The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-08-14
The eliminating
Romance in the Career
of Elsie Ferguson
Who Has Risen from
Chorus Girl to Brlde-to.
Be of a Multi
Millionaire's Sc

be Erinned at was her pronouncement
70 her mother after her fourth season as
merry merry"
One manager. hearing OF her determi-
nation expressed in a few quiet words,
thought there might be something in
her" She appeared in a speaking part
in a brief lived play OF Western life.
-Pierre OF the Plains" 1t would be untrue
20 say that Elsie Ferguson trotted OF with
the play thrown over her shoulder. But
those who saw her play the tiny part
remembered the young girl with the deep
tones and the clear-cut chin. the dainty
nose, the beautiful mouth. the dignity
that exceeded her years. and more par
ticularly the deep. rich notes OF her voice.
To be remembered is something. II is a
very great deal. II you are remembered
with sufficient force you have arrived,
and Elsie Ferguson had determined to
arrive.
They shall see that I can strike n
deeper chord" Miss Ferguson told her
mother. and kept her word when she
played girl OF the slums with fine effect
In "The Battle" From that time the
name Elsie Ferguson began to have sig
nihcance in the theatrical world. to
mean something more than mere Broad
way beauty that shines for a few seasons
in the night restaurants. vanishes, and Is
forgotten. For Satan took the pretty be-
ginner to the top OF the mountain and
promised her much Of the ordinary spoils
OF Broadway. the diamonds and fine
gowns and automobiles. II was In that
period before everybody owned an auto
mobile. But Elsie smiled her serene
smile and waved him away.
Il know what l want. and IL is not
Broadway cafe life"
walk carefully. Elsie. You're walking
among paths that turn folk dizzy" warned
an old friend and wise.
81 know IT," she answered. 81 will
count my steps"
II was shortly after this she married.
Frederick Hoey was the son OF the presi-
dent OF the Adams Express Company. He
approved the theatre and he especially
approved Elsie Ferguson.
do you think an actress should
marry?" someone asked the bride.
YES" she answered in her deep
measured tones. If the husband does
not interfere with her ambitions"
Certainly Frederick Hoey did not in
terfere. at first. with them. lie was a
most dutlful husband. always escorting
his wife to the playhouse and always call.
ing 10 fake her home. His days he en-
ployed in the real estate business.
But times changed as times persist In
doing. and with them persons. The real
estate business grew less. The young
Vife's income was needed 20 keep the
machinery OF the home at West End.
" j.. smoothly moving. -Four years after
her marriage Frederick Hooy's girl wife
divorced him. She made no explanation
more specific than the remark. Il have
always known what ! wanted. and what
] don't want"
Clearly Frederick Hoey was something
she did not now want
Miss Ferguson was chosen 10 represent
"such a Little Queen" so balanced. 80
intelligent. go well defined. with so power
full personality behind o.. was her work
that within a week the leading woman 81
the play had become its star When after
frst sip Of her coffee she read the big
news crowded into two lines Of theatrical
notes, Elsie Ferguson spilled the Gomez
For she nad Hung OK the bedclothes and
was expressing nor Joy in dance.
81 jumped up In bed and danced on
the mattress" was ner story 90 the joy
that announcement brought her.
She had become a star. But Elsie Fer
Ruson vas FAR too canny not to know that
the theatrical ornament has its comets
She would boz no shooting star. but one
firmly established. a liked star
10 was ro easy way 90 get this thlni
she so uuCis wanted.
Several plays we're provided FOR bel
which we're "a charming setting for bet
youthful beauty and her One Intelligence