Nettie Cassingham [McCardell] Elopement

A Young Girl of 15 Deserts her Home Through a Bed Room Window

John Ward, a barber employed in the shop of J. T. Stevenson for the past six months up till a few weeks ago, whose age is about 30 years, kept company with a little girl (Nettie McCardell) aged 15 years. The intimacy of the couple occasioned considerable talk, and Ward was ordered to cease his attention towards her, which he did only after leaving town and going to Holden, Mo. Since his departure Mr. and Mrs. McCardell have felt considerably relieved, and nothing more was thought of the matter until Tuesday morning. Monday night Nettie retired with a young lady school teacher, but before getting in bed expressed a desire to sleep next to the window. This desire was granted, and aroused not the least suspicion with her partner, who soon dropped off to sleep. About 3 o’clock in the morning a voice was heard to utter the name “Nettie.” The school teacher heard this name called, but paid no attention to it, thinking it was from some of the members of the family. Nettie escaped with the one she first loved without a soul in town knowing it but themselves. They took the 3 o’clock a. m. freight train going south, followed on the noon passenger train by Sheriff Sims and Mr. McCardell. Nettie was adopted when a mere infant, and has always had a comfortable and happy home. Mr. and Mrs. MrCardell have always taken the same interest in her that they would had she been their own child, and this sudden blow falls upon them with a like force. Ward is of a reckless disposition and unsettled habits, but is of a good family. We believe that his intentions were to marry the girl, and, knowing that consent would not be granted, took this means to escape with the girl of his choice to a state where they could be united as one and no questions asked.