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Staunton Vindicator: May 31, 1867 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Whiskey From Cornstalks
(Column 6)

Summary: The article states that a Virginian has invented a still that makes whiskey using corn stalks, which, as a consequence, will save an immense quantity of grain and potatoes since those are the ingredients currently used to make liquor.

Origin of Article: Richmond Times

Full Text of Article:

On the 28th of the present month letters patent will be issued at Washington to Messrs. James Neely and --- Allen of Buckingham county, Virginia, for th manufacture of alcoholic spirits from a material heretofore regarded as worthless.

By this valuable and important addition to modern sciences, an immense quantity of grain and potatoes, of which ardent spirits are now manufactured, will be saved for the natural uses for which they were intended.

The invention is no less beneficial than extraordinary and surprising, and is destined to create a revolution in the manufacture of all kinds of spirituous liquors. The simple and unpretending cornstalk, when shorn of its ears and fodder, formerly rubbish and even beneath the notice of a hungry horse or cow, has been found by the inventor to possess every necessary qualification for the distillation of liquor of a superior quality and flavor. To the genius of Mr. James Neely, of Buckingham, is the country indebted for this wonderful discovery, and we are happy to say that both the government officers in Washington and distillers in the North who tested his samples, have not only given the most flattering assurances of the great value and importance of his invention, but have also congratulated him as the fortunate possessor of such a secret.

The usual process of distilling is all that will be required in the manufacture of the new material into ardent spirits; no additional expense is incurred, while, on the contrary, it will prove a source of great revenue, and a blessing to the country--the evil will in future have this much a modification. Added to this, the culture of corn will now become doubly valuable, and the farmer will realize from the sale of his stalks nearly an additional half of the usual proceeds from his corn crop.

The sample of the article we have seen, which was manufactured in October last, is all that the inventor claims for it, and unlike some of our expensive brands of whisky readily mixes with water--not evincing that oily nature so often seen in fine liquors, and which has always precluded the possibility of making what is generally known as "good grog." This quality, we may add, most particularly recommended it to Commissioner Rollins and the Executive Department at Washington. Several capitalists from the North have already made propositions an extensive business next fall, but as yet no plans of a definite nature have been agreed upon, though many are projected. We expect to hear that some of our Richmond distillers will secure the right for the use of this invention in this State.--Richmond Times.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: The article discusses the deliberations at the Virginia Central Railroad stockholders' meeting in Richmond last week. There are plans to extend several lines in the state to access the natural resources of the interior.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: States that the Mayor of Richmond closed the investigation into the recent riot in that city. Four men--two black and two white--were indicted as a result of the findings.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: It is reported that Gen. Scholfield dispatched a company of soldiers from Petersburg to Danville to "prevent the formation of military companies" by blacks.

Reconstruction!!
(Column 2)

Summary: The article contains of a copy of the Attorney-General's opinion on the question of disfranchisement.

Local Items
(Column 1)

Summary: The article includes some of the proceedings of "general interest" from the May term of the County Court, Justice William Chapman presiding. "William Landes, George C. Burner, George Cochran, William S. Baber, Silas H. Walker, Courtney A. Roler, William Shirey, and John C. Moury were appointed overseers of the roads in several precincts of the county. Road Commissioner Lilley, Hogshead, Pilson, and Turke were received and referred to one or more road commissioners for action and report. The Court ordered that the road near Stribling Springs, as petitioned by Chesley Kinney, be re-opened. Judge John Kinney was allowed $90 land damages for road established on his land, on petition of J. S. Byers and others. A. Faucet was allowed $40 and J. N. Bruffy $25 land damages for opening of road on their lands, on petition of Chesley Kinney. An appropriation of $70 was made to rebuild a bridge over mill race near R. S. Harnsbarger's mill. Commonwealth vs. Daniel Pannel, for assault and battery. Jury assessed his amercement at $5 and costs. Commonwealth vs. Richard Taylor Smith (colored) indicted for felony. Examination waved and remanded to Circuit Court for trial. Commonwealth vs. Samuel Jackson (colored) indictment for petit larceny--quashed. Commonwealth vs. Martin Hill (colored) for petit larceny. Jury brought in verdict of guilty and court sentenced him to 60 days imprisonment in county jail."
(Names in announcement: William Landes, George C. Burner, George Cochran, William S. Baber, Silas H. Walker, Courtney A. Roler, William Shirey, John C. Moury, Commissioner Lilley, Commissioner Hogshead, Commissioner Pilson, Commissioner Turke, Chesley Kinney, Judge John Kinney, J. S. Byers, A. Faucet, J. N. Bruffy, R. S. Harnsbarger, Daniel Pannel, Samuel Jackson, Richard Taylor, Martin Hill)

Local Items
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports that the Valley Railroad Company stockholders' annual meeting took place last week at the Court House in Staunton. During the proceedings, the Directors agreed to implement a number of changes to the company's charter, as proposed by the last legislature. In addition, last year's officers were unanimously re-elected.
(Names in announcement: Bolivar Christian, Yost, Echols, H. M. Beill, J. Wayt Beill)

Local Items
(Column 1)

Summary: The Evangelical Lutheran General Synod in North America met in Staunton last week, relates the article.

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On May 28 Col J. M. McCue and Mattie J., youngest daughter of the late James W. McCue, of Nelson County, were married by Rev. W. S. Dinwiddie.
(Names in announcement: Col. J. M. McCue, Mattie J. McCue, James W. McCue, Rev. W. S. Dinwiddie)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On May 23 Daniel A. Whitman and Louise J. Wise were married by Rev. A. A. P. Neel.
(Names in announcement: Daniel A. Whitman, Louise J. Wise, Rev. A. A. P. Neel)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On May 14 Martin S. Whitmer and Susan Bolton, of Iowa, were married by J. M. Alexander.
(Names in announcement: Martin S. Whitmer, Susan Bolton, J. M. Alexander)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On May 16 John Hanger and Mary Morgan were married by Rev. P. P. Flournoy.
(Names in announcement: John Hanger, Mary Morgan, Rev. P. P. Flournoy)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Mary F. Smith died at her mother's home on April 24. She was 18 years old.
(Names in announcement: Mary F. Smith)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: On April 19 Sarah L. Wilson died at her residence in Buffalo Creek. She was 62 years old.
(Names in announcement: Sarah L. Wilson)