Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-06-04
"a Russian Counts American Wife.
Boston Globe.


The Probate Court held at North
ampton witnessed the sequel of one
of those romances in real life that
equal In interest the productions of
the mimic stage. Caroline Mathe
Lester was the daughter of wealthy
banker OF Rochester, n. Y. She was
educated at a leading institution in
New York City, where she evinced
considerable talent, becoming prof.
c1ent III at least five languages. which
she coxld speak and write huennty.
She possessed great personal beauty
and an amiable disposition that made
friends Of all with whom she came in
contact. In 1866, on the death of her
father, she came with her mother to
Amherst, where she resided with her
uncle, Professor w. S. Tyler, of Am
herst College.
In 1870, IN company with her
mother, she went abroad.
While in Paris she made the ac>
qualntance of a person who STYLED
himself Count Mltkiewicz, claiming
to be member of the Russian nobii.
lty. His name IN full is Eugene
Oscar Emile Constantine Mltkiewicz.
He was born In 1850 at St, Peters
burg, being the third son of Count
Ivan lvanovicz Mitkiewicz, an officer
of the Russian court. AT the time he
mace Miss Testers acquaintance he
was young, OF pleasing address and
versatile. She became infatuated
with him, aud he professed to return
her love. Miss Lester returned to
America, and was soon followed
nlther by the Count, whose loye-msk-
ing was OF the most ardent character
The young lady's friends and relatives
were greatly opposed to the match.
ana dld everything in their power to
break 1t Off, even going so far. it is
said, as TO contine her that she might
not see him. But the old saving tAat
love laughs at obstacles proved true
once more, and, her mothers consent
having been obtained. the wedding
took place April SO, 1872.
The local paper printed a few DAYS
later glowing account of the wed
ding, which was most elaborate af-
far. The ceremonies were performed.
one by a Roman Catholic priest and
the second by Rector Allen of the
Episcopal Church. The bride was
given away by Lucius Boitwood, and
Mrs. Boltwood offciated as bridesmaid.
After the wedding the bridegroom
furnished his friends with a choice
collation. of cake, wine and cigars at
the Amherst House.
After the marriage the Count and
his wife travelled through the country.
living IN the best of style, his wife
furnishing the money to pay the bills.
Inc same programme was repeated in
several European cities. The Count
scattered money like a Prince, By
his testimony in court the other day
It was proved that he spent $50. 900
600 from his wlfe's estate, besides SIS,
advanced by his mother-in-Iaw. He
was at one time engaged in money
making scheme known as the "Rock
Point Oyster Company" whose head
quarters were at Lancaster wharf,
Great Wicomlco Bay, Potomac river
But his genius was TO spend money
rather than earn it, and he paid little
attention to business. In spite of his
spend-thrift ways his wife continued
to love him, and they were an affec~
tionate couple. Nine children were
born to them, one of whom died while
the family were In Europe. and
another, aged 2 years, died few
weeks ago.
Some months ago the family came
TO Amherst TO reside, living at the
Amherst House. Here the Countess.
as she was always called here in town.
was taken i'll, and died April 3. The
Count is said TO have been q devoted
husband during his wife's illness. In
appearance the Count is rather above
the medium height, has a good figure
and sports DUndreary whlskers of a.
sandy hue. He is good specimen of
the chevalier de I'industrie, and his
society is much affected by students.
The proceedings at the Probate
Court were in reference to the APP
pointfnent of a guardian for the seven
surviving children. There is an estate
of about $25, 900 left to them, and on
the death of their grandmother, Mrs.
Lester, they will receive about 81, co.
600 more. The Count knew that he
was unable to provide for the chill
dren, and was willing to have a
guardian appointed. but he desired to
select the man. To this Mrs. Lester
demurred, and the court on her peti-
ton appointed as guardian Rev. Dir.
Rowland Ayers, of Hadley.