150 years ago

April 14, 1876

A new dining hall is being built on the south side of the railroad tracks in Florence. It is to be 28 by 50 feet in dimensions and is to be run by an Eastern gentleman whom the railroad company has secured and who has the reputation of being a No. 1 hash dispenser.

Recently we recorded the happy nuptials of Miss Ella Ross, daughter of the Rev. J. H. Ross of this county, who was wooed and won by Mr. John W. Arrasmith of McPherson.

Monday of this week, an accident happened to them that fairly makes one shudder to think of.

On that day, they attempted to cross the Cottonwood River at the Bower Ford, a few miles south of Marion Centre, in a wagon drawn by two mules. The stream was much swollen by Sunday’s flood, and in crossing the wagon came uncoupled, the mules swimming ashore with part of it, leaving Mr. Arrasmith and his bride floating downstream in the wagon bed.

Three times the bed turned over, tossing its occupants into the surging tide, and three times the heroic young husband replaced his equally brave bride in the box.

Finding it impossible for both to safely ride in the frail bark together, Mr. Arrasmith swam behind the box, holding it steady in the water.

Thus, they were carried down the stream about a half-mile, finally reaching the shore uninjured, prizing each other’s love the more that it had been thoroughly tested in this romantic matter. But they were not at all anxious to repeat the thrilling adventure.