Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1895-08-23
A NOTABLE FAMILY GATHERING.


70 the Editor Of the Register Near the
base of Grand View mountain and on
the Weybridge side very early in the
present century was erected modest
farm house as nucleus for building and
establishing home and cultivating a
farm from the primitive forests and halt-
cleared lands of earlier settlers. After
two or three years of busy rural life, in
the early evening of August o, 1903.
Young stranger put in his appearance
and was heartily welcomed by the am
bilious and progressive young father and
mother, and congratulations of neighbors
and friends were profusely showered up
on them. The child was christened and
ever known as Daniel Hiram Wright.
Events of greater or less Importance in
the history of the family and country
have occurred until ninety years have
passed since the advent of the boy at the
date mentioned above. Transitions
from childhood to youth and man
hood. business life and old age have car
ried him along to the period of the "sere
and yellow leaf and until business cares
and labors are laid aside or heaped upon
the shoulders of the generation succeed
ing him.
On the 9th inst, August, 1875, his
entire family circle, save one son-in-law
and one grand-chid, convened at his
charming country residence to celebrate
with him this interesting anniversary.
Two of his brothers were present, as al
so other family friends. One OF the
grandsons brought out camera and
amused and interested all present by
taking photographs of persons and
groups of the company Social converse
was in order and well improved, aLd
games of croquet were INDUCED IN by
the Younger members of the company.
At a seasonable hour the entire company
of some 30 or more persons were sum-
moned to gather around the spacious ia
BILE, arranged in an adjacent grove, the
shadow of which contributed to make
the occasion charming and memorable.
The table was profusely spread with an
abundance and variety of good things,
and neatness and order marked every
feature of the entertainment and Occa-
sion. Much credit was awarded to Mr..
and Mrs. K. G.. Smith and other members
of the family of Mr.. Wright for the sue
cess of the reunion and anniversary eel
ebratiOn.
Another incident occurred which added
much to the interest of the day. 1t was
suggested that an address or lecture,
prepared for another and public occas-
ion, be repeated by the author, prom-
nent grandson, j. II. Westfall, who was
present and mingled in the pleasure of
the day. Accordingly in the early even
ing the company gathered in the spa
ciOus upper rooms and listened to the
thrilling recital of that fearful storm and
warning of elements in the harbOr and
vicinity of the Samoan islands. At the
time Of its occurrence Mr.. Westfall was
naval officer and was present through
that carnival OF wind and water lie
| illustrated his lecture by large number
of stereopticon views of the several YES
sells of this and other countries aflOat and
participating in the fierce "war of ele
ments and crush of natter He also
delineated the appearance and charac-
| teristics of the people of Samoa and 9th
er adjacent Islands. He is now retired
| from naval service and duty and resides
with his wife and family in the city of
Boston.
Mr.. Wright was married in 1927 and
located on the farm where he still lives.
His wife lived tor nearly fifty years at
ter their marriage, dying in 1876. \
| family of eight sons and daughters, save
one, survives the mother, all of whom,
with their families. were gathered at the
homestead today. Mr.. Wright was a
quick scholar and close student in the
| leading questions of his day and well
posted IN governmental and local affairs,
though rarely holding or seeking promi-
nent official positions. His quiet home
is presided over by one of his cultured
daughters and his large and well-arrang-
ed farm is superintendent by his son-in-
law, Z. c. Smith. y.