CALHOUN NEWS FROM 1895 - Bashful Clerk Buys Chickens, Parachute Jump At Calhoun Fair, First Colored Man On Jury

(03/17/2024)
Transcribed by Norma Knotts Shaffer

Microfilm of the Calhoun Chronicle 9/10/1895

STORE CLERK STUNNED

A few days ago a beautiful, and blushing maid from the country brought some chickens to Wiant & Barr's store to sell or exchange for goods.

They were securely tied by the feet and she placed them up on the produce counter. "Crow" Stump, the bashful clerk, stepped around to the counter and smilingly asked: "Do you think they will lay there?"

To which the blushing maid replied: "No, they are all roosters." "Crow" has not smiled since.

CALHOUN FAIR HAS BALLOON ASCENSIONS & PARACHUTES

There will be balloon ascensions and parachute leaps at the Calhoun County Fair, a thrilling, sensational and attractive feature.

When at an altitude of several thousand feet Prof. Trainor will jump from the balloon and descend to the ground in the presence of all.

FIRST COLORED MAN TO BE ON JURY

Peter Hicks, the barber, has been drawn on the petit jury for the next term of the court. He is the first colored man ever drawn on a jury in this county.

GEORGE MCKEE TAKES FIRST TRAIN RIDE

George McKee, the oldest barber in the State, went to the Pennsboro fair this week. It was the first time in his life that he ever been on a railroad.

When the train got to going about 40 miles an hour he got scared and grabbed hold of the seat, and refused to let go. When the train entered the first tunnel he thought it was kingdom come with him and as the train shot into daylight he was found on his knees praying like a good fellow.

It was the first time ever tried to pray.

He said to a fellow passenger that if he ever got back to Parkersburg alive no one would never again get in such a fix.

George is 107 years old and remembers well the big snow storm of July 4th, 1802. He is still very spry for his age. - Parkersburg Sentinel