The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-12-21
UNUSUAL OCCASION IN
G. 4. R. HALL
Golden Jubilee of Eight Couples OBJ
served by G A II

1t is seldom that a memorable
event such as the occasion OF
golden jubilee for eight couples is
celebrated. but in Grand Army hall
last Friday evening, there was an
occasion of this sort observed. A
banquet was served at an early hour
to which members OF Russell Post
and the Relief Corps were invited
During the evening a program was
given in honor of the eight couples,
and the entire entertainment was an
unusually enjoyable one.
The names of the honor guests
with a brief outline of their lives fol-
low.
Mir. and Mrs. Henry Cannon head
ed the list because OF the fact that
they We're married SIS years ago last
October Mr.. Cannon served his
Co. B, 21st Maine Regiment, and saw
active service. Mr.. Cannon is now
80 years old
Mr.. and Mrs. S. F. Emerson are an
interesting couple in many ways. Mr..
Emerson served SIX years in the war
and in many of the important battles.
At the time of their anniversary cele-
bration, May 16, 1915, they had their
entire family together, numbering
with grandchildren, SO people. which
has never been broken by death.
Mr.. Emerson was native Of Dover
but has resided in Skowhcgan for a
long time He was member of Co.
II, Bird Name Infantry serving three
years in the Army of the Potomac
Later after being in prison nine
months, he re-enlisted for another
three years, being discharged Nov
70, 1867.
Mr. and Mrs. y. A. Withee are
prominent in the G A. r. and Relief
Corps as well as the Grange aud
other organizations Mr.. Withee
was born in Norridgewock, the son
of David and Clymena Kelley Withee
and there spent his early life, going
later to Wisconsin and other western
states. He was back in Maine how
ever, in time to enlist from the Pine
Tree State in Co b, 18th Maine Vol
unteers becoming later sergeant He
re-enlisted in 1868. Following his
discharge he returned to Skowhcgan
marrying on April s, 1868, Miss Vesta
A. Rowe of Madison. They have a
fine family of sons, Horace, mail car
rier from SkoWhegan; Milford With
ee of Canaan, one of the new deputies
just appointed by Harry l.. Goodrich
and prominent in Canaan Grange;
and Perley of East Madison, an up
to-date farmer.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bickford were
married 81 years ago last March "A,
the bride having been Miss Emma l..
Parlin Of SkoWhegan. They lived
for time in Oakland, and then in
the west, returning to Skowhcgan
where they have lived most of their
married life. Mr.. Bickford was a
member of Co. II. First Maine.
Next in order came the marriage of
Mr. and Mrs. James Thompson on
May s. 1866. They were both natives
of Bingham. He enlisted at Fort
Yamhill. Oregon. 80 months. Fol
lowing his discharge he returned to
Scion where he married Eva A.
Cummings. They went to house
keeping in Bingham, and % years
later came to Skowhegan where Mr..
Thompson built the home where they
now live.
Mr. and Mrs Marion Mills are one
of the cheerful looking 50th ami
versary couples. living happily on
Pine street. Mrs. Mills was former
ly Miss Mary Augusta Fairbanks of
Augusta, being married to Mr.. Mills
so years ago July &c, They have
two children, Mrs. A. B. Lamb of this
town, and Chester Mills of Jackman,
an attorney. Mr. Mills is a veteran
also of the Civil War, having served
in the 18th Maine Battery. Light Ar
tillery, re-enlisting and being mus
tered out June Is, 1865. He was
wounded in the army at Cole HarbOr
Mr. and Mrs W Harrison Weston
were married Oct. 49, 1866, and went
to make their new home on the old
home farm on the Bigeow Hill Road
Skowhegan. The bride was Miss
Cynthia Parker of Fairfield. This
was their home until about IS years
ago when they moved to Turner Ave
Mr. Weston served his country well,
enlisting in Company f. 3rd Maine
Infantry and being discharged June
8, 1864 He was slightly wounded
during service Mr. Weston for sew
eral years has been commander of
Russell Post. G. A. r., of this town
and is highly esteemed. He has al
so been president of the Third Maine