Carroll County Illinois
Weddings

Vernon Ackerman and Vivian Mercer were married Tuesday [09/18/1934] at 4 o’clock in the afternoon in the home of the bride’s parents. Rev. Ackerman performed the ceremony. Attendants were Miss Mildred Mercer, sister of the bride, and Lee Moffett, nephew of the groom. Miss Melva Mercer is another sister of the bride. The groom is the son of Rev. and Mrs. R. M. Ackerman, Mt. Carroll, and the organist at the Methodist Episcopal church in Mt. Carroll. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. T. Mercer, Corning, Ia, and a graduate of Francis Shimer Junior College where she majored in music. The couple will be living at 107 Rapp street, Mt. Carroll, after October 1.
(From Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, September 19, 1934)

At noon, March 19, 1902 Ray Allison of near Milledgeville and Miss Rosa Rahn were married at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Rahn of Lanark. The nuptial vows were sealed in the presence of only a few of the near friends, Rev. Dickens of the Methodist church officiating. The happy couple soon afterwards boarded a train for Chicago where they will spend several days sightseeing. They will be settled by April 1st, on the farm about two miles west of Milledgeville. Mr. Allison is the son of Isaac Allison of Milledgeville; and is a worthy and energetic young farmer. The bride is an amiable and highly esteemed young lady of the community in which she lived. Their friends extend congratulations.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Evening Gazette, March 20, 1902, page 1, column 3

The marriage of Mrs. Lillian J. Arnold to William J. Anderson took place Saturday morning at 9:45 o’clock at the parsonage of Trinity Lutheran Church in Rockford, (September 1, 1923) the Rev. Garfield Beckstrand officiating. Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Cotta and Robert Anderson, son of the groom, attended the couple. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson left immediately on a wedding trip and on their return will reside in their new home at 402 Forest Avenue. Contributed by Alice Horner - From The Lanark Gazette, Wednesday September 5, 1923.

At Davenport, Iowa on Friday, June 14, Earl Bowman and Miss Frances Olmstead, both of this city were united in marriage. The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bowman of this city, a graduate of the high school and an athlete, who won honors during his high school career. His bride is also a graduate of the high school here. The young people are well and favorably known and their many friends join in wishing them a long and happy life, even if they did slip away and spring a surprise on them. We have not been advised as to their future plans but suppose they will make Mt. Carroll their home.
Contributed by Alice Horner - (1923 penciled in) But this has to be wrong. June 14 1923 was on a Thursday

Lon Buckwalter, son of George Buckwalter of Freedom Twp. and Miss Florence Kneal of Mt. Carroll were married Wednesday evening and took the train to Beloit where the groom has a good position and where they will reside.
Contributed by Lori Gilbert. Married 3 October 1917. Savanna Daily Journal

At noon today (19 Nov. 1919) at the home of bride’s parents, occurred the marriage of Mr. Earl Burkholder, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Burkholder, and Miss Hazel Zuck, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Zuck. The ceremony was performed by Rev. J.M. Moore, and was witnessed by only a few of the immediate relatives and close friends of the contracting parties. The young couple, who bear the highest esteem and respect of all acquaintances, leave this evening for a wedding trip to various points in Iowa, and on their return will engage in farming near Lanark. The Gazette joins in the congratulations and good wishes that are being expressed.
Contributed by Alice Horner

Miss Lois Sarber, daughter of Mrs. Anna Sarber, and Hase Burkholder, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Burkholder, both of Milledgeville were married at 7 p. m. Saturday [12/22/1945] in the parsonage of the Milledgeville Methodist church. The double ring ceremony was read by the Rev. Paul Van Zee. Mr. and Mrs. Lester Johnson of Milledgeville were their attendants. An aqua dress with brown accessories were worn by the bride, with a pink carnation and white chrysanthemum corsage. Her earrings were the bridegroom’s gift. Mrs. Johnson was attired in black with white accents and there were white chrysanthemums at her shoulder. The bride’s mother was present for the ceremony. Mrs. Burkholder is office secretary at the Milledgeville Community high school. Mr. Burkholder is engaged in farming at the Henry Miller farm north of Milledgeville. The couple will reside in the tenant house on the farm.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, December 24, 1945, page 11, column 7

Announcement has been made of the marriage of Miss Viola Johnson and LeRoy Burma which occurred on February 27 at Kalma, Missouri. The double ring ceremony was performed by Rev. Becker at the parsonage of the Evangelical Lutheran church. The bride wore a blue plaid wool suit with blue accessories. They were unattended. Following the ceremony they left on a short trip. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Johnson of Shannon and is employed at the Jane Messner home. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Burma, Shannon.
Contributed by Linda Sturtevant Irwin, Shannon Reporter; Clipping dated Feb. 1942

Miss Anna Frank, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christ Frank and Lloyd Bushman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bushman, were married Wednesday [10/12/1915] evening at 7:30 at the Milledgeville church by Rev. J. C. Kauffman. The ceremony was witnessed by a few of the immediate friends. Mr. and Mrs. Bushman will reside at the Bushman home. Thirty young friends of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Bushman’s assembled at the Charles Diehl home Wednesday evening and surprised the newly weds with a miscellaneous shower. The evening was full of merriment and Mr. and Mrs. Bushman received many useful gifts to remember the event by. Dainty refreshments were served by Mrs. Diehl and Miss Anna Mundt, which added much to the pleasure of the evening. (The Sterling Daily Gazette, October 15, 1915 - From Larry Reynolds)

Announcement is made of the approaching marriage of Miss Carolyn Nesemeier and Loral Byington, which will take place at the 4 o’clock Saturday afternoon at the Prairie Dell Church. Rev. Alvin Goldhorn will perform the ceremony, Miss Esther Swalve and Elwyn Spengler will be the attendants. The bride is the daughter of Mrs. William Nesemeier and is a charming young lady. She is a graduate of the Shannon High School. The groom is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Byington and is a graduate of the Shannon High School and is a member of the Shannon band. Following the ceremony, a supper and reception for the immediate family and friends will be held at the home of the bride’s mother. Both are well known and have a large circle of friends who with the Reporter join in wishing them a happy wedded life.
Contributed by Linda Sturtevant Irwin, Shannon Reporter; Clipping dated Dec. 6, 1941

Miss Ruth Sword, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Sword, of Lanark, and Harold E. Edler, son of Edward Edler, of Shannon, were married at 5 p.m. Christmas day in the Sword home. Rev. Merle Hawbecker, pastor of the Cherry Grove church, performed the single ring ceremony. The bride and groom repeated their vows under an arch of wedding bells with a Christmas tree as back ground, tall white tapers in candelabra providing the light. Attendants were Miss Myrna Edler, sister of the bridegroom and Eldon Sword, brother of the bride. The bride was charming in delft blue crepe with a shoulder corsage of carnations. Her maid of honor wore cadet blue wool with a shoulder corsage of pink gladiolas. A two course wedding dinner was served at 6 p.m. to members of the immediate families. Miss Lulu Edler of Shannon and Miss Pearl Puterbaugh of Lanark assisted in the dining room. A wedding cake and four tall white tapers formed the centerpiece on the bridal table. Following the wedding trip the couple will reside on his father’s farm. Mrs. Edler is a graduate of the Lanark High School, attended Brown’s Business collee in Sterling and has been employed by Kable Brothers in Mt. Morris. Mr. Edler has been farming with his father.
Contributed by Linda Sturtevant Irwin, Clipping dated Dec. 25, 1941

At 9 o’clock this morning (February 22, 1923) at the home of Mr. And Mrs. George Buckwalter in West Carroll occurred the marriage of their daughter Myrtle, to Edwin P. Flickinger, son of Mr. And Mrs. William Flickinger of Lanark Rev. B. T. Bernworth of Lanark performed the ceremony, the ring ceremony being used, in the presence of their immediate relatives. The couple were attended by Mr. And Mrs. Glen Buckwalter. The bride is the eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs. Buckwalter and for several years has been one of the efficient and well liked operators at the Independent telephone office. The groom is well known here and is one of the industrious young farmers of Lanark. The couple left on the morning train for Beloit for a few days’ stay with relatives. After March 1 they will be at home to their friends on a farm south of Lanark. The Mirror-Democrat joins with the many friends of the bride and groom in wishing them prosperity and happiness.
Contributed by Alice Horner

There was a wedding at the home of Rev. J. L. Buckwalter last evening at 9 o’clock the principles being Orville Fulrath of Center Hill, and Miss Mary Rausch of Mt. Carroll. Mr. Buckwalter performed the ceremony. The wedding was of a private nature, only a few close friends being present. The couple were attended by Mr. and Mrs. John Bruner. The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Fulrath and is a young man well known in this vicinity. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rausch who moved into West Carroll from their farm a few months ago. Both are worthy young people and have many friends to wish them well in their new relation. The Mirror-Democrat joins all others in congratulations.
Contributed by Alice Horner (No date - early 1920's)

Walter Getz, of near Savanna, and Laura Weber, were united in wedlock at the Hope church, Rev. G.H. Wykle, pastor, officiating, using the single ring ceremony. The maid of honor was Lula Gipe, close friend of the bride. The bridesmaids were Helen Bast, Chadwick, and Miss Marjorie B. Riordon of Fulton, cousin of the bride. Best man was Elmer Weber, brother of the bride. Flower girls were Verle Mae Wykle and Wilma Jean Schreiner. They carried baskets of sweet peas. Mrs. Ineza Honberger played a wedding march. The newly wedded couple left on Thursday morning on a honeymoon trip. They will return about July first and at once take up housekeeping in Chadwick. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Getz. (Contributed by Alice Horner)

Miss Lucy Krauss and Bernie Hawkins were united in marriage at 8 o’clock Wednesday [08/14/1929] morning at the Lutheran manse, Rev. E. J. Johnson officiating. Witnesses were Mrs. Arthur Rosenberry and Mrs. Charles Schell. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins left immediately after the ceremony for a motor trip to Iowa and Minnesota, where Mr. Hawkins will look after interests in farms he owns there. Mrs. Hawkins is the daughter of Mrs. Emanuel Krauss, residing east of Milledgeville. Mr. Hawkins is a well known farmer in this vicinity. On their return they will make their home on his farm two miles west of Milledgeville. (From Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, August 14, 1929)

Miss Doris Eacker daughter of Carlos Eacker and Gerald Horner son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Horner were married in the parsonage of the church of the Brethren Saturday Evening (4 June 1938). Attendants were the brides sister Miss Frances Eacker and John Knorr. They will reside with her father.
Freeport Journal Standard 7 June 1938

Miss Hazel Burkholder became the bride of Roy Howe in a single ring ceremony Saturday [11/02/1940] evening at 7 o’clcok in the parsonage of the Methodist church at Milledgeville. Rev. George Woodall, pastor, performed the ceremony. The attendants were Mr. and Mrs. Glen Miller of Milledgeville, sister and brother-in-law of the bride. The bride was attired in a royal blue silk transparent velvet street-length dress with black accessories and wore a shoulder corsage of pink and white lillies. The bridesmaid wore a gold silk crepe dress and a shoulder corsage of yellow and bronze pom pons. Mrs. Rowe is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Burkholder. She has been employed for the last three years by the Golbro corporation in Polo. Mr. Rowe is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Morris Rowe of Leaf River. He was graduated from the Mt. Morris high school in 1935 and is employed by the Pure Oil Refining Co. of Bloomington. The young couple will make their home in Milledgeville. Many friends wish them a happy married life.
Contributed by L arry Reynolds - Sterling Daily Gazette, November 5, 1940, page 7, column 1

Saturday afternoon at 4 o’clock occurred the marriage of Miss Helen Petty of this city and Earl Wayne Johnson of Chicago. A Methodist minister from a church in the neighborhood of Cornell Ave., on the south side, Chicago, read the ceremony which joined the lives of the two young people. They were attended by tow intimate friends. The bride is the older daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Charles Petty of Preston Prairie. She graduated from the Mt. Carroll Community High School and from Brown’s Business College in Freeport. For the past four years she has been employed in Chicago with the Equipment Finance Company, two years as a private secretary and for the last two as head of the department. She is a young lady of pleasing personality and has a host of friends. The groom is a stranger to our people but is said to be a man of sterling character, and holds a fine position with the International Harvester Company. The couple will each continue with their work and make Chicago their home. The Mirror Democrat Company joins with the many friends in wishing the young couple the best of life’s happiness and prosperity.
Contributed by Alice Horner (Probably occured in the 1920's)

The marriage of Miss Betty Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry “Jake” Smith, of Lanark, and Otto Kniss Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Kniss, was solemnized Saturday evening. The couple will reside on the Kniss farm in Cherry Grove township. (Submitted by Linda Sturtevant Irwin, Shannon Reporter; March 5, 1943 )

Miss Mary C. Manning, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard J. Manning of Lanark, and Edward J. Kordal, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ignace Kordal of Nassau, N. Y., spoke wedding vows at a nuptial high mass at 9 o’clock Tuesday [09/10/1946] morning in St. John’s church here. The Rev. Walter Ryan, pastor, celebrated the mass and read the nuptial service. The maid of honor was Mrs. Isadore Senneff of Lanark, sister o f the bride. Joseph Kordal of Nassau was best man. A breakfast was served in the Indian Head tavern here, following the ceremony. A reception was also held in the Ballas hall, Savanna.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, September 11, 1946, page 11, column 4

The marriage of Miss Lois Rath, daughter of Mrs. Julius Rath of Savanna and Erwin Koster, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Koster of Harmon, took place Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sterling. Attending the couple were Miss Eunice Rath, sister of the bride and Lawrence Koster, brother of the Groom. A wedding dinner was served in Rock Falls following the ceremony. The bride is a graduate of Northern Illinois State Teachers college in DeKalb and is an English teacher in the Morrison schools. Mr. Koster is a veteran of World War II. The couple will live in Harmon.
Dixon Evening Telegraph 26 December 1947

Miss Ellen Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Smith of Lanark and Bernard Manning Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Manning Sr., of Polo were married in St. Mary's church in Polo Tuesday. The Rev. James Burke officiated. The brides gown was white satin designed with a sweetheart neckline, long fitted sleeves and a court train. Her veil was held in place by a tiara seed pearls and she carried a crystal rosary, a gift of the bridegroom. Miss Leota Manning, sister of the bridegroom was maid of honor. She wore a floor length gown of blue taffeta fashioned with a sweetheart neckline. She carried a colonial bouquet of pink and white carnations. Edward Manning was best man for his brother. A reception for 50 guests was held in the basement of the town hall. The bridal table was decorated in pink and white color scheme and centered with a three tiered wedding cake topped with a minature bride and groom. Tapers were placed on either side of the table. Following the reception a dinner was served at the Manning home to 30 guests. Mr. and Mrs. Manning left on a short trip. On their return they will reside with the bridegrooms parents until March 1 when they will move to a farm south of Lanark. For traveling the bride wore a brown wool dress with harmonizing accessories.
Dixon Evening Telegraph 02 January 1948

Marriage vows were spoken by Miss Helen Hans and Frank Manning, Jr., Saturday [08/24/1946] at 2 p. m. in the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William J. Hans of near Thomson. The Rev. Merle Hawbecker of Lanark read the double ring ceremony before the couple who stood under a wedding bell suspended from a canopy formed with pink and white streamers. Hydrengas, ferns and gladioli were banked about the room. Miss Blanche Seim presided at the piano and accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Hans who sang “Because” and “I Love You Truly.” The bird was attired in a royal blue velvet street length dress and her corsage was of red roses. Her pearl necklace and pearl earrings were the gift of the bridegroom. Her matron of honor, Mrs. Elmer Hans wore a wine velvet dress. Mothers of the contracting couple chose royal blue dresses for the wedding of their children. Arthur Manning served his brother as best man. A reception for 50 guests was given at the bride’ home. Mrs. Howard Nelson cut the three-tiered wedding cake and Mrs. Harvey Hall, Miss Florence Stern and Miss Bernice Hartman served. Mrs. John Duden poured. Mrs. Manning attended the Thomson high school and was valedictorian of her class in 1943. Mr. Manning is engaged in farming and also attended the Thomson high school. For traveling, Mrs. Manning wore a soldier blue wool suit and black accessories. Guests from out of town were from Sterling, Rock Falls, Morrison, Savanna, Fulton and Clinton, Iowa.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, September 6, 1946, page 13, column 6

Miss Mary Lou Frankfother of this city and Melvin Meyer of Milledgeville were united in marriage at 7 p. m. Sunday [11/11/1945] in the United Brethren church east of Milledgeville. The double ring ceremony was performed by Rev. Fred Meyer, uncle of the bridegroom and they were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Wolf of Rock Falls, brother-in-law and sister of the bride. A two piece white wool street dress was warn by the bride and a shoulder corsage of white roses. Her pearl necklace was a gift from the bridegroom. Mrs. Wolf was attired in a lavender wool dress with white roses at her shoulder. The men wore white carnations in the lapels of their coats. Mrs. Meyer is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Frankfother of Coleta and graduated from the Milledgeville high school in 1944. She is employed at the Illinois Bell Telephone Co. Mr. Meyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Meyer of Milledgeville, attended the Milledgeville schools and is engaged in farming. After a short honeymoon the couple will reside in Sterling.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, November 13, 1945, page 6, column 3

Announcement is made of the marriage of Miss Phyllis Peat, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Peat of Lanark and Earl Page, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Page, 830 North Dixon ave. which took place yesterday at the home of the bride's parents. The Reverend Merle Habecker read the ceremony in the presence of the immediate families. The bride wore a black wool dress. Both she and the groom were unattended. Following the ceremony a dinner was served at a table decorated in green and yellow and centered with a wedding cake. The couple then left on a honeymoon in an undisclosed location. Mrs. page is a graduate of Lanark high school and was for some time employed at the Rockford Photo Service. She is now in the business office of the Dixon State Hospital, where Page is employed in the recreation department. The groom is a graduate of Dixon high school and a veteran of 4 and one half years service in the Air Corps. part of which was spent overseas. He plans to enter college in June. On return from their honeymoon the couple plan to live in the state hospital for the present.
Dixon Evening Telegraph 4 April 1947

Robert Petty and Miss Mabel Fulrath, both well known young people of this township, stole a march on their friends Saturday evening when they went to Savanna where they were married. Robert is the son of Mr. And Mrs. Charles W. Petty of Preston Prairie, and is a young man of correct habits, industrious and ambitious. He is a splendid young man. His bride is the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Peter Fulrath and a lady of highest standing in the community. We are sure there are a great many friends to wish them well. The Mirror-Democrat adds its congratulations.
Contributed by Alice Horner (No Date)

Announcement is being made of the marriage of Miss Evelyn Bicksler and Ralph Robert of Lanark, the ceremony taking place last Thursday at Ottawa, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Zabrocki of the place were the attendants. The bride, who is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Porter Bicksler wore a two piece blue ensemble with matching accessories and a corsage of sweetheart roses. Her only ornament was a gold bracelet, a gift of the groom. Mrs. Zabrocki wore a blue wool suit with navy accessories and her corsage was sweet peas. The bride graduated from the Shannon High School in the class of 1933 and for the past several years has been employed in Freeport. The groom is the son of Mrs. Elizabeth Robert and attended the Lanark schools. Following a short honeymoon the couple will reside on a farm south of Lanark.
Linda Sturtevant Irwin, Clipping dated Feb. 5, 1942

Harry Stiteley received announcement of the marriage of his brother, Wilbur Stiteley, to Miss Hazel Downing, both of Chicago and formerly of Mount Carroll. The young couple were recently united in marriage in Chicago. (9 Jun 1927) The bridegroom is the youngest son of Mrs. W. H. Stiteley of Mount Carroll. He attended Mount Carroll schools and graduated from the University of Illinois in June and has a position with the White company of Chicago. His bride is the daughter of Mrs. A. J. Miles of Mount Carroll. She has been in the employ of the Western Union company in Chicago for a few years. The young couple are known to many in Savanna. Mr. and Mrs. Stiteley have gone to housekeeping in Chicago.
Contributed by Alice Horner

The home of Mrs. Cora Wood was the scene of a beautiful home wedding when, this morning at eight o’clock, her eldest daughter Dorthea, was united in marriage with Mr. Oscar Weidman, the bride’s uncle, Rev. Earl M. Edwards, officiating. The impressive ring ceremony was used. The bride was beautifully gowned in brown silk canton crepe. The home was a bower of fall flowers, a fitting place for the plighting of vows. The bride is a Mt. Carroll girl, having spent her entire life in this city receiving her education at the city high school and taking a course in piano music at Francis Shimer School. Mr. Weidman has lived in and near Mt. Carroll and at present operates the electric feed mill near the depot. The happy couple left on the east bound train this morning for a short wedding trip after which they will be at home to their friends in this city
Contributed by Alice Horner

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