The Pioche weekly record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1877-1900, 1897-05-05
A STRANGE VOW.
The eingula1 Oath oe q Kentucky
Man.
Zee TAasty Years He Nae Net Pat His
Eoee On Earth-Claimsa the x0f0
had Dealt HarshIy
with Htm.

Living ten miles from Bardstown is
one Of the most singular characters In
Kentucky. Now in his seventy-fifth
year, he has not touched his foot to the
earth for over 80 years. Living in COM
Portable residence, surrounded by many
acres of the best land in Nelson coun-,
ty, he is spending hisgdeclining years
in solitude.
Basil Hayden. referred to above, is
one of the wealthiest farmers in dis
trict composed of ~ counties, and is de-
scendedfrom family well known in the
pioneer annals of the state. Many of
them have also been distinguished in
the different lines of life. One of his
brothers, Raymond H. Hayden, for
years held a controlling interest in one
of the most famous distilleries in the
United States. He, too, had peculiar
ideas, and lived a bachelor all his life.
and at last died at an advanced age
under singular circumstances.
He was found dead in his orchard
number of years ago, bottle that had
contained poison lying by his side. 1t
was generally thought that he had COM
mitted suicide, but there were soma
who held the opinion that he had met
with foul play. and the poison bottle
was placed near him for a blind.
Basil Hsyden.o or "The Hermit" as heis
known throughout the section in which
he lives, In his youth was social leader,
and very popular with large circle OF
friends. When the war broke out he
entered the confederate army and
made good soldier to the end. When
he returned home he found his slaves
free and his property greatly damaged.
The emancipation Of his negroes
affected him seriously, and he brooded
over 1t constantly He became sullen
and morose, declining all overtures at
friendliness on the part of his neigh
bors. He declared that the Lord had
dealt harshly and unjustly with him in
depriving him of his slaves, and out of
revenge he registered a terrible oath
that he would never again put his foot
to the Lords ground, and so far he has
kept his vow.
Never since its registration has he
appeared without his door, nor will he
have converse. with anyone save one
or two, who are immediately connected
with him, and then his words are of the
briefest possible character. His landed
interests are extensive. and under the
management of competent overseer
yield him a handsome indoor retreat
overseer makes his reports to the queer
old man in his darkened indoor retreat
who gives his orders and directions az
tersely as possible. He has never
spoken to woman in anymanner since
his self-imposed exile, nor will he allow
one to be employed upon his place.
How he spends his time within his
darkened room no one knows, but it II
said that one employment is the count
ing of money, of which he is said t.
, have vast amount in gold and silver
, Be this as IL may, Bardstown bankel
, twice year visits Mr.. Hayden, anC
, through him the recluse settles hi
, financial matters with the OUTSIDE
world,
Mr.. Hayden is described as a fine
y looking man, with Q full beard and flow
= ing hair. His confinement has bleache,
him until he is as white as an infant
: and his hands are as soft as raw cotton
!, He had sale of mules at his farm re
Gently, and q number of animals wer
solt at fancy prices, "A large numbe
Of people were present at the sale
among them the Enquirer correspond
d ent. but never glance was caught o
, Mr.. Hayden. His instructions to tn
auctioneer were sent out by the over
seer written In Grabbed hand, an
were vssy dirset.-Cineinnati EaQairsl