he declared that he could see double; and all believed it, for on going home he said to his son: "Ristie, Ristie, if that big rock down there is a sow, go and drive her up!" The young man smiled and suspected "snakes."
As the days grew shorter and the nights grew longer, the pupils on East Stillwater grew anxious for a spelling match. The teacher, Jason Minor, to please the wily urchins, permitted them to announce to, Professor Cunningham's school that there would be a spelling match at their schoolhouse on Wednesday night. The teacher little suspected the difficulties attending such occasions, not being acquainted with the eccentricities of the people. The night came, and a large crowd was assembled to greet the teacher. Professor Cunningham brought Molly Bruno, and Blue Blossom came without a partner. The "Gray Cats " and the Jackvillians were there; the Wolf Creekites and the "'Calamus Eaters '' (from Brush Creek) were also there. All any one had to say to the Brush Creek boys was "calamus," and they were ready to fight. They used calamus as perfume for their breath.
Some of the mischievous ones refused to engage in the spelling match,
reserving their time for fun. John Shular* and Lottie Bowman chose the
spellers, after having determined by lot who should have the first
choice. Soon the spellers were all chosen, and they
It is enough to say that nobody was killed, and that the house was left standing. The teacher migrated to a Western clime and there became Auditor of State. The noted "buckle" speller afterwards became a scholar and a "Hardshell" Baptist minister. He debated with Rev. Conner, a Campbellite minister, and Breant rather got the best of the argument. Both loved the Lord, but the shell of the one was about as hard as the shell of the other, only the one drank all the wine and ate all the bread, to the exclusion of the other; such was the ministering of the sacramental emblems.
At this time Dr. Rudasel had settled on the Chalk farm and established the Lutheran Church, dispensing both theology and physic. He began making inroads on the wily revelers from the east of Jackville; and as the old bellman gives to the bell its sweet, sonorous tones on each succeeding Lord's day, memory recalls his good work. Dr. Rudasel lived a long and peaceful life; and although he has now passed into that deep sleep that knows no waking, he has left a path of glory in the sky.
By this time the nation had grown great and powerful, with but little
agitation, save over the slavery question and the annexation of Texas.
In this weird place the annexation fever was strong. At the presidential
election only one Whig vote was cast in Jackson Township; and Polk, who
was elected President, sent to Jackville by Ned Hanigan a box of
"Old Virginia" cigars for that township's
being the banner Democratic town-
The old muster was still an order of the day; but its interest was
waning, owing to the power of the nation. There was now to be one more
great muster. It was along in the year 1856. George White's
farm, on Coal Creek, near the capital of Fountain County, was the
appointed place of muster. Harris Reynolds took great pains in arousing
his patriots for the occasion. Duart Cunningham, who was now famed for
his erudition, and who was drifting into politics, was chosen to make
one of his famous addresses, which savored of the Utopian. This was the
grandest muster of all, in which Montgomery County took no little part.
Bands of all kinds made the martial music of the day. Bass drums, snare
drums, fifes, and everything else that could sound a patriotic note
contributed to the din. Jackville went, with its patriots, troopers, and
gay lassies. There were jolly men in their beautifully-colored sashes
and their long-used muskets, which "Uncle Sam" had so
generously furnished them. Blue Blossom rode his black charger, and
Professor Cunningham rode as guest of honor. They arrived early in the
day, so as to muster in the forenoon. Summers was there with his
company, looking as grand as the famous six hundred at the battle of
Thermopylae. Harris Reynolds was commander in chief. He rode about the
While the muster was proceeding in the morning, Professor Cunningham availed himself of the opportunity to escort Molly Bruno and Ada Morgan around the grounds and treat them to the delicious fruits and candies. He was tall, of a commanding stature; and his peaceful bearing gave him great dignity.
The noon hour soon came; and the dressed beef, as sweet as venison, which
was roasted over the fire in the good old way, was ravenously eaten.
This was the last muster, and the guns were to be turned in to
"Uncle Sam," who would keep them for a future
emergency. Professor Cunningham was to make this patriotic address. This
gave Blue Blossom an opportunity to pay his respects to Molly Bruno,
which he did with the air of a king. His plump form was beautiful; his
cheeks were fair, tinged with the glow of youth; and when on his flying
charger, he looked like a chivalrous knight. It seemed as though his
path were redolent with clover. The people surmised that he would get
the better of Professor Cunningham, although Mr. Bruno and his wife were
against him--a good omen, however, for an objecting parent is generally
foiled in the end. Whether the Lord wills it or not, I cannot say; but
happiness is life in this short realm of nature before that deep sleep
out of which no sleeper awakes. Cupid's fiery dart, springing
from an endless
When the programme was over, the patriots marched around and stacked the old firelocks, to be put into wagons and taken to the capital of Fountain County. The people returned to their homes, sorrowful, after having abandoned this old work which their remote ancestors had established and which was pronounced a quick medicine for an offending foe. On returning home, all believed that the nation was safe with such a patriotic spirit prevalent among the people.
Again winter was at hand, the earth being covered with snow; and the
jolly youngsters began to enjoy the fruits of their labors. The whirring
vehicles had not
The time came for the young folks to go home. The gentlemen assisted the
ladies with their wraps. When Blue Blossom went to get his hat, it was
gone; no search could reveal its whereabouts. It seemed that it was the
trick of a slighted lover. But Blue Blossom was not to be outdone. He
drew from his pocket a red bandanna, tied it around his head, and away
he and Molly Bruno went for home, scudding along over the snow to the
music of tinkling bells. His black charger seemed to
"Molly, will you not give me your entire attention?" asked Blue Blossom.
"Mr. Oliver, that would mean the destruction of our courtship," replied Molly, very kindly. "You know papa's great friendship for Professor Cunningham, who is a very good man; and I have kept his companyvto hide my love for you from lny father."
"For God's sake, Molly! Am I destroying your hap- piness?" asked Blue Blossom.
"No; not at all, Mr. Oliver," said Molly.
"Then some day I will come and claim you as mine," said Blue Blossom.
Molly made no reply, for her kind heart had passed through many trying ordeals.
Blue Blossom arrived safely at home, victorious over his rival.
The Professor convoyed Ada Morgan home, and Robley Huts escorted Clara Shanks.
The proverb, "All is fair in love and war," seemed to
be the rule with these rivals. The vernal days were here; the lovely
rays of the sun fell upon the earth, bringing Nature to the fullness of
her glory. The birds in the trees sung songs of love to the awaking
bulbs of never-dying flowers. The warmth of the spring days melted
youthful hearts into loving passion, and
There is generally a long quiet before a storm. The elements,
counteracting each other, bring about a great calm, broken only by a
gentle zephyr; but as warm winds begin to blow from the south, the
rifting, gray clouds arise from the western horizon, thickening and
gathering, filled from the fountain of waters. At certain intervals
great agitation arose over the slavery question, threatening to deluge
the land. The famous Dred Scott decision by Judge Taney in 1857
electrified some of the Northern States, which passed personal-liberty
laws, declaring void that decision, or, in other words, nullifying it.
This was a part of the work of the "Know-nothing"
party, so called from their great silence, at once calling to mind the
proverb: "Still water runs deep." This party formed an
organization the purpose of which was to carry escaping negroes to the
Dominion of Canada. The mode of transportation was called "The
Underground Railroad." It was soon well organized, with
conductors and stations and a few emissaries promoting their traffic.
The Democratic party stood by the decision of Judge Taney and objected
to this mode of procedure. It took a long time for the
An escaping negro was seen in the woods east of Alamo by Ira Compton, who
was hunting. Sugar Creek was swollen, by reason of recent rains. Compton
pretended that he would capture the negro, who plunged into the stream
above a large drift and swam to the
The Constitution of the United States and the ordinance for the government of the territory northwest of the Ohio River contained clauses for the arrest and return of fugitives from labor, but the Northern people did not like the business. The first fugitive slave law was enacted in 1793, the penalty for harboring or secreting a slave being five hundred dollars. The question of greater protection to slaveholders was before the United States Congress in 1796 and in 1801; and from 1817 to 1822 still further efforts were made, but nothing was done until 1848. How great a loss the Southern States sustained by this institution will never be known. John A. Quitman, once Governor of Mississippi, declared that under the Act of 1793 the State of Mississippi had lost thirty million dollars by the one hundred thousand slaves abducted in 1850. The penalty for harboring a slave was increased to one thousand dollars, but still the practice went on. While this increased penalty gave some satisfaction to the South, it was most galling to some of the Northern States.
It is said that the name "underground railroad"
originated with Tice Davids, of Kentucky. He was pursuing a slave; and
the slave very suddenly disappear-
The mysterious organization referred to had its president, who gave orders and kept the machinery in motion. Levi Coffin, for thirty years reputed president of the road, was perhaps more widely known than any other man in the service. His house, at Fountain City, Ind., was a central station for three roads from the Ohio River. There were men who sought out trusty individuals, to whom they would send printed notices of the organization of a new road and ask them to be ready to receive visitors at any hour of the night. In order to secure their safety they were informed as to who kept the next station. Between 1842 and 1862 over one thousand fugitives passed over one of these roads to Canada, where the abolition sentiment was strong. The road spread out like a great vine, drawing the runaways to combined centers. There was gener- ally a written statement sent in advance of the fugitive caravan, such as the following:
"ROCKVILLE, Saturday Morning. "Jonathan Bowls: Business is arranged for Saturday night. .Be on the lookout; and, if possible, come with a wagon to meet the train. DODGE."
"Dear Fisher: Uncle Jack says that if the weather is fair, look for those three fleeces of black wool to- morrow night. Send them to the nearest market. No back charges. Yours, JINKS."
Some of the letters stated the number of passengers as "three sacks of black wool," etc. Each section had its own signs. At Oberlin, O., there hung out, from an upper window of the home of Rev. John Rankin, the life-size picture of a runaway negro. Disguising the slaves played an important part in their escape. Wigs, bonnets, veils, powders, and the like were extensively used. Such things as these in such a Democratic stronghold as Jackville would naturally arouse the ire of the people, and especially when these things came under their own observation. To-day many beautiful stories are told of the escapades and of the sly schemes, which were not so pleasant to all concerned. Some had to lose in human chattels, and none gained, save the poor black man who had fled for his freedom. Some of these scenes were weird and full of dramatic interest.
In 1858 a mulatto girl about twenty years old, neat and comely and
possessed of some education, reached the home of John Speed, of
Crawfordsville, Ind. She was secreted in the garret over the old log,
kitchen, where fugitives were usually kept when there was danger. Owing
to the presence of her pursuers in the neighborhood she had to remain
there several days. Suspicion finally rested on Mr. Speed. He began to
receive visits from strange men, who came to inquire the price of live
stock, and remained to catch a glimpse, if possible, of the escaped
slave. The girl's place of hiding was seen to be no longer
safe; so one
The men who risked so much in this contraband contented themselves with
the idea that they were obeying a higher law than the one they were
violating. The dividing line between the free and the bond was known as
"Mason and Dixon's line." These wretched
people cut many capers on reaching Canada. They laughed, they cried,
they kissed the earth, and they embraced
In the Democratic stronghold of Jackville the people naturally
sympathized with their brethren in the South, and no little malice was
slumbering in the deep recesses of their hearts. Dr. Rudasel was still
doing his good work at the Lutheran Church. On one occasion, after
services, the pious Professor was promenading with Molly Bruno. Blue
Blossom still maintained his stately air; and, on meeting the Professor
and Molly, he slightly tipped his hat and courteously said:
"Good morning!" Molly, under the surveillance of her
father, with a sweet smile, said: "Good morning, Mr.
Oliver!" She well knew that Blue Blossom would understand the
situation. Molly's actions toward the Professor served to
satisfy her father, who was a quiet, good man, overanxious in regard to
the suitors of his daughter. Blue Blossom joined Ada Morgan, and the
quartet strolled through the beautiful cemetery, where some of the old
settlers lay at rest. A budding rose, a blooming flower, now and then
grew upon the grassy mounds that marked their silent resting places.
These beautiful flowers recalled the vigor of the youthful days of those
who had long ago passed away; and as the party surrounded the grave of
Clara Shanks and the once beautiful Nettie Sowers, tears started from
their eyes as they thought of the tragic end of both these girls. A
Robley Huts and Elsie McClain joined the party, and they strolled along
to the bubbling spring, where circling little waves played against the
green, interlacing water cress lying along the shady little stream. At
this place, which appeared like a haven of dreams, they abode for a time
and talked of the masterly sermon of Dr. Rudasel. He was quite
proficient in the
By this time Blue Blossom had made a swing in the boughs of a tree, and was swinging Ada Morgan in his gentle, childlike manner.
"Ah," said Molly Bruno, in her heart, "that is life. Away with cold philosophy for me! I love the simplicity of nature."
Age had given the Professor his sedentary habits and deep turn of mind,
which Molly Bruno detested. She arose and asked the Professor to excuse
her while she took a swing with Ada Morgan. Molly seated herself in the
swing, and Blue Blossom gently swung her and Ada, Blue
Blossom's heart beat with ardor, as he whis-
A whip-poor-will announced the setting of the sun, when comes night's sable curtain upon the earth and bids repose to the weary world. The party then made their way along the rippling brook, by the old church, toward home. "Good-by," "Good-by" was echoed from lover and lass; and they strolled along leisurely, hand in hand, to where abide the blessings of peace.
Rumors of war had been heard in Jackville over the great slavery
question, which was constantly growing warmer. The election of 1860
showed to the world the growing strength of modern thought. Men preached
according to the dominant idea of the people of the locality in which
they lived; none dared to enter a community and teach any other than the
political ideas cherished by its people. The nation's troubles
were not theirs, where sectionalism was dominant, unless forced to take
a part by the grim hand of power. Agitation after agitation in the
United States Congress finally led to secession and dissolution, which
was bound to affect Jackville, which was like the little republic of
Switzerland. The name of the post offie at this place was now changed to
"Wallace," by the Governor of the State, giving to it
his own name. Later, by an Apt of the Legislature, the town was given
the same name; but it still retains its prehistoric name,
"Jackville." The call of the President of the United
States for troops was not respected. Still, the storm cloud was
gathering and lowering. The elements were full of the fiery fumes of
war. The aurora
Harris Reynolds, the great Democratic hero of the day, was looked upon as the guardian and protector of Jackville. He was consulted on all occasions. He was sometimes abused, but he was still master of the situation; and he was the greatest distiller in the community.
The South, to meet the ravages of the "Underground Railroad," had instituted the "Acorn," with signs and passwords. The members were known by the Republican party as "Knights of the Golden Circle." It had spread out until it had reached this rural place, and had grown wonderful in magnitude. In this great struggle, owing to their political faith, the scriptural prophecy of setting father against son and brother against brother was being fulfilled. The "Acorn," like a great sponge, absorbed all those of the same political party for miles around, keeping in touch with the chief orders in the cities of Terre Haute, Indianapolis, and Chicago. This organization was not against the government; but its chief purpose was to stop the secret transportation of 'slaves. However, it was fast turning to self-interest, its' members using it to protect themselves against being drafted and forced into the war against their will.
Professor Cunningham still taught the growing youth
Jacob Riley Dodge was wealthy and rugged, and was rather a peculiar man for the times. He visited his sweetheart one Sunday evening; and, on meeting her father, he introduced himself as "Mr. Jacob Riley Dodge, son of old Jake, who tans his own leather and makes his own shoes." To be sure, this pleased the gray-haired sire.
The noble William Allen-a man of profound wisdom and courage--with his loud nasal twang, still expounded the gospel at Wolf Creek Church. He taught, preached, and set the example of a servant of God. "Auld Lang Syne" and "Nearer, My God, to Thee," broke the stillness of many a Sabbath morning. As the songs were sung with the quaver of long meter, they beset the soul with visions of love.
Blue Blossom and Molly Bruno went over to Wolf Creek to church, and the
good old Baptist minister bade them a happy "Good
morning!" He was a great admirer of Mr. Bruno. They enjoyed the
day in the lovely valley of Wolf Creek, never dreaming of the noted
events that might take place there in time to come. The wild and
rippling stream went running and splashing and dashing through its
channel of time. In their happy rambles and gentle conversation, Blue
Blos-
Molly Bruno, with a heaving breast, responded: "Mr. Oliver, as Eve became unto Adam, so I would become unto thee."
These words rendered their hearts tender and thoughtful. Blue Blossom sought to win the good will of Mr. Bruno, who was so attached to Professor Cunningham.
The next wind from the east wafted to this locality news of the bombardment of Fort Sumter. A call for volunteers came from the President of the United States. A few in these rural haunts responded. In a short time some of them deserted the cause, and officers came searching the country for them. This agitated the people. The "Acorn" was in full blast, and its members discussed the situation in their secret meetings. As the nation fell short of men, the draft Act became a law; and the riots in the streets of New York raised dissatisfaction in many places. In this place the people became desperate, as they desired to take no part in the rebellion. Professor Cunningham was called upon many times to make speeches on the question of the rights of the people and on constitutional law, and he moved the people with his eloquence.
Thus things went from bad to worse. William
The friends of "Old Hickory" erected a hickory pole in the heat of the campaign in memory of the sainted old war horse of New Orleans. The weather becoming cool, Riley Osborn went out one morning to cut the pole down for wood. Squire Hybarger, having awakened from his peaceful slumbers, discovered the transgressor in his rash act and discharged his trusty six-shooter at Osborn, who hastily retreated.
The increased revenue on whisky also bore heavily upon the people and caused dissatisfaction.
Mr. Bruno was still running the mill, and the Professor had a longing for the enchanting music of the mill and the loving heart of the beautiful miller, whose every charm fascinated his soul. Molly Bruno received him with courtesy, and the distant, murmuring sounds of the mill caused them to reflect on the primeval days of the world. Mr. Bruno did all the distilling, making the fiery "elixir of life" go coursing its way through the worm of the still. The Professor spoke to Molly of the troublesome war; but she--sweet darling!--gave it no thought, for her mind was upon her work and the simple pleasures of life.
The government had sent John McBailey, an enrolling officer, into
Jackville, preparatory to the draft. Oppo-
In those days it was not uncommon to see men wearing butternut breastpins, revealing their party affiliation; and many a hard-fought fisticuff took place over the snatching of a butternut breastpin from its wearer. In many cases the courts were called upon to decide these cases, bringing into court this paraphernalia of butternuts, large and small. Especially was this true in Montgomery County, where the soldiers relieved some civilians of these breastpins. Samuel Wilson defended the civilians; Gen. Lew. Wallace defended the soldiers. The court acquitted the latter. Mr. Morgan was taken to Crawfordsville, where he was the center of attraction about the halls of justice until he was released. Aside from his political sympathies, he was considered a model man.
Jacob Riley Dodge met a man one day. Desiring to know if the man belonged to the "Golden Circle" and forgetting the day sign, he asked: "Do you see that star?"
"No," said the man; "I don't see any star here in the daytime."
Dodge turned away, determined to study more closely the workings of nebulous matter.
Blue Blossom worked hard at his occupation, contentedly trying to earn a
competency for two. As he
Professor Cunningham, being desirous to know his future life, called upon
a fortune teller. She took some cards and shuffled them; then she dealt
them to interpret the signs. Always, on nearing the queens, there seemed
to be some one appearing in a dark shadow. The wizard interpreted this
to mean opposition; but life seemed bright and lovely, as his token was
always associated with the kings and other high cards. So she revealed
these things to him, as the ancient astrologers revealed them to the
people; but she intimated that by persistent effort he might be able to
remove the shadow and overcome his rival. Then, with all his magnetic
powers, he began his suit. Being blessed with a good salary, he was able
to be more stylish and to have more of the luxuries of life than his
rustic rival. As he was a constant reader, he had a great many beautiful
stories at his command; and VMolly Bruno, perchance, had listened to
almost all of them, as the old log fire had glowed and sputtered and
sparkled, casting their silhouette upon the wall. Perhaps old Father
Bruno had watched this flickering sheen and dreamed dreams of their
future happiness. He could see them going down through those enchanted
bow-
The draft Act was the talk of the day, and many declared that they would
never go to war. To assist the Union cause, George Lay, from near
Waveland, talked of establishing Union lodges in Jackson Township, which
the Jackvillians interpreted as meaning to assist in enrolling the men
for the draft; so they gave him notice to keep away. Flame added to
flame, until there was a furnace of fury. Captain Budd, from Judson, and
George Lay, with the home guards, came over, looking for deserters. They
stopped at the home of Captain Summers and demanded breakfast, but no
deserters were found. The soldiers tore down his corn pens, fed in the
yard, and threw five hundred bushels of corn upon the ground. They then
commanded little Frankey Summers to show them the way to a
neighbor's, where they thought the deserters were hiding.
Frankey refused to go; whereupon they pushed him against the wall; stuck
their bayonets, close to his neck, into the wall; and bore them together
against his
In a neighboring town lived a noted attorney, who was hunted for
belonging to the "Acorn." The sol-
It seemed that the climax would now come,, so desperate had the situation
become. Godlove S. Orth had been nominated for the United States
Congress by the Republicans, and he had set a date to speak in
Jackville, which was against the wishes of the Democratic party. The day
came, and Orth arrived, filled with the "oil of joy"
to nerve him to withstand the wily "Acorn" men. At
every sound of his voice there was a hiss or a groan. Then came shouts
for Reynolds. Orth was completely overwhelmed, and asked Reynolds to
speak; but Reynolds declined. Finally he was persuaded to speak. Orth
might have known better, for Reynolds was a man of convictions and was
as brave as a lion. At every echo of his voice came cheer after cheer,
and Orth was listening. Reynolds declared that rather than have the
people go to war he would see every sprig of grass in Jackville wet with
their blood. This was an echo of the sentiment of the people. On
returning to Lafayette, Orth had Reynolds arrested. This only added fuel
to the flames. Colonel McManaway, who came to arrest Reynolds, could not
find him. Reynolds had got
The next morning Reynolds appeared, and he and Colonel McManaway started to Indianapolis. They had gone but a short distance, when Reynolds stopped at the home of Mr. Shular to get some "nervine." Mr. Shular was not at home, but Mrs. Shular told Reynolds that she had some fresh and good "nervine" in the smokehouse, and that he could help himself.
Seeing that Reynolds was greatly troubled, Mrs. Shular asked him: "Mr. Reynolds, where are you going?"
"To heaven, I hope; but to h--l, I suppose," replied Reynolds.
Owing to the pressure of the times, Blue Blossom could not get to see Molly Bruno as often as usual, and it seemed as if the Professor would win her; but when Blue Blossom did get to see her, the sun shone brighter and the earth was filled with joy. Mr. Bruno, who seemed not to understand the fervency of love, was pleased that Blue Blossom saw Molly so seldom.
One bright Sabbath morning Blue Blossom, in passing Mr. Bruno's, saw Molly sitting in a commodious swing. "Good morning, Molly! " said he.
"Good morning, Mr. Oliver!" she responded, joyfully. "Come in and enjoy a swing."
"No, darling; I'd rather take a walk," responded Blue Blossom.
"Your choice is my pleasure, Mr. Oliver," said Molly; and, putting on her bonnet, she tripped along and met him at the gate for a ramble.
As in all ages lovers, have desired to be alone, where the deep truths of
affection may reveal the mystic ways of happiness, so it was in this
case. Here Blue Blossom told Molly, in an open declaration of his soul,
that some day he would come and claim her as his own: and he asked her
to be faithful to him. Her sweet lips were pressed to his lips with the
true seal of love. They returned by the mill, where she had often ground
the golden grain and sung sweet songs to the
"Good-by, Molly! " said Blue Blossom; and, with a gentle clasp of her hand, he departed.
Molly, with a faint heart, leaned upon the gate and watched his departing form fade slowly out of sight. That picture lingered with her for some time after he had gone.
The election that fall was disastrous to Orth. Through the advice of
Reynolds, the Democrats tried to get all the Republicans to vote before
noon; and at noon Reynolds showed his hospitality by taking the members
of the election board home for dinner. The ballot box was placed in a
front room, the doors were closed and locked, and the board was soon
enjoying Reynolds' sumptuous dinner. While this was taking
place, two confederates (John C------ and Clinton R-----), with a
duplicate key, entered the front door, opened the ballot box, took out
all the Republican votes, and put in as many Democratic votes. They then
retired, locking the door behind them. Four more Republicans voted after
dinner. One of this number put his folded ticket into his pocket, and,
on reaching in after it, pulled out his road receipt and voted it,
leaving but three votes for Godlove S. Orth. "The way of the
transgressor is hard," but Orth was thought
All sectional strife was put away, the "hatchet" was buried, and the men began to form companies. Some of them marched west of the village to a place known as the "fox field," and rumor said that they wore their coats wrong side out so as to recognize each other.
Mr. Summers, with three hundred men, went to Rockville to muster. They were ordered to leave, and not to return, by the home guards, as though they were the guardians of the city; but in six weeks they returned, eleven hundred strong, marched about the city, discharged their artillery into a high bank, reloaded, marched to the city, and awed the home guards to silence with their magic firelocks.
Professor Cunningham became a more frequent caller at Mr.
Bruno's, taking the news of the war and the troubles of the
people. He entertained the old gentleman with public affairs; he
entertained Molly with heartfelt love. In their evening strolls Molly
and the Professor visited the little village, where they saw the men in
crowds standing on the platforms and corners of the streets discussing
the dreadful times. The Professor accented his
"p's" and "q's"
with perfect stress, he being a good linguist. As they walked home,
Molly held the Professor's arm, and their heads slightly
inclined toward each other. Sweet were the words of
While Mr. Reynolds was in Indianapolis, his friends sent him plenty to
eat and drink, and the ladies sent him Bibles and other literature,
affording him plenty of entertainment and comfort. Governor Morton sent
for him, and he took dinner with the Governor. The Governor offered him
the command of a regiment in the army if he would take it, but he
declined the honor. The provost marshal, Garland Rose, gave Reynolds a
great deal of liberty, taking him about town, introducing him to the
public men, and giving him brandy toddies and cocktails. He met
Exgovernor Willard, and spent a social time with him. The provost
marshal, after taking several brandy toddies, became intoxicated. He
gave Reynolds the key to the prison and asked him to take him (the
provost marshal) home, which Reynolds did. thereby becoming both provost
marshal and prisoner. He went to the prison, and the guard refused to
let him in. Reynolds, being a good talker, asked the guard to let him
try the key in the door. Finally the guard let him try, thinking that he
was fooling him. Reynolds, as shrewd as an expert, put the key in the
lock, swung the great door in a jiffy and leaped in, closing the door
after him. The door was so heavy that one man could hardly open
The enrolling officer demanded forty-seven men from Jackson Township, which was twice as many men as were asked of any other township; and these people served notice on George Lay not to meddle any more with them, which he resented.
McBailey, after being run away from Jackville, went to Hillsboro and formed a company. One day, while drilling his men north of town, some of them took a fife and a snare drum and went away out in the bushes and began to play, when McBailey shouted: "Attention, boys! Attention! The enemy is now upon us; and if you have to retreat, retreat honorably; for I am going now."
Rev. Jonathan Vancleave had preached against the war, and the rumor got
out that the soldiers were going to kill him. The
"Acorn" men commenced to get their things together for
the next Lord's day. Rev. Vancleave went to Waynetown, as
usual, and began preaching. The "Acorn " men arrived
from Jackville, with their guns in a wagon covered with hay. They left a
guard in the wagon and proceeded to the
It was about this time that Squire Bell, of Montgomery County, went down into Fountain County and united in marriage Eal Blackford and a young lady of that county. In a few days the lordly Squire learned that his commission did not extend beyond the bounds of his own county; so he hastened down to see the parties and requested them to be reunited, as they were not legally married. On being sent for, Squire Hybarger came and solemnized the rite with the lordly air of a judge.
Many a peculiar incident took place during those times. One nervy
Republican, who was muscular and brave, carried missiles with which to
whip Democrats; and on starting to town one day, his elder son ran to
Men began to be on the lookout for officers, and the young girls and
their lovers were often estranged by the fears incident to war. They
agreed to have a picnic at Shady Nook, which was a kind of trysting
place for lovers. The well-filled baskets of the pretty lassies were
sure to satisfy the strong appetites of their lovers. When the day of
the picnic arrived, Professor Cunningham escorted Molly Bruno to the
shady dells. Julius Harlow, Samuel Bruner, Robley Huts, Ada Morgan,
Elsie McClain, Abby Hybarger, and the other old chums of former days
were there. Blue Blossom, with his jollity, joined the crowd. It seemed
to be a reunion of lover and lass, who gave utterance to their
all-absorbing sentiment, while the older people talked of the war. Molly
Bruno longed for a conversation with Blue Blossom; but the cunning
Professor would give her no opportunity, for he feared the charming
words of the heroic knight. However, Blue Blossom joined Ada Morgan, the
pretty damsel, whose soul was full of childish glee. Through her he
thought to master the situation. After the repast, Ada Morgan asked
Molly Bruno to take a walk to a shady cove, where Blue Blossom was in
waiting for them. They walked away happily, hand in hand. In this calm
and sweet retreat love unfolded its mystic ways and renewed its fervor;
true hearts blended their inward
The tide of feeling now ran high; the breakers dashed and tossed with
fury; the dense clouds thickened; and Jove's forked lightning
flashed, each vivid flash revealing in the elements the approach of an
angry storm. The powers came together with terrific force, to be poured
forth with wonderful vengeance upon the foe. The leaders of the
"Acorn" met and determined to chastise George Lay.
They put the matter before the oracle, who advised them not to do so,
giving good reason for his advice. But reason gave place to spleen, and
the inevitable came to pass. David R-----, James H-----, Watson Black,
Edward Sipes, and many others, after loitering at the fountain of
"booze," could have met a Napoleon or a Wellington on
the highroad to battle. 'Strapping on their trusty six-shooters
and shouldering their fowling pieces, they mounted their cavalry steeds,
and away they went to the scene of conflict, intent on having
satisfaction for the past. A faint "Halloo!" as from
the voice of a neighbor, failed to bring the wily George Lay from his
castle. Then a council of war was held, and they determined to break in
the door, which had been made as secure
They filled the grave, tramped down, the earth, and put the sod back like it was before, leaving the grave without a mound; they then carried the remaining dirt and threw it into the creek, so as to leave no trace of their mysterious work.
The home guard came from Rockville, looking for deserters; and while
riding across a ravine, Edward Sipes, a deserter from the Union Army,
shot and killed
Captain Bud, hearing of the battle at George Lay's, came over with his regulators to demand peace and hunt up the perpetrators of the deed. Marion A----- had shot Lay, and himself had received a cheek wound. He was suspected; and Captain Bud tried all means to get him to divulge the secret, offering him clemency for the offense; but he would not tell anything. He was a true knight. Captain Bud then ordered his men to weigh Marion A----- by the Indian method. The men got a rope, put it around his neck, and swung him up to a little water-beech tree, which leaned over, making a graceful curve, as though rendering its obeisance in prayer. They let him down occasionally to see if the time was ripe for a confession, but he gave them no information. They hanged him until he was virtually dead, but he would reveal nothing; so they let him go, limp and lifeless, as they thought. Almost immediately that part of the tree above where the soldiers put the rope died, leaving the part below alive. It remained in this condition for many years, being known as "the tree of mystery." It aroused the superstition of the people, who supposed that the Lord had cursed the tree on account of Captain Bud's rash act.
Captain Bud then went to Henry Roach's. There his men committed
some depredations, and he sent some of them on to Jackville. They had
not been gone long
The draft Act was now in effect, and the wrath of some was great. Blue Blossom was drafted, and he was sad at heart, because he would be taken away from his fiancee. He had not seen her for a long time; and while he was getting ready to go to the war (for he was not able to hire a substitute), he contemplated visiting her.
Sunday morning was bright and lovely. The sun rose like a great disk of
gold, and every living creature seemed eager to drink its mellow
sweetness. Molly Bruno had heard of Mr. Oliver's being drafted,
and she was sad and lonely. She did not feel the light of the glorious
morning; she was living in the thoughts of the future. She arose early,
thinking that probably she would never see Mr. Oliver again. Her heart
was full of melancholy and sadness. She could not be content; so she put
on her bonnet and strolled across the fields toward Wolf Creek. In a few
moments Blue Blossom came along and inquired of Mrs. Bruno concerning
Molly. Mrs. Bruno told him that Molly had just gone toward the falls of
Wolf Creek. Blue Blossom mounted his horse, fearing that something was
wrong, and hastened to Wolf Creek,
"Mr. Oliver," said Molly, "I feared that I would never see you again, and I could never be happy."
"Fear not, Molly," said Blue Blossom. "If God permits, I'll keep my vow. I am drafted, but I trust in God to save me. I must go to-morrow, and I wanted to spend a day with you. Cheer up, darling! Think no harm, and hope for the best."
"Mr. Oliver," said Molly, "my trust is all in you; and when you vanish from me, the day is dark and gloomy."
"Molly," said Blue Blossom, gently, "let us go away from this dismal place to your father's house."
Arm in arm, the two strolled along, Blue Blossom leading his Arabian horse. The horse seemed to know their loving thoughts.
On reaching Molly's home, Blue Blossom hitched his horse to the fence, where it had often stood before; and they seated themselves in the nursery swing beneath the great elm, whose leafy boughs spread their shade for yards around. Ada Morgan came over to bid Blue Blossom good-by, and she seated herself by them.
Like cooing doves, Blue Blossom and Molly spent the day. It seemed that
they could never part, but the government's orders must be
obeyed. As the twilight
Things seemed to be getting worse, and the government sent a company of soldiers to Jackville. As they came from Crawfordsville, they camped in Fountain County, on Elijah Clare's farm, where they shot their guns and stabbed the trees with their bayonets, frightening the natives with their deviltry; and they sent spies into the weird old village. The Jackvillians, hearing of them, decamped to the brakes and hills adjacent to the town. The soldiers went on to Jackville the next day, camping in Lewis Grims' pasture. They shot into the trees and banks with their big guns, whose sound went roaring and echoing and reverberating through the forest, causing a slight fear to come over many an heroic man. They were now in a land of spirits, and perhaps they loved to be under the strange spell of flickering images.
The "Acorn" men met and determined on attacking the soldiers. It seemed as though the district of Jackville would secede from the Union. The "Acorn" men sent out messengers to all the country round, crying: "O, Coon! O, Coon!" Many a gray-haired sire shook his head as he was notified of the approaching crisis. However, they got seven hundred of the rangers together at Lusk's Deadening, and called on Harris Reynolds to address them and assume command. Reynolds sent word to John K. Davis, of Rockville, to come up and address them. As the people came, the echo of "Halt!" "Bang!" resounded throughout the neighborhood. "See that star, see that star!" was heard through the gloom of night, until it really appeared that the heavens were one eternal galaxy. Seven hundred men were soon in camp, with a good reserve. They had two barrels of whisky to steady their nerves, and an old wagon served as a speaker's stand.
About that time the "Acorn" met near Alamo, in Bunker's cooper shop, and Taylor Sering stood as sentinel. A man named "Absalom Gilkins," seeking to find out something about the order, came too near, and Sering cried: "Halt! Who goes there?" Gilkins started to run, and Sering fired, shooting Gilkins through the hand. Gilkins carried his hand in a sling--"nursing a boil," as tradition would have it.
Everybody cried for Reynolds, and he mounted the wagon and began to
speak. He advised the men not
John K. Davis came, and in a one-hour's speech he warned them not to fight the soldiers. He spoke from the rickety old wagon, which has gone down in history as the savior of one hundred Union men.
Reynolds marched with the men to Russell's Mill, where all disbanded, except eighty men, who were eager for a fight. They camped at Summers' for the night.
Reynolds stayed all night at Russell's Mill; and on going home
the next morning, he went by the way of Summers', where the
eighty men were camped. They received him rather coolly. He was the
Napoleon of the vine-clad hills. He bade them good morning in his usual
courteous way. A long tree lay upon the ground, having been uprooted by
a storm, and Reynolds said: "Boys, I want you to be in good
humor; I want you all to sit down on this log and take sacrament from
Reynolds was a seer of eld. His moving power was great, and well he knew it; and that was his reason for declining to lead the "Acorn" men in a massacre of the Union soldiers.
Blue Blossom was now at the front. He had fought in the battle of Shiloh, where twenty-five thousand Union men had lost their lives; but he had come out without a scratch, though many of his comrades were slain.
Professor Cunningham was on "flowery beds of ease." He
cared not whether "school kept or not," just so he was
with Molly Bruno. He was a frequent caller at the Bruno home. Molly
received him courteously; and she listened attentively to his recital of
the recent battles, of the casualties, and of the sick and wounded,
hoping that if Mr. Oliver was unfortunate she would hear of it. About
this time the Professor was able to get one of those Eastern vehicles
known as a "buggy," with which he was enabled to
escort Molly in stately style and whisper love in her ear. He never
forgot to press the matter of connubial felicity; and he sought to
fascinate her with his bountiful riches, his abundance with which to
keep her. This was all very
The mail had just arrived, and the battle of Shiloh was all the talk. Molly received a letter, postmarked "Shiloh, Tenn.," and away she went to her room to learn its contents in secret. The letter was as follows:
"B"Miss Molly Bruno.
ELOVED FRIEND: I am in camp. I have just been in a
terrible battle; thousands were slain, but I escaped without
any injury. Do not forget me, as I always think of you and
the happy day we spent in Wolf Creek Valley, where, before
Heaven, I made a vow to you. Darling, I think of you always.
Write soon.OHNNIE OLIVER."
After this letter was received, Molly still had hope; and the Professor had no great advantage over Blue Blossom, though he was far away. It was like receiving a message at the hands of an angel, the sound of whose vibrating pinions is sweet and soothing to the hearts of lovers.
A rumor was now going the rounds that soon the men would be arrested for
the rude chastising of George Lay. Many were fearful of the event; so
they went to consult Reynolds, the oracle, in regard to the matter. He
told them that there could be nothing done, except to effect a
compromise. A consultation was held, and they agreed to try that plan.
Reynolds was selected as the man to make the effort to compromise the
It began to rain while Reynolds and Mrs. Lay were talking at the door, and she said: "Pa, Mr. Reynolds seems to be a good man. Let us invite him in, out of the rain."
The long-sought opportunity had come. It appeared that the Lord was intervening in their behalf by sending a pleasant shower to bring about harmony and wash away their sins.
When in the house again, they conversed more freely; and Reynolds again
proposed to compromise the trouble, offering Lay seven hundred dollars
to release the men. This offer did not have the desired effect; so
Reynolds offered to throw in his trotting horse, Boxer. This
"knocked the persimmon." Lay's lawyer--Tom
Rice, of Rockville--was sent for, and everything was adjusted. The seven
hundred dollars and the horse, with an additional amount sufficient to
make two thousand dollars in all, were turned over, which the lawyer
eagerly received; and the troublesome fight was at an end.
Politics still ran high. The "Acorn" men had a meeting
at J. Risley's, in Terre Haute. There Reynolds met Judge
Secrets, of Green Castle, and many other prominent men from over the
State. The campaign of 1863 was coming on, and the Democrats met at
Indianapolis to nominate candidates and to consult for their best
interests. They nominated Joseph E. McDonald for Governor, and much
spleen and vindictive language was used in regard to the Republican
policy. Daniel Voorhees, with all his power, used his influence to allay
the restless people. Many of the leading "Acorn" men
of the State were there in close consultation. The plan of one Mr. Dodds
and a man from French Lick was to break into the armory and relieve the
prisoners of war. Rumor said that six Rebel generals were in hiding in
the city, but there was no verification of such a statement. Joseph
McDonald was apprised of these mysterious doings among some egotistic
fellows. He did not desire the beautiful city, in which he took so much
pride, to be torn up; so he informed Governor Morton, who had cannon
planted on the streets, some of them pointing toward the Capitol, so as
to awe the people to peace. A great many men from over the State, some
of them from Jackville, were arrested. This destroyed a great deal of
the force of the
Molly Bruno answered Blue Blossom's letter as follows: You cannot imagine how happy I was to hear from you and
to know that you were well. May God spare you to come
home with glory and honor. My life I trust with you.
Though the earth cease revolving, my thoughts will live
in you. Answer soon."My Dear Mr. Oliver:
OLLY BRUNO."
About that time one Philip Julien, a Republican and a resident of Montgomery County, went down to Wolf Creek to be initiated into the "Acorn." He was given the first degree. He was sworn to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Indiana, after which he was retired for further orders. A Mr. Clark, from Alamo then appeared upon the scene; and the further initiation was never given, and a cunning spy was defeated.
About that time some men near Alamo that belonged to the
"Acorn" were arrested by a United States officer and
taken to Crawfordsville. Mr. George Clark, the chief ruler, followed
them. He did not desire to see the men too badly treated; so he warned
the officers not to
About the same time Daniel Voorhees was offered five hundred dollars to make a speech below Mattoon, in Illinois; but he would not go unless Harris Reynolds would go with him. Reynolds, being a brave man, consented to go; so they got ready and started. When they got to Mattoon, where they had to change cars, they had to wait three hours for a train. They went to the hotel; and in fifteen minutes three hundred home guards visited them and gave them thirty minutes in which to leave town. This was a sad case.
"What shall we do?" asked Voorhees.
"We cannot leave town," replied Reynolds; "so we will just oil up our guns and sell ourselves as dearly as possible."
So they burnished their guns and peacefully awaited
When train time came, Voorhees again asked Reynolds what they would do, for it seemed dangerous to face such a howling foe.
"Get your grip and your gun ready," said Reynolds. "You walk before, and I'll walk behind; and I'll shoot the first man that lays hands on you."
They then started for the station through the howling crowd. None of the men attempted to touch them; for if they had, some of them would have "bit the dust." So they boarded the train and went on. When they arrived at the place, ten thousand people were assembled to hear the great orator of the Wabash. Everything terminated well, but such occasions might serve to raise and whiten the hair in a single moment.
The draft was now over, and forty-seven men of Jackville were gone. Some absconded, but most of them took a front seat on "Uncle Abe's band wagon," though the tide of the music was low. The soldiers were still at Jackville, using plenty of the "oil of joy." When they met a burgher that did not see things as they did, a few of them ran riot in the town. With this exception, they were good-natured.
Many moons passed, and the jolly regulators grew more in favor with the
people, as they imbibed the harmony of spirit and made merry with the
boys in their youthful days. There were fewer depredations, and the
One Mr. Parsons, who had volunteered early in the war, had come home on a furlough. After spending many happy days in the village, he was ready to return to the war. He was a good friend to Harris Reynolds, and asked Reynolds to take him to Crawfordsville on his return to the army. On their way to town Parsons stopped at Hiram Powell's, who was a stanch Union man, to get something to eat, leaving Reynolds in the wagon. He got two pies and two chickens. Then Powell asked him who was with him. He would not tell, and Powell started to the wagon with him. Reynolds, perceiving Powell's object, left the team standing in the road, threw a horse blanket over his head, and walked up the highway. Parsons drove after him with his luxuries, leaving Powell no wiser for his trouble.
Other difficulties began to make themselves manifest. The increasing-war debt caused an increase in the revenue on whisky, which bore heavily on the people of Jackville, who had paid but little revenue up to this time. It was about to break up the small distilleries, and many of the people devised plans by which they might evade the law. A great deal of traffic was carried on at night, which was known in a legal way as "moonshining."
Professor Cunningham, on a certain Sunday morning, went in his new buggy to take Molly Bruno to Wolf Creek to church. He drove up, alighted, hitched his horse, and went in. Molly met him on the piazza. He bowed courteously to her and invited her to accompany him to church. She accepted his invitation, and they were soon on the road. A crack of the whip on old Fleetfoot sent them jogging along at a pleasant gait. The Professor was fluent in the use of "big" words, and he spared no pains to use them. Molly was a good listener, and the Professor had things pretty much his own way. Presently they reached the church, where William Allen was in the midst of one of his big sermons. They soon went in and listened to, the trials and troubles of the apostles as narrated by the eloquent minister; but the Professor thought that it was all as nothing compared with the trials of his courtship. When the sermon was over, the kind-hearted old pastor went around and shook hands with them, invoking upon them the blessings of the Lord as he gave them his felicitous clasp of the hand.
The Professor and Molly were soon seated in the buggy and going toward
home. Molly was looking as beautiful as a lily. The Professor caused old
Fleetfoot to slacken his speed to a walk, prolonging the drive so as to
enable Cupid to play his part; the Professor wanted to be inspired with
the magic that would unfold the secret of Molly's heart. As the
trusty Fleetfoot
Blue Blossom was now in Sherman's Army, marching to the sea,,
fighting day after day; and his letters to Molly Bruno came farther and
farther apart as time went on, and his once ardent love seemed to sleep
under the great strain of war. Time seemed to cool that which was once
ardent and amorous. However, when he reached Atlanta, Ga., he wrote the
following letter: "D"Miss Molly Bruno.
EAR FRIEND: I received your ever-welcome letter a
few days ago. You cannot imagine the pleasure it gave me
to hear from one at home so dear to me. It was like the
voice of an angel in this lonely place of death-dealing
woe. I often think of you. Please tell me all about the
Professor, Miss Morgan, and all of our friends. Do not
forget one that loves you as himself. Good-by, darling;
good-by!OHNNIE OLIVER."
Blue Blossom had been informed, by Ada Morgan, as to the Professor's new buggy, and he wanted to see if Molly Bruno would speak of it.
Joseph Bryant, a government detective, under the guise of a doctor, had located at Jackville to ferret out the illicit stills. He was a jolly good fellow, and took part in everything, trying to be a leader. He came with the air of a "city swell," puffing his Havana cigars, tipping his hat to the ladies, doing things "brown." He made the acquaintance of Professor Cunningham; he also became acquainted with Ada Morgan, Elsie McClain, and Molly Bruno. Things ran as smooth with him as the sailing motes of a sunbeam.
Professor Cunningham had been nominated on the Democratic ticket as a candidate for Representative. He made many speeches in his gentle, airy style; and he made many friends, shaking hands with the ladies, kissing the babies, and endearing himself to the people. The election came off, and the news soon came to Jackville that the Professor was elected, thus giving him fresh laurels. This was welcome news to Mr. Bruno, who hoped for the Professor a bright future. Now that the Professor had received this additional honor, Mr. Bruno urged his daughter the more to accept his hand in matrimony.
John Dobbins, who ran a cab occasionally from Jackville to
Crawfordsville, started to the latter city with Bryant, after procuring
some of "Shoaf's best." Along
When Donner got home, feeling very sick and fearing his good wife, who had many times corrected her "lord and master," he went to the barn and crawled under it. His good wife, fearing that something was wrong, went to look after him, and found him "roosting" under the barn.
"What is the matter, Mr. Donner?" asked his mistress.
"O, nothing," said he, "only I have been eating some lemon pie."
His statement might have been true; but she took him from his perch, only to find that he had been in company with a government detective from Jackville.
The State Legislature having convened, the stately Representative from
Jackville appeared at the Capitol, ready to wrestle with the momentous
questions of the day. His quick wit and fluent conversation made him a
master of that august assembly. Well could he re-
The Professor took a few days' leave from the Legislature and
visited his old home at Jackville. The people everywhere greeted him
cordially, praising him for his integrity and fidelity. He was like a
man who could wrap his martial cloak about him and lie down to pleasant
dreams. He harnessed up old Fleetfoot and drove over to Mr.
Bruno's to see the beautiful maiden. She met him with a sweet
smile, like a dew-sparkling rose on a bright summer's morning.
Her golden, glossy hair fell over her shoulder, absorbing the beautiful
This was a severe blow to the Professor, who was deeply in love; but it revealed the inwardness of a true heart--one that pomp and pride could not change.
The Professor and Molly returned in the twilight with heavy hearts, thinking seriously of. the future. Time, the wheel of fate, did not reveal to them their true visions of glory.
It was now clear to the Professor that Blue Blossom was the possessor of Molly's heart, and he was more than ever determined to win her. The war and Blue Blossom's remoteness would furnish the opportunity for the accomplishment of his purpose. He made a league with Julius Harlow to accomplish it, and then he returned to the Legislature.
About that time the citizens of Jackville met in the "spirit emporiums" to discuss public affairs. One day Tobin Osgood came around in the midst of a heated discussion with two powder horns. He had one of them filled with powder, the other being empty. He sauntered around for a while and pretended to be a little tottery. Presently he remarked, "Well, I don't want this any longer," and opened the stove door and threw one of the powder horns into the stove. Squire Hybarger and all the others fell over each other getting out at the door. One frightened lord asked: "Squire, what shall we do with him?" "Turn him over to the 'Calamus Eaters,'" was the reply. Things soon quieted down when it was seen that the building still remained intact.
Molly Bruno wrote the following letter to Blue Blossom: I received your kind letter, and I was delighted to hear
from you. Things move along slowly. The
'Acorn' is a thing of the past, and
quiet is being restored. Occasionally a little trouble
occurs. Professor Cunningham is in the Legislature, and
he is fast gaining fame. I hope to meet you in the
future. Be true and trust in me."My Dear Mr. Oliver:
OLLY BRUNO."
The Professor was in that august assembly at the Capitol, and his suspicion was aroused by a bill for the promotion of toll gravel roads, which allowed fifty freeholders to petition to tax the people to build a gravel road, of which five men formed the company, while the people "paid the fiddler." It was a scheme to build up the towns and the cities at the expense of the country. The corporations promoting this scheme employed two men to champion their cause. They tried to make work and life as inviting and fascinating as a dime novel. They were the well-paid attorneys of the gravel-road companies and their friends, and it was to defeat them in their wily schemes against the people that Professor Cunningham made this wonderful, flowery speech:
"Mr. Speaker: In imitation of the gentleman from
"When we remember and rehearse the glories of the past, what
cheering auspices span our political concave
"As the lurid glare of Jourels and Popocatepetl sends their blazing fires far and wide over the stormy deep to light the wandering mariner to his distant haven, so the colossal edifices of our benignant institutions have already made the country of Washington the brilliant cynosure of waking papalism and floundering superstition. Under our munificent institutions we have grown from a weak, small, and despised nation to one of power, dignity, and wealth, standing at the head of civilized government for learning, enterprise, benevolence, skill, and ingenuity; and we will, by means of posts, wire, and iron-bound thoroughfares, aided by free gravel roads, subdue and begirt the world.
"Talk of 'retrogression!' Why, under all
disadvantages and trying circumstances, being opposed by an abundance of
money, skill, power, and the best-drilled armies of the most powerful
nations on earth, the
seem to be casting their shadows over our tollgates as they mark the
rugged pathway of human life, warning us, with the voice of a wise
father, of man's stupendous follies and prodigalities. Discord
and prejudice may be playing their fatal parts. Though our political
horizon may be dark and obscure for a season and temporary want and
adversity may seem to hover over our fair and beloved country, where is
wont to be heard the busy hum of energetic enterprise and honest
industry; though through unfair laws the iron heel of oppression seems
to rule where liberty and justice, unfettered and unimpaired, should
reign, yet by an honest application of, and a strict adherence to, those
principles and precepts of the fathers of our country, we will, like the
radiant sun in the east, shine forth in resplendent beauty, lighting up
the dark and gloomy pathway of life, and
"I adjure the tollgate owners to heed the lesson of Æneas, who, when he was on his long and dreary voyage from the beloved Troy, sinking beneath the devouring elements of Grecian fire, having escaped from the fatal wreck of the Mediterranean Sea, and wandering amid the primeval solitudes of Lydia's desert shore, chanced to meet his goddess mother, who condescended to lift the veil and unfold to him in flaming vaticinations the thrilling annals of mighty Rome. Hear the crowning glory of this memorable message: 'Hiy ego nec metas rerum nec temporapone emperium sine fine didi.'* Methinks a greater than Æneas indulged in similar assurances when the distinguished 'father of our country' bent and bowed by the sacred oak and offered up his fervent supplication to the God of glory, liberty, and equality for all men. If we, as a nation, will only adopt and put into practice those bright models of constitutional jurisprudence practiced by our fathers, our future greatness and celebrity are certain. Our proud country will then become an example worthy of imitation, executing existing laws, punishing gross violations of justice and humanity, and at all times and in all places protecting the good, the industrious, and the virtuous. Then, with free gravel roads, Christianity, morality, intellectual cultivation, industry, and social virtue, fostered by the free use of the roads, we will be stimulated to deeds of valor, patriotism, and benevolence, until we are possessed with and surrounded by all those blessings that are refining and ennobling to all our better natures and that are lovely to the eyes of men.
"I declare to you, through the farmers of this country, that the
United, States will yet stand forth, with all its mineral resources, all
its farm products, all its intellectual and diversified combinations of
power, as the protector and the defender of individual liberty, equal
rights, and infant republics. Our morals, learning, wealth, inventions,
productive genius, and the prevalent spirit and disposition for mutual
prosperity, happiness, and national renown will combine all contrary and
conflicting interests into one broad, expanding political faith and
common agreement as to what is right and just among a people in a
government of such vast wealth and a multiplicity of pursuits. The
United States--Indiana, with its free gravel roads, included--will
assume its position as the model government in the list of civilized
nations, in the free exercise of those liberties which are so dearly
prized by all lovers of right--namely, freedom of speech, freedom of
action, religion, education, unrestricted liberty, with a universal and
uniform diffusion of information, or knowledge. Then justice, mercy,
hospitality, and forbearance will be exercised wherever American
jurisdiction and free gravel roads are recognized. Yes, this government
of ours will continue through the entire course of conflicting events
and revolutions, with my banner unfurled, as at first, to the air of
liberty and independence; inscribed with examples of moral justice,
furnishing abundant illustration of the great truth and the importance
of its being applied; showing that ignorance among the people governed
is the only reliable support of arbitrary power and misrule; and
revealing to all that we are building free gravel roads and are engaged
in disseminating those republican and
"I am now satisfied that our tollgate defenders can appreciate a few lines from Moore:
As a phonograph reveals the most important characters of the present age, so herein are revealed the imperishable words of Professor Cunningham in his nobleness of soul and grandeur of purpose.
Though the dazzling mirror be peculiar in its reflection and make-up, it leaves this valuable image, while this mysterious planet of ours continues its revolutions, casting its illuminating rays upon the most precious gems of earth.
Soon after this speech Professor Cunningham was walking along a street in Alamo, looking this way and that way, when Squire Truax accosted him thus: "Professor Cunningham, what are you doing?"
Professor Cunningham replied: "I'm invoicing the d---d town; if I like it, I'll buy it."
While these memorable things were taking place, Blue Blossom was with Sherman in his famous march to the sea, thence to Richmond. The constant move of the army made the mails uncertain. Opportunities to write were very scarce, and letters from the front were few. Lovers and parents grew very impatient to hear news from their dear ones. Blue Blossom's letters came farther and farther apart, until all trace of him was lost.
Bryant, the detective, had tasted the fruits of a still on
Green's Creek, which he pronounced as genuine old
"corn tassel;" but the "sleuthhound"
could not find the still, though his olfactory nerves were good and his
gustatory apparatus was a genuine tester of the essence of
"corn tassel" distilled from the fruits of so many
beautiful flowers. Bryant believed that he had located the distiller in
the person of Emanuel Shoaf, but he could not locate the distillery. The
suspect had a beautiful daughter, who did the marketing of the
"corn tassel." So Bryant pretended to be in love with
her, and his love was reciprocated. This he thought would lead to the
discovery of the "moonshine" still, avoiding
"No, sir," she said. "I have an uncle, who sent it to me. It is imported 'corn tassel.'"
This gave Bryant to understand that Margaret was alert and was not to be tampered with. Her cheeks did not even color, and she appeared indifferent to his question. Isolated as she was, she was in touch with the brain of the world.
Bryant left with little encouragement; but he made another engagement, so as not to arouse suspicion by his presence about the premises. He decided to go earlier the next time, so as to reconnoiter.
Margaret came to town as usual with her marketing. Bryant greeted her with happy words and kind graces, and told her that he would be down to see her in a few days.
One afternoon Bryant went to fill his engagement, and he saw smoke curling over the house top, and the odor of "corn tassel" was in the air.
"Ah," said he, "it is here somewhere."
He looked around, and behind the barn he saw a door opening into a cave.
There he thought it must be, but there were no windows to admit light.
He spent the evening with Margaret. He again imbibed freely of the
extract of "corn tassel," and praised the oily fluid.
His circulation had increased under its spell, his imagination was
enhanced, and he had assumed an air of bravery. 'So, as night
was approaching, he made an engagement with Margaret, bade her adieu,
and started for home. After driving up the road. about one-half mile, he
stopped and hitched his horse. He was deter-
Bryant had a "tip" of another distillery down on Mill Creek. The distillery was run by Daniel Johnson, who was an expert "moonshiner." He pretended to work at the timber business, but he made an excellent article of the "oil of joy."
These were the last illicit stills, but a great many more men engaged in the traffic. John Murphy, John Hybarger, and John Shular ran the last stills before the reformation, in the springtide of joy and sunshine.
Bryant disappeared one quiet day, and then came the storm cloud which
settled over the brakes of Green's Creek. The shower fell
heaviest upon Shoaf and Johnson, who were arrested and taken to
Indianapolis to answer for their unlawful doings. Shoaf called to his
assistance Hon. Miles Ratcliff, who soon took in the situation. His
defense was imbecility, which was carried out to the letter. Shoaf wore
long hair, and the dampness of the cave seemed to promote its growth.
According to directions, while he was incarcerated at Indianapolis, he
did not groom it; and, he soon looked like a Circassian lady, in her
flowing, airy, bushy curls, or the bushy head of a wild buffalo. When
Shoaf was brought before the court, His Majesty was soon convinced that
he was non compos mentis; so he was reprimanded and
set free. It is sufficient to say, however, that the pretender still
lives and is able to care for himself. Johnson was fined and turned
loose. Thus ended the famous business of "moonshining"
at Jackville.
Professor Cunningham was at home, and was honored and revered by all. He had become the stately monarch of Jackville, and wore his honors proudly. His ambition had been crowned with wonderful achievement. He had been called upon to vote upon the fourteenth and the fifteenth amendments to the Constitution of the United States; and being a Jackson Democrat, he resigned and came home, though the county soon returned him to the Legislature.
The Professor soon drove over to see Molly Bruno, whose cheeks were as sweet as a rose in the dewy morning. She met him with the same sweet smile as on former occasions. She took his beaver hat and escorted him to the parlor, where, like two lovely children at play, they spent a few happy hours. The Professor narrated a great many things which had taken place in the Legislature, especially the animated debates, in which he had always taken part. Molly was delighted with his great success.
Ada Morgan went over and joined the happy pair, eager to learn about the affairs at the Capitol. As the day grew cooler, they went out and sat in the nursery swing; and the birds nestled and sung overhead in the boughs of the leafy trees. In this haven of rest they sat and conversed. Presently the conversation turned toward the war and Blue Blossom. As none of them had heard of him since he arrived at Atlanta, they expressed their fears for him. Molly seemed despondent, and said but little; while many a thought, mingled with fear, passed through her loving heart.
Julius Harlow came along and joined the company for a pleasant
conversation. It seemed like the happy meetings of other days, when the
lovers met for social greetings amid the shady vistas near Luthern. The
Professor straightened himself up and narrated some of the doings of the
political peoples of the State. Some of them came from the swamp regions
of the
Julius Harlow broached the subject of the war, and told Molly that he had
received a letter from the seat of hostilities announcing the death of
Blue Blossom; and, pulling the letter from his pocket, he read it to
Molly, as follows: We are all well, and are look- ing forward to the close
of the war. We now have the enemy completely surrounded,
and we expect to make their burning appetites do the
rest. Our dear friend, Blue Blossom, was killed by the
Confederates' explod- ing a mine under our
camp. It is sad news to us all. Believe me,RANK HORN."
As this letter purported to come from an old friend,
She wrung her hands and moaned, weeping bitterly; and, unconsciously clasping in her fingers the keepsake which Blue Blossom had given her, she turned it round and round.
Molly's deep grief touched the heart of Julius Harlow. He had intended to escort Ada Morgan home; but Molly would not be pacified, and Ada Morgan stayed to comfort her.
Believing the statement regarding the death of Blue Blossom, Molly's mind reverted to the scenes of Wolf Creek, where life was a joy to them.
Julius Harlow went away with a heavy heart, thinking seriously of the fate of Judas.
Some of the soldiers were coming home from the war, among the number
being William Geeting and John Murphy. Murphy engaged in the grocery
business, and became very wealthy. He kept a fireproof safe in his
store, and his shining dust he laid away in its trusty vault. Unlike the
Professor and Blue Blossom, he led a secluded life; but he was alert for
the trade of the community, and tradition has it that he slept upon a
goodly wallet of Chase's "government shin
plasters." Brave as a lion, he slept as sound as Achilles on
the battlefield of Troy. But in autumn's full harvest came the
fate of him who slept in the midst of plenty. Mur-
Dr. Livengood, whose house was across the alley from the store, arose; but there was a "rap, rap, rap !" upon his door, and a coarse voice spoke out in an emphatic tone: "Stay in, under doom of death!"
The Doctor obeyed the woeful mandate. He could see through his casement curtain into Murphy's store, and he beheld a large man, masked in Black, rifling the store. Scared nigh unto death; the Doctor never set foot upon the earth's green sward until dawn.
The robbers took the strong box out of the safe, and carried it some distance north to an old mill, where they opened it, losing a valuable gold coin and some pennies. Then they dispersed, to be heard of no more.
When the villagers awakened, the sad news spread like wildfire; but the culprits had flown.
Pretty soon a one-eyed detective came upon the trail,
In those days there was grit in Jackville; for even the prosecutor, in the court of inquiry, was made to cry out, "Murder, murder!" as he took to the woods, while an elm club was being twirled about his head like an Irish shillalah.
After a few days of quiet and rest, the Professor went over to Mr.
Bruno's to see Molly. He met Mr. Bruno in the yard, and they
seated themselves on the piazza for a friendly talk. The war furnished a
good topic of conversation, along with the freedom of the blacks and
negro equality. The Professor had resigned his seat in the Legislature
rather than vote upon the fourteenth and the fifteenth amendments to the
Constitution of the United States, which brought about these things. Mr.
Bruno was a Democrat, and he was in accord with the Professor's
ideas. Presently Molly came along and stopped for a moment. Mr. Bruno
gave place to her, and retired, leaving the two lovers there alone. On
the piazza was a quaint old rustic seat, made of small saplings
intertwined and forming a neat settee. Here Molly sat down beside the
Pro-
As time rolled on, Molly became more attached to the Professor; and he pressed his suit the more, telling her how well he loved her, and that he could never be happy without her. He asked her for her heart and hand in marriage. Believing that Blue Blossom was dead, she consented to marry the Professor. This was May Day for him; he would almost have given his life for her. Life with him then was one sweet song. He insisted on a speedy marriage, but Molly did not want to marry so soon after the death of Mr. Oliver; so the wedding day was deferred until some time in the future.
Blue Blossom was at Richmond, Va.; and by his meritorious conduct he had
become a captain. Thinking that he would soon be at home, he did not
write
Ada Morgan went over to see Molly, who revealed to Ada the secret of her engagement to the Professor; but Ada requested Molly not to be in a hurry about getting married. She said that Blue Blossom might not be dead; that they had not seen his death reported in the casualties in the leading paper, the Veedersburg News.
"O, yes; he is dead!" exclaimed Molly. "I saw a letter from Mr. Horn to Julius Harlow, which told how Blue Blossom's death occurred."
Mr. Bruno was well pleased with his daughter's betrothal to Professor Cunningham, and he began making preparations to give his daughter a fine infare.
By this time General Lee had cut his way through the Union lines, and escaped to Appomattox Courthouse, where General Grant surrounded and captured him. Blue Blossom was in the chase, and he did valuable service. After the capture of General Lee, Blue Blossom was transferred to Washington City, where he remained for some time, holding his men in readiness about the city.
The news of Lee's surrender brought happiness to many a Northern
home; the wives and sweethearts who had given the parting kiss to their
loved ones were expecting to be reunited soon. Each day and hour some
The President of the United States, by the grace of God, had issued a proclamation of public thanksgiving, on November 25, for the deliverance of the nation. The Professor had persuaded Molly that that would be a good day for their marriage; so ten o'clock on Thanksgiving Day was set as the hour for the marriage. Every preparation was made for the grand occasion. The Professor sent invitations to some of his friends in the Legislature to be present at the wedding; Rev. William Allen, of Wolf Creek Church, was also invited to be present.
Molly was seen no more in the mill, and it became a lonely place, indeed; for her lovely presence added sunshine to every place into which she entered.
The government had set a day in which to review the soldiers before being mustered out, and the solid columns of soldiers passed in front of the United States Capitol in grand array. Blue Blossom rode a horse, and his fine physique was delightful to look upon. All this was unknown to Molly, who went about getting ready to be married to the Professor.
After the review of the valiant "boys in blue," a great
many were discharged, among them being the gallant Blue Blossom, who
boarded a train for home. Arriving at Indianapolis, he was detained for
several days. Here
The report of a soldier's coming in so suddenly caused Ada
Morgan to think that it might be Blue Blossom;
Blue Blossom was standing in the front yard, looking wistfully toward Jackville. He saw Ada coming, and recognized her. He ran to meet her. Throwing his arms around her and kissing her, he said: "God bless you, Ada! How is Molly?"
"O, she is well," said Ada; "and she is going to be married to-morrow."
"O, heavens!" exclaimed Blue Blossom. "Can it be possible?"
"Yes," replied Molly. "She saw a letter stating that you were dead; and when her sorrow for you wore away, she consented to marry Professor Cunningham."
"Why, Ada, that would break my heart! " exclaimed Blue Blossom.
"I am certain that she would yet marry you," said Ada, "if she knew you were alive; for she has often told me so."
"God bless you, Ada!" again exclaimed Blue Blossom.
"Never was woman so true. I will yet have her. Will you go to
see her for me? Whatever may be my fate, I will have her. Ada, tell her
that I still have the memento that she placed upon my breast at our
parting," he continued, at the same time pointing to the golden
heart that adored. his breast; "and if she
Ada took the message, as she was directed. Molly, supposing that Ada was coming to assist her with her wardrobe, greeted her with kindness. In a few moments, however, Ada revealed to Molly the secret of Blue Blossom's being at home, saying that he was still desirous of marrying her.
"O, heavens!" exclaimed Molly. "Ada, is it true? Is it true?"
"Yes, Molly," replied Ada:; "he came home yesterday, and I saw him to-day."
"I'll be true to him, if I live," said Molly. "Some villain has been deceiving me; and but for you, that deception would have killed me."
Molly then kissed Ada, falling on her knees before her and asking the Lord to be merciful to her.
Ada lifted Molly from her kneeling position and consoled her, telling her not to fret about the wedding of to-morrow; that, if she so desired, Mr. Oliver would come to claim her.
"Tell him to come?" said Molly; "by all means tell him to come!"
"Dear girl, you have something to do to let him know that you are willing," said Ada.
"O, what is it, Ada?" asked Molly.
"He requested me to tell you to place a light in your front window, that he may know that you are still willing to marry him. He said that he would be along to-night, and would know if the light was in the window that you are still willing."
"I'll do so if I live. I'll hold the light in my hand, that he may see my face and know that it is I."
Ada went home, and Molly repaired to her room to think over the situation. "The Professor will be here at ten o'clock in the morning," she said. "What if Mr. Oliver should fail to come? What will I do? He cannot fail. He is true, he is true! I'll watch at the window to see if he passes to-night; and if he passes, I'll know that he will come to claim me."
Night had come, and the signal light had been set in its place.
Molly's attention was wholly directed toward the road on which
Blue Blossom would be most likely to pass. She could not sleep; so she
stood by the casement, watching and waiting for him to come. As the
clock neared the hour of eleven, she heard the sound of horse's
feet in the distance; and she said to herself: "He is coming,
he is coming!" She knew the short lope of the charger; so she
put her face close to the window to get a glimpse of Blue Blossom as he
passed. Soon a bold, plump form came in sight, and
"I'll trust him," said Molly. "He has never yet deceived me, and he knows best. I must be resigned to my fate."
Seeing that the way was clear, Blue Blossom rode over to consult Ada Morgan and get her to send her father down to Rev. William Allen's and detain him at home until Blue Blossom could reach there; for Rev. Allen had been invited to Professor Cunningham's wedding the next day. Mr. Morgan agreed to intercept Rev. Allen and hold him at home in readiness for the arrival of Blue Blossom and Molly Bruno.
Molly could not reveal the peculiar circumstances to any one; especially
was it necessary that the Professor be kept "in the
dark," for any intimation of her plan to him would be sure to
interfere with her getting away from home. Her folks went on preparing
for the infare; but Molly took no interest in it, thinking that she
would
Professor Cunningham was busy preparing for the wedding. He invited all of his old friends--Mr. Harlow (the Judas of the affair), Elsie McClain, and a host of others.
When the eventful morning came, Molly arose early and began dressing, as her friends thought, for the proposed wedding. Her mother requested her not to dress so soon, as it would be so long till the nuptial hour; but Molly turned a deaf ear to all the many formalities suggested to her and pursued the even tenor of her way. She was preparing for the coming of one whom she loved better than she loved herself, and for whom she was willing to risk her life. None suspected her, and no barriers seemed to be in her way.
Blue Blossom gathered his old friends together and placed them along the route that he intended to go, so that if he was too closely pursued, they could throw the pursuers off his track.
The guests were soon coming in; and Ada Morgan, on whom Molly relied implicitly, was on the alert to note the coming of Blue Blossom. Ada sat out on the piazza; as soon as Blue Blossom came in sight, she was to notify Molly.
Mr. Morgan went down to Rev. Allen's, and found him about ready to start for Mr. Bruno's. Mr. Morgan requested Rev. Allen to wait a short time, as two lovers were coming to have their bond of love made more secure.
"Who are they?" asked Rev. Allen.
"I cannot tell you now," replied Mr. Morgan.
"Do I know them?" inquired Rev. Allen.
"Yes," said Mr. Morgan. "Be content, and do not worry, and I'll get you to Mr. Bruno's in time."
Their conversation turned upon social matters as they whiled the time away.
Rev. Allen, not knowing that Blue Blossom was in the country, said that he congratulated Molly upon captivating such a man as Hon. D. W. Cunningham, who had so distinguished himself in the affairs of the State.
The Professor, looking his best, went to Mr. Bruno's earlier than was expected. The thought that Molly would soon be his better half gave additional grace to his beautiful, symmetrical form. With fear in her heart, Molly treated him respectfully. She took him into the parlor to entertain the guests. Visions of deception filled her clouded mind; for she, with her beautiful charms, had been made the victim of tricks and schemes, and she could not forget the perpetrators. Now, too, she was surrounded by them, and was almost afraid to move, lest they should anticipate her plans and thwart them.
Blue Blossom arose early and groomed his black charger. He patted the noble animal, saying to him, as though the horse could understand him: "This day, dear boy, you must carry me to victory, or I die of grief. You have never failed me; so do not fail me now." In response the gentle animal fondled him with his chin. Blue Blossom fitted his saddle perfectly to the horse, placed behind it the velvet pillion upon which Molly had sat many a time before, buckled on the cutlass which had served him in the war, and put upon his breast the breastplate of love. Then he leaped into the saddle, ready to meet his antagonist in any way. He drew the reins, and the charger flew toward Mr. Bruno's. Time and distance were as nothing to Blue Blossom.
Molly had become restless and nervous, but Ada gave her courage and hope. She still sat on the piazza, watching and waiting for Blue Blossom.
Noticing that Molly was very nervous, but ignorant as to the cause, the Professor said to her: "Molly, you are not brave."
Molly answered only with a smile, such as a disheartened child would give. Hope was all that kept her alive. She trusted in the coming of Blue Blossom as she trusted in God. Her hat lay in the settee in the piazza, she was already dressed, and the time of her marriage was but an hour in the future. "Will he come? Will he come?" ran through her mind, causing her heart to flutter and almost cease to beat.
But--hark!--the sound of a horse loping broke in from the distance; and soon a small, dark object appeared in the distant thoroughfare. Ada Morgan watched it. It kept coming nearer and nearer. Ada watched with the eye of a pilot to discern the gallant rider. Molly could not leave the company for fear of detection.
Ada saw that the rider was Blue Blossom, and cried: "O, Molly, come here, quick!"
Molly then knew that Blue Blossom was in sight; so she ran out. Ada handed Molly's hat to her, and she ran to meet Blue Blossom. He rode a little beyond the gateway and wheeled his horse to the right; and as he neared the gate, Molly was ready. As he passed, he reached out his hand and clasped Molly's arm. The horse leaned toward her, and he swung her to her seat upon the pillion behind him. Then the black charger sped down the road like a flash of lightning. Her skirts fluttered in the wind as the wings of a bird.
The Professor ran out, crying: "Molly, Molly! What will I do? What will I do?"
He then leaped into his buggy and pursued them. His buggy swayed and jumped upon the corduroy road, putting his life in great danger. But Fleetfoot was no match for the black charger, who soon left the Professor far behind.
Molly's mother wrung her hands and cried after them: "Come back, come back, and I'll forgive you! O, the danger that lies ahead of them!"
She feared that the horse would fall at the turn of the road, and that her daughter would be killed; but Blue Blossom had made that turn many times before, and he rounded the curve like a bird balancing in the dome of the heavens. He sped on and on, Molly holding tight to her lover. She felt that she was safe anywhere with him. As he passed along, his comrades shouted for joy, hoping that he would succeed.
The Professor followed them until he saw them go in at Rev. Allen's. Then, with a broken heart, he turned back in remorseful spirits.
"Good morning, children!" exclaimed Rev. Allen. "I was looking for you."
"Be quick, be quick, Mr. Allen! We're pursued, we're pursued," said Blue Blossom.
Whereupon the minister put aside the formality of his ritual; and, joining their hands, in the twinkling of an eye he pronounced them husband and wife.
This event resulted, of course, in the nullifying of the infare at Mr. Bruno's, where Rev. Allen was to play so conspicuous a part.
Molly's heart was at ease as she leaned upon the arm of the hero, whom she idolized. Thenceforth she would share his joys and his sorrows.
Rev. Allen invited the "children," as he called them, to stay for dinner; and they accepted the invitation. They fared sumptuously at his table on bear bacon, venison, cakes, jellies, and marmalades.
Many a happy day has passed since this memorable event; and in obedience to the ancient command of God to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth," the wily Dutchman and Molly now have four children.
Dear reader, upon the ruins of the quaint old town of Jackville now stands the beautiful town of Wallace. It is named "Wallace" for the illustrious Governor of the State of Indiana and the father of the author of "Ben-Hur." Wallace is a beautiful, modern town; and it is proud to boast of the fact that it has no saloons. It has a bank, a commissioned high school, churches, and bountiful stores of merchandise. Its citizens are second to none; among them are beautiful, accomplished ladies and honorable, upright men.
(Written for the State Sentinel after seeing the play "Ben-Hur " at the English Opera House.)
(Written on the appointment of A. B. Anderson to the Supreme Judgeship.)
(Written while it was raining.)
(This poem was suggested by the appearance of a shadow, at a certain time every day, on the deep-blue water of Sugar Creek at the point where the Yountsville Bridge spans the creek. Here a ledge overhangs the stream, and beneath is a cave, which echoes dreamy, murmuring sounds. The shadow. resembles that of a skeleton, and it is supposed that at this place an Indian warrior murdered a white man, who fell into the river.)
(Sometimes in the course of human events it becomes very necessary to touch certain'wise guardians of the peace and welfare of the great Commonwealth; and as we all know that Mount Parnassus--so beautiful and enchanting--is possessed of a timber belt where nearly all these people in common stay, Orpheus, from his pinnacle above, is looking on with an ever-wakeful eye to discern what the gods are doing; and from the present situation the muse has penned the following satirical lines from the coruscating sheen of the noble rulers of pedagogy in the twentieth century.)
As the rainbow is the great bridge of the heavens, so good literature is the span that ties and binds the earth as one harmonious whole.
Some crave a genealogy of a long ancestral train of grandeur, but far better it would be to know thyself a noble being rather than such an ancestral tree of withered fruit.
Nations take on grandeur as they observe the laws of nature and conform to the moral rules which naturally force themselves upon mankind.
Good reading and deep thinking are our cradle of liberty.
(Ever since taking his thrilling trip down Sugar Creek last June, Charles
Harding has been fired with an ambition to build a boat of his own suitable
for battling with the riffles of the creek. He utilized his spare hours, and
the result is a beautiful little craft which rides the water like a thing of
life. On last Saturday afternoon Mr. Harding invited a party of his friends
to witness the launching and christening of the little boat at the
Yountsville dam. Miss Edith Bryant broke the bottle on the prow of the boat
and christened it "Sunday Maid;" Miss Ellen Baker, of
Indianapolis, read with much spirit the following lines, which James B.
Elmore had only a few minutes before composed for the occasion. Mr. Harding
is naturally much elated, and feels a very pardonable pride in being the
recipient of so much favor from the poet. Said he, in speaking of the
occasion and the poem: "I shall always cherish this autograph copy
and keep it among my dearest possessions. I am preparing to have it mounted
in a gold-embossed frame, with a plate-glass front. I treasure it not only
for its intrinsic merit, but as an earnest of what Jim Elmore could do had I
given him more time. You know, he did this in two minutes. This, of course,
is perfection itself; it is a gem; but if he had only had time to amplify
it, we would have, instead of a single pearl, a string that you could wrap
around your neck and tie in a double bowknot behind the yoke. Of course I
feel" swelled
(Written for a reunion of the Crawfordsville Journal scribes, at which a bountiful dinner was given.)
(Written for a banquet given by the Wabash College boys.)
(Written for the play.)
"Love Among the Mistletoe and Poems" is a book giving a beautiful romance and a great many poems of nature, with quite a number of sentimental ones. The book is beautifully illustrated. It is a gem. Price, $1. Sold by the author, Alamo, Ind.
"A Lover in Cuba. and Poems" is a book giving a beautiful romance of the Spanish-American War, which appeals to the heart, as ever love can. It also contains many beautiful poems, and is well illustrated. Price, $1. Sold by the author, Alamo, Ind.
"Twenty-five Years in Jackville," a romance in the days of the "Golden Circle," is a book treating of a romance in those primeval days, with the signs and passwords of the "Golden Circle" and the many things which were characteristic of those times, as the old muster days, the happenings about the illicit distilleries, and the old-fashioned barbecues. The book also contains numerous poems, and is illustrated. Price, $1. Sold by the author, Alamo, Ind.