Evening journal., 1897-03-13
DISGUISED AS MEN.
WOMEN WHO HAVE LIVED FOR YEARS
IN MALE Attire.


1I.sdern Times Names withheid by the |
RrIator-A Prominent Professional 1ians |
In the month Of April 1898, Mr.
Thomas, an attorney Of Manchester, |
was seated alone in his ofice, when a
client was shown in. She came, she |
said, TO obtain a divorce from her hus-
band, who was master bricklayer, do
ing an excellent busincss. She COM
planned that he drank heavily and
when under the influence Of liquor
would beat her severely. This III treat
ment she bore patiently until he finally
refused TO give her money for house
keeping expenses, whereupon she sought
a separation.
When mere closely questioned, the
woman unfolded to the ears of the as
tonished lawyer the following remark
able story:
The master bricllayer had at birth
been relegated TO the feminine portion
of humanity, but being early disgusted
with the restricted life Of girlhood he
donned masculine attire and appren-
ticod himself to brioklayer. (The per-
sonal pronouns are apt 20 get little
mixed in such descriptions. so / viii
adhere 10 the masculino) He showed
an unusual knack in his chosen trade
and soon became his own master He
was a handsome young fellow, and
many maidens fell in love with the
dashing young mechanic, and he finally
chose and married the woman who be-
came Mr. Thomas client
Upon investigation this astonishing
story was fouEd TO be strictly true The
brioklayer had acted as special consta-
bic fer Manchester and had occupied
other essentially masculine positions in
the community, always boifg on hand
when riots or any other danger threat
erod. The true sex Of this esteemed
citizen had never been suspected during
the 25 years he had worn the disguise
until domestic differences caused his
partner to reveal the secret.
There is a well authenticated instance
, on record of a girl who adopted mascu-
line apparel when she was years Of
age, CT rather, TO be mcrc accurate, her
father dressed her Gs q boy that she
might the better dance at public houses.
, She continued in this disguise fer 80
years without being discovered.
To come down TO modern times, the
writer, though unable 10 mention names
and localities, as one of the parties con-
4 ccIncd is still living, knows of a strik-
/ ing example pertinent 10 the subject.
But five short years hayc been told
since tho final scene in this drama OF
) real life was enacted But TO begin at
the beginning:
There were two sisters educated and
refined ladies, left orphaned and wei
nigh ponniless Both Of them worl
s beauties, enc tall, dark and courageous
a eothcr blond small and gentle Tn
IL elder gill maze Up her mind Go adopt
K held course. Sic tcok iho little iaonc.
b thcv possessed and r,rtcd and stocked
3, littlc store ia distant cily, whore the.
"a were unknown; then, taking her sister
= they stole quietly away.
In their new home they rcprcsente,
!, themselves as man and wife, did wei
d in business and were universally To
spcctCd.
Years passed. Tho gentleman {?
saved money, took up a pursuit NOR
'' congenial TO his tastes and became on
Of the most prominent men CD in th
|, city The couple bought a beautiful
I home on Blank avenue entertained an'
q were entertained by the best society il
T. the place Everybody said: "What
n handsome couple, she so delicatel,
S beautiful with her golden hair, he 81
ie stately and dark. "
sc One afternoon, when the lady wa
~ "at hcme" to her friends and was sur
rounded 10y a laughing chatterini
group, she saw, approaching across th
te room, with his eyes fixed upon her face
D. one Of tho Lest known physicians Of th
he city. Tic mans face was so grave tina
N il startled her, and her heart began 4
q heat heavily with foreboding Of evi
~ ~ TO ccme
X The doctor came up hastily, an
a. without the usual formal greeting spok
ls 10 her in q low, excited voice:
"Mr. --- fell dead of heart disoas
in his cfco about an hour ago. Onl
one Cf tie clerks attended him, when
- was called ~. If you wish TO preserv
AAlN ~ NAAf va aAtAA AAANA ANAaAA NAANNs
Ip The doctor was not Cne who believe
as in breaking had news gradually, but
j, We're better he had adopted less abruI
measures i'm that instance, fer the poe
little lady was entirely overcome, an
shrielsing out, "What shall / dos" sh
fell at his feet in a faint
,r Well, the story was hushed up an
- caiao 10 the ears Of only few people
but it is true story just the same.
ny Such instances abound. There is &,
nv day in ono Of the great cities cf thes
N nv United States prominent profession;
.iy man who is disguised woman. lie
ID q voll to do bachelor and is ccnsiderc
he very desirable pgrti by mgtchmakin
zee mGmmas ana maITiageablo daughters.
sr- To attempt 10 enumcrato the cases
ne women who have temporarily assume
Pr masculine disguise would be q hopelo
task Even such instances as are on re-
ul r..T nr-.1tf.a. % So arss.