The Press., 1906-06-06

She and have just finished read ing Mrs. Humphrey Wards last novel, "Fenwick's Career,' concluded in the current number of the Century. It's capital, better than her "Lady Roses Daughter" even.
 June 2d, 1881, Alonzo s. Pierce and Miss Hattie Eliza Dimock were married at Willimantic by Rev. George W. Holman, pastor of the Baptist church there at the time. Last Sat urday evening, being the anniversary of their marriage, friends of the worthy couple, who have made their home here for some years, thought they would make the twenty fifth anniversary, a silver wedding one, a festive occasion. Accordingly, large number of the friends and relatives gathered at the home of the couple, where a very pleasant evening was en- joyed. Every house but one in the vicinity, and neighboring towns were represented among the guests. Music and singing by Rev. Charles W. Wolfe and wife, with organ accompaniment, Mrs. J. A. Dimock, Miss Jennie Church, J. A. Houchan, his rendering of fife and drum march on his guitar being heartily encored; the Misses Alice V. Cosgrove and Catherine F. McHugh, E. H. Burdick, violin Robert P. Pratt, fagolet; Rev. MT. Wolfe, flute. College and other songs | were indulged in by the entire con- pany. Substantial presents of money and silverware were made by absent and present friends and relatives. Altogether this festival occasion was a very pleasant one, and will doubtless be long remembered as red-letter day ill the married life of the still young couple. The bridgegroom of twenty-f five years ago returned to his duties in New York, where he is an electrician, Monday evening.
 We started the story in this column some time since that Leonard Shaffer, late of Go. D, 12th Conn. Vols, was one of the oldest, if not the oldest, veterans of the civil war in the state. The papers now give some additional | details, that he was born February 6, 1918, that he had two sons and a nephew who enlisted in the same company and regiment at the same time. That the eldest, Frank, is at present commander of the c. A. R. post in Willimantic, and that the younger son, Emory, died some time ago, etc. We will now add little more to the above, being a native of the same town that the veteran in question is, having served in the same reigment with him during the wal and being we'll acquainted with him
 He is an uncle of Mrs. Emily s. Oar. penter of this town, and 8 brother of the late William Shaffer and Daniel Shaffer also of this town. He was one of the original glass blowers here, living at the time in the old Glass Factory village. The nephew re- ferred to, Daniel Shaffer, is now living in Wethersfield, the bass singer of the Baptist church there, or, at least, he held that position not long ago. He was guest at some function of the local G. A. R. post when it was in existence. Leonard Shaffer is certainly the oldest member of the 12th Conn. Vols, but whether he is the oldest civil war veteran in the state or in New England is a question. He was one of the original states three months men, and is one of the very few ill the state holding a medal attesting that fact. It being Memo rial day as we write this, we may be pardoned for enlarging upon this matter.