The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1881-04-29

Prof. ProctOr's Romance.
Some weeks ago Prof. Richard A.
Proctor, the noted scientist and astron-
omer, quietly made advent into our
midst unheralded. He took quarters at
the Pacific Hotel, and there he has been
ever since until Monday last, when he
took his leave of the city. Many, per-
haps, have marveled at his continued
stay here, but this was doubtless par
italy Offset by an injury he received in q
wreck ont short way on the Hannibal
Road on the Esd of last month. The
famous Professor found in St. Joseph
more than passing cause for remain
ing so long. Long ere arriving here he
had met; wooed and won one of St. J0-
seph's most lovely ladies. It was in
lands far distant, separated by the broad
blue ocean, and under circumstances
strangely peculiar, furnishing data for
romance in real life which ranks in the
top lists.
Sometime during the early part of last
year Mr.. and Mrs. Robert Crawley, of
St. Joseph, left here seeking the health
of the former in foreign climes. He had
been quite u1Well for long time, and
his family physician and friends pre-
scribed sea voyage and . stroll on the
shores beyond very salutary remedy.
Mr.. Crawley was generally known here,
and was held in the highest esteem by .
large circle of friends who had been won
to his favor by his generous nature and
kind, Christian character. He was the
leading local representative of the st.
Joseph and Western Division of the
Union Pacific Railway, and held this i'm
portant post for number of years. Ill
health coming upon him, he took to
lighter work with less responsibility, and
accepted position rendered him in the
Office of the Bluffs Road here. This he
had to give up, and shortly afterward
started on his voyage with his wife, the
point of destination being Australia,
which they reached in due course of
time.
About the same time that Mr.. and Mrs.
Crawley left their native soil, the famous
astronomer, Prof. Practor, set out from
Liverpool, accompanied by his wife,
who had long been in delicate health.
Their objective point was Australia, the
motives prompting the steps doubtless
being about the same as in the case of
Mr.. and Mrs. Crawley. The health
seeking parties arrived on foreign soil
about the same time, and circumstances
conspired to place them in intimate ac-
quaintance. For time the change of
cline was beneficial to the health of both
invalids, but it was only temporary in
both instances, and in August last they
both died, their deaths occurring within
a few days of each other. Both the iv-
ing were grief-stricken at their loss, and
the many peculiar condolences served
to arouse the sympathy of each for the
other. Their mission was fruitless
one so far as saving the life of their help
mates was concerned, and shortly after
they took passage in the same steamer,
intending to return to their respective
.homes-Mrs. Crawley to America and
Mr.. Proctor to England. What trans
PRED between that time and now is q
mere matter of conjecture only, and
while such is the case, subsequent mat
tiers which have come to light warrant
the impression that before they parted
they learned to look upon each other
with favor, and doubtless with admira-
ton and love. 1t is sufficient to know,
however, that the great and learned
Professor at the same time wooed and
won the St. Joseph lady, and their mar
rage is to take place in this city in the
balmy month of May. 1t is their inten-
ton to be married in a rather unpreten-
tious manner, and leave at once for a
tour of the world.
Mrs. Crawley was reared, and for the
most part educated, here in st. Joseph.
Her maiden name was Miss Sallie
Thompson, and she is the eldest daugh-
ter of our highly esteemed fellow-towns-
man, Captain C. NJ. Thompson. She
is lady of rare culture, high refine
ment, and will reign a queen in any
household.
Professor Proctor is probably we'll
known by most of our readers, but q
short sketch in this connection may not
be inappropriate. The astronomist was
born in Chelsea, England, March %,
1887, and is consequently in his forty
fourth year. He was married in 1860,
and the two lived very happily together.
In 1866, by the failure of London bank
he lost fortune he had accumulated,
and his scientific work was considerably
hampered by duties arising from this
circumstance. In 1870 he wrote "Other
Worlds Than Ours" which first gave
him prominence. From 1870 he has
been, perhaps, the most fertile and pop
ular writer upon astronomical subjects
of the present day. In 1873 he made
his first visit to America, and in 1875
came over against. Joseph (Mo.)
Nevs.