May 8, 1929
Celebrates Ninetieth Birthday
James W. Northrup
James W. Northrup, one of Berwick’s most highly respected and esteemed citizens, recently celebrated his 90th birthday at his home on Foster Street, when he was the recipient of hearty felicitations from his numerous friends.
Mr. Northrup’s history is varied and interesting, and we wonder if the present generation, if obliged to go through the routine of our aged nonogenarian, could weather the storm. As he relates, he has worked from sunrise to sundown, and received, at one time, recompense to the extent of 33 (pounds) for a period of something less than a year. Mr. Northrup was born in Rawdon, Hants Co., in the year, 1838, leaving there when a very young lad. He has been twice married, first, in 1859 to Miss Susan M. Parker of Margaretville, by whom there were five children, four sons and a daughter. Of these, only one son, Fletcher M. Northrup, proprietor of the Northrup House, Berwick, is living. His second marriage was in 1897 to Miss Eudevilla Cleveland, who is a most faithful partner in his old age.
In 1871 Mr. Northrup owned and sailed his own schooner out of Harborville to Boston, carrying cargoes of wood to that port, and bringing back a mixed cargo. He spent six years on the sea, experiencing in that time many violent storms, but through his keen knowledge of the sea, always came through without a mishap. On retiring from the sea he conducted a shoe and tannery business in Harborville, and later devoted his time to farming in that vicinity. In 1898 he moved to South Berwick, owning a large farm there for many years. About ten years ago, he moved to Berwick where he now resides.
Mr. Northrup is most active for his age, being able to drive down town daily. He is the possessor of a keen and active mind, and has always been very public-spirited, taking a keen interest even today in all that pertains to the welfare of his town and province. In his earlier years he served for a number of years as Justice of the Peace, and was also Councillor of the Municipality for several terms. A few years ago he was offered the Mayorship of the town of Berwick, which honor, due to his advanced years, he declined.