"Runs Away on Wedding Eve . . , Leaves Her Polish Lover for GREEK Suitor" article - Chicago Daily Tribune, August 4, 1908

Published in the Chicago Daily Tribune, August 4, 1908

RUNS AWAY ON WEDDING EVE

-----

Agnes Babisch Leaves Her Polish

Lover for Greek Suitor.

-----

DISAPPEARS IN AUTOMOBILE

-----

Rejected Wooer Threatens Suit for

Cost of Dress and Feast.

-----

On the eve of her wedding to a young Polish man in her neighborhood, Miss Agnes Babisch, 18 years old, 50 Cornelia street, changed her mind and disappeared with a young Greek suitor.

The elopement was accomplished by the aid of a young Polish girl friend of the bride to be, with the assistance of an automobile.  It occurred right under the eyes of the Polish sweetheart.  The girl friend served as the decoy who led the girl to her Greek lover, who was waiting in the machine.

Yesterday the young rejected Pole threatened to sue the girl's sister, Mrs. Kate Tavishki, for $200 said to have been expended in buying the trousseau for the bride.  The bill included, besides the cost of the wedding clothes, the payment of the priest, the renting of a hall, and the cost of refreshments.

It is for the latter reason that Mrs. Tavishki is trying to locate her sister before the wedding is announced.

Called from Accepted Suitor.

It was about 9 o'clock Sunday night when the girl was called to the door of her sister's home by her friend, who is known as Kate, and told in Polish that her employer's cousin, James Karasapolus, wanted to see her.  She had been discussing plans for her wedding on the morrow with her Polish lover.  She excused herself and left with her girl friend.  She did not wear a hat or coat, and her sweetheart and relatives expected her to return in a few minutes.

At Milwaukee avenue and Cornella street Agnes was met by Karasapolus and seven other friends in an auto.  The girl jumped into the machine and the runaway was started.

Then came a story of a sensational abduction.  Kate was the author.  She declared that one of the men in the machine quickly placed a handkerchief over Agens' mouth.  While the chauffeur speeded away with the party.

But she did not tell of the kidnaping until Mrs. Tavishki found her yesterday at a Greek restaurant, where she and the Babisch girl had both been employed.

Cousin Agrees to Pay Bills.

Mrs. Tavishki was told by the restaurant man, Christ Smith, 407 State street, that his cousin and the girl would be married this week, and that he would pay all the expenses incurred by the Polish lover in the preparations for the wedding.  Smith, Mrs. Tavishki said, promised to call at her home last night and settle this amount.  Inquiry at the restaurant last night brought the reply that the cousin and alleged abductor had gone to St. Louis.

Mrs. Tavishki hurried to the Central police station for help.  But if the Polish man does not sue and Smith pays the bills the trouble will be settled.