Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1880-06-23
INTERESTING NUP TIALS OF
ROARING BILL.


leading citizens is about to present him
with a silver-mounted revolver as O
testimonial of respect and admiration.
The Rev. Mr.. Withers earned this
enviable reputation few weeks age
while engaged in marrying the well.
known Mr.. Roaring Bill to one of the
most beautiful and accomplished daugh.
tiers of Leadville. The bridegroom was
a man of most excellent reputation,
having killed three men in hand-to-
hand fights, and wounded number oil
others. He was not accompanied to
the alter by any groomsman, and the
bride was similarly devoid of brides
maids, though their place was taken to
some extent by her three brothers. Mr..
Witners who, up to that time had been
known as an extremely peaceable man,
and was not supposed to have parti-
Gle of fighting ability about him, had
been warned that the bridegroom was
very quick-tempered and exceedingly
jealous, and that he would do we'll to
"ladle out the service pretty consider
able mild" To this warning, however,
he paid no attention, being determined
to do his duty no matter what the con-
sequences might be.
The services proceeded smoothly un-
til the clergyman reached the point
where he asked the bridegroom if he
took the woman to be his welded
wife, To this Mr.. Roaring Bill re-
marked that he was about to marry q
lady and that any man who called her
q woman must be terrible anxious to
incur the expense of personal funeral
Paying no attention to this remark, the
clergyman proceeded and inquired, if
the bridegroom would promise to love,
cherish and protect the bride. This
was regarded by Mr.. Roaring Bill in
the light of an unnecessary asking of
foolish questions. ain course l do," he
replied; "what do you take me for?
Do you mean to insinuate that | am
playin' it on her? I want you to un-
derstand that this is fair deal, and if
you don't just go ahead with your mar
ryin' and drop this askin' of imperti-
nent questions it'll lead to difficulties.
You hear me-" Still the courageous
clergyman, needless of the brewing
storm, ignored the bridegroom's inter-
ruptions, and read the service with cool
and steady courage Presently he in
quired of the bride if she would love,
honor and obey her husband. At this
point the latter drew his revolver and
informed the clergyman that he was
fast ripening for the grave. ANY
more personal questions will require
me to answer with this yer weapon. l
don't wish to make row in church,
but if you will have one, just continue
as you have begun. Pm peaceable,
long suffering man, but the holiest feel
in's of this lady's heart isn't goin' to
de pried into by man without he hears
from me-"
The clergyman pursued the even
tenor of his way. One might have i'm
agined that he was deaf, so utterly
needless was be of the irregular re-
sponses made by the bridegroom. The
spectators who had assembled to wit
ness the ceremony were making bets
freely as to wether Mr.. Bill would kill
at the first FIRE or whether he would
merely mark him with bullet for fu-
ture Identification. Contrary to general
anticipation, the bridegroom made no
interruption, either by word or bullet.
and the ceremony came to an end. All
might have ended peacefully had not
Mr.. Withers determined to do his whole
duty, supplemented the ceremony by
kissing the bride.
The first bullet missed its mark, and
the bridegroom while pausing to adjust
his aim, remarked that ''this painful
immortality on the part of the clergy
must be checked" Just as he was
about to fire the second shot-having
got the clergyman's right ear in line
the brother of the bride sprang on him
and took away the pistol. At the same
moment Mr.. Withers tore of his sur
plice and, leaping over the railing,
struck out at Mr.. Roaring Bill in the
most beautiful and scientific way.
A ring was Immediately formed. The
bride climbed on the baptismal font,
and alternately encouraged each COM
batant with such remarks: "Now then,
Bill, bust in the eye," or, "Hooray,
parson, the eye of the church is upon
you! Back up your religion like lit
tie man." The eager spectators sought
for good position in the pulpit. The
betting at first was on the bridegroom,
but at the end of ten minutes large
odds were offered on the clergyman.
His courage was undaunted, and his
pugilistic skill was astounding. His
adversary scarcely touched him, while
the clergyman danced around him, now
closing an eye, and now shaking the
foundation of his teetl. ,-.> ling
confidence that created. the widest en-
thusiasm. In twenty minutes and five
rounds he had reduced his man to per-
feet helplessness Mr.. Roaring Bill
cried enough" the spectators cheered,
and the bride, descending from her
perch, kissed the clergyman with q
hearty frankness, and informed him
that she would never allow any hus-
band of hers to come between her and
her religion.
No less than thirty leading citizens
came forward and offered to be confirm
ed as an evidence of their good will,
provided the the rector would refrain
from interfering with card playing and
other usual Sunday recreations. There
is no doubt that the prosperity of st
Georges church and the popularity of
Mr.. Withers are fully assured.
Charles Lamb was in the habit of
wearing q white cravat, and in conse-
quence was sometimes taken for cler-
gyman. Once, at a dinner table, among
a large number of guests. his white
cravat caused such q mistake to be
made, and he was called on to "say
grace" els there no clergyman pres
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