Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1918-05-01
GOLDEN JUBILEE.

The hustling town of Ryan has been
the scene of many elaborate celebra-
tons, but rarely, II ever, has It wit
nessed one of greater splendor than
the golden wedding /of Mr.. and Mrs.
Patrick Behan on Tuesday, April 23d.
The early hours We're dark and cloudy
with rain and snow falling alternate
ly; as the morning wore on the sun
began to appear and by noon a per-
feet day had typified the joyful hearts
of the hosts Of relatives and friends
who had assembled to rejoice with
the esteemed jubilarians. Long be-
fore the appointed hour teams and
autos were discharging their passen-
gers in front of ST. Patrick's church
which was soon comfortably filled.
Precisely at half past ten the altar
boys and priests marched into the
sanctuary and occupied the places as
signed them by the, master of cere-
monies. Mr.. and Mrs. Behan came
from the opposite sacristy into the
chancel, where they remained during
the services. After the chanting of
the Htany by the ten priests present,
solemn high mass was celebrated by
Rev. Patrick Behan, pastor Of Bless
ing, son Of the jubilarians, with Faith
ers Thomas Conry, of Dubuque, col
lege deacon; D. Lonergan, of Mason
vile, sub-deacon, and p. o. O'Connor,
of Oelwein, master Of ceremonies. A
short sermon was delivered by Father
Malloy, pastor of Ryan. He told the
significance of the occasion and fit
tingly eulogized Mr.. and Mrs. Behan,
holding them up as an example Of the
true Christian father and mother.
The Ryan choir was at its best in
rendering Rosewig's Mass in G, and
ELECTED many compliments from the
visitors. At noon a reception and
sumptous banquet were held in St
Patrick's hall The spacious building
was Hastily decorated in white and
gold, with a profuse display of Amer
lean flags and the national colors. The
music was furnished by Mr.. and Mrs.
Joseph Ryan of Sioux City. The fact
that they have been selected to play
in the military camps bespeaks their
artistic skill. The priests were called
upon for speeches and all acquitted
themselves most happily. Their themes
were facetious, felicitous, and patri-
otto. Father Behan responded in be-
half of his father and mother, and
extended thanks to all for having hon
ored the occasion with their presence
and expressed his regrets that owing
to lack of space in any hall in Ryan,
they were not privileged to invite their
host Of friends, whom they would be
delighted to have with them. He at
tributed the same reason for the abb
sence of his numerous friends among
the clergy-those present being neigh
bors and personal friends Of his father
and mother. At the end Of the pro-
gram, the audience arose and sang
"The Star Spangled Banner" shook
hands with the jubilarians, congratu-
lated them and wished them many
years of health, peace and happiness.
Among the many rich gifts Of gold
which they received was well-filled
purse, the offering of their nine chill
dren and thirty-six grandchildren.
Patrick and Mrs. Behan were both
born in Ireland and came to this coun-
try when they were quite young. They
spent several years in Springfield,
Massachusetts, wherh in 1858 they
were united in matrimony. The same
year they cast their lots with those
who were going west to develop that
vast, unknown country. They came
by rail to Chicago and as far west as
the railroads extended and then took
their limousine, which was at that
time an ox-cart. They ambled along
with few other pioneers and when
they came to Delaware county and
saw the level country and rich soil
hey said "Aalabama," which means,
here we rest" and for the last fifty
years they made their home on farm
near Ryan. Nine children were born
% them, all of whom are living and
Ire as follows: Mrs. Michael Shelley,
Month, Iowa; Mrs. John Vinton, Whit
nan, Nebraska; Mrs. John eastman,
Ryan; Mrs. John Callan, Winthrop;
Mrs. Thomas Cummings, Nashville;
[ohn Behan, Ryan; Rev. Patrick Be-
ian, Blessing, Iowa. They have thir-