In Westward the Women, we encounter the first mail-order bride. A host of women set out into uncharted territories to find themselves a better life and a husband in the rich lands of California. One of the many problems that a newly arrived bride encounters in a foreign country is the inability to communicate in the language of her partner. But at least they can get married and try. In the colonial times of early American history, even tying the knot wasnt that easy. I mean, like a policeman, a minister was never around when you needed one. In the early days of Texas, for example, there were no churches, and the minister was a sort of flying nun who dropped in from time to time. And not necessarily every year. One of these angels of mercy was an Irishman by the name of Michael Muldoon. Accredited through the Diocese of Monterrey, he was the only authorised agent able to join a man and a woman in marriage east of San Antonio. Unfortunately, his visits were infrequent. Indeed some mean spirited people suggested they were only made when Father Muldoons bank account was more red than black. In the meantime, some provisions had to be made for the couples who simply didnt want to wait. To affirm that their intentions were genuine and pure, a couple anxious to get together as husband and wife, would visit the chief administrator of the town and have him draw up a legally binding bond. This stated that they would be married by a minister as soon as such a one visited the district. After signing the document, they went away to all intents and purposes a married couple. There was a very distinct advantage to this sort of marriage, in as much they could change their mind any time between the signing of the bond and the visit of the minister. If, however, they were still together when the priest dropped in, they paid $25 and the minister obliged. The wedding celebration was such as rarely experienced during our times. Anyone with half a decent house, and especially if centrally located, would make it available as the wedding venue for all and sundry. Couples already bound by their bonds, young persons whod been thinking about marriage, and every man, woman and child who wanted to enjoy a good meal and a dance, would sally forth to the venue most closest to them. The rooms would be crowded to the rafters both with couples and onlookers, and the merrymaking was drawn out for as long as possible. Father Muldoon is believed to have enjoyed himself as much as anyone being very fond of company, and even fonder of the cup that cheers. |
