Allamakee co. IAGenWeb Marriage, Anniversary & Divorce Records

Editor & wife
Next Thursday, New Year's day, will be the 20th anniversary of the wedding of the editor of the Review and his better half. We have hired a room down town in which to store the surplus china ware!
~~Postville Review, December 27, 1879

Mr. and Mrs. August Meyer

Friday, June 23rd, was the golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. August Meyer of New Albin, who fifty years ago, In Elstors, Germany, were united in holy wedlock. The event was duly celebrated by their plighting anew their troth, at St. Peter’s church at 3 p.m., in the presence of a large congregation of relatives and friends, Rev. Stoerker and Kegel officiating. Afterwards a reception was tendered to 125 guests at Jordan’s Hall. Six children blessed their union, two, George and William dying in Germany. Those remaining are: Mrs. Charles Gruber, Lansing, Iowa; Mrs. A. C. Bellows, New Albin; August H. Meyer, French Creek; Edward Meyer, of New Albin. They have thirteen grandchildren.
~~source & date are unknown; contributed by Diana Henry Diedrich

Mr. and Mrs. Row
By some means it became known on Friday of last week to a few of the energetic lady workers of Postville that last Saturday was the 25th anniversary of the marriage of county Superintendant ROW and lady. They at once decided not to let the occasion pass without some recognition of the high esteem in which these worth people are held by the citizens of Postville with whom they have resided and diligently labored for the past three years. Accordingly they canvassed the town quietly (for it was to be a surprise) and appointed the place of meeting at the Congregational Church at 7:30 on Saturday evening. In the mean time a few fitting presents, as tokens of esteem, had been ordered on Friday from Cedar Rapids, and on account of a wreck on the railroad the Saturday train had been delayed from 1 to 10 o'clock, P.M. This was a serious and grievous break in the arrangement and was the only unpleasant thing connected with the affair, as it prolonged the exercises beyond a reasonable limit. By 8 o'clock the church was well filled with the "beauty and the chivalry" of Postville, and a committee consisting of Mrs. PRATT and Mrs. Hall ROBERTS was dispatched to bring in the chief characters who strange to say were in blissful ignorance of the impending doom! The committee informed Mr. and Mrs. ROW that a sociable was in progress at the church and that a few of their particular friends desired their attendance. The Prof. was up to his eyes in "examination" papers, and was on the point of refusing, but his gallantry forbade and he and Mrs. ROW and the children accompanied the ladies to the church. Even then and for some time afterwards they had no idea of the nature of the gathering. In due time a collation was served and toasts were in order, which were called out and responded to as follows: "Our wives and sweethearts, God bless them. [remainder of toast is too faint to read] Mr. ROW responded [illegible] and appropriate remarks, cordially thanking the people for their generosity and more than all for the friendship and regard that prompted this public expression of approval of their labors here, and assured them that during their further stay in our midst they would continue to be actuated by the same motives. Thus ended another of those social events for which Postville is becoming famous. The participants will long remember it with pleasing reflections.
~~Postville Review, April 10, 1880

Mr. and Mrs. John H. Wilson
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. Clipped from the Dubuque Herald: The crystal wedding of Mr. and Mrs. John H. WILSON was celebrated at their home in Postville last Thursday and was a grand affair and participated in by 80 persons. [a lengthly description of the party followed]
~~Postville Review May 15, 1880

Mr. and Mrs. H.O. Dayton
The fifteenth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. H.O. DAYTON, last Saturday is said to have been the grandest affair of the kind ever held in this county.
~~Postville Review, September 3, 1881

Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Bollman
The 19th inst. being the 20th anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. J.E. BOLLMAN's wedding day, about 40 relative and friends gathered at their residence, near Frankville, to help them celebrate the event.
~~Postville Review, December 1, 1883

Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Row
Last Monday was the 50th anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jas. ROW of Postville. Their old neighbors and friends on Henderson prairie got up a surprise party and came in force and took them by storm.
~~Postville Review June 20, 1885

Mr. and Mrs. John L. Jemison
One of those occasions that are far to infrequent in this selfish world of ours, was the "wooden wedding" down at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John L. JEMISON, last Saturday evening. A goodly number from town met a large company of the more immediate neighbors of the bride and groom of five years standing, and whiled away the evening hours in social converse. Nothing happened to mar the pleasure of the evening, except that Will WARNER was disposed to be a little noisy. [extracted from a lengthly article]
~~Postville Review, November 6, 1886 - contributed by S. Ferrall

Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Sanders
Last night was the 40th anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. SANDERS' marriage. We hope their golden wedding will find them enjoying the same degree of health and happiness as now.
~~Postville Review, April 14, 1888

Mr. and Mrs. B.W. Rathbun
Thanks to the many friends who surprised us on the evening of Nov. 10th, the 20th anniversary of our marriage. Mr. and Mrs. B.W. RATHBUN
~~Postville Review November 24, 1888

Mr. and Mrs. John Abel
Mr. and Mrs. John ABEL have had their golden wedding anniversary.
~~Postville Review, October 12, 1889

Mr. and Mrs. Warren A. Owen
SILVER WEDDING. Mr. and Mrs. Warren A. OWEN of Franklin twp. celebrated last night, Oct 1st, the 25th anniversary of their wedded life. They were married in Wisconsin and came to Iowa 11 years ago where they have since resided. All the children, eight in number, were present except Miss Emma, who is teaching in Dakota
~~Postville Review, October 4, 1890

Mr. and Mrs. David W. Douglass

January 11,1867-January 11, 1892
Mr. & Mrs. D.W. Douglass 25th wedding anniv. invitation

Twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of D.W. Douglass and Adeline C. Ewing, Monday January 11, 1892. Yourself and family are cordially invited to be present and participate in the festivities at our residence 1 1/2 miles south of Waukon.
~~Original invitation - contributed by Russell Topel

Dr. and Mrs. Becker
Dr. and Mrs. BECKER gave a tea party in honor of their fifth marriage anniversary, on Thursday evening, which was largely attended and a splendid time is reported.
~~Postville Review, January 28, 1893

Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Parker
After Fifty Years. On New Year's evening a happy family gathering was at the home of James Parker, the occasion being a celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Parker. Owing to the limited accommodations, but few invitations were extended to persons outside the immediate family. At the hour appointed, the venerable couple once more joined hands and repeated the pledge which made them one half a century ago. This time they were surrounded by children and grandchildren of their own who heartily assented to Pastor Barton's invocation that the rich blessings of heaven might rest on these who had traveled together so long. After the ceremony, in which Florence and Minnie (grandchildren) Parker were bridesmaids, a collation was spread and this disposed of, the balance of the evening was spent in genuine family reunion style, songs, recitations and conversation well mixed with recollections of interesting events in the days when the bride and groom were young. Several tokens of loving remembrance were left with Mr. and M. Parker as reminders that they have entered on the "golden age." May they live yet many years and be a blessing to each other and the community in which they have made their home so long.
~~ Postville Graphic, January 6, 1898, P 3 - transcribed by LA

Mr. and Mrs. John Crosby
The party at John CROSBY's happened on the event of his 5th marriage anniversary and the company left a very fine rocking chair as appropriate to the occasion.
~~Postville Review, February 25,1898

Mr. and Mrs. James Orr
On December 31, 1905, Mr. and Mrs. James Orr of this city will round out fifty years of married life, most of which has been spent in Post township. The anniversary day falling on Sunday they have decided to celebrate their golden wedding on the day previous, Saturday Dec 30th, at which time all the children and grandchildren will come together under the old parental roof to make marry. [the next 2 lines are too dark to read] .. of all their faculties. All but one of their seven children are married, and death has never invaded their family circle. The coming celebration is looked forward to with no little pleasure and may nothing transpire to mar the pleasant anticipations of our old and honored friends.
~~Postville Review, December 22, 1905

Mr. and Mrs. George Pixler
Mr. and Mrs. George PIXLER will celebrate their silver wedding anniversary on Saturday evening, Jan. 30th at their home in Grand Meadow township, Clayton county.
~~Postville Review, January 22, 1909

Mr.and Mrs. Peter Jones
Were Married Sixty-Seven Years Ago. November 28, Mr.and Mrs. Peter JONES, of this place observed the sixty-seventh anniversary of their marriage, which took place in Ireland. They came to the United States in 1849, locating in New York. Later they moved to the vicinity of St. Louis where they remained for a couple of years. In 1851 they settled onto a farm in Allamakee county. In 1872 they bought a home in Great Oak township and a number of years ago moved to Emmetsburg. Mr. JONES is eighty-nine years of age and Mrs. JONES is a year or two younger. Their many friends sincerely hope they will have the happiness to celebrate the seventy-fifth anniversary of their union.
~~Emmetsburg Democrat, 2 Dec 1914

Mr. and Mrs. John Leithold
Mr. and Mrs. John LEITHOLD, former local residents, will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in Woodland, Calif., June 5, after which Miss Chrystal LEITHOLD will retun to Postville to continue the piano store.
~~Iowa Volksblatt May 28, 1915

Mr. and Mrs. A.M. May
Mr. and Mrs. A.M. MAY of Waukon celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary Monday.
~~Postville Review, July 30, 1915 - contributed by S. Ferrall and below, from the Waukon Standard July 29, 1915 - contributed by Jeannie Hegeman:

THE FIFTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Of Old And Honored Waukon Citizens Is Appropriately Observed At Their Home On Monday
The fiftieth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. A. M. May was quietly observed at their home Monday by the presence of the B. D. Helming and R.J. Alexander families, the home coming of Mr. and Mrs. R.B. May and son Robert of Des Moines, and Frank H. May of Chicago. A quiet picnic dinner was enjoyed. Congratulating telegrams were received from Los Angeles, Cal., Washington, D.C., and Harwichport, Mass., and a cablegram from Christiana, Norway, besides letters from other places. Later came two surprises: John J. Stillman Post, G. A. R., and veterans marched with the colors to the home and coming to a halt in rank presented beautiful bouquetes of flowers, one especially noticeable in "red, white and blue." A congratulatory address was made for the Post by Dr. Strock and fittingly responded to by Mr. and Mrs. May. On behalf of the W. R. C, Mrs. F. H. Robbins and Mrs. D. R. Walker presented large bouquetes. About 5 o'clock the Women's Literary Club came, took possession with congratulations, flowers, and a social time, concluding with ice cream and cake. Like the G. A. R., they retired with kind wishes for returns of other happy anniversaries. Miss Jessie Lewis, for many years one of our successful teachers, came with a beautiful poem most appropriate for the occasion. Mrs. H. A. Howe remembered the event with a beautiful "golden" anniversary cake with "1865 - 1915" thereon. Other friends came with flowers and congratulations during the evening. Alonzo Martin May was born in Scio, New York, March 20, 1838, and is in the ninth generation from Thomas May, born at Mayfield, England, in 1590, who with two brothers came to America. In this family was Dorothy May, wife of William Bradford who became governor of Plymouth Colony. She died on ship-board on the passage to America. When five years old "A.M." came with the family of his father, P.F. May, to Will County, Ill. and after three years to Wisconsin, where for twenty years his home was in Green Lake and Rock counties. He attended the common schools from '51 to '56 worked on the farm summers, prepared for college at Ripton, where he became acquainted with his future wife, also a student, and graduated from Beloit College, Wisconsin, with the class of 1864. The evening of the Sunday the telegram came that Fort Sumter had been fired on by the rebels, he, with a large number of other students offered their service to the government under the call for three months men, and later again enlisted in the 40th Wis., Inf., known as the "student regiment". At one time he, his father in another regiment, and a brother, Isaac, in a Minnesota regiment, met for the last time in Memphis, Tenn. The oldest boy left at home to look after the family was eight years old, Frank E. May, now of Storm Lake, Iowa. After being mustered out in the fall of 1864 "A.M." went to New York City and completed a three year's course in Union Theological Seminary. July 26, 1865, at Beloit, Wis., he was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Mary Hayward, second daughter of Hon. Paul Davis Hayward, of Revolutionary descent. He was named for his ancester "Paul Davis", whose honorable discharge from the American Army as "Sergeant of the 5th Massachusetts Regiment after five years and nine months service" was signed by "G. Washington, General & Commander in Chief of the forces of the United States of America," June 8, 1793, and countersigned by "J. Trumbull, Jr. Sec'y". He was awarded a badge of merit for his long service.
Miss Hayward was born in Green Bay, Wis., June 5, 1842. Her family was represented in the civil war by her father and a brother Richard L. in Wisconsin regiments, and by her brother, Captain George W., who graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1861. He died at Alexandria, Egypt, January, 1886, while on duty. During '65 - '67, Mr. and Mrs. May resided in New York while he was completing his course of study supporting himself and family by teaching in private schools and musical work in churches on Sundays. In 1867 he located in Waukon, Iowa, as rector of St. Paul's P. E. Church and continued as such for five years. He has been a leader of choirs for nearly sixty years, and for more than forty years has been conductor of the M. E. church choir of Waukon which ranks among the best in northeastern Iowa. In March, 1868, he purchased for his brother-in-law, R. L. Hayward, the Waukon Standard, a three months old newspaper. Ill health compelled Mr. Hayward to retire at the end of the year. He went south and died in Texas in 1882; Mr. May continued as principal proprietor and editor for thirty-three years. For nine years E. M Hancock, who had learned the business in the office, was associated with him as partner, taking principal charge of the paper while Mr. May was acting as official short-hand reporter for the courts of the 10th Judicial District, resigning after thirteen years service. During the last four years of this time, Mrs. May had editorial charge of the paper and it was efficiently and well done. She has always been active in church, temperance and the missionary work of the M. E. church. She was a charter member of the Waukon Woman's Literary Club, recognized as the second oldest woman's literary club in the state, and still in active work. On account of physical and nervous break-down Mr. May sold the Standard to his son Robert Bruce, who successfully conducted it for over eight years. From 1868 to 1901, while under A. M. May's control the Standard advocated prohibition and woman suffrage. So far as known he was the first user of a type writer in regular editorial work in Iowa, beginning in the early part of 1875, the next earliest being that in the Des Moines Register office, about 1882, according to its former publisher, James S. Clarkson. Mr. May has been connected with the Masonic and I.O.O.F. fraternities for nearly fifty years, was a charter member of John J. Stillman Post, G. A. R., and has been its adjutant for over thirty years. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. May; Frank H., for years holding a good position with the Western Newspaper Union of Chicago; Anna L., who married Rev. G. N. Kenniston and died in 1890; Jessie E., now and for years past private secretary in the manager's office of the U. S. Steel corporation in New York City; Robert Bruce, now with the Iowa Homestead Co. in Des Moines; Winifred, now Mrs. B. D. Helming of Waukon; Paul D., clerk in the Adjutant General's office in Washington, D.C. He also served one year as purser of the U.S. ship Tacoma in the Spanish-American war, three years in the signal service in the Phillipines, also as government clerk in Panama; Langford, constructing engineer, Los Angeles, Cal.; and Marian, wife of Dr. Elmar Onsum of Christiana, Norway, head physician in a large hospital, and general writer for leading daily papers of that city and representative of the Associated Press.

To Mr. and Mrs. A. M. May
(by Miss Jessie Lewis)

A half century has passed away
And brought the Golden Wedding Day;
A half a century of joy and mirth;
Grief came, too, as it must on earth.
To both was sent the gift of song
To lighten and brighten the day along,
Not only for you but others as well,
How much no words of mine can tell,
For, generous as the gift to you,
So gave you to others the long years thru___
Gave with no tho't the gift to spend___
Gave freely to church or children or friend.
Your gift of song is by no means small,
So, freely you gave to your paper wide,
To club and to many a friend beside;
For facts and figures, quotations true___
Each one has been in turn to you.
The Standard, though gone from the house of May
Will be known as your paper for many a day.
You've stood for temperance true and strong,
For every good___ to right all wrong,
But the best of your long long years of joys
Has been the gift of your girls and boys.
Not one is left in the loving home
But in the wide, wide world they roam___
And each one there has made a place___
Each one is ahead in the world's great race,
One in the east and one in the west,
And scattered between, are all the rest.
O'er the ocean wide went the youngest one
To live in "the land of the midnight sun;"
And one __ ah! __ she went too quickly away
In the early morn of her womanhood's day___
The eldest daughter of the parent's heart ___
She took of their very life a part;
And those who are left, though far away,
In thought and spirit are home today.
And they think of the life of fifty years,
Though sprinkled full of parting tears,
That kept them, loved them, sent them out
Full well equipped for the world about,
And you look forth with love and pride
At the children walking by your side;
Grandchildren too, with gifts of thine,
Each to parents and grandparents fine.
May the last long years of a well spent life
Be loving and free from all care and strife.
May this beautiful sun of the "Golden Day"
Shine clearly on to the Heavenly way,
Where you shall hear at set of sun,
For talents used, the glad "Well done!"

Mr. and Mrs. John Hand
Occasion 25th Anniversary of the Marriage of Mr and Mrs John HAND. Thursday evening, January 7, Mr and Mrs John HAND, who live near Ayrshire were happily surprised by their many friends, the occasion being the twenty-fifth anniversary of their marriage, which took place in Allamakee county. Mr and Mrs HAND received an invitation after supper to visit one of the neighbors. They were about to leave when a large number dropped in to see them. There were about forty-five couples in attendance during the evening. A few hours were spent at cards and in dancing Irish reels, jigs and hornpipes. HAMILTON Bros. Orchestra furnished the music. At eleven o'clock supper was served by the ladies who bought an abundance of choice eatables. The wedding cake was decorated with large artificial strawberries and twenty-five lighted candles of various shades and colors were tastily arranged on the table in front of Mr and Mrs HAND. On behalf of the donors, John J HAND presented the bride and groom with two large rocking chairs. Mrs HAND responed with a few well chosen words, saying that she could not find the language to express the kindness and generosity of their neighbors. At the close John J HAND rendered a few choice songs, after which the large gathering dispersed, all wishing Mr and Mrs HAND health and happiness. It is needless to say that the many in attendance enjoyed the occasion.
~~Emmetsburg Democrat, Wednesday, Jan 13, 1915

Mr. and Mrs. George Wild
Perhaps one of the prettiest events of the season took place September 4th [1916] at the home of Gus Wild in French Creek township, when Mr. and Mrs. George Wild celebrated their golden wedding amid the glad hearts of their children and friends numbering about two hundred in all. The happy couple opened the doors of their hearts to their children at about one o’clock Monday, September 4th, and after the ceremony was performed being assisted by two little grandchildren, who acted as flower girls, the old couple repaired from the old house to the new one which has been built to take its place. The bride was gowned in a lavender dress with gold trimmings. The groom had the usual color and wore a very becoming smile to harmonize with the surroundings. After they had repaired to the house the pastor gave an address which was nicely suited to the occasion. The home was bedecked with golden rod and golden glow besides many other trimmings which go to make up the happiness of such occasions. The bride’s table was adorned with a large wedding cake, which was decorated in gold and white. In one word the scene was a beautiful thing to behold.
After the ceremony a delightful dinner was served to all, after which pictures were taken. Beardmore’s orchestra furnished the music and it goes without saying that a most delightful time was indulged in. Dancing also formed a part of the program. Mr. and Mrs. George Wild were married September 4, 1866, at the home of Mrs. Wild’s uncle, Godfrey Stark, by Reverend Blank. Altho trials and hardships greeted the beginning of the married life, they wrestled with them diligently, and, as is the reward of those who persevere, came out victorious. Heaven blessed them with fourteen children, two of them dying in infancy and two later, being Mrs. Lew Hirth and John Wild, both leaving families, which leaves ten of them to bless their old age. There are 42 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. The happy couple were recipients of many beautiful gifts, including a gold eagle from each of their children making $50 in all. Those who attended from away were Mrs. C. J. Bjorklund and two of Hume, N. Dak., Mr. and Mrs. Thurlow Fulks and two children of Spokane, Wash., Mrs. J. W. Snow and two children of Beach, N. Dak., Geo. Wild of Ferryville, Wis., Mrs. Edward Lenz and two children of Eagle Bend, Minn., and Mr. and Mrs. Art Amundson and baby of LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
-contributed by Diana Henry Diedrich (no source for this article, but likely a local newspaper)

Mr. and Mrs. George Wild, parents of a Rooseveltian family of twelve living children, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at the home of their son in French Creek township, Allamakee County. Two of their fourteen children died in infancy. There are forty-two grandchildren and three great grandchildren, besides their twelve living children in their family.
~~Iowa Recorder, September 20, 1916

3 Couples Wedded Ten Years Monday.
Monday marked the tenth anniversary of the marriage of at least three Postville couples -- Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Kohlmann, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Steele and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hecker -- and to commemorate the event the couple first named entertained the others at their home that evening, with Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Horgan as guests of honor. We congratulate all concerned and hope they will all be here to answer "present" when Father Time calls the roll on their Golden Wedding day.
~~Postville Herald, April 28, 1921

Mr. and Mrs. James Collins, Sr.
Waukegan [sic], Iowa. Jan. 17 - Mr. and Mrs. James Collins, Sr., of this city, are celebrating their 68th wedding anniversary. Collins is 84 years old and Mr. Collins is 91. They were born in Ireland, - came to Allamakee county in 1867 and settled on a farm [?] miles north of here. Bought at $6 an acre. Ten of their 14 children are living, eight of whom were with their parents today.
~~Newark Advocate (Newark, Ohio) Jan. 17, 1922 - contributed by Cindy Bray Lovell

Mr. and Mrs. John Krambeer
celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary at Luana last Wednesday.
~~Postville Herald, November 23, 1922

Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Ehrie
were given a happy surprise at their home on East Main street Tuesday, when a large number of relatives and friends assembled to assist them in celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Edibles for a bounteous dinner and supper were brought and served by the guests, and a purse of money was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Ehrie as a token of esteem. Mrs. Ehrie appeared in her wedding gown, which she had carefully preserved, and looked as charming as when she took her marriage vows forty years ago.
~~The Democrat, (Waukon) May 30, 1923 - contributed by S. Ferrall

Mr. and Mrs. Dominick Keffeler
Former Lansing Pioneers Celebrate 60th Wedding
Mr. and Mrs. Dominick Keffeler, well known local pioneers, celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary with their family in their home, 1189 Bluff street yesterday. In the morning at 8 o’clock they renewed their marriage vows at St. Mary’s church before their son, Rev. Father Nicholas U. Keffeler, pastor of the Catholic church at Vinton. Relatives and many friends witnessed the service. At 11 o’clock a breakfast was served at the Keffeler home to fifty relatives at tables decorated in the colors of orchid and green and with bowls of summer flowers. Early this morning the celebrants and relatives motored to Vinton to attend mass at the Catholic church in that town. This afternoon Rev. Keffeler is entertaining friends at a picnic at Vinton as a compliment to his parents. Mr. Keffeler was born in Grand Duchy, Luxembourg November 25, 1848. His wife, the former Miss Margaret Rottler, was born in this city April 14, 1854. They were married at the Catholic church at Lansing, Ia., June 22, 1869, and resided on a farm in that locality for forty years. Twenty years ago they moved to this city, where they have since made their home. They have four sons, Rev. Nicholas U. Keffeler, Vinton; Jacob W., Stoneville, S. D.; Dominick J., Dyersville; Anton G., Kansas City; six daughters, Mrs. W. S. Streff, Cedar Rapids, Neb.; Mesdames E. H. Hansen and O. I. Waters, Kansas City; Mesdames Josephine Widmeier, R. H. Taylor, F. L. Stallsmith, all of this city; twenty grandchildren and five great grandchildren. All their children and their families were at the celebration yesterday. Despite their advanced ages the celebrants are enjoying excellent health and are planning on visiting their children in Cedar Rapids and Kansas City this summer. They will motor to their destination.
~~Allamakee Journal & Lansing Mirror, June 26, 1929; reprinted from the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, June 23d.- contributed by Ann Krumme

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Danaher
Because of their twentieth wedding anniversary, which came a week ago Sunday, and which was duly celebrated by relatives at their home that day, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Danaher were given a second surprise by over forty friends Tuesday evening of last week. They brought a fine basket supper with them and the evening was pleasantly spent at cards and visiting. As a memento of the occasion Mr. and Mrs. Danaher were presented with a sandwich set.
~~Allamakee Journal & Lansing Mirror, June 26, 1929, Waukon Chit-Chat column - contributed by Ann Krumme

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Engen
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Engen, daughter Mildred and friend Miss Sandon of Thief River Falls, Minn., motored here Friday for a visit with relatives. Mrs. Engen is a sister of Ludvig Larson of this city. Sunday was Mr. and Mrs. Engen’s silver wedding anniversary and it was appropriately celebrated, a large party of relatives and friends gathering at the home of her sister, Mrs. Albert Johnson, in Jefferson township, where a pleasant afternoon and evening was spent.
--
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Larson and the twins, Gladys and Gordon, of Jamestown, N. D., and Julius Larson and daughter Irene of Pettibone, N. D., arrived by car last Thursday for a visit with Allamakee relatives and friends and to be present at the silver wedding anniversary of their sister, Mrs. Albert Engen and husband, mentioned else where in this paper. Mr. Albert Larson was at one time proprietor of The Model restaurant in this city in partnership with his brother-in-law, Charles Nelson, now also residing at Jamestown.
~~Allamakee Journal & Lansing Mirror, June 26, 1929, Waukon Chit-Chat column - contributed by Ann Krumme

Mr. and Mrs. Alvin D. Meyer
Wedding Anniversary. Sunday, September 28th, marked the fifteenth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin D. Meyer of Castalia, and the following relatives and freinds came with well filled baskets to help them celebrate their Crystal Wedding: Mr. and Mrs. Carl Reincke, grandparents of Mr. Meyer; Mrs. Eda Meyer and son Milo; Mr. and Mrs. Chas Reincke, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence F. Block; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kuhse and family; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Kuhse and family' Mr. and Mrs. Fred Groth and family; Mr. and Mrs. Enos C. Muchow and family; Mr. and Mrs. Victor Meyer and family and Chris Fischer, all of Postville. Mr. and Mrs. John O. Meyer and Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Meyer, of Ossian; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Mecklenberg and family of Chester; Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Brandt and family of Clermont; Mr. and Mrs. Rudolpy Kuhse and family and Eldo Schultz of Farmersburg. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Reincke and family; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Meyer and family; Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Willman and family; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Koenig and family; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Koenig and family; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Kluss, all of Castalia.
~~Postville Herald, October 2, 1930

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Brewer
Wedding Anniversary. About forty-five friends and neighbors gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Brewer last Friday evening to assist them in celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. Five hundred was the entertainment of the evening, high honors for the ladies' going to Mrs. Arnold Backhaus and for the men to Howard Leui. At an appropriate season a delicious lunch was served from the well filled baskets brought by the guests, following which all departed homeward leaving behind as reminders of the event a number of beautiful pieces of china. A pleasing part of the gathering was the fact that it came to Mr. and Mrs. Brewer as a complete surprise, the event having been planned and arranged entirely by their young daughter, Miss Mildred. The Herald joins with the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Brewer in the hope that they may be spared to enjoy many more years of happy wedded life.
~~Postville Herald, October 9, 1930

Mr. and Mrs. D.F. Duggan
Sunday was the twentieth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Duggan and the members of their two bridge clubs perpetrated a pleasant surprise on them in honor of the event. When they arrived home from their Model Café at 7:30 p.m. they found their home in possession of about thirty ladies and gentlemen. A basket supper was served and the evening spent at bridge. The friends presented them with a fine electric table lamp as a memento of the pleasant occasion.
~~Allamakee Journal & Lansing Mirror, October 22, 1930 - contributed by Ann Krumme

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Dasher
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Dasher were pleasantly surprised at supper time Tuesday of last week by about twenty lady and gentlemen friends, the occasion being their fifteenth wedding anniversary. The party brought with them well filled baskets of eatables and a fine spread supper was served. A pleasant sociable evening was spent at cards. Mr. and Mrs. Dasher were presented with a number of mementos of the happy occasion and the affair was highly enjoyed by all.
~Allamakee Journal & Lansing Mirror, Waukon City Chit-Chat column, Oct 29, 1930 - contributed by Ann Krumme

Mr. and Mrs. N. Barbaras
Mr. and Mrs. N. Barbaras were married 50 years Saturday, Dec. 27, and in honor of the occasion Father Nolan celebrated high mass at 8 o’clock, at which they renewed their vows and received Holy Communion. Their many friends extend congratulations and best wishes to this estimable couple.
~~Allamakee Journal & Lansing Mirror, December 31, 1930 - contributed by Ann Krumme

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Osterholz
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Osterholz, residents of Union Prairie township for over a period of 51 years, celebrated their fifty-first wedding anniversary Tuesday of last week. A family reunion was held in honor of the event. Mr. and Mrs. Osterholz were both born in Germany and on Feb. 3, 1880, were united in marriage. On August 1, 1881 they emigrated to this country, coming directly to Union Prairie township in Allamakee county where they had relatives, with whom they resided a short time, afterwards purchasing a homestead. They are the parents of Mrs. Herman Roth, Mrs. Edward Sanderman, Mrs. John Winkie and John and Elmer, all of whom reside in this vicinity.
~~Allamakee Journal and Lansing Mirror, February 11, 1931 -contributed by Ann Krumme

Mr. and Mrs. Diedrich Nuehring
GOLDEN WEDDING. Postville, Ia. Feb. 15 ---Special: Fifty years ago Sunday, Feb. 14, 1882, Mr. and Mrs. Diedrich Nuehring of Postville, Ia. were married at Husum, Germany, and in the same year emigrated to the United States. After farming for 30 years in the neighborhood of Postville, they retired and moved to town. The Lutheran Ladies' Aid Society presented the bridal couple with a nicely framed golden wreath and wedding poetry, fitting the occasion. In the forenoon Mr. and Mrs. Diedrich Nuehring were taken to the home of their son, Edward Nuehring, in Grand Meadow township, and there they found all their children and grandchildren assembled to participate in a wedding dinner.
~~February 15, 1932; Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal, Dubuque, Iowa, Page 5 Column 7 - contributed by Mary Durr

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Bechtel
Mr. and Mrs. Matt Bechtel celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last Sunday, the affair being a most happy occasion as they were joined by all their children and families who live in or near Lansing. The "bride and groom" were married at the Congregational church in New Hampton on October 15, 1883, by Rev. Hess. Since then they have made their residence in Lansing and have brought up a fine large family that has been a credit both to themselves and to the community. Those present at the anniversary dinner were Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Bieber and family, Mr. and Mrs. Theo. Bechtel and family, Carl Bechtel, Mathew Bechtel, and Adeline Bechtel, all of Lansing. Another daughter, Mrs. Ed Sankhauser of Fredericksburg drove to Lansing for the occasion and was accompanied by her two children, together with a sister of Mrs. Bechtel's from Lawler and a friend, Donald Vistie. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bechtel of Church wee also in attendance. A purse of money was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Bechtel as a remembrance of the day, and numerous congratulatory messages were received from the children who lived at some distance and were unable to be in attendance.
~~The Democrat, Waukon, Oct. 18, 1933 ~contributed by S. Ferrall

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Regan
On October 14, 1878, Charles Regan and Miss Mary Ann Waldron were united in marriage at the Lycurgus Catholic church by Rev. Slattery, and Sunday surrounded by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren at their home in Waukon, they were privileged to celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. Both are active an din excellent health and their large circle of acquaintances trust they may be [paper torn] observe many more such happey events. Mr. Regan is one of the few remaining native born residents of Makee township and will be 80 years old on December 4th. Mrs. Regan was born at Morrison, Ill., on August 29, 1858. She came to this county when a child and it has since been her home. They became the parents of six daughters and four sons and during all these 55 years that they have trod life's pathway together they have never lost a loved member of the family by death. The children are Charles, Jr., Daniel, Mrs. P. Rikos and Mrs. Frank Baxter of Waukon; Mrs. Ed Ryan, Jefferson township; Peter J., Mrs. Edward C. Keating and Mrs. J. Devore, Chicago; Cornelius, Alma, Wis., and Sister Cornelius of Danbury, Iowa. There are 35 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Mrs. E.C. Keating and Miss Elin Rolfe of Chicago, and the former's son, Rev. Edward Keating of Ottumwa, Iowa, joined relatives residing hereabouts in a dinner party at the home of the honored twain Sunday. Friends dropped in to extend congratulations and well wishes and the day was one of social enjoyment and long to be remembered.
~~The Democrat, Waukon, Oct. 18, 1933 ~contributed by S. Ferrall

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hirth
On May 6th, 1886, Eva Munz was married to Andrew Hirth at the French Creek church, by the Reverend C.F. Tromm. Last Sunday at the old stone church on Mays Prairie relatives and friends from Allamakee County gathered to observe the golden wedding anniversary of this couple. Earlier in the week about 20 of the lady friends of the Hirths gathered at the church and cleaned it, preparatory to the celebration, and also with the thought in mind that perhaps it will be used for services later. This was the first time in about five years that the church has been used. Sunday evening about 50 relatives from Churchtown, Mays Prairie, French Creek and Lansing surprised them at their home in honor of the anniversary. They were presented with a beautifully decorated cake. The Hirths formerly farmed, but now have retired and are making thier home in Lansing. He is 74 and Mrs. Hirth is 72, and both are in good health. The Sunday afternoon services were conducted1 by Reverend H. J. Noeding, and Reverend H. W. Singer of Waukon,
~~newspaper clipping, May 1934 ~contributed by Jim Fowler

Mr. and Mrs. John Harnack
On Sunday last Mr. and Mrs. John Harnack of this city celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home in a quiet matter [sic]. The maiden name of the bride was Miss Maggie Thoma, she being a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Thoma. The groom of a half century ago was John Harnack, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Christ Harnack, and was born in Garnavillo, Oct. 29, 1857. They were married in Postville, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Christ Harnack, April 14, 1885, the Rev. J. Gass officiating. Mr. and Mrs. Harnack settled down to housekeeping on a farm near Postville, where they resided twelve years, and then moved to Postville, which has since been their home. They have one daughter, Hulda, (Mrs. Fred J. Miller) who with her husband reside in the Harnack home. Mr. Harnack is 77 years of age and his wife 70, yet both of them are enjoying the best of health. During their many years of residence in this city and locality Mr. and Mrs. Harnack by their genial and friendly ways have drawn about them an ever-widening circle of admiring friends, with whom the Herald joins in extending hearty congratulations on their golden wedding anniversary and all hope that in health they may be with us to celebrate numerous other anniversaries of their wedding day.
~~Postville Herald April 1935

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Krueger
Saturday evening, Dec. 2nd, was the scene of a very happy gathering at the Walter Krueger home when relatives and friends gathered to help Mr. and Mrs. Krueger celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. Cards furnished the evening’s entertainment. At a late hour a very delicious supper was served, the table being centered with a beautiful cake decorated in silver. Mr. and Mrs. Krueger received many lovely gifts as remembrances of the happy event. Those present were: Mrs. Henry Krueger and Henry, Mr. and Mrs. Fred King and Mayme, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Fetketter and family, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Krueger, Mrs. Albert Krueger and family, Mr. and Mrs. Leo King and Glenda, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Lueck, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Wiemerslage and Glen, Mr. And Mrs. George Meyer and Harold, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Renk and Roy, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Weymiller and family, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Morgan and John, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Weymiller and family, Mrs. Henry King, Mrs. Anna Meyer, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Schuettemeier and family, Mr. Henry Brunken and Mr. Vincent Waters, E. B. Krueger.
~~Allamakee Journal, New Albin news column, Dec 6, 1939 - contributed by Ann Krumme