The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1884-01-26
HIS FAIR BRIDE.
The Distinguished Negro, Frei
Douglass, Takes = White Bride.
w ashingtSa City Natives Surprised
by the Announcement--W VINE
the Lady "a - The
ssr0o.n's Family.

w AsIIIHG--E CITY, Jan. 2D-The Hon.
Frederick Douglass, the negro orator, entered
the clerks Office i'll the city hall in hurried
and somewhat 4 drried manner He glanced
furtively around, and after bowling to the
clerks, drew the chief clerk aside and a whis-
pered conversation followed The clerk then
took the marriage license book, and after
filing out ono OF the blanks handed Mr.
Douglass & certificate. Mr.. Douglass
took it, and after paving the
dollsr fee looked about him
sheepishly and went out The last blank was
filed out with the names Of Frederick
Douglass, Of Washington, and Helen Pitts, of
New York" It took but a few minutes to
circulate the news When Mr. Douglass
secured the license h5 enjoinei the strictest
secrecy, and asked that it be kept from the
recorders office. A reporter was the first to
disclose the information in that Office, and
Mr. Douglass daughter, who is employed
there, was visibiy affected when told of it,
After securing the licansa Mr.. Douglass im-
mediately repaired to his home in Ana
costa.
Miss Helen Pitts is white lady, and has
been employed as a copyist in Mr.. Douglass
office. She is petite in figure, with dark eyes
and hair, and is about 36 years of age She
is quite pretty. She is d prominent
member of the Woman Suffrage party
and has been associated with Mrs.
DR.. Winslow i'll the conduct of
paper called The Alpha. She was originally
from Akron, Ohio Her family has been
greatly distressed at her employment among
colored people, and, it is said, is overwhelmed
with grief and shame at the news of her mar
riage
When Mr.. Douglass returned to the city he
went to the house Of a friend and remained
there until 6 o'clock, when he sent for car
riage and drove to the residence of Miss
Pitts They were then driven to the resi-
dence of the Rev Francis Crime, 1908 r
street. northwest. They entered the parson-
age and were married by Mr.. Grimke, two
members of the household acting as witnesses.
During the ceremony Miss Pitts retained a
composure of mien that showed steady nerve,
and her answers were clear and distinct. Mr..
Douglass wore full suit of black and his
bride costume of garnet velvet and silk.
On conclusion of the ceremony and after
the hearty congratulations of DIR. Grimke
and family, tie grand old man" and his
bride again entered tine carriage, man and
wife, They went to the house on L street,
where Mrs Douglass received the congratu-
lations of her friends. While Mr. Douglass
was standing on the steps a reporter
approached him and extended his
congratulations. The face of the distinguished
bridegroom wore benign and comfortable
smile, and he shook the reporters hand with
hearty grip Mr.. and Mrs Douglass were
the recipients of many congratulations.
Early in the evening the carriage was
driven to Anacostia, and Mrs Douglass was
introduced into Mr. Douglass family Tn
! first introduetions were made with some EN-
barrassmeut, but in short time they disap
peared and an elegant supper was pleasantly
discussed. Mr.. and Mrs Douglass will prob
ably leave for an e.: 81 1.., Of the north
| The marriage, as might haze been antici
| pated, created considerable surprise.
THE family of Mr.. Douglass knew nothing
about it until in the evening. and his court
ship was conducted with strict secrecy. Th'
lady has no relatives in this city, but has re
sided here for a number Of years, Mr. Doug
| lass has been widower for few years past
He has four children living, three boys and {
| girl. He is 70 years Of age.