Wit and Wisdom Benches Laughs and Jests From Odd Notes
A collage of jokes and humorous quips from various sources. Skits about toads, a bank note as a rose, a blind umpire, a proof reader arrested in New York, mosquitos in New Jersey, a banker named Goodman, electric hanging, a mourning widow, a dog bite joke, and several shtick anecdotes from papers and editors. The tone is light and facetious with local flavor and wordplay.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York
House of “Correction
New
Ledy
Arcola Record
Grand Isle
Chittenden
Burlington Free Press
West
Enigmatic California Alcaldes and a Debt Case
Law and early California justice split duties between ingenuity and plain talk. In California Pastoral a debtor Pedro argues over money owed by Juan. The alcalde insists on selling Pedro’s property to settle the debt unless Pedro proves he borrowed from Juan, not from Juan’s cattle.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
California
Calfornia
Juan
Pedro
A Motionless Rebel in the Ridge Line
A Rhode Island soldier recalls a lone Confederate scout near a tell tree about a hundred yards from a regiment in gray trousers and a slouched hat. The lookouts watched him from a rugged path as he kept rifle ready and failed to respond to signals, prompting caution among the troops.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rhode Island
Lig
Johnnie
Ils Atten
Rebel in Grass Becomes Gray Oak in Tale
A narrator aims a rifle at a supposed rebel but realizes the figure is only a gray trunk of an old oak. The scene unfolds as boys quarrel over water, and the realization brings a humorous twist to the confrontation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mr. Johnny
Pie math and a two-for-a-quarter riddle from Youth's Companion
A humorous anecdote from Youth's Companion recounts Dinah selling pies at ten cents each, two for a quarter, and the misunderstanding of paying two ten cent pies totaling twenty cents. The old vendor and narrator argue over the pricing, ending with Dinah receiving five extra cents to realize the bargain.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Que
Mexico
Dinah
Saunders
Travelers in Venice Echo Mississippi Talk
An American in Venice chats with a fellow traveler from the Mississippi bottoms. The man jokes about the flooded town as the water seems to stand still and predicts Venice will go down soon. The anecdote highlights humorous regional dialect and miscommunication.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Venice
Mississippi River
Women Denied Vote in Washington Territory Chief Justice Opinion
Chief Justice Jones rules women cannot vote in Washington Territory. The decision centers on Congress intent when creating the territory and defines electors as male citizens only. The ruling notes Congress designated a territorial delegate who must be a citizen, implying no room for women’s suffrage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington Territory
Jones
Tacoma W.t
Congress
Congression
Congress Theta
House of Tives
Uncertain Lovers Strive Against Family Wealth
Launt loves Elma Wyant but cannot marry without Mrs Farrington’s consent. Elma, loyal as nurse, refuses to ruin her prospects, choosing modesty over love. A small-pox scare forces separation. Elma vanishes before reconciliation reaches her.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Elma
Mnyone
Launt
A Dangerous Man Converts to Defiance Before Judge Noonan
A San Antonio judge questions a converted horse thief while he admits fault and links his fate to abandoning his campaign plan. The dialogue reveals confusion and evasive phrasing as the man reflects on his choices.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Latole
Tan
Dangerous man at large faces fifteen year penalty
A judge warns a dangerous suspect as the offender pleads for mercy after being followed and arrested. The dialogue notes the maximum penalty of fifteen years, reflecting a harsh court response in Texas.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jess
Jedue
Texas
Firework Prank Ends in Boy Injuries at Westfield
In Westfield, a Fourth of July prank at a school playground spirals when Phil Anson and friends dig up an old three foot cannon. They load it with powder, it explodes injuring a boy named Alfry, who may lose a leg. Dr. Richmond, who founded the school, consoles the gathered students and treats Alfry.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Doctor Richmond
Fellows
Phil Anson
Fred Grims
Phil
Chum
Alfy
England
Fred
Steve Patten
Anoth
Westfield
Richmond
Dr. Richmond
Pat Anson
Fred Grimes
Coaradas
Steve
Phi
Alty
Alfry
Also Mentioned on This Page
WIT and Wisdom
Nature
Perack
eGotman
Ainley Fig
Oba
le Fox
Tsay
Jim
Harvard Lampoon
Ted Bank
M. J
Engine Company
Chatham Street
Red Bank
Scott
Omaha
Alcalde
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