Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1896-03-05
Belle Boyd, the Spy.


At the western base of a bill in
Berkeley county, W. Va, about a
mile and a-half back from the river,
and directly opposite WilHamspOrt,
in a comfortable farm house, sur
rounded by a family Of grown chill
dren, lives "Aunt" Mary STRIPPING, an
old colored woman, who cherishes the
memory ofonce having been the maid,
and, in manner, the companion in
her early life of Belle Boyd, the famous
female spy of the COnfederaey.
"Aunt" Mary is a relict of slavery
davs. She was born in Clarke coun-
ty, Virginia, on the plantation of John
Early, the father of Gen. Jubal Early,
the leader. Her childhood was spent
in that old Virginia home, but when
her young mistress, Miss Susan Early,
became the bride of James Glenn,
whose plantation bordered many miles
on the Potomac. about Sandy Ridge,
near Shepherdstown, she went along
70 continue in the service of her
"Missus. 1t was there she first met
and became associated with the woman
whose daring wild escapades were
rarely eouaIed bv and often astonished
the men in gray with whom she min
gleJ during the DAYS Of blood and
strife.
Maria Belle Boyd was born in Mar
| tinsburg. She was the daughter OF
BENJAMIN Bovd, Il reputable and
wealthy resident of that place. Their
home was bright. inviting place, and
there Belle and her sister, who lives
in CbarIestown. and a brother were
carefully reared. Her after life, how
ever, threw a black shadow athwart
the threshold Of that home and the
training she received there.
James Glenn, the owner and mas
fer of "Annt" Mary, was the uncle
Of Belle Boyd, who often visited and
spent much Of her time on his plsnta-
ton before the war. She was de-
scribed to a .NuH representive by the
old coIored woman a. having been a
stately and prepossessing young lady
with black eyes and hair, and having
many admirers among the male sex
| Her associates were classed among the
best families She always dressed in
styIe and was great lover Of out door
sport, in which her hlgh-sWnted ma
tnrq was wont to reyeI. Sh. sat upor
horse like an e1uestrienne and would
ride like the wind over the country
for miles in the fox hunt with an es
cort, but frequently alone. In this
respect her manner often bordered up'
on recklessness. At times she woulc
arnaar dispuised in male dress anC
ride horse back with parties Of hel
friends. These elements in her natur,
at that time however. were the only
Indications, which, though unforeseen
noipted unerrinQly into the future t
= lif. Of stirring romance and wild anc
reckless daring,
James Glenn had two daughters
Florence and Lille. who were her con
slant companions during her visits t,
rbsir home.
When the war broke out Bell
Rovd's nature was aroused and he
svmnatbjr. went out freely to tn
Southern cause. She never intimate,
70 anyone her determination, but afte
N. FIRST wear Of carnage passed sh
a,,;a,I, Ieft home and iojned Gen. Ash
IL. ,,u.o, .Lor Lo
oao She gradually overcame he
womanly timldity and the spirit G
fearlessness arose in ITS stead. As
spy she won fame and figured II som
Of the most daring adventures on rec
ord. Her services to the Conie'era'
army were almost invaluable. IN
fame Of the woman spread over tn
country, and won at once admIrauo
and contempt. Her life has been put