"The Kansas City Times" (Missouri) Saturday, July 27, 1912 FOR HIS WIFE, $15,000 A YEAR. "I married Florence DESPAIN, when she was the daughter of an itinerant photographer and had only one pair of shoes. Since November 10, 1910, my books show that I have spent $26,000 on her, and now she is suing me for not maintaining her properly." Those were words of Walter E. KIRKPATRICK, vice-president of the Wyandotte Construction Company at the Hotel Baltimore last night in regard to a suit for maintenance which was brought against him in a Chicago court yesterday. Mrs. KIRPATRICK's counsel argued that "When KIRKPATRICK married he knew that his wife was a reputed beauty and had to be maintained consistently with his income and social standing." "Do you believe her beauty is such that a large expenditure is necessary to maintain her properly?" he was asked. "Well, I know that before I married her, her beauty was getting along fine on what her father could make taking tin-types at county fairs. I don't even know whether she is still beautiful now or not. I haven't seen her smile for six years." "She bought a $750 hat here in Kansas City and has paid the most lavish sums for all sorts of clothing and jewelry." Mr. KIRKPATRICK married Florence DESPAIN at Butler, Mo., in 1899. At that time he was vice-president of the Metropolitan Street Railway Company. They have two children, a boy of 6 and a girl of 15 months. Mr. KIRKPATRICK expects to bring suit for divorce against his wife and for the care of his children. He is a relative of the Marquis of Hedford. ====================================================== (I have no connection with this family but I'd appreciate knowing if you found this posting helpful.) johnobrien@kc.rr.com ======================================================