USA > Iowa > Report of the organization and first reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, 1884 > Part 21
USA > Illinois > Report of the organization and first reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, 1884 > Part 21
USA > Missouri > Report of the organization and first reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, 1884 > Part 21
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29
57
to possess a mysterious, impressive and almost sacred interest. If patriotism has its root in personal loyalty and devotion in one's private attachments, in the love of home and the memo- ries that cluster around it, linking themselves with every familiar thing, surely it is fostered by transactions which, while they remind us of our common interests, the relations of the individual to the community and of different communities to each other, at the same time symbolize or commemorate those grand junctures which, merging the lesser interests in the greater, have made unnumbered thousands work together in a common cause as one man. In the silent eloquence of old and tender human associations we have one of our strongest protec- tions against the reckless spirit of the day. It is doubtless true that the first events in the history of those communities which have grown into States since the union of the original thirteen, will never be invested with the charms of equally heroic associations, for these newer communities have been estab- lished by transplanting the institutions that were formed by the master builders of States. And yet, there is something peculiarly impressive in the resolute purpose of the men and women who "Buffeted the west with uplifted faces," while it was still a wilderness, remote from homes that were inexpressibly dear to them, rooting up, in many in- stances, not "without blood," the "terribly fixed foot" of their household gods. They set out to be, and became, the architects of their own fortunes. And, though their civil work was a reproduction, rather than original building, it was performed through the same agencies, and inspired by the same spirit as the original. The really formative period of our colonial history, the period between 1740 and 1790, when the civil character of the first States was developed, was marked by the influence of lawyers. They, rather than the clergy and unprofessional men of affairs, have been the master builders of state constitutions and bills of right, while, in less conspienons stations, they have done as much to mould the character of com- umities for many generations. In the settlement of Keokuk the influence of the lawyers was undoubtedly great and, indeed, as it seems to me, predominant. Among that class of influen- tial men was one whom I, in this connection, particularly revere
-
58
as possessing an enlarged public spirit and an intelligent appre- ciation of the higher interests of the social body as well as a just recognition of what is due from the individual to the com- munity of which he forms a part. It may be said that the old settlers came here to establish a town for the parpose of trade; but he to whom I refer, and others whose names will be recalled with equal reverence, never forgot those higher conditions on which the welfare of every community depends and without which material prosperity is only an invitation to vice and a precursor of ruin. The work of the old settlers had better never been done if their objects had been selfish only. If a material prosperity were all that this city where so long I dwelt had to show for their labors it would show little to satisfy the craving of generous natures for noble things. It is not, however, on the material or civil achievements of the old settlers that I now dwell with the fondest recol- lection but rather upon the gentler and more winning social virtues of the olden time virtues, which find small place on the page of history, but which form so large a part of all that gives dignity and happiness and blessing to human life.
I am, sir, most cordially,
SUE CLAGETT PETTENGILL.
J. K. GRAVES, DUBUQUE, IOWA.
DUBUQUE, Iowa, Oct. 7.
Chairman Invitation Com. Tri-State Old Settlers' Association:
MY DEAR SIR :- Accept my sincere thanks for the kind invitation to be present at the third annual reunion of the Tri- State Old Settlers' Association to be held at Keokuk on the 18th inst. I regret that absence from the State will prevent my being with you. on that interesting occasion. In the midst of the hurry and push of every-day life, it is well to devote at least one day in each year in a retrospective glance over Towa's history, to note the progress and change which time has wrought, and to grasp in fraternal greeting the warm hands of kind and valued friends, who, as pioneers of this great State, have done so much to shape its destiny and insure its great. prosperity.
59
Your card of invitation gives ample assurance of a feast of reason and a flow of soul on the day you celebrate, and I picture to myself the many familiar faces which will grace the gathering. The courtly, dignified and scholarly bearing of the President of the Association will be ably supported by eminent and honored men.
Judge Love-one of the ablest and best jurists in the" Union, as was fittingly remarked by a member of the United States Supreme Court at Washington -- will be present to wel- come the gathering.
Judge Wright, who has so interwoven his life with the history of Iowa, and whom to know is to admire, will respond for Iowa both eloquently and truthfully. Genial, active and patriotic General Belknap (though saddened at the recent death of his warm friend and comrade General Hedrick), will be pres- ent with the industrious Parsons, who left us in '56-and Lyman Cook, the careful and conservative-these gentlemen will all be there to reflect the pleasant smile which Col. Shelly always wears when extolling the beauties of Keokuk.
These, and other friends who will gather there, create in me an earnest wish that I might share with them the happiness of the hour, and I deplore that I cannot attend. Your presid- ing officer, A. G. Adams, has advertised Burlington co-equal with the C. B. & Q. R. R., and made one of the best mayors that or any other city ever had. I admire the foresight which called him to the front for the 13th instant.
That your celebration will be both successful and happy is beyond question, and I need but tender my best wishes for the health and happiness of each and all who may be in attendance.
Yours truly, J. K. GRAVES.
SAMUEL F. MILLER. CATSKILL MOUNTAIN, NEW YORK, July 24, 1886.
Hlon. Edward Johnstone, C. F. Davis, and others:
GENTLEMEN :--- Your very kind letter of the 5th instant was received in Washington a day before my departure for this place and was very gratifying to me in its expression of esteem
60
and the urgency of its requests. I have delayed an answer in the hope that I might make it an affirmative one, but after full consideration, and finding myself unable to accept your earnest invitation to be present and make an address on the occasion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Meeting in September next, I must reluctantly decline.
I have an engagement of nearly two years standing, to preside over the Unitarian Conference at Saratoga, which occurs late in that month, and this, with the travel of the summer already gone through and yet to be performed is as much as I can well take from the rest needed to recruit me for the winter's work.
I know of how much pleasure I deprive myself by this de- cision. The meeting which I attended two years ago was one of the most agreeable occurrences of my life, and I should enjoy beyond expression the one this fall. But justice to the official duties of the long winter term of the court requires me to avail myself of the few weeks rest which vacation gives for that purpose.
I am, gentlemen, very truly and gratefully your friend,
SAM'L F. MILLER.
JOHN A LOGAN.
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 1, 1886.
Edward Johnstone, President, &c .:
MY DEAR SIR :- I am in receipt of your letter of the 27th ult .. and sincerely appreciate your kind invitation to attend the meeting of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association next fall. But I regret that I cannot give you a favorable answer. My plans for the fall are so unsettled that I can make no promise at this time.
Very truly,
JOHN A. LOGAN.
G. G. VEST.
U. S. SENATE, WASHINGTON, D. C., May 13, 1886.
Edward Johnstone, Esq., President :
MY DEAR SIR: Yours of May 7th has just been received. I desire te return my sincere thanks for your kind invitation to
61
address the Old Settlers' Association at its next meeting, but it is not possible for me to comply with your request. My en- gagements are such for the coming summer and fall as to pre- clude the possibility of my making any other engagements at the time you mention. Please convey my sincere thanks to the Association for the honor conferred upon me, and believe ine
Very truly, &c., G. G. VEST.
JNO. F. PHILIPS.
KANSAS CITY, MO., August 6, 1886.
Edward Johnstone, Esq., Pres't Tri-State Old Settlers' Ass'n :
DEAR SIR :- I have the honor to acknowledge, through you, an invitation to represent the State of Missouri at the ap- proaching annual meeting of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Asso- ciation of Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. I appreciate most highly this compliment, and feel a strong desire to accept un-
conditionally. The chief embarrassment in the way is my official obligations as a member of the Court of Appeals of this State, which court will be in session at the time of the cel- ebration, and should we then be hearing cases at argument my absence might create trouble. I will say, however, that I shall try to arrange matters so that I can then be with you. I promise not to trespass long on the audience if I come, believ- ing that what is worth saying on such occasions should at least be brief to be appreciable and agreeable.
With great respect, yours truly, JNO. F. PHILIPS.
D. D. SKINNER, DES MOINES, IOWA. ' DES MOINES, IOWA, Oct. 9th, 1886.
C. F. DAVIS, EsQ.,
Keokuk, Iowa:
DEAR SIR :- Your kind invitation to attend the Old Settlers' re-union of Iowa, Missouri and Illinois, to be held at Keokuk, October 13th, was duly received. I had hoped to attend but regret that present circumstances render it impossible. My father, William Skinner, was one of the first settlers at Keokuk,
62
having landed there in March, 1834, when 3 or 4 cabins con- stituted the town where your magnificent city now stands. I could give a great many incidents connected with the first set- tlement of Iowa, and very much regret that I will not be pres- ent at this meeting to hear others.
Very truly yours, D. D. SKINNER.
GEN'L JAS. W. SINGLETON, QUINCY, ILL. SINGLETON PARK, QUINCY, Oct. 12th, 1886.
IION. W. W. BELKNAP, AND OTHERS:
GENTLEMEN :- I have enjoyed for several weeks a very pleasurable anticipation, growing out of a mental promise to be present at your celebration on the 13th; and I continued until to-day to indulge the hope and expectation on being with you on so felicitous an occasion as the assembling of the old settlers of Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, but within the past two days I contracted a cold, which to-day assumes a form which obliges me to resort to medical treatment and admonishes me to remain at home. Regretting the unavoidable deprivation of what . would be to me a most enjoyable visit and wishing you all the prosperity which brings comfort and happiness, and gives zest to social gatherings among neighbors and friends.
Respectfully, &c., JAS. W. SINGLETON.
T. S. PARVIN, CEDAR RIPIDS, IOWA.
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA, Oct. 9th, 1856.
HION. C. F. DAVIS, Chairman Invitation Com.,
Keokuk, Iowa:
Your kind invitation to be present at the Third Annual Reunion of the Association Tri-State Old Settlers' at Keokuk. the 13th, has been before me several days. Greatly disappointed by reason of absence from the State upon the two former occasions, I had fondly hoped. I could join yon this year. In this I am . again doomed to disappointment this time by illness. I have
63
been laid aside from labor the past ten days by indisposition and am not able to meet you, as I could greatly wish.
I have rejoiced at the success that has attended your efforts heretofore and much prized the published proceedings with which you kindly favored me.
I am sure from the program and the distinguished gentle -. men who are to participate in the exercises, that you will be successful in your great expectations.
I met during the summer Mr. White, of Oregon, the first settler and founder of Burlington, 1834, hale and hearty, while so few of the men of those early days are left to tell us of the things that were.
May success attend you and the weather be propitious, is the wish of
Sincerely Yours, T. S. PARVIN.
J. M. ASHER, SAN DIEGO, CAL.
. EL CAJON, SAN DIEGO Co., CAL., Oct. 4, 1886.
Gen. W. W. Belknap, Keokuk, Iowa:
DEAR SIR :- I feel greatly honored to receive this, the third invitation to attend the meetings of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association. Am sorry that I cannot be with you this time, but hope to at some other time. In your card of invitation I see the names of many that I remember well, but presume some of them have forgotten me. Judge Love. J. M. Reid, W. A. Brownell, J. M. Shelley, S. E. Carey, Chas. Parsons, Gen. Bridgman, and J. C. Parrott are familiar names.
I would like to be a member of your Association, but the signing of your constitution seems to be in the way. Hope your meeting will be a grand success.
We consider this neck of woods about the pleasantest in Uncle Sam's domains, and if any of my KKK friends should ever wander so far from that pleasant city we hope they will call on us.
Your friend,
J. M. ASHIER.
1
64
COL. WM. H. MERRITT, DES MOINES, IOWA.
DES MOINES, IOWA, Oct. 11, 1886.
C. F. Davis, Esq., and others, Committee of Invitation:
GENTLEMEN :- An invitation to be present at the third annual reunion of the old settlers of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, at Keokuk, on the 13th instant is received.
To meet the men who have contributed largely to the build- ing up of this great empire of the west, with its boundless commercial, agricultural and educational resources, would be " both an honor and a pleasure, but circumstances over which I have no control will prevent my attendance.
Trusting that the occasion will be honored with a large attendance of the old pioneers from the three great common- wealths in the west, and that the entertainment may be such as to increase the interest in, and promote the advancement of the Association, I beg to subscribe myself
Very respectfully, W.M. IT. MERRITT.
JUDGE JAMES J. LINDLEY, ST. LOUIS, MO. ST. Louis, Angust 31st, 1886.
Edward Johnstone, Esq.,
Keokuk, Iowa:
DEAR SIR :- On my return home from my summer vacation I find your very kind invitation to deliver an address October 13th before the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association.
I regret exceedingly that engagements at that time will absolutely prevent my compliance with your request.
It would give me great pleasure to be present and meet the old settlers among whom I would meet many old friends. The engagements, however, to which I have referred, command my time and services imperatively, and not only my own interests, but those of others are involved.
I must, therefore, ask you kindly to excuse me this time.
Very truly Your obedient servant, JAMES J. LINDLEY.
65
HON. P. A. ARMSTRONG, MORRIS, ILL.
MORRIS, ILL., Sept. 29, 1886.
Hon. C. F. Davis, Esq.,
Keokuk, Iowa:
Your beautiful card of invitation to me, inviting me to be with you at the Tri-State Old Settler's Association at Keokuk, on the 16th prox., is at hand. Thanks. I shall endeavor to attend, and anticipate a very pleasant time. God bless the old settlers for the impress their pure characters and good habits left as a heritance to their children and society in general.
Very truly, &c., P. A. ARMSTRONG.
W. II. CARTWRIGHT, MEDIAPOLIS, IOWA. MEDIAPOLIS, IOWA, Oct. 11, 1886.
Hon. C. F. Davis, . Keokuk, Iowa:
DEAR SIR :- On my return from a three months absence on the Pacific coast, &c., I find an invitation to the third annual reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association.
My residence of over fifty years in Des Moines County, Iowa, clearly marks me as an old settler, and it would afford me great pleasure to meet with the pioneers of the great west. But previous engagements make it impossible this time. Hoping to be able to do better in the future, I remain,
Fraternally yours, W. H. CARTWRIGHT.
J. MACLAY, DUBUQUE, IOWA.
DUBUQUE, IOWA, Oct. 11th, 1886.
C. F. Davis, Esq., Chairman Invitation Com.,
Keokuk, Iowa:
DEAR SIR :- In responding to your kind invitation to attend your reunion on the 13th inst. permit me to say that I very much regret that hindrances in my way leads me, though reluct- antly, to forego the opportunity offered me to be with you. I
66
promised myself last fall that when your invitation should reach me this year I would gladly do myself the honor to respond in person, to unite with old friends and new ones, and take the place assigned me at your festal board to enjoy a "feast of reason and a flow of soul," in listening to the brilliant responses to toasts, in flashes of native genius, eloquently interspersed with wit and humor.
I covet your enjoyment while looking into the faces of the pioneers and early settlers of the three great States of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, than which there are none more Hourshing and progressive in all that constitutes wealth, loyalty, justice and honor. The old settlers' can look with pride on all the overwhelming evidences of advancement in improvements and developments of the past in which they have taken so active and important part, honorable to themselves and their descend- ants. Our States are populated by an intelligent, cultivated and progressive citizenship; by refined and educated womeu, and men far advanced in science and law, beyond any age or country in the past. States that sixty years ago, when we were boys were in all their native wildness, roamed over by the sar- age Indians on the "war path," pursuing the wild beasts to satisfy his hunger, or stealthily skulking in the woods, with jealous eye watching the "pale face" who was advancing to occupy the "beautiful land" of which marvelous stories of rich- ness in soil, in mineral. wide expanded prairies, beautiful lakes. magnificent rivers and grand waterfalls, inviting the adventur- ous and sturdy pioneers to come on and take possession. I am pleased to see that the occasion will be honored by the presence of such men as Genl. Belknap, Genl. Bridgman, Genl. Parrott and Col.'s Reid and Shelly, and other honored guests who did themselves great honor in taking a prominent part in our great struggle for the life and prosperity of our now glorions Union. under such Generals as Grant, Sherman, Logan and others, in the ranks of the largest, bravest and most successful army that the world ever saw, whose achievements, attained amid hardships, suffering and unselfish sacrifices, will never be too highly appre- ciated and commended by a grateful people. We who were not in the field did our utmost to loyally support the cause in the North and encourage the officers and "boys in blue" in cheer-
67
fully aiding in furnishing the sinews of war in a hopeful spirit during the darkest hours of our countries peril, supporting our countries flag until victory crowned the Union cause.
In closing allow me to express my earnest hope that at some favored time in the near future I may be permitted to enjoy the great pleasure of meeting with you and take part in the very interesting proceedings had at your meetings. -
Wishing you a very enjoyable occasion on the 13th inst., I subscribe myself
Yours truly and sincerely, J. MACLAY.
JUDGE F. SPRINGER, COLUMBUS JUNCTION, LA.
COLUMBUS JUNCTION, IOWA, Oct. 12, 1886.
Hon. C. F. Davis, Chairman Invitation Committee,
Keokuk, Iowa:
DEAR SIR :- On my return from a three weeks ramble in the southwest, I find awaiting me your elegant card of invita- tion of September 20, to the third annual reunion of the Tri- State Old Settlers' Association, to be held in your city on the 13th (to-morrow). In reply I beg to say that, but for the fatigue of my jaunt, I should be glad to be with you on an occasion so rich in interest, and to exchange greeting with members of the "old guard " who may be present, worthy foun- ders of a noble trinity of States, who, like the Sibylline leaves, deserve to be, and doubtless will be, held in the greater value, honor and respect as they diminish in number.
I have the honor to be very truly yours, FRANCIS SPRINGER.
D. W. DIGGS, MILBANK, DAK. MILBANK, DAK., Oct. 11, 1886.
C. F. Davis, Chairman,
Keokuk, Iowa:
MY DEAR SIR :-- I acknowledge with thanks the invitation to the reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers. I assure you it would afford me great pleasure to be present on what I know
68
must be an occasion of great interest to every participant, but the distance is great, and my time is so fully occupied with the fall business that it is impossible, but if honored with an invi- tation next year I hope to be able to be with you.
My memory goes back to the early days of the village of Keokuk, when it consisted of old " rat row," a range of frame buildings on the levee, with a few scattering buildings on the hill. Van Fossen's store, on Second street between Maine and Johnson, was the most pretentious of these.
My first acquaintance with the place was in 1845. My parents resided on the Des Moines bottom a few miles below St. Francisville. My father had a contract building levces at Kev- kuk, and it was my business, as the oldest boy in the family, then eight years old, to ride to town with him, "on behind," Monday mornings, to take the horse home, and return to bring him home Saturday nights.
The first money I ever earned was for picking cobs from the corn shelling machine for B. A. Williams, and the first week's wages were invested in a Mitchell's Geography and Atlas. I remember with what pride I walked into the little school-house with my new purchase under my arm.
The first brick building erected in Keokuk was a two-story about 20x30, on the opposite side of the street (Johnson) from where my parents then resided, and opposite where the Ivins House afterwards stood. How the reminiscenses of other days and old friends, many of whom have passed to their rest, crowd upon my memory!
Wishing you a very pleasant time, and that I may have the pleasure of being with you when next you celebrate the occasion, I am very truly,
D. W. DIGGS.
IION. A. R. FULTON, DES MOINES, IOWA. DES MOINES, IOWA, Oct. 12th, 1886.
IIon. C. F. Davis, Chairman :
DEAR SIR :- Your kind invitation to attend the Third An- nual Reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association, was
69
duly received. I had looked forward with the hope of availing myself of this opportunity of meeting many of the surviving pioneers whose acquaintance I have had the honor of making during the twenty-six years of my residence in Iowa. I have always been interested in hearing those grand old people who laid the strong foundations of these great Western States, recount the reminiscences of their pioneer struggles. I now regret exceedingly that circumstances prevent my attendance, and oblige me to forego the pleasures of the occasion.
Yours Respectfully,
A. R. FULTON.
MAJ. J. N. MCCLANAHAN, CORYDON, IOWA.
CORYDON, IOWA, Oct. 11th, 1886.
C. F. Davis, Esq., Chairman Invitation Com .:
DEAR SIR :- I am compelled to write and say that it is entirely out of my power to attend the reunion the 13th, notwith- standing I wrote you I should do so. Sickness, however, pre- vents me, and I am sorry I cannot meet with you, as I had con- templated, well knowing that it would be most pleasant, as well as socially very profitable. Accept my regrets with the hope that I may be able to be present the next time.
I assure you it is with the deepest regret I fail to be present.
Truly Yours, J. N. MCCLANAHAN.
B. ZWART, IRONTON, MO.
IRONTON, Mo., Sept. 30, 1886. Col. J. M. Reid,
Keokuk:
MY DEAR SIR AND FRIEND :- By to-day's mail I am in re- ceipt of your invitation to attend the Tri-State Old Settlers' Reunion, which is to meet in your city on the 13th of Oc- tober next.
Whilst I appreciate this mark of distinction and should be happy to be able to make a favorable response, yet I feel com- pelled, by reason of professional engagements, to ask to be ex- cused from attending at that time, as our fall terms of court
70
have just begun to be held, and I could not, without sacrificing the interests of clients, absent myself from here. It would be a real pleasure for me to come if not prevented, for I should be happy once more to meet yourself and other friends amongst the old residents of your city and vicinity, and to rehearse and hear recounted the many interesting incidents resulting from the old decree and settlers' controversy, and the several hair- breadth escapes of the noble old pioneers of those times, who stood out in favor of enforcing the majesty of the law, pre- eminent amongst whom were Cols. Hugh T. Reid and Perry, as they were several times in danger of losing their lives in their efforts to vindicate their rights under the decree. Twice did I witness the attacks of the settlers, and I well remember how once they followed Col. Reid, pistol in hand, all the way from the plank road towards the river, along the river to his , new residence at the corner of High and Third streets, when, whilst the mob was violently demanding admittance to his resi- dence to make search for him, my father, Mr. Lambert J. Zwart, came up to the place in company with old Mr. Peter Eichar, and on my father's suggestion that they had better ap- point a connnittee to search the house, such a committee was appointed, and my father and Mr. Eichar, were made members of it, and whilst the search in the house was being made the colonel made his escape on a fleet horse towards Buena Vista, and he escaped without any further loss than the loss of his hat, which was perforated and thrown from his head by a well aimed shot, but not close enough to injure him.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.