The Elk advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Elk Co., Pa.) 186?-1868, 1868-08-08
4 FRONTIER MARRIAGE,

One DAY n early winter, my husband
received a summons to Burk's settle.
ment, to unite a couple in the bonds Of
wedloUk. 1t was especially requested
that should accompany him, as we
shonld be expected to remain all night
and partake of the festivities.
1t was twenty miles to the settlement,
and we reached the log house of Mr..
Burke, the father Of the expectant
bride about noon. a dozen tow-hairod
children were at the door awaiting our
arrival. They tolegraphed the news al
most instantly.
"Marm ! marin here's the elder and
and his woman. They're nothing but
folks ! She's got a mans hat on, and
turkey wing in front of it; his nose is
like Dads, crooked as a cowNhorn
squash.
Alas for Mr.. Morrison's aquiline
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 III clap him
into the pot. Kick that corn dodger
under the bed. Bill; you wipe the tai
low out of that cheer for the minister's
wife, and be spry about t."
Further remarks were cut short by
our entrance.
Mrs, Burke in calico short gown,
blue peticoat and bare feet came for
ward wiping her face with her apron.
"How dye do, elder? How dye
do, marin? Must excuse my head
hain't had chance to comb it since
last week, Work must be did you know.
Powerful sharp air, hain't it Z Shoe,
there Bill, drive that.turkey out of the
bread trough. al,take the lady's things.
Set right up to the fire, ma'am. Hands
cold Well just run them in Bills
hair--we keep it long purpose"
Bill presented his shaggy head, but l
declined with an involuntary shudder.,
claw, if she amt actually shiver.
ing" cried Mrs. Burke. Bring in
some more wood. Here, ma'am take
this hot corn. dodger into your lap-it's
as good as soapstone."
A fearful squawk annouced the exc
cution of the rooster, and shortly after
ward he vas bouncing about in four
quart kettle, hung over the Ere.
Sal returned to her churn, out the
extraordinary visitors must have made
her careless, for she upset the concern,
and the Suttermilk 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
keep your feet out of the buttermilk; it
won't be fit for the pigs when the but
ter is gathered. There, Sal, do try and
churn a leetle more keerful. If you are
going to be spliced ter morror youneedn't
run crazy about it."
Il advise you 70 dry up" remarked
the bride elect, humping away at the
churn.
BY this time l had got fairly warmed,
dinner was ready and you may be sure
l did not iujure myself by over eating.
Night came on early, and after So
cial chat about the events of the NOR
row, sisnifed my desire to retire.
Sal lighted a pitch knot, and began
climbing ladder in one corner Of the
room. l hesitated.
"Come on" said she, ;" don't be a.
fraid, Sam, Bill and Dick, and all the
rest of ye, duck yer heads while the ell
der's wife goes up. Look out for the
loose board, marin and mind, or you'll
smash your brains out against the beam,
Take keer Of the hole where the chin
bly, comes through.
Her warning came too late I cought
my foot in the end of board stumbled,
and fell headiong through interminable
space, but it Was to the room l had just
lett, where l was saved from destruc-
by Bill, who conght me in his arms
and set me on my feet, remarking cody:
"What made you come that way
We generally use the ladder"
1 was duly commiserated, and at last
got to bed. The less said about that
tue DeIJeT. Dill anu blCh anu AO0i
others slept in the same room with u.s.
and made the air vocal with their snor
ing.
l fell asleep and dreamed that 1 was
being shot from the mnzzle of Colum-
bad, and was awakened by Mr.. Morri-
son, who informed me that it was morn
Ing.
The marriage was to take place before
breakfast, and Sally was ready clad in
her bridal robes when 1 descended the
ladder.
She was magnificent in green calico
over crinoline full four inches larger
than the rest of her apparel, white
apron with red strings, blue stockings,
yellow neck ribbon, and white cotton
gloves. Her red hair was fastened in q
pug behind, and adorned with the tia