The Republican journal., 1896-02-13
A Notable Event

The ninetieth anniversary of the birth of
Mrs. Lydia B. Ferguson was duly observed
at her residence on Church Street, Thurs
day, February 6. A score or more Of rela-
tives and friends assembled to do homage to
their venerable hostess and offer their con-
CALCULATIONS. She was the recipient of many
beautiful gifts and choice flowers. At twelve
O'Clock the guests sat down to bountifnl
dinner, the excellence of which was amply
tested. 1t was admirably served by her
granddaughter, Miss Louise Ferguson and
Misses Maud Ganmans and Annabel Swan
AS Mrs. Ferguson sat among her guests, at
the head of the table, handsomely dressed
in black silk with corsage bouquet, her own
natural hair pasted smoothly on her fore
head, sire presented an ideal picture of the
"evening OF life" A lady Of education and
refinement she has kept herself in touch
with the world, and one can hardly spend
more agreeable hour than in the presence Of
tins entertaining lady, listening to her bright
and witty conversation and admiring her
needle work, which is something quite re-
markable. She does the finest work and IS
| constantly busy; many of her friends are
kindly remembered by specimens of these
priceless gifts. Among those present were
| Miss Jane, Messrs. Albert, Jonas B. and
John W. Ferguson, with their families, Ex-
Mayor Swan and daughter, Albert Gam
mans, wife and daughter, Mrs. Otis Patter-
son, Mrs. Samuel Sleeper, Miss Jane Otis
and Mr.. j. w. Frederick and wife, the for
mer feeling that lie was 'silent partner
in the affair as it WAS his SEVENTEEN BIRTH
day. After dinner he was presented by Mrs.
Ferguson with a piece OF her exquisite
needle work, completed only three days be-
fore
Two other guests deserve special men
ton: Mrs. Charles Moore whose fourscore
years and over sit 50 lightly on her that one
needs the ass urance of the family record to
establish the fact, and Mrs. Huldah Gam
mans who is as bright and active as many
ladies much younger than herself Mrs.
Ferguson, whose maiden name was Brooks,
was born in Princeton, Mass, in 1906, She
came to Belfast to teach school in 1926, max
ing a Journey which in those days meant far
more than now. Railroads and steamboats,
were unknown here, and her journey was
accomplished from Princeton to Boston by
private conveyance, thence to Belfast in a
small coastirg vessel with it's attendant
privations and dangers, when her destina-
ton was finally reached by walk of some
two or three miles over d lonely and unfre-
quented road
Two years later she married Mr.. Moses
Y. Ferguson, with whom she lived happily
for nearly sixty years, their home being at
Citypoint. OF seven children SIX are still
living: Albert of Searsport, Captains Jonas
B. and John w. and Miss Jane w. of this
city, Ms. Hannah E. Grimes of Princeton,
Mass, and Miss Lydia. teacher of lam
guages in Mrs. Hayes popular school on
Marlboro street, Boston. Our fellow towns
man, the late Hon Geo. B. Ferguson who
died three years since, was also her son.
Mrs. Ferguson is the oldest member of the
Congregational church, having been a life
long member of both the city and Head of
the Tide churches. Her declining years are
made happy by the love and devotion of her
children and children's children, who in the
flu ness of their hearts "arise up and call
her blessed" May many more years of
health and happiness be added to her long
and useful life.