Four Score and Six.

Yesterday at Bonnie Brook, in this county, a gathering of the relatives and friends met at the home of Mr. G. R. Gibbons, where children of the fourth generation were “gaily ranting through the house,” while the more aged ones were either conversing seriously or “cracking crouse by the ingleside.”  The rooms were elaborately and artistically decorated with a profusion of beautiful flowers and trailing vines in which thought was plainly to be traced, as around the framed picture of the aged grandfather a lot of faded leaves were placed among the green and tender vines which, to a feeling, appreciative soul, spoke emblematically.  The entire decoration had a very tender, pathetic meaning.

Those present were Dr. Robert I. Battle and Mr. James Irick, the son-in-laws of Mr. Gibbons with their wives and children; Mr. J. C. Herring and wife, (old Virginia friends) who had recently returned from a visit to old friends after an absence of twenty seven years; Mr. Will Gibbons and wife and child, of Vans Valley; Mr. J. R. Gibbons and wife and son; Mr. Robert Renfroe, wife and little daughter, the writer and Mr. Bernard Herring. [Article continues with some poetic rhapsodizing (devoid of genealogy) and concludes:]

The elder Mr. Gibbons’ birthday is November the 18th; his son’s November the 16th –hence is made the custom of the family to hold its annual Birthday Dining November the 17th. – T. F. J.