The Toledo chronicle. [volume] (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1873-1924, 1878-02-07
ga Jolly Joke" Turns Ont to be a
Somewhat Serious Matter.

The good people in La Veta and
vicinity have been considerably exer-
cised of late over a triple wedding
which occurred at that place last Sum
day night, under most peculiar circum-
stances. Messrs. F. d. McHolland and
E. A. Palmer, and another gentleman
whose name has not yet reached Den
yer, were calling on three young ladies,
named respectively Kate Lewis, Addie
Patterson and Laura Patterson. The
conversation ranged upon the general
topics of the day for short time, but
the six gradually paired off, Mr.. Nc
Holland and Miss Lewis occupying one
part of the room, Mr.. Palmer and Miss
Patterson another, and the third gen.
tleman and Miss Laura Patterson still
another. All proceeded merrily. Mr..
McHolland gradually warmed up to his
subject, and at last exclaimed, during
brief general conversation:
Wouldn't it be nice for all of us to
be marriedp''
Wouldn't it, nowp" said one of the
ladies.
Just the thingr' said another gen
tleman.
"Splendidr' said another lady.
"Fm in for it," said another gentle
man.
Put'er thar, old pard!' said his
riend.
"Well, now, this is really growing
interesting" said one of the ladies.
81 suppose We'll be married before
morningP"
YES responded the first speaker;
married, and we'll of it,
"Shall / go for the doctorp' asked
one of the gentleman.
Chorus" Yes; make no delay. Let
no dust stick to the bottom of your
soles. It's desperate case"
And off he went.
''Ain't this fun, thought queried
one girl, as the interested messenger
was seen to turn the corner.
"The jolliest gamer said the second.
The messenger flew with the speed of
Mercury himself. w. A. Toffelmire
was the " doctor" before whom he laid
the case. Now, Mr.. Toffelmire is a
Justice of the Peace, fully authorized
by law to solemnize the rite of matri-
mony. He was at his house waiting for
something to turn up. No delay was
necessary. He went Immediately to the
place where he was told that his services
were required. No license is necessary
for marriage in this State. He called
the young parties into the middle of
the parlor floor. With few words
solemnly spoken and in due form of
law, he pronounced the words that
made three of six, and united forever
the destinies of these adventurous cou-
pies.
After the ceremony was performed,
one of the ladies declared that she had
never been party ito such a jolly
joke in all her born days"
joker exclaimed the Judge.
"Joke! If you think you'll find this a
joke, you are very much mistaken.
You're tied as tight as Haman when he
was hung
No Joke! Horrors! What time for
faints! Blank looks took the place of
Joyous countenances. The pulses of
the young ladies fell below zero from
the boiling point in an instant. They
had not intended to be married, but
they were.
It was joke, and such joke as
others might laugh at more than those
most directly interested. The ladies
were young and had not dreamed Of
matrimony. Beside, it is said that one
of them was engaged to young man
who has been digging away in the San
Juan mines for5 he last year, with the
hope of getting money enough to set
up housekeeping. But what is to be
done? Divorce is the only alternative.
The married people have not lived to-
gether. 1t is understood that proceedings
will at once be commenced to obtain
the papers thatwill set them free again.
What plea will be urged cannot be
stated, but in the present condition of
the minds of the young ladies, there is
no doubt that that of incompatibility of
temper would prove good one.
Mr.. McHolland is Deputy-Sheriff of
Huerfano County; Mr.. Palmer is Agent
for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad
at La Veta, and the other gentleman is
connected with a saw-mill. The ladies
reside at La Veta.-DenUer (Col. Irab-
U1le,