The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1888-05-05 00:00:00

MARRIED IN THE CLOUDS.

Samuel C. Young, an aeronaut, has just obtained a
divorce at Cincinnati, U.S., under strange circum-
stances. Young was giving balloon ascents over the
country. To make the thing more sensational, he
used to hunt up some couple in each town intending
marriage, and talk or bribe them into the notion of
getting married in the balloon. At Allegheny city,
Pennsylvania, he bad advertised a grand balloon
ascension, and had secured two people who were
willing to be cast in a balloon into the highest heaven
of earthly bliss. On the day of the ascent the couple
to be married failed to put in an appearance. Rather
than disappoint the multitude Young determined to
have mock-marriage performed. Laura Schwartzel,
of Cincinnati, was travelling with him to make ascen-
sions for him. Leading her to the basket, they, with
a magistrate, who had been ei glged for the occasion,
stepped in, and while floating dr( amily in mid-air
were married. Not until weeks afterwards did it
occur to Young that it was a genuine marriage. It
frightened him. He told Laura. She was frightened,
too. Straightway he filed a petition in court, asking
to have the marriage set aside. She filed an answer
and cross petition praying the same. Both claimed
that it was a mock marriage, and they have not lived
together since. Evidence establishing the above state-
ments was heard in court, and the marriage was an-
nutted.
AFTER MANY YEARS.

One of those remarkable occurrences which read
more like fiction than fact has taken place in San
Francisco during the past few days. The commence-
ment of the narrative in the lives of two persons
dates back 25 years, when John L. Smith and Catherine
Brady were secretly married in County Cavan,
Ireland. Smith was a poor boy, while Miss Brady's
father was a well-to-do farmer, owning his jaunting-
car, and fine high-stepping horses. The old man
became very irate when he heard of the clandestine
marriage. He swore that his daughter should never
live with her husband. Smarting under this indignity,
Smith emigrated to America. The vessel he sailed
in was wrecked, and his name appeared amongst
those who were drowned. In reality, he escaped
death, and finally arr Ned in America, where, by hard
work and careful thrift, he saved a large sum of
money. During all this time Mrs. Smith had her
troubles and trials. The letters written to her by
her husband never reached her. Coming to the con-
clusion that Smith was really drowned, she resolved
to leave the scene of old and dear associations. She
went to Sydney, and there commenced work as a
domestic at Ll a week. Very soon she attracted an
admirer named Vaughan, who was in a good position
in a surveyor's office. They were married; and,
after twelve or thirteen years, Vaughan was
killed while on a surveying expedition. In a
miserable state of want, Mrs. Vaughan went to
San Francisco, where, having got good employ-
ment, she speedily made a small home for herself.
A few weeks ago she went to the Alcazar. On one of
the side seats sat a man with grey hair and a weather-
beaten face. He watched the play with intensity, and
then suddenly turned his attention to Mrs. Vaughan.
He heard her voice and laugh, and the play had no
more fascination for him. When the audience stood
up to leave, he asked Mrs. Vaughan if her name was
Catherine Brady, and if she was not from the County
Cavan, Ireland. She replied in the affirmative. Next
day Smith called upon her. Everything was explained,
and Mr. and Mrs. Smith are now upon their ranch,
twhere no haughty father can step between them,
and where they can entertain each other for some
ime recounting the story of their lives and vicissi-
tudes.