Anniversary Announcement:  Mr. & Mrs. John N. Castor

Source:  BUTLER ENTERPRISE (Butler, Richland Co., Ohio):  15 September 1905, Vol. 17, No. 32, as re-printed from the Monday edition of the Mansfield News

GOLDEN WEDDING

A golden wedding celebration is one of the rare events to occur in any community.  Perrysville was the scene of such a celebration Friday night when the friends and relatives of Mr. and Mrs. John N. Castor gathered at their home and reminded them that they had reached the century mark in married life.  The affair was planned by Thomas H. Beavers, Mont Veach and a score of other neighbors and friends who were determined to surprise Mr. Castor, who has been at the head of many similar events in that village.  About 5 o'clock Friday night his daughter-in-law, Mr. Frank Castor, of Lodi, accompanied him to the home of the Rev. Dennis, the Methodist minister.  Here he was detained until the 150 guests arrived and the lawn was decorated with Chinese lanterns, gasoline lights, etc.  Upon his return the surprise was complete, although it had been known to his wife.  The early part of the evening was spent in social conversation and in renewing old acquaintances.  The large crowd filled the spacious house and the evening being a pleasant one, many enjoyed themselves upon the lawn where punch was served, Miss Anna Beavers and Mrs. Earnest Beavers, presiding.

Later in the evening all entered the house and after a selection by a quartet, the Rev. Keifer, pastor of the Lutheran Church, in a very appropriate address, presented Mr. & Mrs. Castor $35 in gold and many other beautiful presents, consisting of Haviland China and souvenir spoons with the date of their marriage, Sept. 8, 1855, and date of their golden wedding, Sept. 8, 1905, engraved.  The response was made by the Rev. Dennis, pastor of the Methodist church after which the quartet rendered several selections.  During the evening refreshments consisting of ice cream and cake were served and all thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.

Mr. and Mrs. J.N. Castor were married Sept. 8, 1855 at Perrysville, by the Rev. Matthew, who was then the Methodist minister of that village.  They went to housekeeping three miles from that village and all their lives have lived in Perrysville or that immediate vicinity with the exception of 16 months when they resided in Crawford County, four miles from Plymouth.   They have seven children, as follows:  Elmer E. Castor, of Lincoln, Neb.;  Mrs. Phil Rausch, of Redlands, Cal.;  Mrs. Samuel Endslow, of Noblesville, Ind.;  Mrs. S.P. Baughman, of Mansfield;  Charles E. Castor, of Sterling;  Frank R. Castor, of Lodi;  and R.L. Castor, of Shelby.  They have ten grandchildren.  The golden wedding celebration was held in the same home where they celebrated their silver wedding 25 years ago.  They live in the old homestead which has been in the possession of the Castor family for nearly a century.  Absolom Runyan, father of Mrs. Castor, settled in Perrysville when she was 3 years old.  The Castor family is one of the oldest families in Ashland County.  Only three of the children were present, Mrs. S.P. Baughman and daughters, Enid and Grace, of Mansfield;  Mr. and Mrs. Frank R. Castor, of Lodi;  and R.L. Castor, of Shelby.

Mr. and Mrs. John N. Castor are each 71 years of age and both in good health.  There is only two months difference in their ages.  The event was a very happy one for them and they feel very grateful to their friends and neighbors who so kindly remembered them.