~ Veach, Samuel & Maria J. Parks ~

Married Fifty Years Ago
Married: October 17, 1850

The golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Veach was celebrated last Wednesday, October 17. Just 50 years before, at the home of the bride's parents near Marion, Lynn county, Iowa, Samuel Veach and Miss Maria Jane Parks had been united for life. And on the golden anniversary a large number of their relatives and friends gathered to help them make merry over the joy and success that has been theirs throughout the long journey that they have traveled.

There were nearly 100 present, including children and grand children, and the pleasant home, three miles west of town, had a gay appearance. Mr. and Mrs. Veach have been residents of the farm they now occupy for about 35 years. The weather was splendid and the guests, as well as their host and hostess, were in merry spirits.

Just before dinner was served Mr. and Mrs. Veach were called into the parlor where a couple of fine chairs had been mysteriously secreted and they were given a genuine surprise. J. W. Allfree of this city made the presentation speech and his words were full of congratulation for the years that are past and full of hope for the years that are yet to come.

Then in the presence of the assembled guests the bride and groom again plighted their troth and renewed their vows of constancy, receiving the congratulations of their friends. This was followed by dinner and such a dinner as even a newspaper man is not privileged to describe. It was a royal feast, just such an one as would be expected at the Veach home.

Many beautiful presents were received. We will mention only one of beauty and significance, which was a beautiful ear of yellow corn, entwined with green vines and lovely flowers, in a handsome, silk-lined case. This was expressive of the fact that, as an Iowa farmer, Mr. Veach's success was largely due to the corn he has harvested in the years gone by; also that he and his good wife had now reached the golden harvest time of life when they shall look to the time of being garnered to their home on eternity's golden shore. The day was a complete success and as evening drew near the guests departed, hoping for many happy returns of the day. ~ The Iowa State Democrat, Newton, Iowa, October 25, 1900

Additional information from Newton Journal, October 24, 1900.

Friends from a distance were: Mr. and Mrs. T. C. Conkleton and Mr. and Mrs. A. Price, of Marshalltown; Mr. and Mrs. John W. Veach and Miss Agnes and Mr. Earl Dales, of Botna, Shelby county, Iowa.

~ Van Court, John & Minerva Marshall ~

Van Court - Marshall 50th
Married: April 18, 1850

On the 18th of April 1850, near Finley, Putnam County, Ohio, at the home of the bride's parents, was solemnized the marriage of John Boyd Van Court, a gallant young knight of the Buckeye State and Miss Minerva Jane Marshall, one of the pretty belles of Putnam County - an itinerant Methodist preacher adjusting the nuptial knot. Well, John Boyd and Minerva Jane then plighted their solemn vows to love, cherish and cling to each other forever and ever, or until death annulled their contract; and right well have they kept their vows for fifty years; their love for each other growing stronger and stronger as time passed by.

Last Wednesday being the fiftieth anniversary of the happy event, it was joyfully celebrated by themselves and their family, with a few especial friends who were invited to join in the festivities. A sumptuous noonday dinner was served at the home of their daughter, Mrs. A. J. Wright, the children present being, beside the hostess, Mr. Robert E. Van Court of Chicago, Mrs. Minnie Smith and Miss Stella Van Court of Davenport, and Mrs. A. K. Emerson of Newton. In the evening, all assembled at the home of Father and Mother Van Court and a happier anniversary round-up was never enjoyed, the ancient bride and groom almost renewing their youth when surrounded by their children, grandchildren and friends. Thy were the recipients of a large variety of fine gifts, among which were a goodly number of gold coins of very interesting denominations. We all hope that Mr. and Mrs. Van Court may live to celebrate many happy anniversaries before death severs the "ties that bind them." ~ The Newton Record, Thursday April 26, 1900, Page 1, Column 6

~ Veach, James & Martha Callison ~

FIFTY-FIVE YEARS Married
Married: February 19, 1874

Mr. and Mrs. James Veach of Rhodes
Celebrate Occasion.
Many Are Present

Mr. and Mrs. James Veach are old time residents of Baxter, although now living at Rhodes and we feel that their hosts of friends will enjoy reading about their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary as published in the Marshalltown Times-Republican. It is as follows:

Mr. and Mrs. James T. Veach, of Rhodes, Tuesday celebrated their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary, when relatives and friends gathered at their home to offer congratulations during the afternoon hours.

Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. Russell Hampton and daughter Esther, Mesdames G. C. Butler, Enola Perry, Will Hodge and Myrtle Donaldson, Mr. and Mrs. F. D. Connelly and son and Clyde E. McDonald, all of Baxter; Mrs. Garret Kruesman and little daughter, Arlene Jean, of Sully, and Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Beye and Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Bentley and grandson, Loren Bentley of Rhodes.

A two-course lunch was served by Mr. and Mrs. Veach's daughter, Mrs. Russell Hampton, assisted by her daughters, Esther Hampton and Mrs. Garret Kruesman.

Early Settler in Iowa

James T. Veach was born in Indiana, July 26, 1851, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Veach. With his parents he came to Iowa when a baby. The family located on a farm four miles west of Newton, which is now on the River to River road. He spent his boyhood on the farm and made his home in Jasper county until moving to Rhodes.

Martha Callison was born near Newton, Dec. 6, 1858, the daughter of Andrew and Amelia Callison. Her father and mother were born and reared in Tennessee and her father was killed in battle during the civil war, when she was 4 years old. Her early life was spent near Newton.

Married Feb. 19, 1874

Martha Callison and James Veach were married at the home of the former ?, Feb. 19, 1874, Elder Westbrook, of the Christian church, performing the wedding ceremony. A rather unusual circumstance was that Elder Westbrook also officiated at the second marriage of her mother.

Mr. and Mrs. Veach went to housekeeping four miles west of Newton, where they continued to make their home until 1919, when they moved to Baxter. Mr. and Mrs. Veach were childhood friends, having attended school together. The celebrated their golden wedding at Baxter and came to Rhodes in 1924.

Parents of Four Children

Mr. and Mrs. Veach were the parents of four children, Jimmie, a son, died at the age of 23. Mrs. Russell Hampton of near Baxter; Shelby Veach of Yakima, Wash., and Charles Veach, are the living children. Thirteen grandchildren and a great granddaughter, little Arlene Jean Kruseman of Sully, complete the family circle.

Mrs. Veach has a brother, James E. Callison of near Newton, and Mr. Veach has two brothers, John W. Veach of Colfax and Charles Veach, living in the state of Washington.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Veach are members of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints at Rhodes and have many friends in the Rhodes neighborhood who wish them many more happy years together. Mr. and Mrs. Veach are both enjoying good health. ~ The Baxter New Era, February 28, 1929