The evening world., 1908-11-03
PASTOR WHO WAS
SHOT MARR|ES HIS
PRETTY ORGANISE
Rev. John Keller, Attacked by
Thomas G.. Barker, Is
Bridegroom.
GIRL FOLLOWED HIM.
After Resignation From Airing
ton Church She Played in
New Parish.
GIRL FOLLOWED HIM


NEWARK, n. j., Nov. 3.-Announce-
,rent was made to-day Of the marriage
of the Rev. John Keller. formerly of
Arlington, y. j., ana Miss Anicartha
Hagy, at Hackensack, yesterday. The
ceremony was performed in Christ
Church by the Re,. William welles
Holey. d. d, rector.
A little over year ago, Arlington,
y. j., was thrown into excitement by
the resignation of the Rev. John Keller
as rector OF Trinity Episcopal Church
and secretary of the Newark diocese
Fer weeks previous gossip had con-
nected the names OF Mr.. Keller and Miss
Anicartha Hagy, thu organlst of the
church, and the minister's decision to
quit the parish set things on edge.
The fact that Mr.. Keller had dropped
out of sight mysteriously several DAYS
prior to his resignation, coupled with
the further announcement that Miss
Hays Whereabouts were exciting
speculation, only added to the sensa-
ton. 1t was matter of conjecture
whether Mr.. Keller had voluntarily
rendered his resignation, or whether the
Bishop had summoned him to Newark,
where the written document was handed
in and the case dismissed for the time
being, as mvster!ously as It had started.
Shot by Parishioner.
1t was known that the bond OF sym
pathy between Mr.. Keller and Miss
Hagy was due in part to an attack upon
Mr.. Keller's life six years before. AL
though fortysix years old Mr.. Keller
paid much attention TO tho Organist, an
invalid. twenty-seven years old. He
Tad been considered a distinguished
looking man prior to being shot by
Thomas G. Barker and losing an eye,
and WAS still known as one OF COM
rnanding presence and a charming con-
versationalist. Unmarried, he spent
mitch of his time in the company of
women OF his parish.
But to go back 10 the inception of Mr.
Keller's trouble at Arlington. Thomas
G.. Barker and his beautiful wife were
among the minister's parishioners. Mrs.
Barker was active In all charitable en-
terprlses undertaken by the church. and
a leader in the social life of the town.
She was n devoted admrer of the rec
tor and. it was said. incurred the en-
nifty of some women in the parish.
whisperings were heard, and Barker
and his wife had a stormy interview.
AS result, Barker bought pistol
and lay in wait for Mr.. Keller. When
the minister passed the spot where
Barker was hidden the latter blazed
away ut him. For weeks afterward the
rector lowered between life and death.
and finally recovered. but with the sight
OF one eye gone.
Tragedy Divided Church.
Barker had sensational trial. the
jury finding him guilty of assault with
intent to Kill. and he was sentenced to
five years in State prison. After serv-
ing two years lie was pardoned.
The shooting of Mr.. Keller split the
members of his church into two fac
sions. During his convalescence he was
the object OF sympathy on one hand
and much adverse criticism on another.
Some of the most influential and
wealthy members left the church. Miss
HaGy was one who stood by the min
lister. She Was at all times ready to de-
fond his course with reference TO Mrs.
Barker.
Mr.. Keller's path was not strewp with
roses after he resumed his duties, al
though Miss Hagy smoothed the way
as much as possible for him, and her
pale checks would fiusl at the merest
suggestion of wrong doing by him.
Finally matters came to a head. and n
petition was sent to the Bishop by the
partisans asking that they ne permitted
10 build a new edlfce and divide the
parish. The Bishop refused but the
friction between the rector and his OPP
ponents increased. The congregation
began to dwindle until there was not
more than a hundred in church on Sun
days.
Then came Mr.. Kelier's dlsappear-
ance with that of the organist. 1t de-
veloped after Mr.. Keller's resignation
that Mss Hagy had become organist
IN n New Jersey city church. MIR.
Keller, however, had preached his fare
well sermon the previous day at Ar
lington. Miss Hagy was there at the
organ. She was i'll at ease. and her
condition seemed to attract Mr.. Keller,
who. after craving the pardon of any
he might have injured. broke down
Mi. Keller was born in Philadelphia.
He received a superior education and
hocame rector OF Trinity Church in
1856