Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1881-11-12
wedding I'm wyoming.

-
stock and went in. Entering the
leading store, introduced myself to
Mr.. stiles one of the proprietors, and
the postmaster.
1T is now half.past two and at
three there's to be wedding down
the street at Jonas Burton's. Old
Jonah is rough old coon that we
have elected Justice of the Pease a
short time ago, and, as this will be
his first attempt at marriage, am
sure we will see some fun. Come
and go down with me-"
We went down TO the old Squire's
cabin. We found him porting over
large volume OF the statutes Of Wy
aiming territory, and swearing like a
horse and looking terribly anxious.
After greeting us he said:
"Stiles, the burned galoots that
got up these yer laws hadn't gump-
tion enough to last 'em over night.
I've run through the blamed book a
half dozen times, and can't find q
dod.blasted wordabout metermony,
or how the Kitchen is proceeded with.
I've got to jist put the clamps on
the couple; hit or miss,and If don't
yoke 'em up legal cant help it."
"Oh !" said Stiles, "just do the
best you can. Any kind of a cere-
mony will do in this country, for the
people will never question the legal
ity Of the thing. I'll post you as
we'll as | cam
Stiles then explained to him how
he should proceed, and. the old man
finally thought he could worry
through in tolerable shape. Ere
long the couple appeared followed
by a crowd of the citizens of the
camp. The candidates stood up be-
fore the Squire, who began:
"Feller citizens, this yer man and
this yer woman haz appeared before
the court to be hitched in the lega,
bands OF wedlock. If any galoot in
the mob knows of anything that
mout block the game il took to a
higher court, let him foot his bazoo,
or else keep his jaw to himself now
and forever more. All in favor of
me preceding as authorized by law,
say L.
Everybody said /.
Contrary, No."
Nobody said No.
''The motion is carried unani-
mously, and the court rules that
there hain't nothing to prevent the
trying of the case. Grip your fms"
The candidates joined hands.
Amos Peabody, do you solemnly
swear to freeze to Mandy forever
and ever ? That you'll love and
provide for her, and treat her square
and white, according to the rules
and regulations sot down to govern
such cases in the laws of the United
States so help you God 2"
Eyes, sir; l do, sir"
"That fixes your end OF the bar
gain. Mandy Thomas, do your SOL
EMMY swear that you'll hang on to
Amos for all coming time; that
you'll nuss him in sickness and be
square to him in wellness; that you
| will always be a good, true, honest
up-and-up wife, under the penalties
prescribed by the laws for the pun
ishment OF such otfenses. DO you
solemnly swear you will ?"
81 swar l will"
Then by the power in me vested
as Justice of the Peace, in and fur
this precinct,I pronounce you, Amos
Peabody, husband, and you, Mandy
Thomas, wife, and legalize you to
remain as such now and forever
more, and yoa'll stand committed
till the fees and the cost in the case
be paid in full, and may God bless
this union with his heftiest bless
ings."
The fees and cost were adjusted,
and, after receiving the congratula-
tions OF the assembly, the newly
made couple departed for their cab
in up the creek.