Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 January 1901 — MISS HARRIS MEANS FIGHT. [ARTICLE]

MISS HARRIS MEANS FIGHT.

Young Woman-Talks Who Sued B. Hl Durham for Breach of rrotaise. . , 'a Special Dispatch to The Inter Ocean. Rensselaeb, Ind!, Jan. 3.—Mis© Virginia Harris of this city, who yesterday sued Benjamin H. Durham in the United States Circuit court at Chicago for $50,000 for breach of promise, is the daughter of Henry O. Harris, a banker and cattle dealer of this city, and probably the richest mart in’ the county. She is one of three children and lira tall, handsome, and finely formed woman. When interviewed today regarding the case she indignantly denied the charge of blackmail, as claimed by th© defendant. Shesays she met Mr. Durham four years ago, and became engaged to him a year later. From the firot his letters were extremely ardent, and of these missives she has received probably 100. In 1898 he invited her to Onarga, and, it is alleged took he? into his private •' office and asked her to become his wife. A few months ago she and her mother, at his invitation, ac companied him to Los Angelos, where his brother Will lived. They took quarters at the leading hotel and after being there one week Durham went away with his brother and abandoned Miss Harris and her mother. They arranged to be married after their return from California, she says and he had prepared a home for her in Paxton, 111. which he repeatedly requested her to inspect. The case bids fair to be a battle royal, as Miss Harris has unlimited money and the full sympathy of her relatives. It was said today that Durham’s brother will be here tomorrow with a view to settling the case.