Half a century ago Harvey and Mary A. Royce now of East Swanton, commenced life together being married at Fairfield, Vt., Dec. 1827. The following March, taking with them a yoke of oxen they migrated to Dickenson, N.Y., which was a wilderness. Leaving the Ogdensburg turnpike here they located at the end of a land owner's road four miles from any inhabitants. Refusing proferred assistance from the nearest settlers, he with the sole help of oxen raised his first log house. His young bride hung a quilt in a doorway to keep out wind and storm, while the husband made their furniture, which consisted of a bedstead made of spruce poles and table of same, with an unplaced basswood top. To this rude habitation was soon added a floor and a roughly hewn door; and as a common cylinder wood stove was not within reach of their limited means (its cost then being $65) a stone fireplace and chimney were built, where only a flat stone had served to hold the burning logs, with an aperture in the roof for the smoke to pass through. Then commenced the work of clearing, to aid in which a horse was purchased, which was pastured the nearest clearing four miles away. When having to go to mill later, he would secure his horse, return home and thence to Hopkinton nine miles distant. Here, during the next five years, were cleared thirty acres of land, and a barn and saw mill built, which are now in the centre of Thomasville. Soon after the birth of their first daughter (Mrs. Marsh Chadwick) they returned to Vermont on a visit; and the young wife being desirous of settling here, he disposed of his farm and purchased about seventy-five acres and the house now occupied as the Baptist parsonage at East Swanson. This place they occupied about five years, at the end of which time they moved to a log house adjoining the old "Aldrich farm" both of which they soon afterwards purchased. Their home was afterwards well known as "The little log house at the foot of the hill." This was the birthplace of their daughters, Mrs. Charles Marvin, Mrs. Elwood and Mrs. White, and of their only son, Albert H. Royce. Here for nine years, shielded by the logs from the storms of winter and the heat of summer, they continued the struggle so bravely commenced, and combated with fickle fortune successfully; and by the strictest frugality, economy and almost unremitting labor they succeeded in securing a competency. Then was built the spacious homestead which has for the past thirty years been so dear to all connected with it, the birthplace of Mrs. A. P . Royce, and the permanent home of their only son and brother. While the others have gone out to establish other homes, this has been to all the one "home," above all others, and the scene of many family gatherings and festivities. Here for thirty years have the now venerable father and mother been untiring in their efforts to promote the happiness of those around them; and while continually adding to their substance have not been forgetful of their many friends and neighbors. Hence, it is not strange that such an auspicious occasion as the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage should not pass without a general expression of the love and respect given them by their family and friends.

This expression was in the form of a golden wedding, which proved to be such an ovation as is seldom given a private citizen. Here were gathered the entire family, some of whom surmounted every difficulty to make the family gathering complete. Among these were their daughter, Mrs. L. B. White and husband from Holyoke, Mass., and Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Marvin, accompanied by their son Fred with his handsome bride of a day, who, on account of the Southeastern R.R. trouble, came seventy miles on wheels. At 5 p.m. a large number having assembled the bridal pair of fifty years were admitted to the west parlor, where they found a table laden with golden presents to the value of $200. The presentation was made by Mr. C. A. Crampton. Among the presents were a valuable watch and guard, bearing the initials of Mr. Royce in monogram, from his son; a gold-headed cane and broach from Mr. and Mrs. L. B. White, these having been selected in New York; a silver cake basket of unique workmanship from Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Royce; a gold thimble from Mrs. Marvin, and something useful from each member of the family. Aside from the family presents was one from their immediate neighbors, consisting of a creamer, sugar bowl and spoon receiver of solid silver, gold lined, engraved with the initial "R"; also two pairs of gold-bowed spectacles, as a slight testimonial of their regard. Also, others of value from Messrs. Chadwick, Dwyer, and others, too numerous to mention, with the exception of one later in the evening of a bag of sugar, presented by Charles Marvin, Esq., with the compliments of Mrs. Elwood.

The supper under the personal supervision of Mrs. A. H. Royce, was worthy of Delmonico or Copeland. And here occurred a never-to-be-forgotten sight. At a long table in their spacious dining room were seated the father and mother and their seven children, their husbands and daughter-in-law, together with fourteen of their twenty-nine grand children, and one great grand-child. After dinner in which about ninety participated, the evening was spent enjoyably by every one. Dancing under the direction of Mr. Bay Thomas the dining room; a spirited game of checkers between Miss Royce and Mr. Button in another; eucher, and whist parties in another; while the occupants of the parlor enjoyed an impromptu concert, in which Mrs. A. P. Royce proved a "queen of song," the company being also deeply indebted to Mrs. E. F. Hoadle and Miss Nettie Robinson, for the sweet music, both vocal and instrumental, furnished by them. Both political parties were also represented, the democracy in the robust shape of Hiram Button and the republicans by worthy John Smith, with his violin. Letters of regret were received from Mr. and Mrs. L. White of Londonderry, Vt. and Dr. Fassett, their family physician. The unavoidable absence of their pastor, Rev. A. H. Bailey of Sheldon, was the cause of regret by all. May Mr. A. H. Royce, assisted by Mr. Sidney Royce and Mr. Loveland, who in their genial way were entirely successful in supplying their guests with every comfort, each enjoy an occasion of this kind of their own. And may Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Royce live many years more, enjoy the fruits of their industry and savings.