The Scandal of Kate Claxton: A Star’s Divorce and the Rumors That Rocked Seattle

Kate Claxton's Divorce Suit.

For some time past it has been known that Mrs. Kate Claxton, the well-known actress of the Union Square Theater, has been suing for a divorce from her husband, Dore Lyon, who is a downtown broker, but by common consent the facts have been refused publication by the principal papers until the disappearance of Oakey Hall brought the matter into public notice.

Mrs. Claxton, whose real name is Mrs. Kate Lyon, is a lady of about 30 years of age, very petite in person and attractive in face, with a nervous manner in walk and conversation. She is the daughter of Stephen W. Cone, well known as a literary man and intimately associated with military matters during the late war, and is granddaughter of the late Spencer H. Cone, who, in his younger days, was an actor of no small promise, and was subsequently a Baptist minister of this city.

Under the theatrical name of Kate Claxton, she made her first appearance at the Crosby Opera House, in Chicago. Following her drift in the West, she played in Washington and in Philadelphia, and soon afterward joined the company at Daly's Fifth Avenue Theater in Twenty-fourth Street, making her first appearance in 'Fernande' with Miss Agnes Ethel. A hard student in her profession, she soon obtained a good position in the company in this and other plays, and won success in the series of old comedy revivals, until, after varied duties, she became a member of the Union Square company.

Identified with all the successful plays at this theater, she gained renewed favor in the part of Madeline in 'Bed Astray'—a character which gave her an enviable position as one of the best imitators of the American stage. Later, in 'The Two Orphans,' she took a still higher rank, and with this character, playing it in nearly every city in the Union, she is completely identified.

The domestic infelicities which have brought this lady's name before the public in a divorce suit may be said to date from the production of this play, 'Conscience.' Upon the departure of the Union Square company for a Western tour in August last, Miss Claxton went with them, and in the company went also Mr. C. A. Stevenson, who had played the lover's part in the drama of 'Conscience' at the Union Square.

Before the departure of the company, however, it is rumored that the attentions of Mr. Stevenson to the fair heroine had become decidedly marked, and a disagreement with another member of the company, leading to blows, became for a few days a matter of comment. After the company reached Chicago the rumors were continued. Mr. Dore Lyon in the meantime being in New York, where, after a time, the report of Miss Claxton's alleged indiscretions reached his ears, and started the husband westward to inquire into the matter.

The statements were found to be gross exaggerations, without other foundation than the mere civilities of the stage and hotel, and Mr. Lyon traveled back toward New York in company with his wife, who filled her engagements in Boston and other cities.

In November last, however, the absurd scandal took definite form. It was asserted that an intimacy had existed and that it was renewed shortly afterward. The home in Twenty-second Street was broken up, the husband and wife arose separate and filed suits for absolute divorce upon the ground of adultery. The proceedings are in the hands of lawyers; no referees were chosen to try the cases.

No evidence has yet been taken in either suit. Miss Claxton is living apart from her husband, occupying apartments in Fourth Avenue near the post office. Whatever the developments may be, it is stated that Mr. Lyon is willing to contest a divorce and furnish the necessary details for his wife to obtain it on condition that she shall give up the custody of his child, a daughter twelve years of age, and that Mr. Stevenson will marry her as soon as the divorce is granted.

Mr. Lyon has long been well known in the street as a stock broker and is respected in social circles as a gentleman of late he has met with reverses other than domestic.