Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1909-10-27

guests from Columbus, Aberdeen and
Okolona. together with their neighbor
friends, parents and children OF the
household lined the walls Of the room,
the younger children in front Of their
elders where they could witness the
ceremony; the soiemnity Of which was
frightened by the soft melody of the
organ pouring forth the dulcet strains
Of the wedding march. drawn forth by
the gentle touch Of the deft fingers OF
Miss Sallie Belle King, one Of the
Ioveliest Aow9rs Of the prairies, from
Okolona.
Alter the ceremony was over, the
usual scene of Joy greeted the young
couple in kissing the bride by the
parents, relatives and lady friends, in
which pleasant performance the writer,
an old-time friend Of four generations,
had the honor of participating
Among the guests we're the brides
aunt. Mrs Prowell Of Columbus. with
her son and his wife and her daughter,
MR.. Augusta Irwin, of Columbus. also
Miss Alice Moore Of that city.
We found in one Of the parlors the
gifts of many friends on a long table
which gllttered in silver, gold, cut-glass
and needle work of various patterns
and device; beside the large table,
smaller tables we're also covered with
gifts Of friends, and number Of rugs
and other ornaments too large for the
tables were leaned against the wall.
My space will not permit Of further
description Of this festive scene. yet
cannot forbear mentioning that when !
passed across the prairics felt that !
was on classic ground. IL their history
was written it would 6ll book. Here
was once the hunting grounds OF the
Chickasaws. near the spot where we
stood was the residence Of Mai. Levy
Colbert, whose Indian name was ltta-
Wamba-Mingo. in English. bench chief.
who won the title Of chief when a
youth, by gathering the old men and
boys not permitted to accompany the
braves on a grand hunt. and ambus-
cading an army Of Creek Indians who
sought to capture the undefended
families while the, braves were absent.
and killed every one Of their foes.
Major Colbert " as an intimate friend
Of Mr.. James Coxs grandfather and
Mr.. Robert Gordon. the founder Of
Aberdeen, who were the FIRST to cross
the prairies to attend the land sales ct
Pontotoc; and finding a squatter who
had made q corn crop by cutting
through the turf with an sxe. conceived
the idea that they could be made avail
able for culture and purchased large
tracts from the government, also Indian
reservations. John Cox was one Of
the wealthy planters Of the prairies.
and his son John B. Cox. father Of
our friend James H. Cox whose
mother was Miss Josephine Hunt.
daughter OF James Huntanother ofthe
pioneers Of Mississippi. who like other
adventurers were prominent business
men and noted for their hospitality,
which inheritance is still a marked
characteristic Of their defendants.
There were others who soon followed.
the Cooks. Buchanans. Gillespies,
Sykes and others who changed the
yellow blossoms Of the prairies into
the white lilies OF the cotton plant,
and built up the beautiful cities Of the
prairies. leaving heritage Of their
names and characters which have
been-preserved by their descendants
that no change Of fortune could mark
with dishonor. And God grant that
the rising generation may continue to
live in honor with the names OF their
ancestors MISUNDERSTANDING nobIest and
besI Of the sons and daughters Of
Mississippi. is the hear wish OF
AM1CIiC