| SEVENTY-ONE YEARS YOUNG ON LAST SATURDAY
Whether manufacturer, business man, minister, priest, lawyer or school teacher, we doubt if there is a citizen in Webster or Dudley more generally known than Hiram J. Raymond. He was seventy-one years (young) old last Saturday, and those who enjoyed his friendly grasp found it to be as firm as that of the ordinary man twenty years his junior: there is also a merry twinkle in his eye, and his face has the look of a man with years of usefulness ahead. "Yes" Hiram said, "I am seventy-one today, hale and hearty, and one of the hardest working men in this section. You know I’m tax collector and dog officer of the town of Dudley, and have charge of both Dudley cemeteries, and besides, at our house we turn out from a dozen to twenty washings every week, well, you know on top of that I have my little farm to attend to." Mr. Raymond’s vitality and ability to turn out so much work is a wonder to all who are acquainted with his age and his duties. Mr. Raymond was born in North Webster. When he was a boy he worked at the shoe bench, doing his regular amount or stunt each day, before and after school. This was followed until the war broke out. At that time he was going to school in the original Webster high school building at the East Village. The building that was destroyed by fire and the foundation ruins can yet be seen in the vicinity of the site of the old Methodist church, afterwards used as the French Catholic church. Although much under age, he could not refrain from the call “To arms” in the defense of the country. Amos Bartlett was the high school teacher, and Hiram was one of the pupils that assisted in forming the nucleus of the “Slater Guards,” that afterwards were a part of Co. I of the famous 15th Massachusetts infantry. Hiram served his full time in the war, and came home to resume private life. Mr. Raymond says in all his public duties the tax collectors business is the most perplexing and troublesome. Hiram says "You’d be surprised to see how many young men try all manner of means to avoid paying their taxes, when they can well afford to do it promptly, judging from the good cloths they wear, the jewelry they sport and the dances and shows they attend. Why you can’t go anywhere but what you see these cheap sports enjoying themselves and shying clear of the collector. These young worthless citizens are in marked contrast to many who I have on my list that are paying me 25 cents, 50 cents and $100 a week, as their income will permit, to pay off the tax on a little piece of property. Many of the latter are foreign born, have acquired a bit of property, and are doing their best to keep it clear from all indebtedness." In his official duties in connection with the town Mr. Raymond comes in contact with all classes and conditions of people, and all know him to be faithful and conscientious in his dealings with the town and kind, forbearing and indulgent with the people. He is considered a valuable town officer, which has been shown by his retention in office, and his friends wish him continued health to pursue his public and private duties. |