Los Angeles herald., 1892-02-26

terday.
Another most extraordinary case of
concealed identity has come to light,
this time at Boyle Heights, which, in
some points, resembles the Dunbar
Burnett story, which was exclusively
published in the HERALD some days
ago.
In this case Mr.. w. B. O'Daniel, the
well-known architect of this city, who
resided on Boyle Heights, turns out to
be Rev. Father Donnelly, priest,
who disappeared from his station at
Washington, D. O., about a year ago.
Something about year and half
ago Miss q. Hawkins was scholar in a
convent at Washington. She was an
orphan, having brother in Chicago,
who is quite wealthy and who now re-
sides there. She was Protestant, who
was sent to the school by her guardian
to be educated. Being greatly interested
in music, she attracted the attention of
Father Donnelly, who was teacher at
the school, and whose talent as a
musician was remarkable.
About a year ago Miss Hawkins Sc
cured a position as music teacher in a
school at Denver.
Father Donnelly then yielded to his
infatuation for Miss Hawkins. and
throwing aside his allegiance to q his
church he went to Denver, persuaded
her to run away with him, and they
were married at Ell Paso on the 18th OF
last June, the husband taking the name
of O'Daniel and Father Donnelly disap-
peared.
They came at once to Los Angeles,
Mr.. O'Daniel selecting Boyle Heights as
a residence and re-entering life as an
architect. He was very successful at
his new profession and constructed a
number of buildings, among which was
Korbel's hall, on the completion Of
which recently the owner rendered him
a reception and presented him with a
gold-headed cane.
About ten days ago Mr.. O'Daniel dis
appeared. His heart broken wife then
took up her residence with Mr.. and Mrs.
Merrill of Virginia street, who are
warm friends.
She in few days received letter
from her husband in which he stated
that his conscience would not permit
hin to continue longer living in viola
tion OF his churchly VOWS. He took all
the blame for the situation on himself,
and tried to explain to the poor girl wife
what battle he had had between what
he deemed his duty as a repentant
priest and his love for her. 1t was gath
cred from what he wrote that he in
tended to go to Rome and implore par
don of the pope, and then bury himself
in some monastery.
1t was learned yesterday on what is
deemed credible authority that O'Daniel
had sent funds to his wife through
Father Meyer, with which to 60 to her
brother. A HERALD reporter called on
the father to corroborate the statement,
but the reverend gentleman replied to
his questions: 1T know about the mat
ter, but as gentleman and as priest I
am not at liberty to say anything
about it,"
Mrs. O'Daniel was terribly affected by
her desertion. She yesterday took the
Santa Fe overland for New York, where,
it is thought, she hopes to meet her
husband, though what could result from
that can only be conjectured.
When Mr.. O'Daniel first disappeared,
it was reported that he had left num-
ber of bills unpaid; this turns out to be
untrue. He met all his obligations
promptly and appears to have acted hon.
orably throughout, except in his treat
ment of his wife.
Mrs. O'Daniel is a beautiful young girl,
a tall and graceful demi-brunette, who is
accomplished and who stands very high
in the estimation of all who know her.
She is heartbroken at the sudden term
ination of her marital happiness, a fate
which she in no way deserved.
In view Of the many recent exposures
of people living here under assumed
identities, the old-time Leadyille inter-
rogatory OF s'What was your name be-
fore you came here?' may come into
fashion.