| Transcribed by Norma Knotts Shaffer from microfilm
of the Calhoun Chronicle dated 6/5/1894.
The Blackshire Quartette
Owing to recent developments Charley Blackshire, the jailer, has
decided
to do his own serenading hereafter, and for this purpose he has
organized
from among his prisoners a vocal club which is destined to become one
of
the most famous quartettes that has ever given public performances on
the
American stage. The renowned and gigantic pugilist, Dave Welsh,
noted
for his bravery and daring deeds in recent combats, has developed into
a prodigy of wonder as a soloist and leader of the quartette.
When
joined by the other members of this band their discordant strains
swell
upon the ears of passers by like the Stygian voices of pandemonium
making
the night hideous by their unearthly howls and render the midnight
gloom
more awful to Will Stevenson than the nocturnal prowlings of Tim
Hagerty
and Mel McCroskey as seen in his troubled dreams, the deep base notes
of
the aforesaid David's voice turning the mattress in Will's virtuous
couch.
Immediately after the June term of court this wonderful band of
vocalists
whose fame is spreading like wild fire over the country will startle
the
natives into admiration and wonder by their public performances at
Grantsville
and other large cities of this nation and Europe. Their initial
step
in the musical arena will be marked by the rendition of the "immortal
David's"
first composition. - The Calhoun Jail |
