The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-12-23
MRS. JOHNSON
GETS DIVORCE.
wife Of Former Fire Chaplain
Secures Decree Secretly.
He WENT ABROAD WITH NURSE.
Met Her While Attending Sick and Injured
FITsmsn In Bellevue Hospital and Re-
nswsd Old Acqualnianes.
He WENT ABROAD WITH NURSE.

New York, Dec. 2S.-With as much Sc
crecy as was maintained by the Rev.
James lie Baron Johnson, when he dis
appeared from this city one year ago. his
wife. Mrs. Mabel Van Rensselaer, John
son. has obtained decree OF absolute di-
vorce from him
So quietly were the proceedings con-
Quoted that although a referee was APP
pointed and considerable testimony taken
last October. and a decree signed by
Judge Scott of the supreme court, the de-
tails were not disclosed until last evening
Even yet the lawyers connected with the
case decline 20 discuss IL.
While there have been rumors for
months that Mrs. Johnson intended TO or
had brought an action for divorce no con-
firmation OF these reports could be had.
The fact is that she brought her suit I'm
the early part OF October, the complaint
was served upon her husband, who put in
an answer denying her charges, and
Charles W. West was appointed referee.
His report, finding that Mrs. Johnson
was entitled to a decree of divorce. was
confirmed by Judge Scott, who at tho
same time signed an order directing that
all the testimony be sealed and not shown
10 any one but the attorneys.
Thus the name of the woman I'm the case
is not disclosed. Mrs. Johnson was repre-
sented by the firm of which James G. Car
ter and Commodore Lewis Cass Ledyard
are members, and her husband appeared
by William c. Cammann.
HIS CAREER A STRANGE ONE.
The Rev. James lie Baron Johnson has
had strange career. He was assistant
rector OF Grace church. but became more
prominent publicly on account of being
one of the chaplains OF the fire depart
ment. TO which position he was appointed
by Fire Commissioner John j. Scannell
in March. 1893 His marriage to Miss Ma
bel Van Rensselaer,, a daughter Of Mrs.
Alexander Van Rensselaer,, on April 26,
1899. was most brilliant affair.
He had lived in Tacoma. Wash. before
coming to this city. and while there was
a member OF the local fire department. He
went TO San Francisco with letters of in
PRODUCTION to many prominent and
wealthy families there, among them be-
ing that of Southard Hoffman, and form
ed the acquaintance OF that gentleman s
daughter. Miss Mary Hoffman, who is
After brief stay in San Francisco
Johnson came 10 this city and was ad-
mitted 10 the ministry. As soon as he was
appointed chaplain I'm the fire department
he had a fire gong I'm his bedroom and a
horse and buggy near by always ready
20 take him 10 any IRE as soon Is the
alarm was given. Although this sort OF
life was not to the liking OF Mrs. john
son, he refused TO give up his fondness
for such excitement, and the result was
domestic disputes.
The clergyman with his wife and moth
er-in-law took a trip TO Europe in the
spring of 19oe and he returned alone sew
eral months later. Mrs. Johnson having
decided TO remain abroad to take the
waters at the German Spa. When she did
come back TO the city she did not rejoin
her husband, but went to live with her
mother.
MEETS A NURSE. AN OLD FRIEND.
In the pursuit Of his duties as fire chap
lain the clergyman frequently visited the
Sturgis ward in Bellevue Hospital, where
the injured and sick flremen and police
men are cared for.
One day he was astonished TO meet
there as one of the nurses Miss Mary
Hoffman. OF San Francisco, who had
taken a two years course in the Bellevue
Training school for nurses. Ho renewed
young woman in San Francisco. and from
that time on HIS visits TO the hospital wero
If anything. more frequent.
On account of a serious attack of ner-
vous prostration, said to have been the
result OF his arduous duties as fire chap
lain. the clergyman, upon the advice OF
his physician, went 10 a sanitarium at
Glen Springs, Watkins, n. Y, to recuper-
ate.
~ He remained -+lf~Ee-a- short time, made
n hurried trip "a this city in the middle
OF December. 1900, and returned TO Wall
kins. only long enough. however. TO pack
up all his baggage. and disappear without
leaving any Information as 60 his where
abouts.
Miss Hoffman left Bellevue Hospital on
the same day, but In explanation OF her
departure it was said she intended TO
return TO San Francisco. Later reports
said that they both went TO Halifax. and
sailed from there on the steamer Tunisian
for England under the name OF Mr.. and
Mrs. l.. V. Montgomery, OF Louisville.
Ky.
OCCUPIED A BRIDAL SUITE.
This couple occupied a bridal suite on
the deck OF tho steamer. and during the
trip the young woman was much admir-
cd for her beautiful and costly gowns and
he was looked upon as an up 60 dato man
OF the world. They had many convival
gatherings in their rooms during the voy-
age.
Upon reaching London, what was term
ed as palace Of luxury was leased bv
,t,,r. ft, st,a "a ebfnna al. aoGtfpp ,pH tIr,,