I found a newspaper article re: John P. Lonas and a 'Miss' Maphis, the daughter of the well-known miller of 'Maphis' Family Flour, Best'. The father would not allow the marriage so the two eloped to Washington DC. This was in February, 1872. They were married at the home of Dr. Alexander Gibson, who was pastor of Foundry Church.
When they arrived in Washington, John registered them at the Imperial Hotel on Pennsylvania Ave. in their own names. After the marriage ceremony they returned to the hotel, where John erased Miss Maphis and added 'and wife'.