In April 1898, Mort and Jennie Austin were invited to the extravagant wedding of Alonzo Eugene Austin Jr., son of Mort’s cousin, Rev. A.E. Austin. Rev. Austin assisted Dr. Hall, the bride’s father, in performing the ceremony.
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Hall request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Sara Frances to Alonzo Eugene Austin Jr., Tuesday Eve., April 26, 1898 at 8 o’clock p.m., 5th Ave. Presbyterian Church, 5th Ave. and 55th Street, N.Y.C.
Olinda Austin Ayers was the sister of the bridegroom, Alono Eugene Austin Jr. The New York Times wrote of the event which was attended by the Chinese Counsul in N.Y.C., who was mistakenly ushered to the wrong seat:
-
Revolutionary times were recalled in the presence of two little pages, Joseph Garrish Ayers and Charles Haines Ayers, the bridegroom’s nephews, in purple coats, powdered wigs, and satin breeches.
The Chinese Consul in this city, Chung Pao Hsi and his suite, were among the guests of honor. Mr. Chung is an acquaintance of Miss Charlotte Chambers Hall, the bride’s sister, who was maid of honor.
The chancel was adorned with lilies and palms…The bride wore white satin, a tulle veil caught with orange blossoms, and carried white lilacs and sweet peas.
Seats near the main aisle had been reserved for the Orientals, but they were ushered by mistake into the gallery by their interpreter, and when it was suggested that they change their seats, he explained that Consul Chung would consider himself insulted at the proposition.
—The New York Times, April 27, 1898.
