Norfolk Virginian, March 27, 1890

Untitled

Moral -- Alcohol

Onancock, March 26.

An aged and somewhat singular personage of the female persuasion, named Margaret Thomas, residing in the extreme upper portion of this county, for whom the officers have been on the qui vive for a number of years for violation of the liquor law, but by somewhat immodest actions of the part of Mrs. Thomas failed to secure her arrest. Sheriff Wise repaired to her domicile several years ago with the avowed purpose of arresting her, but she, with accustomed vigilance, had swiftly ran to a field near by and deftly divested herself of her garments and attired in this fashion (as devoid of covering as when she came in this world) poured out a string of abuse, the like of which had never fallen to the lot of the dazed Sheriff to hear before. Not desiring to convey her through the county in her nude condition, and having failed either to persuade or force her to cover herself, he departed. Several attempts have since been made to consummate her arrest, but without success, until last Sunday morning, when the wily officers swooped down upon her. She again attempted the same old tactics, and partially divested herself of clothing, when forced to stop. She, however, would not again put her garments on and was carried to Accomac Courthouse with only a chemise and other undergarments on, where she was lodged in jail.