Golden Wedding Anniversary

CLEMENT, CANNON, MEEK, MILLER, WEEMS, HITCHLER, ENGLE, GRISWOLD, WILSON

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 10/14/2012 at 18:03:26

Double Golden Wedding
Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Clement
Mrs. and Mrs. George H. Cannon

The sun shone brightly and the day was glad last Saturday as if in token of appreciation of the day's event.

Fifty years prior to Saturday, near Newcastle, Indiana, Miss Cynthia Jane Meek and Mr. Jesse Hollis Clement were pronounced man and wife. On the same day, in a little log cabin west of W. J. Miller's present home, Mr. George H. Cannon took until himself a wife--Miss Sarah Maria Miller. At the same time his sister, now a widow, was married to Mr. John Weems.

The two couples have mastered the storms of fifty years, have overcome the trials and tribulations of life, have raised their families and been blessed with grandchildren, have buried loved ones, seen pleasures and sorrows, joys and afflictions, but now are satisfied with the whole and with grateful hearts and satisfied minds await the future.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Clement planned a big surprise on their parents for this day and in its preparation discovered the similarity existing in the home of Mr. George Cannon, and it was decided to make the affair a double golden wedding, but still a surprise on Mr. and Mrs. Clement. This was done nicely. The parents were expecting their children to spend the day with them--and they did, together with about a hundred neighbors and friends.

Invitations were issued for the occasion which read "Surprise," "Basket Dinner at twelve." The immediate family were there ahead of time, and when the other guests arrived there was surprise, and possibly consternation, but a hearty welcome for one and all.

The good cooks brought their best and the railroad house, being vacant, was used at the banquet hall, and it was filed with all that is good. The two brides of fifty years were presented with a bunch of daffodils and led the procession to the alter, where 'Squire Peter Earley reunited them in a most approved fashion. Congratulations followed and they were as sincere as those offered fifty years ago. The wedding dinner followed and it took but little imagination for those present to think what the first wedding ceremony had been just as completed and all was "as merry as a marriage ball."

The posing for photographs under the supervision of Artist Allen was the immediate pastime after dinner and there will be a big demand for the results of his efforts.

Master of Ceremonies George Hitchler called the company to the inside of the house where a musical and literary program was enjoyed, during which Mr. Andrew Engle presented the two couples with a handsome remembrance from the friends present. One number deserves special mention -- the vaudeville duet, "My Pa's Richer than your Pa," sung by Theona, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. T. Miller, and Ethyl, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Clement, of Carlisle, Ia. It was just as cute and catchy as it could be and the little ladies kindly sang it a second time. The remarks made by those present were full of pathos and all seem imbued with the spirit of sanctity hovering over the tow couples -- gray with age, with eyes and faces that sparkle not as in former years -- but who were just as happy as ever.

The responses by Mr. Clement and Mr. Cannon were from the heart and many a tear was wiped away during the talk because the heart of the hearer was touched with veneration and respect for these old trees of the forest, and the blessings for their friends fell like the dews of heaven and all felt better for having been there.

As the sun began to show signs of retiring, so did the guests, and that which was never before celebrated in Jasper county was at an end - but not is lessons and benefits.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Clement gave their parents a big surprise by putting in place a flue cooking stove and then calling in the old folks and watching the surprise and joy on their faces. They were also kindly remembered by numerous other tokens of esteem by friends and relatives.

The living children of Mr. and Mrs. George Cannon are Mrs. Edward Griswold, of Victory, Iowa, who has two daughters; Mrs. Samuel Clement of Prairie City, who has two sons; Mrs. Oliver Wilson, of Metz, with two boys and two girls; and Mr. Henry Cannon, of Metz, with two daughters and one son.

Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Clement have children living as follows: J. B. Clement, of Metz, with two sons and a daughter; Mrs. Melvin Engle, of Metz, two sons and a daughter; S. B. Clement of Carlisle, three sons and two daughters; and Mrs. R. G. Allen of Newton. ~ The Newton Daily News, April 16, 1904.