The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1897-03-13
LIVED A HERMIT.
RESCUE OF A WILD MAN OF
THE WOODS IN FREDERICK.
He Creates a Big Sensation in the
Streets and in Court.

Reuben A. Whitmore, about iifty-live
years old, powerful, well-built man, six
feet high-a modern Hercules was brought
to Frederick city from Rocky Ridge, Satur-
day morning, where he had been arrested
by Sheriff A. c. Mcbride, who found him
living in wild state in diapidated
shanty in the woods As he passed along
the streets from the Pennsylvania station
to the court house he attracted much atten-
tiOn. His large frame was entirely envel-
oped in an old log-cabin quilt, the surface
of which, being torn into shreds, rendered
his appearance all the more picturesque.
He wore pair of old boots, with his toes
protruding through the ends, while upon
his head was derby hat of antique design,
about five sizes too small for his massive
head.
For ten years past he has led the life OF
hermit in hut, which he built with slabs
from a nearby saw mill, the only aperture
in it being door at one end. His only
companions in this hut in the woods have
been two hogs, two COWS and cali and
several dozen chickens and dog. All
of these occupied the same hut with
their owner Sheriff Mcbride said he ex-
perienced no difficulty in getting in the
hut. The man had not awakened from his
sleep and the chickens were still perched
on his legs when he was aroused.
In one corner of the hut was small
stove with only one joint of pipe. When
fire was made the hut was filled with
saoke, and the man argued that people
lost one-half the heat, which escaped with
the smoke out of chimney. He is known
in that section as "Buifalo Bill" Although
of respectable and we'll TODD parentage, he
prefers the primitive mode of life he has
been following.
He was arrested at the instance Of num-
Der of farmers who feared his eccentricities
might take a violent turn. He reluctantly
yielded to being placed under arrest, but
finally consented to 90, after requesting
that his live stock be well cared for.
His hair was about fifteen inches long
and hung down in thick and matted locks
over his shoulders, while his face was Gov
cred with a long heavy beard and mus
tache. He was taken before the court for IA
jury to determine whether he was of sound
mind or not. He was perfectly cool and
answered all questions in rational man
ner,
In his statement before the jury he said
81 inherited some money from my people
cheated out of it. | also rented a large
farm, but lost money. Then it was that /
purchased my present place. containing
half an acre, and have been prospecting ever
since, as you will observe by my appear
ance and healthy condition OF my COM
panions."
Being asked by States Attorney Kinks
VIXEN he washed and changed his clothing,
he said 81 have not done either in the
last ten years" This reply caused the
young attorneys to draw away from him
and allowed him ample room.
On being asked bow he spent his time,
he said: II have devoted many years to
the question of perpetual motion and event,
ually solved the problem. | have been
negotiating for the sale of my patents to a
Northern gentleman, to whom submitted
my models, hat as he wanted credit and
did not have the million dollars in cash,
/ stopped all dealings with him.