No, you have not. MENTAL ILLNESS has always been here.
Furthermore, two seconds of research (which Tony couldn't be bothered with) strongly suggest that Sammy was not a troon at all.
From the Butte Miner (Butte, Montana) 24 December 1908
Special dispatch to the Miner
Bozeman, Dec. 23.
Justice C. J. Odell of Manhattan (Montana) today received another letter from Chief of Police O'Brien of Eau Claire, Wis., which finally clears up the mystery of the life and habits of "Sammy Williams", the 80-year-old woman who died in Manhattan a couple of weeks ago and who had lived the greater part of her life disguised as a man. The letter states that Sammy's right name was Ingeborge Wekan (i.e. Ingeborg Viken) and that she has a brother residing at Dalby, Wis., named Ole Wekan (i.e. Viken). It is said that the death of Sammy marks the end of one of the saddest heart tragedies that ever came as the result of disappointed love. The love affair started in Norway and later developed in Allamakee county, Iowa, and Eau Claire, Wis. In a word, Sammy was jilted by her lover because of his mother's opposition to her on the eve of her wedding day, and in her sorrow decided to conceal her identity from all the world during the rest of her life. For over half a century she masqueraded as a man.
She was born in Hallingdal, Norway, about 80 years ago. Near the same place a young man, Sven Norem (i.e. Narum, FAG ID 39974999), was born. They grew up together and during school days formed a most intimate friendship. When man and woman, their friendship ripened into love and they became engaged to be married. Before the wedding day, however, Sammy's parents took their family and came to American and settled in Iowa. Sven Norem also came and the wedding day was set and Sammy began making preparations to be married. At this time Norem's mother objected and refused to allow her son to marry Sammy because she insisted the girl was not high enough in society to become the wife of her boy. Sven then broke the engagement at his mother's wish.
Sammy never recovered from the blow. At the time she suddenly disappeared from home and no trace of her was found for years. Soon after a "Billy" Williams appeared in Eau Claire, Wis. This is supposed to have been about the time of the discovery of gold in California. "Billy" was about five feet tall, had a smooth face and raven black hair. "Billy" was always one of the boys and drank and did all the other things peculiar to the ways of men.
"Billy" obtained work as a cook, and it is said could draw a larger salary than any other cook in that part of the country. On account of his skill as a cook "Billy" came to be called "Billy Cook." He worked in Wisconsin for over 30 years and acquired a large amount of property. "Billy" was also a favorite among the ladies and used to call regularly on a number of young girls. He also spoke Norwegian, German, English and Indian fluently.
After a number of years it began to be suspected in Wisconsin that "Billy" was not a man, but a woman. During the early 80s a family moved to Eau Claire from Allamakee county, Iowa and met "Billy." This family knew the circumstances of the disappearance of the young Wekan girl and felt sure that "Billy" was this girl. They sent word to the old mother in Iowa, who was still longing for her lost dauaghter, and one of the Wekan boys went to Wisconsin to see "Billy". He recognized his sister in disguise and tried to persuade her to return home. "Billy" refused and the brother then told the story of her departure from home.
When the affair became know in Wisconsin, "Billy" decided to come west and disposed of all her belongings. For several years she cooked in North Dakota and then came to Manhattan (Montana) and located. When she arrived there she changed her name to "Sammy" Williams and has since been known by that name. At the time of her death she was planning to dispose of her property in this state and leave. It is supposed that she probably intended to go back to her old home and spend the rest of her days. Her old lover is said to be living at Pine Lake, Ia., where he was married to another woman.
Contributor: B. Thompson (47851495)
Ingebjorg Amundsdatter “Sammy Williams” Viko
).
