Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1870-04-21
THE HERMIT OF YONKERS.
HOW aCultured Artist became Soldier
Nagrnnt, and Reciuse by Turns.

now aOuitured Artist became Soldier,
NaSrant, ana Reciuse by Turns.
IRON the New York sun.
One mile from the Nepperhap river road,
and hve miles from Yonkers, in secluded
nook between jutting rocks which shelter
him from the blasts of winter and the heat
of summer, Gn old man has erected hut,
and has lived many years in seclusion. A
Sun reporter found the hermit seated ON n
rude bench IN his miserable den. The re-
cluse was carving the root of a small sap
ling into the semblance of dogs head =
His long black hair and grey beard hung
down his shoulders and breast in TANGLED
masses. He arose as the Sun reporter ap.
preached
Pardon me- sir, for breaking in upon
your seclusion; but have come to pur-
chase one of your carved wood canes"
"You are welcome to my rude dwelling.
Be seated" the hermit said in excellent
English, pointing to bench similar to the
orc on which he had been seated. The re-
porter sat down, and the hermit resumed
his labor.
MAY I ask how many years you have
lived hep
mime years."
'And what induced you to seclude your
self from the busy haunts of men trust
you will excuse me for asking these cues
tons, but the outside world are curious TO
know something of your history"
''Ah my son, the outside world has lost
all its attractions for me, / live in n world
of my own world of the past; ! do not
belong to this generation; and / live here
because | nm poor, and because it suits my
inclinatons l will tell you something OF
my history, since the outside world are aux-
ious to be informed. My name is Ferdinand
Geryauhd. was born in Strasbourg in 1893.
My parents were in good circumstances,
and was we'll educated My tastes were
aesthetic, and consequently | studied the
art OF painting; | travelled in Germany,
France and Italy and became in the course
OF time al artist. Circumstances which
are unnecessary for me to mention at
length, led me to join the Second Repi-
ment Chasseurs dAfrique, in which | sery-
ed many years in Algeria. My time having
expired, became wanderer-- an adyen.
turer an old man. My friends were dead
or scattered, and | came to America. |
landed ON these shores eleven years ago.
After remaining in the City of New York
until my money had been nearly spent, |
obtained the job of frescoing church in
Albany, and had almost finished il when |
accidentally lost my footing on the soatfold
and fell to the hoor breaking my right leo
and arm.
was laid up, of course, long time, and
when my wounds had healed | had lost the
use of myright ARM its cunning was gone
and could no longer follow my Legitimate
occupation, and became a beggar. Nine
years ago | wandered to this place. and
here have lived ever since, earning pre-
carlous livelihood by carving wooden canes
and toys with my LETT hand. | am compar-
auvely happy. My tastes are simple and
easily satisfied. | have lived long time
am weary, but trust in God that when NV
time comes (Which cannot be very far dis
tant) shall be prepared to make the leap
With full and realizing hope that it will be
well with me. 4"
The hermit occasionally makes eYeur-
slons to Yunkers to dispose of his wares
and purchase provisions. He is cheerful
and laxative when approached and is
treated with respect lie converses in
French, German and English with flueney