USA > Missouri > Bates County > The old settlers' history of Bates County, Missouri : from its first settlement to the first day of January, 1900 > Part 8
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
81
OF BATES COUNTY.
OLD SETTLERS' SOCIETY OF BATES COUNTY.
ORGANIZATION.
For some years it had been thought that an organization of the Old Settlers of Bates County into a society, would be a good and enjoyable thing. Therefore a call was prepared and made for a meeting of Old Settlers, to be held in the court room at Butler. on Saturday afternoon. May 22nd, 1-97. at which time a large number of Old Settlers met for organization.
PROCEEDINGS OF MEETING.
L. B. Allison was called to the chair. and Calvin F. Box- ley chosen secretary. The president stated the object of the meeting briefly. and on motion by A. H. Lamb. it was ordered that all persons who had resided in Bates County continuously for twenty-five years last past. be requested to register as charter members of The Old Settlers' Society of Bates County. Missouri, with a view to permanent organiza- tion. Tellers were appointed by the Chair and the names of . Old Settlers present were signed to the roll as charter mem- bers.
On motion of William Page the following committee on permanent organization was appointed by the Chair, to-wit: John B. Newberry. Clark Wix. O. D. Austin. Henry Moudy and Caivin F. Boxley. The meeting then adjourned subject to the call of the above committee ..
CALVIN F. BONLEY.
Secretary.
L. B. ALLISON, Chairman.
On the 17th day of July, 1-95. the above named committee met at the "Bates County Record" office and organized by
62
OLD SETTLERS HISTORY
selecting John B. Newberry chairman, and O. D. Apstin sec- retary, when, and where the following proceedings were had. to-wit:
WE, the undersigned citizens whose names appear upon the roll of membership. having the greatest respect for the memories of the past, as well for the participants in the va- rious processes, and stirring events whereby the mighty changes have been wrought in this beautiful and fertile county of ours. manifest by comparison of same surround. ing a quarter of a century ago, with the immediate present: and believing that it is only by cultivating inquiry concera- ing the numerous incidents of real life yet stored in the minds of the few remaining oness of the pioneer poriol, that those valuable mementoes of the pest can be preserved fram oblivion and further desiring to cultivate more friendly and- fraternal relations between those who have endured the hardships, and enjoyed the pleasures incident to pioneer life and early citizenship in our beloved county, to the end that we may enjoy mutual benefit ; therefrom: Do hereby org.m- ize and establish a frateraal society to be known as the Old Settlers' Society of Bates County, Missouri.
1st. The only qualification necessary for membership is that the applicant shall have re jdel in Bates Coanty for a period of twenty-five year ; next before making application to become a member.
2nd. No membership fee shall be charzad. but all monies necessary to conduct the business of the Association shall be raised by donation at its annual meetings, and by subs rip- tion.
Brd. Any person, male or female, qualified as above, may Uncome members of the Society, by subscribing thereto and having their names placed upon the roll of membership .by the secretary.
4th. The officers of the Association shall consist of a President, two Vice Presidents. Sperotary and Marshall, who shall be clocted from its members at cach annual meet- ing, and shall holl their respective offices until their suces- sors are elected: Said officers when elected shall constitute a Board of Directors and Management, with full power to act for said Society in all things pertaining to its welfare.
5th. Said Society shall meet once every year for the trans-
1.
OF BATES COUNTY.
action of its lawful business, at such place in Bates County as shall be determined on. br vote at cach annual meeting. Provided, However, that the frst annual meeting shall be held at Butler on the 25th day of September. 195.
6th. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at each annual meeting, and in case of his absence it shall be the duty of one of the Vice Presidents to preside.
7th. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep accu- rate minutes of the proceedings of each annual meeting, to re- cojve all monie ; donated or subscribed for the benefit of the Society, and account therefor, at each annual meeting, to keep a record of the death of each member reported to him. and report same at the first annual meeting thereafter.
sth. It shall be the duty of the marshall to attend at each annual meeting. and to use all legal means to maintain good order, to the end that said meetings may be barmonions and free from disturbance and violation of the rules of the So- ciety.
!th. The object of the annual maseting of this Society is to bring its members together once each year, for social con- verse and personal enjoyment, and to establish. cultivate and maintain that fraternal forlag ono toward another, that should ever exist among those who have lived neighbors for so many years. Therefore no member of this Society shall b. permitted at such annual meetings to publicly discuss any political. religions, or other subject in marmor calculated to in- jure the feelings or mar the enjoyment of other members there present. The name of any member violating this rule shall be stricken from the roll of membership.
10th. It shall be the duty of each member to conform to the rules of the Society hercia set out, and to use every rea- sonable efort to make its annual meetings successful and en- joyable, and we its members pledge ouralves so to do.
11th. The above rule- may be changed or amended by a majority vote of the members present at any annual meeting. On motion the foregoing rules and regulations were adopt- ed without opposition.
Cn motion it was cidered that a call be made by the com- mittee for the first annual meeting of the Society to be held at Butler, on Saturday, September 25th, 1597.
By unanimons cousoit Cajt. Jno. A. Deviny was select-
OLD SETTLERS' DISTORY
ed and appointed Marshall for the first annual meeting and earnestly solicited to accept the trust.
On motion the chair appointed the following committee on arrangements and order of business, with full power to make all necessary arrangements for the first annual meeting of the Society ou September 25th. 1.97, to-wit: Calvia F. Box- ley, O. D. Austin. Aaron Hart. R. S. Catron and Charles R. Radford. Thereupon the committee adjourned.
O. D. AUSTIN, Secretary. Chairman.
JOHN B. NEWBERRY.
CALL FOR FIRST ANNUAL MEETING.
To the members of the Old Settlers' Sxiety of Bates County. Missouri, and all others who have resided in said county for twenty-five years last past who desire to be en- rolled as members of said society: You are most cordially invited to meet with us at Butler, on Saturday. the 25th day of September, 1897, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon of said day. in our first annual meeting, for the purpose of electing of- cers, and selecting the place where, and the time when, the second annual meeting of said society shall be held. After which, the meeting will engage in a social pienie governed by the rules of the Society.
All are requested to bring baskets well filled with good things necessary for the sustenance of life: as well. bring any relic of the pioneer period you may have in your pos- session, and all jokes and reminiscences of early times in old Bates, that you may have stored in your minds, and turn them loose on that day. Let joy be unconfined to the end that we may have the most enjoyable meeting ever held in the West; one long to be remembered and refered to.
JOHN B. NEWBERRY, CLARK WIX, O. D. AUSTIN.
HENRY MOUDY, CALVIN F. BOXLEY. Committee.
1
..
PHINEAS H. HOLCOMB
was born near Vinton, Gallia County, Ohio, on April 26, 1841. His father was John E. Holcomb and his mother Mary, a daughter of Capt. Phineas Matthews, after whom the subject of this sketch was named. Phineas en- joyed the advantages of the good public schools of Ohio and was a student of a neighboring academy until he entered the Ohio University at Athens in 1861, where he remained until 1863, only excepting the time he served as private soldier in the 60th Ohio Infantry in 1862. This regiment was a part of the command that surrendered to the confederate army under Jackson at the battle of Harper's Ferry September, 1862, and was disbanded the following December at Camp Douglas, Chicago, owing to the termination of its enlistment. He then resumed his studies in the Ohio University, where he remained during the year 1863, when he commenced the study of law under the the direction of his uncle, A. T. Holcomb. He taught at intervals in the public schools and the academy where he had formerly been a student. He also engaged in teaching for nearly a year near Carlisle, Ky. This was in 1864 and 1865. The following winter of '65 and '66 he spent in the Ann Arbor Law School. In 1867 he was admitted to the Ohio bar at Jackson and shortly after moved to Missouri. He arrived in St. Louis in April, 1867, where he was admitted to practice law by the Supreme Court then in session. Hon. David Wagner, presiding judge, gave him his certificate of admission. He went to Greenfield, Mo., and remained there a year practicing law, coming to Butler in June, 1868, where he has ever since resided, engaged in the practice of his profession. He served as county attorney from the year 1 869 to 1872, and was appointed postmaster by President Grant, which position he held from 1876 to ISSo.
He was elected prosecuting attorney in 1894 on the Populist ticket, but was largely supported by both Republicans and Democrats. This position he filled acceptably for two years. Always taking a deep interest in public instruction and in the general advancement of learning and morality, he has done the public good service in that direction. He served the city upon the school board, and as alderman for a number of years; also was one of the Board of Regents of the Warrensburg Normal School for over six years. He has been a member of the Presbyterian church since 1878, and is now an elder in that church, Married to Miss Mary L. Henry in 1876, and he and his wife enjoy a comfortable and pleasant home in Butler.
OF BATES COUNTY.
FIRST ANNUAL MEETING OF OLD SETTLERS' SO. CIETY OF BATES COUNTY, MISSOURI.
Pursuant to call on Saturday, the twenty-fifth day of Sep- temoer. 1-97. the Old Settlers' Society met at the court house square in the city of Butler. in their first annual meet- ing. The weather could not have been more propitious had it been specially ordered by the committee of arrangement. There was a slight shower the evening before, just enough to lay the dust and cool the atmosphere, but during the night it had cleared, and on the morning of the meeting old Sol arose in all his majesty. casting mild rays of sunshine over all things, animate and inanimate. By 9 o'clock the multitude began pouring in from all points of the compass; and before 11 o'clock there were not less than 5000 people present. At 10 o'clock. after music and song the meeting was called to order by Capt. John B. Newberry, president of the Society. Rev. Galbreath: by request, invoked the Di- vine blessing upon the proceedings of the meeting, and the people assembled.
An address of welcome was made by G. W. Clardy, mayor of Butler, and was happily responded to by Rev. William Jones on behalf of the Society.
The constitution and by-laws of the Society were read by the secretary and adopted without change or amendment by a unamous vote.
In the afternoon, short but interesting speeches were made by the following citizens of the county, to-wit:
Hon. David A. De Armond. A. H. Lamb, I. N. Lamon, Clark Wix, Henry Speer. Win. Page, H. B. Francis and P. H. Hol- comb.
All proceedings of the meeting were intersperced with music and song. The Butler Cornet Band out-did itself in the way of music chosen, and the rendition of the same.
Too much praise cannot be rendered to the Butler Glee (lnb for the beautiful songs it sung, both sentimental and
. 01.D SETTLERS HISTORY
comic. "Joe Bowers" as rendered by the Clas was simply immense, and certainly was a feature of the entertainment. enjoyed by all. May the shadows of the members of the Club never grow less and may the hair of the Batcher, and Sallie's baby never undergo the Blonding Process.
During the whole day the secretary and assistant were kept busy registering the Old Settlers and at the close of the exercises, there appeared on the roll of membership 537 names. Many of our Old Settlers who had not met for years met on this pleasant occasion, and clasped their hands in friendship, spending the day in social coaverse concerning events long past and forgotten but for this meeting. Many old acquaintances were renewed, and many new ones made. Nothing of a political nature was permitted to be discussed. and uot a single offensive or discourteous word was spoken during the day.
The display of old relie; was an interesting feature of the inrating. Especial interest centered in the hammer used by Mr. Noah in building the "ark." The hatchet with which George Washington cut down his father's cherry tree: the indian club, raised by "Big Brave Indian Me" to cut short the breathing apparatus of Captain John Smith, and fram which he was rescued by the kind intercession of the beauti- ful Miss Pocahontas, and many others of less historical inter- est among which may be mentioned the following: A latin book, 334 years oldl, exhibited by Robert J. Smith: a William Henry Harrison badge worn in the campaign of Isto. Williadı Crawford: a hand-made gun, 75 years old. A. B. McFarland: Dictionary of 1815. pocket-book made in 1:37 and smoothing- "iron 61 years old. Mrs. Amanda Browning Durst: cap, fifty years old, M. J. Beaman; a bible made in 1812 and a copy- book 5 years old. S. F. Rodgers: an arithmetic made in 1745, M. S. Clay; home-spun counterpane, 90 years old. Mrs. J. North: a "little brown jug," having been in use for 5 years. J. H. Thomas: bullet moulds made in 1820. J. S. Woodfin: book bound in skin of a deer, which was killed in Bates County 50 years ago, Austin Requa; spectacles worn by Dr. Colby, of Harmony Mission. 60 years ago. J. S. Woodfin: tea-kettle 115 years old, C. I. Robards; pepper-box. 102 years oid, candle-stick. 100 years old, common gourd, in use and 125 years old, snuff-box found on battle field during Revolu-
1
OF BATES COUNTY.
tionary war. J. S. McCraw: ote .: etc.
It is to in hoped that the members of the society will gath- or all the old relies obtainable and place them on exhibition at our annual meetings.
At four o'clock the prizes given by the society were award - ed as follows:
The three prizes to the three men present who have con- tinuously resided in Bates County the longest period of time;
1st prize. A rocking chair to J. S. Woodfin.
2nd prize. An elegant cane to Austin Requa.
Erd prize. A cane to Spencer Sells.
Prizes to the three women who have continuously resided in Bates County the longest period of time.
1st prize. Dress to Mrs. S. Jackson.
2ud prize. A dress pattern to Mrs. Jane Rains.
Erd prize. A dress pattern to Mrs. Edmond Bartlett.
Prize to first white male child born in Bates County. A hat to William Requa.
Prize to first white female child born in Bates County. A silk umbrella to Mrs. Sarah J. Requa. 2nd prize. A silver eup to Mrs. James R. Simpson.
Prize to first couple married in Bates County, present and living together. Two fine rocking chairs, awarded to Mr. and Mrs. John Evans of Shawnee township, who were mar- ried November 27. 1847, and have lived there ever since.
A fine rocking chair was awarded to William Hedrick, present at the meeting, and born December 13, 1803, being the oldest man.
A silk shawl was awarded to Sarah Wilcox White, pres- ent. and born June 11, 1811. being the oldest woman.
A sack of best flour was awarded to Alfred White, as be- ing the oldest colored person present, and born as above.
There being such a rush at the secretary's office during the day it is thought the dates given by some contestants for prizes were somewhat mixed, but all were satisfied that if any mistakes were made it was not intentionally done, and will be corrected at the next annual meeting. when other and more valuable prizes will be given and greater .pains taken to secure correct dates, but in the main, the awards were most satisfactory to those present.
A vote. being taken it was determined that the next annual
OLD SETTLERS HISTORY
meeting of the Society should be held at Butler, at some date to be set by the Board of Managers.
The following named officers were then chosen to serve one year and until their successors were duly selected, to-wit; Capt. John B. Newberry. Deepwater Twp., President. Judge Clark Wix, 1st V. Pres.
C. J. Requa. Lone Oak Township. 2nd Vice President. Calvin F. Boxley, Mt. Pleasant Township, Secretary. John A. Devinny, . Marshal.
The thanks of the Society are due and here tendered to the Press of Bates County for the free nse of their columns. and to all our citizens who have in any manner contributed to aid us in the success of this meeting. Too much praise cannot be awarded by us to Sheriff E. C. Mudd. for putting the court house square in such splendid condition. and for the use of the grand jury room for headquarters for the Society during the day.
At 6 o'clock the meeting was adjourned by President New- berry, and all repaired to their homes. feeling that they had the most thoroughly enjoyable day of their lives. Not a drunken person was seen on the ground, and nothing hap- pened to mar the complete enjoyment of the day. All hope for many happy returns of our annual meeting.
CALVIN F. BOXLEY, Secretary.
SECOND ANNUAL MEETING.
AT BUTLER, MISSOURI, OCTOBER 1. 1898.
The Society met in the court house square, in the City of Butler, pursuant to adjournment. The weather, though cloudy, was favorable as a prometer of solid comfort, and the liberal advertisement given us by the newspaper frater- nity brought to our place of meeting the largest number of people ever assembled there. It was believed that, had the heavens shown clear in the early morning at about the time our "Old People" abandoned their peaceful slumbers and cast their weather-exe upwards, it would have been diffi.
:9
OF BATES COUNTY.
cult to have properly cared for all who would have come to our beautiful city, The Queen of the Prairies, and lent the charm of their presence to our success. To those who so liberally donated their funds, and to the newspaper fraterni- ty throughout the county. who so liberally advertised our meeting, we extend our heartfelt thanks.
The museum of old relics, in the hall-way of the court house. was an interesting feature. So dense was the crowd continually surrounding the show-cases containing these ex- hibits that it was impossible to secure a list and discription of the articles, or the names of the owners. There were books, knives. bugles and clothing more than 100 years old. The. old English parchinents exhibited by Dr. Everingham, were indeed interesting, as were two coverlets on exhibition, which were woven by Henry France, an old settler of Bates County, in 1816. and which have been in use ever since.
The program was fully and faithfully carried out. After some beautiful music by the band, Divine blessing was in- voked, in a very impressive manner, by Rev. W. F. Jones, of the M. E. Church. Bro. Jones has a happy faculty of saying beautiful and impressive things in prayer, as well as in sermons and lectures. We are thankful for God's blessing on our Society, which he so earnestly asked. Mayor Fran- cisco's address of welcome was iu warm, hearty words and eloquent terms, but he would persist in addressing our Old Settlers as. "Gentlemen of the Jury." It is thought by some of his friends that, when he arose to deliver his address, he discovered in the audience a beautiful face. and two bright eyes fastened upon him, and that the vision reminded him of something done. in commission, or left undone, in omission, whereupon our Mayor became "rattled." However, we also thank you, John. for your kind words to our "Old People." Hon. Clark Wix. Vice President of our Society, responded to the Mayor's address. in his usual happy manner, and his remarks were appropriate and appreciated by all present. The Butler Glee Club sang some beautiful and sentimental songs, which were highly appreciated and received by the audience with applause. The Rich Hill and Adrian Glee Clubs were on the program for songs, but both failed to ma- teralize. Miss Stella Christy's reading of "The Chant of the New Union." was much.appreciated, containing as it does, a
.
4
-
.
OLD SETTLERS HISTORY
beautiful sentiment.
In the afternoon quite a number of the Old Settlers of our Society made short, aumsing and interesting speeches. Your Secretary cannot give the names of all who participated as speakers, as he was kept busy registering new members and tagging relics.
After the speech-making came the awarding of prizes, and there were many close contests. Some were disappointed, in a good natured way. but the beauty of this branch of man- agement is, that those who failed on this occasion will come in for a prize at our next annual meeting. as no member can draw a prize a second time until the good fortune has been passed around. Prizes were awarded as follows:
For men present who have continuously resided in Bates County the longest period of time.
1st prize. A walking cane. to George Sears, who came to Bates County October 20. 1838.
2nd prize. A walking cane, to D. C. Edwards, who came to Bates County in March, 1839.
3rd prize. A walking cane, to J. V. Snodgrass, who came to Bates County April 1, 1839.
For women present who have resided in Bates County con- tinuously the longest period of time.
1st prize. A dress pattern, to Naoma Shuster, who came to Bates County October 1, 1841.
2nd prize. A dress pattern. to Mrs. M. C. Miller, who came to Bates County May 3, 1842.
3rd prize. A dress pattern, to Mrs. Rebecca Steele, who came to Bates County March 1, 1843.
Prize for first white male child. present and born in Bates County. Fine umbrella, to John H. Thomas, born Novem- ber 11, 1839.
Prize for first female child born in Bates County and pres- ent. Au umbrella, to Mrs. S. E. Craven, born October 7, 1839.
A large rocking chair, to Geo. W. Rains. as the oldest white man present. an actual settler and resident of the County. Uncle George was born in Tennessee, October 24, 1812.
A rocking chair, to Mrs. Sarah Blankenbecker, as being the oldest white woman present. Mother Blankenbecker was
91
OF BATES COUNTY. .
born in Virginia, May 15. 1812.
Two handsome rocking chairs, to Mr. and Mrs. John S. McCraw, as being the first couple married in Bates County, now living and present. and who have not heretofore receir- ed a prize from the Society. Mr. and Mrs. McCraw were married in Bates County on November 16, 1848.
A sack of flour, to Fannie Harris, being the oldest colored person in Bates County. and born a slave.
As a result of the election of officers of the Society to serve until the third annual meeting of the Society; the fol- lowing were duly elected, to-wit:
John B. Newberry. President.
W. C. Hedden. First Vice President.
C. J. Requa, Second Vice President.
Calvin F. Boxley. Secretary.
John A. Dovinny. Marshal.
CALVIN F. BOXLEY, Secretary.
THIRD ANNUAL MEETING.
The third annual meeting of the Old Settlers' Society of Bates County was held in Butler, October 5, 1899, with a large attendance. Everything passed off pleasantly and all enjoyed themselves. The assemblage was called to order by the President. Hon. John B. Newberry, with a few well chosen remarks.
Speeches were delivered by Hon. D. A. DeArmond, Judge W. W. Graves. Judge Clark Wix and others. There was singing by the Colored Glee Club and music by the band.
The following officers were elected:
Hon. John B. Newberry, President.
Pierce Hackett. First Vice President.
W. C. Hedden. Second Vice President,
C. F. Boxley. Secretary.
James Drysdale. Treasurer.
J. A. Devinny. Marshal.
Butler was selected for the fourth reunion in 1900.
Three prizes were given to the three men who have con-
,
92
OLD SETTLERS HISTORY
tinuously resided in Bates County the longest period of time, time of war not computed.
1st prize. Carving set, to I. N. Layman.
2nd prize. Cane, to R. G. West. .
3rd prize. Cane, to Williamson Keeton.
Three prizes given to three women present who have re- sided in the County the longest period of time, time of war not computed.
1st prize. Dress pattern, to Mrs. Jane Melton.
Ond prize. Dress pattern, to Mrs. Johanna B. McHenry.
3rd prize. Dress pattern, to Mrs. A. Durst.
To the first white male child present, born in Bates County, one hat, to C. H. Rains.
To first female child present, born in Bates County, one carving set, to Sarah J. Smith.
The oldest white man present now an actual settler of Bates County, rocking chair, to J. M. Franklin.
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.