The Newtown bee., 1897-03-05
ing to enter the law department of the Yale university, this coming fall term.
WEST CORNWALL.

AN INTERESTING BIRTHDAY EVENT. Eighty-three years ago, the 14th of February, ihere came, like ray of sun- shine to one happy home fair-haired, blue-eyed little maiden whom the doting the fairest, dearest little one ever known and no sweeter babe, purer maiden, ten- derer mother or holier grandma ever lived than she. At the age of p a model young man by the name of James Cochrane won her for his youthful bride. She was his first and only love and very rarely do we find a couple who have shared the joys and sorrows of life together with the devotion expressed by them. Five sons and three daughters (six of whom are now living) came to make more blessed the happy home and last Wednesday they came with children grandchildren and great grandchildren, to celebrate the dear ones 83d birthday. To say the old couple were surprised too mildly expresses it, especially when the elegant stuffed chair was brought for ward and presented, in which as one little grandchild said. "Grandma was almost lost," so large and luxurious it was. Other gifts followed, then letters of congratulations and regrets from ab- sent grandchildren namely J. N. Coch- rane of New Milford, Mrs. s. B. Beardsley, Mrs A. o. Gregory, J. c. Wilson and Mrs T. W. England of Bridgeport, whose hearts were with the loved grand parents but whose other duties pre- vented them from being present. After the greetings from distant friends were oyer, games and music were enjoyed, then last but not least all were invited to the dining room where a bountiful collation. was served to which all did ample justice. At an early hour the guests departed for their respective homes more than pleased with the genu- inc surprise birthday party. May God ever bless this dearest grandma who: 1 ''In helping othe' bear the burden l Thus has made more fight her own." A life, so peaceful and quiet, so pure and unselfish, is an example for us all to fol- low, that we, when in the evening of life, like her, may say "I am at peace with all the world, I have made my peace with God" Our eyes, yea and hearts, are full of love and tenderness for her, as we close, and the beautiful words of Phoebe Carey come back to us in all their force:
 sone sweetly solemn thought comes to me OCT and o'er;
 We're nearer home to-day. to-day, than we have been before.''
 We younger, as we'll as the aged ones are daily nearing that heavenly home. May we so live that we will all meet an unbroken family, on the "other shore." The following lines, composed by granddaughter, were read at the cele- bration:
 BEST WISHES FOR GRANDMA.
 I fancy sweet, sweet picture,
 That will e'n hold charm tor me;
 And no one could help but admire it
 Ifthey had 8 chance to see.
 It is of deal, sweet grandma,
 In a cap so white and neat.
 On the lounge in the dear, old kitchen,-
 For there is her much loved seat.
 Often there she sits on the Sabbath
 With her Bible on her knee,
 Reading the old, old story,
 A sweet picture for you and me.
 nd now we are given the happiness.
 To celebrate her eighty th,rd yea
 A privilege, not given to many.
 And which we accept, with good cheer.
 And to think her lite's companioa
 By her side has been allowed to stay;
 Hand in hand they've toiled tog ther
 Along both bright and stormy way
 God bless the dear old couple.
 Their lives have been well spents
 And may the remainder of their days
 Be full of sweet content.
 Accept the heartiest greeting,
 Of all who are far away,
 For the wishes of one and all are
 aMany happy returns ot the-day.',
 W. B. Representative R. N. Cochrane short ened his duties at the Capitol, last week, returning home on Wednesday evening to help celebrate his mother's birthday. MT and Mrs T. H. Wilson and wife of Huntington and granddaughter, Miss