The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-02
SCHOOECRAFT DIVORCE CASE.
The Declaration Was Filed and Then
Withdrawn.
PLAINTIFF A MINISTER In ENGLAND.
A Detailed History OF the Parties Interested
in the suit-How the Law Anecs
the Result.

VINO are interested Dy CURIOSITY tAi"t Ci''S' "
Schoolcraft is suing for divorce in the Chan
Gerry Court because of his wife's disregard OF
marriage vows.
II was learned on excellent authority yes
terday that the bill in the suit, charging his
wife with certain unwifely acts, was filed the
day the suit was entered, but immediately
thereafter counsel for Mr.. Schoolcraft with
drew the bill.
This was done not for any legal advantage,
but merely TO keep the matter as secret as
possible, for Mr.. Schoolcraft gave his lawyers
explicit injunctons that when the suit was
entered the whole proceedings should be kept
as quiet as possible.
But like other things. there is always a leak
somewhere. and TINES reporter yesterday
morning found the leak.
Years ago when William II. Seward was
member of Congress there boarded at the
same house with him in Washington the
father of the present Oliver Schoolcraft.
This man was past middle age. and besides
being an important individual with the Erie
Canal Company. he held considerable bonds
and stocks that made his presence indispen-
sable in Washington.
Asa consequences he became we'll known bin
that city, and during his stay with Mr.. Sc
ward the latter's niece was attending school
in a convent in Georgetown, suburb OF
Washington.
At hast she made her debut in Washington
society. and what before had been fatherly
interest was now turned to a closer one by
Mr.. Schoolcraft.
He left off his fatherly caresses and gave to
the niece that deferential courtesy so well
known in those days, and when the season
closed ne capped the climax by Offering his
hand and heart in marriage.
The niece after some weeks Of consideration
accepted him, and by the union there were
three children.
Some years after Mr.. Schoolcraft died and
left his property TO his wife and two sons,
the daughter having preceded him to the
grave.
The sons were J. Lawrence and Oliver j.
SchOolcraft, and the widow is now the wife OF
Mr.. Beattie.
She lives in Henrico county. Her husband
is living and six children-four sons and two
daughters brightness to her HOUSEHOLD.
Mr.. Lawrence Schoolcraft for many years
lived in Richmond, and, it viii be remem-
bered separated from his wife.
He is now in the banking business in Alber-
querque, n. NJ.
Mr.. Oliver J. Schoolcraft also lived in Rich
mond and it will be remembered made a
we'll known and rather ,enviable reputation
by owning thoroughbred horses, giving big
entertainments, DC.
His place was on the Grove road. and
almost everyone then in Richmond remem-
bers him.
Some years ago he left Richmond, and after
spending some time in New York he went to
Europe.
While stroling about the Continent he
happened one day to reach the Isle of
Jersey.
There he met his Nemesis, for he fell in love
with girl
She is described ms being darker type Of
beauty than Langtry her hair being thus soft
f.,r - a1r
Her eyes OF tho same shade bespoke the
ardor of her nature. and it was often re-
marked by people who saw her that she was
evidently Of Italian descent.
She was. however, an unassuming, unso-
phisticated girl, and though well educated,
was not then an adept III the cOuquetres OF
her sex, and rs such she landed with her hus-
band in America.
A villa was taken by lake just short dis
lance from New Haven. Conn. and there the
honeymoon was spent in quiet and retire
ment.
The Schoolcrafts visited but little and made
but few friends, and as q consequence their
doors were but seldom darkened by neighbors.
Frequent trips were taken TO New York,
Newport and Long Branch, but they were of
short duration, and when autumn came Mr.
and Mrs Schoolcraft returned to Europe.
Then It was that Mr.. Schoolcraft began
studying for holy orders, commencing IN Eng
land.
He afterwards studied in Heidelburg. and
graduated from the university at that place
with distinguished honors,
During this time his wife. evidently having
caught the infection of Partisan freedom and
New York's easy mode of living, conducted
herself in such a manner as to anger Mr..
Schoolcraft.
Finally they separated, Mr.. Schoolcraft re-
turning to England and his wife going to some
other place. He having been ordained, Is
now officiating at a church in London, but no
one nj present knows where his wife is.
1t is evident that he wishes divorce. not to
marry again, but he thinks it would be more
fitting, occupying as he does the position Of
a minister of the gospel in the Church OF Eng
land.
BY the laws of this Commonwealth. his wife
is not obliged to respond TO his allegation be-
fore he can receive divorce.
All charges against her, however, have TO
be proven, and she has two years after the
decree of divorce is entered. if such Will be
the case. 10 file a reply
If she can show Just cause" why the de-
cree should not have been made. the court by
statute has the power 10 reverse the decree.
The case will evidently not come up before
the latter part of June or the first Of July
Mr.. Schoolcroft will probably visit Virginia
fbre foil