The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, October 12, 1905 Thursday, Oct. 5th, was the fifty-seventh wedding anniversary of MR. and MRS. G.W. MITCHELL of Warren Township. The event was joyfully celebrated during the evening of that date by their immediate relatives, neighbors and friends to the number of half a hundred. Promptly at eight o'clock the Squire's house was surrounded by a happy mob who gave him and his wife an old fashioned newly married couple charivari. It was worse than the siege of Port Arthur and the Squire soon surrendered. The doors of his pleasant home were thrown open and the Japs took possession. Among the first demands of the crowd were that the Squire show his papers for having been so long in the married state, said papers not being instantly forthcoming, he and his estimable wife were forthwith seized, hustled before the court and married, MR. S.T. TANNER performing the ceremony in a very happy and acceptable manner. Refreshments were then served and the evening passed with good cheer and happy banter! . Before leaving, the Squire was "caned" and his good helpmate presented with mementoes of the occasion. Fifty-seven years of happy, successful married life is so rarely the case that the writer cannot refrain from extending this notice even though he tax the editor's space and patience. G.W. MITCHELL and MARY A. DOUGLASS were married October 5, 1848. MR. MITCHELL entered the land where they now live in 1852. They moved on the farm October 5, 1855, consequently they have been married fifty-seven years, and have lived on the same farm fifty-two years. Although nearly four score years of age the Squire (as we all call him) still maintains an active interest in whatever pertains to the good of the community in which he dwells. He talks and works intelligently in politics, school affairs and farming. His fruit is famous far and wide and for more than forty years he has been interested in school work and at present is treasurer of the school district wherein he resides. His is the no plus ultra of democracy. He entertains admirably in ye olden time way. The writer has enjoy! ed his hospitality since he was a boy. He remembers when the Squire and his wife were middle aged folks strong and vigorous, and so on up through the years to the present time. With probably two or three exceptions most of his pioneer neighbors have passed away. The Squire has practically survived them all and at the age of eighty years is hale and hearty and enjoying life. Fifty-seven years is a long time. Into the Squire's life in that time have come children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Long may he and his worthy wife live -- at least fifty-seven years more -- is our wish. -- JOHN V. BONNETT. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert September 6, 2004 [email protected]