USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 1 > Part 75
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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY
years, giving age, where born, date of coming, and residence. The committee of arrangements presented the men a cane and the ladies a badge. Rev. Wm. Bennett, 80 years of age, offered prayer. Rev. W. J. Rutledge was the principal speaker and was followed by many of the Vice Presidents with reminiscences of early days. It was claimed that in this grove, a short distance from the speaker's stand, in 1826, a treaty was held by government officers with the Indians and blankets exchanged for furs, and the Indians immediately left the country and never re- turned.
The second day was given over to speakers representing the young settlers, and Frank H. Jones, H. Clay Wilson, J. J. Crowder. Paul Frinfrock, S. H. Cummings and L. P. Clover responded. As one paper remarked: "Yesterday was 'Snow Bird Day' aud today the 'Pee Wees' had it." A gold headed cane was pre- sented to George Fagan as the oldest male settler, having come April 15, 1820, and a hand- some easy chair to Mrs. Sarah Ann Taylor, who had lived in Sangamon County since 1819. A large cake was giveu Mrs. John DeCamp in distinctlon of being the mother of seventeen children. There were eighty "Snow Birds" in attendance. On both days an "Early settler's moving camp scene was enacted," which was true to life, and John Redmond gave au ex- hibition of his hounds on a fox hunt.
The officers were James H. Matheny, Presl- dent, and Roland W. Diller, Secretary.
TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL MEETING .- On ac connt of this being presidentlai year, it was decided to have a one-day session which was held August 16, 1888, at Rochester. Among the fifty-five "Snow Birds" present was Ellis WIl- cox, who was active at 99 years of age. The "Old Folks Singing School," led by Dr. Robert- son of Tallula, was one of the features of the ineetlng, as well as a fine collection of relics. John Fletcher, Willlam T. Baker and Samuel Maxcy were the main speakers. Major Cart- wright, a colored man who clalmed he was 102 years old and twice sold-when four and thir- teen years of age-was introduced to the au- dlence.
James H. Matheny served as President, and Roland W. Dlller, Secretary.
THE TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL MEETING .- Was held in Weber's Grove, Pawnee, August 8, 1889. The speakers were Robert Matheny, John C.
Mathis, George R. Weber and Thomas Rees. Ellls Wilcox, who celebrated his one hundredth birthday on August 12th, was the patriarch of the Patriarchs. He had Ilved in Island Grove Township since 1828. The officers were un- changed.
TWENTY-TIIIRD ANNUAL MEETING .- This meet- ing was held at Pleasant Plalns August 28, 1890. President Matheny was in his happiest mood and made a characteristic Old Settlers' speech, for which he was famous. Other speakers were S. O. Maxcy, Sqnire McElfresh. Charles Ridgely, T. W. S. Kidd, John Allsbury and others. The Old Folks Choir, under the leadership of Dr. Robertson, sang from the "Southern Harmony," aud scored a great success. It was announced that all persons over seventy years of age would be admitted free to the Sangamon County Fair on "Old Settlers Day," September 9th. James II. Matheny, President, and Roland W. Diller, Secretary.
TWENTY-FOURTH MEETING .- The Old Settlers met for their Annual Reunion at White Sulphur Springs near Loaml, August 13, 1891. Since the last meeting Judge James H. Matheny had died, Sept. 7, 1890, at the age of 72 years. He had been the orator at the first meeting at Pulliam's Grove In 1859, and had been for years President of the Society and the principal factor in each meeting. The reading of resolutions of respect to his memory brought out the deep feeling of sorrow his loss occasioned. Mr. Samuel O. Maxcy was elected President in his piace and presided over the meeting. The music was furnished by the Jerseyville Band and the Loami Glee Club. After the address of welcome by Daniel Staley, speeches and reminiscences were giveu by A. B. Irwin, Charles A. Keyes, Judge Gross, Mr. Lynch, C. C. Irwin and others. The spirit of the Old Settlers was shown by the remarks frequently made, "Well, I am here this year, but no doubt it will be the last time," and with this possibility in view, they cheerfully greet old friends and say farewell at parting.
Samuel O. Maxcy, President, Roland W. Diller, Secretary.
TWENTY-FIFTH MEETING .- The twenty-fifth Au- nual Reunion of Old Settlers was held at Paw- nee August 4, 1892. Falthfui to their beautiful custom, they gathered in the woods called Wheeler's Grove, to add thelr yearly tribute to the unwritten classics of the county. The day was one of deilght, but tempered with sad mem-
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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY
ories. Many an old familiar face was not to be seen this year on the stand. The grim reaper death had been busy during the year and over two hundred rich sheaves had been gathered to the eternal shore. For these there were many spoken eulogles, but the most eloquent trlhute to their memories was the tear that was wiped away here and there without a word.
The program opened with musle by the Girard Band, followed hy a song hy the Pawnee Glee Club. The opening prayer was made hy Rev. Ellsha Sanders, SS years of age, followed by a brief hut hearty address of welcome by Rev. J. C. Lockhart of Pawnee. President Maxcy In his address contrasted the manner of life enjoyed hy the early settlers with that of the preseut day. The next speaker was Capt. Kldd, whom the old hoys familiarly called Tom. These reunious signified more In earlier days because the means of communication did not periuit of frequent meetings with distant friends. The Captain said he attended the first meeting called to organize an old settlers' asso- ciation in the county, and that he was the only living representative of that occasion. After dinner the band sounded the assembly call, and the stand and audience seats were Immediately filled. One of the interesting Incidents of the day took place when Secretary Diller distributed 100 Kuox almanacs among the old ploneers, in accordance with a death-bed request of Uncle Thomas Knox. An elaborate report was made by Secretary DIller covering a multitude of interesting matters. Speeches were also made by Major Orendorff, Isaac A. Hawley, and Strother G. Jones. The formal program ended with a song hy the Pawnee Glee Club and music by the band, both of which did much to enliven and vary the proceedings of the day. The officers were the same as at the preceding meet- ing.
TWENTY-SIXTH MEETING .- The Annual Re- union at New Berlin August 4, 1893, was one of the grandest ever held in the history of the association. The speclal traln from Springfield was jammed, and Conductor Horace Morgan smiled as he gathered the tickets with both hands. All kinds of vehicles came from all parts of the county, and as a consequence the village of New Berlin and the park were a veritable Mecca. The people of New Berlin met the Incoming visitors with open arms and everybody was assured of a warm welcome. The
village was profusely decorated with hunting, the Star Spangled Banner flapped in the gentle breeze from many houses, and the grand stand was appropriately decorated. The Springfield Germania Band rendered excellent muslc. After a song hy the choir the meeting was called to order hy Mr. Thomas Rhea, Vice President for New Berlin, and prayer was offered by Rev. H. S. Lindsay of the Baptist Church. The address of welcome was delivered by F. J. Boring of New Berlin, and Major James A. Connolly, of Spring- field, was the principal orator of the occasion. President Harrison presided and gave a short talk on old times, Roland W. Dlller still filling his post as Secretary.
THE TWENTY-SEVENTII ANNUAL REUNION Was held at Auburn, August 16, 1894, the crowd pres- ent heing estimated at 7,000. The whole village was decorated with hunting, and the grand Star Spangled Banner unfurled its folds to the gentle breeze from many house tops. Several husiness houses were closed with notices hanging on the doors, "Closed on account Old Settlers pic- nic." The program was opened hy the Watch Factory Band, Springfield, which rendered sweet munsic at intervals during the day. The meeting was called to order hy Roland W. Dlller, Sec- retary of the Association, and prayer was offered by Rev. Joseph Roach of Auburn. "America" was then sung in a most pleasing manner hy a double quartette. After another selection hy the band, E. R. Perkins, President of the Asso- clatlon, made a few remarks, after which the minutes of the last meeting were read by Sec- retary DIller. Hon. James W. Patton, of Springfield, delivered the principal address. The douhle quartette rendered another selection, when an intermission was taken for dinner. The afternoon exercises were . opened hy a recl- tatlon, "The Last Hymn," hy Josephine, the Ilttle nine-year-old daughter of Sheriff Patrick Murray. The afternoon address was dellvered by Hon. Joseph M. Grout, Milton D. McCoy of Rochester was next. Officers of the day, Ed- ward Riley Perkins, President, and Roland W. DIller, Secretary.
TWENTY-EIGHTH MEETING .- The Old Settlers' gathering at Millar's Grove near Williamsville Thursday, August 1, 1895, Is supposed to have been one of the largest and most interesting meetings the society has ever held. The pro- gram Included some of the ablest speakers of the great State of Illinois, viz. : Senator John
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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY
MI. Palmer, ex-Gov. Richard Oglesby, IIon. J. M. Graham and others, while Hardle Williams, an old-time ,colored man, gave some plantatiou stories to the amusement of the crowd. The Watch Factory Band of Springfield was present all day, and rendered a large number of their best selections. The choir was made up of the best talent in Williams Township, and also ren- dered some excellent music. The invocation was delivered by C. G. Cantrall, and the address of welcome by Miss Mazy Cooper of Williams Township. Logan McMurray served as Pres- ident, and Roland W. Diller as Secretary.
TWENTY-NINTH MEETING .- The Annual Re- union of 1896 was held August 20th, in Purvines Grove, one mile east of Pleasant Plains. The committee on arrangements, consisting of Messrs. A. N. Purvines, T. A. Towlin and E. D. Boynton, spared no pains to insure every com- fort for the Old Settlers. A large stand with a roof was prepared contalning enough chairs to accommodate all of the feebler ones of the large number present. Just back of this stand a tent had been erected In which the weary ones could rest. The decorations were made under the supervision of Mrs. S. S. Purvines, and exquisite taste marked every outline. A very happy and appropriate idea was the placing of artificiai "snow birds" upou the stand to represent each member, and one In mourning for each member of that organization who had died during the past year. A glance at the array showed that they were rapidly passing away, and we were led to realize that soon this organization will cease to exist or pass Into the hands of a younger generation. At 10 o'clock A. M. Isaac Hawley, the President, called the meeting to order and, after severai selections by the band and some songs by the chorus, Rev. D. S. Demer opened the meeting with prayer, followed by Miss Mabel Atherton of Cartwright Townshlp, who gave the address of welcome. Hon. Charles A. Keyes made the principal ad- dress, and Judge G. W. Murray, Judge J. A. Creighton, John H. Harrison, W. W. Jarrett, who came to Sangamon County in 1826, B. F. Cummings and others gave brief talks. Roland W. Dlller was still officiating as Secretary.
THIRTIETH MEETING .- Another Annual Re- union of the Old Settlers and the "Snow Birds" of Sangamon County was held August 12, 1897, at Shonp's grove, situated about one mile from Cotton Hill. It seems by the handiwork of
nature these gronnds were especially laid out for just such an occasion. Besides the many qualities prepared by nature, the place was beautified by the handiwork of the members of the decorating committee. A large stand in the center of the grove was handsomely decorated with flags, bunting, evergreens, etc., while over- head was a covering of white canvas, which added to the beauty of the stand. North of the speakers' ·stand were booths, for serving lemo- nade, soda, Ice cream, watermelons, peanuts and popcorn, and a strong wire around the enclosure excluded horses and rigs. The committee of ar- rangements had excluded slot machine men, for- tune tellers, gamblers and all sorts of fakers, ill spite of offers of liberal rewards for privileges by this class.
At 10 o'clock Milton D. McCoy, the chairman, calied the meeting to order, and Miss Lucy Shoup, in a charming manner, gave the address of weicome. Jndge W. L. Gross was the orator of the day, dellvering a most excellent speech full of stories and reminiscences. Among those called to the stand after dinner were Mr. R. M. Ridgely, Mrs. J. A. Dawson of Chicago, (who was born and raised in Sangamon Couuty). M. D. McCoy and Philemon Stont, aud Sec- retary Diller, to whom the old settlers owe a debt of gratitude, read his minutes of the pro- ceedings of the last meeting.
THIRTY-FIRST MEETING .- The Old Settlers" Annual Picnic, August 25, 1898, was held at Miller's Grove. Hon. B. F. Caldwell, I. R. Mills and other candidates for office were out shak- ing hands with numerons friends. A platform had been erected and decorated with the na- tional colors. Joseph Dodds of Auburn, served as President of the day, and the program ren- dered was an interesting one. When Uncle Rolla Diller called the meeting to order, the platform was filied with "Snow Birds." After he had made a few general remarks, the Watch Factory Band rendered an overture, which was followed by a song, "Freedom, God and Light," .by a chorus from Williamsville. The invoca- tion was offered by Rev. M. R. Elder of Pleas- ant Plains. The Watch Factory Band then rendered a selection entitled, "Pleasant Memo- ries," which was followed by an address of weicome by Miss Bessie Turley of Williams- vllle. Other addresses of the day were delivered by Messrs. J. H. Pickrell, J. II. Matheny and Dr. Wmn. Jayne.
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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY
THE THIRTY-SECOND MEETING of Old Settlers, opened shortly after 10 o'clock, August 17, 1899, at New Berlin with Milton D. McCoy of Roches- ter, a former president in the chair. President Abner Riddle, of Mechanicsburg, being unable to be present on account of illness. After in- troductory remarks Mr. McCoy announced the presentation to the Association of a likeness in oil of the venerable Secretary, Uncle Roila Diller, who for thirty-six years had faithfully performed the duties of that office. The pre- sentation was duly made and greeted with ap- plause. The likeness is painted on canvas and is the work of Arthur Huntington, of Spring- field. It is haif-length and somewhat larger than life size, although it does not create this impression at any distance. It will be a treas- ured keep-sake of the Association for time im- memorial. Miss Daisy L. Maxweli greeted the pioneers in warm words of welcome. After music by the band, the address of the day was delivered by Hon. Robert H. Patton, of Spring- field. After the noon intermission, during which the people betook themselves to shady nooks and dined picnie fashion, the exercises were re- · sumed at 2 o'clock P. M. The opening was the reading of the minutes of the last meeting, and the death roll for the year by Secretary Diller.
THIRTY-TILIRD MEETING .- The Annual Reunion of August 10, 1900, was held in Sanders' Grove near Pawnee. The band began the program by playing a few soul-stirring selections and the Rev. S. A. D. Sanders, of Pawnee, invoked the divine blessing upon the day and its doings. This was followed by an address of welcome by J. N. Roach, editor of the "Pawnee Herald," which was responded to by Miss Dorothy Kiu- caid. of Cotton Hill. Mrs. P. P. Powell, of Spring- field, sang in her matchiess manner that beauti- ful and inspiring selection, "The Holy City," ac- companied by Miss Marie Bernard on the piano. Hon. Charies A. Keyes delivered the principal address. After dinner had been served, the program was resumed. Miss Hattie Meredith entertaining the audience with a violin solo. The Dawson Brothers Mandolin ciub and the band alternated with some good music foliowed by an able address by Rev. A. H. Scott. Among others who entertained the audience was John C. Pierik. who sang some splendid selections, and H. Gaskins, an old settier of Christian County, also sang some old style songs, ciosing with "I'm old and only in the way!" This
seemed to strike home to those who were old and feeble, and it also touched the hearts of the younger. The young people completed the days festivities by enjoying a dance in the Pawnee Opera House.
The officers of the day were Samuel Carpen- ter, President and Roland W. Dilier, Secretary.
THIRTY-FOURTII MEETING .- The Annual Re- union of August 29, 1901, was held at Mildred Park near Springfield. Most of the residents and members of the organization were on the grounds early and were received by Roifa W. Diiier, tite genial Secretary, and Benj. F. Irwin, of Pleasant Plains. After the renewing of ac- quaintances they retired to the speaker's stand or shady spots about the grounds, to talk over old times. The stand was handsomely dec- orated, the picture of Roila W. Diller, hanging in a prominent piace, while flags and bunting bonnd the woodeu posts. Mr. Diller remarked to a friend that he had been at every old set- tlers meeting held in the county since 1868. Mr. Irwin, the President of the organization, is aiso an old resident and, like Mr. Diller, is known to old and young alike throughout the county. A selection by the Pawnee Band marked the opening of the day's program, whicil proved one of the most elaborate ever rendered on a similar occasion. Miss Neliie Stout. of Glenarm, delivered the address of weicome, fol- lowed by Benj. F. Irwin and Judge George W. Murray as the principal speakers. Officers, Ben- jamin F. Irwin. President, Roiand W. Dilier, Secretary.
THIRTY-FIFTH MEETING .- The reunion of Aug- ust 14, 1902, was again held at Mildred Park. south of Springfield and an interesting program was rendered both morning and afternoon. An address of welcome was delivered by Miss May F. Thornton of Rochester. Hon. Edward C. Knotts of Girard, who was to have delivered the principal address in the afternoon, was uuable to be present, while Miss Marian Allyn of Springfield, who was to have recited. received the sad intelligence of the death of her grand- mother-otherwise the program was carried out as advertised. The society's Secretary, Rolla Difier, made a public presentation of a cane to the President, Mr. Stout, through the Vice President Mr. McCoy. The bouquet in honor of time oldest pioncer present was presented to Ebenezer H. Woods of Springfield, who was ninety years old. A companion bouquet of honor
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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY
for the oldest pioneer among the women was presented to Mrs. Mary Ducker, of Rochester, eighty-four years of age and a resident of the county two years before the first rallroad was built to Springfield. General Alfred Orendorff delivered the address of the morning. The Pawnee Band composed of twenty-one members rendered some creditable music during the day. In the afternoon the maln address was delivered by James H. Matheny, son of the former Presl- dent of the Society.
THIRTY-SIXTII MEETING .- The Old Settlers again met at Mildred Park Angust 6, 1903. Many forms of amusements were offered the visitors, and red lemonade and peanuts were in abundance. The merry-go-round was there and drew large crowds. The boats and bathing facilities of the park were indulged in. The morning exercises consisted of a most delight- ful musical program rendered by the Watch Factory Band, Louis Lehman, Conductor. The afternoon program opened with an invocation by Rev. B. F. Wright, of Rochester, and an address of welcome given by Miss Jeanette May Dickerson, of Curran. Speeches and ad- dresses were delivered by Benjamin A. Giger, Hon. Wm. M. Springer, Hon. Edward C. Knotts and Cougressman Ben F. Caldwell. Miss Mar- garet Brooks of the Bettie Stuart Institute gave several charming readings which completely cap- tivated the crowd. At the closing exercises James Roche of Springfield entertained the crowd with his imitations and paper tearing ex- hihition. The officers on this occasion were Benjamin A. Giger, President and Roland W. Diller, Secretary.
THE THIRTY-SEVENTH Reunion occurred at Mildred Park, Wednesday, August 24, 1904, Governor Yates heing the principal speaker at the morning session. The invocation was pro- nounced by W. J. Chapin, of Chatham, and an address of welcome by Miss Flora E. Windsor of Rochester. A concert by the Watch Fac- tory Band preceded the afternoon program. Miss Fellcia Cottet, an elocutionist of marked abllity, gav a recitation entitled "Jiners !" Other addresses were given by Col. William Baker, of Taylorville and R. S. Burgess and Congressman Cadwell also addressed the as- sembly.
The meeting was presided over by Washing- ton McGinnis, President, Isaac R. Diller, offi- ciating as Secretary.
THIRTY-EIOHTH MEETINO .- The Old Settlers met in annual reunion at Irwin's Park August 10, 1905. Speeches were made by Judge J. Otis IIumphrey, James M. Graham and H. S. Magili. The first event on the program for the day was the annual reading of the necrological report, which was very large this year. This is a solemn affair with the members of the fam- ons "Snow Bird" Association, as many of them are beginning to feel the heavy hand of time. The speech making opened at 11 o'clock. The Auburn Band played . several selections in the grand stand. II. D. Giger, Secretary of the As- sociation, acted as Chairman, while Rev. J. W. Harnley of Chatham offered the opening prayer, being followed by Rev. Thomas Hartman in an address of welcome. At the close of his ad- dress Senator Cullom, who had appeared In the pavilion at the rear of the speaker's stand, held a short reception and renewed acquaintances with many of his friends. The meeting then adjourned for dinner. Several selections were rendered by the band previons to the afternoon program of speaking, and Hon. James M. Gra- ham then delivered his address. The officers of the day were W. F. Herrin, President aud HI. D. Giger, Secretary.
THIRTY-NINTH MEETING .- The Old Settlers met for their annual reunion at Mechanicsburg, August 8, 1906. The morning program opened with a concert by the Watch Factory Band. An address of welcome was given hy Miss Emma Bullard, which was followed by a response on behalf of the organization by President Herrin. After this the whole audience joined iu sing- ing of the national hymn, "America," under the leadership of Prof. Lonis Lehman. The Invoca- tion offered oy Rev. J. S. Smith was a beantiful tribute to the religious nature of the old set- tlers, with wishes for many happy old days for the remaining settlers. Miss Lucilla Fullen- wider next gave a vocal selection, "Restful Shad- ows.' During the morning Secretary Giger oc- cupied some time in the reading of a letter writ- ten to Zimri A. Enos lu 1860, in which some of the hardships of the times were described. This was followed by an address delivered by H. W. Masters of Springfield. The afternoon proceedings were opened by the band, followed by a vocal solo, "Savior, Blessed Redeemer," by Mrs. Lilllan M. Miller, and E. L. Chapln gave an exceptionally fine talk. Mrs. John A. Prince of Springfield, rendered a solo entitled "Love's
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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY
Rapture." Since the last meeting Roland W. Diller, for uearly twenty-five years continuously the faithful Secretary of the Society, had been called to hls eternal reward.
W. F. Herrin served as President aud H. D. Giger, Secretary.
FORTIETH MEETING .- The anuual reuuion for 1907 was held at Irwin's Electric Park, Wed- nesday, August 21st. Addresses were delivered by Congressman Ben. F. Caldwell, Hon. W. A. Northcott, Rev. T. F. Hartmau and Leslie Crow iu the afternoon. Music was excellent. The double quartette of Auburn, also the mnale quar- tet, were on the grounds aud took part in the afternoon program.
The officers of the day were David Miller, President and H. D. Giger, Secretary.
FORTY-FIRST MEETING .- The Old Settlers met at New Berlin August 12, 1908. The formal program of the day was opened at 10 oclock A. M., when the Capital City Band gave a con- cert in the park. This was followed by an in- vocation by Rev. Father Willlam Welgand, rec- tor of St. Mary's church, New Berlin. Dr. L. D. Wiley of New Berlin delivered the address of welcome. During the afternoon session several addresses of unusual merlt were delivered, among them being one given by Moses Wads- worth of Denver, Colorado, a former resident of Sangamon County and an old-time newspaper man from this State, and another by Leslle Crow of Woodslde Township. Mr. Wadsworth came from the far western State expressly to attend this rennion.
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