The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Years ago proof of land ownership was always a question. Land "Sharks" grew rich by manufacturing bogus patent titles and then with the audacity of a highwayman presenting them to the farmer cooly informing him that they were, indeed, the true owner, and if he did not pay a large sum of money for their title, they would be only too happy to sue him in United States Court at Chicago.
Rather than risk a ruinous litigation in a distant place, many a deluded citizen parted with his money receiving in return a worthless title to land he already owned.
In his fine buggy one such "Shark" ventured to the land of Mr. Abner Davis in the Maple Grove area, whom he found working in his farmyard pitchfork in hand.
The shark at once made known his business, informing Mr. Davis of his lack of genuine title and offering him the forged one for a large sum.
Mr. Davis listened to his statements but when the speculator threatened him with an ejection suit, Mr. Davis boiled over.
Leaping from the haystack and in language not to be misunderstood, he pointed the points of his fork and informed the would-be persecutor that on the battlefield he had earned the land and received title from the government and that he had fought for the title and was willing to do so again.
Seeing the genuine ire of the farmer, the "Shark" beat a hasty retreat followed by a pair of sharp fork-tines.
1882 History of Henderson County