The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-03-11
MAGGIE MIToHELL's ROMANCE.
Dame Rumor Tells Tale OF Love, Elope
ment Marriage and Divorce.

Dame Rumor Tells Tale OF Love, Elope-
ment, Marriage and Divorce.
From the Now York Herald.
The latest news about Maggie Mitchell
is surprising. 1t came from Chicago yes
terday, and to say that il created astonish-
ment is putting II mildly. II was to the
effect that the lively little Fanchon had al
ready figured in the divorce courts, and
that her present suit against her husband,
Henry j. Paddock, is her second venture
in that line.
The story went on tosay that somewhere
in the "aities" Miss Mitchell fell suddenly
in love with handsome young stranger
while playing an engagement in Rich
mond. Va. She was then young, and was
accompanied by her mother 1t was be.
fore she had found "Fanchon," and she
was playing little one and two act pieces
like "Nan' and the Little Treasure"
She eloped, the dispatch says, with thegay
Lothario after performance on Saturday
night, got married and returned on Mon
day.
Ii was stated that her change of heart
was due 10 her mothers influence, and
that she gave up the newly.made husband
at her bidding The young man grew
melancholy. went 10 the mines and was
never heard OF afterward. The affair was
kept close secret, and many years alter
ward Judge Robert Wilson obtained di-
vorce for Miss Mitchell in Chicago court.
The case was handled so dexterously that
II never got into the newspapers, and even
members OF the family were kept in the
dark. The people In the theater in Rich
mond, however knew all about II, and
whispered of Il NO that II got to the ears OF
j. III. McNicker and his manager, Louis
b. Sharpe.
All the professional people in town were
talking OF these reports Yesterday aud the
lady's many friends here were puzzled by
them. Many old actors and managers did
not believe the rumOrs and said the stories
had grown out Of the inlatuation Of "Billy"
WilkesOn.
About the time Miss Mitchell il said 10
have made the romantic marriage "Billy"
Wilkeson was running n big hotel next
door to the Holiday Street Theatcr in
Baltimore lie was very rich and very
well liked. lie fell desperately in love
with Maggie Mitchell sold out his hotel
and followed her for wears. The lady WINS
obduraie and refused TO listen TO Wilke-
son. but he persisted in travelling from
place to place with her. and could not bo
content out OF her sight. lie bought
tickets for every performance and sat in
front admiring her aud ieasling his eyes
lie spent his fortune IN that way, and
finally, some twenty-one years ago, saw
Maggie Mitchell become the wife oil Henry
j. Paddock.
Maggie Mitchell Ia now in her fifty
eighth year, il in said, but she looks rs
young ~ she did twenty years ago aud is
as sprghtly aud agile on the stage ~ ever.
She Is producing new plays right alongand
Is M great an attraction ~ OF old. The
in prospective, that the people
give her, il 80 ttractive young leading
man, but II is halSly likely the g1ssips can |
be- right in that respect, as Mis- Michel |
Is devoted 10 her children.
Henry J. Paddock WIS his wife's man.
lger from the time Of their marriage up to
wo years ago. lie then resigned from the
conduct OF her affair, aud set up a. real
estate dealer at No. l37 Broadway lie
said that lac knew nothing ui hls wiies