The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-08-02
A FAMOUS BIGAMlST
P1RDONED THAT HE NAY GO
HOME TO DIE.
Charles v. Decker Married Twice In New
York and Twice I'm Virginia. Vie
tim to Consumption.

one of the most famous b;gamists in
the history of Virginia was par'loned
Wednesday by Governor O'Ferrall. on tie
recommendation OF the prison physician
and superintendent Lynn, on the ground
that he was dying with consumption.
Charles Van Name Decker was convicted
of bigamy in the Hastings Court OF Pc
tersburg, September q, 1898. and sem
fenced to eight years IN the psniteatiary.
Yesterday no received the Governors
pardon ana was released from the prison.
having served less than two years Of mis-
term. His trial in Petersburg and sub
sequent conviction was a sequel TO a
prior Intellectual attempt TO secure mis-
conviction on the same charge IN GiOu-
cester county. where his father and bro
theirs still live. John Decker, the father.
is one Of the wealthiest of the oyster
pla tiers in that part of Virginia.
FATHERS PIT.
Decker was the younges' OF several
sons Ia order that the son might have
occupation congenial TO his disposition,
the oyster planter gave him charge OF a
schooner plying the trade between Glou-
cester and New York city. I'm 1880.
while on one of his business trips To New
York, he met Emily Ballas OF Staten Is
land. became infatuated with her aud
Hlhtt nrl tll~ vile. ne Was li-M nineteen
years cid. After living a short time with
her he desc rted the young girl and re-
turn cd TO Virginia. After awhile ne APP
pcared again N New York city, where he
married Flora Holmes, the laughter Of
a respectable family. the wife whom ne
had married five years before being still
at her home over on Staten Island. Vir-
ing of Flora Holmes he ran away from
her one night and came back TO Virginia.
The unfortunate second wife has since
III / In "A n ad house. Emma Collins be
came the wife of the bgamist at her
parents home. IN York county. in l~i.
and was deserted. like the two victims
who preceded her. in a very short time.
HI, FOURTH WIFI.
Decker next appeared I'm Petersburg
with plenty of money, and announced
that he would open an oyster galoon. He
was advised that il would not pay and
abandoned the scheme.
He became acquainted with Miss Martha
A. Beazlcy )f that city, and In few
months he also married her. making the
fourth Of his living wives. and lived with
her mp 10 the time of his arrest ~
Baltimore.
lived in Richmond for some months. He
went TO North Carolina from here. ami
thence 20 Baltimore with his fourth wife.
He was employed as an insurance solici-
tor there. and his domestic life was hap
py be says. Personal enemies learning Of
his matrimonial escapades informed Miss
Collins. wife number three. of the mis-
deeds and whereabouts OF Decker, and
through her the bgamst was arrested
on the street by a Baltimore detective.
GOING HOME TO DIE.
The bigamlst is broken in health and
spirit and IS hCpclessly IN with conslmp-
ton. lie SAYS that he cannot live LONG,
and he is going home 10 lie. When he
reached the city Wednesday ana walked
through the streets he got lost although
he was perfectly familiar with every
street I'm town two years ago. lie visited
Mr. d. c. Richardson in the Afternoon,
and also Mr. r. l.. Montague. he law
yers who acted as his counsel when be
was on trial He expressed hims If as
being very grateful 10 the latter attor-
ney. who was instrumental IN obtain. ns
the pardon for him.
er while In the penitentiary