A HALF CENTURY
Golden weddings only happen occasionally in these latter days. It is the exception rather than the rule when people celebrate the 50th. anniversary of their marriage and a couple that has passed half a hundred milestones in married life is always entitled to especial honor and respect.
Today is the auspicious occasion of the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Bell, who resides at No. 296 West Bloom Street. Mr. and Mrs. Bell were united in marriage just 50 years ago today at a point about four miles west of Mansfield where Simon Stentz now lives. Mrs. Bell's maiden name was Martha M. Gates. She was a daughter of George Gates, who, in the year 1847 was proprietor of what was known in those days as a country tavern, more properly a stopping place where entertainment could be had for man and beast. Mr. and Mrs. Bell began keeping house within a year after their marriage, taking up a quarter section of land in Franklin Township. The couple practically built up their home out of the wilderness, Mr. Bell clearing the land and rendering it suitable for cultivation. This, of course, involved much hard work and many were the discouragements in those early days. Mr. and Mrs. Bell were, however, blessed with good health and their robust efforts met with their reward when they had established and fitted up one of the best farms in Richland County.
About 10 years ago Mr. and Mrs. Bell gave up farm life and removed to Mansfield where they have resided ever since. They have a host of friends both in Mansfield and throughout Richland County.
Upon this happy occasion the children of Mr. & Mrs. Bell are al present. The direct descendants are: Mrs. J.D. Lewis, of Cookton, Richland County; Hubbert E. Bell, of this city; Charles E. Bell, of Cleveland; Byron Bell, of New York City; Mrs. W.H. Terman, who resides with her parents on West Bloom Street, and Mrs. M.N. Mix, of New York. Mr. Bell will be 74 years of age the 20th. day of February and his wife will be 73 years of age Dec. 2, 1898. For people who have experienced a life time of hard work, beginning on a 160 acre tract of timber land, Mr. and Mrs. Bell are very robust in appearance and health as will be noted by a glance at the cuts of the people presented by the News. It is expected that before the day is over at least 150 immediate relatives and guests will have paid their respects to Mr. & Mrs. Bell at their pleasant home on this happy occasion.
A dinner was served for the children and immediate relatives at the noon hour and the day from 1 o'clock until 8 p.m. will be given over to a reception for friends during which refreshments will be served continuously.
