Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1867-03-23
TALES & SKETCHES.
THE FRONTIER WEDDING
BY THE MINISTER'S WIFE.

One day in early winter my husband re-
csived a summons to Burke's settlement, 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 Eight and partake of the fes-
tivities.
1t was twenty miles to the settlement, and
we reached the log house of Mr.. Burke, the
father of the cxpectant bride, about noon.
A dozen tow-haired children were at the
door, waiting our arrival. They telegraph
ed the news instantly.
"Marm marm! here's the elder and his
woman! They're nothing but folks! She's
got mans hat on, and a turkey wing in
front of it; his nose is just like dads-crook-
ed as cow-horn SQUASH"
Alas for Mr. Morrison's a4uiline 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 potl
Sal, you quit that churn and sweep the
floor. Kick that corn-dodger under the
bed. Bill, you wipe the tallow cut of that
cheer for the minister's wife, and be spry
about it,"
Further remarks were cut short by our en-
trance.
Mrs. Burke, in calico short gown, blue
petticoat and bare feet, came forward, wi
ping her face on her apron.
"How do you do, elder How dye do
marma Must excuse my head-hant had
chance to comb it since last week. Work
must be die, you know. Powerful sharp
air. hain't it Shoe, there Bill drive that
turkey out of the bread trough. Sal, take
the lady's things. Set right up to the fire
marm. Hands cooi? Well, just run 'em
in Bills hair--we keep it long purpose" !"
Bill presented his shaggy head, but l de-
clined with an involuntary shudder.
'Lawk, if she amt actually shivering!"
cried Mrs. Burke. "Bring in some more
wood. Here, marin, take this hot corn.
dodger inter yer lap it's as good as soap
stone"
A fearful squalf announced the execution
of the rooster and shortly afterwards he
was bouncing about in four quart kettle,
hung over tie fire. Sal returned to her
churn; but the extraordinary visitor must
have made her careless, for she upset the
concern, and buttermilk 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 iolks
will be so nasty. Dick, do keep your feet
out of the buttermilk it won't be fit for
the pigs when the buffers gathered. Drive
that hen out; quick she's picked up a
pound already. There, Sal, do try and
churn little more keerful. If you are q
gwine to be spliced ter.morrow, you needn.
run crazy about it."
~ advise you to dry upl" remarked the
bride elect, humping away at the churn.
BY the time had warmed, dinner was
ready, and you may be sure did not iniure
myself by over-eating. =
| Night came on early, and after a social
chat about the event of the morrow, signi-
fed my desire to retire. ..r. .t.a
Sal lighted pitch knot, and began climb
ing ladder in one corner of the room;
hesitated.
"Come on" said she; "dont be afraid
Sam, and Bill, and Dick, and all the rest OF
We, duck your heads while the elders wife
goes up. Look out for the loose boards
marin and mind, or you'll smash your
brains out against the beam Take keer o
the hole where the chimbly comes through
Her warning came too late. caught my
foot in the end of q board, stumbled, and
fell head long through what appeared to bt
linterminable space, but it was only to tn,
room / had just left, where was saved from
destruction by Bill, who caught me in hi
arms, and set me on my feet remarking cool
lly,-
generally use the ladder"
l was duly commisserated, and at last go
TO bed. The less said about that night th,
better Bill and Dick and four others slep
in the same room with Us, and made the al
hi, II folI ons