The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1886-06-16
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Jeitersonyills has long been known "a the
haven of clippers, and many lovelorn
couple from Kentucky, the cruel parents of
whom objected to the match, have been
mated for life in that quiet little city. II
extends hearty welcome to the young and
old alike, and very few questions are asked
1t both the contracting parties are willing it
only requires about one dollar to secure the
services of man who will voueh for the ages
OF both, The laws of Indiana provide that
this shall be done, but are very lenient In
this respect Full many Bluegrass
maiden, upon whose cheeks the bloom of
fifteen summers has scarcely touched, has
found willing witness to swear that she
was IL years of age. People of all ages,
from the sedate old widower of 60 to the
amorous youth of 20, have sought the little
city to have the words pronounced which
bound them to their lady loves. Brides in
silk and brides in calico have flown thither
troAn an obstinate father who objected to
the man with whom they had plighted their
troth
Eloping couples are not the only Ones
however, who fly to Indiana's shores. Some
go to avoid publicity, and large percent
age OF others go to save the expense which
would be necessary should they marry at
home, Besides, an impression seems to
prevail that there is tinge of romance at
tached to such marriage, in addition to
the extreme novelty.
The magistrates of Jetlersonyille perform
most of the marriages, and some make a
regular business of waiting for the searchers
for matrimony. The most popular and
widely known of these is Esquire Ephraim
keigwin. The g little Squire" as he is
sometimes called, is q slim, wiry old gentle
man, with snow-white hair and q kindly
smile, which treasures the timid bride who
nervously awaits the return of her future
husband with license. He was born in
Jacksonville, and is "a years Of age.
Altogether he has married i,487 couples,
and made :, 974 hearts happy or unhappy,
as the case may be, for sometimes, il must
be admitted, the sea of matrimony Is turbu-
lent and storm rocked The fees he has re-
ceiyed range all the way from $25 to 25
cents. few days since the Squire said
1t is never too hot or too cold, or too
rainy they come in oil kinds of weather
and at all seasons. At least one-third of
the marriages have performed have never
been made public, and many fair Ken
lucky lady is called Miss, while she carries
marriage certificate in her pocket. They
most always wait for favorable opportunity
to break the news to dissenting papa and
mamma.
=" A funny incident happened about a
year ago. A buxom old lady from the in
terror of Kentucky came into the office
leading palc-faced boy by one hand and 4
blushing school girl about IA years old by
the other She informed me in unmistak.
able tones that she would like to have those
children married. A license was procured.
and married them.
Country couples are nearly all about
the same In appearance. just few davs
ago couple from tho back deestricts of
Kentucky strolled in with Bullitt county
mud on their shoes, timidly asked me il 1
was the man who married people, | told
them was, and, while the young man went
after the license, the bride tol me they had
waited till dad went to the store, and then
she snuck off and borried Sis Collins's hat
and shawl and come over When the
groom came back said to him. Are you
not afraid the young lady's father will be
mad when you return 2 IF he does I'll
shoot him. He knows me, and won't poster
with me whom I get riled.'
q just short time ago couple came
here and asked me If would marry them.
The young man said he was 1G and his
sweet intended had turned Is they went to
school together; were very much in love,
aud knew their parents would never consent
to their union. Oh, do please help us;
will be ever SO much obliged to YOU said
the baby-faced little girl imploringly.
put ON a very fatherly look, and told them
they had better go back TO school and stay
until vacation, any how. They went home.
Isuppose they have concluded to wait until
they get big.
Strange to say, very few of the many 1
have married ever get Divorces but the
majority of the people of interior Kentucky
live happily and contented any how Only
last summer went out into Kentucky on n
hunting expedition. / came upon num-
Der of couples had married, and they all
entertained me right royalty. Frequently,
l receive letters and presents from couples
have married, and can truthfully say that
in my opinion the most generous kindest-
hearted people in the world make their
homes in Kentucky.