The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1866-10-17
THE FRONTIER WEDDING.
BY THE MINISTER'S WIFE.

One day in early winter my husband
received a summons TO Burke's settle
ment to unite couple in the bonds Of
wedlock, 1t was especially requested
that his wife should accompany him, as
we should be expected to remain all
night and partaka Of tho festivities.
1t was twenty miles to the settlement
and we reached the log house of Mr..
Burke, the father of the expsctant bride,
about noon. A dozen tow.haired chill.
dren were at the door waiting our arrival.
They telegraphed the news instantly.
"Marm! marm here's the elder and
his woman They're nothing but folhs!
She's got mans hat on and turkeys
wing in the front of it his nose is just
like dads, crooked as coWhorn squash
Alas for Mr.. Morrison's aguilipe nose
Of which he was little vain
"Sam !" cried shrill female voice
from the interior Of the cabin, "run out
and grab the rooster, and I'll clap him
into the pot Sal, you quit that churn
and sweep the floor Kick that corn
dogger under the bed. Bill, you wipe
the cheer for the minister's wife, and be
spry about it,"
Further remarks were cut short by our
entrance. FL
Mrs. Burke, in calico, short gown, blue
petticoat and bare neck, came toward,
wiping her face on her apron.
"How do you do, elder? Howd'ye do,
marm? Must excuse my head-haint
had no chance to comb it since last week.
Work must be did, you know. Powerful
sharp air, haiut it Shoo, there Bill,
drive that turkey out Of the bread
trough. Sal, take the lady's things. Set
right up to the fire, marm. Hands cold ?
Well, just run 'em through Bills hair
keep it long purpose"
Bill presented his shaggy hair, but I
declined with an involuntary shudder.
"Lawk, ifshe amt actually shivering!'
cried Mrs Burke. Bring in some more
wood. Here, marin, take this corn dodg-
er inter your lap-it's as good as soap
stone."
A fearful squall announced the execu-
ton Of the rooster, ard shortly afterward
be was bouncing about IN four quart
kettle, hung over the fire. Sal returned
to the churn, but the extraordinary yisi.
tor must have made her careless, for she
upset the concern, and butter and butter
milk went swimming over the floor
"Grab the ladle, Bill" cried Mrs. Burke,
''and help dip it up. Take keer--don't
put that snarl Of hair in. Strange how
folks will be SO nasty! Dick, do you
keep your feet out Of the buttermilk it
won't be fit for the pigs when the better's
gathered Drive that hen out, quick,
she's picked up pound Of butter already.
There, Sal, do try and churn little
more keerful. If you are gwine to be
spliccd tomorrow, you needn't run crazy
aboutit."
81 advise you 10 dry upp remarked
the bride elect, humping away at the
churn.
BY the time l had got fairly warmed
dinner was ready, and you may be sure
; did not injure myself by over.eatiug,
Night came on early, and after socia
chat about the events of tomorrow,
signifed my desire to retire.
, Sal lighted pitch knot and climbed {
! ladder in one corner Of the room; hes
itated.
"Come on" cried she, "don't be afraid
; Sam, and Bill, and Dick, and all the res
, of ye, duck your heads while the elder
wife goes up. Look out for the loos
boards, marin and mind you'll smasl
your brains out against that beam. TAX
care of the hole where the chimney come
through"
Her warning came too late. / caugh
my felt in the end of board, stumble,
, and fell headlong through what appeare'
) to be interminable space, but it was onl.
/. to the room that 1 had just left, where
, was saved from destruction by Bill, VIII
caught me in his arms and set me on m
feet remarking coolly-
Q "What made you come thai way w
a generally use the ladder"
I was duly commiserated, aid at las
got to bed. The less said about tha
! night the better, Bill and Dick and tn
!, others slept in the room with us, an
d made the air vocal with their snoring
fell asleep aud dreamed l was just bein
: shot from the muzzle Of Columbiat
! and was awakened by Mr.. Morrison, wh
Q Informed me that il was morning.
e The marriage was to take place befor
breakfast, and Sally was already clad |
! ! her bridal robes when / descended th
: ladder.
r She was magnificent in a green Gallo
d over crinolue full four inches large
9 than the rest of her apparel, whit
: apron with red strings, blue stockings,
= yellow neck ribbon, and white cotto
y gloves. Her reddish hair was fastened i
# plug behind, and we'll adorned with th
}, tail feathers Of the defpnSt rooster pefor
mentioned.
When it was announced that Lem Lore
the groom, was coming, Sally aivcd b.
hind the coverlet, which had been hun
!, across one corner Of the room to concei
sundry pots and kettles, and refused |
J. come forth. Mr.. lord lifted one corne
of the curtain and peeped in, but quickl
retreated with stow pan, few shar
! words from Sally advising him to min
r his own business.