The Newtown bee., 1908-10-16

York. Pat and Cornelius went to thu
 railroad station to take their respec
 tive trains. Not being accustomed t
 travelling they both got on to tn,
 same train. As they were whizzinl
 away for New York, Pat, (who hat
 a ticket for Chicago) turned to Mike
 and said, "Ah Mike. Begorra what {
 wonderful country this is. Here you
 are going to New York and l am on
 the way to Chicago" There has beer
 no pulling apart in different directions
 in the lives of this couple in whose hon.
 or we are gathered here this after.
 noon.
 It occurred to me it would be inter.
 esting and timely for few minutes to
 consider the changes that have oc-
 cured in the town, state and nation
 since the name of Ezra Levan Johnson
 was first written on the fly leaf of the
 family Bible back in 1884. In 1884
 Caleb Baldwin, who resided in tie
 place now owned by Charles F. Boards
 ley, was town clerk. In 1884 John
 Northrop, Lamson Burch and James
 Nichols were selectmen of Newtown and l venture the assertion that not
 two persons in this assembly can point out where these men lived. In 1884 Andrew Jackson was President of the United States, and the presidential campaign of 1882 was remarkable be- cause each of the three parties held nominating conventions and because a party platform was used for the first time. Think of it friends and breth- ren. In 1881 the anti-Masonic party nominated a candidate for the pres idency, while on Thursday of this week 10000 Masons marched in line at Hartford at the dedication of the Hart ford Connecticut River bridge, and ev- cry great occasion is honored by the presence of Masons as a body, who honor God, their country and their flag.
 In 1858 when this happy union was consummated, David Sanford and Oliver s. Botsford represented Newtown in the Legislature. While Botsford Ter Till, Oliver Somers and Eli J. Morris were selectmen of the town. David B. Beers, who we used to call Daddy Beers," was town clerk.
 The Newtown Savings bank, in which we all take pride and is doing so we'll under the care of President Peck and Treasurer Arthur T. Nettleton, was organized when this worthy couple were married 5U years ago. MT and Mrs Johnson were married on Oc tober 10, 1858, by the Rev Dr Newton E. Marble. The Newtown Savings bank was organized in 1855 and its first div idend was paid April l., 1856. Henry Beers was the first president and Henry Beers Glover the first treasurer. l say it's interesting and impressive as we look back and attempt to look over the events and history of this town in the life time of this beloved couple.
 l am here this afternoon because affection prompted me to come. I passed the night by the side of bab- bling brook in Litchfeld county. and as 1 lay on my couch the song of the brook was music in my ears and the last thing last night and the first thing as I awoke this morning. I don't wonder MT George loves the Litchfeld hills and any man must who has an ounce of sentiment or poetry in his soul. We have a beautiful country here but there is a picturesqueness and beauty in the hills of Litchfeld county not to be duplicated in this wide, wide world. l said affection prompted me to come, and now l address myself to MT John son alone. Mrs Johnson will excuse me, l am sure. The Lord knows love the ladies, but my heart is loyal and true to her who became my companion IS years ago in May, and who only yes terday entered hospital of brick and grated windows, at whose portals hope often dies out and hearts are broken.
 We often hear asked the question What constitutes success in life" Il 1 were asked to write brief history of Mir Johnson's career, would write success in capital letters over his life. | Not because he has accumulated a fortune. Not because he has led armies ;o victory. not because he has founded hospitals and asylums. But because neekly and humbly he has carried about in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
 In the first place he has been man with an optimistic view of life and l ;hink it is a state of mind to be desired y every man and woman. In the 16 ,ear 1 have been editor of The Bee, llthough there has been much to crit else, it has never come from this ,ood friend. Instead have come words of encouragement, and if he ould say a good word for The Bee, he lid it.
 I know of one brother into whose fife has come peculiar burden. Once n while in a quiet way E. L. John- on has dropped in at this friends |esk, and given word of cheer and f enquiry for the sick that caused the ears to flow, and the heart to think fl | T