Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-01-19

secured him seat by large majority.
In 1892, he, with Hill and McLanahan,
were elected the three county court
justices for York county-afterward
called district" They continued in
office until 1899, when these courts
were abolished. He was sent again
that year to the legislature, and in 1900
was elected Ordinary, that Office being
tnen established. This position he held
till his death, keeping his office at his
plantation, where he lived, IL miles
from the village; but for the convent
ence Of the people, always spending
court week and salesdays at the court
house. He was often called upon to
perform the marriage ceremony, and I
recall a scene that I witnessed at his
house 65 years ago, and relate 1t to
show how "big wedding" was man
aged in those days:
Between 10 and II o'clock in the
morning, some Of the party deserted a
cavalcade of apparently IS or 40 per-
sons coming up the road which ran
past Mr.. Moore's residence. In front
rode two men and then behind them
lady; the entire crowd paired off,
and thus strung out, magnified their
appearance and presented as an
imposing spectacle as possible.
AS they drew near enough to distin-
guish faces, the Moores recognized in
the first gentleman and lady, couple
who were to be married that day, and
though no warning had been given,
knew the meaning Of the escort. About
100 yards from the house, the process
sion halted. The foremost riders who
were the bottle carriers" turned their
horses and rode back the whole length
of the line, Zone on the left and the
other to the right, stopping at each
couple, beginning Of course with the
bridal pair, presenting simultaneously
to each lady and her escort the bottle
Of whiskey; this everyone kissed in
turn, all remaining quiet, refining in
their respective steeds till the Great
ure comforts" were partaken Of by all,
and the carriers resumed their places
in front. This evolution accomplished,
the 'goodly company" moved on. When
they were in front Of the house, they
entered the large gate and rode around
the house three times, the men firing
off pistols, loaded with powder, at
which the horses Of the ladies, as we'll
as those of the gentlemen, would rear
and pitch; but female equestrians Of
that day were not easily thrown, and
no accident occurred to mar the pleas
ures of the occasion. After completing
the circle Of the house, each time there
would be a pause, for the "bottle car
riers" to make their rounds. The third
time they dismounted, hitched their
horses, formed and came into the
house. Squire Moore went forward to
the piazza to receive them. They an
nounced their desire for him to marry
their candidates for the holy state. He
invited them in and performed the cere-
mony with due solemnity. After which
the bridal party, being almost all Of
them acquaintances and neighbors-
the tables and chairs were cleared out
of the hall. Some one among them,
being a musician, had brought his In
strument, and they commenced what
would be literally "the light fantastic
toe" to the present generation. The
pigeon wing and the flying shuf-
fles' tramped to the merry measures
Of the fiddler's highland fling and Irish
jig
Nae cotillion brent frae France,
But hornpipes, jigs, strathspeys, reels,
Put life and mettle in their heels;"
till dinner hour approached. Then they
began their arrangements for leaving.
OF course the Squire must accompany
them to the feast at the residence OF
the groom's mother. At first he declin-
ed; but as it was about two miles to go,
with this and some other accessions to
their numbers, they remounted and
fell into line. The bottle carriers"
with flask replenished, again handed
the exhilarating beverage to all, three
cheers were given for the new married
folks and away they cantered with
merry hearts and good appetite to par
take of the abundant cheer prepared
by old Mrs. Brown.
How ridiculous!" does some young
maiden exclaim? In three genera
tions from now, will not our fashions
be as "outre?" What think you would
your granddame feel were they to
glance in at q modern party and see
you whirling by, with some gay cav
alier, in one of the favorite round
dances? I hope the girls in a good
time coming, will not only cry, at the
description of them, chow absurd; but
how disgusting!"
Squire Moore was man always be-
fore the people, and filled the various
offices of trust reposed in him, with
ability to his state, and satisfaction to
his community. His manners were ur-
bane and his hospitality unbounded.
He had fine person, commanding, al
most stern in appearance, and was one
of the few men IN his day, who always
wore a black broadcloth suit, ruffied
shirt and high-top beaver hat. He had
some peculiar religious notions, Dut
was orthodox in his faith, and died
triumphant death in the SD year or ms
age. He was buried in the Betnel
graveyard, of which church ne 1or
wears had been a member.
TTo BE CONTINUED NEXT SATURDAY.