The aim of this challenge is to write about one ancestor every week in 2024, according to a given prompt. I will be writing about ancestors and other family members.
There are so many ways you could approach this theme. Ancestors who got married multiple times; elopement stories; ancestors who were married a long time; or even the surname of Love! – Amy Johnson Crow
David John COX and Rose Miriam SHARP
Rose Miriam SHARP and David John COX are a very distant relationship to me, but I think it’s worth sharing this wedding report, for it’s immense detail. Rose is my half second cousin, 2x removed.
from: The Collie Miner (WA 1900-1916), Saturday 21 September 1912, Page 3
‘Happy is the bride that the sun shines on.” Such is the poet’s prophecy, and the wedding celebrated Wednesday between Mr David John (“Jack”) Cox, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Cox, of Victoria Street, Bunbury, and Miss Amy Rose Miriam Sharp, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sharp, of Symmonds Street, Bunbury, was graced by brilliant sunshine, with ne’er a cloud in the azure sky. Both contracting parties have been residents of the Port for many years, and besides being extremely popular themselves, have had the fortune to be blessed by parents held in equally high esteem.
The Wesley Church, Bunbury, was thronged inside, whilst on the steps and standing outside on the street and road were hundreds of friends. The full choir, under the baton of Mr. S. Carlin, rose and burst, into the triumphal song “The Voice that Breathed o’er Eden,” whilst the bride, leaning on her father’s arm, entered the church looking radiantly sweet in white paselette silk, trimmed with overdress of crepe dc chine and pearl trimmings, bodice trimmed with gathered yoke and sleeves of crepe silk chantilly lace and insertions de chine with side effects of white and girdle of pearls and a square cut train hanging from waist, edged with lace and cord, with corner lapped over with spray of orange blossom.
In attendance were the first bridesmaid, Miss Florrie Moore, who was charmingly gowned in pink crystalline over peau-de-soie, bodice was trimmed will all over lace and ruchings; skirt draped and edged with ruchings of material, and wore a black hat trimmed with roses and pink satin; and Miss Lou Holywell, who looked very dainty in eau-de-nil crystalline over peau-de-soie, the bodice was trimmed with guipure lace and buttons, and was finished with a smart side effect of guipure lace, the skirt being daintily trimmed with ruchings of material, and wore a black hat trimmed with Scotch thistles.
Following the bride came the two little train-bearers : Miss Iris Fitzgerald (cousin of the bride), in a dainty girlish frock of white satin, with panelled front, trimmed with satin buttons, smart little collar, trimmed with Paris applique, relieved with spray of forget-me-nots; white satin hat daintily trimmed with lace and forget-me-nots; and Master Joe Paull, who looked quite imposing in a smart cream velvet Duke of York suit, with peaked three cornered cream velvet hat to match.
The bride’s party then joined the groom (who was attended by Mr. Ern Campbell – best man – and Mr. James Cox (brother of the groom), as groomsman), and the Rev. S. B. Fellows (President of the West Australian Methodist Conference), commenced the marriage service.
The bridal party stood under an imposing arch, made of evergreens, bamboos, and arum lilies, with the initials of both parties worked thereon, and silver horseshoes effectively, interspersed. The chancel rail and the pews were daintily decorated with arum lilies and evergreens, the whole being the work of Mrs. W. J. Armstrong; the Misses Florrie Moore Lou and Amy Holywell, Nellie and Annie Smith and Mr. Ern Campbell.
As the ring was put on, the Choir sang “Oh, Perfect Love, All Human Love Transcending,” Miss Gracie Brittain, presiding at the organ. The marriage service being ended, the Rev. Mr. Fellows addressed the couple as follows “Here, in this sacred place, full of happy memories to both of you, by the service of song you have rendered through so many years, and here, in the presence of many friends who have learnt to esteem and love you, you have pledged yourselves either to other. The solemn vows you have made today, mark the fruition of your hopes, and the fulfilment of your desire, that has bound your hearts together in one. May the Divine Love, all human, love transcending, consecrate your mutual love, and so fill your lives with all true blessedness, giving strength in every struggle, converting every sorrow, and brightening every joy. So may your lives lead you to the home of Eternal Life, through the Eternal Son of God.”
The bridal party and witnesses retired into the vestry for the necessary signing of the register, whilst the Choir beautifully rendered the, anthem “Break Forth Into Joy.”
Present in the Church were the groom’s mother, Mrs. .J. Cox, effectively attired in black silk voile, with fancy satin stripe, trimmed with black silk overall lace, white satin yoke and fancy trimmings, with black and white toque to match; Mrs. A. Davis, of Victoria (grandparent, of bride), in a beautiful black rnerv dress, trimmed with buttons, Pasch-Caletti lace, with very smart hat to match; Mrs. Fitzgerald, of Collie (aunt of bride), dark saxe blue cloth, trimmed with black satin and cream lace, hat to match; Mrs. Harry Sharp (aunt of bride), brown cloth, trimmed with black braid, hat to match; Mrs. Paul (sister of bridegroom), dark royal blue voile, oriental trimmings, and cream lace, pink hat; Mrs. Howard, (sister of bridegroom), cream dress, trimmed lace, and insertion, black hat.
The anthem ended, the congregation thronged out of the church, to join the vast number already waiting outside. Soon the first notes of the “Wedding March” were played by Miss Brittain, and as the happy couple emerged from the sacred edifice, dense showers of rice and confetti descended upon them, eloquent of the hope that peace and plenty would ever fall in their path. At the edge of the footpath, throbbing motors were in waiting, bearing wedding favours, and the leading car, handled by Chafffeur Bob Henderson, was quickly on its way, with the happy couple leaning back on the cushioned seats, being loudly cheered by their many friends, who included a large delegation from the Bunbury Lumpers’ Union and Football Club – the latter of which the groom had been Secretary for some years.
Thence to Photographer Ford’s to be photo’d, and afterwards to Mrs Henderson’s Coffee Palace, where a sumptuous wedding breakfast had been prepared by that good lady, and was waiting to further contribute to the happiness of the auspicious occasion. The mother of the bride (together with Mr. Sharp) received the guests in a handsome black silk striped briscilda trimmed with black silk all over lace and insertion, with smart black silk straw toque with lancer plume.
The main dining-room was crowded, as was also the ante-room (wherein “the boys,” headed by Messrs. W. H. Kaeshagen, E. Gamble, S. Carlin, E. Reckner, Louis Eskell, and J. Pryor, contributed lausty chorus to the musical gems accompanying each toast). Ample justice was done to the good things provided by Hostess Henderson.
The Rev. S. B. Fellows occupied thce chair, and, amid enthusiasm, proposed the principal toast, that of the “Bride and Groom” The rev. gentleman said that that day they had had the pleasure of witnessing one of the most popular weddings ever celebrated in Bunbury (applause). Mr. and Mrs. jack Cox had lived amongst them and they had met them in the streets, in the churches, at the theatre, and on the sports ground, and wherever they had been they had always earnt the same golden opinion’s. (Applause). One thing in particular had always appealed to him more than anything else, and that was their characters. Character told, and that was why so many were there that day doing honour to Mr, and Mrs. Jack Cox (applause). Their characters had told, and gave the true ring of sincerity, to the proceedings that day (loud applause).. “They all loved Jack”, and his bonny wife, too, with her own personality – charming, good and true always, (Applause). She had won many hearts. Jack had won hers. He wanted to remind their friend Jack that that day, “The New Boy” was “Facing the Music.” (Laughter). He had played his part well, so had his wife. (Applause) in the new life before them; with its responsibilities, joys and sorrows, they should carry on in the same spirit of “good chumship” as in the past, with its true companionship. (Applause). Then it would be full of blessings. Their personal good friendship meant much but the goodwill that lay behind it, meant more. He hoped that their new joint life would be filled with happiness and blessedness in the days to come. (Applause.)
The groom, in a very fitting response, stated that his bride and he would be leaving Bunbury that afternoon, perhaps not to come back to the Port for many days, but the day they had experienced would be an incentive to try and uphold by their actions, the good things that had been said about them. (Applause.) He hoped that if Mrs. Cox and himself came back to the Port, the friends would always find them “the same two” as when thev had lived amongst them (Applause.)
Mr. Jack Cox then proposed the health of “The Bridesmaids,” incorporating in the toast the names of, the little train bearers, and many nice things about the ladies, to which the best man made suitable response.
Mr. T. T. Moore, in one of his usual most happy little speeches, asked those present to honour the health of “The Parents of the Bride and Groom,” referring to the high esteem in which these popular residents have always been held.
Mr. Frank Sharp, and Mr. John Cox, sen., responded.
The Chairman, in asking Mr. Cox to speak, said that it was now case of “The Old Boy” “Facing the Music.”
Sir. Cox stated that if his son made as good a husband as he had a son, he would never regret the step. (The harmonious extempore choir of “the boys” vocally announced that both these gentlemen were being honoured in “A Way we have in Bunbury.”)
Mr. T. T. Moore then proposed the toast of “Our Hostess – Mrs. Robert Henderson,” incorporating the names of Mr. R. Henderson, and Misses Minnie, Rene and Ruby, paying high tribute, to the manner in which this good lady, with her willing staff of helpers, had prepared the wedding feast.
Mr. B. Henderson briefly responded, stating that they had been only too delighted to have this opportunity of in a small way, showing their appreciation and esteem, both of the happy couple and their parents. The Rev. S. B. Fellows, and Mrs. Fellows also expressed his hearty support of the toast.
Mr. Jack Marshall then proposed the toast to our Chairman, the Rev. S Fellows and Mrs. Fellows, stated the gentleman had presided at the preceeding ceremony and over the festivities with (unreadable words) and credit to all.
The customary first incision in the handsome three-decker cake having been made by the blushing bride, and each guest having received a substantial portion thereof, all joined hands – at Mr. T. T. Moore’s instigation – and sang “For Auld Lang Syne.” The Bunbury railway station was thronged as for the reception of a royal guest to witness the departure of the newly married couple for Perth, from which centre they will take their departure on Saturday, via Fremantle, to the East. (It is improbable that they will return to Bunbury for some time, the groom’s intention being to enter into business elsewhere).
Amidst innumerable hand shakings, cheers, and railway engines whistling, the train steamed out, the bride travelling in a charming sax green passelette silk and underskirt of black satin, with overdress trimmed with oriental trimmings, bodice trimmed with yoke of tucked net, with shoulder effect of black satin buttons; large black tagle straw hat, trimmed with small pink roses. The bridal dress was the gift of Mrs. A. Davis, of Melbourne, a grand-parent of the bride, and was made in Melbourne by Miss Peacock, one time of Bunbury.
We have been asked to state that in view the extremely large number of valuable presents received, it is probable that some may have missed inclusion in the following list, and the parents on both sides, desires the donors of any not so acknowledged to accept this intimation as the reason.
LIST OF PRESENTS
The following article is a list of presents, which gives great detail of the person each present was given by. I am listing the presents below and not the actual article. I think it’s quite interesting to see what was given at the time.
The bridegroom gave the bride a handsome gold ring and emerald ring.
The bride gave the bridegroom a beautiful gold claw ring set with ruby
The bridegroom gave the bridesmaids gold brooches, set with emeralds and rubies
The bridegroom gave the trainbearers a gold brooch and serviette rings
The parents of the bride gave house linen and bevelled mirror
The parents of the bridegroom gave a cheque
Grandmother of the bride gave the wedding dress
Gifts from guests:
Various cheques – silver hot water jug – ornaments – photo frames – silver mounted rose bowl – biscuit barrel – silver cruet – fancy toilet set – vases – brushes and mirror – silver cruet – silver card stand – tray cloth and matching table centre – silver mounted bread board and matching knife – silver photo frame – silver trinket set – silver teapot – pair of silver salt cellars – silver mounted Doulton ware cake stand – tea cosy and trinket case – photo frame – white and gold dinner set – d’oylies – burnt china tea set – handsome lamp – magnificent oak tray, with silver rail, mountings and suitably inscribed – silver entree dish – handsome Morocco dressing case with silver fittings and combination manicure set – oak ink stand with cut glass bottles – silver jam stand – beautiful Morocco case containing silver pickle fork, sugar spoon, jam spoon, bread fork and butter knife with pearl settings – silver “Robin” sugar basin and sifter – silver teaspoon set – handsome silver serviette rings with names inscribed – silver jam dish – set of jugs – silver plated butter dish – primus stove – mirror, rack and brushes – set aluminium saucepans – aluminium ware and table centre – silver sugar basin – pair of paintings – pair of silver serviette rings – silver biscuit barrel – handsome bronze ornaments – dressing case – silver cruet – handsome painting – silver butter knife – silver pickle jar – set custard glasses – biscuit barrel – hand mirror – silver vase – silver mounted bread plate – pair vases – magnificent clock and matching vases – silver plated and pretty china sugar and cream stand – silver flower vases – handsome jardiniere and stand – beautiful hand painted cushion – magnificent plush table cloth and hearth rug to match – clock – pair silver vases – fountain pen – old handsome mirror in oak frame – biscuit barrel, hand painted cushion – table centre – pair silver vases – pretty tea service – silver jam dish – set carvers – handsome tea set -photo frame – beautiful hall mirror – pair salad bowls – cheque – silver cream bowl – case of oranges – silver bread fork – case of silver spoons – handsome table runner – handsome silver preserve stand and silver toast rack – handsome fruit bowl – set of silver spoons, tongs and bread fork – jardiniere – cake dish – set of jelly dishes – side board runner – hall mirror and rack – handsome brass jardiniere – set of carvers – pair of serviette rings – set of silver spoons and tongs – silver cruet – cut glass bottles
Source:
1912 ‘COX—SHARP.’, The Collie Miner (WA : 1900 – 1916), 21 September, p. 3. , viewed 20 Apr 2024, Retrieved on 23.11.2023 from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232710787