YOU KNOW XENIA IS CONVERSE ..DONT YOU ??? META
I recently discovered this account of my ggrandparent's 50th
wedding
anniversary celebration in 1872. Anyone have connections with the families
mentioned?
For the (Peru, Indiana) Republican
Golden Wedding
John N. Leebrick and wife celebrated their golden wedding, on Wednesday
the 2d of
October 1878, at the residence of their son-in-law Dr. J. M.
Erlougher, six miles south of Xenia in Howard County. On this day fifty
years ago, (the 2d of October 1828) were married at the residence of Mr.
Godfrey Fritchey, near Harrisburg, Pa. John N. Leebrick and Miss Rosanna
Matilda Fritchey. In 1837 they moved to this state where they have resided
ever since. There were present at this second wedding J. Q. A. Fritchey (a
nephew) and wife of St. Louis, Mo., George C. Miller and wife, Mrs. E. L.
Davidson and sons, Charles Leebrick, Miss Kate Leebrick, James Powell and
wife, of Xenia, and the family of D. J. M. Erlougher whose wife is the
eldest daughter of said aged couple. Four generations were present on the
occasion, a daughter, grand daughter and great grand daughter, the latter
tow and a half years old. The morning of the 2d dawned bright and
cloudless. The bride was dressed with g!
reat care, a fresh white cap from the hands of the youngest daughter,
the
most delicate crapeless rull from Mrs. Mollie Johnson, with illusion tie, a
boquet of tube roses and geranium leaves nestled among the illusion
completed the extra touches to the becoming black robe. She was greeted
with great applause, by all the company, and all the company, and all
pronounced her the sweetest looking bride of seventy, that it had been their
good fortune to see. The father who is a confirmed invalid; only able to
leave his bed for a short rest in an arm chair, was attired as appropriately
as his invalid condition would admit. He too had a boquet of tube roses and
geranium leaves fastened on his shoulder. The leather trunk that
accompanied them, on their bridal tour of three weeks duration strapped on
the rear of a two wheeled gig, was brought in by two of the grand children
Frank Erlougher and Howard Davidson. It was about two and half feet long
and eighteen inches high, a marke!
d contrast it stood to the immense saratoga's that are necessary
to
accompany the brides of to-day. Dr. Erlougher said as the trunk was placed
in front of the bride "mother allow me in behalf of those present to present
you with your trousseau." The trunk was then opened which contained the
presents and among which were two handsome white figured silk handkerchiefs
from James Powel to "Grand Ma and Grand Pa;" then came a beautiful silver
cup gold lined and most artistically engraved with the inscription 1828
below father then 18978, from "all the children." Then a pair of gold
glasses "to mother" from "all the children." The dear mother was by
this
time so overcome that Mrs. Davidson stepped forward and assisted in the
unpacking. Next came a box "To our dear aunt" from J. Q. A. Fritchey and
wife, containing a beautiful black cashmere dress, another box "to uncle"
containing three gold pieces. The father was quite overcome and wept, in
fact there was a general feeling o!
f sympathy; but the mirthful spirit of the company soon asserted
itself.
Mrs. Miller said "mother try your glasses, if you can recognize my
nose
through them; they are good." The silver cup was filled with fresh cold
water and presented to the father, and he with trembling lips said "may you
all be useful and happy; and may God's choicest blessings rest upon you
all." Dinner was then served with was very inviting, and duly appreciated
by all. There were present five children three being absent, Mrs. Amelia
Ruby, of Rochester Mo., and Mrs. Matilda Ogle, of Healdsburg, Cal., Frank E.
Leebrick, of Osborne City, Kan. At half past three we bade good-bye all
pronouncing it a joyous time never to be forgotten.
-provided through the kindness of Nancy Masten, Archivist, Miami County
Museum, 51
N. Broadway, Peru, In. 46970.