Amazing Masquerade. (Taranaki Daily News, 26 June 1915)

On 26 June 1915, an extraordinary case emerged in Nottingham concerning a man who had successfully masqueraded as a woman for 15 years. The individual, known as “Miss de Vieu,” was discovered after being arrested by police on charges of fraudulently collecting alms for a children's home in Liverpool. The suspect initially presented as a modestly dressed woman, garnering acceptance from the local community despite having unusual characteristics that led to curiosity about "her" true identity.

The ruse began to unravel when Sergeant Mead, who had interactions with "Miss de Vieu," arrested the suspect, prompting an examination that revealed he was, in fact, a man named Ellehan Eppheam. This shocking revelation came after he had built a life in Nottingham, posing as a clairvoyant and a minister of the Christian Police Mission. His residence was decorated to simulate a spiritual environment, including an altar reminiscent of a Greek church.

During his time disguised as a woman, Eppheam had developed an elaborate persona that involved the wearing of long skirts, a straw hat, and accessories including medals, crucifixes, and rosaries, contributing to his eccentric public image. At his first court appearance, he was dressed in a manner that belied his female persona—men's boots and a skirt that left much of his legs exposed. His transformation to his true appearance was so drastic that the police noted his scruffy hair and the absence of shaving, drawing attention to his unusual look, which was humorously commented on by the chief constable.

Eppheam claimed to have an intricate backstory, stating he was brought to England from Serbia at the age of four and had experienced a tumultuous upbringing following his father's death. After abdicating from the convent where he was placed, he adopted the disguise of a woman, traversed the country, and ultimately settled in Nottingham. His fraudulent operations included fortune-telling and offering spiritual readings to elderly women.

Circumstantial evidence suggested that he may have also entered a dubious marriage with a person of different descent, but police found no credible substantiation for this claim. His demeanor at court displayed a mix of sheepishness and a somewhat mischievous character, even smiling amid the serious charges against him. A prison doctor suggested possible signs of insanity, and as proceedings continued, Eppheam was remanded for further mental examination. If confirmed, he could be transferred to an asylum.

This bizarre tale of deception captivated the public and highlighted issues of identity and societal perception during that era, marking a curious chapter in the annals of Nottingham’s history.

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ellehan eppheam, miss de vieu