The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1894-06-20
A WAR ROMANCE.
Jack MssoD," the Guerilla. Turns UP a
Mrs John Mason

BURKsvILLE, Ky, June l3.-The
preparations for the trial of land suit
which is to come up at the approaching
term of the circuit court IN this town
has revealed a singular story. Through
out the civil war this backwoods region
huntsville is 40 miles from the near
est railroad-was debatable ground. 1t
was harried alike by federals and con-
federates, and, worse than all, by the
guerillas, who claimed either flag, as 1T
suited their convenience, and robbed
the friends of both alike.
In the early days of the war a party
of guerillas who were mainly OF con-
federate sympathies made their head
quarters in Bennett township, in this
county. From that vicinity they made
many raids through the surrounding
country, and often attacked detach-
ments of federal troops.
One of the boldest and most dashing
Of the guerillas was young fellow
named Jack Mason, who said he was
from Tennessee. But of his family and
antecedents he told his companions
nothing. He was slender in form and
effeminate in face and manner. But
these circumstances were attributed TO
his extreme youth. His enterprise and
bravery in battle prevented his compan-
ions from commenting upon his girllsh
appearance.
One day a Smart" skirlnish between
querillas and federal troops was fought
Jack Mason was wounded IN the shout
der and fell from his horse. His COM
panions picked him up and carried him
off with them. But he was so severely
wounded that the rude surgery of the
camp was not sufficient. A friendly
farmer named John Orth took the
wounded youth into his house, and Mrs
Orth nursed him.
Mason had not been in the house Of
the Urths long before they discovered
that their wounded guest was girl IN
disguise. The girls wound, though
not serious, was painful and slow IN
healing. She was in bed several months
and in that time baby girl was born.
When the mother became strong and
well she suddenly disappeared from the
home of the Orths, leaving her baby.
| She also left a considerable sum Of
money and some jewels and note d.
recting that they be used for the benefit
| of the baby.
Tue Orths adopted the little girl, and
she grew to Womanhood, married a
prosperous young farmer named May
| hew, and is now the mother of two
children. Maynew owned some land
in this county, which he sold. Later
question Of title came ZIP and his wife
was summoned as witness. In the
course of her testimony she told the
strange story of her abandonment by
her mother, the disguised soldier. Lo
cal newspapers printed the facts, and
they were reprinted in newspaper at
Knoxville, Tenn.
Recently middle aged but good
looking woman arrived here. She said
she was Mrs. John Mason, who lived
near Knoxville, Tenn, and that Mrs.
Mayhew was her daughter. Then she
told ner story. She said she was the
disguised soldier, Jack Mason. She
had run away from her home in Ten
nessee, and had married young man
against the will of her parents. After
wards she became jelous Of her husband
aRd deserted him. Ashamed to return
home she had put on mems clothes and
Joined the guerillas.
When she left the house of the Ofths,
she said. she intended to return and
claim her baby, but when she reached
east Tennessee she fell into fever and
was never afterwards able to locate the
place where the Orths resided. She
and her husband where reunited, and
they advertised extensively for the
child, but heard nothing.
Mrs. Mayson was overjoyed at find
| ing her daughter. Mrs. MayheW.