The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1874-05-14
Dssui.sd q. a woman


A disclosure of more than usual interest
took place in Otsego, New York, a few
DAYS ago, aud has become the town topic
OF conversation:
About seven months since, rather
progressing looking Young lady, of medi-
am height, fair complexion and age about
twenty-eight, made her appearance in the
place, in search OF employment, and she
found no trouble whdtever in procuring il.
Miss Berta Rollins as she gave her
name was engaged in the mill owned by
Mr.. Charles Ransom. Every morning
she presented herself regularly, and re.
manned sedulously engaged until the 6
O'Clock whistle bade work cease for the
day As is usual in such cases the new
conner isalways subjected tocrticism from
the older hands, and so it was in the case
of Miss Rollins.
The fact of her being stranger and
from New York, as reported, was sufi-
cientof itselfto arouse the curiosity of the
country SWANS, and they accordingly
made desperate efforts TO tind out il pos
sible the full PARTICULARS Connected with
her past career. They all agreed that
she was the best looking girl in the mill
and the best behaved too, at that.
Thus matters ran on until about ten
days ago, when the report began to he
nOised around that at last her identity
was established, and that instead Of being
the quiet, unassuming girl which she
affected 10 be, she was in reality nothing
more nor less than man in woman'-
clothes.
1t does not take long for rumors of this
character to spread far and wide, and
more especially so in country towns, and
so II proved in this case, and in almost
less than twenty-four hours Miss Berta
Rollins" who but yesterday was the envy
of all other lady companions, found her
self sighted by every one of them, and
accused of being everything else but what
she seemed and ought to be. The news
was Immediately whispered confdentially
into the too willing ears Of the landlady
with whom Miss Rollins" boarded, and
she had always since her advent
occupied separate apartment of her
own, the lady OF the house informed
o Miss Rollins that her room was wanted,
and that she must seek quarters elsewhere.
Samuel Ransom, the mill proprietor, had
also been informed Of the suspicious en-
against Miss Rollins and
took immediate steps to ascertain the
truth or falsity of the runlors that were
being circulated.
He sent for, =" Miss Rollins and ques-
toned her. At first she denied that she
was man, bur finally gave in, and &C
knowledged the fact that instead Of being
- Miss Berta Rollins her name was
Henry Sanderson; that he was compelled !
ed to don the attire of woman, because |
as man he had failed to earn a respecta- |
bic living, owing to the fact of his femi |
nine appearance. Transformed once more |
into a man, Henry Sanderson told the !
story Of his experience in a good natured /
manner, of which the following is a brief
synopsis.
81 was born in Boston. My father
and mother soon after my birth removed !
to Lowell, Mass, where at the age of
fourteen, my father and mother were |
both taken away from me by being killed |
on a railroad train. My sister and myself |
were the only children, and as she was
younger than me her support devolved |
upon me. | determined to go TO New |
York and left Lowell. On arriving in
ployment, but failed ~ find any. Att
last | saw an advertisement stating that !
waiter girls We're wanted in a concert sa-
loon on Broadway | determined to try
and obtain employment a. IA woman, and |
putting on my sisters dress, | called at
the saloon ami was engaged. l worked |
there for three months, until at last, being |
! had to leave. Subsequent |
to my discharge from the saloon ! came
here, determined 10 re-engage as mill /
hand until 1 could save up sufficient money |
to carry me to Virginia, where | have an
uncle. Butt have been discovered again"
Mr.. Ransom Immediately furnished the |
late " Miss Rollins with u suit of mems |
aud gave him sufficient money
to 20 10 Virginia. In the meantime he
advised him to leave Otsego until the ex-
should subside.