The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1905-07-26
An Outlaws Hiding Place.

hu Vuti0U AtuAuB 4u3C0.
Wsynesvilie, n. G., July 19.-To-
day, while Nat Williams was digging
ginsing on the side OF the small
mountain near Waynesville, known as
the Lee mountain, very unusual as
wei! as Interesting thing occurred.
Williams had been digging in this bed
for two or three days and had remark
ed to some members of his family and
to his neighbors about the ground be-
ing hollow. AS this was usual thing
to find in the mountains the people
dismissed him by telling him THAT
was nothin'." But Williams was not
satisfied and struck the ground harder
and harder with his msstook. He
came Ia believe that there was q good
sized hole under him and began to
dig. After he had dug hole about
two feet deep and about two feet in
diameter, the ground suddenly gave
way and ho fell distance OF about IL
feet. Williams was 80 frightened
that he could not call for help for
sor some time and was not able t.
gst out again. His efforts we're in
vain. Williams had few matches in
his pockets and by the aid Of these he
was surprised beyond measure, on in
stituting asearoh, founditto be cave
about Is feet by IL feet, the roof be.
ing supported by props. He finally
succeeded in digging hole in the part
of the roof nearest the ground and
orawled out. Onue out Of the cave he
hurried to his home to spread the
news Of his discovery. When HE
friends heard the strange tale they
hurried to the spot with guns, axes,
mattooks and weapons for defense
against any varmints which might lie
hidden there. When they reached
the place lanterns were lighted and q
number Of the brave mountainers de.
scended into the pit through the hole
made by Williams, who refused to
again 60 into the place, standing the
while good distance away. To their
astonishment they found crooks, jars,
buckets, bones and On old leather
haversaok which was nearly rotten.
In this cave were beds Of leaves and
small logs arranged for bed. Fol
years it has been thought that an out
law named Sam Massey had O. cave
somewhere in the mountain and tha,
during the war he stole much from the
women and children during the night.
No way Of ingress could be found, bu,
a hollow log, now rotten, through
which lis thought he went in aud
out, was discovered.
| This is q most singular affair and
the whole community has visited the
place to seeiif, perchance, they may
6nd some Of their old earthen. ware.
One old woman Of the community re.
cognized her churn and had it carried
home. Others have carried off all
kinds Of articles to show to the people
round. The old people tell with in
terest how detailed force during the
war hunted for this famous OUTLAW 70
/ kill him but could not find any trace
Of him. 3. u: .: E. + !.
! It is thought that he dug out his
cave and carried the dirt out and
threw it into small stream near .Sby.
A. .hs.. time ..hhee s::.=!!! mountain ~Ss
completely wild and rough. Now Il
is considered only common ridge.
In this cave he lived, moving about
and stealing at night. AS result 81
this discovery reconstruction dsys aIs
/ now discussed in the immediate com.
munity and the little children 8 knees
shaae dtheir teeth chatter as thsy
| go 70 bed in the dark. II Il
\ St.enge as il is chat the cave did
4 nee fall IN at some time during this
long period Of years, vet ,'tis sa 4 fact
and itis . BIT Of charming local his,
tory. showing how the mount din,
q were full Of traitors and outlawsS who
preyed upon the supplies Or women
q andSckildten during ths% night d while
/ Etheir husbands and IONS were val
THE war.