Iowa Old Press
Ottumwa Daily Democrat, March 5, 1884
A PLEASANT ANNIVERSARY.
Monday last was the 25th anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Nichols, residing on west Second street. On Monday evening a large number of friends, who had been scheming all the week to surprise the estimable couple, suddenly pounced down upon them unawares, and took possession of the Nichols mansion, creating no little surprise and consternation in the usually serene household. However, Mrs. Nichols, assisted by her daughter, Miss Sadie, proved equal to the exigencies of the occasion, and served the unexpected guests with a splendid collation gotten up on the spur of the moment, or, more likely on the kitchen range.
Immediately following the supper Mr. W. F. McCarroll, in a very neat address, presented the astonished Dr. and wife with several pieces of elegant silver ware. The presents throughout were quite handsome, and coming, as they did, totally unexpected, completely dazed the happy recipients.
Following are the name of those present:
Mr. and Mrs. W. F. McCaroll, Mr. and Mrs. C. F. W. Bachman, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Goldsberry, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. McIntire, Mr. and Mrs. Ira Phillips, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Millisack, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Stevens, Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Dennis, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Throne, Mrs. Kehoe, G. W. Hines, Mrs. Miran Walker, Miss Laura White, and Miss Hattie Henry.
Dr. Nichols and wife were married at Peoria, Mahaska county, in 1859, and removed thence to Ottumwa in 1866.
[transcribed by L.Z., Dec 2019]