USA > Arkansas > Pulaski County > Little Rock > Blue book of Little Rock and Argenta, Arkansas > Part 6
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The Booker T. Washington trip to Little Rock, in 1905, was made in response to the carnest solicitation of Mr. Bush: Dr. Washington promised him several years previously that he would visit the city, and, as a matter of course, the
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FRATERNITIES.
Reception Committee assigned the splendid dwelling of the subject as the temporary headquarters of the Wizard of Tuskegee. The Hon. J. E. Bush was also manager of the Washington party and private car during their tour of Ar -. kansas, Indian Territory and Oklahoma.
J. K. BUSH,
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BLUE BOOK.
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D. M. WELLS.
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CHAPTER XIV.
PRINTING.
Mr. D. M. Wells is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, hav- ing been born at that place in the year 1884. . D. M. and Laura Wells were his parents. In the sixth year of his age his mother for the first time put him in school at Howe Institute, Memphis, Tennessee, where he attended six years; after which he worked one year, helping his mother to raise money to defray his college expenses. When he was fourteen years old he matrienlated at the Agricultural and Mechanical College, Normal, Alabama, being graduated from this institution in five years, completing the printing and normal courses. In 1903 he was elected manager of the News Enterprise, Birmingham, Alabama. In 1904 Professor Conn- «il made him superintendent of the printing department of his alma mater.
The subject visited his mother at Memphis in 1905, and during his visit home he was asked to take the foremanship of the Slegde & Wells Printing Company, white, which he did with credit.
In March, 1905, the Little Rock Reporter Publishing Company offered him a large salary to become manager of their printery. IIc accepted the position, holding it one year, when he resigned to start a printing business for him- self at 616 West Ninth street, where he is until now. Mr. Wells is self-reliant and has an enviable degree of business tenacity.
Mr. C. P. Safpho was born in Woodruff County, Ar- kansas, November 3, 1SS1. He is the offspring of Mr. E. N. C. and Mrs. Eliza Safpho. Ile was educated at Wynne, Ar- kansas.
'This placid, steady and youthful craftsman, spurred on and lifted up by precocity, has been at the printer's case
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BLUE BOOK.
ever since he has been large enough to stand practically thereto. The subject was publisher of the Wynne Weekly Pilot from 1900 to 1903. Hle removed to the metropolis of
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C. P. SAFPHO.
the State the latter part of 1903. Two years he was com- positor on the Baptist Vanguard.
Mr. Safpho is still following his vocation as manager of McConico-King Printing Company, corner Ninth and Broadway. His Christian proclivities are Missionary Baptist.
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PRINTING.
Mr. R. C. Patton, who was born at Roanoke, Alabama, May 24, 1889, received his early education at his native town. Professor Patton hails from Tuskegee, which institute he entered in 1885 and was graduated from the Normal and Printing Departments in 1903. He had charge of the Printing
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R. C. PATTON.
Department of Selma University, Selina, Alabama, for one vear, when he was elected to the principalship of Mount Rose, Arkansas, High School. In 1905, Dr. Booker Washing- ton recommended him to Dr. Cox and the management of Philander Smith College to take the management of the Printing Department of that institution, which he now holds. The subject is a Baptist.
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BLUE BOOK.
C. E. BUSH.
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CHAPTER XV.
JOURNALISM.
The youngest seion of the journalistic field, in our pages, is C. E. Bush, the son of the Honorable J. E. Bush and Mrs. Cora Bush, who was born in Little Rock, January 16, 1886. He received his education, primarily, in the public and high schools of his native city. After which, he took an eighteen months' business course at Ferris Institute, Big Rapids, Michigan.
Shortly after his return from college he engaged in the undertaking business, the firm being known as Bush & Keatts. This business was conducted by them for more than a year. Mr. Bush is now editor and manager of the Mosaie Guide, the official organ of the Mosaic Templars of America, a powerful and influential organization, a goodly number of whose members are of some of the wealthiest and most intelligent colored citizens of the fourteen States in whose confines it has branch orders. The Indianapolis Freeman says, editorially, that "the Mosaie Guide is the best paper coming that way from the State of Arkansas." Mr. Bush gets ont a good paper, and, as far as the writer knows, he has the distinction and high honor of being the youngest editor of color in the United States of America. He is the youngest life member of the National Negro Busi- ness Men's League.
The subject is single, therefore he lives with his parents, who are rated among the wealthiest Afro-Americans of the place. Young Bush is a true branch of Little Rock's typical "400." In the superior management of his office he demon- strates the intellectuality of a man of riper years and wider experience. We see no reason why he should not equal his father, or even surpass him, in the race of life; for he has his father's excellent counsel to guide him and magnifi- cent career to point him the way.
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BLUE BOOK.
J. E. HENDERSON.
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CHAPTER. XVI.
JEWELRY.
Mr. J. E. Henderson was born in Little Rock, Eighth street, between Broadway and Arch, commonly known as " Lick Skillet," August 6, 1868. Parents were George and Mrs. Mollie (Bush) Ilenderson, sister to the Hon. J. E. Bush of the same city. When he was eight or ten years old he constructed a miniature engine out of an old tin can. IIc also busied himself not a little in tearing old clocks and watches into pieces. He first entered the public schools at the age of six, at Capital Hill, and studied at Union Iligh School, and was one of the first students in the Arkansas Baptist College. Quit school when he was sixteen years old.
He was the champion pitcher in the Little Rock baseball cadet team three years, and was recognized as the best pitcher of color in the State.
Mr. Henderson studied the jewelry business under Mr. J. V. Zimmerman, of Little Rock, from 1884 to 1896.
In 1896 he opened his first jewelry store, 508 West Ninth street, and was the first colored jeweler to engage in the business in the Bear State.
In 1890 he wedded Miss Mollie Thomas, of Memphis, Tennessee. Sever children have been born to them, three living, Jesse E., Benjamin Derrick, and Mary E. Mr. Hen- derson is a zealous Christian and a member of Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, and is its Sunday School super- intendent. He was corresponding secretary. of the Baptist Sunday School Convention of the State for two years. IIe owns his home, 1617 Cross street.
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BLUE BOOK.
Mr. Walter T. Oates' energy, keen business taet, and use of the printer's ink, in the way of advertising, places him prominently in harmony with the spirit and purport of the "Blue Book." Ilence, a character sketch of him is appended as a matter of course. He was born in Okolona, Mississippi,
WALTER T. OATES.
October 23, 1882. Joseph and Mrs. Elvira Oates are the names of his parents. They came to Little Rock in 1889; both are deceased. The subject completed the common school course and the grammar grade at the Twenty-first Street School. Ile has always been inclined to do business for him- self, and served as porter in some of the best jewelry stores
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JEWELRY.
of Little Rock for two years. Also, he was an apprentice to J. E. Henderson for one year. And after the expiration of that time, he bought Henderson out, June 2, 1903. Of course, he then took charge and conducted a jewelry busi- ness for three years and four months at the same old stand. Business at this place not proving generally satisfactory $ after the above mentioned time, he discontinued there and reopened at 422 Louisiana street, where he is doing a splendid growing business as jeweler and watch-repairer, manufac- turer of lodge pins, finger rings, and such like.
Mr. Oates belongs to the First Baptist Church. He owns a good cottage residence at 3509 West Sixteenth street. IIe is planning to make his trade a sort of cooperative business for the purpose of instructing boys and girls in the art of the jewelry and watch-making business. Mr. Oates is cheer- ful by nature, and single by choice.
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CHIAPTER XVII.
PLAYWRIGHT.
The mention of Spencer B. Gibson, who was born in the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, April 4, 1875, is but to pay a tribute to genuine worth and struggling genius. Mr. Gibson received his early education in the public schools of Little Rock, Arkansas, after which he entered the Arkansas Baptist College, at which institute he was advanced to the Academic Department; and, in the meantime, was doing the work of an apprentice printer.
SPENCER GIBSON.
In 1886 he was graduated from the Columbian School of Art, Washington, D. C. After his graduation he went baek to the printer's case, where he has been for sixteen years. Mr. Gibson was not born to be content with the monot- onous click of the type adjusting itself in the printer's com- posing stiek, for nature has made him a considerably clever playwright. The following are his productions: "The Aris- toeratic Swell," "Midsummer Dream," and "The Charms of l'aradise." IIc is a member of the First Baptist Church. He lives at his own home, 2708 Roek street, with his family. The highest ambition of Mr. Gibson's life is to aid in the promotion and advancement of his racc.
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CHAPTER XVIII.
SUNDRY PURSUITS.
Mr. Robert T. Willis was born in Monroe County, Missis- sippi, August 1, 1860. At school his teacher called him B. T. Willis in order to distinguish between him and another pupil who also bore the same name, Robert T. Willis. The sub- jeet's parents are, Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Jane Willis. In the public schools of Aberdeen, Mississippi, a per cent of the rudiments of education was gained by him; or, in plain par- lance, he is a self-made man.
Mr. Willis is the oldest of eight children, six brothers and two sisters, of whom two brothers and one sister are dead.
When he lived with his parents he clerked in his father's store and worked on the farm alternately.
In 1885 the subject removed to Arkansas, and two years later to Little Rock.
Hlis apprenticeship as a barber began in Aberdeen in 1883. He was a journeyman barber in Little Rock for two years, and for two years a copartner. In 1891 he bought his partners out; and now he is sole proprietor of one of the finest tonsorial parlors in town, employing seven regular, finished workmen, not including himself nor saying any- thing about four extra help. At 219 Main street, where his red, white and blue sign is exposed, is the very center of the most popular part of the burg. Notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Willis is doing business in his professional line for white people, still he is regarded both by his patrons and the members of his own race, who know him best, as being a man of principle and high race pride.
Looking back to May 18, 1890, he married the widow, Mrs. Eliza McDavid, who was the mother of one child, Cal- vin McDavid, whom he has educated and is now an M. D.
Mr. Willis attributes his splendid success in business to his wife's unflagging energy and frugal housewifery.
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BLUE BOOK.
The subject is a votary of field sporting, such as hunt. ing, fishing and trap shooting, and fancier of blooded dogs. He is the owner of several thoroughbred bird canines, and a case of fine guns, which he uses in stopping small or large ganne.
ROBERT T. WILLIS.
His membership is in the First Baptist Church, Colored, Little Rock.
Ile is an. honorable K. of P., also a member of the G. U. O. of O. F.
Mr. Willis advises "the young men to get a location and make the place ; for that is the only way to succeed."
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SUNDRY PURSUITS.
C. E. Dubison is a Tennesseean by nativity and adoption. He was born at Franklin, June 22, 1870. Mr. John Dubison was his father, and Mrs. Bettie Dubison his mother. His primary education was received at the Entheran School, Little Rock, where he advanced to the High School. After having left school he removed to Texarkana, Texas, where he en- caged in the hotel business for himself, remaining there eight years. Shortly after his return to Little Rock he was
C. E. DUBISON.
employed as messenger boy to the Citizens'. Bank. And when the Exchange National Bank consolidated with the above named bank, he was retained in his former position. In 1897 he and Miss Susie Buckingham were married. It has been said that Mr. Dubison's seven-room dwelling, 2600 Spring street, is among the prettiest homes of the colored people of the twin cities. Ile has good property not herein mentioned. Mr. Dubison is a member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church.
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BLUE BOOK.
D. J. DUBISON.
Mr. D. J. Dubison was born at Franklin, Tennessee, in the year 1872. John Dubison was his father and Mrs. Bettie Dubison his mother. He was educated fis the grammar schools at his native home. He is a professional "mixolo- gist." In 1900 Miss Clara Phillips beeame his wedded wife.
Mr. J. J. Hoard, who was born in Tennessee in the year 1852, is an industrious and well respected Christian citizen. Parents, App and Mrs. Lucinda Hoard. The first principles of edneation were given him in the public schools of Helena, Arkansas, where he conchided the eighth grade. And he supplemented that course by two and a half terms in the Union School, Little Rock. He is a member of Mount Pleas- ant Baptist Church and a possessor of valuable property.
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SUNDRY PURSUITS.
Our next character is Martin L. Barnett, JJr., who was horn in Little Rock, Arkansas, September 14, 1885. M. L. ind Mrs. Ophelia Barnett are the names of his parents. The foundation of his education was laid early in the public whools of his birthplace. After which he entered Philander Smith College, from which institution he was gradnated in 1905. Ile defrayed his entire college expenses by doing sundry office work for Attorney Scipio Jones. When he first became Mr. Jones' office boy he sold daily papers at intervals. He is now filling the functions of stenographer in said office.
Mr. Barnett has the distinction of being the only regu- larly appointed colored notary public under the administra- tion of Governor Little. "This model young man lives at home with his parents, 600 West Eighth street, on the very spot and in the very house in which he was born.
. Mrs. Mary E. Andrews, a leading mantuamaker, 1111 Izard street, was born in MeMinn County, Tennessee, 1857. Cleveland, Tennessee, was also her home for a short time, and at the latter place, in 1885, she was married to Rev. Mr. (. W. H. Andrews. Three weeks after their marriage they migrated to Little Rock, where she has resided since. The husband died after having lived in matrimonial bliss more than twenty years. The shingle, "Dressmaker," was hung out the next month following their arrival, and it has been left out ever since. Mr. Lewis Carter, her father, was born a slave, but bought his freedom after his marriage.
Mrs. Mary Carter, a needle woman of much skill, taught her daughter the rudiments, and not a few of the finishing tonches, of the art. Madam Andrews has had on hand as many as fifteen dress patterns at the same time, to be made into gowns of different styles and fancies for some of "the elite of society," white and black. Mrs. Andrews makes no pretentions to education, other than somewhat of a prac- tieal knowledge of "the three R's," reading, writing and arithmetic. Mrs. Andrews is a member of the A. M. E. Church.
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BLUE BOOK.
Miss Mary Ida Kile was born at Argenta, Arkansas, February 28, 1871. She is the daughter of the late Henry Jackson, who was born in Buckingham County, Virginia. In 1860 or 1862 he was soll and brought to Arkansas. In 1863 he enlisted in the Union Army as a volunteer, Company I. Fifty-fourth Infantry, serving until he was honorably dis- charged. In 1864 he and Miss Mary Burns, who was born at Culpepper Courthouse, Virginia, were made one in matri- mony. Mary Burns, her sister, Georgiana Burns, Henry Jackson and ninety-eight others were brought to Arkansas. Mary Burns left four brothers behind, Isaac, Jolm, Daniel and Ileury Burns, whom she has not seen or heard from since.
After Henry Jackson had been sold his name was changed to Henry Kile, the latter of which being the family surname.
She was educated in the Argenta public schools, Arkansas Baptist, Philander Smith and Shorter Colleges. She was gradnated, however, from the latter in 1902. In 1903 she completed a course in millinery. She is a member of the First Baptist Church, Argenta, Iligh Priest of the Inter- national Order of Twelve, a prominent member of the West- crn Star No. 21.
Mr. William Rodgers was born at Mosgo, Tennessee, July 9, 1874. Rev. Lewis and Mrs. Emma Rodgers were the names of his parents. He was lettered principally in Conway County public schools, where, in 1884. he finished the gram- mar course. He removed to Arkansas in 1880, and to Little Rock in 1897. He was in the railroad service for ten years, when the loss of a foot caused him to abandon the service. Sinee which time, in the main, he has directed his attention to the insurance business, and for two years was in the capacity of Superintendent of the "Peoples Mutual Aid;" but, on account of abnormal activity of limb, resigned the superintendency and accepted an agency with the sale company ; and the duties of the latter office he perforres . with steadily increasing suecess. On February 9, 1899, he and Mrs. Magnolia Moore were made one in wedlock. Mount Zion Baptist Church looks after Mr. Rodgers spiritually.
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SUNDRY PURSUITS.
It is with delight that we present to the readers and friends of the Blue Book Mr. Bryant Luster, a high-grade tonsorialist, whose place of business is 122 West Fourth street, and residence 1905 State street. Dallas County, Ar- kansas, May 25, 1856, was the scene of his birth. IIe is an offspring of Mr. Bryant and Mrs. Lucinda Luster, who are now in the spirit world. When a small boy he always had an inherent desire to establish a business of his own. He found work at a brickyard at the age of twelve years, that he might help his widowed mother, he being at that time her only dependence. And from that to well digging. And, after having attained his majority, he studied and became proficient in the tonsorial art. Mr. Luster was a sindent of night schools for more than six years, this being his principal advantage and best opportunity to get a smatter- ing. Ile married Miss Mary J. Hall; four children born to the union, Theodore, MeCullen, Gracie M., and Bryant, Jr. Bethel A. M. E. Church, of which he has been trustee for twelve years, holds his membership. It is estimated that he is worth $10,000.00.
The family residence is a pretty, modern built, eight- room cottage, which is brilliantly lighted up by the simple touch of a button.
Mrs. Lucretia Warr was born at Boliver, Hardiman County, Tennessee, 1861, and removed to Little Rock in 1880. Her parents were Mrs. Martha and Willis Bills. She attended the public schools something over two years. She is chef to one of the most aristocratic families in Little Rock, where she has been steadily employed for twenty-six years.
In 1888 she was married to Mr. Henderson Warr, with whom she enjoyed life until he quit (August S, 1903) these mundane shores. Mrs. Warr comes from a highly respected family, who were in easy circumstances long before she quit the old homestead. She was chaplain of the Guiding Star for five years, a member of St. John Temple, Friendship, and holds a policy in a prominent insurance company. At 1023 Broadway is her home.
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BLUE BOOK.
The elder brother, B. W. Jackson, of the firm Jackson Brothers, Undertakers, 712 and 714 West Ninth street, was born in Atlanta, Georgia, June 24, 1881. J. H. Jackson is the younger brother and junior member of the concern. Their parents are Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Maggie II. Jackson. Mr. B. W. Jackson completed his common school education in the Union Public High School, and in 1901 he finished the
B. W. JACKSON.
regular course in embalming at the Chicago. College of Em- balming, with the highest honor, making an average of 92.5 in the examinations. After having concluded his college carcer, he did various kinds of work, that he might accumu- late sufficient means to fit np his present undertaking estab- lishment.
He is a Missionary Baptist. They live at their home, 1723 Battery street, phone 2621. These industrious and diligent young men are enjoying single blessedness.
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SUNDRY PURSUITS.
On a May day, the 16th, 1886, at Columbus, Mississippi, was announeed to immediate neighbors, round about, that an infant had been born to Mr. April and Mrs. Marina Alex- ander, which, later on, was given the Christian name, "Wil- liam," who began his elementary education at his native home, where he advanced to the high school, when he took up farming, which he continued eight years.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER.
He very creditably discharged the duties of deputy sheriff of Desha County four years. Afterwards he came to Little Rock. He was foreman in the basement of the Dickinson Hardware Company seven years. Leaving this vocation he turns his attention to the painter's art, being imbued with the idea that he can accomplish more for him- self, and, in the meantime, do the race greater credit and add to the aesthetic and hygienic conditions of the com- muinity.
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BLUE BOOK.
The carlier stages of his sixteen years' experience with the paint brush were not always serene or auspicious; how- ever, he has developed into a considerable contracting painter and paperhanger. The subject is a director of the Capital City Savings Bank, and has been superintendent of the First Baptist Sunday School six years.
In 1886 he and Mrs. Minnie Cannon were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. Mr. Alexander owns six lots in West End of this city, and the splendid dwelling at 1201 West Thirty-sceond street. He was chairman of the Recep- tion Committee and presided at the great ovation given the Honorable Booker T. Washington at the Capital Theater, 1905.
Ile is a life member of the National Negro Business League of the State.
Rev. M. P. Mason was born in Chicot County, Arkansas, March, 1854. Ilis father and mother were Henry and Mrs. Maria Mason. After the War of the Rebellion he removed to Boliver County, Mississippi, where he lived for about nine years. He received his elementary training, prinei- pally, by attending night school, and studying for a season at Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee.
June 19, 1880, the Rev. Dr. G. W. Gales (and others), wlio was at that time president of the Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, regularly ordained him an elder. The subject pastored successfully the following churches: New Hope, Carson, Mississippi, two years; St. Paul, Terrene, Mississippi, two years.
In 1883 he removed from Australia, Mississippi, to Brink- ley, Arkansas, making the latter place his home for twenty- two years. He has also pastored at these places in his adopted State: Fredonia, Surrounded Hill; St. John, Dar- danelle; Mount Zion, Beeton, and others. Now he is operat- ing a general umbrella repair shop, 107 West Tenth street.
Mr. R. J. Jones is a native Mississippian and the son of Mr. Wiley and Mrs. Frances Jones. In early youth he mani- fested striking signs of being much interested in men and things.
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SUNDRY PURSUITS.
After finishing his studies in the public schools, he was enrolled at the New Orleans University, where he studied three years; after which he taught school in Louisiana and Arkansas, covering a three years' period.
Wherever Professor Jones' lot was cast as a teacher, he took special interest in teaching Sunday School.
R. J. JONES.
Having completed his literary branches at Harraden University, Jackson, Michigan, he was graduated from that institution in 1878; and, in 1905, a course in law, real estate, brokerage, and fire insurance, was finished at the Chicago Commercial College.
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BLUE BOOK.
Professor Jones has been actively engaged in the afore- said voeations in the city of Little Rock since January 1, 1906 ; and has a very desirable office at 422 Louisiana street, where he is doing a prosperous and reliable business with both black and white, extending to adjacent and remote States of the Union.
Ile is a fellow-craftsman of the K. P. S. and M. S. W.
Mr. Jones is an unmarried gentleman, and has a strong personality, and maintains doing business strictly on business principles; and has acenmlated considerable city and country real estate.
Mrs. Alice E. Sampson was born in Little Rock, Ar- kansas, July 4, 1861. Her parents were Cornelius and Mrs. Elizabeth Brown. Madam Sampson received her edneation at the Union High School. She is one of its first graduates. When she is not busy with Unele Sam's veteran pensioners of 1861, her spare time is ntilized as agent for a variety of merchandise. It is reported that Mrs. Sampson has not lost a case during the twelve years that she has been assisting old soldiers in obtaining their bounties, baek salaries, pen- sions, etc.
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