"The Highland Weekly News" Hillsboro, Ohio, April 13, 1876, Image 1
A Remarkable Family Reunion
Leesburg, April 8, 1876
One of those events in life, which come flitting across our pathway occasionally, like a gleam of sunshine, took place today at the residence of Mr. H. H. Huff, one-fourth mile south of this place.
It was the 78th birthday and 58th wedding day anniversary of his mother, Mrs. Sidney Huff. The children, grandchildren and neighbors had had the matter in hand for some time arranging for a surprise
visit and dinner, a new style of observing such occasions, that is becoming very popular in this part of the country, especially among the Quakers, with whom I believe the custom originated.
It is almost impossible to arrange and carry out the preliminaries for such an extensive affair, and keep it from becoming known to the party in whose honor it is gotten up. In this case, a suspicion had
been had by the old lady, of what was intended, but the arrangements were so far beyond her expectations, that the surprise after all was very complete, and as the carriages and buggies came rolling
up to the door, at about 10 o'clock A.M. their occupants greeting her with congratulations and wishes for continued health and added years, her feelings can be more easily imagined than described.
Although the number of children, grandchildren and invited guests present gave the assemblage somewhat more of a young appearance than one would expect to see on such occasions, there were
quite a number of old people; two aged 84 and nine over 70, while of these sixty and upward, there was quite a number.
At one o'clock, the company was summoned to the dining room and after being seated, Mr. Allen Terrell read in a clear and distinct manner the marriage certificate of James and Sidney Huff and a
letter from James Hadley and wife of Dublin, Indiana, who could not be present, but sent their congratulations, etc. This letter was the most interesting document of the kind I have ever read and I regret
that its length will not permit of its publication.
The blessing was invoked by Mr. M. Redkey, after which the attention of those seated was called to the dainty viands, so bountifully provided. About 60 persons partook and an abundance was left untouched.
I should like to give a description of the dinner, but, like the man whose ashes were spilled out of his cart, I can't do justice to the subject. I have something like a kaleidoscopic recollection of chicken,
turkey, Ham, corned beef, minch pie, pickles, float, cheese, currant pie, coffee, custards, jam, tomatoes, jelly cake, milk, pound cake, fruit cake and every other kind of cake that has ever been invented, the
whole reflecting the greatest credit on the ladies and forever establishing their reputations in that line. The aged parents were seated in the centre, flanked on either side by those whose ages or relationship
entitled them. At the left of the old lady was seated her only living brother, and at the right of the venerable father his only surviving sister.
I will remark, just here, that the most perfect system and order was observed during the day, from the reception of the guests until their departure for home, and the family and relations seemed to vie with
each other in making it pleasant for each and every one present.
The time-stained marriage certificate was the object of much curiosity. It states that "James Huff and Sidney Wright were married in Fairfield Meeting, on the eighth day of the fourth month, in the year of our
Lord one shousand and eighteen, according to the form prescribed by the Discipline of the Society of Friends, etc. The names of fifty-one persons are attached as witnesses, of whom, so far as is known, but three
are not living.
Mrs. Sidney Huff, whose maiden name was Wright, was born in Jefferson County, Tennessee on the 8th day of April, 1798, and came to Ohio in 1801. The family stopped a few months at the Falls of Paint,
where her father and one sister died. They then moved to near where the village of South Salem now stands. After a year or two they bought land on Hardin's Creek and removed there where the mother,
Hannah Wright, died at the age of 96.
James Huff was born in Surrey County, North Carolina October 19, 1793, and is, therefore, in his 83rd year. Of eleven children, four only are living and they, together with their children were present. Of four
great-grandchildren, two were present today.
The afternoon was spent socially, each one hunting up some old acquaintance of new found friend or spending the time according to inclination. I noticed a staid Professor whoce chief pleasure seemed to be
in rocking babies. I take it for granted that he is inclined that way.
Among those present from a distance we note Mr. Benjamin Trueblood, President of the Wilmington College, Mr. and Mrs. Hockett and Mr. and Mrs. Marble, also of Wilmington.
The occasion will no doubt be productive for good. The friendships renewed, the friendly visits to be made and the spirit of greater sociability among neighbors, which has been instilled, will, we hope, be
cultivated and kept warm in the heart.
Of the one for whom this delightful occasion was intended especially, let us say:
Age sits with decent grace upon her visage,
And worthily becomes her silver locks;
She wears the marks of many years well spent,
Of virtue, truth well tried, and wise experience;
J.W.B.
Furnished by Marianna Kerns Morgan 9/27/2016
A Remarkable Family Reunion
Leesburg, April 8, 1876
One of those events in life, which come flitting across our pathway occasionally, like a gleam of sunshine, took place today at the residence of Mr. H. H. Huff, one-fourth mile south of this place.
It was the 78th birthday and 58th wedding day anniversary of his mother, Mrs. Sidney Huff. The children, grandchildren and neighbors had had the matter in hand for some time arranging for a surprise
visit and dinner, a new style of observing such occasions, that is becoming very popular in this part of the country, especially among the Quakers, with whom I believe the custom originated.
It is almost impossible to arrange and carry out the preliminaries for such an extensive affair, and keep it from becoming known to the party in whose honor it is gotten up. In this case, a suspicion had
been had by the old lady, of what was intended, but the arrangements were so far beyond her expectations, that the surprise after all was very complete, and as the carriages and buggies came rolling
up to the door, at about 10 o'clock A.M. their occupants greeting her with congratulations and wishes for continued health and added years, her feelings can be more easily imagined than described.
Although the number of children, grandchildren and invited guests present gave the assemblage somewhat more of a young appearance than one would expect to see on such occasions, there were
quite a number of old people; two aged 84 and nine over 70, while of these sixty and upward, there was quite a number.
At one o'clock, the company was summoned to the dining room and after being seated, Mr. Allen Terrell read in a clear and distinct manner the marriage certificate of James and Sidney Huff and a
letter from James Hadley and wife of Dublin, Indiana, who could not be present, but sent their congratulations, etc. This letter was the most interesting document of the kind I have ever read and I regret
that its length will not permit of its publication.
The blessing was invoked by Mr. M. Redkey, after which the attention of those seated was called to the dainty viands, so bountifully provided. About 60 persons partook and an abundance was left untouched.
I should like to give a description of the dinner, but, like the man whose ashes were spilled out of his cart, I can't do justice to the subject. I have something like a kaleidoscopic recollection of chicken,
turkey, Ham, corned beef, minch pie, pickles, float, cheese, currant pie, coffee, custards, jam, tomatoes, jelly cake, milk, pound cake, fruit cake and every other kind of cake that has ever been invented, the
whole reflecting the greatest credit on the ladies and forever establishing their reputations in that line. The aged parents were seated in the centre, flanked on either side by those whose ages or relationship
entitled them. At the left of the old lady was seated her only living brother, and at the right of the venerable father his only surviving sister.
I will remark, just here, that the most perfect system and order was observed during the day, from the reception of the guests until their departure for home, and the family and relations seemed to vie with
each other in making it pleasant for each and every one present.
The time-stained marriage certificate was the object of much curiosity. It states that "James Huff and Sidney Wright were married in Fairfield Meeting, on the eighth day of the fourth month, in the year of our
Lord one shousand and eighteen, according to the form prescribed by the Discipline of the Society of Friends, etc. The names of fifty-one persons are attached as witnesses, of whom, so far as is known, but three
are not living.
Mrs. Sidney Huff, whose maiden name was Wright, was born in Jefferson County, Tennessee on the 8th day of April, 1798, and came to Ohio in 1801. The family stopped a few months at the Falls of Paint,
where her father and one sister died. They then moved to near where the village of South Salem now stands. After a year or two they bought land on Hardin's Creek and removed there where the mother,
Hannah Wright, died at the age of 96.
James Huff was born in Surrey County, North Carolina October 19, 1793, and is, therefore, in his 83rd year. Of eleven children, four only are living and they, together with their children were present. Of four
great-grandchildren, two were present today.
The afternoon was spent socially, each one hunting up some old acquaintance of new found friend or spending the time according to inclination. I noticed a staid Professor whoce chief pleasure seemed to be
in rocking babies. I take it for granted that he is inclined that way.
Among those present from a distance we note Mr. Benjamin Trueblood, President of the Wilmington College, Mr. and Mrs. Hockett and Mr. and Mrs. Marble, also of Wilmington.
The occasion will no doubt be productive for good. The friendships renewed, the friendly visits to be made and the spirit of greater sociability among neighbors, which has been instilled, will, we hope, be
cultivated and kept warm in the heart.
Of the one for whom this delightful occasion was intended especially, let us say:
Age sits with decent grace upon her visage,
And worthily becomes her silver locks;
She wears the marks of many years well spent,
Of virtue, truth well tried, and wise experience;
J.W.B.
Furnished by Marianna Kerns Morgan 9/27/2016
"The Highland Weekly News" Hillsboro, Ohio, April 13, 1876, Image 1
A Remarkable Family Reunion
Leesburg, April 8, 1876
One of those events in life, which come flitting across our pathway occasionally, like a gleam of sunshine, took place today at the residence of Mr. H. H. Huff, one-fourth mile south of this place.
It was the 78th birthday and 58th wedding day anniversary of his mother, Mrs. Sidney Huff. The children, grandchildren and neighbors had had the matter in hand for some time arranging for a surprise
visit and dinner, a new style of observing such occasions, that is becoming very popular in this part of the country, especially among the Quakers, with whom I believe the custom originated.
It is almost impossible to arrange and carry out the preliminaries for such an extensive affair, and keep it from becoming known to the party in whose honor it is gotten up. In this case, a suspicion had
been had by the old lady, of what was intended, but the arrangements were so far beyond her expectations, that the surprise after all was very complete, and as the carriages and buggies came rolling
up to the door, at about 10 o'clock A.M. their occupants greeting her with congratulations and wishes for continued health and added years, her feelings can be more easily imagined than described.
Although the number of children, grandchildren and invited guests present gave the assemblage somewhat more of a young appearance than one would expect to see on such occasions, there were
quite a number of old people; two aged 84 and nine over 70, while of these sixty and upward, there was quite a number.
At one o'clock, the company was summoned to the dining room and after being seated, Mr. Allen Terrell read in a clear and distinct manner the marriage certificate of James and Sidney Huff and a
letter from James Hadley and wife of Dublin, Indiana, who could not be present, but sent their congratulations, etc. This letter was the most interesting document of the kind I have ever read and I regret
that its length will not permit of its publication.
The blessing was invoked by Mr. M. Redkey, after which the attention of those seated was called to the dainty viands, so bountifully provided. About 60 persons partook and an abundance was left untouched.
I should like to give a description of the dinner, but, like the man whose ashes were spilled out of his cart, I can't do justice to the subject. I have something like a kaleidoscopic recollection of chicken,
turkey, Ham, corned beef, minch pie, pickles, float, cheese, currant pie, coffee, custards, jam, tomatoes, jelly cake, milk, pound cake, fruit cake and every other kind of cake that has ever been invented, the
whole reflecting the greatest credit on the ladies and forever establishing their reputations in that line. The aged parents were seated in the centre, flanked on either side by those whose ages or relationship
entitled them. At the left of the old lady was seated her only living brother, and at the right of the venerable father his only surviving sister.
I will remark, just here, that the most perfect system and order was observed during the day, from the reception of the guests until their departure for home, and the family and relations seemed to vie with
each other in making it pleasant for each and every one present.
The time-stained marriage certificate was the object of much curiosity. It states that "James Huff and Sidney Wright were married in Fairfield Meeting, on the eighth day of the fourth month, in the year of our
Lord one shousand and eighteen, according to the form prescribed by the Discipline of the Society of Friends, etc. The names of fifty-one persons are attached as witnesses, of whom, so far as is known, but three
are not living.
Mrs. Sidney Huff, whose maiden name was Wright, was born in Jefferson County, Tennessee on the 8th day of April, 1798, and came to Ohio in 1801. The family stopped a few months at the Falls of Paint,
where her father and one sister died. They then moved to near where the village of South Salem now stands. After a year or two they bought land on Hardin's Creek and removed there where the mother,
Hannah Wright, died at the age of 96.
James Huff was born in Surrey County, North Carolina October 19, 1793, and is, therefore, in his 83rd year. Of eleven children, four only are living and they, together with their children were present. Of four
great-grandchildren, two were present today.
The afternoon was spent socially, each one hunting up some old acquaintance of new found friend or spending the time according to inclination. I noticed a staid Professor whoce chief pleasure seemed to be
in rocking babies. I take it for granted that he is inclined that way.
Among those present from a distance we note Mr. Benjamin Trueblood, President of the Wilmington College, Mr. and Mrs. Hockett and Mr. and Mrs. Marble, also of Wilmington.
The occasion will no doubt be productive for good. The friendships renewed, the friendly visits to be made and the spirit of greater sociability among neighbors, which has been instilled, will, we hope, be
cultivated and kept warm in the heart.
Of the one for whom this delightful occasion was intended especially, let us say:
Age sits with decent grace upon her visage,
And worthily becomes her silver locks;
She wears the marks of many years well spent,
Of virtue, truth well tried, and wise experience;
J.W.B.
Furnished by Marianna Kerns Morgan 9/27/2016
A Remarkable Family Reunion
Leesburg, April 8, 1876
One of those events in life, which come flitting across our pathway occasionally, like a gleam of sunshine, took place today at the residence of Mr. H. H. Huff, one-fourth mile south of this place.
It was the 78th birthday and 58th wedding day anniversary of his mother, Mrs. Sidney Huff. The children, grandchildren and neighbors had had the matter in hand for some time arranging for a surprise
visit and dinner, a new style of observing such occasions, that is becoming very popular in this part of the country, especially among the Quakers, with whom I believe the custom originated.
It is almost impossible to arrange and carry out the preliminaries for such an extensive affair, and keep it from becoming known to the party in whose honor it is gotten up. In this case, a suspicion had
been had by the old lady, of what was intended, but the arrangements were so far beyond her expectations, that the surprise after all was very complete, and as the carriages and buggies came rolling
up to the door, at about 10 o'clock A.M. their occupants greeting her with congratulations and wishes for continued health and added years, her feelings can be more easily imagined than described.
Although the number of children, grandchildren and invited guests present gave the assemblage somewhat more of a young appearance than one would expect to see on such occasions, there were
quite a number of old people; two aged 84 and nine over 70, while of these sixty and upward, there was quite a number.
At one o'clock, the company was summoned to the dining room and after being seated, Mr. Allen Terrell read in a clear and distinct manner the marriage certificate of James and Sidney Huff and a
letter from James Hadley and wife of Dublin, Indiana, who could not be present, but sent their congratulations, etc. This letter was the most interesting document of the kind I have ever read and I regret
that its length will not permit of its publication.
The blessing was invoked by Mr. M. Redkey, after which the attention of those seated was called to the dainty viands, so bountifully provided. About 60 persons partook and an abundance was left untouched.
I should like to give a description of the dinner, but, like the man whose ashes were spilled out of his cart, I can't do justice to the subject. I have something like a kaleidoscopic recollection of chicken,
turkey, Ham, corned beef, minch pie, pickles, float, cheese, currant pie, coffee, custards, jam, tomatoes, jelly cake, milk, pound cake, fruit cake and every other kind of cake that has ever been invented, the
whole reflecting the greatest credit on the ladies and forever establishing their reputations in that line. The aged parents were seated in the centre, flanked on either side by those whose ages or relationship
entitled them. At the left of the old lady was seated her only living brother, and at the right of the venerable father his only surviving sister.
I will remark, just here, that the most perfect system and order was observed during the day, from the reception of the guests until their departure for home, and the family and relations seemed to vie with
each other in making it pleasant for each and every one present.
The time-stained marriage certificate was the object of much curiosity. It states that "James Huff and Sidney Wright were married in Fairfield Meeting, on the eighth day of the fourth month, in the year of our
Lord one shousand and eighteen, according to the form prescribed by the Discipline of the Society of Friends, etc. The names of fifty-one persons are attached as witnesses, of whom, so far as is known, but three
are not living.
Mrs. Sidney Huff, whose maiden name was Wright, was born in Jefferson County, Tennessee on the 8th day of April, 1798, and came to Ohio in 1801. The family stopped a few months at the Falls of Paint,
where her father and one sister died. They then moved to near where the village of South Salem now stands. After a year or two they bought land on Hardin's Creek and removed there where the mother,
Hannah Wright, died at the age of 96.
James Huff was born in Surrey County, North Carolina October 19, 1793, and is, therefore, in his 83rd year. Of eleven children, four only are living and they, together with their children were present. Of four
great-grandchildren, two were present today.
The afternoon was spent socially, each one hunting up some old acquaintance of new found friend or spending the time according to inclination. I noticed a staid Professor whoce chief pleasure seemed to be
in rocking babies. I take it for granted that he is inclined that way.
Among those present from a distance we note Mr. Benjamin Trueblood, President of the Wilmington College, Mr. and Mrs. Hockett and Mr. and Mrs. Marble, also of Wilmington.
The occasion will no doubt be productive for good. The friendships renewed, the friendly visits to be made and the spirit of greater sociability among neighbors, which has been instilled, will, we hope, be
cultivated and kept warm in the heart.
Of the one for whom this delightful occasion was intended especially, let us say:
Age sits with decent grace upon her visage,
And worthily becomes her silver locks;
She wears the marks of many years well spent,
Of virtue, truth well tried, and wise experience;
J.W.B.
Furnished by Marianna Kerns Morgan 9/27/2016
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