Fifty-five Years Married
submitted by Sally F. Nelson
|
[July 1921] - It is very seldom that a couple lives together
fifty-five years as have Mr. and Mrs. Alfred P. Austin of East Skowhegan.
They recently celebrated their fifty-fifth anniversary at Lake George.
Many friends and most of their children, grand-children and great grandchildren were present. It was a day that will long be remembered. A picnic lunch was served consisting of ice cream, cakes, pies, and
soft drinks. The afternoon was enjoyed by dancing and music including
piano, banjo and violin. Mr. and Mrs. Austin were married in Embden
June 24, 1866, and to this union nineteen children were born. The first
born was Lilla F., who died at the age of one year, nine months and seven days. Alfred Jr., died at the age of three years and others died in infancy, there being eleven alive. They are Mrs. Ella F. Raymond, of East Skowhegan, Willie B., of Hinckley, George E., of Norridgewock, Elmer
C., of Canaan, Harry W., of Parkman, Mrs. Jennie E. Dillingham of Skowhegan, Mrs. Bertha M. Chipman of Hartland, Lester S., of Waterville, Mrs.
Sadie A. Harmon of Skowhegan, Ruel E., and John G. Austin who reside at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Austin seemed to be as young as any one and enjoyed every moment of the time. Although Mr. Austin is eighty years old and Mrs. Austin is 73, it is hardly to be believed. One could hardly realize a man of his age. He is able to do as much work as some of the younger ones. His garden is among the best where this property sets. He can talk on any subject and can designate any verse in the bible. He can tell many things that happened in his younger days. It can be recalled that he walked two miles and cut two cords of wood a day, doing this for weeks when the weather was below zero. Mr. Austin was born December 2, 1839 on the place where he has lived the most of his life. Also the most of his children were born there as were some of his grand children. Mrs. Austin was, before her marriage, Miss Laura A. Delling and was born in Embden June 6, 1848. She was the granddaughter of Richard R., and Polly (Kent) Delling with whom she had always lived until her marriage. They resided in Embden for a time, then in North Anson and Madison moving to their family home where they now reside on March 20th, 1872. It can be truly said that Mr. and Mrs. Austin have been very hard working people and it is hoped that they might live to enjoy their sixtieth anniversary. |
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