The Somerset reporter., 1907-08-29
The Butts Reunion.

1t was a beautiful day with skies
all blue and gentle breeze blowing
lust enough to dissipate the least bit
of oppressive heat that was abroad.
1t was the ninth day of August, and
the occasion, the annual reunion Of
the Butts family and the fiftieth an
niversary of William and Sarah Butts
Parsons, held at their home at East
New Portland, Me.
Fifty years ago, on day almost the
exact counterpart of this ninth OF Au-
gust, VIM. Parsons and Sarah Hutch
ms Butts were united in marriage at
New Portland, Me-, by the Rev.
Ezra Winslow. In this town nearly
all of their married life has been
spent. OF rugged stock on both sides
they faced the future with strong
hearts and sturdy purpose. Time has
dealt not unkindly with them and
now at the ages of seventy five and
seventy three years they are vigorous
and we'll, not as strong as in earlier
wears. Six children blessed their
union, four of whom are now liv-
ing: Mrs. Flora P. Boynton, Mrs.
Emily P. Perry, Henry and VIM. >.
Parsons.
OF Mr.. Parsons brothers and sisters
none are living, yet to Mrs. Parsons
are left three sisters and two brothers
all of whom were present on this day.
All are well along in years with ages
ranging from SO to SO, yet carry
ing them well. Already six hftieth
anniversaries have come in this Butts
family, and if another year is spared
to a brother and his wife, the seventh
will be celebrated. A remarkable
record of long life and conjugal con-
stancy.
The relatives and friends came from
far and near to make glad this day
India gave leave of absence to Ella
M. Butts, for the past twenty years
missionary in that field. From Colo
RADIOS rugged mountains came Will
lard Carville who has not seen his
home or people In twenty-five years.
Idaho, too, contributed the greatest
surprise of the day in the absolutely
unexpected arrival from that state OF
Mr.. and Mrs. Orlando Simmons who
left Maine twenty-five years ago.
From Sunny New Mexico came Emily
P. Perry and VIM. 8. Parsons daugh-
ter and son. Another son, Rev. Hen
J.; 10 Co ltr ="
ent from Rhode Island. Other rela-
tives were there from Boston, MASS,
Augusta, Hampden and Pennington,
Me-, while the neighbors and nearby
connections came until more than
one hundred people had gathered 10
make this day the jolliest, happiest
day of the year. very pleasing ana
interesting circumstance was the pre-
sence of Mr.. Carville. Mrs. Simmons
and Miss Butts, nephew and nieces OF
the bride and groom, who were pres
emit at the wedding fifty years ago.
Relatives and friends long separated,
shook hands of greeting and talked
over the various experiences Of life
and country. Everybody was happy.
AS the noon hour approached tables
were loaded with the goodies
which the famous cooks of the Butts
family know so we'll how to prepare
and old and young, fat and lean, long
and short, sat down and created the
annual havoc among the eatables,
until each ''temple of clay" reached
the limit of "gtstronomic" endur-
ance.
Then, the dishes done, the tables
set in order and the dinner settled,
all Joined in singing "The Golden
Wedding". Mrs. o. E. Savage then
read a poem sent by Mrs. Melissa
Butts Reed of Taunton, Mass. Fol-
lowing this, little Vivian Rebecca
Parsons, grandchild of Mr.. and Mrs.
Parsons, recited "Aunt Shaw's Pet
Jugn by Holman F. Day, much to the
amusement of all; beautiful poem,
composed by Willard Carville for the
occasion, was splendidly rendered by
him.
Congratulatory remarks were made
by H. F. Weymouth representing the
friends and neighbors and response
was made by Rev. Henry Parsons.
Prayer was offered by Rev. Leonard
Hutchins. For the benefit of the
children Miss Ella Butts and Mrs.
Thomas Webb repeated the Lords
PRAYER in Bengali and Chinese, and
Miss Butts interested all with talk
on marriage among the girls of India.
Ice cream, cake, Edison records,
Jokes, stories and laughter were then
strangely mixed and enjoyed. And
so the day passed. Many the beauti-
full and useful presents brought and
sent by loving relatives and friends.
Presents in cash were received
amounting to over $50, and letters OF
congratulaticn and regret were read
from many who were unable to be
present.
1t was happy day, long to be re-
membered; and with many wishes fol-
continued health and many years OF
happy welded life for Mr.. and Mrs
Parsons, the people went to their
various homes agreeing to meet next
wear in reunion at the home of j. F
Butts at New Portland.
Resolutions of Respect.
Whereas, it has pleased our Heav'
emily Father in His infinite wisdom to
remove from our midst our beloved
brother Edward G. Ridley a respect