Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1897-06-08
MEMORIAL At RUMFORD CENTRE.
'sPARKEs" REPORTS THE DAY, AMI
ADDS SOME INTERESTING FACTS.

There were thirty or more veterans
present at the Centre Monday. The
Ellis River band played several airs
familiar TO every one living who knew
much Of the ''heroic age OF this repub-
lic." The forenoon was devoted To
greetings and "Reminiscences, and to the
services In the cemetery. Dinner abun-
dant and choice was served ut noon on
the lawn east of the church, and the
three long tables erected there were sew
eral times clothed and furnished" be-
fore all OF the large number present had
been fed. The afternoon service 10 the
church was largely attended. Music
was furnished by local quartette.
Three Methodist clergymen were pres
eut. Rev. Messrs. Congdon, Hannaford
and Mabry. After q fervent, patriotic
and effective prayer by Mr.. Hannaford,
Mr.. Mabry read the address he had pre-
pared. His subject was Patriotism,
which he treated under three heads, At
Par, At a Discount, At a Premium. IL
was a fine production, and none the less
interesting because Of the frequent
phraseologicsl Mabryisms, his ideas are
sent home 10 listeners by. Brother
Mabry Il forcible speaker. He does
not try TO hide truth behind or beneath
gsuzy, light, meaningless words. IL
YOU put yourself beneath the droppings
Of his sanctuary you must expect TO re-
ceiye blows, unless you are quite near
the right place mortsls should occupy.
Hon. Geo. d. Bisbee was present and
was called upon for remarks. He re-
sponded with q fve-minute speech,
which was interesting, eloquent and
patriotic. l.. +. Jones, a comrade, spoke
feelingly OF the war, war days, aud Of
the benefits of comradeship.
The services at Rumford Centre Me-
mortal Day, Monday, May 3lst, were un-
usually well attended. At Rumford
Centre Is the Joseph +. Colby Post, G..
A. Il. Joseph +. Colby was during the
years Immediately preceding the rebel
lion prominent citizen Of the town OF
Rumford; had served at least two years
AS selectman. He was also prominently
known in Oxford County, serving two
terms as high sheriff. He was portly,
noble looking man, when March 10, 1864,
he was mustered into Co. c, 32d Regt,
Maine Vols, as first lieutenant. He
died June %, 1864, at City Point, Vir-
GINA. aged A years.
II there is town in Maine where
Memorial Day should be recognized 10
the fullness OF its purpose, Rum.ord is
eminently that town. IL responded
promptly to all the calls made for SOL
diers. Ltphsm's History Of RumfOrd
gives list OF l27 sons OF Rumf0rd who
enlisted, and the writer feels sure that IL
is not complete. OF this number twelve
were killed in battle or died from
wounds received in action, and eighteen
dird OF disease before the expiration OF
their term OF service. Among the ell
listed men, the soldiers who entered the
army, there were several men we'll ad.
v;'nced in years at the time OF their en-
listment; besides Lieut.. Colby were Os-
good Eaton, David Abbott and BarthOlO-
new COburn. The writer recalls two
born In Rumford who entered the serv-
ice whose names are not recorded In
that towns troll of honor" vet bore
such honorable part In the rebellion that
their record, to quite an extent, should
become an added honor to the grand rec
ord belonging to Rumford for its devO-
ton to the Union. The nimes of those |
sons are william Writ Virgin, who was
colonel of the 23d Reg't, and Capt.
Isaac G. Virgin OF Co. G, lst Regt,
Maine Cavalry, Of which William II.
Farnum was member. He Is still living
1T Rumford Centre, and saw and took
part In many OF the severest battles Of
The war.
SPARKES.