The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1874-09-17
CORRESPONDENCE.
Anniversary Surprise.
Penfield. Pa. Sent. 9th. 1877


esting occasion, rendered notable in our
community. 1t was the occurrence of
the 30th anniversary of the marriage Of
our very popular and highly esteemed
neighbor John Hewitt, ESQ. An event
which his kind children felt to be of
sufficient interest to them, to invite
without his knowledge, his brothers and
sisters, and as macy of his old friends
as they could comfortably entertain, in
celebration of it. Therefore cards we're
issued, aud with ready personal re-
sponse, all the forenoon they came driv-
ing up and down the road to surprise
him who was to be for once, as hospit-
ably entertained at his own house as he
had always entertained his friends. BY
this time, however, he understood what
his children, in the kindness of their
hearts had planned and brought TO pass.
The Hewitt family is one of the
oldest and largest of the county. His
father and mother, Ebenezer and Sarah
Hewitt, came with three small children,
Lucinda Mrs. Stephen Bunday1, Will
liam and jeremiah, from Saratoga
County, N. Y, So years ago, and settled
on tract OF 400 acres and built a log
house for themselves, few rods
back of the site now occupied by
the homestead of our friend. They
were the first settlers Of all this region,
up and down tho Bennetts Branch, and
remained SO for many years. And Dur
ing all this time Mrs. Hewitt and her
daughter did lot see white woman,
their nearest neighbor being then at
Benezette. The friendly abcrigines
OF the great forest country, were the
only human beings that, for years, they
saw near their home. What hardships.
trials, and serious dcprivations they mus,
have suffered in their pioneer life!
After their coming there were born
unto them eight children all but two
are living, and, with one exception, re-
side respectively from quarter Of
mile to twelve miles from the old home
stead. OF these John, our guest, was
married to Miss Arvila Brown, Of this
place, September 4th, 1886. To them
there were born five children who are
all, with one exception, living in this
vicinity. -Four years ago Mrs. Hewitt,
most excellent lady, and universally
beloved, was called away by death after
being married 81 years. Mr.. Hewitt,
besides being father to five, is grand
father to eight, and great-grandiather to
one. An now by this some may get the
impression that he is an old man; tar
from it, he is one of our vigorous, we'll
preserved men, and as young in the
spirit and of as active lite at SO as most
men 20 years younger. His youth like
the eagles seems to be renewed year by
year, so that some of US remarked, on
that day, that he looked even younger
tnan in years ago.
The day was beautiful one and of
delightful temperature, His fine large
house was soou over-crowded, and
the wider range Of the pleasant yard
was given; and there with chairs,
benches; with tables fairly groanug
under their burdens, together with an
assemblage of age and wit, youth and
beauty, the social festivities were en-
joyed 10 the full. Finally, that famous
row Of apple trees, and that more ia
nous row Of eaters, which lined either
side of the tables many rods in length,
was altogether the liveliest assemblage
of respectable people, of all ages, we
have witnessed for long time. Mirth,
good -humcr, repartee, and general and
unexceptionabIe glec reigned triumph
ant.
The whole affair was a success; and
may he live to receive the honor and
affection Of his family and friends many
years to come as he has in the past,