Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1878-01-24
Vol. XIV Whole No. 1851. No. 4.
The Eightieth Birth Day Of Joseph
Hinckley, of Bluehill, Me.


Gus friends of the venerable Joseph Hinckley,
Esq. ian honored and respected citizen of our
town. took advantage OF his presence at
prayer meeting, and assembled at his house
till there was hardly room for one more; each
lady brought with her plate or basket. con
tanning sample of her taste and skill in cook
cry. The occasion was the celebration of his
eighteth birthday, aud was intended as a sur
prise for him. Far be it from US, TO say that
he knew of it before he entered the house!
Nearly two hundred people were gathered to-
gether by halfpast eight, about which time the
old favorite ''Old Hundred" was sung, after
which Rev. Mr.. Hardy, Pastor of the Congre-
gatonai Church, made very appropriate and
felicitous address, introducing many peculiari-
ties Of Mr.. Hinckley's manner, especially re-
ferring to his wellknown habit of pstting one
on the shoulder. and saying at the same time,
"come and see US" He then. in behalf of the
| friends, presented Mr.. Hinckley with an ele-
CANT reclining chair, saying, that, at his age, 1t
was no disgrace to occupy such chair A
large hanging lamp with beautiful shade was
presented TO his highly esteemed wife. 4 poem
in commemoration Of the occasion, was read by
the author, Mr.. Augustus stevens. Rev. Mr.
Woodbury., Pastor of the Baptist Church, was
then called upon for remarks. and responded
in a very happy vein, making many good
hits" As he generally does when speaking
Mr., Hinckley then responded very feelingly to
| the speeches. expressing his unspeakable pleas
ure at the kind remembrance Of his friends.
declaring score Of years had been taken from
his age by the evenings reunion; spoke OF the
very few remaining alive out of generation
OF thirty-iye, reminded all OF the uncertainty
| Of life, aud urged them to prepare to spend
/ eternity in the Heavenly mansion PRAYER
was then offered by Dir. Hardy, after which an
| abundant lunch was served 10 all-and after
| an hour OF pleasant social intercourse, mingled
| with vocal and instrumental music the COM
| pany reluctantly lett the pleasant rooms, and
| prepared to braye the biting cold that reigned
supreme out of doors.
| Over the parlor door was the following in
| letters and figures of eyergreens and moss
"l79c j. II. ls1s." Altogether 1t was a very
pleasant tise, and apparently enjoyed By none
better than by Mr.. uinckley. That he may
reach his RiHctieh birthday in enjoyment of
his present health, and strength of body and
mind, is the earnest wish OF all.
| CThc following Poem, is published at the ex-
| pressed urgent request OF Mr.. HInckley)
| To Joseph Hjackley and rife IN commence
ration Of his Etgtneth btrthday. Jasuary
| sh, le7N.
| story written; oflen told,
That bounds are set and days are gwen.
That yaATa are net,rrrr bought, nor soIl.
! save, 10y TIE mighty One" ia Heaven.
| And though our years On earth are set
! We NOW and then veteran lind.
Like the proud forest OlA-crcct,
| In the fuII yigur Of his mud,
such ones are spared. we have no doubt
! To tell thc tales OF early ye.,rs
Their lives and day ART heightened out
For land marks, on this vale OF tears
! Here We saute-a veteran, now,
With harp and song, with joy and cheer
| In lines we trace upon his brow
| The impress OF his cigh.icil, year.
! These four score years, to you may seem
| Like unfinished story. now,
| Or. Ike some passing nthl dream,
! Bcaeath the weight OF which you bow
We greet you now, this happy tlrons,
The friends Of old and, later years
We come to lay our laurels down.
And chase away your cares and tears
| These many years through which you've passed.
| Laden with fruits for veal or woe
Have brought with joys and sorrows fast,
| such as all mortaI7 here must know.
The story of your early years.
We might with profit here relate
Might read page of doubts and fears,
| such As would make frail nature quake.
| The history of this town is yours
Its forests, you have helped 70 clear
The humble cot the whitened towers,
| With manly pride, you've helped to rear,
Those bride paths have widened some,
Since you and your gooI mother.
Down to the quaint old House Of Cod"
Went hand in hand together
That house Of Cod was her delight
She spared no pains to reach II,
And on YOUR heart she fixed arIght
That same desire 10 keep it.
There are some things, we1l not relate
| Let "Colson" tell the story,
OF those small hours when out SO late,
In search OF some fair "RUEY."
All now my muse, right here must greet,
| \ sort Of double mixture;
| As here, my MOTHERS BROTHER meet.
With FATHERS youngest sister.
For forty years, one-half of life,
Lifes vale you've trod in measure;
She, MOTHER to your children been,
| And to yourself treasure.
And to you both, Society
\ grateful debt is owing;
Forvnow reap the rpened fruits
You have so hong been sowing.
In coming years your names will stand
Among the honered cherished few,
Close linked " ith that immortal band
That first these hills and forests knew.
And we stand, and look you,
Now kneeling at the portal;
We feel that there are joys in store,
Aye-"Joys that are immortal"
1t may be yours, on onder shore
Beyond that covered BRIDGE"
To watch your chidren-as before
Climb life's steep. thorny ridge
MAY it be ours-we ask no mOre
As Ger liles river sail
To greet you on yon shining shore,
And hail, immortals, hail thee