
“Smith Pollard, of Adams county, claiming to be rich, went to the county infirmary Saturday and told Superintendent John Hall he was looking for a wife.”
“Pollard said his wife died a year ago and he wanted a helpmate and was in dead earnest.”
“Superintendent Hall will line up the women inmates tonight and give Pollard a chance.”1

“Smith G Pollard, the Rome, Adams county man, who came to the infirmary last Saturday in search of a wife, was successful in his quest and now is the proud possessor of a blushing bride who has agreed to cook his meals, sew on his buttons, keep his house in order and take care of his two children, left orphans by the death of their mother four years ago.”
“The fair bride is Mattie Nichols, aged 25. She was born at the county infirmary 25 years ago. Her father was Matthew Nichols, who was drowned in Turkey Creek some years ago. Mattie spent her girlhood at the infirmary and children’s home. When she left the latter place it was to return to the infirmary where she has assisted in the housework.”
“As stated in Saturday’s Times, Pollard came to the infirmary on Saturday and told Superintendent John Hall that he was in search of a wife. He said he had a good tobacco farm, had just sold his crop for a goodly sum and was anxious for a wife to share his home.”

“The announcement of Pollard’s desire caused great excitement among the women inmates of the infirmary and when they were lined up Saturday evening to pass in line before Pollard. All were dressed in their best bib and tucker. Down near the foot of the line was Mattie Nichols and when Pollard saw her, the rest stood no show. It was Mattie or nobody with Smith then.”
“The damsel was called into Superintendent Hall’s private office and there in the presence of Mr. Hall, Pollard popped the question.”
“‘Mattie, will ye have me?’ he said.”
“Sure,” said Mattie.”
“And so it was settled. It was arraigned that the couple should remain at the infirmary until Monday to get better acquainted. Monday morning they were brought to the city by Superintendent Hall and at once called upon Probate Judge Beatty2. Pollard gave his age as 40 and that of his bride as 26.”

“The couple next went to the home of Reverend John W Dillon, on Campbell avenue and were united in marriage. Next they proceeded to the Biggs house where the groom ordered a special wedding feast. So occupied were the newlyweds in eating that they missed their train. They were standing on the flood wall at 2 PM hand in hand, waiting for a steamboat to convey them to Rome, Adams county, whence they will go to Pollard’s farm, five miles away.”
“The rapid fire courtship has set all the women at the infirmary by the ears and they are dreaming of some ‘Prince Charming’ who will come along and carry them off to his fireside.”3
The Marriage License for Mattie Nichols and Smith Pollard4


“Word is that Smith Pollard and his bride are getting along swimmingly down near Rome, Adams county. Mrs. Pollard was Miss Matty Nichols, a former Scioto county infirmary inmate who Pollard met while visiting Superintendent John Hall, their marriage following the very next day.”5

“Smith Pollard, the Adams county man who came to the local infirmary to seek a bride and was successful in his hunt, taking back with him the fairest maiden of the bunch in the person of Miss Mattie Nicholas, got to enjoy life only a few short months, for his wife died on last Thursday of premature child birth. The funeral was held on Saturday. Mr. Pollard lived on a farm near Rome, Adams county.”6
Ohio Certificate of Death for Mattie Pollard7

- Pollard is After Wife. (1910, March 10). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 2.
- Judge Thomas C Beatty
- Pollard Find Bride in County Infirmary. (1910, March 14). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 7.
- “Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2016,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:9392-9193-J5?cc=1614804&wc=ZRSZ-7M9%3A122110701%2C122732101 : 15 July 2014), Scioto > Marriage records 1908-1911 vol 15 > image 209 of 333; county courthouses, Ohio.
- This Romance Ends Happily. (1910, June 17). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 10.
- Infirmary Bride Died Thursday. (1910, December 27). Portsmouth Daily Times, p. 5.
- “Ohio Deaths, 1908-1953,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9PJR-9KPL?cc=1307272&wc=MD9F-G2S%3A287602601%2C294678002 : 21 May 2014), 1910 > 63041-65490 > image 1192 of 2760.