The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1890-04-30
BRIMFIELD,

number Of friends and neighbors met at
the home of Mrs. Eli BeneGict, April 18th, TO
celebrate the S1st birthday of her father, Mr.
Horace Barton. The proceedings of the day
were commenced by the reading of the first
twelve verses of the 9th Psalm by Mrs. Bene-
dict, short address by Albert Benedict. as fol-
lows:
Ladies and gentlemen, beg leave to call
your attention for moment while 1 address
few words to my worthy grandsire:
GRANDFATHER, Honored Sir, we are assem-
bled here today to commemorate your s1st birth
day. You have lived beyoRd the allotted age Of
man, and we rejoice in having you with US these
many years. and we devoutly pray that another
score may be added to the four-score that are
passed. You belong to long lived race, altho'
you are the last one left of a once happy house
hold. Your paternal grandfather was upwards
of 80 years old, your father died in his 9th
year, while your beloved mother lived to the
remarkable age of 102 ears. While trials and
privations have been yours, and death has en-
tered through the portals of your home. taken
your children and at last your dear companion,
through the infinite mercy of God you csn con-
identIy look forward to happy reunion in the
great beyond. Thus, as many q dark cloud has
obscured your sky, they have all had a silver
lining and with all the trials of life. time has
set lightly on your shoulders, and now, after
you have lived to be so years old, your couute-
agile Whyl today you can outwalk your
children. and II was going to say your grand
children. but think will hardly acknowledge
that il we do have to put in little eXertlon to
keep up with grandpa And now as your
friends. your children and your ehildrens'
this occasion, may you feel that it is indeed
good for you to be here'
The reading of select pieces by two, grand
daughters Miss Nettie Barton, of Kent and
| Miss Lou Benedict. entitled The Old Mans
Reverie," and THE Song of Home" were
highly appreciated. recitation by Mrs. Ben
edict entitled Fathers Growing Old.'' brought
| tears to the eyes of a number. The reading of
letter from sister-in-law of Mr.. Barton's, to
his daughter, deeply affected the old gentleman.
(The letter in brief)
| WILLIAMsBURGH, Mass April 14th
DEAR NEICE: You tell me the 18th is your
| fathers s1st birthday. L send him my CON
| gratulations wishing him health and happiness.
| we'll when your father. then young man, first
came to Williamsbureh. more than so years
| ago. He chose the youngest of three sisters to
| travel with him the journey of life. Your pa
rents finally emigrated to the State of Michigan,
| where, at the age of Ga years, your mother pass
ed away with the hope of a blessed Immortality
| beyond the grave M any have been the changes
| in the old neighborhood since then; those we
| used to associate with are nearly all numbered
| with the dead. 1 think there are but two per-
| sons left that your father used to know-all are
into other hands. visit it occasionally; it is a
kind of melancholy pleasure to me to look
around and think of other days.
BEYOND.
"It seemeth such little way to me,
Across that strange country. the Beyond,
| And yet not strange, for 1t has grown to be
The home of those of whom am so fond;
They make it seem familiar and most dear.
AS journeying friends bring distant coun
tries near.
So close it lies that. when my sight is clear,
think see the cleaning strand.
Iknow, 1 fee. that those who've gone from herr
Come near enough to touch my hand;
often think. but for our vailed eyes,
We should find Heaven right around us lies
1 cannot make it seem day to dread
i When from this dear earth shall journey ou
To that still dearer country of the dead
And Join the lost ones so long dreamed about
love this world yet shall love to go
And meet the friends who wait for me.
know.
And SO for me there is no sting to death,
And SO the grave has lost its victory;
1t is but crossing with abated breath
And white set face, little strip of sea.
To find the loved ones waiting on the shore
More beautiful, more precious than before
Your Aunt LUcRETIA BARTLETT,
Mr.. II. o. Barton, of Kent in behalf of th
l friends, with a few we'll chosen words EreSeni
t ed his father with rocking chair and con
S of the New Testament and Psalms, which com
pletely upset the old gentleman and filled hj
! heart too full for utterance. His daughte
quickly stepped to her fathers side and apprC
priately thanked the friends for their kind re
: membrance Soon sfter, they gathered aroun
: the table, well ladened with the good things /
!, life, and all enjoyed the bountiful repast, IN
h united age of this little company is 9O2 wear
I three of the number. Mr.. Barton so. Mrs Catl
Il crime Buel 50, Mrs. Betsy Carrier So The Ola
was fine and was greatly enjoyed by eyeryon1
Shall we all meet again?
ONE WHO WAS THERE.