Ex-Slave Recounts John Brown Aid Rally at Harper's Ferry
An 1856 Windsor Missouri escape story recalls Samuel Harper and his wife living near Detroit, aided by abolitionist John Brown. The account describes capture attempts by slave hunters, Brown's men freeing captives, and a perilous three month journey to Canada before settlement in Windsor.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bauceau
Windsor
Missouri
John Brown
Detroit Journal
Harper's Ferry
Samel Harper
Brown
Harper
Journal
Inter
Kansas
Topeka
Doyle
Browh
Stevens
Sayes Stevens
Weil
Wiley
United States
Ron Nin
Springdale
Toway
Captain Brown
Dhe Joolhouse
Gov’nor
Chicago
Canada
Local character salutes family on Putin-Bay Island
Fragmentary reminiscence describes a resident who visits Putin-Bay Island each summer to tend grape vines and share time with a friendly, well-liked neighborly family. The tone reflects warm community ties and seasonal gatherings.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Putin-Bay Island
Execution of William Blanchard at Sherbrooke Ontario
Historical report recounts the 1889 Sherbrooke execution of William Blanchard for the Calkins murder. Describes the high mass before execution, the crowd, the gallows under a woodshed, and the swift, fatal ending by strangulation after a priestly absolution. Notes disputed advisability and posthumous commentary.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
William Manehard
William Wallace Blanchard
Sherbrooke
Blanchard
Birchall
Webb
Wilcher
Hegk
Dr. Austin
Blavehard
Department of Jastien
Welland
Dey
Ayer
Sherbooke
Calkind
Onti
Blusachard
Cal- Rhid
Sol Thiesl
Strange Sights of the Mesh Cowboys Across the Tidewater
A Stock Grower recounts oddities observed among cowhands in the Mesh region. He notes unfamiliar dress, beaded fringe garments, long curly hair, buckskin shirts, and peculiar headgear. The description satirically contrasts these with familiar plains attire, hinting at exoticized stereotypes.
Cowboys As They Really Are Compared With East Portrayals
A writer critiques Eastern depictions of cowboys, noting real outfits differ from romantic images. He sketches ranch attire from Stetson hats to chaps, left-side gun scabbards, and practical gear, while calling most cowboys steady workers rather than Fantastical desperadoes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
East
Punchio
Phrases and origins traced in a 19th century glossaries
A Detroit Prep Press clipping compiles origins of common phrases and misattributions. It cites slave era corn theft, “I acknowledge the co'n,” Nelson’s eye, “hauling over the coals,” blue stockings, and “corporations have no souls” among others with brief historic references and literary links.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Detroit
Chet
Sali
John Gibson Lockhart
Walker Beobt
Sion-mann
Quarterly Review
Jakeys
Duma
Lord Nelson
Copenhagen
Templar
Isaac
York
Rebecca
Robert Fleming
Venice
Mill
Hannah Moore
Howard Coke
Phrases and Proverbs in Language History
A historical note traces sayings like drown out the miller and every man is the architect of his fortune. It cites Appius Claudius, Thomas Tucker, Bunyan, Lyly, and Shakespeare as early or influential users, noting examples such as there is no love lost and phrases from The Babes in the Wood and Mantcheney.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Appius Claudius
Thomas Tucker
Bunyan
Lyly
Joplin killer Joplin’s Slaughter Details at Fort Smith
Fort Smith Arkansas reports detail the Joplin murder spree. Victim Mrs. John Miller died from wounds after a deadly gun attack that also killed her daughter and both parents. Investigators list Joplin’s planned seduction and abortion plot, his path to Jenny Lind, and the fatal confrontation with Dr Stewart at his store.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Fort Smith
John Miller
Ark
Joplin
Stewart Widale
Dull
Missouri
Joe Hatter
Springfield
Ill
Miss Miller
Dr. Stewart
Stewart
Toplin
Texas
Jenny Lind
Miller's
Iegan
Vetim
Cheney
Kansas
Charleston
Quert
Tate
Ween
Deadly potion sparks transfers among Paris prisoners
Telegram from Paria reports Eyraud, killer of bailiff Gaulle, moved to Mayas prison after return from Havana. Gabrielle Bompart, his companion, sent to Saint Lazare. Eyraud and guards fell ill after barley water he claimed was poisoned, prompting stricter confinement and surveillance at new asylums.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Paria
Eyrwnd
Gaulle
Havana
Mayas
Gabrielle Bompart
Saint Lazare
Gabrielle
Byrand
Thas
Key
Oth
Eyraud
Dutch Farmer in Dobb's Ferry Supposed War Voice
Before the Revolutionary War a Dutch farmer in Dobb's Ferry built a one story pointed roof house facing the street. He welcomed troops from both sides with two voices, a gentle tone for visiting forces and a gruff one for the enemy, Mrs. Lamb inber.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dobb’s Ferry
Hudson
Lamb
Inber
Ameri
Dutchman at Dobb's Ferry and Lincoln Powder Incident
An anecdote recalls General Lincoln's encampment at Dobb's Ferry where a Dutch farmer hid gun powder in a shed to deter British spies. Lincoln dismissed it as a dry place, but later the powder spilled sand when barrels ruptured. The house then faced bombardment by cowboys and British scouts, prompting the farmer to flee with his family to safety.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lincoln
Catinon
Hergent North Ami
Liszt and Bennett on Discipline in Musical Instruction
The tale contrasts harsh and gentle teaching methods. Liszt expels a student after a failed recital, insisting the pupil learn proper technique at the Conservatoire, while Bennett enforces discipline with calm firmness. The anecdotes highlight the balance of authority and guidance in mastering music.
Milk Impurity Focus From State Dairy Chief Tupper
State Dairy Commissioner Tupper reports on milk impurities in major cities and the potential cost of annual sampling. He notes limited funds hinder full supervision but finds inspections show poor milk then improve with repeated checks. He advocates city councils hiring samplers to forward milk samples to Des Moines for free examination.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tupper
Des Moines
Dubuque
Cedar Rapid
Jes Moines
Swearing Incident Prompted in Office
In a terse exchange, the managing editor tells William to check who is swearing. He is interrupted by Mr. Jones admitting a struggle with a fountain pen misfilled with macilage, a crude mistake causing language concerns in the office.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
William
Mr. Jones
Farm work and harrowing details from Smith Gray Co
A reader questions the hired man and farmer about harrowing duties and references the Smith Gray Co's Monthly for details. The exchange hints at ongoing farm labor and equipment tasks discussed in the periodical.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Smith, Gray & Co
Society talk and gowns in a dated passenger dialogue
A fragmented dialogue among the Colonel the Major and others discusses women’s attire in society columns, arguing the term dress vs gown and the shifting fashion norms, noting that gowns dominate even as fashions change and that readers learn from listening.
Mechanical dust prank invention story from old press
Report describes a bizarre device mixing hydraulic pressure and bellows to blow air through a chair rocker, allegedly creating hysterical breezes. The anecdote notes mixed consumer reactions and a critic’s quip about turning sweepings into profit while poking fun at early gadgetry and public patent chatter.
Rain of stones hits Portage amid hail tale
Mr. GC C Cunningham reports a hailstorm in Portage Wisconsin producing a large hailstone. He describes a seven pound almost round stone weighing about a half bushel in his shop window. The stone allegedly formed as ice and waves influenced its shape after a tornado carried it to a high altitude.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
GC. C. Cunningham
Portage
Wis
Cunningham
City
Morley
Stern
Inkes Syne
Avery High Alticuie
Milton Bugle
Photographic Society Study Links Couples to Similar Looks
The Photographic Society of Gener hosbee tests the idea that long companionship makes partners resemble each other more than siblings. Photographs show seventy eight old couples and an equal number of adult brothers, with married pairs resembling each other more than blood brothers and sisters.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sistui
Also Mentioned on This Page
Mr. Standers
Liszt
Hegin
Liszle
Conservatoire
Tsu
Stomadale Bennett
Vind
Societ
Hyept
Atlanta
Carroct
PNM
Taos of the Earth
Lucy
Welles
Anna
Avenina
Sistoye
Pillsburg
Vitor
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!