Democratic Sentinel, Volume 12, Number 37, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 October 1888 — A Lightning Marriage. [ARTICLE]

A Lightning Marriage.

“One of the quickest marriages I ever heard of,” said a man from down on the W abash, “was performed by Rev. Dr. MAtom. Turner, now in the Minnesota Conference. “Dr. Turner was in charge of the Vincennes circuit at the time. One evening* he was hurrying his toilet in preparation for a marriage that he was to perform at 8 o’clock at the home of one of his flock. He was late and very much afraid that he couldn’t reach the place of appointment in time. Just as he got his white tie adjusted and was settling himself into his coat a knock was heard on the parsonage door. Dr. Turner took up his hat, stepped to the door and opened it. A young man stood outside. Dr. Turner asked his business. The young man was flurried, but he managed to say he wanted to get married, and handed the parson a marriage license. “ ‘Well,’ said Dr. Turner, £ I can’t do it to-night. Xam hurrying now to perform another ceremony. I’m already late.’ “But.’ pleaded the young man, ‘it won’t take you long.’ “‘I know; but I can’t wait,’ and the preacher came out and closed the door, walking rapidly away. “ ‘But, Mr. Turner,’ the young man, desperately, and he ran after the minister; ‘you surely can marry us. It won’t take you but a minute.’ “ ‘ Where’s the lady ? ’ “ ‘ Right back here,’ and the young man pointed to a figure standing in the shadow of a tree. “ ‘Well, come on,’ Dr. Turner said, and the two went back to where the girl stood. i “‘ Is this the woman you want to marry? ’ “ ‘ Yes,’ said the young man. “ ‘ The a you are man and wife. Goodnight.’ And he went away leaving the pair standing speechless. It was a minute before the newly made husband recovered enough to run after the preacher, who was rapidly disappearing in the dark. “ ‘Mr. Turner! Mr. Turner!’ he cried. “ ‘Well, what is it?’ said the preacher, pausing. “ ‘Why, was that all? Will that do?’ “ ‘Yes, yes, that will do. You are just as much married as if I’d gone through a yard of ceremony. Goodnight!’ And again he hurried away, reaching his appointment just in the nick of time. “The young man went slowly back to liis bride and spfnt the next hour or two in satisfying her that she was really married.”— Chicago Mail.