Their sight was indeed large, their own features was basically well proportioned, along with her want to wade West is actually their top aspiration. She is actually well on her cure for reaching their particular mission whenever she approved the fresh new proposition out of a man residing French Go camping, California. He’d claimed to own an adventurous lady anxious to settle from inside the the brand new Gold Country and have the adventure of your own nuts frontier. Annie wasted little time positively addressing his letter asking for her submit marriage.

is considered one of the latest prettiest, very challenging girls inside the Akron, Ohio into the 1883

Born a just child when you look at the 1874 in order to Charles Gayle and you will Margaret Stantz Gayle, Annie’s dad captivated their daughter that have stories of your own homes beyond the latest Rockies and the endless chances to end up being had there. Charles passed away before he realized his personal dream about relocating to San francisco. Fearing the ability to build such as a journey passed away along with her dad, Annie made a decision to thought post-buy bride ventures.

Horace Knapp, a good-looking man within his late 40s, built-up his bride from the teach depot during the Sacramento, Ca on the Sep ten, 1890. Annie is actually anxious to satisfy the fresh new sheepish suitor that has discussed himself within his emails because the an effective “good-fellow, having mode and prospects.” The master plan was toward a couple so you’re able to get married a single day once Annie showed up and only bu siteye gidin in the event the the earliest encounter proved to be collectively sufficient. The happy couple dined to one another and discussed the you’ll be able to upcoming. Towards the end of evening they certainly were inside the done agreement to marry. Vows and you may a ring was indeed traded another morning.

Annie Gayle

Annie was pleased not just to become married, but with in the end being at a place that seemed to be exploding that have possible. In the event that she had stayed during the Kansas operating at the a good millinery store, lifetime given that good farmer’s spouse try a knowledgeable she believe she you may hope for. She considered becoming Mrs. Knapp manage offer her pleasure which surrendered so you’re able to their partner the small amount of money she had generated being employed as good seamstress inside the Akron. It never ever crossed their unique mind you to definitely Horace might be untrustworthy. She is actually truthful and you may imagine everyone is too.

The brand new newlyweds relocated to a little cabin located in the an exploration neighborhood from the San Juan Valley. Everything you ran together as the besides. It was like the couple got paid for a long time within their the position. Horace invested his wife’s funds on a mining strategy the guy informed me so you’re able to their carry out establish high dividends – adequate so that they can see the industry past California. Annie is actually thrilled by tip although their husband was away maintaining the welfare, she prepared trips in order to faraway countries.

One night, alone again within their fledgling homestead, a great ragged little boy reach the fresh doorstep and put a soiled note in order to her. They understand the following: “Mrs. Knapp, your husband has a different wife life style near-by your. He’s about three students whom he’s got left behind. The guy hitched you to get any type of currency you’d or you can expect to and obtain. The woman is simple and you can knows absolutely nothing regarding your that have partnered you. Don’t bother her, poor topic; she’s a difficult plenty of time to provide their particular infants.”

Annie is actually surprised from the information and would not accept is as true is actually genuine. She buried the latest notice inside her pocket and you will waited having Horace to arrive home. Whenever Horace eventually returned to their particular, the guy went towards the domestic wearing a new fit from dresses and you may a hat and you will are moving an effective cane like he was when you look at the a parade. The guy carelessly threw themselves towards the a seat and you can requested Annie if there is anything to eat. For a moment she wouldn’t cam. If the note try right she endured to lose their own spouse, their honor and piece of fortune she got became over to Horace.