The invitation was addressed to Jacob's brother, Mr. & Mrs. M. P. Showalter -- Mathias Pennypacker SHOWALTER and his wife Mary nee DYER. Later written on the envelope by Mathias' daughter, Clara SHOWALTER HENCH, was "Aunt Mattie's & Uncle Jake's wedding invitation. Account of Uncle Jake's death." Clara mailed this invitation and newpaper clipping of Jacob's accidental death to her first cousin Harry SHOWALTER, son of Jacob and Martha.

Bruce's grandfather, Harry Baum SHOWALTER, died March 5, 1975. It appears Harry was quite a "pack rat." This invitation, along with numerous other papers -- wills, receipts, correspondence -- was found in a box of Harry's papers in the attic of Bruce's Mother. Mom sold her house in September 2000. While going though the attic to clean things out, this gold mine of genealogical information was discovered. Bruce's sister forwarded it on to us in October 2000. We are still sorting through this information. In addition to the 1880 wedding invitation are some receipts dated 1880. They appear to be receipts for household items purchased by Jacob and Martha BROWNBACK SHOWALTER to furnish their home in Phoenixville, Chester County, Pennsylvania.