Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-02-13

General HarrisOn's Wedding.
A BRIDEMAID, NOW LIVING AT BUFFALO,
DESCRIBES THE CEREMONY.

Among the residents of Buffalo to whom
the news of the election of Gen. Benjamin
Harrison, of Indiana, to the Presidency OF
the United States was glad tidings was
lady living on Whitney place, says the Buff
falo Express, who thirty six years ago stood
by the side of Mr.. Harrison's bride while
the words were spoken which, in due course
of time, will make her the first lady in the
land.
SIT is a pleasant remembrance to me, and
l will tell you all about it on the condition
that you withhold my name," said the
bridemaid of that occasion. "Mr. Harrison
first met Carrie Scott his destined wife,
while he was attending boys academy at
Walnut hills, Ohio, and she was pupil IN
girls seminary at the same place. lie
was about nineteen years old then, and she
was girl of seventeen. Later on they both
removed to oxford, Ohio, where he became
q student in the Miami university, and she
busted herself with the household duties of
the family home. Her father was John
W. Scott, who at the time of her marriage
was the principal of young ladies' semi
nary at Oxford The family lived in the
seminary boarding house, a two-stoTy build
ing Just across the street from the school,
which was managed by Mrs. Scott. About
thirty of the girls boarded at the place.
| "Carrie was bright, vivacious, witty
girl, rather petite in figure, with snapping
black eyes and pleasant features. she was
very popular and had many admirers, but
none of them received any encouragement
except 'Beu,' as she called him in those
DAYS. She was somewhat Inclined to be
sarcastic, but she used tins dangerous gift
with such kindness aud judgment that no
one ever suffered therefrom. / am inclined
to believe that her father who was stanch
Presbyterian, did not look with any degree
of favor upon the match, for Ben was
chockful of politics even then, but [ have
no doubt that the old gentleman, who is
now eighty-noe years old, and has posi-
ton in the PonsiOn department. at Wash
ington, when he louks out of the window
upon the building where the inaugural bal
will bs held on the 4th IF March, is fully
recenciIed to his son-in law.
THE wedding took place during the va
cation season, when most of the pupils were
at home, aud only few of the teachers
fingered at the boarding house. The cere
moDy was performed al about 10 o'clock il
the morning by President Anderson, of tbs
university. in the parlor. There we're oniy
about thirty persons present, most OF them
intimate friends end kindred of the families
The bride wore simple white cashmere
: and veil, and looked very sweet. The brida
party came in from Mrs. Soott's room ad
Joining, and stood between the windows
while President Anderson tied the knot
In those days it was not fashionable to give
wedding presents. After che ceremony we
all sat down to a wedding breakfast in the
dining room Of tho boarding house, and as
soon as this was over Mr.. and Mrs. Har
rison were driven to railroad station *
miles away, where they took the train fol
North Bend. President Anderson, re-
member. was going to Cincinnati The same
day, and some one asked him why he die
not ride to the station with the wedding
party. His answer was: I'D az soon ridt
with keg of nails for sociability as to ridt
with bride and groom
"Mr. Harrison in those days was strug
Cling Young lawyer, his only property being
about $500, which was left him by an Sunl
in Cincinnati. The couple never returned
to Oxford to live. They remained il
North Bend for time and then went tc
Indianapolis.