USA > Iowa > Scott County > History of Scott County, Iowa > Part 46
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Liberty-Peter Goddard and John Trucks.
Cleona-John Olds.
Hickory Grove-Phillips Baker and John Porter.
Blue Grass -- Charles Metteer and Robt. Wilson.
Buffalo-W. L. Clark and James E. Burnsides.
Rockingham-E. Mead and John M. Friday.
Davenport-W. Barrows, D. C. Eldridge, Harvey Leonard, Robert Christie, James Grant, Jos. A. Le Claire and James Mack- intosh.
The committee was instructed to report as early as next annual meeting.
Mr. Willard Barrows was chosen chairman of the committee, and requested the gentlemen composing it to meet on the next Saturday, Oct. 5, 1861. Association adjourned.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING.
The fifth annual meeting of the old settlers of Scott County was held Dec. 14, 1861, at Le Claire Hall, President D. C. El- dridge in the chair.
Willard Barrows, from Committee on Monument, made a re- port and exhibited three designs, and asked for further time, which was granted.
The resolution in regard to changing the time of holding the annual festival was called up by W. Barrows, and after some dis- cussion was changed from the 22d of February to the 2d Tues- day of January: The time of holding the annual meeting was changed to the 2d Tuesday of December.
The election of officers being in order, Willard Barrows was elected President for the year 1862; David Miller, Laurel Sum- mers. John Willis. Phillips Baker, Roswell Spencer, D. B. Shaw, Alex. Brownlee. James Grant, Charles Mitteer were appointed Vice-Presidents ; Corresponding Secretary. D. L. MeKown ; Treasurer, Israel Hall.
Toast Committee-Add. H. Sanders, John P. Cook, and D. P. McKown.
Committee on Orator-James Grant, A. Sanders and Enoch Mead.
Mecting adjourned.
FIFTHI ANNUAL FESTIVAL.
The fifth annual festival of the Pioneer Settlers Association took place at the Le Claire House Jan. 14. 1862. On account of a heavy snow storm and severe cold weather the attendance was much smaller than at any previous meeting It was, however, a joyful meeting of old time acquaintances, and all seemed to re- joice in the festivities of the occasion.
At 7:30 o'clock President D. C. Eldridge called the meeting to order. JJudge Grantthen read a letter from Willard Barrows, Presi- dent-eleet, dated Washington, D. C., in which he asked the Judge to aet for him on the occasion, as business would detain him from home at that time. Accordingly, after a few remarks, the presi- dent delivered the society's cane to his successor. The miniature monument used the preceding year stood on the left of the speaker, with an increase of 11 names since the last meeting.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
The president then intro luced the orator, Hon. John F. Dillon, who ocenpied the attention of the company about one hour, to the edification of all, after which the company enjoyed themselves in social knots till supper was announced, there being three tables, with 65 at each ; divine blessing was asked by Rev. Mr. Pala- morgues. After supper and the toasts the company adjourned to the parlors, and closed the evening by singing Auld Lang Syne, Dixie, Star Spangled Banner, etc., then adjourned to their homes in the best of humor with themselves and everybody else.
SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING.
The sixth annual meeting of the Pioneer Settlers Association was held Dee. 9, 1862, in the office of John L. Coffin. In the ab- sence of the President, Ebenezer Cook was chosen president pro tem. there being no vice-presidents present.
The meeting proceeded to eleet the officers for the following year.
John Owen was elected President for the year 1862. The fol- lowing members were elected Vice-Presidents: W. L. Cook, John Evans, Enoch Mead, Henry Morehead, James Brownlee, Samuel Little, Rodolphus Bennett, Johnston Maw, Phillips Sinter, and John L. Davis ; Corresponding Secretary, Alfred Sanders ; Recording Secretary, D. P. MeKown ; Treasurer, Israel Hall. D. P. MeKown gave notice that he would introduce an amendment to the amended constitution to change the time of festival from 2d Tuesday of December to 22d of February.
Committee on Monument allowed further time. On motion meeting adjourned.
SIXTII ANNUAL FESTIVAL
of the Pioneer Settlers Association of Scott County. The heavy rains of the day or two previous seemed to doom the annual festival a failure, until the brightening sky, toward noon on Tuesday, gave more cheering encouragement. The roads were in such a bad con- dition that it was evident that nothing less than the energy of old settlers could overcome the miles of mud that intervened between the homes of the pioneers and the parlors in which they were to congregate. All doubts and fears vanished with the arrival of the hour for assembling, and before the hour for supper was announced a large number of smiling faces of " auld lang syne " were animated in friendly converse. An hour spent in pleasant chit-chat was snc- ceeded by a promenade to the supper table.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
The seated guests were called to order by the retiring president W. Barrows, who introduced John Owens, the president eleet, and delivered to him the insignia of his office.
The annual address was then delivered by Hon. James Thoring- ton, after which the divine blessing was invoked by Rev. Father Pel- amorgnes, and the company proceeded to disenss the merits of the splendid supper prepared by Dr. Burtis, and served under the su- pervision of Capt. Johnson. Supper over, the regular toasts were announeed by Alfred Sanders. The festival, as a whole, was a com- plete success in all its arrangements.
The mouument to the departed, so conspicuously placed in the dining-hall, bore the names of the following who had died during the year :
J. T. Lindsey, A. W. MeLoskey, James MeIntosh and Mrs. A HI. Sanders.
SEVENTHI ANNUAL MEETING.
The seventh annual meeting of the Pioneer Settlers' Association of Seott County, Iowa, met Dee. 8, 1863, at the office of George L. Davenport, and in the absence of the president, D. C. Eldridge was called to the chair. During the meeting the president appeared and took his seat. Election of officers being in order, James M. Bowling was elected President. The following gentlemen were elected Vice-Presidents : Levi Blackman, Wm. L. Cook, Wm. Van Tuyle, A. H. Davenport, Phillips Baker, 11. H. Pease, Robert Humphry, Edward Reeker, Dr. H. Brown, and G. L. Davenport Alfred Sanders was elected Corresponding Secretary and D. P. MeKown, Recording Secretary, and Israel Hall, Treasurer, after some further business the meeting adjourned.
SEVENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL
of the Pioneer Settlers' Association of Seott County. A very de- eided moderation of the intense cold of the preceding days of the new year, a elear sky, and good sleighing united to stimulate the interests of the old settlers in their annual re-union, and the assembling at Le Ciaire Hall on the second Tuesday evening of January, 1864, of a much larger number of the honored pioneers of Scott County than at any preceding anniversary since the first, at the organization of the association, was the result. As the company gathered together the happy greetings and pleasant conversation of olden times (the most attractive features of these anniversaries) were heartily indulged in.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
On the calling of the assemblage to order, the valedietory ad- dress of the retiring president, Mr. John Owens, was delivered by John P. Cook, who did it in a very happy manner and trans- ferred the insignia of the office to the newly elected president, Mr. James Bowling, which was accepted in behalf of Mr. Bowling by Judge Grant, who expressed Mr. Bowling's desire for the continued prosperity of the association.
The annual address was delivered by E. Mead, of Rockingham, which was very interesting and closed with well digested sketehes of the history of the "pioneer dead " of the past year. The follow- ing are the names which were placed on the monument in the hall : D. R. Fuller, J. Coleman, C. Friday, E. Alvoid, J. Condit, I. K. Barkley, I. Brown, T. Wood, Mrs. E. Carroll, Mrs. A. Par- melee, Miss Ellen Craig and Mr. H. S. Blackman.
After a song by the Glee Choir an adjournment was had to the supper room, where about 200 guests sat down to an excellent repast. Among the ornaments of the tables was a veritable " log cabin, a model in all save the chimney." We have only to add that the whole affair was one of the most interesting of all the social re-unions of this organization, and the company separated at 2 o'clock A.M., well pleased.
EIGHTH ANNUAL MEETING.
The eighth annual meeting of the Pioneer Settlers' Association was held at the office of George L. Davenport, Dec. 8, 1864, President James M. Bowling in the chair.
At this meeting Harvey Leonard was elected President and the following gentlemen Vice-Presidents : James MeCosh, Jonathan Parker, Charles Metteer, Capt. W. L. Clark, James Robinson, Laurel Summers, E. S. Wing, Giles M. Pinneo, Johnson Maw and George B. Hawley; Alfred Janders was elected Corresponding Secretary, and D. P. MeKown, Recording Secretary. Israel Hall was elected Treasurer.
EIGHTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL.
The eighth annual festival of the Pioneer Settlers' Association was held the second Tuesday of January, 1865, at the Pennsylvania House, corner of Fourth and Iowa Sts. Owing to the absence of the secretary no report was made.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
NINTII ANNUAL MEETING.
The annual meeting of the Pioneer Settlers' Association of Scott County was held Dec. 12, 1865, Vice-President James McCosh in the chair. The first business was the election of officers which resulted in the election of James McCosh for President. The following were then chosen for Vice-Presidents : Phillip Suiter, Capt. W. Gabbert, Samnel Little, John K. James, Ed- ward Rieker, John J. Trucks, H. H. Pease, R. Bennett, George L. Davenport and Daniel S. Hawley.
llon. James Thorington was elected Corresponding Secretary, D. P. Mckown. Recording Secretary, and Israel Hall, Treasurer, after some further business the meeting adjourned.
NINTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL.
This festival was a most glorious affair, a large crowd of enthusi - astic old settlers, good speeches (short ones), good address and first-rate supper.
The festival was again held at the Pennsylvania House. The host surpassed all former efforts to please and satisfy.
The Rev. Mr. Hitchcock, of Moline, an old time resident of Davenport, delivered the address, which was listened to with inter- est by all who could possibly crowd into the large parlors. Mr. Hitchcock's speech on this occasion will not be forgotten until all have passed away. All went home resolved, if spared, to meet again.
TENTHI ANNUAL MEETING.
Pursnant to notice the tenth annual meeting of the Pioneer Set- tlers' Association, was held in the office of George L. Daven- port, the 11th day of December, 1866, President James McCosh in the chair, who called the meeting to order. Election of officers resulted in electing Israel Hall, President. The following were elected Vice-Presidents for the ensuing year: Ed. Ricker, John K. James, Phillip Suiter. J. F. Campbell, Adam Donalson, E. S. Barrows, R. Bennett, James Quinn, George W. Parker, Caleb Dunn. D. P. Mckown re-elected Secretary; Charles H. Eldridge, Corresponding Secretary; and B. S. Glaspell, Treasurer. After some other business, the following resolution was read and adopted:
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
Resolved, That the "Pioneer Settlers' Association of Scott County " is not a political organization, and we request that here - after nothing political be brought into our social gatherings.
Adjourned.
TENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL.
The Pioneer Settlers' Association held their tenth annual " visit " at the Pennsylvania House, the second Tuesday in January, 1867. The meeting was one of the most successful that has ever been held. The weather was favorable for the attendance of the coun- try members. Two hundred and forty tickets were sold, to say noth- ing of the liberal number of invited guests. The exercises were commenced in the spacions hotel parlors, which had been appropri- ately decorated for the occasion, at 7 o'clock, President MeCosh taking the chair. The meeting being called to order, the choir rendered some beautiful music, after whichi Judge Grant brought up the subject of the " Pioneer Picture," a beautiful cluster pho- tograph of 318 old settlers, that had been ordered at the previous annnal gathering. The Judge spoke in terms of highest praise of the execution of the work. He thought Mr. Day was entitled to a vote of thanks by the association, if, indeed, he had not earned a more substantial token of their regard for the way he had per- formed this work. The original picture which had been arranged and labeled by Mr. Day had been presented by him to the society. for the purpose of being handed over to the State Historical Soci- ety. It was also recommended that copies of this picture be framed and presented to the sister societies of the counties of Rock Island, Dubuque, Des Moines and Johnson.
The Judge informed the old folks that hereafter the festivals would be furnished with music by a choir made up of its own members, to be known as the " Pioneer Singing Choir." On mo- tion old settlers' pictures were ordered for the above named asso- ciations.
President MeCosh arose and in a few happy and appropriate re- marks surrendered the official cane to Israel Hall, President elect, who addressed the association in a short and appropriate speech, taking this opportunity to return his thanks for their expressions of confidence and respect, and for their heartfelt kindness and sympathy in the trying hour of affliction and death in his family. He then introduced the orator of the day, Ebenezer Cook, who delivered just such an address as fitted the occasion, relating en-
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
tirely to the early experiences and earnest labors of the early set- tlers-their endurances. energy, public spirit, preseverance under difficulties, benevolence, charity and integrity of purpose, and other traits which characterized those who prepared the way for those who came after. Touching allusions were made of the pioneer dead of 1866-Mrs. C. G. Blood, Mrs. John Coleman and George F. Hall.
Then followed music, then a few moments' lively chat, then the supper, which the host had set out in most tempting array. That very agreeable part of the festival having been very satisfactorily coneluded, the parlors were again filled and the regular toasts were responded to. This closing the regular programme of the evening, the old settlers then resolved themselves into a committee of the whole for the landable purpose of indulging in a free and easy way of disposing of the balance of time on hand. And every body voted the festival a perfeet success, and went home happy, hoping to enjoy many more of the same sort.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING.
Pursuant to publie notice the eleventh annual meeting of the Pioneer Settlers' Association was held at George L. Davenport's office, Dee. 3, 1867, President Israel Hall in the chair, who ealled the meeting to order.
On the election of officers, James Grant was elected President; D. P. McKown, re-elected Recording Secretary, and Charles H. Eldridge, Corresponding Secretary. Barton S. Gaspell was elected Treasurer. The following gentlemen were elected Vice- Presi- dents : Judge William L. Cook, Horace Bradley, D. B. Shaw, Moses Parmelee, James Robinson, Jabez A. Birchard, Johnson Maw, George W. Parker, John P. Cook and George N. Pinneo. On motion meeting adjourned.
ELEVENTH ANNIVERSARY.
Upon former occasions the society had been having such a large attendance that the want of room was a great annoyance. This year the Exeentive Committee, to avoid this trouble. seenred the use of the German Theater building for the holding of their festival. Fortunate was it they did so, as the immense gathering that as- sembled within its walls would have over-crowded any of the hotel accommodations.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
At an early hour in the evening the reception-room and large hall began to fill with old settlers, who came prepared to have a pleasant time, and they were not disappointed. Upon the stage was the monument of the society, upon which appeared the names of the deceased members for the past year in the following order : Mrs. Charles Leslie, A. Milo White, Mrs. Thomas B. Armiel, William Rumbold, Mrs. S.unnel Freeman, Lonis Herbert, Irad Noble, Mrs. Erastus Downey, Mrs. J. W. Beard, Mrs. Charles II. Eldridge, William Grant. Willard Barrows, William Camp.
At 7:30 the chair was taken by Israel Hall, President, who called the association to order, and delivered the valedictory, and transferred the presidential cane to his successor, Judge Grant.
President Grant, upon receiving the cane, made a very appro- priate but short speech, and wound up by a tribute of respect to Willard Barrows as follows :
A few days ago Mr. Willard Barrows, the founder and honored presiding officer of this society, passed from among ns. His in- dividual efforts have done more to perpetnate our name and exalt our hearts than the combined efforts of the whole of us. We deplore his death, we honor his name, we cherish his virtues, we will perpetuate his memory.
President Grant, in a few complimentary remarks, introduced the orator of the evening, Dr. P. Gregg, of Rock Island, Presi- dent of the Old Settlers' Association of Rock Island County. For more than half an hour the Doctor entertained his attentive andi- ence with reminiscences of old times. The stories and jokes with which the speech was sandwiched kept the andience in the best possible humor. After further remarks from different members, supper was announced at which some 250 persons sat down. Then came the regular toasts. It was now midnight and, on motion, the old settlers adjourned, all no doubt feeling gratified that they had joined the merry crowd, and with the wish that they might all meet again one year hence.
TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING.
Pursuant to notice the Pioneer Settlers' Association of Scott. County, Iowa, met at Geo. L. Davenport's office, Dec. 8, 1868, and in the absence of the President, Judge Grant, Judge W. L. Cook, first Vice-President presided, who called the society to order.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
After some further business the election of officers was in order and resulted in the the election of Jonathan Parker as President for the year of 1869.
The following gentlemen were elected Vice-Presidents : Hon. James Thorington, W. L. Cook, George IIyde, John L. Coffin Enoch Mead, Caleb Dunn, Win. Suiter, Robt. Wilson, R. Bennett, Wm. Riggs, John L. Trux, and H. H. Pease; D. P. MeKown was re-elected Secretary, and Gen. Add. H. Sanders, Corresponding Secretary. Barton S. Glaspell was re-elected Treasurer. After some further business, the association adjourned to meet again at the festival on the second of January next.
TWELFTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL.
The Old Settlers' Association of Scott County, those remarkable men and women of the early days of the county, with a liberal sprinkling of their sons and daughters, born previous to 1841, to- gether with a few invited guests, assembled at the Newcomb House on the 2d of January, 1869, in accordance with their an- nnal enstom, for the purpose of enjoying a hearty visit all around, reviewing the scenes of the past, and partaking of the annual re- past. Promptly at 1 o'clock a large number were present, and for an hour or more the greetings and handshakings were carried on vigorously. The faces of the aged seemed to brighten np with youth; and the deeds of to-day were laid aside to recount the in- eidents of 30 years ago, every part of the county was well rep- resented. The latch-string was hung out in truly original style -the thoughtful proprietors of the Newcomb having erected a rustic cabin door at the entrance of the hall leading to the parlors, the lintelsof which were grotesquely decorated with coon and fox skins in accordance with the enstom of early days; and as the old folks entered in thereat, the memories of the rustic cabin home of many a year since formed a pleasing incident. From the parlor wal!, and enwreathed with evergreens, hung the customary memorial tablet on which was inscribed the names of Vincent Carter, John Olds, T. C. Eads, David Miller, James Rumbold, Jr .. Lucien Sulli- van, Nelson Swartwont, Mrs. Robert Christie, Joseph Gaymon, Mrs. Maggie Telfair Smith, Dr. W. W. Parker, Leonard Cooper, and George Humphrey, 13 of the early settlers of the county, who passed away in the year 1865. Another frame contained the cluster photographs of a large number of the early settlers, and both
31
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
during the evening were the objects of constant reference, and many eyes grew dim while gazing at the former, and many hearts asked themselves who will be next.
Soeiability having prevailed undisturbed until half-past eight, Judge Grant. the retiring president, invoked order and the so- ciety eane was passed to the venerable Jonathan W. Parker, Presi- dent-elect. on whose part the Judge proceeded to deliver the an- nual address, in which he gave partial biographical sketches of the deceased pioneers of the past year. He paid a touching tribute to them all in his elosing remarks, and passed on to notice the peenli- arities of pioneer life, making happy allusions thereto, much to the edifieation of the old folks; after which the valedietory was pro- nounced and the newly elected president took his seat. Mr. Parker was the oldest man in the association, being 83 years of age. He then proceeded to deliver a short inaugural, he said he was no speech-maker and would leave that to others better qualified,
Thus ended the business proceedings. Another hour of chatting and then the 200 pioneers and their invited guests marched in order to the dining-room, where was spread forth in great profu- sion a most sumptuons repast, ready in all its rich variety for earnest discussion. The spaeions hall was beautifully decorated, and in one corner was penned up two beautiful deer; a primitive log-cabin in miniature was suspended against the wall; an antlered stag's head stood forth in another direction; stuffed specimens of bear and eatamount stood around the hall.
The supper was magnificently served. Dishes of buffalo, elk. deer, bear and 'possum, with every luxury of the home market, graced the tables. The entire subjeet was ably handled by the pioneers. The active duties of supper over, then came the toasts and responses, which were all in excellent taste. The assembly then joined in singing "Oft in the Stilly Night." It was nearly 1 o'clock and the festival was at an end, and with happy hearts the old folks sought their homes.
PICNIC.
During the summer the association held a joint pienic with the Rock Island Association of Rock Island, where Rev. Wm. A. Spencer, of Rock Island, delivered an excellent address. At the conclusion of the address, Mr. Rollin J. Wells, of Henry coun- ty, Illinois, delivered a short, ereditable poem "To the Island," which was followed immediately by dinner, which was a eredit to
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
those who got it up. After dinner a call was made for some of the old-time favorites, and the companionable jovial fellows of early times to regale the assembly with anecdotes of old days. Jacob Norris, of Rock Island, was called for and responded in two liu- morons stories. Mr. Phillip Suiter, of Davenport, made a tonching and eloquent address. Mr. Hitchcock, of Moline, related some pleasant reminiscences. Dr. Gregg filled a short speech full of the funniest kind of fun. Mr. Blackmore, of Davenport, sang a comic song. The afternoon was delightfully passed and at half-past three the roll was sounded to return home, which was done inform- ally and jovially. At the conclusion of dinner Mr. P. B. Jones, of Davenport, got the whole company in a group under the trees, and with a stereoscopic instrument took a view. They all sat them down on the grass or reclined on one another's shoulders, and otherwise arranged themselves in a graceful and natural group, the result was a first-rate negative.
THIRTEENTHI ANNUAL MEETING.
The thirteenth annual meeting of the Pioneer Settlers' Associa- tion of Scott County was held at the office of George L. Davenport, Dec. 14, 1869, at 2 o'clock, the president, Jonathan Parker, in the chair. In the absence of the secretary, Leonard Harvey was ap- pointed secretary pro tem.
After the reading of the minutes, the election of officers was en- tered into, which resulted in the election of Charles Metteer for President, and the following named gentlemen for Vice-Presidents : D. B. Shaw, John Willis, Jesse L. Henley. Isaac Glaspell, Win. S. Collins, Jabez A. Birchard, Johnson Maw, Anstin Campbell, Lovi Chamberlain, Levi Blackman. Laurel Summers and Caleb Dunn; Secretary, D. P. Mckown; Corresponding Secretary, James Thorington, and Israel Hall, Treasurer. The association adjourned to meet the second Tuesday in January at the Old Settlers' Festival.
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