A Ring for a Throne.
Miss Josephine Strong, who was private secretary at Washington for Congressman Hawley, has a diamond ring that was once owned and worn by Louis Phillips, king of France.
The ring has a peculiar history. It will be remembered that Phillips lived in this country when he was an exile. He lived one winter in Zanesville, Ohio, and spent another winter with Gen. Morgan Neville, a rich pioneer, and taught the district school. He had word from France that there was a chance to regain the Bourbon throne if he could but get to France, but he had not money enough for the trip. Gen. Neville lent the prince the money, something like $800, and the prince gave in pledge the ring that Miss Strong now wears. Going to New Orleans by boat, Phillips got to France and the rest is history. He regained his throne and the money lent by Gen. Neville made it possible. The king sent back the amount of the loan, told the general to keep the ring and asked him to visit him at the royal palace. The ring is a pear shaped diamond, set in black enamel and is naturally highly prized.
Source: Weekly Times Enterprise and South Georgia Progress, Thomasville, Georgia, Friday, December 29, 1905; Pg. 1M, Column 4
