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.