Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-07-07
WINTHROP.


Monday ev'g there was large and brilliant
company assembled at the residence of Mr.
and Mrs. j. NJ. Benjamin, to celebrate the
twenty-ffth anniversary of the marriage of
this worthy couple. Such an occasion is
usually one for the expression of mere per-
sonal good will, or qualification thar the
couple so honored have journeyed through
life long and happily together hand in hand
blessed with children and prosperity, and to
wish them continued happiness during the
remainder of their days. But the occasion
last evening was thi. and something more
To the poetic idea OF the silver wedding was
added the more prosaic idea of a
tribute of respect to valued worth in the
common works and walks of everyday life
Mrs. Benjamin no one knows but to esteem
her. A quiet, domestic, capable woman.
a kind mother and wife, a true friend and
neighbor. Mr.. Benjamin is the type of
the stSlwart New England citizen. Begin
ming life in an humble way by his own industry
trugality and strict integrity, he has won the
esteem and confidence of all his fellow citi-
gems and a fair share of this worlds goods.
He, while a young man. for several years
was engaged with his brother Hon. A. 2. Ben
jamin, now of West Waterville, in the man.
uiacture of theshlng machines and agricul-
tural implements and thus contributed large
ly 10 the building of the industries of his
native town. He was for two and one-half
wears collector of internal revenue. and in
1875 was elected a representative TO the leg
islature where he took a conspicuous part
with j. g. Blaine and other men who have
since made themselves famous. Refusing a
reelection, he devoted himself entirely TO
his business. For thirteen years he held
the office of town clerk. and for the last
twelve years has been unanimously elected
to the Office of town treasurer: thirtv-one or
thirty-two consecutive years he has been clerk
of the village district. Since 1864 he has been
cashier of the Winthrop National Bank and
since that time has been on duty every day
except three DAYS. He has been a hard
worker. yet kind, generous, whole
souled, enterprising citizen, taking an
active interest in all public affairs, but al
ways modest, looking to the general good
rather than his own, in his political and other
public action. 1t was therefore in some
manner as testimonial 10 the stalwart cit
izenship Of Mr. Benjamin, that the gathering
last evening was held. which was made from
the ranks Of our most respected people. The
house and grounds were beautifully llumi-
Hdleu Win CHiiitsc idHttEHs, pTtscHttu
grand appearance. The presents were many
and valuable, as follows: A solid silver tea
service gift from the numerous friends and
admirers; an easy chair, presented by Levi
Jones, cost 900; C. NJ. Bailey. Esq, Pres
ident of the Bank, of which Mr.. Benjamin
has so long and honorably filled the position
of cashier, presented most beautiful silver
tankard and gold-lined goblet; magnificent
silver butter dish by Mr.. and Mrs. J. f.
Briggs a beautiful silver pickle jar, pres
ent from the Misses Stanley: preserve
dish by Mr.. and Mrs. Henry Winslow;
silver spoons by Mr.. and Mrs. S. NJ. Berry
and six dollars in greenbacks presented by
Mrs. Bourne and Mrs. Dea. Sewall. After
season of social enjoyment, the gathering
was called to order in the parlor by Levi
Jones, president of the evening. Mr.. l.. I.
Carleton in few words presented to Mr.. and
Mrs. Benjamin the elegant presents. Mr.. b.
responded in a touching manner evidently
deeply moved by the scene presente before
him. Rev. Mr.. Obear made some very ex-
cellent remarks congratulating the happy
couple.
After the speaking, generous slices of we'd
ding cake were distributed together with de-
licious ice cream in abundance. The Win
throp Cornet Band discoursed most excellent
music and at late hour the company broke
up with many warm wishes for Mr. and Mrs.
Benjamin, after one of the most pleasant oc-
casions of the kind ever known in western
Kennebec
Winthrop, July ), 1881.