Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-07-17
AN ENOCH ARDEN CASE.
This Time Accompanied With Some
Variations.
The Dead Turns Up Smiling, Deserts Wife
Number Two, and Then elopes
With the Former Object of
His Affection.

CIRCLEvILLE, o., July l6.-Tennyson's
real or supposed case is quite outdone, by
modern Enoch Arden, who puts in few
variations. Along about the year 1856, at
the village of Brighton, Washington coun-
ty, Iowa, Charles Bridge was married to
Miss Kate Brown. There is nothing in
the record, as the lawyers say, to show that
there was considerable discount on the u.s.
ual connubial bliss, for
Three Evidences OF Marital Affection
came. in rather quick succession, to
shed light and gladneSs upon the house
hold.
But the war Of 1851 came on, Bridge was
patrio;ically inclined, joined the Union
army, and remained soldier therein until
lie close of the war. After an honorable
discharge he returned tc his village home,
rejoining his wife and three children. He
remained but one month, however, and
demoralized by army life, or from some
other tause, he suddenly abandoned mis-
family and left for parts unknown.
After several months had passed Mrs.
Bridge received a letter, stating with some
particularly the sickness and death OF her
husband. at some distant and almost un-
known point. But about the time Bridge
was so certainly and circumstaptially re-
ported dead, he was, in fact, alive and in
all the activities of flesh and blood,
Making Love TO Fair Daughter
of Circleville, and after a somewhat pro-
tracted courtship, no doubt prolonged at
the instance of the young lady, he was,
January 1, 1863, united in marriage to
Miss Amanda Stout, of this city. During
a period Of fifteen years Bridge conducted
himself with propriety, and seemed
attentive, and loving to Mrs: Bridge
No. 9, and for long time continued to
make a comfortable living as hat reno
vator Last spring he lett home with the
ayowed intention Of visiting relatives in
Iowa, whom he had not seen for great
many years. He went, in fact, to his old
home in Washington county, Iowa, where
he found that Mrs. Bridge No. l, believing
him dead, had married Mr.. himball, and
that she and her three children by Bridge
and FIVE children by Kimball were all liy-
ing contentedly and happily together.
Bridge did not
Appear Abruptly Upon the Scene,
but sent n note addressed to Mrs. kimbsll
requesting an interview, and simply signed
il "Wll." Mrs. II. did not know what to
think. but evidently had some misgivings,
consulted with Mr.. Kimball and other
friends, and then granted the interview.
The woman soon discovered that Will was
her former and supposed deceased husband.
Bridge did not evince any disposition to in
tertere with the existing state OF affairs,
and was kindly permitted to spend con-
siderable time in company of his children
and their mother, now Mrs. kimball, aud
also the mother of five young kimosls.
Husband No being called away from town
on business. Bridge sold his renovsting hat
tools, and also left Mrs h. Bridges wife
No. !, also leaving the next day, aud join.
ing Bridge at place previously agreed
upon.
Kimball was left wifeless, and eight chill.
dren motherless 1t is clear that the wife,
wisely or IN wisely, has decided to take up
with the previous husband. Kimball is
almost distracted, and is traying to inter.
cept the runaways and get his wife back.
There will no doubt be more OF the affair,
but this is the case at last accounts.
Mrs. Bridge No 2, Of this city, who is
a very estimable lady, feels keenly the dis
grace Of her position, and she will at oace
take steps for the dissolution of the mar
riage by which she was united to man
who had at the time wife living. There
is one child, little boy, an issue OF their
illegal marriage The mother and son both
have the general public sympathy.
The Whereabouts Of Bridge and wife No.
are at present unknown, but there will
be further developments, nos doubt, on sc.
count Of the WomAn'a children,