Indiana County PA Archives Anniversaries.....Bothel, John and wife ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Rosalie Sommer rosaliesommer@comcast.net January 9, 2007 8:41 PM A GOLDEN WEDDING. CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARRIAGE OF JOHN BOTHEL AND WIFE. Children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, with relatives and neighbors to the number of about 200, gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John BOTHEL, of Washington township on June 25 to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. Notwithstanding the threatening weather in the morning, old people, young people and children came afoot, on horse back and in carriages, bringing with them well filled baskets of good things. Two large tables about 40 feet long, were erected on the barn floor, and at 12 a procession was formed at the house with Rev Given, of Richmond, as commander. After him came Rev. Samuel Browne and wife, of Wilet, and Rev. R. B. Carroll and wife of Elderton, followed by the bride and groom of 50 years ago, and the children, friends and neighbors. All marched to the barn, which was for the time being converted into a large dining hall. Rev. Given invoked the Diving blessing. At the conclusion of the dinner Rev Samuel Browne returned thanks. After dinner the audience was called to order by R. B. Carroll, and Rev. Given led in prayer, in which he very touchingly alluded to the example, life and Christian influence, of Mr. and Mrs. BOTHEL. He was followed by a short address by R. B. Carroll who in a humorous manner told of the courtship and marriage of John BOTHEL and Sarah DICKSON on the 25th day of June, 1846, by the Rev. David Blair of precious memory. He referred to the fact that Mr. BOTHEL's brothers and sisters are all living and that his father's family consisted of four boys and three girls whose ages range from 69 to 83 years, and whose combined ages are 537 years. Of the number of brothers and sisters, two are unmarried. There are 27 children, 68 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren living. To John and Sarah BOTHEL were born 8 children, all of whom are living. They have 23 grand children and 2 great grandchildren living, without a doubt an extraordinary record. John BOTHEL was born in 1819 on the farm now occupied by his brother, David, in Armstrong township. A part of his boyhood days was spent in Venango county, and with the exception of a short time when he lived in Armstrong county, he had been a citizen and very prominently identified with the educational interests as teacher and director of Indiana county. Sarah DICKSON, his wife, was born in 1820 in Adams county on the "Sherfy farm" on the Battlefield of Gettysburg. She came west of the mountains when a child to Westmoreland county and afterward to Indiana county. Rev. Samuel Brown spoke of the life and Christian character, as educators, church members and parents of Mr. and Mrs. BOTHEL. Rev. Given referred to the wonderful changes that had taken place in the country during the 50 years past, and which these two persons had witnessed. They had done their part to make the world better and had probed that in their case at least "marriage was not a failure." R. B. Carroll in behalf of Mr. and Mrs. BOTHEL thanked the friends and neighbors for the kindly remembrance and for the useful and beautiful presents bestowed. The exercises were interspersed with appropriate and inspiring music. The family and relatives elected James S. BOTHEL chairman and L. R. STAUCHUL, secretary to form an association to hold annual reunions on the 25 of June. The following persons were appointed an Executive committee: Tillie SIDES, Myrtle STAUCHUL, Gertie DIXON, Millie KUNKIE, Sarah STAHL, Daniel C. BOTHEL and Gil FARREN. It was decided to hold the next reunion at the home of Mrs. John C. KUNKLE, June 25, 1897. All who were present appeared to enjoy themselves, and separated after wishing the "Bride and Groom" many happy returns of their wedding day. SOURCE: Indiana County Gazette (Indiana, Pennsylvania) July 1, 1896 Wednesday