USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume I > Part 90
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We have traveled from near and from far land, We've journeyed from mountain and down ; We have gathered to pay earnest homage, At the shrine of the old home town.
From the scenes of our youth and our childhood, We've searched wide for wealth or renown,
But today we are looking for loved ones,
'Midst the folks of the old home town.
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Tho' our homes be in castle or cottage, Tho' we've merited honor or crown ; We have met here in common reunion, To clasp hands in the old home town.
We miss those who have passed on before us, And cast off this life as a gown ; So we welcome the friends who are living, As we meet in the old home town.
All these joys will end in a parting, From pleasures that know not a frown ;
But we'll find life the richer in fruitage, For our trip to the old home town.
May each day yield to all of its blessings, And our sins in our virtues all drown ; And we'll cherish in memory sweetest, This our trip to the old home town.
-CHARLES TRUAX.
Professor Geo. Larkins, principal of schools in Oakland, California, was present, and made a few clever remarks suited to the occasion, told a funny story or two, and declared that he felt proud of Iowa, the state of his birth, and California, the state of his adoption. He was decidedly happy to be with the homecomers and in Iowa once more.
The chairman announced a duet, by Lou Stephens and Allie Barnes, just as they sang it in Maquoketa more than thirty years ago. It was just as sweet as ever, and met rounds of applause.
Geo. Rich, of North Dakota, Mrs. Sophia Kelso, of Bellevue, Mrs. Sarah Pangborn-Salter, of California, all former Maquoketans, spoke interestingly of the good old times in this city. Attorney J. C. Murray and Mr. Sweesy, of California, also enlivened the occasion with brief speeches. W. C. Gregory delivered an eulogy on the life of the late Mrs. J. W. Ellis, who was a devoted. member of the Old Settlers' Association :
"Mary M. Forbes was born at Baraboo, Wisconsin, September 28, 1853, and came to Iowa with her parents, Henry Clay and Orpha Ann (Waldo) Forbes, the same year. Her mother died in 1857, and she was raised by her grandmother Forbes. On the 16th day of October, 1870, she was united in marriage to J. W. Ellis, at Iron Hills, Iowa, with whom she lived happy and contented for more than thirty-six years. She was the mother of nine chil- dren, five of whom survive her, viz .: Chas. F., Frank E., Belle, Jessie and Nellie. All at home, except the first named. Also five grandchildren and three sisters, and a brother in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was a great favorite with all who knew her from childhood up. She was, socially, a member of the U. V. U. club, W. R. C., Order of Eastern Star, the Pioneers of America, and the National Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was the daughter as well as the wife of a veteran. She was a pioneer of Jackson county, as was her father and grandfather. Her father was born on the lands that are now a part of Chicago, in 1833, and came with his parents to Jackson county, in 1836. Mrs. Ellis was a faithful, loving helpmate to her husband, a kind and indulgent mother to her children, and made her home so attractive that the members of her family felt there was no place like home. She was a good neighbor, as all of her neighbors will testify. When sickness came to her neighbors, she was always ready with a helping hand and seemed to always know just what to do. An old neighbor of more than twenty years said of her, 'I know of no one in this community who would be missed as much as Mary Ellis, and my children loved her almost as much as their own
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mother.' She was taken very suddenly and seriously ill last Friday morning, March 1, 1908, at 4 a. m. A physician was summoned, who pronounced her ailment pleuro-pneumonia. All was done for her that medical skill and good nursing could suggest, but she grew rapidly worse until Sunday morning, March 3d, when she ceased to breathe, at 8 a. m. The poor, pain-racked body was laid with her little ones who preceded her, in the Esgate cemetery, Wed- nesday afternoon, March 6th, Rev. Boomershine officiating.
"To the Sisters of the U. V. U. Club and Brothers of the Order: At your last regular meeting, the undersigned were appointed as a committee of con- dolence on the death of Sister Mary Ellis, a member of this organization.
"We feel our inability to properly perform the duty required of us, as Sister Ellis was so well and favorably known to all the membership of our order. As a member of our society, she will be missed, perhaps as much if not more than any other members, by always being present to assist in the work. Her generous donations and happy disposition, and kindness to all, added much to the pleasure of our meetings. Not alone will our order miss our sister and mourn for her. She was a member of the Woman's Relief Corps, of the Eastern Star, Pioneers of America, Daughters of Pocahontas, and National Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and no doubt she had dear friends in all those orders who will sadly miss her kindly presence.
"While we, as an order, will miss her from our social gatherings, there is one, an honored member of our order, will miss her far more than all the rest. The ties are severed forever that made his home a happy one, not only for him and their children, but for their many friends and neighbors who visited that home. Therefore be it
"Resolved, By R. M. Anderson Command, No. 5, and the members of the U. V. U. club, that while we mourn the loss of our sister, we humbly bow in submission to the will of that great and supreme Commander, who doeth all things well, and
"Whereas, The fraternal as well as the social ties which have so long bound us in mutual friendship and sisterly affection are now severed, no more to be united on earth, and
"Whereas, The very intimate relations so long held by our deceased sister with the members of this order, it is appropriate that we should place on our records, our appreciation of her services as a sister of our order, and her merits as an officer and good member of our order, a good neighbor, a good wife and mother, and a loyal friend. Therefore
"Resolved, That this order tenders its heartfelt sympathy to our brother and family, and the relatives of our deceased sister in this hour of bereavement. And "Resolved, That these resolutions be entered on the minutes of our record book, and a copy be given her husband.
"Respectfully submitted, MARY M. PHILLIPS, ELLA CARSON, A. M. PHILLIPS, Committee.
"This is the story of a noble life, the warp and woof of which was woven very close to us.
"In the organization and work of this society of Old Settlers, her interest, zeal and work were without limit. The most unselfish of human beings, she poured all of her strength into the lives of those about her and the work in which she was engaged, apparently unconscious of the sacrifice. She united in her person in the most perfect harmony and in the most exalted character, that most beautiful trinity-wife, helpmate and mother. She was not merely the mother, or the head of the home; her own life and her husband's, to a very great degree, moved hand in hand in such loving accord-seemed so exactly one-that it was hard to divide their work. The work of one was truly the work of both.
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At the hearthstone, in the moments of relaxation, her presence with her family was of rare sweetness and dignity, and were both a benediction and an inspira- tion.
"No member of this society was more reverential than she in honoring and perpetuating the memory of the pioneers and old settlers of this county. No one more willing and enthusiastic than she to make these gatherings an anni- versary of enjoyment and profit to all. But she is gone. Her form is motion- less, her lips are sealed, but her work remains to exalt and glorify her name Her memory will be beautiful and sacred to all and we will all greatly miss 'the touch of a vanished hand and the sound of the voice that is still.'"
Geo. L. Mitchell was elected president and Jas. W. Ellis, secretary and treasurer of the association. On motion of Mr. Mitchell, seconded by Mrs. Swigart, J. A. Buchner and F. H. Wilson were made a committee to select a souvenir for Chairman Ellis. The committee purchased a silver set and had the following inscription engraved on the platter :
"Presented to James W. Ellis by the citizens of Maquoketa, Iowa, through the Home-coming Executive Committee in recognition and appreciation of his efforts to make the Maquoketa Home-coming of 1907 a glorious success."
Tuesday evening's program continued with the same warm-heartedness and good fellowship which prevailed all day. Mr. W. C. Gregory was chairman of the evening. Songs and speeches enjoyable to all occupied the hour and a half. Miss Dobbins sang a pleasing solo. Mr. John Sweesy, of Los Angeles, Cali- fornia, constituted himself the Baron Munchausen of the evening, extolling the golden state as Californians are wont to do. He claimed the biggest watermelons, the finest climate, one could go barefoot the year around, the ladies need not change their shirtwaists but once a year, and so forth.
Mr. Clarence Green sang two very pleasing numbers, which were highly appreciated,
Mr. E. J. Eaton, of Santa Ana, California, followed Sweesy, and while he is also an enthusiast for the state, he admitted that it is the largest state, has the smallest matches and the biggest liars in the Union. Mr. Will Cundill then came to the platform and said that Iowa was too independent to go barefooted the year around, the ladies preferred to change their shirtwaists oftener than once a year and various other witticisms and closed his address with an appro- priate and original poem. Mr. J. C. Murray good naturedly sandwiched in a few complimentary remarks to the ladies. Mrs. Ripple's company of little girls, who were very prettily dressed in the national colors, did her and themselves great credit in the singing of a medley of national airs. The evening was voted a success and closed a memorable and enjoyable day to all.
Many of our people, who two months ago predicted a failure and were skeptical, rather discouraged the efforts and enthusiasm of the citizens interested in furthering a grand reunion of old Maquoketans, are now loud in praise of the grand, good work, and unite with the homecomers in pronouncing the home- coming the best thing that ever happened in our city. It was a veritable love feast, a reawakening of many good old friendships of the living, and tributes of praise for those good souls who were taking their last long earthly sleep in Mount Hope. There was frequent occasion for the mingling of tears of joy with tears of sorrow. It brought many happy family gatherings and some old differences were relegated forever to the dead past, and warm-hearted friend- ships restored. Through their own personal effort and a kind providence, many who left Maquoketa years ago in needy circumstances, returned to the home- coming rich in this world's goods, and influential and leading citizens in their respective communities.
Wednesday, the second day of the homecoming, was given over to a general jollification meeting of all scholars and teachers of the old or new academy and of the high school of Maquoketa.
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Jas. D. Wilson presided and had arranged the program with a determination to avoid all formality, and he was decidedly successful in his plan. The meeting was called to order in Second Ward park about 10:30 o'clock, a. m. The plat- form was well filled with old time local musical celebrities and speakers, includ- ing Lou Stephens, Allie Barnes, Lizzie and Carrie Swigart, Hattie Rich, Imogene Mitchell, Anna Wilson, Emma Dunbar, May Wolff, Mary Goodenow, Geo. Cravens, Geo. Rich and many others joined in a strong chorus of splendid voices and made the welkin ring in such popular oldtime selections as "There's Music in the Air," "Nellie Gray," "Swing Low Sweet Chariot," "The Gushing Rill," "The Mocking Bird," by Lou Anderson and son Fred, the latter giving several bird song imitations. The chairman said "he beat the original bird in four ways," but didn't take time to explain.
The chairman said that inasmuch as there were liable to be some stories told of the school children of former days that might not be good for their children to hear, he advised parents having "kids" there to send them home before the program was fully opened. He also announced most of the ladies by their maiden names and was especially proud of the great aggregation of artists he had been able to assemble. D. A. Fletcher, one of the early principals of the high school, delivered an address and read a list of the teachers of former days. Extempore remarks by the worthy chairman, Geo. Cravens, Geo. Rich and others, showing up the mischief makers and the smart ones of those days, was a feature that made everybody laugh until it seemed their sides would split. The music became so lively and the spirit of youth so strong, that all forgot dignity and were dancing on the platform before the jolliest crowd of the week. Mary Goodenow-Anderson distinguished herself in the most artistic jig of all. Jim Wil- son's meeting was therefore a success beyond all question and distinctly different from all others. Deacon Fletcher closed the exercises with that thrilling old division song "Scotland's Burning," and the voices of forty years ago echoed throughout the maple grove of Second Ward park.
WEDNESDAY EVENING.
The armory meeting this evening was in charge of Hon. Wm. Stephens, who had been selected not only to preside but also to prepare a program, which he did to the entire satisfaction of the large audience present. There was a goodly number of homecomers and citizens on the platform to take part. The De- Koven Quartette, with a fine selection, started affairs moving. D. T. Cravens, of this city, was the first speaker to extend a kindly welcome to homecomers, and his brother, George Cravens, of Minneapolis, followed with remarks of sparkling wit, that brought the house down. He plumed himself as being the best boy in his class, which consisted of ten girls and one boy. He had always set a good example for George Mitchell's benefit and believed he was largely responsible for George's good name and high standing, but wanted to be for- given for one thing, and that was in helping elect George to the Iowa legislature.
Miss Elsie Taubman, a former teacher in our city schools, and always held in popular esteem by her pupils, spoke not only of the good work of the schools, but more especially of the growing public spirit of the Federation of Women's Clubs of this city. Not only was the city deriving a literary and educational advantage from the women's clubs, but the public parks were being improved by them, and other good things were planned along the line of civic improve- ment. She believed the women were entitled to be credited with many of the successes. That during the week much had been said of successful men and it was not all one sided.
Mrs. G. C. Ellis and Mrs. Kucheman sang a pretty duet and Mrs. Ellis responded to an encore with a fine solo.
J. Q. Stephens, of Chicago, a nephew of the chairman, and son of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Stephens, of this city, addressed the meeting and renewed one's enthusiasm and admiration for the pioneer life of Jackson county, as well as for our broad land, and impressed his intent audience with the idea that a
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log cabin would be very appropriate should there ever be a change in the national coat of arms.
Two comic songs, that made D. T. Bauman famous, were once more sung by request and brought forth shouts of applause. They were entitled "O'Grady at the Gate," and "O'Dooley's First Foive O'clock Tay."
Miss Lundin, county superintendent of schools, made a brief address that was highly pleasing to the audience. She believed that homecomers would find changes for the better in our public schools, compared with former years. The schools had kept pace with the general advancement of towns and com- munities. Education was a most excellent thing and creates, cultivates, and is friendship's binding tie.
Mrs. G. C. Ellis again favored the audience with solos that were accorded hearty applause.
F. D. Kelsey expressed much pleasure for the privilege of being in this meeting, and he knew that the home-coming was a source of great joy and happiness to all our citizens and their visitors. It was a good story telling time and he narrated several comical ones.
J. C. Murray thought it was a good time to "stir up the animals," and he proceeded to belabor some of the speakers in a humorous and caustic personal manner. For a minute or two it looked as though the fun was coming fast and furious, but it was all in the game and made lively amusement.
Jas. D. Wilson, the ever ready Jim, joined in the talking "fest," and got the laugh on the other fellows all right enough. He put the finishing touches on an evening of pleasure and the audience dispersed with good feeling toward all after joining heartily in singing "America."
THURSDAY EVENING.
All homecomers and citizens devoted the day to attending the fair and meeting old friends from the surrounding country.
Thursday evening Dr. A. B. Bowen presided at a very interesting home- coming assemblage in the armory. The attendance was good and the same warm feeling and jolly friendship that characterized the other meetings was apparent at this. The arrival of the Peekin family in unique costume created a sensation and the chairman announced that this aggregation of fine singers was a celebrated company that had been imported for the occasion at great expense. The Peekins moved to the center of the platform and gave one of their choicest selections to the tune of "Ta-ra-ra boom de-ay," and followed this at intervals during the evening with many popular numbers. The rounds of applause given was evidence that the audience had a very keen appreciation of the high merits of the Peekins.
The chairman of the meetings excelled in the handsome compliments he paid each and every speaker whom he introduced in his suave manner and proved a veritable Chesterfield.
George Rich, a successful business man of Grand Forks, led the van and declared he was so up in pyrotechnics that the audience might expect a fine oration from him. He had been reviewing the registration books and found homecomers of all ages and from nearly all the states and territories of the Union and some from Canada. He found seven that had been absent fifty years or more. He also named a number of the Maquoketa boys of forty years ago, including a number who had passed away. He alluded to the boys who had donned the blue in the '60s. He spoke of the navigation of the Maquoketa River and the steamboat that plied its waters, but finally gave up the attempt and was last heard of on the lower Mississippi in 1864. He also alluded to the notoriety given our city in years past by forgers, horse thieves, and a vigilance committee in the timber to the north. As to the homecoming, it aroused friendly feelings that money could not buy. It will ever be a cherished memory and the people, the committees and Mr. Ellis have our thanks for their grand hospitality.
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Dr. Harmon Farr, a successful physician of Madrid, Iowa, thanked God he was here, but did not expect to make an address. He told a number of good stories, alluded to Piper, the great forger, and other matters of historical in- terest. He also suggested that inasmuch as J. W. Ellis had accumulated a very extensive and valuable collection of curios in his museum, that our people ought to see it safely housed in the near future.
Professor Rickert, superintendent of our city schools, had been unexpectedly called, and, as a newcomer and Ohioan, hardly knew in what relation he stood to the homecomers. However, it would be easy to make a Hawkeye out of a Buckeye, and after much travel he could see in Iowa one of the grandest states in the Union, and paid a fitting tribute to its progress and prosperity.
Will Cundill was called on and declared there had been a lot of praise for the teachers and others who had done so much for the youth of the town, but he thought some of these people deserved some credit for what they have done for and made of themselves. Of course our people have received a lot of praise for what they have done for the homecoming, but "if it had not been for the presence of the homecomers, we couldn't have had a homecoming, and we are glad you came." He also paid a tribute to the pioneer mothers.
Dr. Chas. Collins gave two recitations "The Old Town Band" and "Griggsby's Station," that greatly pleased the audience.
C. W. Farr, as he rose to speak, flashed a big placard before the audience, bearing the words, "So sudden, don't expect much." He then paid his respects to those speakers in other meetings, Geo. Mitchell, F. D. Kelsey, Will Cundill, Cal Murray, J. D. Wilson, Jim Buchner and others who seemed prepared for the occasion, etc. He realized that homecoming had its joyous and pathetic sides. We are glad to meet those who are here, and do not forget those who never can come back. But it was the homecoming in 1865 that was the grandest and saddest of all homecomings in our remembrance. But this week's reunion and gatherings have been an inspiration and all will go back to their homes and their duties with renewed zest and interest.
E. F. Brown, of the firm of Whipple and Brown, attorneys, Vinton, Iowa, was very nicely introduced by the chairman as the brother of Senator Norris Brown, who was here to represent his brother and the other members of the family who were unavoidably absent. Mr. Brown had been listening with a broad grin to the comical musical efforts of the Peekins, and when he arose to speak, said he was glad to know he was a member of the Brown and not of the Peekin family and hoped there would be no misunderstanding on this point. He fully explained that his brother Norris was engaged in a reform movement in Nebraska and it so happened that the primaries were fixed by law the very week of the homecoming in Maquoketa, and all that had been gained might be lost by a little neglect, and therefore the senator felt it a duty to keep faith with his constituency and forego the great pleasure it would have been for him to visit Maquoketa at this time. He humorously told how he (aged four years) took his people to Woodbury county by oxteam, took up a claim in his father's name and did various things to keep the family going. But touching matters more serious. he said there are two things to which every one should be true-a good mother, and one's place of birth. He revered them both, and, in closing, said "May God be with you till we meet again."
Chas. H. Truax said he had made all arrangements to go home last evening, but Dr. Bowen met him and insisted that he must not go but remain over this evening's meeting, and the doctor was so positive in his demands he remained, and he is glad that he did. Mr. T. is a good story teller, and he told a few. He declared he would not have missed this homecoming for all the glory and renown of an eminent political career. We are making history every day of this homecoming. It will be a reckoning point ever after. He chided himself by declaring "We have neglected home, brothers and sisters. We have been dead to the duties we owe our loved ones. I am going to remember and keep
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green this event of my life." He suggested another Maquoketa homecoming in five or ten years from now, and would like to see resolutions of thanks adopted. He moved that three cheers be given Chairman Ellis, Chairman Mitchell, the executive committee, and the citizens of Maquoketa. The audience arose and gave three hearty cheers.
Jerry S. Green was called from the audience to the platform, and he said he was the first child born in Iron Hills and he had had the pleasure of meeting his first school teacher, Shuey Mann, at this homecoming. Mr. Green then read a fine eulogy on the home. Chairman Bowen announced a dance for Friday evening, and the meeting adjourned with the Peekin family and audience singing "Auld Lang Syne."
After the close of the Dr. Bowen meeting, even though the hour was late, by the suggestion of Emma Dunbar-Fleming and mutual approval, a goodly group repaired to Hotel Hurst, where a number of the homecomers were staying. A social hour was enjoyed and many old familiar songs were sung. All through the week there have been homecomers who could only stay a few hours. Among these was she who was Effie Chase, who married an able Baptist divine. Her father was a resident of Maquoketa for fourteen years and was connected with the public schools and personally superintended the planting of the trees that adorn the academy grounds. All dispersed weary and happy, voting that day, as had been done each previous day, the best yet.
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