The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-09-05
ChanRInK Sex.


somewhat trite-that "truth is stranger
than fiction" In giving his story, to-
day, the Democrat reporter does not fol-
low this time-worn example, but by due
breach honors it more than he would by
observation. The story which it is his
to tell is q singular one, but perfectly
true. It was narrated to him at Bur-
lington, 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 30 rarely
has change Of sex been carefully OBJ
served and accurately noted, that tho
present oase derives O largely increased
interest.
Some fifteen years ago, at one OF the
principal seminaries in Ohio, were two
beautiful and accomplished young ladies,
whom circumstances threw unusually
close together. They became like the
friends in Shakespeare, 'a double cherry
growing on one STEM" They studied
together, being in the same GLASS, roomed
together, ate slate pencils together, and,
in their nocturnal envelopes, sat ut their
room window to gaze upon the moon
light and the tom-cat, who gently steps
on the adjoining roof. In the course of
time. they graduated, and each went to
her home. But their friendship was not
impaired by distance, and the national
revenue was considerably increased by
the postage on daily letters from each to
the other, full Of affection and not
crossed more than twice. In 1863, one
OF them became acquainted with gal
liant soldier in Iowa, holding the rank of
Colonel, who had distinguished himself
during the war. A brief acquaintance,
formed during his furlough, soon 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
it's parents, was born to them. Toward
the end OF 1865, however, people began
to notice that Mrs. had changed
considerably in appearance. Her voice,
once soft und slvery, had now genu-
inc masculine ring. Her hands seemed
no longer small and fragile, under their
weight Of rings, but large and bony
An indesoribable change in her walk wes
apparent, and at last lu1uriant beard
forced its way upon her face. It was
painfully evident that her sex was chang
ing. Physicians and surgeons were
called in, and all were astonished, bnt
none could prevent nature from carry
ing out her strange freak. Tho unfor.
tunate wife, almost broken IL earted,
begged Of her husband to apply for d
divorce. He applied for it and it was
granted. Mrs. --, throwing off the
petticoat and pannier, which were hard
ly compatible with the benrd, gave up
feminine accomplishments and pursuits
forsook the sewing machine, treated
talking as lost art, and earned her way
by giving music lessons on the piano.
OF music she had always been very fond,
and her rare accomplishments now stood
her in good stead.
Through all this time, even when
parted from her husband, she had been
i'll correspondence with her faithful
friend and school-mate of years before
The change which caused husband and
friends to forsake her had no effect upon
the faithful heart of her girl friend
Aud now comes the strangest part Of
this truthful and wonderful story. The
school girls of ten years ago are now
man and wife.
When Mrs. developed into Mr..
-, she naturally turned for consola-
ton 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 al.
ready hers. They were betrothed and
married, and now live together happily
in the State of Iowa, prosperous in busi-
ness, and highly respected by all who
knew them. AS a matter of course, the
names Of the parties were withheld on
account of the prominent positions they
hold in society, and to shield them from
the curious gaze of all who visit the city.
a correspondent of theeDemocrat, while
visiting there, heard this strange story,
went into their store and made q small
purchase of drugs, in order to obtain u
view of this strange couple. He found
them both in the store. The husband
may be some twenty y-eight or thirty
years Of age, but does not look older
than man of twenty-five. His figure
is slight and we'll knit. His height is
about five feet five inches, and his weight
may be 130 or 40 pounds. His hair is
wavy brown, almost black, and he
wears neat little moustache, but no
beard, though his ''chin new.reaped
showed like stubble field in harvest
time" His features are regular and
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