On
Oct. 20th 1854, Mr. James Davidson and Miss Isabella Hunter were married
at Caledonia by Rev. James Black, and, as last Thursday was the 50th
anniversary of their marriage, a large company of their friends and
relatives assembled at their home on the 14th concession of Townsend to
celebrate with them their golden wedding.
All their family, consisting
of six sons and one daughter, were present. They are John of Tilbury,
William L. of Nanticoke, Margaret, now Mrs. L. Montrose of Simcoe, Alexander
of Paris, James of Walpole, and Simon and Hugh of the homestead.
There are sixteen grandchildren, all of whom were present with the
exception of Mrs. Montrose's eldest son, who was unavoidably absent.
An address to Mr. and Mrs.
Davidson was read by Miss Isabella Davidson, accompanied by the
presentation of a purse of gold from the family by Miss Clarissa Montrose,
both granddaughters of the aged couple. After the presentation a
pleasant time was spent in which congratulatory addresses were made by
many of their old neighbors and friends who were present and in songs and
recitations, most of which were rendered by their grandchildren.
Mr. and Mrs. Davidson were
made the recipients of many useful and complimentary gifts by their
friends.
The Rev. Mr. Black of
Hamilton, who married them 50 years ago, not being able to be present, on
account of the feeble state of his health, sent a letter and token of his
esteem, expressing his hearty congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Davidson on
the occasion of their golden wedding.
Mr. Simon Hunter, brother of
Mrs. Davidson, who acted as groomsman at their marriage fifty years ago,
was present, and was one of the guests who expressed his congratulations.
Mr. Davidson was born in
Glasgow, and emigrated to Canada in 1843, At first he settled in Lower
Canada, but two years afterwards came to Upper Canada, and settled in
Oneida, where he taught school for ten years, during which time he was
married. Mrs. Davidson is also a native of Scotland, having been born at
Melrose Abbey.
In 1855 they settled on the
farm on which they have resided ever since which was then an unbroken
wilderness, but is now through their industry and frugality a fine farm
and beautiful home.
Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are
consistent members of the Presbyterian church, Jarvis.
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