Litchfield enquirer., 1874-01-22
Plymouth Sketches.-No.l lS3

One of our aged women, Mrs. Sally Merriam, departed this life on the 9th ult., at the age of 84 years. She was the daughter of Samuel Reynolds, and was born in Watertown, now Plymouth. In l her younger days she taught school to some extent. Her first husband was Ca leb Humiston; her second, Levi Merriam, who died some years since. She had al ways been a wo1shipper at St. Peters church, until Trinity parish, Thomaston, was organized, when, 1t being much more convenient for her, she attended services there. Having no children, it had long been known, or at least supposed, that she would bestow most of her property for the increase of the fund of St. Peters; but since her connection with Trinity, it has been understood that both parishes would share alike of her charity. The house and farm which she occupied, re- vert to the heirs of her first husband; but she had handsome sum of her own, and it is now thought that the amount which each parish will receive will be about $1 300. In addition to these gifts, the church scholarship and Church Book So- cieties receive each the sum of $50. Mrs. Merriam was person of very even tenn perament; of quiet and amiable dispo- sition, and may, think, be justly reck- oned as ono of the saints.
 Dec. 22nd, 1873. No. 154.
 On Friday, the 26th inst, the children and others of the 1st Congregational church met at the Town Hall, for the pur- pose of enjoying, a turkey supper, &c.,, which had been provided for the occasion. This repast was more especially for the benefit of the Sunday school, and instead of the. "Christmas .tree,". which of late years has been occasionally furnished by the Congregationalists, for their festive gatherings. The weather was unpropi- tious, yet quite large number assem- bled, and partook of the good things set before them.
 On Saturday evening, the 27th annual nesting of the Village Improvement Society" of Thomaston, met at that place. in, the Basement of the Congregational church. It would be we'll to organize similar societies in every other village of our town, for in each there is room for improvement, in regard to public build ings, streets, sidewalks, drains, and other things pertaining to the general welfare of the community.
 Dec. 29th, 1873. = ---
 No. 155.
 On Tuesday evening, Dec. 2nd, at the house of Apollss Markham, Esq. an oys- ter supper was served, for the benefit of the Sunday school of St. Peter's parish; the particular object being to raise money for the purchase of presents for the Christmastide Festival. The evening was unpleasant, yet something over twenty dollars resulted from the gathering.
 On New Years eye. sad Festival took place in the church. The usual "Christ- mas tree" was placed in the chancel, and loaded with many fine things. Prayers were said, carols sung, remarks made, the presents distributed; after which the scholars, teachers, and others so disposed adjourned to the Basement. and partook of . liberal supply of refreshments which the ladies had kindly provided for the oc- casion. The evening was lovely, and the whole affair passed off in very pleasant manner. As the years roll on, may many similar gatherings be held in this ancient parish.
 | PLYOUTHEAN.
 January 2nd, 1874.