50th Wedding Anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. James S. Kennedy, 1883

The Register.
Providence [Scranton, PA], Saturday, Sept. 29, 1883

Golden Wedding Anniversary.

On Wednesday evening of this week occurred the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. James S. Kennedy, who live on East-market street, Green Ridge. Their children, relatives and immediate friends determined to recognize the event in an appropriate manner, and the result was an exceedingly enjoyable occasion for every participator. The reception took place in the home they have occupied for the past quarter of a centry and there the large company assembled. The formal portion of the affair began a little after o'clock [no time given], when Rev. L. C. Floyd, in some happily chosen sentences, presented the surprised pair with a floral ship, the cargo of which having been investigated, was found to consist of one hundred and forty dollars in gold. There was also numerous olther presents, among them a gold headed cane, a pin, &c. Mr. and Mrs Kennedy are the parents of twelve children, seven girls and five boys, all of whom are living save one daughter. All who had the pleasure of participating enjoyed a rich treat, after which the guests departed hoping that the estmable couple may see many more anniversaries of their marriage.

50th Wedding Anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. William D. Kennedy, 1918

One of the most delightful occasions in many a day in this city was the celebration yesterday afternoon of Mr. and Mrs. William D. Kennedy's golden wedding anniversary, at their home, 1717 North Washington avenue. Mr. Kennedy married Miss Amelia Carter fifty years ago yesterday at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Pulaski Carter, of Parker street, in what was then known as Capouse. The ceremony was read by Rev. Samuel Whaley, pastor of the Providence Presbyteran church. Mrs. Julia Forsyth, Mrs. D. F. Shock and P. P. Carter, who were present at the wedding, were also guests yesterday at the anniversary.

The beautiful suburban homestead in Green Ridge was very attractive yesterday with its softly shaded lights and its profusion of flowers. The bride and bridegroom were the recipients of many floral tributes. Huge baskets of yellow narcissus, daffodils and roses were sent by a large number of friends.  One of the notable effects was secured by means of a large basket of sweet peas, all rose pink in color. Bowls of lovely roses also appeared among the many gifts. The table in the dining room was spring-like in its adornment of yellow jonquils.

The guests present were relatives and neighbors, comprising a small group that called to offer sincere felicitations. Mrs. William P. Kennedy and Mrs. L. C. Kennedy  were in charge of arrangements. About the rooms were the sons, William P., Dr. L. C.  Kennedy and Harold. Presiding at the table were Miss Genevra Shook and Miss Ada Carter. They were assisted in serving tea by Miss Olive Kennedy, who had come home from Wellesley to be with her grandparents on the happy occasion; Miss Hilda Kennedy and Miss Marjorie Stevens.

Among those who called during the afternoon were: The Rev. Dr. and Mrs. A. J. Weisley, Mrs. Julia Forsyth, Mrs. L. C. Floyd, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Lindsay, Col. and  Mrs. F. L. Hitchcock, Mr. and Mrs. D. F.  Shook., Mrs. Helen Stevens, Mr. and Mrs.  W. W. Inglis, Mr. and Mrs. P. P. Carter, Mr. and Mrs. George R. Clark, Mrs. R. J. Bennell, Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Price, Mr. Carrie Langley, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Dudley, Miss Tenney, Mrs. C. B. Penman, Mr. and  Mrs. Frank Kennedy, Mrs. Mehitable Kennedy, Miss Grace D. Hicks, Miss Pauline Shook, Miss Marjorie Stevens, Miss Phoebe Carter, Miss Ada Carter.

The bride of fifty years belongs to a pioneer family of this valley, and one that is connected with people of distinction in Colonial and Revolutionary times. She has  more bars, indicating Revolutionary ancestry, than almost any other woman of the region, and is identified with the Colonial Dames, the Daughters of the American Revolution  and the Scranton Colony of New England Women. She has been a member of the board of the Home for the Friendless almost from its beginning, and has in turn filled almost all the offices of importance from corresponding secretary to president. She has been on the  board of directors of the Y. W. C. A. for years, and there are few activities for the  betterment of the community with which she has not been identified at one time or another. She is an honorary member of the College club and is also a member of the Century club.

Mrs. Kennedy's unusual mental abilities from her earliest years brought her into prominence in every great movement. She has talent as a writer, and for years her judgment was sought in many affairs affecting the interests of women. She has always had special recognition for her superior tact and her gifts as a peacemaker whenever any riffles affected the surface of affairs with which she was identified. In that respect, as well as in others, it might be devoutly wished that she might never, by reason of years or failing strength, drop the pleasant lines of her gentle sway. Women like that should live forever on earth.

Mr. Kennedy was a soldier in the Civil war, having gone out with the emergency call in 1863, just before the Battle of Gettysburg, with the 30th Pennsylvania regiment. He is a member of Griffin post, 139, G. A. R. For  many years Mr. Kennedy was a member of the manufacturing firm of Carter & Kennedy.

Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have four children, their three sons of this city, William P., of the business department of The Republican; Dr. Lucius C. Kennedy, the well known physician, and Harold, an attorney-at-law.  Their only daughter, Katharine, is the wife of Dr. William A. Sherman, of Newport, R. I., now identified prominently with the base hospital in that city. There are six grandchildren in the Kennedy family.



Note: The spelling of Providence Presbyteran is as printed, as are all names listed. Katharine should have been spelled Kathrine. After the words, "New England Women" was inserted 1812 by an unknown person.

The newspaper from which this clipping was cut is unknown, but the date would be February 12, 1918, since they were married on February 11, 1868. The event took place in Scranton, PA.


Susan Carter White Pieroth 2000

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