Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 118, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 November 1909 — THE SPICE OF LIFE [ARTICLE]

THE SPICE OF LIFE

PRUITT’S BIRTHDAY PRESENT. It Isn’t everybody who pan give a birthday present Uke William E. Berner gave to John Pruitt, colored, a couple of days ago. Berner is the marriage license clerk at the county clerk’s office, and as such he eneeunters all kinds of q&eer situations. The other day, fTultt came In to get a license to wed Elisa Clink onboard. Before a license can be procured nowadays, Mia mart answer in writing all kinds of foolish questions, among them being the date of birth. Pruitt scratched his he.d when asked his natal day. “Fret is, Ah don’t know,' he said. “Don’t you know how old you are?” Berner asked. “Not for sure. Somewheres near 40, I guess.” , “Haven’t you a birthday?” “Neve” had a birthday.” "Well, I’ll make you a present of a birthday, right now,” said Berner, “Everybody should have a birthday. Tou are 40 years old and you were bom on the Fourth of July.” And Berner wrote it down on the marriage license papers that way. “Now, remember,” said Berner when Pruitt started to leave. “You were born on the Fourth of July and you musn’t forget to celebrate when your birthday comes around.” "I won’t,” said Pruitt, highly pleased. —Indianapolis News.