The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-08
MARIE DECCA SEES HER HUSBAND
She Seeks to Recover Property which She
Clnims Belongs To Her.

Marie Decca. who, It will be remem-
bered sang in Richmond twice at the
Philharmorics Concerts. and who at one
time was engaged 10 "A well-known mer-
camille man Of this city is now suing her
husband at Harrisburg, Pa. \ special
from that city IN yesterdays Washing
ton Post recites facts as follows:
Marie Decca the Washington songtrcss,
who made q tour OF the country with the
United states Marine Band and became
! known as the Jenny Lind Of America, %
| Las commenced legal proceedings here
against her husband. Francis Leon Chris
nan. and his sister. Miss Bertha Chris
man. to recover property which she al
leges they have attempted tc get posses
sion Of. The suit promises some rich de-
velopments.
Decca is now filling professional en-
gagements I'm the Wet. She married
Chrisman at Washington on January =,
1892. after a brief courtship. They met
at Lake Chautau1ua, when Chrisman
was reporting the Assembly proceedings
for a New York paper. and Miss Decca
was pleasing the multitude with her sing
ing.
It is said the defense will endeavor 10
show that Miss Decca induced a Rich
mond. Va. man, under promise OF mar
riage to cancel a debt Of $4,000, which
she owed. and Tilted him for Chrisman.
Soon after the wedding they came 10
Harrisburg and purchased a beautiful
home commanding a fine view OF the
river. This house was remodeled and
christened Villa Deccd. With the villa
came separation and now litigation.
In her bill Of complaint Miss Decca set
forth that her husband gave his sister a
mortgage of 5000 on the home belonging
to her, and she prays the court TO compel
Miss Chrisman to satisfy the mortgage
and restrain her from negotiating or at
tempting 10 collect IT,
II is further set forth that Miss Decca
instructed her husband to purchase the
home for her out OF her funds in his
possession. and that ne did so. but had
the deed executed in his own name with
out her knowledge or consent; that he
kept her in ignorance of his act until
last December. and that he refused to
transfer the deed TO her II is further
alleged that the mortgage was given TO
Miss Chrisman without any consideration.
To-day Chrisman and his sister filed
their answers TO the wife's bill. in which
they deTy all her allegations. He SAYS
That ne received large sums Of money |
In the practice and pursuit Of his profess
sion as a journalist and AYERS that his |
VIE received very little compensation |
down to January q, 1892 being at that |
time without property and in debt to an |
amount exceeding $4,000
He also states that he purchased the |
property hereinbefore mentioned with his
own money earned as a journalist. He |
further states that his wife knew the deed
Tor the property was I'm his name. and |
that he gave his sister mortgage Of
5000 for a good and valuable considera-
ion.
MISS Chrisman answers In almost the
same style as her brother. and adds that
he mortgage has been sold. The court
Viii appoint master 10 take testimony
md find the facts.
The marriage Of Washington's prima
ionna Marie Decca to her manager.
francis Leon Chrisman. on the 9th Of
1892. was a decided sensation
1t the parsonage Of the Calvary Baptist
hurch. Washington. In the presence Of
ialf a dozen relatives, Miss Decca was
Welded TO her manager. The witnesses
lad no forewarning even OF the ladys
Intentions until they were summoned
ew hours before TO the parsonage by
astily written notes.
The real name OF Marie Decca Is May |
. tombstone Her father. Judge John
tone. is well-known resident Of Wash
ngton. Much money was lavished by |
i'm upon his daughters musical edu a
lon. She received the best training from
larchese and other foreign masters. Her
uccessful debut in Paris. her appearance
n this side under Colonel Mapleson's
Management. and her troubles with Emma |
uch are still unforgotton.