GOLDEN WEDDINGS
JOSEPH AND LUCY (SHOVE) WATTS August 25, 1907. (From Topeka Daily State Journal.)
"Uncle Joe" Watts and wife recently celebrated their Golden Wedding at their home on English Ridge, two miles southeast of Havensville. All of their sixchildren and ten grandchildren, together with about sixty other relatives were present
Joseph H. Watts was born at Burtle, England, June 3, 1832. At the age of seven he was employed at four cents a day to keep the birds off a wheat field, and at the age of fifteen, in company with his two sisters, he came to America. Two years later the sisters returned to England, leaving him here alone. August 25, 1857, he was married to Lucy Shove at Waukegan, Illinois. She was born December 26, 1835, at Horley Surrey, England, emigrating to America with her parents when eighteen years old. After their marriage, they went to Iowa, remaining eight years and June 1, 1865, landed in Kansas and settled at Cedar Fork. Two years later they moved to their farm near Havensville, where they have lived and prospered ever since. They have four children living in Oklahoma, three daughters and a son, who located in that territory when first opened to settlement, the son having held the office of County Treasurer of Custer County for several terms. A married daughter lives near Avoca, Jackson County, and the youngest son is still at home with his parents. Uncle Joe is of a hardy English stock, raised a family of highest respectability, can prepare with his own hands and enjoy a fine meal, better than anyone, and allows nothing to prevent his enjoying life.
Bessie Watts Loughmiller returned to Kansas in 1908. Grace Watts Lawton and Maude Watts Smith remained in Arapahoe, Oklahoma and lived out their lives there. Paul Watts returned to Kansas and later moved to Idaho and was engaged in truck gardening.
TILLMAN AND ELLA (HUFFMAN) LOUGHMILLER - May 15, 1922. (From Topeka Daily State Journal.)
Four generations were represented at the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Tillman H. Loughmiller at their country home near Emmett, Kansas, on May 15, 1922. Fifty-five guests were present. All of the ten children were in attendance. They were: George Loughmiller, Fivs, Oklahoma; Bert Loughmiller, Rocky Ford, Colorado; Louis Loughmiller, Wheatland, Wyoming; Walter and Oscar Loughmiller, Havensville, Kansas; William Loughmiller, Hartman, Colorado; Joe Loughmiiler, Holton, Kansas; Mrs. Annie McDaniel, Denver, Colorado; Mrs. Winnie Salisbury and Mrs. Nora Perry of Havensville, Kansas. Mr. Loughmiller's sister, Mrs. Orlena Beach, and Mrs. Loughmiller's brother, George Huffman, both of Havensville, were present. Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Butler and Mr. and Mrs. William Butler of Topeka were guests. One great grandchild, Alta Pebley of Foss, Okla- homa, was present. An excellent three course dinner was served by four granddaughters; Flossie, Gladys, and Grace McDaniel of Denver, Colorado, and Lilah Salisbury of Havensville, Kansas. The tables were decorated with yellow and white roses and a bouquet of gladioli. The rooms were decorated with gold and white chains of crepe paper. Mr. Loughmiller was born in New Albany, Indiana, in 1851. He came to Kansas when a young man and was married to Ella Huffman of Iowa City, Iowa, in 1872. Since their marriage, they have resided on a farm in Jackson County, Kansas, near Emmett. They resided in a stone house which was built thirty-eight years ago. Mr. Loughmiller is still an energetic worker on the farm.
CHARLES AND MAGGIE (NICHOLAS) KROTH - July 9, 1932. (From Holton Recorder, July 14, 1932.)
The home of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Kroth was the scene of a happy gathering Saturday, July 9, when Mr. and Mrs. Kroth celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. The children, with the exception of Mrs. Esther Clements, of Hennessey, Oklahoma, and Ralph Kroth, of Detroit, Michigan, enjoyed a picnic dinner with the home folks and welcomed friends and neighbors between the hours of two and five who came to congratulate the bride and groom. Ice cream and yellow and white cake were served as the refreshments, the table being decorated in gold and white, and a miniture bride and groom under a wedding bell as a centerpiece. Bouquets ofnasturiums harmonized in color.
Although the occasion was one of rejoicing, it had its tinge of sadness to know the family circle had been broken only a short time ago by Alice's death. But thus it is with life.
The following guests were present: Frank Kroth, Lorah and Clifford; Mrs. Hattie Lines; Aurelia Beach; J.P. Gibson; Mrs. Clara Rose; Rev. and Mrs. N. J. Adams; Dora Watts; May Shove; Beatrice Beach and children; Ora Beach; Laura Loughmiller; Frankie Bottom and Zelpha; May Peck; Clara Franz; Lucille Biester; Ella Shove; Norma Gibson and Bettie Jean; Mary Shove and Richard; Mr. and Mrs. Cull McKinsey; Mr. and Mrs. Arch Kroth, Pauline and Lucy; Rosa Watts and Hope; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Loughmiller; Janie Shove and children; Pearlie Venneberg; Mabel Nicholas and Carol Marie; Alta Shove; Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Bottom and James; Elva Reynolds and son; Florence Clements and children; Kate Bottom; Martha Manuel; Lilah Huffman and children; Bertha Miller; Fred Venneberg; Emma Rairdon; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Channel and Leah; Veda May Armstrong and children; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Bottom and Betty; Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Venneberg and children; Mr. and Mrs. Harley Manuel and children; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kroth and Marvel; Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Kroth and Bertha.
CLYDE AND WINNIFRED (LOUGHMILLER) SALISBURY July 15, 1951
Clyde and Winnie Salisbury celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary at Englewood, Colorado, on July 15, 1951. A recep- tion was held from two to four o'clock at their home for friends to call. After the reception dinner for the family was served in their honor at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Lila Right- mire. All five of their children were present: Mr. and Mrs. Frank Salisbury and daughter, Margaret Ann from Rawlins, Wyoming; Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Salisbury and sons, Billy and Bobbie, from Rawlins, Wyoming; Mr. and Mrs. Loren Gray (Marjorie Salisbury) and children, Sharon and Donald, from Rawlins, Wyoming; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rightmire (Lila Salisbury) of Denver, Colorado; and Mr. and Mrs. Leo Salisbury of l@lichita, Kansas.
Out of town guests and relatives were: Mr. and Mrs. Louie Loughmiller and two daughters; Mr. and Mrs. Eli Kestie and sons, Howard and James; Mrs. Lois Swaim and children, Nila Jo and Billy; Mrs. May Loughmiller and daughters, Bonnie and Doris; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Loughmiller and children, Annetta, Amy and Edward; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Loughmiller; all from Rocky Ford, Colorado; Mr. and Mrs. Lynn McDaniel and children, Jimmie and Marguerite, from LaJtmta, Colorado; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lough- miller from Onaga, Kansas; Mrs. Nora Perry and Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Loughmiller from Topeka, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Perry and children, Kenny and Mark Kay, from Topeka, Kansas; Mr. and Mrs. GIs= Achenbaugh from Boulder, Colorado; Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Bottom and sister, Miss Mary Bottom, from Onaga, Kansas. They received many lovely gifts and cards from a host of friends who attended the reception. This wonderful day will never be forgotten.
HARRY AND ELIZABETH (WATTS) LOUGHMILLER - December 24, 1951
Harry and Bes Loughmiller celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary on December 24, 1951, with an open house at their home, 742 Chester, Topeka, Kansas. All five children, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.were present for the occasion. The children are Dorothy, of the home; Robert of Pueblo, Colorado; Maude (Mrs. Charles P. Hayes) of Topeka, Kansas; Paul of Houston, Texas; and Rodney of Topeka, Kansas. In reminiscing, the guests remembered the surprise of the wedding tacking place after the English Ridge School program on Christmas Eve. The regular patrons of the district wondered at the attendance of a number of the Buck's Grove patrons, including Mr. and Mrs. Robert Loughmiller parents of the groom. Following the program, Rev. Mayfield (Christian Church Minister) from Havensville, married the couple. Bess had previously gone to the Western Territory of Oklahoma to teach school and had filed on a claim. It was here that they started their married life, and lived until they returned to Kansas in 1908 to make their home.
ARCH AND ELSIE (WATTS) KROTH - July 26, 1953.
Mr. and Mrs. Arch Kroth celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary on Sunday, July 26, 1953, by holding open house at their home three and one half miles east of Havensville, Kansas. Arch and Elsie were married July 28, 1903, at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Watts, on English Ridge In Pottawa- tomie County. They have two daughters, Pauline and Lucy. Guests who attended the wedding in 1903 and also attended the golden wedding were: Fred and Rosa Clements Watts, Paul Shove, Luke and Ella Shove, Alta Shove, Bertha Kroth, Lilah Kroth Huffman, Lorah Kroth, Eva Kroth Bottom, Mabel Shove McKinsey and Mary Loughmiller Peck.
Gold colored carnations were presented to the guests who had celebrated their own golden weddings. They were: Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Coates, Mr. and Mrs. Luke Shove, and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Loughmiller (Harry was ill and unable to attend).
Decorated cakes, ice cream, tea and mints were served to 128 guests.KROTH SIXTIETH WEDDING - July 28, 1963
The sixtieth wedding anniversary of Irch and Elsie Kroth was observed quietly at their home in Topeka, July 28, 1963. Floral tributes were presented to them in honor of the occasion.
JOHN AND EDNA (TWEEDY) KROTH - July 25, 1956
On Thursday, July 25, 1956, John and Edna Kroth celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary at their home in Denison, Kansas. One hundred friends and relatives from Jackson, Jefferson, and Pottawatomie Counties called to congratulate them on the occasion. Edna wore her wedding dress of fifty years before, which had been carefully laundered by her niece, Mrs. Ermyl Martin Lytle. (Her dress is now in the Kansas Museum as an example of wedding attire of the 1906 era.) Able assistance was given by nieces, Mrs. Florence Clements, Miss One Tweedy, and Mrs. Hazel Tweedy White. The highlight of the day probably was the receiving of a cablegram from their son, Earl, and his wife, Ruth, who were in Assiut, Egypt. They were serving three year term as agricultural advisor and director of nursing school education, respectively, at the mission there. The Kroths were very flattered also to receive letters of congratulation from Senators Frank Carlson and Andrew Schoeppel. Senator Carlson's letter read: "Through these short fifty years, you have shown, by your actions and endeavors, that the sanctity of the home and all it's cherished memories go toward building a better community, state and nation in which to live. Your lives together will add inspiration and purpose to the young people coming on and may the years ahead be kind and gracious to you."
HARLAND AND ALICE (PECK) KROTH August 3, 1958
(From Buhl, Idaho, Herald)
Mr. and Mrs. Harland Kroth of Buhl celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a party held at their home on Sunday, August 3, at 2fOO P.M., with forty relatives present to celebrat the occasion.
A three-tiered white wedding cake trimmed with hearts and bells and topped with a heart shaped "5011 decorated the center of a white lace covered serving table. The cake was flanked by golden tapers. The cake was baked and decorated by the couple's daughter, Mrs. Harold Hobson, of Gooding. Mr. Robert Wright of Twin Falls, also a daughter, baked and decorated two golden cakes for the occasion.
The gifts were opened by Mrs. Kroth with Mrs. Thelma Wright arranging and displaying the gifts. Mrs. Ernest Peck of Filer, a sister-in-law of Mrs. Kroth, cut the cake. Mrs. James Olson of Buhl, a niece of Mrs. Kroth, was in charge of the coffee ser- vice and Mrs. Michael Zobrak poured the punch.
Bouquets of chrysanthemums and roses decorated the room.
Mr. and Mrs. Kroth were married in Havensville, Kansas, on August 4, 1908. They moved to Idaho in 1920, and have resided in this vicinity for the past thirty-eight years. They have four children - three daughters, Mrs. Harold Hobson, Mrs. Robert Wright, Mrs. Clark Allison, who lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and one son, Don Kroth of Buhl. They also have six grandchildren.
Mr. John Kroth of Topeka, Kansas, and Mrs. Michael Zobrak of Chicago were present for the occasion. Other relatives were also present from Buhl, Filer, Twin Falls and Gooding.
WILLIE ANDREW AND MARTHA (FLANDERS) LOUGHMILLER - October 23,1960
The Willie Andrew Loughmiller's celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in the Hollister Grange Hall on Sunday, October 23, 1960. A reception was held for relatives and friends from 2:00 to 6:00 P.M.
FRED AND ROSA (CLEMENTS) WATTS - August 6, 1961
(From Holton Recorder)
The fiftieth wedding anniversary was given for Mr. and Mrs. Fred Watts of Raytown, Missouri, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arch Kroth, Havensville, on Sunday, August 6, 1961. Mr. and Mrs. Watts were married August 16, 1911, at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Clements in the Buck's Grove Community.
Mrs. Clarence McMullen, formerly Miss Elsie Bahret, Miss Roberta Bottom, Mrs. Lilah Huffman, Miss Dorothy Loughmiller, Mrs. Charles Hayes, Mr. and Mrs. Arch Kroth, Lucy and Pauline, Harland Kroth and Miss Ina Clements were guests at the wedding and were also guests at the anniversary celebration.
The home was decorated with yellow mums and gladiolis which were gifts of Miss Dorothy Loughmiller and the Charles Hayes family of Topeka.
The large wedding cake, which was decorated in keeping with the gold color scheme was baked and decorated by Mrs. George Schneider, Jr., of Manhattan, Kansas, sister of Dr. Chester Bare.
Mr. and Mrs. Watts' children were present with the exception of Mrs. Cecil Young of Los Angeles, California, who had been to visit her parents about three weeks before. The children present were Mr. and Mrs. Rex Watts and family of Dallas, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. Evan Watts and family of Wichita Falls, Texas; Dr. and Mrs. Chester Bare and family of Raytown, Missouri; and Galen Watts and children of Racine, Wisconsin.
Over 200 guests were present, coming from 11 different states. Those from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Lough- miller and family, Miss Dorothy Loughmiller, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hayes and Miss Laura Loughmiller, Mrs. Rosella Aitken, Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Graff, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Marcoux.
Worth Tolin, Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Hayes, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Bramiett and family, Miss Hazel McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Hayes and son, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Johstone, all of Topeka.
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Lawton of Cisco, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Johnston of Phoenix, Arizona; Mrs. Lucy Garcean and Chris- tine, Miss Phyllis Clements, Mr. and Mrs H. C. Clements, all of Denver, Colorado.
Myron Hayes of Wichita; Bert Lawton of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, Mr and Mrs George Schneider, Jr., and son, of Manhattan, Harland Kroth of Buhl, Idaho.
Miss Ina Clements of Washington, D.C., Mr. and Mrs. Gill Burckel, Mrs. Beth Gholson all of Kansas City; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Houck of Delia, Mr. and Mrs. 0. M. Channel of Wamego.
Mrs. Grace Bramlett of Silver Lake; Henry Lee Shove of Kentucky; Mr. and Mrs. Jack Brennan of San Diego, California, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Clements of Belton, Missouri.
Mr. and Mrs. Milton McKinsey, Mr. and Mrs. Harley Manuel, Miss Bertha Kroth, Mrs. Clara Franz, Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Coffey, Mrs. Katie Eaton, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Deck, Mrs. Florence Clements, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Clements and family all of Holton.
Guests from this community were: Mrs. Lilah K. Huffman, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Fisher, Evan Lewelling, Mrs. Rachel Marcoux, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Marcoux and Mark.
Rev. and Mrs. Paul Holter, Mr. and Mrs. William Harris, Misses Hazel and Beatrice McKee, Mrs. Walter Schane, Mr. and Mrs. Logan Tolin.
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Fischer, Mr. and Mrs. Karl Biester, and Mrs. and Mr. Frank Channel and family, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Poague, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Manuel, Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Coates, Miss Martha Peasley,Ross Peasley, Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe Bahret, Mrs. Paul Tolin.
Mr Vinton Hatfield, Mr. and Mrs. Henry McKee, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Manuel, Roy Channel, Miss Roberta Bottom.
Mrs. Blanche Marcoux, Phillip Marcous, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer J. Patrick, Miss Cressie Eddy, Mrs. Dora Lewis, Mrs. Lydia Porter.
Olin Wykert, Mrs. Arma Coverdale, Mrs. Leatha Bateman, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Bottom, Mr. and Mrs. Russ Sumner.
Mrs. Mabel Whisler, Mr. and Mrs. Alton Beach, Mr. and Mrs. Ott McKinsey, Mrs. Ella Shove, Mr. and Mrs. Harley Davis.
Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Beightel, Jr., C. W. Beightel, Mrs. Irene Heininger, Alice and Betsy, Ivan Ward Clements, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Stotts.
Mr. and Mrs. Norman Cotton, Mrs. Zilda Strosnider, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Bottom, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Vermeberg, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Shove.
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Venneberg and family, Mrs. Clara Walker, Fred Osborn and Tom, Mr. and Mrs. Harland Clements, Mrs. Lena Shields, Arvid Johnson, Mrs. Carl Robbins, Mr. and Mrs. Arch Kroth, Lucy and Pauline.
TOM AND NORA (LOUGHMILLER) PERRY - August 11, 1963
Due to the fact that Tom and Nora would be vacationing in Elsinore, California, on the exact date of their anniversary (February 24, 1964) they celebrated on August 11, 1963. A reception was held in Oakland Community Center in Topeka, Kansas, in which all five of their children and families, as well as many friends participated. Norals only living brother, Joseph and wife, Helen Bahret Loughmiller, were present from Elsinore, California. Other guests from out of town were: Mrs. Flossie McDaniel Bartell of Bernicia, California, Mrs. Grace McDaniel Terry of Englewood, California, Mrs. Gladys McDaniel Watts of Denver, Colorado, Mrs. Winnie Loughmiller Teeter of Foss, Okla- homa, Mrs Dorothy Loughmiller Pebley of Weatherford, Oklahoma, Paul and Lila Salisbury Rightmire of Denver, Colorado, Joseph Leo Salisbury and son, Stanley, of Denver, Colorado, Mr. and Mrs. Lynn McDaniel and family of LaJunta, Colorado, Mrs. Mabel Lasswell Burgess of Houston, Texas.
A buffet dinner was served in the evening to over 150 welcome guests. After dinner, Nora and Tom repeated wedding vows in a comical way as the "bride" wore an old style dress dragging a five foot length of rope for a train. The "groom" was dressed in bettered derby hat, with a mustache (which he never really had).
The wedding attendants were the grandchildren and great- grandchildren, the thumb-sucking flower girl was the youngest to take part; the smallest were still babes-in-arms.
The "minister" officiating was protrayed by Clude Sipes, a grandson, and the bride, who was gladly given away by her brother, Joseph Loughmiller. Music was furnished by Howard Johnstone with a duet by Nancy Jasperson and Howard Johnston. A group of old friends also sang. The Anniversary Waltz was played while the bride and groom of fifty years danced alone. They received two hundred cards of congratulations and numerous gifts which will be cherished. The memories of this eventful day will always be held dear.
Congressman Avery and wife sent these words in congratulations. "You have had the good fortune of experiencing this day, and having a long life together. I know there have been moments when each of you had to give and take a little. That you have remained together gives testimony to your belief in the solemnity of marriage and your interest in home and family. My wife, Hazel, and I extend to you our sincere best wishes for continued health and contentment. May God bless you."
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