GOLDEN WEDDING - MR. & MRS. O. D. TYLER

APPLEGATE, CHARLES, DAVIS, ELLIOTT, GROESBECK, HAZEN, KLINE, MORROW, TYLER, WALKER

Posted By: Irma (email)
Date: 6/13/2009 at 19:48:21

AFTON STAR ENTERPRISE
FEBRUARY, 1932

GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF MR. & MRS O. D. TYLER

On Sunday, Feb. 14, 1932 at the beautiful farm home north of Afton in Dodge Township, Mr. & Mrs. O. D. Tyler celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary in a most pleasing manner.

One of the most unusual instances of the event was the fact that Mr. & Mrs. Tyler enjoyed the presence of their entire family. The two sons, Bert and Lyle with their most excellent wives who took so much pleasure in preparing the grand dinner for us all.

A beautiful surprise among the many events the children had arranged was, Mrs. Rose Charles of Omaha, a girl friend of the bride, was there. They were girls together at Oskaloosa over sixty years ago.

Mr. Tyler was born near Cleveland, Ohio, came to Dodge Township with his parents when twelve years old in 1869. The old Tyler home was in Section 13 just across the road from where the first cabin was built in Dodge Township. With the exception of two years, Mr. Tyler has been a citizen of this township for sixty-three years.

Mrs. Tyler was born at Ottumwa, Iowa, later lived at Oskaloosa. She was one of the pioneer school teachers. They were married at Mt. Etna and among those present at the wedding was Mrs. W. W. Morrow. Much regret was expressed because she was not present on this occasion, as she was the only one now living who was present at the wedding.

They started housekeeping in Highland township, where Mrs. Tyler taught Highland Center school. Later they farmed one year in New Hope township and one year on father Tyler's farm, three years on the Newt Epperson farm and forty-four years where they now live. It was here where the happy event took place, for this home is just around the corner where mother and father planted the trees and built this beautiful home.

"It takes a heap of livin' in a place to make it home, just where mother planted the rose and lilac bushes. With the happy sunshine and discouraging days to go with it. Such homes are not a place that gold can buy, or get up in a minute. After all it is not the house - it is the folks that live in it."

And on this honored event at the noon hour the family and friends as in the days of yore assembled about the table to partake of another big dinner in this dear home of long standing. It was a feast fit for a king and a social hour never to be forgotten. On the table was a castor with Mr. & Mrs. O. D. Tyler, 1882 engraved on it, a wedding gift fifty years ago.

Every effort was made by the children and their families to make this a happy event, including a new radio. The day was spent in happy conversation. The groom referring to his bride as his valentine of so many years.

The memory of fifty years all gathered in this one day. Early pioneer life was most interesting. The hard work did by the people then is what has made this country of today. Mr. Tyler when twelve years old drove three yoke of oxen and broke prairie all summer. On Sunday they drove oxen to the Peter's school house where the church services were held. Wm. Groesbeck a Dunkard minister would sing two verses then the congregation would sing, then he would repeat it. They ony had one song book. When services were over the people would get the oxen up which were asleep and start home. In 1876 - Centennial year, Mr. Tyler celebrated his first Fourth of July in Afton. While he is not now the oldest voter in this township, yet he has voted the greatest number of years at this one place of any one living in the township.

These good people have always kept their integrity taught them by their ancestors and the same has been given their children. The difficuties and experiences of early life have made them the good citizens they are today. Always ready to help in the bettering of our community. Giving deep and conservative toward our Country's welfare, which is so much needed both in prosperity and depression. In the good book of Matthew is written, "Ye are the salt of the earth."

The day will long be remembered not only by the bride and groom of fifty years, but by all who were present. A large number of pioneer friends were not able to be there, which was a great disappointment.

Following are the names of the outside the family who were present, Mrs. Rose Charles of Omaha; Mrs Effie Applegate, Mrs. Ida Davis, Mrs. Viola Hazen, Home Kline, Mr. & Mrs. Benton Olinger, Mr. & Mrs. Art Elliott, Mr. & Mrs.& Ira Walker.

Many friends wish for you both many more years of life that you may continue to be while life shall last, not only a consolation and help to each other, but a center of all influences which make life worth living here and the preparation for that which is to come.