Connecticut western news., 1876-06-23

was sung very beaut' fully by quartette- Messrs. Hurlburt a'nd Cone and the Misses Fields. Then by request Mir. Stevens, the musical genius and friend of Dr. Root, fa- vored us with song, Progress He was loudly applauded. Dr. Dewey then gave us short speech, which was followed by a still shorter one from Dr. Peck, both these gentlemen agreeing that this was de- cidedly town meeting and everybody had a right to speak. though no one should be forced to do so against their will. Norman Leonard, Esq, of Westfeld, then arose and gave us good stirring speech in behalf of our Southern brethren, an eloquent appeal for peace and brotherly love, and exhorted us New Englanders to forgive and forget all wrongs which we thought the South had done to us. Iris pleasure to welcome Mir. Leonard to his native place, and his presence with us at this time has been es- pecially cheering. We noticed among the silent speakers the Hon. Mir. Bates of Westfeld, whom we were pleased to see and disappointed in not hearing from him. Dr. Dewey then remarked that he would like to hear from Master Harry Brigham, the great-grandson of old Gen. Ashley so famous in Sheffield history. This lad Of but thirteen years stepped forward, with an ease and grace peculiar to himself, and de- livered in a clear voice short oration for the centennial anniversary. Everyone was charmed with the young orator, and one hundred years from now his descendants may tell with pride of the honors of their ancestors on this day.
 Hon. Ensign Kellogg of Plttsfield was then called out and gave us many amusing "reminiscences of his boyhood days, provo king bursts of laughter as he pictured so wildly scenes of bygone days. He told of the old church as it once was; of the peo- pie who came there to worship; of the queer customs, and recalled to mind many quaint character who has long slumbered in Gods Acre. The speakers odd manner | added much to the effect of his funny sto- l ries, and one remarked of him that he was better than an Encyclopedia of Sheffield History, and we certainly think Mir. Kel- logg has most remarkable memory. Very interesting speeches from Rev. Mr Bush. John z. Goodrich of Stockbridge Wm. Root of Ohio, and Gen. Barnard fol lowed. We were quite disappointed that we did not hear from A. T. Roraback oi Canaan, whom Sheffield claims as one oi her noblemen, but the time passed so swift lY the afternoon was gone ere we were aware, and many things were left unsafe after all which ought to have been said.
 The Centennial celebrations closed witt a promenade concert at the hall, and lastly a Centennial hop, of which we are not pre- pared to report fully this week.
 Our Centennial is over. Tomorrow WI begin an unwritten page in the century tc come, and we can inscribe the pages as WI will.
 While we looked around upon the happy faces at this great reunion, the though somewhere will the next meeting be We shall meet beyond the Rlver,' wher' we shall know our ancestors whom VI honor in memory to-day. We to-day may have been surrounded by grand company of invisible spirits, who have looked upo1 us and counted those who will soon b, there! 'Tls pleasant thought, and let u cherish it,that our departed friends are mo lost, but gone before.'
 To the officers of this centennial gather ing especial thanks are due for the grand entertainment we have had, and to Rev Mir. Noble, who has labored so faithfully for this cause, we offer thanks and congrat ulations of success. L..