Bridgeton pioneer., 1892-05-12

cShe1AAo 1AtL1b1ll, "lpiA NV ~
the military company of the w. J.
Academy, reached the home of the
venerable trustee of that institution,
after having marched the entire dis
tance. The Company filed in front of
the house and came to a halt. 1t was
then that DIR. Fithian made the only
outdoor appearance during the day.
He was assisted to the steps, and as
he stood there, the Military Company
gave the proper military salute, and
the old man, leaning upon his cane,
his white locks tossing in the wind,
spoke as loud as his trembling voice
would permit, young men you have
come a long way to see the old man,
and now he comes to see you" A
chair was brought, end the Doctor
sat on the step watching the evolu-
tions of the boys, and keeping time
with his slippered feet to the beat
ing of the drum.
Ex- United States Senator A. Ct.
Cattell, of Merchantville, addressed
the cadets. He said he had been re-
quested by his venerable friend to
thank them for their thoughtfulness
and kindness, in coming down there,
seven miles carrying their accoutre-
ments and arms; coming all the way
from the Academy to do honor to one
of the most sterling patriots that ever
lived.
A few moments later, the venerable
James Dare, of Greenwich, appeared,
and the welcome he received from his
old friend the centenarian, was touch
ing. Both gentlemen then repaired to
the sitting room.
In the meantime, people were con-
stantly appearing, and did so all day
long.
In the rear of the house on the
shaded lawns, large white tent had
been raised, and at one o'clock a
splendid dinner was served to all pres
ent,the nsenu being decidedly elabor-
ate. Several hundred people gladly
enjoyed the hospitalities of the occa-
sion. During this time DIR. Fithian
sat in his Office by the window, where
he could oversee all that was going on.
About half past two O'Clock, Senator
CatteD, entered the tent and raped
on the table for the attention of the
assembly. He said it had been ar
ranged for him to preside over the
exercises which he did with grace and
dignity. He introduced Rev. DR..
Dillon, of Woodbury., who read the Dist
Psalm. Rev. H. H. Beadle made a
beautiful prayer, and Senator Cattell.
said he must take the opportunity of
speaking of the pleasure of those pres
ent upon this occasion. He knew DR..
Fithian he said, as long, with possibly
one exception, longer than any one
in the assembly. His acquaintance
began with the doctor in his boyhood
days, when he used to visit Greenwich,
and at the village store hear the doc
tor the discourse on every day matters,
politics and religion.
1t had been his privilege of associat-
ing with many of the great of this and
other countries, but he had never met
man better than DR.. Enoch Fithian,
Think of the 100 years. He has lived
under every administration. He was
here when the thirteen original States
comprised this country, with popula-
ton of 100000. Now he has lived
until to-day, when he sees us with
over 6O,000,0O0 people, and the greatest
nation on earth.
Rev. DR.. Hitchcock, of West Phila.,
was introduced, and began splendid
address by quoting the 18th verse of
the 91st Psalm "With long life will
satisfy him and show him my saliva
tion." The reverend gentleman then
said that with dignity and grace DIR.
Fithian is able to bid us welcome. He
is today the oldest man living in
this county. He is the Oldest citizen
Of this place, the oldest mason, 1t is
said, of this country, the oldest mem
Der and historian of his church. Ac-
cept our congratulations. It is not
surprising this celebration should at
tract public attention. tits an unusual
event. 1t comes not by chance, for
every effect has it's cause. A learned
professor once said a good clock
should run 100 years. DR.. Flthian is a
good clock, well taken care of. 1t
don't run too slow or too fast. 1t is
not clogged with dust, and it has been
well fabricated. Some wonder how a
man without wife could take care of
himself and live to be 100 years. 1t
would be wonder to the speaker,
had he not known of his niece, that
good woman, Mrs. Mary Fithian,
who has made her very existence a
part of the Doctors life. And the
speaker urged every man who contem-
plated living in single blessedness, to