Notes for Chester A. & Olive (Family)
“The Springfield social event of Oglesby’s final year as governor was the December 27 marriage of his daughter Olive. The “charming and petite brunette” had met her groom at an Omaha wedding in which Chester A. Snider, a successful businessman from Hannibal, Missouri, had served as best man. As presented in the Journal, “It was a case of mutual love at first sight with [Snider] and Miss Oglesby and as their acquaintance grew their affection increased.” The Episcopalian ceremony was conducted by the governor’s friend, the Rev. George F. Seymour, bishop of the Springfield Diocese, who was assisted by the Rev. Frances W. Taylor, rector of St. Paul’s parish. A reception was held at the Governor’s Mansion. Among the ushers were her brother Robert and Hiram Keays; fourteen-year-old Felicite Oglesby was a “fairy bridesmaid.” The Oglesbys had eight hundred invitations printed. Most of their guests were from Springfield, Chicago, Decatur, and Lincoln; Governor-elect Fifer was also in attendance. Among those sending regrets were Julia Dent Grant and Robert Todd Lincoln and his wife Mary. The governor, always a careful bookkeeper, calculated wedding costs at $1,541.88, plus $500 given to Olive as she and her new husband embarked on their wedding trip to the East Coast. They would then winter in California before settling in Missouri.”
41016. “Linked for Life: The Governor's Daughter Marries a Worthy Gentleman,” Journal, Dec. 28, 1888, p. 1, col. 9; wedding costs (in RJO's handwriting), Nov. 26, 1888, Oglesby MSS.