USA > Iowa > Report of the organization and first reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, 1884 > Part 29
USA > Illinois > Report of the organization and first reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, 1884 > Part 29
USA > Missouri > Report of the organization and first reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, 1884 > Part 29
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
S. L .. CLEMENS.
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HON. LYMAN TRUMBULL.
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CHICAGO, July 21st, 1887.
Hon. S. R. Chittenden, Mendon, Illinois :
Dear Sir :- It would afford me pleasure to attend the annual meeting of the Old Settlers' Association to be held at Keokuk, August 30th, if I felt that I could do so consistently with other engagements, but to do so, and prepare an address suitable to the occasion, would take more time than I can spare from other pressing matters. Yours truly,
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LYMAN TRUMBULL.
GEN. WM. W. BELKNAP.
WASHINGTON, D. C., Aug. 6th, 1887.
Hon. C. F. Davis, Chairman, etc. :
My Dear Sir :- Having attended, in 1885 and 1886, the . meetings of the "Tri-State Old Settlers' Association," I know how much real pleasure I lose when I decline your kind invitation. for the meeting of August 30th.
Although not a pioneer, the summer of 1851 found me at Keokuk, and I look back with pleasure to the many happy days spent there. I wish for the Old Settlers all of the happi- ness and comfort that they can have here, and the great reward, hereafter.
Yours very truly,
WM. W. BELKNAP.
HON. D. B. HENDERSON.
DUBUQUE, IOWA, Aug. 7th, 1887.
Hon. Edward Johnston, Keokuk, Iowa :
Dear Judge :- I am again in receipt of an invitation to the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association to be held in your city August 30th. More than ever I regret that I have engage. ments that will prevent my coming. I am sincerely sorry for no one would enjoy, more than I, such a gathering. I wish you a joyous time and some day hope to be one of your number.
Very truly yours,
D. B. HENDERSON.
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TRI-STATE OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.
HON. S. A. DAVIS.
CRESTON, IOWA, Aug. 9th, 1887.
C. F. Davis, Esq., Chairman, etc., Keokuk, Iowa :
Dear Sir :- Through Mr. Gay Davidson, of Carthage, Ill., a member of your invitation 'committee, "Tri-State Old Set- tlers Association," I have received an invitation to be present at the fourth annual reunion, Aug. 30th, prox., of that Asso- ciation.
I regret that official business (my monthly accounting to the P. O. Dept.) will prevent my attendance at your reunion. I was born near Carthage, Ill., thirty-three years ago, and resided there until 1876, when I removed to Iowa. I enjoy a wide acquaintance with the people of Hancock county, Ills., Lee county, Iowa, and Clark county, Mo., and regret that I am deprived of the pleasure of renewing this valued acquaint- anceship, and of recalling memories of the golden years spamed from boyhood to manhood among a people possessing generous hearts and exemplifying those simple but heroic virtues which mould the characters and destinies of great states.
Respectfully,
S. A. DAVIS.
REV. I. B. DENNIS.
KNOXVILLE, ILLS., Aug. 15, 1887.
C. F. Davis, Chairman Invitation Com., Keokuk, Ia. :
Dear Sir and Friend :- Need I say I feel good, glad, and grateful to receive so cordial an invitation to your reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association, for the fourth privilege. Can it be possible that the fourth call for this reunion. is now at hand !
My appreciation of your kind invitation, I can never express. Last year, when the invitation was before me, I thought prob- ably, should a similar invitation be given, in 1887, I will make an effort to be there. But uncertainties encompass the path of the aged, as well as of the younger.
Dear me ! As I look at the names of Edward Johnstone, John H. Gear and Rev. Dr. William Salter, the days of other years come trooping up in memories book till I almost feel 1 am young again. I must say, and I regret it much, I cannot come. Giving you my heartiest, strongest and best wishes, I am Your sincere friend,
1 .. B. DENNIS.
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L. D. PALMER. YANKTON, DAK., Aug. 16, 1887.
Hon. Edward Johnstone,
Pres't Tri-State Old Settlers' Association, Keokuk, Ia .:
My Dear Sir :- I have received an invitation from your secretary to attend your Fourth Annual Reunion in your city the 30th inst. I would be delighted to meet you and others that I have known for 50 years or more. I was a small boy, May 18th, 1834, when I landed in Fort Madison, Ia. I hold a commission from President Cleveland as postmaster of this city given to me as a "public trust" which requires my personal attention at the period named in your invitation. I must therefore send my regrets. Please remember me to such old friends as D. F. Miller, Sr., and Jas. C. Parrott that I know to be citizens of Keokuk, Iowa.
Your old and attached friend,
L. D. PALMER.
HON. ALVIN SAUNDERS.
OMAHA, NEB., Aug. 20th, 1887.
C. F. Davis, Esq., Chairman Com. Invitations, Keokuk, Ia .:
Dear Sir :- I am sorry I can't attend the Tri State Old Settlers' Association which meets at your city on the 30th inst. I have other engagements for that date which will prevent me from coming. Having spent many years of my life in both Illinois and Iowa I am sure I would chance to meet many of my old and valued friends from both States if I could come.
I attended a very pleasant Old Settlers' and Pioneer meet- ing at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on the 6th inst. Of all the settlers in Mount Pleasant, when I arrived there in 1836, only one is left, and that is Mr. Presley Saunders, the proprietor of the town. All of the others have moved away or else gone to their long home, and most of them are in the latter list. What a change · fifty years have brought ! but it won't do for me to launch out on the work of specifying these; that must be left for your orators and for the historians.
Allow me, my dear sir, to return to you and your fellow committeemen my sincere thanks for remembering one who has drifted so far off as not to belong now to either of the tri-States represented by your Association. May you all have a pleasant and profitable meeting-is the wish of
Respectfully yours. ALVIN SAUNDERS.
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TRI-STATE OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.
HON. ELIJAH M. HAINES.
WAUKEGAN, ILLS., Aug. 22, 1887.
C. F. Davis, Chairman Invitation Committee,
Keokuk, Iowa :
Dear Sir :- The invitation with which you honor me .to attend the Fourth Annual Reunion of the Tri-State Old Set- tlers' Association, comprising the States of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, to be held at Keokuk, on Tuesday the 30th, inst., is received and for which please accept my cordial thanks.
I assure you it would afford mie great pleasure, as well as an infinite degree of satisfaction to attend on an occasion so-filled with interest, as this reunion must be at this time, but prior engagements will prevent me from doing so.
My life, since early youth, has been spent in the West, hence occasions of this kind, possess to me more than ordinary interest. I came to what is now the city of Chicago, in the spring of 1835, when the third State included in your Associa- tion had no existence as a political division upon the map of the country, and the other two States, Illinois and Missouri, were upon the extreme western borders of civilization. Iowa being then known only as the Blackhawk purchase, comprised of a strip of country along the west side of the Mississippi river, to which the advancing pioneer had commenced his migration, and within the limits of which there was not an organized town or hamlet.
Dubuque had acquired a name as such with but a handful of permanent inhabitants. The present city of Fort Madison was the site of a deserted frontier fortification. The city of Burlington had just acquired an existence on paper as a town plat, and the present site of the flourishing Gate City was a wilderness.
What is now known as the city of Chicago proper, with its population approaching a million, was but a frontier military post and Indian trading point, containing less than one thous- and inhabitants.
If the progress of the past may be taken as a guide in fore- telling the future, the generation who succeed us will see the three States, which your organization now embraces, with a wealth and population surpassing that of any other three States of the Union, comprising within their limits the commercial center of the continent.
Yours, very respectfully,
ELIJAH M HAINES
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REV. JOSEPH BOGEN.
GREENVILLE, MISS., August 22d, 1887.
Hon. C. F. Davis, Chairman :
Dear Sir-I acknowledge receipt of invitation to the Tri-State Old Settlers' Reunion to be held in the Rand Park, of your beautiful city on the 30th inst. Nothing would have given me greater pleasure than to mingle once more with the patriarchs ·of the western prairies, the pioneers who by their zeal and in- dustry made out of the wild plains a habitable land, which seems now the Eden of our beloved country, but circumstan- stances over which I have no control prevent my leaving. home at present, and sorry as I am, it is impossible to attend the meeting. I fondly even anticipated the possibility of meeting you all this summer, enjoying the pleasure of you company for a few days, and I had partly concluded to utilize the reunion of the Old Settlers' Association for that purpose, but it seems as if all the elements had united to interfere with my plans this season. The Old Settlers Association is a grand institution which deserves more than a passing notice. This Association is, if you please, history personified. What we are wont to read in books, carefully or carelessly composed, we hear there from the mouth of those who were the actual heroes of the great drama, enacted on the almost unlimited prairies of the great west. The dangers those old pioneers had to 'face, the hardships they underwent, the troubles, the cares and the anxieties they passed through, it is certainly more interesting to hear them related from their own mouth, than to read the colored reports of historians who have scarcely a comprehension of facts, as they really occurred. The presence at such a meet- ing is a very interesting study of the history and the develop- ment of a great country. And it is the more so to the European who can not comprehend the vastness of this western conti- nent, unless he sees it. The old continent, settled since times immemorial, has scarcely room enough for the growing popula- tion, and its surplus has to find an outlet in countries less set- tled, where there is room for the tiller of the soil, and the industrious worker in the factory. Our American citizens have always gladly welcomed the influx of emigration, extended a helping hand to the industrious foreigner, who came here to live and obey the laws of the country, and to the honor of my native countrymen be it said that the great majority have always endeavored to accommodate themselves to the usages. the laws and the customs of their new home. Many Gonnans
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have even attained to high positions, and this is the best and the highest testimony as to the spirit of liberalism and broad- mindedness that prevails among the native Americans, of whom the old settlers of the west are such worthy representatives. Socialism, anarchism and nihilism are an excresence of over- crowded Europe, they are the fruits of tyranny and monarch- ism by the grace of God, but they present as little the true and inward sentiment of European intelligence as does knownoth- ingism that of America.
Westward the star of empire takes its course, and the great prairies of the west, dotted all over with blooming settlements and prosperous cities, are the surest indicators as to what will become of this vast and broad continent. The three great States, represented in your Association, rival already the longer settled eastern provinces of this vast empire, and it takes no prophet to predict that they will soon leave their older sisters far behind. But why bore you any longer with compari- sons and predictions ! You old settlers are a living testimony as to the energy and intelligence of a true American knight- hood. May you and your association live long and prosper !
Cordially yours,
JOSEPH BOGEN.
S. A. DUKE.
BAXTER, ARKANSAS, August 22d, 1887.
Messrs. C. F. Davis, Gen. A. Bridgman, Gen. J. C. Parrott, and others, Committee of Invitation to the Tri-State Reunion of the 30th, inst :
Gentlemen :- I have to thank you for your kind remem- brance of one of the second crop of old settlers who, while liv- ing apart from you for a quarter of a century, still takes pride in the fact that he was once a citizen of the great State of Iowa and pleasure that when the toils on earth are ended he expects his ashes to rest in her soil.
The thought that at these annual festivals of memory there are gathered together men and women whose minds reach back nearly if not quite to colonial times and under whose eye the great discoveries, inventions and improvements of the present time have so largely come to light and to the help of mankind in its daily life, and that they are permitted to meet and recomit
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their toils through dreary years of doubt as to the final outcome of their efforts, is a grand inspiration. The Indian and wild beasts of prey had to be pushed back to give way to the new civilization. and it was often thought a doubtful task. And after this had been accomplished the nation, itself, was throttled by its own children and again many minds were seized with doubt whether it could withstand the test. Some of the great leaders even cried out, "Let the erring sisters depart in peace." But the pioneer who had hewn down the forest, overcome and driven out the Indians and wild beasts, said, "No; we have made this nation and it shall not be dissevered !" And this grand spirit of patriotism seized its people, and again victory crowned their efforts. So to-day ours is the grandest and finest nation on the face of the earth, where all men have equal, natural rights.
Respectfully, S. A. DUKE.
W. PHELPS.
HASTINGS, Aug. 23, 1887. C. F. Davis :
Dear Sir :- I received your Burlington paper and read the article marked "Hillhouse." Accept sincere thanks for this and other favors shown me. Hillhouse's account of Black Hawk's speech at Fort Madison and his wigwam being fir- nished with chairs, tables, etc., is too ridiculous and absurd to even contradict. As to B. H. being intoxicated is equally untrue as he and one other Indian are all I ever knew who never drank a drop of liquor in those tribes. The other's name was Nopope, meaning soup. B. Hawk never was a chief, he being one of the head warriors in what was called the Rebel Band. Their chief was Hard Fish. I fully agree with my friend, Campbell, that Hillhouse is a champion liar, as I cer- tainly should have heard of him had he been among those tribes of Indians, at the time he mentions. I hope to attend the Tri-State meeting, if possible. My wife is West and if she gets back in time, will attend.
Yours respectfully,
W. PIEL.r's.
TRI-STATE OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. 75
HON. J. W. OGDEN.
URBANA, OHIO, Aug. 24, 1887. C. F. Davis, Esq., Chairman Committee, etc.,
Keokuk, Iowa :
My Dear Sir and Friend :- Your kind invitation to attend the meeting of the Old Settlers' Association, August 30th, was duly received. A serious illness, from which I am just now recovering, will be my excuse for not acknowledging your note earlier. I had been looking forward with much pleasure to a visit to my old friends in Keokuk, at the coming anniversary, but my health, at present, forbids the fatigue of the trip.
The unwritten history of the early days of Keokuk city abound in interest, and I suspect it will rest with the Associa- tion to catch the fleeting shadow before it is gone forever.
As my contribution I send you herewith two items ; one indicative of the simple manners of the time ; the other a part explanation of a political movement I have never heard men- tioned.
In the Spring of 1847, after a night's rest at the Gieger House on the levee, my first business was to call on Mr. Sam'l Van Fossen to whom I had a letter of introduction. On in- quiry, I was told that I would find him "in a little brick house, just beyond the top of the hill-the last house on the street, on the left side." The place I found about midway between Second and Third streets. The room was full, and not knowing a trial was in hearing I entered and enquired for Mr. Van Fossen. Wickersham, who was arguing some point, stop- ped in the middle of his argument and directed me to the 'Squire. My letter was duly presented and made quite a com- motion in the court room. Business was suspended for a time and I was introduced all around -- to attorneys who, I think, were Messrs. Wickersham, Munger and Powers, and to the jury as the "new editor." As soon as I could, I apologized for my untimely intrusion and beat a retreat, and found afterwards that I had fallen into a lot bed of the "Possum party."
My brother, Robert B. Ogden, and myself commenced the publication that year of the Keokuk Register. I think it was in the Spring of 1848, I was appointed by the Whig State Com- mittee, a committeeman for Lee county. The machinery of party was not as well organized then as it is now. One morn- ing Ross 'B. Hughes, a zealous whig, Colonel Sprott, a firey and irrepressible squatter, and old John Wright, a died-in-the- wool democrat, but stubborn in his opinions as to squatter,
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sovereignty, came to the office to obtain the co-operation of the paper in behalf of a fusion ticket. Each was identified with the "old settlers' organization" which had begun to show signs of disintegration, and before there should be a total col- lapse, it was thought something might be done through the legislature in the interest of the squatters. My impression was that the matter was suggested and managed by Hughes and Sprott in order to secure the democratic vote of the reservation to the whigs, who cared more for squatter interests than they did for party. My recollection is that the arrangement was carried out and the nominations made that year with the under- standing of influence to be used for the enactment of a salutary law touching the land-titles of that section. Going out of the newspaper shortly afterwards I lost sight of the matter, but understood a law was enacted, growing out of the arrangements then made, which was accepted on all hands as a satisfactory solution of the difficulties and a material factor in their settle- ment.
With kind remembrances of my many friends and wishes for the long continued prosperity of the association.
I am, very truly yours, etc., J. W. OGDEN.
HON. GEO. W. MCCRARY.
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 24, 1887.
Hon. C. F. Davis, Chairman, etc., Keokuk, Iowa :
My Dear Sir :- I have delayed answering your invitation to attend the Fourth Annual Reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association to be held at Keokuk on the 30th, inst., hoping to be able to be with you. As I find that will be out of my power, I now beg to thank you for the invitation, and to send greeting to you and to the pioneers and old settlers who will be present on that joyful occasion. My regard for the men who helped to found and to build the three great States of Illi- nois, Missouri and Iowa is profound, and nothing could afford me greater pleasure than to be permitted again to meet with them and to share with them in the coming reunion.
Trusting that you will have a glorious meeting, and that the old veterans will be honored and made happy, I am.
Very truly yours, Gro. W. MCCRARY.
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MOSES KEOKUK. 1 - C. F. Davis, Chairman of Committee of Invitation :
SAC AND FOX AGENCY, I. T., Aug. 27, 1887.
Dear Sir :- I had received your invitation to join in your Fourth Annual Reunion, August 30, 1887, with pleasure, and fully had made up my mind to be there with my family. Unforseen and unexpected circumstances makes it impossible for any of us to attend. My son, Charles, is attending U. S. court at Wichita, Kansas. I am head and executive chief of our nation and business of national importance compels me to be here. Again,, we have considerable business with the U. S. government which demands our presence here now soon .- All of which defeats my resolutions of being there with you. Any- thing in the future in which I should feel as much interested will secure my presence, God willing.
Very respectfully, MOSES KEOKUK.
HON. JOHN A. KASSON.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept: 5th, 1887.
C. F. Davis, Esq., Keokuk, Iowa :
My Dear Mr. Davis :- I am extremely sorry that your in- vitation to me to be present at the reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association, addressed to Des Moines, never reached me until to-day.
I was suddenly called from Iowa, in July, to Philadelphia, to attend to the business of the Constitutional Centennial Com- mission, of which I am president. Since my arrival I have been constantly occupied and should have been unable to be present on the 30th, ult.
I greatly regret that I have not been able yet to meet with the Association. Please Heaven, at its next meeting. I shall make every effort to join them.
Accept my thanks for your kind remembrance, and believe me.
Always sincerely yours,
JOHN A. KASSON.
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Among others the following expressed regrets and ex tended best wishes to all their old friends :
Bissell, L. R., San Jose, Cal. Bruce, J. E., Yankton, Dak.
Carpenter, Hon. C. C., Fort Dodge, la.
Cassady, Hon. P. M., Des Moines, Ia.
Clendenin, Hon. H. W., Springfield, Ills.
Diggs, D. W., Milbank. Dodd, O. L.
Fry, Smith C., Washington, D. C. Furman, Geo. C., 229 Broadway, New York.
Hamilton, E. B., Kansas City, Mo.
Hine, Chas .. W., Fort McKinney, Wyo. Ter.
McClaughry, Hon. R. W., Joliet, Ill.
Merritt, Hon. Thos. H., Des Moines, Ia.
Murphy, Hon. J. H., Davenport, Ia.
Ogden, Wm. C., Kansas City, Mo .. Osborne, A. W., Spirit Lake, Ia.
Palmer, Jared, Spirit Lake, la.
Parvin, Hon. T. S., Cedar Rapids, Ia.
Perkins, A. A., Burlington, Ia.
Phillips, Hon. J. H., Des Moines, Ia.
Raley, James, Lancaster, Mo.
Shaffer, Hon. John R., Des Moines, Ia.
Shaffer, Dr. John E., Elizabeth, Penn.
Sprague, Hon. D. N., Wapello, Ia.
Shelley, Hon. Geo. M., Kansas City, Mo.
Shelley, Wm. F., Kansas City, Mo.
Stanwood, Geo., 2169 Washington street, Boston, Mass.
Ward, James, 517 N. Levee, St. Louis.
Walton, J. P., Muscatine, la. Walsh, John Carroll, " The Mound, " Hartford Co., Md. Woolson, Hon. John S., Mt. Pleasant, la.
Etc., Etc., Etc.
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KEOKUK.
A writer several years ago said : Keokuk, "the Watch- ful Fox," after whom the city was named, was a native of the Sac nation of Indians, and was born about the year 1780. [A more authentic record places his birth in 1788.] He was not a hereditary chief, but raised himself to that dignity by the force of talent and enterprise. He was a man of extraordinary eloquence in council ; fertile in re- sources on the field of battle ; possessed of desperate bravery ; and never at a loss in any emergency. His style of thought and manner of speaking have been compared to that of a distinguished United States senator from South Carolina, with gracefulness of action in Keokuk's favor. He was fond of display, and on his visit of State, moved, it is supposed, in more savage magnificence than any other chief on the continent. Throughout the war Keokuk remained peaceful, and for peace controlled a portion of his nation. His services in this respect, his character, and the fact that his name has been given to our city, invest him with a pe- cuhar interest. Keokuk often lost his popularity with his tribe, by his efforts to keep them at peace with the United States, and nothing but his wonderful eloquence and tact sustained him. He was once deposed by his tribe, and a young chief elected in his place, but his people, to their chagrin, soon discovered their mistake. Keokuk still ruled, and rapidly attained his former position. He was a noble looking man, about six feet high, portly, and would weigh over two hundred pounds. He had an eagle eye, a dignified bearing, and a manly, intelligent expression of countenance. He always painted, and dressed in Indian costume, with Indian head dress, leggins, breech-clout, and sometimes a buckskin shirt, but usually a blanket.
He died in Kansas and not long ago his remains were brought to this city where they rest on the bluff in Rand Park, overlooking the broad Mississippi. A monument was soon commenced and the shaft completed only a few days ago ready for a statue of the famous chief, which will not be
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put in place for perhaps a year. Inserted in this monument are four marble slabs ; that looking to the river bears this inscription, and was brought with the remains from Kansas :
SACRED to the Memory of KEOKUCK, a distinguished Sac Chief, Born at Rock Island in 1788. Died in April, 1848.
The slab on the opposite side of the monument bears this inscription :
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This Monument is Erected by Popular Subscription in Memory of THE SAC CHIEF, KEOKUK,
for whom the city was naned. In 1883 his remains, together with the marble slab on the reverse side of this die, were brought from Franklin county, Kansas, where he died and was buried. His grave was located about 33 miles south- east of the village of Pomona, Franklin county, Kansas, on the S. E. { of the N. W. } of Section 16, Township 17, Range 18, East of the sixth principal meridian, and was covered by the slab above mentioned. His remains, with other matter of historic value, are deposited in the base of this structure .- Keokuk Democrat.
KEOKUK, IOWA, Aug. 30, 1887.
To the Dubuque Herald :
The reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association held in Rand Park, in this city, was a grand success in all respects.
The incoming trains on all the roads centering here brought in members and visitors from many of the surround- ing towns. Business was to a large degree suspended for the day. All the banks were closed, as was also most of the business houses in the afternoon, enabling all the oppor- tunity to enjoy a holiday of great pleasure and profit.
The day was superb in all respects, quite in contrast with the two past reunions held here, which were thinly ·
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attended on account of rain and were held in the opera house, giving up the arranged meetings in the Park.
Rand Park is quite convenient to the city, handsomely laid out and improved, ornamented by small lakes and waterfalls, supplied from an ever flowing artesian well, rare plants, numerous flower beds, beautiful drives and. shady walks, and a number of birds and animals form some of the attractions. The thousands of people promenading, the many vehicles driving about, bands playing, eloquent specches, etc., made a gala day for all present.
The Association was called to order at II o'clock a. m. The Hon. Ed. Johnstone, president of the Association, called upon the Rev. Wm. Salter, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Burlington, to offer the opening prayer.
The reverend gentleman will be remembered by the old settlers as a Congregational missionary laboring in Jackson, Jones and other counties near Dubuque back in the forties. His prayer, no doubt studied for the occasion, was truly eloquent, patriotic and reverently offered to the Supreme Ruler.
Then. ex-Gov. John H. Gear, president of the day, delivered an ably prepared address, giving a very interest- ing historical account of our national growth and wonderful development, including an account of the early discovery, purchase and settlement of the United States. The old governor was commended for his able effort by many pleased listeners.
Hon. John H. Craig delivered a most eloquent address of welcome to the Illinois and Missouri members and visit- ors. You should have heard him in order to appreciate it. I am not equal to express to you my admiration of his oratory, or the warmth and carnestness of his words of welcome.
After a recess for dinner, eloquent addresses were then made to the tri-State representatives, viz : By Hon. James H. Matheny, of Illinois ; Hon. John F. Phillips, of Missouri ; and Hon. John S. Runnells, of lowa. These were all witty, patriotic and fraternal, abounding in anecdotes, pointed criticisms and historical incidents, with many eloquent and patriotic references to our country and the old flag, keeping the large audience deeply attentive and spell-bound until 4 p. m., the hour of adjournment. J. M.
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Hawkeye, Sept. 1 : Keokuk was much impressed by the splendid display of oratory on the occasion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Reunion. The Gate City says :
Next to government, eloquence is the supremest form of power. And what a brilliant display of it there was at the Tri-State Reunion of Old Settlers in Keokuk yesterday ? The strength and massiveness of John H. Craig, the prac- tical sense and clearness in well-informed and appropriate statement of John H. Gear, the sunny temper, rugged humor and keen wit of Judge Matheny, the masterly clo- quence going from climax to climax of Judge Phillips, and the epigrammatic brilliance and perfection of John S. Run- nels were an unusual treat. Outside of a national conven- tion we never heard the equal of it from one platform.
And the Constitution pays an equally high compliment to Mr. Gear by saying that his speech " was a contribution to American history and shows breadth of knowledge and a wealth of information and personal . experience." The speech of Governor Gear will be published in full in next Sunday's Hawkeye.
Register, Sept. I : The reunion of the early settlers of the States of Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, held at Keokuk, always a brilliant affair, was especially so this year. All the States put up pet orators. Ex-Governor Gear, John S. Runnells, and Mr. Craig made the main speeches for Iowa. We give to-day the main portion of Mr. Runnell's address. It is of the best type of oratory, and worthy of the occasion and the State in every intelligent and accomplished partic- lar. His tribute to corn, the great crop and sovereign pro- duct of the American Nation, and his portrayal of its great- ness and power, is especially superb. It will be read in every home in this, the second greatest of corn States, and it is not unlikely to prove a popular speech for the tongues of lowa boys at school. -
Gate City : Next to government eloquence is the supremest form of power. And what a brilliant display of it there was at the Tri-State Reunion of Old Settlers in Keokuk yesterday ? The strength and massiveness of John
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TRI STATE OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.
H. Craig, the practical sense and clearness in well-informed and appropriate statement of John H. Gear, the sunny temper, rugged humor and keen wit of Judge Matheny, the masterly eloquence going from climax to climax of Judge Phillips, and the epigrammatic brilliancy and perfection of John S. Runnels were an unusual treat. Outside - of a national convention we never heard the equal of it from one platform.
Gate City Aug. 31 : The fourth annual reunion of the Tri-State Old Settlers' Association was held in Keokuk yesterday. As anticipated it surpassed in attendance and the excellence of the addresses any of its predecessors. It was a glorious day for the pioneers and old settlers of Iowa, Illinois and Missouri, who came from cities and towns far and near to enjoy the exercises, exchange reminiscences of ye olden times, renew acquaintances and have a good time. The annual reunions of the association are looked forward to with considerable interest by many who have made it a practice of attending regularly. Weather more perfect could not be desired and it was especially adapted to an out-of-door assemblage, the genial warmth of the sun's rays preventing the contraction of cold and rendering the atmos- phere of a desirable temperature. In honor of the event many business houses were decorated with flags and Main street contained such a profusion of national colors that it presented a most attractive appearance. Unusual stir and , bustle at an early hour was indicative of the occurrence of something out of the common routine of city life. Delega- tions from neighboring cities possibly were not so large as anticipated but the agricultural and country districts were generously represented. About 150 people arrived on the C., B. & Q. railway and fair sized delegations on the Wabash, T., P. & W. and North Road. Music during the day was furnished by the Warsaw band and Keokuk Martial band.
The Indian name for Keokuk is Puckechetuck which is said to mean in their language the place where the water stops, which we call the foot of the rapids. Keokuk Demed. crat.
84
TRI-STATE OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.
Dr. Samuel C. Muir built the first log cabin in Keokuk. Dr. Muir was educated as a physician and surgeon at the University at Edinburg, Scotland, and was a surgeon in the United States army stationed at the military post of Fort Edwards, where Warsaw now stands .- Keokuk Democrat.
Gen. J. C. Parrott was first sergeant in a company of United States dragoons stationed at Montrose in 1834, and has resided in Lee county, except when temporarily absent and as Colonel of the Seventh Iowa Infantry in the war of the rebellion, ever since. Ile ranks among the very few of our oldest old settlers. He is now a justice of the peace in Keokuk .- Keokuk Democrat.
Pike County Democrat : Next week will come off the Tri-State Old Settlers' Reunion at Keokuk, and we can assure all who may attend of a royal good time. Keokuk is a handsome city, its people are proverbial for their courtesy and hospitality, and the events of the day will be replete with interest as the speakers selected are among the best in the west.
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CHIEF KEOKUK.
OCT
TO PU
N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA
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