The Republican journal., 1872-06-20
Another CentenarIan Gone.

Ol tu6 ltlu Ol OCtODer, lIll, IN CndTleS-
town, IN an old house still standing at the
corner OF Main and Mead streets, Nancy
Simpson was born, and under the solemn
heading of deaths came, yesterday, the
following announcement ''In this city,
14th inst. Mrs. Nancy Dicks, widow of
Capt. John Dicks, of Portland, Me-, 100
years mos" The two lines convey
wonderful import to those whose pleasure
to know well the lady, who after score
and d halt of Years more than the allotted
time, to manhood, has passed away. Miss
Nancy Simpson was the twelfth of thirteen
children, all of whom lived to be over
eighty years of age and one or more be-
yond ninety years
Their home was so near Bunker Hill
Cor rather Breeds Hill, where the battle
actually occurred,) that the family had to
be removed to safe quarters on the 18th
OF Jure, l176. On the day of the evacua-
tIon OF Boston by the British the father
died, leaving the widow with her thirteen
children
1t was near the close of the last century
when Miss Nancy Simpson, then a young
lady, marked for her beautiful face and
presence, Il delight to all who knew her tor
her lively and even Jolly character, made
journey to Portland Maine, at that time
no ordinary undertaking; and in this visit
she met with Mr.. John Dicks, to whom
She was soon after married
Mr.. Dicks, or rather Captain Dicks, was
Il commander of a merchantmen, and for
many ears followed the sea for living.
In his straightforward character and up
RICHNESS he ever made friends, and the
worlds goods came to him in a fair de-
gree. AT last, having determined to re-
main with his wife and the family that had
come to him, he became a merchant and
so was near for some years to tLCse whom
he loved and who loved him. Capt Dicks
was Scotchman by birth, an Il longing
catnt upon him 10 see once more his ma
five land. He disposed of his property
and made investments OF the same, in an
tcipation OF taking the voyage, and at
last set ont. The vessel was never heard
from, nor any Of those who had departed
III her, and probably foundered when
three days out, as a violent gale occurred
about that time This sad event took
place over forty years ago. Mrs. Dicks
then took up her residence with her
daughter, Miss Elizabeth Dicks. iii Port
| land, and afterwards with Mrs. Joseph s.
| Bailey, her Youngest daughter. During
the late war Mrs. Dicks was full of love
as many, younger by half century than
She was to provide comforts for the boys
in blue. Many, many years ago, she with
her husband Joined the church Of the ven
cradle DR.. Payson, and afterwards she be-
came one of the flock of Dr. Carruthers.
Both she and her husband lived and died
faithful and earnest Christians. About
tive years ago the aged lady came to BOs-
| ton. where she has since resided with her
daughter, Mrs. Charles Brooks, No 81
| Worcester street. Up to within Il year the
faculties OF Mrs. Dicks We're in remark
able degree good Her sight was such
| that she read and saWed without the use
Of specacles. Her hearing was good,
and even within Il few weeks she appear
cd To distinguish acqualntAnces and rela-
Llves, though having failed much in a few
months Mrs. Dicks was the mother Of
live daughters and one son. The son aud
two OF the daughters are still living, and
| there are nearly five descendants also to
| mourn her loss.
Though of slight frame and not a robust
constitution and health rather delicate in
/ early life, by care and regularity, with
simple tastes and active habits, she attain
ed her extraordinary and comfortable old
age, and passed away, without distinct
illness or suffering, only a few DAYS after
the death ot her beloved and devoted
daughter Mrs. Brooks, who departed at
the age OF - years The funeral cere-
monies over the remains Of Mrs Dicks
occurred yesterday the Rev. Dr. Chicken
ing, formerly OF Portland. officiating in q
feeling manner. Father Cleveland. living
in the same neighuurhoOd, not long since
called upon her, and now it seems likely