The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1893-01-18
A Happy Occasion.

age of human life, and perhaps not one
couple in five thousand over live through
that length of time in the marriage state
and, possessing good health and surround
ed by all of the comforts of this world, are
permitted to celebrate such an event. This
anniversary is known as tho golden we'd
ding" and il was the good fortune of
Hon. and Mrs. B. F. Crayton to celebrate
that occasion on last Thursday, January
18th, at their hospitable home two miles
west of the city.
The day was an extremely cold one, but
at 8 O'Clock, the hour set apart for the hap.
py occasion to begin, the invited guests,
from far and near, began to assemble and
in short time the merry chatter Of hap
| py voices could be heard throughout the
| commodious house.
The interior of the house was tastefully
and beautifully decorated with ever.
green's and holly, and the darkened
rooms, with lamps and tapers burning,
added more beauty to the scene and gave
1t the appearance of an evening entertain
| ment.
AS the guests arrived they were ushered
into tne parlor and, after extending con-
gratulations to the venerable couple, were
invited into the spacious dining room and
sitting room. where they were served with
most magnificent repast Of the substan-
tials and Ia uxuries of the season. In these
two rooms small tables were set here and
there, and the large number OF guests
were served with ease and comfort. In
the center of the sitting. room we noticed
on table very large and handsome
cake, in the shape Of a ship, with the sails
flying, and on miniature flag were these
words, "Hon. and Mrs. B. F. Crayton,
1s4SS- -93," which had been presented to
the couple by kind friend.
From the dining.table We strolled into
the parlor, where the numerous and hand
some presents from the friends Of the
couple were displayed Nearly all of the
presents were of gold and were greatly
admired by the guests. Among the pres
ents we noticed pretty scroll pin, bearing
the dates 1883, and two gold coins--$5
and $l0-each bearing the date 1S43.
During the afternoon Rev. o. l.. Mar.
tin, in few we'll chosen and appropriate
words, extended to MIR. and Mrs. Cray ton
the congratulations and best. wishes cf tho
assembled guests. Many kilograms and
letters Of congratulations were received
during the afternoon from absent friends,
and number OF them were read to the
guests by Mr.. Martin.
A number of the guests returned to their
homes before sundown, but the festivities
continued until a late hour at night. The
occasion will long be remembered by those
present 81 one of the happiest events Of
their lives. The wholesouled host and
hostess, assisted by the other members of
the family, entertained their guests In che
style so characteristic of their happy home
that every guest felt at ease.
Mr.. and Mrs Crayton are aged, respect.
lively, IS and 81 years. but both are re.
n,arkably we'll preserved and they would
pass for many years younger. Mrs. Cray.
ton has scarcely gray hair in her head,
and her swect, gentle disposition, loving
face and happy smiles have not changed
in twenty-five years, when we, as little
boy, can first remember her.
Mr.. Crayton was born and reared in
Greenville and in 1889 came to Anderson
to clerk in q store In 1843 he married
Miss Martha Eveline Benson, second
daughter ). P. Benson, who was we'll
known throughout the State in that day
and time as the proprietor of that old ia
nous hotel, the Benson House." By
this marrisge Mr.. Crayton became con-
nected with two of the most extensive
families (the Bensons and Sloans) of that
tims in this c'untry. he began mer-
chsndising III 1912. and continued in that
business until three or four years ago,
when he retired. AS soon as he became
citizen of Anderson be identified himself
with the interests of the people of both
town and country, and to-day upper Car.
oina has not a man who is better known
throughout the State than be. He has
perhaps represented the County in both
houses Of the State Legislature more fire.
quently than any citizen of this or any
County in the State. Mr.. Crayton wss
one Of the original movers in the building
of the Columbia & Greenyille Railroad,
and one of the original corporators-per.
haps the only one now living In the State
-of the old Air Line Railroad. He
served several years as President of tho
State Agricultural Society, and has held
numerous positions OF honor in both the
County and State, He has served his
County we'll in minor positions without
salary, and has always been ready to do
anything for the upbuilding of this geo.
ton and the welfare of his people,, Mr..
Crayton, though merchant all his life,
has also been deeply interested in agri-
cultural matters and is successful farmer.
He was one of the originators of the co.
fence law, and was one among the first
after the war to introduce new breeds Of
stock into our section, the results of which
may be seen 10 every secIion of the County
to-day. His good judgment and pro.
gressive ideas in farming have been Of in.
calculable good to the agricultural inter
ests of the County and State.
Mr.. Crayton deserves the ccngratula
tions and good wishes that have been
showered upon him and his good wife,
and we think Inappropriate to mention
the above facts In the formers life in con,
! nection With the celebration Of his golden
wedding.
Mr.. and Mrs. Crayton are the parents Of
two sons and one daughter, one of the
former being dead. On this happy occa-
| sion there were four generations Of the
family present
There were only two persons present at
| this celebration who witnessed the mar
risge, and they were Mrs. E. NJ. Rucker,
of this city, and Mrs. Susan M. Wier, OF
| Greenvile, slater OF Mrs. Crayton.
/ Amsng the guests present were Mr.. and
| Mrs. J. G. Keys and Mr.. and Mrs. ]. 8.
Shelton. These venerable couples were
; married five or six years preceding Mr..
and Mrs. Crsyton, and are still vigorous in
| both mind and body.