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| "Jiggs" at 19 years old with his Aunt Callie at 18 years old in front of his truck. |
"Jiggs" Weston was aware that he had many important plans and decisions to make. But, his first priority for this particular day was to talk to his boss and mentor, "Turk", and his wife Lucille.
"Jiggs" had a plan. He was going to Pulaski and ask Christine to marry him. But, his plans did not include a big, church wedding. He wanted to get married today! And, he wanted "Turk" and his wife to be the witnesses.
"Turk" and Lucille were aware of his interest in the pretty high school girl from Pulaski. But marriage now? They assured "Jiggs" that, yes, they would be his witnesses...but, as soon as he left, they went to bed. It had been a long day and they were sure that she would say "no"!
"Jiggs" drove to Pulaski and to the Aldred Family home. He was so nervous and so excited that he rushed to knock on the front door. However, it was Mrs. Aldred that answered the door and not Christine.
"Jiggs" almost stammered as he asked to see Christine. Essie was helpful and told the young man that although Christine was not there, he could find her at "Curt's Place", the local hang out for teens and young adults in the Spencer Heights area between Villa Ridge and Mounds. (This same restaurant with a juke box and dance floor later became known as "Teen Town".) What Mrs. Aldred failed to tell "Jiggs" was that Christine was there on a date with another young man, Johnny Crain!
"Jiggs" continued his pursuit of Christine and drove to the restaurant. As he pulled up into the driveway, he saw one of Christine's girlfriends. "Jiggs" asked the young woman if she would tell Christine that he was outside and would like to talk to her.
A few minutes later, Christine did come outside. "Jiggs" asked her if they could sit inside the car and talk. She smiled and asked what he wanted to talk about.
As soon as they were seated comfortably in the car, "Jiggs" picked up a matchbook. He began to tear out first one match and then another. He seemed very interested in the match book and the matches! He continued tearing out each match until the book was empty.
Christine was at first perplexed and then a little exasperated. Finally, Christine told the nervous young man that if he came to talk to her, he needed to talk!
"Jiggs" nearly blurted out the words that he loved her and wanted to marry her.
The stunned young woman was speechless.
Then, he told her that "Turk" and Lucille were waiting in Anna to be their witnesses. They could leave that very minute and pick up the witnesses and head to Cape Girardeau. They could be married that very evening!
By this time, Christine realized that "Jiggs" was serious. And, so was she!
Christine told him that they had better leave right then and off they went.
It took a few minutes of pounding on the door of the Turkington home in Anna to rouse the sleeping husband and wife!
But, the elopement proceeded with out a problem and they were married before midnight.
While the happy young couple enjoyed their honeymoon, all was not quite right with the rest of the world!
Johnny Crain wondered where his date was. How could he tell Mr. and Mrs. Aldred that he had lost their daughter???????
As soon as "Nappy" and Essie had heard that she left the restaurant with "Jiggs",
"Nappy" was threatening to take his shotgun and find them!
"Turk" was not a stupid man. He denied any knowledge of the elopement and sent "Jiggs" on a truck delivery to Chicago. He also told "Jiggs" to take Christine with him.
While "Jiggs" and Christine were in Chicago, a tragedy occurred. A young woman of Christine's description and wearing similar clothes to Christine, was stabbed to death in a movie theater in Chicago. Radio news was broadcasting her description all over the tri-state area because she had not yet been identified.
"Nappy" and Essie Aldred were frantic. "Nappy" called "Turk" and asked him to get a message to "Jiggs" that all was forgiven and for the kids to come home.
True to their word, "Nappy" and Essie accepted the marriage and treated "Jiggs" as a member of the family.
Legend has it that the streets of Anna and Jonesboro flooded with tears as soon as the news got out that "Jiggs" Weston was married.

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