USA > Iowa > Scott County > History of Scott County, Iowa > Part 47
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THIRTEENTII ANNUAL FESTIVAL.
On the evening of Jan. 11. 1870, despite the rain, which had been falling all day, and the muddy streets, a large party-some hundred and fifty ladies and gentlemen-assembled in the spicions parlors of the Newcomb House to participate in the thirteenthi annual festival of the Pioneer Settlers' Association. The surround- ing country was well represented. The guests commenced arriv.
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ing at at 6 o'clock and all seemed disposed to have a good time. At 8 o'clock the president, Jonathan Parker, took the chair, and the exercises commenced with the singing by the Old Settlers' Choir of " When Old Friends Meet Together." After which Ebe- nezer Cook announced that owing to sickness the president-elect, Charles Metteer, would not be present, and that the vice-presi- dent, D. B. Shaw, would assume the chair.
The retiring president then presented the " Pioneer Cane" to Vice-President Shaw, with a short valedictory, after which a letter was read from the president-elect, saying that he very much re- gretted not being able to be with them in body, though he was in spirit. After many expressions of friendship and good wishes for their future welfare he closed by saying, " That through the kind- ness of Providence, he had been already permitted to more than fill the score alloted to man's existence, and therefore could not hop: to participate in many more of their pleasant re unions, which had been such a pleasure to him on previous occasions. But whether he were ever permitted the pleasure again or not, his prayers would be for their prosperity ; and his wish was that they might so live that at the last the Great Master might say : .. Well done good and faithful servant."
After another song the annual address was delivered by John P. Cook, and was listened to with close attention. The speaker al- Inded to the organization ot the society and its first festival on Feb. 22, 1856, upon which occasion he delivered the first address. He spoke of the changes that had taken place in county and city and among the inhabitants since that time. HIe wound up with a tribute of respect to the dead of the past year, of which there had been 13; the following are the names: Wm. Hobson, J. E. Owens, Mrs. Robert Noble, Judge Donaldson, Mrs. J. M. Parker, Mrs. Maria J. Leonard, Mrs. Fanny A. Hopkins, Mrs. Shue. Mrs. J. E. Bornberg, Dr. J. M. Witherwax, Josiah Scott, Win. Hopkins, and Mrs. Parmela Ann Fincl. Steadily but surely the early settlers are passing away. At the close of the address the whole company rose and joined in singing " Auld Lang Syne," after which they formed in procession and marched to the dining- room. The table fairly groaned under the good things, as also no doubt, afterward, didthose who showed their appreciation of the host's efforts by partaking so plentifully of the tempting viands placed before them.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
After the feast came the toasts, after which the company re- paired to the parlor, where some time was spent in social conver- sation ; then all dispersed to their homes, well pleased with the entertainment.
During September, 1870, the old settlers of Rock Island and Scott met on the island for their annnal picnic. The weather having threatened rain in the forenoon there was not so many as was expected. But there was a jolly set of old friends who made light of rain elouds, and everything passed off to the entire satis- faction of all present.
Hon. E. Cook presided in the absence of the president, Charles Metteer.
Bishop Lee delivered a good address and there were some volunteer speeches.
FOURTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING.
At the annual meeting of the Old Settlers' Association, held at the office of George L. Davenport, on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 1870, John P. Cook was called to the chair and John L. Coffin, secretary pro tem. The death of the president of the association was an- nonneed.
The election of officers was next proceeded with, Dr. E. S. Barrows was unanimously elected President. The following named gentlemen were elected Vice-Presidents for the ensning year: B. S. Gaspell, George L. Davenport, Wm. Van Tuyl, Rev. Enoch Mead, George Hyde, Caleb Dunn, John M. Friday, Capt. F. M. Suiter, Rodolphus Bennett, George L. Bowling, Capt. Leroy Dodge and M. M. Pease. D. P. Mckown was elected[Recording Secretary, James Thorington Corresponding Secretary and Israel Hall Treas- urer. After some other business the meeting adjourned to meet at the festival the second Tuesday in January, 1871.
FOURTEENTII ANNUAL FESTIVAL.
The fourteenth annual re-nnion of the pioneer settlers of Scott County took place at the Newcomb House, Jan. 10, 1871. At an early hour the members of the association began to assemble, and very soon the parlors and halls of the hotel were thronged with gentlemen and ladies. Cordial greetings were the order of the hour, a general good feeling seemed predominant. Many venerable persons were present, among whom were: Mrs. Margaret, relict of
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the late Antoine Le Claire, Mr. and Mrs. Birchard, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Parker, Phillip Suiter, Adam Noel and others. In the hall was displayed a pyramid bearing on one side the inscription "Our Dead, " on the reverseiside appeared the names of the pio- neer dead of 1870. The following are the names: Alfred White, Mrs. Margaret Flemming, Mrs. Sarah A. Lindsy, Mrs. Hester Sampson, Andrew Logan, Mrs. Strong Burnell, George W. Fish, Charles Metteer, James McGuire, Mrs. Dapro, Mrs. Lyman Smith, and A. E. B. Hall.
At 7:30 o'clock the meeting was called to order by Hon. Ebenezer Cook, who appeared with cane in hand, and spoke as follows: " For the first time in the history of the association, the president has died during his term of office; Charles Metteer is dead. He has spoken his last words to you. He has closed his accounts upon earth, and is with his God. The duty has been devolved upon me to stand here in his place, to call the association to order, and to transfer this cane, to the President-elect, Dr. E. S. Barrows, whom we have all known from the beginning of the settlement of this county.
" To you, sir, I transfer this cane, the symbol of authority of this association, well knowing that it will be in worthy hands, and by this token declare you president of the association."
Dr. Barrows then received the emblem and made a few appro- priate remarks, in acknowledgement of the compliment of being chosen president, and then introduced Jabez Burchard, who de- livered the annual address, which was excellent and listened to with deep interest.
Upon the conclusion of the address the company engaged in social converse until 10 o'clock, when supper was announced; about 150 persons sat down to supper. When the assembly was seated the president called upon Rt. Rev. Henry W. Lee, Bishop of Iowa, who returned thanks to the Giver of all good.
The tables were fairly loaded with good things, to which all paid the highest respect. When the eatables were disposed of toasts and responses were then in order.
Shortly past midnight the members of the association dispersed to their respective homes, having had a most happy and agreeable re-union.
FIFTEENTII ANNUAL MEETING.
Pursuant to regular notice the annual meeting of the old settlers of Scott County, Iowa, took place at the office of George L. Dav-
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
enport, on Dec. 12. 1871, at 2 o'clock P. M. The President, Dr. E. S. Barrows, called the meeting to order.
The time having arrived for the regular election of officers to serve during the ensning year, the following were duly elected by ballot :
President, W. L. Cook; Vice-Presidents, G. L. Davenport, D. C. Eldridge, H. G. Stone, P. Suiter, Harry Morehead. W. L. Clark, J. K. James, Frank Bennett, Johnson Maw, George B. Hawley and John Willis; Recording Secretary, C. H. Eldridge; Corresponding Secretary, James Thorington; Treasurer, Israel Hall.
After appointing some committees the society adjourned.
FIFTEENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL.
The Scott County Pioneer Settlers' Association held their fif- teenth annual festival at the Newcomb House, Jan. 9. 1872, and it was one of the most interesting re-union in the society's history. The members began to assemble at 4 o'clock, but it was not until nearly 6 that any large number gathered. The three parlors be- held a scene of social enjoyment not often surpassed in interest anywhere. In the west parlor hung a frame, bordered with crape, which contained the names of 18 members of the association who had died during the year 1871, and whose names are as follows: Thomas Jones. Leroy Dodge, Jabez Birchard, Ebenezer Cook, James Davenport, Rodolphus Bennett, Alanson Noble, Michael Cooper, William Wilson, Isadore Dapron, James Jack, Mrs. Isabella Wallace, Mrs. Charles H. Eldridge, Mrs. Ephraim Lane, Mrs. William H. Gabbert, Mrs. J. M. Dunn, Miss Lucy Campbell and Mrs. Milo Pollock. The exercises opened at 7 o'clock, at the call of President Barrows, and with the singing of the song .. How Sweet it is to Meet Again." Afterward Judge Grant introduced a resolution which made all the members of the Rock Island society honorary members of this association, with a cordial invitation extended for all the years to come to its re-unions and festivals, which resolution was unanimously adopted. The inauguration of the President-elect, Judge William Cook, then took place. President Barrows delivered an address full of interest.
After another song President Cook thanked the association for the honor conferred on him by his election, and then made appro- priate remarks of a general character. An eulogy of the pioneer dead was then delivered by Judge Grant, which made a deep im-
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
pression on his audience. A song was sung and another social hour followed. The oldest people present were Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Parker, who were born in 1786, and had been married 63 years. They came to this county in 1838. The person who had lived longest in the county present was Mrs. Marguerite Le Claire, she having come in 1833.
A song ended the parlor social and the banquet was announced, at which all did ample justice, after which came the toasts and re- sponses. The finale came. "Auld Lang Syne " and " Oft in the Stilly Night" were sung by the assembly, the good-byes spoken, and the fifteenth festival was a thing of the past.
ANNUAL PICNIC.
On the forenoon of Sept. 18, 1872, about 125 of the men and women who settled Scott County years ago assembled in front of Morrison & Glaspell's store on Brady street, and in their own carriages and buggies, headed by Luppy's band, proceeded to the government bridge, and thence to their annual pienie grounds on RockIsland, there they were joined by the Old Settlers from Rock Island. There were over 300 persons present.
The weather was cool and the wind high, but the pienie in the forest was thoroughly enjoyed, and the day wes a happy one for all who participated.
SIXTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING.
The annual meeting of the Pioneer Settlers' Association was held Dec. 10, 1872, in George L. Davenport's office, President Wm. L. Cook in the chair. At which meeting Dr. James Hall was elected President, and James Thorington, W. L. Clark, John M. Friday, P. Suiter, H. Morehead, Johnson Maw, George B. Hawley, C. T. Myers, Geo. L. Davenport, Robert Wilson, John Trucks and Geo. W. Parker were elected Vice-Presidents; Israel Hall was elected Treasurer; Charles H. Eldridge, Recording Secre- tary, and James Thorington, Corresponding Secretary.
W. L. Clark moved that the time of holding the annual festival be changed to the first Wednesday after the full moon in Septem- ber of each year.
The motion was carried with the understanding that it was to be made subject to change, if desired, at the next annual festival , but if no action was then had it would be final.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
SIXTEENTII ANNUAL FESTIVAL.
The organized Pioneer Settlers' of Scott County held their six- teenth annual reunion at the Newcomb House. Owing to a furious storm all the afternoon only about 50 were present, the country members nearly all being absent. Nevertheless the occasion was a happy one.
The meeting came to order at the call of the out-going presi- dent, W. L. Cook.
Upon the question of changing the time of the annual meeting to September, there was a decided negative; as also that of chang- ing the hour of meeting to 11 A. M. Judge Cook delivered his valedictory address. The Hon. James Grant then delivered the annnal address.
"Auld Lang Syne " was then sung, and after a season of socia- bility supper was announced, to which the pioneers moved in a body, headed by the president, who took his seat at the head of the board, with the aged widow of Le Claire (the first white woman that settled in Davenport) on his right, and ex-President Cook on his left. The table was beautifully spread for the occa- sion, to which full and complete justice was done all around; after which came toasts and responses, more chatting and singing, and then they all went home in the rain.
SEVENTEENTII ANNUAL MEETING.
The regular annual meeting of the Pioncer Settlers' Association of Scott County was held at the office of George L. Davenport, on the 9th day of December, 1873.
In the absence of the president, Dr. Hall, Judge Grant occupied the chair.
A communication from Judge Grant and wife, extending an in- vitation to the old settlers to hold their reunion at their home in the future was read and the invitation accepted by the association.
The following officers were then elected : President, C. G. Blood; Vice-Presidents, Samuel Parker, W. L. Clark, James E. Burnsides, Johnson Maw, John C. Brownlee, John Bell, Jacob M. Eldridge, George W. Hawley, Horatio Stone, Levi Chamberlain, Philip Suiter and Horace Bradley. Israel Hall was elected Treas- nrer. and Charles II. Eldridge, Recording Secretary.
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL.
The pioneer settlers of Scott County assembled by special invi- tation at the residence of Judge Grant on the evening of January
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
13, 1874, to hold their annual festival. There were about 200 present, ineluding a number of early settlers, of Rock Island. They commenced coming in about 5 o'clock, and kept eomning until 9. The rooms were crowded with familiar faces, the aged and the middle-aged, the friends of many years. Well- frosted heads were numerous. Three there were who had passed the line of four-score; one had traveled beyond four-score years and ten. In all the meetings of 17 years, a more social and happy gathering of the pioneers has not been recorded. There were eonstant additions to the gathering until 7 o'clock, at which hour Capt. Clark, of Buffalo, called the association to order and announced that though their President, James Hall, was in the South, he had not forgotten them, but had sent his valedietory to Charles H. Eldridge, who would proceed to read it, which duty he performed and surrendered the presidential eane to the presi- dent-eleet, Dr. C. G. Blood, with appropriate and eloquent remarks concerning the duties devolving upon the presiding officer of the association.
The gold head of this eane shows eight panels, in each of which is inscribed the names of two presidents. Thus the panels have been filled, and a wide, gold band has been added to the original head, for the names of succeeding presidents. Dr. Blood's name was the first on the band. Receiving the cane, the Doetor deliv- ered his inaugural.
The annual address was to have been delivered by L. Rorer, of Burlington, but he telegraphed that he could not be present. When this was annonneed there were immediate calls for Judge Dillon, who eame forward and met with a reception which evineed the high regard, and even affeetion, cherished for one who, commene- ing as a pioneer boy, has come to a high judicial position, and is known and honored throughout almost the entire Union. He inade a short but good speech, as the applause that followed the address testified.
Mr. Charles H. Eldridge then introduced a little matter of busi- ness, and moved that the word " male" be stricken from the clause in the constitution which provides that all "male persons who were residents of the county in or prior to the year 1840 shall be eligible to membership." The motion was carried unani- mously, and pioneer wives and daughters could now become members of the association.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
At nine o'clock supper was announced. Small tables and stands were placed here and there in the several parlors, and the old set- tlers gathered in groups of four to six about them, while the younger settlers present did themselves the honor of waiting upon their seniors. It was a bountiful and delicious supper throughout, the dishes scemed innumerable; substantials of all kinds, and deli- cacies in endless variety were served. Everybody seemed to have the regular pioncer appetite. Supper ended, toasts and responses were in order. After the toasts and responses there was another scason of sociability. Between 11 and 12 o'clock Auld Lang Syne was sung, and then the partings came. Thus ended a festival which will be a happy memory through the lives of all who attended it.
PIONEER SETTLERS' PICNIC.
The annual joint picnic of the Seott and Rock Island County Pioneers took place on Rock Island in September, 1874. There were about 200 present from Seott County and 100 from Rock Island. At 12 o'clock Dr. C. G. Blood, President of the Scott County Association, called the assemblage to order. The Doctor uttered fitting words of greeting and welcome, after which prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Finley, of Milan. Then came dinner, after which speaking was in order. The appointed orators of the day were unavoidably absent, and so impromptu specehes were called for. Judge Grant being called he mounted the plat - form with a six months old baby in his arms, and made elo- quent and touching remarks. The babe in his arms was the boy of his youngest sister's son, James Grant Johnson, of Parsons, Kan- sas.
President Plilleo, of Rock Island, followed, after which D. Bell, Jacob Norris, Rev. Mr. Caruthers, James E. Burnside, all spoke a short time in a very interesting manner. After which John B. Mathews reeited the poem "Out of the Old House Maggic," in a most expressive and pleasing manner.
The then old friends bade one another adieu and, departed for their homes.
EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING.
The regular annual meeting of the Pioneer Settlers' Association was held in the office of George L. Davenport, Dee. 8, 1874.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
W. L. Clark was called to the chair, and in the absence of the secretary, W. S. Collins acted pro tem. He read a list of the officers to be elected and suggested that Mrs. M. A. Sanders be elected Historical Secretary, which was adopted. Judge Grant pre- sented an invitation for the old settlers to again hold their annual festival at his house, which invitation was accepted.
The election of officers was entered into with the following re- sults : President, Phillip Suiter; Vice-Presidents, W. S. Collins, W. L. Clark, J. E. Burnside, Johnson Maw, J. C. Brownlee, Dr. J. Bell, J. M. Eldrige, Geo. B. Hawley, H. Stone, Levi Chamber- lain and Horace Bradley; Charles H. Eldridge, Recording Secretary; Treasurer, Israel Hall; Historical Secretary, Mrs. M. A. Sanders.
Notice was given that resolutions would be offered at the annual festival to change the date of membership, and to change the time of meeting and of annual festival. On motion adjourned.
EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL.
At the residence of Judge Grant as per notice given at the an- nual meeting a special meeting was called to order for business be- fore the hour for festival, Phillip Suiter in the chair. The seere- tary read a resolution offered, changing the time of annual meeting and festival to the first Wednesday after the full moon in October; the motion was adopted. A motion was offered that the annual festival the next time be held on the grounds of the Scott County Agrienltural Society, commeneing at 10 o'clock, and that it be a basket picnic; motion adopted. A resolution was offered chang- ing time of membership, from the year 1840 to the year 1846, the latter year. being the year in which Iowa was admitted to the Union. The resolution was laid over for action at the meeting in October. No further business appearing the meeting adjourned.
REGULAR ANNUAL MEETING.
The regular annual meeting was held October 20, 1875, at the fair grounds. The meeting was called to order by the president, Phillip Suiter. The resolution laid over at previous meeings, rel- ative to changing the date of membership was taken up. After some disenssion the following was adopted :
Resolved, That Section 1, of Article V., of the constitution be changed to read as follows : " All persons who are now residents of Scott County, and who were residents of said county on or before
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
noon of the day on which Iowa ceased to be a Territory, and was admitted as one of the States of the Union, or who married persons who were residents as above, and who are of good moral character, are eligible to membership," which was unanimously adopted.
In reference to the future annual meetings and festivals it was unanimously left to the executive committee with full power to aet. A letter was then read from Judge Grant in which he expressed his regrets at not being able to attend their meeting.
The election of officers was then proceeded with, which resulted in the election of W. S. Collins, President; Laurel Summers; James Me Manns, G. W. Pinneo, II. S. Gabbert, Adam Donaldson, H. G. Stone, James E. Burnside, Alex. Brownlee, Caleb Dunn and Dan- iel Moore Vice-Presidents; Israel Hall, Treasurer; Charles E. Eldridge, Secretary; then there was adjournment to dinner, which was served in the dining hall-a basket pienie. That nountide was a gala hour. After dinner, music by the band summoned all present to the Fioral Hall again.
The valedictory of President Suiter was next in order. At its conclusion the retiring president bade all hail to his successor, and transferred the society cane to the new president, W. S. Collins, whose inaugural was spiey, cheering and full of encouragement. Some of its reminders of courting practices in days of yore, caused heartiest laughter, and the solemn elosing eansed emotions of a dif- ferent nature. The next duty was in remembranee of the dead of 1876, and Gen. Add. HI. Sanders was called upon to pronounce the eulogies. The General's address was worthy the occasion, and was delivered in a manner that evineed ability as a speaker as well as brilliancy as a writer. Among the dead of the year appears the names of Jonathan and Naomi Parker, who had lived together as man and wife 65 years, and died within one month and one day of each other; Mrs. Esther Blood, who was nearly 93 at the time of her death; Mrs. Laura Parmalee and Moses Parmalee, husband and wife, who had lived together 50 years; Mrs. Julia Anderson. Rufus L. Catlin, Hugh Burnside. Gen. George B. Sargent, Ira C. Van Thyl. The band then played the air, " Though lost to sight to memory dear."
President Collins then introduced E. E. Cook, son of one of the best known and most able and brilliant of the pioneers, who delivered the annual address, which was delivered with a spirit and earnest- ness which held the closest attention of all the hearers to the end, after which Rev. J. II. Sheely and Mr. Boyer made some pleasing
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
remarks. Mr. John Mathews, of Pleasant Valley, recited Carle- ton's " Out of the Old House Into the New " with feeling and a pathos that caused tears to flow. Then the president annonneed that the executive committees of Rock Island and Scott Counties, societies had had a conference, and thought best to recommend a union festival on the 4th day of next July. This was received with enthusiasm. The band played "Sweet Home " and the festival was at an end.
SPECIAL MEETING.
A special meeting of the Pioneer Settlers' Association was held at the office of Geo. L. Davenport, Aug. 12, 1876, President Wm. S. Collins in the chair.
The object of the call was stated, that as no provision had been made for the annual festival, on the 4th of July, as had been agreed on one year previous, it was necessary that some action be taken in the matter. On motion it was decided to hold the festival in accordance with the constitution as amended, to wit: On the first Wednesday after the full moon in October. The meeting adjourned without agreeing as to time of day or place of holding meeting, to meet Aug. 26, to decide.
ADJOURNED MEETING.
The old settlers met pursuant to adjourninent Aug. 26. 1876, President Collins in the chair. The object of the meeting was then stated. It was moved and carried that the hour should be 6 P. M. and that the executive committee be given full power to aet in selecting a place to hold the festival: meeting adjourned.
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