Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1878-03-30


FIVE HuNpRkD DsscENDANTs.-The sto-
ry of a most remarkable character, who
has lived the life OF Mormon for sixty
six years in dreary valley of Pittsyl-
vanla county. Va, between Turkey
Cock Mountain and Plney Peak, and
who to-day, at the age of ninety-six, re.
tains nearly all the wonderful powers of
bis youth. has just come to light. ".Old
Man Owen Adkins" as he is now famil-
iarly called, although he came of vulgar
aud iliterate parents, aud himself grew
up, without the least education, yet de-
ysloped early iu life some. very decided
traits of character, which raised him far
above the level of bis surroundings.
Though small in stature, he was the
strongest boy in the mountains, aud
even before he was ten years old sup
ported his fathers large family by ell
gagiug in aud winning wrestling and
running matches on which his father
bet freely. Al the age OF twelve, the
young champion ran five miles against
iime in twenty-six minutes, and won
wager of $50. About this time, too,
while hunting, in which pursuit he took
great delight, be had terrible encoun-
ter with black bear, in which 10y bis
selfpossession and courage alone he
saved his lite. Having discharged bis
rifle Intellectually, he had only his jack.
knife lett with which 10 defend himself,
aud with this be cut his bearships jugu,
lar vein, even after the latter had taken
him into his deadly embrace. This eY-
ploit gave the young hero grea, pres
lige in all the country around.
In 1905, in his tweniy-third year, he
married aud settled within one hundred
yards OF his birthplace in the same
house which he now occupies; aud for
live years his domestic lite was scene
of perfect conjugal happiness. But when
thirty, the great athlete took it into his
mead that he wanted more than one
wife, aud in spite OF the protests OF his
devoted companion, and long before
Joseph Smith proclaimed the polyga.
nous doctrine of MOrmonism in this
country, this unlutored child OF nature,
acting on impulse, took to himself three
concubines, for each oi whom he built
comfortable houses within mile of
his own residence. His wife hated
these concubines rs only an aggrieved
woman can hste, and until her death,
which occurred twenty years later, there
was no peace in the family OF Adkins.
She gave birth 10 nineteen children, all
of whom are still living, aud her success.
sor, as the poly gamists lawful wife,
bore five others On the latter's death
he did not again marry, bat continued
to support tour conoubines, who bore
him iorty-six children, making total
of seventy, all but four of whom still
survive aud reside in the immediate vi
eiuity OF their birthplace, which has
come to lie called Adkinlown. Nearly
all the children are married aud have
raised large families, and it is estimated
that the Old mans offspring number five
handred aud fifty.
- OF course the political influence of so
large family In the community, even
Efif their votes alone are considered, is
immense, and as Adkin went with no
party constantly, but always threw his
influence for his personal friends, he
was much cultivated by the politicians.
In anis-befum days the influence of Ad.
kins always decided the elections in
Pitisy ylvanis county, but since the war
the old man has lost his interest in
things political, as well As to some ex-
tent in horse-racing, card-playing and
tox.huuting, which. in the prime of his
lite, occupied much vi his tune. Prob
ably the most remarkable feat Of his life
was accomplished in 1884, when he was
62 years old. He ran race OF eleven
miles, on the country turnpike, against
a young man, aud easily won, making
the distance in Al minutes, though the
old man AYERS that il was really So.
Adkins personal appearance is very
striking. lie has wide chest, well
thrown out aud stands straight as an ar
row. Rolling white hair flows down
over his broad shoulders, reminding
one strongly Of "Rip Van Winkle."
His forehead broad and INTELLECTUAL, bis
blue eyes deep-set, his thin, finely
curved lips firmly shut, giving him .
noble and impressive appearance. He
has never been sick day, his memory
continues stropg and his powers Of ell.
durance are but little abated. He at
tributes his long life and good health TO
outdoor exercise and wholesome food.
lie has never been addicted TO stimu-
lants. lie is passing bis declining days
IN peaceful contentment with his sole
surviving concubine, who is deeply at
tacbed to-hm. - Virginia Corrtspond-
ence N. r. Herald. - b. s..