Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1902-12-18
Fifty Years of Married Life.

MT. anu MrS. James Lara celebrated
their golden wedding, Dec 8, 1902, at
the home Of their son and daughter,
w. b. Laird and Mrs. f. G Sage, In
Lewiston, Idaho.
Fifty years ago in Huntington, Can
ada, Mr.. and Mrs. Laird became man
and wife. To this union four children
were born, three of whom are still liv.
ing. Onedeath, that of Mrs. w. II Skin
ner has been the only one in the fam
lily among the descendants. Leaving
Canada, Mr. and Mrs. Laird settled in
Chickasaw county, Iowa, and made
this their home for % years, They
then moved to Brookings county, S.
d., where they now reside. All Of the
descendants were present excepting
three great grand children. The par
lor was prettily decorated and the
bride and groom Of fifty summers took
their place beneath the white aud
golden festons and marriage bell. A
program was rendered including a
golden wedding ceremony by Rev.
John r. Gregory. An original poem
written by Mrs. Fisher, a sister of
Mrs. Laird, and dedicated TO the bride
and groom, was read by Mrs. g. l..
Wright. The golden wedding songs
were ably rendered by Miss Maude
Cagley. The nappy couple received
many elegant and valuable presents,
AT eight o'clock sumptuous dinner
was enjoyed by all.
The following were present: Chill.
dren-G. A. Laird, Rathdrum, Idaho;
Mrs, Anna Cagley, Summer, Wash;
w. b. Laird aud Mrs. sE. G.. Sage,
adopted daughterl Lewiston, Idaho.
Grandchildren-Mrs. G. l.. Wight,
New Hampton, Iowa; G. II. Skinner,
Guy +. Skinner, Lewiston, Idaho; Mrs.
G. b. Sanders, Misses Lila and Marian
Laird, Rathdrum, Idaho, Miss Maude
Cagley, Sumner, Wash Grandchil-
dreH not present: Anscl o. Skinner,
Eathdrum, Idaho; Roy w. Cagley,
Sumner, Wash; Miss May Skinner,
Lewiston, Idaho. Great grandchil-
dren-William Downing Skinner, Lew
iston, Idaho: Cora May Wight, New
Hampton, Iowa; three not present.
Other guests were Mr.. aud Mrs. Geo.
Laird, Mr.. and Mrs. w. Fl. Skinner,
Mr.. and Mrs. w. r. Longhorn, Mrs
@. II. Skinner, e. G. Sage, Mrs. w,
b. Laird, Misses Cathie and Ruth
Skinner, Rev. and Mrs John r.. Greg
ory and Miss Louise Fair Of Lewiston,
Idaho; G .B. Sanders, Mrs. G. A. Laird,
Rathdrum, Idaho; A. y. G. Dennison,
Seattle, Wash. Mrs. Henry Skinner,
Brookings, S. d. The poem composed
by Mrs. Fisher and dedicated to the
honOred couple is as follows:
Fifty years OF married life,
On heeting wings have flown;
Since you were Joined as man and wife
And lefs the dear old eastern home.
What picture OF youth and beauty,
With rosy cheeks aud noble form,
Brave YOUTH who never shirked duty
Mid summers snow or winters storm.
You've known some care, but none OF strife,
And Heaven sent her blessings rare,
With children four to b ess your married life,
! And share your joys and care.
What noble record you have made,
A we look life's pages Ger;
To principal 80 true and stald,
And character that shines forevermore.
You have journeyed from the eastern shore
| To the sunny western cline;
Travelled much this country DER,
Enraptured by it's scenery so grand, sublime.
You scattered sunshine on life's way;
And by your sterling worth have taught,
Children, who come to comfort you to-day,
And crown you with toer golden treasures
brought
Your lfes work and wealth you gladly shared,
And sou now deserve the richest golden ore,
And you through mercy have been spared
To garner in the harvest store.
May Faiths firm hand still lead you,
While you journey on life's way;
And Heavens richest blessing crown you
Asy you celebrate your golden wedding day.
Allison, Iowa, December, 1902.