Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-08-11
CLINTON
Birthday Party

- gathering OIL unusual interest
and enjoyment was that of Thurs
Sarah M. Ross, when the members
of the Ladies' Aid and Wesleyan
Club of Brown Memorial church. as
sembled and paid her surprise
visit in observance of her eighty
second birthday, which falls on sun
day. The party numbered forty five
and included beside the members.
the following guests: Mrs. Ida c.
Rolfe, Mrs. Alice Marcia, Miss
Alice Marcia, Miss Ruth Randlett.
Miss Dora NJ. Kinsley. Miss Florence
Hodgdon, of Boston, Mrs. Kate NJ.
Goodwin and Mrs. Evelyn Pierce of
Springfield, Mass. Mrs. r. X. Gree
~ of Middletown, Conn. After the
usual greetings and congratulations
were offered. and the hilarity result
ing from the perfect surprise had
somewhat subsidized. the following
program was given: Hymn. Sun
shine in the Soul" all; greeting,
Miss Sarah +. richardson; vocal
duet, Mrs. Cora Dodge. Mrs. Jennie
Hamon; reading, Mrs. Ola spinney;
reading. with encore, Mrs. r. X.
Greeley: reading. Mrs Ethel Robin
son; original poem. which included
the presentation of gifts, Mrs. Nellie
L. Cain. The societies presented
gold pencil and ivory toilet set. be-
side the many individual gifts, among
the latter being an appropriately
decorated birthday cake from Mrs.
Lottie n. Wakely. To all these eX-
pressions of friendship and good
wishes, Mrs. Ross responded most
graciously. After this program was
concluded. the ladies passed a social
hour during which a game was en-
joyed. the honors being awarded to
Mrs. Ola Spinney and Miss Florence
Hodgdon. Most bountiful and deli
cious refreshments were served. by
members of the societies.
The recipient of. this most pleas
ant attention is the oldest member
of Brown Memorial church. having
joined with her husband. the late
Henry Ross in 1863, one year after
they came to Clinton to make their
home. During all the years of their
membership. the welfare and pros
perity of this church has been of
utmost consideration and in respect
to this devotion their sons and
daughters, who now reside in Mas
sachusetts are continuing a material
assistance which is of great value.
teresting lady equally popular among
young and old She is a native of
New Hampshire. born in Hampton
Falls, in 1S41, the daughter of Rich
ard ClarkSon and Mary Iike)
Marsh. Her only brother, Benjamin
Marsh. went into the west at the age
of IS years, and has never returned
to visit his native State. During the
past year. through the thoughtfull-
ness of her son, Harry l.. Ross of
Springfield. Mass, Mrs. Ross carried
on a conversation by telephone with
this brother, now resident of Tower
City. n. D.. the first time for 60
years the brother AMI sister had
heard each others voice. Mrs. Ross
comes from Revolutionary ancestors.
having had three great grandfathers
in the Revolution. two fighting on
the American side and one n Royalist.
The latter, Richard Clarkson, was
wounded on the first day of the Bat
tie of Bunker Hill. was taken on
board British vessel and removed
to England. There he married and
later returned to America and be-
came a permanent resident of New
Hampshire. This Richard Clarkson
is also great grandfather of James
S. Clarkson. former assistant post
master general.
Mrs. Ross is, the mother OF ten
children. one of whom. a son, Ben
jamin, died in infancy. To these
surviving daughters and sons,
Mothers Birthday" is an event
which calls for their return to the
home on Railroad street. where the
day is made happy for her bv their
most loving attention. Several
have already arrived in anticipation
of the family celebration which will
occur on Sunday.