The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-21
CHILDISH EL0PERS.
A Woud-Be Groom of Eleven Years and a
Bride of TwelVe-The RunaWays Caught

New YORK, Oct. 2O-Jersey City has for years
Seen looked upon a matrimonial haunt similar
80 the renowned Gretna Green of England
place of refuge for eloping couples, where the
nuptial knot may be tied without many questions
or interference by oficious friends. No more
amusing case has been chronicled than that
which occurred yesterday, when an ill-advised
marriage was happily averted between a groom
of eleven and bride Of the tender age of twelve.
Everything was done in the most approved fash
ion courtship, ante-nuptial economy, dowry and
elopement, but two persons being intrusted with
the secret-the would-be man and wife. For
tunately, the parents, when they missed their
children, were able to trace the runaways to
Jersey City, and press correspondent obtained
o few moments conversation with the father of
the groom before their departure home to Phila-
Repha.
For two years Henry Claudi, widower of
means. has lived at ZIG South Ninth street, Phil
adephia, having an only son. Augustus, now
about eleven years old. AS Mr.. Caudi is fire.
quently away from home, he permitted his son
to pass nearly all his time with Mr.. and Mrs
Henry Brown and their family. at 7274 Spruce
street. They have quite an extensive family
consisting of five sons, nearly all grown, and
two daughters Emily, aged seventeen. and
Lizzie aged twelve The latter is precocious
and she has been the constant companion of
Augustus Claudi, whom she finally determined
TO make her lord and master. They were rec
ognzed as sweethearts and their elders fire.
Quently ioked with them upon the subject, not
for an instant dreaming that the youngsters
regarded it as such sacred subject, or that
they had resolved to end the courtshlp in a ro-
mantle wedding. On Saturday last, when the
Brown family had assembled for supper the
youthful lovers were missing, but only passing
notice was taken of the matter, as it was
thought they might be at neighbor's house
Tt late. and still there was sign
of their return, and the brothers were dispatched
to hunt them up. Every friend was called upon
without any favorable news, and Mr. Claudi and
his friend were nearly distracted, fearing that a
kidnapping similar to that of Charley Ross had
happened. All Saturday night search was made
but without avail. but when Mr.. Brown sent to
his postofice box for his letters yesterday he re-
ceived note which startled the family. 1t was
from little Lizzie, explaining that she and
augustus had left for Jersey City to be married
there Without a moments delay Mr.. Brown
and Mr. Claud hurried to the Broad street
depot, where they made inquiries without re
suit, and telegraph dispatches to friends in Jer-
sey City were sent, asking them to keep look
out for the missing ones The fathers arrived
at Jersey City at 1913. During the journey they
sat in smoking-car, and upon alighting were
astonlshed to see the young couple alighting
from another coach in the same train
The yourg lady was crying, while the boy
was almost paralyzed with fear In two seconds
the children were seized by their parents and an
explanation demanded The girl could scarcely
speak. but implored her father to take her home
and the boy was evidently in similar frame If
mind for he clung to his fathers arm and
begged TO return 70 Philadelphia. They had
wandered about Philadelphia until late Sat
urday night, making small purchases and, on
arriving at the depot, found that there was
no train for Jersey City for several hours. As
they were afraid to return home they sought q
place of rest for the night and presented them
selves at n small hotel kept by Michael Teller
planned to him that they had missed their train,
giving fictitious names, and saying that they
were brother and sister. He provided
them. with separate rooms, and yesterday
morning. after breakfast they left by the
noon train for Jersey City. By this time
the brides courage had failed and she cried dur
ing the entire journey. She had in her small
satchel powder puff, some toilet articles, a few
cheap trinkets and 81. The groom had in his
posses 'ion only 90 cents. He said they had been
saving this up in pennies for long time, and
when the fare was paid and some small pur-
chases in Philadelphia were settled for. he had
only ST., and his love for Lizzie wilted. They
intended, he said. to telegraph home where they
were if the parents had not discovered them.
Both Mr.. Brown and Mr. Claudi laughed heartily
when the foolish affair ended. and tele-
graphed their discovery to Philadelphia. In flu
ture years the twain will be kept apart The
and Miss Brown. who wanted to be Mrs Au-
gustus Caudi, will go to a convent Thus, the
elopement terminated rather farcically.