Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1885-05-13
REMINISCECE OF SIXTY YEARS AGO.
Written for tho transcript.

was then settled as pastor in q small
river-town on the Ohio. In a little settle
ment of Scotch people, lately from the
old country, a man and woman, both in
widowhood. concluded to marry, and
was requested to perform the ceremony.
When 1 arrived ut the appointed hour
1 found all the men and boys out on
the green amusing themselves very pleas
antly. All were Scotch except one-an
Iris6man. I joined the company in
pleasant chat for a time; but was little
surprised to see the intended groom out
among the rest The "toddy bowl oc-
the custom of that day. After waiting a
GOOD while accosted a certain Mr.. p, a
bachelor of some 80 or 81, and evidently
the boss manager, and near relative Of
the lady. and asked if it was not time for
the marriage to be attended to? well,
yes" he said demurely; "we'll have it at
tended to-" Still no change, all things
went on the same. waited again a con
siderable time, rather impatiently, and
again accosted my boss friend p, and he
said, ''Oh, yes, Mr.. L., think it's time
we should have the marriage over. Let's
go into the house." 1t was log cabin,
about 30 feet square, covered in the usual
way with clap-boards held on by weight
poles" door in one side, chimney in the
end. We got in, we men all at one side,
and the women on the other. The inevi-
table "toddy bowl passed to both sides
of the house. 1t was a scene of perfect
Scotch Glee;" and l was still in per.
plexity about what was to be done; and
I had to appeal to my bachelor friend p.
Yes, yes. Mr.. L., we'll have it over pretty
soon" He was sitting by my side at the
time. and after little time of apparent
thoughtfulness, suddenly he spoke out in
loud tone. at the same time striking
with his open hand upon my knee: well,
Mr.. L., if you'll find the groom, I'll find
the BRIDE" Up he got and went over to
the other side of the house, and taking
the lady by the hand led her forth to the
middle of the house, and what could do
but take the gentleman by the hand and
lead him out accordingly? As took my
position for the ceremony there was a
sudden change in the aspect Of the whole
company, that was not little remarkable.
1t was the appearance of deep s0lemnity. l
never saw more of that in the same peo-
pie, or any other people at funeral, or at
the communion table, while l went
through with the entire service.
But I'm not yet through with my story.
After the ''amen," the gentleman turned
to the bride and sieZing her with both
hands, attempted to implant kiss. But
she, as if she had never promised anything
of the kind. wheeled away, and twisted,
and squirmed, and swung herself loose, and
ran back to her own side of the house.
Then burst forth loud cha ha !" and a
roar of laughter all over the house. But
this was soon over, and the cry was heard
Where's the toddy bowl9" Give US the
toddy bowl" This was passed as usual
all round-all seeming to partake. We
soon after got out into the open air, and
after the usual dinner, I returned home.
So ends my little story. - -
Let me say, the above is simple nara
tive of fact. l often think of it myself.
1t was before the time of the temperance
reformation. Those Scotch people were a
very respectable, sober, intelligent set Of
people, and preached often in their
neiehborhood, and they were very regular
in attendance on the Sabbath IN the town
congregation. $. g. LOWRY.
AUSTIN, May I'd, 1885. .s~s3