May 11, 1864
Singular Case of Double Marriage. -- When the war first broke out, a young married man of Steubenville volunteered in the service of his country, left his young wife and child, and went forth to fight his country's battles. His regiment was hotly engaged at the battle of Perryville, and he was reported among the killed. Indeed there seemed to be no doubt as to the fact of his death, several of his comrades declaring that they had seen him fall, and knew where he was buried. The sad news of his death was brought home to his wife, and after the first waves of bitter sorrow had subsided she determined to have his remains brought home. She was assisted in her undertaking by kind friends, and two months or more after, a metallic coffin, containing what purported to be the remains of the supposed deceased, was brought to Steubenville, and with the accustomed burial rites, was deposited in the cemetery.
There were no doubts entertained as to death in the manner stated, and the young wife, after mourning his demise for over a year, received and accepted a second offer of marriage. Her present husband is a worthy man, and during the tour or five months since their marriage they have been living in undisturbed happiness. - But at last a shadow has eclipsed their sunshine. A few days since an exchanged prisoner, just from the South, passed through Steubenville, and left a message from the supposed deceased husband for his wife, stating that he was a prisoner in the hands of the rebels, alive and well, and as he was in daily expectation of being exchanged, she might expect him home in a very short time. The situation of the lady and husband can better be imagined than described, under the circumstances. Though this is rather a remarkable case, it is one which, during the present state of the country, might be of more frequent occurrence.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: Undated: May 1864