The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1888-04-16
A SORRONFUI ROMANCE.
Last Act Of the HiIIyer-BuIkIey
EIopement Sensation.
THE YOUNG BRIDE BURIED.
Her Tragic Suicide After Pcrsecu-
tion by Her Father for Marrying
the Man of Her Choice-statc-
mcnt of Her Husband.

WASHINGTON, D. c., April 15.-The re-
mains Of Bessie Hillyer-Bulkley, the
beautiful society belle who committed
suicide at her fathers elegant home in
this city, were inferred yesterday. The
funeral was private, only the family of
the young lady being present. These
included Senators Edmunds and Stew
art and Justice Macarthur. The excite
ment in social circles over the suicide is
intense. The dead girls father is a
wealthy man who, as lawyer, made
money in California, then came to this
city.
Young Bulkley said tonight that the
most amicable and cordial relations OK
isted between himself and the young
bride; that she was lnred away from
him by threats and promises which she
was unable to resist, and that in proof
OF her affection she sent for her husband
shortly after taking the poison and that
he remained by her bedside until she
expired. Seeing his daughter in the
agonies Of death Judge Hillyer, it is
said, ut once became heart-stricken.
The dying girl appealed in the most im.
ploring manner that her husband should
come to her side at once. The physician
urged it on the ground that it might
have Il great influence in quieting her
mind and aiding in her recovery. DR..
W. W. Johnston came after Mr.. Bulk
ley on Wednesday, and drove him to the
Iiillver house in his carriage. From
that moment they were never separated.
In her dying agonies she protested that
it was not her fault that they had not
remained together; influences were eX-
Crled which she could not resist. The
prospect OF her being sent to Europe,
which she knew meant step toward
legal separation, was more than she
could endure.
For the three months Of their separa-
ton young Bulklcy said he had seen his
wife but once. They were not even
permitted TO correspond openly. Mr..
Bulkley stated that he wished to cx-
onerate all the members Of the Hiiiycr
family, with the exception Of Mr.. Hill
yer, from any blame in interfering be-
tween himself and his wife. He placed
the entire responsibility upon Mr.. Hill
yer, and said that he exerted an intlu-
cnce upon his daughter which was
supreme, and controlled her every nc
ton during their married life. Mr..
Bulkley said that he received n letter
from his wife on Wednesday morning,
shortly after 10 O'Clock. 1t was written
Tuesday evening and contained no in
timation that his wife contemplated the
act which terminated her life. Even ii
It had, he received it too late to have
prevented what happened.
HISTORY OF TIE CASE.
Judge IIillyer is wealthy lawyer
and real estate owner and his daughter
wns n remarkably pretty and attractive
blonds. She received attentions from
many OF the young men about town,
but finally became engaged toAIr. W. l..
Trenholm, son OF the comptroller OF the
currency, last December, and society
was looking forward to Il brilliant we'd
ding, when it was suddenly announced
that Miss IIillyer had eloped and mar
ried Mr.. De Grassey Bulkley, the young
son Of DIR, ]. w. Bulkley, The
marriage took place in Baltimore,
December 90, the couple having
gone to Baltimore to be united.
They were accompanied on their
runaway trip by Antonio Nogueiras,
son OF the Portuguese Minister, who was
an intimate friend OF both. The couple
returned here and separated, the bride
going to her fathers house. a week
later a fresh sensation was caused by the
announcement OF the filing OF bill for
divorce in the name of Bessie itillycr-
Bulkley, asking that the marriage be de-
clared void, alleging that undue intlu-
ence was used to effect it, and that Mr..
Bulkley was under age at that time. To
this there came 4 number Of deninIs.
Mr.. NOguciras stated that Miss Hillyer
seemed to be acting OF her own free will,
and the Rev. Mr.. Ferguson, the Baltimore
clergyman, failed to see any Constraint
in her actions. The County Clerk in
Baltimore said that young Mr.. Buckley
had declared that he was OF age. Mrs.
Buiklcy remained at the home OF her
father on Massachusetts, avenue until
December 50. On that day conference
was held ut the office of II. G, Cady, at
which Young Mrs. Bulkley appeared,
accompanied by Senator Stewart, q
friend OF the family and young Buckley.
Then the case was finally laid before
her for decision. 1t was shown how
her father was opposed to the mar
riagc, but she was told to take
her choice, home or husband. Il
shall 90 with Grassie," she declared,
and the young couple left the Office
with light and happy hearts and beam;
ing faces. They went to the Hotel
Windsor, and there remained q week.
They then went to live ut zoos / street,
INIT the bride remained but few days,
going home, where she has since lived.
The family and friends refrained from
giving any reason for her return, which
was said to be final. 1t was stated that
divorce proceedings would follow. Young
Buikley refused TO discuss the matter.
Mrs. Bulkley went out very little
after the separation. She appeared at
times to be despondent, but was appar-
entity in good health. On Wednesday
morning She was suddenly seized with
violent sickness and DIR. Johnson was
summoned. He discovered at once
that Mrs. Bulkley had taken poison.
The stomach pump was brought into
use and her condition so much improved
that It was hoped she would recover:
Her system, however received fatal
shock and she died Thursday night at
10 o'clock.
. S,.orro DIscnVc
Erie, Pa, April 15.-The recent