about Summer of 1896 

A number of residents of Ray and vicinity are spending a couple of days in camp near the dredge boat on the Illinois river bottom.  Among those who left early Tuesday morning were Robert Ackman and family, Thomas Ashwood and family, John Ashwood and family, W. D. McCulloch, and family, Frank Stogton, Miss Nettie Burress, Ross Moore, Lewis Welker, H. C. Brusor, Edward Brown, Miss Jennie Boyles, Miss Fannie Montooth, Miss
Jennie Baxter, Miss Lizzie Montooth, Frank Montooth and Warren Montooth. They went well prepared to enjoy the trip, taking tents, etc., with them. They will return Wednesday night. 

Wednesday evening, Oct. 14, ’96, at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. George Montooth, in Oakland township, the marriage of Mr. W. Lewis Welker and Miss Elizabeth J. Montooth was celebrated.  Mr. Welker is a young man of the first class, a carpenter by trade; so of the nicest buildings in the community testify to his skill.  The bride is a daughter of one of enterprising well-to-do farmers.  Rev. J. M. Duff, pastor of the North Rushville circuit,
officiated.  A number of guests were present. 

The ceremony was followed by hearty congratulations from all present.  A bountiful feast was next in order, after which the remainder of the evening was passed in social conversation and singing, the bride presiding at the organ.  After a few selections were sung, the crowd dispersed and went home feeling that they had had a pleasant time.