| CUPID SUFFERS SERIOUS SETBACK IN 1911
A serious cutting affray is reported from the West Fork, near Orma.
Particulars are meagre. A young man by the name of McCune wanted to marry a damsel by the name of Lane, but her brother had objections and a controversey arose.
The report is that McCune fired two shots with a revolver at Lane, when Lane drew a knife and proceeded to carve McCune up. It is reported that McCune then fired two more shots, none of the four taking effect.
McCune is reported to be in a very serious condition.
CUPID CAUSES TROUBLE IN 1901
The course of true love never did run smoothly, as the following incident illustrates, reported an early newspaper account.
George A. Monroe met, wooed and won a lady, Barbara Ellen Beall by name, the eldest daughter of Joshua Beall.
So far, all was well. But alas! Barbara Ellen Beall was only fourteen years of age, two years under the statutory age for tasting hymeneial bliss.
But that was not all.
Stern Joshua objected to his daughter marrying the aforesaid George Monroe, not being of lawful age.
But "love laughs at locksmiths" and other little difficulties, and the two happy lovers found a way out.
She visited some of her relatives on Leading creek, and while there their plans were carried into execution.
A certificate from the lady's parents to the county clerk, granting their permission for the issueing of the proper permit and stating that Barbara Ellen was of marriagable age was prepared.
And somehow or other, stern Joshua's name appeared on it.
A minister was soon found who pronounced the mystic words which made them one, and they then tho't their happiness complete.
But that is just where they were mistaken.
Stern Joshua, hearing of the "doin's" complained "upon oath etc." before 'Squire Marshall and a writ was issued commanding S.M. Scott, Constable, to forthwith arrest, etc.
The young groom George was arrested and held in prison vile, while his young bride of a day wept in bitter anguish because of stern Joshua's hardness of heart.
When the case was called, George waived examination, and readily gave the necessary bond which allowed him his freedom and the caresses of his fair Barbara Ellen.
And it is hoped that stern Joshua will relent and give to the unhappy couple his choicest blessing before their hopes are shattered by the stern process of the law.
Herald reader Larry Hefner, after reading this story, wrote, saying it looks like Barbara's father did relent and George Monroe and Barbara Beall/Bell did in fact stay married.
"There is a marriage license that indicates they were married September 18, 1901 at the home of Bub Ferrell on Leading Creek. This license indicates that Barbara's age was 17 years when the marriage took place. This was probably the original license where they were "creative" in calculating Barbara's age."
Further research indicates that George Monroe died May 10, 1948 at Brohard, Wirt County. His wife at the time of his death is listed as Barbara Monroe, age 61 years.
Barbara died April 2, 1966 in Dell Valley, Ohio. Her death information is recorded in Calhoun County. for some reason," Hefner concluded.
So, despite it all, cupid held forth.
Transcribed by Norma Knotts Shaffer from microfilm of the Calhoun Chronicle.
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