The Washington times., 1902-07-01
Becomes the Wife of Mr..
Lyman T. Whitehead,
of Erie, Pa.
CEREMONY A PRIVATE ONE
Family Refuse to Give Any Informa-
tion - Newly Married Couple Take
Late Afternoon Train for New York
on Their Honeymoon.

Mrs. Esther B. Clarke, nee Esther
Bartlett, who is widely known as the
violet BRIDE" was married In this city
yesterday afternoon to Mr.. Lyman T.
Whitehead. of Erie, Pa. The ceremony
took place at the home CT her father, Mr.
John d. Bartlett. 923 Rhode Island Ave-
nue.. and Immediately afterward the cou-
pie left for New York, where they will
remain some time before going farther On
their wedding trip.
The whole affair was carried out In the
greatest secrecy, and at the home or the
pride absolutely nc information could be
gained. It was stated by a member OF
the family that 1t was desired that 10th
| ing should be said about the matter, and
for that reason it was decided not to give
any information TO reporters. From
nei6h5ors OF the Bartletts. however, 1t
was learned that the ceremony took place
between and 8 o'c.ock. and that soon
after the bride and groom LETT the house
Tor the Pennsylvania railway sta ion.
Miss Bartlett became known as the
violet bride" scon after her marriage TO
MIR. James King Clarke. about three
years ago. That ceremony took place at
the Church of the Epiphany and y as one
of the prettiest spring weddings OF the
year Inc bride was strikinsly beautiful.
and wore IaEge and Very attractive
bouquet of vio.ets In her corsage as she
walked to the altar.
After the ceremony at Epiphany the
couple and their friends went to the home
of the brides father. where a reception
evit -, E.- 81.
of the same day they left for the sea-
shore. MIR. Clarke, however, did rot re-
main there with his bride, but went on
to New York. After a brief absence he
returned to her, and they went together
to Atlantic City, and there again the
groom left the bride, while ne returned to
his home in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Clarke.
1t is said, wrote 10 her husband fire.
quently at his home, but received no re-
plies TO her letters. She then went on
to his home 10 see him. 1t was there she
learned. it was alleged during her suit
for divorce. that ne intended breaking off
his marital relations with her
Mrs. Clarke then returned to the home
Of her father in this city, and soon after
ward Mr.. Clarke began proceedings
against her in the Pennsylvania courts
The matter came to trial at Pittsburg,
anu MT. A D W OrtDlnRtOn. OF tnlS city,
was engaged for the defense. The trial
lasted several weeks. and was one Of the
most sensational ever held in the di-
vorce courts of the Keystone State.
Openly Challenged Counsel.
Mrs. Clarke made it doubly sensational
by dramatically rising in her seat and |
openly challenging counsel for the prose-
cution to put to proof a statement made |
her. The case was finally /
submitted to the jury, and that body re-
mained out two, days and two nights
without being able to agree upon YER
dict. The presiding judge. seeing no
probability Of an agreement being
reached. on the third day discharged the
jury from further consideration of the
,ase. and ordered mistrial entered. The
result was a declared victory and vindi-
cation for Mrs. Clarke by the latter's
friends.
Mrs. Clarke returned to Washington
after the trial had closed.
md soon afterward instituted proceed