"This past summer I came into possession of a lot of family info kept by my g-g-grandmother in a scrapbook of newspaper clippings. It is full of obits mostly, which ... I'll share another day." Jessie Elder

Matrimonial.

Yesterday at 12 o'clock, Wm. Pierce and Miss Sarah Bower, were married at the residence of the bride's father, Joseph Bower, of North Lansing. The ceremony was pronounced by the Rev. S. C. Ainsworth, of Etna. A few relatives and neighbors gathered to witness the nuptials, and enjoy the pleasures of the occasion. An elegant repast was served, after which the bridal pair started upon a visit among friends in this and Cortland counties. We acknowledge receipt of cake, and extend congratulations.

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NOTE: Sarah Bower was the daughter of Joseph Bower (1811-1883) and Prudence Denison Bower (1814-1891). No dates are known for Sarah herself, but the wedding must have been prior to 1883 and probably in the mid- to late 1850's since her parents were married 31 Dec 1834.

2^nd NOTE: Judging strictly from the placenames, the wedding probably took place in New York.

The date for the following clipping is 18 Dec 1890. I have a strong guess it was published in the Greenville "Daily News."

Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Dr. H. L. Bower and Wife

Friday evening was a great occasion at the residence of Dr. H. L. Bower and wife. It was the 25th anniversary of their wedded life. Mr. and Mrs. Bower had planned for no celebration of the event, but many kind friends, one hundred or more, quietly took possession of the Bower home and gave them a most complete surprise. The friends had a good time visiting, chatting and laughing for a time when Dr. C. O. Jenison, as master of ceremonies, called the assemblage to order and Mr. and Mrs. Bower, the sons George and Bertie, and Mrs. Royal, the mother of Dr. Bower, were seated in front where they listened to two addresses, one by the Rev. D. E. Hills and a second by Dr. C. O. Jenison. And a poem was read by Miss Nellie Bower, which we give below. Rev. Hills married Mr. and Mrs. Bower twenty-five years ago and could very appropriately congratulate them on living a life to useful and happy all these years. Then he made a presentation of a choice sideboard in behalf of the company in general and also a fruit dish and finger bowl. He was followed by Dr. Jenison who, in behalf of Drs. Nichols, Benedict and Jenison, made presentation of a silver bake pan. Then followed the poem of Miss Bower. In response to these presentations with kind greetings and best wishes, Dr. Bower made some happy remarks, followed by Mrs. Bower who was fully equal to the occasion notwithstanding the surprise. There was also singing and devotional exercises in which took part Rev. E. T. Carter, Rev. Jay N. Taft and Rev. F. C. Lee. Then baskets were unburdened and refreshments served. It was an evening highly enjoyed by all who were present, surprisers and surprised.

1865-1890

Ring on ye bells! ring long and loudly,
Tell that story o'er and o'er;
Ring tidings out o'er farm and village
As you were wont in days of yore.
Twenty-five years; they now have faded
And have gone in slow decay,
Since you at the banquet gathered
On that nuptual winter's day.

You were in life's balmy morning
With the future broad and grand,
All the lights without the shadows
Like some mystic fairy land,
And you built your airy castles
With their gilded walls inside
As you in those blithesome moments
Looked all on the sunny side.

You started an your wedding journey;
Life seemed but a long May day;
O'er your path were scattered roses
With the thorns all plucked away.
Oh! those days will be remembered
When your hair is silver white,
And these days that now are passing
God grant they be just as bright.

Ye have many years before you
Yet to travel day by day,
And may ever be your motto
"Take the sunny side the way."
These many friends did all bethink them,
Now 'twill be a pleasant treat
To un-be-known just take our lunches
And round their hearth-stone take a seat.

So here we are, a goodly number,
Friends, neighbors, on left and right,
And their voices sound with laughter
On this anniversary night.
Twenty-five years have come and vanished;
Twenty-five more there yet may be,
And we hope again to gather
On that day's festivity.

And as this company now are gathered
Round your hearth this chilly night,
Still we find you yet are ready
To see the brightest side the best.
But life is now not like the morning.
As you near its noontide glare,
There are clouds as well as brightness
On the days that dawned so fair.

But the sun in all his splendor
Chase the shadows all away,
And you still resound the echo
Of that glad and youthful day.
Life's journey is not nearly ended,
It's day has only just begun,
And may you be just as happy
When you near its setting sun.

And now, through years that may be coming,
That will ebb and flow away
Like the little meadow brooklet
That goes singing to the bay
Oft of tonight you will be thinking
Through the years that intervene;
And may you be a hale and hearty
In nineteen hundred and fifteen.

                                                  Nellie Bower

NOTES: Horace Leavenworth Bower married Finetta A. Clark on 12 December 1865. The anniversary was celebrated in Greenville, Michigan. Horace lived until 1922 but I do not have a death date for Finetta. "Nellie" Bower was actually Helen Bower, Horace's niece. The poem is produced exactly as printed, typos and all.