The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1879-01-01
Reaville. N. J. De iafh. 1878.

1t was twenty-five years ago, yesterday,
that ex-Shcriff George d. Holcombe took as
his wife, Esther, daughter of Andrew Rob
bins, If Somerset County. In 1856, at the
time Of james Buchanan's election to the
Presidency, George D. Holcombe was elected
Sheriff of Hunterdon County. He filed the
Office for three years with credit to himself
and his constituency. Previous to his election
he was a resident of Lambertville, and after
the expiration of his term he removed to
Reavile A few days ago, it occurred to his
friends that it would be a pleasant surprise to
the Sheriff and his estimable lady to cele-
brate their 25th anniversary. Clinton b.
Blackwell, M. w. Scully and Levi Holcombe,
Esqs., were appointed committee of ar
rangements The invitations we're printed
and circulated secretly among the friends of
the family. On Friday morning, the Sheriff
was standing in front Of the hotel at Reaville
and noticed carriages coming up the road
from towards Ringoes 1t proved to be del
egation of the friends and relatives of the
Sheriff, headed by that prince of good fellows
George H. Mathews, of West Amwell. To
the Sheriff and his lady's surprise they drove
into their place of residence. The Sheriff ex-
claimed, "What under the heavens do they
all want to come at the same time for - and
started for home. Upon his arrival there an
other delegation drove in from Somerset,
headed by Mr. w. Scully. And the friends
from the surrounding neighborhood began to
arrive. The Sheriff was SO surprised that the
tears rolled down his cheeks like a child
They assured him that they had come to sur
prise him and that he should not be molested.
His tears changed to laughter and he was soon
the same jolly, good natured, jovial fellow as
large dinner-room was cleared, the tables set,
and the carriages were sought after. Under
the carriage seats we noticed suspicious look
ing boxes, bundles, pans, baskets, &c. 1t was
not long before bounteous repast was set
upon the table. There was a handsomely dec
Grated bridal cake on the table, and for side
dishes we had turkeys, chickens, boiled ham,
pies, cakes, canned fruits and everything that
goes to tempt mans appetite About 10
took dinner and full justice was done to the
good things provided by the ladies. On a
side table we noticed a nice roll of cashmere
for the Sheriff, presented by Messrs Trim
mer and Kane, and presents of money and
other pretty things for his lady. The day was
full of sunshine and so were those present.
Towards evening, portion of the old folks
began to leave and their places were soon fill
cd by the young people of the surrounding
country. At about u O'clock we noticed a
suspicious move around the stove and carpet.
Before the Sheriff knew what was going on,
the stove was out doors, the carpet in the
closet, and the fiddles going. The evening
entertainment consisted of waltzes, dances,
polkas &C., and occasionally the even tenor
of the way would be broken in upon, and
your correspondent would lay aside his govt
and trip the light fantastic as OF ye old time.
The music was furnished by Messrs. Saams "
Servis, and suffice it to say, it was excellent.
Take 1t altogether it was one of the hand
soonest gotten up entertainments we ever at
tended, There were lots of pretty girls pres
emit and they each appeared to vie with each
other in ma.<il,g this pleasant evening to
all. and we are OF the opinion that it was an
occasion never to be forgotten by those who
were present and participated init The good
byes to the Sheriff and lady were given with
"God bless you +" and that whea the next
twenty-five years rolls around we might all
live to be with them again. Is.