Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-07-14
Birthday Party.

The relatives and some Of the aged friends OF
Thomas prentis, Esq, of Watsheld, met at his
residence on July 9th, 1875, being his ninctieth
birthday. Arrangements had been made some
days previous to have the gathering surprise,
but finally thought best to partially make it
known to him, and let invited guests make up the
remainder
First in age we notice Mfr. Henry Dewey, OF
nnety-Gve years and ten months with good
health and firm gait, enjoying life nearly as well
as forty years ago His faculties are very good
and but for the bent FORM he would not be est-
mated at over eighty years.
Next in age was the recipient Of the visitors
with comfortable health, though little lame from
bone broken some years ago, but with a sound
upper story" His sight is remarkably good so
as to read the newspapers without spectacles His
memory also is retentive, and he readily names
political events Of from fifty to seventy years ago
What histories which took place a, that time he
can transmit to the present generation He was
one Of the pioneers in the abolition cause render
ing as good service in that direction as any per-
son in our midst
Then we have, for eighty-fye years old, Mr. Ar
temas Brown, still hale and hearty, just reeov-
cred from broken bone by falling ON the ice last
February,
Mr. Roswell Richardson was the next oldest
man, reaching nearly eighty-two years
Below the eighties, we find Judge Upham, Of
seyenty-fye; Deacon Lyman Fisk, Of seventy
three; Mr. Arson Fisk and Mr., Benjamin Reed,
sixty-rlne. Stephen Prentis, Esq, Of Washing
ton, D. e, brother OF our host, aged sixty-seven,
takes the whole family by surprise, the evening
before the gathering.
Uncle Daniel Skinner, being invited, did not APP
pear, but would ii questioned his age, have re-
piled eighty-nine.'
So mightmenton theased ladies OF four-score
and five years, down to sixtyve, all enjoying the
social gathering greatly.
The Rev. Mr. Sherburnc and lady were also pres.
ent, adding to the intellectual part a prominent
share
A census was taken, and there were found to be
forty-one present, including the household Chill.
dren, grandchildren, and great-grand children,
were present, all seeming to enjoy the occasion
and all aiming to render life pleasant and cheerful
TO the aged ones Mrs. Prontls is not overlooked
but is spoken Of as being rs tidy as a band-box,
and only eghty-fve years old. Mrs. Brown, y
sister OF Mr. prentis, Of eighty-tlree years, en-.
joys good health, and good faculties
At three o'clock all being seated at the tables
for refreshments, the Rev. Mr.. Sherburne invoked
the divine blessing after which full justice was
done to the super-abnndance of edibles, which
were nicely arranged, and tastefully decorated
Several ladies sent in splendid bouquets OF flow.
ers, besides large home supply, all OF which
were so conspicuonsly placed az to render II
pleasant to the eye and cheering to the heart
After the inner man had been satisfied, letter
was read from uncle BENZ. Reed in response t.
an invitation 10 be present, saying he thought II
very likely his health would not allow OF his en-
joying 50 great boon Ms to be present, but would
write little. This brought response from Mr.
Prentis, evidently given with much feeling
judging by the kind and gratifying sentiment,
expressed therein. Several others made remark,
occupying short time, after which prayer wa,
offered by Mr.. Sherburne, and the company re
tired to other rooms TO resume their former 40
ciality.
Thus has been one OF the mestones Of III,
marked down to assist the aged travellers to keeT
In mind the filial regard in which they are held
by their kindred and friends. Why are not these
birthday parties to the extreme aged more com.
mon? In the retrospect they will cheer their de.
clining years o..