Parker Golden Anniversary 1891

PARKER, PARSONS, WOODROW, PINGREY, PRESCOTT, PRAVIN, MULHERN

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 2/13/2012 at 12:11:22

Golden Wedding – Married – In Mt. Holly, Vt., March 28, 1841, by Homer Earl, J.P., Mr. Benjamin Parker and Miss Nancy Parsons, of Mechanicsville, Vt.

Last Saturday evening was the fiftieth anniversary of this marriage and about forty of their neighbors assembled to celebrate it, bringing with them good wishes and good cheer. After a season of social enjoyment, Mr. J. M. Woodrow called the couple to their feet and in a few fitting words presented to them a purse, containing $100 in gold, a token of the good will of those present. Mr. Parker could not find words to convey his thanks, and a response was made by Mr. John Watson, their son-in-law. Mr. Parker has turned the press of the HOURNAL without the loss of a single issue since May 1880, and is so rejuvenated by his golden marriage, that he now feels that he is good for another term of eleven years. At a late hour the party dispersed, each with the best wishes for the health and long life of the couple.

A silver spoon was also received from e. Parker, of Montrose, Colorado. Those present from abroad were Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Pingrey (who were present at the first marriage, 50 years ago) and Miss Mabel Prescott, of Wayne, Neb., and Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Pingrey, of Coon Rapids, Ia.

During the evening the following poem, written for the occasion, was read by Mr. W. C. Pravin:

Fifty years ago, Vermont state
Witnessed quite a bright affair,
As the month of March was bringing
In its days with wintry air.
Not all had the eid month gathered,
Of the days he claimed his own
But the twenty-eight he garnered,
Thinking to himself, “well done.”

Now, a happy pair united
Were, in ties of holy love;
And the marriage vow is spoken,
And the deed is writ above;
Angels watched with tender glances,
As the solemn words they spoke,
Which united them, forever,
until death, the seal hast broke.

But this happened all this happened
Fifty long, long years ago!
And again to-night we meet them,
They, who pledged for weal or woe,
Long ago their lives and fortunes,
Still are here-a happy pair-
Tho’ the looks then brown and golden,
Threaded now, with silver are.

Happiness-a royal guest sat
At their board, with peace and love;
While, to fill their cup with blessings,
Came three jewels from above.
One, the first, a treasured blossom
Which they likened to a fairy,
All declared, and all were willing
She should have the name of Mary.

Then two gems were sent together,
To complete their present joy;
One, a laughing girl, sweet Jessie;
One, a bright-eye little boy
Who came only that their treasures
Up in Heaven might richer be:
In a few short months he followed
Him, who said “Come unto me.”

So time passed, and years rolled onward,
Bringing many a change as well,
“Till to-night we hear sweet echoes
Of the golden wedding bell.
And we meet that we may offer
Our best wishes to the pair;
And a golden greeting give them,
For a future life as fair.

As the past in all its glory
Has enfolded to their view,
And the present sill is opening,
And the future soon will do,
Peace and joy be yours; and pleasures
Follow you along your way:
And old time but touch you gently,
On your golden wedding day!
Kittie M. Muchern, March, 1891 Newton, Iowa.

Card of Thanks – To our relatives and friends who so kindly and generously remembered us on our 50th wedding anniversary and made it indeed a golden one, we return our most sincere and hearty thanks. If any of you reach life’s 50th mile-stone may the kindness be returned to you many fold is the wish of Mr. and Mrs. Parker ~ The Newton Journal, Wednesday, April 1, 1891