53rd Birthday Party of Edgar H. and Austin W. Springstun (bef
1914)
No. 250 - Uncited clippings from the "Neva Murphy Hubbard Collection" of
Beth Rengers Talken, 1998.
_____ years ago, Edgar H. and Austin W. SPRINGSTUN, twin brothers began farming in the
northeast part of this county, in the White Swan District, where they were soon known as
progressive, up-to-date farmers. In course of time Edgar married Miss WATTS and continued
to have an ideal home. Austin lived an old bachelor's life, making his home with his
brother until about two years ago, when he built a house on his farm two miles east of his
brother's home, in the Smith School District. He has done his own cooking ever since
moving into his lonely home. I was not surprised last Wednesday morning May 28, to receive
a phone message like this, "Come to Austin's today to meet all of the neighbors; come
in time for dinner." I thought at last Austin is going to marry. I gathered a large
boquet of roses for the bride and was soon on my way. Arriving at his home, I found quite
a crowd; the lawn was already filled with buggies, surreys and autos. I asked for the
bride, but was told that there was no bride there, that the gathering was to celebrate the
twin brothers' 53rd birthday, and surely it was a celebration long to be remembered. Mrs.
Matt. SPRINGSTUN, wife of Edgar SPRINGSTUN, acted as hostess, assisted by Medames Lizzie
REYNOLDS, Lucy BELL of Paynesville, Susie SLEDD and Maggie CRANK of Sledd, all sisters of
Messrs. SPRINGSTUN.
Some were at work erecting tables under two large walnut trees on the lawn, and when the
noon hour arrived an invitation was given for all to come dinner. Uncle Sammie PHOEBUS was
asked to return thanks to the giver of all blessings, after which we proceeded to do
justice to the dinner. I am not able to describe the dinner; the ladies of this vicinity
are noted for the dinner they can serve on all occasions, but this one surely surpassed
all former efforts. There was everything that was good to eat, ice cream, strawberries,
lemonade by the barrel, soda by the case and candy for the children, so Austin said, and
later cigars for all who cared to smoke.
The oldest person on the ground was Mrs. Elvira WATTS, nearly 91, she is the mother of
Robert WATTS and Mrs. Edgar SPRINGSTUN. The oldest man was D.B. SMILEY, 82, next oldest
Sam'l PHOEBUS, 77, second oldest lady Mrs. D.B. SMILEY, aged 80. Charlie CRANK was the
largest man, weighing over 200, and he also claimed to be the best looking but this claim
was so stoutly denied by Noah DAMRON, Dan BARNES, Jim OGDEN, and others that it was
decided to settle that point the 28th of May 1914 at Edgar SPRINGSTUN's, where the next
celebration will be held. I forgot to mention that there was by actual count 89 to dinner.
Austin says there will be 90 next time. The crowd did not disperse until nearly five
o'clock after voting to pronounce it a happy meeting and wishing the brothers many returns
of the day; also to thank all who had assisted [article ends there]
Note regarding clippings from the "Neva Murphy Hubbard Collection": Neva Murphy Hubbard (1886-1971) lived all of her life in Lincoln County, MO. She collected a large file of clippings of Lincoln County residents. The majority of the clippings were without citation. Beth Rengers Talken, beneficiary of the collection, has transcribed them for inclusion in our Lincoln County Heritage Records.
Submitted to HERITAGE PAGES of LINCOLN COUNTY, MISSOURI by Beth Rengers Talken, 20 August 1998.
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