Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-02
DESERTED AT THE ALTAR.

A sensation Of no mean proportions was
created in the city yesterday by rumor
that well-known young physician had
captured the hand of bride just as she was
in the act of being united 10 wedlodk to an
other. Investigation showed that the re-
port was founded on facts and the details
of the affair form rather startling romance,
the principals in the story being DR.. c. w.
COPYRIGHT, who really did marry Mrs. Jen.
ME Chatham, and Mr. G. E. Harris, from
whose arms she was torn at the nuptial al
tar.
About three years ago Dr. COPYRIGHT re
moved here from New York, and soon after
establishing himself in this city he made
the acquaintance of Mrs. Jennie Chatham,
who occupies q handsome brick residence
at 1892 Main street. Dr. COPYRIGHT called
frequently, and the neighbors began to re-
mark that the handsome widow was about
to be married. DR.. Courtright's attentions
did not escape the notice of Mr.. c. e. Har-
ris, telegraph operator, who occupied q
room at the residence of Mrs. Chatham.
He was himself smittep, and regarded the
attentions of the Doctor with an eye Of jeal-
ousy. His passion drove him to despera.
ton, and about two weeks ago be proposed
for the hand of the widow and was refused
He persisted however, and by some means
gained consent, and the nuptials were ar
ranged for Tuesday evening at $3.50 o'clock.
Everything was in readiness, and the
bride was awaiting the arrival of the ex-
pected hour, when in burst DR.. COPYRIGHT,
who, at the last moment, had learned Of the
approaching nuptials. A few moments
conversation and all was explained. She
had consented to marry Harris much against
her wishes, so she said, and would willingly
desert him, even at the altar No sooner
said than done. Her cloak was quickly
thrown about her, and they passed rapidly
out of the rear entrance of her residence
into carriage at the very moment the
groom, accompanied by DR.. Barns, was en-
tering at the front door. The groom sought
in vain for his bride, and, failing to find her,
left the house. The storm being over, the
bride that was TO be returned, plans having
in the meantime been arranged whereby q
repetition of the scenes of the evening be-
fore would be rendered impossible. Early
yesterday morning DR.. COPYRIGHT and Mrs
Chatham drove over to Wyandotte, and a
marriage license having been obtained they
were married.
To reporter who called at the residence
on Main street last evening Dr.. COPYRIGHT
stated that he had been impelled in his ac-
tons by the purest motives. Harris had
compelled Mrs Chatham into promising to
marry him, and he considered it his duty to
aid her. Mrs. COPYRIGHT, in reply to look
of surprise at the remark that she had been
forced to give her consent, said "This is
how it all came about: Harris, some two
weeks since, proposed to me and was re-
fused. 1 had no thought of marrying any
one, Notwithstanding the assertions of the
neighbors who told you so. He denied it
and said was betrothed to doctor Court
right. This I dsclaimed. He persisted,
proposing to me every day, until he became
a perfect pest. Sunday he was more than
ever persistent, and swore dire vengeance
on the doctor, who he accused of depriving
him of his hearts desire. Finally, seeing no
way to get rid of him, consented to marry
him, stating l could not do SO until fall. l
had no thought of keeping my promise, and
to shold the doctor, whom, firmly
believed, be would have harmed at the time,
as he was very much excited. He even de-
that should lock my doors against
bis rival. You can readily understand that
I was considerably surprised on returning
home Tuesday afternoon from trip down
town to learn from Mr.. Harris, who met me
at the door, that he had secured the services
of minister, and that We were to be mar
Il 49, .ra,in1 T Thought the matter !