The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1872-08-27
A STRANGE HISTORY.
Two Schoolgirl Friends-One OF
Them Married, has Child. Turns
into q man, is Divorced, and Mar.
ries the Other.

1ntO uan, - DiN0rceu, anu mdr.
ries the Other.
From the st. Louis Democrat.l
Whenever a newspaper man has
anything unusual to write about he
invariably commences BY the remark
true, though somewhat trite-that
truth is stranger than fiction" In
giving his story to-day, the Democrat
reporter does not follow this time-worn
example, but by due breach honors it
more than he would by observance.
+ The story which it is his to tell is a
singular one, but perfectly true. 1t was
narrated to him at Burlington, Iowa,
during recent visit, and it was there
that an opportunity was afforded him Of
seeing the parties whom it affects.
There have been three or four similar
cases recorded, but so rarely has q
change of sex been carefully observed
and accurately noted that the present
case derives a largely increased interest.
Some fifteen years ago, at one OF the
principal seminaries in Ohio, were two
beautiful and accomplished young Ia
dies, whom circumstances threw I'M
usually close together. They be-
came like the friends in Shakespeare,
"ADoUBLE CHERRY
growing'on one STEM" They studied
together, ate slate pencils together, and,
in their nocturnal envelopes, sat at
their room window to gaze upon the
moonlight and the tom cats who gently
slept on the adj joining roof. In course Of
time they graduated and each went
home. But their friendship was not
impaired by distance, and the national
revenue was considerably increased by
the postage on daily letters from one to
the other, full of affection and not cross.
ed more than twice. In 1868, one of
them became acquainted with gallant
soldier from Iowa, holding the rank Of
Colonel, who had distinguished himself
during the war. A brief acquaintance,
formed during his furlough, ripened
into love, and finally eliminated in a
happy marriage. For two years they
lived together, and under their roof no
guest save happiness seemed to have
been admitted. One child, the idol OF
its parents, was born to them. Toward
the end of 1865. however, people began
TO noticetha Mrs. had changed
considerably in appearance. Her voice,
once soft and silvery, had now genu-
Tue masculine ring. Her hands seemed
no longer
SMALL AND FRAGILE,
under their weight of rings, but large
and bouy. An understandable change in
her walk was apparent, and at last a
luxuriant beard forced its way upon her
face. 1t was painfully evident that her
sex was changing. Physicians and
surgeons were called in, and all were
astonished, but none could prevent na-
ture from carrying out her strange
freak. The unfortunate wife. almost
broken hearted. begged for her husband
to apply for divorce. He applied for
it and it was granted. Mrs. -,
THROWING OFF THE PErrIooAr
and panier, which were hardly compat.
ible with the beard, gave up her femi-
nine accomplishments and pursuits,
forsook the sewing machine, treated
talking as a lost art, and earned her
way by giving music lessons on the
piano. OF music she had always been
very fond, and her rare accomplish
ments now stood her in good stead.
Through all this time; even when
parted from her husband, she had been
IN correspondence with her faithful
friend and schoolmate Of years before.
The change which caused husband and
friends to forsake her had no effect
upon the faithful heart Of her girl
friend. And now comes the strangest
part Of this truthful and wonderful
story. The school girls Of ten years
MAN AND WIPE.
When Mrs, naturally developed
into Mr.. -, she naturally turned for
consolation and friendship to her old
friend, and talked love, not as the
school girl, but as the man. In her
new character she won again the heart
which was already hers. They were
,bstrothed and -married, Sna now live to
gether happily in The 6tata Of Iowa,
prosperous ip bpHissss snd isaghiy-re-
spected,by an Who knot them. As q
matter Of course the names of the par
ties are withheld. on account Of the
prominent positions they hold In society,
andto shikld hem from the curious