The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1903-05-08
HURON INTERESTED
IN A DIVORCE SUIT
Rev. Ralph {. Baldwin Was
Well Known in Huron az
an Educator.
STORY is SENSATIONAL
Brought cousin" to Huron and Triee,
to Marry Her-Finally Married in
Chicago, and First Wife Now
Seeks Divorce.

Huron, S. D., April 2S.-No little gos+
sip has been occasioned here by dis
patches to metropolitan papers to thu
effect that Mrs. Adelaide E. Baldwin
of New York city had been granted an
order by the superior court Of the state
for the examination of witnesses in
Rhode Island in a suit brought by her
for absolute divorce from her husband,
Rev. Ralph E. Baldwin Her COM
plant alleges that Ralph Baldwin,
while her husband, contracted a COM
mon law marriage with Rebecca q.
Greenwood, and that later he deserted
her and went to South Dakota.
Baldwin came to Beadle county more
than a year ago, and for several months
taught school near Hitchcock, and later
acted as supply teacher in the city
schools here and in Huron college.
Early last summer there appeared upon
the scene fine looking young lady
whom Mr.. Baldwin introduced as his
cousin, Miss Keays, of Chicago. Bald
win purchased a house on contract, had
it fitted up with modern conveniences.
He and Miss Keays played golf and
tennis together, and boarded at a fash
lonable establishment. Both wore good.
clothes and were quite popular.
In February, 1902 Baldwin instituted.
divorce proceedings against his wife,
Adelaide E. Baldwin, on the grounds
of desertion. At the time the lady was
upon her.
Would Marry Anyway.
Meanwhile Baldwin made every ar.
rangement to marry Miss Keays, and
visited the clerk Of the courts armed
with aftidavits as to his competency to
contract marriage. The clerk declined
to accept the aftidavits, and a license
was not issued. Then there was much
talk, till unexpectedly Mr.. Baldwin and
Miss Keayes were called out of the
city. Carpenters, painters, paperhang-
ers, furniture and hardware dealers.
together with merchants in various
lines, and boarding house keepers, We're
"tumbling over each other" in their
haste to put liens on the property pur-
chased by Baldwin.
In few days every article of furni-
ture, clothing, carpets, draperies, ETC.,
had been levied upon by creditors, but
nothing was taken from the house at
this time, for the reason that word had
been received from Mr.. Baldwin assur-
ing all creditors that he would soon re-
turn and settle every claim in full.
The next heard Of Mr.. Baldwin and
Miss Keays was the receipt by large
number Of people here Of cards an
nouncing their marriage. The ceremony
took place in Chicago, July s, at the
home of the BRIDES parents, and was
followed with the announcement that
the couple would be at home in Huron
after September 1, 1902. This was like
pouring oil upon the troubled waters
and all was quiet till September, when
Mr.. and Mrs. Baldwin failing to put in
an appearance, the house was cleared Of
it's contents by the sheriff on writs of
| attachment, and advertised to be sold
at public auction.
Bartender Bought SurpIice.
1t was then that discovery was maze
| that Mr. Baldwin was a clergyman. In
making an inventory Of his belongings
the sheriff discovered large collection
Of clerical robes and articles usually in
the wardrobe of an Episcopal clergy
man. These with other goods, were
disposed of. Some were purchased by
an Episcopal clergyman now resident
in a neighboring city, while two or
three white surplices were bought by q
bartender, who now wears them be-
hind the counter as he draws beer for
thirsty customers. The robes were Of
fine texture and very beautiful. Cloth
ing belonging to Miss Keays was sorted
out and together with fancy articles
and numerous keepsakes, were taken
charge Of and sent to her by sympathiz-
ing ladies'
Nothing more was heard of the cou-
pie until within c few weeks letters
stated that Mr.. Baldwin was principal
in a school in Wisconsin town. Later
came the information Of the divorce
proceedings in New York, all Of which
is freely and energetically discussed by
acquaintance here, and who are i'm
patiently waiting to learn more partic-
nlarS Of the proceedings.