Putnam patriot., 1913-01-31

Suiioun oStutthf VI tuoSc Who Nohhot imagine the long reach of the years in- to extreme age.
 The old home has been for many years the scene of delightful anniver- ssries of his birth. The occasions were marked by the homecoming of sons and daughters, and the assembling of many relatives, friends and neighbors for festivities which will long be re- membered as unique feature of the village life. MT. Mills entered hearti- ly into these celebrations, and was eagerly anticipating, with his family, the century mark in July. The in- creasing intirmity of the past few weeks, however, gave evidence that the time of his departure was near. At sunrise last Friday he passed away peacefully in sleep.
 With the exception of one year of teaching in New Jersey, MT. Mills spent his life in Thompson on the farm, his father and grandfather having pre- ceded him as residents also of this town. His wife died in 1889, and no brothers or sisters survive him. One son died in childhood and one gave his life as soldierin the Civil war. Sev- en children are living, four sons and three daughters, only one of whom, Mrs. Sarah F. Truesdell, lives in the old home.
 For over four.score years Mir. Mills was member of the Congregational church, earnest in such services as he could render in it's behalf, and loving its fellowship to the end. In compa- ny with thirty.tive others he united with the church in 1892. His father, John Mills, became member in 1sl4, and his grandfather, Nathaniel Mills, in 1773.
 For the culture of music the com munity has long been in debt to MT. Mills. His zeal and skill, in both vo- cal and instrumental mus'e, gained for him more than local recognition. As organist and chorister he maintain ed for nearly half century the excel- lent traditions of the New England volunteer choir. By dilligent practice he mastered in turn the organ, flute, cello, and piano, and was familiar with many other instruments. His services were much in demand for Iun- ing and repairing. At an anniversary of the church few years ago, MT. Mills participated in the musical parts of the program with remarkable abili- ty. On Christmas eve last December, he joined with members of his family in singing the old hymns, carrying the tenor part quite alone. At one time he engaged in making an organ which he called the Seraphine, designed for use in churches. The first church organ used in Putnam is said to have been made by him.
 There are many still living in Thompson, and many who are widely separated throughout the country, who will always recall, as among their pleasantest recollections, the hospitali- ty of the Mills homestead, and the mo- table company of children that have grown up in it to contribute SO much to the social and church life of the vil- lage. The passing away, within two or three years, of number of the old est and most respected residents, re- minds the present generation of the richness of it's inheritance. It brings home to all hearts, also, the impress sive lesson of the supreme worth of Christian character, by which the life of the individual and of the nation may alone be nodded in strength and beauty.
 ELLA A. sToDDARD
 Mrs. Ella A. Stoddard, widow of the late Seth Stoddard, died at the home of relatives in Arlington, N. J., last Saturday, aged 76 years. She had lived many years in Putnam the last few years of her life being spent at the home of her sister, the late Mrs. Edgar Clarke, on Elm street.
 Mrs. Stoddard was born in New Jersey. She came to Putnam to visit her sister, Mrs. Clarke, and it was while on visit here that she met her future husband. MT. Stoddard was member of the firm of Williams X Stoddard carrying on general mer- chandise business in the building now occupied by E. Mullan. Afterwards MT. Stoddard became teller of the First National bank which position he held until his death. MT. and Mrs. Stod- dard lived in cottage on Maple street.
 Mrs. Stoddard was a member of the Second Congregational church and took an interest in all church affairs. She was also member of Elizabeth Porter Putnam chapter, D. A. K.
 Funeral services were held from the l Clarke home on Elm street Tuesday | afternoon at o'clock Rev. F. D. Sar- gent officiating. The bearers were John c. Phillips, John Comins, A. w. Bowen, F.. J. Daniels, k. II. Johnson and l.. 0. Williams. Burial was in Grove street cemetery.
 ALBERT MANNING
 Albert Manning, 75, died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Florenus k. Clarke, Grove street, Monday morn ing. He came to this city about a year ago in poor health and has been con- fined to his home. He had suffered from shock and 1t was due to a third shock last Saturday that death occur red. Deceased was brother of Mrs.