The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-05-06
PARsoN sWlNDAL AND HIS HOME,
4 (Snnrial I n The Times Dispatch.)

u
OsBORN'S GAP. VA, May Sit has
been said that all the world loves a lover,
and the same inherent characteristic In
all humanity prompts a like feeling to-
ward the man who binds hearts at the al
tar OF Hymen. The cardiac passion IS
sacred and as, interest attaches to tho
institutional marriage, so It follows as
logical sequence that more than pass
Ing interest Is felt in him who performs
the rltes that make two souls with but
single thought, two hearts that beat
as one"
The little mountain hamlet OF Osborn's
Gap. Va, has a mecca at which the nup-
tial rites will be performed for those WHO
are matrimonially inclined the year round
Parson John Calvin Swindal is the man
who ties the knots. ana he never gets too
busy to wait upon those who call at his
gate and wish to wed. He has keen
instinct that tells him when wedding is
on hand-who would not have this instinct
sharpencd after twenty years spent In
watching these affairs of the heart?
Came From Carolina.
John Calvin Swindal was born In Ash
county. North Carolina. in 1853. His par
ents moved to this place In ante be]lum
days, and as schools were an almost
unknown quantity In this section at that
time, young Swindal grew up surrounded
by the environments of backwoods life,
with but few educational advantages. lie
can read and write after the manncr&of
the old schoolmastew who taught In
the rude los schoolhouses Of forty years
ago, but he was fund OF common sense
that enables him to hold his own against
"the world, the flesh and tho devil" Ills
inclinatiOns seem to have been of a reli-
gious turn since he reached mature man
hood, though during his boyhoods days
he was inclined to be Wild and rollicklng.
lie Joined the Primitive Baptist Church
about twenty-five years ago. and imme-
diately thereafter began to labor in the
vineyard OF the Lord. lie never re-
ceves any monetary returns from his
ministerial labors-indeed, he would not
be thus compensated for his efforts. for he
believes Salvation is free" He follows
the dual occupation Of farming and mer-
chandslng, with "heartbinding'' as a side
line, by which he makes respectable
living. He is able to give goodly por-
ton OF his time to tho PRONUNCIATION OF
the gospel
He has kept no record OF the number OF
marriages no has performed, but he has
sent many twain on their way reJoic-
Ing. He is frequently called upon to walt
on those desiring to take upon them.
on preaching missions, and he never re-
fuses to yoke them, even away from
Fl r o. =
his mecca,
Hard to Say 1T WIFI
The parson has a keen relish of what
ever presents a humorous or ludlcrous side
and he recounts many laughable and
amusing happenings which he has Wlt-
messed during Ills twenty years experience
In this business.
A buxom lass from Kentucky appeared
al the mecca to be tied to the man OF
presumably her choice, but when her'turn
came to promise II will" she grew hys-
terIcal and could not pronounce the words.
Tho parson repeated the ceremony a nuns
Der OF times with the same result, fter
which the lassie ran behind the house to
give vent to her uncontrollahla laughter,
Her intended had just been released from
the Kentucky penitentiary Perhaps she
was doubling the propriety Of casting her
lot with that Of an ex-conyict, and had
adopted the motto when In doubt gtg-
GLE She came back from behind the
house to again face the music. and with
a great effort managed to stammer out
II will"
Came at Midnight,
A few years ago party Of thirteen
from Kentucky called on the parson at
midnight and requested his services TO
unite couple, The man was q long,
lank fellow, known as !" Big Ugly," while
his Intended was a little thin, red-faced
woman with a piping voice. Big Ugly
was bare-footed and dressed N an overall
suit. After8the ceremony was over the
party decided that 1t was too dark 70 re-
turn to Kentucky;to cross Gumner "a
Mountain. They asked the parson to keep
them TIL morning, which he agreed to do.
( He gave them breakf fast and fed three or
Y four horses j. When the party was 5rea6y