Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-07-07
xDrrH HAMMOND.
The Female Accomplish of "a well-Known
New York Rascal.
~ To,,ss Or-onf@ls
I. Louis Chronicle.

New York Rascal.
ST Louis Chronicle.
Edith Hammond is the wickest wo-
man IN the woridl She declares so her
self and says she is glad of IL. She was
once the fond daughter OF a millionaire
aud the wife of one OF the most promi-
nent men In New York, and yet two
nights ago she was found dressed in
ragged garments and stupid from drink
ing, upon the corner of Pine and Four
teenth streets.
Her career Is unequalled. She has
caused more unhappiness and commit
ted more crimes than any woman who
ever lived. She is but thirty-two years
old, but she looks twice that axe. Ham
mOnd was her maiden name, and twelve
years ago she was leader in New
York society aud was the heireSs OF
$4,000, 600. Her mother was dead, and
her father, Wilbur b. Hammond, was
one OF the most prominent bankers In
New York. To please her father she
married Herman b. Thompson, a young
New Yorker Of wealth and family. 1t
was not long before she discovered that
she did not love him and never could.
While spending few days OF her we'd
ding tour IN Chicago, she met the famous
BILLY" Bnttner, the celebrated divorce
shark" who is now serving sentence
Of fifteen years In Sing Sing Prison. He
fell desperately in love with herand she
with him. she shut him from her
mind. She had chosen her husband and
must abide by her choice. Not so with
him, however. He knew she was
wife, but that did not stop him from
winning her love. He followed her 10
New York and wrote letter after letter
TO her, begging her to meet him and
telling her Of MS love. Love finally tri-
umphed, and the young wife commenced
her downward career.
Buttner, after much persuasion, in
duced her to leave her husband and fly
with him. She took her jewels and
what money she could get and the pair
went 70 Chicago
Buttner had nothing but his brains
and handsome face. The young Vile
soon repented of her rash deed, but 1t
was too late, and nothing was LETT to
her bat TO follow the fortunes OF the
companion she had sacrificed so much
for In Chicago he installed her In
luxurious apartments, and then com-
menced life OF crime and daring swim
ding schemes.
Her wonderful beauty fascinated the
victims, and when cards were produced
they failed 70 notice the clever tricks
that were costing them thousands or
dollars. Champagne flowed rs freely
rs water, aud daylight usually found
victim an occupant of Buttner'S apart
mentS. Then the game commenced IN
earnest.
Victims finally became scarce. Peo-
pie had heard of Buttner and Steered
clear OF him. Something must be done.
he was a lawyer, and he puzzled his
brain for q money-making scheme. FL
nally he formed a plan, which for cum
ningress aud daring has never been
eQualed.
He opened an office an Lasalle street,
and advertised that be could procure
divorces "for men only" quickly, and
on Tire slightest proyOcatiOn. When u
man called and wanted 20 sue his wife
for divorce. Buttner would sit down and
draw ~ q pepper. charging the wife
with every offence ne could think Of
The papers bee would file In some ob-
Scure Colorado conrt, out the CHEATS
wire would never be notified.
When the caSo was called ''Dashing'
Edith Hammond would appear in court
and represent herself as the mans
wife. Tho charges would be made, and
when she took the stand she would az
first deny everything, and finally break
down, and with tears in her bright
blue eyes acknowledge that the charges
were true. and upon her knees beg "her
husband" 90 forgive her and take her
back. OF course he would refuse, and
divorce would be Immediately granted.
The first the mans wife would know
aOout it was when she was told her
husband had been granted divorce,
and she was cast aside forever She
was powerlesS. No one would listen 10
her tale, and she would finally submit
20 the outrage.
So clever was Edith Hammond that
BY wearing dlsguises she has appeared
I'm one Court before the same Judge
three times I'm one month, ard imper-
sonated the wives OF differen, men.
They continued 20 secure fraudulent
divorces for many months. making
thousands OF dollars. Chicago became
too hot for the pair about two years
ago, and they fed 90 New York. In
shat city q short time ago Buttner was
arrested for forging the seal Of the SUI
preme Court 20 divorce papers. He was
sentenced % fifteen years ian Sing Sing,
and Edith was left alone.