Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-11-14
A Rare and Interesting Occasion.

Branch of this city gathered in her house. on
the east side Of the river, Thursday evening
last, to celebrate her Goth birthday by bring
ing their hearty congratulations and many
tokens of their respect and love. Mrs.
Branch and her husband were among the
early residents of this city. and connected
nth many of the first families. The pleas
ant company of her friends, bringing so am
pie testimony of their love, Consisting of
over sixty dollars in money and large num-
Der of packages of the substantial and useful
articles required in a household) was evil
dence Of the sincerity Of their congratula-
tons and the love and esteem in which their
honored handmaiden was held.
Amer the offering Of a fervent prayer by
her pastor, Rev. Mr.. Sanderson, a short ad-
dress expressive of the tender regard of
those present for their aged hostess was Civ
en- by Mrs. G. w. Quinby, which, by request
Of the children and grandchildren, we pub
lsh, together with poem read by Mrs. Quin-
BY, the author Of which is a niece of Mrs.
Branch and is seventy-five years old herself.
A very interesting letter was read by the
same lady from nephew in Providence, r.
l., for which we have no space.
ADDRESS.
Dear friends and neioh5ors-We are gath
cred here this evening to do honor to one
whom God in His tender mercy has permitted
to reach the advanced age of four score years
and ten. in possession of nearly all her facul-
ties How rare an occasion is this! We have
boavf fale ntpRn ful a
tons to her and hers, and to cheer her COM
ing DAYS with an added raw Of comfort.
Ninety long years. my aged friend, have
passed since YOU first saw the light, and times
rude finger has left many a deep furrOw on
YOUR face; your once firm step has become
tottering and the bright lustre of the eye is
dimmed somewhat, yet with all these natural
changes how richly have you been blessed.
How have you kept the heart warm and cheer
full for your children, grandchildren, and
friends. The heart shows no traces OF the
hard and oft times weary hours it has expe-
riepced, but instead glows more warmly this
evening and pulsates with more vigor for the
discipline Of the past.
In infancy, childhood, and youth our best
guide isl virtuous mothers kind. guardian
care. How happy, how grateful those Of you
who are gathered under the roof OF this loved
one: who have shared her kind love and wit
messed the sacrifices she has made for you. so
many wears. are to call her mother. May
.be cspecially, vino is her right arm of
.,rapvth and who so devotedly cares for this
now feeble parent in her declining years, feel
that in this gracious attendance there is sweet
reward
"Whose was that eye whose loving beam
First fell upon my infant race.
Whose light comes back in many dream
of DAYS that time can neer edAce.
I,~a. thine own know ne other
Could match Thy loving eye, my mstner'
..whose v,s that tender voice, that spoke
Sweet words Of gracious love to me!
That round my pillow nightly broke
The silence with soft minsfreisy.
\. Was thine own, know no other
Conld match thy tender voice. my mother'
,w,,.. v., the hand that wiped the tear
From Oh nv cheek. and round me STILL
In main and sorrow. lowered near
Some soothing once to fulfill
1t was thine own; Know no oane,,
Could match thy gentle hand, my motner'
Nav the bright star of hope still lead our
ae.r mother in Israel on and spare her yer
many wears to her friends, and then when sne
comes to the dark valley may she stu grA.e
6nlIv remember Him who has been ner sup,
rort through life-the Giver Of all Gooo-a"u
nav her soul rejoice in . living hope OF an
inheritance incorruptible, undenled' anu un.'
fadeth not away.
IEolus, from HIS leafy height.
nriSns 10 become our Csest so-1tgnt;
Witk hid Mid harp aad pipiag horn
a. nshers In my humble eonks
Hsrkine the date Of ninety yearss
~ hirfh a oar old friend appears.
A., few have reached this age; % few