A GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
E.M. FOUST - MARGARET HOOVER

One of the most interesting events that has occurred in many years in Greenfield Twp. was the celebration of the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Elias Foust at their home Tuesday, Sept. 4, 1906. Relatives and friends to the number of 114, gathered and in various ways enjoyed the day. The men and boys pitched quoits, the children played on the lawn and the women prepared a most sumptuous dinner which was spread on the tables under the fine old shade trees which surround the old home. The aged couple were in the full enjoyment of good health and to them the day was one of pleasant memories.

They are the parents of twelve children, all of whom are living, are married, and all have families. They were all present except three, their absence being unavoidable and much regretted. Mr. and Mrs Fouat also have 62 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Certainly a prolific family.

The dinner was one of the best ever served in any community and the absence of a strained formality made the occasion one of real pleasure to all present. It was an old-fashioned spread including all that is good to eat. There was music to enliven the guests and all made merry. After dinner those in attendance gathered on the lawn surrounding the bride and groom and after a few short talks they were presented with a purse of money and for Mr. Foust with a gold headed cane and Mrs. Foust some gold-lined ware, appropriate gifts.

Elias M. Foust was born in Marion County, Ohio, Mar. 25, 1831 and came to Iowa in 1847, stopping one year near Burlington and settling in 1848 on his farm on which he still lives, having entered same from the government. Mr Foust we believe to be the only man in the County entered by himself.

Margaret Hoover was born in Shelby County, Indiana Feb. 17, 1839, and with her parents came to Iowa in 1854, settling on a farm about two miles east of her present home.

The couple was married Sept. 14, 1856, at the home of the bride by Rev. Andrew Surber, an uncle of Dr. L.H. Surber of this city, and at once moved into a log cabin located near the present comfortable home. The 50 years spent in this community have had their lights and shadows, but with all, they have been happy ones to these people and now at this epoch in their lives they can look back over the half century with more pleasure than sadness. Their children are settled at a reasonable distance and are all prosperous.

They are comfortably fixed themselves and are enjoying a happy old age. They are respected by their neighbors and loved by their children, so that in all, Mr. and Mrs. Foust may indeed be happy. Before leaving, the couple stood up and each one present shook their hands and wished them many more years of life, health and happiness.

The editors of the Herald were present at the gathering of old friends in the community in which they were raised, and take pleasure in saying that the occasion was a pleasant one.

Indianola Herald