The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-06-08
BISHOP AND WIFE PART
MARRIAGE OF JOHN F. HURST AND
MISS ROOT A FAILURE.
Amicable Agreement to Disagree-The
Wife Did Not Enjoy the Grave So
ciety Her Husband Liked.

PITTSBURG, June THE Washington
correspondent of the Dispatch says: Re
sret is expressed in church and university
circles that the domestic infelicities of Bish-
op and Mrs. John f. Hurst should have be-
come public. Bishop Hurst is one of the
most prominent leaders in the Methodist
Episcopal Church. a man of scholarly at
tainments and the chancellor of the Amer
lean University, the big Methodist Episco-
PAL institution in Washington He is fifty
six years old. Mrs. Hurst, who is the bish-
ops second wife, is young and handsome
and fond of society. She has two little
daughters and is devoted to them. Mrs.
Hurst is the daughter of the late Francis
II. Root. of Buffalo, who made big for
tune in manufacturing stoves and speculat-
ing in real estate. Mr.. Root was a prom
IL ent Methodist, and wished the family
rame to be associated with that of high
leader in the church. 1t was in compliance
with his wish. it is said. that his daughter
married Bishop Hurst. and the marriage
took place at her fathers deathbed five
years ago.
Friends of the Hursts have known for
some time that while the marriage had
proved disappointment on both sides. not
the slightest bitterness existed between the
couple. 1t was their earnest wish that
some satisfactory means should be found
by which the bishop should not be ham,
rered in his great work; and at the same
time Mrs Hurst should be delivered of the
burden and uncongenial work or LIE not
agreeable to her tastes
"A few days ago, in accordance with the
wishes of Mrs. Hurst. the bishop invited
her brother. Mr.. Root, OF Buffalo. TO consult
with him regarding division OF property
and terms of separation agreeable 10 poth.
hiSnnn drew "A deed
to the trustees of Mrs. Hurst the magnif-
cent home purchased and furnished by her
mother shortly before the marriage. Inc
deed was fled for record to-day. This prop
erty comprises two large lots and a mag,
nifcent mansion thereon. Attorney General
Griggs's home is next door and the Cages
live but few steps beyond.
Bishop Hurst is fond OF the society or
learned professors and students OF science
or OF biblical lore. His studies as chancellor
OF the American University caused him TO
spend much of his time in travel. Often he
would be away from home for weeks. This.
or course, was not the life for glrlish
matron. Mrs. Hurst's mother, Mrs. Root,
left $4,000 TO be used in the endowment of
the American University, and also be-
queathed $1,000 to Bishop Hurst personally
in token of her esteem for him.
Bishop Hurst. through his connection
with the American University. has become
known throughout the country. While his
administration Of affairs has been severely
criticised by a certain faction in the Meth
odist Church he still has powerful back
Ing. IL Is feared by prominent Methodists
here that the publication of the bishops
domestic infelicities will hamper seriously
this work.
so great is the general sympathy for the
family that the local papers have not print
ed word concerning the Hurst trouble.
except TO publish the deed OF gift trans
ferring the home property 10 Mrs. Hurst.
without comment.
Mrs. Hurst is at present living in Paris.
Bishop Hurst lived in his Massachusetts
avenue home until Saturday. when he went
10 New York"