UPDATE: A shocking marriage between a 22-year-old farmer and a 9-year-old girl in Tennessee in 1937 has ignited outrage nationwide, leading to urgent legislative reforms to prevent similar unions. This scandalous union, involving Charlie Johns and Eunice Winstead, took place on January 19, 1937, when Baptist minister Walter Lamb officiated the ceremony.
The lack of state legislation establishing a minimum marriage age allowed this union to occur, despite widespread public outcry. Local reports indicate that Johns falsely claimed Winstead was older to secure a marriage license, while she misled her parents by saying she was going out to buy a doll.
Documentation reveals that Eunice’s mother, Martha Winstead, had married young herself, at 16, and was supportive of the marriage, citing Johns’ property and perceived good character. She stated, “The Bible says not to disturb those peacefully getting along, and I don’t believe in going against the Bible. If they love one another, then getting married is the thing to do.”
As the story gained traction, it captured national attention, with publications like Life and Time covering the scandal. Women’s groups across the U.S. clamored for reforms, highlighting the plight of child brides and labeling the situation as a glaring case of child marriage abuse.
In response to mounting pressure, Tennessee enacted legislation later that same year, establishing the minimum marriage age at 16 years and imposing a mandatory waiting period for those under 18. This swift action reflected the public’s demand for change and highlighted the urgency of protecting minors.
Despite the controversy surrounding their marriage, Eunice and Charlie remained together for over six decades. The couple had a tumultuous start, with Eunice leaving primary school after just a few days due to disciplinary issues. By the age of 14, she became a mother, giving birth to their first child and eventually having a total of nine children.
In a twist of fate, Charlie Johns expressed anger when his 17-year-old daughter, Evelyn, married a 20-year-old man, alleging her age had been manipulated to obtain a marriage license. The couple’s long-lasting union ended with Charlie’s passing in February 1997, followed by Eunice in August 2006.
This shocking marriage serves as a grim reminder of the historical practices surrounding child marriages and the need for ongoing advocacy for children’s rights. This case not only transformed Tennessee’s marriage laws but also ignited a national conversation that continues to resonate to this day.
As conversations around child marriage persist, the focus remains on ensuring that such unions never occur again. The reforms initiated in 1937 mark a significant step towards safeguarding the rights and futures of children across the United States.
