Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1869-08-20
A Birthday Celebration at West
Minister.

On Thursday, August II, 1861, Mr..
!. JOSIAH DAVIS, Of Westminster, having
i completed his ninetieth year 1T was
). proposed that his friends and neighbors
\ should assemble at his house and offer
f their congratulations.
r 1t was lovely day, with the brightest
; of sunshine, accompanied by cool, re-
a freshing breeze.
q A large number Of guests, with happy
: hearts, and smiling faces, repaired to the
q family mansion, to pay the tribute Of
: honor, to its venerable occupants.
The rooms were tastefully decorated
with festoons of green leaves, and bright
flowers, and the number, "NrNETY," in
, green, was over the mantle piece. A pro-
fusion OF choice boquets, delighted the
eye of the beholder, and dispensed their
perfume through the apartments.
, The friends were cordially welcomed
, by Mr. and Mrs. Davis, the Old Gentle
, man saying few kind words to every
one.
f After this happy greeting" the peo-
J pie were called to order by S. S. Stod-
dard, Esq, who explained the object of
the meeting, and requested Mr.. John P.
I Davis to open the exercises by offering
prayer, who complied by offering fer
: vent petition, adapted to the occasion,
after which, number of "The Old
I, Folks" sung a few of the old tunes"
! in THE N. HI. Collection" which was
; very acceptable to Mr.. Davis, reminding
: him Of his early days. An interesting
u letter was read from Rev. f. j. Fair
" banks, who was absent, on his annual va
e cation.
Mr.. Fairbanks regretted his inability
!, to be present,-alluded to the great
changes that had taken place during the
o pastninety years, referred to the growth
n of the American Republic, both in terri
# tory and population application Of
S Steam, the Magnetic Telegraph, and
e also referred to the local changes, closing
$ as follows:
: "May Heavens richest blessings, rest
r like crown of glory upon his hoary
:. head, and upon the devoted companion
J. who has been the sharer of his sorrows
It and his joys. May their last days, be
/ their best days, and theirs the final re
V ward of those who have been faithful
e servants here"
O A letter was read, from DIR. HI. E
d Bowles, and wife, of Hammonton, N. J.
o Mrs. Bowles is a daughter of Mrs. Davis
= by a former marriage. Some parts Of
J. this letter, were exceedingly tender, and
k touching.
v A Sketch of the Life of Mr.. Davis
Is was read, followed by singing, We are
|. waiting by the river" after which, Mr.
IS Davis requested the Young Folks to
e sing, Rest for the weary" Capt. Whit
q tie proposed that the people shanla bs
/, numbered, and Mr.. Austin Goodridge
:, was requested to take the census"
n Mr.. Goodridge, very kindly entered
IS upon the duties of his Office, and return.
e ed the following minutes:
; Number present 81.
v IS persons, the sum of whose ages
V amounts to 1906.
r. A, who were So, and above.
Is s, who were rs, and above.
Average age of the eighteen, nearly
j.; 73 years. ..s
:. Mr.. Goodridge rested from his labor
= in very happy frame of mind, and de
clared that he did not know when he haC
: made so pleasant tour. He found tn,
h ladies very willing to tell their ages! anc
., what was rather surprising, he met witt
~ several elderly maiden ladies Deer t,oenty
: eight years old!
IN In the course of the afternoon, severa
at gentlemen were called upon, for speeches
n Capt. Titcomb, in very felicitous speech
e. alluded to the local changes, and named
te many families, whose places know then
\, no more"
ur One interesting incident of the visit
ct was the placing of little child about
III year old, in the arms of Mr.. Davis
at thus presenting tabeaux of Old Ag
of and Infancy.
At five o'clock, tea was announced
n. which was served on the green south o
ID the house-the people having provide,
10 the refreshments. Mr.. Davis was assist
?, ed out, and with his Wife occupied seat
h at the head of the table, which was coy
N cred with choice collation. and decor
ated with flowers.
O. On the east side of the table the seat
as were arranged in a semi-circle present
Is ing very graceful appearance when oc
,g cupied by age, youth and beauty, ais,
e, affording the very obliging and efficien
a committee, ample room to dispense =" tn,
as fragrant tea" and tempting viands.
n Tea being over the people returned t,