Omaha daily bee., 1886-10-17
A THRILLING LIFE ROMANCE.
The Strange Family History Of Hon. Court
land Symnes.
Change of Name and Chans-> Of
Fortune-ClearingU Up a Mys-
terry of two States.

The appointment of Hon. Courtland
Symmes to be Judge Of the Brunswick
judicial court, says the special cores
pondent of the St Louis Globe Democrat,
writing from Brunswick, Georgia, is not
only remarkable in that the incumbent
is the youngest judge ever appointed in
the state, but that he is the hero OF
life of romance of thrilling detail.
The story was developed In suit re-
Gently entered in Cincinnati, wherein
Mr.. Symmes set himself up as the long
lost heir of the Moore family.
Nearly Il century ago there lived in
Cincinnati John Cleves Symmes, man
who had distinguished himself in the war
of the revolution, and who, subsequently,
had been lieutenant governor of New
Jersey, Judge of the court of common
pleas, and repeatedly member of
congress. His large landed interests led
him into the Ohio valley, where he soon be-
came recognized as one of the most prom
inent pioneers of the day. Amongthe
gentleman with whom he be-
came familiar was Mr.. Hugh
Moore, merchant, who, like
wise, had amassed wealth and influence.
! Colonel Symms had left behind HIM in
New Jersey charming niece, the
daughter OF his brother Timothy, who
also had held high honors of state. 1t
was the dream of Colonel Symmes' life
to bring about a union between his
friend Moore and this niece. A meeting
was arranged, when Mr.. Moore found
| himself in the presence OF lady, young,
beautiful and accomplished, one whose
mind had been cultivated by attendance
in the best schools of Europe. The re-
suit, as may be imagined, was an engage
ment, followed by speedy marriage.
To mark his approval OF his niece 5
choice, Colonel Symmes conveyed 10 her
large tracts of land, besides other pres
ents of a substantial character.
PLANS THAT MIsCARRIED.
Mr.. and Mrs. Moore 1T once became
the centers of an exclusive coterie OF
friends. Their illustrious revolutionary
connections, their wealth, their cultiva-
tion, all united TO place them at the head
of the embryo society OF the future queen
city of the west. The early pioneers were
men who had distinguished themselves in
the service of their country, but who,
finding the avenues of advancement in
the east crowded, sought the oppOrtunI
ties of the west. Having so much in
common in the way of tradition and fel-
low feeling, their association was of the
| closest character. 1t was natural then
that the birth of an heir to Mr. and Mrs
Moore should have been an occasion OF
real congratulation, and that in seeking
a name for it, not only should the father
be remembered, but compliment should
be bestowed upon n trusted friend OF the
family--Judge Courtland Montgomery
The child. then, was named Hugh Mont
gomery Moore.
For twenty-one years following bu
little happened 10 disturb the happines:
of the friends thus introduced TO the
public. Business prOspered with them
in consequence of which they cOntin
ually grew richer Children grew II
beauty, and engaged the fondest antici
pxtions of their parenls. Young Hugf
Montgomery Moore at 81 was as fine /
specimen of manhood as ever lived. Hi
parents had fashionei for him marriage
which should add both fortune anC
prestige TO the family, and neyel
dreamed that the Yong man could thinl
otherwise than they did themselves.
was terrible interview, then, in whicl
Hugh informed his father that he ha'
already set his hsaFr upon one who
while not 30 wealthy 'or exclusive, wa
! yet one of the noblest types of American
womanhood-Miss Margaret Crane, o