CURING AND MARRYING A MADMAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9172, 29 September 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

CURING AND MARRYING A MADMAN.

Curing and marrying a madman may seem incredible, but, according to a correspondent, the thing has been done by Miss Dorothy Barth, of Athens, Ohio, who has for several years been superintendent of one of the departments in the insane asylum at Athens, and is a member of a family of considerable prominence. Among the inmates during the past year was one Osmar Parrish, a printer and newspaper man well known in the neighbourhood and at Marietta, Ohio, where he has worked. In her work of superintendent, Miss Barth came often in contact with Parrish, who at first was violently insane, but rapidly improved. During his confinement a mutual affection sprang up between these two, but was not generally noticed. Parrish seemed always to be easily quieted when she approached him ; in the presence of others he would often have violent spells. About three months ago Parrish was discharged a well man. A short time after he returned to Athens, and, having made all arrangements, went to the asylum, and finding Miss Barth, the two repaired to the office of a justice, and were married. The parents of the lady, although living but .1 few rods from the scene of the marriage ceremony, knew nothing of it. The justice was pledged to secrecy, and Mr. and Mis. Parrish went away—she returning to the asylum, and he going to his home. ' The marriage has just now become public, and the young lady's parents are said to be very angry. Mrs. Parrish admits that she fell in love with her husband before he was cured of his insanity, and used extra efforts to bring about his complete mental restoration. She will still continue in her present situation, which is quite lucrative.