Mattie Bruce Harris and W. C. Evans

In May, 1909, Bruce agreed to marry W.C. However, her family did not approve of the marriage, and since her brother Gus was the County Clerk in their home county (Caldwell Co, Texas), W.C. rode horseback to Austin, TX, some 25 miles away to obtain a marriage licence.

On the evening of May 7, 1909, Bruce slipped out of the house and went across the street to her sister's house for help...her blouse buttoned in the back and she couldn't reach all of them. W.C met her at the corner with a buggy, and they traveled a short way outside of town....where they were met by the Rev. Yates and he performed the marriage ceremony under the stars.