American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1874-04-11
An ImprOmptu Wedding.

| "A WEDDING occurred IN OlempnlS TN
other day. Weddings have before occurred
in Memphis, but none like this:
Mr.. John Stone met Miss Sallie Bell,
Martin and lady friend, and proposed
walk to the bluff, from which point fin,
view can be had of the river. A gentle
man acquaintance was met, who, after {
few minutes chat, walked away with thu
| lady friend, leaving Mr.. Stone and oul
heroine together. They walked, laugh
ing and chatting, until opposite the Cal
vary Church, when, the conversation
CHANGING to be on things matrimonial
MIR. Stone, in a tone of rail1ery, said:
"Miss Sallie, dare you to go across
the street and get married"
The banter was promptly accepted, and
| they crossed the street and entered the
| church, in which services were being held
| at the time. Not seeing any faltering on
the lady's part, Mr.. Stone whispered:
Il give up; you have beaten me; let
us go;" and the two retraced their steps.
They accordingly went to spechts and
bought some CONNECTIONS. Coming out
they saw milk wagon standing near
is not that Mr.. Martins wagon ~
asked Miss Martin.
Yes, l believe it is" responded MIR.
Stone.
II would like to see him." said Miss
Sallie, "for l thought him such a nice
gentlemen the other night at the party,
and would like to see him again."
They went into the store and inquired
after Mr.. Martin.
they went into the street and met the gen
tleman on the sidewalk. He is our hero.
A few minutes of conversation ensued,
when Mr.. Stone said:
Fred, Miss Sallie here has just backed
me out on proposition to get married"
"Well," replied Mr.. Martin, turning to
the lady, "you can't back me Quit"
Yes, can" laughingly responded Miss
Martin; and then for two or three min
utes the parties INDUCED in laughter and
repartee, finally closing with the proposal
of Mr.. Stone to go off and get license.
This was agreed to by all parties, and
the trio set off for the Office of the County
Clerk, where the coveted document was to
be had. Arriving there they fortunately
met Mr.. John Overton, Jr., who ac-
quiesced in the proposal to go on the
license was signed, sealed and delivered
by the smiling Clerk, Mr.. James Reilly.
Coming out, the question was put by Mr..
Martin:
"Where will we go to get married."
In that obliging manner which renders
him such favorite, Mr.. Stone proposed
the nearest Squire (HalD. That official
was not in.
They took carriage and drove out to
st. Mary's, as the most convenient place
for the ceremony. The rector. Rev.
George G. Harris, was not in, and they,
still on matrimony bent, despite the cruel
fate which seemed opposed, started back
down town. When near Fourth street,
Mr.. Martin espied Mr.. Harris on the
street, and at once accOsted him, asking
his services. With a profound bow the
Obliging rector expressed himself willing
and ready, and the quartet, taking a
street-car, again proceeded to st. Mary's,
being Joined en- route by two young ladies,
friends of all parties, who happened
along at the time. Arriving at the church,
it being dark by this time, the lights were
turned on, and the rather strengthening
bridal party-Mr. Martin being in his
everyday working clothes-proceeded at
once to the chancel, where in his clerical
robes awaited the reverend gentleman
who was soon to unite them forever.
Neither the lady nor Mr.. Martin, by |
this time very sober in the expression of |
hands stood before the man of God. When |
the question was asked Mr.. Martin
"Wilt thou have this woman to thy |
welded wife ~ he, in low, firm tone, |
answered, 81 will" To the question:
"Wilt thou have this man to thy wed. |
ded husband?" etc, Miss Martin prompt |
ly responded, al WILL" and to the ques-
ton:
"Who giveth this woman to be married |
to this MANI" Mr.. Stone stepped forward
as next triendD and taking the lady's hand
gave it to the minister.
When that part of the ceremony was
reached where, after plighting their troth,
the ring is given, it was found that neither
Of the parties had the necessary article.
One of the young ladies mentioned noticed
The stop, slipped ring off her finger and
handed it over.
81 pronounce that they are man and
wife, in the name of the Father, and of
The Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Amen"
and the romance was completed.