Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 125, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 November 1904 — FIVE SCORE AND FIVE. [ARTICLE]

FIVE SCORE AND FIVE.

Grandma Wilkins. Passes Her 105TH Birthday, With Great Eclat. J A. unique event in the history of the tooial life of Rensselaer wee the reception given to Mrs. Mary Wilkins Monday afternoon, on the occasion of her 105th birthdiy. The affair took place at the home of Mrs. O, A. Roberts, in the west part of town, dnring the hoars of two to five o’olook. There was a constant stream of people oalling upon the wonderfnl old lady, daring all tho 36 boars. All of the grown people were asked to register their names, and there were 800 who so registered. When the sohoola were dismissed nearly all es the pupils, headed by the teaoheis, oalled upon her. A oount was kept of the number who shook hands with her aad the total was 630. Many others called and looked at the very aged woman, but dtd not wait to shake her hand, and the number oalling was no doubt .muoh over 700. Many of the oaiiers brought presents of various kinds, suoh as handkeroniefs and other little articles, small sums of money etc., and Mrs. Imes, the milliner presented a beautiful bonnet. The fruit and osndy contributed amounted to a bushel basket-ful. The old lady enjoyed the affair immensely. An affeoting incident was her singing an old-time bnt very touching hymn. Mrs, Delos Thompson furnished mania daring the afternoon, and prayer services were held by Revs. Kwdig md Ferguson Another incident of special interest was the taking of tbe old lady’s picture while in a buggy to which was hitohed A. W. Cleveland’s 36$ year old horse. Thus tbe oldest person and the oldest horse in Northwest Indiana were pictured trgetber.