----Source: LOYAL TRIBUNE (Loyal, Clark County, Wis.) 04/20/1916

Hills, Mr./Mrs. (Gold Anniv - 4 Jul 1916)

A letter was received at this office from Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Hills of Sparks, Okla., in which the following was contained:

"On the 4th of July, 1916, fifty years ago, a young couple was married in the first house built in Loyal, Clark County, Wis., and was the first couple married in that town. That couple, if nothing happens, are going back to Loyal to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding the coming 4th of July. As Loyal always holds a big 4th of July celebration we expect to meet many old friends. We would be very much pleased if the "Old Settlers" would decided to hold their reunion on that day also."

Mrs. Hills is a daughter of the late John Graves and a sister of A. A. Graves of our village. We hope for a 4th of July celebration and that the old settlers will decide to hold their reunion on that date also, which will be quite an event for Loyal.

(Follow on in 7/6/1916 Loyal Tribune)

An event that come in the life of few couples, was observed Tuesday, July 4, 1916, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Philpott, when Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Hills celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. The house they were married in was a log house, the first in Loyal and was built by the father of Mrs. Hills, John Graves, the founder of this village (Loyal, Clark County, Wis.), and stood almost on the spot where J. M. Philpott's house now stands.

On Tuesday afternoon, almost on the exact spot and time of the other ceremony, and in the presence of about thirty relatives and dear friends, they again renewed their marriage vows, taken so many years before, Rev. Powell using an impressive ceremony. Dainty refreshments were served and a pleasant social hour enjoyed, talking over and recalling memories of other times.

The worthy couple, both of whom are enjoying the best of health, received many congratulations and were the recipients of many gifts. It is the wish of all their friends that they live to celebrate many more anniversaries.