At the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. BURNS, northeast of the city, one of the events which mark the bright spots along life's pathway, the fortieth anniversary of their wedding, was observed October 17. For some time past the word was secretly passed around among the relatives and many friends of the couple by Miss Margaret BURNS and Mrs. Robert BURNS, requesting those told of the event to be present as a complete surprise. The day was perfect in its autumnal beauty. Some twenty relatives from Fairfield came in carriages to an appointed meeting place, from where, with those in waiting, they drove to the BURNS home in a body. After the congratulations were over, thirty-three persons sat down to a grand spread at a number of tables that had been prepared unknown to the honored couple. Four of the guests were present at the wedding, forty years ago. They were: Mrs. Anna B. LEWIS, Messrs. W. C. and G. W. BALL, sister and brothers of the bride, and Mrs. Margaret MCCANDLESS of ! Orien, Ill., a sister of the groom. Among the gifts presented were forty silver dollars, representing the years of married life. The presentation speech was made by Hon. George BALL. Miss Cora BALL read a large number of letters and messages from relatives in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Canada. A musical entertainment followed this, after which Miss Mary L. STEVER took snap shots of the company. *Imperial column