The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-27
ELOPERS DISOBEY
CHURCH MANDATE
Baltimore Couple Flee to
Chester to Wed.
ARE MARRIED BY THE MAYOR
Stepmother of Bride Arrives on Scene
80 Five Minutes Too Late to
- Stop Ceremony.

CHESTER. Pa. Jan. ia difference
OF religion and social dispute between
the families OF Moncure Robinson and
Miss Sarah Sisson Abel. both prominent
and wealthy members Of Baltimore So
cietS, could not prevent the marriage
of the two young persons.
Even though Cardinal Gibbons inter-
fered. the love which laughs at lock-
smiths triumDhed when Mr. Robinson
and Miss Abel were married in this
cry last evening by Mayor Howard IL.
Houston.
The marriage was only accomplished
after, extreme difficulty. and IL was
barely completed. and the young couple
had just left the city hall. when Mrs.
Philomena Abel. a widow. the step
mother of the bride. accompanied by
several friends, arrived in this city.
They were only about five minutes too
late 'to catch the bride and bridegroom.
Alexander Cummings. who was one of
those accompanying Mrs. Abel, inter
viewed Mayor Houston. His manner be-
trayed his deep disappointment.
sqUa Aided by Edward Cr0zier.
Edward Grocer. a resident OF Upland,
who married a sister Of Moncure Robip>
san, chamDioned the cause Ct the elop-
upon as one Of the consDirators. Mr..
Grocer and Mr.. and Mrs. Spaulding Jen-
kins came from Baltimore together. and
Mr. Robinson and Miss Abel followed
on later train.
Mr.. Robinson and his wife-to-be went
directly to Mr.. Crozers summer resi-
dence at Upland and dined there. chap
eroned by Mrs. r. II. Page. At about
O'Clock the carriages were called. and
the party proceeded 10 the residence Of
rhs- Rev. James Timmons. rector OF St.
MichaeTs Church. Chester. Mr.. Grocer
had interviewed Father Timmons. ano
the latter had agreed that he would
marry the young couple. provided Car
dinal Gibbons granted him a dispersal
ton
II is against the rules of the church TO
marry persons from another parish.
When the bridal party arrived In the
parsonage they found Father Timmons
much perplexed. Several kilograms had
been received from Cardinal Gibbons
relative to the marriage. and the climax
was reached when the messenger boy
brought the yellow slip bearing these
words. I'm Latin: Marry them under M
circumstances"
Police Interviewed.
Miss ADell is a Catholic, and she deep
IL, felt the refusal to permit her mar
riage 10 be performed. AT this poin
Sergeant OF Police Mullen stepped II
with orders from Chief Leary to preven
the marriage. Word had been received
from the Baltimore police TO prevent th'
marriage. as Miss Abel is but seventeen
YEARS old, and to detain her until hel
relatives arrived.
Mr.. Grocer during the last few day.
had succeeded IN getting r. II. Page. hi
brother-in-law. appointed by the Della
ware county courts guardian Of Mis-
Abel. who is an heiress. Her step
mother also is rich. He had secured
marriage license. and declared the mar
riaye could be performed with the con
sent.of the guardian. and Mr.. Page CAV,
his consent willingly.
Appealed to Mayor.
As a fnas resort the party went t
Mayor Houston's Office, and after exam
ming the papers and hearing Miss Abel
declare under oath, that she is twentl
years Of age. Mayor Houston performe,
the ceremony.
Mr.. and Mrs Robinson immediatel!
drove TO Upland and stopped at Mr.
Crozers residence. Five minutes late
Alexander Cummings arrived at tn
mayors Office. only 10 find himself to-
late. He rejoined Mrs. Abel and he
other two friends. and they returned I,
Baltimore on the 10 o'clock train Tn
bride is grandniece Of Aruna S Abel
founder Of the Baltimore Sun" Tn
groom is also wealthy. and is a membe
OF the firms OF NewhaIl & Co and J. L
Blackwell & Co. contractors.