Kate Dunn leaves home, 1865
When Kate Dunn was found sleeping on a stall in Spring Garden Market in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, more questions were generated than answers. Dunn had left home three days earlier and was dressed in male clothing. Contradictory stories were given regarding where Dunn lived; no information was given about the clothing. Dunn was scolded by authorities and sent home. And out of newspaper records.
What was happening? Did Dunn leave home and adopt male clothing for safety? Did Dunn identify as male and leave home as a result? Impossible to know; this is the only story about Dunn in American newspapers.
“A Female in Boy’s Attire.” Philadelphia Inquirer [Philadelphia, Pennsylvania] 17 February 1865; p. 2.
Between 12 and 1 ’clock yesterday morning, a female, giving the name of Kate Dunn, aged seventeen years, was discovered in the Spring Garden Market in male attire. She was lying on one of the stalls, fast asleep. She was taken to the Station House, and yesterday morning ushered before his Honor the Mayor, who gave her a second reprimand, and some very useful advice how to behave in future. She told many contradictory stories. At first she said she resided near the Wissahickon, but, upon being cornered, admitted that she lived with her mother in Suffolk street, and had left her home three days ago. She refused to tell why she deserted her home or assumed the male attire. She was sent home.
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