Farnsworth 60th Wedding Anniversary 1904

FARNSWORTH, PARDEE

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 10/7/2018 at 12:25:52

Source: Twice-A-Week Plain Dealer Apr. 1, 1904, FP, C4

Sixtieth Wedding Anniversary.
The sixtieth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. M. R. Farnsworth was celebrated by their sons and daughters at the parental home on north Elm St., Cresco, Iowa, on the 28 day of March, 1904.
Five of the six living children were present on this memorable occasion. A missing link was the absence from the family circle of B. W. Farnsworth, (the second born), of Whitewater, Wis. who was confined to his home by sickness. A letter from him expressed regrets. The children present were B. W. Farnsworth, F. O. Farnsworth, Mrs. W. J. Norton of Decorah, Iowa, Mrs. Cady and Mrs. O. Vance of Riceville, Iowa. A few outside friends and several near neighbors had the pleasure of being present.
The aged father and mother were extremely happy and contented and fairly overflowing with the love they hold for all their children and grandchildren and best wishes for all. Much time was spent at the well laden table. An entertaining feature was the joining of the sons and daughters in music and songs — a reproduction of what transpired in the old Pilot Grove home thirty years ago. Near neighbors also rendered excellent music. An elegant couch was presented to the father and mother by the children.
Milo R. Farnsworth was born in Homer, Cortland county, N. Y. Aug. 21, 1822. Lucy Samantha Pardee was born in Cortland county, N. Y., January 20, 1824. M. R. Farnsworth and and{sic} Lucy Pardee were united in marriage in Cortland county, N. Y. March 28, 1844. The happy couple then started for the far west, settling in Illinois. They resided in Illinois four years. In 1848, the year of Wisconsin’s admission, they journeyed on, establishing their home near Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Again in 1869, they moved onward toward the setting sun, settling on a 240 farm in Pilot Grove, five miles southeast of Cresco, Ia., now the home of F. O. Farnsworth.
For the last twenty years they have resided in Cresco. Ten children were born to them, four boys and six girls; six are still living. There are twenty three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
These old people have seen a life time of steady toil upon the farm. The mother is one of the ideal mothers. May peace and contentment rest upon her in the evening of her life.
M. R. Farnsworth acquired a splendid education and developed a life of honorable intentions. All his life he has been a close student of men and policies, a careful reader and an earnest thinker. Ready and to the point in conversation, men of ideas are always agreeably entertained at his home. To his honor, be itsaid,{sic} he would grant to every man all the liberties, both religious and political, as are consistent with the rights and liberties of others. He is a firm champion of the Kansas City Platform of 1900.
A remarkable fact connected with Mr. Farnsworth is that he is the eldest of a family of eleven children, all of whom are now living with one exception.
The writer in conclusion will give an extract from the table talk of Mr. Farnsworth on the anniversary day:
“Sixty years of married life
In this world of toil and strife
Of joy and sorrow, hope and fear,
Is what you seldom see or hear.”