Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-02-16
1T is OMITTED.
A CHAPTER IN BEN BUFFERS HISTORY NOT
IN HIS BOOK.
How he WOOad and Won Sarah Hildrsth-A
Romance Butler Did Not Deem Worthy Of a
Place in His Autobiography.

NEW YORK, February 15.-In all the
reviews of that most remarkable life
history, the autobiography Of Benjamin
r. Butler, there has been not single
mention Of one Of the most interest
Ing episodes in the famous politicians
varied career. His own pen even has
not dealt with IL, because, perhaps, il
Is the most cherished event ia a past
that is held sacred by him. Yet IL is,
after all, the one softening romance in
General Buffers life, in which the
storms have far exceeded the Gains.
Those who know the old war horse,
who have been under the spell Of his
eloGuence, who have felt the fer
vor OF his invective or the keen
ness of his satire, who have watched
him in angry debate or in crafty legal
argument, will be surprised most Of all
To know that General Butler once en-
ioyed the romance that is commonly at
tributed to sentimental fledgelingS only.
We read much Of the stern labor OF his
younger years; his indOmitable pluck,
his struggle through poverty and OBJ
security 70 gain his education, and his
combatS with prejudice and influence 10
gain recognition and power But we
read little or nothing at all OF his young
mans fancies Of tenderer nature.
There is no hint that he was ever
lover, nothing to indicate that the am
bilious and grim young lawyer ever
pleaded his own cause before judge
with cherry lips, cheeks OF down and
melting eyes. Surely, since all the world
loves a lover, Gen. Butler may well have
told Us the story OF his first aud only
romance-the romance that brought 10
him years of happiness and children TO
tighten his hours, and was only ended
by death. There have been hundreds
of romances just like ii, but far more
less Joyous In their results. General
Butler married an actress. This era Of
play-goerS, with its score Of famous IA
vorites of the fOOtlightS, has probably
never heard Of Sarah Hildreth. Yet
she was In her day an actress OF note.
Surrounded by admirers, high In social
favor-a rare distictiOn for any player
in that preiudiced Understanding in
person and brilliant in intellect, Sarah
Hidreth may well have claimed homage
from impreSSiOnable young men. She
was that daughter of DR.. Isaac Hill
dreth, a reputable physician, then praC-
ticing in the city OF Lowell, Mass, for
so many years General Buffers home,
and the scene Of some Of' his most IA
nous political triumphs.
STAR FROM THE START.
Sarah Hildreth was carefully educated
in her native city, and doubtless her
acquaintance with the theatre was ex-
tremely limited during her girlhOod.
But that did not prevent her from be-
coming .enamOred Of the stage. She
was scarce eighteen when there came
70 her an opportunity to realize her
fOndeSt dreams. Visiting relatives In
Brooklyn, she was easily enabled to put
her purpose TO the test. She at once
placed herself under the tuition OF that
admirable actress aud lovely woman,
Mrs. Vernon, who found in her hand
some young pupil remarkably promis-
ing material. The course OF study for
the stage IN those days was not too
long. On August 10, 1887, Sarah
Hildreth-doubtless to the amazementof
her friends In quiet LOwell-made her
debut on the professional stage, coming
forth, moreover, not minor actress,
but as a full-fedged star. The scene Of
her essay was the historic Park Theatre
In this city-the first house and the
most famous OF that name-and the
play was The Wife, sheridan Knowles
powerful story of intrigue, in which
the fair young dcbutante appeared as
Mariana. The occasion was benefit
10 w. III. Chippendale, who, oddly
enough, is the only surviving member
OF that memorable cast. The hero,
Pierre, was acted by Charles X. Mason,
then noted leading man. Sarah Hill
dreth's success was instantaneous, The
house was brilliantly crowded and its
auditors were disposed TO be critical
for star debutantes in those days
were not regarded with strong
favor, the popular theory holding
that they should rise from
the ranks, after years OF preparatory
service. But the gentle grace and re-
fined beauty of Sarah Hildreth won the
severest of her critics. Her lady-like
dem amor, her intelligent countenance,
her modest costume, all spoke volumes
IN her favor At first IL was observed
that her elOcutiOn was somewhat mar
red by lack Of expression and variety
aud that her manner was not quite ami
mated enough i'm the more taceiuI
scenes Of the play; but on the whole
her debut was marked by success, and
that success made of the Lowell phySi-
clans daughter an actress destined to
charm thousands OF American play-goerS
before she could capitulate TO the herce
woOing Of Benjamin +. Butler.
CROWNED WITH PUBLIC FAVOR.
Offers came TO her at once from nu-
merous shrewd managers, The stock
company system then ruled, and among
the Southern managers who had just
visited New York in search OF budding
talent was William Abbott, who owned
theatres To Charleston and Columbia, ,.
e. Mr.. Abbott engaged Miss Hiidreth
for h.s company, which Glternated be-
tween the two cities, and during that
winter also she appeared in Savannah.
Subsequently, she played In several
cities Ina North Carolina and Virginia,
after which she returned to New YORK.
In 1912, having then gained an en-
viable rspute as a conscientious.
powerful actress and an eStim-
able. refined woman, Sarah Hildreth
became the leading lady Ia the stock at
tbe Old Park Theater, this city. On the
same boards, which five years earlier
She had trod In fear and trembling, she
now came forth crowned with the laurel
~ public favor, and at the head of a
company of players brilliant in every
resnect. Around her were gathered
William Z. Burton, the famous IoodIeS;
Thomas Barry, the best stage manger
- bis dav. Henry Placide, rare comedi-