River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1906-07-19
GOLDEN WEDDING
Mr.. AND MRS. B. R. EATON.
JULY 4. 1856-.19O6.
By MRS. EMILY c. WOOD.

ears, from our INFANCY uOWn TO Old age,
Transient, like meteors, seem to have flown
Thus are we borne Ger the worlds shifting
stage,
Onward, still onward, to regions unknown.
Fifty fleet years have elapsed since the day
When young man, with well justified pride,
Led fair maiden, bright, happy, and gay,
Forth from the altar away as his bride.
Active, ambitious, and buoyant with hope;
Ever undaunted, this young man and wife,
Ready with every known duty to cope,
Entered upon the stern drama OF life.
And whether Fortune smile blandly or frown,
Still with true courage they boldly pursued
LIES rugged pathway, both uphill and down,
Each with the spirit OF heroes imbued.
Daily they labored with well-devised plans;
Prudently saving, yet free from all greed;
Kindly assisting with deft, willing hands,
Stranger or friend in misfortune or need.
Since from it's portals they turned away none
II poor wanderer thither should roam,
Friendless and needy, detected and lone,
Shelter and food he would find at their home.
Broader the circle extending each year,
Kindred and friends from the country around
Likewise the neighbors and those living near,
Sure of welcome, were there often found.
Children in time to their cottage were sent,
Each in it's turn bringing beauty and grace;
True childish mirth in glad voices gave vent,
Lighting and cheering that once quiet place.
Labor increased too with that youthful pair
For with all blessings are duties as well;
And that each child brings additional care,
Every arectionate parent can tell.
Since in earth life there are trials to bear,
What may await him man knoweth not.
When to that couple the skies seemed most
fair
Sorrow o'ershadowed their bright happy cot.
One little lamb, those fond parents to test,
BY the Good Shepherd was called to His fold,
Passing so soon to the land of sweet rest;
Leaving the hearth-stone bleak, cherries.
and cold.
Signs and repining will never avail;
And though their pathway with thorns should
be strewn,
Bravely they met whatsO er might assail,
Neither presuming Gods laws to impugn
y
Peacefully thriving was this little band,
When from {. distance low mutt'rings were
heard.
Louder they grew till from strand unto strand
Voices of treason our nation bestirred.
Conflict. which well might the bravest appall,
Delayed our country it's valiant hearts wrung
Like true patriot, at duty IS stern call,
u u, vi0n
Gus and young,
Leaving home duties, his children and wife;
Facing the dangers which combats bespeak.
Clashing of arms greet his ears in the strife;
Cannons loud boom and shells ominous Shrek
And the young mother, alone with her brood,
Marshalled her forces 'gainst LIES fercest
fray:
Furnished home comforts with clothing and
food;
Tenderly caring for each day by day;
Longing the while for the absent one dear;
Anxiously waiting glad tidings to gain;
Searching the war news while filled with
dread fear,
Lest she discover his name 'mong the slain.
While to privations and hardships Injured,
Often for home and its comforts he yearned,
Till, after years of exposure endured,
Wreck of his old, former self, he returned.
Marks of the conflict so plainly he bore
Even his children their sire scarcely knew
AS they beheld him approaching the door,
Clad in his worn, faded garments OF blue.
Oh! what respite from tumult and strife!
Gathered with friends round his own peace
full board,
Carefully nursed by his true, faithful wife,
Health was again in measure restored.
Falling once more into labor's routine;
Being with high aspirations possessed,
Skilfully sowing, rich harvests to CLEAN,
Slowly but surely, again they progressed.
Laws of the Infinite none comprehend.
Ere their flrst-born had his manhood attained.
He upon whom they had hoped to depend,
Fell by disease and his health neer regained.
Patiently bearing Affections untold,
Yearly his body grew wasted and worn,
Till on his spirit il loosed its slight hold
And to the dread, silent city was borne.
Though he in form from our sight passed
away,
Nor as of yore his glad voice do we hear,
Yet would we trust that in spirit to-day.
Happy he hovers still lovingly near.
Even the portrait that hangs on the wall,
Beaming with pleasure, all doubts to dispel,
Seems now extending welcome to all,
Silently saying, Dear friends. it is we'll
Time in its progress with this man and wife,
Deigned with success their brave efforts to
crown;
Granting, while bearing them past middle life,
More OF its sunshine with seldom a frown.
Though earthly riches should never be theirs,
More to be priced are love, peace and con-
tent.
Freed by fair fortune from burdensome cares.
Now in true comfort their days may be spent.
True. in nfe's drama this bridegroom and
bride
Nav have at times felt they played hard
part,
still has It been not without its bright side:
Scenes ;nterspersing to gladden. the heart;
Children of whom they may justly be proud,
orr NV their presence the homestead still
bless,
While all about them their grandchildren
crowd,
Eager to claim their accustomed caress
After through sunshine and shadows this pair
Half of a century has borne in its train
Now as of yore at their home bright and fair,
Welcomed as ever we n eet them again.
Though in its touch time with both has been
kind,
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