The Wayne County Historical Society owns a rare copy of “Lucy Ann Lobdell, the Female Hunter of Delaware and Sullivan Counties, NY,” the personal account of a woman from our area who lived much of her life as a man.  WCHS member and volunteer Lisa Macchia Ohliger has recently published a book combining Lucy’s words with the results of her own scholarly research: “The Narrative of Lucy Ann Lobdell: Woman’s Case for Equality.”

Lucy Ann Lobdell began life in Westerlo, NY in 1829 and died in the Binghamton State Hospital in 1912. In her early life she was known as an eccentric but skilled hunter and musician, but after an unhappy marriage, the birth of a daughter from whom she was separated for most of her life, and years of adventures and tribulations living as a man, her behavior became increasingly bizarre, and she was committed to mental institutions for the rest of her life.

 Lisa Macchia Ohliger has produced the definitive biography and interpretation of the fascinating life of Lucy Ann Lobdell; her book is available at the Wayne County Historical Society, Amazon.com and other outlets.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale. The museum, research library  and museum shop are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a. m. to 4 p. m.