About thirty years ago the towns of Warren and North Brookfield were in litigation over the settlement of a pauper named Chickering. It was discovered that the Chickerings once lived in Sturbridge, and in some ancient archives was found a document setting forth the claim of the town of Sturbridge on a neighboring town, for support of one of them. That paper was dated fifty-nine years before, and bore the signature of John Phillips as one of the selectmen. He was still living, and was summoned as a witness; but as he was then one hundred years old his testimony was taken by deposition, for fear that he would not live until the trial. He did live, however, and appeared on the stand. He was able to read the document without glasses, and he said clearly and firmly, "Yes, that is my signature; I signed that paper." His recollection was clear; he had no difficulty in hearing, and answered clearly and promptly all questions put to him. His testimony was by far the most important in the trial, and won the case.
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