The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1892-08-31

ing her stock to wander over the prairie
and become worn out with the severity
OF the billiards, she put on heavy
ovcrcoat and "slicker" and mems rub
Der boots, and mounting her pony rode
day and night until she had brought
home all the cattle. The neighbors
were surprised at her energy, but 1t
paid, and in country where so many
have failed she has amassed little for
tune. She has two sections of land,
several hundred cattle and couple
score of horses and ponies. Horses are
her especial pleasure and she is an in
trepid rider.
Last Fourth of July, as in nearly all
races that take place in her vicinity, her
ponies were in the races at the county
seat, and she herself rode in the princi-
pal contest. When the stakes were
awarded to her competitor, angry at
being beaten by a woman, accused her
of unfairness. Mrs. Perry was angry,
and dashing up on her pony in front OF
the judges stand, dared him to another
contest. When he refused she threw
the money on the ground at the judges
feet and rode away. Nor could she be
induced to touch any of it. Her friends
say she is as brave in physical danger
as she is quick in business life, and has
on several occasions stanchly defended
herself when alone.
The settlement of Oklahoma, with
the consequent rush of people of all
ages, conditions and abilities in one
motley horde across the virgin plains,
put women to an extent on an equal
with the sterner sex. In hundreds OF
instances it was the wife and mother
who guided the prairie schooner while
the father rode ahead and found the To-
cation for the future home. Many
women made their own entries One
woman rode from the edge of the terri
tory to Guthrie on that famous April
20, 1890, selecting a spot near the gov
eminent Office and holding it against
all comers None could dislodge her,
and she staid by the spot n night and
day. Then they told here it was in the
middle of the street, but she would not
ilONC anu Al oulNCy'
When the measurements were made
the land was found to be all right, and
the lot is now covered with a three
story building-one of the best in the
city. She has leased the lot for ten
years for sum which will keep her IN
comfort for that time. When the ad-
ditional lands were opened this spring
two young girls-stenographers -bare-
ly of age, were among the most in
trepid riders and strugglers for town
lots. They had folding tent, and
when they reached the center of the
new town-to-be, they had 1t erected in
few minutes and had sign out offer
ing to take in sewing. BY this means
they were able to prove immediate resi-
dcnce and secure titles without diff
Guilty.
The newspapers, in some instances,
had women reporters at the opening in
1890, and, in one particular, Miss Alden,
now society editor of leading western
daily, on that occasion outstripped all
rivals in the race to the telegraph office.
She had good pony, and so did the
other correspondents, but after the
rush had been made the horses were
too tired to be ridden back to the sta
ton, so passing train was hailed and
the little band of newsgathers prepared
copy as they rode. AS the station was
neared all crowded to the platforms to
be first at the Office to file messages
What was their surprise to see 1.-the
form dart into the door before they
alighted, and as they entered the office
find the lady calmly handing the opera
tor manuscript for an hours work She
had clambored forward to the engine
and even out to the cowcatcher, and
when the locomotive came opposite tho
depot had made flying leap in safety
to the platform.
The west has hundreds Of example,
like these. The life of its people tends
to bring out individuality and personal
power The women realize that theii
success and advancement depend much
upon themselves. They have opportu'
mites for noble and striking deeds.