Woodward - Kisling Marriage

WOODWARD, KISLING

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 4/28/2003 at 10:17:06

IN LOCHINVAR STYLE.

WOODWARD – KISLING

Bonaparte was the scene of something rather unusual in a matrimonial way Friday afternoon, and in order to give an idea of the reason for the elopement it becomes necessary to chronicle a few events preceding the wedding day.

Mr. M.E. Woodward came here last spring and until quite recently has been employed as a loom fixer in the woolen mills. Since his coming there he has conducted himself in a gentlemanly manner. He is strictly temperate in his habits and well liked where he is best known.

In the weave room of the mill Miss May Kisling was also employed and between these two there grew an acquaintance which ripened into love and a desire to be wedded. Miss Kisling lived with a widowed mother and one sister, Miss Bertha, who were both strongly opposed to the match and did all things possible to prevent it, even forbidding Mr. Woodward to come to their home.

The lovers used every opportunity to meet without causing too much of a squabble but Miss May was carefully watched and guarded. One evening they met at the Preston home where Mrs. Kisling and Bertha followed them causing quite a scene and much talk. This was several days ago.

Friday afternoon Miss May went to her work in the mill as usual, wearing her working clothes, and taking with her no saratoga. Mr. Woodward had the fastest team in the Macklin barn ready at three o’clock; his fiancé left her work in the factory and they were away with the horses at full speed, people thinking the team was running away; which was true but the runaway team were in the buggy and not pulling it.

The news soon spread, Mrs. Kisling and Miss Bertha were informed, and did what they could by telephone and telegraph all to no avail, Miss Bertha finally getting a team and making all speed in the direction of the county seat where she arrived twenty minutes late. Mr. Woodward had no difficulty in getting a license and with his bride went to the Congregational parsonage where Rev. Perkins made them man and wife for better or worse. They at once continued their journey by the wagon route to Eldon where Mr. Vickers had gone by the afternoon freight for the purpose of returning the team.

Mr. and Mrs. Woodward are now supposed to be visiting Mr. Woodward’s relatives in New York or elsewhere. The RECORD extends congratulations. May they live long and prosper.

The clerk's record shows taht Mr. Woodward is 34, and his wife 28 years of age.

[date handwritten at on article reads “Sep-9-04”]

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 3, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA
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