Uncle Jacob quits tobacco sparks family pledge
In a rural tale Uncle Jacob overcomes a twenty year smoking habit with a vow and a plan. his wife Mary supports him and their children Harry Jr and Walter join a growing anti tobacco club. The mother reveals savings from smoking, inspiring a Thanksgiving pledge to quit.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York Witness
Uncle Jacob
Jacob
Rachel
Polly
Burnham
Mary
Tecoh
Grace
Harry, Jr
Papa
Harry
Walter
Will Courtney
Mother
Mamma
Harry, Sr
Mollie
To Grin Like a Cheshire Cat Origin Story
The saying to grin like a Cheshire cat comes from Chester and the wild cat that lingered on the insula between the Dee and Mersey. Its wide mouth inspired the phrase, and some claim Cheshire cheeses shaped like the cat reinforced the joke.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chester
England
Dee
Mersey Lors
The Pastor and His Snuff-Box Mystery
In a calm parish tale a pastor is found with a rival snuff-box kept beside him. A chance discovery of a prison cloak and muddy boots shocks the wife, but the pastor’s mercy leads a repentant man to honest work and a new life, renewing family faith.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Yrl
Nils
Ares
Epg
Sele Poker
Sorwa
Lundsavall
Carl
My Maryland Song Creator James Randall Recalls Inspiration
James R. Randall a Maryland native and Augusta Ga professor of English literature recalls writing My Maryland in April 1861 after reading news of the attack on Massachusetts troops in Baltimore. He describes a sudden surge of inspiration that produced the lyric and its swift spread through the Delta and southern papers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Maryland
James R. Randall
Baltimore
Augusta
Poydras College
Pointe Coupee
Fausse Riviere
Louisiana
Mississippi
New Orleans
Massachusetts
Randall
Delta
Mr. Randall
The Highest in the World Glorifies Capital Heights
The article ranks the Washington Monument at 555 feet as the tallest human raised structure, comparing it to historic spires and towers in Europe and beyond. It lists height figures for landmarks including Antwerp Cathedral, Strasbourg Cathedral, St. Stephen’s Vienna, and St. Peter’s Rome, among others, ending with a nod to the Bunker Hill monument.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington Monument
National Capital
Cheops
Antwerp
Strasburg
Tower of
Utrecht
Holland
St. Stephen’s
Vienna
Rome
England
St. Peter’s
Hambro
Florence
Cremona
Seville
Prranint
Sakkarah
Egypt
Otre Dame
Munich
Dome of the Invalides
Paris
Madgeburg
St. Mark's
Venice
Assinelli
Baloon
Trinity Church
New York
Coluumn
Delhi
India
Porlain
China
Can Tower
Notre Dame
Bunker Hill Monument
Fragmented 19th Century Quick-Quips From Across Newspapers
A collage of witty quips and brief notes from various papers. Items reference Jacob Sharp, Sing Sing, circus plans, Texas Siftings, and unnamed jests on taxes, charity, and social etiquette. Multiple city sources cited in light humor with no cohesive single event.
Bald-Headedness and Hair Health Advice in Historic Diatribe
A curiously flawed essay argues against bald heads, urging weekly head washing with soap and water, sun exposure, and avoiding unventilated or felt hats. It claims Canadians go bald from heavy headwear and touts straw hats, sunlight, and avoiding smoking as remedies.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
San
Also Mentioned on This Page
Jacob Sharp
Sing Sing
Newark News
Nashville American
George Gould
Lowell Courier
Becton Vonker
Sam
Boston Globe
Geneseo Ll
Chief Colorow
St Paul Globe
Lewisville Courier- Journal
Columbus
America
Philadelphia Chronicle
Joseph Gazette
Texas
Vexas
Canada
Albany Journal
Philadelphia
Louisville Courier
Chicago
Peoria Transcript
Lowell Culizen
Alta California
Dow, Jr
Philadelphia Record
New Orleans Picayune
Mars
Fliegend Blatter
Mes Cauameiea
Senge
Louisville Courier-Journal
Tianapolis Sentinel
Jake Sharp
Sam Praneien Alta
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!