View source for Who are they, Jeffersonian (Article, 1871)

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Who are they?--On Tuesday of last week, a couple of dilapidated specimens of humanity, representing themselves to be husband and wife, were arrested in Barrett township, in this county, as vagrants, brought to town and lodged in Jail. The one representing himself to be the husband, gave his name as Joseph Israel Lobdell, and claimed the woman as his lawful wedded wife. Suspicion having been excited as to the sex of the pretended husband, proper persons were deputed to examine the matter, when it was discovered that "he" too was a woman. The twain have been hanging around Monroe county for several years, and, about two years ago, were lodged in jail from Jackson township. After remaining in charge of the keeper of the prison for some time they were discharged and left for parts unknown, since when nothing was heard from them until they were brought back to jail on the day named.

A few days ago the Sheriff's attorney, J.B. Storm, esq., visited the [prison] with a view of finding out who they really were, and where they belonged. After conversation with them, he endeavored to get them to write out the particulars of their history. Both assented to this, and upon being furnished with pen, ink and paper set themselves to work. The wife-woman did very well. Her penmanship was good, her spelling and construction of sentences excellent, and her punctuation perfect, showing that her education had, by no means been neglected. During the whole of Mr. Storms visit she appeared rational save when her "husband" was alluded to when she was sure to fly off at a tangent. With the women husband it was different. She would start off well enough, but would get but a few words of her story down [where] she  would, at a bound leap to the very [pinnacle] of absurdity. The case is a very curious one indeed.

From the account of the wife, it is [inferred] that they have escaped from some insane asylum or poor house--possibly from the Poor house of Delaware county, New York. She gave her name as Maria Louisa Lodbell, and represents herself to be daughter of Daniel Perry, of South Abington, Plymouth county, Mass. The following is from her pen, and is a true copy in every respect as she wrote it.

"Maria Louisa, the writer of this, is the daughter of Maj. Dan'l Perry; or, as he is sometimes known, Daniel Perry, esq., of South Abington, Plymouth county, Mass."

Joseph [Israel], does not appear to be quite so straight in his ideas, or in his manner of putting them on paper. The following is from his pen, and as near verbatim as possible.

"Benjamin Hobert, Esq., Sire; Joseph Israel and wife's friends--are anxious to say to friends of the commonwealth of P.A.--That Joseph Israel and--beds, Bugs--and all are, the own [?] God--Almighties Buck to return to Pilgrim Stato J.E.P. Sister Stater. Mass.

A clue having been found to the place where they belong, from letters in their possession, the Overseers of the Poor of Barrett township started with them to Long Eddy, N.Y., on Tuesday last. It is hoped that their friends will be discovered, and they comfortably cared for. Maria Louisa, has evidently, during her life, occupied a respectable position in society, and was, as is inferred from her talk, a School teacher. Her conversation is at all times ration, save when her "husband," as she [persists] in calling her partner, is alluded to.