Pacer had been keeping company for sometime with Bishop Crosby's only daughter, Sarah Amelia, and they were planning on being married at some future time; at least Pacer had ordered him a new store made suit for the occasion. Ren and Mollie[1] and Bud and Ella, who had been married for sometime were now leaving to go to be sealed in the St. George temple, so Pacer and Meme decided to be married now and go with them. Ren had a bronco that had been ridden a few times that he offered to Pacer to ride to St. Johns, where he must go to get his suit of clothes and the marriage license. Meme came out to say goodbye and tell him to go see Lois, her bosom friend, and ask her to send a wedding wreath, used at that time were wax orange blossoms[2]. He made quick time over the 30 mile trip to St. Johns, stabling his horse he completed his business. It was getting late with snow falling and the wind blowing but the suit was tied behind the saddle, the license in his pocket and the wreath in a box which he held in his hand to avoid crushing this precious necessity, he again rode the 30 miles back to Eagar.
Before the sun came up on the 17th of November, 1897 at the bride's home, Bishop George H. Crosby performed the ceremony that united Pacer and Meme in the bonds of Matrimony. Pacer's father, Ellis Whitney, had brought down the team and wagon they were to take but there was still lots to do to get ready. The flat topped trunk which held their clothing was placed up front in the wagon bed, to be used as a seat, then the sacks of oats for horse feed were put in the bottom of the wagon bed, holes were bored into the sides of the box, through which cotton ropes were stretched. On these were placed the bed, and then of course, there was the good; a quarter of beef, a sack of flour from the local grist mill, a case of canned salmon, some whole coffee, when was pounded fine with a hammer, anyway they at lunch that first day at Becker's Lake, and spent the first night at 24 Ranch. Seventeen days on this honeymoon trip, cover the unimproved wagon roads followed early pioneers, crossing the Colorado at Lee's Ferry on a ferry boat; caching a part of their horse feed, to be picked up on their return trip, traveling every day except one, when because of a lame horse, they rested one day. The horse had kicked Pacer, Pacer was not hurt, but the horse went lame.
In order to have good grass for the horses and wood for the cook fire, they would water the stock and fill the water barrel at the watering places, which were scarce, and then drive on to grass and wood and make a dry camp, so they traveled the 500 miles to St, George, in order to be married for time and eternity in the temple of the Lord.
Seventeen days coming home; still one thing more expected of friends in Round Valley; not a reception, not a shower of gifts as today, but the groom stood the expense of a dance for the public. It was held in the school house, lighted with kerosene lamps, paying $1.00 for an organist; $1.00 for a caller and $3.00 for a fiddler.
The example of my great grandparents, William Ellis Wiltbank and Sarah Amelia Crosby, in making this sacrifice was important for their posterity. It was not an easy thing to do and required a great deal of time and effort. I am grateful for their example. I am grateful for their daughter, Atella Wiltbank, and the great person that she was. I hope that I can live up to my great heritage.
Notes:
1. I do not know who wrote this account of Pacer and Meme trip on the honeymoon trail. If anyone knows who wrote it I would greatly appreciate knowing this.
2. The Pacer and Meme wedding photo is from a copy found in Dorothy Haws Slade's photo albums.
Sources:
1. Ren is Lorenzo who is Sarah Amelia's Brother. Mollie is Aunt Mollie of Molly Butler's Lodge.
2. Orange Blossoms "The Victorians were sure to include orange blossoms in their bridal bouquets (sometimes even in their headpieces or on their dresses) to represent purity, chastity, and the bearing of many children. This custom, which originated in China, was brought to England in the early 1800s. When Queen Victoria wore them in her bridal wreath in 1840, the classic floral theme for the Victorian bride was set! Entwining orange blossoms into the bridal wreath became a must-do, and, in fact, was even stated in the very influential etiquette journals of 19th century. Orange blossoms became so in demand that when real orange blossoms (the official state flower of Florida, by the way) were in short supply or not in season, wax replicas were used instead." From http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-themes/choosing-wedding-themes/articles/a-victorian-wedding-event.aspx
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