Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1884-09-25
WAH LEE VOWS BRIDE.
China and the United States Grasp
Hands and March to the Altar to the
Sound of Boys Yelling s'Rats.''
Cleveland Leader

Cleveland Leader.
A bustlipg, surging crowd of sew
eral hundred men, composed OF law
yers, merchants, and even ministers,
crowded into Justice Gleeson's court
about three o'clock Wednesday after
noon to witness the solemn marriage
rites os Wah Lee Vow and Miss Mary
CHATTER The Chinaman had procured
a license Aug. 20, but stopped at that
stage of his matrimonial venture be-
fore taking the final plunge. He had
consulted his attorney, Peter fucker,
of the board of education, and the
marital candidate left the attorneys
office under his escort and wended
their way up Superior street to Squire
Gleeson's Office. Echo Heisley, the
alleged war eagle, Charley Seiser, and
several others, saw the wedding party
depart, and, noising the news abroad,
a lengthy and constantly-increasing
train Joined in the procession. The
squire stood the blushing couple up
before him, and, after a momentary
pause, was about to make them one.
Alas, the groom had forgotten his
license, and was obliged to withdraw
from his bride and HE to his laundry
to procure it. The self-invIted guests
packed in closer and closer during the
interim, ard the squire shielded the
now thoroughly embarrassed bride by
escorting her to the adjoining office of
Atty. Barrett. The crowd, however,
was not disposed to be defrauded of
the ceremony, and by the time the
Chinaman had returned with his doc
ument the law office was densely filled
with spectators Again the courtly
justice led the bride and bridesgroo ON
away from the madding crowd.
They made their way to corner of
his office, and there and then the
twain were made one. Wah Lee is a
tall, middle aged Celestial with an in
telligent look, superior to most of his
brethren. He had apparently not ex-
pectcd the array of lookers-on that
crowded about him, and while at a
casual glance be appeared cool and
collected, he was greatly excited.
Nothing in the room escaped the
glance of his small, sparkling
eyes. Half dozen Mongolians were
interspersed among the audience, and
one of them was, to all appearance, a
Chinese priest. He wore long black
robe, white cravat, and a clerical
look upon his face. It was said the
marriage ceremony was also perform
ed by him in their native fashion. The
bride was attended by another young
woman. Mary Chafer was young
German woman, apparently about 20
years OF age. She had pleasing, but
by no means handsome features, and
was dressed in white. A wreath of
orange blossoms crowned her head
and her feet were incased IN pair of
light-colored SATIN Chinese slippers.
She blushed prettily as shc promised
to be Lee Vows true and faithful wife,
and the bridegroom uttered his prom
Uses in plainly enunciated English.
Peter Fucker acted as best man, and
he and Col. A. t. Brinsmade signed
the marriage certificate as witnesses.
AS he flashed the nuptial knot the
Justice announced that they were now
ready for congratulations. The bride
took this opportunity to greet heE
future lord with kiss behind her fan,
and Hon. John P. Green crowded to
the front and welcomed the Celestial
IN behalf of the American people.
Other hearty congratulations follow
ed, and as Mr.. and Mrs. Wan Lee
left the room three cheers were pro
posed and given for them with tiger.
The .Chinaman linked his arm in the
most acceptable fashion, and with the
leaning lightly upon it they descended
the stairs and passed over to the China
mans laundry under the Sloss block.
A little later they emerged and pro
ceeded to do the town afoot. When
last seen they were meandering VI
Ontario street arm in arm. In THEN
wake were twenty-five or thirty boys
yelling rats"