IN COURT ON OCTOBER 17, 1893

Have we talked about Annie before? Old Trunks is certain there were several "Annie stories" in the 1890's.

Let's take a look:

Annie stood before the court last Wednesday charged with having broken the laws of the city of St. Paul by appearing in male attire. She passed under the name of Charles Parker and did a man' work at a farm in the vicinity of St. Paul for more than a year without her true sex being discovered.

Her employer, however, discovered the circumstances accidentally and informed the police, who, in turn, arrested Annie.

Annie said she didn't know there was a law about being dressed in men's clothing. She hated housework and was able to earn more money working as a man. She was dressed in rough working clothes, a dirty flannel shirt, slouchy felt hat and heavy shoes.

She said she was going to the lumber camp this winter. Judge tried to reason with her and admonished her to act like a lady. She told the judge she had been supporting herself since she was seven years old and had done pretty well at it.

The judge then dismissed the case under the provision that she would dress in women's clothing.

Annie had been in terrible with the law before. It is said she was known as the name Cowboy Pete and would ride her house through the streets at a reckless gallop dressed in cowboy clothes.

After being arrested and reprehended repeatedly in Minneapolis, she moved to St. Paul.

Authors note: Barb and I used to ride horse back downtown Thief River Falls in cowboy clothes. No one ever got after us for it! Must have been a law change!

Happy Birthday, Brenda!

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