Edith Caton celebrated her 94th birthday recently. (Laura Dunham photo) PHILLIPS — Edith Caton, of Phillips, who turned 94 years old recently, speaks with pride of her three children Richard, Robert and Eva Caton Decker. And then there are her 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren who all bring a smile to her face as well.

Edith married Richard Caton Sr. in 1938. Caton, who was the town road commissioner, passed away about 20 years ago.

Edith’s son, Richard Caton Jr., retired as the Franklin County Jail Administrator, her grandson Richard III is Police Chief in Farmington, her great-grandson Richard IV is with the Jay Police Department and her grandson, Brock, is with the Wilton Police Department. Edith’s granddaughter, Heidi, is a physician with the Wilton Family Practice. It’s really remarkable how Edith can keep track of just what everyone in her family is doing.

When Edith first came to Phillips, she worked in the local birch mill making handles for different products. Then Edith cleaned houses; one of them was owned by John Fox who owned the airport and Carlton Pond. The story goes, said Edith, that Fox, a millionaire, at one time had a castle brought over from England in pieces and then had it put together. How sad that Fox died a pauper after loosing his fortune, Edith said.

Edith then worked at Fishes Market on Main Street for 15 years and 15 years at Forster Manufacturing Company, retiring after developing cancer at the age of 62. A lot of Edith’s grandchildren are now involved in the lumbering business so she enjoys their stories at the end of the day. Edith also loves the flowers around her home, her vegetable garden and strawberry bed. Edith is also a member of the Phillips senior citizens.