FELICITOUS BIGAMY.

Southland Times, Issue 973, 22 June 1868, Page 3

FELICITOUS BIGAMY.

In Northern lowa, United States, there lived with his wife a well-to-do farmer, by the common name of Smith. They had lived happily together eighteen or twenty years, and four handsome, intelligent children blessed their union. But they were not content, and eventually agreed to part, tired of living together. So one bright winter morning, the husband and father bade a kind good-bye to his family and took his Jeave. He went to Wisconsin, engaged in mercantile business there, occasionally writing to his wife and children, sending them money, &c. After an absence of seven or eight months, Mrs Smith received a letter, from her absent lord, informing her that he had met an old" schoolmate and intimate friend of hers, whom he liked very much, aud if she (the wife) thought best, he would marry her, return to this village, and reside near them, the better to look after her welfare" and that of their children.

The wife immediately wrote, advising him to do so, and cordially inviting them to come directly to her house, and remain as long as they wished. He thanked her for the advice, and accepted the invitation, saying that they were to be married the following Monday, and would start immediately, and reach home on Wednesday evening. The wife made a " bride's loaf," sent invitations to all her friends in the neighborhood, and when the happy couple arrived they found a splendid entertainment, and a goodly company awaiting them, and were warmly welcomed and congratulated by all. They furnished a house across the street, and live "as happy as bugs in a rug." Every morning the iather goes over, builds a fire, sweeps the floor, and puts on the kettle for Mrs Smith No. 1, and furnishes her with money for the support of herself and family. The children call one " Mother Jane," and the other " Mother Susan," and the utmost harmony and good feeling prevails on all sides.