Inscription:
The first lady of the early Colorado state was Rose (Brown) Wakely, better known by her stage name, Rose “Haydee”. The dark-eyed beauty came to Colorado in September, 1859 – and the miners fell in love with her at once. She became the most popular entertainer in Central City. Then, suddenly, she disappeared.
Now among her many admirers was Thomas Evans, a gambling man of rather “satanic good looks.” And it was suspicioned no coincidence that, on Tuesday, November 13, 1860 – just prior to a performance starring her, Rose and the gambling man were gone!
Following the town’s suspicions, Justice Downing issued a warrant “for the arrest of an individual who has abducted a young girl...for the basest of all imaginable purposes.”
The fugitive Evans was overtaken “on the road to the States” and, with his sweet young charge, hauled back to Central City. He was brought to trial for the abduction under a handy and sturdy tree to facilitate hanging. But Rose saved this gambling man by saying that they had been married!
The next day, November 24, 1860, Rose Haydee became, through marriage in earnest, Mrs. Thomas Evans ... they of Central City, Colorado.
