The Florence tribune., 1898-01-22
A STRANGE VOW.
The Singular Oath of a Kentucky
 Man.
For Thirty Years He Has Not Put HI. Foot on Earth-CIaimed the Lord Had Dealt HarshIy
 with Him.


 Living ten miles from Bardstown is one of the most singular characters in Kentucky. Now in his seventy-ffth year, he has not touched his foot to the earth for over 30 years. Living in a com tortahie residence, surrounded by many acres of the bestland in Nelson coun.
 ne is spending hisadeclining years h solitude
 Basil Hayden, referred 10 above, is one of the wealthiest farmers in a dis trict composed Of P counties, and is de scendedfrom afaEily 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 controlling interest in one of the most famous distilleries in the United States. He, too, had peculiar ideas, and lived bachelor all his life, and at last died at an advanced age under singular circumstances.
 He wns found dead in his orchard n number of years ago, bottle that had contained poison lying by his side. It was generally thought that he had com mitted suicide, but there were some who held the opinion that he had met with foul play, and the poison bottle was placed near him for blind.
 BasilHayden, or "The Hermit," as he is known throughout the section in which he lives, in his youth was a 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 be found his slaves free and his property greatly damaged The emancipation of his negroes affected him seriously, and he brooded over it 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 it's registration has he appeared without his door, nor will he have converse with anyone save one or two. who arc immediately connected with him, and then his words are of fhe briefest possible character. His la aded interests are extensive, and under the management of competent overseer yield him q h3nesom iqdoer retreat. overseer makes his reports to the queer old man in his darkened indoor retreat, who gives his orders and directions as 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 is said that one employment is the count ing of money, of which he is said to have a vast amount in gold and silver. Be this as it may, Bardstown banker twice year visits MT. Hayden, and through him the .recluse settles his financial matters with the outside world.
 MT. Hayden is described as fine looking man, with full beard and flow ing hair. His confinement has bleached him until he is as white as an infant. and his hands are as soft as raw cotton.
 He had a sale of mules at his farm re gently. and a number of animals were solt at fancy prices. A large number of people were present at the sale, among them the Enquirer correspond ent, but never glance was caught of Mir. Hayden. His instructions to the auctioneer were sent out by the over seer written in grabbed hand, and wereyery direct.-Cincinnati Enquirer.
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