Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1880-08-20
JOTTINGS by THE WAYSIDE.
UNIoNTowN, FAYETTE, Co., PA, |
Annnai Ol 1870

UNIoNTowN, FAYETTE, Co., PA,
August ID, 1880.
ED.JoURNAL :-In my raj mbles lust week,
accidentally called at the residence of II
centenarian, in the person of Col Benjamin
Brownfeld, a resident OF this county, who
now resides on the farm where he was born
the 2Sth day OF March, 1880. Being as
usual little inqusitive, learned the fol.
lowing facts from him and his grand-child
rem, with whom he lives: Benz. Brown
field, Sen., was born In New Jersey, in 1855,
OF Irish parentage. At an early age he
emigrated 10 this county and laid Tom
ahawk claim" to II large tract OF land. Had
the pleasure OF examining the family rec
ord In the old family Bible, now in the
hands of the Sd generation. Benjamin,J ,Jr.,
was the father of II children, only 3 now
living, are buried in the family cemetery
on the farm, and one ia the West. He has
now ITO grand children, and 81 great.
grand children. In 1871 he fell and broke
of his ribs, and subsequently he dislOca
ted one of his hips. He now moves about
in rolling chair on springs, which he OPP
erntes very easily, is hale and hearty, good
appetite, eats and sleeps well. The Colonel
has remarkably clear mind for one OF his
years. He first voted for Thos. Jefferson,
and has voted at every Presidential election
since, land like the law OF the Mcdes and
and Persians that changeth not,) has al
ways voted the Democratic ticket, and de-
clares he will vote for Hancock next fall
His title of Colonel is by virtue of the
rank in Office in the State Militia. He was
particularly fond of dancing and built
brick house in 1916, containing two large
dancing halls. He used to drive span OF
gray horses, with heavy losds,to Pittsburgh
and would often gather in the neighbors
and carry them to places of Amusement, and
:" old Col. Ben" is still n household word
for miles around. His centennial birthday
was celebrated by tie gathering Of his
friends to sumrtuoes dinner, wien his
old time jokes seemed free snd lively as
they did three -iourths Of century ngo, ms
the following will show One Of the guests
WAS John Troutman, 2 years old, who
said, Col, let me try your rolling chair"
al will, provided you lel me try your legs"
" No joking now, old boy, really desire
to try it, and if / can operate il / intend to
ask favor" "Well boys take me off and
let uncle John take the seat" which he did
and succeeded well. "Now Col, we have
lived neighbors all our lives, and frequent
ly favored each other in days past, and
now ask one more favor" What now,
John?" al wish you to will me that
chair" The Col replied laughingly,
Well Johnny, old boy, if don't meet
with kind lady who makes the same re-
quest you shall have il. You know
would lack gallantry were to refuse the
request OF a lady, and that was never laid
10 my charge" Since that dAv he calls il
Johnny Troutman's chair The Col said
in his young days his father purch ased
l 900 acres of land Of the Indians for a
pair Of moccasins and pair of buckskin
breeches. He has sold off good farms, and
now has 240 acres, all disposed of by will.
| have never found the Republican, party
so thoroughly organized III political cam
paign as now. You must have the big
rooster in trim for "huge" crow next
November, when we will shout, Hurrah
tor Garfield aud Arthur"
As ever, your old friend, RAMBLER.