The Elyria Republican, January 22, 1880 Written for the Republican A Pittsfield Centenarian New Year's day has become a red letter day to the members of the Wilder family that assembled at the house of Mrs. DeYoung, to celebrate the one hundredth birthday anniversary of Mrs. Sally Wilder. The East and the West clasped hands in joyful greeting after years of separation, representatives coming from Brooklyn, N.Y., Fredonia, N.Y., North East, Penn., Cleveland, Oberlin, O., Iowa City, Chatham and Otranto, Iowa. Letters brought kindly messages from Calafornia and Liepzig, Germany. Of Mrs. Wilder's ten children there were present on this day all that remain - three sons and two daughters, ranging from fifty-eight to seventy-four years of age, and she was gladdened by the bright faces of children's children to the fourth generation. The morning passed as the first hours of such reunions must in renewing old associations. "The heroine of the day" sat serenely in her sunny room, receiving in groups of two or three the dear ones for whom her loving welcome had been waiting long. Her graceful attire of black cashmere, soft laces with natural flowers, and tasteful cap, brought to mind traditions of grandma's early beauty, of which the younger members of the family like to boast. The dinner, which was furnished and served by Mr and Mrs. J.S. Baldwin-and which stands securely upon its own merits-was announced at two o'clock. After a pleasant hour of table enjoyment, the friends were called to order by Dr. W.P. Horton of Cleveland, who had previously been chosen chairman of the day, and the "flow of soul" was introduced by him in a few fitting words. The welcome was given by Miss Franc Young, in Mrs. Wilder's name. The response by Prof. L.F. Parker, of the Iowa State University, was beautifully touching in its allusions to the long, worthy life we meet to honor, to the gift of our own lives, and to many bound to the family by that other tie, the gift of those dearer than life. Following this came the historical paper by Mrs. S. C. Parker, eldest grand-child, going hastily over the life of our "house mother," with just a glance at her descendants. Mrs. Wilder's girlhood was passed in old Petersham, Mass., where at the age of twenty-one she became the bride of Daniel Wilder, and settled in their native town. After a time they moved with their one baby girl to the new State of Vermont, where the years of middle life went by bringing seven sons and two more daughters to the family circle. An attack of the western fever induced them to re-move to Ohio in '35; so another new home was made on a farm in Pittsfield. But after some years old age began to "abate their natural vigor" and because of many new homes theirs was desolate, and they followed the youngest child, Mrs. Young, to her home to spend what remained of life. Seventy years of married life came to its close in March. '71, when one "crossed over" and she was left alone. Mrs. Parker found many items of interest; among them she states that all the family with one grateful exception are Republicans. In vocation she finds one ordained minister, two professors, one dentist, one civil engineer, one U.S. surveyor, soldiers, business men &c. Then came toasts spicy and pathetic, with suitable responses, some of the containing high testimonals to the pure life and character of the aged one, from those who every day witness the restful faith and wonderful patience that make old age in this instance at least beautiful. Prof. Parker gave briefly some glimpses of the century this life had spanned, comparing then and now in an able manner, touching upon the hopeful aspect of the present, and laying broad foundations for thanksgiving. The closing prayers were offered by Rev. C. C. Baldwin, and the grand old doxology bore upon its strains the praises of many hearts. Among the gifts was a chased gold ring, neatly engraved, presented by Miss L. Cheney, to be preserved in the family as an heir loom. As an after note to the above article, Sally Wilder died September 25, 1880 at the age of 100 years, 8 months and 25 days according to the Lorain County Probate Death Records. <BR><BR><BR>**************************************<BR> AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com.