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Story
September 22, 1878
New York Dispatch
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
Humorous tale of Judge Richardson in Reno conducting a non-traditional marriage for James and Emmer, incorporating citizenship questions and betting, ending with a binding pronouncement and celebratory fee.
Clipping
OCR Quality
100%
Excellent
Full Text
A Civil Service Marriage.
IT WASN'T ORTHODOX, BUT IT WAS VERY BINDING.
(From the Reno, Nev., Gazette.)
Judge Richardson doesn't pretend to be a parson, and therefore isn't as well up in the marriage ceremony as the slimy supporters of a decaying hierarchy are. The young couple stood up before him the other evening, and the Judge inquired in a cross-questioning tone of the young groom:
"Are you a citizen of the United States?"
The groom took hold of the waistband of his trowsers and tugged, saying:
"I voted for Tilden, Judge."
"Why, James!" faintly exclaimed the blushing creature by his side.
"It's a fact, Emmer," protested James, rather indignantly, and glaring at the Judge.
His Honor coughed, and demanded, severely:
"Do you, sir, as a citizen of Nevada and a lawful voter of Reno, solemnly declare that you will forsake all other evi s and cleave to this one?"
"I've money to bet on it," responded the groom, growing pale, but placing his arm around the waist of the shrinking bride.
"Then," cried the Judge, bringing his fist down on the desk, "God has joined you together, and damn the man that puts you asunder!" The fee is just what you like to give, young fellow."
It was pretty liberal, and the court set them up, and kissed the new wife several times beside.
IT WASN'T ORTHODOX, BUT IT WAS VERY BINDING.
(From the Reno, Nev., Gazette.)
Judge Richardson doesn't pretend to be a parson, and therefore isn't as well up in the marriage ceremony as the slimy supporters of a decaying hierarchy are. The young couple stood up before him the other evening, and the Judge inquired in a cross-questioning tone of the young groom:
"Are you a citizen of the United States?"
The groom took hold of the waistband of his trowsers and tugged, saying:
"I voted for Tilden, Judge."
"Why, James!" faintly exclaimed the blushing creature by his side.
"It's a fact, Emmer," protested James, rather indignantly, and glaring at the Judge.
His Honor coughed, and demanded, severely:
"Do you, sir, as a citizen of Nevada and a lawful voter of Reno, solemnly declare that you will forsake all other evi s and cleave to this one?"
"I've money to bet on it," responded the groom, growing pale, but placing his arm around the waist of the shrinking bride.
"Then," cried the Judge, bringing his fist down on the desk, "God has joined you together, and damn the man that puts you asunder!" The fee is just what you like to give, young fellow."
It was pretty liberal, and the court set them up, and kissed the new wife several times beside.
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Family Drama
Romance
What themes does it cover?
Family
Love
Social Manners
What keywords are associated?
Unorthodox Marriage
Civil Ceremony
Humorous Wedding
Reno Judge
Voting Affirmation
What entities or persons were involved?
Judge Richardson
James
Emmer
Where did it happen?
Reno, Nev.
Story Details
Key Persons
Judge Richardson
James
Emmer
Location
Reno, Nev.
Story Details
Judge Richardson performs an unorthodox marriage ceremony for James and Emmer, using civil service-style questions about citizenship and voting, culminating in a binding declaration affirmed by the groom's bet and the judge's pronouncement.