The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, December 3, 1908 On Wednesday, Nov. 25, MARY and LAURA MASON entertained 11 of the 16 great grandmothers of Newbern and vicinity at a dinner at their home in Newbern, the occasion being their mother's 84th birthday anniversary. Those present were MRS. FRY, age 88; MRS. MOON, 78; MRS. WILSON, 77; MRS. STOUT, 76; MRS. GUNTER, 75; MRS. GRAVES, 75; MRS. WOOD, 74; MRS. NORRIS, 73; MRS. BENNETT, 70; MRS. RIGGS, 67; MRS. GARDNER, 65. A happy day was spent that will be remembered by all present. A bountiful dinner was served of which the chief attraction was the birthday cake, designed by two granddaughters, LETTIE MASON and ELSIE BEARDEN. The trimming on cake consisted of the words "Grandma" and "84." Grandma MASON is hale and hearty and enjoys life for one of her age. She is the mother of seven children, six of whom are living, 24 grandchildren, 22 are living, and three great grandchildren of whom but one is living. The sum of the ages of guests, including Grandma MASON, is 902 years. Average age 75 years, 2 months. Mothers of 105 children of whom 65 are living, 298 grandchildren, 69 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. After spending a pleasant day the guests of whom nine are widows, departed for their homes wishing Grandma MASON many more such happy days. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert April 16, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net