The Ellaville Sun Friday, April 1, 1938 No. 37 SEARS' TO OBSERVE 56TH ANNIVERSARY Dr. and Mrs. W.D. Sears Explain They Have Enjoyed "Blessed: Marital Happiness Because "Both Pulled On The Same End Of The Rope" Dr. and Mrs. W.D. Sears of Ellaville complete 56 years of "blessed" marital life Saturday because they "pulled on the same end of the rope." Only a month out of medical college, the retired local physician, who was 24, married Miss Emma Battle, 19, on April 2, 1882, the Rev. Washington Tharpe performing the ceremony. Dr. Sears confesses he was a victim of love at first sight. He explains he was working in his father's general merchandise store one afternoon when a strange young girl entered and made a purchase. "I looked at her and then walked to the door with her," he recalls. "And all the time I was thinking, this is the girl for me and I'm going to captivate her or know why. I decided to make her say yes or no." She said yes, but they postponed their marriage until he completed his medical education, which was about a year after they met. "I got back from school with fifteen cents," declares Dr. Sears. He received several calls during the month before their marriage, how ever his first call was to Mr. Ernest Dixon, who had a toothache. And his first night call was to see Mrs. Tom Harper, mother of Mrs. C.W. Tondee and Mrs. C.B. Barnes of Ebenezer, of which he has a fond memory because "Tom paid me five dollars that very night>" "We dedicated our home to God with family prayer the first night of our marriage," Mrs. Sears says, "and we have had prayer every night since." Their life together has been a success because "both of us pulled on the same end of the rope," she believes. Both express deep appreciation for their happiness, attributing it to the favor of God and do not believe any couple has received greater blessings. Baptist church activities have been their principal outside interests. His father, Dr. W.J. Sears, is credited with founding the local church. The aged couple have watched membership of the church grow from five to more than 175. During the early years of their married life there were only two Baptist children in town to attend Sunday school. Dr. Sears was superintendent of the Sunday school 25 years and also taught a church school class for many years. The "Mite" Society, a woman's organization, was formed at Mrs. Sears' home in 1885 and it was continued under that name until 1913 when it became known as the Woman's Missionary Society. She too, taught a Sunday school class for many years. Both remain remarkably active. Dr. Sears, now in his 81st year, was building doorsteps when he paused to recall the days of his courtship. And only the other day he climbed a ladder to repair the roof of his home. MRS. MCGOWAN TO LIVE IN ATLANTA Mrs. Aldine (Peacock) McGowan, who has operated the Peacock hotel here for many years, has moved to Atlanta where she will operate a boarding house on Penn avenue. Her sister, Mrs. Grace (Peacock) Cheney is now owner and operator of the local hotel. CONCORD NEWS Surprise Party One of the most pleasant events of the week was that of the party given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hearn, better known as "I Jolly," celebrating his birthday. He was unaware of this planned surprise for him though as usual he was his same--jolly self. A large table placed in the yard was overladen with good food of every kind. The guests included nearly ever family in the community and those from off were: Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Edge and son of Macon, Mr. Ed Swearingen and Mrs. Bell Swearingen of Reynolds, Mr. and Mrs. Bland Cartwright and son, Mrs. Angie Cartwright of Opelika, Ala., Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Etheridge and son of Macon, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Chapman and children of Albany, Mr. and Mrs. James Hart and daughter of Ellaville. The guests departed wishing "I Jolly" many, many more happy birthdays. end # 37