^487 J' A = <^ A- 1 — c_ 4 W r\ "^^ ^— ^ J (J = 33 i = — X) 1 6 ^= LJ 1 6 = ^-. :> 1 2 ^ — ,_ rn ^ ^^^ ^^^" JO 1 ^ — =^ -< 1 2 ^= H = o 1 ■ -^— ^ THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES SINGULAR SURNAMES COLLECTED BY THE LATE EDWARD D. INGRAHAM, Esq, EDITED BY WILLIAM DUANE PHILADELPHIA: JOHN CAMPBELL h SON, LAW BOOKSELLERS, PUBLISHERS AND IMPORTERS, No. 740 Sansom Street. 1873- V SINGULAR SURNAMES COLLECTED BY THE LATE EDWARD D. INGRAHAM, Escl EDITED BY WILLIAM DU ANE. PHILADELPHIA: JOHN CAMPBELL & SON, LAW BOOKSELLERS, PUBLISHERS AND IMPORTERS, No. 740 Sansom Street. 1873- Henry B. Ashmead, Book and Job Printer, II02 and II04 Sansom Street. cs 2¥S7 PREFACE. I-N the large and valuable library left by Mr. Ingraham, was a thick volume, endorsed "• Singular Surnames." It con- tained several thousand nevi^spaper cuttings, and many manu- script entries derived from books and other sources. A large number of them were accompanied by humorous comments by Mr. Ingraham. The following pages comprise selections from this book. Edward Duffield Ingraham, was born in Philadelphia,* on the [2th of February, i 793, and was called after his maternal grandfather, a clock and watchmaker of this city, a person of considerable reputation as a man of science, one of Dr. Franklin's intimate friends and one of the executors of his will. Mr. Ingraham's education was commenced at the Lower Dublin Academy. Subsequently, he entered the Collegiate Department of the University of Pennsylvania, being a mem- ber of the class of 1809, but did not graduate with it. In the year 181 1, he commenced the study of the law, in the office of Alexander James Dallas, Esq., at one period Secre- tary of the Treasury of the United States, during the Presi- dency of Mr. Madison. Mr. Ingraham's admission to the bar was on the i6th of December, 1813. He soon acquired an extensive practice, and was a suc- * In an obituary notice of Mr. Ingraham published in one of the Philadelphia newspapers, it was stated that he was born in Bucks county, and also buried therein. Both these assertions were erroneous. He was born in a house on the east side of South Second street, a few doors north of Spruce street, Philadelphia. 98747*^ PREFACE. cessful advocate in the courts, where he enlivened the dry- ness of legal details by his ever-ready wit. For a short time, he sat on the bench as one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County. At a later period, he was one of the Vice Provosts of the Law Academy. He wrote a treatise on the Law of Insolvency, which reached a second and enlarged edition in the year 1827. Subsequently, he was appointed a Commissioner, under the Act of Congress of March 2, 1831, relating to Insolvent Debtors. He was one of the delegates to the Free Trade Conven- tion, which met in the Musical Fund Hall of Philadelphia, in the year 1831. A Committee having been appointed by the United States House of Representatives, in the year 1834, to examine the condition of the Bank of the United States, Mr. Ingra- ham was selected as Secretary to the Committee ; and on the 27th of June in the same year, he was nominated as one of the Government Directors of that Bank, and confirmed by the Senate, after several other nominees for that situation had been rejected. A biographical notice of Mr. Ingraham, which appeared in the Democratic Review for July, 1849, accompanied by a striking likeness of him, contains the following account of some occurrences at the Bank durino- the time that Mr. Inera- ham was a Director: "On the 14th of October, 1834, President Jackson ad- dressed a letter to the Government Directors, desiring them to obtain certain information from the books of the Bank, to enable the Executive to ascertain what deductions were made from the profits of the stock of the Bank held by the Government. Notice was immediately given to the Board of Directors of the call for information, and that when ob- tained, it would be laid before the President. The application for the books necessary for the purpose, was refused, and Mr. Ingraham and A4r. Macalester, the two government directors, by whom it was made, at once proceeded to take PREFACE. 5 possession of the books, from one of which they proceeded to make suitable extracts, and then adjourned at the close of bank hours. The next day they again presented themselves, and found the books of the Bank locked up, and all access to them denied." The House of Representatives called upon the Secretary of the Treasury for information respecting these transactions, which was furnished ; but nothing followed. Under the last law of Congress providing for the surrender of fugitive slaves, Mr. Ingraham was appointed a Commis- sioner, and afforded much amusement by his first official act, having sent the wrong man to Maryland. Mr. Ingraham was twice married, first to Miss Wilson, of Snow Hill, Maryland, and secondly to Miss Barney of Balti- more ; both of whom were distinguished for their amiability and beauty. The first wife left a son and daughter ; the second wife had no children. She survived him and died recently at New Castle, Delaware. In addition to his writings upon legal subjects, Mr. Ingra- ham published in 1849, "A Sketch of the Events which preceded the Capture of Washington by the British, on the twenty-fourth of August, 1814." The object of this work was to defend General Winder ; the motto was a quotation from President Washington's writings : " If we desire to avoid insult^ we must be prepared to repel it." Maps of the vicinity of Bladensburg and Washington city, accompanied this work.* Mr. Ingraham died at Philadelphia, on the 5th of Novem- ber, 1854. His decease was sudden; he had returned from Baltimore on the preceding day, apparently in his usual health. His body was interred in the ground attached to All Saint's Church, Lower Dublin Township, Philadelphia County. His library was subsequently sold at auction, and brought * In the Bulletin of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, for June, 1845, will be found a very interesting account of the capture of Washing- ton, written to Col. Allen McLane, a soldier of the Revolution. PREFACE. a large sum, owing in a great degree, to the habit in which he indulged, of illustrating his books with autographs, en- gravings, and newspaper cuttings. Mr. Ingraham was distinguished for his wit, and he had one good quality, very rare in persons so endowed, he could bear a joke at his own expense. Many of his witty remarks are still remembered by his brethren of the bar. Any notice of him would be very imperfect, which did not contain some of them. Shortly after the publication of his work on Insolvency, Judge said to him "Mr. Ingraham, that book of yours is not law." " It is very likely," was his prompt reply, "there are a great many of your decisions in it." He had his shirts made of unbleached Irish linen, which he imported for the purpose. During a passage on a steam- boat to Burlington, New Jersey, a Quaker lady sat next to him, whose attention was drawn to the peculiar colour of his linen. At last she said to him, " Will thee allow me to examine thy shirt?" "Certainly," he replied, "which end of it would you like to see." Captain Marryat, the novelist, was distantly related to himj and when the Captain's intention to visit America was announced, Mr. Ingraham and his sister. Miss Catharine Ino-raham, who was also remarkable for her wit, invented a number of anecdotes to tell him as American occurrences. One of these, at least, is in the Travels in the United States, which the Captain published after his return to England — the storv of the woman who refused to make long tails to her husband's shirts, upon the ground that it would be a great waste of capital. Mr. Ingraham attended an exhibition given by some Spirit- • ualists, at the Union Hotel in Arch Street. The audience were desired ask questions of the spirits mentally, to which, replies were to be given by rappings. Mr. Ingraham said that he would trouble the spirits to answer only two ques- tions. After the usual pause, affirmative raps were given to PREFACE. each question. "Now ladies and gentlemen," said Mr. In- graham, " I will tell you what my questions were. The first was, ' Is not this all a piece of d humbug,' and this you have heard answered in the affirmative. The second ques- tion was, ' Is the answer which the spirits have given to the first question true ?' and this has also been answered in the affirmative." It will be observed that an affirmative and a negative answer to the second question would have been equally un- fortunate to the exhibitors. The conductors of the performance begged Mr. Ingraham to go awav, as "he disturbed the spirits." About forty-five years ago, Mr. W. M. C. was an applicant ^/K'f^v.^c^^ for adrtiission to the Philadelphia Bar. Mr. Ingraham was one of his examiners. Knowing that Mr. C, who was a young man of fortune, did not intend to practice, he asked him only one question : " Mr. C, how do you make chicken salad ?" Mr. C. described the process. " Perfectly satis- factory ;" said Mr. Ingraham, " I will sign your certificate with great pleasure." SINGULAR SURNAMES. Art. Died, on the 25th instant, George Washington Art. — Philadelphia Ledger^ 1 85 1. This seems to be some English whose name is Hart. Allchin. Died, on the 22d instant, Allchindus AUchin, infant son of George and Catharine Allchin. — Philadelphia Ledger^ Nov. 24, 1 85 1. Ace, Acres, Active, Africa,* Agate, Alabaster, All, Alibut, Allday, Allgood, Allnut, Allwater, Allwell, Alley, Almanac, Amiss, Anger, Angle, Anguish, Argue, Arms, Armour, Arrow, Asp, Assman, Axe. Battle. The Rev. A. J. Battle has been elected Chaplain of the North Carolina Volunteers. — March 12, 1847. Bacon. " Family Hams. — The undersigned have been ap- pointed agents for the sale of Duffield's Celebrated West- phalia Hams. Sam. Bacon and Co." Bird. Odd Coincidence. "Should this meet the eye of Richard Bird from England, he will hear of something greatly to his advantage, by communicating with H. H. Peacock^ 52 J Chestnut Street." — Philadelphia Ledgei^ June 27, 1850. * A gentleman of this name represented Huntingdon county in the legislature of Pennsylvania, a few years ago. On one. occasion when he rose to speak, the speaker by a slip of the tongue, announced him as " the gentleman from Africa." — Ed, lO SINGULAR SURNAMES. Bird. An old proverb falsified. Mr. Benjamin Bird, a bachelor, aged 60 years, was married at Cincinnati, Ohio, to Mrs. Julia Chaff, a buxom widow of 30. So the old Bird was at last caught by Chaff. — A^. Ainerican^ Sept. 16, 1854. Bills. Paid off. Married in Manchester, N. H., Jabez F. Bills to Miss Lucinda J. Wheeler. Buss. See Kiss. Benjamin Buss, hanged for kissing a man's wife, and helping to murder him. — Dodsley's Annual Regis- ter for 1 769, page 117. Bull, John, what happened to him in " Hamericur." Died on the 6th inst, Mr. John Bull, in the 46th year of his age. — Ledger^ July 27, 1854. Bottle. An Ohio paper states, that a Miss Porter in that state, has married a man named Bottle. The editor says it is not only a good match^ but it proves there are more ways than one to bottle porter. — Ledger^ Nov. 25, 1850. BoosEY and Sons, Broad Street, London. They were the publishers of the Temperance Tracts for a long time. Buster. Dr. Buster prevented Alexander Grayer from being buried alive. — North American^ July 20, 1849. Blue. How being black and blue already, they made him blacker and bluer. James Blue, coloured man, several bad cuts in the head ; taken to his home in West Centre Street. — Ledger^ May 22, 1842. Bitsh. Married at Harrisburg, October 30, 1832, Benedict Arnold to Miss Catharine Bitsh. Margaret Chiene is advertised for in the London papers of August 23, 1832. Bound — but anxious to be free. Miss Louisa Bound is plaintiff in a divorce suit. — Pennsylvan'ian., July 16, 1853. BuGG. Augustin Bugg was arrested for a cruel assault and battery on Miss Ann Tugg. — Neiv Orleans paper. Brick — dust. Died, Feb. 19th, Alfred, son of S. R. Brick. SINGULAR SURNAMES. II Babe, Baby, Bunting, Badman, Bailift', Bald, Ballance, Balm, Bang, Bangs, Barehead, Barefoot, Bark, Base, Bason, Bastard, Bathe, Bawbee, Bawl, Beadle, Bear, Beard, Bear- wash, Beer, Beet, Begood, Beldam, Bending, Bennison, Bent, Bible, Bier, Big, Bigger, Biggin, Bigmore, Billet, Birdseye, Birdsong, Birth, Bitters, Blackbird, Blacker, Black- moor, Blame, Blank, Blessing, Blood, Blow, Blunder, Board, Boards, Boast, Boatwright, Bodkin, Boddy, Bogg, Boggle, Bolster, Bolter, Boobyer, Bookhammer, Bookless, Boot, Boring, Boss, Bottom, Bowline, Box, Boxer, Bone, Boney, Bones, Bragg, Brain, Bramble, Brandy, Brass, Bray, Bread, Breadcut, Breedlove, Brew, Briar, Bridle, Brindle, Brine, Broad, Brogan, Brush, Buckle, Bud, Budding, Buffaloe, Buffer, Buggy, Bullman, Bump, Bunch, Bunn, Burnside, Burstall, Bury, Bushel, Buskin, Bussing, Butt, Butterwig, Buttery, Button, Buttress, Buyers, Buzzard. Case, Mr., "a sorry attorney." — Lady Sundon's Memoirs^ />. 40. Capen. An Act of Congress was passed in 1848, for the relief of Phineas Capen, administrator, &:c., of John Cox. Cart. Nicholas Cart and others, sue Peter H. Carman, formerly in partnership with them. — A^. T. Herald^ March 22, 1851. Chalk kept a circulating library for many years in Philadel- phia. (See Cheese.) Craw — how he was filled too full. Charles Craw, a pris- oner, escaping from a constable at Lockport, N. Y., on Monday, was drowned. Catt. The Ha?npshire Independent of April 12, 185 1, an- nounces the marriage of Charles Catt, Esq., to Mary Ann, daughter of Benjamin Mew. Coon — "that same old." Married in Wilkesbarre, Mr. David Coon to Miss Helen Long. — Penmyhanian^ Sept. 15, 1849. 12 SINGULAR SURNAMES. Cue— how to take your. Married, on March 27th, Benja- min F. Shirley, of Philadelphia, to Miss Sarah Cue, of New York. — Ledger^ 1 851. Caudle, in an action for slander against Sir David Scott, recovered a farthing damages. — Morning Herald^ Jug. I, 1834. Cable, Cadmus, Cain, Caitiff, Cake, Calf, Calm, Calmes, Carmine, Candy, Cane, Cant, Cantwell, Cape, Capes, Capers, Capon, Care, Careless, Carnage, Carnal, Cartridge, Cartwright, Casement, Castor, Catcher, Catchpole, Cato, Cattle, Cautious, Chaffer, Chain, Challenger, Chance, Chaplain, Chapman, Charity, Charleston, Chasm, Chaste, Cheek, Cheese, Cheater, Chess, Chick, Chicken, Chip, Chipchase, Choice, Christmas, Chuck, Churn, Churchyard, Clapper, Clapsaddle, Clearwater, Clemency, Clever, Cloak, Clock, Close, Cloud, Clout, Club, Clutter, Coach, Coach- man, Coal, Coarse, Cobble, Coffee, Colder, Coldham, Cold- water, Collar, Colt, Coltman, Combs, Comfort, Comman- der, Coney, Conger, Conquest, Cooling, Copper, Copper- smith, Core, Corner, Corns, Cork, Cosey, Counsellor, Coun- selman, Courage, Courter, Covert, Coward, Cowherd, Coy, Crabtree, Crackles, Cram, Cramp, Crane, Crank, Cravat, Craze, Crease, Creed, Crier, Crisp, Cruit, Crush, Cryer, Cuckoo, Cudgel, Cuff, Cull, Cullion, Cully, Cunning, Cups, Cur, Curd, Cure, Curling, Curser, Cushion, Cuss, Custard, Cutbill. Dauber was the name of a family at Frankford (Philadelphia County) now called Dover. Death, Absalom, is the Superintendent of the Lunatic Asylum at Cincinnati. — Evening Bulletin^ Sept. 21, 1849. Death and Domesday. Anthony Irby had "two daughters," Margaret, who married Henry Death, and Dorothy, who married John Domesday." — Harleian MSS. 1550, p. 180. SINGULAR SURNAMES. 1 3 "Mr. Deill, the chaplain, was dead, and his successor, Mr. Demon, had not yet arrived." — Simpson's Journey^ Part 2, page 6 1, American Edition. " Some say the cleviFs dead, And buried in a pumpkin." — Old Song. Dear. How cheap they sold his stock — " Selling off, a great portion of the stock of Bentley, Dear and Co., has been purchased by Newton, 14 Leicester Square, and is now on sale at such extraordinary low prices as will aston- ish every purchaser." — Morning Herald., Nov. 3, 1834. The Dohertys. At the Donegal Assizes, James Doherty was indicted for an assault upon Dennis Doherty. It was a remarkable feature in this trial, that the Judge, the offici- ating Clerk of the Crown, the prosecutor, the prisoner, his counsel, his attorney and the witnesses, both pro and con., nine in number, were all Dohertys. — Star., 1835. Drips. In 1848, David Drips, the owner of an oilcloth factory in Philadelphia, was sued for allowing the water to leak from his premises into those of one of his neighbours. Drum. In a hotel here (says the Trinidad Spectato?-)., a man named Drum is barkeeper. His friends call him Spirit-stirring Drum. DoGOOD — how badly he did. (See Talfourd's Vacation Rambles, Vol 2, p. 95.) — London., 1845. Dab (quaere Daub ?) was a painter and house decorator at Elizabethtown, N. J., in 1851. DuNNCE, John, had a letter advertised for him in the Penn- sylvania Packet., of January 13, 1772. Probably he could not read. Dry. — How he killed his friend with drinking. Joseph Stonestreed died in London, in 1850, from the effects of an enormous quantity of brandy, drunk in consequence of a bet with a man named Dry. The coroner reprimanded Dry, hoping the death of his friend would be a caution to him in future. 14 SINGULAR SURNAMES. DooLiTTLE. — What a deal he undertook to do. Mr. Henry Doolittle has taken the contract to build a railroad from Troy to Toledo, Ohio, for a little over $2,000,000. -1853. Day. "Notice. Mr. Henry Day withdraws from our firm, this day. Furness Brinley & Co. — Philadelphia^ Jtdy I, 1854." Which day did he withdraw from the firm, himself, or the I St of July, '54 ? Damm. The contested will case of the late G. Damm, Esq., of New Orleans, still progresses, and causes some tall swearing among the contestants. Dagger, Dainty, Daisy, Dampman, Dancer, Dandelion, Dandy, Dare, Durst, Dark, Darling, Dart, Daub, Deadman, Dear, Dearlove, Delay, Deme, Denial, Devil, Diable, Dew, Dialogue, Diaper, Dibble, Dickensheets, Ditty, Dive, Diver, Divine, Dock, Doe (see Roe), Dodge, Doll, Dollar, Dots, Double, Doubleday, Doubleman, Doxey, Drabble, Dray- man, Drinkard, Drinkhouse, Drinkwater, Driver, Dropsie, Drought, Drown, Duck, Dudgeon, Duel, Dull, Duly, Dutchman, Dye. Easum (see Balme), — appropriate name. Easum's Tooth Paste advertised in London, in 1830, as patronized by the royal family. Encore. In 1852, Mr. Florence, M. C, presented a me- morial from Joseph Encore and others, for a grant of land to the soldiers of the war of 181 2." Erie. Mr. Fort Erie was a merchant in Philadelphia in 1853. He had a brother named Lake Erie.* Eager — for an office. "Alexander A. Eager will be a can- didate for Auditor, subject to the rules of the Democratic party." — Philadelphia Ledger^ 1853. * This was probably only another way of spelling Ihrie, a Pennsyl- vania surname. — Ed. SINGULAR SURNAMES. I5 Early, Earthy, Easeman, Eater, Eddy, Edge, Egg (see Rotten), Eggbear, Eighteen (qu. Aytoun) ? Element, En- gineman. Eve, Evening, Event, Eye. Flattery — how he belied his name. At a meeting of the proprietors of the Arigna Company, held at the London Tavern, on August 26th, the following was part of a very sharp conversation among those present. "^ Shareholder. — We had better join Roger Flattery Esq., to the new directors." " Mr. Flattery. — Do you hold your tongue, Isaac. You are always telling such d d lies. Go along and account for the £40,000, you got out of the Hombush mines." '■'J Shareholder.— Yon lie!" '-'- Another. — You lie, you rascal !" "Ji/r. Flattery. — You know, Isaac, you are an ould liar !" " Mr. Denman. — Why, Mr. Flattery, you act with great assurance. It is not long since, you were a beggar." Faithful. Mr. Faithful, M. P. for Brighton, submitted a motion to the House of Commons, in 1833, looking to a confiscation of the revenues of the National Church. First come, first served. Married, near Harrisburg, Pa., Mr. John Shuman First, of Clinton county, tp Miss Pris- cilla Jane McClure. — Pennsylvanian., August 2, 1849. |th. Married on the ist July, by the Rev. Mr. Rood, Robert J. Forthfifth to Miss Margaret Moore. — Pennsyl- vanian^ January 27, 1847. FisK. An Act of Congress to change (not for the better), the name of Photius Havafales to Photius Fisk. jTjSH — what hands he fejl into. Married in Carbon county, Mr. Asa Fish to Miss Sarah Fryman. — Pennsyhanian., October 1 6, 1 848. Flint and Steel were a firm of bootmakers in High Hol- born, London, in the year 1848. l6 SINGULAR SURNAMES. Freebird— how she was caught. Married on Tuesday evening, 17th inst., Joseph Neilson to Miss JuHa A. Freebird, both of this city. — Baltimore Sun^ October 18, 1848. Firms. Wait & Ketchum make patent medicines on a large scale in New York. Call & Settle have a tailoring establishment in Mead- ville, Pa. I presume they give short credits. Neal & Pray is a business firm in Portland, Maine. It is superfluous to add, that they belong to orthodox churches. Luke Sharpe is in the retail business in Cincinnati. As might be expected from the name, he is always wide awake, whenever money is to be made. — Cisfs Advertiser^ 1848. " A pretty kettle of fish." The following, from the Alabama Baptist^ shows how several persons went " A fishing, in the matrimonial deep." About eighteen miles southeast from Andalusia, on Thursday, October i6th, were married at the residence of B. B. Bass, by G. A. Snowdon, late Judge of Probate, James Teel to Nancy Bass, William Teel to Mary Bass, and Wilson Bass to Jane Teel. James, William and Jane Teel, are the children of John and Anna Teel. Wilson, Nancy and Mary Bass, are children of N. B. Bass, all of Covington county, Alabama. Failing, Fair, Fairbrass, Fairy, Faith, Fallowfield, Famous, Farewell, Fast Feather, Fee, Feltwell (see Illman and Malady), Few, Fidget, Fidler, Fie, Fife, Figges, File- sticker, Fine, Finger, Firebrace, Fix, Flamer, Flash, Flesh, Flight, Flint, Float, Fluent, Flum, Flurry, Fly, Fogs, Fogy, Fougy, Footboy, Footit, Force, Foreigner, Forge, Forget, Footer, Fort (see Garrison), Fortune, Forty, Frail, Frame, Freebody, Fresh, Freeze, Freshwater, Front, Fryday, Fud- dler. Fudge, Fuel, Fullalove, Funnell, Fury, Fuss. SINGULAR SURNAMES. I7 Grist. A dressmaker at Bath has four female assistants in her employ, whose names are Grist, Miller, Meal and Flour. — Morning Herald^ March 26, 1824. Goodman — how he belied his name. Thomas Goodman, aged 20, was indicted for having set fire to a barn. — Morn- ing Herald^ December 24, 1830. Glutton, Richard, was one of the first purchasers from William Penn, — 7.d Catalogue for 1000 Acres. GuTMAN, Joseph. Probably a German, who should trans- late it into Goodman. Grass — the meaning of going to. Adarried in New Or- leans, Mr. Horace E. Kneass to Miss L. Grass. Gully. Dr. Gully is the author of " The Water Cure." — 1846. Gust — under what propitious circumstances he was married. On board brig Colorado, off Cape Horn, by Capt. P. J. Baker, Mr. J. Henry Gust, of Roxbury, Mass., to Miss Jane Stinsfield, of the same city. The ceremony was performed during a gale of wind, but, notwithstanding the unpropitiousness of the elements, it is said to have been a very happy occasion, in which all on board participated. — N. T. Herald^ Nov. ii, 1850. Going — gone. Died in Philadelphia, Emma R., wife of F. C. Going. Gabb, GafF (see Cocks), Gagger, Gales, Galling, Gallon, Gambling, Game, Gammon, Gander, Goose, Gosling, Gape, Gapes, Garlick, Garment, Garrison, Gathercoal, Gatherer, Gauntlett, Gause, Gem, Gentleman, Ghost, Giblet, Gift, Gilliflower, Gimlet, Gingerly, Ginn, Given, Glander, Glass- poole. Glazier, Glue, Goad, Goat, Godbid, Godley, Godson, Godsmark (see Cain), Godsen, Goldtrap, Golightly, Goods, Goody, Goodbody, Goodchild, Goodfellow, Goodluck, Goodnight, Gotobed, Gore, Gouger, Gout, Grapes, Grave, Gravel, Greedy, Greece, Greener, Grief, Grieve, Grindall, 1 8 SINGULAR SURNAMES. Groce (see Twentyman), Grog, Groin, Grouse, Grum, Grumble, Grumbling, Gudgeon, Guitar, Gutt, Gullett, Gum, Gump, Gun. Halfhide — how he was skinned. In 1849, Samuel Half- hide was before the Bankruptcy Court in London, and was opposed for fraudulent preference, concealment of property, obtaining goods from creditors in contemplation of bankruptcy, and having torn leaves out of his cash book. Hell. Mons. Hommaire de Hell, the scientific traveller, died at Ispahan, in August, 1848. He had been sent to Persia on a scientific mission by the French government. — Literary World^ Dec. 16, 1848. Hemp — how they accused him of stretching. In February, 1833, Hemp was tried for having committed perjury in the Court of King's Bench, sitting at Guildhall. He was acquitted with the approval of the chief justice. HoRSBACK — how they sat upon him. Richard Horsback was tried upon the charge of receiving about eighty yards of carpet from William Landis, knowing the same to have been stolen. — ^larter Sessions^ Philadelphia^ Sept. 1847. Half, Halfhead, Halfman, Hailstone, Hair (see Wig), Ham (see Back, &c.). Hammer (see Tongs), Handle, Hands, Handiwork, Happy, Hard, Harder, Hardman, Har- mony, Harridan, Hasty (see Pudding), Hatch (see Egg), Hatt, Haycock, Head, Heal, Healing, Heart, Hebrew, Height, Helm (see Tiller), Helpman, Helps, Hemming (see Needles), Henn, Hennman, Hider, High (see Low, Jack and Game), Hightower, Hilt, Hiss, Hoard, Hoe (see Shovel), Hog, Hogmire, Hogpen, Hoof, Hook (see Eye), Hooking, Hopper (see Skipper), Horn, Hornblower, Hornet, Howler, Howling, Huff\, Hugus, Humble, Hunn, Hurdle, Hurt, Hurting, Husband (see Younghusband). SINGULAR SURNAMES. I9 Innocent. " Among the trades-people fined in London, one day this month, for having unjust scales, &c., in their possession, was a widow with the singular name of Virtue Innocent." I^fCH — who took an Ell. Thomas Inch, hardly fourteen, was charged with felony, having stolen a shawl from a counter. — London Paper ^ 1822. Izard. Th's is said to be the only letter of the alphabet, used for a surname. There are some which in sound alone are exceptions. Gee and yay are of them. Idler, Image, Ink, Inkpen, Iron (see Brass), Ironcutter, Ironsides. Jenny. A person of this name was murdered by another named Spinnings in 1850. Jester — the serious thing that he did. Married, in West Chester, Levis T. Jester to Miss Phebe Holland. Job's Wife. Died on Seventh-day morning, 28th instant, Lydia A. Job, in the 8oth year of her age. — North Ameri- can^ 1850. Jack, Jackas, Jay, Jealous, Jelly, Jewel, Joint, Judge, Jury, Jump, June, Justice. Keel up, the meaning of. — Died on the 2d instant, Edward Keel, in the 32d year of his age. — Ledger^ Oct. 3, 1851. Kalafat, Kegs, Kennel, Kettle (see Tea), Key, Keys, Keyhole (see Lock), Kickem, Kidney, Kildee, Killhour, Killieves, Kingdom, Kiss, Kitcat, Kitten (see Mew, Pussey) Knee, Knot, Knock, Knocker, Knife, Knuckles. 20 SINGULAR SURNAMES. Lambkin, his innocence. — John J. Lambkin was con- victed, at Mount Holly, of forging a check on the Me- chanics' Bank of Burlington. — Ledger^ 1850. Lease, a long, the meaning of. Died in Tyrone Town- ship, Adams County, Pa., John Lease, aged about ninety- two years. — May^ 1847. Labor, Lack, Lackland, Lambshead, Lame, Lance, Land, Langridge, Lank, Lark, Lash, Last, Latchet, Lath, Lathy, Lax, Lead, Lean, Leave, Lecture (see Caudle), Leather, Leathern, Leeks (see Onions, Garlick), Lees, Legs, Leisure, Lemon, Limes (see Punch), Lent (see Given), Lies, Limber, Linen, Linensheets, Lingo, Lion (see Tiger), Lips, Liquor- ish, Littlefear, Lob, Longbottom, Longden, Longmaid, Loom, Loose, Loricus,- Loud (see Thunder), Lovelady, Lovelock, Loving, Lucid, Luck, Lumpus, Lyre. Makepeace. Thomas Makepeace was fined <£ioo last week for a breach of the peace at Southampton. — Morn- ing Herald^ 1832. Marriage. Among the subscribers to Mr. Buckingham's intended voyage 'round the world are Mr. Marriage, Sen. and Jun. These gentlemen, of course, are wedded to the project. — Morning Herald., Oct. 25, 1830. Mock — in earnest. Mrs. Mary Ann Mock was up before the Cincinnati Recorder for flogging her husband with a cowhide. — Ledger .y March i, 1851. Molasses (see Sweet). Sir Dudley Hill, the governor of St. Lucie, has nominated Lieutenant-Colonel Molasses his aid-de-camp. Molasses appears to be a most appropri- ate appointment in a sugar island. — Morning Herald.^ Oct. 9^ 1834. Muslin, Edward, was convicted of stealing twenty yards of Irish linen. — European Magazine., March., ^I'^Z' .Musselman and Turk are Pennsylvania names. SINGULAR SURNAMES. 21 Mayden. a young lady, whose name was Mayden, having married a gentleman named Mudd, gave rise to the follow- ing epigram : Lot's wife, 'tis said, in days of old, For one rebellious halt, Was turned, as we are plainly told, Into a lump of salt. The same propensity to change Still runs in woman's blood ; For here we see a case as strange — A Mayden turned to Mudd. Maccabees, Mace, Madder, Maid, Malady, Male, Mallet, Man, Maneuvre, Manspeaker, Mantle, Marrow (see Bones), Marry, Marsh, Martingale (see Bridle, Harness, Horsback), Martyn, Mash, Maul, Maw, Maypole, Measles, Meek, Merchant, Merryman, Mew, Midnight, Midway, Mind, Mint, Minx, Moan, Mock (see Turtle), Moist (a Water- man), Moister, Mortar, Most, Moth, Mould, Moulder (see Rotten), Much, Mules, Mum, Mummery, Mumper, Munch, Mush, Musk, Muszgnug, Muskett, Musick, Muss, Mus- tard. Neck — what danger he was in of being stretched. A young man, of very respectable appearance, named Ben- jamin Neck, was brought before the lord mayor upon a charge of forgery. — Morning Herald^ Dec. i, 1834. Nail, Near, New (see Old), Needle, Needles, Neigh (see Mare), Nettles, Nihill, Nix, Noacre, Nobbs, Nodder, Noggle, Noose, Northeast, Northern, Novice. Oyster — not crossed in love. Married, at Gettysburg, Pa., on the 9th instant, John Oyster of Washington, D. C, to Miss Phebe Ann Flohr, of Gettysburg. — Sept. 1846. 22 SINGULAR SURNAMES. Otter. Epigram on the Rev. William Otter, M.A. principal of King's College, London, on his being pre- sented to a bishoprick. After so dry an occupation As giving boys an education. Pleased must an Otter be, Wiien he is spared the toil of teaching. And (saving now and then) of preaching. To plunge into a See. Omit, Onion, Only, Onyx, Outerbridge, Outlaw, Out- water, Overend, Overstrut, Overland, Owings (an insol- vent debtor). Owner. Pepper. There are eighteen families in the directory ; a tolerable sprinkling. Pillow. See any account of the Mexican war of 1847-8. The administration was accused of attempting to bolster him up. (See Bolster.) Pilgrim — another Pilgrim's Progress. James Pilgrim, the proprietor of a fancy bazaar in the vicinity of Third and Chestnut streets, was tried upon an indictment under the lottery law and found guilty. Pagan (see Christian), Pain (see Grief), Pamphilion, Pan- cake, Pander, Pangs, Panther (see Tiger), Pantry (see Par- lor), Paradise, Parcels, Pardon, Parlour (see Kitchen and Hall), Parsonage, Past, Paste (see Diamond), Patchman, Pate, Paternoster, Patience, Pavonarius, Pay, Peach, Pear, Peck (see Bushel), Pedler, Peel, Peepear, Pence, Penny, Peoples, Peppercorn, Pepperdy, Pew, Pharaoh, PhcEbus, Picking, Pickles, Pickup, Pike, Pinch, Pink, Pipkin, Pippin, Pique, Pistole, Pitty, Player, Plenty, Pluck, Poetes, Poland (see Spain, &c.). Pond, Pontifex, Poorman (see Richman), Popjoy, Poppy, Postman, Pother, Pottle, Pounds, Powder (see Balls, Shotwell), Pout, Prance (see Dance), Precious, SINGULAR SURNAMES. 23 Present, Presser, Pretty, Prettyman, Proper, Proudlove, Prudence, Pry, Pucker, Pudding, Puling, Pullman, Pully, Punch, Puncher, Purse, Purser, Pussey. Quail (see Partridge), Quarrel, Quarterman (see Half- man), Quarters, Quattlebum, Queckett, Question, Quibble (see Law), Quiggle, Quill (see Goose), Quirk. Rake— the good he came to. Married, in Doylestown, Pa., Solomon Rake to Susannah Buskirk. Red. In December, 1798, George Brown gave notice to all persons indebted to the estate of William Red^ de- ceased, to make payment. RoBB. Robb was president and Poor^ treasurer of a savings institution in 1838, which failed, as might have been ex- pected. Roe, Richard. In 1829, Richard Radford Roe was re- leased from imprisonment on board a transport ship and brought back to Dublin. Rotten. Heales sued Rotten for veal pies furnished to liJm. — London Morning Chronicle^ 1848. Reel how it was attempted to turn him 'round. " Phila- delphia, December 21, 1852. John Welsh was yester- day held to bail in the sum of fifteen hundred dollars for attempting to bribe Frederick Reel, a member of the legislature and of the county board, to vote in favor of allowing the Camden ferry company to charge toll upon boats passing through Windmill Island." Root. In one of the counties of Wisconsin, it is said that there are three candidates for the legislature : J. M. Root, Democrat; Robert Hogg, Free-soil; and T. H. Dye, Whig. So on election day, it will be " Root, Hog, or Die" with the voters. 24 SINGULAR SURNAMES. Ragged, Raiment, Rainbow, Rainy, Ramshorn, Rams- bottom, Rasper, Rat, Raw, Rawbone, Real, (see Mock), Reckless, Records, Redhead, Redgrave, Redlion, Register, Rest, Rhino, Ribbon, Richman, (see Poorman), Ride, Robbery (see Felony, Steal), Room, Rosin, Rough, Roughly, Rouser, Round, Rubber, Ruby, Rumholder, Rump, Rusty, Rye. Scamp, Daniel, was murdered in Williams County, Ohio, ,by D. Heckerthorne, who is to be hanged for it. — National Police Gazette^ December 30, 1848. Second, Mr. See " Memoirs of the Coleman Family, Vol. 2, p. 294." His wife was a /^/r^/ rate singer. Ibid. (See Third.) Sheepshanks. "William Sheepshanks, an estimable citizen of Philadelphia, while walking the street on Tuesday, fell dead in a fit of apoplexy." — Dec. 12, 1837. He was an Englishman with remarkably thick legs. Snooks is a corruption of Seven Oaks, called Se'noaks in Kent, England. — Notes and ^eries for May., 1852,/). 438. Spittle — not discharged. James Spittle, an insolvent, was brought up in custody upon his petition to be discharged. He was remanded. — Morning Herald., April., 1824. Sly. " The Slys came in with the Conqueror." " On Friday, H. Corrigan, a policeman, was arraigned for perjury on the trial of Mr. Sly." — Morning Herald., July 14, 1836. Shines, cutting, — the meaning of. Dennis Cary was stabbed with a knife in the streets of Boston, on Wednesday evening, by one Cornelius Shines. A cutting Shines like this, is clearly acting contrary to law. Shoe, off. Died on the 20th instant Henry Edward, son of Bonaparte and Elizabeth Shoe. — Ledger., June 22, 1854. Sunrise, Peter, the son of Peter Sundown.* * Probably the names of American Indians. — Ed. SINGULAR SURNAMES. 25 Shackle — appropriate name. Gay v. Shackle. — This was an action to recover compensation in damages for injury sustained by means of the false imprisonment to which the plaintiff had been submitted by the defendant. Shindy. J. Warren Shindy was before the mayor yesterday for ^' making poetry up an alley." — Pennsylvanian^ June 19, 1849. Stammers — odd name for a lawyer. Northern Circuit. York, Hill and others v. Brook. Mr. Alexander and Mr. Wightman for the plaintiffs ; Mr. Starkie and Mr. Stammers for the defendant. Still was the author of Gammer Gurton's needle. Epitaph in a country churchyard, 1829. Underneath doth lie until The Day of Judgment, Peter Still, Who when living was a Miller, Still he then was — now he 's stiller. . Snag, ran against a. William Wright has been held in $600 bail by Alderman Gaw on complaint of Miss Margaret Snag. Sad (see Grief), Sailor, Saltus (see Jump), Salt, Salmon (see Trout, &c.), Sam, Sandbank, Sandyman, Sank, Sapp, Saving, Saucebox, Saw, Scales (see Fish), Scaly, Scarlet (see Red), Scattergood, School, Scripture (see Bible), Scotland, Scout, Scullion, Scurry, Seagull, Seeds, Self, Sell (see Buyers), Sentence, Senior, Serious, Servant, Sexton, Shad, Shade, Shadow, Shakeshaft, Shank, Shanks, Shankstone, Shaver, Shears, Shearer, Shed, Sheers, Sheering, Sheets, Shell (see Oyster), Shew, Shillinglow, Shingle, Shirk, Shivers, Shirt, Shirts (see Smock), Shoot, Shooter, Shots, Shotgun, Short, Shorter, Shout, Shovel, Slipper (see Buckle), Slow, Shock, Shower, Showers (see Rainy), Shroud, Shufflebottom, Side, Sides, Signs, Silver, Sin, Single, Sinkhorn, Simpers, Sirjohn, Six, Sixty, Skeleton, Skill, Skinner, Skipper (see Hopper), 26 SINGULAR SURNAMES. Slap, Slayman, Sleep, Sleeper, Slicer, Slight, Smaller, Small- bone, Smallpiece, Smack, Smelt, Smile, Snapp, Sneer, Sneezum, Snook, Snow, Snowball, SnufF, Soft (see Hard), Softlaws, Sombre, Son, Sopp, Soul (see Body), Sour, Spain, Sparrow, Speed, Spike, Spikins, Spillman, Spitfathom, Spit- tlehouse. Spleen, Spokes, Sponge, Spoon, Springs, Sprunk, Spry, Squirrel, Stabber, Stair, Stallion, Stamp, Standing, Standaloft, Stead, Steal, Steelman, Steer (see Bull), Stem, Stern, Steamer, Stocks, Stones, Stocking (see Shoe), Straw (see Hay), Strawberry, Stilts, Stranger, Strangeman, Strange- ways, Straight, Stretch, . Stretcher, Stride, Strut, Stiff, Stone- breaker, Stubblefield, Stuck, Stutter (see Stammers), Stump (see Tree), Stumble, Stunt, Sturdy, Suet, Sultan (see Turk)^ Summons, Sun, Sunday, Supple, Sustenance, Swar, Sweeper, Sweet, Sweetman, Sweetapple, Sweeten, Sweeter, Swindler, Swing. Till — the place to find coins. "William Till, dealer in coins and medals, 17 Great Russell Street, Covent Garden, having recently purchased a large collection of Antique and Modern Coins and Medals, he is enabled to offer them on the lowest terms." — 'January 15, 1829. Trickey. In 1825, a Major Trickey was put under arrest in London, charged with conspiring with a person named Mclntyre, to give bad meat to the soldiers. Tongue (tied) — the meaning of. The Rev. J. W. Tongue married a couple in Baltimore, December 12, 1849. — Baltimore Sun. Tea — the meaning of taking. Seized and taken in execu- tion as the property of Richard Tea, and to be sold by William Deal, sheriff. — Nove?nber 11, 185 1. Times — the meanino- of bad. William Times, for stealino- a hog from Matilda Cook, was arrested by Officer Small and committed for Court by Justice Root. — Baltimore^ Oct.^ 1849. SINGULAR SURNAMES. 7.'] Tags, Tall, Tallman, Tallents, Tame, Tankard, Tantum, Taper, Target, Tart, Taunt, Tawney, Teagarden, Teal, Teapot, Teasel, Tempest (see Teapot), Tear (see Grief), Terrier, Test, Thick, Thigpen, Third (see First, &c.). Thistle, Thorn, Threat, Throne, Thunder (see Tempest), Tickle, Tidy, Tiffany, Tigar, Tightman, Tiller, Tilt, Tin, Tipple, Tippet, Tittle, Titmouse, Tizard (see Izzard), Toad, Toadvine, Toddy, Tomb, Tongs (see Shovel, Ham- mer), Toswill, Tooth, Toothaker, Toogood, Top, Touch- stone, Tough, Tow, Towel, Toy, Trader, Trap, Trash, Treasurer, Treble, Trespass, Tribe^ Trifler, Trigger, Trim, Trimming, Tripe, Trough (see Hog), Trout, True, Truth (see Lies), Trueheart, Trundle, Tub, Tubs, Tuck, Tuggey, Turbot, Turk (see Mussulman), Turtle, Twaddle, Tweedle, Twentyman (see Forty), Twigg, Twin, Twinbelly, Twitty, Twitching, Twitchings, Tyger, Type, Tythe. Underhay, Underwood, Unit, Unthank, Upfill, Upright, Upward. Virtue, fallen. Catharine Virtue and Sarah Cohen were convicted of stealing a piece of goods, and were sentenced, each to two years and three months in the Eastern Peni- tentiary. — Ledger^ April <^^ 1 85 1. Virtue — the reward of constant. Married, February 9th, by the Rev. A. D. Gillette, Mr. Samuel Virtue to Miss Annie M. Keichline, all of Spring Garden, Philadelphia. — 1851. Valiant (see Coward), Varnish, Vellum, Venus (see Cupid), Verity, Very, Viall, Victory, Vile, Violet, Viper, Virgin, Vixen, Vizard. Weller. "That's what I call a repetition," exclaimed a friend the other day. " What's that, Tom ?" said we. "Why look at that sign across the way — J. E. Weller, Jeweller." 28 SINGULAR SURNAMES. Window — the meaning of a broken window. King and Whitaker, Solicitors in London, notify the creditors of James Window, a bankrupt, to send the particulars of their claims to the office of the solicitors. — Morning Herald. Wench. Mrs. Wench and family are among the fashion- able departures in the Morning Herald^ Jug. 14, 1826. Wing — " to shoot in a duel." A medical gentleman, named Pope, charged Mr. Charles Wing, surgeon, with having attempted to provoke him to fight a duel. — Morning Herald^ Aug- 3^ 1835. Wraith — " The water-wraith was shrieking." T. Camp- bell. Died at Frankford, on the 19th inst., Mr. John Wraith, a native of Mirfield, England. — N. American.^ July 22, 1850. Worn — out. Died on the morning of the loth inst., Philip Worn, in the 75th year of his age. — A^. American^ May 12, 1851. Waddle, Wages, Wake, Wallop, Wallower (see Hog), Waltz, Wants, Warboys, Warrant, Wart, Watchman, Waterer, Weak, Weakly, Weary, Weathercoat, Weaving, Wedge, Welfare, Welshman, Western, Whale, Whaler, Wharf, Wheat, Wheel, Wheels, Wherry, Whetstone, Whip, Whips, Whipper, Whisker, Whittle, Whitebread, Whimper, Wickede, Wicker, Wig (see Hair), Wiggs, Wild- boar (see Hog), Wind, Winegar, Winternight, Winterbottom, Wire, Wise, Wiser, Witherup, Wizard, Wool, Wooler, Work, Worknot, Worms, Worship, Worst, Wren (see Crane and the other birds), Wrinkle, Write (see Read). Yarn, Yea, Yearly, Yeast, Yell, Younger. ZwiSLEY, Pius, gives notice not to trust any one on his account. — Balti?nore Paper., Sept. 5, 1835. SINGULAR SURNAMES. 2() The following amusing poem by Horace Smith, one of the authors of the " Rejected Addresses," was inserted by Mr Ingraham in his book : SURNAMES. Men once were surnamed from their shape or estate, (You all may from history worm it) ; There was Louis the Bulky, and Henry the Great, John Lackland and Peter the Hermit. But now when the door-plates of Misters and Dames Are read, each so constantly varies From the owner's trade, figure and calling, surnames Seem given by the rule of contraries. Mr. Box though provoked, never doubles his fist, Mr. Burns in his grate has no fuel, Mr. Playfair won't catch me at hazard or whist, Mr. Coward was winged in a duel; Mr. Wise was a dunce, Mr. King was a Whig, Mr. Coffin's uncommonly sprightly ; And huge Mr. Little broke down in a gig While driving fat Mrs. Golightly. Mr. Drinkwater's apt to Indulge in a dram, Mr. Angel's an absolute fury ; And meek Mr. Lion let fierce Mr. Lamb Tweak his nose in the lobby of Drury. At Bath, where the feeble go more than the stout, Mr. Heavyside danced a bolero Over poor Mr. Lightfoot, confined with the gout, (A conduct well worthy of Nero). Miss Joy, wretched maid, when she chose Mr. Love, Found nothing but sorrow await her ; She now holds in wedlock, as true as a dove, The fondest of mates, Mr. Hayter. Mr. Oldcastle dwells in a modern-built hut, Miss Sage is of madcaps the archest. Of all the queer bachelor's Cupid e'er cut. Old Mr. Younghusband's the starchest. i 30 SINGULAR SURNAMES. Mr. Child, in a passion, knocked down Mr. Rock, Mr. Stone like an aspen leaf quivers. Miss Poole used to dance, but stands still like a stock. Ever since she became Mrs. Rivers. Mr. Swift hobbles onward, no mortal knows how — He moves as though cords had entwined him ; Mr. Metcalf ran oft" upon metting a cow, With pale Mr. TurnbuU behind him. Mr. Barker's as mute as a fish in the sea, Mr. Miles never goes on a journey, Mr. Gotobed sits up till half after three, Mr. Makepiece was bred an attorney ; Mr. Gardener can't tell a flower from a root, Mr. Wild with timidity draws back, Mr. Ryder performs all his journeys on foot, Mr. Foot all his journeys on horseback. Mr. Penny, whose father was rolling in wealth. Knocked down all the fortune his dad won ; Large Mr. Le Fevre's the picture of health, Mr. Goodenough is but a bad one ; Mr. Crookshanks stepped into three thousand a year By showing his leg to an heiress. Now I hope you'll acknowledge I've made it quite clear, Surnames ever go by contraries. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. ,# BSmiNL JAI\i^5lS67 ,'^,?'ti^' ff'fe RtUW'JW ... r£B 22^67 . .oi \^CM^ *t ' '? J, W OCT. »>■ Fo¥ri/lit)^3^)i<»,'.'. 7 r ( .-> 1 2 4s4 ) 44-1 i PAMPHLET BINOiT ^^Z Syracuse, N. Y. 1:^3 Stockton, Calif. mill 3 mwm 1158 ■iin 00276 1871 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY AA 000 662 326 8 I