The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1906-08-11
MARYLAND's "No MANS LAND. .

/ NOlA pal 0bAt(AJ 4CW RCAOOAO d1C
aware of the existence of a large
and fertile island in the Potomac
River near Point of Rocks, in Wash
ington county, Maryland, which
contains a farmhouse, farm build
ings and 188 acres of level and valu-
able farming land.
But correspondent took advant-
age of a sale advertised by trustee
in bankruptcy of one and attended.
Arriving at Point of Rocks he found
there several boats in the river pass
ing to and fro, carrying persons
across to the island.
The day was an ideal one. A
clear sky, bright, warm sun, and
pleasant breeze, all combined to
make rare day.
Arrived on the island it was found
to be higher than the mainland and
edged around its entire border by
immense -svcarnore trees. many of
them one hundred feet high, and I8
feet in circumference. The roots of
these trees protect the island from
the effect of floods so that in one
hundred years it has not diminished
in size.
The interior of the island is clear
ed of timber and seldom does the eye
rest upon so broad an expanse of
such level and fertile land.
For nearly two miles in length
L.1c ~x,iIf11 tho fc1ond
stretches away, and there is not
hill or a gully to be seen anywhere,
nor any rock or stone. The soil is
wholly alluvial and highly produc-
tive. It is not unusual to raise 600
barrels of corn and 1900 bushels of
wheat in one year But the occu-
pants of the island lead retired and
secluded lives. 1t is seldom that
wayfarer passes that way. No pub
lie road passes the door. During six
months of the year the island is ac-
cessible only by boat, and at other
times the fords are uncertain, though
regularly used by the initiated.
To compensate for the seclusion
is the splendid return which the in
dustrious husbandman receives for
his labor.
The island has quite history.
Until 1872 it belonged to nobody
and was known as mo Mans
Land" In that year a Mr.. Kemp
obtained patent from the State for
it, and it was for long time known
as Kemp's Coney Island. Being on
the border line of Maryland, close to
the Virginia shore, and wholly sur
rounded by wide stretches of water,
it became the scent of many cock
fights, coonfghts, horse racing and
much gambling. No county consta-
bic stalker within its borders, aud no
sheriff or deputy went there except
at the risk of his life. If sheriff's
posse approached all the lawbreakers
escaped to the Virginia shore and
the place was quiet and deserted
HbsH}. thhs officers arrived; ! But tin II
noted only for its big crops of farm
product.
Still, as late as 1874, tragedy
occurred there that is still remem-
bered by many. 1t was in the month
of June. John Heater, brother of
the present occupant, was working In
the growing corn with his brother
in-law, Mace Apple. An alteration
took place between them about trl-
vial matter. There were mild words
at first, then hot words, then angry
words and then liar" Each drew
his pocketknife and opened the big
blade. Each ran at the other and
each stabbed and cut the other with
their open pocketknives many times,
inficting deep wounds from which
the blood flowed, wetting the
ground. 1t became a desperate and
deadly duel with pocketknives.
Neither thought of yielding, or cry
ing enough.
1t was fight to the finish and no
quarter shown. Finally John Heat
er fell dead from stab in the heart.
Apple, bleeding from many wounds,
dragged himself to the house, and in
a few hours he, too, was dead. His
antagonists knife had penetrated his
lung. The civil authorities had a
small duty to perform. The ground
where they fought was trampled by
their feet and saturated with their
blood.
Perhaps the seclusion of the place
contributed to their murderous and
frenzied rage. The spot where they
fought and fell is pointed out to the
casual visitor. Today the place is
calm and peaceful. Nature has COM
pletely obliterated of all signs OF
former race-courses, cockpit and
murderous strife. Occasionally the
island is flooded by the high waters
of the Potomac. In 1898 the waters
were higher than ever before or
since. The whole island was sub
merged.
| AS the waters rose higher and
higher mare and colt on the island
retreated before them until the front
| PORCH VI tue OWClllAS was AGoSA@0'
Then mother and little foal got
upon the porch, and as the water:
still rose they entered the hall and
finally the parlor. Still the waters
rose until in the parlor there re-
mained but the space of two feet be.
tween the surface of the water and
the ceiling. The mare held hei
head high for many hours, while the
muddy waters rushed around hel
through the building until they re
ceded, and she escaped from hel
peril. The little foal, unfortunately
was carried by the torrent out of the
parlor wind ow and drowned.
Some small portions of the islanc
have since been covered with water
but little damage was done.
MRS. JoNEs-Are you aware, Mrs
| 1Anr l1ao