Mahoning County OhArchives News.....NEFF-WILSON 60th Wedding Anniversary 5 Apr 1908 April 10, 1908
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Jennifer Neff ffen@zoominternet.net January 30, 2006, 3:46 pm

Mahoning Dispatch April 10, 1908
Martin and Catherine WILSON NEFF - 60th Wedding Anniversary, 5 Apr 1908
CELEBRATED SIXTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
On Sunday last at their pleasant home a mile and a half east of the village, 
Mr. and Mrs. Martin Neff, surrounded by their children, grandchildren and 
great-grandchildren, celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of their marriage. 
While the day was dark and gloomy without there was nothing but brightness and 
happiness within the Neff home.
Near where they now reside this aged and respected couple have spent most of 
their lives.
Both were born in Canfield township, Mr. Neff on March 25, 1827, and Mrs. Neff 
July 14, 1830, making their ages 81 and 78 years, respectively.
Mrs. Neff’s maiden name was Catherine Wilson, being a daughter of John Wilson, 
one of the early settlers of Dublin, this township, who afterwards lived 
almost directly across the street from the present Neff homestead and it was 
there in what afterwards was known as the “old red house”, and which in 
another location now serves as a barn, the happy couple was united in 
marriage, the ceremony being performed April 5, 1848, Rev. Evrett of Poland 
officiating. 
Five children blessed this union, three of whom survive - Mrs. Caroline Beard 
of New Buffalo, John E. Neff and Mrs. Lois Edsall of Canfield. 
Industry and thrift have all their lives marked the pathway of Mr. and Mrs. 
Neff; always busy, happy and contented, enjoying to the full the quiet of 
their country home. That Mr. Neff has prospered, with the assistance of his 
helpmeet, is shown by the fact that he is perhaps the wealthiest farmer and 
stock dealer in Canfield township. 
He is still hale and hearty and his wife enjoys fairly good health and they 
have promise of celebrating many more wedding anniversaries. 
Besides the children named above, Mr.and Mrs. Neff have ten grandchildren and 
six great-grandchildren, all of whom with several other guests, were present 
to enjoy the sumptuous dinner and the pleasures incident to the sixtieth 
wedding anniversary. 



Additional Comments:
Photo accompanied article
APRIL 5, 1908 - Catherine and Martin Neff celebrate 60 years of marriage.
“It is said that the occasion was one of the most enjoyable in their lives. 
Their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren surrounded them.”
From Catherine’s obituary in Mahoning Dispatch 30 Mar 1910
About the photo: This is probably the oldest family group photo we have.
Provided by Marjorie Neff Whittle
Marjorie wrote, “Stratfords later lived in this home ... Thomas Stratford was 
the son of Catherine Wilson Neff’s sister Margaret. Catherine and Martin 
raised their nephew Thomas as a son and Catherine willed him the farm.

Children in front row: Carol Beard b. 1899; Ray Beard b. 1896; Arthur R. Beard 
b. 1897; and
Phil L. Stratford, b. circa 1905; Margrette Stratford b. 1903.

Second row: John E. Neff; Caroline Neff Beard; Martin and Catherine Wilson 
Neff; Martin J. Neff holding daughter, Isabelle. 

Third row: Roy J. Neff; Unknown male possibly G.S. Beard or Burton Beard; 
Harriett Sanzenbacher Neff; Unknown female possibly Sadie Neff; Melvia Waters 
Neff; Cyrus H. Neff holding daughter, Marjorie; Mrs. Thomas Stratford holding 
her son, Elton b.1907; Man in background possibly Thomas Stratford; Virginia 
Neff held by her mother, Anna Fithian Neff, unknown male in background 
possibly Charlie Edsall; Lois Neff Edsall and her daughters Berth and Julia; 
and Calvin Neff on end.

Comments from Jennifer L. Neff, 2005
Burton Beard’s wife Estella died on 16 Nov 1906, therefore she couldn’t be in 
picture. Burton and his three young children were living with his parents, 
George Sylvanus and Caroline Neff Beard.
Ensign E. Neff, Calvin C. Neff and Alexander W. Beard, grandsons of Martin and 
Catherine, do not appear to be in the picture. Nor does Laura Noll Neff, Roy’s 
wife – Roy and Laura were married a few months later on July 29, 1908.



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