UPDATE: A shocking marriage between a 22-year-old man and a 9-year-old girl has ignited outrage and prompted urgent legislative reforms in Tennessee. The union of Charlie Johns and Eunice Winstead on January 19, 1937, is drawing renewed attention as the public reacts to the disturbing implications of child marriage.
The marriage ceremony, officiated by Baptist minister Walter Lamb, raised alarms across the nation as it exposed glaring gaps in state law regarding minimum marriage ages. At the time, Tennessee law did not specify a minimum age, allowing the marriage to occur legally despite widespread condemnation.
In a troubling turn of events, Eunice, who misled her parents by claiming she was going out to buy a doll, was just nine years old when she wed. Johns falsely declared that his bride was older to secure the marriage license. Community members later confirmed her true age, igniting a firestorm of public disapproval.
Eunice’s mother, Martha Winstead, surprisingly approved of the marriage, citing Johns’ property ownership and reputation as a diligent farmer. She stated:
“The Bible says not to disturb those peacefully getting along… If they love one another, then getting married is the thing to do.”
This endorsement, however, did not quell the rising anger from women’s groups and advocates against child marriage.
Following the uproar, Tennessee swiftly enacted a law later in 1937 establishing a minimum marriage age of 16 years, coupled with a mandatory waiting period for those under 18. The backlash against this particular marriage highlighted what many viewed as a systemic issue of child marriage abuse across the United States.
Despite the initial controversy, Charlie and Eunice remained married for decades, even as their story continued to resonate with advocates for child rights. In the summer of 1937, Eunice briefly attended primary school but left soon after due to disciplinary issues. The couple lived with Johns’ parents in Sneedville and welcomed their first child when Eunice was just 14 years old. They eventually had a total of nine children together.
In a twist of fate, Johns expressed vehement discontent when his 17-year-old daughter married a 20-year-old man, alleging her age had been manipulated for the marriage license.
The marriage of Charlie and Eunice, which lasted for over six decades, ended with Johns’ passing in February 1997 and Eunice’s death in August 2006. Their story remains a poignant reminder of the societal challenges surrounding child marriage and the need for continued vigilance against such practices.
As the nation grapples with the implications of this case, advocates are pushing for stronger protections for minors and raising awareness about the ongoing issue of child marriage in various parts of the world. The urgency of this matter demands attention and action from lawmakers and communities alike.