As F. H. Howard was quietly passing the thirty-ninth mile post on life’s journey last evening, enjoying a comfortable smoke at the home of his father-in-law, Harrison Wade, on Conewango street, about twenty-five friends came trooping in, captured him and bore him unresistingly to his own home. The surprise was complete, and the whole affair was a decided success. Shortly before refreshments were served, W. J. Lytle, our jolly local comedian, appeared before the company, and, in his graceful and quaint way, presented Mr. Howard with a beautiful smoking jacket, as a token of love and respect from those present and a few absent friends. Singing, recitations, games and social chat served to beguile the hours till about twelve, when the merry party departed for their several homes, after wishing their genial host and his pleasant wife many long and happy years.