Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1874-12-25
An Exciting Race for a Wife.

THE actors in this little domestic
drama were Rensselaer, Mills, a wealthy
farmer, living about mile west of the
village of Clinton, bis daughter, Ida
Mills, Alonzo Mills, his son, and Samuel
LaZaleer, who has for the past three
years been Miss Ida's afiianced. 1t seems
that the father of the girl objected to
Lazaleer as son.in-law, which seemed
to make the young people more de-
termined than ever. The preliminaries
which led to the episode occurred during
the first of the week. They had expected
to be married about the 18th of last
month, but the old gentleman got an
inkling of what was going on and
thwarted their designs. 1t is rumored
that on Thursday LaZaleer went to the
house of Mr.. Mills for the purpose of
accompanying the daughter to Toledo,
they proposing to have the marriage Ger.
emony performed on the route. But
Mills stopped this proceeding, and the
daughter remained at home. The fol-
lowing day, Friday, the daughter re-
paired to the residence of neighbor,
George Wilson, and sent word to her
lover where she could be found. Laza-
leer received the word about three
o'clock in the afternoon, and was soon
on hand with team, and few moments
later, in company with his soon-to be
bride, was taking circuitous route to the
village to avoid passing the house of the
parental Mills which was situated on
the direct road to the village While
driving leisurely along judge, of their
surprise when suddenly horse
and buggy dashed by contain
ing the father and brother. Young
Mills sprang to the ground and
attempted to seize Lazaleer's team by
the bits. Taking in the situation at a
glance, Lazaleer turned his team sud
denly around, and before the Millses
could get under way the object of their
anxiety was out of sight. This was near
Franklin Center, the young couple hav-
ing perambulated the town of Franklin
here and there before this until they had
already driven twelve or fifteen miles.
The pursued party were headed for the
village of Clinton, and now began the
most exciting portion of the race. The
Messrs. Mills entered the race in earnest
Lazaleer's team was young and spirited
one, while the other was scarcely less
so. Before starting out LaZalcer had
made arrangements with DR.. Alvord to be
married at his house, provided he was
fortunate enough to get possession of the
young lady. The intention of the fleeing
couple was to gain time and reach DR.
Alvord's residence in season to have the
marriage performed before their pursu.
ers came up. To circumvent this was
the old mans aim. The news of the
chase had reached the village soon after
it began, and DR.. Alvord, thinking that
time might be precious, had procured
ha nf he
Rev. Mr.. Fraree, who was awaiting the
result of the race at the doctors resi-.
dence. At five minutes before five Laza.
leer drove up. The young couple sprang
from the buggy and rushed into the
house. The required time was gained
but none to spare, for Mills was close al
hand, but before he could get out of his
buggy the nuptial knot was tied
By this time a crowd had collected
about the house, but it was soon locked
and Messrs. Mills refused admittanoe
After trying every door and using some
eXtravagant language they assured
themselves that the marriage ceremony
had actually been performed by an in.
ierview with the minister They then
went away. The appearance of the
young couple as the ceremony was be-
ing performed is said to have been ex-
rremely singular and, under the circum-
stances, rather ludicrous. So short was
the time that no preparations could be
made. They were dressed in common
clothes and literally covered with mud,
the result of their drive. The parties
are all we'll connected, and outsiders
cannot see why Mr.. Mills should object
so strenuously to the match. The affair
as it terminated caused considerable ex.
citement. What the ultimate result will
be, whether disinheritance or a recon.
cilialion, has not yet transpired.-Adrida
(Hich.) Times.