Newton County GaArchives News.....CELEBRATION OF GRANDMA CONNOR’S 85TH BIRTHDAY April 18, 1889
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Phyllis Thompson http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00011.html#0002524 September 4, 2005, 5:46 pm

The Georgia Enterprise April 18, 1889
[For the Georgia Enterprise]
     It is quite a pleasing task to record the many happy events which 
transpired at the social and hospitable home of MRS. WILSON CONNOR, grand-ma 
CONNOR, as the entire community call her, a few evenings since. In 
commemoration of her 85th birthday, which took place on the 9th of April, 1889, 
many loving friends decided to give her a “surprise” which would not only 
evidence their esteem for this good and aged lady, but prove quite gratifying 
to her children, grandchildren and relatives. In pursuance of this object, her 
excellent daughter, Miss Bettie, was informed in the afternoon that some 
friends would call and “take tea” as it was “grandmas” birthday. She was also 
instructed to make no preparation, whatever, for their reception, as other 
arrangements had been made.
     As the shades of evening drew near the rays of a golden sunset, 
brilliantly lighted up the spacious dining room, profusely decorated, by many 
friends, with gay garlands of natures choicest and most fragrant flowers. The 
entire community had been invited to join in the loving work, and when the 
waiters, baskets and dishes sent in were all emptied of their delicious viands, 
and, with deft fingers, spread upon the snowy cloths, the tables presented the 
appearance of a wedding feast.
     As the tables were smiling beneath their appetizing burdens of delicacies, 
so the parlors, hall, veranda, every available space, was filled with smiling 
guests, who had congregated to congratulate this good “Mother in Israel,”
on the long and useful life vouch saved her by an all wise and loving father.
     Her immediate family, consisting of four daughters, viz: Miss Bettie 
Connor, Mrs. Wells, Mrs. Osborn, Mrs. Banks, ten grandchildren, two great 
grandchildren and several sons-in-law, were all present, with happy hearts and 
felicitous congratulations. All ages were represented, from the ancient 
grandmother, with her silvered locks, almost ready to resign “this fitful fire 
and fever of life,” to the dear little lisping infant of two years. The string 
band enlivened the occasion with sweet strains of melody, while Misses Lucie 
and Denie Bagby, two very handsome granddaughters, were the cynosure of all 
eyes.
     By special request of members of the family I must not omit to mention, 
that Judge E. F. Edwards, delivered a brief and most appropriate prayer 
or “blessing,” at the table thanking Kind Providence for his especial  care and 
for the long life of this “Mother in Israel.” How beautiful is old age and how 
pleasant the thought of showing respect, by celebrating the birthdays of those 
who will soon cross over and be at home “over there.”
     This occasion was one long to be remembered by all present. But should, 
ere another twelve months pass, ere another birthday roll around, “ the silver 
cord be loosed and the golden bowl be broken at the fountain,” may this noble, 
good woman, whose life has been filled with deeds of kindness, hear with 
rejoicing, the welcome plaudits, “well done, thou good and faithful servant, 
enter into the rest prepared for you from the beginning.” And should the Master 
call, another birthday shall be celebrated on the “other shore,” with an 
reunited FAMILY and a burst of hosannas which shall cause the vaults of heaven 
to ring again.
A FRIEND, Covington, Ga. April 10th, ‘89


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