Slightly Sensational

A Young Girl Entrapped Into a Mock Marriage—The Villain Has Two Wives Now Living—He Couldn’t Bluff the Detective.

Binghamton, N. Y., April 16,— A story of somewhat sensational character has just been brought to light in this city. Laura Granis, a 17-year-old girl, came to this city a short time ago and secured work in a factory. She was bright and attractive and soon had several suitors. Among the most ardent was John B. Smith, who was several years her senior. He succeeded in winning her affections and induced her to accompany him to Tunkhannock, Pa, where a marriage ceremony was performed. The couple then went to Nineveh, where they remained several days with the girl’s parents. Mr. Granis became suspicious of his son-in-law, and instituted an investigation which resulted in the discovery that Smith had been twice married and that both his former wives were living. Upon searching the records at Tunkhannock, Granis became convinced that the alleged wedding was nothing more than a mock marriage and that his daughter had been grossly deceived. Returning to his home, he ordered Smith to leave the house and never attempt to return to see Laura alone, he pointed a revolver at her head and compelled her to leave her home with him. The couple walked the entire distance of twenty-four miles from Nineveh to this city. Several times during the journey Smith displayed a bottle believed to contain poison and swore he would force her to swallow it if she attempted to escape. When this city was reached the girl was completely exhausted. She was at once taken to a house in the outskirts, where she was kept concealed for three days. There she was found by a detective that had been employed by her father. When the officer was about to remove her, Smith presented a revolver and declared he would shoot if any attempt was made to separate him and his wife. The detective dared Smith to shoot and departed with the girl, who was restored to her father. She is completely prostrated by her terrible experience. Smith cannot be found.

source: The Titusville Morning Herald
location: Titusville, Pennsylavania