Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1869-06-10
I CELEBRATED BREACH OF.
.,l, PROMISE CASE. 4 - -.
Craig vs.. Sprague In Illinois
Cincinnati Affections vs..
Chicago Greenbaeks.


Chicago Greenbaeks.
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photographs OF the Dramatil
PersOn@ In the Great Breach
or Promise Case. aait
The Jury Award 100000
q Damages. Tsi
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During the war a man named
Elisha c. Sprague came to Nash
vile in the wake Of the Federal
army, and established restaurant
on Cedar street, and was at one
time connected with Mr. Dufield in
the management of the Old Theatre,
He did heavy business in the
restaurant line for two or three
years, and must have amassed q
considerable fortune in the business.
About the close Of the war Sprague
disappeared and was lost sight OF
by his Nashville acquaintance
until a few days ago, when he
turned up as the defendant to a
breach of promise suit at Wheaton,
Illinois, near Chicago, brought by
Miss Amanda j. Craig, of Cincin-
matt, who claims that Sprague had
promised to marry her, and that
failing to do so, he has damaged
her little heart to the extent of
100000. Miss Craig is said to be
highly educated, and has been
for many years teacher in
the public schools Of Cincinnati,
Sprague is now resident
Of Chicago, man Of no educa-
cation, but wealthy, his own state
ment placing his wealth at $500, :
600. The suit was commenced in
Chicago in August, 1866, and was
continued two or three times on
application of the defendant, who
finally took change of fVenue to
Dupage county, of which Wheaton
is the county seat, where the trial
has been in progress for a week
or so. 900
Mrs. Craig, mother of the plaintiff,
testifies that the defendant and
plaintiff had first met in the year
1859; the defendant showed the
plaintiff very marked attention, and
was her constant attendant until
1865; several times Miss Craig re-
fused to receive his attentions, but
Sprague was persistent, and man
aged to maintain himself near her
person. He was very ostentatious
in regard to his wealth, and repeat
eddy spoke to her of his possessions.
In the year 1866 they were engaged
to be married, the wedding day be
ing fixed upon the 18th of Septem-.
Der, 1865. About the time their en-
gagement was entered into, Miss
Craig resigned her position as teach.
er in the high school, and prepared
for the marriage, and the wedding
trip, which he had promised her.
She even went SO far as to purchase
certain necessary articles, and to.
partially pack her trunk for travels
ing.
When the all-important day had
arrived, however, the defendant did
not put in appearance; neither did
he arrive next day, nor the day
after that; in fact, not at all. But,
instead, he sent her a letter, inform
ing her that he had gone to Boston
to consult physician in regard to
his health. This, however, proved
to be false statement on his part.
He continued to correspond with
the plaintiff until the spring of
1866, when he visited Cincinnati
and renewed the engagement. A
second time the wedding was an
nounced, and the day was fixed for
the 10th of April. He at that time
said he first wanted to go to Chi
cago and arrange for q house for
her The defendant went to Chi
csgo, but never returned to the
woman he had promised TO marry.
Soon after she heard that AFR.
Sprague was living in Chicago, found
that such was the case, and at once
commenced snit against him for
breach of promise.
The Chicago Tribune photo
graphs the parties to this suit as
follows:
THE PLAINTIFF. t
Miss Amanda J. Craig, the plain
tiff in this interesting suit, is a
young lady of advanced years. This
seeming paradox is explained by
| the fact that she is older than she
looks. The course of true love did
not run smooth with her, but then
it furrowed no channels in her
brow. 1t may be that it was i'm
possible. Her features are sharp,
but her complexion is soft and
somewhat creamy. The broad and
intellectual forehe cad rests easily
upon pair of prominent cheek
bones. Between them are two eyes,
dark and brilliant In them is. q
dreamy sentiment, and when the
sentiment vanishes for the moment
a stronger feeling shines through
the bright orbs, and determination
flashes forth. Between the eyes
hangs large nose, not decidedly
handsome. nor decidedlV the Other