On September 21, 1898, nearly 124 years ago, my husband's grandparents Mary Slatter (1869-1925) and James Edgar Wood (1871-1939) were married in Toledo, Ohio. The couple received the license and were wed on the same day, a Wednesday.
Curious about the officiant, whose name is circled in the image at top, I searched online for more background. Reverend William Cyprian Hopkins, 1834-1910, was born in Burlington, Vermont, a son of the state's first Episcopal Bishop. After college, he earned a Doctor of Divinity degree and became rector of a church in Vermont until being commissioned as a chaplain in the Union Army during the US Civil War, serving with the 7th Vermont Infantry.
Later, Rev. Hopkins became rector for churches in Louisiana, Missouri, Illinois, and Ohio. In 1898, he married hubby's grandparents while at St. Paul's Church of Toledo, Ohio.
At left, a news clipping from the New York Journal newspaper of January 23, 1899, from the US Library of Congress website. It described the will of Charles Jerome Hopkins, a talented yet eccentric and prolific composer.
The composer left his estate to his brother, Reverend Hopkins, with the exception of his music, which was left to his nieces in Chicago.
Happy almost anniversary to my husband's grandparents, never forgotten.
What a fun find! Wow, you really dig deep into every aspect possible in your family tree! ;)
ReplyDeleteNice way to honor them!
ReplyDeleteThe reverend's brother was very specific about his wishes upon his death!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to your husband's grandparents on their anniversary! It's fascinating how you've connected their marriage to Reverend Hopkins and explored his background. The details about his life and connections really bring your family history to life. It's clear you put a lot of effort into your research, and it's inspiring to see how you honor their memory. Happy anniversary to Mary and James—what a beautiful legacy they've left behind!
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