Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1884-01-11
Another Romance in Real Life.
THE PECULIAR SITUATION OF SOME MAR
RIED COUPLES IN BALTIMORE AND
RICHMOND,

The following story comes in a special
telegram from Baltimore: On the break
ing out of the war James Cosgroye. a
young man of twenty 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 in
quiry, ascertained that he was a member
of Virginia regiment and had been pro-
NOTED to lieutenancy. All efforts to
communicate with him we're unavailing,
and at last Information was received that
Cosgroves regiment had been engaged in
fierce battle at Culpeper Courthouse, and
Cosgrove was one Of the kilIed. The latter
news was brought to the wife by COM
rade who had been taken prisoner by the
Federals.
Mrs. Cosgrove was doubtful Of her hus-
bands death, and for years anxiously
looked for a letter from him. AS time
wore on she grew respondent, and after
the close Of the war she came to the con-
clusion he was either dead or had deserted
her. Mrs. Cosgrove's father was promi-
nent ship. builder in Delaware, and after
his death in 1865 the entire estate, valued
at 900 or $40, 900 was left to his only
daughter. Mrs. Cosgrove.
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, a
wealthy sea captain, who only survived his
wedding a 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 suit
ors. To nearly all she appeared cold and
Indifferent. and great was the surprise
manifested in 1888 when she married Jas.
D. COsgrove, ST., the father of her first
husband. Although the latter was rather
advanced in years, being then ffty-six
years old, the newly-married couple ap-
peared happy and contented. The husband
sold his humble dwelling On Dallas street
| few months ago, and by the aid of a part
of his young wife's money purchased q
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 the daughter Of the former owner, q
married lady residing in Richmond, Va,
| was necessary for perfect title. Arran-
| gements were made to have all the parties
interested in the property to meet at
Squire McCaffray's office on Wednesday
last week ago. All were promptly on
| hand. The daughter from Richmond and
her husband were the last to arrive. When
the latter appeared Mrs. James Cosgrove,
| ST., arose from her aeat and scanned him
thoroughly. Then, resuming her seat, she
kept her eye upon the stranger and closely
watched his every movement. When he
signed his name, "James D. Cosgrove,
Jr.," she exclaimed, 81 knew it ~ and
fell unconscious to the floor. She was
carried into an adjoining room and restor-
atives administered. When she recov.
cred she inquired, 'Where is he2 Oh!
where Is he 2" Being asked to explain
what she meant she stated that James D.
Cosgrove, 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 1t was
found he had become alarmed and fled.
His wife was seen later in the day at the
hotel, and it was from her ascertained
that she had been married to Mr.. Cos.
| grove for nine years, and had borne him
three children. She was unaware he had
eyer been married, and she remarked at
the conclusion of the interview: "Well
his wife has another husband, SO she can I
| have mine" What will be the result of
| the recent developments cannon now be
| told. Yet 1t is fact that Cosgrove, ST.,
and young Mrs. Cosgrove are living to.
! gether as man and wife, and Mrs. Cos.
| grove No. has returned to Richmond,
| and is with the long-lost husband. The
sale Of the house on Lexington street had
necessarily to be declared ''off