USA > Indiana > LaPorte County > History of La Porte County, Indiana > Part 42
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"Sylvester Griffin, who was 85 years of age in July.
"Mrs. John White, who was 84 years of age August 7.
"John Parker, who was 83 years of age.
"Stephen Holloway, who was 85 years of age.
"Charles Ames, who was 79 years of age.
"Philip Fail, who was 78 years of age.
"Gen. Joseph Orr, who was 80 years of age.
" This was quite a pleasing little episode, something out of the usual routine, and perhaps not very often witnessed.
" After this the choir rendered splendidly the 'Sweet By and By.' The Chair then introduced Professor Wilkinson, who read a sketch of the pioneer and early settlements, in prose and verse, which pleased the pioneers much, they enjoying the local and personal hits immensely. Another song was sung, 'The Beautiful Land,' at the conclusion of which the crowd demanded a speech from Rev. O. V. Lemon, who, having tendered his thanks, ad- dressed the pioneers at some length. Other speeches were after- ward made.
" When it came to the election of officers, on the motion of Mr. W. H. H. Whitehead, the present incumbents were continued by a unanimous vote.
" When the question arose for fixing the day for the next reun- ion, it was decided to hold it on Monday, June 21, 1875, at the same place.
STILL DROPPING OUT OF RANKS.
" The following list of the departed was read. It embraces the names of those pioneers who have deceased since the last annual meeting. The list is not quite so long as the last one:
" Isabel Fuller, of Galena township.
" Daniel Robertson, of Westville.
" P. Scarborough, Sr., of Clinton township.
" Miss Addie Holbrook, of La Porte.
" Agnes Birchum, of Galena township.
" Esther Weed, of Galena township.
" Wyllis Peck, of Michigan City.
" James Jones, of
" Mrs. Sharp, of Cool Spring township.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
" After the reading of the above, and the singing with fine effect of 'Our Father in Heaven ' by the choir, the 'old settlers ' were dismissed with a benediction from Rev. Mr. Lemon."
Thus the pioneers to-day tied another knot in the string of mem- ory, and attached to it a long list of the sweetest reminiscences.
SIXTH ANNUAL REUNION.
The years are short; and in quick succession these annual reun- ions occurred. The pioneers of the county met in their sixth annual rennion and picnic at their old place of meeting, Patton's Grove, at the time designated in their adjournment, June 21, 1875.
" The day for the coming together of these third-of-a-century res- idents of the county is fast becoming an important day in the his- torical calendar of the county; indeed, it has become the grand gala day of all the year for many of the people. The annual meeting and picnic of the 'old settlers,' meaning those who have been in the county for 33 years, naturally engages the attention of those who have been associated together for the specified time; and the interest which it aronses is communicated to the younger ge- eration, especially to those who are nearing the time when they, too, will be 'old settlers.'
Such was, to a very large extent, the case on the occasion of this sixth annual rennion; for a company, numbering not less than 500 persons, was called together. The company consisted of the ' old settlers ' and their immediate fami- lies, and the preachers and editors of the county by the courtesy of an invitation. An exceptionally fine day smiled upon the large company, the sky being lightly overcast with clouds, thus making the day one of delightful enjoyment; far more so than it could have been had they been more exposed to the direct rays of the sun, which the trees in the grove could not have prevented from strik- ing somewhat uncomfortably.
" The meeting was called to order at 11 o'clock A. M., by the president of the organization; and, at his request, prayer was offered by Elder G. M. Boyd. A choir was then improvised, and the song so familiar to the association, 'Auld Lang Syne,' was very happily sung. Following this, was the address of the day by Judge M. K. Farrand.
"The address of Judge Farrand was of the most interesting character, finely adapted to the occasion, and replete with interesting reminiscences, eloquently told. After some introductory remarks, he said that the celebrated Frenchman, La Salle, was the first white man that ever set foot on the soil of what is now La Porte county. Entering the mouth of the St. Joseph river, with his companions, he passed up that stream, and landed near the place where the city of South Bend now stands. Here making a 'portage,' the party bore their canoes on their shoulders until they reached the head waters of the Kankakee, when they passed down that stream, stop- ping for encampment for one night in this county, the place being
465
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
near where Chambers' bridge now spans the river. This was on December 3, 1679. After reaching the Illinois country, La Salle was obliged by a misfortune to return to Canada; and, having to go in the dead of winter, the journey must be made on foot. This caused him to follow the old Indian trail which passed through the present site of La Porte city,-along the line of North Main Street. La Salle afterward renewed his journey, and pursued it to the mouth of the Mississippi river, thence returning to the place where the city of New Orleans now stands; and, in the name of Louis XIV. of France, he took formal possession of all the countries which he had discovered, including the county of La Porte, in the year 1682. Coming down to the actual settlements of La Porte county from 1829 to 1832, many interesting historical facts were given. and incidents, which aroused busy recollections on the part of many who listened, were narrated.
"At the conclusion of Judge Farrand's address, a recess was taken for dinner. The whole company was soon seated at six long tables, richly spread with viands and delicacies in style and quality both old and new. After partaking of this bounteous repast until all were satisfied, the horn was blown, and the exercises. at the stand again proceeded.
" The names of those who had died within the year was read by the President, numbering seventy in all. (See the appended list.)
" At the conclusion of this mortuary report, the Honorable Jasper Packard was called on, and made a short speech. Dr. Pagin, of Valparaiso, being present, was also called on for a speech, which he made, and which was very appropriate to the occasion.
" Near the close of the proceedings, Mrs. A. M. Armitage was introduced, on accepting an invitation to take the stand. She was the first person born in the county who is now living in the county. Her sister, Elizabeth Miriam Clyburn, now dead, was the first white child born in La Porte county ; the father of these two ladies, Mr. Henly Clyburn, being the first settler, having come to the county in March, 1829. His daughter Miriam was born July 16, 1829. Mrs. Eleanor Baker, now living at Buchanan, Michigan, was also called to the stand and introduced to the audience, she being the oldest female settler in date of settlement now living, and on the ground. She is the daughter of Jesse Morgan, who was one of the first who came to La Porte county. Mr. Wilson Malone, of Porter county, was present, and being called on, stated that he was the first white man who slept on the present site of La Porte city. This occurred in the fall of 1832. At that time there was but one house in the present city limits. There were but three families in the city that winter,-those of Wilson Malone, Richard Harris and George Thomas.
" The old officers of the Association were re-elected by a unani- mous vote.
" It was ordered that the next reunion be held at Patton's Grove, June 21, 1876.
" This was, indeed, a gala day. Nearly every part of the county
466
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
was represented. There was scarcely a township without a repre- sentation on the ground; and to all it was a day of rare enjoyment, and happy reunion.
" After the singing of the following hymn, the Sixth Annual Reunion closed, and the pioneers dispersed to their respective homes.
Our Father in heaven, We hallow thy name, And teach us to know
That humble compassion
May thy kingdom holy On earth be the same ; Which pardons each foe ;
O, give to us daily Keep us from temptation,
Our portion of bread ; From evil and sin,
And thine be the glory
It is from thy bounty That all must be fed. Forever. Amen.
THE WASTAGE OF A YEAR,-70 PIONEERS.
Subjoined is the list of pioneers which was read, and which includes the names of those who have ceased to hold a membership in the visible " Old Settlers' Association," bnt have gone to join the "silent throng of the dead." The list includes a few names who died the previous year, and was not reported at the Fifth Annual Reunion.
Daniel Mark Leaming,
Christopher McClure,
Mrs. Rebecca Wells,
William Prond,
John C. Hinks,
Nancy Forbes,
John English,
Mrs. Eliza Sutherland,
Samuel Darlington,
Mrs. Eliza Mason,
David Carpenter,
George W. Goodhne,
William F. Miller,
Mrs. Elizabeth Hopkins,
Dr. Charles Palmer,
Harvey Munn,
Eliza Provolt,
Jacob R. Hall,
Lavina Coplin,
John W. Taylor,
Mrs. John W. Taylor,
Irwin S. Jessup,
Seth Way,
Fisher Ames,
Nathan P. Huckins,
Mrs. Peter White,
Mrs. Olive Marston,
Mrs. Delilah Blackburn,
Cynthia Wright,
Mrs. E. Boice,
Mrs. Lydia Niece,
Ezekiel Blue,
Joseph Linard,
Schuyler Terwilliger,
Hiram Russ,
James McClanahan,
A. J. Wair,
Mrs. Chloe Roberts,
Robert R. Reed,
Joseph Metz,
Samuel Teeter, Sr.,
Jacob Lambert,
Thomas Whiteman,
Miss Nancy West,
Mrs. L. C. Reynolds,
Mrs. Elizabeth Weston,
Abigail Burlingame, Mrs. Maria Hudson, -Keith,
Ruth Smith,
Banks ITall,
Sally Eahart,
Lewis Shirley,
C. W. Henry,
Adam Hamilton, King Reed, Jasper Stevenson,
Dr. T. D. Lemon,
B. F. Brown,
Burnett Sparlock.
Forgive our transgressions
467
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
These sixty died within the county. The following additional ten are names of pioneers who died away from La Porte county, and which have been gathered up through the efforts of the Association.
Mrs. Lydia Willis,
Mrs. Asher White,
Cortland Strong,
John Closser,
John Lewis.
Jabez R. Wells,
Mrs. Betsey Wallace,
Mrs. Matilda Catlin,
Mrs. Cynthia Jones,
Moses Cadwallader.
SEVENTH ANNUAL REUNION.
The year 1876, the Centennial brought in rich clusters the memo- ries of a whole century. The whole nation were busy digging about the roots of the tree of the past that they might force it to give up its ample and golden fruitage of ripened reminiscences. These reminiscences, it is true, referred to the whole land in which we live, and to times beyond the memories of the present generation. By the very labor which this exercise required, however, there was stimulated an increased effort to call up the remembrance of the past in which each one has been personally identified; for it is an easy thing to slip from the consideration of that which has to be first learned, in which there is no sympathy of experience, to a reflection upon that which finds a ready response in the heart because it is a part of one's self; for the memories that one has of himself- the things which are shut up in his own experience-are the elements which constitute himself an entity of the past, as far as it concerns himself; and often the pioneers dropped their musings on the things of the early century, and found themselves, incontinently, in the midst of earnest reflections upon the things of the later cen- tury,-the things of their own pioneer life. Under the impulse of these silent forces, it would naturally be expected that the Seventh Annual Reunion of the Old Settlers' Association would be largely attended; and this expectation would have been fully realized, no doubt, had the other conditions for a large meeting been favorable.
" As it was, Mr. Patton had tendered his grove to the pioneers for the holding of this 'Centennial Reunion,' and had carefully prepared it for the meeting, in accordance with the order of the last adjournment; but on Tuesday, the earth being soaked with water and the sky still threatening, it was decided to change the place to the Floral Hall at the Fair Grounds; where, .in case of rain, the ' old settlers' could be sure of shelter. For these rea- sons, and others which will readily occur to every one, the attend- ance was not hardly as large as some of the former meetings of the Association; but it was estimated that about 400 took dinner, -- filling eight long tables set in the hall and one outside at the door of the north transept,-besides a few score who dined standing. The feast was of the 'fat of the land,' and, as usual, keenly enjoyed.
-
468
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
" After refreshments, the meeting was called to order by General Orr. The General had been recently making some extended travels in the East; and, at the request of many voices, he gave an inter- esting account of them, as well as of his visit to the Centennial.
"Judge Farrand read the joint resolution of Congress, and the proclamation of the President, requesting centennial historical sketches of the counties, cities, etc., and briefly explained and com- mented upon them.
" A resolution was passed accepting from the author the gift to the Association of a book entitled, 'History of La Porte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities, by Jasper Packard,' and recommending that copies of the same be filed in the office of the County Clerk, and in the office of the Librarian of Congress, as the centennial . historical sketeh ' of the county,-no steps having been taken to procure or prepare any other sketch, as suggested by the proclamation of the President.
" Dr. Kendall, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of La Porte, who quaintly alluded to himself as an 'old settler' of four years' standing, made a few spicy remarks.
"Judge Andrew addressed the meeting in a happy little speech, touching upon ' Auld Lang Syne' in an interesting and feeling manner; the ' Auld Lang Syne '-how they love to dwell upon it! " The present officers were again elected for another year.
"It was decided to hold the eighth annual reunion at Patton's Grove on June 21, 1877."
THE SWATH MADE BY THE SCYTHE OF TIME.
The industrions harvester of death loses no time; and during the past year quite a swath has been mowed through the pioneers of the county by his employe, Time, who thrust in his scythe with a sweeping swing. The following is the list of the " old settlers " who have departed this life since the last reunion :
John W. Allen,
Dr. Daniel Meeker,
John B. Fravel,
Mrs. Joseph McClellan,
Harriet A. Cole,
John Parker,
Sarah Heald,
Daniel Stewart,
Amos Brown,
George Eaton,
Amanda Hupp,
Joseph Garwood,
Jane Burhans,
Derolson P. Palmer,
Sarah Dudley,
Eveline Hart,
William Fry,
Martha Pease,
Henry Pease, Elijah Barnes,
Adam Whitmer,
Aminda Fisher, Philip Hall, William McCollum, Anthony Davenport,
William DeMyer,
Anna Concannon,
Mrs. Owen Crumpacker,
Albert Davis,
William W. Garrard.
469
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
The total number of deaths during the year was 30. The num ber registered at the last meeting was 70; but this number includ" ed some who had demised the year previous. The mortality of the year ending June 21, 1876, was far less than that ending June 21, 1875. Sic transit vitam hominu.
EIGHTH ANNUAL REUNION.
The history of an organization, such as we are now tracing, must of necessity be confined to its public meetings. Its object and pur- pose are to provide the means of inter-communication for those who are alike interested in the same objects; to secure the sociali- ties which such inter-communication can give, and to keep a record of facts which concern themselves. All of these objects are secured through the public meetings of the organization. Hence, a history of these meetings is a history of the organization.
At the meeting of the Association on June 21, 1876, it provided for its next meeting to take place on the 21st of June, 1877; and accordingly when that day arrived, we find the "jolly old pioneers" assembling at their wonted place of meeting, Patton's Grove.
As it happened (we are wont to presume), the days on which the Association assembled were mostly very fine days until the meet- ing day of 1876. June 21st; 1877, takes another turn, and instead of being a fine, bright day, the forenoon opened lowery and it looked as if the day might be stormy. Of course there were not as many in attendance at the eighth annual reunion as there would have been if the day had been propitions. Nothing, save the prep- aration for dinner, took place before noon.
" After dinner, the crowd was called together by the president, Hon. Charles W. Cathcart, and the exercises were opened with a short prayer by Rev. C. Scammon. Major W. H. Calkins made the principal address of the day. The speech of the Major was fol- lowed by short addresses from Benajah Fail, the first living white child born in the county; also by James Forrester, John Warnock, General Joseph Orr, and others.
" The exercises of the day were somewhat hurried through with, for the weather in the after part of the day was more unpleasant than the forenoon, causing the attendance to be small, especially after the speaking. The wind blew quite a gale from the north, and cut almost to the bone. It was the worst day the Association has ever yet had, but still the meeting was an interesting one, and valuable to all who were present.
" The Hon. C. W. Cathcart and General Joseph Orr, who had been for so long filling the offices of President and Treasurer, respectively, declined a re-election. Sidney S. Sabin was elected President, John Sutherland, Treasurer, and A. D. Porter, Secretary, all by acclamation.
"When the Association adjourned, it adjourned to meet on June 21, 1878, in the County Fair Ground."
470
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
THE HEAVY STEPPINGS OF THE DARK-VISAGED VISITOR.
The following is the list of names of the members of the Associa- tion who have died since the last annual meeting, as prepared and read by the Secretary :
Mrs. Jane Lemon,
Stephen Holloway,
Aaron Foster,
Hugh Rose,
John A. Layman,
John Pratt,
Avery Freeman,
Abbey Moore,
Mrs. Betty Iseminger,
Philip Fail,
Richard Hiekman,
Nehemiah Shippe,
Mrs. Benjamin Lyon,
Julius Tappan,
Hiram Love,
Mary A. Winchell,
Mrs. Albert A. Hall,
Sylvester Griffin, Sr.,
Mrs. Mary A. Whitehead,
L. Q. Orr,
Mrs. Elizabeth White,
David Harris,
George F. Hopkins,
Edward Evans,
Richard Jacobus,
Frank MeCurdy,
Lucinda Fail,
Mrs. - Teeter,
Willard A. Place.
The mortality of the Association, as thus returned by the Secre- tary for the year for which this meeting 'was the conclusion, was 29,-one less than the mortality of the previous year.
NINTH ANNUAL REUNION.
The committee whose duty it became to make the arrangements for the Ninth Annual Rennion of the Association determined that it should be a success. Accordingly the following announcement was made through the papers:
" AULD LANG SYNE .- NINTH ANNUAL REUNION OF THE OLD SETTLERS OF LA PORTE COUNTY."
" All who were settled, or were born in the county previous to June 21, 1845, with husbands or wives of such persons, and minis- ters and editors as invited guests, are requested to meet in the Fair Grounds, Friday, June 21, 1878. An earnest invitation is extended to all pioneers. Let us make this the largest reunion ever held in the county. In addition to a grand dinner, all bringing their baskets well filled, there will be an address by L. A. Cole, Esq., music, stories and sketches of ' Anld Lang Syne,' and a general good time. Conveniences for making coffee will also be provided.
JOHN SUTHERLAND, S. S. SABIN, A. D. PORTER, Committee."
471
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Notwithstanding this effort to secure a good meeting, the com- mittee was doomed to disappointment. If the weather on the day of the last meeting was bad, it was at this time horrible. In the minutes is found the following note:
" The ' old settlers ' were prevented from holding their Annual Reunion to-day on account of the severe rain-storm which has raged all day. Not more than 10 or 12 persons being present, the committee concluded to postpone the meeting indefinitely."
June 21, 1878.
Though the committee had concluded to postpone' the meeting indefinitely. yet shortly afterward the following announcement was made through the papers:
" OLD SETTLERS' MEETING."
" The ' Old Settlers' were prevented from holding their annual reunion on the 21st of June last on account of a severe rain-storm, and the committee have decided to try it again on Wednesday, August 28, at the County Fair Grounds. A cordial invitation is extended to the pioneers. Should the day be pleasant, we hope to have the largest meeting ever held in the county. Conveniences will also be provided for making' coffee, and every preparation will be made for the comfort and enjoyment of the pioneers. The com- mittee earnestly invite a large attendance. Ministers and editors are also invited.
" The programme will be the same as advertised for the meeting for last June.
" JOHN SUTHERLAND, S. S. SABIN, A. D. PORTER, Committee."
To show the energy of the committee,-the interest which they took in the " Auld Lang Syne,"-we quote the published pro- gramme, referred to above:
" PROGRAMME."
" The committee having in charge the arrangements for the forth- coming Annual Reunion of the pioneers of La Porte county, to be held on the Fair Grounds, June 21 (August 28), announce the fol- lowing programme of exercises and proceedings.
"From 9 o'clock A. M. until 12 o'clock M., a general social reunion; noon, until 1 o'clock p. M .; dinner; 1 o'clock P. M., meet- ing to be called to order by the President. Prayer-Elder J. P. Ash. Singing-The choir. Address-Capt. L. A. Cole. Music. Brief speeches by Dr. M. G. Sherman, Hon. Charles W. Cathcart, Shep. Crumpacker, N. W. Closser, Elder Caleb B. Davis, Samuel Harvey, Judge William Andrew, J. G. McCaskey, and B. S. Fail. Singing-The choir.
472
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
" Calling the death roll containing the names of 'old settlers' deceased since last meeting.
" Election of officers and transaction of other business.
" Adjournment.
" In addition to the conveniences provided for making eoffee, the use of the stalls inside of the enclosure has been secured for stab- ling the horses of those who attend. The wells on the grounds will furnish an abundant supply of excellent water. Floral Hall has been swept and garnished, and will be fitted up with seats and tables to accommodate several hundred guests. Every preparation will be made for the comfort and enjoyment of the pioneers, and the committee earnestly invite a large attendance. Let every part of the county be fully represented. Let us give one good, grand day to ' Auld Lang Syne,' and make that day rich in pioneer mem- ories, and blessed and bright in hand-shaking and joy."
After such energy and determination as was thus displayed by their Committee of Arrangements, and with other favorable eir- eumstances, it were wonderful if the ninth reunion should prove a failure, though it be transferred from the 21st of June to the 28th of August. We find the following in the minutes of the meeting:
" We were highly favored to-day in regard to weather,-the day was unusually pleasant, and the 'old settlers' turned out nobly to celebrate their Ninth Annual Reunion. The forenoon was spent in hand-shaking, renewal of old acquaintance, and a social time gen- erally.
" After a sumptuous dinner, the meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. S. S. Sabin. . Rev. G. M. Boyd opened by prayer. Captain L. A. Cole delivered the address. Short speeches were made by Governor James W. Williams, Hon. Jasper Packard, S. Crumpaeker and J. G. McCaskey; and we were favored with excel- lent music at intervals, all of which were very agreeable to those who were present. The 'old settlers' thought this was the best, most enjoyable and pleasant one since its organization."
The election of officers resulted in the choice of the following gentlemen for the positions named: Nicholas W. Closser, for President; Benajah Stanton, for Treasurer; James Moore, for Secretary.
It was ordered that the next meeting be held in Floral Hall, at the Fair Grounds, some time during the latter part of August, 1879, the day to be fixed by the committee.
THE OBJECTS OF THE DEATH ANGEL'S WHISPERS.
Following are the names of the members of the Association who died between the Eighth and Ninth Reunions, as reported by the Secretary :
General Joseph Orr,
Mrs. Mary Bond,
Andrew Harmon,
Mark Allen,
Wesley Webster,
Mrs. Elizabeth Bowtell, Peter Henton,
Maurace W. Ray,
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
William B. Gustine,
Austin Hosmer,
Nathan Shaw,
Mrs. Elizabeth Stocker,
Elmore Petty,
John Southworth,
Barbara Huntsman,
Morgan L. Boice,
Mrs. Amos Webster,
John Barker,
Margaret Akin,
William Snavely,
Mrs. Jemima Sale,
Hiram Love.
W. H. H. Whitehead,
It will be seen by this list that the number of pioneers who heard the whispers of the angel of death and went with him at his call was 23,-six less than the mortality of the year before.
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