Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 34, Number 76, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 May 1902 — Rev. A. C. Abbett Elopes. [ARTICLE]

Rev. A. C. Abbett Elopes.

Our Venerable Former Resident Figures In a Sensation. The following from Wednesday’s Record-Herald concerns Rev. A. C. Abbett, until lately and for many years, a well known and greatly respected resident of Jasper county. All the main facts stated are correct, including the age of the groom and his two previous marriages. Instead of stating his residence as Chicago, however, Chicago Heights would have been more correct. As to the story of the former courtships of the same woman, we have no means of verifying. Rev. Abbett is an active and well preserved man for his age. The following is the Record-Herald’s account, excluding the head-lines: A love affair begun sixty years ago culminated in Lebanon, Ind., yesterday with an elopement and marriage. The interested parties are Rev. Abraham C. Abbett of Chicago, aged 77, and Mrs. Eliza J. Mitchell of Amity, Ind., aged 75. The courtship began when the bride was 17. Her parents objected to their marriage on account of her ten’der years, and they drifted apart. Rev. Abbett later married another woman, who died, leaving several children. The sweetheart of his youth was yet unmarried, and he renewed his suit. She rejected him then because she did not wish to become a stepmother, and married Jefferson Mitchell, a wealthy farmer. He died twentyfour years ago. In the meantime Abbett married again. This wife died a few years ago. Two months ago Abbett wrote Mrs. Mitchell, requesting a third opportunity to win her hand. The letter fell into the possession of the old lady’s daughter, and a storm of opposition arose. The old paople then secretly arranged a meeting in Indianapolis for Monday. Their plans were successful and they came to Lebanon, where the ceremony was performed at the home of Mrs. Julia Shirley, the bride’s niece. Rev. Abbett is a retired Methodist minister. Mrs. Abbett is well to do. They will take a short wedding trip before returning to her farm at -Amity——.