Surrounded by their nine children, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lee, living at Riverside Avenue and Dick street, in Normal City, recently celebrated the sixty-fourth anniversary of their marriage. They are the oldest married couple in Delaware county and one of the oldest in Indiana. Mr. Lee is 87 years of age and his wife is 82. Both now lead a retired life in their community home.
The story of the career of the aged couple is romantic. Both were born and raised in Clinton County, Ohio, and were playmates in youth, their country homes being but a short distance apart. Each cherished a love for the other and as they grew to manhood and womanhood they became almost constant companions. They were married in 1837.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lee lived in Clinton county for awhile and then moved to Delaware county settling on the farm. They first came to this count in 1841, sixty years ago and have resided here constantly since, seldom leaving their home. Mr. Lee has traveled little. The longest trip he ever took was to Iowa where he visited his brother 15 years ago.
In the prime of life Mr. Lee was a successful farmer and stock raiser. He raised many fine breeds of horses and cattle and became noted in this line of business.
When the Civil War broke out Mr. Lee was too old to enlist but did everything within his power for the cause at home. He lived in Delaware county when it was announced that Morgan would raid Indiana. Many of the soldiers' wives were at home alone or with their children and the announcement almost caused a panic. Mr. Lee visited the various homes, comforting the lonely and bringing them fuel and provisions from his farm. He raised provisions for the soldiers in the south during the war.
Mrs. and Mrs. Lee can remember when deer abounded in this section of Indiana. Mr. Lee says he has stood in his doorway and counted as many as twenty of the graceful animals grazing in the woods.
Mrs. Lee is enjoying excellent health, but her husband is slowly declining. Two years ago he was attacked by paralysis but almost completely recovered. A few weeks ago he had another light stroke but is still able to be about and even takes walks.
Thirteen children were born to the aged couple, four of whom are dead.
(photographs were not in the newspaper article-poor quality due to scan of copy)
