TIME MACHINE ... Risking A Dash For Marriage In The 1880's!

January, 1884

(The New York Times)

MARRIED ON A STEAM-BOAT

From The Pocomoke City (Md.) Record

At Onancock, Va., on Wednesday morning of last week, as the steamer Tangier was preparing to leave her wharf, a young man, closely followed by a young lady, was seen making for the landing with hurried strides. The gang-plank, which had been drawn in, was again put out, and the couple, gasping for breath, hastily boarded the steamer. As the boat moved off an elderly man came rushing down to the wharf, gesticulating wildly and shaking his fist at the receding vessel, but the lucky couple- Mr. George S. White and Miss Annie T. Hopkins- only laughed at the old gentleman. They were aged 20 and 18, respectively, and were married speedily afterward by the Rev. George Bradford, who was on the steamer at the time on his way to Pocomoke City. The ceremony was witnessed by others of the boat and passengers, among whom the little romantic episode caused quite a ripple of pleasurable excitement. The newly married couple had intended returning to Onancock and facing the irate parents, but owing to the dense fog prevailing the boat failed to reach that place and they were carried on to Baltimore. They spent the first three days of their honeymoon, therefore, on the steamer Tangier, not even so much as going ashore to view the beauties of the city and enjoy the festivities of the holidays.
　
　
March, 1888

(The New York Times)

MARRIED IN SPITE OF HIM
BLOODSHED OVER AN ATTEMPTED ELOPEMENT

BALTIMORE, March 26- A special to-night from Onancock, Va., says an elopement in Accomac County Va., has nearly led to a double tragedy. Three years ago a daughter of Henry Williams, a farmer, ran away and married William Allen of Sykes Island. The father has never liked his son-in-law, and the latter on several occasions threatened the life of the old man. Several days ago Williams only remaining daughter left home, ostensibly to visit her sister on Sykes Island, but in reality to prepare there for an elopement with her lover. Her father, suspecting her intentions, started in pursuit with his shotgun loaded to kill, as he declared, any person who should prevent him from bringing his daughter home, as he was determined she should not marry any man. The angry old man crossed to the island, and as he neared Allen's house his son-in-law stepped out to meet him, gun in hand. The son-in-law fired first, and then several shots were exchanged at short range. Williams was badly wounded, but Allen escaped unhurt. While the battle raged the lovers escaped, and were wedded yesterday. Mr. Marshall, who tried to stop the fight, was wounded by a stray shot.
　
　
February, 1977

Pocomoke City lost one of its' longtime former business leaders with the death of Garland D. Bull at age 79. Early in his career he was in the trucking business and later was an owner of Small And Bull Poultry And Feed Company and Small And Bull Hatchery, and he also operated G.D. Bull Fruit & Produce Company, and The Pocomoke Frozen Food Lockers. He had served on the board of directors of the former Citizens National Bank, and was a board member of the Pocomoke City Rotary Club.


Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!