(Archival photo/Steve Hathcock)
By STEVE HATHCOCK
Moments in Time is a collection of recovered newspaper briefs and other publications, compiled by local historian, Steve Hathcock, offering a look back at the history of the Rio Grande Valley.
The last man of the Revolutionary War is John Gray, who lives with his stepdaughter, Mrs. McElroy, in Brookfield Township, Noble County, Ohio. He is 104 years of age, having been born in Virgina, a few miles from Mount Vermont, on February 6, 1764.
He was at the Siege of Yorktown, in his 18th year, but never attained a pension until a year or two since, when it was granted to him by a special act of congress, through the efforts of the Hon. John A. Bingham.
He is now nearly helpless — his hearing is bad, and his eyesight is nearly gone. Yet he can walk on crutches.
He has been a great tobacco chewer all his life, to which premature decay is probably attributable. (The Brownsville Ranchero. (Brownsville, Texas) March 26, 1868)
Note: John Gray (Jan. 6, 1764-March 29, 1868) was the last verified veteran of the American Revolutionary War. He was confirmed as a veteran of the war and awarded a pension of $500, semi-annually, by House Bill 1044 (passed by Congress February 22, 1866). He passed away two months after celebrating his 104th birthday.
Keys Made
Safes-Guns-Locks
REPAIRED
BOOTHS KEY SHOP
205 S. Commerce Harlingen
(Advertisement News-Tribune (Mercedes, Texas), March 28, 1941)
Judge claims man carried a joke “too far!”
A fellow stole a wood-saw; and, at trial, told the judge he took it as a joke. “How far did you carry it?” asked the judge. “Two miles,” answered the prisoner.
“That’s carrying a joke too far,” remarked the judge, and the prisoner was committed to further examination. (Bandera Americana. (Brownsville, Texas), May 15, 1852)
Letter To The Editor
Gentlemen: I just want to add a small note to tell you how much we enjoy your newspaper, and the new addition of the temperatures for the week. We read them and nearly cry through this winter; it has been quite cool.
We spent two weeks at Purdy’s over the Christmas holidays and enjoy being in Port Isabel for the holidays. We’re hoping to retire in your nice state of Texas.
Keep your nice newspaper coming! Mr. and Mrs. Tony Yezdauski. 2261 East Reservoir, Springfield, Illinois. (Port Isabel Press, March 15, 1973)
Note: Through extensive research, I have been able to ascertain that Springfield Illinois is NOT Homer Simpson’s hometown.
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