Lower Salem, Ohio, November 9, 1882. Today we had the privilege of meeting at the residence of Mr. Andrew Twiggs, Sr., for the purpose of celebrating his 77th birthday. When the morning dawned, he felt rejoiced to think that he had been spared to see another birthday, and by 10 o'clock he rejoiced greatly to see his sons, daughters, grandchildren and other relatives gathering in for the purpose of having a good time. They continued to come until there were 51 in all.
After they had all gathered the women set to work preparing dinner for the happy family. Many hands make quick work, so dinner was soon prepared and as soon dispatched. The afternoon was passed in playing croquet, cracking nuts, passing jokes, etc. After they had all enjoyed themselves enough for one day they departed to their respective homes, leaving the old gentleman feeling younger than some of his boys. Thinking the history of Mr. Twiggs might be interesting to some who know him, we will endeavor to produce it.
He was born in York County, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and came to Ohio when only two years old in a wagon, stopping at what is now known as Whipple Station. He lived with Asa Perkins, near Bonn, until he was 18 years of age and from there he went to Newport, where he worked two years with Mr. Newman to learn the carpenter's trade, and he became an accomplished workman.
He was married to Miss Maria Miller in the year 1827. At this time his circumstances were such that he had to make rails at 15 cents per hundred to get his license, he then being able to cut and split 200 per day. After he was married and expenses paid for the same, he had not one cent left to commence with, and having a determination to accomplish something, he went to work with a will.
When they moved to themselves, a little one-horse sled carried their stock of goods to a little old log house farm now known as the Moses Blake farm. Here he resided for two years; from thence he removed to the place where he now lives. The place at that time was a perfect wilderness, but by hard work he succeeded in clearing up his farm, making an honest and respectable living.
He has also raised a family of eleven children, all of which are living yet, save one daughter that died about six years ago. The family consists of seven sons and four daughters. His oldest child is 54 years of age and his youngest is 28. He also has 46 grandchildren, all of which are living but seven, and he had three great-grandchildren. He has lived to see the commencement of the fourth generation and is still able to do considerable work yet.
We now leave the subject, hoping that his remaining days may be spent happily.
Gilbert
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