Note 25 — Chapter II

Joshua Gilpin (born Eleventh month 8th, 1765; died Eighth month 22d, 1841), son of Thomas and Lydia Fisher Gilpin, married Mary Dilworth and had eight children. Marriage entertainments at this time were very expensive, and harassing to the wedded. For two days afterward punch was dealt out in profusion, and, with cakes and other sweetmeats, were set out on the lower floor, and were also sent generally through the neighborhood, even to those with whom the family did not visit. On the second floor the bride received the visitors, and was kissed by all comers, often as many as a hundred a day. The richer families also had as many as one hundred and twenty to dine and stay to supper the day of the marriage. All who signed the marriage certificate also were invited to tea (or supper). At the time of the "passing of meeting" for two days all the male friends of the bride were privileged to call, drink punch, eat cake and kiss the bride! Even the plain Friends submitted to these things.—"Watson's Annals."