May 3, 1867: The Union Flag reported news about a shoplifter. âOn Tuesday night last, a young man by the name of Haze, living in Greene county (sic), came to town, riding a sorrel horse, and while at the store of Dosser and Fain, quietly slipped a pair of pants under his coat, but the old saying, of âany fool can steal, but it takes a smart man to hide,â was again verified; for sly as he thought he was, he was nicely caught and made to own up. While board and lodging were being engaged for him at Mr. Pruettâs, the jailor, he mounted his horse and left at a 2-40 rate. In these days of thievery all should be on the watch especially when Mr. Haze is about.â
April 16, 1869: The Union Flag regaled its readers with a funny story. âA little fellow had a dirty face and his teacher told him to go and wash it. He went out and stayed for a few minutes, and then came back with the lower half of his countenance tolerably clean and the upper half wet and dirty. âJohnny,â said the teacher, âwhy did you not wash your face?â âI did wash it,â said Johnny. âWhy did you not wipe it, then all over?â âI did wipe it as high as my shirt tail would reach,â was Johnnyâs conclusive reply.â