Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-04-15

A Long Lost Husband Returns
Nome 20 Find His wife Mar.
ried to Another.

-@-
Boston Globe
PROVIDENCE, April 6.--Another
Enoch Arden story, which is quite in
teresting in its details, has just come
to light. Nearly four years ago
Thomas Donnought, then about
thirty-two years old, left this city to
seek a fortune among the California
gold mines. He left behind him q
wife and six children. After several
months his family heard that he was
engaged in business which promised
to be lucrative. Soon remittances
were received from the far away
father, and everything seemed pros
porous for the future of the mother
and children. But soon the custem-
airy letters ceased. 1t was rumored
that Donnought had married another
woman, and not long after they re-
ceiyed report that Donnought was
dead. This was afterwards confirmed.
In time the wife accustomed herself to
the bereavement, and about eighteen
months ago she married a man named
Thomas Freckleton. son Of a we'll
known baker of this city, and consid-
.erably younger than herself.
The family, with their new
father, changed their abode, and
lived quietly until April l, when the
appearance of an unexpected visitor
caused a dissolution of this family
circle. Saturday morning at 1l:30
o'clock, Thomas Donnought arrived
back in this city, via Worcester, safe
and sound, alive and we'll. Crossing
Market square, he met ex.Alderman
German, who rapidly unfolded to the
shocked Donnought sll that had oc-
CURED during his abseloe. Donnought
was overcome with grief and rage, yet
still in his Utmost heart he doubted
the truth Of these stories, and could
not feel satisfied until he learned the
truth from his wife's own lips. At
last he hunted up the parents Of his
wife, Mr.. and Mrs, Hugh Gallagher.
and his worst fears were confirmed
Then rage overmastered him, and
drawing huge Colts navy revolver,
he viewed be would kill both his faith
less wife and her extra husband. Mrs.
Gallagher sent word to her daughter
of the return of her husband, and the
so called Mrs. Freckleton hastily col
lected a trunk full Of wearing apparel
and Quilted the house, first informing
Freckleton of the calamity, and he
also gathered his personal effects and
fed to the boarding house No. z Mar
tin street, where he now remains
Since then Donnought has been unable
to obtain any trace of his lost wife,
nor has he been successful in seeing
Freckleton, the latter being more than
anxious to keep out of the way.
Donnought says that the reason be
did not send word to his wife for so
long time was that he went to Lon.
don to hunt up brother whom he
had never before seen. He returned
to California aud succeeded in making
strike in the mines, amassing about
$25, 900 in a short time. Then he
bought little house in Bodie, Monay
county, California. and prepared to
return home, give his vile and family
joyful surprise by the story. and
then take them all with him 10 the
new home. All his hopes of happiness
are now shattered by this last cruel
blow. and the sorrow stricken man ha:
concluded to let his wife 60 her own
woy, aud with the remnants of hi:
broken home, go back to the mining
camp in California. Donnoueht was
married in this city nearly twenty
years ago, being then only fourteen
years OF age. His wife's maiden name
was Mary Gallagher, who also was but
fourteen years of age at the time o.
their marriage. Mrs. Donnought gave
birth to twelve children during hel
6rst marriage, six OF whom died. This
is the story so far; what the sequel
will be remains to be seen.