The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-09-25
WILLING WOMlA'S WILL.
DESERTED BY HER HUSBAND,
SHE WORKS HER WAY
To n Profitable Business by the Ex-
ercise Of Her Abilities, Expert.
ence and knowledge.

Star publishes the following: When
the immense iron manufacturing firm
of John V. Ayers Sons, OF Chicago,
failed in February, 1882, for over a
million dollars, Herbert Aver, the
sole surviving member, was In New
York with his family, making prepare
tons for their customary trip TO
Florida. Twenty years previously the
business, with its iron mills and valu-
able plant, had been left by his
father, John V. Aver, to Herbert Aver
aud his brother John. The latter died
in 1870, In 1866 Herbert Aver mar.
ried MISS Harriet Hubbard, a charm
ing Chicago girl. She was the niece
of Gurdon Hubbard, one OF the first
white settlers in Chicago, who died re-
Gently at the advanced age OF 81 years.
Mr.. Aver derived a princely income
from the iron business, and lived in
luxury. His house was the wonder
aud pride Of Chicago, and he lavished
almost fabulous sums in decking it
with choice pictures, antique furniture
and bric-a-brsc collected from all quar-
teIs OF the globe.
When he broke the news OF his mis-
fortune TO his wife he told her he
would have to go to Chicago on bus
iness for several days, but would re-
turn without delay rs soon as the most
urgent details OF his business affairs
were arranged. The projected South
ern trip was, Of course, abandoned.
Ms. Aver and her two children took
up quarters in more modest ho.el,
and Mr.. Aver took the train for the
West. From that day to this Mrs.
Aver has not set eyes on him.
She owned in her own right num-
Der OF shares OF stock in the iron mills,
as well as some coal mining property,
and these che sent on ID Chicago at his
request, in order to facilitate his re-
lease from his creditors. In the
course Of some few months, her hus-
bands return seeming to te further of
than ever, she removed to a modest
house, No. 100 West Thirteenth street.
Mr.. Aver sent her very little money,
and soon he wrote her that he was
obliged to 90 to Europe. He per-
suade her TO send him some other Sc
curities which she still had, agreeing
in return to send her $500 every
month. That was in October, 1888,
He failed to send this, or any part OF
II, and Mrs. Aver was left TO struggle
on without him. Now, after three
years OF desertion, she has begun suit
Tor divorce in the Superior Court at
Chicago.
Mrs. Harriet Hubbard Aver is a
remarkably beautiful woman, with
fair hair and complexion. Although
she is in her 3Sth year, not line OF
her face shows her to be past 80.
When seen last evening by Star re-
porter, in the charmingly fitted up
parlor of her house, she was at first
disinclined to speak OF her family af.
fairs. She said she had no quarrel with
Mr.. Aver, and wished to say nothing
against him. Ia the interests OF her
children, II for no other reason, she
preferred to remain silent. After q
while che entered into an animated
discussion on art matters, of which she
showed much knowledge, and little by
little told her etory. There was not a
particle OF attempt at self praise ap.
parent during its recital. She rather
left 1t to be inferred how much she had
had TO contend against. She eaid:
"When, after repeated dieappoint-
ments, the fact dawned upon me that
Mr.. Aver would not move a step
toward the fulfllment OF his promise.
I was overwhelmed with despair l
occupied a house, the expense OF main
tanning which was wretchedly trivial
compared,with my former means, but
which now seemed 70 be enormous. /
had absolutely no income TO look Tor
ward to upon which to support my
self and two daughters. Enough furni-
ture and ornaments had been sent
from our Chicago house TO stock our
small and modest rooms, but 1t did
not occur to me that l could part with
any OF them. Imagine my position.
! had been brought up in the lap Of
luxury and my two lovely daughters
had been reared with the tastes Of
prlnCessss. l remember walking up
and down the room wringing my
hands in despair, not knowing in the
least what course to pursue. Then l
remembered large art firm on Union
square through whom we had bought
many Of our treasures, and | went
there and offered my services as sales
lady. They were accepted, and ! was
at once in receipt OF salary which,
Judged by some standards, wss fair.
But had a house on my hands, and
my children's education called for a
large outlay. From time to time la.
dies Of society whom had been init
mate with in Chicago would send me
requests 10 act for them as purchasing
agent in matters Of fine dress"
~ did this as an act OF friendship
many scores OF times, and then l began
to look upon 1t in q business light. ]
thought that If su,h services were
necessary TO my friends they must be
equally necessary 10 many ladies at 9
distance, who would be willing to pay
q liberal commission to anyone WITH
the requisite taste and knowledge, who
could make discreet purchases. / de
cided to 20 into the business, but haC
no money TO pay for circulars. The
first sacrifice OF clothing / made was {
rich cloak OF rare Chinese iurs anC
velvet, originally made for the Ozarini
of Russia. This sold to Clara Louise
Kellogg, and with the proceeds psiC
my printers bill. Then disposed o
a rare piece OF heavy silverware anC
some valuable laces, and bought post
age stamps with the money. As thu
result OF this outlay l got one large or
der from a wealthy lady, which ne
cessitated a journey to Paris. Ate
this my patrons rapidly increased, anC
soon had q large number Of wealthy
ladies from all parts Of the United
States on my list. One day 1t occurred
to me that il my knowledge of hsr
mony OF color and beauty OF desigi
was valuable when applied to last
in female dress, it ought Il
be of equal service II
the decoration and furnishing
Of houses. So many people hsve'tht
means Diminishing their houses luxu
riantly while being ignorant OF thu
principles OF art that at once jumped
to the conclusion that j had a new
field before me. l had more circular
printed aud soon got an opportunit.
10 display my abilities in this neV
line. Little by little | added to m,