The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-11-16
CLOTHING STORE
A BRIDE DER GAY.
An Unfortunate Marriage of a Scion of an
Old New York Family-A Divorce Ahead.

MILWAUKEE, Wis, Nov. 15-It is rumored
that divorce proceedings which will set the
tongues of the gossips to wagging at lively
rate, shortly to become public through the
medium of the courts. The plaintiff, who is IN
derstood to have already placed his case in the
hands of wel-known firm of attorneys in this
city, is said to be Howard Rees. and the de-
fendant, his wife, Jennie Valley Rees, to whom
he was married early in September last, and
who, it is alleged deserted him short time ago.
Many highly-colored and picturesque stories are
atoat in connection with the affair Mr.. Rees
is well-known gentleman, who has resided
in Milwaukee for several years past. His father
is a wealthy and socially prominent New Yorker,
and has large property interests in this city, of
which the son has had charge. The latter mas.
until lately, owned real estate here, having been
the proprietor of the large and valuable red
brick block on West Water street, between
Sycamore and Claybourn streets known as the
central warehouses.
The younger Rees is a person of marked cul-
ture, studious habits and quiet, gentlemanly de-
meauor Until,his marriage he moved freely in
tie best society in the city. The marriage was
surprise mot to say shock to his friends.
The young woman whom he made his wife was
known both as Oracle Webster and Jennie Val
ley though the latter is said to have been her
real name. She is possessed of great personal
beauty and briiancy of manner. Her parents
are said to be well do and respectable resi-
dents of Troy, n Y. A year ago some ndis
Greet act led to her leaving her home How Mr..
Rees fell in with her is not known, but in some
way he came under the spell of her fascination,
made a proposal of marriage to her and was ac-
cepted. The couple wera quietly married, about
the 8th of September, at the house of Rev W. j.
Of
The marriage, as stated, created a feeling of con-
sternation in the select social circles in which
the bridegroom had moved. and the question of
Ought to visit her!'' if it was ever debated
there with reference to his wife, was decided
very positively in the negative
The newly welded couple lived in apartments
IN an upper story of the warehouse building,
which Mr.. Rees had fitted up in sumptuous
style. with costly furniture, brio brac. books
pictures and all the luxuries that taste could
suggest or money buy. The husband endeavored
30 interest the wife in the literary studies which
mad formed the recreation of his own leisure
hours and to keep her from the associations by
which she had been surrounded previous to their
marriage. but she quickly tired of the monotony
of the sort of life which he had planned for her.
Towards the close of the last month a deed
signed by Mr.. and Mrs Howard ID. Rees con
veying to the father and brother of the latter the
red brick warehouse property filed in the
Office of the Register of Deeds. The considera-
tion named in the deed $36, 900, but there
were persons claiming to be posted who said
that the transfer was in some way connected
with the d:spleasure of the elder Rees at the
marriage of his son 1t was said that consider
able sum of money had to be paid to Mrs.
Howard ID. Rees personally to secure her sigma
ture to the joint deed.
The World correspondent called uron Mr.
Rees, and. stating the stories which were aHoat,
asked him if he had any statement to make con
cernng the affair Mr.. Rees replied:
Il am not prepared to spread the matter out
in the newspapers. If the press is determined
to discuss it, that is something which | cannot
control will say this, that the terms of sale
of the Central warehouses were agreed upon be-
tween my father and myself as long ago as May
last before had ever met my wife. The con
veyance was delayed only because of my faith
ers sickness AS to the statement that intend
20 sue for divorce it is statement which |
nave neither affirmed nor denied am not pre-
pared to make any statement of this affair to the
press \ statement made without due prepara-
tions would be partial, and partial statements
are always subject to misinterpretation; so that
even were | not anxious to avoid publicity in the
matter l would decline to say anything at
present. Ii the newspapers conclude to spread
out the stories which going about shall be
very sorry, not on my own account but because
the reports would be carried home to my father
and the rest OF my family and would be source
OF modification to them"
1t is due to Mr. Rees to saw that none of the
gossip which Is III circulation concerning the
fortunate affair duplicates him in anything at all
dlshonorabe. Those who are familiar with the
facts, while admitting his want of Judgment
say that he was sincere in his attachment to the
young woman by whom he was fascinated, and
that he had thought that by marrying her and
surrounding her with books and luxuries he
could effect her. reclamation. 1t is said that
even now when he speaks of her he says she is
possessed Of many good qualities. Even his pro
posed legal action, it is asserted is taken at the
Urgent advice of near friends, and is contem-
plated by him ''more in sorrow than in anger"
The rich young mans marriage, his brides de-
sertion and the probable divorce is the sensation
Of the town.