On March 6, 1898, Paul Laurence Dunbar married Alice Ruth Moore in New York City.
State of New York.
County of New York.
City of New York.No. of Certificate, 4514
I hereby Certify, that Paul Laurence Dunbar and Alice Ruth Moore were joined in Marriage by me in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, in the City of New York, this 6 day of March 1898.
Name of Person performing Ceremony. W. B. Derrick
Official Station. BishopWe, the Groom and Bride named in this Certificate, hereby certify that the information given therein is correct, to the best of our knowledge and belief.
Paul Laurence Dunbar, Groom.
Alice Ruth Moore, Bride.Marriage certificate 4514, March 6, 1898. The City of New York Municipal Archives.
The wedding was hastily planned and took place in private with no family members present. By marrying this way, Paul broke a promise to his mother Matilda.
Darling, I will come up to New York this month and marry you if you will agree that I may bring my mother. I have sworn not to marry without her seeing me. I love you with all my heart and want to be bound to you.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, January 3, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
After the wedding, the Dunbars kept their marriage a secret. Alice continued to live in Brooklyn and Paul returned to Washington, D. C. Matilda was extremely disappointed to find out Paul was married, and he blamed Alice for rushing him to the altar.
I constantly reproach myself when I witness my mother's grief and disappointment. You argue that sacrifice you made, but then your mother had seen one of her children married. But it is done and recriminations will be of no avail. We are married hard and fast. The thing to do is to carry it off now with the most dignified face possible.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, March 9, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
As time passed and the Dunbars' marriage became generally known, Paul and Alice were written about in newspapers nationwide.
The marriage of Paul Laurence Dunbar and Alice Ruth Moore caused surprise among Afro-Americans throughout the country. They had both been conspicuous contributors to the press for the past few years. Miss Moore is something of a poet and story writer on her own account. She is what would ordinarily be called a New Orleans creole. She will make her future home in Washington.
"Mrs. Paul Laurence Dunbar." The Cleveland Gazette (Cleveland, Ohio). May 21, 1898. Page 1.
Alice Ruth Moore has wedded Paul Laurence Dunbar, the Afro-American poet who has become famous within the past two years. She is a fitting match for the talented young poet, who is hailed by critics, press and public as a genius. Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar have a beautiful home in Washington, D. C., and by their cordial hospitality have drawn about them an admiring circle of friends.
"Bride of the Negro Poet." The Kansas City Journal (Kansas City, Missouri). September 18, 1898. Page 17.
Paul Laurence Dunbar was married in a rather impromptu manner, so far as the choice of a preacher is concerned. It was one afternoon last year when he drove up to a business office in New York and called for the proprietor.
"Do you happen to know any good clergymen hereabouts?" he asked. "The truth is," he explained, "I am desirous of being married, and the lady I propose to wed is in the carriage at the door."
The businessman gave an address, and the poet and his promised bride drove away.
"Dunbar's Hunt for a Minister." The Saturday Evening Post (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). March 25, 1899.