Social Event.
One of the most pleasant social events of the season took place at Loveland on February 10, at the residence of Theophilus Simonton, Esq.
It was the birthday of his sister, Elizabeth Helmick. Mrs. Helmick is now 79 years old and as spry as most people at fifty. She is the daughter of Theophilus Simonton, Esq., one of the first settlers of Hamilton township, Warren County. She left this State for Michigan forty-five years ago with her husband, Jesse Helmick, and did not again visit this State until September, 1881, since which time she has been visiting her brothers and other relatives.
She raised a family of eleven children, seven-of whom are now living. It is both pleasant and interesting to converse with the old lady about her pioneer days in Michigan. When they arrived at the settlement in which they located there were but few persons there. They presented their letters to the M. E. Church and were taken in. The membership then numbered five persons.
Mr. Helmick was soon chosen by the settlers to sit as Judge on the Common Pleas Bench, which position he filled for several years. He continued to live a useful, religious life until about a year ago, when he passed away as he had lived – loved and respected by all who knew him.
The above named surprise was planned and carried out by her brother, Theophilus Simonton, Esq., at his residence, and so well were the plans executed that the old lady knew nothing of the dinner and coming of her relatives until the table was arranged and the guests began to arrive. The surprise was complete, but the old lady took in the situation at a glance and said she was really glad of it; and the good old mother gave her relatives a warm reception, and to add pleasure to the occasion her brother Theophilus, who is captain of the host of joke-crackers, did certainly acquit himself.
Among those present were; Mrs. Elizabeth Helmick, Michigan; Mr. Eli Hemlick, Michigan; Mr. Richard Ludlum and wife, Morrow; Wm. Simonton and wife, Maineville; E. A. Simonton and wife, Maineville; Jas. Simonton and wife, Pendleton, O.; Darius Ross Esq., and wife, Foster's Crossing; John Willoughby and wife, Loveland; Arelius Willoughby and wife, Loveland; Mrs. Elizabeth Schugler, North Vernon, Ind.: Mrs. Emily Alcoke, North Vernon, Ind.; Miss Kate and Ida Tally, Loveland; Sallie Gillis, Maineville; Mr. Alva Simonton, Maineville; Lizzie Myers, Loveland, and others. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, nearly one-half of the relatives couldn't get there, but suffice to say that those present had a very pleasant and enjoyable time, and every one felt that it was good to be there.
One Who Had A Seat At The Table