The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1878-04-16
sEPAuATED.
A Curious Case of Family Trouble
separated Alter Thirteen Years Of
Married Life.

From the Saginaw Republican.
Some three weeks ego a rumor was
currept on the streets that we'll
known business man, and large
property owner in this city, had sepa-
rated from his wife, owing 20 family
trouble. The stories told as 90 the
character Of tho trouble, and it's orig
in, were various, but one fact was ap-
parent. and that was they had separat-
ed. The interested parties in the case
are Josiah Etheridge aud his wife, and
the facts as CLEANED by our reporter
are as follows: About Is years ago
they we're married near the city Of
Flint, and shortly after removed to
this city, where Mr.. Etheridge engaged
in business, and by his industry accu-
mulated a competence. Nothing arose
to mar their matrimonial happiness
until two years ago, when a seedy look
ing individual arrived in this city, aud
informed Mr.. and Mrs. Etheridge that
an uncle of the lady had died in the
State Of Illinois, and by will had left
her about S8, 900 in money and some
very valuable real estate; the news was
astounding; and Mr. Etheridge. who
was always very cautious, consulted
Mr.. @. w. Wisner upon the subject
After several interviews between Mr..
aud Mrs. T., Mr.. Wlsner and tho bear
er Of this good news, they became sat
istied there was something in 1t, and 1t
was decided to investigate the matter.
50 Mr.. Wisner, having received pow
en- Of attorney from the lady, accom-
INI,w.1rra afmNkal fnr
Chicago, where the bearer Of the good
news was 10 meet them, and together
were 10 proceed TO tho place where the
deceased uncle had resided. They re-
mained in Chicago several days, await
ing the appearance of this man, but,
as he did not come, they concluded to
investigate ihe matter alone and with
out his help. After arriving at the
place designated, where they had been
informed that the uncle had resided,
they found, much 20 their surprise,
that the story was a canard, and that
no man by the name had ever lived In
that place. They then returned homo,
and, as matter of course, Mr.. Eth
ridge was very much incensed at the
shabby trick played upon him. Mr..
Wisner did not say much, but he made
up his mind that something was wrong,
and set himself 10 work TO find out
what il was. He left no stone unturn-
ed until he fathomed the mystery. tie
gained the confidence OF Mrs. Eth
ridge, Travelled miles after miles 10 oh
tain evidence, aud after he had got the
chain complete he took his friend Joe
one side aud told him the story, which
in substances is "a follows: That the
man who told them about the fortune
left 20 Mrs. Etheridge by an uncle was
a former husband OF the lady from
whom she had never been divorced,
and that he, although married to her,
was not her husband. Mr.. Etheridge
was 10th 10 believe, but as link 10y link
WIS unraveled 10 the sorrowing man,
aud piece 10y piece the evidence was
brought 10 light, he was forced to be-
lieve; and then, with hope that all
might yet prove false, he went to her
who had been his companion for the
past years, and with tears In his eyes
asked her 10 tell the truth in the mat
ter. She was taken by surprise, but
she confessed that the story wes all
true and that instead Of one, she had
two husbands living, ard that she was
not divorced from either. Mr. l.. was
heartbroken, but, alter taking advice,
concluded to separate from her. and
placed the matter in the hands Of q
ineul. The lady consented to tie sep
aration, and then Mr.. EtheridRe pre-
seutod her with check for 81 800, a
gold watch and chain. handsome dia-
mond ring, all the household furniture,
paid the freight on the same TO San
Francisco, aud purchased n ticket for
her 10 the same city, and wished hcI
God speed on her journey. The gen
tleman then disposed Of all his proper.
ty in this city, and, after investing a
part Of II safely, put the balance in his
pocket, and went ont into the world a
wanderer, without q home or resting
place.