UPDATE: A shocking marriage between 22-year-old farmer Charlie Johns and 9-year-old child Eunice Winstead has ignited nationwide outrage and led to urgent legislative reforms. The controversial union took place on January 19, 1937, in rural Tennessee, where state laws failed to set a minimum marriage age, allowing this disturbing marriage to occur legally.
The couple’s marriage was officiated by Baptist minister Walter Lamb, who was paid just a dollar for the ceremony. In a deceitful move, Johns claimed Winstead was older to obtain a marriage license, while the girl informed her parents she was going out to buy a doll. Local community members later revealed her true age, sparking widespread public outrage.
Documentation has surfaced showing that Eunice’s mother, Martha Winstead, had also married young. Martha expressed her approval of the marriage because Johns was a landowner with 50 acres and considered a “good farmer.” In her defense, 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.”
Despite the discomforting circumstances surrounding the marriage, Martha praised her son-in-law, calling him a hard worker who purchased land to provide a home for Eunice. However, her husband’s indifference hinted at a troubling acceptance of the situation, stating: “The marriage is all right with me, there’s nothing you can do about it now.”
As the story gained traction, Eunice was portrayed as a child forced into adulthood. During a media visit, her mother attempted to showcase Eunice’s maturity, mentioning her interests in sewing and cooking instead of playing with a doll gifted by Johns. This portrayal only intensified the public’s anger and concern.
The marriage became a rallying point for women’s groups across the U.S., particularly in Minnesota, who demanded reforms to prevent such unions. In response to the public outcry, Tennessee enacted legislation later in 1937, establishing a minimum marriage age of 16 years and mandating a waiting period for girls under 18.
In the summer of 1937, Eunice briefly attended primary school but left due to disciplinary issues, continuing to live with Johns’ parents in Sneedville. By the age of 14, she became a mother, giving birth to their first child. The couple eventually had eight children together, living a life marked by controversy and societal scrutiny.
In a twist of fate, Johns expressed anger when their daughter, Evelyn, married at the age of 17 to a 20-year-old, claiming her age had been falsified. Remarkably, despite the scandal of their early marriage, Charlie and Eunice remained together for over six decades, with Charlie passing away in February 1997 and Eunice following in August 2006.
This shocking case continues to resonate today, highlighting the ongoing struggle against child marriage and the urgent need for protective legislation. As this story unfolds, it serves as a critical reminder of the emotional and societal implications of such unions. Share your thoughts on this developing story and its impact on today’s laws and social ethics.
