Bridgeton pioneer., 1892-05-12


comes from lineage of which he
might be proud. Others, the gentle
man said would speak of the doctors
personal history. A beautiful figure
of speech was then made, when the
Doctor said that taking the life of DIR.
Fithiansas measuring rod. apd lay
it back 40 times, would bring one back
to Enos, Enoch, Seth, Adam, to God.
But of all it was Enoch, who "walked
with God 300 years, and was not, be-
cause God took him..
DR.. Murphy of Philadelphia, next
addressed the audience. He was not
like others from the neighborhood, for
his acquaintance dated but short
time back. His address was interest
ing and devoted entirely to the ante
cedents of DIR. Fithian OF his mothers
side-The Beatty family. In 1920,
there came from County Autrim, Ire
land, young man, Charles Beatty, a
we'll educated youth, who shortly af-
terward became connected with the
Log College. In this college there
were ten men, all prominent for some
particular thing, and the speaker char
acterized Charles Beatty as the refined
gentleman of the ten. This was DR..
Fithian's grandfather.
There is nothing but praise of the
highest degree for this noble man. DIR.
Murphy then referred to the wedding
of Charles Beatty, to Ann Reading,
of New Jersey, and to the surprise and
delight of all present announced the
wedding dress worn by Mrs Beatty, on
her wedding day, was in the house,
and young lady had kindly consented
to wear it in view of all, land here
she comes," said DR.. Murphy, and
amid the clapping ofhands, Miss Lizzie
Fithian appeared attired in the dress
now 1853 years old. 1t is very pretty
affair. The skirts are drao, while the
overdress cut in the fashion of the
time,is of yellow ground material, with
gay fowered figures running all over
it. The neck and back is cut low, and
the sleeves short. Miss Fithian ap-
peared perfectly charming, and the
suggestion was made that the dress
should figure in another wedding. and
that Immediately.
The next speaker was Rev. William
Schmidt, pastor of DIR. Fithian's
church. His Introductory was con-
cerning Miss Mary Fithian, and desired
publicity the reporters not to make
any mention of 1t.
Various, he said, were the emotions
of those present when they looked
upon the venerable host. Many curious
came, just to see the Doctor, and GER
tainly he is worthy of being looked at.
Others wonder at his faculties which
remain untouched by the years he has
lived. Others have come here and
looked at DIR. Fithian. and felt sac to
see him grow old and feeble, and yet,
said the speaker, why should we feel
sad if he does not, and he wants to
live and see the beauties of this world.
To. day, continued the speaker, 100
years old, DR.. Fithien is more courte-
GUS and more of gentleman than any
of US. He is the born gentleman, ev-
cry inch of him. More than this, Rev.
Schmidt looks upon him as saint.
There is something about him more of
heaven than of earth. 1t makes us
feel as If there is any reality in our re-
ligion, 1t Is in him. II feel," said the
speaker, ''as if his life is filed with
that which blesses and points heaven
ward"
Rev. Mr.. Thomas spoke extempora-
neously, very tenderly of DR.. Fithian.
whom he had first learned to respect,
then reverence, and later affectionate.
ly love. 1t seemed to the speaker that
with years in Dr. Fithian's life, comes
strength. A strong man always, a
strong man yet. A good man always,
good man yer. Not Christian al
ways. but Christian now.
Senator Cattell then from the poet
Cowper, drew a perfect picture of the
centenarian.
The speech making was followed by
splendid drill by the Academy Ca.
diets, and then the partings. and the
celebration of the momeatous occa-
sion was at an end.
Among the hundreds present, were
the following:
Powell Fithian and family, Camden;
Rev. DR.. Dillan, Woodbury.; VIM. g..
Nixon, Bridgeton; Capt. Perry and
wife, this city; Augustus Barber, Sr.,
of the Woodbury. Constitution; Robt.
Potter, Theo. Davis, M. D., this city;
ex-senator A. g. Cattell, Merchant
vile; David P. Elmer. this city; Geo.
Shute, Shiloh pike; Richard Shute,
Phila.; Hon. Robt. More, this city
Robt. F. Lawrence, Renova, Pa; Err
kurius Flthian and family, Greenwich;