The morning call., 1891-09-17
them round to friends at distance. Brides
photographs are also said to sell very well.
Chambers Journal.
A STRANGE STORY RECALLED.
The Romance of Francis Barton's Life Is
Scaled.

The Romance of Francis Barton's Life Is
Sealed.
The death of Francis Barton in Philadel-
phia recalls one OF the strangest romances
which the annals of Philadelphia social
life discloses. Those who were active in So
ciety twenty-five years ago may recall the
circumstances attending the case, resulting
as they did in the death of broken-hearted
girl, the ostracism of former leader in So
ciety and the mystery surrounding it all,
which has never been cleared up. The
secret was buried with the dead man last
Saturday.
Francis Barton was son OF DIR. Rhea
Barton, who formerly lived on Chestnut
street, on the spot where the Keystone Bank
building now stands. Mrs. Charles Willing,
whose daughter, Miss Ava Willing, re-
Gently married John Jacob Astor, is also
daughter Of DR.. Barton. Twenty-Five years
ago Francis Barton, then widOwer of about
80 and a leader in society, met and wooed
Miss Fisher of New York, niece of Ad-
mral Turner. After a brief cOurtship the
day of The wedding was fixed. Invitations
had been issued, presents had noured In
from hundreds of friends and all seemed
merry as the marriage bell. But the mar
rlage never took place.
A prominent Philadelphan who knew Mr..
Barton at the time was seated in the Union
y
strange story. Everything had been fixed
for the wedding" he said "Mr. Barton and
the gentleman who was 10 have acted as the
best man were on their way to New York.
The ceremony was fixed for the following
day. Barton'S companion noticed that he
appeared to be preoccupied. Suddenly he
turned in his seat and said i am going to
do very strange thing What is it?' in
quired the friend. Why replied Barton, l
am not going to marry that woman
His friend looked at him In amazement,
and asked for an explanation. Ihls Barton
refused to give. The gentleman expressed
great Indignation at such proceeding, and
finally retired TO another ear. The next
day-that fixed for the weddlng-Barton Il
sailed for Europe. So far as l know, the
reasons for his strange conduct have never
been aSCertained."
Shortly before the wedding was to have
taken place Mr.. Barton built a handsome
residence at 1920 Chestnut street. in which
TO domiciie his bride. For twenty years this
house remained closed. Not soul was ever
seen to enter or leave ii. During all THIS
time Mr. Barton was living in Europe. The
feeling against him was very bitter, not
only in New York but among his former
friends in Philadelphia. This feeling re-
ceived an additional impetus wAea, shortly
after having been deserted by the man Ill
whom she trusted so implicitly, Miss Fisher
died of broken heart.
About FIVE years ago Mr.. Barton returned.
1t was noticed that the old house on CHEST
nut street., which, with each additional
year, had gained an additional appearance
OF decay and weather stain, was once more
open. A French chef was installed in the
kitchen, an English butler in the pantry
and page at the front door, in addition to
a large Tetnue of other servants. But, al
though surrounded by all the luxuries
wealth could command, the proprietor OF
this magnificent establishment was far fro m
happy 1t was noticed that his only visitors
were his sister, Mrs Willing, and two
maiden sisters. When he walked he spoke
to but few people and but few people spoke
to him, although many wondered who the
silent and stern-fAced man was.
Mr.. Barton leaves an estate variOusly es-
timated at between 100000 and S1.000,O00
He leaves a daughter. Mrs. PendleEon, who
is his only child.-Ntwark journal