Submitted by RHolt14709@aol.com to mail list and used here with permission.

Excerpts from the Interior Journal


Pulaski Column

Edited by Will. C. Curd

Somerset, Ky., July 28th, 1873.

It is, indeed, remarkable for a week to pass without the occurrence of 

something in Somerset to create a sensation or unusual excitement, but we are 

compelled to set the past week down as a blank, and more to our surprise we 

have not received a single report from the country out of which to shape an 

item, except that which we will call courthouse rumor, of which we will 

speak, as we must endeavor to make our column as interesting as possible, 

while our list of Pulaski subscribers continues to increase - but without a 

subject the dissecting knife is useless, and the pen a harmless instrument 

even in the hands of an experience write; in short, we can not get something 

out of nothing.



When the protracted meetings closed, that same dull monotony reappeared and 

nothing to break it now save the workman's hammer as he shapes the mighty 

rock for our



New Court House



The building of which is an evidence of county pride and shows a proper 

spirit of improvement, and we are looking to its speedy completion with the 

greatest anxiety, and we trust that it will prove an edifice of such 

workmanship and architecture, to which every citizen of our county can point 

with pride, notwithstanding the dissatisfaction which at present prevails 

amongst that class of individuals who are informed, or in other words, 

misinformed, as to the duties, responsibilities and labors incumbent upon the 

building committee and how and in what manner they are to receive 

compensation for their services.  To set a few distempered minds at rest, we 

will inform them that neither member of said committee has knowledge of the 

amount he will receive for his services, as this is a matter solely within 

the province of the county court to determine when the building is completed, 

then it will be left to their sound judgment and discretion to make an 

allowance, taking into consideration their time, service, economical 

management and saving to the county.



We are aware that many erroneous impressions have been made by thoughtless 

persons, without considering the consequence, upon the minds of the 

over-credulous and those who are ever ready to catch at even a shadow that 

they may think is passing by for the benefit of a town citizen.  We learn 

that many of our citizens have been made believe such absurd and preposterous 

reports as the following: "That the building committee had ordered sand from 

Lake Michigan and a superior lot of hair from Russia for plastering purposes; 

that the cupalo was to be lit up with gas - at an enormous cost per annum to 

the county - that the town loafers might see the time of night; that the 

building committee was receiving every Saturday evening from seven to ten 

dollars per day each for merely overseeing the hands, and Jim Sandifer would 

be allowed one thousand dollars per annum for his services in attending to 

and winding up the clock;"  and many other of a like character manufactured 

for the sole purpose of having a little fun at the expense of certain 

individuals, who make frequent visits to our town to catch the wild street 

rumor.  Shame upon the man who has lost to common sense and good reasoning as 

to believe such foolishness.  And we would advise all to be patient until we 

have more reliable evidence that our money is being improperly expended, then 

we will all join in the "chorus" and see that the tax-payers of our county 

are protected.



Bad News - Death of G.W. Singleton.



J.W. Singleton received a letter this morning stating that his father, Geo. 

W. Singleton, died of cholera on last Wednesday at a small town fourteen 

miles from Chattanooga, where he had taken refuge to avoid the dread 

fatality.  This news was heard in our town with the deepest regret.  Mr. 

Singleton having many warm friends who sympathize with this wife and 

children, who must now suffer the pangs and sad realities of the death of a 

dear husband and father who has ever been so kind to them.



It appears that Mr. Singleton returned to Chattanooga on business the 

Saturday previous to his death and contracted the disease while there.



New Pump.



The trustees are now having removed the old pump from the well on public 

square, for the purpose of supplying it with a new one.



Mad Dogs.



Two dogs have been recently killed about one mile below Somerset, supposed to 

be effected with hydrophobia.



Rain.



The fine rains of the last three days will assist the corn crop of our county 

to a very gratifying and profitable extent.



Our Fair.



The fourth annual exhibition of the Pulaski Agricultural and Mechanical 

Association will be held on Thursday and Friday, September 4th and 5th, 1873. 

 The directory say that they are determined to make this exhibition of the 

present year the most interesting one ever held in the county.  A large 

crowed with a fine show of stock is expected.



Wife, mother, daughter, sister, sweet-heart !  extort the promise from your 

lover, brother, son, husband, to vote against the whiskey ring next Monday.  

You are directly interested in the removal of temptation from our midst.  

Whiskey is the greatest enemy to your happiness.



Eight Persons Poisoned.



At the hospitable board of Mr. Greenup Jones, of this vicinity, a few days 

ago, eleven persons partook - rather unsparingly, perhaps  - of a sumptuous 

dinner.  A few hours after eating, one after another of the company, 

including "mine host," commenced vomiting, until eight of the epicarians were 

each industriously attending to the inverted action of his individual stomach 

and esophagus - each seemingly trying to excel his neighbor in scientific 

vomition.  At first the coincidence was regarded as a very amusing episode 

and quite an interesting finale to the day's enjoyment; but as the 

participants in the impromptu tableau grew "no better fast" at every heave, 

their more fortunate companions in the sanquinary table conflict became 

alarmed and summoned a physician.  By the time the doctor arrived, the matter 

was regarded with becoming seriousness by both spectators and actors, and one 

poor fellow inquired anxiously, "Doctor have I got it?"  The doctor soon 

relieved the party, and they are now enjoying their usual health, and we hope 

will, in the future, heed this warning:



Famished people must be slowly nurst,

And fed by spoonfuls, else they always burst.



The physician thinks that the vanilla used in the ice cream cause the 

trouble.  This we do not doubt, as many similar cases are on record, and are 

occurring daily.  Vanilla extract is made of tronqua beans, which are 

poisonous, and we hope the reader will take warning, and discontinue the use 

of vanilla as a flavor in the culinary department.  Lemon is quite as good 

for flavoring, and is the purest that can be obtained.  It is made of citric 

acid and sugar.  The citric acid is made of lemon.  (Note: not certain this 

article pertains to Pulaski County.)

Last Update