Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1885-04-02
MRS. GARFIELD BETRoTHED
To Rev. VIM. NJ. Taylor, of MT. jackson
Lawrence County, Ohio. g.

Lawrence County, Ohio.
WASHINGTON, D. c., April 1.-The con-
gregation of the Westfeld Presbyterian
Church, Mt. jackson, near New Castle, Law
renee county, Ohio, were recently surprised
and delighted to learn that their beloved
pastor, Rev. William NJ. Taylor, was en-.
gagged to be married to the reIics
of the late lsmented President
Garfield. The information was con-
yeyed to them in a delicate way, as
properly it should be, but they nevertheless
regard the forthcoming match with deep in.
terest.
There are many romantic features in the
affair, inasmuch as the first wife of Rev.
Taylor was companion and friend of Mrs.
Garfield during the period of their girl
hood.
Rev. Taylor is about fifty years old, and
is of medium height. His hair and whisk.
e ers, once black, and now slightly tinged
with gray. His complexion is q dark olive,
and his eyes are black and sparkling. He
would not be CT inside. ed handsome man
according to the standards Of critical COM
parison, but he is pleasant and agreeable.
he ia one of fourteen sons of ex-Judge
Taylor, of Lawrence county. He is man
of fine literary attainments. He gradu.
ated at Jefferson College, then at Cannons-
burg, in the year 1857. In 1888 he attend
ed a reunion of his class in this city, and
read class history, an account of which was
published at the time. After leaving Jeffer-
son College he went through the Princeton
IN. j. Theological Seminary.
When ordained in the ministry he took
charge of the Westfeld congregation, where
he has remained ever since Shortly after
his installation at the Westfeld charge he
married Miss Packer, of Hiram, Ohio, whom
he bad met while on visit to the latter
place Miss Packer was classmate of
Mrs. Garfield, and they both attended the
college at Hiram. graduating while Presi-
dent Carried was at the head OF that institu-
,iod. After both had married they kept up
their friendly relations, and exchanged let
rels as long as Mrs Taylor lived. By this
means Rev. Taylor and Mrs. Garfield be.
came acquainted.
Some years since Rev. Taylor blilt
handsome residence at Mt. Jackson. Short
" after bis wife's health failed, and they
left for an extended tour of the Holy Land
in order that the change might benefit her.
She was. quite a talented lady, and wilhelm
Jerusalem Srcts-a. number of highly inter
esting letters concerning that country 20
her friends at home. They we're absent
nearly two years, and returned with Mrs.
q bao l,b bot proya1
Shortly after their return they visited
Mrs. Taylor's parents at Hiram. While
there she was overcome with violent at
tack of heart disease, and died suddenly.
Her death occurred one year ago last July.
Mrs Garfield sent the bereaved husband
her sympathies on the sad occasion, and
they frequently met when Rev. Taylor was
on his way to and from Hiram. The friend
ship thus established, ripened, until it is
now an open secret TO the Westfeld flock
that their shepherd is soon to marry the
widow of the distinguished President. The
reverend gentleman makes frequent visits
10 the home of Mrs. Garfield and the init
nations which the congregation have re-
ceiyed indicate that the event is to come of
some time next summer. Their only anxi.
ETY. at present is as to whether they are 60
ing to lose their present spiritual head, or
have a new mistress at the parsonage
Rev. Taylor is now boarding with Squire
Hays, of Mt jackson. While not al elo-
puent preacher. his manners are mild and
pleasant, and he is forcible and earnest
ialser. The congregation to whose spirit
ual wants be ministers fairly idolize him.
Tie report that Mrs. Garfield is to be
married has created considerable comment
throughout the country. The people hav-
ing contributed half million dollars for
her support on account Of the death of her
husband, and great deal of interest is
manifested in regard to her future. 1t is
said, however the announcement that Mrs.
Garfield is tore-marry will excite no surprise
among her intimate friends.
Denied,
CLEVELAND, April 1.-The friends of Mrs.
Garfield deny the published reports that she
IS to marry Rev. Mr.. Taylor Of Pennsyl,
yania. She is living quietly in Cleveland
lnj S educating her children for careers Of
MS f. ness.