Emma in her youth had blue eyes, beautiful nut-brown hair, light Grecian features, was gracefully small, and had a laughing voice.

Emma and John married according to Quaker custom on Christmas Day, 1858, in her home in Stanhope, N.J., near his home in Schooley's Mountain. That is, they had to memorize the wedding vows and recite them before the congregation, whereupon the president of the group pronounced them married. Then they went to the justice-of-the-peace to fill out the marriage certificate. At least three prior generations of Emma's family were Quakers.

They began married life in Osborn's Mine, N.J., moved to Port Oram at John's father Augustus's home, then to Forks, Penna., for ten years, then back to N.J., eventually winding up in Penna.

Their 12 children born over 23 years were Tilden (b. 1860), Augustus (b. 1861), Isaac (b. 1863), Edwin (b. 1865), Sarah (b. 1867), Clarissa (b. 1869), George (b. 1872), William (b. 1874), Bathsheba (b. 1876), Charles (b. 1880), an infant (b. 1882) and (John) Glen (b. 1883). John and Emma had numerous friends as well, whom they cordially entertained and took pleasure in returning their visits. They deliberately did not strive for wealth, but did provide well for their children's necessities and comforts. John was a farmer and lumberman.

In 1876 they both had a religious experience which markedly changed them. Son Augustus, an attorney, described it as "a real and certain visitation of the Holy Spirit. None of us have ever doubted that at that time and many times since has the Comforter Whom Christ promised to send to His disciples, been truly sent to you, and that He has remained with you."

By now Free Methodists, they opposed various forms of social and industrial oppression and wrong, including slavery. John was only the first or second Abolitionist in Mt. Olive Twp., N.J., to openly pronounce himself as such, and energetically defended the position. Years later John joined the Prohibitionist political party and otherwise supported the Temperance movement. He authored a number of sermons.

Emma was noted for her self-sacrifice, devotion to family, frugality and economy. "Leisure" moments were spent in sewing and knitting, and she was known as an excellent cook and homemaker.

On Christmas Day 1908 Emma and John celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at Ariel, Penna., well attended by 44 of their widespread (Minn., Mich., N.Y., Penna., N.J.) children, grandchildren and other relatives. Emma sang two duets with her sister for the occasion.