The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-04-19
THEY RAN AWAY.
A ROMANTIC ELoPEMENT AT DY-
ERSBUG.
Marriage OF Miss frankie. the Daughter
of Mayor Thomas, and Mr.. Clarence
Butler = Parental Acquiesoenoe OBJ
tanned at Last.

Dyersburg, seventy-five miles from this
city. on the line OF the Newport News
& Mississippi Valley railroad, is just re-
covering from mammoth social sensa-
ton. The affair occurred Tuesday, ana
involved a younglady who has long reigned
as a favorite belle. Miss frankie
Thomas, daughterof Mayor B. l.. Thomas,
isapetite and charming brunette, seven
teen years OF age, and has been earnestly
wooed by more than one beau, both local
and foreign. Who held the advantage in
her young affections could never be ascer-
tanned by the ardent suito;s, for she treat
cd all with tho same cordially, favored
with due maidenly reserve.
Tuesday there was revelation which
fell like bombshell in the camp Of Dyers-
burg's most select society. There ap.
peared in the little city a young man who
had formerly resided there and whose
father conducted saloon business. This
was Mr.. Clarence Butler. The visitor
himself was known IA barkeeper ON the
steamer Coahoma. For this reason,
although in other respects clever, honest
and genial fellow, Mr.. Butler was not re-
garded as rival for the heart and hand
Of Miss Thomas, either dangerous or
otherwise He had, in fact, never been
known TO or suspected Of entering the
young lady's house.
At 8 O'Clock Tuesday morning the young
couple met by appointment and proceeded
10 the residence OF the Rev. DIR. Borum,
pastor Of the Baptist church, and were
married. After the ceremony they en-
tered hack and were driven to Fowlks
station, four miles this side OF Dyersburg,
where il was intended to take the train
for Memphis. The news OF the sue
cessful elopement soon spread, and
in due time reached the ears OF the
brides father He either disregarded
or forget the fact OF his daughters mar
riage, and, procuring the services OF City
Marshal Thurman, went in pursuit. They
depended not upon the slow stage coach
or other country road vehicles, but took
the regular train, which passed shortly
after 10 o'clock. When the train pulled
up at Fowlks there was a revelation. As
the bridal couple were stepping aboard to
speed onward TO this city and unbridled
happiness and bliss, the irate father and
official escort confronted them. For mo-
ment there was naught but silent surprise
depicted on all interested faces, when the
officer began hostilities by saying
'Beg pardon, Mr.. Butler; but will de.
privc you Of the young ladys company, us
must return her 10 her home"
''There must be some mistake" said the
young man thus threatened; 'but | ain
her husband and legal protector. am
very sorry, Mr.. Thomas" no continued,
turning TO the brides father, "but loved
your daughter too well TO give her up ON
account Of parental objection. She re-
ciprocated, as you will no doubt admit by
her present position"
The fact was undeniable; there remained
nothing left but 10 acquiesce, so the entire
party entered the same hack in which the
young couple had fed DyeHburg and re-
turned home. There reconciliation was
effected, and all is now serene.
Mrs. Thomas was dangerously i'll, and
dread OF the effect OF her daughters elope-
ment on her had great weight in sending
the father on their trail. II developed
after the reconciliation that the couple had
kept their love warm and healthy by fro
quent interchanges Of letters.