The Man-Woman.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3370, 10 October 1879, Page 3

The Man-Woman.

The Corop* correspondent; of the Bcndigo Independent writes:—! learn that there is a lady ixx this district who knew all about Evansi's early days. The person I refer to doe» not like to go into particulars too much, fts she has friends and relations living in the same place as Dp Lacy Evans came from. However, 1 gleaned a little news from her that I have not seen in print yet. She says that Ellen v Laoy was bom and reared in a Tillage named Harristown, parish of Temple Orem, county Kilkenny, und about twelve miles from Waterford, Her parents were well-to-do farmers, and very respectably connected. W hen about 17 or 18 years of age she met with a misfortune that brought disgrace on herself and family, so that she had to go away. She went to Liverpool, and thence to America, whore she made her appearance in the highest social circles as Mrs De Lacy Evans. She was supposed to be married to a foreign count of that name. She caused quite a sensation. She was a splendid dancer, singer, and horsewoman, and, in fact, was quite a belle. Then *he went over to her native country, and visited all the notable places, and showed her. husband (supposed) the beautiful scenery that Kilkenny is noted for. Amongst the places they visited were the Marquis of Waterford's and the Earl of Bessborough's estates. The was at one time Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. They were also present at the j launch of the Wonder, a ship built by a j irian named Dewan, and his seven sons, all t the timber used in building her being taken from the Bessborough estate. The ship was christened the Wonder, by a Miss Gregory, daughter of the Minister of Pittown, an adjacent village. During the ceremony, the crowd hooted Ellen De Lacy, and at last they dragged her off her pony, and she had to clear out. It ia supposed that it was there that Evans (the reputed hasband) found out her previous character, aud immediately afterwards they left the country, and it was generally supposed that they went Australia,, but they were never heard of afterwards. The lady who gave me these particulars did 80 very reluctantly, aa there is a large , family of the Lacys at Harristown. They are very respectable people, and she is also afraid to have her name mentioned, a> the news is bound to go home, and she would not like to open afresh the old wounds. Ellen's father used to keep the best blood horses, ao she was a splendid rider. '