Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 December 1890 — Married for Keeps. [ARTICLE]

Married for Keeps.

Texas Siftings. The skipper of a coal boat on the Erie canal recently decided, after mature deliberation and careful consideration, to marry the cook, who had been a tried and faithful servant to him quite a number of perilous trips on the storm lashed canal. So he spoke to her about the matter one day and after securing her coy consent he , ordered the boat tied up at a small town, and. being a practical skipper up the street after a parson. The nuptial knot was soon tied, the parson beaten down to $1.50 for his fee, and then the canal boatman said: ••Well, Melindy, we are married fur keeps, now. We are hitched fur life, and must pull together. I’m a little short handed to-day, and as that lead mule has got a saddle gall on his back, you jist take the tow path and lead him. I’ll steer an’ kinder ruminate on some plan to give you work on the boat without going ashore in the mud. I’ve got a powerful sight more respect fer you, now that you’re my wife.”