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AFTER FORTY-FOUR YEARS

Jeff Frierson and Mary Burt Are Reunited in Marriage.

Special Dispatch to The American.

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 24. -- A somewhat romantic marriage occurred in colored circles last night. The facts about it are these: Before the Civil War, and in slave times, Jeff Frierson, a slave belonging to the Friersons of this county, and Mary Burt, a slave belonging to Thomas Burt, lived together as man and wife under the old slave system of marriage. But a few years before the Civil War Mr. Burt sold Mary to an Arkansas man, who took her to that State, and there she has since resided, while Jeff still remained here.

A few days ago, however, Mary returned here on a visit to some of her relatives. Soon after her arrival she happened to meet Jeff, her one-time husband, whom she thought was long since dead.

At this meeting the old love was soon revived, and the two were reunited by legally constituted marriage bonds last night, Dr. Stephens, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, officiating.

Both have hosts of friends among the white people, who are glad to see them reunited after a separation of forty-four years.