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From: The Independent Press (Griggsville, Illinois)
Marriage of William H. Yates and Lydia Ravenscroft,
Oct. 25, 1881
At the Ravenscroft mansion in Versailles, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 1881, William H. Yates, of Griggsville, Pike County, to Miss Lydia A. Ravenscroft, by Rey. P. L. Turner. After the ceremony and the usual congratulations, supper was announced, and we confess it was superb in every respect, and everybody enjoyed the occasion exceedingly. There were present from Pike, the following : Hon. Jeff Orr and wife and Hon. Ed. Yates, of Pittsfield; Monroe J. Yates and wife, Jerome Rush and wife, Miss Lula Rush and Miss Mettle Yates, of Griggsville also Mrs, J. H. Ringold.of Quincy. Numerous other friends of the community were present. The bride was dressed in a magnificent seal brown surah satin trimmed with white Spanish lace, and was made by Mrs. Turner, of Chicago. The great big hearted "Will" was dressed in the proverbial black, with a geranium and tuberose bouquet upon the lapel. Among the numerous beautiful presents are to be found a diamond pin from bride to the groom; a set of diamond jewelry from the groom to bride; also a beautiful bronze clock with the following ode: “Accept this work of art. For you are near my heart, It’s from your sister, dear, Who always wishes you here. It is a clock of late design, Which you must not decline, And ebony and bronze is the rage, In this very fast age. So I thought to be true, I would like to suit you, And as it is your fate, To be somewhat late, Better have the time, Now, is it not really so, That you are very slow? You expect the train to wait, Which rather makes you late, And as the hours go swiftly by On this clock you can rely. May your life be ever bright As it is this joyous night, And he who has chosen you Be ever kind and true. And when time shall be no more We’ll meet on that other shore.” Silver jewel case, a handsome Bible from mother to bride and groom, twenty silver dollars, lace counterpane and shams, also a sunbonnet from sister to bride with the following ode: “I will write you a sonnet About your sunbonnet. Better have one of your own Than depend on friends alone. They do not care to lend If the rim you’ll not bend. Though I will not use deceit, Only make your toilet complete. And when the sun shines brightly Use this article lightly, And when it is tore, You can use it no more. Then fold it away In remembrance of today. Oct. 25th 1881.” The groom and bride left on the 6:45 train for Chicago. Long may they live and prosper. The PRESS copies in full the Mt. Sterling Gazette's account of the marriage of our fellow townsman. Wm. H. Yates, Esq. and Miss Lydia Ravenscroft, of Versailles. The happy couple arrived in this city Monday eve. last, and with a number of their relatives, partook of a befitting dinner for the occasion, at Mr. and Mrs. Monroe Yates', on Tuesday. The PRESS sends greeting to Mr. Yates and his bride; may their happiness and days be long in the land, and when the evening of life shall come, may the blissful zephyrs of eternity be theirs. Donated by Christine Walters |