Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-07-22
CITY AND SUBURBAN.
DID HE WANT A WIFE OR MONEY!
DR.. Edwards, the Corn-Curer-fiis Curious
Capers in Rishmond and Subsequent Arrest
In Albania ca.

DR.. Edwards, the Corn-Curer-fiis Curious
Capers in Rishmond and Subsequent Arrest
In Atlanta, Ga.
Some two months ago red-hcaded and
whiskered man, OF medium statue and not
unseembly bearing, walked into the st.
Claire Hotel and registered under the
euphonlous name Of "James Joseph Au-
gustine Edwards, chiropodist, &C." He
placed bis hailing point at Tlrboro', n. e.,
and the next day dispatched a couple OF
colored urchins through the streets with
portable signs on their shoulders bearing
the information that the Doctor was pos
sessed Of complete cure for corns aud
bunions, and extending TO all who suffer-
cd from these ills cordial invitation to call
and be relieved by the Doctors skill.
What business the Doctor did in this line
il Is no part OF the intent OF these lines TO
relate hut IL turned ont that after awhile
few Of the boarders at the hotel heard that
there was TO be a marriage in the parlors
thereof. and few Of the quests went in
and were present at the interesting ceremo-
ny which made DR.. james Joseph Angus
tine Edwards and Miss Zerina Bootwright
man and wife. The ceremony took place
on the Goth day Of last May, and was per-
formed by Rev. Or. II. A. Topper. The
marriage.licenSe was duly procured at the
clerks office OF the Hastings Court OF the
city Of Richmond, and is matter OF record
there.
Nothing more was thought OF the affair,
and in few days the couple changed their
bOarding-place from the st. Claire Hotel to
rooms at Mr.. Wigand's, on Broad street.
Before leaving the hotel. however, Mrs.
Edwards became suddenly and alarmingly
i'll. She had severe commissions, and the
services OF DR.. r. II. Styll, who keeps an
office in the hotel. were required. DR..
Styll rendered proper medical aid, and the
sufferer convalesced.
Miss Bootwright possessed IN her own
right some property. and when her illness
became alarming, after her marriage, like
good wife, she bethOught herself of her
liege lord, and accordingly prepared her
will, devising her property S her nus
band. Mr.. r. II. Cardwell was her attOr-
ney in this matter. and took the will. but
did not have Il recorded at once. IL has
never been recorded. and Mr.. Cardwell, had
he have been in the city yesterday, could
perhaps have thrown considerable light
upon this part OF the affair.
shortly after going to Wigand's to live
on the 26th day Of lastJune-Edwards came
into bis brides chamber and quarrel en-
sued. The opportune entrance OF servant
caused the matter 10 be quieted, and Ed
wards left the room, since which time Mrs.
Edwards hat not seen or heard from him.
His wife, believing that he had deserted
her, went before Justice W. h. Watts and
swore out a warrant against her husband,
charging nim with attempting 10 I" murder
her by poison" The warrant was placed
in the hands Of Office Charles Sweeny, who.
failing to tiud Edwards, mentioned the
matter one day to Detective John Wren,
who without pay or promise OF pay set TO
work to find Edwards. being moved 10 such
action by professional reasons. sunday
evening one OF the detectives traps fell and
caught game. Edwards having been found
in Atlanta. Ga, by reason OF Wren's de-
scriptiye list.
Yesterday morning the chief OF police OF
Atlanta sent Il telegram to Detective Wren,
saying Have the sheriff or chief Of police
to send telegram at once. signed officially,
stating the charge against Edwards, and
whether or not TO hold him. His lawyers
will sue ont a writ. He has wife here"
Mr.. Wren had an interview with Com
monwealth's Attorney :. b. Witt. who
sent the following reply: Hold Edwards
on charge OF bigamy and attompt to mar
der his wife"
The papers needed will he made out To-
day and given 10 Officer Sweeny. who
Will 90 down to Atlanta after Edwards.
DR.. Styll will accompany the officer for the
purpose OF identifying Edwards.
Mrs. Edwards, nee Miss BOotwright. Is
fhp youuVeSt daughter OF William Boot
WRIGHT, who conducted business for many
wears at the corner of First and Broad
streets. but Just before the war removed 10
Warrenton, Va.
\ telegram to the Dispatch from Atlanta
says that Edward, was married there three
years ago to a Miss Doyal.