The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-04-19
MISS FRANCES FOLSOM
The Young Woman Who L. Expected TO BE-
come Mistress Of the White House.

MISS FRANCES FOLSOM
The Young Woman Who Is Expected to Be-
come Mistress of the White House.
Buffalo Special to Cincinnati Enquirer.
There is no longer any doubt here about the
truth of the report that Miss Frances Folsom is
engaged to be married to President Cleveland,
her fathers former law-partner, and the accept
ance by Miss Folsoms relatives Of the truth OF
the report has thrown society into a 1utter. The
younger set, which comprises all the lovely girls
with whom frankie Folsom is such favorite,
are divided between states of surprise and mock
Miss Ida Gregg. the handsome
daughter of DR.. R. R. Gregg, Of Main street. is
who beg for particulars of the en-
eagement, and examine with interest the
half-dozen splendid photographs of frankie,
which the fair girl placed, with her own hands
in the family album. Miss Gregg Is one OF the
most accomplished society bellies, and has long
been known as Miss Folsom's s'chum' and conf
dante. She processes to be as much in the dark
as the rest Of the girls regarding the engage
ment. but there is good ground for report that
she has received a letter from Miss Folsom. who
is now in Genoa, Italy inviting her to be one OF
the bridemaids Both the President and the
bride expectant want to keep the ceremony quiet
in order TO avoid the display which would be the
result Old friends Of Mr.. Folsom and Mr.
Cleveland 30 far as heard from, are gratifled at
the announcement of the present engagement
Mr. Henry W. Box who was almost brother
to the late Oscar Folsom, said in conversation
with the correspondent on the subject: II have
received no letter announcing the engagement,
but believe it to be q fact. have been led to
know when it will take place, I have no doubt
but that Miss Folsom will be welded to the
President"
Miss Folsom is one Of the most beautiful
women in Buffalo. Her tall and splendidly
nodded form, her graceful carriage, exquisite
foo <.1ro Nd orr black hair n not
her only charms, but are accessories to anna
bility, good sense and vivacity, which made her
an acknowledged belle long before her school days
were over. In 1872 when she was only fifteen
years old, she attended in character costume the
Authors Carnival. gorgeous spectacle, which
was held in the Pearl-street Rink. There she
took the prize for the handsomest woman. and
her vote amounted to majority over all other
contestants, which was great showing when 1t
is considered that fifteen thousand ballots were
cast. She was attached to the Burns booth, and
wore Highland lassies costume. Her natural
good sense did not permit her to be carried away
with herself. and she thereafter spent two years
in the Central High school and four terms at
Wells College, Aurora. She was not brilliant
student. but was faithful and conscientious in
her studies. Miss Folsom has had romance
before this one, and it occurred while she
was attending the High school Fortunately it
had no blighting effect. She was regular at
tendant at the North Presbyterian Church and
Tue prayer meetings u6lu bucre, at WHICH SuS
often met Mr.. Charles Townsend, dashing
young man, who was versatile in his accomplish
ments. He was Of good family, rich. and moved
in the most aristocratic circles. He was promi-
nent in the church at the time and labored with
earnestness and vigor. He formed an attach
tions kindly. In . short time they were en-
gagged, and short time after he announced his
intention of studying for the ministry. He had
previously been a drug-clerk, law.clerk,
newspaper reporter, and has been in other pro-
fesslonal occupations. He studied theology In
Auburn. and soon transferred his affections
from the Buffalo beauty to an Auburn belle,
whose father was leading banker. He wrote
Miss Folsom a frank letter. in which he told
her that he could not love her as she deserved to
from his engagement Like a sensible girl, she
told him that he could do rs he pleased
Townsend then became the accepted sutton of
the Auburn girl. but while she was selecting her
trousseau he sent her letter In which he said
that, after mature deliberation, he had decided
not to marry, as he could not afford it.
The father-in-law that was to be found the
letter in his daughters hand. She was uncon-
scious, having swooned away when she read the
cruel screed Itrequired much persuasion after
ward to induce the banker to change his mind
about horsewhipping the former sutton of the
Presidents bride Townsend has never been in
Auburn since. Miss Folsoms conduct had been
in marked contrast from that Of the Auburn girl
CFdukl6 merely Ddut4u0u Ou6Tloy ITOW nor mlDQ
and went serenely on her way. Her relations
since with his family have been just as cordial as
ever. He is now a Presbyterian minister at
Lansingburg, and his wife is q wealthy parish
toner's daughter.
Miss Townsend, Rev Charleys sister, married
Assistant United States District Attorney We'll
lingtop, of Troy, N. Y, and it is she who is
ported to have received the letter from Miss Fol
som. in which she announced her engagement to
the President. This statement Is contradicted
nj W. -
yesterday, and was seen by the correspondent.
to whom he said "My wife has not received any
letter from Miss Folsom announcing her engage
ment That such a letter has been received do
not deny: in fact, have seen it myself But it
was not sent to my wife. The way the story
started was first by the statement that Buffalo
lady, then in Troy, had received such
letter from Miss Folsom. Ny wife
from Buffalo, and a friend Of Miss Fol-
som, and the conclusion was reached that
the letter was sent to my wife," Mr.. Yelling
ton, however, could not be induced TO divulge
the name of the recipient Of the letter, it had
been y confidential communication. r. Corning
Townsend brother Of Mrs. Wellington stated
that he had seen the letter, and In it Miss Fol
som says that she became engaged to marry the
President before leaving for Europe: that the
wedding is to come off in June, at the White
House. and is to be very quiet Mrs. Townsend
and Miss Cora Townsend, tho mother and
younger sister of Mrs Wellington, have been
pretty generally believed that Mrs. Townsend
was the recipient of the letter. She is
known to have been much cha
grined at her sons treatment years
ago of Miss Folsom, for whom she had mothers
love- Taking all the circumstances together,
there is no doubt but the letter is in existence
and that some Of the Townsend family have re-
ceived it. The statement has been telegraphed
that Rev. William Cleveland, the Presidents
brother. has stated alphabetically that the latter
was engaged to Miss Folsom. The prospective
mistress of the White House is expected home
the middle of May. She is accompanied by her
mother and her cousin, Mr. Benjamin Folsom.
The latter, In conversation with the CORE
spondent before the party went to Europe, said
that frankie would be married when they re-
turned, but declined to say who the groom would
be. It is understood here that a portion, at
least, of the expenses of the trip is paid by tho
President
Miss Morosini's Adventure.