This month, meet Evelyn Todd and Ernest Cyril Davies, whose love story mirrors the tragic romance of a Charlotte Brontë novel.
Evelyn and Ernest grew up in neighboring homes in London in the early 1900s, attending the same schools and spending nearly every moment together – dancing, going to the theatre, and countless other activities young romantics enjoyed. As Ernest studied for the ministry, they envisioned a future serving their parish as husband and wife. However, their plans changed when Ernest felt called to leave London and become a missionary in the deepest, darkest parts of Africa.
While in Africa, Ernest contracted consumption (tuberculosis). The illness forced him to abandon his mission and make the difficult journey back to London. For more than two years, he battled the disease while Evelyn remained a devoted girlfriend, never leaving his side.
Once back in London, the couple heard of the miraculous climate of the Fountain Colony located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which promised a cure for those suffering from the "white plague." Clinging to hope, Ernest left his home in 1904 and traveled to Colorado Springs for treatment at Glockner Sanatorium. Evelyn followed and settled in Denver to find work.
Ernest lived at the Glockner Sanitorium for 2 years, but on November 16, 1906, after learning of Ernest's impending death, Evelyn rushed to Colorado Springs. With not much time left, she stood beside him while Rev. R.A. Taft, rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, performed their wedding ceremony at his deathbed as reported in the Rocky Mountain News.
Ernest passed away in Evelyn’s arms at the age of 31 on November 17, 1906. He now rests in the historic Evergreen Cemetery (Block 41), a lasting testament to unconditional love both beautiful and heartbreaking.