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This article about Anna O’Connell was in the Akron Colorado newspaper 1919
Akron Weekly Pioneer Press (Akron, Washington County) Date: Dec 12, 1919 Page 2
“Old Razor Man” Was a Woman
San Fransisco.-- The death of “John Young”, known for years along the highways between this city and Los Angeles as “the quaint old razor man,” discloses a secret long kept that the real name of the old peddler was Anna O’Connell. For many years, left alone in the world, she had worn men’s clothing to enable her to earn a living unmolested.
Dies on Doorstep.
She died on the doorstep of the home of Edwin A. Turner, a toy-maker, in Green Street. The Turners were her friends of early years. When her wandering brought her to this city she always went to their home. They chanced to be out this time when she called. A lodger of the house informed her they would be soon be back. She was weak and ill, and as she turned on the doorstep she sank down, clutching at her heart and died. Mr Turner now feels free to tell her story.
“More than twenty years ago.” he said, “my wife and I made the acquaintance of a Canadian gentlewoman, Mrs. Anna O’Connell. She was living in Montgomery block, with her only child, Marie. Her husband, a Canadian army officer, and a native of Yorkshire, England had died.
“In the fire and earthquake of 1906 Mrs. O’Connell and her daughter dropped out of sight. We heard nothing of them, and, finally, we went on a long visit to the Island of Guernsey in the English channel, my native place. About five years ago we returned to San Fransisco.
“One evening when my wife was alone at home there a knock at the door. Opening it she saw a little old man wearing a small mustache. “I am a brother of your old friend, Mrs. Anna O’Connell.” the called said. “Don’t I resemble her?” My wife replies; “Yes, the likeness is striking; come in.” They had a cup of tea and talked.
Tells Her Story
“Suddenly the old man put his arms around my wife and said; “I am Mrs. O’Connell; look well at me.”
“My wife was too surprised for words. Then the old peddler explained that she had adopted men’s clothing in order to make a living, for her daughter had died and she was alone. She was in the house when I returned home. My wife and I both promised to keep her secret. From that time she visited us once a year. We were her only intimates. She had wished to live in San Fransisco, but the climate of the south suited her delicate health better, so she made her home in Pasadena. We knew from her that she sold razor and knife-blade sharpeners, walking from place to place, and getting frequent lifts from passing motor cars. We will that she has decent burial.”
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