The Whatcom Widow Who Bought the Coffin Before the Death

Whatcom, Jan. 13.—The recent marriage in Albany, N.Y., of the former wife of the late C. F. Keesling—well known here and once chairman of the Whatcom County board of commissioners—has revived a story that has marked her as an adventuress and suggested the probable murder of Keesling in the insane asylum at Steilacoom about five years ago. Mrs. Keesling's marriage to her coachman, Harry J. Ruse, a Black man about 27, and the way he was afterward driven away and threatened are known here. It will be news to many that she has now wedded her fifth husband and is living in Albany. She is about 55; her new husband is many years her junior and, it is said, was induced to marry her for her money. The story of her twelve years in Whatcom, if the rumors are credited, is revolting for its heartlessness. Keesling's death is still remembered as an event shrouded in mystery. He left much property, and when Mrs. Keesling went East with her coachman, who afterward became her husband, she carried with her about $25,000. She still has property interests here from the Keesling estate. Seventeen years ago she came to Whatcom County as the wife of a mechanic named Hunt. She was then about 35 and was said to have been married once before. She was slight but strong and sinewy, and her stern face gave evidence of ill temper and a vindictive nature. Hunt took up a ranch on the Nooksack at the foot of Sumas Mountain, in a house Keesling owned. Mrs. Hunt remained with him only two years. After the Hunts had lived on the ranch about a year Keesling became a frequent visitor and fell a victim to the woman's wiles. He was a widower whose wife had died in Indiana, leaving one son. One day Keesling went to the ranch with Hunt to locate a new trail. When Hunt returned alone he found the place deserted; his wife had gathered up her effects and fled. He searched for her in San Francisco, then returned resigned. Meanwhile Keesling had hidden her with an old friend, where she adopted man's attire as security from her husband's eyes. In a few months she filed for divorce; W. H. Fouts, then a deputy sheriff, served the papers. Hunt declared he was well rid of her and allowed the decree by default. It was granted at La Conner, then the county seat, and the same day Mrs. Hunt became Mrs. Keesling. After a few years of marriage, during which Keesling became prominent in county affairs, the couple adopted two children. He was then about 60 and chairman of the board of commissioners. She feared he would die without a will and insisted he make one, leaving half the property to her and half to the adopted children. Not satisfied, she pressed for another will leaving all to her, and later he deeded her the entire property. Keesling was soon taken to the asylum at Steilacoom. Shortly afterward his wife went to see him, saying she had been told he was about to die. He did not look like a dying man, but she insisted he was not long for life and went to Tacoma, purchased his coffin, and returned with it to Steilacoom. He still appeared strong, but in a few days he died. His wife, who was awaiting the event, put him in the coffin she had bought and brought the remains to Whatcom. She then demanded that the county bury him. A commissioner told her her husband had left ample means for the funeral, but she replied: 'That's all right. He was chairman of the board of commissioners and for that reason the county must bury him.' The county refused, and she buried him herself with exceeding bad grace. Three years passed. In the fall of 1892 she sold part of her property to E. W. Purdy, the present county treasurer, and, accompanied by Ruse, left for Saratoga Springs, N.Y. At Winnipeg Ruse was induced to marry her on a promise of a large sum of money and a place in her will. They visited his parents in Central Illinois, then went on to Saratoga Springs. On the way she charged her husband to deny their relation and to be known simply as a colored servant and coachman. He objected but, being threatened, consented. Ruse alleges that his wife soon tired of the children and sent them home. She then became acquainted with a wealthy old bachelor who was 'on the marry.' According to Ruse, she proposed that she marry the old man and they would then kill him and get his property. Ruse says he refused. About this time an unknown man was killed and Ruse was arrested for murder. He declares his wife bribed the chief of police to secure his conviction. He was held eight days, then served with a summons and a divorce complaint. On the eighth evening the chief told him his wife would give him $200 to leave the country and go to Honolulu. He promised, and with the money and a ticket for Chicago he was escorted to the train. At Chicago he bought a ticket for Whatcom and arrived here in March 1893. On advice of attorneys he filed an answer and general denial to his wife's divorce complaint, blocking the suit. Then he sued for divorce and a division of the property. A warrant was issued at Saratoga Springs charging Ruse with murder, but the sheriff here, on the advice of Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Howard, would not make the arrest. Ruse's divorce suit dragged along about six months but never came to trial. Mrs. Ruse is still in enjoyment of about $20,000, and now news comes from the woman herself that she is married again, this time to an Albany man named Ottman. Little is known of her life before her arrival. It is said she was first married when quite young; her husband died and she wedded Hunt. Her maiden name was said to be Clark, but she was known as Mrs. H. L. Keesling, and in her Saratoga Springs divorce suit she went under the name Elvira E. Ruse, presumably to deceive her relatives. Ruse lived here after his return until two weeks ago, when it is said he went to Portland. His money did not last, as he had a fondness for drink, and for a time he was employed in a barber shop. Mrs. Keesling's escapades here after her husband's death are reputed to be too numerous to mention, and Ruse has claimed that several men about town tried to persuade him to abandon his suit for divorce and division of the property. She has certainly shown herself to be a remarkable woman and, even at 55, has lost none of the unholy fire of her youth.