The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1901-07-31
SHE WAS "A MAN..
Man Accused Of Murder Passed as q We
nanfor Three u ears
..'St. Louis Republic.

VAN BUREN, Ark. July 20.-The
calm apd quiet lives Of the good
people Of Madison County most rude
ly were interrupted one day last week,
when bearded stranger from Texas
arrived at Huntsville, and, without SO
much a$ word Of explanation or o
thought or care for the pain he might
be infifting upon the sensitive hearts
Of several gallauts Of the neighborhood
and the terrible shook be was giving
the community, calmly proclaimed
Miss Eva Sears, for several years a
school teeche. in the community, to
be man, and arrested her on charge
Of numbering Alvin Arnold, wealthy
farmer, near Baird, Tex, three years
ago.
If the cool stranger had not been
able to prove to degree that his sue-
picions' were correct, it is highly
probably that Madison County would
have proved too hot for him ere many
hours had fed, for, during the three
years Of her sojourn in Madison Coun-
ty, "Miss Sears" as she was known,
had made many friends and won no
few admirers, and her gentle manners
and accomplishments of mind and
body had won for her place in the
esteem Of the simple-minded people
Of this community that was not rival
ed by that Of any young woman for
miles around.
Luckily for one J. B. Irving, detec-
tive, the supposed young woman.
when confronted with "her' secret
broke down and confessed that "she"
was no woman, but had been masquer-
aiding as such for several years.
The astonishment Of the. community
bordered on stupefaction when the in
cident became known. ''Miss Sears"
was an accomplished pianist and talked
like ladies' boarding school graduate.
'"She" easily ingratiated herself into
the good opinion Of the community
and became the most popular young
"lady" in the County. "She" dress
ed we'll. wore ''her" femininegarnents
with becoming grace and modesty and
was on confidential terms with many
young ladies Of the country.
II was no uncommon thing to hear
"Miss Sears" spoken Of as a medel of
omanly grace and accomplishments
for all young girls to note and fol-
low.
"MissSears' taught country schools
near Huntsville, Judy and ,Kingsman,
in Madison County, and was. consider
ed one of the most competent and suc-
cessfnl teachers ever brought into the
County. Very popular with yonng
,ud old alike, 'sshe" was, by'reason of
superior. education and ''her" musical
accomplishments, center Of attrac-
'tion at all social gatherings.
This remarkable man, who wore so
becomingly the ribbons and laces Of
'fomininity and who for three years
managed to hide his true sex and re-
tain the confidence ofwomen compan-
ions, accepted the attentions of the
young men Of the neighborhood and,
if reports be true, accepted the hand
and heert OF more than one of his ad :
mirers.
Thus for three years did the man
who is charged with being Tom Stokes,
murderer, thief and fugitive from JUS
ticc, masquerade successfully as wo-
'nsn in tailor-made gowns, expensive
hats, ribbons and laces, his lingerie
being the envy Of every young woman
With whom he associated, it being of
the finest texture and always carefully
laundered.
He made a con6dant Of several
young ladies, and told them that his
parents had died when he was quite
young; that he had been educated by
wealthy uncle in New Y ork, and, be.
ing crossed in a love affair at the age
of 18, had determined 20 go through
lifealene. 8.
The deception was always perfectly
sustained. Never suspicion entered
the mind Of, any person who learned
to know ssMissn Oscars" OF learned to
love her
!. was Wednesday morning oe this
week that the exposure took place.
Detective ]. B. Irving, Of Baird, Tex,
arrived on tho scene and i'm n.ediately
placed "Miss Sears under arrest,
charging ''her" with being Tom Stokes,
wanted forsmurder at tBaird, Tex.
Az examination of his person not
only revealed thu4nature Of the make
~ - - S a ~ . .