The times., 1898-08-10
Welded IN DEATHS PRESENCE
A Young Woman Married Beside
Her Mothers Coffin

Middletown. y. Y. Aug. s-Standing so
close to her mothers coffin that her
bridal gown brushed its somber drapery.
Nellie G. Hanford was married Sunday
to George Hankins. For years it had been
understood that they were 10 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. T.. 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 row about twenty-three
Mr.. HaHk..-5 is eighteen or nineteen
years her - hior. 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 10 the suitor personally. but
| ne was firm in his refusal 10 consider a
| marriage for Nellie within the proba-
bilities. at least for many years
| After her fathers death the course OF
J true love ran somewhat smoother Mr..
| Hankins' business called him away a
| great deal. frequently for several days
| at 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 maria se
and only gave her consent to the union
on condition that it should not take place
/ during her lifetime
| When I am dead she said. then Won
may marry"
! So the current of their lives moved
| pIacid1y until il was ruffied by Mrs Han
/ ford's sudden death. She had been aiIiug
/ for some time. but seemed well enough
TO start on visit to Newburg last Sat
| urday. Her daughter accOnpanied her.
| While waiting in the railroad station for
/ the train Mrs. Hanford became i'll sud
! denly, and died before a doctor arrived.
! She was sixty-eight years old Miss Han
/ ford had the body taken home and sent
/ for Mr.. Hankins
| While the preparations for burial were
| made by kindly negh5ors 1t occurred to
| Miss Hartford and her iance that the
only obstacle to their marriage had been
removed. A little consideration persuaded
| them that there need be no delay. and a
| 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 bridN wearing 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 az
Mrs. Hanferd's funeral. which took place
| yesterday afternoon.