Douglas Island news., 1914-07-22
Marriage of Miss Kllbuck

Marriage Ot Miss k1llbuck
 The Seattle Times of ,he l2th inst. contains the following account of the wedding of Miss Ruth Ktlbuck, who with her parents resided on Douglas Island for number of years:
 That love, which laughs at lock- smiths, sometimes makes long and per- nous journeys seem as nothing, was proven yesterday when Miss Ruth Kill buck, after travelling 2,50O miles from Akiak, Alaska, by native canoe and trading schooner, was welded in this city to Van D. Patterson, who came 5000 miles from North Carolina to meet his bride. The ceremony was per formed by Rev. David Blythe at South Park and established a notable long distance record for wedding trysts-
 The marriage culminated a romance which began in college days in Che East and which in many respects duplicated she conrtship of her parents, Mr. aud Mrs. F. 9. Kinbuck.
 Thirty one years ago P. J. Killbnck, royal blooded scion of the ancient and proud tribe of the Delawares, attended Bethlehem College in Pennsylvania. 4 great athlete, splendid student he was, and many fair coed envied the pretty white maid, native of Kansas, who became Mrs. Ein6uck.
 About five years ago the daughter of Kilbuck of Bethlehem, 'S3, entered as a freshman in Salem College, coiuci dent with the entrance of Van D. Pat terson. Patterson was heir to mercan. tile establishments throughout North Caroline, Miss Ruth Kilbuck was native of Akiak. Dan Cupid did the rest.
 Joe KillbucE, graduate oi Washing ton State College, a brother, was the only relative of either present at the simple ceremony.
 Mrs. Patterson left her home at Akiak June l5 in @ native canoe, travelling down the tortuous channel of the Bus kokwim River to Bethel. There she boarded a schooner which fifteen days later arrived at Seattle. Her summons brought the bridegroom marrying across the continent by fast express. He arrived yesterday morning. The couple will be guests at the New Wash iugtou Hotel until Monday, when they will leave for Salem
 The Killbucks went to the HUskok vim River thirty years ago before the white men invaded that district. They went as missionaries, conducted mis- sions at Point Barrow, at Wainright, in Southeastern Alsska, and then returned to the Euskokwim. Four children were born to them in Alaska Two have died and Ruth end Joe, the only two re- malning, have deserted tbe laud of their birth for "the states," Joe to make his way in the world as mining engi neer, Ruth to establish a home of her own.
 Thus left alone the old missionaries are centeriug their interest on teaching Che natives of the K0skokwim how to farm. In the fertile valley they have laid out great tracts of cabbsges, tur. nips, lettuce, celery potatoes and other vegetables, and while they are not yet past an experimental stager the natives of this district are DOW furnishing sup- plies to- minegs throughout the interior.
 The government is giving the Kill bucks every encouragement in their great work. Officials at Washington were astounded at the photographs re- gently received showing the Kuskok vim Valley under cultivation. The Killbucks have been associated with she native school service since 1904