First Couple Married in Bonaparte

KEAN, WILLIAMSON

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 7/18/2014 at 11:10:57

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

"Golden Wedding"

KEAN-WILLIAMSON. - At the residence of William Cassiday, Esq., Mr. J. A. Kean to Miss Elizabeth Williamson, at Bonaparte, Iowa, R. B. Willoughby, J. P., officiating. The ceremony was performed in the house now occupied by John G. Lisle.
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Mr. Kean was a native of Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Kean of Ohio. They both came to Iowa in 1838, and settled in Van Buren county. They have lived here during all their married life, and seven children, four daughters and three sons have blessed the union. Three daughters are living, Ellie and Emma in Bonaparte, and Mrs. Rev. Barber, of Selma, Iowa.

Mr. Kean was for many years justice of the peace in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Kean were the first couple married in Bonaparte.

But to few mortals in this life is the boon granted of enjoying the privilege of living together as husband and wife for a period of fifty years. What an experience it has been. As they take a retrospective view, what pleasures and sorrows have been experienced during those years, of the half century of the wedded life of Mr. and Mrs. Kean. No doubt the sorrows have been alleviated by the many blessings in the shape of happiness, prosperity, and the tokens of love and self-denial that they have enjoyed in the society of each other and the community surrounding them, and also the sweet communion with their family who have grown to pure a womanhood. The sorrows of life have not weighed heavily upon them, as they seem to bear their age remarkably well, and bid fair to a live yet many years, to be a blessing to their children and an honor to the city which claims them as residents.

Wednesday, during the day and evening, April 8th, 1891, the residence was made pleasant by the presence of a few relatives and friends who responded to invitations. Besides good wishes for the future they were the recipients of many valuable gifts. Some beautiful letters of regret was [sic] received from relatives and friends who were unable to be present.

After the arrival of the noon train the company sat down to a dinner that reflected credit upon the ladies of the household. For once Rev. Barber and ye editor were unequal to the occasion, judging from the huge pile of cake left on their plates.

Mr. and Mrs. Keane have been identified closely with the interests of Bonaparte, both to a social and business point, and Mr. Kean had the honor of carrying the chain when our beautiful city was laid out. The wish of the record is that they may live many years yet in the city that has so long been graced with their presence.

Source: Entler Scrapbook Collection, vol 6, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA