Back

LOVE POEM -- Charlotte Kelker and John Marshall

John Marshall (1803-1889) and his bride Charlotte Kelker (1800-1854) were married in Butler, Butler County, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, 01 February 1827. The marriage was blessed by the Rev. Isaac Niblock, the Presbyterian clergyman who would officiate also at the marriage of John’s brother Andrew and Barbara McQuiston in July of the same year. Two days later—Saturday, 03 February--the "Butler Sentinel" recorded the marriage on page three. Unique to this wedding announcement is the appearance of the following love poem, penned by Scots poet Robert Burns. I’ve surveyed marriage announcements in the "Sentinel" for the years immediately prior to and following this announcement, and its presence is unparalleled in this newspaper. At the least, it points to the fact that John (since we can assume he placed this poem) not only was literate, but also that the Marshalls and/or the Hoveys and/or Trubys had made sure this orphaned child received a very good education under their tutelage. At the most, it marks a tenderness unseen in any other extant records of this couple. The particular choice of this poem may reflect the fact that the newlyweds were married at a bit of an older age for their era—Charlotte was 26 and John, 24 on the day of their marriage. Had they waited for each other a long time? "All hail! ye tender feelings dear! / The smile of love, the friendly tear, / The sympathetic glow; / Long since, this world’s thorny ways / Had number’d out my weary days / Had it not been for you!” Robert Burns

Back