Atlanta History Week 32

In a 1929 issue of the Citizens Journal, local couples married more than 50 years were featured. It’s an interesting read – Enjoy!

The following number of marriage licenses were issued in Cass county in 1926 - 239; in 1927 - 273. Divorces granted in 1920 – 57; in 1927 - 47. No annulments granted.

Adams Married 59 Years

John C. Adams, 83 years old and Miss Sarah Mazingo, 79 years old, were married June 5th, 1870, Rev. David Wright, officiating, in Alabama. They moved to Cass County in 1873 and have been living in the Springdale community ever since.

Kennedy’s Married 59 Years

J. M. Kennedy, 82 years old, and Miss Liddie Anne Willoughby, 79 years old, were married July 7th, 1870, by Rev. Nelson Porterfield, and they have been a resident of Cass County all of these 59 years. And Atlanta, Texas, has been their post office since their marriage. They both are still enjoying good health and have several children living.

Welchel’s Married 55 Years

W. D. Whelchel of Springdale community was born in Georgia in 1853, his wife Mildred Rice, was born in Georgia in 1858. They were married in 1874 and came to Cass County in 1901. Twelve children born, ten of whom are still living. Nine of them are living in Cass County, one son still living in Georgia. They have about 75 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Law’s Married 52 Years

Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Law were married Nov. 14th, 1876, in Cass County. Mr. Law was born April 13th, 1852, in Macon, Ga., and moved to Cass County with his parents when two years old. Mrs. Law, nee Mollie Barber, was born Nov. 14th, 1852, in Cass County, having lived here all her life. To this union was born four children, three still living, one daughter and two sons. Mr. Law helped haul lumber to erect the first store building in Atlanta.

Turner’s Married 51 Years

W. F. Turner, 74 years old and Mrs. W. F. Turner, 69 years old, of the Anti community, were married Nov. 11, 1877, in two miles of where they now live. Five children were born to them, and all are still living. They have lived in Cass County 56 and 59 years respectively.

Nelson’s Married 54 Years

C. H. Nelson, 78 years old, and Miss Mollie Almond, 71 years old, were married Dec. 22nd, 1874, at DeWitt, Ark. They moved to Cass County in 1878, settling near Linden, and moved to Linden in 1882, where Mr. Nelson entered the mercantile business. He retired a few years ago, after being in the mercantile business nearly 40 years. Ten children were born to them, seven of whom are still living.

Wiley’s Married 53 Years

J. W. Wiley, 78 years old and Miss Sallie Ferguson, 73 years old, were married June 12th, 1876, at Galliton, Tenn. They moved from Kentucky to Cass County February, 1895, and have lived in and around Linden for the past 34 years. Eleven children were born, and nine still living.

Frost’s Married 53 Years

J. H. Frost, 79 years old, and Miss Eufala L. Snipes, 75 years old, were married at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. James H. Snipes three miles east of Douglassville, Cass County, Texas, January 6, 1871, Rev. S. J. Hawkins officiating. They have lived near Union Chapel church continuously since. Mr. Frost came to Cass County with his parents from Butler County, Ala., in Dec. 1857, and Mrs. Frost came here with her parents in Dec. 1869, from Macon County, Ala.

Taylor’s Married 53 Years

W. C. Taylor, 74 years old and Miss Fredonia Black, 71 years old were married Feb. 24th, 1876, by Rev. J. L. Whittle. Mr. Taylor moved from Georgia with his parents at the age of three years and Miss Black was born in Cass County July 16, 1857. They have lived in Cass County 53 years and most of the time in Linden. Ten children were born to them, five of whom are still living.

Herring’s Married 51 Years

J. M. Herring 71 years old and Miss Emma White, 69 years old, were married Feb. 7th, 1878, at Troy, Ala. Seven children were born to them, five are still living. They came to Texas in 1885.

O’Neal’s Married 51 Years

Hardy A. O’Neal, age 77 years, and Miss Mollie Nelson, age 69, were married May 2nd, 1878, at Linden, Texas, by Rev. J. L. Whittle. Mr. O’Neal was born in Harrison County and Mrs. O’Neal was born at Linden. Eight children were born to this union, five of whom are living, two sons and three daughters. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary May 2nd, 1928. Mr. O’Neal was licensed to practice law at the age of 21 years by Dave Culberson, Capt. Henry and Capt. Vaughn as board of examiners. He has been very active in politics and joined every progressive movement for the advancement of Cass County. He served this district as State Senator for a time. If its for the betterment of the people of Cass County, you can always find him at the wheel pushing it forward.

Sharrer’s Married 50 Years

J. W. Sharrer, 72 years old was married to Miss Hester C. Maxcey on Dec. 4th, 1878, in Warren County, Ky. They moved to Cass County in December, 1902. Have three sons and one daughter living in Texas. Mrs. Sharrer is 70 years old; both enjoying good health. Mr. Sharrer was R. F. D. carried on Atlanta Route 1 till retired short time ago on account of his age.

Harris’ Married 50 Years

William A. Harris, born Dec. 12th, 1853, at Fairplay, S. C., and Joe Anna Hays, born Jan. 7th, 1853, Fairplay, S. C., were married Dec. 14th, 1876. They have celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. To this union was born seven children, all of whom are still living, four sons and three daughters. They came to Texas in 1887 and settled near Marietta, Cass County, Texas, where they still reside. They are among Cass County’s best citizens.