Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-01-15
Another Romance in Real Life.
THE PECULIAR SITUATION OF SOME MARRI-
ED COUPLES IN BALTIMORE AND
RICHMOND.

The following story comes in special
telegram from Baltimore: On the breaking
out of the war James Cosgrove, a young
man of twenty-five years, enlisted in the
Confederate army, and left his young wife,
to whom he had been married but few
months, with his parents in this city. No
tidings were ever heard of young Cosgrove,
and his wife, after diligent inquiry, ascer-
tained that he was member of a Virginia
regiment and had been promoted to lieu
tenancy. All efforts to communicate with
him were unavailing, and at last informa-
tion was received that Cosgrove's regiment
had been engaged in fierce battle at Gull
pepper Courthouse, and Cosgrove was one of
the killed. The latter news was brought
to the wife by a comrade who had been TAX
en- prisoner by the Federals.
Mrs. Cosgrove was doubtful of her hus-
bands death, and for years anXiously look
ed for letter from him. As tima srnsa- -er.-
she grew respondent, and after the c'ose OF
the war she came to the conclusion he was
either dead or had deserted her. Mrs. Cos.
groves father was prominent ship-builder
in Delaware, and after his death in 1865 the
entire estate, valued it SIS, 900 ar $50 900,
was left to his only daughter, Mrs. Cos
grove.
Every dollar of this money was spent in
searching for the absent husband. After
the money was all gone Mrs. Cosgrove re-
turned to her former home. A few years
later she married Edward Godfrey,
wealthy sea captain, who only survived his
wedding few months. The young widow
was then only twenty eight years of age,
and being possessed of means and very at
tractive in appearance. she had many suitors.
To nearly all she appeared cold and indif-
forqut and tho MOI
tested iu 1873 when she married James D.
CosgrOve Sr., the father of her first hus-
band. Although the latter was rather ad-
vanced in years, being then fifty-six years
old, the newly married couple appeared hap
by and contented. The husband sold his
humble dwelling on Dallas street few
months ago, and by the aid of part of the
young wife's money purchased handsome
dwelling on Lexington street near Fremont.
When the deed for the new purchase was
about being passed to the Cosgrove family
it was learned that the signature of tho
daughter of the former owner, a married
lady residing in Richmond, Va, was neces-
sary for perfect title. Arrangements were
made to have all the parties interested in
the property to meet at Squire McC Caffray's
office on Wednesday last a week ago. All
were promptly ON hand. The daughter from
| AesCuLuOAO anu ACI uuoUduu WCTo bllo id6t
TO arrive. When the latter appeared Mrs.
James Cosgrove, ST., arose from her seat
and scanned him thoroughly. Then, re-
suming her seat, she kept her eye upon the
stranger and closely watched his every
movement. When he signed his name,
flames D. Cosgrovc, Jr.," she exclaimed.
81 knew it - and fell unconscious to the
floor. She was carried into an adjoining room
and restoratives administered. When she
recovered she inquired, 'sWhere is he? Oh
where is he?' Being asked to explain what
she meant she stated that James D. Cos
grove, Jr., was none other than her first
husband whom she had for eighteen years
mourned as dead.
An effort was made to have an interview
with the recreant husband, but it was found
he had bee. me alarmed and fed. His wife
was seen later in the day at the hotel, and
| it was from her a. certained that she had
been married to Mr.. Cosgrove for nine years
past, and had borne him three children
She was unaware he had ever been married,
and she remarked at the conclusion of the
interview: "Well, his wife has another hus-
band, so she can't have mine.'' What will
be the result of the recent DEVELOPMENTS
cannot now be told. Yet it is fact that
Cosgrove, Sr., and young Mrs. Cosgrove
are living together as man and wife, and
Mrs. Cosgrove No. 2 has returned to Rich
mond. and is with the long lost husband
The sale of the house on Lexington street
had necessarily to be declared ''off."