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Joe favored his mother in appearance - dark, lean, and tall with an easily tanned complexion. He inherited his father, Solon's, intensity and internal power. Jim favored his Uncle Alex - fair and short, but without his stockiness. His skin would easily burn in the sun. Jim carried his mother's internal grace. He also shared his Uncle Alex's artistic qualities while Joe had his mother's mechanical gifts. Jim was witty, chatty and outgoing. Joe spoke his mind when required, but didn't fancy having a crowd hear him. The twins represented another generation of heart and hands, poet and craftsman, sky and earth. The best of friends, they were a matched team of the spirit if not style.
Joe had gotten mad at Jim often over the last few months. During their just completed visit to Nashville, Jim had not been able to keep up with Joe as they explored the Capital Building, Maxwell House Hotel, City Hall, Sulphur Dell Park and Train Depot. He coughed badly and had a hard time catching his breath. They had stopped often until the cough ended and Jim's strength returned so that they could continue their adventure. As young children, the twins had offered the family very different characteristics. Joe was the plunger and Jim the floater.
After returning from the Nashville excursion, the routine of farm and store life continued. Jim had taken to finding opportunities to talk about Mr. Bryan and the evil McKinley - Hanna crowd. The tyranny of the bankers and industrialists and the major points of the presidential campaign of 1896 were expounded by Jim one afternoon at Sherrill-Stone Store.
"Those Republicans will drive we common folk before them like the slaves of Egypt," Jim heatedly electioneered customers, the Marks and Harwell's families, both parents and children, one early October Saturday.
"James, could I see you for a moment, here please," Mr. Washburn, the grocery's chief clerk said, peering over the rack of work shoes. His demeanor was not friendly. "Son, you do not discuss politics or religion in a place of business. Never. Do you understand? We get all kinds of customers here - rich, powerful, Populist, Democrats and even occasionally a Republican from the colored folk and ridge people. All sorts, son and you shall not inflict your opinions on those two subjects. You understand?"
Jim, taken aback by the dressing down, could only respond, "Yes sir, I do."