Historical and Genealogical Research

From the Atlanta Journal, June 20, 1883, reprinted from the Nashville Banner.

Whisky vs. Philosophy.

A Man Who Gets Drunk According to System–Has Not Drawn a Sober Breath Sunday for Twenty Years.

Nashville Banner.

“You see that man,” said a manufacturer to a Banner representative last Sunday, as he pointed to an individual staggering through the street.

“Oh, yes, I know him,” said the Banner man, “a fellow of infinite jest, most excellent fancy, and I am sorry to see him in such a fix.”

“That is nothing new for him on Sunday,” continued the manufacturer. “I will tell you something you don’t probably know about him.”

“Proceed; always have an ear open for information,” said the Banner man.

“That man, said the manufacturer, has not drawn a sober breath on Sunday in twenty years. He is one of the best mechanics in the city, but unfortunately contracted a habit for imbibing strong drink in his youthful years, from which he has never recovered.”

“Does he still get employment?” enquired the quill driver.

“Oh yes; steady, constant employment. He is what might be called a queer drinker, a toper on philosophical principles. On work days he never touches a drop, but as soon as paid off Saturday night, the picnic opens, but he always turns up as bright as a daisy on Monday morning, ready for the labors of the week.”

“Is he single or married?” suggested the reporter.

“A married man, with a large family of children, and very much devoted to them. They are not neglected, either. He provides for them well. Talk about honor among thieves, here is a case more remarkable. Regularly, for twenty years past, a member of the family has called at the shop every Saturday night to draw his wages. There is a distinct understanding between him and the proprietor as to how it shall be dispensed. He draws $2 of the amount to get drunk on, and the balance is drawn by his family. He knows that he is not to be trusted with the full amount of his wages, and for this reason provided for the wants of his family, boasting, too, that whisky shall never been the cause of bringing his family to starvation. A queer man, isn’t he?”

“Certainly a rare case,” said the Banner man, as he bade his informant good morning.