The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1876-02-03
Golden wedding In RandOlph.-A Happy

Golden Wedding In RandOiph.-A Happy
Affair.
Mr.. EDITOR: The Rev. Joseph
Merriam and wife celebrated their
Golden Wedding on the 25th inst. II
was an occasion of much interest to
the relatives and friends of the family
as we'll as to the citizens of the town.
ship. The Rev. Mr.. Merriam has been
pastor of the Congregational Church
here for fifty.two years. The long
! period of his unbroken pastorate
makes an item in our township history
which has no parallel OH the Western
Reserve, and but few in the United
States. The maiden name OF Mrs
Merriam was Emeline Bidwen. and at
the time OF marriage she lived with
her parents in Madison, Lake Co.. 0.
In accordance to previous notice a
large concource of people had gather
ed at the Congregational Church to
witness the service. In the church in
! front of the pulpit spacious platform
had been constructed, OH which were
| seated Rev. Mr.. Merriam and wife,
their children, grand children, rela
tives and friends, to the number OF
about fifty. The meeting was opened
with a song by the choir, followed by
prayer by Rev. O. Bidwell. After
which the aged couple stood up aud,
t surrounded by a circle of nineteen
grand children, three children, two
sons and one daughter, together with
large number who are relatives and
connections by marriage. The Rev.
MIR. Bidwell, who was the only person
present at their marriage fifty years
ago, then proceeded to pronounce the
marriage ceremony, in which they re-
mewed their covanent vows of mar
riage which they pledged to each 9th
er fifty years ago and which had been
SO faithfully kept by them. Mr.. Bid
well then spoke at some length, re-
viewing the many changes which had
transpired during the past fifty years.
Mr.. Joseph b. Merriam, of Cleveland,
SFONS ~ oShoiA VI tu0
he referred 10 the harmony which had
always existed at home, the early
training which they as children had
received, the impressions made and
the influence which 1t had in mould
ing their characters. There had al
ways existed an anectionate feeling
between parents au children. He re-
ferred TO the habits of industry which
had been taught them in early life as
well as the moral and spiritual train
ing received, which was more. highly
priced by them now than gold. He
referred i'll very feeling manner to
the brother aud sister who had been
called from this world 10 that brighter
one above. Dr. Burton, of Col amer,
then in behalf of those who had been
adopted into the family by marriage,
said that the Godly life and teaching
of the aged couple had carried Joy and |
into other circles and around |
other family alters. He said that there |
was not single member Of the family
who used Intoxicating drinks or tobac-
%, or used profane language. AS q
amily he belieyed them to be entirely
rec from any habits Of immortality.
|. i. Merriam read short chapter of
chronicles very ingeniously composed,
giving condensed history of the
amily, a..r.
Master Willie Merriam responded in
'ehalf of the grandchildren in short
peech very appropriate, at the close
# which all the children joined in re-
pOnse. The citizens of Randolph
hen, through w. II. Bettes, presented
Ir. Merriam a gold-headed cane, OH
he reception of which he responded
II a manner which showed that he
ully reciprocated the good will mani.
ested. -. s.l.
Mrs. DR.. Price then in behalf of The
AIDES of Randolph presented Mrs. 4
leriam with magnificent rocking
hair. Mrs. Merriam responded in Il ,
cry feeling and appropriate manner. s
Remarks were made by Rev. Mr.. /;
'each, RoOtstown, followed by w. j.
who gave history OF the
ownship from 1926 up TO the present
me. After singing by the choir, 5
he Rev. Mr.. Cole pronounced the /
The audience were then I
lvited to repair to the Pastors resi- |
cncc TO participate in the reception,
'hich was held from four till nine
clock i'm the evening. Several hun ,
red embraced this opportunity to |
isiL the Parsonage and congratulate a
ne Sanlily upon This joyous occasion q
nd manifest their good will toward q
I'D appreciation of the family. A
rye table was spread which was Il
'aded with a bOuntiful supply OF eat s
)les Of which all were invited 10 par ii
Ike, and as tablefull after tablefull OF I,
aests parteok of the good things still K
Ie supply did not appear to diminish. n
ut like the measure of meal and K
uise OF oil in olden time, was con- Fl
antly being replenished in some r,
amer which we leave to the ladies |.
explain, aHlisat i. "
Jan. 2G, 1876 Ieei. n
BRIMFIELD. a.