Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1882-04-06
MARRIED WHILE DRUNK.
An Alleged Conspiracy to Obtain an
Estate.

All AISBSO conspiracy " SbAotu al
Estate.
Long Branch Dispatch.
The pretty village Of Asbury Park, a
few miles from this place is just now
enjoying the discussion of novel and
decidedly gossipy social sensation.
Asbury Park is one of the modest, un-
obtrusive resorts on the Jersey coast,
where austere Christians from various
parts of the country congregate in the
summer to discuss theology and CLAIMS,
creeds and croquet. During the heated
term life in the trim little town is gay
enough in its own peculiar way, and
the throngs of genteel people who
seek rest in its quiet hotels and quieter
cottages supply ample material for the
vigilant gossips whose appetites appear
to be sharpened rather than planted
by the bracing airs Of the Jersey shore.
In the long months of the winter and
spring, however, when the town is COM
paratively deserted, save by its perma-
nent residents, sensations are so few
and far between that anything border
ing even remotely upon the equivocal
or ridiculous is pretty sure to receive
the undivided attention of the gossip
mongers, who are disposed to regard its
discovery very much in the light of a
special dispensation for their par
ticular delect alton. The case which
is at present engaging the atten-
ton of these inquisitive people is
one of peculiar interest in that it
| involves the name and fame of
a man who, during his life, stood high
in the estimation of his associates and
the public. The substance of the story
is that the late Theodore F. Appleby, a
large property. owner and the proprie-
tor of the Hotel Bristol, had been mar
ried shortly before his death, while in
an intoxicated condition, to a Mrs.
Spencer, who kept a ho.el at Old
Bridge. Mr.. Appleby's death was said
to be from softening of the brain
brought on by mental trouble and al
coholism. DR.. Johnson, who attended
him during his last illness, says that a
few days before his death he confessed
to him that week or two before he
had gone to Mrs. Spencer's hotel on a
spree, and had remained there for some
time. During that time he remem-
bered being married to Mrs. Spencer
by John E. Tilton, justice of the peace
from Monmouth county. He said that
he was so drunk that he had to be held
up during the cere mony, and that he
answered "No" to all the questions of
the justice. Mr.. Appleby is also said
to have raved about Mrs. Spencer and
his marriage in deliriuna for several
days before his death. Mr.. Appleby
was a widower and left three children,
and his relatives believe his marriage
was conspiracy to obtain possession
of part of his property. His brother,
who is president of well-known New
York insurance company, says that he
will make a thorough investigation OF
the matter and prevent his brother s
children from being wrongfully de.
prived of any of their fathers proper.
ty. Justice Tilton denies that he had
married the couple, but said that he
knew that Mr.. Appleby and Mrs
Spencer were married shortly before
the death of the former. AS there is
neither resident justice nor minister
at Old Bridge, it would seem that he
is the only man who could have per-
formed the ceremony. Mrs. Spencer
says that Mr.. Appleby, whom she had
known for twenty eight years, came to
her hotel three weeks ago and remained
several days, and was under the in
fluence of liquor most Of the time. She
refused, however, to say anything about
the marriage until she should consult
her lawyer.