Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, June 30, l898

MR. LOUIS PHILLIP VAN WERDEN and MISS HELEN ROBERTA DEKALB, eldest daughter of DR. and MRS. B.D. DEKALB, were married yesterday at high noon at the elegant country home of the bride's parents at DeKalb station.

While Mendelsohnn's Wedding March was being rendered on the piano by Miss Belle Thompson, the bridal party descended the stairs and took their places between the south windows of the parlor, where in the presence of the assembled guests, Rev. Geo. M. Hughes, Pastor of the M.E. Church at Corydon, pronounced the solemn words which bound them in the holy bonds of matrimony.

The bride was attired in a Princess costume of ivory satin duchess, made entrain, and carried an ivory bound prayer book. There were no attendants it being their wish that the ceremony should be as simple as possible.

The decorations were sweet peas, carnations and roses. A sumptuous wedding breakfast was served immediately after the ceremony and congratulations.

The bride is the eldest daughter of DR. and MRS. B.D. DEKALB. Born and raised in this county she inherited the beauty and charming hospitality of her Maryland ancestors, and has made friends of all of her acquaintances. The worthy groom should indeed feel proud in having won the love of such a woman.

The groom is one of our most popular and substantial business men, who has been a resident of this city for the past fifteen years, during which time he has formed an extensive acquaintance and made many warm friends, who will extend their hearty congratulations upon this happy occasion.

For a short time, until the affairs of the Bank of Weldon, of which the bride has been the efficient cashier for several years, can be closed up, MRS. VAN WERDEN will spend most of her time at Weldon, coming to Leon on Saturday and remaining until Monday. Before the leaves fall MR. VAN WERDEN will have a cozy new home built in this city for his bride, where they will welcome their many friends.

A special train was provided for the guests from Leon over the K. & W. about fifty being present from this city.

The guests from a distance were: E.C. Murphy, Clarinda; E.A. More and Wife, Shenandoah; Miss Ola Blakley, Hector, Minn.; Mrs. H.B. McKlveen, Waverly; Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Jamison, Osceola; Dr. and Mrs. Will Van Werden, Keokuk; Misses Grace and Kate Van Geiken, Keokuk; Miss Edna Van Werden, Corydon; Mrs. Marie Shultz, Trenton, Mo.; Mrs. C.L. Fike, Des Moines.

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"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
February l8, 2003