New Britain herald., 1926-01-09

' ber of Norwich Consistory, 32nd Degree Masons; q past worthy patron of Martha Chapter Order of Eastern Star; and in 1894 was delegate 10 tho international en- campment of tho Grand Army at Pittsburgh,
 He was ono Of tho founders of L. n. Pcntleld Camp Sons of Veterans and 1t was in his honor the local or ganization was named. He was member Of tho Connecticut society. Sons Of the American Revolution; Of the Army and Navy club, of the Trumbull colony of the United Or der Of Pilgrim Fathers, Patriotic Order Sons of America, Winthrop Council, Sons and Daughters of Liberty; New Britain Council, Or der of United American Mechanics; and was a former member of the New Britain club and tho Putnam Phalanx, At one time he was first lieutenant in tho Connecticut Ma tional Guard.
 For q long time he was treasurer of tho Baltimore Building and Loan Association; was a member of the First Baptist church and for years was librarian of the Sunday school. He was a member of Evcrynan's Bible class and was inc oldest mem ber of the Red Army.
 Affected By Death of Wife
 On June 20. 1866 he was married to Caroline Whiting McNary. dangh- ter of William G. and Rebecca Dix McNary, who subsequently, served two years as president Of the Stan Icy Woman's Relief corps. Mrs. Pen- field passed away December l6, 1924. and her husbands fatal illness dated almost to that time. The couple had two children, Arthur Eugene proceeded his parents in death and the only immediate sur viyor Is Mrs. Nellie Ruth Marshall, wife of Warren w. Marshall, with whom he made his home. One granddaughter, Mrs Ruth Marshall Stevens, resides with her husband. Frederic c. Stevens and her son. Marshall Frederic Stevens, in Hol- yoke.
 Mr. Penneld's recipe for longevity was in brief, that of living normally. He never actually retired from all work, and up to within a few weeks prior to the death of his wife, was actively engaged in doing small painting jobs for neighbors. When he was S2 years old he painted his own home, climbing about on lad ders with almost as much agility as in his youth. A caller. seeking an interview on his S4th birthday an- nlversary vas forced to wait at the family residence until 6 o'clock in ! the evening until he returned from , work.
 Sane Policy of Living
 His policy of life was summed up in his own words, Keep busy but | cont rush--eat three meals q day. 1 eat enough but not too much and take plenty of time to eat them. 1 Always be cheerful" He was fre- l quent visitor to the library of the New Britain Institute and was an ardent friend of that institution.
 The story of Mr. Penfields last act as an official of New Britc' n is told in the edition of The Herald of April 15, 1913, as follows: Alfred ! l.. Thompson was sworn in as town i and city clerk of New Britain few 1 minutes after 12 o'clock this noon l by Loren b. Pcnfeld, his predecessor 1 in office. The ceremony took place in Mayor J. M. Halloran's office in | City hall and was most impressive one. Both men have been lifelong friends and have worked together | for years in the same office. Dur ! ing the administration of tho oath and the subsequent speeches. the voices of both were chokcd with emotion and tears filled the eyes of the two men,
 Immediately after he becams town clerk Colonel Thompson ten dercd his appointment as deputy tc ! his predecessor, Mir. Pentield, who declined the office, at the same time expressing deep appreciation of tho honor offered.
 Nearly two score Of the more prominent of the men in New Brit aims political life witnessed tht ceremony. Among the number were G. W. Klett. P. II. Egan. II. NJ Steele, E. J. Porter and others. Rev I T Edwin Brown, pastor of thf church which both retiring and in coming officials attend. was alsr present. Colonel Thompson entered the room with F. E. Alling, his op poncnt at the election week ago They advanced to where l.. Il. Pen
 field and Mayor J. NJ. Haloran wer' standing. and MT. AiIing prcscntct the successful candidate 10 MT. Pen field and then stepped far 10 on
 side. The two old friends shool
 hands and Mir. PenfeId began read
 ing inc oath of office:
 "'You. Alfred l.. Thompson, d'
 you solcmly swear that you vii
 faithfully perform the duties Of th
 office of town clerk and of the clcrl | cf the city of New Britain so lonl ? as you continue the clerk thereof ; that you will make true entries am records of all the votes and proceed , ircs of said city and all such mat , tors as by law or by the ordinanc . of said city are 10 be recorded i
 your office; that you will delivr
 trun copies of the records in you ; office when they shall he required c [ you, on the receipt of lawful fee D thcrcfore,' here his voice choke { and 1t was a fraction of minut r before ho was able 10 pronounce th
 final words, 50 help you God f "I do solcmnly said Colon' l Thompson, and New Britain had - new town clerk for tn" first time i - over 1S years. since l.. D, Penf7cl - took the office for the second time 1