This Day in History: 1922-04-08

The 75th birthday of Jacob C. Straut was celebrated by a surprise party at his home. He claims that he has only spent $12 on doctors during his whole life. He was born in Masonicus on April 8, 1847 and was educated at the Masonicus school and later went into farming as his life’s work. He married Catherine Carlough on July 21, 1868. They had their 50th wedding anniversary party in 1918. At his birthday party, one son, four daughters, 18 grandchildren and five great grandchildren were present. For the past 8 years he has been a member of the Township Committee. He was one of the two original Township Committee appointed by Governor John Frank Fort in 1908 when Ramsey became a borough. He sold his farm a year ago and built a modern house on Hillside Avenue. (Bristow)