The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1893-04-28
BARNUMVILLE.

Editor of Sitter The enclosed ar
ticle was sent to the Journal for pub
LEGATION with request to send A extra
copies which l wanted to send to
people in Illinois who were well ac-
quainted with the three old people
named. But the Journal has made so
many grave alterations in original
copy that l cannot send the copies.
The first is change of word infirmity
to infnity, I'd filial to filed, 3rd is
changing the word loaded to located
and 4th he makes me spell separated
separated. If you will kindly insert
and send me four extra copies you
will oblige me much.
j. E. McNAUGHToN.
The degree of civilization, intelligence
and refinement of any people is marked
by the protection, the assistance and the
sympathy it gives to weakness, to infirm-
ity and helplessness, and especially to the
aged and infirm of the community, town,
or state. The town of Manchester has
set an excellent example in this direction
and it is great pity that adjoining and
other towns do not follow it, so that by
occasionally comparing notes we could
learn of the health of friends and ac-
quaintances although separated by dis
lance. Old age may be made as "bitter'
as the gall of bitterness by neglect, and
it may be made as serene and calm as a
setting sun of summer by kindness and
sympathy. The Psalmist tells US that
1.-THE days of our years are three-score
years and ten. And if by reason of
strength, they be four-score years, yet is
their strength labor and sorrow" For it
is soon cut off and we fly away. There
are twenty-five residents of Manchester
that have each completed eight decades !;
over four score years; of this number
three are over ninety years of age. And
last Saturday evening told my wife that
if health and weather were favorable we
would visit the three Oldest persons in
town this week. Accordingly, we visited
Mr.. Ezra Benedict yesterday afternoon.
We found the old gentleman sitting in
his easy chair by the stove and reading a
newspaper without glasses. The arrange
ment of pillow and footrest told us plain
er than words could tell that soft hand
| inspired by tender tilial heart was how
ering about him. His daughter Mariah
| nobly devotes her life to his care and
comfort. To-day we called on Mrs. Eliz-
abeth Gleason better known as "Aunt
Nabby Gleason" We found her in bed
| but quite comfortable and strong. Her
hair which is light auburn is almost if
not entirely free from gray. Her memory
is clear and hearing is good, for her age.
She Is in the hands of kind and affection
ate daughter and receives close attention
and every necessary comfort of life. Our
next cali was on the venerable Joseph
Hix. Mr.. Hix lives within ten rods of the
spot upon which he was born Aug. 49,
1901. We found him in his easy chair
very comfortably fixed and in as good
health as could be expected, his voice is
strong and his memory loaded with town
affairs. Very few men of his age possess
such fertility of mind; he is under the
care of his generous and filial hearted son
Henry and is apparently happy and con-
tented. The eyes Of all of these old people
filed with tears as we grasped hands al
meeting and at parting. Neighbors and
friends call upon our old neighbors often
give them reason to expect a call ant
that alone will furnish food for the mind
through many long lonely hours.
! j. e. MCNAUGHToN.