The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-09-30
HIP. WATSON &Co.
bride AT FoRT GAINES.
First Wedding in Georgia Town in
Seven Years.

New York Journal
For the first time in seven years has a
marriage taken place at Fort Gaines. Ga.
The courtship of Miss Pearl Brown by Mr..
Joseph Culpepper was a delight tempered
with anxiety to the entire population Of
Fort Gaines. The announcement of the en-
gagement was public joy. The wedding,
which took place last Tuesday was the oc-
casion of a celebration which will never be
forgotten in Fort Gaines. At this moment
Mr.. and Mrs. Culpepper are quite the most
popular citizens of the town, and their ex-
ample is held up to the other young people
by press and pulpit one which IS not only
worthy of emulation, but one which the
public good demands should be followed
Fort Gaines is typical old South Georgia
town of $500 people 1t stands on the high
bluff of the Chattahoochee river. and for
more than half a century has looked down
in sleepy content upon the rushing, muddy
stream. The town was once widely known
as ''wide-open." easy-going place, and as
the scene of many famous cock fights.
From its situation on the border line OF
Georgia and Alabama, II was convenient
rendezvous for lovers OF this sport in both
States. and in the old days battles in the pit
were known where much money changed
hands and more blood was spilled than was
drawn by the steel weapons of the game
cocks. 1t was then one OF the most flourish
ing towns on the river; fayorite trading
place for farmers on both sides of the Chat
tahoochee. and cotton market OF no mean
Importance In late years however, its
glory has been somewhat dmmed, its trade
lessened and the population has steadily de-
creased.
Moral reform swept over the TOWN.. IneT0
were no more cock fights in the Town Hall
and prohibition closed the doors of the gin
shops. This, however, failed to stay the
tide of adversely, and, most calamitous or
all calamitieS, the young people refused TO
get together" as It is locally expressed.
There was no marrying or giving in mar
riage. The last wedding became tradi-
ton.
At this moment the cry of a mothers
FIRST joy" cannot be heard within the town
limits. With the notable exception of last
week there is not a bride in Fort Gaines
of fewer than seven years standing.
This remarkable state of affairs was not
allowed to become fact without some pro-
test on the part of those who are always
supposed to have the welfare Of a town
most at heart Older heads discussed II
over their stick whiting, parents advised,
preachers delivered weekly exhortations
from the three pulpits, and the weekly pa
per contained manv rineSr~ protest.
Young people, get married. Was even the
leader when nothing of state or national
interest absorbed the editors mind.
In times of great public need like these
1t seems remarkable that a benefactor
should have been so long appearing. But
times are productive of the man. and in
this case, of the woman, too.
Miss Brown and Mr.. Culpepper became
engaged. Then there was joy unconined in
every household. On last Tuesday morn
ing there was a wedding. The first in seven
years The happiness was not confined to
the bride and groom. There were congrat-
ulations on all sides and handshaldng on
every corner.
Mr. Culpepper can have any Office in the
gift of his fellow-townsmen. He is the pop
ular candidate for mayor, and will find no
opposition if he decides to enter the race.
He is a young merchant. the junior member
of the firm of Vinson & CuipeppeH