Connecticut western news., 1899-07-27
GREAT HARRINGTON.

In the little town of Afford, with its beautiful scenery. pure water, bracing atmosphere and we'll titled farms, re- sides the oldest woman in Berkshire county and so far as heard from in the old Bay state. The name of this vener able lady is Almira Milligan, who on Sunday, July 23d, was 102 years of age. The story of her long life was published in the NEWS two years ago on the ami versary of her one-hundredth birthday. As the 23d was on Sunday the reception to neighbors and friends was on Satur- day. Over 50 persons called during the day and all congratulated the venerable woman on her having attained to such a great age with health and faculties al- most unimpaired. The m ost prominent callers from out of town were Judge Justin Dewey of the Superior court. Associate Justice Wright of the District court of Southern Berkshire, Editors Clsrsy and Hill of the Berkshire Cour- fer, Dr O. W. Lane. John P. Pomeroy and wife, Louis H. Von Sahler, John 0. Munson, Charles Kellogg, Fred Sanford, Captain and Mrs Hobart H. Mason, H O. Warner, all of Great Darlington; MT and Mrs W. B. Clark, MT and Mrs John B. Hull, Mrs Rogers and Miss Pratt of Stock bridge, Mrs Malinda Judd and sons John W. and Ezra of Lenox, Mrs Martha Scott of Sheffield. Of relatives on Saturday and over Sunday there were Mrs Mary Bostwick of Cambridge, Fletcher Husted of Leroy, R. W. Hu- sted, Suzette Husted of Boston. Among the letters of regret was one from Prof. Harvey Mill gan of Jacksonville, H., 8 step son of Mrs Milligan. It is we'll to say that the benevolent acts of Mrs Mil ligan are known beyond the narrow Him. it's of her native town. She has been for years generous contributor to mis- sionary and other church enterprises, hospitals, and to needy individuals who are worthy of her assistance. As she now enters her 103d year she sleeps we'll. eats we'll and appears to enjoy life much better than many younger per sons
 Mrs Sarah Benedict of West Stock bridge Center died suddenly Friday evening at her home in that village; aged nearly 66 years She was the wid- ow of Sprague Benedict and was an aunt of John N. Easland and Mrs Ed ward J. Van Lennep of this village. Luke Shed of West Stock bridge is an only surviving brother. The cause of her death was neuralgia of the heart and when first taken she said there was no use to go for doctor as che would be dead before he could get there. And so it proved, for she expired in brief time.
 The selectmen and school committee held joint meeting Friday afternoon for the purpose of appointing success or to the late Rev Dr Hartley on the board of school committee. They did no, decide, but adjourned for three weeks.
 Rev James Douglass, pastor of the Union Church at Afford, will preach next Sunday on the life, character and influence of the late Robert G. Inger- soil.
 In the Superior Court at Pittsfeld last week Edwin s. Smith, formerly of Afford, was sentenced to the county jail. two years for stealing chickens.
 George Binney Ooler. the son of Mir and Mrs W N. Coler, died Friday morning, aged IA months. The child was ill but two days with croup. The body was taken Saturday to Newark, N. J. for burial
 The band concert Thursday evening is very popular this summer and num- Der from the farming districts attend.
 The camp meeting under the direct ion of the colored people of A. NJ. E. Zion church will open Sunday at the grove of Frederick Abby. This grove is between this village and Van DeuLen. The following have been secured as preachers during the week: Revs Fl. O. Lucus, E. l.. Coffin, Dr Watts the blind preacher, and Samuel Johnson The Jubilee singers will delight the audience with gospel hymns and jubilees.
 A special meeting of the fire district will be held tomorrow to zee about 8 location for new engine house.
 Mrs Charles N. Gilbert gave a select dance Monday evening in honor of her relative, Miss Clara Russell.
 The rate of tax this year will be BIO on thousand, which is $2 50 less than last year.
 While Miss Root, guest at the Berk. shire Inn, was walking on the long ve- randa Monday she fell and broke her leg. She was taken to New York for treatment.
 Invitations are out for the marriage of Anna, youngest daughter of MT and Mrs Edwin D. Humphrey, to Gerry M1nson of Chicago.