Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1881-04-23
Prof. ProctOr's Romance.

Some weeks ago Prof. Richard A.
Proctor, the noted scientist and astron-
omer, quietly made advent into our
midst ttnheralded. 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
tally offset by an injury he received in
wreck out short way on the Hannibal
Road on the 23d of last month. The
famous Professor found i'll st. Joseph
more than a passing cause for remain
ing SO long. Long ere arriving here he
had met, wooed and won one Of vt. Jo-
seph's most lovely ladies' 1t 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 tie 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 unwell 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 a
large circle of friends who had been won
10 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
Alr. 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
few days of each other. Both the liv-
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
pired between that time and now is 6
mere matter of conjecturs only, anc
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 anC
won the St. Joseph lady, and their mar
riage is to take place in this city in thC
balmy month of May. 1t is their inten
ton to be married in a rather unpreten
tious manner, and leave at once for ,
tour of the world.
Mrs. Crawley was reared, and for th'
most part educated, here in st. Joseph
Her maiden name was Miss Salli'
Thompson, and she is the eldest daugh
ter of our highly esteemed fellow-towns
man, Captain G. M. Thompson. Sh
is a lady of rare culture, high refine
ment, and will reign queen in an,
household.
Professor Proctor is probably well
known by most of our readers, but
short sketch in this connection may no
be inappropriate. The astronomist wa
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 ban
he lost fortune he had accumulated
and his scientific work was considerabl
hampered by duties arising from thi
circumstance. In 1870 he wrote "Othe
Worlds Than Ours" which first CAV
him prominence. From 1870 he ha
been, perhaps, the most fertile and poT
ular writer upon astronomical subject
of the present day. In 1873 he mad
. his first visit to America, and in 187
came over again.-&. Joseph (Mo
, NeWS.
A Woman Who Could Swim.