The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1899-05-31
How lie Has Kept a Vow.

ten miles east Of this place is one OF
the most singular characters In the
State. Now in his seventy-fifth year,
he has not touched his foot to the
earth in over 80 years. Living in
comfortable residence, surrounded by
many acres Of the best land in Nelson
County, he is spending his declining
years in solitude.
Mr.. Basil Hayden is one of the
wealthiest farmers in district COM
posed of half dozen counties and is
descended from family well-known
in the pioneer annals Of the State.
Many of them have also been distin-
guisned in the different lines Of life.
One Of his brothers, Mr.. Raymond b.
Hayden, was the originator Of a cele
brated brand Of whiskey, and for years
had o controlling interest in one of
the most famous distilleries in the
United States. He, too, had peculiar
ideas, and lived bachelor all mis- life,
and at last died at an advanced age
under singular circumstances. He
was found dead in his orchard, num-
ber Of years ago, bottle that had
contained poison lying by his side. 1t
was generally thought that he had
committed suicide, but there were
some of the opinion that he had met
with foul play, and that the poison
bottle had been placed near him for a
blind.
Mr.. Basil Hayden, 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 che Confederate
Army and made good soldier to the
end. When he returned home he
found his slaves free and bis property
greatly damaged. The emancipation
Of his negroes affected him seriously,
and he b-ooded overit constantly. He
became silent and morose, declining
all overtures Of friendship on the part
of his ueighbors. He declared the
Lord had dealt harshly and unjustly
with him in depriving him of his
slaves, and out Of revenge he register
ed terrible oath that he would never
again put his foot on 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 any save one
or swo, who are Immediately connect
ed with him, and then his words are
of the briefest possible character.
His landed interests are extensive,
and, under the management Of COM
petent overseer, yielded him hand
some income.
The overseer makes his reports to
the queer old man in his darkened re-
treat, who gives his directions and
orders as tersely as possible. He has
never spoken to woman in any man
ner since his selfimposed exile, nor
will he allow one TO be employed upon
his place.
Aow Ae spends his time in his dark
ened room no one knows, but it is
said he is miser as we'll as hermit,
and that his chief enjoyment is count
ing and toying with his money, of
which he is said to have vast amount
In silver and gold. Be this as it may,
a Bardstown banker twice year visits
Mr.. Hayden, and through him the re-
cluse settles his financial matters with
the outside world.
| MIR. Hayden is described as fine
looking man, with a full beard and
flowing 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 sale Of mules at his farm
| recently and number of animals were
sold at fancy prices. A large number
of people were present at the sale, but
never glimpse was caught of Mr..
Hayden. His instructions to the auc-
tioneer were sent out by the overseer,
written in Grabbed hand, and were
very direct.
The old hermit's perseverance in
keeping his vow to remain during his
life within doors gives no indication
of abatement, and his strange seclu.
sion will doubtless be maintained until
he is claimed by death and Mother
Nature shall receive his lifeless form
into her bosom. Louis Republic.
Bioed Care ssnt Free.