GOLDEN JUBILEE
The bustling town of Ryan has been the scene of many elaborate celebrations, but rarely, if ever, has it witnessed one of greater splendor than the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Behan on Tuesday, April 23d. The early hours were dark and cloudy with rain and snow falling alternately; as the morning wore on the sun began to appear and by noon a perfect day had typified the joyful hearts of the hosts of relatives and friends who had assembled to rejoice with the esteemed jubilarians. Long before the appointed hour, teams and autos were discharging their passengers in front of St. Patrick's church which was soon comfortably filled. Precisely at half past ten, the altar boys and priests marched into the sanctuary and occupied the places assigned them by the master of ceremonies. Mr. and Mrs. Behan came from the opposite sacristy into the chancel, where they remained during the services. After the chanting of the litany by the ten priests present, solemn high mass was celebrated by Rev. Patrick Behan, pastor of Blessing, son of the jubilarians, with Fathers Thomas Conry, of Dubuque, college deacon; D. Lonergan, of Masonville, sub-deacon; and P. O. O'Connor, of Oelwein, master of ceremonies. A short sermon was delivered by Father Malloy, pastor of Ryan. He told the significance of the occasion and fittingly eulogized Mr. and Mrs. Behan, holding them up as an example of the true Christian father and mother. The Ryan choir was at its best in rendering Rosewig's Mass in G, and elicited many compliments from visitors. At noon a reception and sumptuous banquet were held in St. Patrick’s hall. The spacious building was tastily decorated in white and gold, with a profuse display of American flags and national colors. The music was furnished by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ryan of Sioux City. The fact that they have been selected to play in the military camps bespeaks their artistic skill. The priests were called upon for speeches and all acquitted themselves most happily. Their themes were facetious, felicitous, and patriotic. Father Behan responded in behalf of his father and mother, and extended thanks to all for having honored the occasion with their presence, and expressed his regrets that owing to a lack of space in any hall in Ryan, they were not privileged to invite their host of friends, whom they would have delighted to have with them. He attributed the same reason for the absence of his numerous friends among the clergy - those present being neighbors and personal friends of his father and mother. At the end of the program, the audience arose and sang "The Star Spangled Banner," shook hands with the jubilarians, congratulated them and wished them many of health, peace and happiness. Among the many rich gifts of gold which they received was a well-filled purse, the offering of their none children and thirty-six grandchildren. Patrick and Mrs. Behan were both born in Ireland and came to this country when they were quite young. They spent several years in Springfield, Massachusetts, where in 1858 they were united in matrimony. The same year they cast their lots with those who were going west to develop that vast, unknown country. They came by rail to Chicago and as far west as the railroads extended and then took their limousine, which was at that time an ox-cart. They ambled along with a few other pioneers and when they came to Delaware county and saw the level country and rich soil, they said "Alabama," which means "here we rest," and for the last fifty years they made their home on a farm near Ryan. Nine children were born to them, all of whom are living and are as follows: Mrs. Michael Sheeley, Monti, Iowa; Mrs. John Vinton, Whitman, Nebraska; Mrs. John Callan, Winthrop; Mrs. Thomas Cummings, Masonville; John Behan, Ryan; Rev. Patrick Behan, Blessing, Iowa. They have thirty-six grandchildren. The old couple retired from the farm a few years ago and have since made their home in town. Both are vigorous and well preserved, and judging from their lithe step in keeping time to pretty fast Irish music, they will enjoy what their friends sincerely wish them many happy years.