The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-10-24
DIVORCE RECALLS
CHURCH EPISODE
Theodore Van Wyck Benner
Sues for Separation.
DESERTED ONE MAN AT ALTAR
Created Sensation i'm Washington
Church by Fleeing Down Aisle as
Minister Was Performing Marriage
CeremOny-Father, senator, Lived
In Former House of worship.

Theodore Van Wyck Benner. Of New
York. daughter Of former United States
Senator Van Wyck, OF Nebraska. who
threw washington society into cOnsterna-
ton years ago by deserving her husband
elect at the altar rail- and fleeing from
the church while the minister was repeat
ing the marriage service, now finds that
the union which she subsequently con-
tracted with Fernando Benner Is not 10
her liking she instituted proceedings for
divorce I'm Omaha yesterday.
Nonsupport Is set up In the petition as
the main cause for a divorce. Mrs. Ben
ner alleges that while her husband is
possessed Of good income, ne has been
accustomed TO spend it selhshly on him
self Not only has ne enjoyed his own
money without providing suitably for
Mrs. Benner. but he has. according to
her allegations, by his plausible state
meuts ana cOaXing ways, induced her %
part with a considerable portion OF her
own fortune.
She Alleges COldness.
Mrs. Benner further alleges ne showed
"boldness and lack OF affection" so that
apply for a divorce She asks the GUS
tody Of the one child. boy, aged six
years, now In New York.
Mrs Benner is well known TO Wash
inEton society folk. She was born in this
city while her father was serving as
United States Senator. Although much
OF her life was spent in Nebraska her
debut, a memorable event socially was
made i'm washington. and here she lived
afterward. Handsome. talented. and bril-
liant Theodore Van Wyck was a reign
ing belle in he National Capital Eight
years ago her engagement was announced.
and preparations for the wedding formed
a fruitful source of gossip among those
who had watched the social triUmphs of
Miss Van Wyck.
A brilliant assemblage had gathered for
the nuptlal event. While the clergyman
was repeating the solemn words which
we're 20 unite her destiny with that Of the
man at her side. Miss Van Wyck as
sumed the feminine prerOgative, and,
changing her mind. few wildly down the
aisle Of the church leaving her husband
to-be. the attendants. and the elect OF
the National Capital, to form their own
conclusions II was an occurrence
unique In social annals.
Miss Van Wyck stoutly refused an eX-
PLANTATION Of any kind. and her reasons
FOR breaking the engagement at so late
an hour were never known.
The young man. whose dream OF mar
ried happiness was thus abruptly ended
was holding a responsible position with the
Southern Railway at the time. He was
completely crushed by the blow, resigned
connection with the railroad, and left the
city.
VIII BE No Contest
Soon afterward Miss Van Wyck gave
her friends more 20 talk about by marry.
ing Mr.. Benner. The couple have spent
the time since their marriage travelling
in this country and in Europe No con,
test Of Mrs. Benner's divorce action is
expected
The Van Wycks lived for years at the
Riggs House. When they left that hos
telry TO establish a home Of their owr
they made a unique choice. Senator Var
WICK acquired a little church building
which stood on the site OF the Herbert
Wadsworth mansion. at the junction oil
Massachusetts avenue with p and Eight
eenth streets. The ecclesiastical style
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