The state herald., 1900-11-02

VI Cuo koiuSu WeuuluB anulV6TbnIy. IL
is also noteworthy that Mrs. Mary Tarn-
er. who assisted both the brides on the
evening OF their marriage, was present
at tho anniversary to offer her consrstu-
atious, II should also bs msptieue1
that Mrs.. Luoretia Bell, who assistsd
the brides at their wedding fifty years
ago, is still living.
Rev. II. P. Curry, who prsformed the
marriage cermony RIty years ago, ar.
ranged the two couples in the church
just In front OF the pulpit and then de.
livsred an historical address, in xhichhe
callsd attention to interesting incidents
connected with the double wedding
which took place 70 many years aeo. He
then called attention TO many changes
that have taken place in the political,
the financial aud the social world since
that time and contrasted the outlook
for the future with what 1t was fifty
yeas aeo. He olosssd BY calling sttsn.
tion to tho two families and their dc.
scendants. Milton Clark and wife have
SIX children, twenty one grandchildren
and three greAt-grandnhildren living.
A. b. Clark and wife have Ave children,
sixteen grandchildren and two great
grandchildren living.
After Rev. Curry's address the follow
ing poem. written for this occasion by
Mrs. A. W. Clark Of Omaha, Neb., was
read:
Tis fifty years and through smiles and tears
We arc glancing backward DER them
Hours Of sad care, but years 30 fair.
Gods pillar Ger before them.
The cloud by day through the darkest way
Still thy lives was surely guiding;
The fire by night. when thy earthly sight,
Though harm and Ill betiding.
Not plentoous wealth. but heaven sent health,
Not fame with her gifts descending
Brought the fifty years with their hopes and fears
Their lights and shadows blending.
Thy wealth was love-all wealth alovc-
And children glad and merry.
For the years young and the little ones throng
Tho homestead on the prniiie.
The years grow old and the children bold
AhoH wings huve ior uying;
Be strong. dear heart, 'tis the old old part
Each life in its time is trying.
There arc mansions great whero tho rich In state
Live in grandeur and in sorrows;
Where no children sweet, run with pattering feet
And disgrace ap glndnes- borrows.
Death and disgrace have found no place
Thy family circle breaking;
No rock and storms and wild alarms
The ship Of life are shaking.
Sheltered and safe. in thy quiet place,
Gods care and love around thec,
Rest. then. till thy life with its toll md strife
Unfold In tho life beyond thee.
After the reading Of the poem. A. W.
Clark, the son Of A. Is. Clark, and wife
who had come from, Omaha, Neb., for
the purpose OF attending this annivsr-
sary, spoke q few words in handing to
them the presents Of gold designs to
commemorate tho occasion aud offered
his congratulations. Then the entire
audience Of nearly one hundred relatives
and friends came forward to shake
hands with both couples and expressed
good wishes and congratulations. II
wns observed that only three membsss
Of the original Crawford fsmily are yet
living and all were present, namely,
Mrs, Milton Clark, Mrs. Alfred CLARK
and Thomas Craw wford. II was also OBJ.
served that Alfred Clark has only two
brothers yet remaining alive aud both
were present, unmely, Coleman Clark
aud Wilson Clark.
A splendid dinner was served at the
church and the occasion was truly .
joyful one and will never be forgotten
bv aud Of those who were present
Petersburg Democrat.