In the late 19th century, as medical science advanced and anatomical study became essential for physicians and institutions, a peculiar and somewhat gruesome trade emerged to supply the demand for human skeletons. This 1885 article, originally from the New York Mail and Express and reprinted in the Wheeling Sunday Register, offers a fascinating glimpse into this shadowy commerce. It details how skeletons were imported primarily from France, sourced from morgues and unclaimed bodies, and sold in American cities like New York for educational and display purposes. The piece not only highlights the practicalities and economics of the trade but also touches on cultural attitudes toward death and the body, blending matter-of-fact business talk with a hint of wry amusement at public reactions.
https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/the-grisly-business-uncovering-the
This charming and wry letter to the editor, published in a 19th-century Rhode Island newspaper, captures the era’s blend of humor, sarcasm, and folk wisdom in addressing melancholy and the romantic allure of wilderness solitude. Written under the pseudonym “JUDY,” it recounts a sibling’s tongue-in-cheek attempt to snap a brother out of his depressive “horrors” by painting an exaggeratedly grim picture of isolated life in the wilds—complete with venomous creatures, rotten logs, and a macabre anecdote about a lost elderly woman. The piece reflects early American journalism’s penchant for personal anecdotes and light-hearted moralizing, offering a glimpse into how people coped with mental lows before modern psychology.
https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/curing-19th-century-blues-a-hilarious
This chapter from John McLean’s 1889 book The Indians: Their Manners and Customs recounts the life and spiritual transformation of Glikkikan, a prominent Delaware Indian war captain and orator. It highlights his initial resistance to Christian missionaries, his profound conversion experience, and his subsequent dedication to spreading Christianity among his people, culminating in his martyrdom during a tragic episode of colonial violence. The narrative serves as an inspiring tale of faith, redemption, and resilience in the face of cultural and religious upheaval during the 18th century in North America.
The core message of this chapter emphasizes the transformative power of genuine faith and truth. Glikkikan, once a fierce defender of traditional Indigenous beliefs and a formidable opponent of Christian missionaries, undergoes a dramatic conversion upon encountering the Gospel’s teachings. This shift not only humbles him but propels him to become a fervent advocate for Christianity,...
Lawton Bryan Evans (1862–1934) was a dedicated American educator and author whose works sought to inspire young minds with tales of national valor and character. His 1920 publication, America First: One Hundred Stories from Our Own History, compiled engaging narratives from the nation’s past, crafted specifically for children to cultivate patriotism and moral insight. As explored in prior excerpts from this volume—such as the chilling account of Black Beard, whose reign of terror on the colonial seas ended in a triumphant stand for justice, and the stirring saga of the USS Constitution, whose daring escape and victory in the War of 1812 symbolized American ingenuity and resilience against overwhelming odds—these stories blend adventure with lessons in courage, order, and national pride.
Continuing this theme of heroic figures who embody steadfast principles amid conflict, the following chapter turns to Robert E. Lee, the revered Confederate general whose life exemplified duty, ...
