The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1886-02-24
AN ARKANSAS WEDDING.

A very interesting wedding occurred
over at Hooks Springs the other night,
Ben Luther and Ida Grimes ran away
from the neighborhood where they had
been reared and applied to young
Wilkinson, who recently accepted a call
to preach. The arrival of the runaway
couple SOC became known, and quite a
number of young people gathered at the
school house where the ceremony was TO
be performed. The preacher, upon arriv-
ing, called Bill Fellers to one side, and
said:
"Bill, | couldn't refuse to accommO-
date that young couple, but to tell the
truth | don't know how to perform a
marriage ceremony. was never married,
and | don't understand the perform
ance."
either Bill replied, "and | don't believe
there is anybody here that understands
it,"
at won't do to disappoint them, for
understand the girls father is in pursuit.
Let's see, you were commissioned as a
justice of the peace the other day,
weren't you2"
|. eyes, but the papers didn't shed any
light on marriage ceremonies" i.'
~ don't know what to do about it"
the young preacher continued. "They've
begun to grow restless, you see." .
dwell, parscn, l don't understand it
any more than you, but am willing, II
you'll help me kill hogs next week, to
take the job off your hands,"
"AI right
Bill turned to the company and said:
Ladies' and gentlemen, we've met
here to engage in a very serious business.
This young couple (pointing) think they
ought to be married, and it amt for me
to say they ought not. Young fellow,
have you got your Gcense?"
ayes, sir"
"All right. Hop out here, now
The young couple advanced
"Join hands, said Bill. ~ would
like to say that the new ceremony just
approved by the governor has gone into
| effect. Those who have eve seen this
ceremony performed will doubtless be
amused at its novelty, but I'll say right
here that all snickering will be treated
as contempt of court. Young man, what
is your business?"
81 am a farmer"
"Ah, hah! How many rails can you
split in a day?"
-Four hundred in good timber"
"Will you swear it?"
eyes. sir"
"Hold up your right hand"
He held up his hand and was sworn.
Bill continued:
care you a good hand to cover corn?"
ayes, sir.'
"Please say, Yes, your honor"
eyes, your honor"
"That's right. How much can you
cover in a day."
"Three acres, if the lands in good
condition."
"Will you swear it?"
ayes, sir"
eyes, your honor"
Excuse me. Yes, your honor"
"Hold up your right hand"
And he was sworn again.
"What was the weight of the largest
bass you ever caught?"
~ don't remember exactly. About
five pounds, l reckon"
"Will you swear it?"
"No, your honor"
"All right. Are you willing to marry
this girl?"
eyes, your honor. If 1 WANT l
wouldn't have brought her here"
"That's what l thought" Bill medita-
lively replied. "You love her, [
reckon?"
Eyes, your honor"
"How much?"
ooh, l don't know. Ever so much"
"What did she say when you asked
herr"
"She said Yes"
"Glad to hear it."
"Now, youny lady, will you advance
and kiss the judge2o
The girl hesitated a moment, but she
stepped up and kissed Bill.
"Do you love this mani"
eyes, sir"
eyes, your honor"
The girl corrected her mistake.
allow much do you love him?"
"Lots."
Glad to hear it. Please step forward
and kiss the judge"
Again she kissed him.