Sault
Ste. Marie Star -- Yesterday was a notable day in the life of one of
the Sault's most highly esteemed couples, marking as it did the 64th
anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. T. H. DeCew, 1175
Queen Street East.
Congratulations and best wishes of many friends, flowers and
gifts, poured in on Mr. and Mrs. DeCew who celebrated quietly, the
health of the happy couple of 1868 and now, not being as vigorous as
in earlier years, as time has taken its toll at the milestone of the
happy road they have traveled together for so long.
In fact Mr. DeCew had only in the past few days been able to
leaave his bed after a five weeks illness, while the excitement of
yesterday, restrained though it was, was almost too much for Mrs.
DeCew, who was obliged to rest while friends came to wish them more
happy years.
There were flowers everywhere. Tulips and roses, daffodils and
early flowers filled the living room and dining room, creating a
beautiful spring-like atmosphere for these good people in the autumn
of life.
A special lovely gift came from their son Mr. Judson DeCew, New
York, who sent 64 splendid roses, one for each year of their married
life, and messages came from another son, Mr. Mark DeCew at
Vancouver, and their daughter, Mrs. R. E. Paopham [sic],
London, England.
During the day many guests called and were received by Mr. and
Mrs. DeCew, to whom kindly hospitality has been just a part of their
lives, and with the same gracious spirit, they received the
felicitations of their friends. The long tea table laid in the
dining room, daintily spread with a lovely lace and linen cover, and
centred with a lovely boquet of daffodils, was presided over by Mrs.
E. B. Books and Miss E. O'Boyle, who dispensed appetizing
refreshment, a high feature of which was a delicious wedding cake.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. DeCew 64 years ago, marked the union
of two families prominent in the history of the country in the early
days.
Mrs. DeCew, who was Miss Valdora Beemer, was born New Year's Day,
1850, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Beemer, and great
granddaughter of Jabez Culver, the first Presbyterian minister and
pioneer in the mission field of Norfolk County. He erected the first
log dwelling in the township and subsequent places were named for
him. Mrs. DeCew grew up in surroundings tinged with the memories of
achievement of these worthy ancestors.
Mr. DeCew was born at DeCewsville, Haldimand County, Ontario, 18
Apr 1843. Descended from a race that came from Frances to England in
the 16th Century, and from Yorkshire to America in 1685, many events
full of historical romance are credited to this family who in their
active participation in building up a new country, dropped the
family crest and heraldry of the old land and became the DeCews of
the newer Canada.
Mr. DeCew is a great grandson of Captain John DeCew who built the
first mills at Beaver Dam and the historical first stone house which
billeted Lieut. FitzGibbon and his men in the war of 1812, and
figured prominent in the thrilling adventures of brave Laura Secord,
one of the members of this famous family.
Mr. and Mrs. DeCew were married 21 Mar 1868 at Waterford, Norfolk
County, the cemony being performed by Rev. Jacob VanLoon, uncle of
Mr. DeCew. They have one daughter, Mrs. R. E. Popham [sic],
England, and two sons, Judson DeCew of New York and Mark DeCew of
Vancouver, also 10 grandchildren. They came to the Sault 21 years
ago, have previously resided at Bruce Mills for a time.
Mr. DeCew is a veteran lumberman although of late years he has
taken a less active part. He still retains a keen interest in all
the good affairs of his community and county and thinks the right
people are in officc now for the best interests of all.
It is the sincere wish of a wide circule of friends that many
more years will be given them and that Mr. and Mrs. DeCew may
celebrate many more happy anniversaries together.
