The Russellville Democrat., 1879-01-30

George W. Jones. Tuesday, (Jan. 7) was the fiftieth anniversary of the wedding of George Wallace Jones and Josephine Gregoirc, who were married January 7th, 1929, in the then village Of St.tGenevieve, Miss ouri. It also, and it makes the anni- versary far more interesting, was the sixty seventh birthday of Mrs. Jones, who was born in St. Gehevieve, of highly respected French family. The General was born in Vincennes, Indiana, April l2th, 1s04, and is now nearly seventy five years of age, which very few men attain. He moved westward from his native hearth at an early period in his life time, and about 1926 came to St. Genevicye, where he met Miss Gre goire, and as he says, twas immedi- ately struck with her beautiful and prepossesing appearance. About 1927 he moved to Sincinawa Mound, Wisconson, six miles east of Dubu- que, where he commenced digging for mineral and operated smelting furnace. In 1927 he married Miss Gregoire, and after spending few weeks in Missouri, brought his youthful bride to his home, raised from logs hewn by himself in the forest. In 1880 he moved to Dubu- que, where he has since resided, a long prosperous and happy life. When the present state of Iowa was part of Michigan territory, he was the delegate in congress, as well of Wis consin territory as of Iowa. When Iowa was admitted as state, he was chosen as one of the senators Tor the national legislature Dec. 7th, lS4S, where he served two terms, until 1S- 59. when he was appointed by Pres ident Buchanan United States minis ter to the United States of Columbia, and was unanimously confirmed by the senate. He spent two years and half there, and on his return came to Dubuque, where he has since re- sided.
 Many of the Generals friends wishing to show him that his past services in behalf of the state and country were fully appreciated by them, and to show him their respect for him as noble and warm hearted man, decided to take bim by surprise, | Tuesday evening, to congratulate him and Mrs. Jones on their golden wedding. So about 8 o'clock, some eighty persons were assembled in the parlors of the Lorimier House. Presently while the band was play ing, General and Mrs. Jones were sent for and appeared, taken entire ly by surprise, as they had expected nothing of the kind. After greeting their warm hearted manner, they took their place, and M. M. Ham advanced and saying he had been requested to speak for thelr numer ous friends assembled, and that he was in much the same fix that the general said he was in while in the senate-not much on making q speech but death on writing-he spoke as follows:
 General and Mrs. Jones.
 I have been requested by youl friends assembled, to express to you their sentiments of regard and cs teem.
 You are well aware; even before can express it, of the occasion that has drawn us together, and asked for the favor of your presence among us. It is, we have been informed the iiftieth anniversary of your wed ding, and also the birthday anniver sary of Mrs Jones, who was bride nbbh her seventeenth birthday Yoaf friends have thought 1t proper to notice this important event in yoGr lives, ah event that Ia souch safcd to sU few, and have come ur to congratulate you both upon the occasion. Fifty years ago this day your wedding was celebrated ht st Genevieve, in the State of Missouri and tonight you arc favored with the presence of some who were then present, including one lady, Mrs Myers, who was one of your brides maids. These, with your other friends of a later date, have come to- gether to celebrate this anniversary And by this assemblage, as we'll as from very many who were unable tc be present with us, you may judge oi the friendship, the esteem, the re spcct, the regard which is felt fol you and each of you. We have come together to congratulate you upon the fiftieth anniversary Of your mar riage, come as friends, as neighbors as fellow citizens, without regard tc creed or politics. but in response tc those high sentiments that ennoble the human breast and unite us in one brotherhood, the sentiment oI friendship and affection between man, and man, neighbor and neigh bor And in coming together youl friends have brought with them tokens of their regard, which vii express to you, even better than my poor words, their esteem and regard i for you. Allow me, General, in be half of your many friends in Du buque, to present you this watch