Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1871-07-17

gent, was a most prominent and successful mer-
chant Of the day, doing large importing bust
ness OF tne goods, silks, etc. In character he
ter Ellen was by his second wife, he having
been previously married % a Cuban woman, by
whom he had two children, both boys, one Of
Der Ofour community. There were SIX other child
rem by the second wife, four sons and two daugh-
tiers. Both of the daughters are married and
living In the city. Her mother, Ms. Nugent,
has only been dead few years having outliypd
her husband, who died about the time OF the
great California gold excitement.
HER FATHERS IDOL
OF all Mr.. Nugent's children his daughter
Nellie was his idol. He lavished every attention.
upon her that money could command. Especial
pains were taken with her education aud She
spent considerable time at Bishop DOanes semi
nary, in Burlington, New Jersey.
HER PERSONAL APPEARANCE.
twenty-five years ago She was about twenty
years OF age, of slender and graceful vet Queenly
bearing, with magnificent iet-black hair of un-
usual length, dark eyes, and fair complexion
srer va has ner pnysleai beauty: But those who
attractions. IL was rather her engaging man
ner, her winning ways, her dashing, inspiring
wheel Of Cupid 80 many Of her male acquaint-
ances-
PASSION FOR DRESS.
IL was about this time that she began 10 do
velop passion that has ever since been iDorl-
nate with her, and that was the desire 20 dress
magnihcently. Her father spared no expense 10
gratiiy her hghtest whim, and gave her money
her 90 carry the purse OF a duchess and oonse-
quently the reader can judge of his surnrise
when outside bills that had been contracted by
his daughter 20 the amount of thousands OF dol
lars were sent in TO him for settlement: AMI AN
this heavy running into debt had taken place in
a comparatively short time, and Withouf the
slightest premOnitory intelligence.
SINGULAR CIRCUMSTANCE.
Finally Miss Nellie was engaged 10 be married
to a Mr.. Williamson. The hour at which the
nuntlal N haa tfsH
dismal clang, and yet no bridegroom. Messen-
gers were sent in haste, and on their return A.
nouneed that M; Williamson had not CONTRACTED
the marriage, ana Sssesc hOtAing about u.
WAS SHE INSANE?
Subsequent investigation showed oonclusively
that the marriage had not the slightest fOunda-
ton, 50 far as any intention of Mr.. Williamson
was concerned, and people began 70 intimate
that something was wrong in her head. Mr. Nu-
gent, after careful bordering of the matter was
ved TO have Nellie removed 20 an asylum
for the insane. II wanted but a day or two OF
the execution Of the asylum project, when one
morning il was found that the beautiful bird had
flown in the night from the parental nest. But
in very little while the father received intelli-
gence that bis daughter had eloped with Young
Lieutenant Harry W. Wharton, had proceeded
with him TO Philadelphia, had been there mar
RED The runaway couple had not been long
from home until they received assurance OF for.
giveness, and returned 70 the house at Gulf Mills
They also for a time lived at NOrristOwn, and in
Philadelphia again. IL wasn't hong after mar
rage until Mrs. Wharton Was in financial dim
culties again, which were again settled by her
indulgent father.
DEVOTED TO HER HUSBAND.
After this her husband, who was captain now
was stationed at Fort Kearney for some five or
seven years. Mrs. Wharton accompanied him,
as indeed she did in all his wanderings, even
going down into Texas with him ON one occa-
SION While out uIOn the plains the oversight
OF the captain had become defective. and he and
his wife returned 20 Philadelphia again. At the
breaking out of the war the captain got a com
mission in a Delaware regiment, and eventrlally
was appointed general disbursing agent, having
his headquarters in Eutaw street. Baltimore
right near his house in Hamilton Place" With
the exception of a short time they lived in Wash
lngton, this was his home up 70 his mysterious
death in 1861.
Such are some Of the salient points and bold
outlines in the career of this most remarkable
woman. Notwithstanding the growing suspicion
that she also poisoned her husband and son il &
the universal testimony that never was there a
more loving wife. She was most passiOnately
devoted 10 him. and followed him everywhera