Wedding Anniversaries
Ontario County New York
A - B
From Ontario County Journal 25 August 1911
Gorham, N. Y. - At the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Adams
occurred the celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary on Friday
night. The house and a large tent in the yard were decorated with
flowers and paper festoons carrying out a color scheme in lavender,
white and green. Mr. and Mrs. Adams were presented with many fine gifts
in silver, cut glass, etc. Covers were laid for about 100. Among the
out-of-town guests were: Mr. and Mrs. O. H. Swift, Mr. and Mrs.
Hiram Bailey, Mr. and E. A. Crooker, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. VanAken, Mr.
and Mrs. C. W. Norton, Mr. and Mrs. Fred DeBow, Mr. and Mrs. E. Goggin,
Mr. and Mrs. A. Burritt, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zimmerman and son, Ray; Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Adams, Mrs. Elizabeth Pool, Mrs. John Newton, Mrs. Oscar Wheeler and daughter, Robert and Charles Tobey, Miss Pauline Lee of East Bloomfield; Mr. and Mrs. John DeBow of Victor; E. Burt and Ira Chapman of Canandaigua; Horace Hopkins of Buffalo. All left wishing Mr. and Mrs. Adams much joy and hoping they might celebrate their 50th anniversary.
From Ontario County Journal 19 February 1886
East Bloomfield, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. Gaius Adams celebrated the
50th anniversary of their wedded life Thursday evening, Feb.
18th. Their home was taken possession of by a large number of old
friends, and a very pleasant evening was spent.
From Ontario County Journal 3 January 1919
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Adams, Gibson street, will celebrate the
50th anniversary of their marriage at the home of their son, Charles F.
Adams tomorrow. George W. Adams and Miss Olive A. Shaw of Hornell were
united in marriage January 5, 1969, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Richard
M. Washburn in Gorham, in the presence of a large gathering of friends.
There are now 25 persons living who witnessed the ceremony. Mr. and
Mrs. Adams have a son, Charles F. Adams, and a daughter, Miss Lucretia
F. Adams, both of Canandaigua. Another daughter, Mrs. Belle Davis, died
several years ago. There are eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
From Geneva Daily Times 11 February 1909
Phelps, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Adams observed the fiftieth
anniversary of their marriage yesterday. Owing to the impaired health
of Mrs. Adams, only a few intimate friends and relatives were present.
From Geneva Courier 1 December 1875
CRYSTAL WEDDING -- The Crystal wedding of Mr. and
Mrs. Adamson of Seneca, was celebrated at their residence last
week, and to say the least, was very enjoyable -- to speak positively,
was the most successful affair of the kind, it was ever our good
fortune to attend.
November 20th, was the anniversary day, but that being Saturday, the
event was postponed to the following week. Monday evening, the
22nd, the elder part of the guests were assembled, to the number of
about 60, and the evening most enjoyable passed by all present.
The refreshments on the occasion were fairly entitled to the greatest
praise. The arrangements were
excellent, and such an abundance! and everyone so promptly and
well served. Rev. Mr. Temple, one of the
guests, made some very appropriate remarks, well received by all, and
particularly by some of the elder ones who had
never before met the Rev. gentleman. He is making new friends
everyday. All departed that night with the regret that mankind
and particularly this community were not more often gathered together
in the social circle, and with the wish
that Mr. and Mrs. A. might live to enjoy many other occasions of
this kind.
On Wednesday evening the younger ones gathered in force. One
hundred and eighty were served at the first table. The
refreshments were abundant and eminently suited to the occasion; every
one ate his fill; and yet the supply was not near exhausted.
Music and dancing was the order of exercise, interspersed with the good
old game of "snap-and-catch-em" in the upper rooms, for the whole house
was occupied and well filled and it was not until peep of day that
proceedings came to an end. It was the universal expression on
all sides, that it was the most enjoyable wedding of the day.
And the wedding presents ! Language can hardly express an idea
of their magnificence. An extension table, (one of the gifts) was
not large enough to contain them. We have only time and space to
mention a part of them, viz:
Writing desk, Extension table, shaving glass, "English Farm Yard" a
beautiful picture, tea tray, hat rack, silver tea pot, two silver cake
baskets, smoking set and cigars, two cigar cases filled with Havanas,
two pickle jars, over fifty pieces of splendid glassware, four splendid
lamps, four silver napkin rings, one extra nice platter in form of a
fish, one magnificent silver card receiver, one traveling satchel, one
fancy rocker, and other rocking chairs and furniture, 2 toilet sets, 2
silver mounted pickle castors, linen towels, pillow shams, and mats in
great abundance, several very fine pairs of vases, card cases, card
baskets, brackets &c. &c. In fact we have not mentioned
the half of them.
Mr. and Mrs. Adamson tenders to one and all their sincere and hearty
thanks, with kind assurances that their noble generosity is fully
appreciated. We know that they feel truly grateful that they are
permitted to live among so very many who have thus demonstrated their
friendship. Long may they live to enjoy these gifts and this
genuine friendship.
From Canandaigua Chronicle 18 October 1905
Rushville, N. Y. - On Saturday last, Mr. and Mrs. John
Adamson celebrated the twentieth anniversary of their marriage.
Their guests on Saturday were the same as those at their wedding with
the exception of five who have died during that interval and seven who
have come into the families since.
From Ontario County Times 13 March 1872
On the 2d of March, A. D. 1847, Mr. Ransom Allerton of Port
Gibson, and Miss Lavina R. Colson of Canandaigua, were joined
by the Rev. John Parker, in "holy matrimony," at the residence of Mr.
Durand of Canandaigua. We doubt not that the occasion was (as such
occasions are wont to be) fraught with interest and happiness to all
concerned, and yet it could hardly have surpassed in this regard an
occurrence which took place on the 2d of March, 1872, just a quarter of
a century later, at the residence of the parties most particularly
interested in the transaction 25 years ago. It was our privilege to be
of the number of those who were "bidden" to this twenty-fifth
anniversary celebration, and the time will ever be remembered by us as
one of the bright and beautiful spots of our life journey. The day was
all that could be desired, cold though clear and sunny. At a little
before noon, the guests began to assemble, and continued so to do till
2 p.m., at which time a most genial, intelligent and happy company had
well nigh filled the pleasant and hospitable mansion of our estimable
friends, Mr. and Mrs. Allerton. After the arrival of the last guest,
and a most agreeable interchange of friendly greetings and pleasant
reminiscences, the company was invited to the dining room where a
repast was in waiting, which was a feast even to look upon. To
do justice to this dinner was at the time a most agreeable and
satisfactory task, but to do the same thing at this time and in this
way, is quite another undertaking. To know, one must have seen
and tasted ! The feast ended, our host and hostess, with their
two sons and six daughters ranged near them, were addressed in a most
appropriate and impressive manner by the Rev. Wm. Manning of Newark,
who reminded them of the fact that while so many hearthstones are made
desolate by the Destroyer, their 25th wedding day had arrived with
every link in the precious family chain unbroken. The address was
followed by a touching prayer, at the conclusion of which every heart,
we doubt not, responded in a silent Amen! Then came the congratulations
which were many and heartfelt. We must not omit to mention that
notwithstanding the "no gifts" on the cards of invitation, a table was
literally crowded with beautiful tokens of the esteem with which Mr.
and Mrs. A. are regarded by their numerous friends. We are conscious
that we but reflect the sentiment of all who were so fortunate as to be
present then and there, in saying that every one from the latest born
of the worthy bride and groom to the aged veteran upon whose temples
rest the snows of more than four-score winters, seemed to enjoy to the
fullest extent this pleasant and happy meeting.
From Ontario County Times 26 November 1890
Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Andrews, of this village, celebrated their
golden wedding anniversary at their home on Wood street last evening.
There was a large number of relatives and friends present, and the
event was a very enjoyable one. The Times extends congratulations to
the respected couple and hopes that they may live and enjoy many years
to come.
From Geneva Advertiser Gazette 15 March 1906
Mr. and Mrs. William Andrews celebrated on Monday evening the
forty-fifth anniversary of their marriage, at the home of their
daughter, Mrs. G. E.
Lincoln, Elmwood avenue. About seventy guests were present, and offered
their
congratulations, after which refreshments were served. They received
many
beautiful cut flowers and potted plants. Guests were present from
Waterloo,
Gage, Penn Yan, Bellona and Utica.
From Geneva Daily Times 4 January 1933
Flint, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. Herman McNella, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Saunderson and children, Robert and Jane Saunderson, were guests
Saturday, Dec. 31, at a family dinner in honor of the 59th wedding
anniversary of Mrs. McNella's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bradford
Armstrong, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Bodley in
Canandaigua, where they are spending the winter months. Bradford
Armstrong and Miss Gertrude Parker were married Dec. 31, 1873, at
Pulteney by the Rev. William Wardell of the Prattbury Methodist church.
They have two daughters, Mrs. Herman McNella of Flint and Mrs. Homer
Bodley of Canandaigua; one granddaughter, Mrs. Thomas Saunderson; and
two great-grandchildren, Robert and Jane Saunderson
of LaFayette Highway. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong celebrated their 50th
wedding anniversary nine years ago at their home in Canandaigua.
From Geneva Gazette 8 January 1892
Mr. and Mrs. James Armstrong, three miles east of this village,
celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary last Saturday night.
They have a large family and all were present but one son who
lives in Colorado.
From Ontario County Times 10 November 1880
Honeoye, N. Y. - The golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Caleb
Arnold is announced for Thursday, Nov. 11th. They have been
residents of this village during these past fifty years, as have also
resided in this neighborhood Mr. and Mrs. John Pentel, whose golden
wedding was celebrated three and a half years ago.
From Ontario County Journal 17 February 1888
Hopewell Centre, N. Y. - It was our pleasure to be present at
the fifth anniversary of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Ashley which
was
celebrated last week Monday evening. A large and pleasant company
from this place and surrounding towns gathered to celebrate the event.
The presents were numerous and valuable. The supper furnished
was excellent, and highly enjoyed by the guests.
From Ontario County Times 7 March 1877
West Bloomfield, N. Y. - Anniversary weddings seem to have been
the popular pastime here during the past winter. Last Monday evening
the friends of John C. and Mollie Ayers called on them to help
them celebrate their twentieth or "china" anniversary. There were one
hundred and forty-five guests, a good comfortable houseful. The
ceremony was performed after the Mormon order, C. E. Crandall
officiating, assisted by "Curt" Peck, both dressed in improvised
regalia. After many congratulations and wishes for future prosperity
and happiness, the guests partook of refreshments. After supper
exercise was needed to prevent indigestion; so many found their way
across the street to the improvised ball-room. Dancing arrangements
like everything else were admirable. The room was spacious and airy.
The younger portion of the party found enjoyment here during the
remainder of the evening. But the presents must not be forgotten; they
were many and valuable and above all they were useful. A fine china
dinner, tea and toilet set was the united gift of some of the guests.
We noticed several moustache cups; we think John will have moustache
cups to let, but then, come to think that the next wedding in the
family will probably be a genuine one, we may consider the donors quite
far-sighted after all. We noticed several comic pieces; the old hen
with the egg dish, the Dutchman with his cigar case, &c, &c.
Everyone went away feeling that they had been well entertained at
Johnnie and Mollie's china wedding.
From Geneva Gazette 27 January 1899
FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY - Mr. and Mrs. P. F. Ayers Celebrate Their Golden
Wedding - The completion of 50 years of married life was the
occasion of a most delightful event in the handsome residence of Mr.
and Mrs. Ayers of Rushville, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 1898.
That Mr. and Mrs.
Ayers have made a host of friends both in Rushville and elsewhere
during their long residence here was clearly demonstrated by the many
valuable gifts and the many friends
who were present and congratulated them on the 50th anniversary of
their wedding Tuesday afternoon.
By the aid of an arch tied with white ribbon and the banking of potted
plants, the parlor presented a fairyland appearance. An elaborate
dinner was served at 1 P. M. of which between
fifty and sixty partook. One of the pretty things of the menu was
a cake wreathed with mistletoe and holly, (the gift of Mrs. Keith of
Seneca). One of the principal features of the afternoon was a
surprise to Mr. Ayers. It came immediately after the
refreshments. In well chosen words Rev. W. S. H. Hermans, pastor
of the M. E. Church, made a graceful and impressive presentation
address. It was a handsomely engraved gold-headed cane, the
souvenir of the M. E. Church of Rushville to be handed down in
succession to each of the oldest male members of the family. Mr. Ayers
responded with brief but touching
expressions of trust. Among those who enjoyed the happy
event from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. Simon Spangle, Mr. and
Mrs. Philip Spangle of Hopewell; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Fisher, Mr. and Mrs.
Chas. Keith of Seneca; Mr. and Mrs. Beekman D. Staats, Mr. Frank Fisher
and son, Roy, Mrs. Stanley Harris, her daughter, Jessie, and son,
Alfred of Geneva. Regrets from out-of-town friends were received,
accompanied by letters of congratulations.
From Ontario County Journal 5 August 1910
East Bloomfield, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Bailey celebrated
the
20th anniversary of their marriage on Saturday evening, July 30, by
entertaining about 125 friends. Tables were set on the lawn and were
beautifully decorated with sweet peas and laden with good things.
Eighty-eight were seated at one time. A short program, including
recitations and songs, was given, and Mr. and Mrs. Bailey received many
beautiful tokens in silver, linen, china, cut glass, etc. Among the
guests from out-of-town were: Mrs. Henry Alexander of Albany; Mrs.
Frank King of Rochester; A. C. Yaw, Mr. and Mrs. P. T. Yaw and family,
Mrs. Emily Powell, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Powell, Mr. and Mrs. F. B.
Ingraham, Harold Ingraham, Mr. and Mrs. F. N. Pierce, Mr. and Mrs.
Herbert Yaw and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Avery Ingraham of Naples; Mr.
and Mrs. Joel Yaw of Bristol; Mr. and Mrs. George Tozer of South
Bristol; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Dutton and Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Reed of
Canandaigua; Mr. and Mrs. John Q. Wells of Shortsville; Mr. and Mrs. E.
W. Bennett and Miss Bertha Baker of Ionia.
From Ontario Repository and Messenger 10 March 1875
Hopewell, N. Y. - The fiftieth anniversary of the wedding of Mr.
and
Mrs. Miles Baker, occurring March 3d, was made the occasion
of a very pleasant surprise to them. The plan was suggested by their
daughter, Addie, upon whom most of the labor devolved. None but the
family were invited, excepting Esquire Jones, who married them, and the
family of Mr. R. A. Shekell, the nearby neighbor for the last
twenty-five years. By a previous understanding, Mr. and Mrs. Baker were
invited the day before to spend a day or two with Mrs. Joseph Kingsley,
which they did, giving those at home time to complete the arrangements.
They were brought home soon after noon to find a house full. The affair
proved a perfect success as a surprise, and the party that gathered was
one of the happiest that have met for many a year. There were two
extension tables loaded with luxuries, to which the company were
invited about 4 o'clock. Before supper, the following brief history,
prepared by the writer, was read, and after, a letter from one of Mrs.
Baker's sisters. Mrs. Wirts, the youngest sister, was here from Hudson,
Michigan.
History: In February, of the year 1798, there emigrated
from Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Mass., Apollas Baker, his
wife, Lucy Church, and
four children. They traveled in the usual method of that day -- ox team
and sled -- and located on part of lot No. 56, being the farm now owned
and occupied by his son, Miles Baker, one of the subjects of
this sketch. The father, with an emigrant's enterprise, at once began
hewing the necessary logs and building a homestead, in which the family
was settled by the opening of Spring. It occupied the ground now used
for a garden, and was really in the wilderness, there being no house
east nearer than Orleans, two miles, nor on the west than Chapinville,
four miles. The land was heavily timbered and as yet remained the home
of the wolf and the bear, as incidents to be narrated will confirmed.
These early settlers were blessed with twelve children, all of which
save one who died in infancy, lived to man and womanhood. the father
died in 1823, at the age of 57. The mother surviving was marred to
Elder Sha and died in 1848, aged 76. Miles was born on the 3d of March,
1799, the year following the removal from the East, making this the
76th anniversary of that day, being a happy coincident with the Golden
Wedding. He was the fifth child of the family, and the first born on
this street. At the time of his birth, the snow came up to the middle
of the window; there was no drift, as woods were on every side, so we
may suppose the snow was about four feet deep on the level. Mr. Baker
being asked about the furniture of the old house, said he thought it
was not very extensive, as according to record a sugar sap-trough was
used
for his cradle.
The log cabin at that date had a space for the door, but no door; and
the same might be said of the window. A blanket was usually hung at the
opening. One night in the absence of the father, the wolves howled to
such an extent as to awaken a little fear in the mother; so the blanket
that night was fastened to the ground floor with a couple of table
forks to make the defense secure. When Miles was a baby he was taken by
his mother to the brook a few rods east of the house, where she usually
did the washing. The soap giving out, she thought to leave the baby and
run to the house for more, but on second thought, considered it best to
take him along; on her return a great surprise awaited her, for a large
black bear was snuffing around the spot where the baby had lain. Under
the influence of a hardy frontier life, Miles grew to be a big , stout
boy. When about seventeen years old, he worked for a Gen. Brooks in
Bloomfield. Twas there one Sunday he took sixteen ears of green corn to
the woods, roasted it, and had a feast. Memory tells him that he waited
a great deal longer for the corn to roast than for his appetite to come.
In 1800, another family moved from Vermont and settled on the north and
south road, about three miles west of here, on what is now known as the
Gillett farm. The family consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Maltby and
eight children, six daughters and two sons. A few years after, when the
older children had grown up, there might have been seen on pleasant
Sunday afternoons, a rustic youth, with robust frame and honest heart,
in homespun clothes, at times on foot, at others on horseback, wending
his way leisurely along this road toward the house of these settlers.
We say he went leisurely, but if we could have seen the inside, we
would have found as he neared his destination, that his heart
was going at double quick --
twas soon said he actually lost it. Anyway, when he got there another
heart was all aflutter, and if anything beat the other's time of
double-quick. The result was that in 1825, on the 3d of
March, just
fifty years ago this rustic Miles was married to Miss Dalinda
Maltby. The
ceremony was performed by Esquire Jones, present today, hale and
hearty, enjoying life at eighty-two, and to a wonderful extent hiding
his years under a cover of a genial manner and a well kept physique.
The wedding tour of Mr. and Mrs. Baker was not long, nor the car
elegant, but it was triumphal. The next day that happy couple left the
home of the bride and came to this of the bridegroom, founding a home
that has been a joy and comfort to each, these fifty years -- a grand
triumph we say. Mrs. Baker was in her twenty-first year when married;
consequently in her 71st year now, her birthday coming on April 23d.
They are the parents of seven children, all living; of seventeen
grandchildren, fourteen are living; and one great-grandchild; having
enjoyed this honorable title nearly two years, a total of twenty-five.
Of the children, Leander lives in Walworth, and is the grandfather;
Edwin in Michigan; Caroline, wife of Bradford Kingsley; Horace and
Orrissa, wife of Joseph Kingsley, are each near neighbors; Frank, in
Michigan; and Addie, as yet, blessing the home with her presence.
But to go back a step -- at the death of Mr. Baker's father, he assumed
and paid the portions due the other members of the family, thus
securing the homestead for himself. Mr. Baker has been an exceedingly
strong man. One day cradling six acres of rye, finishing the task
before 5 o'clock, then took a horse to Orleans, walking all the way
there and part way back, as the animal had been lamed by a previous bad
shoeing. At chopping he was a master hand, and was never beaten in a
trial. The last one was when nearly sixty years old, with two large,
powerful men, Simson and Bradford Kingsley.
From Ontario County Journal 15 March 1901
South Bristol, N. Y. - On Thursday afternoon of last week, about 30 friends and neighbors assembled at the home of Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Barden to
celebrate the fifty-second anniversary of their marriage. Mrs. Sarah
Tarbell, a sister, who attended the wedding 52 years ago, was present.
Their son and wife, Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Barden of Benton, and daughter,
Mrs. Clarence Edgett, were also among the guests. After a bountiful
repast was served, a very pleasant evening was passed in games and
telling of "ye olden times." As the hour for parting came, the guests
assembled around the organ and with Miss Josephine Granby as
accompanist, sang "God be With Us Till We Meet Again."
From Ontario County Times 6 January 1875
Farmington, N. Y. - On Tuesday evening, the 22d ult., Mr. and
Mrs. Albert Barnes celebrated the 25th anniversary of their
wedding day, by having their "silver wedding reception." Although the
weather was rather unfavorable for a full attendance, yet the number of
guests present was sufficient to make three full courses to a long, and
well-filled, and nicely arranged table. Quite a number of elegant
presents were submitted, most of which were useful as well as valuable.
All seemed to enjoy the pleasures of the evening in such a manner that
the memories of the event will ever be cherished with pleasure and
satisfaction.
From Victor Herald 24 February 1894
Fishers, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Barry celebrated the fifth
anniversary of their marriage Wednesday evening of this week. There
were sixty-five guests present; a large number of the guests were from
Rochester, Fairport, Pittsford, Mendon and Victor. Mr. and Mrs. Barry
were the recipients of many valuable and useful presents. Their Fisher
friends presented them with a very nice side board; they also received
a beautiful hall tree, and several upholstered chairs, stands and
pictures
were conspicuous among smaller articles too numerous to mention. The
guests
amused themselves by playing games and dancing until the small wee
hours
of morning. Everyone expressed themselves of having a lovely time, and
after partaking of a bountiful supper, we bid our host and hostess a
good
morning.
From Victor Herald 1 March 1907
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Barry, Cherry street, celebrated the
twenty-fifth anniversary of their marriage last Friday evening. One
hundred guests were present and attested their esteem for the happy
couple by the presentation of many beautiful gifts.
From Geneva Daily Times 11 September 1907
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Baxter of No. 272 Washington street
delightfully entertained Monday evening in honor of the tenth
anniversary of their marriage. About thirty guests were present. The
evening was spent in cards and music. Several solos were rendered by
John Olschwskie and Master Harold Fisher. Among those present were Mr.
and Mrs. Frank Melious, Mr. and Mrs. James Young and Mr. and Mrs. Oscar
Young of Stanley; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Roland of Gates; George and
William Baxter, Mr. and Mrs. John Olschwskie, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Kidd,
Mr. and Mrs. I. B. Greene, Mr. and Mrs. M. H. Crane, Mr. and Mrs.
Nelson Bain, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Sparks, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Fisher, Miss
Georgiana Sparks, Roy and Harold Fisher, and Harry Hain.
From Ontario County Journal 9 February 1894
Honeoye, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. Richmond C. Beach gave a very
elegant party last Saturday evening, on the 25th anniversary of their
marriage. About sixty guests were present. A lovely golden border
dinner and tea set was left by their friends as a reminder of the
occasion. As usual, the Rev. Mr. Day indulged in some very happy
remarks, followed by brief remarks from several others.
From Ontario County Journal 18 February 1910
Cheshire, N. Y. - About fifty of the neighbors and friends of Mr.
and
Mrs. William Beaton gathered at their hospitable home on Monday
evening, it being their fourth wedding anniversary. Among the
remembrances left was an easy chair, a beautiful rug and cut glass. A
most delightful time was had.
From Geneva Gazette 29 October 1886
Gorham - The twenty-fifth anniversary of Sidney
S. Bell and Phoebe Smith was celebrated last Thursday
evening, Oct. 21st, at their home in Gorham. More than 100
friends took them by surprise. Mr. and Mrs. Bell were induced
to go into the parlor, where they were presented with many costly
presents. The presentation speech was made by Mr. B. Pierce and
was responded to by Mr. Bell to
the best of his ability under the circumstances. After partaking
of the bountiful feast prepared by the ladies, the company at about one
o'clock dispersed, wishing Mr. and Mrs. Bell many recurring
anniversaries.
From Victor Herald 5 February 1904
Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Bement of Canandaigua celebrated the
sixty-fifth anniversary of their wedded life on Sunday, January 31st.
It is seldom indeed that those whom "God has joined" are privileged to
go so far along life's pathway together, and truly this was a notable
occasion. Mr. Bement, who is 86 years of age, is a brother of the late
Henry D. Bement, and was born in the town of Victor. When seventeen
years old, he went to Canandaigua nd has lived there ever since. He is
a skilled mechanic, for many years was a valued employee of the Cooley
hardware store, and is still able to do quite a little work though
advancing years have made it impossible for him to work steadily. Mrs.
Bement was Miss Almira E. Hall and was born in Bristol in 1820. They
were married by Rev. Thomas Carlton, pastor of the Methodist church,
Canandaigua, January 31, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Bement have three children,
eleven grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren living.
From Geneva Gazette 24 November 1876
On the 16th inst. Mr. and Mrs. John Benjamin of Naples
celebrated their golden wedding. The groomsman of the aged couple
is also still living and sent them by letter his congratulations.
From Ontario County Times 21 March 1877
Victor, N. Y. - One of those pleasant affairs, a tin wedding, was
celebrated on last Wednesday night, at the house of Mr. and Mrs.
Amos Bennett of this place. There were about sixty guests present,
who came loaded with all kinds of presents in the shape of tinware that
one could think of. Music was in attendance, and "tripping the light
fantastic toe" was the order of the evening. About one o'clock the
assembled guests sat down to an elegant repast, to which they did full
and ample justice. After leaving the table, the dancing was again
resumed, and the night was far gone before the delighted guests took
their departure with pleasant memories, which will often recur to them
in after years, as they bring to mind that joyful occasion.
From Victor Herald 16 March 1906
East Bloomfield, N. Y. - On Saturday last was the
twenty-fifth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. E. W.
Bennett, who live in the northern part of this town. On Friday
evening their neighbors and friends gathered at their home in large
numbers, and with guests from West Bloomfield, Ionia, Despatch,
Shortsville, and other nearby towns, helped them to celebrate the
event. Every one in attendance had a fine time in games and other
amusements. Refreshments were served, and it was in the early hours of
the morning before the happy throng took their departure, but not
before they had left many handsome and useful presents in remembrance
of the occasion, and wish the recipients that they may be spared to
celebrate their golden anniversary.
From Ontario County Journal 12 October 1894
Honeoye, N. Y. - A few of the family friends of Mr. and Mrs.
Myron H. Blackmer gave them a surprise, also a handsome imported
dinner and tea set, in honor of the 40th anniversary of their marriage
last Saturday afternoon. The original wedding, however, occurred on
September 14, but as it was one of Honeoye's busiest times, it was
thought best to postpone the visit for a few weeks.
From Ontario County Journal 15 October 1897
East Bloomfield, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. William Bouglass celebrated
the
golden anniversary of their marriage at their home last Saturday
afternoon. Between 3 and 6 o'clock, the hours during which they
received, all the older residents of the town called to congratulate
them on the completion of their half century of married life. Many
gifts, as well as many expressions of good will and hope of continued
life, were received by the couple.
From Ontario County Journal 16 December 1892
Farmington, N. Y. - One of the pleasantest events occurring in
this vicinity for some time was the surprise given by about fifty
Grangers to Mr. and Mrs. Gifford Bowerman, last Friday, in
honor of their thirtieth wedding anniversary. After Mr. and Mrs.
Bowerman had performed the Friends' wedding ceremony the company sat
down to well laden tables. E. J. Gardner was present with his camera
and secured a good picture of the company.
From Geneva Courier 5 November 1879
China Wedding at Phelps. A very
pleasant and interesting affair occurred in Phelps on Monday evening,
Nov. 3d, the occasion being the twentieth anniversary of the marriage
of Mr. and Mrs. S. K. Bowker. The friends and relatives
decided to give them a "surprise," and their plans were in every
respect successful. A large company assembled at the residence of
Oliver Crothers, and proceeded to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bowker on
Main street, where they were received by Miss Mary Nelson and Miss Ella
Bowker, Mr. and Mrs. B. being absent at the time, having,
by previous arrangement, been invited "out to tea." They were
soon summoned, however, and met and welcomed by Rev. I. M. Foster, who
offered congratulations, and then presented them to the company
assembled. Mr. and Mrs. Bowker, although evidently astonished at
finding their spacious rooms filled with people, greeted their guests
with an ease and grace which few persons could command under such
circumstances. The evening passed away pleasantly and
quickly. Early in the evening a sumptuous repast was served, and
after that music by Mrs. S. Hanks and S. Rice was listened to.
Rev. M. Wheeler, the minister who
performed the marriage ceremony 20 years ago, being present, was called
upon, and made some very interesting and appropriate remarks, which
were responded to by Rev. L. M. Foster in his own original style.
The couple were presented with a
tea set of China, also some other articles, useful and
ornamental. Articles of clothing worn by the bride of twenty
years were
exhibited by request, among which was the "wedding bonnet,"
made by Mrs. Cary, who was present, and which caused much merriment
among the younger portion of the company when compared with the
present style of bonnets; but it was really pretty, the material being
white, uncut velvet, trimmed with ostrich plumes and flowers. The
company separated at about twelve o'clock, all having enjoyed the
evening, and wishing Mr. and Mrs. Bowker long life and continued
happiness.
From Ontario County Times 7 December 1881
The twenty-fifth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
James Brandow was celebrated at their residence near Bristol
Center on the evening of the 29th ult. The occasion brought together a
goodly number of their friends, who presented to the happy couple many
substantial tokens of their regard, in the shape of silver ware and
other articles of value. The time passed most agreeably in general
conversation and the interchange of good wishes. Their pastor, Rev. J.
Irons, entertained the company with appropriate remarks, after which
prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Dewey. There was also a beautiful letter
read, which had been prepared by Mr. George Child, and which was
listened to with much satisfaction by all concerned. Altogether it was
an occasion that will be long remembered by those present and with
feelings of the liveliest pleasure.
From Ontario County Journal 13 December 1895
Honeoye, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. A. Jackson Bray celebrated the 20th
anniversary of their marriage on Monday evening, December 9. Over 100
guests were present. Supper was served and with cards, music and social
converse, the hours sped merrily by. All trust they may live to
celebrate their golden wedding.
From Geneva Daily Times 17 October 1905
Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Bronson, of 240 Washington street, left
yesterday for the home of their daughter, Mrs. Frank S. Little, of
Brooklyn, where their fiftieth anniversary of their marriage will be
celebrated tomorrow. Mr. and Mrs. Bronson were married here October 18,
1855, by the late Rev. J. B. Richardson of this city. The entire life
of Mr. and Mrs. Bronson has been spent n this city. During his active
life, Mr. Bronson was engaged in the nursery business, and throughout
his life he has been active in the First Presbyterian church. The
golden wedding will be celebrated very quietly tomorrow. Only children
and immediate relatives will be present. Fred S. Bronson, manager of
the Geneva Telephone company, a son of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Bronson, will
leave this evening for
Brooklyn, to be present at the festivities tomorrow. Mr. Bronson's
other
son, the Rev. Charles E. Bronson of Philadelphia, will be present
together
with the three married daughters besides Mrs. Little.
From Geneva Daily Times 27 November 1905
Shortsville, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. Calvin P. Brown quietly
celebrated the fifty-fourth anniversary of their marriage yesterday and
received the hearty congratulations of a host of friends. Mr. and Mrs.
Brown moved to this village from Manchester in 1856 and located
in the Salisbury house, now known as the Whitney house, and later moved
to the property now familiarly known as the "Vinegar Inn," which was
then used as a store. It was in their parlor that the Presbyterian
Church was organized by Rev. C. H. Chester of Geneva, of which Mrs.
Brown and
Leonard Warfield, of California, are the only surviving charter
members.
On coming to this village, Mr. Brown, with his brother, Hiram L. Brown,
began the manufacture of grain drills in a part of a small machine shop
run by Herendeen and Henry Elmer, on the site of the present extensive
plant
of the Empire Drill Company, and it mainly through the manufactory
started
then and carried on until the present time, that this village owes its
growth
and prosperity.
Mr. Brown was born in Nassau, Rensselaer county, September 6 1824,
being the youngest of twelve, only one other of whom now survives, Mrs.
Julina Carpenter, of State Line, N. Y. On leaving the old home, when
about nineteen years of age, he came to Newark, and learned harness
making. Then he went to Michigan for a year or so, returned to Newark,
and just previous to his coming to Manchester, was a resident of
Palmyra. Mrs. Brown was born in Utica, November 29, 1830, and was was
formerly Miss Cornelia E. Drummond. When about eight years of age she
lived in Phelps and later moved to Palmyra, where she was united in
marriage to Calvin P. Brown by Rev. Horace Eaton, pastor of the
Presbyterian Church of that place, on November 26, 1851. Mr. Brown is
one of the wealthiest and most influential citizens of the town, having
been for many years the president of the Empire Drill Company, an
enterprise that more than anything else has made Shortsville the brisk
business center that it now is. Although he
has now retired from business, he keeps up an active interest in the
affairs
of the town, church and factory, and is one of the representative men
of
Ontario county.
From Canandaigua Chronicle 1 February 1905
Victor, N. Y. - One of the most important social events of the
season occurred last Friday evening at "Locust Hill", the home of Mr.
and
Mrs. Charles L. Brown in this village. The occasion was the
twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Brown. They
entertained about seventy-five guests from 7:30 to 11 o'clock in a most
delightful manner. They received in the north parlor where the wedding
anniversary was performed twenty-five years ago. An elaborate supper
was served, the daughter and son, Miss Vera H. and Tuthill T. Brown,
assisted by seven young people, officiated as waiters. The host and
hostess received many beautiful gifts, silverware being most
noticeable. The choir of the Presbyterian church, where Mrs. Brown has
been organist for several years, presented them with a handsome silver
tea set. Among the out-of-town guests were: Mr. and Mrs. John Brown,
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Spaeth and son, of Rochester; Mr. and Mrs. Richard
Murphy, Mrs. Ziba Curtice of Canandaigua; Miss Diana Porter of Geneva,
and Mrs. Charles Page of East Bloomfield. The bride and groom of
twenty-five years are very popular members of Victor society and their
many friends extend congratulations and hope that at the end of the
next twenty-five years they may again gather to celebrate their golden
anniversary.
From Geneva Daily Times 3 March 1908
Stanley, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. David Brown entertained about 25
friends
and relatives Saturday evening in honor of their 25th wedding
anniversary.
A delightful supper was served.
From Ontario County Times 20 April 1887
Port Gibson, N. Y. - April 10 being the 36th wedding anniversary
of Mr. and Mrs. Giles Brown, their daughter planned a surprise
and invited about forty of their friends on Saturday the 9th.
From Ontario County Journal 4 October 1901
Rushville, N. Y. - The friends and neighbors of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Brownell, to
the number of 60, gave them a surprise dinner at their home on Saturday
last, in celebration of their 42d wedding anniversary. Mrs. Brownell
was presented with a dozen silver knives and forks and white apron and
pair of towels.
From Ontario County Times 25 February 1874
We had the pleasure of attending the fiftieth wedding anniversary
of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Burgess, at the residence of their son, Mr.
James Burgess, in Hopewell. The wedding ceremony was first celebrated
between Mr. Wm. Burgess and Miss Sarah Andrews in the town of Rider,
Suffolk county, England, Feb. 12th, 1824, by Rev. Mr. Grant, (Episcopal
clergyman). Soon after this they both experienced religion, and united
with the Methodist church, of which they have been faithful, consistent
members ever since. About twenty-six years after their marriage, they
came and settled in this county. Soon after they buried their only
daughter. They now have three sons, two of whom are settled near them,
and one in Philadelphia, all respected, Christian gentlemen. The
reunion of friends and relatives on Thursday was, indeed, a pleasant
one, not soon to be forgotten. After partaking of the luxuries of the
well spread board, prepared by careful and competent hands, the writer
had the pleasure of addressing those whose reunion was being
celebrated, speaking of their happy married life in the past and their
prospects for the future, closing with a prayer and benediction, that
they and all who were gathered there might enjoy many happy years here,
and all sing together in the haven of rest, where the inhabitants never
say "I am growing old," and where love and peace forever reigns.
From Ontario County Journal 12 June 1896
East Bloomfield, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. William Butler celebrated
the golden anniversary of their marriage at their home about two miles
north of this place last Thursday evening. All of the older residents
of the town called to congratulate them on the completion of their
half-century of married life. Many gifts, as well as many expressions
of good will and hope of continued life, were received by the couple.
Mr. and Mrs. Butler came to this town 25 years ago. Their former home
was at Covert, Seneca county.
From Geneva Daily Times 15 September 1910
Mr. and Mrs. J. E. P. Butts of South Main street gave a charming
reception last evening at their home, in observance of their 25th
wedding anniversary. About seventy-five guests were received by Mr. and
Mrs. Butts. The house was most attractive with asters and roses and
gift flowers. They received many handsome pieces of silver; also a
gorgeous bouquet of 25 American Beauties tied with ribbon of the same
hue and with the dates engraved in silver. The Misses Hopkins, Mrs.
William P. Durfee and Mrs. J. George Stacey served coffee, cakes and
ices in the dining room. Mr. and Mrs. Butts were married in Smethport,
Pa., Mrs. Butts' former home, and since that time have resided in
Geneva where they have a host of friends who extended to them their
congratulations and very best wishes for the future.
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