The morning call., 1892-12-17
FORCED TO MARRY.
Henry Lay Was Caught
on Hymen's Hook.
DID NOT UNDERSTAND 1T.
He Claims to Have Been Terrified
Into Matrimony and Now Wants
to Get Free.
DID NOT UNDERSTAND 1T.

Henry Fl. Lay is German youth OF 20
years. who will file complaint filled with
startling allegations to-day. in order to free
himself from the CALLING yoke of matrimony.
lie claims that he never did and never can
love wife Sophia, to whom he alleges he
was welded by force of the most awe-n-
spring circumstances
Two years ago he came to this city from
Germany. He found employment as a
machinist at the Ralston Iron Works.
He was doing very we'll at mis- trade, but
found considerable difficulty in mastering
the English language.
The only enjoyment he had was in visit
ing family named Lingenfeder, who
hailed from the same part of Germany as he
did.
Sophia Lingenfelder was one year older
than Lay. but in her he found a very con-
soling and affectionate friend. Sophia had
two bro theirs. John and George by name,
who, it ppears according to the complaint.
were holy terrors in their way and fright
ened Lay into something worse than hys-
terIcs; they compelled him TO enter the
welded state when he did not know what
he was doing.
On the Goth of October last, according to
the youthful benedict's story as related in
his con- plant, the two brothers conspired
On that day they called at his home, 10
Perine street. in company with their mother
and sister, and claimed that he was the cause
OF Sophia's downfall, and that as conse-
quence he must forthwith consent to get
married.
This Lay refused to DO.
On the 3lst Of October last, so the COM
plant states, Lay was at work, when
policeman entered his shop accompanied by
the two Lingenfelder boys and an attorney
named Fry.
The police officer placed Lay under arrest
on a very serious charge, handcuffed him
and led him away to prison. While on the
way Attorney Fry and the two Lingen-
felder brothers informed the prisoner that
If he did not marry Sophia forthwith he
would be sent to States prison. Lay
claims he was terrified by the threats.
On the afternoon of the day of his arrest
he charges that the LingeHfelder brothers
procured marriage license, in obtaining
which they swore he was over Il years OF,
age.
Armed with the license and accompanied
py their sister and some one else they WIS.,
tied Lay in the City Prison.
lie was told to stand up, which be did
Sophia stood beside him; a ceremony was
conducted in the English language, which
Lay ola not then understand. but which he
aiterward found out TO his sorrow was an
act binding him to Sophia for life.
According to his statements the entire
party, except Sophia, departed. The newly
made bride then threw her arms about the
terrified Lay and said:
We'll, We are married. 1t was a smart
trick"
The same day Lay was liberated from
prison. but he was still in the matrimonial
pen. He refused to live with his wife, and
has continued to reside by himself as here
tofore
be now claims that the charge on which
he was arrested had no foundation so far as
he was concerned.
He charges every body connected with his
marriage with fraud, and has employed
bahrs % Van Setback to assist him in re-
gaining his liberty.
AS he is too young to begin the action
himself. he appears IN court by his guar
dian, c. Schneider.
Lay says he was astonished to learn of
the forcibie methods they use in this coun-
try TO make a man get married, but he hopes
10 get single again so that he can make his
own choice.
Inc young man bears a good character
as being sturdy, Woodworking individual,