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In August of 1877, an unusual series of articles appeared in the South Bend Tribune. Apparent from this extensive society column, and other relationships, the Bonneys were close to the owners of the Tribune. "Mr. Lou Mangold, arm in arm with Miss Emma Chord, came into the parlor..." reports the Tribune, introducing Louis A. Mangold, the son of J. G. Mangold, photographer. Louis was a photographer working in Iowa and James Bonney’s nephew. It has not been determined if he married Miss Emma Chord.
A farewell reception will be given Mr. John Bell, at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. James Bonney, this evening. In deference to his enviable reputation and musician the event will partake principally of the nature of a musical soiree, the invited guests being composed largely of people with a musical turn. The cornet band and the Orpheus Quartette will be present.,
—South Bend Tribune, 1 Aug 1877, p. 4, c. 2
Yesterday’s issue announced that a farewell reception to Mr. John Bell was to be given in the evening at the residence of Mr. James Bonney.. At the appointed time probably fifty or more friends had duly responded to invitations extended them, and were present. The night was warm, but the spacious yard afforded a comfortable retreat and there was nothing to tone down the pleasure of the occasion induced by the genial entertainment of Mr. Bonney and family and the agreeable nature of the people who had met together but the early departure to seek a new home in the father west of the gentleman in whose honor the company were gathered—one whom many of them had known and become attached to from his earliest youth., The band, of which he is a valued member and from which his connection will be severed with regrets mutually felt by himself and those who remain, were present and contributed some choice music, and about the usual hour for serving party refreshments, all were invited to seats inside.
This preliminary having been gone through with, such a surprise was sprung upon those guests expectant of supper plates, cold chicken, tea, coffee, etc., as they had not experienced before for many a day. Mr. Lou Mangold, arm in arm with Miss Emma Chord, came into the parlor and immediately following, attired in the array unmistakably peculiar to the wedding occasion, came also arm in arm Mr. John Bell and Miss Mollie M. Bonney. Revs. Chaffee and Williamson and their respective wives were the only ones, other than the family, whose countenances showed no astonishment. They arose, the company doing likewise, and Mr. Chaffee, assisted by Mr. Williamson, then proceeded with the short but beautiful marriage ceremony of the Baptist church, the service embracing the form for marriage with the ring. At its conclusion Mr. Chaffee introduced the newly united—"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present to you Mr. and Mrs. John Bell."
Warm and most sincere congratulations followed, besides a great deal of pleasant allusion to the profound surprise to which all had been treated. Then came in good earnest the tea, coffee, cold chicken, icecream and a great variety of other refreshments. It was learned after the wedding that Mr. Bell had postponed his time of leaving for the west until Monday, and this fact, and the further knowledge that now he does not go alone, made the farewells spoken at the close of the evening much more cheerful than those assembled had anticipated.
Mr. and Mrs. Bell will leave for their new home at Villisca, Montgomery county, in southwestern Iowa, at 5 o’clock Monday morning. The TRIBUNE joins their hosts of friends in wishing them much joy and prosperity.
—South Bend Tribune, 2 Aug 1877, p. 4, c. 3
The following notice accompanied the preceding article one column to the left:The public will be pleased to learn that Mr. John Bell remains to participate in the dedication of the band stand Saturday evening.
—South Bend Tribune, 2 Aug 1877, p. 4, c. 3
From the South Bend Tribune: 1 Aug 1877, p. 4, c. 2; 2 Aug 1877, p. 4, c. 3; 2 Aug 1877, p. 4, c. 3