Oldest Native American jockey recalls epic early American racing
Mark Ransom Walker of Newark, 82, claims to be the era’s oldest living native American horse jockey and trainer. He recounts 70 years of riding, a Boston to Concord circuit, and a high-spirited era with plans, slaves, and rivalries, noting brutal betting, powder tricks, and deadly duels on 19th century tracks. He recalls racing Indian Chief and Little John, winning four heats, and earning fame for his feats as a boy rider.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mark Ransom Walker
Plane Street
Newark
N. J
Dover
Boston
Mr. Walker
Craig’s Pot
Cambridge
Watch Eye
Agin Sam Purdy
Little John
Rich
Darkey
Peacemaker
Revenge
Arthur Hyde
New England
New York
Sam Purdy
Mr. Hyde
Calkin
Balkin
Decatur
Commodore Decatur
New Jersey
South
Baltimore
Seeley
Indian Chief
Mr. Warren
Halifax
West Indies
Kingston
Concord
D. C
Dingwell
Eclipse the Wonder Horse of Long Island Fame
The speaker recalls Eclipse the famous sorrel horse foaled in 1814 at Cesaris Long Island. He details Eclipse’s races against Sir Walter Henry and others, times for four mile heats, large crowds, and notable jockeys. The tale contrasts Northern and Southern rivals and reflects on trainers and owners from 1820s New York.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charleston
New York
Mr. Walker
Cesaris
Long Island
Nat Coles
Cornelius van Ranst
Eclipse
Lady Lightfoot
Walter
Susan
Duchess of Marlborough
Charles
Bill Johnson
Petersburg
Henry Agin Eclipse
Billy Crofts
Henry
Sam Purdy
Bertrand
New York Jockey Club
General Lafayette
Harlem
General
Flatbush
Fashion
Boston
Union
Billy Gibbon
Chatham
N. J
Billy Gibbons
Billy
Life at High Altitudes and Human Limits
The article explains how humans, animals, and plants struggle with increasing elevation. It notes balloon flights at five and a half miles, extreme cold, thin air, and partial suffocation. It cites U S population at 10 000 feet, with most people living under 1 000 feet, and only 3 percent above two thousand feet.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
Builders of
Babel
Barley as Feed and Profit for Farmers
The article argues barley is more valuable than oats for feeding horses and stock, noting its lower heating value but higher nutritional benefit. It praises barley for keeping the system open, aiding fattening hogs, and sustaining workhorse performance, urging farmers to grow some barley for feeding alongside oats to stabilize prices and profits.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Europe
Jalapa
Instinct of Plants and Effects of Food on Animals
The article discusses plant roots as nourishment seekers and a seedling that grew from a decaying trunk, later supported by ground roots while the trunk decayed. It also covers how wholesome food and pure air improve flesh and eggs, and methods to prevent plant diseases with sulfur and lime washes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Davy
Ape Invited to Country Show. Prefers Cage of Monkeys
A letter from Skiggins, invited by a friend to see his apiary, reveals his humor as he agrees to visit but jokes that a cage full of monkeys does not tempt him, despite liking animals of all kinds.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Boll
Ayres
Kuhne
Heidelberg
Helmholtz
Rise to fame and a bottle of St Jacob's Oil
A jumble of notes cites St Jacob's Oil as a quick cure after a manager sprains his leg, with anecdotal references from Boston and Chicago. A Mayor's secretary reports the remedy worked after a knee sprain, while other snippets tease daily life and humor about stairs and holidays.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Daniel Webster
John Hutchinson
Downer
Boston
Mass
Patton
Chicago Tribune
Thomas O.thompson
Vegetine Promised as Blood Purifier and Cure All
An 19th century advertisement promotes Vegetine as a safe blood cleanser. It claims Fever and Ague symptoms include back pain chills yawning eye strain and blue skin tone. It asserts Vegetine cleanses blood supports liver and kidney function and avoids harsh purgatives while curing root causes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Nature
Elegan
RapDway
Warran
Rapway
Vegetine described as harmonious vegetable remedy
The advertisement touts Vegetine as a pure vegetable medicine that works with nature, pleasant in taste, gentle on the stomach and bowels, and absolutely effective against disease. It claims physicians endorse it where tested and rejects it as a mixed liquor advertisement.
Parisian Diner’s Wry Farewell Embrace Joke
A Parisian dines poorly at a cheap restaurant and, when paying, tells the owner to embrace him because they may never meet again. The owner reacts with mock astonishment, as the visitor jokes about their impending separation.
Hop Bitters Admired By All Wary Of Sickness
A brisk testimonial tone extols Hop Bitters as a healing aid for the sick and ailing. It claims strong, healthy results from use, noting mothers and families praising the remedy amid illness and suffering. A quippy anecdote about a Chicago boy adds light local color.
Kidney-Wort Ad and Political Quarrel Mentioned
An Albany Argus notice touts Kidney-Wort as a cure for severe health woes while also noting a political figure’s reaction to an accusation. The piece contrasts medical remedy language with a public dispute as the election-season jab begins.
Remedy for Kidney Trouble Promoted in Local Ad
An old advertisement extols Kidney-Wort as a cure that purifies kidney secretions and regulates bowels. It urges readers to buy a package from druggists and notes a boy with a leg issue needing club skates after two doctors failed to help.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Binghamton Republican
Joxis
Health and beauty claims and fringe medical notices
A jumble of old advertisements and quack claims tout health, beauty, and patent remedies. Hup Bitters promises vigor, while Carboline hair product and Dr Lindsey’s Blood Searcher are praised. Other items include theater and literary notes, a baseball claim by a deaf mute nine, and quips about money and romance.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chicago
Lindsey
Also Mentioned on This Page
Agriculture
la Fayette Daly Journal
Java
Austin
N. H. Tilden
Eugene B. Stork
Junction City
Kansas
John Arnall
Washington
Ohio
M. M. B. Goodwin
Chardon
Olio
Anna N. Jarrett
South Salem
N. Y
John B. Lawrence
Jackson
Wells, Richardsox & Co
Prop’s
Burlington
Stulf
Bie Sensible
Albany Argus
Grabriel
France
Cupip
Kate
Barkky CaMpsBed
Dr. Warren
Messrs. Morgan & Heaply
Mutual Life Building
Tenth and Chestnut Strees
Silsbee
P. Neustaedter & Co
Custer
Northwest
Sitting Bull
J. E. Walker
P. O. Box
American News Co
New York City
O.K
Denver Land and Improvement Abs
Lakultye Deak Nly
Denver
Fisk
A. H. Estes
M.H.S. Smith
Philadelphia
Philadel
St. Jacobs
A. Vogeler & CO
Lydia E. Pinkham
Lynn, Mass
Leulblipgdin & Lohan
Western Avenue
Lynn
Lydia F. Pinkhamy
Hop
Toronto
van Duzer & Co
Galt
N.Y
Wa Dutton & CO
W.Y
J ‘Anesville
W. Feoonain
Kaha Finegan
J. C. Isco & Co
Elen
Ciular
First Avenue
el Pest
Phildelphia
W.C
Arch
Case
Radway
Radway & CO
Warren, Cor. Church
Neworkly
the Herald
L. O. Eeesulin
Onl
Oliver Ditson & CO
J. E. Ditson, & CO
Chestnut Street
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