There are those who believe in love at first sight, a short relationship, and a happy marriage to follow. Then there are those who believe in long courtships, where the couple gets to know each other before the commitment to marriage. Neither of these was in store for Adien Stone, as marriage was not something he was really prepared for.

Sometime in early April of 1885, Mr. and Mrs. George Perry left Ypsilanti to attend the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of Mrs. Perry’s daughter in Wayne. That Friday evening a woman who worked as a domestic in the Perry home came to the house and knocked on the door. The knock was answered by Adien Stone, the son of Mrs. Perry, George Perry being his step-father. The woman, named Mary McFall, told Adien she wanted to stay the night at the house.

Adien told her that the house was not his, and his parents were away and she could not stay. She told Adien she must stay at the house as she had been turned out of another place, and could not sleep in the street.

“He could not get her out unless by force, and so she staid there that night and until Monday morning, doing the cooking and household work and making herself perfectly at home,” reported The Ypsilanti Commercial of April 18, 1885.

Monday morning she told Adien he had to marry her, telling him that his “relations to her demanded it,” and that his mother would be pleased he had found a wife. The couple went to the office of Justice of the Peace Joslyn, where they were married.

She swore she was 32 years of age, and had never before been married. These were two statements that were at best questionable.

“Adien, when a child, was attacked with a brain fever, and since been feeble in mind, although well formed physically. He is a simple hearted, sincere man, a member of the Baptist church, and regular in attendance on Sunday and other services,” noted the account.

After the marriage the two went to the office of Judge Ninde to see about money belonging to Adien from an inheritance. Judge Ninde told Adien to go home and to stay there.

About an hour after the marriage Mr. and Mrs. George Perry returned home. On entering the house the fist thing Mrs. Perry noticed was a bonnet and shawl. She asked Adien for an explanation, thinking a relative had come to call.

“You will soon see,” answered Adien.

George Perry went upstairs, where he found Mary. He ordered her out of the house. She refused, telling him, “I am your son’s wife.” Then the two told Mr. and Mrs. Perry of the marriage.

Mary would not leave, and Adien’s guardian, Alonzo Cady, his brother-in-law, was sent for. Mary finally left after three hours, crying and screaming.

“She had brought her trunk and Adien went with her to a restaurant at the depot, helping her carry it. They both staid there the night,” reported the account.

The next morning Adien returned home and wiser and sadder man, saying he would have nothing more to do with the woman.

“During her stay Mrs. Perry set Mary to work and she proved to be a good worker,” added the account. “When she went away Mr. Perry handed her a dollar.” Adien was about 47 years of age, and Mary was most likely about 50. Those acquainted with her said she had been married twice before. It was clear that she was after Adien’s money and a home.

“She is a peculiar type of beauty,” concluded the account, “not appreciated by most men.”

James Mann writes monthly columns on Ypsilanti history for AnnArbor.com.