West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1884-12-26
WAS IT A MIRACLE?
Wedding Of a Strange and Re-
markable Couple.
The Bride GIsntess aud Both Deaf and
Dumb-A Startling Episode-How the
Husbands Music Woke Up H,
Wife's Dead Sense of Hearing.

Wlfe's Dead Sense of Hearing.
There was a quiet but remarkable
wedding in the city Sunday morning.
which was not written up in the society
columns of the daily papers, and which
might not be announced now but for
tpc most remarkable sequel The con
tracing parties were Hugh Blackbr,
aged thirly-nine, of Scotch parcntagc.
but born in Yonkcrs, n. Y, and Mis-,
olga Johanscn, aged nineteen. Nor
wegian' who came TO this country with
her parents seven years ago. The par
ueS became acquainted at Yonkcrs.
but In January 1898, the Johanscp
family moved to Chicago and settled
here, and since then Mr.. Blackbern has
made several flying visits to the CITY.
Inc ceremony was performed at the
residence of the brides parents. ON
North avenue, Rev. Alexander Bcrucn.
OF Ionkers, officiating. Blackbern is
below the medium height. but is a
very big little man, Weighing two
hundred and nineteen pounds. The
now happy Mrs Blackbern. though
barely nineteen years of age, is "A per
feet giantcss. She stands six feet three
inches, weighs two hundred and thirty
seven pounds, and is the picture of ro-
bust health With blonde hair down
TO her waist, blunt features. and eve.
that seem almost pinkish, she is "a most
striking parsonage. When her hus-
band, with his shortcut fiery red hair
and whiskers, and his azure blue cyo,.
stands beside lher, they make a couple
who can never 90 anywhere without at
tracing attention and causing remark.
Mr.. Blackbern was born deaf. Years
ago skillful surgeons performed an
operation upon him i'm New York citv,
and by means of small gold tubes he
was made 10 hear This was when he
was fifteen years old. His parents
spent most Of their small means paying
the doctors and surgeons, When he
recovered his hearing he could not talk.
and the task of hearing had TO be- begun
Just as baby begins, or as one bcpins
me study of a foreign tongue He now
hears and talks well. and has finished
education. He is in business at Yonkcrs.
and I'm short time will take his wife to
the pretty home he has prepared for her
there. Mrs. Blackbcrn was born with
al her senses, except that of speech
when child she fell victim 10 the ty-
phoid fever, or some dreadful anlictiOn
IKE It, Up TO this time She had been
very diminutivc for her age. When she
recovered she was deaf and her brain
was so impaired that She was pro-
nounced hopeless imbccic. Anertwo
years in an asylum, however. She com
plctcly recovered her reason. and she
accumulated flesh so rapidly and grew
so large that her parents could hardly
pclieve that the person returned TO them
was really their OLGA. Deaf and dumb
as she was when the marriage was per
formed, the chest man and the bride
maid acted as interpreters. and the
clergyman questions were put 90 her
IN the finger language and her responses
were communicated i'm the same way.
Mr. Blackbcrn is, of course. an adcpt i'm
tins silent language, having been deaf
and dumb himself i'm his early years.
and the couple seemed 10 converse even
more quickly than their relative, and
friends, who possessed all the senses.
The miracle Of the marriage remains
70 be told, and 10 is thi, that the rela-
uycs and friends arc most olatcd over.
Mr.. Blackbcrn is "a great lOycrOf music.
lie can hum or whistle the most dini-
cult pieces after hearing them once.
and never having learned TO play any
instrument but constantly whi-ting. he
mas become most proficient in the art
With his lips alone he produces tho
lOudC5t and the lowest sounds. and bv
doubling up his two hands and placing
them at his mouth plays notes as sweet
as flute. The airs Of the old masters
are all familiar 20 him, and hc plays
them with am effect at once surprising
and thrilling. He has % medley of h..
own which he calls " Life at Last" and
whether original on not it is most cu-
tertaining. Pathetic, sad and sweet. if
Is full Of plaintivc, exquisite melody
and has a rOIlicking. joyful final On
the Monday evening following the wed
ding the brides parents gave % little
social party ut which "a dozen couples
OF friends were present During the
evening Mr. Blackbcrn was asked TO
whistle for the company and he did so.
Come Haste tO the Wedding" Mon
delssOhn Wedding March, Ever
Bright and Fair. and numerous other
things were given i'm fine STYLE. greatly
cdfyng those present except the bride
Deaf and dumb She know NOTHING of
music. and could not hear if She did
Her husband was the center Of aticu-
ton for the time being and no ono was
looking at her. Hc commenced hi- med
ley, Life at Last, and a- ho proceeded
a quick movement by his wife attracted
attention 10 her She had arisen. her ewes
were sparkling with delight and She
was standing gazing ON the musician
with 8u attitude fun of RAPTURE As
the sweet. sad airs changed from Grief
TO wailing, and to despair. her excite
ment increased and Omjnou8 glanoos