The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-31
Matrimonial Oddities.

To the Editor Of the indianapolis Journa,:
Living in Edgar county. Illinois, is a happy
old octogenariau who. with his good wife, seven
years ago duly celebrated their golden wedding
The old veteran is never well pleased as when
talking of the pioneer times Of his youth, telling
stories of his early struggles with poverty, and
especially does he delight to speak of his court
ing days and of old-time wedding customs. The
old couple are from Kentucky, and his story of
their wedding is worthy of re-telling He had
money to pay for their license but none to pay the
preacher who, however, agreed to wait for his
pay. Commanding them to arise he lectured
them some time on the duties of married
life and finally asked "John Wilkins, do you love
inz aaa ~ aIy Wys
love this man, and do you agree to take him for
your lawful husbanda" Eyes, sir" Then by
the laws of God, by the laws of the State OF
Kentucky, and in accordance with your own
wishes pronounce you husband and wife, and
may the Lord help you and keep you from hum
ger and cold this winter. for I understand that
You have nothing but love to live on" Next
spring paid the preacher" Said he, land
borrowed fixtures to begin housekeeping. It
was the only time ever went into debt and we
since have had enough and TO spare. We have
had eleven children. ten of whom became grown.
/ had six boys in the Union army, none of whom
were ever wounded. all are yet living and vote
the Republican ticket. / voted for Gen. W. 81.
named for him and my youngest boy is named
for Abraham Lincoln. / want to live to vote for
Ben Harrison for President this fall I want ro
see him elected and take his seat and then will
die content.
Prominent amongst the old Methodist preach
ers of Indiana was Thomas Bartlett more ia
miliarly for the past third OF century known
as "old Father Bartlett" Talented and beloved,
he was. in his way. later edition of Lorenzo
Dow. Yet living in Vermilon county, Indiana.
is an old couple now we'll to-do for this worlds
goods. In 1851 they. veryp> Z, called on Mr. Bart
lett to perform the wedding ceremony The groom
stating in advance his inability to pay large
fee, Mr. Bartlett asked: How much money
have you7" -Four dollars was the renly.
'.Lo you intend to go to housekeeping" Yes
"Well," said Mr. B., 81 will make you all offer,
you pay me five cents now and ten cents on the
birth OF your first child, if you ever have any.
and il you have more children at the birth Of
the birth of the previous one." agreed" said
the bride groom. amidst the bushes of the bride.
Time passed on and eleven children were added
TO the family. At the birth of each the prom
ised amount would be paid, the cheque at the
birth of the eleventh being for $102 40, and the
whole amount paid was 1904 Is. The old preach
died about five years ago, but even In his last
moments he would laughingly tell of the gold
mine he had received for that wedding fee.
One of the best and most favorably known
Methodist preachers in Parke county, and who
for several terms, was one of her best county
officers, received for his first matrimonial fee q
half-Rallon jug filled with maple molasses. The
jug he yet keeps a sweet souvenir of his
early days.
Near by sits one who, when squire received
for his first conuubial knot a half bushel of
beans. waiting. however. until the young couple
had raised them from seed planted on the day of
the wedding
MoNTEZUMA, JAM %.