University of South Carolina Libraries
GHOST GAVE Texas Court .JLccepte tate r. 1 atlas Letten, to St. ? It is seldom any tl ?og occurs in che life of thc average rural agriculturist to break thc routine of bis generally monotonous existence, bot when such event does occur, whether it be of joy or sadness, it is apt to be looked upon as an epoch in the lives of those con cerned from whioh to dato. So, even UDto this day, it is a common occur rence among the older citizens of the county of Denton, Texas, when the subject of spooks or other supernatu ral phenomena are under discussion to hear one remark: "Well, that beats all since Jones' ghost." And Jones's ghost occupies a position considerably above that of the average ghost in tha$ it is doubtless the only caae on record wherein thc testimony of his ghost ship was accepted in tho settlement of an estate and is a part of the public records of the above county. As a number of tho patties closely connected with the following occur rences are still living, I will substi tute iictitious namcB for the real: In the year 1877 thero resided on> a farm in tho county of Denton Mrs. Laura Jones, a widow, with two sons, Frank and John, nearly grown, and several smaller children. William Jones, deceased, had been a hard worker and successful farmer and stock raker, and at his dettl had "ue .[ueathed to the widow and her chil dren a model farm, weil t'lied and stocked with the best the oonntry at the time afforded, together with a valuable tract of land in the southern part of thc State. Thc following spring, Atter his death, a considerable number of their horses strayed away from their ac customed range and, tho' country at that time being sparsely settled, were soon lost track, of and the usual course of inquiry served to elicit no informa tion except that the band had been seen headed south. HIS LAST .*^T.ttNET. Karly in the full, after the crops had been garnered, it was decided that Frank, the eldest, should mske an ex tended trip to the southward and en deavor if possible to locato the truant stock, as their entire loss meant a serious blow to the family exchequer. On a bright September morning as the rising sun was painting with lavish hand the fading green autumn Frank Jones drew the double cinch to an easy notch under his faithful horse, and, bidding his mother and John farewell, sped away to the southward, never to return again in the flesh. There was yet plenty of work to be done on the farm, and time whica otherwise might have dragged wearily to the lonely widow was filled with labor and pleasant anticipation of the absent one's early return. Bays passed in rapid succession and an oo j-easional letter from Frank, describing the beauties of the country and his own hardships in travelling alone through such unsettled regions, fur nished food for discussion in the fad ing twilight. At last a letter came which stated that he was on the right trail and would soon overtake the ?lowly retreating herd. This was the hst letter ever rccei vcd. He was then lome two hundred miles south o! the Borne place and they began to specu late upon the day of his probable re ta"). Allowing for delay for gracing toe stock en route homeward, a day tu 6et whioh it was considered, barriog unforeseen acoidsnts, sfiould pve him ample time for the return journey. The appointed day came, but with pearse no Frank and no tidings; uor pe next day, nor the ?ext, and as the IIM.VB lengthened into weeks the anxi Wi mother, with moistened oyes, daily K?nned the dustry trail to the south ward. Tte country at thiB time was none foo safe from marauding bands of In j40*, and horse thieves were more plentiful than now and cared little for ?uinao life when a vavey-yard was et |?take. These possibilities were anxi NJ discussed by the distressed My and inquiry was made by letter f* various points elong tue route from Jtaeh letters bsd bees received from But all their inquiries oame ? naught. They did not know wheth P*e waa still gqiijs southward on the f?t* had overtaken tho stock and ^evcu then on his return. THE GHOST APPEARS. ^Unthe night cf November? there p^o a sound ** nf if/so^u*- *t. Porch. After,the usual custom J* family had retired early. The fire ?J? wen burning in tho Vide stone t. ^ey to dispel the chill November I 3 *nd i*8 dying embers were east Enif ni shadows on thc wall. The ki dPS approaohcd tbe doort ?Iwnd w!? -!DG kc?b and someone ent wed. wT jWaS a li?hfc flIe?Per ?nd,bo>g Why. the sound and the draft ITS EVIDENCE: d it in a Contested Es? Priai. i0MIS Globe-JDemocrat. I through the open doorway, awoke and raised himself partly on hts elbow. j Ho saw the dim outlines of a man and, reaching for his revolver, he demand ed, "Who's there?" The familiar voice of his brother answered him. and he came and sat down on the foot of John's bed. They conversed together in low tones for some time, but, not I oaring to disturb his mother at that ! hour. John vouchsafed the informa tion tb.Tfc Ina room end bed vrcrc ready for him just as he had loft ii, as neither had been occupied during his absence. Tho dim outlines and re treating footsteps vanished through the opposite doorway, then all was still. John wondered a little that he heard no further noise from his broth er's room, but, thankful for his safo return after FO many days' watching and anticipating hir joy when in the early morniog he would tell his mother the glad news, he soon fell asleep. John was up early and after kind ling a fire io the kitchen stove started at once for the bare to feed and rub down his brother's horse. He looked in the stall where Frank was accus tomed to tio his favorite saddle pony, but it .was occupied only bjr astray calf. Thinking possibly ho had turn ed him out in the pasture, he searched il carefully; likewise the surrounding barnyards, but without result. Much puzzled by this oocurrence, bo return ed to the house. THE STRANGE VISITATION. His mother greeted him at the kitchen door and inquired, "What were you talking ?bout in your sleep last night? I heard you muttering SDmothing." "Why, I was talking to Frank, mother," he replied; "ho came in last ni?ht." "John, you must have been dreaming. I've been in Frank's room .this morning and it's unoccupied. Tho bed is just as I made it up the day before poor Frank left." And the widow heaved a sigh in her anguish at the thought of the fate which may have overtake., her ?rst-born. John immediately went into his brother's room, threw, open the blinds and a flood of sunlight dis pelled the lurking shadows, but there was no Bign of Frank. He was becom ing seriously alarmed and, returning to the kitchen, told his mother part of the conversation he had had with Frank the night before. His mother for a while refused to credit such a thing and ascribed it to too much supper or a slight illness, but John's earnestness in support of his state ment and his fear that something had happened to Frank had its effect, and Mrs. Jones began to think that oossi b?y'?u??e waa something wrong. How ever, as certain supplies for the farm were needed in town, it was decided to hitoh up the wagon, take the chil dren and go spend the day with Unole Bob Saunders, who was at that time doing a thriving business in Denton, the county seat of Denton ^County. Upon arrival there, after the UBual greetings and commonplace talk, in quiry was made about Frank, and Uncle Bob was forthwith enlightened as to John's strange experience and his uneasiness. THE WOBST FEARS REALIZED. Mr. Saunders, being a practical man and a firm disbeliever in things super natural, ridiouled the idea and tried bio best to cheer them up, but John's countenance quickly disclosed to him the fact that be was not making much headway, so in deference to their wishes he and John started to the telegraph office to see if they could learn something from that source. While crossing the corner of the pub lio square, around which were grouped I the business houses of the town, they j were hailed by the sheriff, who ap j preached them bearing in his hand a i telegraphic envelope. He handed the message to John, who, hastily unfold ing the yellow paper, read: McDade, Texas, November 8; 1877. .-To sheriff of Denton County, Den ton, Texas: Man found dead near here last night. Papers disclose identity of Frank Jones, of your county. Notify his people. S. P. WILLIAMS, County Judge. Something more than a year passed away when, through divergence of interest, it waa? thought best to dis puso of all the Jones , property so it could more easily and equitably be divided among the heirs, and with that end in view Bob Saunders, who h nd weeli appointed administrator, rapidly disposed of the estate until there was nothing left bnt one traot of land in the southern part of the State. He was about to offer this for sale when John Jone? pn* irs ?.n ar?. pearance and strenuausly opposed it. He refascd to give any reason for it, but, thinking it could do no barm to humor him, the administrator post poned the sale. After some months the sale was again, urged by the io teres ted parties, but ?sain John opposed it. Eis un cle refused to listes to further delay rithout some reason for it, whereupon John.for the first time told in dotai: his conversation with the supernatu ral being whioh made its appearance at bis bedsido the night of Frank's death. TUE GHOST CORROBORATED. Frank had told him that he had found the horses near tho town of Steiler. Mrs. Mary Williams, a widow living in that vicinity and owning a large cattle ranch, had turned tho horses into her pasture. Upon learn ing that Frank owned the adjoining section of land she proposed to pur chase it, together with the stock, and, knowing the danger from Indians and horse thieves in driving the stock home, he decided to sell, and making Mrs. Williams a bill of sale to the stock she paid him over the entire purchase money. Not having the necessary papers at hand Frank was to make out and ?end her the deed when he returned horne. This he instructed his brother to do, but for fear of being laughed at he had kept his own counsel until such time as it became necessary for him to speak. That time had now come, and Lo declared he would contest with all his might any attempt to dispose of that tract of land until the matter was thoroughly investigated. Part of his statement having already been Verified it was decided to make some inquiry relative to this Mrs.-Williams. With this end in view a- letter was sent to Mrs. Williams asking her for information as to the whereabouts of one Frank Jon JS. A short time after this she made her appearance in Den ton, and, after learning who was ad ministrator of the Jones estate, pre sented herself before Bob Saunders and exhibited her receipt for money paid and also the bill of salo to the stock whioh Frank had given her. Her story tallied in every detail with that of John's ghostly visitor. John Jones went before the County Court of Denton County and there made affidavit, whioh is a matter of record, that his brother Frank had detailed to him bis trade with the widow and that the administrator was in justice bound to furnish her a deed to the property. Although ho robbed his own pocket of considerable money he carried out the instructions of his brother's spirit and the widow receiv ed her own. To Cure A Cold In One Day Take Laxative Bromo-Quinine Tab iwts. . All druggists refund the money if it fails to care. E. W. Grove's sig nature is on each box. 25c. - - - - Men who have a lein and hungry look are usually the biggest eaters. - "Mister," said the small boy to the grocer, "mother told me fo ask you if they's any snob thing as a sugar trust." "Why of course there is." "W-well, mother wants to get trusted for two pounds." When you have no appetite, do not relish your food and feel dull after eating you may know that you need a dose of Chamberlain's Stomach and Liver Tablets. Price 25c. Samples free at. Hill-Orr drug store. - An automobile has ascended Pike's Peak, 11,000 feet high, and de scended in safety, which establishes its practicability as a hill climber. Strengthen the tired kidneys and purify the liver and bowels with; a few doses of Priokly Ash Bitters. It is an admirable kidney tonie. Evans Pharmacy. - Half the girls you meet' are ei ther pretty or clever. The other half are ones who would make good wives. Goldth^site & Son, Troy, AU., wrote : Teothina's speedy cure of sores and eruptions upon tho skin have been remarkable. - By '.he time a man has learned to know women, he is able to make a guess at himself. "You Know What You Are Taking When you take Grove's Tasteless Chill Tonio because the formula is plainly printed os every bottle showing that it is ?imply Iron and ?Quinine in a tasteless form. No Cure, No Pay. 50c. - Every woman over 30 knows a lot of weather signs that she gets from the way a oat acf Prickly Ash Jitters cures disease of the kidneys, cleanses and strength ens the liver, stomach and bowels. - The men always laugh to them selves when they hear women talking about "their husband's bed-room." For sprains, swellings and lameness there is nothing so good as Chamber lain's Pain Balm. Try it. For sale by Hill-Orr Drug Co. - Regard not much who is for thee or against thee; but give all thy thought and care to this-that God will bo with thee in everything thou doest; for whom God will help, no mal ice of man shall be able to hurt. No other pills can equal DeWitt's Little Early Risers for promptness, oertainty and effioioncy. Evans Phar macy. _wu M. tr:-,. ~~t T..?_ i-? ? ._ -O WS -'j ma oom VU UV dominated by his mother. A good many worse things might be said of him. Do not get scared if your heart trou bles you. Most likely yon suffer from iu?i&c&?i?o. Kodui Dyspepsia Core digests what you eat and gives the wornout stomach perfect rest. That la why it cures the worst cases of in digestion and stomach trouble after everything else has failed. Evans' Pharmacy. L 1 OS t Temper, Leisure and Energy by the housekeeper who neglected to use GOLD DUSTl WoLsKing Powder Notice of Final Settlement. THE undersigned, Administrator of the Estate of J. 6. Thompkinv, deceased, nereby gives notice that be will on tho 2-iih day of November, i900, apply to tim Judge of Probate for Andbrson County, B.C., fora Final Sett lemont of t-aid Es tate, and a discharge from hi? odh-o a Administrator. J. W. ROSY MOND, Adna'r do brui is ri??i?.' 0otl7, 1G00 17 t? GET KICH ! HOW 1 Buy Real Estate in West minster, the coming Town of the Piedmont Belt. Where is Westminster ? On South ern R. R., in Oconee County, South Carolina, one hundred and eleven miles from Atlan ta, Ga. How cao I ?ad out aboutit? Easy auougb. Write to or come to see the un dersigned. We own or control several valuable lota of land in thia town and several good farms in from one to five miles. Act now while lots and land are oheap. Don't wait till lt doubles in value add then say, I wish I bad, "for of all the sad words of tongue or pen tho sadest mtv tho?o ?t txiigui haye been." Yours for business. W. P. ANDERSON, J. T. SIMPSON. Oct 17, 1900_17_3m. ARE YOU OUT OF WORK? DO you wisii better pay 7 Then write UH. Steaiy work in town or country. Threo to tlvo dollars a day. Writ? ?t once and tako advantage' of holiday t?ade. Address MANAGER, Box 80, Greenville, B.C. Oct 17, 19C0 17 4 Ready for You, CONSTANTLY on view fer thc benefit of carual visitors and om reg ular patrons, a large, carefully selected, attractive assortment of tho new est and latest designs in completely finished Family Carriages, Runabout*, Wagonettes, Dog Carts, Delivery and other Wagons, For business purposes at our Repository cn McDuffie Street, near tho Peoplee Bank. It will afford me great pie<sure to thow them to you and explain fcbeir merits. I will make you the right prices on th rye Vehicles. JOS. J. FRETWELL. The King Among Plows. The Genuine Oliver Chilled Flow STILL? leads the Farming World for the reason that no other doc3 the work a3 well. Keep abreast of the march of progress by using the OLIVER. A complete line of the various sizes of the*e Plows, as well as all the latest im proved Agricultural Implements. Machinery, Pulleys, Machine Suppli?e, Pipe Fittinee? Belting, Heavy and Shelf Hardware, Now in ?tock, bought at close Spot Cash Prices, which enables us to save you money on your purchases of anything in the Hardware line. QTTT T TXT A rVT TT A T*TVTOT A Ts XT* r^f\ OATS, OATS, AND RICE FLOUR. WE ARE HEADQUARTERS for ali KINDS of GRAIN. Three Thousand Bashels of TEXA8 RED RUST PROOF OATS. One Car of that fa. JOUS HENRY OAT (or Winter Grazing Oat.) The only Oat that will positively stand any kiud of weather. Have just received Two Cara of fine FEED O VTS at lowest prices. Have just received Three Cars of RICE FLOUR for fattening your bogo, and it comes much cheaper than any other feed and is much better. Yours respectfully, O. D. ANDERSON & BRO. B. HILLMAN, RECENTLY of1 Abbeville, who has opened the Store at NO. 18, BENSON STREET, desires the public to know his success in purchasing his Fall and Winter Stock of Men?6, Boys" and Ohiidren's Clothing, Shoes, Hats and Underwear, At prices that will enable him to UNDERSELL any competion. A trial will convince everybody of the money he is able to save you. A Specialty of Big Values in Three-piece- Suits for Boys from three to seven years of age, at prices to cut to the bone. NEGKWEAB; the latest styles. t&* Finest Goods at lowest prices. B. HILLMAN, 18 Benson Street. M?MJ:T.?M?A William?' C\\A RtanA D. S. VANDIVER. I. j. M A JOH. E. p, VAN DIVER OPMCBOP VANDIVER BROS. & MAJOR. HOLD your Cotton if you want to, but don't forgot to arrange to pay UM your Guano Noto or Account by the 1st November, for if we don't ?et ? very dollar duo UB by that time lt will very seriously inconvenience us lu making our settlement on that date-and WE aro compelled to make it THEN. Wo will appreciate and remember your prompt attontlon in thia matter. We have SWIFT'S Hleh (irado GUANO and ACID on hand now for Grain Cropn. ._!_VAN DIVER BROS. & MAJOR. fjW SOME BARGAINS ! tSSf I HAVE A FEW PIANOS. WryW^tt^L^L^LWLT 1,10 very highest grado Htylea, H^HHB TO GO AT COST FOR A FEW DAYS. ^SS?^S^**-'*1"* ThiB ls an opportunity of a life-time. iAlsohavothe latest improved ball-bearing NEW HOME HEW I Ni* >IA C HINES lor $ao. Vibrator Standard Machino only 128.00. ORGANS CHEAP. M. L. WI EELS, _South Mainstreet, Anderson, S. C. SEND YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS. We havo engaged tho services of Mr. J. E. BRADLEY, au experienced Pharmacist, and we oro now prepared to terve you nt all hours-either day or night. Mr. Bradley will room over our Store, so if you want a Prescrip tion filled at night just press tho button in front of our Store and we'll ?lo the rest. Remember, ouly THE BEST AND L'UltEST DKUGS Are allowed in cur Store. E. GK EVi^LSTS & CO., PENDLETON, S. C. Glenn Springs Mineral Water - FOR SALE AT EVANS* PHARMACY. rpiIE GLENN SPRINGS WATER has boon known for over a hundred years,and X recognized by tho bout Physicians in the laud as a suro cure for diseases of tho Elver, Kidnoys, Bladder, Bowels and Blood. Some of its remarkable eurea wore brought boforo tho notice of tho public in tho Charleston Medigal Journal in 18"i.">. MKSHEB. EVANS PHAUMAPY-QKNTS: I have been a sufferer from indigestion for several years, and have found tho uso of your Glenn Springs Water of great benefit to me. and can confidently recommend it to any suffering from like trouble.?. R. E. ALLEN. MUSIC LOVERS! Are Enthusiastic Admirers ot the Celebrated IVERS & POND AND WHEELOCK PIANOS. They are of the highest grade of Instru ment. The best in every respect-touch, tone, durability, finish-all of the most superior character. Come in and learn how easily you may own oue of either make. FARRAND & VOTEY, ESTEY and CROWN ORGANS will delight you last a life-time or two. The Bail-Bearing NEW HOME and WHITE SEWING MACHINES aro best in t'.e world. :THE C. A. REED MUSIC HOUSE. and the Fruit Jars, To put up your Fruit in. Preserving Powder. To keep Fruit from spoiling. Fruit Jar Rubbers, To put on your old Jars. Tartaric -A.cid, To make Cherry and Blackberry Acid. ?tioky Fly JPaper9 To catch the flies while working with your frui ALL AT HILL - ORR DRUS CO CH g M ? ta ? s td 0 ?d Q M &d 0 < M M a CG > O SJ fe H o go* Ul H M t> H M d H Ss % il H CD o o 4 M s <a Ni CLABENCE OSBORNB. RUTLKDOK OSBORNE. Stoves, Stoves! Iron King Stoves, Elmo Stoves, Liberty Stoves, Peerless Iron King Steves, And other good makes Stoves and Ranges. A big line of TINWARE, GLASSWARE, CROCKERY and CHI NAWARE. Also, anything in the line of Kitchen Furnishing Goods-such aa Buck? ets, Trays, Rolling Pins, Sifters, &c. Thanking our friends and customer- for their past patronage and wish ing for continuance of same Yours truly, OSBORNE oe l??nuriiN?;