The Lock as is a Lock –
It is not often that we have to chronicle the misdeeds of evil doers in Hardeman, simply because an item of this kind seldom occurs, but now we have got hold of a “live local” event – one that smacks of “the city style.” It is this: Several days ago a squad of well-dressed, oily-tongued, good-looking men arrived at the delectable “city” of Grand Junction, and readily worked their way into a position not to be envied by those who “earn their living by the sweat of the brow.” They were “sharpers” of the true type – discovered an opening and immediately set about “raising the wind.”
Approaching an “unsophisticated gentleman” from the country who had more money than brains, one of the party exhibited to his gaze a very simple looking padlock, and proposed to be a small sum of money that it could not be unlocked; the bet was made to the tune of $460. Quick as thought another lock – a dead-lock, we should say, because it was cast as solid as iron could make it – was produced, and the one first exhibited spirited out of sight. “Greeny” lost his money, and the party retired to a private spot to divide the spoils of their first (?) exploit in Grand Junction.
Subsequently the “game” was tried again, but luckily for the cause of justice, miscarried. This led to inquiries, and our efficient sheriff, W. W. MCCARLEY, being on the ground, forthwith “set his triggers” for the capture of the “birds,” who as might be expected, made themselves remarkably scarce. However, through the valuable aid of Mr. James R. RUFFIN, a citizen of the place, one of the “chucks,” answering to the name of W. H. TODD, and who claims to be a resident of Cincinnati, was arrested, and after having a hearing before C. H. ANDERSON, Esq., was lodged in jail at this place, to answer charges before the Circuit Court.
Accused is a prepossessing looking individual, and, if guilty of the charges preferred against him, certainly belies his appearance. We have heard that it is not an unfrequent thing for “sharpers” to visit Grand Junction, and are unable to answer the universal query, “why are arrests not more often made?” We hope our sheriff will appoint a special deputy for that locality, as it is useless to expect civilians to arrest offenders of the class spoken of.
The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 16 March 1867, Page 3. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
