USA > Iowa > Report of the organization and first reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, 1884 > Part 1
USA > Illinois > Report of the organization and first reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, 1884 > Part 1
USA > Missouri > Report of the organization and first reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, 1884 > Part 1
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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01077 3023
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013
http://archive.org/details/reportofreuniono14tris
REPORT
400
OF THE
ORGANIZATION AND FIRST REUNION
OF THE
Tri- State Old Setlers' Association, -OF-
ILLINOIS, MISSOURI AND IOWA, Ms.
Held Thursday, October 2d, A. D. 1884,
-AT-
RAND PARK, KEOKUK, IOWA.
RESOLUTION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
Resolved, That J. H. Cole, Secretary, and Dr. J. M. Shaffer, Historian, be instructed and ordered to publish in pamphlet form the full proceedings of the Associotion to date, October 3rd, 1884.
KEOKUK, IOWA : TRI- STATE PRINTING CO., 1881.
21/2/
1875875
INDEX.
-
PAGE.
History of the Organization, &c.,
I
Programme,
2
Constitution, -
4
· List of Officers and Committees,
5
Proceedings, -
6
Prayer by Rev. L. B. Dennis,
6
Music-" America," 6
Address by General Belknap, 7
Addresss of Welcome, Hon. Edward Johnstone, 9
Response for Missouri by Gen. Jno. W. Noble, II
Music-" Old Settlers' Song," 16
Response for Illinois by Hon. Henry Strong, 17
Impromptu Speech by Justice Samuel F. Miller, 22
Prayer by Rev. Wm. Salter, D. D., 24
24
Oration of the Hon. Wm. H. Hatch,
26
Music-" The Proud Hawkeye State,"
32
Address of Capt. Jas. W. Campbell, 33
Impromptu Speech of Gen. Geo. W. Jones, 39
Impromptu Speech of Capt. Wm. Hillhouse, 4.6
47
Impromptu Speech of Col. G. A. Hawley,
50
Report of Executive Committee, 52
Music-" Auld Lang Syne," 53
Letter of Hon. John M. Hamilton,
54
Letter of Hon. Thos. T. Crittenden,
54
Letter of Hon. Buren R. Sherman,
54
Letter of IIon. Fred. O'Donnell,
55
Letter of Hon. J. B. Brown, 56
Letter of Wm B. Street, Esq.,
57
Letter of Rev. L. B. Dennis,
59
Letter of L. B. Fleak, Esq.,
60
Letter of L. R. Bissell, Esq ,
61
Letter of Hon. Wm. N. Grover, -
61
Letter of Alexander Cruikshank,
62
Letter of Gen. Geo. W. Jones, -
62
Letter of Mrs. S. C. VanDyke,
- 63
Acknowledgments and Regrets,
Personal and Historical,
- 65
Executive Committee for 1885, -
.
68
12-11-15R
Impromptu Speech by Hon. G. A. Adams, -
Impromptu Speech of Hon. Edwin Manning,
HISTORICAL.
The Tri-State Old Settlers' Association of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa owes its origin to the earnest desire on the part of many old citizens of Keokuk to meet their friends of early days and renew old friendships and acquaintances, and to form new ones. To this end the organization, known as the Citizens' Association, was asked to take the preliminary steps toward establishing, on a permanent footing, an association that would bring together, in annual reunions, the pioneers of the three States.
Accordingly, the Citizens' Association invited the citizens. of Keokuk to meet together on the evening of July 3d, 1884, at the U. S. Court room in the Estes House, to determine the question as to whether such reunions should be held, and if so, the time, place, etc. .
A large number of citizens responded, and it was resolved unan- imously to organize a Tri-State Old Settlers' Association. The follow- ing executive committee was selected: J. M. Reid, Geo. F. Jenkins, J. O. Voorhies, D. F. Miller, Sr., J. B. Paul, S. E. Carey and J. H. Cole. September 4th, 1884, and Rand Park, were agreed on as the time and place for holding the first reunion.
At a subsequent meeting the Executive Committee reported .the Constitution, which was adopted, the programme of exercises, and Octo- ber 2nd, 1884, as the date for the first reunion on account of the local fairs being held in surrounding counties in September.
A committee on invitations was appointed who sent out about 3,500 special invitations. Responses to many of these were made in person and to some by letters, which may be found in their proper place.
The weather which had been very rainy and disagreeable, changed on the evening of October Ist, and gave on the 2nd a most delightful day.
The programme, arranged as below, was strictly adhered to, and in addition thereto, a dancing platform, a soldiers' dinner, (hard tack, pork and beans, etc.,) for all old soldiers, a game of base ball and other features of a social character filled up the day and interested the various classes gathered together.
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2
PROGRAMME.
ASSOCIATION CALLED TO ORDER, By S. E. Carey, Esq., President, at 10 o'clock A. M.
PRAYER, By Rev. L. B. Dennis, of Knoxville, Ill.
MUSIC-"AMERICA," By Vocalists under the leadership of H. C. Landes, Esq.
ADDRESS,
General Wm. W. Belknap, Washington, D. C., President of the Day ..
MUSIC-BY KEOKUK MILITARY BAND, "Ye Olden Times."
ADDRESS OF WELCOME, By Hon. Edward Johnstone, Keokuk, Iowa.
RESPONSE FOR MISSOURI, By General Jno. W. Noble, of St. Louis, Mo.
MUSIC-"OLD SETTLERS' SONG."
RESPONSE FOR ILLINOIS, By Hon. Henry Strong, of Chicago, Ill.
IMPROMPTU SPEECH, Justice Sam'l F. Miller, Washington, D. C.
APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE To recommend Officers for ensuing year.
RECESS 'FOR DINNER.
MUSIC-BY KEOKUK MILITARY BAND, AT 2 O'CLOCK P. M. "Academy Waltzes "
4
PRAYER, By Rev. Wm. Salter, of Burlington, Iowa.
IMPROMPTU SPEECH, By Hon. A. G. Adams, of Burlington, Iowa. ORATION, By Hon. Wm. H. Hatch, of Hannibal, Mo.
MUSIC-"OLD HAWKEYE STATE."
.
3
ADDRESSES,
By Capt. J. W. Campbell, of Ft. Madison, Iowa. By Gen. Geo W. Jones, of Dubuque, Iowa.
By Capt. Wm. Hillhouse, of Burlington, Iowa.
MUSIC-BY KEOKUK MILITARY BAND, Clarionet Solo, "Nightingale Polka."
SHORT SPEECHES FROM Hon. Edwin Manning, of Keosauqua, Iowa. Col. Geo. A. Hawley, of Hamilton, Illinois.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE AND ELECTION Of Executive Committee for Ensuing Year.
SONG-"AULD LANG SYNE."
.
.
4
CONSTITUTION.
WHEREAS, Sociable and friendly relations are desirable amongst all men, but more especially with those who as neighbors and friends have shared the adversities and hardships of a pioneer's life, therefore, in order to promote and maintain amongst the people of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, the most intimate and friendly relations, and for the purpose of keep- ing alive and perpetuating the record of the old settlers and pioneers of these states, and to cultivate the heretofore existing social relations, we do adopt the following constitution :
Article 1. The name and title of this organization shall be the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association.
Art. 2. All persons who were residents in either Iowa, Illinois or Missouri prior to 1860, or who shall have resided in any of these states for twenty-five years, or who having been born in either of them and re- mained until their majority, or who may be elected at any meeting an "Honorary Member" shall be eligible to membership and become members on signing this constitution.
Art. 3. The affairs and business of the Association after its first meeting shall be managed by an Executive Committee of nine members, to be chosen at said first meeting, and annually thereafter, at the yearly re- unions ; said committee to hold their office until their successors are elect- ed and organized as hereafter provided. Three members of said com- mittee shall be selected from each of the states represented in the Asso- ciation. From their number the Executive Committee shall select a Presi- dent and one Vice-President from each of the three states, and from the members of the Association, select a Treasurer, a Secretary and such other officers and committees as may be necessary to promote the objects of this Association. The officers named above shall be deemed the officers of the Association, and perform the usual duties of such offi- cers until their successors are elected.
·
Art. 4. The place for holding the reunions shall be at Keokuk, Iowa, at such dates as may be fixed by the Executive Committee. Until its first reunion, its affairs and business shall be managed by an Executive Committee of seven, consisting of J. M. Reid, J. O. Voorhies, J. B. Paul, D. F. Miller, Sr., Geo. F. Jenkins, S. E. Carey and J. H. Cole.
Art. 5. This constitution may be amended, altered or changed in any way at any annual meeting.
Adopted at Keokuk, Iowa, July 31st, 1884.
ATTEST : J. II. COLE, SAM'I. E. CAREY, Secretary. President.
1
5
.
COMPLETE LIST OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES FROM INCEPTION OF THE ASSOCIATION TO OCTOBER 2nd 1884. D. F. Miller, Sr., Chairman of the first meeting, held July 3, 1884. D. C. Daugherty, Secretary of same.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
Samuel E. Carey, President, J H. Cole, Secretary,
J. O. Voorhies, Treasurer, D. F. Miller, Sr.,
J. M. Reid, Geo. F. Jenkins, J. B. Paul.
COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTION. .
S. E. Carey, J. O. Voorhies, J. H. Cole.
FINANCE COMMITTEE. J. M. Reid, J. B. Paul, Dr. Geo. F. Jenkins. COMMITTEE ON INVITATIONS. C. F. Davis, W. A. Brownell, J. M. Reed, Jno. Walker, R. E. Hill. COMMITTEE ON MUSIC.
Conrad Eimbeck, H. C. Landes, Dr. J. C. Hughes, Dr. A. Weismann COMMITTEE ON GROUNDS.
Hugh Copeland, H. C. Anschutz, Fred. Hilpert.
COMMITTEE ON ROOMS, BAGGAGE, ETC. Richard Root, Patrick Gibbons. COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION.
WV. A. Brownell, F. T. Hughes, H. H. Trimble,
J. F. Daugherty, J. K. Mason, J. C Coombs. COMMITTEE ON PROGRAMME. C. F. Davis, J. H. Cole, . Dr. J. M. Shaffer. COMMITTEE ON RECEPTION.
Jno. N. Irwin, J. M. Reid, C. P. Birge, D. Mooar, S. M. Clark, Dr. W. A. George, Geo. I). Rand, R. B. B. Wood. COMMITTEE ON SEATS, PARK, ETC.
Geo. D. Rand, J. B. Paul, Jno. T. Griffey,
John Culbertson, Horace H. Ayres, Conrad Eimbeck.
COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR ORATORS, ETC. J. H. Cole, WV. A. Brownell.
DECORATING COMMITTEE. J. M. Huiskamp, H. T. Graham. PUBLICATION COMMITTEE. J. H. Cole, Dr. J. M. Shaffer.
6
PROCEEDINGS.
Samuel E. Carey, Esq., President of the Executive Committee, in call- ing the Association to order, spoke as follows :
"It is always proper, and the right thing to do at the inauguration of any undertaking, and especially so, on an occasion of this kind, where we for the first time, meet together to organize an association of the early settlers of the three States which are so closely united at this point, to call upon God to bless our effort. We to-day are happy to have with us one of the first, if not the very first settled preacher of the Gospel in all this region-Rev. L. B. Dennis, of Knoxville, Illinois, who will now lead us in prayer.
PRAYER BY REV. L. B. DENNIS.
Our Father in Heaven,-In Thy providence and mercy and kindness, Thou hast permitted us to meet to-day as we have never met before. A number of us men of former years and former surroundings are permitted to come to this gathering where the old settlers of Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, are called together to spend one day in social greeting. May the blessings of God rest upon the officers of the day, upon the exe- cutive and all its arrangements, and especially upon the speakers and upon every interest that involves the welfare of the occasion. We thank Thee, our Father, that the dark clouds, the threatening storm, have all passed away. This morning the beautiful sun and smiling nature tell us of Thy goodness. We ask Thy blessing, not only upon us here, and upon the States we represent, but upon the United States, and upon our rulers and upon all in high places. May the God of all good rule in all the matters of earth and matters of interest and matters of welfare of our nation. And when we are done with the affairs of life and labor here, may we all die aright; and then may we have more than an annual greeting in the land of rest and home of the happy. We ask it through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
AMERICA. My country 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims' pride, From every mountain side, Let freedom ring.
My native country thee- Land of the noble free, Thy name I love. I love thy rocks and rills,
7
Thy woods and templed hills, My heart with rapture thrills, Like that above.
Let music swell the breeze
And ring from all the trees, Sweet freedom's song. Let mortal tongues awake, Let all that breathe partake,
Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong.
Our father's God to Thee- Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing. Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light, .
Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King.
General Belknap, President of the Day, being introduced made the following address :
LADIES, GENTLEMEN AND OLD SETTLERS :- I cannot claim the honor of being a very old settler, although I landed at Keokuk thirty-three years ago. But the wonderful changes which have occurred in that. time in the improvement in travel, in the modes of labor, in the speed of mails, in the spread of education, and in society itself, mark the passage of a century, instead of the lapse of a third of that time. £ And although these various changes have occurred, we do not, without reflection, realize them.
I remember making the trip in 1851 from Washington to St. Louis. From New York to Buffalo the way was by several disconnected and slow going roads, where changes were repeatedly made by the traveler from train to train ; thence by steamer to Detroit, for there was no Lake Shore road, thence by rail to New Buffalo on Lake Michigan, whence we went across the lake to Chicago in a storm far more severe than any I ever saw on the ocean. Chicago then had about thirty-five thousand people, but its destiny was in the future, and its present prospect of being, as I believe it will be, the largest city on the continent, was not dreamed of. To St. Louis there were three ways of travel-by canal-boat. stage, or on foot. We chose the former and reaching La Salle after a night and ·day's experience on the canal ; we went down the Illinois on the steamer "Prairie Bird", reaching St. Louis in five and one-half days from New York-a trip heralded in the papers then as being remarkable for speed, although they hoped that it might be made in four days. Mark the con- trast. Since then I have frequently left Washington in the morning and reached Keokuk the next evening. Were the connections arranged, the trip could easily be made in thirty hours or less, from the Atlantic to the Mississippi here.
.
.
8
And since those days, the State of Iowa, whose foundations were laid by the old settlers on the true rock of liberty, in toil, peril, hardships, pri- vation and labor, has grown into a grand commonweath, the strength of whose future empire no prophet can predict. From your borders men have gone forth, who have, in numbers, filled prominent positions in the nation, and the career of the State has but begun.
In recalling the past, many strange memories are revived. One of my earliest and most pleasant recollections of Keokuk has ever been that of hearing the music there of a lovely singer many years ago, and my thoughts were recalled to it not very long ago in Washington. Adalina Patti was announced to sing there at the National Theatre. There was great anxiety to hear her, and the seats brought fabulous prices; those who were unable to procure them at the office, paid high premiums for them. President Arthur was expected. Great interest was manifested, and the gardens, green houses, and conservatories of the Capitol furnished their choicest flowers in honor of the beautiful singer. Thirty years ago Adalina Patti-then an artless little girl known as "Little Patti"-sang in what was then a small church, and what is now a stable on Third street, near High, in Keokuk. Ole Bull, the great violinist was with her, and I believe that her first vocal efforts were made here and in other towns in the northwest. Ole Bull is dead, and while his extraordinary instrument still impressed his audience, few of those who heard him and his young companion, remember that the little girl whom they then heard is the same one who is now, without question, the most charming singer in the world. That she who now selects her own days, names her own prices, entrances. her audiences, and is said to collect personally from her manager before leav- ing the theatre each night her three thousand five hundred, or four thou- sand dollars, is the same "Little Patti" whom we paid fifty cents to hear in a remote western town, and who almost began her career in Keokuk. . But this is only one incident among many pleasant ones which come to us from the past.
Old settlers of the northwest ! You will never cease to be remem- bered as the pioneers of a country whose prosperity is largely due to your early labors in the dark days of the land's beginning. Facing danger, accepting hardship and welcoming labor, you have lived long enough to see the glad fruition of your work, and to find yourselves surrounded by peace, happiness and prosperity, and by multitudes of younger men who rise up and call you old men and matrons, blessed ! When twenty-three years ago a great war insulted the flag and threatened the nation, you willingly gave your sons to the country, and sent into the service those who had sprung from you, and who were tied to your hearts by bonds of kin- dred and of paternal love. And the desolation caused by the loss of one and another, who never came back to that fireside again, still casts
9
its cloud over many a home when the triumphs won by the Union arms. are recalled. As your years pass and your days decline, as your ranks grow thinner and your places are filled by those of us who are younger, we are "Old Settlers," but we never can be pioneers. That honor is reserved for you alone. What you did will never be forgotten, what you achieved will always live, and your best eulogy will be the story of your lives, which. we, and those who come after us, and those who come after them, will tell to other generations.
· ADDRESS OF WELCOME BY HON. EDWARD JOHNSTONE.
MR. PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN :- I am advised by the managers of this reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association, that several distinguished gentlemen are present to address this meet- ing. In the meantime they have instructed me to extend, in a very few words, a cordial welcome to this assemblage. It would require the voice of a trumpet to reach the ears of the crowd gathered together in this beautiful park. I wish that I possessed it, so that I could convey to every individual the heartfelt greetings of the people I have the honor to represent.
My friends, I congratulate you that we meet in an auspicious season, that genial breezes, cloudless skies, and an October sun add to the com- fort and delight of our meeting. I congratulate you on the abundant "kindly fruits" that our bounteous Mother Earth has poured out from her bosom, on the universal good health of the land, and that peace, plenty and prosperity dwell in our midst. I congratulate you more especially, that to-day, and here, we have a time of rest and quiet social intercourse, when on every side the country is "tempest tossed" by a political conflict.
Men and women of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, it is good for us all to be here ; to throw aside, for one day at least, all public and private care; 'to meet and exchange the friendly greetings, and cultivate that spirit of amity and social regard which should ever characterize good neighbors and good citizens.
My friends, have you ever considered how great are the States we represent-Illinois, Missouri and Iowa ? An empire in themselves-nay each of them fitted to be an empire ! Did you ever reflect on the vast territorial extent of these States ; their present population and immense resources ; all of which sink into insignificance when compared with the days to come, those "far off summers that we shall not see ?"
Situated, virtually. in the heart of the United States, midway in the great valley of the Mississippi, they are strong enough by their moral influence alone, to insure for all time, the perpetuity of the Union. Think of these three States standing together for whatever purpose ! What could resist their power ? A cordial union of these over-shadowing
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communities would give to them, in all things and always, over every antagonist, "sovereign sway and masterdom."
The Mississippi river which flows in beauty and majesty unparalleled, along our borders, is another bond of union between us. What are all the rivers of the world when compared with our great river? Its immense valley is the granary of nations, and the men of the future who will occupy it, whose multitudinous foot-tread, the dullest in imagination can now hear-could, if need be, conquer the world. Men and brethern of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, what valley is like to our great valley ; what river is like to our great river ; well and fitly named the Father of Waters ?
My friends, the wonderful material wealth of this valley will only con- fer great blessings, if diffused among the people. If held in the hands of the few, it will prove an oppression and a curse. Although not strictly germane to the subject of my address, yet I know you will pardon me for digressing to say, that unlike the methods of our old settler fore- fathers, the hasty and eager desire to grow rich suddenly without effort or honest labor, perchance by over-reaching deception and fraud, is the giant evil of the day ; and the fruitful source of the numberless bank- ruptcies, felonies, breaches of trust, suicides and murders, which have laid the foundation of the wide-spread distrust, that pervading the land, is the chiefest factor in the present depression of business.
The Apostle Paul never uttered a wiser or truer saying than that the love of money-contra-distinguished from its use-the insatiable greed for money-"was the root of all evil." How many men of other- wise faultless lives, lose property and reputation in their hast to grow rich by persuing the sinuous practices of Wall street, or stepping into the fatal pitfalls of the Chicago Board of Trade ?
The undue importance ascribed to mere wealth is conspicuously ex- hibited by the fact that many really eminent statesmen. in their public utterances in regard to the progress of the country, confine them- selves wholly to its increase in worldly riches. The importance of the true riches of a country, religion, education, morality, probity, and industry, seems to be subordinated to its mere material prosperity.
Men of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, we must educate ourselves and our children to have faith in something else in the world than money. We must teach the lesson that no man is a good citizen who has not some honest employment of head or hand. We must have some purpose, some business in life, and not be mere drones living off the labors of better men. We must cultivate industry, honesty, sobriety, hospitality, and all the amenities and courtesies of social life. We must remember that :
"Ill fares the land to hastening ills a prey When wealth accumulates and men decay."
I I
And above all, let us ever keep it in mind that it is not riches that gives a man "peace at the last."
My friends, standing here to-day at the gate of Iowa, in the pres- ence of this great concourse of sturdy men, beautiful women, and flower garden of children, I cannot help recalling the time, nearly half a century ago, when I first saw the magnificent landscapes bordering the rapids of the Mississippi. Dense forests covered the hillsides ; a few cabins peered out from the undergrowth along the river ; an occa- sional Indian might be seen ; some wandering steamboats passed up and down the stream, scarcely disturbing the wild fowl that floated on its bosom.
It is marvelous how many and important events in the history of a new country, are crowded into the space of a single lifetime. I look down the vista of departed years, and see in my 'mind's eye" the wondrous changes moving along like a grand panorama. I see in the motly crowd some figures more prominent than others. I see Keokuk and Blackhawk, Joe. Smith the Prophet, Cabet the Icarian-all of whom I knew, and some of them quite well-passing along until they fade far away into the dim distance like the unsubstantial fabric of a dream.
My friends, again I tender you a hearty welcome. May this day be but the beginning of days which each revolving year will celebrate, and thus keep ever-green the memory of the Old Settlers of the Upper Mis- sissippi Valley "to the last syllable of recorded time." Let these days be the means of bringing into nearer contact and companionship, the people of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, and knitting firmer and closer the bonds of their commercial and social relations. In conclusion, I add in the words of the master poet :-
" Once more I shower a welcome on ye,-welcome all."
RESPONSE FOR MISSOURI BY GENERAL JNO. W. NOBLE.
MR. PRESIDENT, OLD SETTLERS AND FRIENDS :- Your hearty welcome just delivered in such eloquent terms by our old friend the Hon. Edward Johnstone, is very precious to the old settlers who have come here to-day from old Missouri to join in your reunion.
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The city in which we meet is the center of a mighty and growing civilization embracing three great States. A pivotal point around which revolves the interests, and I may add, the affections of great common- wealths.
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