~ Baldwin, Mirtlow - Rowe, Sarah Jane ~

Thirty Years of Wedded Bliss
Married: October 5, 1865

Married - On Thursday, Oct. 5th, 1865, by Rev. J. W. Anderson, at the parsonage in Greencastle, Iowa, Mr. Mirtlow Baldwin and Mrs. Sarah Jane Rowe, all of Poweshiek Township.

The above notice, full of interest to the contracting parties and their many friends, appeared in the old Free Press of this city thirty years ago. Last Saturday was the 30th anniversary of this happy event; but the fact had scarcely occurred to the worthy couple, until during the day their children and grandchildren drove up to their home and proposed an appropriate celebration of the occasion. Baskets were invaded and a feast spread which would have done honor to the most elegant bridal occasion; and throughout the day the Baldwin home was a continuous scene of merry enjoyment. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Will Jennings and son Harvey, of Colfax; Eugene Baldwin, wife and two children, Ethel and Ida; and Mirtlow's brother, Frank Baldwin, wife and two children, Eliza and Lydia, of Colfax; and Aunt Jane Keesler, of this city, an old friend of the family of over 40 years.

When Mr. Baldwin was married he was a young man of 25 years, making for himself a farm on what was then the comparatively wild prairies of Iowa. His bride was the young widow of a brave soldier - Willis Rowe, of Co. B, 13th Iowa - who had died of wounds received in battle near Atlanta, Georgia. Together they began life on their beautiful farm in Sherman Township. Two children were given to them, a son and a daughter - Eugene Baldwin, of Ira, and Mrs. Mary E. Jennings, of Colfax. They remained on the farm until about two years ago, when they moved to this city, having been blessed by a kind providence with a sufficiency of this world's goods to insure them comfort and ease during the remaining years of their life's journey. May the joys of the past 30 years be to them only an index of the greater joys, which the future may have in store for them. ~ The Newton Record, Friday, October 11, 1895, Page 10, Column 3

~ Barnes, Mr. and Mrs. H. ~

Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary
Married: February 24, 1848

Fifty years ago, February 24, Mr. and Mrs. H. Barnes were united in marriage in Pittsburg, Pa., and the golden anniversary of this important event was celebrated by them Thursday evening, Feb. 24, 1898, at their pleasant cozy farm home 5 miles east of Monroe. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are living monuments attesting to the truth that "marriage is not a failure,: at least in their case. They are among our influential and worthy people, rich in the affection of friends and neighbors. Some thirty neighbors and friends were present with them to spend this noted evening, congratulating them not only, but wishing added years of happiness. - Mirror ~ The Newton Record, Thursday, March 10, 1898, Page 1, Column 2

~ Birkenholz ~

Well Known Couple Married 50 Years Ago
Married: January 2, 1872

Monroe Mirror: Mr. and Mrs. Jake Birkenholz celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary Monday, Jan. 2, by entertaining a large number of relatives. The older folks were entertained from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A splendid dinner was served cafeteria style to about thirty-five guests. Music on the Pathe was enjoyed during the afternoon.

The younger folks were invited for the evening, about forty-five being present to enjoy the occasion. A two course tray supper was served in cafeteria style. The evening was spent in playing rook and other games. Pathe music and cornet duets by Harry Ver Steeg and Kenneth Balmer were also enjoyed. Home made candy was served later in the evening. Everyone present had a fine time and wished them many more happy years of wedded life.

Many beautiful presents of cut glass, china, silver, and gold were received. Mrs. E. A. Bump baked them a lovely wedding cake for the occasion.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cowgill of Des Moines, were out of town guests. ~ The Newton Daily News, January 9, 1922.

~ Bollhoefer, Mr. & Mrs. Albert ~

45th Anniversary Open House Held
Married: January 18, 1922

Mr. and Mrs. Albert W. Bollhoefer of Route One, Newton observed their 45th wedding anniversary Sunday afternoon with an open house at St. Johns United Church of Christ northeast of Newton. Two hundred relatives and friends were in attendance.

The couple was married Jan. 18, 1922. They are the parents of one daughter, Shirley, of Cedar Rapids. Hosts for the afternoon were Mr. and Mrs. Reno Rethmeier, Mrs. LaVerne Sova, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Tiedje, Carl Tinnermeier and Leonard Tinnermeier. Presiding at the guest book were Mrs. George Swalwell and Mrs. Josephine Wodraska.

Serving at the tea table were Mrs. C.R. Korte, Mrs. Henry Schmidt, Mrs. Richard Sille, Mrs. William Stock, Mrs. Carl Tinnermeier, Mrs. Gertrude Tinnermeier and Mrs. Louis Toedt. Also assisting were Mrs. Dwight Grimes, Joyce Osborn, Donita, Karen and Mary Lou Sille and Barbara Tiedje. Mrs. Earl Trout provided piano selections. Guest were present from Ames, Baxter, Cedar Falls, Conrad, Des Moines, Dexter, Gilman, Grinnell, Haverhill, Jewell, Laurel, Manning, Marshalltown, Melbourne, State Center, Van Horne, Washington, Waterloo, Newton, Pella, Sully, Van Cleave and Wellsburg.. The Rev. and Mrs. E. Burrichter of Washington attended the open house and were overnight guests of the Bollhoefers. ~ Newton Daily News.

~ Brock, George & Valura Marshall ~

Honored at Open House Event Held at Farm Home Monday
Married: March 11, 1896

Prairie City - Mr. and Mrs. George A. Brock were honored on their golden wedding anniversary celebration, Monday, March 11 when they received friends and relatives at an open-house extended at their home, four and a half miles northeast of Prairie City and 12 miles southwest of Newton. Guests were invited to call between 1-5:00 p.m.

Mr. Brock, son of John and Margaret Carrier Brock, was born June 6, 1868 at London, Ky., and came to Iowa at the age of two. Mrs. Brock is the former Valura M. Marshall, daughter of Emery and Mary Bone Marshall. The youngest of 12 children, she was born on a farm two miles southwest of Newton and has been a lifelong Jasper county resident.

The couple was married in the home of the bride's parents on March 11, 1896, and soon after bought the farm where they have been for 45 years.

Mr. and Mrs. Brock have two children, a son, George Vernon Brock of Colfax and a daughter, Mrs. Bonnie V. Coy of Cedar Rapids, Ia.; also three grandchildren. T/Sgt. Malcom Lee Coy, Hq. and Sv. T. Troop, 15th Cavalry Ren. Sq., with the occupation army stationed near Stuttgart, Germany. Bonnie Ardell Coy, Senior student at Coe College and Claire Brock Coy, student at Benjamin Junior high school, Cedar Rapids.

The son and daughter received the guests who were registered by Claire Brock Coy in the guest book which was the gift of Marjorie Brock Yost.

Mrs. George Vernon Brock daughter-in-law of the couple was in charge of the coffee service.

Original Guests - Among guests present Monday who attended the wedding 50 years ago were Mrs. W. H. Brock, C.O. Marshall and Mrs. Lincoln Marshall all of Newton and Mrs. Myra Brock Emmack. During the afternoon Eddie Roberts entertained the group with three accordion solos, "Silver Threads Among the Gold," "Some Sunny Morning" and "Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet."

Arrangements of yellow jonquils and acacia with yellow and white tapers centered the dining table from which a three-tiered wedding cake was served.

Potted plants and cut flowers completed the decorations. Guests favors were gold-lace nut cups and white napkins embossed in gold lettering the transcription "Valura and George, 1896 - 1946."

Among the many congratulatory cards, letters and lovely gifts received by Mr. and Mrs. Brock was an oil painting by Grandmother Ardell. ~ Newton Daily News, March, 1946.

~ Brown, Harvey & Mary Thompson ~

Linnville Couple Observe 50th Wedding Anniversary
Married: January 10, 1917

Harvey H. Brown and Mary E. (nee Thompson) Brown Approximately 140 relatives and friends honored Mr. and Mrs. Harvey BROWN of Linnville at an open house on the occasion of their Golden Wedding anniversary on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 8, during the hours of 2 to 4.

The couple greeted guests at the Linnville Friends church parlors and were assisted in the receiving line by their two sons, Leonard H. and Floyd R. and their wives of Moline, Ill., and by their daughter, Mrs. Robert (Evelyn) Arthur and her husband of Searsboro, and by their 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Married In Newton

Mary E. Thompson of Grinnell and Harvey H. Brown of Linnville were married on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 1917 at Newton at the Methodist parsonage by the Rev. W. H. Heppe. The couple lived and farmed near Grinnell for 24 years and near Linnville the past 26 years.

Registering the guests was Miss Carolyn Arthur of Searsboto, and Mrs. Jim Salsman and Janet Brown were in charge of the gift table. A money tree and many beautiful gifts were received by the couple.

Anniversary Cake

Presiding at the coffee service was Mrs. Leonard Brown and at the punch bowl was Mrs. Floyd Brown, daughters-in-law of the couple. Mrs. Ronald L. Brown and Nickie Martin of Moline served the cake. Assisting in the kitchen were Irene Graham, G. Gertsma of Linnville; Mrs. Eva. Noel, Mrs. Grace Mitchell and Frances Thompson of Grinnell; Lela Bennett of Reasnor, Mary Bazyn of Brooklyn.

Display Old Photos

Photos of the couple on their wedding day and other interesting pictures were on display. Pictures were also taken on the day of the open house.

The couple's children and their families were with Mr. and Mrs. Brown for dinner on Sunday, Jan. 8, and observed Mr. Brown's birthday which was Jan. 10, with a birthday cake.

Relatives and friends were present at the open house from New Sharon, Des Moines, Reasnor, Searsboro, Newton, Brooklyn, Montezuma, Grundy Center, and Grinnell. Others attended from Moline, Ill., and Trenton, Mo.

~ Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Emory ~

Tenth Wedding Anniversary
January 1886

Hickory Grove - A number of friends planned and successfully carried out a delightful surprise on Mr. and Mrs. Emory Brown last Tuesday evening, it being the tenth anniversary of their marriage, when about sixty of their friends, both young and old, dropped in upon them well laden with all the good things to satisfy the inner man. Mr. and Mrs. Brown soon took in the situation and extended a hearty welcome to the visitors. An excellent supper was served and a most delightful and social evening was spent, which both old and young enjoyed. Mr. and Mrs. Brown received many useful presents in tin ware of all kinds. After wishing their host and hostess many happy years, the company separated to their respective homes. ~ The Newton Record, Part Two, Friday, January 31, 1896, Page 4, Column 2

~ Brown, James & Maggie Johnstone ~

Tin Wedding Anniversary
30 Oct 1889

Last Tuesday evening, our good friends, Mr. and Mrs. James Brown were the willing victims of a neat surprise sprung on them by their neighbors, which resulted in one of the merriest evenings that could be imagined. Just ten years ago, October 30, 1889, James Brown and Miss Maggie Johnstone plighted their marriage vows, at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. McG. Johnstone, on the C. C. Harrah farm north of town, with Rev. Dickinson of the Congregational Church officiating; it was in honor of that happy event that the surprise on Tuesday evening was conceived and carried out; and it was a surprise in the fullest sense. There were about fifty present - as jolly a crowd as could possibly be gathered together - and their sudden and unexpected arrival at the home, almost took the breath of the host and hostess. But the truth soon flashed through their minds and the fun began which did not end until the hour for goodbyes came - all too soon. A sumptuous supper was served, which was one of the interesting features of the evening. The Mandolin Club, composed of Frank and May Baker and Mrs. Ethel Boyd, were present and their music added greatly to the evening's enjoyment. Many pretty tin wedding gifts were received by the host and hostess.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown are numbered among our best people and their first ten years of married life have been marked by temporal prosperity and uninterrupted happiness. The have three fine, manly boys, which makes their home complete. Following were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Brown on their "Tin Wedding" anniversary.

Messrs. And Mesdames Will Carrier, Josh Crawford, Ed Conn, Robt Davidson, Oscar Evans, Matt Evans, Niels Hanson, Chas. Kappel, C H. McLain, E. J. Miles, Elsworth Robinson, Chris Skow, Frank Woodrow; Mesdames Gib. Brown, A. Carrier, Phil. Dinsmore, Anna Gibford, Lloyd Jones, Jesse Kilgore, W. A. Loomis; Messrs. Will Brown, Rev. R. F. Chambers, R. M. Martin and G. W. Wormley; Misses Clara Brown, Libbie and Ella Jones, Ella Davidson, Edith Kilgore, Emma and Belle Robinson.~ The Newton Record, Thursday, November 2, 1899, Page 1, Column 5

~ Buchanan, Mr. & Mrs. John ~

Married: February 1869

Tuesday was the 26th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. John Buchanan, and about forty of their neighbors and friends gathered at their home ten miles northeast of town Tuesday evening and surprised them. Various games and social talk made a very enjoyable evening.~ The Newton Record, Friday, February 15, 1895, Page 7, Column 3

~ Burroughs, Richard & Alma Newcomer ~

Gilman Couple Observe Sixtieth Anniversary
Married: November 4, 1903

Gilman (Special) -- The lovely home of Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Burroughs, two miles south of Gilman, was the scene of much activity and pleasure Sunday afternoon, the occasion being the observance of the 60th wedding anniversary of the couple.

One hundred ninety persons signed the guest book, presided over by Mrs. Helen Tuirner. The following eight people of the 88 present at the wedding 60 years ago enjoyed the festivities Sunday afternoon: Ruth Stoaks Turney, George Palmer, Alma Hartzel Bailey, Ralph Phillips, Bernice Hartzel Cole, Mable Hartzel McCaulley, Rilla Adams Rasp, Edith Palmer Sears.

Many Floral Gifts

Beautiful yellow and white chrysanthemums centered the refreshment table and lovely potted mum plants used throughout the house were gifts from relatives and friends. Other gifts and over 200 cards and letters were received by the couple. Those presiding at the tea table during the afternoon hours were: Mrs. C. J. Newcomer, Mrs. Carmel Davis, and Mrs. Wayne Estal, Rev. Roland Wendell sang "Bless This House" for the honored couple.

Guests from out of the state were the daughter, Mrs. Laura Burroughs Clausen of Rochester, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Simpson and Mrs. Beatrice Simpson Dwyer of Faribault, Minn.; and Mrs. Mary Evertts of Goderich, Canada.

Richard (Dick) Burroughs and Miss Alma Newcomer were married Nov. 4, 1903, at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Newcomer, near Newburg by Rev. C. L. Hammond, pastor of the Newburg Congregational church. They have made their home south of Gilman ever since. Ten years ago they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary among their hosts of friends and relatives. They have always been members of the Newburg church and active in every good work in the community.

Lovely Old Home

Something must be said of the lovely house in which they live. It is built of solid walnut, cut from trees in Hickory Grove township, Jasper county. These trees, which grew alongside a stream, died for some peculiar reason. By the time they were used they were well seasoned and taken to Marshalltown and cut for use in the building which was erected in 1912. The carpenter work was done by Anson Palmer, an expert carpenter of Newburg. All the woodwork inside, floors included, is lovely walnut and a few years ago was refinished by Mr. and Mrs. Burroughs.

Mr. and Mrs. Burroughs have three daughters who planned the Sunday observance. They are Mrs. Gene (Priscilla) Riley of Colfax, Mrs. Wendall (Verna) Paul, and Mrs. Ova (Laura) Clausen of Rochester, Minn.

~ Burchinal, T. P. & Dunham, Mary ~

Married: October 1860

Monroe - On Wednesday last, occurred the thirty-fifth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Burchinal. So the children and relatives came home to celebrate it with them, and as Mr. and Mrs. Burchinal are jovial people, the had a merry time. The following people were present: Mr. and Mrs. Zurley, Mr. and Mrs. Will Zurley, Mr. and Mrs. Will Edmonds, Will M. Livingston and wife, Mr. Husted and wife, Homer Burchinal and wife.

Note: see biography in 1878 Fairview Township

~ Burton, Mr. & Mrs. John ~

Married: December 1852

John Burton and wife, old time residents of the Lynnville neighborhood, and the former, for many years a member of the Jasper County Board of Supervisors, celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary on Christmas, at their home, 1220 East Filmore, Des Moines. Their daughter and family - Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Shafer and two children, and Mr. and Mrs. John Ryan - the former a cousin of Mrs. Burton - were in attendance from this city. ~ The Newton Record, Thursday, January 2, 1902, Page 5, Column 4

~ Bucklin, E. O. & Nancy E.¹ ~

WED FOR FIFTY YEARS

Celebration
Mr. and Mrs. E. O. Bucklin of Rhodes
Given a Most Happy Golden Wedding

Mr. and Mrs. E. O. Bucklin were given a happy surprise Tuesday, Jan. 22, at their home at Rhodes, in honor of their golden wedding, which came on that day, when twenty relatives from Mingo and Baxter came to spend the day. A bounteous dinner brought by the guests was served and most everything that one could wish for was on the table, including several large wedding cakes which had been sent to the couple from relatives away. Those present were Mrs. Sarah Miller and two children, Mr. and Mrs. Merle `Varner and two children, Mr. and Mrs. George Swallwell and three children, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Miller and two children, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bucklin and Mrs. Tom Kennedy. In the afternoon they were again given a surprise when a delegation from the Methodist Protestant church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Bucklin have been members for many years, went in to extend their best wishes. Those present were Rev, and Mrs. Eugene Parrott, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Davis, Mesdames Charles Hildreth, C. F. Dewey, E. V. Snowgren, William Steiner, Ollie Luttekin, Sarah Freland, C. O. Sween and George Chamberlain, and Misses Hannah Fox and Mary Robinson. They presented Mr. and Mrs. Bucklin with a $5 gold piece, a beautiful bouquet of flowers and several other gifts. A nice lunch was served by Mesdames E. V. Snowgren and C. O. Sween. Mr. and Mrs. Bucklin also received many cards and other gifts from relatives and friends, and their golden wedding day, altho planned as being just the same as any other day, proved to be one that will long be remembered by the highly esteemed couple. ~ The Baxter (Iowa) New Era, January 31, 1919 ~ The Baxter (Iowa) New Era, January 31, 1929

1. 1910 U.S. Census, Eden Twp., Marshall Co., Iowa