Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-12-26
WELDED IN HASTE.
Niece of Archbishop Feehan Figures In
Very Sensational Suit for Separation

NlCCc VI AECnDtbnoP ACChoA - -
Very sensational Suit for Separation.
CHICAGO, December 25.--When B. f.
Whitman and Miss Anna Regan were mar
ried four years and half ago they prooa-
bly, hadn't thought that this Christmas
would find them pulling and hauling In a
divorce court
But such is the case and the TWO are
added to the long list ready to affirm that
marriage is failure" The match seems
to have been one which several old saws
fit--"hot love soon cools,n and marry IN
haste, repent st leisure" being particular
ly applicable.
Mrs Whitman is a niece of Archbishop
Feenan, and well-known in Catholic circles
Mr.. Whitman, at the time of the nuptials,
was carrying on q printing business on
Canal street The two met at soclal
gathering, and "cottoned 10 each other" as
it were. at once. In very few months the
couple decided TO wed. This met with Wig
orous objections on the part OF the rela-
tives OF both, even the Archbishop
raising his voice against II. The
fact that the young lady was q Catholc
and Mr.. Whitman was a Protestant, was
IN itself deemed sufficient to make matrl-
mony ill-advised. Then again, she was
FIVE wears older than her lover, he being at
that time only 10 years Of age. But oppo-
sition, as usual in such affairs, only served
TO fan the flame, and the two assumed the
hymeneal bond without loss OF time, the
knot being tied by Father Fitzsimmons,
now rector OF the Cathedral OF the Holy
Name.
This is the story in brief, up 70 the time
when Miss Regan became Mrs. Whitman.
A short time ago Mrs. Whitman began ac-
ton for separate maintenance and allmony.
She charges cruelty and nou-support. Inc
former, she claims was begun soon after
she became a wife, and continued until
they parted on November .. One IN
stance is specified where, within three days
Of the birth Of her first child, Mr.. Whit
man struck her 1t is also declared that
he left her and their home on November
and has not since returned. Upon the al
legations temporary alimony OF s. week
pending the settlement Of the proceedings
was ordered.
Mr. Whitman's answer has just been
fled. in which an absolute denial OF all the
charges is made. Moreover, Mrs. WHIT
ham herself is said to be the offending
party. She is charged with treating her
husband with continued abuse and neg
lect, assailing him with her fists and dif-
ferent weapons: throwing chairs and other
things at him; refusing TO get his meals
and fulfill other requirements expected OF
an aifectionaue aud dutiful wife. y 1t
is also declared that through her extrava-
CANT demands Mr.. Whitman became EN-
barrassed in his business and was obliged
TO give it up at a serious loss. Through
worry his health was also affected and he
was was so Frustrated that at one time 1t
was not thought he could live. During
his sickness Mrs. Whitman is said TO have
refused to care for him and otherwise ad-
ded 10 his discomfort and unhappiness
In regard to leaving the house Nov. 8,
Mr.. Whitman asserts that he was fired"
They were housekeeping, and instead OF
deserving his home, his version is that he
was put out bodily. For year or two
Mrs. Whitman's brother is said 10 have
made his abiding place at the Whitman
residence, and by championing his sister,
added 10 the burden Of the husbands
Indebtedness.
Two children have been granted The
Whitmans, both girls, aged IS months and
years The house has been vacated and
Mrs. Whitman is living with relatives.
Mr. Whitman Is understood to intend
bringing suit for absolute divorce on the
ground Of cruelty. He is now connected
with an illustrating establishment on
Dearborn street.