A newspaper clipping from 1908 tells how Ella Riley, a woman born in Weston, met Joseph Sharp at the school for the deaf in Fulton, Missouri. The two married that year, beginning a life that took them from St. Joseph to a farm near Chillicothe before Ella returned to Weston.

The story was shared by Shelly Franklin, curator of the Weston Historical Museum, during History Mystery Hour. Franklin used American Sign Language for part of her presentation.

Ella was born in Weston on Nov. 14, 1869. Her family sent her to the school, where she met Joseph, who was also deaf. The newspaper clipping says their wedding took place at a cathedral residence in St. Joseph. The Rev. F.P. Armstrong officiated.

After the wedding, the couple moved to Joseph’s family farm near Chillicothe. Their marriage lasted five years. Joseph died in 1913, and Ella returned to Weston to live with her sister in the house where she was born.

Ella died there in 1953 at age 84, according to her obituary. The notice described her as living a secluded life and said she cared for her household and was devoted to her Catholic faith. It also noted her love of flowers, which she shared with her church and friends.

The newspaper clipping was found as Franklin searched family records for material about Weston’s past. The surviving accounts trace key moments in Ella’s life, though they offer only a few details about her experiences at school and in Weston.

History Mystery Hour takes place at the Weston Historical Museum every third Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. The public is invited, and complimentary refreshments are served.