The Portland daily press., 1871-03-01

We take pleasure in copying the following
from the Philadelphia Episcopalian, knowips
1t will interest our many readers who Low,
and veneiate our aged townsman. 1t wa.
penned and also the poem, by friend of th,
family circle, and they were presented by her a
the last reunion and birthday celebration. i
Is believed the insertion of the following
lines in connection with the preceding sketch
will be not only acceptable to wide circle o.
trends, but will also enlist the sympathies Of
Christians to "rejoice with them that do re-
joice:"
lFrom the Episcopalian
Inc sole survivOr Of an ged Tris.
The subject of the following sketch is
Ellas Thomas, Esq, of Portland, Maine. On
Tue IAN instant he celebrated his ninety-
nlnth birth day. The aged gentleman is mi.
versally beloved and revered, and is the nIv
survivor of remarkable family. Within
the past year-1S7O-two aged sisters of Mr.
Thomas passed away, one having attained
ninety-six years. and the other wanting only
two months of completing century. For q
number OF years the sisters have been in the
habit OF visiting their brother on his birth -day
and upon the occasion OF such reunions,
numbers OF the literary and educated people
OF the city would be present to mingle their
congratulations, and to enjoy the sprightly
and intelligent conversation OF their venerated
friends. y
On the 18th of October, 1775, when Port
land was burned by the British fleet, Elias
Thomas, then child of three years, was car.
rled across the town by his nurse to a place
OF safety. And Gu the 4th of JUL, 1865, when
the great fire occurred in the same city, the
mansion OF Mr. Thomas was destroyed, and
he was again carried across the city to his
sons residence to escape the fire.
Our aged friend credits his prolonged and
peaceful lite to the devotion of his children.
They have exhibited filial affection in are
marKabe degree, having as he says tor many
years anticipated every wish, and afforded
nm the gratifying view Of their happy, hon
Ored, and useful lives. "Honor thv Father
and thy Mother, which is the first command
ment with promise, that it may be well with
thee, and that thou mayest live long on The
EARTH" G.
THE VISION OF NINETY-NINE.
BY MRS. cHAs. o. COLE.
~ did not think to hve so many years,
POe had more smiles than tears"
have had heavenly vi-ion,
On Lhi- ninety-ninth biz tn morn
Lonking back on fields eysian,
When the OriOus spring was born;
And my loving mother near me,
Ienderly she takes my hand,
Sing ng songs OF love unto me.
As We walk the verdant land.
Now see landscape brighter,
Covered 0'e. with fragi ant flow crs;
Anu my steps gov liz ht and tgr ter,
Wandering hrougl the summer bowers,
ana she tells me, as we wander,
Cllspius still my youthful hand,
would have my son remember
There ale thOlDs IN this blight landt
Now an Autumn picture greets mel
and the hazy. dreamy air,
L. ke rat bg vel OF be uty
1hrosn Ger fell and bill so bare;
Anu the trees So brl sht and gorgeous
With their purI lie, gold aud led
But the gentle one who lie NE,
Now repOses with Ne dead.
And my group OF angel children.
In this Landscape they have Gomez
How my -piiit vision Oigbt.ns
As near my ueaveOl. homei
Trials must to all be given,
Lest our bliss shou ID be- complete;
Go, 10 /, AXE Us pure tor heaven,
Blends the Ditter with the sweet.
In the foreground of this picture,
Underneath the Autumn t, ee,
Harp, tlO-wie and sters-
Singing birthday sChks 10 me!
Now hear md'uen'S blessing,
Eyes OF bi ue and golden hairl
And the white haired sire caressing
Can the angels be more fan?
Now the winter pictures coming-
Oh how white an lar 20 srel
An the snow-biIds sot'y humming
Their sweet farewell song !, me.
Lovely pictures! never 6 iJlDg
From my earnest. Ion. .ing gaze;
Ever prese It and abiding,
Lingec through my aged days!
PORTLAND, January, 1874.