Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1867-06-05

Golden Wedding.

For the Freeman.
Golden Wedding.
Mr. and Mrs OLIVER WATSON, of Worces-
ter, Vt, celebrated their Golden Wedding on
the Doth ult The occasion was one of rare
| interest to the family, the children and
grand children, and to the people of Wor-
i cestcr.
/ The family have had eight children-four
sons and four daughters. Two daughters
have died. at the age of 81 and 81 years, re-
spectively The other children were all
present, with their wives and husbands, with
one exception---the husband of one daughter.
Though it was an exceedingly rainy and I'M
pleasant dav, a large number of the older
citizens of the town assembled at the resi-
dence. and added much to the interest of the
occasion, by the many pleasing reminiscent
ces which they related
Rev 4. Brown, of New Hampshire, the
brother of Mrs. W, conducted the exercises.
Rev Mr.. Perry, Pastor of the Congregation
alist Church in that place, read very excel
lent paper on the Divine Origin and Sacred
ness of the Marriage Relation. Rev. Mr..
Wade, Pastor of the Methodist Church, made
some happy remarks, congratulating parents
and children on being permitted to enjoy an
occasion of such rare interest.
All who could, Joined in singing the I2sth
Psalm of Watts Collection, which sung
at the wedding fifty years ago.
The first and third verses are a. follows
% happy man, whose soul Is filled
With zeal and reyerent awe!
His lips to God their honors yield,
His life adorns the law.
Thy wife shall be a fruitful vine
Thy children round thy board,
Each like plant OF honor shine.
And learn To fear the Lord.
Rev. y Pierce. of Bellows Falls, Vt, a
nephew of Mrs. Watson, in behalf of the
children, made remarks suited t. the occa-
sion, and presented the venerable parents
with a valuable donation Of gold, silver and
greenbacks. Other persons then followed,
and made such presents their several cir
cumstanccs would permit.
1t was altogether very happy and interest
ing occasion-one which will long he remem-
bered.
Among the interesting incidents alluded
to. it was stated that this marriage was the
first ever solemnized in town. They were
married by Rev Chester Wright. of Mont
pelier, who presented the bride with the
wedding fee This was also the first golden
wedding ever celebrated in town
Mrs w was the daughter of Amasa
, Brown. the first Town Clerk Of Worcester
after the second organization of the town.
The town lost its original charter. 1t Is
stated. by way Of good Joke. that during
the cold seasons about the year 1915, there
were only eight families in the township,
and that seven Of them left, and Mr.. Brown.
the remaining one. threw himself upon the
town for support. Their corn and rye and
potatoes were all cut off in July by terri
bic frost. The potatoes were subsequently
dug. hut were not much larger than peas -
these they boiled and ate in milk, with
spoon.
Forty-one years ago the town voted 4 tax
of one cent on the dollar. which amounted TO
the enormous sum of nineteen dollars and
twenty-five cents (Sl9.25), To pay their
whole annual expenses
Mr. Watson Is eighty-two years of age
Mrs. W. i scventy-threc. and they each re-
tain their faculties to wonderful degree.
with the exception of hearing Mr. W. has
twice walked to Montpelier, a distance Of
nine miles. and back 70 his home again. in
the same day, since the ground Was settled
this spring.
He was formerly one of the very best me
chanics in the State. and has always been a
man of great physi, al strength and power of
endurance. lie seems not to suppose that
his strength will ever fail. He remarked TO
his son that he getting So " that he
could carry hundred pounds of hay upon
fork AT time.
Very many interesting anecdotes were re
lated. which Your space will not admit
Perhaps should do injustice should | fail
to say that all who would stay after the ex-
cises, were served with a splendid supper of
= fat things, prepared by Mrs. ---, of
Windsor, sent especially for the purpose by
one of the daughters of the family Zach of
these venerable friends could truthfullv say
of the other. on this occasion, as the past
fifty years was brought in review.
sole partner and sole part of all tn csc joys,
Dcarcr ftHSeif than all.
y. PIERCE.