Here’s two short, telling articles from The New York Times archives.
This one was published July 12, 1880:
Other than being a reclusive hermit, we don’t really get any explanation of why Julia’s considered a “peculiar being.” That was probably peculiar enough.
“Why she chose a hermit’s life is not known?” If my only available means of support were servant (unmarried), servant (married), and servant (sexual professional), I might opt for the solitary mountain life and a whortleberry diet, too.
This was published April 6, 1891:
A lone woman fleeing from unidentified males carrying guns is definitely not an indication of “insanity.” I think calling her ”insane” was just sour grapes on the part of the hunters because she didn’t want to stay and exchange pleasantries. They were probably also embarrassed they couldn’t catch her.
