DAVIS, Edgill - 50th anniv

Source: Indianapolis Indiana 21 Jan 1906 p 38

At Ottumwa, Iowa, recently there was celebrated one of the most interesting and unusual golden weddings that has ever been held in the Hawkeye State and it was Indiana that furnished all of the material. It was a double golden wedding and it is claimed that it is the only function of the kind that has been held in Iowa, certainly the only one that has so many happy features of two long-time married couples. It was the 50^th anniversary of the weddings of Mr. and mrs. JA Harland and Mr. and Mrs. E (Edghill) B. Davis. It was held at the Davis home in Ottumwa. Recently at the home of Christian Nusler, five miles north of Ottumwa, occurred the weddings of JA Harland to Miss Bellona Nosler and Edghill R. Davis to Miss Elizabeth Catharine Harland, the ceremony being said by Judge Silas Osburne. Among the guests in attendance at the anniversary were three who had attended the original ceremony 50 years ago, Mrs. WA Coombs, Mrs. Almira Davis and Ira Wilson. All of the parties in this double wedding were born in Indiana; three of them in one county. They are all about the same age. All of them have remained in Wapello County since they were married, living only about one block apart. Mr. Davis was born in Union County Indiana in 1835 and came to Iowa in 1851. Mrs. Davis was the daughter of Aaron Harlan, who was also born in Union County in 1837. With her parents she went to Iowa in 1851 when Ottumwa was a small village. Aaron Harland was one of the first ministers of the Christian Church to settle in that State. JA Harlan, brother of Mrs. Davis ws born in Union County in 1835 and went to Iowa in 1851. Mrs. Harlan was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Nosler and was born in Putnam County in 1839. In 1841 her parents went to Iowa, locating in Henry County. Mr. Nosler was one of the first residents of Wapello County, Iowa.

Source: Ottumwa Tri-Weekly Courier Tues 7 Nov 1905 p 8

In honor of the 50^th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. JA Harlan and Mr. and Mrs. EB Davis an enjoyable reunion was held Saturday evening at the Davis home on Russell Street. The double golden wedding was a delightful affair and is believed to be the first-ever celebrated in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Davis and Mr. and Mrs. Harlan are pioneer residents of Wapello County and for many years have lived in Ottumwa, where they are held in the highest esteem by a host of friends. At the home of Christian Nosler five miles north of Ottumwa at high noon, Nov 4, 1855, occurred the marriage of JA Harlan and Miss Bellona Nosler and E.B. Davis to Miss Elizabeth Catherine Harlan. Judge Silas Osborne officiated. All four of the principals were born in Indiana three in the same county and are about of the same age. They have resided in Wapello County ever since the wedding and the two homes are now only about a block apart. Three of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Davis and six of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Harlan also reside in Ottumwa. Among the guests in attendance at the Golden double wedding were three who attended the ceremony 50 years ago, Mrs. WA Coombs and George Wilson who resides north of the city. About 70 of the relatives were in attendance at the event Saturday and the evening was passed in an enjoyable manner. The house was decorated with chrysanthemums and presented a very pretty appearance. A splendid repast was served in the dining room. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the recipients of many beautiful presents.

Edghill B. Davis was born in 1835 in Union County Indiana where he spent his boyhood days. He came to Iowa in 1854 and located in Wapello County and for many years has been a resident of Ottumwa. Mrs. Davis was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Harlan and was born in Union County, Indiana in 1837. She came to Wapello County with her parents in 1851 when Ottumwa was a small village. Aaron Harlan was one of the first ministers of the Christian Church to settle here. Mr. and Mrs. Davis became the parents of four children, all of whom are living. Thye are: Mrs. George D. Pierce, 160 East Maple Avenue; Mrs. Bertha Devol, who resides with her parents at 107 Russell Street; Mrs. Anna Phillips, 723 W 2^nd Street, and Frank A. Davis, Cillicothe, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have 7 grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

J.A. Harlan, a brother of Mrs. Davis was born in Union County, Indiana in 1835 and came to Wapello County with his parents in 1851. Mrs. Harland was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christian Nosler and was born in Putnam County Indiana in 1839. In 1841 her parents came to Iowa, locating in Henry County. Mr. Nosler was one of the first residents of Wapello County, entering a claim in 1843 when the county was opened for settlement. An Indian village occupied the site which was afterward chosen for the city of Ottumwa. Mr. and Mrs. Harlan became the parents of nine children 8 of whom are living. They are: Mrs. Addie Speer, who resides north of the city; Julia W. Harlan, Atlanta, Ga; Carl S. Harlan, Los Angeles, Cal; Mrs. Mattie Sheafe, 618 W 4^th Street; Mrs. Stella Criley, 302 North Benton street; Thad K. Harlan, 401 North Benton Street; Miss Mamie B. Harlan and Miss Bertha Harlan, who live on Benton Street. Mr. and Mrs. Harlan have 22 grandchildren.