The Press., 1884-01-31

The funeral of Rev E. Benton was at tended from the M. E. church on Tues day, and was notable because of the large number of ciergymen present. The pre- siding elder of the district took charge ot the services, and several clergymen took part therein, the speakers being, besides the presiding elder, Revs. Hawkins James and Palmer, the former being present, the others past pastors of the church here, also Rev. G. l.. Brewster oi Norwich. All these bore testimony to the eminent christian character of the de. ceased, and letters read from other clergy men joined iu the tribute of affection and regard for his memory. Father Benton, ' as everybody called him, was widely known. A long aud useful life had en. deared him to clergymen and people oi many churches, all of whom loved him for his amiable virtues. He was pre- eminent ly a good man. A native of Holland, he served for fifty years as minister in the Providence conference, part of the time as presiding elder of the Norwich district. For fifteen years he has been on the super anuated list, and a resident of Stafford Springs. His period of active life, having ended so many years before his decease, by reason of his infirmities, he was less known to the younger portion of the com- munity, but in all the towns about were those whom he had led to the better life, and who are now among the great circle of mourners. ss. s
 The old school house in Stafford Street was not sold last Saturday -the weather being unfavorable for attendance and will be offered again at auction next Sat urday at p. m. ..sg
 Meeting at Orcuttville next Sunday at 6 D. m. A. N. Nichols will hold service
 John M. Leach of the Central Clothing Store Is to take the store east of his, when Chamberlin vacates it, previously enlarg- ing it by removing the stairway in the building, giving him one of the finest store fronts in the borough.
 Letters remaining uncalled for at Staf- ford Springs post office Jan. 31st, 1884 :: Miss Mary Allan, Maria Blake, M. Con- verse, Dennis Delaney, Wm. Durham, Jer- ry Daley, Mike Carmody, James Darrah, Annie Cahill, James Lynch, Daniel Lay, Mrs. Belle Leavenworth, John P. Marsh, Mrs. Susan Peckham, Henry F. Scripture, Mrs. Sarah M. Smith, Carl Ebersbach.
 The streets and walks are very slip pery. No other paper has the news.
 Mrs. F. N. Crane and Miss Annie Crane will be hostcsses in charge of the ladies' sociable at the Congregational church parlors next Wednesday evening, to whichall are cordially invited.
 -E. E. Butterfeld has resigned his po- sition as wood agent for the N. l.. N. rail road, to take effect Feb. 1st-a position he has filled for many years. The company loses in him capable officer-honorable, reliable, gentlemanly ,and active in the dis charge of his duties.
 -Rawitser Bros mill at Meriden has been leased for five years to Alfred Hill of Boston, who will make woolen bed blan- kets. Hills company owned the mills re- gently burned at Ipswich, Mass, and is one of the largest blanket companies in the country. It will run from 200 to 300 hands at Meriden.
 KNOXVILLE,
 Last Friday evening about sixty friends and neighbors of MT. and Mrs. H. G. Dunham gathered at Hydeville board ing house, of which MT. and Mrs. D. have 50 long been the popular host and hostess, giving the worthy couple complete and joyous surprise, bearing with them the wherewith for bountiful and excellent re- past; and a merrier or happier party seldom meet to "chase the glowing hours" and to do honor to tried and respected friends. The boarders, twenty -four in number, gave evidence of their apprecia- ton of the untiring care and attention be- slowed upon them, by presenting the couple costly and elegant rocking chair, tendered in happy little speech by MT. Allen, superintendent at Hydeville. The recipients of this highly prized gift, and of that which is valued even more highly, the love and esteem of so large circle of friends, wish through these columns to ex- press their most sincere thanks to all who have so kindly remembered them.
 STAFFORD HOLLOW.
 J. R. Buck has bargained for the stock of goods of J. B. Pasco, to take pos session March 1st, when he will unite his meat business with the store, fitting up 8 back room for that purpose, and also con- tinuing to run carts as now.
 The rain did not prevent a big at tendance at Glovers skating masquerade at the town hall last evening, and the amount of jollity was immense.
 sFAFFoRDYI1HE,
 The entertainment given last Tuesday evening by the Criterion Dramatic Club was success throughout, and loudly ap- plauded. By special request the club will repeat the entertainment, with various changes and additions, to-morrow-Friday evening in the same blaze, the proceeds to be given to the NJ. E. society. An oys- ter supper will be furnished by the ladies.
 ASHFORD.
 wEsTFoRD.
 fooRREsPoNDENoE.i
 The Congregational society here have