Happy 86th Birthday!

Mary Jane (Abbott) Capen was my 2X great-grandmother. Her daughter with whom she lived, Fannie Carter, was my great-grandmother and my grandfather, Richard Carter was one of her seven grandchildren (brother to Rebecca mentioned in the article). Fannie's husband was killed when he was struck by a car in 1923 and raised her 5 children, E. Augustus, Rebecca, Richard, Stanley, and Paul on the Carter family farm in Middle Intervale, Bethel. This newspaper article describing Mary Jane's birthday celebration is full of genealogy information as it lists the names of her parents, her children who lived to adulthood along with some important dates in the family timeline.
Lewiston Evening Journal - Jan 10, 1933

86 YEAR OLD E. BETHEL WOMAN ACTIVE IN THE HOME

EAST BETHEL, Jan 10 - At the age of 86, Mrs. Mary Jane Capen is in very good health and is able to do considerable work in the home. She quietly observed her 86th birthday Friday, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fannie Carter at Middle Intervale, with whom she now lives. She received gifts from her seven children and cards from her many friends. 

Mrs. Capen was born in Bethel, the daughter of John and Sarah Akley Abbott. Seventy years ago, she was married to Edward Capen, who died in 1912. To this couple were born seven children, two sons who died when young; a son, Charles, who died in 1930, and four daughters, Mrs. Laura Roberts of China, Miss Minnie Capen, Miss Alice Capen of Bethel, and Mrs. Fannie Carter. 

Mrs. Capen has seven grandchildren, one of whom is Rebecca Carter, a student at Bates College. She also has two great-grandchildren. Mrs. Capen attends the Methodist church at Bethel. 

Blog Caroling

Footnote Maven is a genealogy blogger I discovered last spring. While following her blog and her Facebook posts, I have become a huge fan of her indomitable spirit, sharp wit, and wicked sense of humor. This has been a very tough year for her dealing with complications from knee replacement surgery and I wish her a Merry Christmas and a healthy 2013. One of her traditions is blog caroling. Writers post the lyrics to their favorite Christmas carol and she links them to her site. It's a fun way to share some holiday spirit and discover some wonderful genealogy bloggers.

I chose to share "Away in a Manger" in part because it's one of my favorites but it also links to my family history. Jingle Bells and Away in a Manger were the first two Christmas songs I remember learning as a child. Growing up in Bethel, Maine, a highlight of the holiday season was the living nativity put on each year -  featuring a real family with a newborn, real animals, costumed shepherds, angels, and a choir singing Away in a Manger (and other carols). It was impressive and it's something I miss. If you're in the Bethel area on December 23rd, you should check it out.

Away in a manger

No crib for His bed

The little Lord Jesus 

Lay down His sweet head

The stars in the sky

Look down where He lay

The little Lord Jesus

Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing

The poor Baby wakes

But little Lord Jesus

No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus

Look down from the sky

And stay by my side 

'Til morning is nigh

Be near me, Lord Jesus

I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever

And love me, I pray

Bless all the dear children

In Thy tender care

And take us to heaven

To live with Thee there

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