In a world filled with cynicism around marriage, some may wonder how any couple can manage to stay together. With divorce rates on the rise and marriage counselors dotting the landscape, does anyone stand a chance? Maybe we should take a lesson from these six couples, who managed to stay married longer than most people’s lifetimes.
6. Lazarus & Molly Rowe – 85 Years 133 Days
Lazarus & Molly married in Maine long before the U.S. was its own country. In fact, Lazarus is often cited as one of the first settlers in then-tiny village Baldwin. The couple exchanged vows at 18 and stayed married well into their 100s. During that time they raised quite a family, even living long enough to see their 5th generation descendants. In love till the very end, when Molly passed at 104, Lazarus followed just a few short months afterward. Family legend says his heart could not bear to be apart from his beloved bride.
5. Yung-Yang & Yang Yang-Wan Liu – 86 Years, 133 Days
Married in Taiwan in 1917, the Lius held the world-record for longest marriage for quite a long time. They met as children, as was custom in their community at the time, to see if they could be a good marriage match. Luckily, the scheme worked, and they married later as teenagers. Deeply in love the whole time, the couple managed to amass over 100 descendants.
4. Herbert & Zelmyra Fisher – 86 Years 290 Days
Once elementary school playmates, these childhood sweethearts married in 1924 and raised 5 children. The couple lived in the house Herbert built for them for the majority of their lives together. Among the advice they’ve given over the years, the placed a lot of strength on honesty and loving one another entirely. Herbert passed away in 2011, followed by Zelmyra in 2013. Family members say their legacy of love and compassion continues to live on.
3. Philipose & Sosamma Thomas – 88 Years 2 Days
Married under less-than-ideal circumstances, Philipose and Sosamma were lucky enough to fall in love after being forced into an arranged marriage. What followed was an 88-year marriage, 7 children, 15 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. They were a well happy couple, though prone to the occasional spat as many couples are. Sadly, Sosamma passed away in 2006, just 2 days after their 88th anniversary.
2. Karam & Kartari Chand – 90 Years (And Counting)
Meeting as teens and married back in 1929, the Chands credit their longevity to living stress-free and doing what they like, in moderation of course. After moving from India to England in the 60s, the couple has become quite an inspiration for the surrounding community of Bradford. When asked about how a couple could retain wedded bliss for so many years, Mr. Chand replied: “It’s important to have no secrets, and not argue.”
1. Daniel & Susan Bakeman – 91 Years 12 Days
At the young age of 12 Daniel married 14 year-old Susan in Pre-Revolution New York. Despite their incredibly young age the two apparently had a loving, life-long companionship. That kind of support is important, especially when one’s spouse enlists in the military. In fact, Daniel became the last surviving Revolutionary War veteran, living to the astounding age of 109. Susan was blessed with a similar longevity, reaching 105. There’s something to be said here about the power of love.
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