Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1902-09-25
FIFTY YEARS OF
MARRIED LIFE.

A1 GeH clock III tno morning OF
Sept. %, 1862, William Rice, the ship
builder, and Miss Beulah A. Camp
bell, daughter of Archibald Campbell.
were happily married by Rev. David
Kelley, Baptist preacher. The we'd
ding ceremony was performed in the
residence of an uncle of the bride at
Dividing Greek. 1t was quiet. un-
ostentatious affair.
After the wedding Mr.. Rice handed
his bride into the, first Jenny Lind
carriage owned in Bridgeton, the
property of liveryman Ebert Nieu-
kirk, and driving two handsome
horses, a bay and gray, drove to
Bridgeton, where the couple were re-
ceiyed by the elder William Rice and
Mrs Rice. in the Broad street home
stead, No. 1856.
Fifty years ago that home coming
and wedding reception occurred, fifty
years ago Monday afternoon.
And Monday afternoon, Mrs. I. Rice
sat by the same window overlooking
Broad street that she sat besideea half
century ago, when she was joyously
received in the Rice family. Then she
was the guest, Enew conner. Mon
day she was the hostess, giving her
family and relatives warm welcome,
in the home that she charmed with
her presence and kindly attentions so
many years.
After that wedding day and recep-
tion here fifty years ago, Mr.. and Mrs
Rice lived for a time in pleasant
home on Water street, occupying
part OF the site of the present gas
works. Then they resided on Acad-
envy street, and in 1858 Mr.. Rice went
to Newport where he resided for some
years, carrying on the shipbuilding
business all through the troublesome
war times. He built four new boats
at Newport, the very first one
launched still being in active COM
mission.
Directly succeeding the war; Mr.
Rice came from Newport to Bridge
ton, living on Broad street west of
the homestead, and in 1870 he bought
the home of his father, where he has
since lived in the very comfortable
and luxurious house which has been
modernized and enlarged.
Nine years old was Mr. Rice VIII en-
he began working in his fathers ship
yard, and he continued in that active
trade until two years ago, retiring
from business shortly after the death
of his only son Edwin, who was con-
nected in the business with him.
Mr.. Rice practically established the
ship yard on Water street just after
the war. It had been years before a
ship yard and later was brick yard,
but Mr.. Rice put forth his energy and
for many years the establishment was
an important industry here. During
his career Mr.. Rice has built sixty
six new vessels, and hundreds and
hundreds of others have been over
hauled and remodelled.
In church life Mr.. and Mrs. Rice
have been foremost figures. Mr. Rice
has had connection with Trinity M.
E. Church for many years, almost
since it's organization. He has been
class leader for fifty seven years, and
to-day is occupying the same room
that he began his leadership. For
many, many years he has been active
in Sunday School work, and assisted
in organizing the Trinity Sunday
School
The home life has been delightful.
The past generation gave Mr.. and
Mrs. Rice their first reception.
y Twenty-Five years ago Mr.. and Mrs.
Rice invited their friends to their
home. Monday the entertainment
was arranged by the children of the
highly respected couple.
The home life was frightened with
children, three of four living, the one
crushing sorrow being the sudden
death of the only son. The daughters
are Mrs. Millie W. Woodruff, widow
of the late Thomas Woodruff Mrs
Anna J. Springer, of Camden, wife
of Harry Springer, and Mrs. Ida S.
Powell, wife of the former Council
man Joseph Powell.
The celebration of the golden we'd
ding was enjoyed by perhaps one
hundred and fifty invited guests
supper was served to eighty.
The house was tastefully and most
appropriately trimmed with golden
rod and fresh green's.
During the evening Rev. G. H.
Tullis, of Clarksboro, made very in
teresting address, gtouohing upon the
Importance of the anniversary.
There were sinpipo apd s,,o.L;