The Knight “Georg Murmann”
Reading Don Quixote I learn great deal about the medieval literature about knights. Cervantes spoofs these stories in his famous novel. Apparently, there was also a “Murmann” knight, born in 1766. [Now I know why I am such a chivalrous kind of guy:) ] Georg Murmann entered the military in 1783 and spent all his life as a brave soldier, so we are told. For his heroism in many a battle fought first against the Turks and then the French he was made in 1811 a knight of the Maria Theresia order. He retired from the military July 20, 1820. The picture represents his coat of arms that he worked on during his retirement. So did his life make a difference? If you count up the number of streets named after a person to make this judgment, the answer is—a little. One small street bears his name.
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Continue ReadingMariage in 17th Century America
Cynthia Rosen filed this interesting report in her Deva Vu column of the Wall Street Journal.
Couples in the U.S. Used to Marry Early,Often and Informally
In a Connecticut village in the 17th century, an unmarried couple moved in together. One day, while out for a stroll, they ran into the local magistrate.
“John Rogers,” the magistrate said, “do you persist in calling this woman your wife?”
“Yes, I do.”
“And Mary, do you really wish this old man to be your husband?”
“Indeed I do.”
“Then by the laws of God and this commonwealth, I pronounce you man and wife…”
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