Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 October 1893 — Before They Knew It. [ARTICLE]

Before They Knew It.

Joseph Thomas, a lawyer in th, State of Maine, at the beginning ol this century, was a man of considerable reputation as a wag. A couple were anxious to bo married, and as there was no minister at hand, they waited upon Mr. Thomas, who, as a magistrate, was authorized to perform the marriage ceremony. lie was busy writing as they entered, but paused to inquire what they wanted. Addressing himself to the man, he asked if he wished to take that woman for a wife, and next, turning to the woman, he Inquired whether she wished to take that man for her husband. Thon he went on with bis writing. Tho parties sat still, and waited until their patience was exhausted. Finally, the man ventured to in terrupt Mr. Thomas, and tell him they were in a great hurry. "Why don’t you go along, then?* answered tho Judge. “But wo want to bo married first." "Married? You have been married more than half an hour.” Ho explained the requirements oi the law, and tho couple withdrew, not without some misgivings, it is to bo feared, as to tho validity of a ceremony which had boen so uriceremon, lously performed. They had certa’n. ly been married in haste, but there is no record that they repented at leisure.