The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1859-09-30
JeGerson's Wedding.

turg:
belinda (JclI'crson's first loyc) had bccu
married many years. aud her old admircr
was approaching thirty. when he mot with
Young lady Of twenty-five, who produced a
strong impression upon him. Shc was IA
little above the medium height. slender. but
elegantly formed. A fair complexion, with
delicate tint OF the rose; largo hazel eyes,
full of life and fcoiing and luxurant hair
of ii rich, soft auburn. formed combination
of attractions which were emincntly calcu.
lated to movo tho heart of youthful bacho-
lor. In addition 10 all this tho lady was
admirably gracctuI; sho roGo, danced and
moved with elegant ease, aud sang and
played on the harpslchord vCrv swcGtly.
Add still to those accomplishments the
possession of excellent good sense. very
considerable cultivation, IA warm, loving
heart, aud last. though not loast. notable
talents for housekeeping. and it will not be
Il tlicnlt to understand how the youthful
MIR. Jefferson came to visit vory frequently
at the laiys residence, in tho county of
Charles City. 1t was called Tho Forest"
aud the name OF the lady was Mrs Martha
Skclton. Sho WAS Il daughter of John
Waylcs, an eminent lawyer, and had mar
ricd in her seventeenth wear. Mr. Bathurst
Skclton, who dying in l7GS, left his young
wto II widow at nineteen. As tho three
wears Of mourning began to expire. the
beautiful Young lady found herself hesiugrd
ut The Forest by numerous visitors OF
these three wore tavo,itcs with tho fair Mrs.
Skrton, of whom Mr. Thomas Jefferson
was one. Tho tradition runs that tho pro.
tensions of the rivals were decided either
by tho musical accomplishments of the
young counsellor, or by tho fears of his
opponents. The tao is diifercutly related
Ouo version is, that tho two unfortunate
gentlemen encountered each other on Mrs
Skcltons doorstep, but hearing Mr. Jctcr-
sons violin and voice accompanying the
lady in pathetic song. gave up the contest
thcncctoIth aud retired without entering,
convinced that tho affair was beyond their
control.
The other story is. that all three mot at
the door. and agreed that they would take
their turns. Mr.. Jefferson entered first,
aud the tones of tho lady in singing with
her companion deprived the listeners of all
hope. However this may be, it is certain
that tho beautiful widow consented to be-
como Mrs. Jcilcrson; and on the first of
January, l712, there was Il great festival itt
Tho Forest" Friends and kindred assem-.
blod FROM far and noar--thoro was irolick-
iug and dancing after tho abundant old fash
iun-and sc lind from the brdcgroom's
note book that tho servants and tiddiGrS re-
cuivcd fees from his especial pocket.
1t showed without, but within all was
mirlh and enjoyment, in tho light and
warmth OF the great log fires, roaring in
honor of tho occasion. Soon after tho per-
iormauco OF the ceremony. the bridegroom
and his bride SGT out in their carriage for
"Munticcllo" whore Mr.. jefferson had com
menccd building in l769, just before the
destruction by fire OF his patrmonial house
OF "Shadwel!. The Journey was not to end
without adventures. As they advanced
toward tho mountains, the snow Increased
in depth, aud finally they were compelled
to leave tho carriage and proceed upon their
way on horseback.
Stopping to rest at "Blonhoim," the scat
of Col. Carter, whore they found, however.
no ono but AN ovorscer, they left it at sun.
set, resolutcIy bent upon reaching Monti-
cello before uight. Ii was eight miles dis.
taut, and tho road, which was rather Il
mountain bridlo path than an honest high
way, was cncumbcrcl with snow three feet
deep We may fancy tho sensations of tho
ncwIy-wcdded bride ut the chill appearance
of tho dCsOlatu landscape, as sho passed.
along the snow but she was II woman of
courage and good sense, and did not care for
Inconvenience. 1t was late when thov ar
rived, and cherries reception awaited
thcm-ur rather there was no reception
at ALL Tho fires were all out, the servants
had gone to bed, and tho placo was as dark
/ and slUnt as the grave. Conducting his
wife to the little pavilion, which was the
| onlv part of the house hubiablU at the time
| Mr.. Jefferson proceeded 20 do tho honors.
| On n shelf behind somo books, part of a
bottlo OF wine was discovered. and this
formed tho supper of the bridegroom and
the bride Far from being annoyod or dis
contcntcd by tho reception, however, it
only served for topic OF jost and laughter.
Tho young lady was morry and Iighthoarted
as IA bird, and sent her cloar voice ringing
/ through tho droary little pavilion us gaiIy
AS she had ever donc in tho cheerful draw
| ing.room of Tho Forest" Thus tho long
hours of tho winter night fled away winged
with laughter, merrimout and sGng. The
vigil was a mirthiul incident rather than
trial of thuir equanimiry. They were
young, and they had just been married.
/ When hands are claspGd, and hearts beat
close together, there is very little gloom in
darkness, and winter nights arc not cold
/ This little moral sentiment vii! not, hope,
be criticised ms too romantic for the dignity
of history" 1t doubtless explains how n
Young lady and gentleman, both used to
every comfort and luxury, found the gloomy
[ little pavilion in tho midst of three feet of
snow, neither dark nor cold in that January
night long ago