USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Boylston > Centennial celebration of the incorporation of the town of Boylston, Massachusetts, August 18, 1886 > Part 1
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BOYLSTON CENTENNIAL
Gc 974.402 B698b
Gc 974.402 B698b 1157677
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01100 9062
Gc 974.402 B698b Centennial celebration of the incorporation of the town of Boylston, Mass. , August 18, 1886
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1786.
1886.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
OF THE
INCORPORATION
OF THE
TOWN OF BOYLSTON
MASSACHUSETTS
AUGUST 18, 1886.
WORCESTER, MASS .; PRESS OF SANFORD & DAVIS.
1887,
.......
Boylston, from 1742 to 1786 known as the North Parish of Shrewsbury, was incorporated as a town by the Legislature of Massachusetts March 1, 1786, and was named in honor of Ward Nicholas Boylston, a prominent citizen of Boston.
1157677
BOYLSTON CENTENNIAL.
The citizens of Boylston, desirous of commemorating in some fitting manner the one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town, took action to that effect at the March meeting of 1886, when it was voted that the occasion should be properly observed, and one hundred and fifty dollars was appro- priated towards defraying the expense. At a special meeting, held in April, the following committees were appointed to arrange for and carry out the details of the celebration :
COMMITTEES.
General Committee-Elmer Shaw, John G. Warner, Levi L. Flagg, Lyman P. Kendall, Wm. A. Andrews, Nathaniel L. Kendall, Albert W. Andrews.
Committee on Exercises-George L. Wright, H. H. Brig- ham, Rev. I. Ainsworth.
Committee on Invitations-Nathaniel L. Kendall, Joseph M. Wright, Montraville Flagg.
Committee on Music-Penniman M. Brigham, Mrs. H. M. Andrews, Mrs. John A. Ware.
Committee on Dinner-Lyman S. Walker, Charles W. Moore, M. Flagg, Jr.
Committee on Printing-George L. Wright, Thomas L. Sheldon, George R. Hastings.
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BOYLSTON CENTENNIAL.
Committee on Relics-N. L. Kendall, Joseph M. Wright, Henry V. Woods.
Committee on Decorations-James H. Woods, John M. Warner, John Tucker, with several ladies to assist.
Chairman of Committee on Tents-L. P. Kendall.
Committee on Programme-L. P. Kendall, Elmer Shaw, A. W. Andrews, G. L. Wright, P. M. Brigham.
Committee of Soldiers to Accept Tablet-Dea. L. S. Walker, William A. Andrews, John G. Warner, Joseph M. Wright, Henry White.
Wednesday, the 18th day of August, was the day fixed on for the celebration, and the Committee of Arrangements reported the following as the list of officers of the day :
President-Hon. Phinehas Ball.
Vice Presidents-Horace Kendall, Ezra Ball, H. H. Brig- ham, A. Flagg, A. E. Waterman, Sylvanus Reed, L. L. Flagg, Newell Parker, M. Flagg, Henry Hastings, Sanford M. Kendall, Robert Andrews, Silas Howe, L. W. Brewer, Leonard Brewer, J. B. Cutler, Silas Gleason, N. L. Daggett, J. D. Flagg, James Bigelow, W. H. Perry, J. M. Wright, H. V. Woods, Thomas Knowlton, N. L. Kendall, James Locke, Abel Brigham.
Chief Marshal-Hon. Charles B. Pratt.
Aides to the Chief Marshal-John W. Howe, J. N. Ball, J. W. Flagg, George Ball, Alfred G. Larkin.
The following invitation and programme were issued :
.
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BOYLSTON CENTENNIAL.
1786- Centennial Celebration
-1886
of the Town of Boylston.
The Committee on Invitations cordially invite all natives and former residents, and descendants of former Boylston families, to be present at the Centennial Celebration of the incorporation of the town
On Wednesday, August 18, 1886
HENRY M. SMITH, Esq., of Worcester, (a son-in-law of the late Rev. Wm. H. Sanford for many years minister of the Town,) will deliver the address, and WILLIAM N. DAVENPORT, Esq., of Marlborough, (a native of the Town,) will read the Poem, Hon. PHINEHAS BALL, ex-mayor of Worcester, (a native of the Town,) will act as President of the Day, and Hon. CHARLES B. PRATT, also an ex-mayor of Worcester, (a former resident of the Town,) will be Chief Marshal.
It is earnestly hoped as many as possible will be present and assist in making the occasion a grand re-union of present and past citizens of the Town.
In behalf of the Town, NATHANIEL L. KENDALL, JOSEPH M. WRIGHT, MONTRAVILLE FLAGG, Committee on Invitations.
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BOYLSTON CENTENNIAL.
1742 Incorporation of Shrewsbury
North Parish.
1786 Incorporation of the Town of Bovision.
Cente ial . Celebr
OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE
TOUn + OF + BoyLSTOR
Wednesday, August 18, 18862
President of the Day, HON. PHINEHAS BALL.
Orator of the Day, HENRY M. SMITH, ESQ
Chief Marshal, HON. CHARLES B. PRATT.
AIDES,
John W. Howe, J. Nelson Ball.
Alfred G Larkin. J. Walter Flagg, Geo. W. Ball.
TOAST-MASTER, GEORGE L. WRIGHT.
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BOYLSTON CENTENNIAL.
Programme
Ringing of Bells and Firing of Salutes at Sunrise.
8 to 8.30 A. M. Field Sports on the Common, under charge of a committee consisting of CHARLES BRAY, C. W. MOORE, M. FLAGG JR. CHAS. E. CUTLER, and GEO. A. HASTINGS.
8.30 to 9 o'clock. Selections of Music by the WORCESTER BRASS BAND, from the Band Stand on the Common, during which time a PROCESSION consisting of the Town Officers, Schools, Citizens and organizations under the escort of the Worcester Brass Band, and Battery " B," M. V. M. under command of Capt. Wellington, will form and march around the Commons to the Town Hall, where a MEMORIAL TABLET to the memory of BOYLSTON SOLDIERS who fell in the Mexican and Civil Wars, will be presented by GEORGE A. COTTING, EsQ., of Hudson, a former resident of the town, ac- companied with appropriate services.
IO o'clock. EXERCISES IN THE SPEAKERS' TENT.
Order of Services.
MUSIC BY THE BAND.
INVOCATION AND PRAYER, .
REV. ISRAEL AINSWORTH.
READING OF THE SCRIPTURES,
REV. HENRY S. KIMBALL.
READING OF THE ACT OF INCORPORATION,
HENRY H. BRIGHAM, Town Clerk.
PSALM (78.) (TUNE CORONATION.) Congregation. I.
Let children hear the mighty deeds Which God performed of old; Which in our younger years we saw, And which our Fathers told. II. He bids us make His glories known, His works of pow'r and grace; And we'll convey his wonders down Through every rising race.
III. Our lips shall tell them to our sons, And they again to theirs; That generations yet unborn May teach them to their heirs. IV. Thus shall they learn in God alone Their hope securely stands; That they may ne'er forget His works, But practice His commands.
CENTENNIAL ADDRESS BY HENRY M. SMITH, ESQ., OF WORCESTER. (A son-in-law of Rev. WM. H. SANFORD, for many years minister of the Town.)
POEM BY WILLIAM N. DAVENPORT, ESQ., OF MARLBORO, (A native of the Town.)
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BOYLSTON CENTENNIAL.
HYMN (1300). (TUNE, ITALIAN HYMN.) Congregation. I.
III.
Our land with mercies crowned, This wide enchanting land, O God! is thine; Our fathers knew thy name; The trophies of their fame,-
Our heritage,-proclaim A Power divine.
II.
Far in the purple West, Thy hand with beauty dressed These fertile plains. These rivers dark and deep, These torrents down the steep,
These mighty woods that sweep From mountain chains.
Dear native land! rejoice ; Raise thou thy virgin voice To God on high ; From all thy hills and bays, From all thy homes and ways, Symphonies and praise Ascend the sky.
IV.
And Thou Almighty One. At whose eternal throne She bows the knee !
In all coming time Bless Thou this favored clime, And may her deeds sublime Be hymns to Thee.
BENEDICTION.
At 12 o'clock M. an Exhibition Drill and Firing of Salutes will take place by Battery " B." M. V. M. of Worcester, following which
Dinner will be Served in a Tent on the Common,
by J. L. NUGENT, Caterer of Clinton. After which Exercises con- sisting of Music, Toasts and Speeches, from present and former residents and others, will take place in the Speakers' tent. The exercises of the day concluding with a Band Concert on the Common.
In the Town House there will be a display of Antique articles and interest- ing Relics connected with the history of the Town.
yA book will be provided at the Town Hall in which all natives, former residents and descendants of former residents, are requested to register their names and addresses.
FIELD SPORTS AND GAMES.
The Field Sports will take place in the forenoon and afternoon during Exercises in the Tent, consisting of
Wheelbarrow Race. Potato Race, Sack Race, Three-Legged Race,
Doughnut Race, Foot Race, Egg Race, Hurdle Race, Greased Pole, Tug-of-War.
The eight first mentioned races will be open to citizens of Boylston and invited guests only. The Greased Pole and Tug-of-War will be open to the public. Prizes will be offered as follows:
For each Race the 1st Prize will be $1.00 | Tug-of -War, $5.00
Second Prize will be .50 | Greased Pole, 2.00
All races to have at least three entries. Entries to be made with Charles Bray, Chairman of the Committee on Sports, on or before the Centennial Day. A Game of Base Ball will be played between Saw- yer's Mills and Shrewsbury Nines during the day.
THE DAY'S CELEBRATION.
Wednesday, the 18th of August opened clear and beautiful, while cool breezes tempered the air, making the day perfect. The town had put on a holiday dress. The dawn was saluted with ringing of bells and firing of cannon, the youth of the town generally participating in the latter duty. The Worcester Brass Band arrived early on the grounds, and from the band stand gave a concert while the procession formed in front of the town house, in the following order :
THE PROCESSION.
Worcester Brass Band, L. D. Waters leader, 23 pieces. Chief Marshal Hon. Charles B. Pratt, of Worcester. Aides-John W. Howe, J. Nelson Ball, Alfred G. Larkin, J. Wal- ter Flagg, George W. Ball. Battery B., of Worcester, Capt. Fred W. Wellington ; 1st Lieut. John E. Merrill ; 1st Sergeant Joseph Bruso, Jr. ; Sergeants R. F. Lathe, H. W. Haynes ; Guidon, Corp. H. W. Searles, 35 men.
The George D. Wells Post, No 28, William G. Haskin, Officer of the day in command, 30 men.
The Boylston Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, five wagons.
Flora's car of the Grange represented a floral bower, under
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BOYLSTON CENTENNIAL.
which sat half a dozen ladies surrounded by flowers and potted plants ; the sides of the wagon were inscribed :
To me belong the forest, the garden and the garlands of flowers; and at the end was
Let flowers be unto you an emblem of hope.
Next came a wagon with twelve young ladies, dressed in white ; next Pomona's car; a wagon load of fruits ; it was covered with apples and grapes, and lettered on the sides :
The lucious products of the orchard and fruit garden are mine.
At the rear end of the wagon was
Let fruits be to you an emblem of faith.
Seated on the wagon were three ladies. Next came Ceres' car, a wagon load of grain, the ladies being decorated with grain. It was marked on the sides :
My tribute is the golden grain.
and at the end was :
Let corn ever be unto you an emblem of charity.
Behind this were two barges with members of the Grange.
THE TABLET PRESENTATION.
The march was about the common and up to the band stand, where the services of presentation of the Memorial Tablet to the soldiers who fell in the Mexican and civil wars took place. This Tablet is the gift of George A. Cotting, Esq., of Hudson, a former resident of Boylston. It is of white marble with a gilt band, and bears the following inscription in gilt letters :
THIS TABLET,
Erected on the One Hundredth Anniversary of Boylston by George A. Cot- ting, is in commemoration of the valor of its citizens, who died in the great civil war of 1861 to preserve the unity of our country.
John R. Roberts, Private Co. K, 2d Reg. Mass. Vol. Killed at Battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug 9, 1:62. ÆE 25 yrs. He was the first soldier enlisted from Boylston.
Elliot J. Flagg, Private Co. I, 4th Reg. N. Y. Vols. Killed at Battle of Antietam, Md,, Sept. 17th, 1862. Æ 23 years.
James H. Wilson, Private Co. L, 21st Reg. Mass. Vols. Died of wounds at Fredericksburg, Va,, Dec. 15th, 1862. JE 28 years.
Albert Hastings. Private Co. E, 21st Reg. Mass. Vols. Died at Camp Nel- son, Ky., April 12th, 1864. Æ 24 years.
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BOYLSTON CENTENNIAL.
John W. Partridge, Private Co. D, 25th Reg. Mass. Vols. Died at Ander- sonville, Ga., May, 2864. Æ 29 years.
George W. Brewer, Corp. Co. D, 25th Reg. Mass. Vols. Killed at Cold Harbor, on June 3d, 1864. ÆE 23 years.
Watson Wilson, Private Co. I, 36th Reg. Mass. Vols. Died of wounds at Washington, D. C., June 28th, 1864. ÆE 22 years.
John M. Forbes, Sergt. Co. C, 34th Reg. Mass. Vols. Died at Salisbury, N. C., Sept. 27th, 1864. ÆE 25 years.
Ferdinand Andrews, Corporal Co. D, 25th Reg. Mass. Vol. Died at Boyls- ton, Mass , Nov. 26th, 1864. Æ 25 years.
George C. Flagg, Private Co. F., Mass. Vols. in Mexican war, at U. S. Hospital Barracks, New Orleans, July 26th, 1848. ÆE 24 years.
AUGUST 18, 1886.
The exercises were simple but of great interest. Mr. Cot- ting presented the Tablet in a brief address as follows :
Mr. President, Ex-Soldiers, and Citizens of Boylston :- It is a great pleasure to me to be with you on this centennial cele- bration of the incorporation of the town of Boylston, here to make my contribution to the memory of the valor of those brave and patriotic sons who volunteered their services and laid down their lives in defense of the Union of our country. Their deeds of valor and patriotism should ever be brought before the young men of this great Republic so that when our country is in jeop- ardy by foes within, or without, there will be those to imitate those fallen and these living comrades who are before us.
Although this is a small and sparsely inhabited town, it has always given its full quota of defenders of the country in its time of need, from the time of its incorporation to the end of the late civil war.
When it was a part of Shrewsbury and Lancaster this terri- tory gave more than its proportion in its defence against the Indians and support of the Revolution ; many lost their lives in action, more died by hardship and sickness, whose names are carefully preserved in the history of those towns. All honor to their names.
In the war of 1812 this town filled its quota of men required, and every man safely returned to his home.
We have one of those 1812 soldiers with us to-day in yonder
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BOYLSTON CENTENNIAL.
carriage, who is nearly as old as this town, and is able to be with us to celebrate and grace this occasion with these boys in blue, who now stand before you.
In the Mexican war one young man, an only son of Francis Flagg, left his home with his father's consent, went to Boston and enlisted in our only Massachusetts Regiment. George G. Flagg, private, Company F, Massachusettt Regiment, died at United States Hospital Barracks, New Orleans, La., July 26, 1848, aged 24 years. He was a dutiful son, a brave and gallant soldier, was in several hard fought actions with the Mexicans and received the commendation of his commander.
John R. Roberts, a young man who came to this town to work on our farms, was the first man to put his name on paper for the defense of the Union of this Government, and was the first Boylston man to fall by a rebel bullet at the fiercely contested battle of Cedar Mountain, where Company K, Second Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, so bravely fought August 9th, 1862. He was 25 years old.
Elliott J. Flagg, private, Company I, Fourth Regiment New York Volunteers, killed at the battle of Antietam, Md., Sep- tember 17th, 1862, aged 23 years. I knew him as a bright boy, while a member of the Center School, and living on yonder hill. He was a fine young man.
James H. Wilson, private, Company E, Twenty-first Regi- ment Massachusetts Volunteers, died of wounds received in that hard disastrous battle at Fredericksburg, Va., December 15th. 1862, aged 28 years. He has a brother with us to-day, an ex- soldier.
Albert S. Hastings, private, Company E, Twenty-first Regi- ment, Massachusetts Volunteers, died in Camp Nelson, Kentucky, April 12th, 1864. He was born in that part of Boylston known as East Woods. When quite young his parents moved to the farm which Mr. Augustus Flagg now owns and resides on. He attended the Six Nations District School, became a Land Surveyor and Civil Engineer, and when not occupied in his profession, worked with his father on the farm. Being full of patriotism he went to the defense of his country, served out his term of enlist- ment, and then re-enlisted, his fate being not to die on the field
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BOYLSTON CENTENNIAL.
of battle, but in camp from sickness. He was a brave and good boy.
George W. Brewer, corporal, Company D, Twenty-fifth Regi- ment Massachusetts Volunteers, killed at the battle of Cold Har- bor, Va , June 3d. 1864, aged 23. He knew no fear, was a member of the South District School, enlisted December 18, 1863. His aged father is with us to-day.
John W. Partridge, private, Company D, Twenty-fifth Regi- ment Massachusetts Volunteers, served last in the Signal service. Taken prisoner and confined in that fatal prison, to so many brave sons of the North, he died from neglect and cruel star- vation at Andersonville, Ga., some time in the month of May. 1864. He was the senior of his fallen comrades, an only son, well educated, a school-mate with young Brewer, and respected by his townsmen. His mother and youngest sister are with us to-day.
Watson Wilson, private Company I, Thirty-sixth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, died of wounds at Washington, D. C., June 28, 1864, aged 22 years. He was the youngest of the fallen from this town.
John M. Forbes, sergeant, Company C, Thirty-fourth Regi- ment, Massachusetts Volunteers, died at Salsbury, N. C., Janu- ary 13, 1865, aged 26 years. He was born and educated in the East School District, was a brave soldier, was taken prisoner and inhumanly used in prison. His comrades can testify to his gal- lantry and to the nobility of his character. His word was as good as his bond. His mother and only sister are with us to-day.
Ferdinand Andrews, corporal, Company D, Twenty-fifth Reg- iment, Massachusetts Volunteers, who came home with his com- pany at the expiration of three years enlistment, but too sick and feeble to receive a discharge with his comrades, died in the service of his country November 26, 1864, aged 26. His hon- ored dust rests in yonder cemetery, where you, ex-soldiers and citizens of Boylston, can decorate his grave with flowers and drop a tear in remembrance of the aforesaid comrades who rest in unmarked and unknown graves, and whose names are cut upon this tablet.
Gentlemen, Selectmen, I now present this Memorial Tablet,
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BOYLSTON CENTENNIAL.
through you to the town of Boylston. placed in your Town Hall, you to cherish it as a tribute of honor to those valiant men who fell in defense of the unity of our government.
At the close of Mr. Cotting's remarks the band played the Soldiers Funeral Hymn, and prayer was offered by Rev. George S. Ball, of Upton. The tablet was then accepted by Mr. Augus- tus Flagg, in behalf of the town, who said :
Mr. Cotting : In behalf of the town of Boylston we accept the Tablet presented by you, and we thank you heartily for this munificent gift. Indeed, if it is possible to express our feelings in stronger language, we are grateful, all the more so because it has been given by one who was formerly one of our highly re- spected citizens, and who has always taken a deep interest in the welfare and well-being of our town ; all the more so because your name is inscribed, with those of our fallen heroes. The inscrip- tions engraved upon this beautiful tablet are highly suggestive,- They will tell to future generations more than any historian has ever written ; it tells more than any historian can ever write It tells of self-forgetting, of unbounded consecration and supreme devotion to our beloved country. It speaks of sacrifices made by fathers and mothers, by wives and children. It tells of the sacrifices of those who left their homes never to return. It tells of sufferings in camp and on the march, on the battle-field and in prison. Again, sir, we thank you for your benevolence, and patriotism, and be assured if any of us survive you when we are gathered on Memorial Day to scatter flowers over the graves of our fallen comrades your grave will not be forgotten.
Mr. Lyman S. Walker spoke for the Grand Army :
Mr. Chairman, Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen :- A pleasant task devolves upon me to-day, and I would that I had language to portray my feelings upon this occasion.
In behalf of the Comrades of Boylston, I am called upon to accept the beautiful Tablet, with the names of all the deceased Soldiers inscribed thereon, presented to the Town by a former
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BOYLSTON CENTENNIAL.
citizen. A noble deed, and one which will endear him to every living comrade. An act which will cause his name to be loved and cherished by many yet unborn, years after his remains lie mouldering in the dust. The mother of the boy who died in the great cause, and whose name is inscribed upon the Tablet, will look upon it, and receive comfort from it.
The widow whose husband died that the nation might live, may point her fatherless boy to his father's name that he may derive fresh supplies of patriotic inspiration from it.
Old age and lisping childhood may visit this Memorial, and be inspired by its solemn teachings ; and there, in the eternal mar- ble shall those names remain, growing brighter and brighter as the years recede.
Of all the names mentioned on this Tablet, I was acquainted with only one, that one was John Forbes ; he belonged to the same Regiment and Company, and I knew him well; I knew him as a true and brave man ; a man who was strictly temperate in his habits, ever faithful in his duty, and a great lover of home. I can remember how his eyes would sparkle when a message came from home, and also how sad he would look when he received none. On a beautiful day in Oct. 1864, when nature shone in all its beauty through the Shenandoah Valley, we were encamped near Cedar Creek. Some were writing letters home, others reading, and some passing away the time with a game of whist, and, as we supposed, all was going on smoothly, when a shell exploded in our midst, and all was changed, as in the twinkling of an eye. We hurried into line, and went forth to fight, and do our duty.
Our Regiment was badly cut up, and many fell to rise no more. John Forbes was taken prisoner, and I never saw him again. I . was told by another comrade that he was carried to the hospital, and a few days later he there looked upon his lifeless corpse in a nude state ; he now lies in an unknown grave. This is but one case of the many thousands who died that the country might live.
Comrades, we are called upon to-day to guard and protect this Tablet. Let no man dare bring reproach upon these names inscribed thereon.
They had their vices, also their virtues ; let him that is per- fect cast the first stone. Now to you Mr. Chairman, and to you,
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BOYLSTON CENTENNIAL.
the donor of this beautiful Tablet, I would say in behalf of the comrades, we will guard it well, we will guard it while we live. and will endeavor to teach our posterity, as they look upon it from time to time, to be true to their country and the old flag ; and when the great nation for which they died shall finally have achieved its full mission, and there shall be no spot upon the face of the globe where the equality of man is not recognized. the names of these men inscribed upon the brightest rolls of thns world's history, shall challenge the admiration of all the ages. That this may be so, we devotedly pray ; that it SHALL be so, we pledge ourselves.
THE LITERARY EXERCISES.
The procession then reformed and marched to the tent, where the literary exercises took place. Meanwhile people had assem- bled in crowds, and the common and the tents presented a lively appearance everywhere ; old residents were meeting and welcom- ing each other.
Among the older persons present were Abel Farwell, 95, and Ezra Ball, 91, both 1812 veterans, and Luther Brigham, 86, all residents of the town ; Mrs. W. H. Sanford, of Worcester, widow of a former pastor, and Mrs. Andrew Bigelow, widow of an old pastor, now of Southborough, and a daughter of Hon. Marshall P. Wilder.
On a table in the tent was a collection of photographs of the Bush family, with an ideal view of the old family residence ; Col. Jotham Bush, his wife, son and brothers, and a number of their descendants were included in the frame, which proved of the greatest interest to many old residents. Dr. William A. Hol- combe of New York. a grandson of Col. Bush, arranged the group.
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BOYLSTON CENTENNIAL.
Hon. Phinehas Ball presided in the tent. The exercises took place in the following order :
Music by the Band.
Invocation and Prayer by the Rev. Israel Ainsworth.
Reading of the Scriptures by the Rev. Henry S. Kimball.
Reading of the Act of Incorporatlon by
Henry H. Brigham, Esq., Town Clerk.
Singing of the LXXVIII Psalm by the audience.
The President in introducing the Orator of the Day said :
Ladies and Gentlemen, Citizens of Boylston, Fellow Kin- dred and Invited Guests :- We assemble to-day in obedience to one of the deepest instincts of the human heart-that of the love of home-in response to the tender, the enduring and sacred memory of one's birthplace. For it matters not whether we first saw light and were taught to lisp our mother tongue amid the scenery and bloom of a second edition of the Garden of Eden, or in the humble cottage nestling amid the rocks and woods untouched by the hand of man ; the warm impulses of our hearts cherish with lasting emotion the vivid recollection of those early scenes, and those of our nearest kindred, who shared and enjoyed and bore with us our early lot. To cease from our ordinary cares and labors, and to bring back the memories of these early scenes ; to greet again the friends and associates of our youth among the living, or to make up the soul's mementoes of the larger number of early companions and kin among the dead ; to renew old friendships, to be introduced to the children and grand-children of the fathers and mothers whom we knew. To these ends let us dedicate and consecrate these few hours.
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