There were
assembled at the beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. John P. Goble on
Saturday afternoon last about 200 guests to celebrate the 50th
anniversary of their marriage.
Their home is situated about
three miles east of Waterford and a nicer located and cosier place
could not be found anywhere in which an aged couple could pass their
declining years. The house is a substantial stone structure, with a
beautiful lawn sloping down to the main road. A winding drive under
walnut and maple trees enhances the picturesque scene.
Mr. and Mrs. Goble received
their guests in the drawing room and a hearty handshake and a glad
welcome were given to all.
About 3.30 o'clock the guests
were asked to be seated at tables, which were spread on the lawn, and
only those who participated in the sumptuous repast can have any idea
of the elaborate preparations that had been made to satisfy the
appetite of a hungry crowd. The Villa Nova Band enlivened the supper
hour with several choice selections.
W. R. Shearer made an excellent
chairman and in his address gave a brief biographical sketch of both
Mr. and Mrs. Goble.
J. P. Goble's father, Jacob
Goble, was born in Orange County, N.Y., in 1783 and came to Canada in
1811, first settling near where the city of St. Catharines is now
situated. He came to Norfolk County in 1833 and at the age of 40 began
preaching, following his calling for 40 years. He was the means of
organizing a number of the pioneer churches and did a great work.
J. P . Goble was born in Oxford
County in 1823 where his father lived before moving to Townsend. He
was the seventh of nine sons, five of whom lived to over three score
years and ten, the allotted years of man.
His mother was born in St.
Catharines in 1890* and was a connection of the Beemer's of the Long
Point Co., who were among the first settlers.
Mr. and Mrs. Goble were married
in Townsend by the Rev. Jacob Goble and they first started the tilling
of the soil on the first farm east of where they now live. Their
children are George, Jacob, William (deceased), Mrs. Geo. Stafford and
Mrs. C. Holmes, of California.
The guests from a distance
were: Daniel Goble, Dorchester, Ont.,
J. G. Goble and wife of Woodstock, Wesley Falls and wife of Putville,
Ont., John J. and George Goble of Dorchester.
