Etc. -- Beemer-Decew celebration and death, 1933
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An unedited transcription of a page 1 article from 7 Apr 1932 Waterford Star.
[Some paragraph breaks inserted by transcriber]

Mr. and Mrs. T. D. [sic] DeCew 
married 64 years ago

Sault Ste. Marie Star -- Yesterday was a notable day in the life of one of the Sault's most highly esteemed couples, marking as it did the 64th anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. T. H. DeCew, 1175 Queen Street East.

Congratulations and best wishes of many friends, flowers and gifts, poured in on Mr. and Mrs. DeCew who celebrated quietly, the health of the happy couple of 1868 and now, not being as vigorous as in earlier years, as time has taken its toll at the milestone of the happy road they have traveled together for so long.

In fact Mr. DeCew had only in the past few days been able to leaave his bed after a five weeks illness, while the excitement of yesterday, restrained though it was, was almost too much for Mrs. DeCew, who was obliged to rest while friends came to wish them more happy years.

There were flowers everywhere. Tulips and roses, daffodils and early flowers filled the living room and dining room, creating a beautiful spring-like atmosphere for these good people in the autumn of life.

A special lovely gift came from their son Mr. Judson DeCew, New York, who sent 64 splendid roses, one for each year of their married life, and messages came from another son, Mr. Mark DeCew at Vancouver, and their daughter, Mrs. R. E. Paopham [sic], London, England.

During the day many guests called and were received by Mr. and Mrs. DeCew, to whom kindly hospitality has been just a part of their lives, and with the same gracious spirit, they received the felicitations of their friends. The long tea table laid in the dining room, daintily spread with a lovely lace and linen cover, and centred with a lovely boquet of daffodils, was presided over by Mrs. E. B. Books and Miss E. O'Boyle, who dispensed appetizing refreshment, a high feature of which was a delicious wedding cake.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. DeCew 64 years ago, marked the union of two families prominent in the history of the country in the early days.

Mrs. DeCew, who was Miss Valdora Beemer, was born New Year's Day, 1850, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Beemer, and great granddaughter of Jabez Culver, the first Presbyterian minister and pioneer in the mission field of Norfolk County. He erected the first log dwelling in the township and subsequent places were named for him. Mrs. DeCew grew up in surroundings tinged with the memories of achievement of these worthy ancestors.

Mr. DeCew was born at DeCewsville, Haldimand County, Ontario, 18 Apr 1843. Descended from a race that came from Frances to England in the 16th Century, and from Yorkshire to America in 1685, many events full of historical romance are credited to this family who in their active participation in building up a new country, dropped the family crest and heraldry of the old land and became the DeCews of the newer Canada.

Mr. DeCew is a great grandson of Captain John DeCew who built the first mills at Beaver Dam and the historical first stone house which billeted Lieut. FitzGibbon and his men in the war of 1812, and figured prominent in the thrilling adventures of brave Laura Secord, one of the members of this famous family.

Mr. and Mrs. DeCew were married 21 Mar 1868 at Waterford, Norfolk County, the cemony being performed by Rev. Jacob VanLoon, uncle of Mr. DeCew. They have one daughter, Mrs. R. E. Popham [sic], England, and two sons, Judson DeCew of New York and Mark DeCew of Vancouver, also 10 grandchildren. They came to the Sault 21 years ago, have previously resided at Bruce Mills for a time.

Mr. DeCew is a veteran lumberman although of late years he has taken a less active part. He still retains a keen interest in all the good affairs of his community and county and thinks the right people are in officc now for the best interests of all.

It is the sincere wish of a wide circule of friends that many more years will be given them and that Mr. and Mrs. DeCew may celebrate many more happy anniversaries together.

An unedited transcription of a page 5 article from 7 Apr 1932 Waterford Star.
[Paragraph break inserted by transcriber]

Mrs. T. H. DeCew 

On the front page of this issue of the Star we have an article copies from the Sault Ste. Marie Star relative to Mr. and Mrs. T. H. DeCew celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary.

On Tuesday Mr. A. E. McMichael received a telegram that Mrs. DeCew had died in her 83rd year, and that her remains would be brought here arriving at 10.35 a.m. Thursday. On arrival, interment will be made in the family plot in Greenwood.

Copyright 2013 John Cardiff