The Washington times., 1909-08-22
COMIC OPERA STAR
TOSUE FOR DIVORCE
Grace Van Studdiford and
Her Husband Reach a
Friendly" Agreement.

81. LUIS <Ahb- So " e re Svoa
pals now, as we've always been.
Charlie and I; but we've been all that
for the past TWO years. Charles
splendid; everybody knows that. This
is move which W both feel expedient,
and it is entirely friendly.
II sent for him yesterday. and we
talked it all out in my lawyers office.
I wanted TO make it nice for Charlie,
and though he at FIRST took issue. he
finally came 20 see II as I did, and we
shook hands the best friends ever.
Charlie IS a prince. You know best
wife, he said.
This is Grace Van Studdifords brief
statement regarding her divorce suit
against her husband,
I've had some rather disagreeable
financial troubles, but ! must get up
again. Ny company is rehesrsing now
in New York. I shall depart tonight
10 Join them, and viii return here IN
October" When asked If there would
be an engagement to be announced
soon, she shook her head little visit
fully and replied that she oiGnt be-
lieve she ever would try it again
Is Minister'S Daughter.
Grace Van Studdiford was Gracia
Quive. daughter Of a Methodist min
lister, and her entrance into the theat
ricaI profession was a thorn in her
family's side.
When Charles Van Studdiford finally
captured the singer, after spectacular
ccurtship, she took off her theatrical
laurels and went back dutifully to her
parents and her little home at North
Manchester. Ind, where she was mar
Fied quietly with the intention sf leaV-
ing the stage forever.
Grace Van Studdiferd Will retain her
name as she says thEt II is part of her
capital. having made it what she has.
Charles Van Studdisord has been a
man about town" IN St Louis for
twenty years. Charlie Van" az he
was called by his associates, was a gay
bon vlvante" and travelled with the
Smart Set in St. Louis in his younger
days. Until his mothers death, Van
Studdiford had plenty Of money and
he spent it freely.
Loves Her At Sight.
It was case OF love at first sight
Z
said his hear went out to the beautiful
singer the first time he saw her and
/ heard her MARBLE An ardent ccurtship
| followed. Van Studdiford, the spoiled
child OF fortune, would not be denied
anything.
Van Studdiford began By sending the
singer loads OF flowers across the foot
lights, and sometimes in the bouquet
would be concealed a diamond Or other
/ costly gem.
The week Charlie Van Studdiford be-
gan to court Gracia Quive in St Louis.
Lily Iangtry was playing AT a rival
house. and her three millionaire admir-
ers had their private cars sideuacked
at the old Union depot,
Van Goes Into Business.
Charlie Van" figured he must over
wheim Gracia Quive by a lavish dis
/ play of wealth at his command. He
followed her around the country in a
private car, and quickly won her heart
and hand. After their marriage. ia 1884,
Mrs Van Studdiford insisted Charlie
must 90 into some legitimate business
Charlie looked around St. Louis, and
decided the real estate market suited
him. His mother furnished him with
$4,000 and Van Studdiford became a
| fulI-hedged partner in what was sup
posed TO be the most hourishing real
estate firm in the city
One week after Charlie Van" was ad-
mitted 10 partnership the firm busted
higher than a kite" Van Studdlford
said ne never I agaiDed one dollar Of the
$4,000
After his disastrous experience in this
line, Charlie Van" decided the racing
game suited him Better. and with his
wife's consent he re-embarked on the
turf The Van St1ddifords' colors be-
came widely known at Memphis. Louis
Vile. Chicago. and Saratoga
Manages Wife's Tour
When the racing game. was sup
pressed in he middle West. Mrs Van
Studdiford went back on the stage and
her husband became her manager. He
was on the road with her when she
starred I'm the Feather" also while
she was in vaudeville.
Afterwards Charlie Van" returned
TO ST. Louis and became an insurance
agent. He left this business to become
a travelling salesman.
Van Studdiford recently was thrown
off a four-in-hand and severely injured
1T Springfield, H., but he was able TO
get about.
Friends OF Mr. Van Studdiford say
they do not believe he would contest
the suit Afte- the papers were served
on him he departed for business trip
in Kentucky.
The divorce petition is one Of the
shortest on record, being written in
manuscript on q single sheet Of paper.
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