Allamakee co. IAGenWeb Marriage, Anniversary & Divorce Records

Notes:
-Anniversaries are arranged by date
-Some of the couples may have more than one anniversary announcement
1930-1949 * 1950-1979 * 1980-present

Editor & wife, 20th, 1879
Next Thursday, New Year's day, will be the 20th anniversary of the wedding of the editor of the Review and his better half. We have hired a room down town in which to store the surplus china ware! ~Postville Review, December 27, 1879

Mr. and Mrs. Row, 25th, 1880
By some means it became known on Friday of last week to a few of the energetic lady workers of Postville that last Saturday was the 25th anniversary of the marriage of county Superintendant ROW and lady. They at once decided not to let the occasion pass without some recognition of the high esteem in which these worth people are held by the citizens of Postville with whom they have resided and diligently labored for the past three years. Accordingly they canvassed the town quietly (for it was to be a surprise) and appointed the place of meeting at the Congregational Church at 7:30 on Saturday evening. In the mean time a few fitting presents, as tokens of esteem, had been ordered on Friday from Cedar Rapids, and on account of a wreck on the railroad the Saturday train had been delayed from 1 to 10 o'clock, P.M. This was a serious and grievous break in the arrangement and was the only unpleasant thing connected with the affair, as it prolonged the exercises beyond a reasonable limit. By 8 o'clock the church was well filled with the "beauty and the chivalry" of Postville, and a committee consisting of Mrs. PRATT and Mrs. Hall ROBERTS was dispatched to bring in the chief characters who strange to say were in blissful ignorance of the impending doom! The committee informed Mr. and Mrs. ROW that a sociable was in progress at the church and that a few of their particular friends desired their attendance. The Prof. was up to his eyes in "examination" papers, and was on the point of refusing, but his gallantry forbade and he and Mrs. ROW and the children accompanied the ladies to the church. Even then and for some time afterwards they had no idea of the nature of the gathering. In due time a collation was served and toasts were in order, which were called out and responded to as follows: "Our wives and sweethearts, God bless them. [remainder of toast is too faint to read] Mr. ROW responded [illegible] and appropriate remarks, cordially thanking the people for their generosity and more than all for the friendship and regard that prompted this public expression of approval of their labors here, and assured them that during their further stay in our midst they would continue to be actuated by the same motives. Thus ended another of those social events for which Postville is becoming famous. The participants will long remember it with pleasing reflections. ~Postville Review, April 10, 1880

Mr. and Mrs. John H. Wilson, 15th, 1880
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. Clipped from the Dubuque Herald: The crystal wedding of Mr. and Mrs. John H. WILSON was celebrated at their home in Postville last Thursday and was a grand affair and participated in by 80 persons. [a lengthly description of the party followed] ~Postville Review May 15, 1880

Mr. and Mrs. H.O. Dayton, 15th, 1881
The fifteenth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. H.O. DAYTON, last Saturday is said to have been the grandest affair of the kind ever held in this county. ~Postville Review, September 3, 1881

Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Bollman, 20th, 1883
The 19th inst. being the 20th anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. J.E. BOLLMAN's wedding day, about 40 relative and friends gathered at their residence, near Frankville, to help them celebrate the event. ~Postville Review, December 1, 1883

Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Row, 50th, 1885
Last Monday was the 50th anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jas. ROW of Postville. Their old neighbors and friends on Henderson prairie got up a surprise party and came in force and took them by storm. ~Postville Review June 20, 1885

Mr. and Mrs. John L. Jemison, 5th, 1886
One of those occasions that are far to infrequent in this selfish world of ours, was the "wooden wedding" down at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John L. JEMISON, last Saturday evening. A goodly number from town met a large company of the more immediate neighbors of the bride and groom of five years standing, and whiled away the evening hours in social converse. Nothing happened to mar the pleasure of the evening, except that Will WARNER was disposed to be a little noisy. [extracted from a lengthly article] ~Postville Review, November 6, 1886 - contributed by S. Ferrall

Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Sanders, 40th, 1888
Last night was the 40th anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. SANDERS' marriage. We hope their golden wedding will find them enjoying the same degree of health and happiness as now. ~Postville Review, April 14, 1888

Mr. and Mrs. B.W. Rathbun, 20th, 1888
Thanks to the many friends who surprised us on the evening of Nov. 10th, the 20th anniversary of our marriage. Mr. and Mrs. B.W. RATHBUN ~Postville Review November 24, 1888

Mr. and Mrs. John Abel, 50th, 1889
Mr. and Mrs. John ABEL have had their golden wedding anniversary. ~Postville Review, October 12, 1889

Mr. and Mrs. Warren A. Owen, 25th, 1890
SILVER WEDDING. Mr. and Mrs. Warren A. OWEN of Franklin twp. celebrated last night, Oct 1st, the 25th anniversary of their wedded life. They were married in Wisconsin and came to Iowa 11 years ago where they have since resided. All the children, eight in number, were present except Miss Emma, who is teaching in Dakota ~Postville Review, October 4, 1890

Mr. and Mrs. David W. Douglass, 25th, 1892

January 11,1867-January 11, 1892
Mr. & Mrs. D.W. Douglass 25th wedding anniv. invitation

Twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of D.W. Douglass and Adeline C. Ewing, Monday January 11, 1892. Yourself and family are cordially invited to be present and participate in the festivities at our residence 1 1/2 miles south of Waukon. ~Original invitation - contributed by Russell Topel

Dr. and Mrs. Becker, 5th, 1893
Dr. and Mrs. BECKER gave a tea party in honor of their fifth marriage anniversary, on Thursday evening, which was largely attended and a splendid time is reported. ~Postville Review, January 28, 1893

Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Parker, 50th, 1898
After Fifty Years. On New Year's evening a happy family gathering was at the home of James Parker, the occasion being a celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Parker. Owing to the limited accommodations, but few invitations were extended to persons outside the immediate family. At the hour appointed, the venerable couple once more joined hands and repeated the pledge which made them one half a century ago. This time they were surrounded by children and grandchildren of their own who heartily assented to Pastor Barton's invocation that the rich blessings of heaven might rest on these who had traveled together so long. After the ceremony, in which Florence and Minnie (grandchildren) Parker were bridesmaids, a collation was spread and this disposed of, the balance of the evening was spent in genuine family reunion style, songs, recitations and conversation well mixed with recollections of interesting events in the days when the bride and groom were young. Several tokens of loving remembrance were left with Mr. and M. Parker as reminders that they have entered on the "golden age." May they live yet many years and be a blessing to each other and the community in which they have made their home so long. ~ Postville Graphic, January 6, 1898, P 3 - transcribed by LA

Mr. and Mrs. John Crosby, 5th, 1898
The party at John Crosby's happened on the event of his 5th marriage anniversary and the company left a very fine rocking chair as appropriate to the occasion. ~Postville Review, February 25,1898

Mr. & Mrs. J.F. Newell, 50th, 1898
A PIONEER STORY. - Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Newell, of Waukon, celebrated their golden wedding March 7th. That date was also Mr. N.’s 81st birthday. Mr. Newell came to Iowa in 1851, and while looking about visited Frankville, and declined a munificent offer from Frank Teabout of ten acres of ground if he would locate and build a blacksmith shop. After looking around a bit he went back to New York and in 1853 he brought out his family. Scott Shattuck met him at Dubuque, and persuaded him to go to Waukon. He did so and that family became the “first family” of Allamakee's capital city. The Standard, from which we glean these incidents, adds this story of that first pioneer year:
In June 1853, the first District Court was held in “Wawkon." It was necessary to have a court-house and money was raised and a 10x14 feet log cabin that stood near Mrs. Cooper’s residence southeast of town and owned by a Mr. Pitcher was bought and moved onto the lot now occupied by Bellows & Eggleston's tin shop. A small “lean-to" was added for the grand jury room. The night before the opening of court was dark and rainy; about 12 o’clock there was a loud knocking at the door of the Newell cabin for admittance and shelter, among the party being Gen. Vandever and Messrs. Burt and Samuels, of Dubuque, and Sam’l Murdock and Ruben Noble, of Garnavillo. They were informed they could come in if they would on the floor; they had brought with sleep{?} them a bed tick and going through the rain to a nearby straw stack filled it with wet straw, took it to the house and as many as could find straw to lie on did so and enjoyed the comfort of a shelter in that 16xl8 feet house, which, beside the Newell family, accommodated eight regular boarders, seven of whom, including D. W. Adams, and L. T. Woodcook, slept up stairs. Hersey Pratt having the honor of being “in on the ground floor” with the aforesaid distinguished guests. And yet that pioneer cabin was never too small nor too full to accommodate others. ~Decorah Republican Mar. 17, 1898 P 7 C 3 ~contributed by Joy Moore

Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Ferris, 50th, 1902
Oscar and Zilpha Ferris of Waukon passed their golden wedding day on the 23d ult. Their church (Baptist) and Masonic friends united in surprising them with a celebration. In 1865-6 Mr. Ferris operated the Bluffton mill. ~Decorah Republican Oct. 9, 1902, Page 3 Col 2 - transcribed by Joy Moore

Mr. and Mrs. James Orr, 50th, 1905
On December 31, 1905, Mr. and Mrs. James Orr of this city will round out fifty years of married life, most of which has been spent in Post township. The anniversary day falling on Sunday they have decided to celebrate their golden wedding on the day previous, Saturday Dec 30th, at which time all the children and grandchildren will come together under the old parental roof to make marry. [the next 2 lines are too dark to read] .. of all their faculties. All but one of their seven children are married, and death has never invaded their family circle. The coming celebration is looked forward to with no little pleasure and may nothing transpire to mar the pleasant anticipations of our old and honored friends. ~Postville Review, December 22, 1905 - transcribed by S.Ferrall
Mr. and Mrs. James Orr of Postville will celebrate their golden wedding on Saturday this week. ~Decorah Republican, Dec. 28, 1905 P3 C2 - transcribed by Joy Moore

Mr. and Mrs. Milton J. Perington, 50th 1906

As the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. M.J. Perington of Oakland Valley which occurred Friday February 16, 1906, was not made the occasion of a gathering of friends, as is frequently done, a mention of the anniversary in our columns becomes even more desirable, that the event may not pass unnoticed. Milton John Perington was born in the state of Ohio on April 7, 1830* and Olive Carolyn Pardee was born in Pennsylvania on February 16, 1838. They were married at Rossville, Iowa, on Mrs. Perington's eighteenth birthday, February 16, 1856. The have made Iowa their home permanently since 1871. Six of the nine children born to them still survive - Mrs. Edwin Sands, Belmond; Mrs. Geo. Stewart, Iowa Falls; Mrs. S.N. Cleveland, Alden; Mrs. O.C. McClintock, Rossville; W.W. Perington, Oakland Valley and Mrs. McMurry, Kerkhoven, Minnesota. There are sixteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Perington has an honorable record for service in the Civil war. He was mustered into service August 13, 1871 as a member of Company G, 29th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, promoted to the post of corporal and mustered out at Shreveport, La., June 25, 1865. The photographs are recent. ~The Alden Times, Alden, Iowa, Friday, February 23, 1906; Notes: Oakland Valley is near Popejoy, Franklin co. IA; Mr. Perington's obit gives his year of birth as *1828 rather than 1830

Mr. and Mrs. George Pixler, 25th, 1909
Mr. and Mrs. George Pixler will celebrate their silver wedding anniversary on Saturday evening, Jan. 30th at their home in Grand Meadow township, Clayton county. ~Postville Review, January 22, 1909

Mr. and Mrs. Bernhard Hirth, 50th, 1910

Bernard & Caroline Hirth

In order that the day of which the 50th anniversary of their marriage might seem like the day they were married in the wilds of Iowa in the early sixties, Mr. and Mrs. Bernhard Hirth raised a tent in the yard of their home, 5128 Washington avenue south, in which an old settlers' luncheon was served to nearly 75 guests of the day. Old in age but young in heart and spirit, the old couple, 72 and 68 years, respectively, celebrated their golden anniversary with almost as much joy as on their wedding day, on March 12, 1860, in Lansing, Ia. They have resided in Minneapolis for 21 years.

Those present at the celebration who are members of the family were:

Mr. and Mrs. Bernhard Hirth
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Hirth
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Hirth
Mr. and Mrs. L.T. Hirth

Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Hirth
Mr. and Mrs. George Dayton Adams
Miss Mary T. Hirth
Miss Clara E. Hirth

Mis Helen H. Hirth
Mr. Roy E. Hirth
Miss Irene Hirth

Others who participated in the observance of the day were:

Mr. and Mrs. George A. Farrell
Mr. and Mrs. P.W. Wirth
Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Erickson
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Weiermuller
Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Riser
Mrs. R. Metz
Mrs. F. Lorenz
Mrs. C.A. Donahue
Mrs. R. Mooney
Mrs. S. Anderson
Mrs. George Eckhardt
Mr. and Mrs. J.G. Oswald
Mr. and Mrs. George Libby
Mr. and Mrs. M.S. Mathews
Mr. and Mrs. J. Oswald
Mr. and Mrs. H.F. Hartfell
Mr. and Mrs. S.M. Neely

Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Hume
Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Mooney
Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Cole
Mr. and Mrs. H.F. Whitford
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Koehler
Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Sandry
Mr. and Mrs. E.D. Savage
Mrs. Fred Schelk
Mrs. R. Sievers
Mrs. A. Wilson
Mrs. F.G. McFarland
Miss Clara Berdel
Miss Clara Sahly
Miss Elsie E. Hartfell
Miss Sadie E. Libby
Miss Carolyn Rankin
Miss Georgia F. Lucas

Miss T. Echhardt
Miss Edith Schach
Miss Bertha Zehrendt
Miss Caroline Brown
Miss Phyllis Wirth
Miss Gladys Stevers
Miss Lulu B. Clough
Mr. Samuel Sahly
Mr. H.W. Wiecking
Mr. Charles Brunck
Mr. W.H. Sabley
Mr. Otto J. Zebrendt
Mr. Herman Echart
Mr. E.K. Jones
Mr. Clarence Richards
Mr. Frank Richards

Guests from out of the city were:

Mr. and Mrs. A.T. Sandry, Church, Iowa
Miss Bertha Sandry, Church, Iowa
Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Decker, Church, Iowa
Mrs. Henry Martin, Waukon, Iowa
Mr. Wayne Martin, Waukon, Iowa
Mrs. Ernest F. Klein, Chicago, Ill
Miss Martha Sandry, Chicago, Ill
Mr. Theodore B. Sandry, Chicago, Ill

Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Sandry, Dubuque, Iowa
Mr. Clarence Sandry, Dubuque, Iowa
Mr. and Mrs. George F. Kumpf, New Albin, Iowa
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hirth, Lansing, Iowa
Mr. and Mrs. William Wendel, Lansing, Iowa
Mrs. Anna Gray, Haywards, California
Mr. and Mrs. Willis Brouse, St. Paul, Minn.

~Minneapolis Morning Tribune, May 24, 1910, pg 8 (included the photo) ~transcribed by S. Ferrall
Note: Bernard died 5/1/1925 and Caroline died 1/14/1919. They are buried in Lakewood cemetery, Minneapolis, MN

Mr.and Mrs. Peter Jones, 67th, 1914
Were Married Sixty-Seven Years Ago. November 28, Mr.and Mrs. Peter JONES, of this place observed the sixty-seventh anniversary of their marriage, which took place in Ireland. They came to the United States in 1849, locating in New York. Later they moved to the vicinity of St. Louis where they remained for a couple of years. In 1851 they settled onto a farm in Allamakee county. In 1872 they bought a home in Great Oak township and a number of years ago moved to Emmetsburg. Mr. JONES is eighty-nine years of age and Mrs. JONES is a year or two younger. Their many friends sincerely hope they will have the happiness to celebrate the seventy-fifth anniversary of their union. ~Emmetsburg Democrat, 2 Dec 1914

Mr. and Mrs. John Leithold, 50th, 1915
Mr. and Mrs. John LEITHOLD, former local residents, will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in Woodland, Calif., June 5, after which Miss Chrystal LEITHOLD will retun to Postville to continue the piano store. ~Iowa Volksblatt May 28, 1915

Mr. and Mrs. A.M. May, 50th, 1915
Mr. and Mrs. A.M. MAY of Waukon celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary Monday. ~Postville Review, July 30, 1915 - contributed by S. Ferrall and below, from the Waukon Standard July 29, 1915 - contributed by Jeannie Hegeman:

The 50th Wedding Anniversary of Old And Honored Waukon Citizens Is Appropriately Observed At Their Home On Monday
The fiftieth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. A. M. May was quietly observed at their home Monday by the presence of the B. D. Helming and R.J. Alexander families, the home coming of Mr. and Mrs. R.B. May and son Robert of Des Moines, and Frank H. May of Chicago. A quiet picnic dinner was enjoyed. Congratulating telegrams were received from Los Angeles, Cal., Washington, D.C., and Harwichport, Mass., and a cablegram from Christiana, Norway, besides letters from other places. Later came two surprises: John J. Stillman Post, G. A. R., and veterans marched with the colors to the home and coming to a halt in rank presented beautiful bouquetes of flowers, one especially noticeable in "red, white and blue." A congratulatory address was made for the Post by Dr. Strock and fittingly responded to by Mr. and Mrs. May. On behalf of the W. R. C, Mrs. F. H. Robbins and Mrs. D. R. Walker presented large bouquetes. About 5 o'clock the Women's Literary Club came, took possession with congratulations, flowers, and a social time, concluding with ice cream and cake. Like the G. A. R., they retired with kind wishes for returns of other happy anniversaries. Miss Jessie Lewis, for many years one of our successful teachers, came with a beautiful poem most appropriate for the occasion. Mrs. H. A. Howe remembered the event with a beautiful "golden" anniversary cake with "1865 - 1915" thereon. Other friends came with flowers and congratulations during the evening. Alonzo Martin May was born in Scio, New York, March 20, 1838, and is in the ninth generation from Thomas May, born at Mayfield, England, in 1590, who with two brothers came to America. In this family was Dorothy May, wife of William Bradford who became governor of Plymouth Colony. She died on ship-board on the passage to America. When five years old "A.M." came with the family of his father, P.F. May, to Will County, Ill. and after three years to Wisconsin, where for twenty years his home was in Green Lake and Rock counties. He attended the common schools from '51 to '56 worked on the farm summers, prepared for college at Ripton, where he became acquainted with his future wife, also a student, and graduated from Beloit College, Wisconsin, with the class of 1864. The evening of the Sunday the telegram came that Fort Sumter had been fired on by the rebels, he, with a large number of other students offered their service to the government under the call for three months men, and later again enlisted in the 40th Wis., Inf., known as the "student regiment". At one time he, his father in another regiment, and a brother, Isaac, in a Minnesota regiment, met for the last time in Memphis, Tenn. The oldest boy left at home to look after the family was eight years old, Frank E. May, now of Storm Lake, Iowa. After being mustered out in the fall of 1864 "A.M." went to New York City and completed a three year's course in Union Theological Seminary. July 26, 1865, at Beloit, Wis., he was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Mary Hayward, second daughter of Hon. Paul Davis Hayward, of Revolutionary descent. He was named for his ancester "Paul Davis", whose honorable discharge from the American Army as "Sergeant of the 5th Massachusetts Regiment after five years and nine months service" was signed by "G. Washington, General & Commander in Chief of the forces of the United States of America," June 8, 1793, and countersigned by "J. Trumbull, Jr. Sec'y". He was awarded a badge of merit for his long service.
Miss Hayward was born in Green Bay, Wis., June 5, 1842. Her family was represented in the civil war by her father and a brother Richard L. in Wisconsin regiments, and by her brother, Captain George W., who graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1861. He died at Alexandria, Egypt, January, 1886, while on duty. During '65 - '67, Mr. and Mrs. May resided in New York while he was completing his course of study supporting himself and family by teaching in private schools and musical work in churches on Sundays. In 1867 he located in Waukon, Iowa, as rector of St. Paul's P. E. Church and continued as such for five years. He has been a leader of choirs for nearly sixty years, and for more than forty years has been conductor of the M. E. church choir of Waukon which ranks among the best in northeastern Iowa. In March, 1868, he purchased for his brother-in-law, R. L. Hayward, the Waukon Standard, a three months old newspaper. Ill health compelled Mr. Hayward to retire at the end of the year. He went south and died in Texas in 1882; Mr. May continued as principal proprietor and editor for thirty-three years. For nine years E. M Hancock, who had learned the business in the office, was associated with him as partner, taking principal charge of the paper while Mr. May was acting as official short-hand reporter for the courts of the 10th Judicial District, resigning after thirteen years service. During the last four years of this time, Mrs. May had editorial charge of the paper and it was efficiently and well done. She has always been active in church, temperance and the missionary work of the M. E. church. She was a charter member of the Waukon Woman's Literary Club, recognized as the second oldest woman's literary club in the state, and still in active work. On account of physical and nervous break-down Mr. May sold the Standard to his son Robert Bruce, who successfully conducted it for over eight years. From 1868 to 1901, while under A. M. May's control the Standard advocated prohibition and woman suffrage. So far as known he was the first user of a type writer in regular editorial work in Iowa, beginning in the early part of 1875, the next earliest being that in the Des Moines Register office, about 1882, according to its former publisher, James S. Clarkson. Mr. May has been connected with the Masonic and I.O.O.F. fraternities for nearly fifty years, was a charter member of John J. Stillman Post, G. A. R., and has been its adjutant for over thirty years. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. May; Frank H., for years holding a good position with the Western Newspaper Union of Chicago; Anna L., who married Rev. G. N. Kenniston and died in 1890; Jessie E., now and for years past private secretary in the manager's office of the U. S. Steel corporation in New York City; Robert Bruce, now with the Iowa Homestead Co. in Des Moines; Winifred, now Mrs. B. D. Helming of Waukon; Paul D., clerk in the Adjutant General's office in Washington, D.C. He also served one year as purser of the U.S. ship Tacoma in the Spanish-American war, three years in the signal service in the Phillipines, also as government clerk in Panama; Langford, constructing engineer, Los Angeles, Cal.; and Marian, wife of Dr. Elmar Onsum of Christiana, Norway, head physician in a large hospital, and general writer for leading daily papers of that city and representative of the Associated Press.

To Mr. and Mrs. A. M. May
(by Miss Jessie Lewis)

A half century has passed away
And brought the Golden Wedding Day;
A half a century of joy and mirth;
Grief came, too, as it must on earth.
To both was sent the gift of song
To lighten and brighten the day along,
Not only for you but others as well,
How much no words of mine can tell,
For, generous as the gift to you,
So gave you to others the long years thru___
Gave with no tho't the gift to spend___
Gave freely to church or children or friend.
Your gift of song is by no means small,
So, freely you gave to your paper wide,
To club and to many a friend beside;
For facts and figures, quotations true___
Each one has been in turn to you.
The Standard, though gone from the house of May
Will be known as your paper for many a day.
You've stood for temperance true and strong,
For every good___ to right all wrong,
But the best of your long long years of joys
Has been the gift of your girls and boys.
Not one is left in the loving home
But in the wide, wide world they roam___
And each one there has made a place___
Each one is ahead in the world's great race,
One in the east and one in the west,
And scattered between, are all the rest.
O'er the ocean wide went the youngest one
To live in "the land of the midnight sun;"
And one __ ah! __ she went too quickly away
In the early morn of her womanhood's day___
The eldest daughter of the parent's heart ___
She took of their very life a part;
And those who are left, though far away,
In thought and spirit are home today.
And they think of the life of fifty years,
Though sprinkled full of parting tears,
That kept them, loved them, sent them out
Full well equipped for the world about,
And you look forth with love and pride
At the children walking by your side;
Grandchildren too, with gifts of thine,
Each to parents and grandparents fine.
May the last long years of a well spent life
Be loving and free from all care and strife.
May this beautiful sun of the "Golden Day"
Shine clearly on to the Heavenly way,
Where you shall hear at set of sun,
For talents used, the glad "Well done!"

Mr. and Mrs. John Hand, 25th, 1915
Occasion 25th Anniversary of the Marriage of Mr and Mrs John HAND. Thursday evening, January 7, Mr and Mrs John HAND, who live near Ayrshire were happily surprised by their many friends, the occasion being the twenty-fifth anniversary of their marriage, which took place in Allamakee county. Mr and Mrs HAND received an invitation after supper to visit one of the neighbors. They were about to leave when a large number dropped in to see them. There were about forty-five couples in attendance during the evening. A few hours were spent at cards and in dancing Irish reels, jigs and hornpipes. HAMILTON Bros. Orchestra furnished the music. At eleven o'clock supper was served by the ladies who bought an abundance of choice eatables. The wedding cake was decorated with large artificial strawberries and twenty-five lighted candles of various shades and colors were tastily arranged on the table in front of Mr and Mrs HAND. On behalf of the donors, John J HAND presented the bride and groom with two large rocking chairs. Mrs HAND responed with a few well chosen words, saying that she could not find the language to express the kindness and generosity of their neighbors. At the close John J HAND rendered a few choice songs, after which the large gathering dispersed, all wishing Mr and Mrs HAND health and happiness. It is needless to say that the many in attendance enjoyed the occasion. ~Emmetsburg Democrat, Wednesday, Jan 13, 1915

Mr. and Mrs. George Wild, 50th, 1916
Perhaps one of the prettiest events of the season took place September 4th [1916] at the home of Gus Wild in French Creek township, when Mr. and Mrs. George Wild celebrated their golden wedding amid the glad hearts of their children and friends numbering about two hundred in all. The happy couple opened the doors of their hearts to their children at about one o’clock Monday, September 4th, and after the ceremony was performed being assisted by two little grandchildren, who acted as flower girls, the old couple repaired from the old house to the new one which has been built to take its place. The bride was gowned in a lavender dress with gold trimmings. The groom had the usual color and wore a very becoming smile to harmonize with the surroundings. After they had repaired to the house the pastor gave an address which was nicely suited to the occasion. The home was bedecked with golden rod and golden glow besides many other trimmings which go to make up the happiness of such occasions. The bride’s table was adorned with a large wedding cake, which was decorated in gold and white. In one word the scene was a beautiful thing to behold.
After the ceremony a delightful dinner was served to all, after which pictures were taken. Beardmore’s orchestra furnished the music and it goes without saying that a most delightful time was indulged in. Dancing also formed a part of the program. Mr. and Mrs. George Wild were married September 4, 1866, at the home of Mrs. Wild’s uncle, Godfrey Stark, by Reverend Blank. Altho trials and hardships greeted the beginning of the married life, they wrestled with them diligently, and, as is the reward of those who persevere, came out victorious. Heaven blessed them with fourteen children, two of them dying in infancy and two later, being Mrs. Lew Hirth and John Wild, both leaving families, which leaves ten of them to bless their old age. There are 42 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. The happy couple were recipients of many beautiful gifts, including a gold eagle from each of their children making $50 in all. Those who attended from away were Mrs. C. J. Bjorklund and two of Hume, N. Dak., Mr. and Mrs. Thurlow Fulks and two children of Spokane, Wash., Mrs. J. W. Snow and two children of Beach, N. Dak., Geo. Wild of Ferryville, Wis., Mrs. Edward Lenz and two children of Eagle Bend, Minn., and Mr. and Mrs. Art Amundson and baby of LaCrosse, Wisconsin. ~contributed by Diana Henry Diedrich (no source for this article, but likely a local newspaper)

Mr. and Mrs. George Wild, parents of a Rooseveltian family of twelve living children, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at the home of their son in French Creek township, Allamakee County. Two of their fourteen children died in infancy. There are forty-two grandchildren and three great grandchildren, besides their twelve living children in their family. ~Iowa Recorder, September 20, 1916

Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Roggensack, 50th, 1920
Tonight at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Roggensack will be celebrated in appropriate manner the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Roggensack. In reality this event should have taken place on March 9th, but due to the great distance some of the children had to travel to reach here, their work in responsible positions, etc., the present date was fixed. Their children in attendance number eight, and are: Herman, West Union; Henry, Postville; Edward J., Lansing; Mrs. Dehrkopf, Sumner; Lutie, Balfour, N.D.; Emil, Cedar Rapids; Garfield and Charles, Albert Lea, Minn. The father is aged 76 years and the mother 68. Since removing from the farm they have made Lansing their home, and have the respect of their every acquaintance - Lansing Mirror ~Postville Herald, Friday, July 02, 1920 - contributed by Reid R. Johnson

Mr. & Mrs. Charles G. Bock, 50th, 1921
Waukon, Iowa, Feb. 11 - Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Bock of New Albin celebrated their golden wedding. Mr. and Mrs. Bock were united in marriage at DeSoto, Wis., 1871, moving from Lansing to New Albin which has been their home continuously since that time. In the observance of the occasion all their children and their nearest of kin, excepting John J. Bock of Dubuque who was deprived of the privilege on account of illness, were present. A large number of gold coins were left this worthy couple. Mr. and Mrs. Bock are enjoying good health, and bid fair to enjoy many more celebrations of their wedding anniversary. ~Dubuque Times-Journal, Sunday, February 13, 1921 - contributed by S. Ferrall

Mr. & Mrs. John Thoma, 50th, 1921
Mr. and Mrs. John Thoma of this city will observe their golden wedding anniversary February 15, having as their guests only the immmediate family. Mr. and Mrs. John Thoma were married on the old home farm near Postville. ~Dubuque Times-Journal, Sunday, February 13, 1921~Dubuque Times-Journal, Sunday, February 13, 1921 - contributed by S. Ferrall

3 Couples Wedded Ten Years Monday, 1921
Monday marked the tenth anniversary of the marriage of at least three Postville couples -- Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Kohlmann, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Steele and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hecker -- and to commemorate the event the couple first named entertained the others at their home that evening, with Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Horgan as guests of honor. We congratulate all concerned and hope they will all be here to answer "present" when Father Time calls the roll on their Golden Wedding day. ~Postville Herald, April 28, 1921

Mr. and Mrs. James V. Allen, 50th, 1922
An old Postville resident sends this:
Chicago, Jan. 10, 1922
Editor Herald:
I wish to announce the fiftieth anniversary of a couple of old Postville residents, Mr. and Mrs. James V. Allen (nee Addie Hoppes) married Dec. 24, 1871, by Rev. G. L. Garrison, M.E. minister. They celebrated their Golden Wedding in Chicago. Two sons, Royal N. Allen of Chicago and John C. Allen of chicago, two married daughters and six grandchildren were present, and about 150 guests. Mr. Allen is a veteran, Past Commander of Kenyon Post, an old time Mason and Odd Fellow. Mrs. Allen is an active member in church and fraternal orders. We wish them many happy returns of the day. ,
Signed, C. Bullis.
~~Postville Herald, January 26, 1922 - contributed by Reid R. Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. James Collins, Sr., 68th, 1922
Waukegan [sic], Iowa. Jan. 17 - Mr. and Mrs. James Collins, Sr., of this city, are celebrating their 68th wedding anniversary. Collins is 84 years old and Mr. Collins is 91. They were born in Ireland, - came to Allamakee county in 1867 and settled on a farm miles north of here. Bought at $6 an acre. Ten of their 14 children are living, eight of whom were with their parents today. ~Newark Advocate (Newark, Ohio) Jan. 17, 1922 - contributed by Cindy Bray Lovell
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Jan. 17, 1922 - Mr. and Mrs. James Collins, of this city, are celebrating their sixty-eighth wedding anniversary today. Mrs. Collins is 84 years old and Mr. Collins in 91. They were born in Ireland and came to Allamakee county in 1867. Ten of their fourteen children are living, eight of whom are with their parents today. ~clipping, likely from one of the Waukon newspapers - from S. Ferrall

Mr. and Mrs. August Meyer, 50th, 1922

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Friday, June 23rd, was the golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. August Meyer of New Albin, who fifty years ago, in Elstors, Germany, were united in holy wedlock. The event was duly celebrated by their plighting anew their troth, at St. Peter’s church at 3 p.m., in the presence of a large congregation of relatives and friends, Rev. Stoerker and Kegel officiating. Afterwards a reception was tendered to 125 guests at Jordan’s Hall. Six children blessed their union, two, George and William dying in Germany. Those remaining are: Mrs. Charles Gruber, Lansing, Iowa; Mrs. A. C. Bellows, New Albin; August H. Meyer, French Creek; Edward Meyer, of New Albin. They have thirteen grandchildren. ~The Allamakee Journal, July 19, 1922 (included the photo); contributed by Diana Henry Diedrich

Mr. and Mrs. John Krambeer, 55th, 1922
Mr. and Mrs. John Krambeer celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary at Luana last Wednesday. ~Postville Herald, November 23, 1922

Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Ehrie, 40th, 1923
Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Ehrie were given a happy surprise at their home on East Main street Tuesday, when a large number of relatives and friends assembled to assist them in celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Edibles for a bounteous dinner and supper were brought and served by the guests, and a purse of money was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Ehrie as a token of esteem. Mrs. Ehrie appeared in her wedding gown, which she had carefully preserved, and looked as charming as when she took her marriage vows forty years ago. ~The Democrat, (Waukon) May 30, 1923 - contributed by S. Ferrall

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Schott, 50th, ca1925
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Schott were married fifty years yesterday, the knot being tied by the late Rev. Kern, of the Congregational church at Church, and have been residents of this city ever since. The event was celebrated at their cozy home, near the Park, by a 6:30 o’clock dinner, at which their sons, Dr. Otto and Theo., both of Chicago, and their better-halves, as well as other relatives and a few intimate friends, attended. Their only daughter, Mrs. Floyd Culp of Portland, Oregon, was unable to be present. The rooms were appropriately decorated in gold and white and a bountiful three-course dinner served, with wedding cakes galore and something to wash it down, or we greatly miss our guess. Mr. and Mrs. Schott are both in the enjoyment of good health and bid fair to live to enjoy many more wedding anniversaries. ~this notice is undated & source unknown -contributed by Janet Koozer, transcribed by Diana Henry Diedrich. Note: they had been married 25 yrs. as of the 1900 U.S. census, so their 50th anniv. would have been ca1925

Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Fisher, 42nd, 1927
Honoring the 42nd wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Fisher, their daughter, Mrs. C. R. Richardson entertained with a beautifully appointed dinner party at her home on Saturday evening. Marigold and broom were used as the floral decoration and covers were laid for Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Rossa, Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Richardson, Miss Aline Pyle, Harold and Robert Richardson and the host and hostess. A second social affair commemorated the same happy event when Mr. and Mrs. Fisher were honored on Sunday at a dinner party given by friends from their former home in Nebraska. In Long Beach, California, twelve were present for this, including Mr. and Mrs. Richardson. The wedding, the anniversary of which brought a shower of congratulations to the honorees, occurred in Waukon, Iowa, 42 years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher moved from Iowa to Nebraska, where they lived for some years before coming to Oxnard, California. ~Oxnard Daily Courier (Oxnard, California), 02/24/1927- contributed by G. Payne

Mr. and Mrs. Dominick Keffeler, 60th, 1929
Mr. and Mrs. Dominick Keffeler, well known local pioneers, celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary with their family in their home, 1189 Bluff street yesterday. In the morning at 8 o’clock they renewed their marriage vows at St. Mary’s church before their son, Rev. Father Nicholas U. Keffeler, pastor of the Catholic church at Vinton. Relatives and many friends witnessed the service. At 11 o’clock a breakfast was served at the Keffeler home to fifty relatives at tables decorated in the colors of orchid and green and with bowls of summer flowers. Early this morning the celebrants and relatives motored to Vinton to attend mass at the Catholic church in that town. This afternoon Rev. Keffeler is entertaining friends at a picnic at Vinton as a compliment to his parents. Mr. Keffeler was born in Grand Duchy, Luxembourg November 25, 1848. His wife, the former Miss Margaret Rottler, was born in this city April 14, 1854. They were married at the Catholic church at Lansing, Ia., June 22, 1869, and resided on a farm in that locality for forty years. Twenty years ago they moved to this city, where they have since made their home. They have four sons, Rev. Nicholas U. Keffeler, Vinton; Jacob W., Stoneville, S. D.; Dominick J., Dyersville; Anton G., Kansas City; six daughters, Mrs. W. S. Streff, Cedar Rapids, Neb.; Mesdames E. H. Hansen and O. I. Waters, Kansas City; Mesdames Josephine Widmeier, R. H. Taylor, F. L. Stallsmith, all of this city; twenty grandchildren and five great grandchildren. All their children and their families were at the celebration yesterday. Despite their advanced ages the celebrants are enjoying excellent health and are planning on visiting their children in Cedar Rapids and Kansas City this summer. They will motor to their destination. ~Allamakee Journal & Lansing Mirror, June 26, 1929; reprinted from the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, June 23d.- contributed by Ann Krumme

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Danaher, 20th, 1929
Because of their twentieth wedding anniversary, which came a week ago Sunday, and which was duly celebrated by relatives at their home that day, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Danaher were given a second surprise by over forty friends Tuesday evening of last week. They brought a fine basket supper with them and the evening was pleasantly spent at cards and visiting. As a memento of the occasion Mr. and Mrs. Danaher were presented with a sandwich set. ~Allamakee Journal & Lansing Mirror, June 26, 1929, Waukon Chit-Chat column - contributed by Ann Krumme

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Engen, 25th, 1929
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Engen, daughter Mildred and friend Miss Sandon of Thief River Falls, Minn., motored here Friday for a visit with relatives. Mrs. Engen is a sister of Ludvig Larson of this city. Sunday was Mr. and Mrs. Engen’s silver wedding anniversary and it was appropriately celebrated, a large party of relatives and friends gathering at the home of her sister, Mrs. Albert Johnson, in Jefferson township, where a pleasant afternoon and evening was spent.
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Mr. and Mrs. Albert Larson and the twins, Gladys and Gordon, of Jamestown, N. D., and Julius Larson and daughter Irene of Pettibone, N. D., arrived by car last Thursday for a visit with Allamakee relatives and friends and to be present at the silver wedding anniversary of their sister, Mrs. Albert Engen and husband, mentioned else where in this paper. Mr. Albert Larson was at one time proprietor of The Model restaurant in this city in partnership with his brother-in-law, Charles Nelson, now also residing at Jamestown.
~~Allamakee Journal & Lansing Mirror, June 26, 1929, Waukon Chit-Chat column - contributed by Ann Krumme