The Republican journal., 1897-08-26
The Hatch Family Reunion.

The eighth annual reunion of the Hatch
Family Association was held at the home of
Theophilus S. Hatch, in Montville, Wednes.
day, Aug. Is, 1897. Mr.. Hatch lives on the
old homestead which his father, Abel Hatch
who came from Marshfeld, Mass, carved
from the unbroken wilderness prior to the
war of 1872. To those who lived on the old
homestead the reunion began the day before
and lasted day later, for some of those who
came from distance of necessity must come
earlier and stay later than Others The night
following the reunion the fateful number of
thirteen found comfort in the restful beds of
the spacious home. We were all glad 20
welcome Charles j. Hatch and his grandson
from Lynn, Mass, and also two young ladies'
from Islesboro, who We're courageous enough
to ride over the long, rough roads from Bel
fast on their bicycles, as we'll as Dea Fred
erick A. Hatch and Capt. Warren S. Hatch
from Nobleboro. 1t was very interesting to
listen to Frederick A. Hatch tell about the
i've uncles and one aunt of the above men
ioue1 Abel Hitch, who settled in Bristol
and the towns around Damariscotta pond.
These persons came to Maine on naval ex-
pedition during the Revolution, We're cap
tured by the British and imprisoned in the
fort at Castine. By some means they escap
ed and went across the country as far as
Pemaquid, where they liked 80 we'll they
settled. Later Capt. Elijah Crooker, also Of
Revolutionary fame, who married their sis
ter, came to Maine and took up farm IN
the vicinity of the five brothers. The Incl
dents related by Capt. Warren S. Hatch
about his trading voyages to China, Japan
Australian gold coast and other countries,
were instructive as we'll as entertaining He
is having a short vacation now, but expects
to leave soon for foreign voyage.
The following is copy of the register:
E. Judson Hatch, Nellie E. Hatch, Agatha
NJ Hatch, Wheelock, VT; Chas. j. Hatch,
Irwin H. Mixer, Lynn, Mass; Frederick A.
Hatch, Capt. w. S. Hatch Nobleboro T S.
Hatch, Martha A. Hatch, Centre Monuyile;
Mrs. NJ. L. Winchenbach, Mrs. F. L. Hatch
Morrill, Geo. Q. White, Mrs. S. \. White,
Belfast; Hattie A. Clough, Liberty; Allen
Goodwin. Cora A. Goodwin, Palermo Mrs
=
Maud E. Shorey, Percival G. Shorey, Miss
Harriet E. Hatch, Willis S. Hatch Walter
G. Hatch, Ida NJ. Hatch, Caro- G. Hatch,
George [. Hatch Belfast; Mary Murray
Concord, Mass. Abbie B. Hatch, Islesboro !;
thus making larger gathering and drawing
representatil es from larger circle than in
the history of the association.
Hatch, called the association to order After
singing "Jesus Lover of Ny Soul, the chap
lain, W 6. Hatch, read cxv. Psalm and Of
fered prayer. This was followed by singing
There's a Land that IS Fairer than Day"
The address of welcome was given by Martha
\. HATCH as follows:
Again we are permitted TO grasp the hand
and with hearts full of gratitude, We well
come these dear ones to this old home Tie
mystic chords of memory stretches out to
every heart and hearthstone. These doors
are open wide to you all. Most cordially do
we welcome these Old members, SO loyal to
the dav Gladly do we welcome those W hu
have never met with us before, hoping you
will enjoy the day and become so Interested
you will always attend these gatherings.
Especially do we welcome these younger
members, for with them lies the future of
this association. Our meeting, as do to-
dav, strengthens the tie of kuslip, brOadens
our acquaintance, and as the years go by,
binds us closer together, until we share one
auother's Joys and sorrows, Scarcely a year
passes but some tie Is severed, some link Is
broken, and the world goes on Just the same.
1t has always been so, it always Will be,
Although we sometimes smile, we don't for
get. Again
We bid yOu welcome to this home of ours
1t has sheltered us for many years
1t has been the centre OF love and sunshine.
1t has been the witness of grief and tears.
Response by f. j. HATCH as follows:
My dear Mother and Father-Again it de-
wolves upon me to bring you the thankful
greeting of this association As was COM
ing to this dear old home, it seemed as
though the very hills, over which l have
roamed lifted up their heads to greet NE,
and the rocks upon and around which have
played in childhood, bid me welcome 1t
seems to me that this day means more to me
than to any other, for this is my chldho9d $
home; and it seems that none could posi-
bly, have such delight while gazing on these
old familiar scenes as l. But this is selfish
thought. This dear old homestead is the
childhood's home of others who are here to-
day to whom it must be just as dear. And
besides, know that all of those who have
come so many miles to attend this reunion
must take great delight in this day, their
very faces speak their thanks for this cordial
welcome with which you have greeted us.
Words fail me with which to express the
thankfuness of the heart l can only say
again, thank you for your cordial welcome.
The following committees were appointed
by the president: On time and location,
Geo. U. White Belfast, Sarah 81. Clarke,
Castine and Allen Goodwin, Palermo; on
nominations, Walter G. Hatch, Belfast,
Charles j. Hatch, Lynn, Mass, and Ellen
Shorey, Belfast.
A special day made TO order could not
have been better for the reunion; it was just
perfect. There was no fog in the morning
to cause one to suspect that it might rain
and thus defer their attendance, but the
beautiful morning was the herald of a
pleasant day, neither too hot nor too cold to
call forth one complaint. The tables were
set upon the lawn under the spreading
naples, where fully two hours We're spent in
social chat and pleasant "reminiscences.
Many hearty laughs prevented the too hur-
red eating of the beans, hot from the
| ground, the water melon, SO full of cramps,
and other viands fully as dangerous.
| After dinner the president again called
the association to order to complete the husl-
| ness of the session. After singing Bringing