The evening times., 1898-08-09
Welded IN DEATHS PRESENCE
A Young Woman Married Beside
Her Mothers CONN.

Middle,own, n. Y, Aug. 9-Standing so
close to her mothers coffin that her
bridal gown brushed its somber drapery.
Nellie c. Hanford was married Sunday
to George Hankins. For years it had been
understood that they were to become
man and WIFE, but Mrs. Hanford had
given her consent only on condition that
the ceremony should not be performed
during her lifetime. Miss Hanford re-
spected her mothers wish. Mrs. Han
ford dropped dead on Saturday and today
Mrs. Hankins attended the funeral.
The Hanfords have been one of the
chief families of the town for many years.
John B. Hanford. who died five or six
years ago, was one OF the oldest mer-
chants in the place.
There are two sons. Charles H., who
is in business in Newburg, N. Y, and
Frank who lives in Jersey City. Nellie
was one of the bellies of Middletown,
tall. stately girl, pretty and accomplished.
But her smiles were only for George Han
kins. He has been her acknowledged
sweetheart since she was seventeen years
old. She is now about twenty-three.
[ Mr.. Hankins is eighteen or nineteen
years her senior. He is travelling audi
tor of the New York, Ontario. and West
ern Railway. and made his home at the
Russell House, In this city.
Mr.. Hanford, during his lifetime kept
his daughter somewhat secluded. He had
| no objection to the suitor personally, but
he was firm in his refusal to consider a
marriage for Nellie as within the proba-
bilities, at least for many years.
After her fathers death the course of
true love ran somewhat smoother. Mr..
Hankins' business called him away
great deal. frequently for several days
at a time, but when he was in town he
seldom failed to call on the Hanfords.
But while Mrs. Hanford seems to have
looked kindly upon the arrangement, she
could not but regard with sadness the
separation which must follow a marriage
and only gave her consent to the union
| on condition that 1t should not take place
during her lifetime.
when 1 am dead" she said, then you
may marry"
So the current of their lives moved
placidly until it was rufled by Mrs. Han
ford's sudden death She had been ailing
| for some time, but seemed well enough
| to start on a visit to Newburg last Sat-
urday. Her daughter accompanied her
| While waiting In the railroad station for
| the train Mrs. Hapford became i'll sud-
| denly, and died before doctor arrived
| She was sixty-eight years old. Miss Ham
| ford had the body taken home and sent
! for Mr.. Hankins.ir
| While the preparations for burial were
made by kindly neighbors 1t occurred to
Miss Hanford and her fance that the
| only obstacle to their marriage had been
removed. A little consideration persuaded
| them that there need be no delay, and n
| few intimate friends were asked to at
| tend the ceremony yesterday.
The Rev. David Winters. of the First
| Presbyterian Church. made them man
and wife in the presence Of about twenty
persons. The bridal party stood near the
coffin, the, bride wearing a light gown
which she had worn at the wedding re-
| ception OF a friend some time ago.
The bride and groom. the wedding
| guests and many more were present at
|. Mrs Hanford's funeral. which took place
yesterday afternoon.