The Willimantic Chronicle,

McDonald & Safford, Editors and Publishers.

1. Wed Dec 3 1879: Willimantic Chronicle. Published every Wednesday. McDonald & Safford, Editors and Publishers. Office, Hall's Block, Main & Union Sts. Terms:--$1.50 a Year payable in Advance. All postage will be paid by the publishers. Yearly advertising accounts payable quarterly. Transient advertisements must be paid for in advance. New Advertisements must be handed in on Tuesday to ensure insertion. Advertising rates made known on application.
All correspondence should be addressed to The Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn.

2. Wed Dec 3 1879: Willimantic Churches.
Congregational--Corner of Valley and Walnut streets. Sunday service at 10:45 a.m. Sunday School at noon. Prayer meeting on Thursday evening. Rev. Horace Winslow, pastor.
Baptist--Corner of Union and Temple Sts. Sunday service at 2 p.m. Sunday school at noon. Prayer meeting on Thursday evening. Rev. G.W. Holman, pastor.
Methodist Episcopal--Church street. Sunday service at 2 p.m. Sunday school at noon. Prayer meeting on Thursday evening. Rev. A.J. Church, D.D. pastor.
St. Joseph's Catholic--Jackson Street. Morning services at 8 and 10:30; afternoon at 4. Sunday school at 2 p.m. Rev. Florimond DeBruycker, Pastor.

3. Wed Dec 3 1879: Locals.
How do you like it?
We had beautiful weather for Thanksgiving day and had a quiet day in town.
Correspondents are requested to send in their favors as early in the week as possible, and thereby greatly oblige the editors, the pressman and the devil.
Carroll B. Adams, who is attending a Dental college in New York, was in town over Thanksgiving.
E.C. Potter is confined to his house by illness.
Mr. Geo. Tiffany has opened a wholesale meat market on North street.
Graeco-Roman wrestling is becoming popular among the young athletes of the town.
Mr. J.T. Tracy has accepted a situation as book-keeper in a Fairhaven firm.
The firm of W.G. & A.R. Morrison is driven with orders for new silk machinery. Their excellent work explains it.
Capt. Chappel's company proposes giving a grand military ball at an early date.
We send out a number of sample copies of this number of the Chronicle. Those receiving them will consider it an invitation to subscribe.

4. Wed Dec 3 1879: Our genial friend S.B. Lyman now has charge of the store at Hop River. It is rumored that there is to be a post office established at that place.

5. Wed Dec 3 1879: The band of snuff chewers which occupies our Main street entrance evenings, left a package of snuff on the steps last Thursday night. They can have it by proving property and paying for this notice. They will oblige us by "dipping" elsewhere in the future.

6. Wed Dec 3 1879: Dr. I.B. Gallup was the first man to hand in $1.50 for the Chronicle for 1880.

7. Wed Dec 3 1879: Mr. F.H. Shaffer of this village has a German Bible printed in Zurich in 1724. The book has been in the family ever since it was originally purchased in Germany, and is highly valued by Mr. Shaffer.

8. Wed Dec 3 1879: Rev. Horace Winslow preached at the Baptist church last Sunday, Rev. G.W. Holman being absent from town.

9. Wed Dec 3 1879: A good show-case about seven feet long for sale cheap. Enquire at the Albany Laundry, Franklin Building.

10. Wed Dec 3 1879: Of course if the Journal says it is to be the largest and best paper in Eastern Connecticut, it must be so. But we would like to have the people compare and try before they buy.

11. Wed Dec 3 1879: The veteran music teacher, Prof. Amos A. Hall of this village, is teaching a singing school at Mansfield "City." The school numbers about 50 pupils, and Mr. Hall speaks in the highest terms of the progress of his pupils. The school is held in a house belonging to Mr. E.C. Pike.

12. Wed Dec 3 1879: Mr. James Haggerty has just received an addition to his museum in the shape of some fine specimens of Cheyenne Indian handiwork on beaded moccasins and quiver, and some steel pointed arrows from a friend in that part of the country.

13. Wed Dec 3 1879: As the Chronicle takes the place of the Enterprise the new paper takes up the volume and number where the old one laid it down, Vol III, No. 48. $1.50 a year and no questions asked.

14. Wed Dec 3 1879: Connecticut has been divided into districts for taking the census next year. The first comprises Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties; the second, Hartford, Middlesex, New London, Tolland, and Windham Counties.

15. Wed Dec 3 1879: Last Saturday evening a company of invited guests assembled, through the invitation of Landlord Sanderson, in the spacious parlors of the Brainard House to listen to a fine musical concert from Professor M. Case. The selections were finely rendered and received a hearty encore from all present on the occasion.

16. Wed Dec 3 1879: Chester Tilden, who has been laid up with a bad sprain of the ankle, is rapidly recovering.

17. Wed Dec 3 1879: At Atwell's Avenue bridge in Providence on Thursday, a special train on the N.Y. & N.E. railroad run into a hand car, killing Michael McGrath and John Noon. Both men leave large families.

18. Wed Dec 3 1879: A.D. Bottum, formerly with C.L. Bottum, of Conantville, has entered into partnership with Mr. Morgan of So. Coventry for the manufacture of silk.

19. Wed Dec 3 1879: The ensuing year, 1880, will be rather peculiar as regards its holidays, three of which will occur on Sundays, namely, Washington's Birthday, Decoration Day and July Fourth. There will be six eclipses during the year, four of the sun and two of the moon, but only one of them--a partial eclipse of the sun, December 31, 1880--will be visible here.

20. Wed Dec 3 1879: We would advise our readers who are desirous of getting the latest Saturday news, and who want a good Sunday paper, in all respects unexceptionable, and filled with interesting and instructive matter, to purchase the New Haven Sunday Register, which is sold each Sunday morning on our streets by Chas. Sweet. The Register, both the week-day and Sunday edition, is one of the best papers published in Connecticut.

21. Wed Dec 3 1879: The large clusters of white grapes which are now exhibited for sale by our confectioners, come from Malaga, Spain, whence it takes them over thirty days to reach this country. They are packed in cork dust, in small hard wood half barrels, and reach us in almost as fresh condition as when picked. They are shipped from Spain to England and thence by steamer.

22. Wed Dec 3 1879: The November Term of the Superior Court for this County, Judge Carpenter presiding, adjourned the week before Thanksgiving till the fifteenth of this month, when the jury will again come in and jury cases be taken up. The first case assigned for trial is Harlin Canadas' appeal from the probate of the will of Erastus Canada by the Probate Court for the district of Chaplin. This is an interesting case and consumed some five days in the hearing before the Probate Court. Two wills are brought forward and the question is which is the will, which should be probated.

23. Wed Dec 3 1879: The wires of the Rapid Transit Telegraph Company are being stretched along the line, and soon we shall be able to transmit messages at a much more reasonable rate than at present. It was generally rumored that this company had been bought up by the Western Union, and that the enterprise would not be pushed further, but we are glad to see the thing pushed through. This is an erroneous idea, we are glad to learn. The line forms direct communication from Boston to New York.

24. Wed Dec 3 1879: Mr. M. Case, the well known guitarist and comical vocalist, will give an entertainment in Excelsior hall, on Friday evening, of this week.

25. Wed Dec 3 1879: Our young people have secured the services of Prof. Miller, of Norwich, to conduct a dancing school here. Mr. Miller is one of the best and most popular teachers in the country.

26. Wed Dec 3 1879: The dance at South Windham Thanksgiving night, as usual, was a great success in point of numbers, and an enjoyable time is reported. The attendants from this section returned early--in the morning.

27. Wed Dec 3 1879: The Willimantic Linen Co. are receiving a large number of brick for the construction of a new picker house at mill No. 3. Machinery is being placed in the new addition to the old mill which has recently been completed.

28. Wed Dec 3 1879: The wedding chimes sounded again in our midst Thanksgiving evening, when the marriage of E. Leroy Abel to Miss Lydia Y. Hatch, at the bride's house in South Windham, took place. Rev. Frank Thompson officiated. Long life, and happiness is the wish of their many friends.

29. Wed Dec 1879: John K. Hammond of South Coventry (formerly of the firm of Hammond & Palmer of this village) was thrown from a wagon on Thanksgiving day and broke his leg. Dr. Sweet was called and reduced the fracture.

30. Wed Dec 3 1879: Dr. E.P. Banning of New York will be at the Brainard House from Friday Dec. 5th until the following Monday night. Office hours as usual. All suffering from spinal affections or female weaknesses are invited to call and examine his braces and trusses.

31. Wed Dec 3 1879: Our Warden, Mr. Roderick Davison and Mr. Amos Bill while out inspecting the street lamps, were thrown from their wagon in passing from Valley to Meadow street last night. Fortunately they were not much injured, the horse not being inclined to run. The street lamps burn dimly.

32. Wed Dec 3 1879: Frank W. Barber of Baltic drove off an embankment in Hampton in the darkness of last evening, and was thrown from the wagon. The horse went on, and an all night's search failed to gain any tidings of his whereabouts. There were two dogs and a gun in the wagon when it went over. Any one hearing of a stray team will confer a favor by communicating with the owner.

33. Wed Dec 3 1879: The East Great Plain school committee (Norwich) exculpate Gilbert Lamb, Jr., the teacher, from blame in the case of the girl Marion Pierce, who died recently, as alleged from injuries at his hands. The probability is that the cause of death was some injury sustained subsequent to the school room scene.

34. Wed Dec 3 1879: Mansfield.
Our young people are making good progress in the musical art. They have an opportunity of attending two singing schools each week. One is held at the City every Saturday evening, under the direction of Prof. Amos Hall, of Willimantic, while C.W. Turner teaches the Gurleyville musically inclined, every Thursday evening.
In spite of the extreme severity of the weather, the social at Albert Storrs', Spring Hill on the evening of Nov. 21, was well attended by young people from various parts of the town, and a very pleasant occasion was experienced by all.
The wooden gate posts, which from time immemorial, have stood at the entrance of the old cemetery at the Street, are being replaced by nice, substantial granite ones.
Now we are enjoying a course of four lectures at the Gurleyville church. The first one was given last Tuesday evening, Nov. 25, by Rev. S. McBurney on "Man and his Work." The others will be delivered as follows: Dec. 2, Rev. Richard Povey, "What will Mr. & Mrs. Grumble & Co. say." Dec. 23, Rev. Hugh Montgomery, "Vim." Dec, Rev. M.J. Megs, "Love, Courtship and Marriage." All, no doubt, will be entertaining and instructive, and improve the church finance. Course tickets are 50 cents each. Admission to single lecture 20 cents.
Union service was held on Thanksgiving day by the North Congregational, Baptist and Methodist churches at the Baptist church, Spring Hill. Rev. Dr. Bronson of Putnam, preached a very interesting sermon to a good sized audience. He will also, it is understood, preach on Sunday at the same place.
Rev. James Tregaskis, the Methodist pastor, who is out of health, is spending his vacation in Philadelphia.
Mrs. Tift, a widow whose husband formerly owned a farm at Spring Hill, has returned to that village and taken rooms in the house of Mrs. S. Seagraves. She, for a time, was with her daughter in Willimantic.
Geo. B. Freemand, Spring Hill, recently disposed of thirteen acres of wood land, a steam sawmill has been placed on the lot. Willimantic parties are doing the cutting and sawing, and David Snow the teaming.
Geo. P. Lincoln, the Andover "Intemperance" lecturer, recently spoke at Gurleyville.
We recently had occasion to call at the Spring Hill post office, Dea. N. Boynton postmaster, and found the Dea. had fitted up his office quite in city style. The room is of good size, and a neat railing gives the mail assorters an opportunity to work without molestation. A letter box with a neat "shingle" has been placed on the outer door, and a larger shingle informs the public that a postoffice is within.
Geo. B. Armstrong, who was injured at the Street, recently, by the overturning of his wagon is gradually recovering.
Jefferson Dunham's new house at Gurleyville, and Mr. Ney's south of the Street, are being rapidly brought towards completion.
Our manufactures are doing well. The silk mills are all running on good time. The Eagleville mill is making sheeting on full time, and Merrick and Johnson at the Hollow are rushing the manufacture of thread.

35. Wed Dec 3 1879: North Windham.
Thanksgiving day passed off very quietly in this village. There was quite a family party at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Champlin, about thirty guests being present.
Mr. P.L. Peck and wife spent their Thanksgiving at Norwich with their daughter, Mrs. Hebbard, returning home on Saturday.
E.H. Hall and son are raising their drying house one and one half stories, and laying a quantity of lead pipe.
We are happy to learn that Mr. E. Whitney has so far recovered from his late illness as to be able to labor again.
Several couple from this village attended a select dance at the residence of David Lincoln at Lebanon.
Mr. & Mrs. Fitch Polly have moved back to their old home on the Willimantic road.
We are sorry to hear that Mr. Martin Flint while cutting up his pork in readiness to pack, cut his hand quite severely.
Mr. Mason Bates has just slaughtered two spring pigs, one of which weighed 330 and the other 310 pounds.

36. Wed Dec 3 1879: Columbia.
The funeral of Mrs. Ticknor was attended at the Congregational church at 11 o'clock Friday, and notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather the church was filled with people from this and adjoining towns.

37. Wed Dec 3 1879: Andover.
Mrs. N. Loomis and her daughter, Mrs. Katie Toby of Boston were in town last Monday, and were the guests of Mrs. S. H. Daggett. They have not been in town for nineteen years. She used to visit here quite often when a school girl. She appears as young as ever.
Grandma Walker is in quite feeble health.
Your correspondent took Thanksgiving dinner at Rev. W.C. Walker's.
Mr. N.B. Remington of New Britain was home over Thanksgiving, and seemed to enjoy it.

38. Wed Dec 3 1879: Portland.
Union Thanksgiving services were held in the first Congregational church. Rev. Mr. Netting preached an excellent sermon from the words, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."
Rev. J.F. Spaulding and family have removed to Cambridge, Mass., where he has become rector of a large and prosperous church.
The house recently vacated by Rev. Wm. B. Lee is now occupied by the family of Dr. Ladd of Hartford.
The selectmen have offered a reward of $200 for the conviction of the person or persons who put Paris Green in the barn of Mrs. Solomon B. Edwards, a few weeks ago. A number of animals were poisoned and two cows have died.
The United States Stamping Co. gave out several silver certificates last pay-day, and the merchants refuse to receive them.
Mrs. M. Josephine Warren, assisted by her daughter, Sadie, gave a select reading in Waverly hall, Nov. 25. Mrs. Warren enjoys a high reputation as a public reader and has appeared in the principal cities of the United States with distinguished success. Music for the occasion was furnished by the Portland Glee Club.
George Bell, who has been ill for several weeks is now nearly recovered.

39. Wed Dec 3 1879: Colchester.
The young people of this place are getting married in unusual numbers. Patsey Hallisy and Mary Ann Johnson, Frank Fuller and Theresa Reeves, E. Bitgood and Minnie Lewis were married last week.
Mons. Case gave a very fine entertainment in Gates' hall Thanksgiving evening which was enjoyed by all.
The Colchester Cornet Band serenaded Frank Fuller last Saturday night, and passed some very pleasant hours.
Rev. Bernard O'Riley Sheridan lectured at Gates' hall last Wednesday night. Subject, A Tour through Ireland. The hall was well filled.
Mr. John Rogers who has been suffering so long from a shock is improving.
Geo. Jackson recently surprised all his friends by taking a wife from the fair sex of our town without saying a word to any one about it.

40. Wed Dec 3 1879: Scotland.
There was a good party at the house of Mr. Daniel Carter on Thanksgiving evening. Prof. H.H. Hatch furnished music for the young folks to dance.
But few of our people who have left us for other fields of labor came home to spend Thanksgiving this year. Rev. A. A. Hurd gave us a solid National sermon on that day. About the usual audience was present. The tendency of the age with us, as in other places, is to make Thanksgiving a social rather than a religious festival, but we keep up the good old custom of having church services on that day, and they are usually enjoyed by the few who attend.
Dr. I.B. Gallup of Willimantic has discontinued his daily visits to this place, his constantly extending practice making it necessary for him to devote a portion of his afternoons to his patients in other towns. His price for visits here remains the same as before.
Mrs. Lydia Safford is recovering from her illness.
Repairs on the Congregational church will begin in a few days. The room is to be ceiled overhead and the walls tinted. The fresco work done several years ago has peeled off in many places, making unsightly blotches, and repairs have been contemplated for some time. Wm. H. Latham & Co. of Willimantic have the contract for the Job.
Died.--In Palmer, Kansas, Sept. 5th, Augustus E. Carey, in the 50th year of his age. He was the youngest member of a family of seven, native of Scotland, as was their father, the late Wm. Carey, not one of whom is now remaining in the town. Augustus, some twenty-five years ago, went to Illinois, where he married, built a home, and settled for a period of years, afterwards removing to Kansas.
Born.--On Nov. 27th, a son, Clarence Augustus, to Andrew & Estella Maine.

41. Wed Dec 3 1879: Edward Taylor, dealer in Lumber, Coal, Lime & Cement, Mouldings, Shingles, &c., Milk Street, Willimantic, Conn.

42. Wed Dec 3 1879: The A. & W. Sprague Matters. The extension notes of the old firm of A. & W. Sprague sold last week for fifteen and a half cents, no interest having been paid for over two years. The creditors are getting uneasy and are looking for some way to realize something out of the immense property which is now in the hands of Mr. Chaffee as trustee. It is said that they will apply to the legislature of R.I. for an act of incorporation so that they can manage the property; but against this course the fact is brought up that the attachments on the property operate as such a cloud upon the title that the creditors even by an act of incorporation could not succeed to the property. In the mean time the mills are all running, employing 12,000 hands, and the advance in cloths leaves something of a margin over the cost of manufacture. It looks at least, as if the smaller creditors would be smoked out, leaving the heaviest creditors--banks and probate capitalsts--to make terms with the Spragues, and let the property pass back into their hands. It is the old story repeated, of the big fish swallowing the small fry.

43. Wed Dec 3 1879: State and General News.
The promised shower of shooting stars on Thursday night, did not occur. Either the old comet was lost too much or else we had not got there by Thanksgiving day.
The Hartford Daily Times came out in a new dress Friday night. The Times is a very popular paper in Willimantic.
For a man nearly 90 years old Peter Cooper is a marvel of both physical and intellectual vigor. He is now in his 89th year and more active than many who have not touched 70.
Ada Clifton, the actress fatally shot herself in Cincinnati, last Thursday night.
M. de Lesseps sails from France to the isthmus of Panama this week to superintend the cutting of the ship canal across the Isthmus.

44. Wed Dec 10 1879: Locals.
The Baptists are to have a Christmas tree.
G.W. Hanover is changing his boarding house on Centre street into smaller tenements.
Giles R. Young, who has been very ill with inflammatory rheumatism, is slowly improving.
Co. K., Capt. ONeill, held an election of officers last Monday, to fill a court martial and Treas.
James Clune has accepted a situation as color dyer on fine silk goods for Belding Brothers, of Rockville.
Thomas Turner has employed a watchman to patrol his premises, to guard against a recurrence of Thursday night's misfortune.
D.G. Lawson started yesterday to give a series of literary entertainments in Western Connecticut and Massachusetts.
There will be a social dance at G.W. Adams' Hall in West Ashford, on the evening of Dec. 12th.
Christmas ball at Samuel Hughes' hall in Scotland, on Wednesday evening, Dec. 24. Gurdon Cady will prompt.
A.C. Andrew, of the firm of Rollinson & Andrew, is in New York purchasing goods for the holidays.
The Holland Silk Co. is about putting in machinery purchased at the recent auction sale of H.W. Richmond & Co.'s estate at Brooklyn.

45. Wed Dec 10 1879: Mose Case entertained a small audience acceptably with guitar and song at Excelsior hall on Friday evening.

46. Wed Dec 10 1879: The National brass band, of this place, are to give a grand concert and social on New Year's eve. The music will be furnished by the National Brass bank full orchestra, and Wheeler as prompter.

47. Wed Dec 10 1879: Miss Clara E. Bliven has been engaged as teacher in the Primary department of Natchaug school in place of Miss Addie York who resigned on account of ill health.

48. Wed Dec 10 1879: There will be a Christmas ball at the hall of H.E. Knowlton, in West Ashford, Christmas evening. O. Richardson, will prompt. Dancing tickets, 50 cents.

49. Wed Dec 10 1879: Dimmock & Dougherty's barber shop may be found at the rooms formerly occupied by McKenney, the photographer, until their old shop shall be repaired.

50. Wed Dec 10 1879: Dennis Sullivan, the section hand of the N.Y. & N.E.R.R., who was thrown from a hand car about two weeks ago, is able to be out.

51. Wed Dec 10 1879: Company E. 3d Regt. C.N.G., will give their first grand ball on Friday evening, Jan. 16, 1880. The field and staff officers will be present in full uniform. Music will be furnished by the Third Regiment full band.

52. Wed Dec 10 1879: Benjamin S. Wilbur has purchased of Martin Card, the Windham hotel property. He will take possession April 1st, when the present occupant's lease expires.

53. Wed Dec 10 1879: Rumor has it that the Willimantic Linen Co. have a draughtsman at work on plans for a new mill to be constructed across the river opposite mill No. 2 in the Spring. This will be an important addition to the industries of our village, if true.

54. Wed Dec 10 1879: While moving from this place to Willington, Chas. Udon lost a drawer containing valuables, from a sewing machine. The owner will be grateful to the finder by returning the same to this office.

55. Wed Dec 10 1879: W.A. Baldwin, the person who fell from the roof of the Linen Co.'s mill about two months ago, has so far recovered as to be able to return to his home in St. John, N.B. It seems almost incredible that a man should fall so great a distance and live.

56. Wed Dec 10 1879: Samuel S. Shorey, inventor of the adjustable spinning ring manufactured by Geo. Draper of Hopedale, Mass., while placing machinery in the Willimantic Linen Co.'s mill No. 1 last Friday morning, was suddenly attacked by apoplexy. Dr. Fox was called, but pronounced the man dead when he arrived. The body was taken to Hopedale on Saturday.

57. Wed Dec 10 1879: Prof. T.H. Rollinson, of the firm of Rollinson & Andrew, has accepted a position as leader of a band in Mansfield, Ohio, at a liberal salary. We shall be sorry to lose Mr. Rollinson from our village, where he has thus far spent his life, but are glad that he is to have a position exactly suited to his tastes, and one which he is fully capable of filling. Mr. Rollinson has made music a life-long study, and has few superiors. The business will be continued by Mr. Andrew at the same place.

58. Wed Dec 10 1879: Mr. A.B. Dorman, formerly of this place, has started an Advertising paper at Worcester. He proposes to issue 5,000 copies weekly, to be given away to those who don't subscribe, or furnished to those who do for 50 cents a year.

59. Wed Dec 10 1879: The Willimantic Farmers' Club will meet with Mr. J.A. Lewis on Monday evening, Dec. 15th. The subject of the meeting of the State Board of Agriculture will be considered, after which the club will discuss:--Which is the best method of storing and applying barnyard and stable manures to the soil? Can a farmer afford to use commercial fertilizers at present prices, or buy ashes at 15 cents a bushel?

60. Wed Dec 10 1879: The funeral of T.H. Gaskin was attended on Monday. He was the steward of Alert Hose Co. No. 1, and the company attended the funeral in uniform. Anticipating his decease, Mr. Gaskin last week sold his chest of carpenters' tools and made all the arrangements for his funeral as far as possible.

61. Wed Dec 10 1879: A Card.--I wish to thank in this public manner, the officers and men of the fire department, together with the Union Bucket company and citizens, for their prompt and vigorous action in extinguishing the fire in my building on the night of Dec. 5th. Also to the engineers and watchmen in the mills for the quick and plentiful supply of water. Yours gratefully, Thomas Turner. Willimantic, Dec. 9, 1879.

62. Wed Dec 10 1879: At the meeting of the subscribers to the Patrolman's Fund on Friday evening, the 5th inst., A.B. Adams was chosen chairman, Thomas Turner, solicitor, and W. N. Potter, collector. The committee appointed was E.A. Buck, James Walden, and R.W. Hooper. The advisability of placing watch clocks at each end of the watchman's beat was discussed, but was referred to the committee.

63. Wed Dec 10 1879: E.H. Jacobs & Co. of Danielsonville, the well known dealers in machinery and supplies, have added the sale of mill property to their list. They last week sold the Hayden cotton mills, located at Haydenville, Mass., to Lucius Briggs of Grosvenordale. Notice their advertisement of a mill for sale in another column.

64. Wed Dec 10 1879: The Fire in Turner Block. About 2 o'clock Friday morning, the alarm of fire was sounded through the halls of Hotel Commercial, arousing the sleepers with a start, and in a second all was life and commotion. The fire was first discovered and alarm given by Mr. D.K. Tucker, of Springfield, Mass. The smoke was so dense that it was difficult to get down stairs and out into the open air without being suffocated. The fire was soon discovered to be located in the cellar, directly below the printing office, and in an inconvenient place to reach with water. The Union Bucket Company was first on the scene, quickly followed by the hose companies. The fire department was not prompt to respond to the alarm, on account of the unseasonable hour of night, when everybody were sleeping soundly,--but when they did arrive, splendid work was done, and soon the blaze was extinguished; not however until considerable damage had been done. We should feel proud of the efficiency of our water works, without which that corner would be smouldering ruins to-day. The parties injured by fire were insured as follows: Leander Freeman, by Tryon & Pomeroy, in the National, of Hartford, for $800; Chas. R. Utley, by Tryon & Pomeroy, in Conn. Life, of Hartford, and Hanover, of New York, $1,000 in each; C.C. Crandall, by A.B. Adams, in the Aetna, of Hartford, for $800; Thomas Turner, in six companies, by Tryon & Pomeroy; Dimmick & Dougherty, by A.B. Adams, in Aetna, of Hartford, $200; A.A. Snow, by A.B. Adams, in Aetna, of Hartford, $1,000. The agents of the different insurance companies were promptly on hand, and adjusted the losses as follows: Charels R. Utley, stationery and school books, $1650; Leander Freeman, jewelry, $800; Thomas Turner, building, $1050; C.C. Crandall, printing office, $458; Dimmick & Dougherty, barber shop, $95; A.A. Snow, hotel, $100. Mr. Freeman's loss was much more than was awarded to him, but unfortunately he had within a month reduced his insurance some $700, and not even having received his written policy before the fire. He has moved his damaged stock to the store of G.R. Galloway, and will add new goods for the holidays. Mr. Crandall will occupy the room recently vacated by the Union Bucket Company. Mr. Utley ahs as yet been unable to obtain quarters in which to conduct his holiday trade. When the building shall have been repaired, the same parties will occupy their old quarters. It is unfortunate that the fire should have visited them just at this time, for it is their very busiest season. Many theories as to the origin of the fire have been advanced, but no settled conclusion has been reached.

65. Wed Dec 10 1879: South Coventry.
The new paper, the Willimantic Chronicle, is with us. You ask, "how do you like it? Our answer is, we like it very much indeed. The type is new and very distinct and the quality of the paper good, and the people here seem well pleased with its appearance. That the Chronicle will have an extensive circulation in Windham, the town of its birth, and all adjoining towns, is our prediction.
Died--At the residence of his Father, on Tuesday, Dec. 2, James Lloyd, aged 28 years. His funeral was attended at the Congregational church on Thursday, Dec. 4th, at two o'clock p.m. The Rev. J.O. Dodge read a hymn, and then made a prayer. The Rev. W.D. Morton preached the sermon. The deceased had been a resident in this village for a number of years and enjoyed an extensive acquaintance. A few months past he lived and worked in Willimantic, and a few weeks since he returned to his home sick with that fell destroyer, consumption. During his stay in Willimantic he joined the Hawley Guards, and he was the first one of the Company to be called away by death, since its organization. The Guards attended the funeral clothed in their uniforms and bearing their arms. The company escorted their dead, yet beloved comrade to the cemetery, and at the close of the services fired three volleys over the grave, after which they returned, making a fine appearance as they marched along the street.
Mr. Thomas H. Wood has just completed a new and substantial oaken flume for conveying the water to his mills, in place of the old one which was dilapidated, rickety and worthless. He has also added an extension to his factory and will soon add more machinery, thus enlarging his business to a considerable extent.
The telegraph wires are now being stretched along from pole to pole through this village. Business on this work was suspended some weeks since and rumor had it that the company had failed and was unable to go forward and complete the work. The inhabitants here are pleased that the work is resumed on the line, and the prospect now is that So. Cov. Entry will soon have telegraphic communication.
Morgan and Bottum have just put an extensive addition to their silk mill and are now filling the same with new and the latest improved machinery, which when put into running condition, will give employment to a number of additional employees. None but first-class goods are manufactured in this mill.
Mr. S. Tillinghast has sold his carpenters' shop and buildings connected therewith, to Mr. D. Webler, who intends carrying on the business of manufacturing carriages and wheels for every variety of vehicles. Mr. Webler is a skilled workman and his work never fails of giving satisfaction to his friends and customers.
Sylvester Tillinghast has commenced the building of a shop to be used by himself and his employees as a carpenters' shop, on a site near his dwelling house. The structure is to be 25x35 feet and two stories high.
Messrs. Kenyon & Barber have recently put a new Turbine wheel into their mill, and made many other needed repairs. The time occupied in making the necessary improvements was one week.
The leading citizens of the place and vicinity have recently contributed $500 to be placed with an equal sum, donated by Mr. Henry Cogswell of California for a free library. It is expected the books will be purchased soon.

66. Wed Dec 10 1879: C.M. Palmer & Co. do keep a splendid assortment of dry goods and will sell them at prices that will please. Our stock of blankets is sufficient both in variety and quality for all to select from. Cloaks, Dolmans, Circulars and Shawls will be found in abundance, and in styles and sizes to suit the demand, Our dress goods department is replete with all the latest materials. You must remember that the celebrated Pearl Shirt is unexcelled by any shirt made, and is kept by us. We like to display our goods, because they please all who examine them. C.M. Palmer & Co., Hamlin Block.

67. Wed Dec 10 1879: The Family Bible. During recent services in the Brooklyn Tabernacle, Rev. Dr. Talmage taking a volume from a stand on the platform, said: "Did you ever see this book? You never did see it. I never preached out of it before. This is my father's and mother's family Bible. You see the binding is very much worn. If you examine it, you would hardly find a leaf that is not discolored, with time or tears. As long as I can remember, out of this book my father read every morning and night. When my brother, Van Nest, died, in the West Indies, where he had gone for his health, the night the news came, out of this book my father read the eternal consolations. When my brother David, a young man in this city, died this was the book that comforted the old people. There came fifteen years of sickness to my father, and a mighty struggle for bread as a consequence; out of this book he read of the ravens that fed Elijah. My mother went through the dark valley of death; this was the lamp that shone on her pathway. In the hours of loneliness that followed, my father consoled himself with this book, reading of that reunion which took place two years afterward in heaven. There are but four or five pictures in the book, but Dore never illustrated a Bible as this book is illustrated, to my eyes. Through it I can see into it marriages and burials, joys and sorrows, meetings and partings, Thanksgiving days and Christmas festivals, cradles and death beds. Old, old book! Speak out and tell of the sorrows comforted and of the dying hours irradiated. Old, old book! The hands that held thee are ashes; the eyes that perused thee are closed. What a pillow thou wouldst make for a dying head! I salute all the memories of the past when I press it to my heart and when I press it to my lips. Oh! For a family Bible. The new Testament in small type is not worthy of being called by that name. Have a whole Bible in large type, with the family record of marriages and births and deaths. Have a family Bible. It will go down from generation to generation full of holy memories. A hundred years after you are dead, it will be a benediction to those who come after you.

68. Wed Dec 10 1879: Mansfield Centre.
The old cemetery is soon to have placed in it, another monument erected by Augustus Storrs, now stopping at his country residence and blooded-stock farm in the North part o town. The monument will be erected to the memory of Mr. Storrs' grandfather, Royal Storrs, who died about ninety years ago.
We are sorry to see the front of the old cemetery looking so shabby and tumbled down, as it contains not only the bones of our forefathers, which even savage nations consider sacred, but those old slabs and tablets are historic, for it is one of the oldest cemeteries in this part of the state, and it is not for the credit of the town to let it run down.
The sociable met on Wednesday eve with Mrs. Dewing. A goodly number was present, and all seemed to have a good time. The next one will meet with Mrs. H.D. Ross, Wednesday eve, Dec. 17th.
We understand that the town is to enjoy the benefits of a lawsuit. It comes before Judge Fenton. May the best man win.
As winter approaches, many of our houses are empty again. The occupants have flown to the cities, and there are more to follow.

69. Wed Dec 10 1879: Chaplin.
The Martin estate, which has laid unsettled for some years, has finally divided, and a part of the heirs have sold out their clams to one of the brothers and the sister, who, it is presumed will occupy and improve the old place in company.
Old Major, who was as well known to the churchgoing people of this town as his owner, D.A. Griggs, died on the morning of Dec. 3. For about ten years, the old horse has seldom missed a Sabbath, that he has not trotted up to the church door with a load of deaf, halt, maimed and blind, that he has picked up out of the highways and hedges and brought to church. There are a good many inhabitants who would not be so much missed and so widely mourned as he, and there are few of whom so little ill could be said. Truly we have lost a friend.
The Griggs brothers are putting up an iron fence around their lot in the centre burying ground.
Chas. Martin has been trimming up his wood lot north of his house. J.M. Robbins carries away the wood, and negotiations have been opened with David A. Griggs to saw the same for the timber. At present writing it is not decided whether to saw it into shuttle timber or ship knees. It will make a good job for him in either case.

70. Wed Dec 10 1879: North Windham.
Calvin Lincoln has cleared a building lot on his land and is now engaged in sinking a well.
Pearl L. Peck has just slaughtered four spring pigs, whose entire weight was 1440 lbs.
The new drying room of E.H. Hall & Son was dedicated on Saturday eve. by a social dance.
The family of Mr. Martin Flint were somewhat surprised by the appearance of about twelve couples on Thursday eve., who tripped the light fantastic toe till the wee small hours. A small party went to Lebanon to attend a select dance at the residence of Abram Swears the same evening.
John Burdick will pass no more lonely hours for the present in his cabin home on the ten acre lot, John Barrows and family having moved in while he is erecting a dwelling of his own.
We are sorry to hear that Mr. Eben Whitney, who had recovered from fever is now suffering from a relapse.
F.M. Lincoln has been suffering from a severe attack of his old complaint, the asthma.

71. Wed Dec 10 1879: Scotland.
Rev. S.A. Davis preached at the Universalist church last Sunday.
After two school meeting to canvass the subject, the Centre district voted to pay A.M. Clark $42 for repairs on the school house.
Miss Matilda Webb has been too ill to be moved to the village as was proposed some weeks since.
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Bingham have taken up their abode with Mr. James Burnett.
Mr. Charles Beckwith has moved into Mr. Egbert Bingham's house.
Miss Grace Davis of Hartford has been in town for a few days.
Our stream is so low that Mr. John P. Gager has been unable to run his saw-mill at all this fall and winter, and has not been able to run his grist mill but a small part of the time.

72. Wed Dec 10 1879: Columbia.
The Literary Society met at the Town hall, on Friday evening. It being the annual meeting, the following officers were chosen: Wilton E. Little was elected secretary and Gurdon Y. Robertson, treasurer. There was a select reading by Chas. E. Little, subject, "The Lion's Bride." The question, "Resolved, that it would be for the interests of the United States to adopt the policy of free trade," was sustained by Messrs. Henry E. Lyman, Wm. H. Yeomans and Chas. E. Little, opposed by E.L. Richardson, S. Brainard West, Joseph Hutchins, decided for the negative. Question for next meeting, "Resolved, that the policy of home rule would be for the best interests of Ireland."
The singing schools of A.A. Hunt are well attended.
The Chronicle suits.

73. Wed Dec 10 1879: Hebron.
Rev. A.J. Stillman has erected a street lamp near the Congregational church, which will be appreciated by those who attend the meetings.
John S. Wells Esq. has returned from his western trip, having been as far west as Topeka, Kansas. Mr. W. expresses himself as being very much pleased with that state, as well he might be judging from our own experience.
The farm, and also the houses and blacksmith shop belonging to the estate of R.S. Bissell, are to be sold. The farm is one of the best in town and situated but little over a mile from the Air Line R.R. The blacksmith shop, which is situated on the Green, is one of the best stands for business in the town.
The Literary Club met at the Town hall on Friday evening last. Officers were elected as follows: President, Geo. H. Hodge; Vice-Presidents, Fred Prentice and Miss Carrie E. Kellogg. The exercises were: a reading by Miss Carrie Kellogg, a song by F. Clarence Bissell, a declamation by Master Johnny Holbrook, reading of the "Hebron Enterprise" by the editor, a dialogue entitled "Before and Behind the Scenes" by Misses Ida Porter, Ella Warner, Lizzie Phelps and Nannie Robinson, debate of the question "Resolved that circumstances have done more for the elevation of mankind than natural ability," by J.H. Jagger and Henry E. Porter in the affirmative, and Loren A. Waldo and Geo. W. Thompson in the negative. The question for next Friday eve. is "Resolved, that prosperity is a conducive to evil as adversity."

74. Wed Dec 10 1879: Andover.
The Ladies' Baptist society met last Wednesday evening with Mrs. L. Lathrop. There was not quite so good an attendance as usual. There was quite a delegation present from Liberty Hill. The meeting closed with some fine songs by Mrs. A.L. Remington.
Miss Lucy Loomis has secured the services of Miss Alice Carpenter, who, for some time past has been in the family of Charles Backus of this place.
Mr. L. Lathrop has received from his daughter at the South, a large package of stereoscopic views, and framed pictures of herself and husband.
Frank Chapman has been busy canvassing for the sale of bedquilt tickets, and met with good success.
There was a fair attendance at the Union meeting at the Congregational church last Sunday evening. Rev. Mr. Morgan of the Baptist church delivered a very interesting and instructive discourse.
Mrs. Wm. Blackman had quite a fall recently, which lamed her considerably, but no bones were broken.
The funeral of Capt. Wm. Dorrance, our postmaster, will take place at the Congregational church on Wednesday at 2 o'clock.

75. Wed Dec 10 1879: Brooklyn.
The pastor of the Congregational church last Sabbath exchanged with the Rev. Mr. Wilcox of Plainfield Town, who gave us a good, practical sermon from Mat. 18:10.
Our band is doing nicely. Your correspondent was surprised on going to their rooms, to hear how well they play. They have a very efficient leader in Mr. Dunkley. He has studied music, both in this country and Europe.
Mr. John Gallup 2d, President of the National Bank, who is suffering from paralysis, is much improved, so as to be out.
Wm. Thurbur's green house is completed, and he is stocking it for business.
Still village improvements are going on in this town. At B.N. Weaver's, two new chimneys are to appear on the scene.
Frank W. has gone into the hen business quite extensively. He is building a henery 80x15 feet, and as the old process is too slow he has procured two incubators, and will hatch chickens by steam.

76. Wed Dec 10 1879: Colchester.
About 4 o'clock on Saturday morning, the people were aroused from their slumbers by the cry of fire. The fire was found to be at the alms-house, and was supposed to have caught from the chimney in the L. The flames spread rapidly, and soon the whole building was in flames. The inmates were all saved except one--an imbecile woman, whose remains were found on Monday, nearly consumed. We understand that the town's loss is small as it was covered by insurance. Mr. Strong, who keeps the town's poor, lost nearly everything. He had no insurance.

77. Wed Dec 10 1879: Putnam.
Mr. W.M. Broad with a large chorus of children is to render the Operata of Golden Hair and Three Bears, in Bugbee hall, Wednesday evening, December 10th. What is expected will no doubt be realized one of the most pleasing of entertainments.
The Putnam Iron Foundry Co., who have been erecting their buildings for the past few weeks in Putnam, informs us that their works will be in operation in a few days. This is a branch of business long needed in Putnam, and the best of success is the wish of all.
The mill of Harrisville has been leased by Messrs. Mason & Briggs, and is to be put in running order immediately. Some new machinery has already been put in. They have had a large experience in the manufacture of these goods and have no doubt that the mill which will be standing so long idle, will now be successfully operated.

78. Wed Dec 10 1879: Mansfield City.
Mr. & Mrs. Lucius Cross had a very pleasant party at their residence, on the thirtieth anniversary of their marriage, which occurred on the 19th of last month. About 75 friends were present, and the time was spent in social converse, music and dancing, until a late hour. It was a very enjoyable occasion, and will long be remembered by those who were present.

79. Wed Dec 10 1879: All Persons Holding Bonds and Western Loans, which hitherto they have not entered into their lists, are hereby notified that, by a recent decision of the U.S. Court, all such bonds are taxable, and that the undersigned will make such additions on or before the 12th inst. Don F. Johnson, William Swift, Merritt M. Welch, Assessors. Windham, Dec. 8th, 1879.

80. Wed Dec 10 1879: Notice. On account of the fire in our office, we shall be obliged to ask our customers to wait a short time for their orders, until we can arrange things again. Those having orders in, will favor us if they will immediately send us copy in duplicate. Respectfully, Wm. C. Crandall. Willimantic, Conn., Dec. 5, 1879.

81. Wed Dec 10 1879: Preston House, Brooklyn Conn. Good accommodations for court people Ninety-two rods from Court House, with a good sidewalk. A team will be run without expense in unpleasant weather. E.L. Preston, Prop.

82. Wed Dec 10 1879: Cotton Mill For Sale. A first-class brick mill, located in New Hampshire, on line of Railroad, containing 54 Looms, 3000 spindles. Unfailing water power, well adapted for the manufacture of Yarns. Will be sold low if application is made at once. E.H. Jacobs & Co., Danielsonville, Conn.

83. Wed Dec 10 1879: A son of C.T. Whitney of Bridgeport was strangled recently by a bean slipping into his wind-pipe.

84. Wed Dec 17 1879: Locals.
G.R. Galloway, advertises his stock of goods for sale, before Feb. 1st, previous to leaving town.
A letter from Mr. C.C. Crandall, of Fort Collins, Col. We are glad to learn, reports his health improving.
Joel Fox waged war among Mr. Utley's damaged stock of books last night. He rattled them off at auction at any price.
C.R. Utley has removed to Turner's building on Church street, where he will stay until his old store has been repaired.
Dr. Church delivers the quarterly address for the Woman's Temperance Union of Jewett City, Sunday evening, the 21st.
D.M. Larkham of Windham just butchered a hog less than 9 months old, which weighed 402 lbs. He thinks that pretty good.
Dr. Church was called to Stafford on Saturday to attend the funeral of Mrs. Joshua Wood, daughter of the late Col. Dimock.
P.J. Riley captured a horse and wagon wandering leisurely up Centre street Friday night last, and returned the same and hitched it on Main street to await the owner.
We have appointed Mr. N. Hevrin as our agent for this town, any favors shown to him will have our sanction.
A lower-villager was arrested for committing an assault upon a comrade Sunday last, and brought before Justice Melony, who fined the fellow $7 and costs for his lark.
Dr. Church exchanges next Sabbath at Jewett City with G.W. Brewster, former Presiding Elder of Norwich district, who will be cordially welcomed by his old parishioners.
Norwich is to have a new daily paper run in opposition to the Bulletin. It will be run by Gordon Wilcox who, does the press work on Cooley's Weekly. It is to be an evening paper.
The Linen Co. has ceased working evenings, and has changed their time so as to make 70 hours a week, viz: 6 to 12 a.m., 12:45 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays the mill is stopped at 3:30 o'clock. The help will be payed for the extra day thus made.

85. Wed Dec 17 1879: Frank H. Shaffer and Geo. Worden have been appointed patrolmen, and have also received the appointment of special police. Mr. Worden is an old hand at the business having been on the watch more or less for several years.

86. Wed Dec 17 1879: Farmers' Club. The Willimantic Farmers' Club met at the house of Mr. J.A. Lewis on Monday evening. The meeting was not called to order till 7 1-2 o'clock, as many present were interested in a little episode between Rev. Dr. Church and Mr. J.A. Lewis. Both are temperance men, yet they cannot agree as to the best method of bringing about the proper legislation to stay the terrible wave of intemperance. Mr. Warren Atwood was first called on, and gave his method of using and applying manure. Rev. Dr. Church took Mr. Atwood to task for mixing ashes in his compost, as it destroys the most important part of his great pile--the ammonia. Messrs. Smith, Lewis, Willys, Bradford, Larkin and Jacobs agreed with Dr. Church. Messrs. Larkin and N.P. Perkins saw but little, if any benefit from ashes used in any form. The club talked over the meeting of the convention. Some living near by, will board, free of charge, those coming from a distance, and should there be any residents in the borough of Willimantic willing to give dinners or lodging to the farmer, editor, or reporter, they can have that opportunity by reporting the fact to N.P. Perkins, V.D. Stearns, J.A. Lewis, or Warren Atwood. The program for the meeting is as follows: this evening at 7:30 "Home supplies of food", by J.B. Olcott." Thursday, 2 p.m., lecture, "Human food, and its adaptation to health and longevity" by Richard Goodman. 7:30 p.m., a paper on "Fruits and fruit gardens for farmers," by Alfred H. Augur. 8:30 p.m., a paper on the "Compensation of Agriculture," by J.M. Hubbard. Friday, at 10:30, lecture, "Diseased meat and its consequences upon our health and happiness," by Prof. N. Cressy. 2 p.m., lecture, "Fermentation in its household relations," by Prof. W.H. Brewer. 7:30 p.m., a paper on "Bread, the type of vegetable food: the theory and art of making it," by Leander Wetherell of Boston. 8:30 p.m., a paper on "Cooking" by Miss Juliette Corson of New York.

87. Wed Dec 17 1879: The Connecticut Christian Association, which convened in Franklin hall last week was addressed on Tuesday evening by Rev. J.P. Stoddard of Chicago, general agent of the National Association, and Mr. J.S. Perry of Thompson.

88. Wed Dec 17 1879: Holidays Among Our Enterprising Merchants. The holidays can be no more fitly celebrated than by making our friends appreciate our devotion, and this may be accomplished by a tour of inspection among our enterprising merchants, who have provided every conceivable thing that may be acceptable as presents, and making selections. There has never been so much taste displayed, nor so large a variety of Christmas goods shown in this vicinity as our merchants are displaying to customers this year. We have taken a trip among those who make a specialty of holiday goods, and see that
Wilson & Leonard have adorned their pleasant store very tastily with evergreen, and have spared no pains to make it attractive to people who are out in search of presents and Christmas goods. Their holiday display is unexcelled by any in this section, which a glance at their window of beautiful goods will prove. Nice foreign and domestic toilet articles of Celluloid, Florence and Hard Rubber, beautiful goods, perfumes, druggists' sundries, fine leather goods, gentlemen's toilet cases, also ladies', foreign and American grasses for house adornment, the first that has been introduced in town, cut glass goods, and a large variety of attractive goods. A visit will pay you.
Walden & Flint are not behind in goods that are appropriate as holiday gifts, and they have a large line of fancy goods.
James Walden, the popular stationer, is making a fine display of attractive and valuable goods, and he is able to suit everybody, because his experience in getting up holiday shows has enabled him to select just such goods as will please. Visit his store and examine those Christmas cards, fine papetries, Russia leather goods, sixty different kinds of diaries, elegant gift books, writing desks, backgammon boards, and the best selection of photograph albums in town, games of all descriptions for the children. The jewelry department is replete with watches, rings, chains, lockets, solid silver thimbles, clocks and plated goods of all kinds. Now, if you want presents, give him a call.
J.R. Robertson has just returned from New York with an elegant stock of goods selected with special reference to the holidays. How is a good pen or pencil for a nice gift? We think by visiting Mr. R. you will be sure to see something that will exactly please you. Nice jewelry and plated goods a specialty with him.
Leander Freeman. We dropped in to Mr. Freeman's and found him as busy as a bee shipping fire damaged goods which he is selling so cheap, and receiving new goods for the holidays. He says price will not stand in the way of selling his new goods. Cologne and toilet bottles, castors, Rogers Bros' knives a specialty.
D.C. Barrows says that he means to sell solid and plated chains, ladies' and gentlemen's watches, rings, opera glasses, card cases in elegant patterns, in abundance for Christmas presents.
H.E. Remington & Co., the clothiers, are alive, and able to pass over the counter in endless variety, neckwear, hosiery, mufflers, silk handkerchiefs, wristers, silk and alpaca umbrellas. Now if you want to make an elegant present, a seal skin cap or pair of seal gloves would be acceptable to anybody--by the way, they have all kinds of gloves. Furs, of all descriptions for ladies or gentlemen furnished on approval at short notice.
Baldwin & Webb don't take back seats in supplying the public with all kinds of gentlemen's furnishing goods suitable for presents. It's unnecessary to enumerate, for everybody knows them, and the kind of goods they keep--call on 'um. They've just got in a fine line of trunks and traveling bags, which are useful and sensible presents to anybody.
W.L. Harrington Co., in Turner's block, are right on hand with new goods, and gentlemanly treatment is one of their characteristics. Visit them between now and Christmas. Their line is unexcelled by any.
Turner, the dry goods man, makes a fine display of toys and fancy goods in his show windows, but don't stop there, walk in and examine as large a line of holiday goods as can be found in eastern Conn. He makes a big show in carpets. You know your wife has been talking of getting a new carpet for the parlor, why wouldn't this be just the time to surprise her? Turner is up to the times.
C.M. Palmer & Co. have silk handkerchiefs in abundance, and his stock of fancy goods is first class. The ladies know that Mr. Palmer will spare no pains in pleasing them, and fitting them out with Christmas presents.
Gilbert, the confectioner, has just got in his stock, and it is fresh and nice. Santa Claus is at his place, for the children you know, and stops there through the holidays. His large experience is what tells the story in making a display in confectionery. Be sure and call the day before Christmas.
Gilman has oysters, fruit, confectionery, and all kinds of pastry--just what people want.
W.N. Potter always keeps a large and first class stock of boots and shoes, but he has added to it with special references to the holidays. He has an assortment of thirty different kinds of slippers, which make very sensible presents.
E.T. Hamlin needs no comment, for everybody knows that he has a large and nice stock of goods. Don't forget to call on him.
Alpaugh & Hooper are the old stand byes in the dry goods line, and invite the ladies to examine their stock through the holidays.
Pease & Edwards, the up-town merchants are selling goods cheap, and have a stock selected for the holidays.
C.R. Utley is putting in a stock for the holidays, and we assure you of something nice. He is easily found in the little red store around the corner.
Nellie Gavigan has a fine stock of millinery and fancy goods, just what you want, ladies. How would a nice winter hat be for a present? We should think it acceptable.
Tilden always pleases the little folks, and he is abundantly able to this year, for he has a nice selection of toys, confectionery, &c.
Kennedy "The music man" is willing to sell a piano for a present.
E.A. Barrows at the 95 cent store, is open for calls, and he has a large stock for you to examine.
The Chronicle as a New Year's gift would tickle all your friends and stay by them all the year. Subscribe and present at once and make them happy. $1.50 from now to Jan. 1st, 1881, and no questions asked.

89. Wed Dec 17 1879: Jefferson Ellis (negro), was convicted at Middletown last week for murder in the second degree for killing Lewis Fairchild, (negro) of Clinton. Judges Carpenter and Culver presided at the trial and the latter pronounced the sentence of imprisonment for life. Before sentence was pronounced Ellis was asked if he had anything to say and he replied: "Your honor I feel thankful to you and the court for the great justice you have shown towards me." "Then Ellis," said Judge Culver, "you think you have had a fair trial." "Yes sir," responded the prisoner.

90. Wed Dec 17 1879: Great Closing out Sale! Stock, fixtures, lease & good will of an established business must be sold within the next 90 days. James E. Murray offers his entire stock of first class dry & fancy goods at prices far below wholesale cost of to-day. Bargains assured to all in want of good seasonable goods. Stock consists of Ladies' Cloaks, Circulars and Shawls, Blankets, Felt Skirts and Underwear, Cottons, Linens, Velvets and Fringes, Ladies and Misses furs, Dress Goods, Gloves, Hosiery, Fancy Goods, and Laces. Respectfully, James E. Murray.

91. Wed Dec 17 1879: Mansfield Centre.
Our gentlemanly M.D., E.G. Sumner, has given his residence a coat of paint, and has much improved the looks of his place generally. Would that other of our citizens would do likewise.
T.P. Coffey who cut his foot badly two months ago, is on the gain, and is about the steam saw-mill again, sitting at his work, as he cannot put his foot to the ground yet.
The Hollow singing school began with more than thirty scholars. Prof. Turner is the instructor.
The W.H. Atwood barn, store and hall, and the land on the east side of the road, have been purchased by Lester White, who owned the adjoining property.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ramsdell, with J.H. Ramsdell Esq. will spend the winter at the Crocker House in New London.
Mrs. E.S. Fitch is spending a few days with her daughter, Mrs. M.L. Cross, of Gurleyville.
Constable Crain is sick again with his old trouble--his back. He has been a great handing at lifting, and now he feels the effects of it. By the way, he has a new comer at his house. It is a girl, as usual this year.
Letters received from the Southworths, who went to Kansas a year and a half ago, are not of a very encouraging nature. They suffer from summer heat and drought and have to go to the bottom lands to buy their corn. I think they are too far west on the great plains to make agriculture a success. They may do well at stock-raising. They write that the climate is very healthy.

92. Wed Dec 17 1879: Andover.
The funeral of Capt. Wm. Dorrance, our last postmaster, took place at the Congregational church last Wednesday. A prayer was offered at the house by Rev. B.F. Chapman, when the remains were deposited in the cemetery near the church. The congregation then proceeded to the church, where they listened to a very interesting discourse from Rev. Mr. Miller of Springfield, followed by remarks from Rev. Mr. Rankin of Glastonbury, on the life and character of the deceased. Rev. B.F. Chapman made some remarks concerning the early home of the deceased, near Jewett City, Conn. Rev. L.H. Barber, of Bolton was present and assisted in the exercises. Friends were present from Hartford and Bridgeport. Mr. Dorrance was 67 years of age.
Quite a good congregation came out to the union meeting at the Baptist church last Sunday eve. Rev. Mr. Miller, pastor of the Congregational church, gave a very interesting talk on the subject of missions, followed by remarks from Rev. H.A. Morgan.
Your correspondent attended the court held at Bolton, in the case of Orin Williams, before Justice Edwin Alvord, for taking the furniture out of the school house on Birch Mountain. Bill & Phelps of Rockville for the state; Wood, of N. Manchester, and White, of Hartford for the defendant. No decision was reached, and the court was adjourned to Thursday next at 10 o'clock. Quite a delegation attended from this place.
We are much in need of some street lamps. Our enterprising merchant, Mr. W.N. Cleveland has set the example and put one up. Why do not some of the rest of our good citizens do likewise.
The Baptist Ladies' society will meet with Mrs. Jennie Stearns on Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Dr. Gallup of Willimantic has placed a slate at the Webster House, where he may be found on Mondays and Fridays at 2 p.m. He will visit patients in this vicinity at any time when ordered by mail or telegraph at $1 a visit.

93. Wed Dec 17 1879: Brooklyn.
Elisha Woodward met with quite an accident, his horse ran, struck the fore wheel against a telegraph pole. Mr. W. was thrown out and severely bruised. His son who was with him, escaped unhurt.
Court came in Monday. It is an adjourned court. Judge Carpenter of Hartford, presides. First case on docket, is Erastus Canada vs. Canada, a will case from Chaplin, and is attracting considerable attention.
First-class accommodation can be obtained at the Preston House, and Brooklyn Hotel, for those who attend court.
The last of the machinery is being removed from the silk mill. It seems as if something might have been done, to have kept it here. What we want, is not money but enterprise. If nothing is done to induce manufacturers to locate here, by and by the town will get in that state, outsiders will have to come in and hold a wake.
Daniel Pray, from the West has been visiting A. Pray.
Bennie Dyer, who is connected with Scribners monthly, was in town for a few days.
Mr. Nathaniel Williams, who has celebrated his 97th birthday, has been quite ill, but it is thought will recover. We all hope he will live to see 100 years.

94. Wed Dec 17 1879: Scotland.
Samuel Hughes advertises a grand ball on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, with the old favorite prompter, Gurdon Cady.
Mr. O.K. Fuller is at work for Mr. Hiram Parkhurst.
Capt. Messenger and family have settled at Elizabeth, N.J., and are very pleasantly situated.
Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Geer came on from Washington last week to attend the funeral of Mrs. Fitch Cary of Canterbury.
Rev. E.B. Bingham was in town last week, having come from Poquonnoc, Ct., on horseback, for exercise.
Mr. William Gates' large dog received fatal injuries a few days since from a falling tree, to the great grief of his owner, by whom he was highly valued.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lyon will celebrate their wooden wedding on the 31st inst.
A son of Alfred Simonds last summer stepped upon some broken glass. A few days since, Dr. I.B. Gallup cut a piece of the glass an inch long from the foot. The glass was taken out, some distance from where it entered.

95. Wed Dec 17 1879: North Mansfield.
A very pleasant quarterly reunion of the Sabbath school class of the wife of Rev. J. Chaplin, was recently enjoyed by the members of the class and invited friends. Several original literary contributions were read by an editor and editress chosen at the last preceeding meeting, and music, refreshments and various pleasant games, tended to make the occasion a very enjoyable one.
Augustus Storrs is having the foundations for two monuments prepared in the old cemetery by the North Church. They are to mark the graves of ancestors of his family.
As Charlie Snow was attending a team of oxen and horses recently, he met with quite a serious accident. The horse starting quickly, his finger was caught by a chain and the flesh and nail at the end torn entirely from the bone.
Last Wednesday night was, it will be recollected, a dark and stormy one. As G.W. More was driving near the Foss place, his horse, in the darkness, left the road and Mr. More found himself suddenly deposited on mother earth, though fortunately without damage.

96. Wed Dec 17 1879: Portland.
The new building recently built by the United States Stamping Company for their increasing business, will be dedicated by the employees on Friday evening by a grand ball and supper. The spacious room no doubt will be well filled, and a good time realized.
Married--In Haddam Neck, November 12th, by Rev. Mr. Cady, Charles T. Wills, of New York City, to Carrie Serena Russell, of Haddam Neck.
Died--In Haddam Neck, November 26, Mrs. Mary Brainard, aged 75. Nov. 28th, Miss Elizabeth Smith, aged 62.

97. Wed Dec 17 1879: Columbia.
Mr. Augustus Post, our oldest citizen, died Tuesday evening of last week, at the advanced age of 87. The deceased was the father of Wm. H. and Charles A. Post, both well known business men of Hartford. The funeral was attended at the church in this place on Friday. The members of Lyon Lodge F. & A.M. of which the deceased was the oldest member, attended in a body, rendering the solemn burial service of the Fraternity.
The Literary Society met at the Town hall on Friday evening. There were select readings, by Chas. F. Clarke, subject, "The Launching of the Ship," and by Miss Hattie Hutchins, subject, "Abraham Davenport," and a declamation by Casper Isham, subject, "The Burial of Arnold." The question, Resolved, "That the policy of Home Rule would be for the best interests of Ireland," was sustained by Messrs. Henry E. Lyman, A.W. Little, N.K. Holbrook, Y.Y. Roberston, and opposed by S.B. West and Chas. F. Clarke. Decided by the president in the negative. " Question for next meeting, Resolved, "That circumstances have a greater influence upon the education of mankind than natural ability." An effort is being made to have an elocutionary reading, under the auspices of the Literary Society, by Miss Peck of Bristol.
The Rev. F.D. Avery will deliver a lecture on "Italy" at the Cong. church on Wednesday evening, for the benefit of the Ladies' society.
Mr. H. Duke, who has been engaged in business in this place for eight months past, has sold out to Fred Hunt.
A select social "hop" on Friday evening at Bascoms hall was well attended.

98. Wed Dec 17 1879: Lebanon.
William M. Cummings, deputy sheriff, was arrested last Saturday, on complaint of grand juror Babcock, for allowing the escape of John Jones, a house thief, last September. The trial was adjourned until next Saturday at 10 o'clock, a.m. The people in this vicinity have been looking for Mr. Jones' return, but he has failed to put in an appearance.

99. Wed Dec 17 1879: Born.
Jennings--In Willington, Dec. 12, a daughter [Lila Maud] to Jas. And Sara Jennings.

100. Wed Dec 17 1879: Died.
Hudson--In Willington, Dec. 12th, John Hudson, aged 78.
Moredoc--In Coventry, Dec. 16th, Mary A. Moredoc, aged 57.
Squires--In So. Coventry, Dec. 10th, John W. Squires, aged 8.
Healy--in Hampton, Dec. 11, Mary Healy, aged 50.
Robinson--In So. Coventry, Dec. 15, Archie Robinson, aged 3 mos.
Macfarlane--In Mansfield, Dec. 15, Elizabeth Macfarlane, aged 52.

101. Wed Dec 17 1879: $3,500 worth of books and stationery, from the fire, for the next five days at Crandall's old Stand. C.R. Utley.

102. Wed Dec 17 1879: Closing out sale at G.R. Galloway's of his entire stock of boots & shoes. I desire to close out my stock of goods before February 1st, previous to going out of business and prices will be a secondary consideration in selling. Those who are indebted to me, will please call and settle before January 15th, or it will be necessary to place their accounts with an attorney. E.A. Barrows & Son will occupy the store vacated by me. G.R. Galloway.

103. Wed Dec 17 1879: J.O. Sullivan, Builder and Joiner. Plans furnished and estimates given on work of every description. Jobbing will receive prompt attention at the shop near Lincoln, Smith & Co.'s Lumber Yard on Valley St., Willimantic, Conn.

104. Wed Dec 24 1879: Locals.
Will Hayden be aquitted?
"Table tipping" is becoming the popular evening amusement.
Landlord Snow has nine pigs, which he thinks beat any of their age in town.
J.R. Root, one of our poplular liverymen was the first to take a sleigh ride this winter.
Prof. Goldenblum has arranged for a class in penmanship at Colchester. The class begins with thirty members.
Mr. Thos. S. Beckwith of this village, is making, and keeps on hand, a variety of lap-boards for the ladies, at very low prices.
Our types last week, made us say that Geo. Worden had been appointed night watchman. It should have been William Worden.
The funeral of Miss Thera Kingsley was attended this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Spiritualist church, Rev. S.A. Davis, of Hartford, officiating.
The new international postal card has been issued by the government. They are sold for two cents and will convey messages to any country belonging to the postal union.

105. Wed Dec 24 1879: Mr. Thos. B. Beckwith has taken the agency for Boyd's miniature batteries for chronic complaints. Mr. Beckwith has tested the batteries in his own case, and can testify as to their merits.

106. Wed Dec 24 1879: Service was conducted at the Baptist church, Sunday, by the pastor and Rev. Frank Thompson, of Windham. Rev. Thompson preached an excellent discourse on the difference between morality and religion.

107. Wed Dec 24 1879: Dennis McCarthy spoke on temperance in behalf of the St. James Total Abstinence Society, of South Coventry, last Sunday. Mr. McCarthy is an able advocate of the cause, and his address added 17 signatures to the pledge.

108. Wed Dec 24 1879: Seventeen miles of telegraphic wire is to be stretched between this place and Norwich during the cold weather. When all the telegraph lines which have been projected shall be completed we predict a telegraphic war.

109. Wed Dec 24 1879: General Walker, of the census bureau, has selected J.Q.A. Stone, of the Windham County Transcript, at Danielsonville, as census commissioner for the eastern Connecticut division. The work will not be begun until next spring.

110. Wed Dec 24 1879: The Linen Co. has just purchased a new electric machine of twenty lights capacity, with which the mill No. 2 will be lighted. The machine will be placed in mill No. 3, for the reason that they have more power there, and properly connected with the large mill. This company is full of enterprise.

111. Wed Dec 24 1879: The Baptist Sunday school will have a Christmas tree and entertainment at the church to-morrow evening, commencing at 7 o'clock. The program includes reading, speaking, and singing. The Willimantic Band will furnish music suited to the occasion, which, with the program arranged by H.W. Avery, will doubtless make a good evening's entertainment.
]
112. Wed Dec 24 1879: The inhabitants of the lower village are frightened over the appearance of a ghost in the neighborhood of the Milk street crossing. It has made its appearance regularly for a number of evenings, and scared the female portion of the vicinity so they hardly dare venture out after dark. Several of the young men have resolved to solve the mystery, and woe will befall that ghost if ever they lay eyes on it.

113. Wed Dec 24 1879: As usual, the Excelsior Hook and Ladder company, turned out a large number to their "Pig Bake," and everybody enjoyed it. During the evening their popular foreman, Geo. W. Melony, Esq. was presented with a beautiful silver plated trumpet, appropriately and artistically engraved by Mr. J.R. Robertson. Mr. Melony was completely surprised, and later in the evening in his adjourning speech eloquently expressed his thanks for the high esteem in which his comrades held him as their foreman. Nothing was left undone which would add to the enjoyment of the occasion.

114. Wed Dec 24 1879: The first annual Winter sports of the Willimantic Athletic Club will be held in the club rooms at Bank building, on Tuesday evening, Dec. 30. The following is the program: 1. Two hours go-as-you-please. 2. One mile square heel and tow. 3. W.A.C. tugs of war. 4. High jumping. 5. Wrestling. 6. Military tug of war. 7. High kicking. 8. Parallel bar exercises. The sports are open to amateurs only. The right to reject an entry is reserved by the club. Applications should be made to T.M. Harries, Sec. An entrance fee of 50 cents must be paid. All entries will be closed on Monday, noon, Dec. 29.

115. Wed Dec 24 1879: The employees of the carding room in mill No. 2, happily surprised their overseer, Mr. Andrew Hammond, by presenting him with an elegant easy chair, on Saturday evening last. The same evening, David Taylor, second hand in Mr. Hammond's room, was the recipient of a beautiful silver-headed cane. The friends of Thomas Burke, of the winding room, seemed to be in the same spirit, and surprised him with a nice cameo ring, after which they circulated around to Michael Sheehan's, and left a handsome silver caster. Monday evening, Thos. Jones was remembered in the shape of a watch chain. The overseers of the Linen Co., and their assistants are deservedly popular with their help, who are not backward in manifesting their appreciation.

116. Wed Dec 24 1879: The Canada Will Case. The Superior Court at Brooklyn made its adjournment for the term on Monday afternoon. All the trials have been jury trials. The appeal of Harlen Canada from the Probate Court of Chaplin occupied the time of the court during last week till Friday night. The jury, after being out a half hour, brought in a verdict sustaining the decree of the Probate Court, and setting aside the will sought to be set up as the last will and testament of Erastus Canada. This case has excited considerable interest in and about Chaplin, and at the recent trial at Brooklyn over fifty witnesses gave their evidence. Erastus Canada, an old man of ninety years, who has always lived in Chaplin, died in June last, leaving an estate valued at about $3500.00. A little more than a year previous to his death he called on Lester Bill, Esq. of Chaplin, and made his will dividing his property into three parts and giving his grandson, John E. Canada, of this place one half, and Harlen Canada of Chaplin, his son, whom he had helped much during his lifetime, one quarter, and to three great-grandchildren, the other quarter, and making Lester Bill, Esq., the executor of the will. This will, the old man recognized during the very last days of his life, and hearing that a note of his son Harlen, that he had endorsed many yeas before was still outstanding, he sent for Mr. Bill and directed that he so alter the will, if it was necessary, that this note if paid by his estate should come out of his son Harlen's portion. After the old gentlemen's decease Mr. Bill had this will probated and gave bonds as executor. A few days after another will came to light, which it was claimed the old gentleman executed on the 10th of May last, about forty days before his decease. By this will all the property went to the son, Harlen Canada. It was claimed that Harlen Canada, by the direction of his father, had this will drawn in Willimantic, and that some days after he went over to where his father was boarding, some mile or more, got his father, brought him to his house and that some hours afterwards he executed the will in a room in an old building standing near which had been used as an old store. It was claimed by the proponents of the earlier will that if Mr. Canada ever executed the later will, he was not conscious of what he was doing, but was imposed upon, and the will obtained, either by fraud or undue influence. After a trial, lasting five days before the Probate Court at Chaplin, the probating of this last claimed will was denied and from this denial an appeal was taken to the Superior Court, which has just been tried. This leaves the will, of which Lester Bill, Esq. is executor, as the true last will and testament. The case has been taken to the Supreme Court for alleged error in the charge of Judge Carpenter to the jury. The counsel in the trial of the case were E.B. Sumner and C.E. Searles for sustaining the will of May 10th, 1879, and John L. Hunter, Huber Clark and G.W. Phillips against this will and in favor of the will which was probated.

117. Wed Dec 24 1879: Vicinity News.
Co. C. of Rockville, has elected Thos. J. Rigney for captain.
Mr. John N. Lewis has been appointed Postmaster at Voluntown.
Mrs. Mary A. Livermore lectured "Concerning Husbands," at Danielsonville, last week.
The Tolland Co. Journal advertises to come out in a new dress Jan. 1. The Journal is a bright paper.
The Danielsonville people are agitated to know whether they will have a convent or a park in the centre of their village.
Mr. A.J. Morton, teller of the Tolland County National Bank, succeeds Mr. Hawkins as cashier of that institution.

118. Wed Dec 24 1879: Friday night while Mr. Ed. Burleson of the Clayville firm was driving into Norwich he came in collision with a team driven by a son of Sam Ladd, of Lisbon. The latter was thrown from his carriage, though not dangerously injured.

119. Wed Dec 24 1879: The Kaolin mine on the land of Daniel Palmer near Poquetannoc, has been closed for the winter as work is rendered impracticable by freezing weather. We learn that the labor will be prosecuted with vigor next Spring. A large excavation has already been made.

120. Wed Dec 24 1879: Voluntown charcoal dealers to the number of fourteen have been found to be using baskets that measure a bushel and a half for two bushel basket. They were compelled to purchase two bushel baskets, every one of which was sealed and marked "two bushels" on the handles.

121. Wed Dec 24 1879: The first meeting of the season of the Pomfret Farmers' Club was held at Pomfret hall, Dec. 8, at which the following officers were chosen:--John Dimon, president; C.D. Williams, vice-president; C.W. Grosvenor, treasurer; J.H. Bowditch, A. Warner, B. Grosvenor, executive committee.

122. Wed Dec 24 1879: William R. Foster died of Bright's disease in Elmira, N.Y., week before last, aged thirty-three years. He formerly practiced law in Hartford, and had many friends there. He was a native of Stafford, his father, now dead, was a prominent citizen of Tolland county, and at one time sheriff. Mr. Foster was assistant clerk of the Connecticut house of representatives in 1872.

123. Wed Dec 24 1879: North Windham.
There is to be a social dance at the residence of Geo. Polly on Christmas eve.
Mr. Fitch Polly and wife have been visiting at Mr. Chas. Taylor's at Chaplin.
Mr. Geo. Brookman while helping butcher at Mr. E.P. Kenyon's slipped and somewhat injured one of his knees. We hope it will prove to be nothing serious.
The school at Bricktop, under the tutorship of Chas. Spafford of this village is said to be flourishing finely, and the pupils speak in high terms of Mr. Spafford. Why will a district that has teachers old and tried, and young ones good and true, persist in going out of its own limits for teachers just to please some few.
The pine grove of C.H. Buckingham, which has been stripped of its noble pines by the workmen of J. Hamlin, now looks desolate and bare. Mr. R. is having the tops cut out into wood, which will give employment to a few.

124. Wed Dec 24 1879: Hebron.
Rev. Dwight Prentice officiated at the Congregational church on Sunday last, their pastor, Rev. A.J. Sullivan, being absent.
The Geographies now in use in the schools in Hebron have been exchanged for Harpers, by the order of the Board of Education.
Geo. M. Lincoln of Andover, Ct., delivered a temperance lecture in the Town hall on Saturday evening of last week to a small audience. Mr. Lincoln, according to his own statement, is a reformed drunkard. He shows much zeal in the work of temperance, and is doubtless doing much good.

125. Wed Dec 24 1879: Columbia.
The Literary Association met at the Town hall on Friday evening. A declamation was given by Edward P. Lyman, subject, "Horatius at the Bridge," also a select reading by Miss Lida F. Clarke, subject, "Parson Williams Sabbath breaking." The question, Resolved, "That circumstances have done more for the education of mankind than natural ability," was sustained by N.K. Holbrook, Chas. E. Little, G.Y. Robertson, opposed by Jos. Hutchins, A.W. Little, H.B. Frink, W.W. Lyon, Casper Isham. Decided by the president in the affirmative. Question for next meeting, Resolved, "That single life is preferable to married life."
The Rev. F.D. Avery delivered a lecture on "Italy," to a large audience on Wednesday evening. A neat little sum was netted for the ladies society.
The famous Fox-Collins horse case was []ot tried at the last session of the court at Tolland.
Mr. Alton D. Wood, for the last ten months the agent of the N.Y. & N.E. []ad at Hop River, has resigned to accept a similar situation at Harrisville, R.I., on the Pawtuxet Valley R.R. He has proved an efficient officer in his past situation. Success to him.

126. Wed Dec 24 1879: Brooklyn.
The Congregational church and S.S. members will hold a social as usual in the town hall, Thursday eve, Dec. 25th. All were cordially invited by the pastor, Rev. Beard, to be present and not forget the refreshments.
David Greenslit of Hampton, was chosen president of the Windham Co. Mu. Ins. Co., in place of John Gallup 2nd, lately deceased.
Arrivals:--Charels and Edward Marlor from Prof. Eggleston's school, Williamstown, Mass., Frank D. Lawton from []onington, where he is teaching Augustus []ylie, N.Y.

127. Wed Dec 24 1879: Andover.
The Baptist ladies' social met last week Wednesday evening with Mrs. Jennie Stearns. There was a full attendance, and all passed off well. The sale of bedquilt tickets was lively, and the desired number is now sold. Much credit is due Mrs. A.L. Remington for her untiring energy in making this scheme a success.
Appropriate exercises will be held in the Baptist church next Sunday evening, with reference to Christmas. The Congregational Sunday School is invited to take part in the exercises. We learn that Rev. Mr. Morgan will lead the meeting, assisted by Rev. Mr. Miller. Let there be a full attendance, as all will be paid for going.
Charles Kingsbury is shingling, and otherwise repairing his barn.
Charles Perkins has been greatly afflicted with fever and ague, but is now convalescing.
Wheeler Williams of this place, but who is now in Hartford, is very ill.
A very small congregation came out to the Union meeting at the Congregational church last Sunday evening. Rev. H.A. Morgan gave a very interesting talk. Some fine singing was an agreeable feature of the evening. The meeting closed with some appropriate remarks from Rev. Mr. Miller.

128. Wed Dec 24 1879: Scotland.
The Congregational Society held its annual meeting last Saturday. The former committee, consisting of Samuel Sprague, Dennison Allen, and Amos Burnham, was re-elected. The meeting adjourned for one week.
Mr. Dennis Murphy is talking of purchasing Mr. Egbert Bass's farm.
Mr. Egbert Bingham has purchased a four-year-cold of his son-in-law Dea. J.J. Robinson, of Poquonnoc.
Mr. H.B. Geer, of Washington, D.C., has been in town for a few days.

129. Wed Dec 24 1879: Putnam.
Mr. H.W. Britton and family of this place are to remove to Southbridge, Mass. The many friends of Mr. & Mrs. B., wish them abundant success.

130. Wed Dec 24 1879: Putnam - from another correspondent.
W.S. Johnson formerly of West Thompson, has entered partnership with E.T. Whitmore, shoe manufacturing.
The cantata of "Joseph and his Brethren," is to be given some time the following winter, under the supervision of W.M. Broad, who recently gave "Golden Hair and the Three Bears."
The Episcopal church of Sandy Hook, Ct., has extended a call to Rev. W.F. Bielby of this place.
At the town meeting Saturday, $9885 was appropriated for schools, highways and bridges. The selectmen were authorized to sell the Marsh place and to settle the Eldridge sheep case. A committee of five were appointed to arrange matters for bonding the town, and Almanson Harendeen was elected collector.

131. Wed Dec 24 1879: Rev. A.W. Paige, Methodist minister at East Glastonbury has been discovered as being on improper terms of intimacy with one of his female parishioners of East Hampton. The brother of the lady intercepted some of the devine's letters and was on hand when he came to fill the engagement for a clandestine meeting. The brother fired two shots at the clergyman, only one of which took effect, and that but slightly. Paige was arrested, tried, fined seven dollars and costs, and sent to Haddam jail for thirty days. He has a wife and family and has been very active in moral movements in Glastonbury.

132. Wed Dec 24 1879: Cotton Raising. In our little thriving village of Willimantic where the hum of machinery, busy in weaving cotton, is heard from early morn to early eve, I wonder how many have looked beyond the bales of cotton as they come to the mills, and study upon their source. Cotton is New England's revenue; Cotton is Georgia's revenue, and yet in how different manner to the two. The former with her numerous rapid streams, facilities of commerce, native genius and capital, buys Georgia's cotton and weaves and twists it into cloth and thread, to be sent all over the world, while Georgia, with her warm climate, sandy land and negro labor, furnishes New England with the needed article. Cotton raising then is much more important than may at first be supposed, and while I have been visiting for the past few weeks in the cotton raising country and have seen how that with small capital, close attention, and a few months of labor, an industrious man can earn here, a nice living and a competence besides, from a medium sized farm, I have wanted to whisper to many of my Connecticut neighbors, lay aside your foolish notions about Southern people, take your small capital of $3,000 and go to the country where by thrift you can build yourself up wealth in a few years. I will tell you of a small farm which I visited recently. It contains 225 acres, with comfortable buildings, value $2500. The proprietor has 100 acres in cotton, 20 in corn, 10 in sweet potatoes, potatoes, peanuts and vegetables of all kinds. Unless some accident befalls, he will get $2500 for his crops, besides what is kept for family use. To raise this crop he has three mules, runs three plows, hires four negro men, and a cook, hires extra men during the hoeing and harvesting, pays the negroes from $30 to $80 with board per year, has cattle, swine and poultry for his own use, with sales. Now does it require a mathematician to reckon whether he makes a pretty profit or not. I might describe to you, large plantations where thousands of acres are planted, but such ones require large capital. The cultivation of cotton is easily learned. Early in the year the plows are set at work in April, the land is drilled, guano is laid in and the cotton seed sown along the drills. As the cotton comes up it closely resembles buckwheat, and in fact it was hard at first to convince me that 'twas not that grain. As soon as two leaves show themselves the plowing between the rows, and "chopping out" is commenced. This later is, taking a hoe and "chopping up" along the rows, leaving single plants a foot apart. The plant is hoed twice afterwards. August is the blooming month, and the blossom closely resembles a half closed Hollyhock blossom, and when first opened is white; this closes at night and the next morning opens a purple color; this in turn closes and drops off, when the ball appears. This is green, hard, of the size and shape of a Guinea egg. After a little the ball bursts open and reveals the new white cotton. All of the balls do not open at once, but those at the bottom of the stalk open and are picked off first. After a week those next above open and are picked, and so on for four or five pickings. The plants have from one to a hundred balls. The pickers are usually negroes, and get 50 pounds. After the cotton is picked it is carried to the gin. Ginning consists in separating the cotton from the seed. The weight falls to one third--that is, 1500 lbs. of seed cotton will make a bale of 500 lbs. of clear cotton. The cotton is baled at the gin, and is then ready for market. The price of cotton here ranges from 9 to 11 cts. per lb., so a bale is worth from $45 to $55. Have I tired the patience of the appreciative readers of the newsy Chronicle? Forgive me more. Anon. Griffin, Ga. Oct. 2, 1879.

133. Wed Dec 24 1879: The Year 1880.
The year 1880 is Leap Year, and until the fourth of July is the 104th year of the American Independence.
Eclipses: There will be six eclipses in 1880--four of the sun and two of the moon--as follows:
I. A total eclipse of the sun, January 11. Visible in San Francisco.
II. A total eclipse of the Moon, June 22. Invisible in the United States.
III. An annular eclipse of the sun, July 7. Invisible in North America.
IV. A partial eclipse of the Sun, December 1. Invisible in America.
V. A total eclipse of the moon, December 16. Invisible in the United States.
VI. A partial eclipse of the sun, December 31. Visible in the United States when the sun rises.
The moon is called the governing planet this year.
The Four Seasons. Winter begins December 21, 1879, and lasts 90 1/2 days. Spring begins March 20, 1880, and lasts nearly 92 days. Summer begins June 20, 1880, and lasts 94 days. Autumn begins September 22, 1880, and lasts nearly 91 days. Winter begins December 21, 1880.
The Days of the Week. Each day dedicated to a heathen deity, as follows:
Dies Solis (Day of the Sun)…….Sunday
Dies Luna (Day of the Moon)….Monday
Dies Martis (Day of Tuisco)……Tuesday
Dies Mercurii (Day of Woden)…Wednesday
Dies Jovis (Day of Thor)………..Thursday
Dies Veneris (Day of Freya)……Friday
Dies Saturni (Day of Sator)…….Saturday

134. Wed Dec 24 1879: These are the days when a man wakes up from a dream wherein he swung in a hammock 'neath the spreading branches of an orange tree, eating ice-cream and strawberries, with a fan in his hand and a chunk of ice under his head, to find the bed-clothes off and hear a shrill voice yelling to him to get up, start the kitchen fire and thaw out the pump.--Lockport Union.

135. Wed Dec 31 1879: Locals.
Raw silk winders wanted at Turnerville. See advt.
Parlor dancing is raging among the young people.
Henry N. Wales, town clerk and treasurer elect, assumes the duties of office tomorrow.
A second wire has been stretched through this place by the Rapid Telegraph Company.
Miss V.B. Jamison, formerly a teacher in the Natchaug schools, was in town over Sunday.
C.H. Townsend, our popular photographer, will soon occupy the rooms vacated by McKenney, in Commercial block.
Peter Bouze, of Turnerville, fell into a cattle guard between that place and Colchester, and had a leg and one arm broken in two places.
The class in Geology meet at the residence of James Hayden this (Wednesday) evening. The subject for discussion will be "Chronology."
Patrick Farrell, a workman in the dye house at the Linen Co. was caught in one of the elevators while hoisting thread, and had his toes badly jammed.
Physicians in this vicinity will confer a favor on the Registrar, by returning their certificates of births and deaths as soon as convenient after January 1st.
The business so ably conducted at Adams' Insurance Agency for eighteen years will hereafter be carried on under the firm name of A.B. Adams & Co.

136. Wed Dec 31 1879: James Haggerty, was the happy recipient of a pair of silver spoon holders as a Christmas present from the girls in the winding room in the Linen Co.'s mill.

137. Wed Dec 31 1879: Mr. Shaffer one of our night watchmen, discovered the back door of the clothing store of W.L. Harrington & Co. to be unfastened one night last week. The proprietors had forgotten to fasten it. A watch was put over the store and one of the proprietors summoned.

138. Wed Dec 31 1879: Wm. H. Alpaugh left town on the five o'clock train Monday for New York, from which place he will sail for Havana on the steamer which leaves to-day. Mr. Alpaugh is out of health and goes to Cuba to pass the winter with friends. His many friends in this vicinity will wish him bon voyage and a return with renewed health.

139. Wed Dec 31 1879: The National brass band gives its second annual concert and social at Franklin hall, this (Wednesday) evening. Music will be provided for the occasion by Prof. Rollinson's full orchestra of seven pieces. The grand march begins at nine o'clock. The concert begins at eight o'clock and lasts until nine. It will be under the direction of Prof. Rollinson, and will undoubtedly be the last appearance in that capacity previous to his departure for the West.

140. Wed Dec 31 1879: At the annual meeting of Radiant Chapter No. 11, O.E.S., held in Masonic hall, on Friday evening, Dec. 26, the following officers were elected and installed for the ensuing year:--Sister Caroline Billings, W. Matron; Bro. Chester Tilden, W. Patron; Sister Susan Fuller, A. Matron; Sister Hattie Fuller, Secy.; Sister Eunice Ripley, Treas.; Sister Emily A. Bullard, Cond.; Sister Anna Chesbrough, A. Cond.; Bro. John A. Gardner, Chaplain; Sister Agnes F. Marston, Adah; Sister Emir H. Hamlin, Ruth; Sister Jane L. Tilden, Esther; Sister Lucy A. Gardner, Martha; Sister Alice S. Brown, Electa; Sister Eliza A. Congdon, Warder; Bro. Charles S. Billings, Sentinel; Sister Belle Chappell, Organist.

141. Wed Dec 31 1879: Willimantic Trust Co.--The annual meeting was held the 23d inst.; at Willimantic. The following were elected directors, viz: Wm. C. Jillson, Ansel Arnold, O.H.K. Risley, J.M. Johnson, S.G. Risley, E.S. Henry, Hyde Kingsley, J.N. Stickney, A.T. Fowler. The directors voted to reduce the capital stock to the amount paid up, and return all collaterals held as security for stock not paid up.--Rockville Journal. Depositors to the amount of $60,000.00, and stockholders to the amount of $100,000 would be heartily glad if this were true. The settling of that defunct institution proceeds slowly because the receivers wish to realize every dollar possible for the bank's creditors.

142. Wed Dec 31 1879: A Card.--It is with the deepest feelings of gratitude that we return our sincere thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who labored so hard to save the life of our darling Frankie, and to Drs. Hills and Jacobs for their untiring efforts to save his life after he had been taken from the water. We wish also, to express our thanks for the deep sympathy felt and manifested by the kind people of Willimantic after it was known that our dear child was gone from us forever, and we heartily pray that they may never see such a lonesome Christmas as it was the will of the Lord to send us. J.J. and Annie Kennedy.
Many persons having asked for a copy of Frankie's beautiful Christmas letter to his parents, we have had some printed, and those who wish, may obtain copies by calling at my store. J.J. Kennedy.

143. Wed Dec 31 1879: Sad Drowning Accident. Christmas brought the deepest sorrow instead of joy to the household of Mr. J.J. Kennedy, by the drowning of his oldest child Frank, a lad nine years old. Frankie was a very promising child, and it is the severest blow that could have fallen upon his parents. Many Christmas visitors had just arrived, and Frankie was entertaining them while his parents were at church, but upon their return he slipped out to play, and directed his steps towards the river, which was frozen over. The boy went out a short distance to try the ice and got on to a weak spot, which gave way and he went down. He clung to the ice and cried to a boy to go for help, but before it arrived he had gone under. There being no current, he sunk directly to the bottom, and was taken out as soon as possible by a man named Hall, and every effort was made to resuscitate the lad, but to no avail. He had been in the water about seven minutes, which was a sufficient time to chill him through. At the request of his teacher, he had written the following beautiful Christmas greeting to his parents, which will be treasured up as a sacred memento of their boy:
St. Joseph Parochial School. Willimantic, Dec. 23d, 1879.
My Dear Parents: It is with feelings of love and gratitude that I write this letter to wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. When I kneel before the Crib I will not forget to ask the Infant Jesus to grant you a long and happy life. He will not refuse us anything we ask of Him on the Feast of His Nativity. May the coming New Year be one of the happiest years of your life! May your peace and prosperity daily increase! Feast for many years; and may God pour His choicest blessings on you. Accept dear Parents these fond wishes from Your Loving Child Francis.

144. Wed Dec 31 1879: W.A.C. The first annual winter games of the Willimantic Athletic Club given at their club room last evening were a decided success financially as well as in point of interest. The board of management spared no pains in arranging a programme to please everybody. The club members were dressed in uniform, and presented a very neat appearance. The exercises began at 7:35 with a two-hour go-as-you-please race in which there were five entries: J.L. Walden, J.H. Parker, C.H. Townsend, (members of W.A.C.) P. Carroll of Chaplin, and F. Riley of Willimantic, C.L. Boss, time-keepr; C.H. Dimmick and E. Hatheway, scorers. When the word was given, the contestants started off at a brisk trot, and at the end of the first hour were moving in the following order:--Carroll 1st, with a score of 8 miles and 5 laps, Townsend, Walden, Parker, Riley. At the end of 66 minutes, Townsend retired, having scored 9 miles and 3 laps. Carroll, Walden and Parker kept up a trot till near the end, and when the time was called, the following was the score: Carroll, 15 miles 5 laps; Walden, 14 miles 1 lap; Parker, 13 miles 17 laps; Riley, 11 miles 22 laps; Townsend, 9 miles 3 laps, twenty six laps of the hall making a mile. The first prize, a silver goblet was therefore awarded to Carroll, and the second, a silver cup, to Walden. The race was an exciting one, and all the men showed good powers of endurance for amateurs. During the above race, there was a tug-of-war by members of the club;--time, 5 minutes; distance pulled, 6 inches. Won by Messrs. Remington, Everest, Burleson and Bottum, against Messrs. Lincoln, Hancox, Baldwin and Robbins. A light weight sparring match between C.S. Abbe and H.C. Lathrop interested the audience for ten minutes, and then Fred Sanderson and Chas. Robbins were started on a one-mile walk, which was won by the former in 8.34 1-4. Young Sanderson is a very fine walker. The Graeco-Roman wrestling match between John Spencer, Jr. and Glover Gray, was won by Spencer, who claimed the first two falls. In the high jump, James W. Rollinson had no competitors, but gave some exhibition jumping, and scored four feet and nine inches. A fifteen minute pull on the tug-of-war rope resulted in a victory for Fitzgerald, Fisher, Washburn and Pomeroy of the Hawley Guards, against Knight, Rooney, Whiting and Worden of Co. E.; distance pulled, 11 3-4 inches. An elegant silver ice-pitcher was the prize for this and was presented to the winning team. Messrs. Walden, Bailey and Alpaugh gave an exhibition of exercises on the parallel bars, and the evening program concluded with a tug-of-war between teams of the Club, which was won by C.W. Alpaugh, R. Alpaugh, Dougherty and Lincoln against Bailey, Little, Boss and Walden. Willimantic Band was present and encouraged the "tramps" with their sweet strains while the artists on the arenic sawdust were straining at something else. A large audience was present and heartily cheered the pedestrians when a spurt was made to gain the lead. The partition between the club room and "our town hall" was taken down, making a good sized room for exhibition purposes, and the Club may be assured that their efforts to promote physical education and to interest the public are appreciated.

145. Wed Dec 31 1879: Farmers' Club. The Willimantic Farners' Club met with Rev. Dr. Church on Monday evening, Dec. 29th, and the meeting proved one of the most enjoyable since the organization of the club. In the center of the room stood a large centre-table laden with delicate pop-corn balls, a large jar of cabbage prepared as a salad by Mr. Philander Willys of North Windham, sorghum molasses, from C.W. Marsh, of Mansfield, and samples of sugar from the Agricultural Dept. at Washington, made from corn-stalks and sorghum, which the club received by mail the past week. Of the above named delicacies, all present partook freely, and pronounced them very good. Dr. Church opened the discussion by advising the farmers in the vicinity of Willimantic to join together and establish a first-class creamery, hire a professional butter maker, produce a first-class article, and get a first-class price. One objection was, that the milk from some breeds of cows was ripe for churning sooner than that of others, and if churned together, a portion of the cream was lost in the buttermilk. R.P. Burgess, of Lebanon, had mixed the milk from different breeds, got all the butter he could, then hung the buttermilk in the well for 10 hours, and again churning it, he obtained as much butter as at the first churning. The argument went to show that milk of different breeds should not be mixed. Mr. Warren Atwood was much pleased with the meeting of the State Board, but handled without gloves the member from New Haven Co., for justifying the chewing of tobacco by the poor father who claimed, that by its use, he was enabled to get along with less bread, and have the more to give to his children. Mr. J.A. Lewis said that it showed what flimsy excuses a man would get up to cover bad habits. Rev. Horace Winslow thought it unwise and unprofitable to raise tobacco. He spoke very highly of Mr. Olcott's paper. Messrs. W.R. Andrews and C.H. Marsh were much interested in the remarks of Prof. Collier, and they gathered much information from private conversation with him. Mr. Andrews will purchase the proper machinery for making molasses and sugar from sorghum and corn stalks.

146. Wed Dec 31 1879: Vicinity News.
Prof. G. Cady is conducting a large dancing school at Taftville.
The resignation of Capt. Paul Brewer of the Buckingham Guards, Norwich, has been accepted.
Mr. L.W. Holt, of Willington, has in his possession a baby's shoe which he claims is 125 years old.
A Taftville man has sawed a beautiful scroll of the Lord's Prayer out of a strip of holly two by three feet.
The Williamsville Mills, in Killingly, are to increase the wages of their operatives ten per cent., January 1st.
Nathan W. Kennedy, of Dayville, has been obliged to resign his position as editor of the Naugatuck Enterprise, on account of ill health.
The Quinebaug Co., cotton manufacturers of Danielsonville, are to increase the capacity of their mills at that place by the addition of 50,000 spindles.
Belding Bros. & Co., have hired a portion of Mr. Fitch's mill, which is to receive silk machinery. Their orders, call for an enlargement of their Rockville works.

147. Wed Dec 31 1879: Mrs. Timothy J. Backus, of Eastford, had a shock on the 20th, and is under the charge of Dr. Robbins. She has suffered a great deal with her eyes and head, being totally blind for some years.

148. Wed Dec 31 1879: William Fitch, formerly manager of the Bulletin, and recently of Providence, R.I., passed an excellent examination before the examining committee, and has been admitted to the New London County bar.

149. Wed Dec 31 1879: Orient Lodge, Knights of Pythias of Danielsonville has elected the following officers:--C.C., C.L. Fillmore; V.C., N. W. James; M. at A., Munro Card; P., E. L. Palmer; M. of E., C.H. Bacon; M. of F., Martin Schlenker; K. of R. & S., F. U. Scofield; I.G., R. Bishop; O.G., J.D. Hillery.

150. Wed Dec 31 1879: The largest blast ever made in the State was recently made at the Oneco quarries, under the direction of Oscar F. Gibson of Sterling, the Superintendent of the quarries. Among the hundreds of tons that were thrown out was one solid block that will weight, by actual measurement, one hundred and forty-seven tons.

151. Wed Dec 31 1879: The suit for damages against Gilbert Lamb, Jr., the East Great Plains school master, who it is alleged, was instrumental in causing the death of little Marion Pierce by crushing her head in a doorway, which at the time it was expected would be brought by the girl's step-father George Bromley, will not probably be instituted soon if at all. An action can be had in the matter, as it is a civil suit, any time within twelve months after the child's death.

152. Wed Dec 31 1879: The Rockville Journal puts it thus:--"Rockville is a village in the town of Vernon, population 8,000, 3,000 Germans, about 3,000 Irish, English, Scotch, etc., and 2,000 Americans. Business here is good, especially for families. There are three cotton mills, one silk mill, one knitting mill, two shoddy mills, eight woolen mills, thirty-six gin mills, eight meat markets, two Presbyterian churches, one Methodist, one Episcopal, one German Lutheran, one Catholic; fifteen stores, three parks, two fountains, seven lawyers, six doctors, four barbers, four banks, nineteen bankrupts, one peanut stand, and any quantity of bad boys."

153. Wed Dec 31 1879: On Friday afternoon, Mr. Sidney B. Geer, of Jewett City, went out alone on a hunting expedition, and when about two miles from home, in attempting to get over a wall with his gun in his hand he stumbled and probably fell, dragging the gun, which caught, and both barrels were discharged, the contents entering his left side and passing through the stomach. He crawled about a third of a mile through a swamp and over a wall to an elevation, where his shouts and the waving of his hat attracted the attention of a boy. He was carried to the house of John Phillips, in Lisbon, and remained there until his death, Saturday morning. He was the only son of Isaac S. Geer, of Lisbon. He leaves a wife and two children. He had an insurance of $4,000 on his life.

154. Wed Dec 31 1879: Ashford Postmaster in Trouble. The New Haven Palladium, of the 26th, states that Special Agent E.E. Boyd, of the post-office department, has unearthed another post-office defalcation. The postoffice at Ashford, Windham county, this state, is the place, and Postmaster J.D. Gaylord is the man. Mr. Gaylord was appointed postmaster about four years ago. Under the old system of compensation, when postmasters of fourth class offices had a commission on the amount of stamps sold, the sale of stamps at the Ashford office made a very creditable showing, but since the salary system has been in vogue, Postmaster Gaylord's return of stamps sold has been less than one-third as much as formerly. These facts were noticed by the department at Washington, and added to them was the discovery last spring of a deficit of $90 in Mr. Gaylord's accounts. The postmaster at that time made some plausible explanation and paid up the deficit. Since that time the department has naturally been watching the Ashford office, and it was noticeable that Mr. Gaylord's reports of stamps on hand, as made to the department, showed a much larger supply, as in the case of Colonel Sprague of Birmingham, than was indicated in his applications for fresh supplies. The department taking cognizance of these irregularities, detailed Special Agent Boyd to investigate the matter, and last Tuesday evening he dropped in upon Postmaster Gaylord at his office, called for his books, stamps, envelopes, etc., on hand and discovered a deficiency in hi accounts of about $135. Mr. Gaylord was removed from the position, and the office was placed in the hands of his sureties, who appointed Dr. John H. Simmons, of Ashford, to act as postmaster until some action shall be taken by the department at Washington. Postmaster Gaylord has borne an excellent character in the community, and his defalcation will be a surprising piece of news to his many friends. His bonds were to the amount of $1,000, and had been furnished by Henry Hicks and Mason S. Kendall, both of Ashford. The special agent of the department has also discovered many instances where Mr. Gaylord has exchanged stamps for merchandise. He intends also to make a strict comparison of the Ashford office books and the government returns, itemize the postmaster's many pilferings and perjuries, and institute criminal proceedings against Mr. Gaylord at the next term of the United States Court.

155. Wed Dec 31 1879: Mansfield Centre.
The Christmas tree at the church on Thursday evening, was a success. The tree was loaded with presents for young and old. Twenty-five dolls were on it for the little girls, and the boys had tops, balls, musical instruments, etc. Among the presents, we noticed a silver jewel case of very tasty pattern, marked for Miss Lottie Swift, a set of seal skin furs, (muff and boa) for Mrs. M.M. Johnson, an envelope containing filthy lucre, and a nice dressing gown for Rev. K.B. Glidden, a cloak of modern pattern for Dea. Geo. Swift, a silver butter dish for Mrs. Glidden. Geo. B. Armstrong had a jumping-jack, which created a good deal of amusement. Many handsome books were among the presents, Japanese ware, etc., etc. For entertainment, there was singing, prayer, and an original poem by Rev. K.B. Glidden. The poem was pronounced good, and we hope to see it in print. All seemed to have a good time. May we have more such.
The Storrs monument set in the old cemetery is of granite, about 11 feet high, with base 6 feet square, and weighs about 11 tons. The following inscription is on the front:--"Samuel Storrs, fourth child of Thomas, baptised Dec. 7, 1640, at Sutton, Nottinghamshire, Eng., from whence he emigrated to Barnstable, Mass., about 1663. He was the first Storrs who came to America, and from him nearly all of that name have descended. He married at Barnstable, Mass., Dec. 6, 1666, Mary, daughter of Thomas Huckins. She was born May 29, 1645, who died Sept. 24, 1688; secondly to Esther Egard, Dec. 14, 1695, who died Apr. 13, 1730, in the 89th year of her age. He removed to Mansfield, Ct., in, or before 1698, where he died Apr. 30, 1719. Samuel Storrs and his wife, Esther are buried under this monument. His three sons, and many of his early descendants are buried in a line south of this." On one of the other sides, are the names, with the dates of their births and deaths, of his children and their descendants. On one of the other sides, is a genealogy of the Storrs family from Samuel down to the present generation. The monument is an ornament to the yard. It was erected by Mr. Charles Storrs.
Mr. Charles G. Barrows is about again, having been laid up for a couple of weeks with a bad cut in his leg.
Our fox hunters have had good success this winter in securing their game. One of them killed two foxes one morning before 9 o'clock,--and this town does not pay any bounty on them either.
Rev. K.B. Glidden preached at the Hollow, Sunday night.
James Macfarlane's colts are improving fast in their driving and appearance. They are bred from fast horses, and are very promising colts. If anyone is thinking of buying a fast horse, he will do well to look at Mr. Macfarlane's stock before purchasing elsewhere. He has some seven or eight.
One of our young families had a Christmas present of a daughter.

156. Wed Dec 31 1879: Columbia.
The Literary society met at the Town hall, on Friday evening. There was select reading by Miss Eva Moffett,--subject, "The Polish Mother," a declamation by Miss Lida F. Clarke,--subject, "Over the Hill to the Poor-house," and by Master Fred Fuller,--subject, "John Maynard." The question, "Resolved that single life is preferable to married life," was sustained by Messrs. W.W. Lyon, E.L. Richardson, S.B. West, and H.E. Lyman; and opposed by N.K. Holbrook, Charles E. Little, and G.Y. Robertson. The question being decided by the president in the negative. It was voted to accept the offer of Mr. W.E. Hawkins, to entertain the club with a lecture, at some future time.
A polar wave struck in this vicinity on Friday morning, the mercury marking zero at daybreak.
A chicken shoot was reported on Christmas day. No lives lost.

157. Wed Dec 31 1879: Brooklyn.
Our S.S. gathering, Christmas eve, was well attended. Everything passed off pleasantly, especially the refreshments, of which there was a good supply. The remarks by Rev. Mr. Beard and Dr. Woodbridge, on old customs, were very appropriate. No doubt the children enjoyed themselves,--that is, if one can judge by the amount of noise they made.
There is to be a social party in the Town hall, Wednesday night, Dec. 31. Prof. H.H. Hatch will furnish music.
The ladies of the Congregational Charity society will meet with Mrs. Dr. Woodbridge, Wednesday afternoon.
Arrivals.--Frank Richmond, L.A. Lanphere, and Miss Nellie Clark.

158. Wed Dec 31 1879: Andover.
The funeral of Wheeler Williams took place at the Baptist church last Wednesday, Rev. B.F. Chapman officiating. The deceased had long been a member of the Baptist church in this place.
The Hon. Mr. Clark has been in town the past week soliciting subscriptions for the New England Homestead, but found this town rather a poor place to labor in.
Rev. B.F. Chapman, last week sent a cane made by himself with a jack-knife, to the Hon. L. Burrows, of Decatur, Ill. This was as nice a specimen of his work as he ever sent out.
W.N. Cleveland has sold his Sprague Hambletonian horse to E.D. Dexter of Windsor Locks.
Mrs. L. Potter had a neighborhood Christmas tree which was much enjoyed by the little folks.
The Baptist Ladies' society will meet with Mrs. Fanny Lathrop next Thursday evening.
There will be a social dance at Charles Johnson's next Wednesday evening.

159. Wed Dec 31 1879: Putnam.
Mr. T.C. Bugbee has leased the hotel barn in the rear of the Bugbee House, to H.N. Corttiss and E.R. Spencer.
John A. Carpenter has purchased of Charles W. Goodhue the building lot in the rear of the Bank building.
Mr. George W. Morse, superintendent of the Baptist Sunday school, has given the school an invitation to his residence New Year's Eve. Mr. Morse has been Supt. of the school for many years. A pleasant, as well as a profitable time is expected.
The well known missionary, Wm. H. Taylor, preached at the Baptist church, Sunday morning, and at the Methodist church in the afternoon and evening.

160. Wed Dec 31 1879: Scotland.
The Pinch Street Literary society will meet with Mr. and Mrs. Lucien Bass, on Monday evening next.

161. Wed Dec 31 1879: Dayville.
Albert Potter lost a pocket-book containing about $100, one day last week.
A new market has been opened in Exchange building by R.B. Chapman & Co.
G. Warren Webster, who was married to Miss Fanny Cardu, the 17th, returned from a bridal trip Thursday 25th.
The Ladies' Society will meet with Mrs. Nicholas Bowen Friday afternoon and evening.
Col. Sayles gave each family in his employ a Christmas turkey. About one hundred were distributed.

162. Wed Dec 31 1879: Lebanon. An Interesting Trial.
Saturday, the 20th, seemed to be Lebanon's day in court. The case of the State against Wm. M. Cummings, our deputy sheriff, was tried at the town house before justices of the peace Spafford and Spencer, and the proceedings called out a town house full of our people. The case was fully heard and argued, and the justices reserved their decision for one week to satisfy themselves as to the law in the case. The case seems to have been gotten up by the enemies of Mr. Cummings, who have in vain been trying to get him removed as a deputy, and thought to cast suspicion upon his efficiency as an officer, by prosecuting him under and old and virtually obsolete common law provision, which holds an officer or jailor criminally liable in case of the escape of a prisoner, however much diligence and care may have been exercised in the endeavor to keep him. The evidence in this case showed that on the 6th of September John Jones was arrested on complaint and warrant, placed in the hands of L.L. Huntington, as an indifferent person, and charging vagrancy under the tramp law, and with the theft of a horse. The complaint was made entirely upon suspicion. Jones was taken before justice Walter G. Kingsley, on the day of his arrest, tried, and there not being evidence enough to hold him, the case was, on motion of the grand juror, and against the protest of the prisoner who could not give bail, adjourned five days in order that the grand juror might, if possible, find further evidence against the accused. The justice being in doubt whether L.L. Huntington, as an indifferent person, could hold the prisoner during the adjournment of the court, Mr. Cummings was sent for, and the prisoner placed in his custody to be produced in court on the day to which the court had adjourned. Mr. Cummings exercised all the vigilance possible in keeping his charge, except that he did not bind or chain him. He kept him with him in the day time, and nights employed a man to sit up and watch him in the room where he slept. On the third day of his keepership, Mr. Cummings was called to Norwich on official business, and employed a vigorous, athletic young man to watch the prisoner. Mr. Cummings instructed this keeper not to allow the prisoner under any circumstances to get out of his sight, and suggested that perhaps it might be best to put handcuffs on him. The young man said the handcuffs would be unnecessary, and that he would see that the prisoner did not get away. Mr. Cummings left for Norwich, and the young keeper took the prisoner in charge. The keeper having occasion to go to the barn took the prisoner with him, and as they were both standing in the barn door, a couple of gentlemen who had been looking for evidence against the prisoner came up, and enquired of the keeper where Mr. Cummings was. Just at this moment the prisoner stepped back from the door, and an instant afterwards the keeper heard a door open in the rear of the barn which led into a hog yard. He looked for his prisoner but found him gone, and immediately he and the gentlemen who had enquired for Mr. Cummings instituted a most vigilant but fruitless search for the escaped prisoner. They found a shoe in the hog pen which the prisoner had lost in his flight, and another back of a building in the rear of the hog pen, but these were the only traces they could discover of the fugitive. A team was dispatched to overtake Mr. Cummings and notify him of the escape. Mr. Cummings returned in about three quarters of an hour, aroused the neighborhood, and a number of persons went out in search of the prisoner but without avail. Mr. Cummings then went to Justice Kingsley and notified him of the escape, and the justice took no further notice of the case. The claim was set up that it makes no difference how vigilant Cummings was in the discharge of his duty; nothing but the natural death of the prisoner, or his rescue by the enemies of the country could excuse him from having the prisoner in court. The counsel for the prosecution, J.M. Hall, Esq., cited the law to this effect, and some old decisions to sustain it which reminded us of the old blue laws of this state of which we have heard so much told of their severity and absurdity. The counsel however produced no authorities in our own state, and but very few and very old ones in any of the states. John L. Hunter, Esq., argued that though the law might be as claimed, at one time, when an officer had a right to bind and gag his prisoner, still in the march of culture and civilization we had outlived it, and that there was no law which would punish an officer criminally for the escape of a prisoner if the officer had used all diligence, consistent with the prisoner's rights, in holding him. Mr. Hunter also claimed that the prisoner was not in legal custody. On Saturday last at 1 o'clock, the court convened according to adjournment, and after an interesting review of the facts and the law, the court acquitted Mr. Cummings.

163. Wed Dec 31 1879: Chaplin.
Mrs. A.M. Griggs, teacher in the Centre school, is confined to her room by a prolonged attack of neuralgia. It is feared she will be obliged to resign her position.

164. Wed Dec 31 1879: Married.
Searle-Kinney--In Providence Dec. 24, Martin V.B. Searle of Providence, to Mrs. Lydia E. Kinney of Willimantic.

165. Wed Dec 31 1879: Died.
Platt--In Ashford, Dec. 26, Nancy J. Platt, aged 52.
Burdick--In Hampton, Dec. 29th, Frank O. Burdick, aged 5.
Thompson--In N. Coventry, Dec. 26, Maria Thompson, aged 66.
Martin--In So. Coventry, Dec. 28th, Anna Martin, aged 5.
Green--In Coventry, Dec. 25th, Eliza Ann Green, aged 62.

166. Wed Dec 31 1879: Born.
Clark--In Scotland, Dec. 2[4?]th, a son to Arthur and Jennie Clark.
Litchfield--At Mansfield Centre, Dec. 25, a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Litchfield.

167. Wed Dec 31 1879: Raw Silk Winders. Wanted at once, several experienced hands. Steady work and good pay, by P.W. Turner & Co., Turnerville, Ct.

168. Wed Dec 31 1879: Walking the Sleepers. Two centuries ago some of the New England churches had an official whose duty it was to go round and waken the sleepers in time of service. In 1646 the Rev. Dr. Samuel Whiting was minister of Lynn, Massachusetts. One Obadiah Turner kept a journal at that time, the following extract from which is published: "1646, June ye 3rd. Allen Brydges hath been chose to wake ye sleepers in meeting, and, being much proud of his place, must needs have a fox taile fixed to ye end of a long staff wherewith he may brush the faces of them yt will have naps in time of discourse; likewise a sharp thorne wherewith he may prick such as be most sounde. On ye last Lord his day, as he strutted about ye meeting house, he did spy Mr. Tomkins sleeping with much comforte, his head kept steadie by being in ye corner, and his hand grasping ye rail. And soe spying Allen did quicklie thrust his staff behind Dame Ballard, to give him a grevious prick on ye hand. Whereupon Mr. Tomkins did spring up much above ye floor, and with terrible force strike his hand against ye wall, and also, to ye great wonder of all, profainlie exclaim in a loud voice, 'Cuss the woodchuck!' he dreaming, as it seemed, yt a woodchuck had seized and bit his hand. But on comeing to know where he was, and ye great scandall he had committed, he seemed much abashed, but did not speake. And I think he will not soone again go to sleepe in meeting. Ye women may sometimes sleep and none know it by reason of their enormous bonnets. Mr. Whiting doth pleasantli say yt from the pulpit he doth seem to be preaching to stacks of straw with men jotting here and there among them."

169. Wed Dec 31 1879: One Edward Sprague, who has also gone by the names, E.R. Herrick and David Edward and has operated quite extensively about New Haven and in Massachusetts as a horse thief, was arrested last week at Concord, Mass.

170. Wed Dec. 31 1879: Dr. Chamberlain, Secretary of the State Board of Health, in his last report speaks in a pregnant way of the healthfulness of the river water supplied to Hartford; he says the analysis indicates "some organic contamination, while still leaving the water in the list of potable waters, as it does not quite come within the list of suspicious or dangerous in the ordinary classification."

171. Wed Dec. 31 1879: On the 24th, while coupling cars on the South Norwalk wharf, which is the terminus of the Danbury and South Norwalk Railroad, John Bayard, a brakeman, was run over by a freight car and completely cut in two. He lived about ten minutes. Deceased, who had been in the employ of the railroad company twelve years, was 49 years of age and leaves a wife and three children.