Maine Farmer, 1833-1924

• Dixon H. Lewis, member of Congress from Alabama says he has increased in weight 40 pounds since March last; he weighs 430 pounds - a little, bigger democrat than Friend Mott of Wilton, [Maine Farmer 25 Jan 1844]
• Hon Dixon H. LEWIS, M.C. from Alabama, arrived at Washington on Wednesday. He weighs about 480 pounds, and always engages two seats when he travels. [Maine Farmer 2 Jan 1841]

• The Arkansas Times and Advocate of the 15th ult states that it was rumored that Governor Conway of that States, has aloped for Texas, carrying all the negroes with him; the same negroes which the United States Government had levied upon to secure a judgment for upwards of $12,000, appropriated to pay volunteers in 1836, but which the governor had applied to his own purpose. [Maine Farmer 17 Oct 1844]
• MORE GOLD. Another gold mine has been discovered in Van Buren County, in Arkansas, and is said to be very productive. Perhaps the golden age is coming, if not the gold fever is. [Maine Farmer 19 Oct 1848]
• Railroad to CALIFORNIA. A public meeting has been called at Fort Smith, Arkansas to take into consideration the utility of a road from that point to California and Oregon! [Maine Farmer 12 Oct 1848]
• A Check to Lynching - Four individuals recently in Chick, (ARK) who took upon themselves to chastise one Solomon Crosby, were tried for assault and battery, and the jury rendered a verdict of $12,000. A few redicts like this will put a stop to Lynch law. [Maine Farmer 17 July 1841]

• The Mormons in California have laid claim to a large portion of the gold territory, and demand thirty per cent. of the ore taken therefrom. An express has been sent to the Salt Lake settlement, where about 10,000 Mormons are located. There is a rumor that equally rich mines have been discovered in that region. The thirty per cent. demand of the Mormons is expected to lead to trouble. [Maine Farmer 28 Dec 1848]
• Road to California. Since the rush has commenced to California a dispute has arisen between some of the Western Editors as to which is the best way, viz., from Fort Independence in Missouri, or from Fort Smith in Arkansas which is at the head of Steam Navigation. The Arkansas route is said to be 300 miles shorter than the Missouri route; quite a savings in a short ride. [Maine Farmer 30 Nov 1848]
• Railroad to CALIFORNIA. A public meeting has been called at Fort Smith, Arkansas to take into consideration the utility of a road from that point to California and Oregon! [Maine Farmer 12 Oct 1848]
• Col. Freemont. This enterprising explorer has set out from St. Louis, in company with thirty men, on a new route to California. [Maine Farmer 19 Oct 1848]
• Going to Take California. The President has determined to sent a regiment of Volunteers around Cape Horn to California. We suppose it will be annexed by force and arms. He can't wait for the Mormons to settle it and then petition Congress to be annexed. Gunpowder is quicker in its operation, and it will blow it right on to us. [Maine Farmer 23 July 1846]
• California Gold. The St. Louis Republican thinks that the gold stories in California are told to bring in settlers. Non doubt gold is found there; but it must be an inexhaustible fountain to supply the rush of greedy adventurers who are heading that way. Besides, it isn't according to "natur" for the proprietors of a gold mine to invite all creation to come and help themselves. [Maine Farmer 26 Oct 1848]
  

• From California

  The most important item of intelligence is the settlement of difference between Com. Shubrick and Gen. Kearney as to be Government of the country. They have jointly issued a circular to the effect, that the former, is to regulate the import trade and the establishment of port regulations, and the later to administer the Government. Maine Farmer 29 July 1847]

  
  

• Kristin Johnson writes: (Yes, the article you cite is about the Donner Party. The information is combined from articles appearing in the California Star, a San Francisco newspaper, in early 1847. The part about "1500 emigrants have arrived" was published on January 9, as you might have guessed, while the bulk of the information is from an article entitled "Distressing news," published on Feb. 13. The part about 24 of the sufferers setting out and perishing in a snowstorm (which turned out not to be the case) is from the Star of March 6. (All these articles.are reprinted in Dale L. Morgan's Overland in 1846, p. 692, 702-705, 707.) See also:
  • http://www.metrogourmet.com/Crossroads/KJhome.htm
  • http://members.aol.com/danmrosen/donner/index.htm
  • http://www.teleport.com/~mhaller/Overview.html)

• (Warning! This is what the Maine Farmer said.)

  Fifteen hundred emigrants are said to have arrived in the California Valley during the three months previous to January 9. California papers give most painful accounts of the suffering of settlers who left Missouri in May, 1846. Twenty-three wagons, with sixty or eighty persons, lost their way in October, and were overtaken by impassible snows; they sent forward two men for assistance, who obtained some flour and beef. This was about the middle of November; and from that time till the 1st of February nothing more was heard of them. Then a message came to Fort Sacramento from Capt. William Johnson's, the first house of the California settlements, bringing the astounding information that five women and two men had arrived at that point almost entirely naked, with their feet frostbitten. They said that the company had reached a small log cabin near Trucky's Lake, on the east side of the mountains and about one hundred miles from Johnson's, where they found the snow so deep they could not travel. Fearing starvation, sixteen of the strongest (eleven males and five females) agreed to start for the settlement on foot. Scantily clothed and ill provided with provisions, they commenced a journey over the mountains, in comparison..... other, nine of the men died, and their bodies were eaten by their companions. Mr. C. S. Stanton, a young man from Syracuse, New York, was the first who died. He was one of those who went forward to Sutter's fort, as we have mentioned and returned to the relief of his companions. After traveling thirty days, the seven survivors of this band of pioneers reached Capt. Johnson's settlement, as stated above. All the five females withstood the horrors of the journey, it seems, but only two of the men, and one of them was exhausted that he was brought into Johnson's on the back of an Indian. The party were at one time thirty-six hours in a snow storm, without fire, and they had but three quilts in the company. One women was obliged to eat a part of the body of her father and of her brother and there are other statements in regard to their sufferings which are too horrible to repeat. Subsequently another party of twenty-four made an attempt to cross the mountains, but all perished in a severe snow storm a few days afterwards. The company finally left behind, about one hundred and fifty miles from Fort Sacramento, consisted of about forty almost all of whom were women and children! They had not provisions enough to last them through the month of Feb. A party had been fitted at Sacramento with provisions &c to go to their relief. The citizens of Yerba Buena subscribed $1500 to purchase clothing, &c and a company of twenty men had gone from that place to encampment of the sufferer. [Maine Farmer 29 July 1847]

• The chronicles of Connecticut attest the fact that at one period (not half a century ago) two divorces were granted in that State on the ground that the defendants were habitually afflicted with cold feet. Now, even a cold heart will not break the rosy chain of Hymen. [Maine Farmer 12 Feb 1846]

• Cotton Factory Burnt - The Large cotton factory at Roseville, near Newark, (Del.) was burnt to the ground on Saturday night last. It is said that a boy who had gone into the factory took a piece of cotton to light a candle and afterwards threw it on the floor, intending to extinguish the fire with his foot; but unfortunately, the cotton that was strewn about the floor ignited, and the fire soon spread all over the building. The loss is estimated at $40,000, while the insurance was only $20,000. [Boston Bee)[Maine Farmer 19 Dec 1844]
• The Whigs will have a majority of one in each branch of the Legislature. {Maine Farmer 19 Nov 1846]

• Dixon H. Lewis, member of Congress from Alabama says he has increased in weight 40 pounds since March last; he weighs 430 pounds - a little, bigger democrat than Friend Mott of Wilton, [Maine Farmer 25 Jan 1844]
• Hon Dixon H. LEWIS, M.C. from Alabama, arrived at Washington on Wednesday. He weighs about 480 pounds, and always engages two seats when he travels. [Maine Farmer 2 Jan 1841]
• A hard case - the Northampton Courier says that Capt. William Smith who for the last ten years has been an inmate of the Northampton Alms house, has just claims against the government for French spoliation, prior to 1800, to the amount of $10,000. In 1798, and 1799, he commanded, at different times, three vessels, in the cargoes of which he was interested to the amount of $10,000 prime cost - all of which vessels were captured by French privateers and with their cargoes, confiscated.- The French government made compensation for these damages more than forty years ago, and the money was used in the purchase of Louisiana, Capt. Smith has sent a petition to Washington for relief. [Maine Farmer 21 Jan 1843]

• Serious fire in Pensacola. Sixty houses were destroyed by fire, in Pensacola, Florida on the 25th ult. [Maine Farmer 19 Oct 1848]

• GREAT FIRE AT SAVANNAH, GA On the 1st inst, there was a destructive fire at Savannah, GA, which destroyed property to the amount of $61,500. The fire was the work of an incendiary, $500 reward has been offered for his detection by the city authorities. [Maine Farmer 19 Mar 1846]

• We learn from a Sandwich Island paper that Messes Lee and Frasa, belonging to the Methodist mission family at Oregon, with their families, left Honolulu, 27th Nov. in the barque Bhering, Capt. Snow, bound to Boston. [Maine Farmer 28 March 1844]
• From the Sandwich Islands - By a late arrival from Honolulu, news is received of the dethronement of the Queen of the Society Islands by Admiral Thomas and that France had taken formal possession of them. Several hundred soldier and artisans were engaged in fortifying the islands and the English consul had struck his flag. [Maine Farmer 28 March 1844]
• Sandwich Island Thomas R. Eldridge has been appointed charge d'Affairs at the Sandwich Islands and to Peru. He will have to straddle pretty well to be in both places at once. [Maine Farmer 20 Jan 1848]
• Nearly two hundred tons of good sugar made at Sandwich Islands, was imported into New York last week. It is said that sugar can be made there cheaper than by the West Indians planters. [Maine Farmer 10 June 1843]
• Intelligence from the Sandwich Islands reports a severe famine there. The natives have lived on roots, the eating of which has caused much sickness. [Maine Farmer 11 Mar 1847]

• A Mr. Morse of Alton, Illinois, manufactures candles from castor oil, which emit a more brilliant light than sperm. They cost only 25 cents a pound. [Maine Farmer 9 Nov 1848]
• Ebenezer Moore, Esq. formerly of Gardiner, (Maine) has been elected Mayor of Quincy, Illinois. [Maine Farmer 16 May 1840]
• HARD LINES- The Chicago Democrat states that the jury which convicted John STONE for the murder of Mrs. Lucretia THOMSON, was kept together in close confinement frem (sic) Monday noon until about sunset on Thursday, and without bed or victuals, except a bit of bread and cheese, and a little tea! [Maine Farmer 6 July 1840]
• SHAMEFUL - Three Mormons were carried away from Illinois by a party of Missourians a few days since and severely whipped on a charges of stealing. The case was a most flagrant one. [Maine Farmer 13 Aug 1840]
• Another Lucky Editor: The Sangamo Springfield ILL Journal says, "One day last week we were astonished by the receipt of a pig, a load of hay, a quarter of beef, two loads of wood and ten dollars!" We suppose the donor regarded the editor as a hos! and therefore sent him the hay. [Maine Farmer 5 Feb 1846]

• The Indianapolis Journal says: Our streets are crowded with wheat wagons, We are glad that wheat has been selling at an advanced price within the past few days. It was selling yesterday at sixty-five cents per bushel. [Maine Farmer 2 Nov 1848]
• The Terre Haute, Indiana Courier, says that Flour mills are so scarce in that quarter that Flour is dearer than in Philadelphia or Baltimore, while wheat does not bring half the price that it commands in those cities. [Maine Farmer 29 June 1839]
• John Leighner- was executed at Augusta, Indiana, on the 13th inst. The circumstance of his crime were peculiar. He was firing at a mark with a friend, with whom he had been drinking. Irritated by some observation of his friend, he fired at him and missed. The other, whose name was John FARLEY, then said, laughing, "Youn can't shoot me." and Leighner seizing another rifle, killed him instantly. [Maine Farmer 2 Jan 1841]
• Hon. G. S. ORTH, a Whig, was elected President of Indiana Senate on Friday, the 11th inst., vice Mr. Bright, elected to the United State Senate. The Senate of Indiana is politically tied, and it was not until the 90th ballot that an election was effected. [Maine Farmer 1 Jan 1846]

• The price of performing the marriage ceremony in Iowa Territory, is three goat skins, or four bushels of sweet potatoes. [Maine Farmer 27 June 1840]
• The first hogshead of tobacco, which has been shipped from the Territory of Iowa, was received in St. Louis on the 22d ult. It is a few years since the whole territory was a wilderness. [Maine Farmer 21 July 1843]

• Prentice complains, in the Louisville Journal, that the Yankee girls who come West do very little in the way of teaching. Instead of teaching other people's children, they soon get to teaching their own. [Maine Farmer 9 Nov. 1848]
• Great Fire in Iowa, Louisville, Nov 20, 9am. The western mail brings lamentable intelligence from Iowa. A fire in the prairies has swept the greater part of Washington County, carrying devastation in its track. The loss of property is immense and it is feared that human life has also suffered. One person writes that the loss in his immediate neighborhood cannot be less than $50,000. [Maine Farmer 2 Dec 1847]
• FREEDOM of SPEECH and of the PRESS - Mr. Cassius M. Clay of Lexington, KY has lately been writing a series of essays against the extension of salve trade in that State, which were published in the Lexington Intelligence. A meeting of some of the citizens were held on the subject. Mr. Clay was denounced as a faction and dangerous man, and he and the editor of the Intelligencer, who had published these writing without any expression of opinion, were threatened with personal violence, and the destruction of their property. They were told that they would be lynched. [Maine Farmer 1 April 1843]

• Seven hundred and three persons died of yellow fever in New Orleans, during the last summer, very few of whom were of American origin. [Maine Farmer 2 Nov 1848]
• Dreadful Inundation - The Alexanderia (LA) Gazette states that a terrible inundation has taken place caused by the overflow of Red River. The whole of that town and the surrounding country have been inundated, sweeping away buildings, and devastating plantations. The pecuniary loss to the peasants interest is estimated at not more than a million and a half dollars. Fortunately but one life is known to be lost, Major Dubree, who was drown in the second story of a store where he had taken refuge. [Maine Farmer 12 Jan 1844]
• The Legislature of Louisiana have passed an act to abolish imprisonment for debt. [Maine Farmer 11 Apr 1840]
• A hard case - the Northampton Courier says that Capt. William Smith who for the last ten years has been an inmate of the Northampton Alms house, has just claims against the government for French spoliation, prior to 1800, to the amount of $10,000. In 1798, and 1799, he commanded, at different times, three vessels, in the cargoes of which he was interested to the amount of $10,000 prime cost - all of which vessels were captured by French privateers and with their cargoes, confiscated.- The French government made compensation for these damages more than forty years ago, and the money was used in the purchase of Louisiana, Capt. Smith has sent a petition to Washington for relief. [Maine Farmer 21 Jan 1843]
• Pilgrim Day was celebrated at New-Orleans by the New-England Society, and an eloquent address was delivered upon the occasion by Hon. Sargent L. Prentiss. [Maine Farmer 15 Jan. 1846]

• United. The Temperance Star, published at Thomaston, has been purchased by the proprietor of the Lime Rock Gazette, published at East Thomaston, and united with the latter. The Gazette is a well conducted journal and neatly printed and this "union" is better for the "strength" of all concerned. Success smile upon the Gazette. [Maine Farmer 30 Nov. 1848]
• Buckfield Branch Railroad. The letting for the grading of this Road took place at Buckfield village on Saturday last. We understand the whole grading has been contracted to be done for $40,000 of something like $3,000 per mile. The citizens of Buckfield were highly rejoiced at the result, and testified their joy by the firing of cannon, &c. We congratulate the citizens of Buckfield upon so auspicious a commencement to their noble undertaking, and although the completion of that road will materially diminish the amount of trade centering to this place, we cannot in our hearts desire anything but a favorable termination to the same. [Lewiston Journal]{Maine Farmer 2 Nov 1848]
• A Union of the Daughters of Temperance was formed on the 12th ult. among the colored ladies of Portland. [Maine Farmer 12 Oct 1848]
• 19th of April. The citizens of West Cambridge prose to celebrate the anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill on the 19th of April next. Of all the host that met there on that day, part were killed by Old England and the rest by "Old Mortality." [Maine Farmer 2 March 1848]
• Much Climbing - Over 20,000 person have asecnded Bunker Hill Monument during the present year. This, at ninepence a head will pay for sweeping the stairs very well. [Maine Farmer 15 July 1847]
• Fryeburg: On Tuesday, the 11th of Jan., the mercury in the thermometer fell to forty degrees below zero at Fryeburg, in Maine. A quizzical correspondent of New York Tribune gives some resolutions, which are said to have been recently adopted at a public meeting of the inhabitants of this town - one of which is, to petition the Legislature that the name of the town may be changed to the more appropriate one of Freezeburg - and another, that whenever the inhabitants of any new township produce evidence that the mercury in that district has risen in the shade as high as one hundred & ten, all the right, title interest and possession of the inhabitants of the present town of Fryeburg to that inappropriate name. shall be transferred and set over to them. [Boston Journal][Maine Farmer 24 Feb 1848]
• Ebenezer Moore, Esq. formerly of Gardiner, (Maine) has been elected Mayor of Quincy, Illinois. [Maine Farmer 16 May 1840]
• The navigation of the Penobscot river above Oldtown has been opened to Mattawamkeag Point. The Gov. Neptune taking passengers and freight from Oldtown to the Piscataquis falls, and the Mattanawcook then taking them at the head of the falls and landing them at the point. The regular trip was made on Tuesday last. The (Bangor) Whig says, this route will be one of great interest. [Maine Farmer 31 Aug 1848]

• HAGER's City. Who ever thought that Hager would have a city in America? What was once Hagerstown, in Maryland, is now a city, all rigged out with a Mayor and a suite of fat Aldermen to match. [Maine Farmer 4 May 1848]
• The Legislature of Maryland have passed a law prohibiting free Negroes from coming into that State, whether for the purpose of residence or otherwise, under heavy penalties. [Maine Farmer 23 May 1840]
• A DASH of SNOW - We have had one of the finest autumns that we have known since 1830 - warm and sunny until the 6th, when a young snow storm made its appearance. The snow fell an inch or two, but as the ground was not frozen any and the sun came out the next day, its duration was short. [Maine Farmer 9 Nov 1839]

• We learn from a Sandwich Island paper that Messes Lee and Frasa, belonging to the Methodist mission family at Oregon, with their families, left Honolulu, 27th Nov. in the barque Bhering, Capt. Snow, bound to Boston. [Maine Farmer 28 March 1844]
• Business on Sunday, By a recent decision of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, a bond made signed on Sunday, is void. [Maine farmer 21 Sept 1848]
• 19th of April. The citizens of West Cambridge prose to celebrate the anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill on the 19th of April next. Of all the host that met there on that day, part were killed by Old England and the rest by "Old Mortality." [Maine Farmer 2 March 1848]
• Destroyed by fire, on Tuesday of last week, in Leicester, Mass, the wooden factory of Denny and Barnes. Insured for $35,000. [Maine Farmer 19 Feb 1846]
• Bemis' Power Mills in Spencer, Mass, was lately blown up, and three persons were killed. [Maine Farmer 2 May 1840]
• Pilgrim Day was celebrated at New-Orleans by the New-England Society, and an eloquent address was delivered upon the occasion by Hon. Sargent L. Prentiss. [Maine Farmer 15 Jan. 1846]
• Compliment from Abroad. The king of Prussia has sent to Dr. Howe, (Samuel Gridley Howe) of Boston, a medal of gold of large size and splendid workmanship, as a testimony of his high consideration of Dr. Howe's merits as an instructor of the blind. It is well merited. [Maine Farmer 5 Feb 1846] (see )
• Fire at South Hadley, Mass On the 6th instant a very destructive fire occurred at the named place. The paper mill Howard & Lathrop, carried on by White & Sheffield of New York, - the paper mill of D. Ames, and a grist and plaster mill, were destroyed. The fire broke out in the mill of Howard & Lathrop, and the general opinion is that caught from a kettle of boiling pitch. Total loss estimated at $75,000; total amount insured, about $28,000. [14 May 1846]
• VEGETABLE VOTING - In 1643, at Ipswich, (MA) Indian beans were ordered to be used in voting. The white denoted YEA, and the black NAY. In 1648, they were required to be sealed up and forwarded to Boston. In 1680, Indian corn was ordered to be used for this purpose, and sealed up in paper containing the name of each candidate, and sent to Boston, on election day. [Maine Farmer 20 June 1840]
• The weather continues favorable for spring work, but the earth has become so dry unless we have rain soon, our crops of grass suffet everely. Our streams are very low for this season of the year. We have had no rain since the 12 of April, and but little since the 8th, just a month since. A few days since we had north-east winds, and cloudy weather, with prospect of rain, but only got a little drissle, barely sufficient to moisten the surface, when it again cleared off dry.

  Fruit Trees blossom full this spring, almost the yound precedent. Cherry, Plum, and Apricot trees have presented the appearance, almost of one large snowball, while the twigs of the Peach tree have presented long continuous cylinders of the richest bloom. Pear trees are now in full bloom and the flowers of the Apple are just expanding. Both give promise of most abundant crop. (Worc. Spy)(Maine Farmer 3 June 1833)

• A Mr. Baech, who has recently been released from from the Newburyport jail for disturbing religious meeting, took his stand a short time since on the pulpit stairs of Rev. Mr. POND, recently settled in Georgetown, and told the Pastor he was a wolf in sheep's clothing. [Maine Farmer 21 Jan 1843]
• Two thousand acres of the Marshpee woods, on Cape Cod, were burnt over on Sunday last. About a thousand cords of wood were destroyed. The fire was caused by the careless use of a tobacco-pipe by a female Indian. [27 May 1843]
• A young lady being addressed by a gentleman much older than herself, observed to him, the only objection she had to a union with him, was the probability of his dying before her, and leaving her to feel the sorrow of widowhood. To which he made the following ingenious and delicate reply. "Blessed is the man that hath a virtuous wife, for the number of his days shall be doubled" - Boston Weekly Magazine [Maine Farmer 30 Nov 1839]
• A Mr. Beach, who has recently been released from the Newburyport jail for disturbing religious meeting, took his stand a short time since on the pulpit stairs of Rev. Mr. POND, recently settled in Georgetown, and told the Pastor he was a wolf in sheep's clothing. [Maine Farmer 21 Jan 1843]

• Gold Mine: Report saith that a new gold mine has been discovered near Tecumseh, in Michigan [Maine Farmer 30 March 1848]
• Destructive Fire - Clifton Mills burnt. The Detroit Daily Advertiser of Tuesday, the 28th ult., says: The Clifton Mills, in Washington Township, Macomb County, belonging to Suydam, Sage & Co. of New York, were burnt on Saturday morning, the 25th ult. together with their contents, including some 4,000 bushels of wheat, a large quantify of fine and coarse grains, and some 50 m or 60 barrels of flour. [Maine Farmer 13 June 1844]
• Michigan Lumber
  More then 16,000,000 feet of lumber have been delivered and mostly shipped from Saginaw bay, this season. [Maine Farmer 14 Oct 1847]
• But two of the fifty-two members comprising the Legislature of Michigan are natives of that State. [Maine Farmer 2 May 1840] [N.B. The above is an interesting statement. Can anyone from Michigan give us the names of the two men/women who were born in Michigan and serving in the State Legislature in 1840?]
• 500 laborers and 900 carpenters, joiners and mechanics are advertised as wanted at Havre, Michigan territory. [Maine Farmer 1 July 1836]
• HEARY TOLL - Cochran, the fellow who destroyed the railroad bridge in Michigan, has been sentenced to serve ten years in the penitentiary. [March 1840?]
• TOWN BURNT IN MICHIGAN - A fire broke out on the 30th ult at Pontiac, Michigan, in the Exchange and with wind being high, it swept both sides of the street in the centre of that town, destroying 25 houses, besides barns and out buildings. The loss is estimated at $25,000. [Maine Farmer 16 May 1840]

• Minnesota Territory. The citizens of Minnesota held a convention at Stillwater on 26th of Augusta, to take measures to bring about the organization of territorial government. The following gentlemen were appointed a committee to draw up a memorial to congress on the subject: Joseph R Brown, Calvin F Leach, H H Sibley S. Nelson, M S Wilkenson, Henry Jackson and H. Moss. Resolution were also adopted expressive of the wishes of people. Henry H. Sibley Esq. was appointed a delegate to visit Washington and represent the interests visit Washington and represent the interests of the territory, during the ensuing session of congress. [Maine Farmer 19 Oct 1848]

• A man in attempting recently to rob the store of. Mr. John R. MURRAY, at Natchez, Miss, was shot through the heart by the owner, who discharged his pistol at random. The robber proved to be a runaway slave. [Maine Farmer 6 July 1840]
• The Mississippi Southern Sun states that Cook and Carter, who were confined in jail of Scott County, for murder, have been taken by force from prison by some of the citizens and executed! [Maine Farmer 28 Dec 1839]

• Col. Freemont. This enterprising explorer has set out from St. Louis, in company with thirty men, on a new route to California. [Maine Farmer 19 Oct 1848]
• Using up Boats. According to a St. Louis Paper, sixty-seven boats engaged in trade from that city, have been lost since Jan. 1847. Forty-two of them were burned. [Maine Farmer 4 May 1848]
• A white man has been taken up at St. Louis, as a vagrant, and sold under a law of that state, to the keeper of a livery stable for the sum of one dollar - quite as much as a vagrant is worth. [Maine Farmer 13 June 1840]
• SHAMEFUL - Three Mormons were carried away from Illinois by a party of Missourians a few days since and severely whipped on a charges of stealing. The case was a most flagrant one. [Maine Farmer 13 Aug 1840]
• GAS Lights in St. Louis. This city is now lighted with gas. The lights were first lit up on the 3rd ult. [Maine Farmer 2 Dec 1847]

• James O'Neiel has been sentenced at Dover, NH to ten years in the State Prison for setting fire to Moses Whittier's barn. [Maine Farmer 24 Feb 1848]
• GREAT FIRE IN HAVERHILL, NH, a destructive conflagration occurred at Haverhill, on Monday evening, breaking out about five o'clock. Nine stores and dwelling-houses, with their outhouses, were destroyed - also Towles' hotel, the post office, and two printing offices. The fire raged with great violence, and was with the utmost difficultly got under. We learn that the fire took from a defect in a chimney in the tavern. The whole loss is set down at from 20 to $25,000. [Maine Farmer 27 Apr 1848]
• HA! HA! Ten men in Nashua, NH., have opened a school for the expose of Old Fellowship. The flat will be nicely gammoned. [Maine Farmer 12 Feb 1846]

• Fire: A destructive fire occurred on Tuesday morning of last week, at Morristown, New Jersey. The N.J. Hotel, a beautiful structure, and several other buildings were destroyed. Loss estimated at about $75,000. One gentleman, Mr. L. F. Bailey, druggist, boarding at the hotel, is missing, and fears are entertained that he perished in the flames. [Maine Farmer 14 May 1846]
• It is stated that twenty-four manufacturing establishments at Paterson, NJ have entirely suspended their operations. and that the men, women and children, who were lately employed in them are entirely idle and very many of them literally dependent upon charity for their very scanty allowance of daily food. [MAINE FARMER 22 Feb 1840]
• SEVER HAILSTORM in West Jersey - The ice fell in lumps the size of pigeon's eggs, for fifteen minutes. On Thursday, at Hanover Furnace, Burlington County, the windows of the place were all broken and the buds were stripped from many of the trees. [Maine Farmer 20 May 1843]

• Nearly the whole of the village of Waterloo, New York, was destroyed by fire on Sunday evening. [Maine Farmer 9 Nov 1848]
• FIRE in Albany, NY- Another destructive fire occurred in Albany, NY, on Monday evening of last week. Some twenty-five buildings were consumed. The loss of property is estimated at $100,000. [Maine Farmer 4 May 1848]
• CANADA, The scheme of the contemplated bridge over the Niagara River, below the Falls, having been referred to the British Board of Ordnance that body has reported against it, as being dangerous in a Military point of view. [Maine Farmer 19 Feb 1846]
• The Suspension Bridge over Niagara River, near the Falls, is to be a stupendous work - 800 feet long, and 2000 feet above the river. Books for subscription to the stock have been opened in Canada, and the promoters of the undertaking have sanguine hopes of ultimate success. [Maine Farmer 4 Feb 1847]
• Emigration - The N.Y. Journal of Commerce gives the following statistics of European emigration to America- During fourteen years ending with 1842 inclusive, there arrived in Canada from England, 85,965 emigrants Ireland 22835 Scotland 47300 other counties 4761 Cabin passengers 1842, 614 Total 366, 675

North Carolina

• Several Gold mines have recently been discovered in the vicinity of Fayetteville, NC, which promise a rich yield. [27 May 1843]
• MORE GOLD MINES- Several new localities of gold have been found in Randolph County, NC and the whole community are busy in hammering and knocking to pieces the rocks and stone walls, with a hope of getting buried in a gold mine. [Maine Farmer 8 June 1848]
• Topic: Gold Mining in North Carolina
• WINTER WEATHER _ There was a fall of snow at Jefferson, Ashe County, North Caroline, on the 21st of June. The weather had been cold for several days, and fires were found comfortable in doors, as were great coats without. Ashe County is a vert elevated situation. [1 Aug 1837]
• EXECUTION- Mrs. Frances SILVERS was executed at Morganton, NC on 12th ult for the murder of her husband. She made a confession of all the circumstance leading to the commission of the awful deed. She says he was loading his gun with the avowed purpose of shooting her, when she caught up the axe and gave him the fatal blow. [Maine Farmer 24 Aug 1833]

• Increase of Wine. Six thousand gallons of wine have been made this year in the neighborhood of Harmony, in Ohio. [Maine Farmer 2 Nov 1848]
• Hon. J. R. Giddings, member of Congress from Ohio, addressed a large assemblage of our citizens on the subject of slavery, Thursday evening last. [Maine Farmer 23 July 1846]
• A place to Live. The town of Putnam is situated on the Muskingum River, opposite Zanesville, Ohio, containing a population of 3,000 people, and there is not, at present, an intemperate man in that place, and moreover, there is not, within the limits of the corporation, a single tavern, store or shop, where intoxicating liquors of any kind can be had. [Cincinnati Chronicle][Maine Farmer 2 Nov 1848]
• On the 8th instant, flour sold at Zanesville for three dollars a barrel, and wheat at fifty cents a bushel. [Maine Farmer 1 Feb 1840]
• The Ohio Statesman says that all the Banks of that State have resumed specie payments. (Maine Farmer 14 Dec 1839]
• The Weather: Well, winter is down upon us good earnest. The Muskingum is frozen over above the dam, and of course navigation is closed. (Zanesville (Ohio) Gaz) [Maine Farmer 14 Dec 1839]
• The village of Millerberg, Ohio, has been almost totally destroyed by fire; 30 buildings, among then 18 dwelling houses, the jail and other edifices, have been burned down. [Maine Farmer 6 June 1834]
• Lard Oil - The Cincinnati Gazette states that the lard oil business was never in a more flourishing condition than at present. There are four factories now in that city, driving the business successfully. R W Lee & Co., keep two gangs of hands constantly at work, during the whole 24 hours one set relieving the other, at stated periods. They last week executed an order for their oil to be shipped direct to France. Various improvements in the machinery and economy of the works daily suggest themselves to all the lactories. [Maine Farmer 4 Mar 1843]
• A Village Destroyed by Fire - The Charleston (VA) Republican of the 4th inst says The Steamer Lawrence arrived here on Thursday night, passed the village of Manchester, Ohio at 3 o'clock, A.M. on Wednesday, the 2st inst. The village was then on fire - some 12 or 14 buildings on the street fronting the river burning which, no doubt were entirely consumed. [Maine Farmer 25 Mar 1843]

• We learn from a Sandwich Island paper that Messes Lee and Frasa, belonging to the Methodist mission family at Oregon, with their families, left Honolulu, 27th Nov. in the barque Bhering, Capt. Snow, bound to Boston. [Maine Farmer 28 March 1844]
• We learn by the Independence paper, that the Oregon emigrants number, it is thought, embracingmen, women, and children, about 15000 souls. They were to hold a meeting on the 11th at Sapling Grove, for the purpose of organizing for the journey, making laws, selecting officers, &c. They expected to start on the 29th, and probably sooner. It is said that they are generally eager to make a start, and it was feared that numbers who intended going, and are now on their way to Independence, will be left to await another emigration. (Daily Bee)(Maine Farmer 13 June 1844]
• Railroad to CALIFORNIA. A public meeting has been called at Fort Smith, Arkansas to take into consideration the utility of a road from that point to California and Oregon! [Maine Farmer 12 Oct 1848]
• Oregon Important:
  The Journal of Commerce of Friday last says: We learn from very good authority, that Mr. PACKENHAM has received instructions from his government by the steamer Hibernia, to make a final overture for the amicable adjustment of the Oregon question. He is offer, substantially, the proposition suggested some time since by Mr. M'LANE, our Minister in London, to Lord Alberdeen, viz. lat. 49 as the basis. Leaving to Great Britain the whole of Vancouver's Island and the free navigation of the Columbia. [Maine Farmer 11 June 1846]

Pennsylvania

• Bad Coffee. Mrs. Coffee, in Philadelphia, (PA.), was fined fifty cents and the cost for thrashing Mrs. HOFFMAN. [Maine Farmer 9 Nov. 1848]
• Fire and Loss of Life- On Tuesday evening the Milford Cotton Factory in Buck's Co. PA. was consumed by fire. A female was burnt with the building. [Maine Farmer 20 Mar 1845]
• LEAD in Pennsylvania. A lead mine which promises to become valuable, has been opened on the land of a farmer in Lancaster, PA. [Maine Farmer 2 Dec 1847]
• PRICE OF WHIPPING A WIFE: . A man named Dalton sentenced in Northampton County, Penn. a few days since, to a fine of one dollar and thirty days imprisonment for beating his wife. [Maine Farmer 29 Feb 1840]
• The dwelling house and store of Mr. James Brewster in Shirleysburgh, PA was destroyed by fire on the 2d inst and horrid to relate three persons perished in the flames. [Maine Farmer 1 Feb 1840]
• DISTRESS - It is stated in the Germantown (PA) Telegraph, that Mr M'Cready, proprietor of the very extensive cotton factory at Morristown, intends shutting up his establishment and discharge all his workmen on account of the pressure of the times. The same paper also states, that proprietors of factories at Frankfort, have been compelled to relinquish cash payments to their hands, for the present, unless as a heavy discount and in lieu of which due bills are given for 60 days. [Maine Farmer 28 Feb 1834]
• CURIOUS- A petition was presented to the Legislative House of Pennsylvania, on the 10th inst asking that a tax might be imposed upon bachelors over the age of thirty years. The document was referred to the Committee on Domestic Manufactures. [Maine Farmer 1841]

• The news of the battle of Bunker Hill, was four days in getting to Newport, RI. Passengers are now conveyed from Boston to Newport in about four hours. [Maine Farmer 16 Nov 1839]
• Fire in Woonsocket, RI: A destructive fire broke out in Woonsocket, about half past 11 o'clock on Thursday night in the cotton factory of G C Ballon which was entirely consumed. An adjoining mill of E. Harris, took fire and was considerably injured. A dye-house of J. U. Reuger was also consumed. [Maine Farmer 5 Feb 1846]

• Drought at the South - The county round about Charleston, SC is suffering a protracted drought. The eisterns in the city are most of them dry, and the cotton planters have few of them more than half of their cotton up, and that in many places perishing of thirst. [Maine Farmer 3 June 1843]
• GONE SOUTH
  Grant Thornburn, so long known in New York, has moved to South Carolina. Grant ought not to have left Gotham. [Maine Farmer 30 Nov. 1848]

• GOOD ADVICE: A writer in Knoxville Times strongly recommends to farmers in Tennessee to keep sheep instead of dogs - as they will find them much more profitable and useful. [Maine Farmer 14 Dec 1839]
• The present Tennessee House of Representatives is composed of forty-six Farmers; thirteen Lawyers; seven Merchants; five Doctors; two Tailors; one Silversmith and one Forgeman. [Maine Farmer 7 Dec 1939]

• The Arkansas Times and Advocate of the 15th ult states that it was rumored that Governor Conway of that States, has aloped for Texas, carrying all the negroes with him; the same negroes which the United States Government had levied upon to secure a judgment for upwards of $12,000, appropriated to pay volunteers in 1836, but which the governor had applied to his own purpose. [Maine Farmer 17 Oct 1844]
• TEXAS BEYOND The NUECES: West of the Nueces the people are all Spaniards. The country is uninhabitable, excepting the Rio Grande and that contains a pretty dense population. The soil on the river is great fertility, and though imperfectly cultivated produces considerable corn, cotton and sugar. On the river are several fine towns, some on one side, some on the other. Matamoras, 9,000 inhabitants; Remoso 1,500; Comongo, 3,000; Mier, 5,000; Guererrero, 3,500; Loredo, 1,500; Preidios, 5,000; San Fernando, 15,000; and when you get higher up towards Santa Fe, there is another populated country. These people are all Spaniards; nearly all of them have gone over to the other side of the river, leaving their houses and much valuable property, notwithstanding every assurance from General Taylor that all their rights and property would be respected by our government. [Maine Farmer 11 June 1846]
• A VALUEABLE LEAD MINE - has recently been discovered in Texas, a few miles west of Dallas; and it is thought that there are many such in the region of country extending from Trinity River to the San Saba Valley. [Maine Farmer 5 Mar 1846]
• A strong party in Texas, having the appropriation of President (Samuel) Houston, are said to be in favor of the abolition of slavery in that country. [Maine Farmer 20 May 1843]
• TEXAS - The following is an extract of a letter from a gentleman in Texas, to his friend in Wilmington, Del, under date of December 7th. Dear sir: Our country is going ahead with tremendous strides; what think you of 2000 souls arriving in Texas in one week, many of which are planters, the balance mostly of the working class. A Mr. Mercers, a friend of mine who resides on Old Caney, informed me a few days since that he would pack 3 1-2 hhds. of white sugar of 1000 lbs for $8 per hundred weight, which will amount to $280 for a single acre of ground for one year. [Maine Farmer 15 Jan 1846]

• The Mormons in California have laid claim to a large portion of the gold territory, and demand thirty per cent. of the ore taken therefrom. An express has been sent to the Salt Lake settlement, where about 10,000 Mormons are located. There is a rumor that equally rich mines have been discovered in that region. The thirty per cent. demand of the Mormons is expected to lead to trouble. [Maine Farmer 28 Dec 1848]

• Fire Gov. Paine's Woolen Factory in Northfield, VT was consumed by fire on Monday night of last week. About three hundred persons are thrown out of business by this calamity. The damage is variously estimated at from $50,000 to $1000,000.
• Destructive Fire in Vergennes, VT. We learn from the Vergennes, Vermonter, that a very destructive fire occurred in that place on Tuesday of last week. The fire broke out in a large stone store occupied by the Messrs. Holcomb, whose loss is estimated at $35,000, only $7,000 insured. These gentlemen slept in their store, and came very nigh being consumed. When, the wall of the building fell, they crushed in the roofs of the adjoining buildings, and the flames communicating, the whole were consumed. The entire loss is estimated at $60,000. Entire insurance, about $15,000. [Maine Farmer 5 Feb 1846]
• TREMENDOUS SNOW STORM - The Burlington, VT Sentinel says that a snow storm was experienced in that section of the county on the 14th inst. more violent than has been known since 1816. The snow fell twelve inches deep - and the young trees were much injured by its weight. [Maine Farmer 30 May 1834]
• A new species of Manufacture - We learn that Mr. Stearns of Woodstock, VT, is about to establish at the State Dam in this city, a manufactory of satinet out of woolen rags and the usual amount of cotton warp. Flannel rags, old woolen stockings old carpets, and every kind of woolen rags, excepting broadcloth and cassimere, will be used. Theses rags are converted, by a certain process, into a substance resembling wool, and are then spun into yarn. Rags of broadcloth and cassimere cannot be used on account of their being deprived of the adhesive quality necessary to form a firm thread. (Troy Whig) [Maine Farmer 15 Apr 1843]

• Horrible, The dwelling of John Petigrew, in Bockbridge, VA, caught fire during his absence on the 20th and burnt to the ground. When he returned he found his wife and five children lying together a few feet from the ruins frozen to death. [Baltimore Patriot, Monday][Maine Farmer 14 Jan 1847]
• A DESTRUCTIVE FIRE - occurred in Alexandria on the night of the 25th ult. It originated in an extensive Cabinet Manufactory, one of the most valuable in the United States. Loss estimated at $20,000 - only $3000 of which was insured. A dwelling house and shop adjoining were also consumed, and three other houses very considerably injured. [Maine Farmer 13 May 1836]
• A woolen factory has just been put up at Richmond, VA, 520 by 45 feet, and four stories high. It is capable of manufacturing 2,000 yards of flannel per week, and working up 210,000 lbs of wool per annum. The owner is a New England man. [Maine Farmer 1 Jan 1846]

Wisconsin

• Potato rot in Wisconsin. This insidious potato destroyer has swept over Wisconsin and hardly a potato has escape its ravages. [Maine Farmer 21 Sept 1848]
• Cathedral in Milwaukee The corner stone of a large Cathedral has been laid in Milwaukee. It is to be 155 feet long and 75 feet wide [Maine Farmer 20 Jan 1848]
• JUNKET- is a term applied to a dish which every farmer's wife can readily make, and which constitutes an excellent light food for all classes during the heat of summer. It is merely milk curdled by the addition of a little rennet half an hour before dinner, seasoned to the taste. First prepare your rennet for use, by cleaning, satting, stretching and drying the skin. When dry, cut into pieces as big as a dollar, & put into brown sugar. When wanted for use, put one or two of the pieces into half a gill of cold water half an hour before wanted. Season the milk with sugar, nutmeg, and wine, if desired, then add the water in which the rennet has been soaked, stir the whole well, and in fifteen minutes it will be fit for use. Milk from two to four quarts - (Wisconsin Culturist) [Maine Farmer 21 Aug 1838]
• A party of one hundred emigrants from the pine clad mountains of Norway, passed through Chicago a short time since, to settle in Wisconsin, [Maine Farmer 25 Jan 1840]
• Eight years ago the first frame house was erected in Milwaukee. Now it contains a population but little below 4,000. No fewer than 250 dwellings stores and warehouses have been built in Milwaukee since the first of Jan., 1842, and the number will run up to 350 or 400 during the present season. [27 May 1843]

• CANADA, The scheme of the contemplated bridge over the Niagara River, below the Falls, having been referred to the British Board of Ordnance that body has reported against it, as being dangerous in a Military point of view. [[Maine Farmer 19 Feb 1846]
• Emigration - The N.Y. Journal of Commerce gives the following statistics of European emigration to America- During fourteen years ending with 1842 inclusive, there arrived in Canada from England, 85,965 emigrants Ireland 22835 Scotland 47300 other counties 4761 Cabin passengers 1842, 614 Total 366, 675

• PEOPLING THE ISLAND - The French Government has concluded to send six thousand of their insurgent prisoners to the Marquesas Island in the Pacific Ocean. This is colonizing on a grand scale. [Maine Farmer 10 Aug 1848]

General Interest

• Statistics of Baptists From the Baptist Almanac for 1847, it appears that the total number of members of Baptist church in the United States, is 722,404, licensed preachers, 1,175, ordained ministers, 5,564, churches 9,795. Number of members in the British Provinces and West Indies, 36,752 Total number of members in the United states including Anti-Mission; Six Principle; Seventh Day; Church of God; Campbellites; and Christian Connexion Baptist is 1,000,719. The Total in North America 1,060,332; total in Great Britain 142,025; total in Europe 144,115; Asia 8,130; Africa, 1,114; grand total 1,213,711. Churches 16,035 ordained ministers 10,062 [Maine Farmer 11 Mar 1847]
• Every man has, in his own life, follies enough; in his mind, troubles enough; in the performancy of this duties, deficiencies enough; in his own fortune, evil enough; without being curious after the affairs of others. [Maine Farmer 6 July 1840]
• Ethnic Jokes of the 1800's, Warning these jokes are not politically correct to today's standards.
  • Black Jokes
• I O U are the vowels which create more disagreeable sensations in the minds of honest men, than all the rest of the alphabet together. [Maine Farmer 21 Dec. 1839]
• POTATO BALLS - A lady of our acquaintance recommends the following preparation: Mix mashed potatoes with the yolk of an egg - roll them into balls - flour them or egg and bread crumbs them and fry them in clear drippings, or lard, or brown them in a Dutch oven - [Yeoman's Gazette] [Maine Farmer 22 Apr 1836]
• Modern meaning to old words
  • - Young men's best companion. - He who takes him home when he cannot take himself home.
  • Aristocrat - One who considers the respectability of his grand father to be sufficient payment for his debts.
  • Right of the people - The exclusive privilege of grumbling at imaginary oppression.
  • Nuisance - The disturbance caused by your neighbor in making his fortune.
  • Oversight - To leave your old umbrella in a news room, and bring away a new one.
  • Science - To tie a canister to a dog's tail, and observe whether he runs east or west.
  • Pastor. - Not one who feeds, but is fed by the flock.
  • Reflective turn - To have your umbrella turned inside out whilst turning a corner. [Maine Farmer 6 May 1836]
• It is said that the number of divorces legally pronounced in the US amounts annually to nearly 2000. [Maine Farmer 27 Mar 1835]
• SMILE: A writer on "swearing", says an oath from a woman's lips is unnatural and incredible and he would as soon expect a bullet from a rosebud. [Maine Farmer 7 Sept 1833]

• AMUSING Pic-Nics.
• The Picayune, in giving an account of the weaver riots, says "Sheriff PORTER was severely wounded in the rumpus." The Picayune is mistaken the wounds were on the head and breast - Ledger. [Maine Farmer 11 Mar 1843]
• "John , how does it happen that you, who tried so hard to get a wife, through a long and hopeless courtship of four years, now that you have won the prize seem to care so little about her?" "Why, boss. I'll tell you. I've heard of a man who wanted to jump over a stone wall. He took a good start and run a mile, and when he got up to the wall he was so tired that he had to lay down and go to sleep by the side of it. Now I love my wife so long and hard before I could get her, that I found my love had all run out when I had her fast." [Maine Farmer 11 Mar 1843]
• Dialogue
  • Lothario - AH! dearest Anna, for your love I'm dying. And at your feet I Lie.
  • Anna - I see you're lying. [Maine Farmer 11 Mar 1843]
• The good loud, loud, hearty laugh, is worth more than all the patent medicines advertised in all the newspapers, and sold by all the quacks in Christendon.- Yes, give us a good laugh and temperance, and with them we can keep off and throw of more maladies than some of these quick medicines can produce - and that is saying much. [Maine Farmer 11 Mar 1843]
• Questios?
  • Are you an Odd Fellow?
  • No Sir! I've been married a week.
  • I mean do you belong to the Order of Odd Fellows!
  • No! I belong to the Order of Married Men.
  • Thunder! how dumb! Are you a Mason?
  • N0: I'm a Carpenter by trade.
  • Worse and worse! Are you a Son of Temperance?
  • Confound you, no! I am the son of John COSLING.
  • The querist went his way with something of a flea in his ears - Albany Citizen. [Maine Farmer 9 Apr 1846]
• Rather Tart - A lady who presumed to make some observation, while a physician was recommending her husband to a better world, was told by the doctor "what if some women were to be admitted there, tongues would make paradise a purgatory;" The lady replied "And if some physicians were to be admitted there, they would make it a desert." [Maine Farmer 11 Mar 1843]
• SHARP REPARTEE _ A countryman sowing his ground, two smart fellows came riding along that way, when one of them called to him with an insolent air.- "We, honest fellow," said he, " it is your business to sow, but we reap the fruits of your hard labor." To which the countryman replied, "It is very likely you may, for I am sowing hemp." [Maine Farmer 11 Mar 1843]
• A loafer once promised never again to call for liquor at a bar. In order to evade this promise he went into a tavern with a friend and walked up to the bar. His friend, then, according to agreement, asked him softly with what weapon David slew Goliath. He looked at the gar keeper and replied in a deep voice, A SLING! [Maine Farmer 11 Mar 1843]
• Two lawyers, one day, in riding, came up with a clergyman. Says one of them, to his fellow traveler, We'll crack a joke with the priest. Pleased with the idea, they rode up, one on either side; after mutual salutations, one of them says. How happens it, that men of your cloth make such egregious blumders in the pulpit? I heard one when he wished to say Og, King of Bashan, say Hog, King of Bacon
• Oh, replied the divine, we are men of like infirmities with the rest of our fellow-creatures. I lately, when I should have said the devil was the father of liars - but said the devil is the father of lawyers. Ah! asked the other, which are you a knave or a fool? I believe, gentlemen he replied, I am between both. [Maine Farmer 11 Mar 1843]

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