Laura Bowers LaBarre was born on December 24, 1858.

Birth

Laura Bowers LaBarre was born on December 24, 1858.

Marriage

Laura scandalized polite society when she eloped with David Walter Straub.

Passages from the newspaper concerning the elopement of Laura LaBar:

Much excitement was caused at Slatington in the latter part of last week when it was announced that Miss Laura LaBar, daughter of Jesse LaBar, had eloped and married a young doctor by the name of Straub, residing at Millport, near the Lehigh Gap. Several years ago Mr. Straub came to Slatington as a medical student of Dr. Grosscup, then the homeopathic physician of that place. Miss LaBar, being a young lady of amiable disposition, charming in her manner and attractive in appearance, soon had more than usual attention paid to her by this medical student, and she, reciprocating his affection, caused a mutual love to grow up between, which strengthened as it grew older. Mr. Straub, after being under the tutorship of Dr. Grosscup for some time, let for the medical college of his persuasion in Philadelphia. The parents of Miss LaBar were not particularly averse to the love of this young man for their daughter, but when a clergyman made the acquaintance of Miss LaBar sometime after this, found her agreeable and offered her marriage, they kindly acquiesced. It seems the parents were under the impression that their daughter had entirely forgotten Mr. Straub, and therefore encouraged the suit of the new lover. But all this time, as events proved, the young lady and gentleman kept up a clandestine correspondence, aided by Miss Effie Williams, an intimate acquaintance of the former. The minister, confiding too much in human nature, was completely out-generaled in this affair, and, though it is said there was a distinct understanding between the old folks and the clerical gentleman, and that the day for celebrating the nuptials was appointed and a magnificent gift was on its way from across the deep waters, still appeared quite certain that Miss LaBar had not given the clinching work to this last contract that was to be. Well to make a long story short, Miss LaBar and Mr. Straub were of one mind, like “Two persons with but a single thought, Two hearts that beat as one;” and accordingly, made arrangements between themselves and some of their young friends (who so successfully aided them) to have Miss LaBar conveyed to Millport on Friday evening, at 11 o’clock at which place Mr. Straub, who now adds “M.D.” to his name, was waiting, when the marriage of the twain took place, and when the words were uttered “Whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder,” they felt comparatively secure in their new relationship. Of course cruel Mama and Papa followed but it availed them nothing. There is considerable unpleasantness between this family and the other families who encouraged and aided this young lady in her enterprise and remains to be seen whether or not it was indeed a hasty step on the part of the young couple.

and

How a Bride Was Lost To A Preacher
A Romantic Marriage Near Slatington Last Week

A special correspondent from Slatington says: “Quite a romantic marriage took place in this locality a few days ago which has created a buzz in social circles. The parties are know in Reading and I will give you the facts. Miss Laura LaBar, that was, is a beautiful, highly respectable and accomplished young lady of Slatington, daughter of Mr. Jesse LaBar, one of the leading business men of the place, in the insurance business. Dr. D. W. Straup now resides in Millport, a few miles from Slatington. He was formerly a student with Dr. J. G. Grosscup, druggist of Reading. Several years ago Mr. Straup (he had not then graduated) and Miss LaBar were very intimate friends, and their acquaintances look forward to a pleasant wedding. The current of true love however met in Slatington and there it was that the young lady was induced to forsake her first love and keep company with the minister aged about 35 hailing from the coal regions. She was about 17. She did this to please her near relatives, she said. The young man wen to Philadelphia with the idea that his affections had been forever blasted. Finally it was announced that the young lady was to be married to the minister and preparations were made for the wedding. Slowly and sadly the young lady made up her mind that she would not marry against her wishes to suit the caprice of others. She ascertained that the young man still loved her, and she had the wedding postponed. Finally, the young man graduated and came home. The young lady summoned all her courage and diplomacy and in a few days she secretly and without telling anyone about the house what she intended to do, she succeeded in getting her wedding clothes out of the house, piece by piece, and then at the proper time, her faithful lover met her and two ministers completed one of the happiest of marriages. They went to housekeeping at once. It was a great surprise to all their friends and relatives, but the young doctor and his beautiful bride have received the kindest congratulations of many dear friends. I suppose the minister has been informed of what has taken place. He expected to have been married in a few days.”

Other accounts say that Laura’s parents would prosecute the doctor.

Religious Affiliation

She joined the First Presbyterian Church of Easton in 1895.

Death

Laura died on February 17, 1925 in Reading, PA and is buried in Palmerton, PA with the name Straup listed on tombstone.

Laura LaBar Straub Photo Gallery