The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1867-07-19
MisttIlanepns SslettiGlls,
: a TRUE STORY.

g - ~ -
Many years ago l happened to be
one OF the referees in case that excit-
ed unusual interest in our courts, from
the singular nature Of the claim and
the strange story it disclosed. The
plaintiff, who was captain of ship
which traded principally with the West
Indies, had married quite early, with
every prospect of happiness. His wife
was said TO have been extremely beau
tiful, and no less lovable in character.
After living with hersin the most
uninterrupted harmony for five years,
during which time two daughters were
added to the family, he suddenly re-
solved to resume his occupation, which
he had relinquished on his marriage,
and when his youngest child was but
three weeks old, he sailed for the West
Indies. His wife, who was 5deyotedly
attached to him, sorrowed deeply in his
absence, and found her only comfort in
the society of her children, and the
hope of his return. But month after
month passed away, and he came not,
nor did any letter, those insufficient but
ever welcome substitutes, arrive to
cheer her bitter solitude. Months
heightened into years, but no tidings
were received from the absent husband,
and after hoping against hope, the un-
happy wife was. compelled to believe
that he had found q grave beneath the
weltering ocean.
Her sorrow was deep and heartfelt
but the evils of poverty we're now ad-
ded to her Affections; and the widow
found herself obliged to resort to some
employment in order to support her
children. Her needle was the only,re-
source, and for ten years she labored
early and late for the miserable pittance
which is ever so grudgingly bestowed
on an humble seamstress. q lo 30 bss
A merchant in New York in inoder-
ate but prosperous circumstances, ac-
cidentalIy became acquainted with her,
and pleased with her gentle manners
no less than beauty, he improved their
acduaintance into friendship. -. - 80 -.
After some months he offered bis
hand aud was accepted. As thes wife
of a successful merchant she soen
found herself in the enjoyment of such
comforts and luxuries as she had never
possessed. Her children became his
children, and received from him every
advantage wealth and affection could
procure. r, qoog
Fifteen years passed. away; the daugh'
ters married, aud by their step-fathel
were furnished with every comfort re-
quisite to their new avocation as house
Keepers. But they had hardly quilted
bis roof when their mother was taken
i'll. She died after few days, and from
that time to theperiod Of which | speak,
the widower had resided with the
younger daughter.
Now comes the strange part of the
story. After an absent Of over thirty
years, during which time no tidings ar
rived from him, the frst husband re-
turned, as suddenly as he had depart
ed. say -
He had changed his ship, adopting
another name, and spent The whole o.
that period on the ocesn, with only
transient visits on shore, while taking in
or discharging cargoes, having been
careful never to come nearer home than
New Orleans. Why he acted in this un-
psrdonable manner toward the family
no one could tell, and he obstintely re-
fused all explanation. -.
There were strange rumors of slave.
trading and piracy atlcat, but they were
only whispered conjectures rather than
truth. Whatever might have been hii
motives for his conduct he was certain
|ly anything but tindiferentto his family
concerns when he returned. He rayed
like a mailman when informed of his
wife's second marriage and subsequent
death, yowing vengeance upon his sue
cessor, and terrifying his daughter
with the most awful threats, in ease
they refused to acknowledge his claims
He had returned wealthy, and one o.
the reptiles of the law-who are always
to be found crawling about the halls o.
justice-advised him to bring suit
against him that he could recover heavy
damages The absurdity of instituting
a claim for. a wife whom death had re.
lieved from the jurisdiction Of all earth
| ly laws, was SO manifest that at length
it was agreed by all parties to leave the
matter to be adjudged by five referees
1t was upon bright and beautiful
afternoon in the spring when we met II
hear this singular case. The sunigh
streamed through the dusty windows q
the courtroom, and shed a halo around
the long, grey locks, and broad fore
head of the defendant-while the plain
| ltif's harsh features were thrown int
still .bolder relief by the same bean
which seemed to soften the placid coun
tenance Of his adversary, g. hs7si.1 {
The plaintiffs lawyer made a mos
eloquent appeal for his client, and hst
we not been informed about the matter
our hearts would have been melted b.
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