Connecticut western news., 1871-08-04
A Checkered Life,

A Philadelphia paper gives some de- tails of the early life of Mrs. Wharton, now under arrest in Baltimore for the murder of her husband. It says Mrs. w., then Ellen G. Nugent, was born in that city 45 years ago. Her father, George Nugent, was most prominent and suc- cessful merchant of the day, doing a large importing business of fine goods, silks, etc. In character he was strictly upright and honorable, living as it were by set rule of firmness and justice to all. Of all Mir. Nugent's children his daughter Nellie was the idol. He law ished every attention upon her that money could command. By the univer- sal voice of those who knew her she was certainly most lovely girl. About twenty years of age, of slender and grace ful, yet queenly bearing, with magnifi- cent jet black hair of unusual length, dark, eyes, and fair complexion, It was about this time that she began to develop a passion that has ever since been inor- dinate with her, and that was the desire to dress magnifcently. Her father spared no expense to gratify her ightest whlm, and gave her money enough to clothe duchess. Her father allowed her to carry the purse of duchess, and consequently the reader can judge of his surprise when outside bills that had been contracted by his daughter to the amount of thousands of dollars were sent in to him for settlement, and all this heavy running into debt had taken place in comparatively short time, and with. out the slightest premonitory inteli- gence. It was found that this money had been expended for faces, silks, jewelry, etc., etc, which were lavished with an imperial hand as presents upon her young friends. The debts were paid by her father.
 Miss Nellie was the brilliant center of a large circle of people of the best class in that vicinity. So that when, shortly after, all received an invitation to the marriage of that young lady, it created some little stir of excitement. At length all the invited guests assembled at the Nugent mansion to witness the marriage of the beauty. Great preparations had been made for the event. The hour at which the nu ptial knot was to have been tied struck with dismal clang, and yet no bridegroom. Messengers were sent ln haste, and on their return they an nounced that Mir. Williamson had not contracted the marriage, and knew noth- ing about it. Subsequent investiga- tion showed conclusively that the mar riage had not the slightest foundation, solar as any intention of MT. William son was concerned, and people began to intimate that something was wrong in her head. MT. Nugent, after careful pondering of the matter, was resolved to have Nellie removed to an asylum for the insane. It wanted but day or two of the execution of the asylum pro- Ject, when one morning it was found that the bird had flown in the night from the nest. In very little while the father received intelligence that his daughter had eloped with young Lieut.. Harry W. Wharton, had proceeded with him to Philadelphia, and had been there married. The runaway couple had not been long from home until they received assurances of forgiveness, and returned. Notwithstanding the growing suspicion that she poisoned her husband and son, 1t is the universal testimony that never was there more loving wife. She was most passionately devoted to him, and followed him everywhere.