Marrying under Compulsion.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 4310, 15 March 1884, Page 4 (Supplement)

Marrying under Compulsion.

A wedding took place near Platte City, in the United States, on the 27th of December-, that excited more than usual interest, owing to the presence at the ceremony of fifty men as witnesses, all armed with shotguns. The bridegroom was Mr William Montgomery, the son of a wealthy farmer m the district, and the bride was Miss Alice Cooper, an orphan young lady, of considerable personal attractions. The courtship had to all outward appoarances gone on swimmingly for some months, but the other day Mr Montgomery, for some unknown reason, announced his intention of breaking tho engagement. He was subsequently arrested, gave bonds, and was released. On the following cvenin"- fifty of the neighbours, including .Tustioo *bny and Miss Cooper's uncle, armed themselves with shot-guns, and got a marriage licence. They then proceeded to Montgomery's father's farm, and surrounded the house. After a few minutes' delay tho door was opened by the young man, who, in a tone of surprise and annoyance, requested to be informed "what was tho matter." In reply he was given the option of occupying a lot in a neighbouring graveyard or of at once marrying Miss Cooper. He chose tholattor alternative, and Justice Day immediately tied the knot, at the same time delivering an address to tho young couple, of so touch" ing a character that thero waj hardly a dry eye among those present on the occasion.