The daily morning journal and courier., 1897-08-28
SHELTON FAMILY REUNION
THIRTY-SECOND ANNUAL GATHER
 INC AT WATERTOWN.


 Months to Seventy Eight Years-Touch- ing Words of Reme brance for Departed Ones.
 Watertown, Aug. 21.--The thirty-sec- ond annual reunion of the Skllton fam lily took place at the court room, town hall, Wednesday, August 25. Both the court room, where the business meeting took place, and the banquet hall, were beautifully decorated with flowers. In front of the town hall was displayed large sign, with the significant words: "Skilton Family Reunion" and from the beautiful tower of the public build- ing fioated the handsomest and proud est of all banners, the glorious stars and stripes. Although the weather looked anything but inviting, the morn ing and the atmosphere became at times little brighter yet every one prophesied more rain,' and it was a question with many of the local mem bers If there would be as large a gath ering as they generally have had on such occasions.
 Towards ten o'clock the outlook for a fair day became more promising, and the members of the numerous Skilton family began to arrive By eleven o'clock more than half of the members had made their appearance, and by noon their ranks had filled up to their usual number. The SIsilton family re- union is the largest family reunion of any, not alone in our town, but far and wide around here. They are an old and widely honored race, and trace their pedigree directly back to England being among the earliest of our settlers. They have numbered and still number, among them some of the best known, upright. patriotic and religious mem- bers that this, as well as any other community, can boast of, and the name of Slilton, as one of the members rightly remarked, has never been stained. Before dinner was served the members gathered in front of town hall where they had their picture taken by Charles J. Cook of Cheshire.
 The address of welcome was deliv- cred by President James G. Skilton, who, in a neat little speech, called at tention to the day. and spoke feelingly of the numerous members being pres ent on the occasion, although the weather had not been very promising in the early part of the morning, when they started from their homes. He ex- tended a hearty welcome to all and hoped that every one would enjoy himself, as they always have done on former occasions. The ladies in charge of the banquet room had prepared a sumptuous repast that would have done honor to a king. Several long ta- bles covered with numerous good things were occupied by 125 members of the Skilton family, ranging in age from seventy-eight years to four months Besides this there were a number of in- vited guests, and after blessing was asked by the Rev. MT. Tolles of Bethle- hem, the chaplain of the association, all sat down to partake of the good things present.
 After dinner was over all repaired to the court room, where the business meeting ana the usual exercises were held. The exercises commenced with singing Greetings" which was fol- lowed by Tn Memoriam of Maria"-(*) by Marion A. Clark. Next was a poem by Mrs. Fannie Clark, "In Memory of Aunt Maria Clark" --(*D followed by duet by Mrs. A. W. skilton and Mrs Norman, entitled Passing Through the Bate" Absent Friends" by Cyrus A. Skilton, "On Looking About" "Remi-
  Gould Clark song, "Rise Early in the Morning" remarks by G. S. Clark of Prospect, See the Same Cheerful Greetings" by Irving Skilton, recita- tion by Royal Beers, Selling the Farm" recitation by Alice Skilton, song by John Wood. This was fol- lowed by an address of the Rev. Horace Q. Judd, who devoted his remarks prin- cipally to the Skilton family, of his for mer visits, while minister here about tWenty-three years ago He related pa- medically the last meeting he had with the late George Skilton, while on his oeath ped. He further spoke of the re- unions he attended more than twenty nve years ago, and called attention to the number of membership then and now. MT. Judd's remarks had the old ring, and he was heartily applauded by all present. The Rev Mr. ToIles also made short address, which was fol- lowed by President James G. Skilton. who spoke of the religious character of the family. James A. Skilton of Brook lyn, N. r., reviewed the life and char acter of his father, pr. Avery skilton. speaking of the developments of the past and present, and possibilities of the future. This was followed by the closing song, God Be With Us"
 Those present at the reunion were: Gould s. Clarke, Middlebury.
 Mary A. Skilton, Morris James A. Skilton. Ella r. Skilton, St. Paul, Minn, Julius Skilton, Watertown. Brownell G. Skilton, New Haven Emily A. Page Skilton, New Haven. Cyrus Anthony Skilton, Plymouth. Lillie W. Skilton, Plymouth. Artisan Skilton Clark, Middlebury. Lillian A. Champerlain Clarke Mid dlebury Joel F. Skilton, East Morris. Ida F. Camp Skilton, Morris. Alice c. Kilborn Skilton, Morris. James Wesley Beers, Middlebury, salinda V. Atwood Beers Middle l bury. Charles Josiah Cooke, Cheshire. Emily A. Skilton Cooke, Cheshire.
 Samuel H. Jones, Cheshire.
 James George Skilton, Watertown.
 Albert W. Skilton, watertown.
 Anna Mills Peck Skilton, Watertown Halsey s. Clarke. Prospect.
 Fannie M. Phipps Clarke. Prospect
 Lavergne Grant Clark, Prospect.
 Eat Tor