USA > Mississippi > Pike County > Pike county. Mississippi, 1789-1876: pioneer families and Confederate soldiers, reconstruction and redemption > Part 26
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JACKSON, MIss., April 7, 1876.
Messrs. T. A. Garner, E. H. Mogan, and A. A. Boyd.
GENTLEMEN : Your letter of April 4th, inviting me to address the survivors of the Sixteenth Regiment of Mississippi Volunteers at their reunion on the 26th day of this month, at Summit, has been received and duly considered.
Nothing would afford me more pleasure, gentlemen, than to be able to com- ply with your request. I should be proud to meet the survivors of that gallant and noble regiment of Confederate soldiers and shake them by the hand and talk with them about our common toils, sacrifices and sufferings in the past as well as of the virtues of our lamented comrades in arms, who fell on the field of battle. A better regiment I never saw under arms than the Sixteenth Mississip- pi. Patient under discipline, unfaltering in the discharge of duty, prompt in action and heroic and invincible in the face of the foe, it had no superior. But, gentlemen, I have been away from my family and private interests since Sep- tember last, devoting my time entirely to public service.
When the Legislature shall adjourn, at the close of the next week, I shall be compelled to forego the pleasure of meeting you on the 26th at Summit, and return to my family and my home. Thanking you, gentlemen, sincerely, for the honor of this invitation, and wishing you and all the survivors of the Six- teenth Regiment prolonged lives of happiness and usefulness, I am very truly, your friend and obedient servant,
W. S. FEATHERSTON.
General Featherston, a representative from Marshall County, had been conspicuous in the Legislature in offering a resolution for a committee to be appointed to inquire into the official conduct of Adelbert Ames, acting Governor of the State of Mississippi, which was adopted and he was appointed on that committee, which resulted
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in the impeachment, trial of and resignation of Ames and the reinstal- ment of white supremacy.
May 9, 1876, a meeting was held at the court house for the pur- pose of fixing on some plan of demonstration to be given upon the day of laying the corner-stone of the new court house, which was fixed for Saturday, May 27th following, and Dr. George Nicholson, Deputy Grand Master of the Seventh District of Mississippi, was invited to conduct the ceremonies according to the usages of the Masonic order. John S. Lamkin, Samuel E. Packwood, Thomas R. Stockdale, and Isaac Applewhite were selected orators of the day. C. C. Gibson, Henry Gottig, W. W. Vaught, A. LeBlanc, and Frederic W. Collins were appointed a Committee of Arrangements.
It was thought that this occasion would be an opportune time to heal the differences existing between the towns of Summit and Mag- nolia over the court house question, and Thomas A. Garner, Mayor of Summit, was directed by its citizens to convey to the people of Magnolia, through Hon. Fred W. Collins, Mayor of that town, their sentiments of friendly regards on the occasion of laying the corner- stone, the centennial year of American independence. Following is the account given by the Magnolia Herald of June 2, 1876:
LAYING THE CORNER-STONE.
On Saturday last, May 27th, 1876, as previously advertised in the papers, the people of Pike County assembled at Magnolia to participate in the cere- monies of laying the corner-stone of their new court house, now in process of erection. At an early hour in the morning, though the weather threatened to be unfavorable, the people came pouring in, in squads, from all points of the compass, thus indicating that there would be a large gathering.
At about half-past nine o'clock, Capt. Travis' excursion train from Brook- haven, conveying a large number of citizens from that town, Bogue Chitto, Johnstons Station, Summit, McComb City and Quin Station, arrived, and were received by the anxious crowd assembled at the depot, amid enlivening strains of music from the Jolly Brothers' cornet band, of Summit, engaged for the occa- sion.
At about eleven o'clock, the excursion train from Osyka, he: vily freighted with the beauty and chivalry of that lovely town, moved up, while hundreds of handkerchiefs waved on high and sweet music swelled the breeze and bade them welcome.
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By this time the town was crowded with people from all parts of the county, as well as a few from Lincoln and Amite Counties, and Tangipahoa Parish, La.
The doors of the Central House and private residences were thrown open for the reception, convenience and comfort of guests and friends, and the entire place was alive with masses moving to and fro, inspecting the town and the preparations which had been made on the picnic grounds and elsewhere to add to the beauty of the surroundings and to the comfort and pleasure of the people.
At about half-past eleven o'clock, Sincerity Lodge No. 214, F. & A. M., and Tangipahoa Lodge I. O. O. F., of Magnolia, emerged from their places of meet- ing and formed in procession in the following order :
S. A. Matthews, Grand Marshal, aided by Jonas Hiller and C. C. Gibson.
Henry Swan, Tyler of Sincerity Lodge No. 214, F. & A. M., of Magnolia, accompanied by Tylers of other lodges.
Stewards, with rods.
Master masons.
F. Prescott and M. Day, Deacons, with rods.
A. L. Lazar, Secretary, and E. T. Prewett, Treasurer pro tem.
R. H. Dickey, Senior Warden pro tem.
Mark Master Royal Arch Masons.
Royal and Select Masters.
Knights Templar, as escort to Grand Lodge.
Jolly Brothers' cornet band.
C. H. Lyster, Grand Tyler.
John Holmes and J. H. Monfourt, Grand Stewards, with white rods.
H. Q. Bridges, Grand Secretary, and N. Greener, Grand Treasurer. Walter Cowart, Grand Pursuivant.
Bible, square and compass, carried by Joseph Mixon, supported by stewards.
J. W. Sandell, Grand Chaplain, and E. P. Stratton, Grand Lecturer. W. Fleet Simmons, with five orders of architecture .*
Representatives of the press.
W. M. Conerly, Junior Warden, with silver vessel of oil.
H. M. Quin, Senior Grand Warden, with silver vessel of wine.
A. A. Boyd, Deputy Grand Master, carrying golden vessel with corn.
J. S. Lamkin, Master of oldest lodge, carrying book of the constitution.
George Nicholson, Grand Master, supported by J. M. Thornhill and P. C. Kennedy, Deacons, with rods.
C. A. Zackary, Grand Sword Bearer.
*These five orders of architecture were drawn in spatter work by the accom- plished and talented Miss H. May Lamkin, daughter of John S. Lamkin, Esq., of Magnolia, and were presented to Sincerity Lodge No. 214. They were taste- fully and beautifully executed, evidencing superior artistic skill, and are highly appreciated by the members of the lodge.
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Thus arranged they moved to the front of the sheriff's office, on the corner of Railroad Avenue and Myrtle Street, where the order of Odd Fellows filed in at the rear, the procession moving up Myrtle Street to Clarks Avenue, down Clarks Avenue to Bay Street and down Bay Street to the court house square, filing in beneath the triumphal arch prepared at the entrance of the square. Upon arriving on the square, the Masonic procession opened to the right and left, uncovering the grand master and his officers, who repaired to a temporary platform ercted upon the foundation of the court house (in front of which was constructed a beautiful evergreen arch bearing the inscription, "Centennial"), where they were surrounded by the rest of the brethren. Dr. George Nicholson then read a letter from the Grand Master of the State, authorizing him to per- form the ceremonies of laying the corner-stone, which stated that Sincerity Lodge No. 214 had the matter in charge. He then delivered the proclamation as laid down in the Masonic ritual. Then followed a lesson from the Scriptures, and prayer by the Grand Chaplain, after which, accompanied by a splendid organ, the choir rose and sang in sweet harmony, to the tune of "Arlington :"
When Solomon, with wondrous skill, A temple did prepare, Israel with zeal his courts did fill, And God was honored there.
Celestial rays of glorious light, The sacred walls contained; The pure refulgence day and night With awful force remained.
O may Thy presence, gracious Lord, In our assembly be; Enlighten us to know Thy word, That we may honor Thee.
And when the final trump shall sound, To judge the world of sin, Within Thy courts may we be found, Eternally til'd in.
A tin casket had been prepared, in which was deposited the following arti- cles :
Three copies Magnolia Herald. One copy Summit Sentinel. One copy Summit Times. One copy Easy Chair, published at Summit.
One copy Young America, published at Summit.
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A list of officers and roll of members of Sincerity Lodge No. 214, F. & A. M., and the constitution and by-laws of the order.
One nickel coin U. S. currency, valued at five cents.
One Prussian silver coin, valued at twenty cents.
One five-dollar note, Mississippi cotton money.
One ten-dollar note, Confederate money.
One silver coin U. S. currency, valued at five cents.
A list of officers and roll of members of Company F, Third Regiment U. S. Infantry.
A list of county officers of Pike County. - Copy of programme of the day's exercises.
The box was then deposited in a vault prepared for it, and the corner-stone was lowered and laid in accordance with the usage and solemnity of the Masonic order, covering the box containing the above mentioned articles, which was cemented in its vault, and concealing them from the sight of man for ages, perhaps, to come ere they shall be admitted to the light of day.
Inscription on the stone:
North side-LAID MAY 27, 1876. CENTENNIAL YEAR.
East side- C. C. GIBSON, ARCHITECT & BUILDER.
The choir then sang to the tune of Old Hundred, the following stanzas:
Master Supreme! to Thee this day, Our corner-stone with praise we lay; And resting on Thy word fulfilled, To Thee, O Lord! our house we build.
Nor build we here with strength alone Of carven wood or sculptured stone; But squarely hewed, and broadly plann'd, Our lines we raise, like ashlars grand.
By Thee, O Lord! our work design'd, The widow's son his help shall find; And we shall frame, for trembling youth, The winding stairs that lead to Truth.
In Faith we toil-in Hope we climb To Charity-our Arch sublime; And evermore the Keystone see, O Master! Lord! in Thee-in Theel
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI
The benediction pronounced, Hon. T. A. Garner, mayor of Summit, was introduced, who read a letter (previously prepared for the occasion), to Hon. F. W. Collins, mayor of Magnolia, presenting him (on the part of the good people of Summit) with a bronzed hatchet, to be buried in token of a cessation of sectional animosity hitherto existing and brought about by the removal of the court house from Holmesville to Magnolia, and as an evidence of a restoration of harmonious feelings and unity of purpose.
.The following is Mayor Garner's letter:
SUMMIT, May 27th, 1876.
To Hon. F. W. Collins,
Mayor of Magnolia, Mississippi.
SIR:
I am directed by the people of Summit to convey, through you, to the peo- ple of Magnolia, their sentiments of friendly regard on the occasion of laying the corner-stone of the new court house.
The question of "removal or no removal," which once so seriously agitated the public mind, and' which unfortunately created sectional jealousies, not unmixed with sectional animosities, has been happily set at rest, and the people of Summit, in token of their magnanimity, desire to manifest their entire acqui- escence in the logic of events, as well as their complete reconciliation over the late "bone of contention." With this view they have delegated me in their behalf to unite with you in conducting the present public demonstration, and to deposit in the cavity of the stone some suitable token of their harmonious feelings. To give expression of their wishes, I have selected the accompanying implement, which, in the earlier history of our common country, was not unfre- quently used as a symbol of buried animosity, and which besides has been made historic by the father of our country.
It is fitting that in the centennial year of our existence as a republic the burying of the hatchet, which has more than once performed the conspicuous of- fice of securing profound and permanent peace for the nation, should now serve to allay sectional feeling, and mark the era of perfect peace and complete recon- ciliation in our county affairs.
In humble imitation of this rude custom of our forefathers, I have the honor to place at your disposal this bronzed implement, to be used, if you please, in the manner, and for the purpose above indicated, with the additional assurance that it is our common desire that the people of this county shall henceforth, like brethren, dwell together in unity. I have the honor to be
Very truly, T. A. GARNER, Mayor of Summit.
Mr. Collins, on the part of the citizens of Magnolia, accepted the hatchet from Mr. Garner, with the following well timed impromptu reemarks:
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI
Ladies and Gentlemen: The document just read, by Hon. T. A. Garner, Mayor of Summit, fully explains itself. For and in behalf of the people of Summit, he presents to me, as the representative of the people of Magnolia, this ancient symbol, this hatchet, desiring that we bury with it, after the ancient custom, all the jealousies and animosities generated by the vexed court house question. I am not prepared to make any extended remarks upon this impor- tant occasion, but suffice it to say that I, on the part of the people of Magnolia, accept it in good faith-I accept it in the spirit in which it is presented.
We will now deposit it in the cavity of the corner-stone of the court house, where we hope, and have every reason to believe, it will ever rest undisturbed.
Capt. John S. Lamkin, Hon. S. E. Packwood and Hon. I. Applewhite were each respectively introduced and delivered addresses appropriate to the occa- sion.
It was announced that dinner would be served on the island picnic grounds. The procession of Masons and Odd Fellows returned to their respective lodges, disbanded, and at two o'clock, as stated in the programme, the people repaired for refreshments.
At the foot of Magnolia Street, over the west end of the bridge leading to the island, inscribed on an evergreen arch were observed the following words:
"As citizens of Pike County, we give you a kindly greeting."
Near the end of the bridge leading from the island to the Central House, was another, containing the inscription :
"Our wish is that together we may work for the good of our county."
The people had contributed generously, and seven long tables were laden with provisions prepared principally by the hands of the fair ones, sufficient for at least two thousand people. A large quantity of fresh meat-beef, mut- ton, kid and pork-was barbecued, supervised by our esteemed fellow citizen, William Stevenson, assisted by his son.
We heard it frequently remarked by old "barbecued meat eaters" that this was the best they ever saw or tasted. Everthing was arranged systematically -- the ladies being invited to the table first and the men afterward. It was cal- culated that, allowing two feet for each person, these seven tables would accom- modate more than six hundred persons.
The carving table, supervised by W. G. Tyler, John F. Lieb, B. F. Win- born, Mr. Lloyd, a worthy guest from New Orleans, J. H. Stevens, and others, was elegantly managed.
Among the many large baskets noticeable, was one sent by Mr. George Fol- som, which came as near being a cart-load of good things as any we ever saw.
W. W. Vaught, table manager, A. LeBlanc and H. Gottig were particularly active in their respective duties; while many others are equally deserving of mention, but not having been furnished with their names, we can not give them from memory.
Mrs. Roane, and the ladies who assisted her in the decorations, deserve especial mention for the part they performed; and to the ladies generally, who so generously contributed in labor and provisions to the occasion, the thanks of the people are due.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI
Particular mention is also due the ladies' table committee for the part they performed in so tastefully arranging the tables.
According to the published schedule, Capt. J. Q. Travis returned to their homes the good citizens of Osyka, Carters Hill, Chatawa, and those living at the various stations between Magnolia and Brookhaven, by his excursion train.
At seven o'clock the doors of the Central House hall were opened for the ball, and when the twilight shades had passed away, the brilliant chandeliers spread their light over the most magnificent array of beauty and chivalry, attired in gorgeous suits, upon which our eyes ever feasted, and amid dulcet strains of music from that splendid "Jolly Brothers' Cornet Band," terpischo- rean lovers, with joyous hearts, "whiled the happy hours away." The ball was arranged and conducted under the auspices of W. M. Conerly, and was man- aged with judgment, skill and perfect order.
At midnight the ball ceased, and our friends from McComb City, Quins Sta- tion and Summit were conveyed home by special train.
The press, on this occasion, was represented by the handsome, good-natured and talented editor of the Brookhaven Ledger, Mr. R. H. Henry; Capt. J. D. Burke, formerly of the Brookhaven Citizen; Hon. H. Q. Bridges, H. S. Bonney, and N. P. Bonney, of the Summit Sentinel; Col. W. Lee Patton, and his corps, of the Summit Times; and the members of The Herald office.
We were pleased to observe present Sam Henderson, Esq., of New Orleans, and several friends from Tangipahoa Parish, La .; Hon. J. B. Deason, from Brookhaven; and several handsome and accomplished young ladies from Amite County, among them Misses Safford, and Miss Raiford, daughter of our old friend, William Raiford, of Liberty.
We were also proud to see so many of the good people of McComb City present. The ties of friendship between them and the citizens of Magnolia are growing stronger and stronger as time and again they are thrown together in social gatherings.
To the people of Osyka, Johnstons Station, Summit and all intermediate stations, Holmesville and throughout the entire county, the compliments and hearty good wishes of Magnolia are extended. May they in the future be bound together in stronger ties of friendship, and work with more united hearts for the good of the county and for the elevation and prosperity of the people.
For order, harmony of action, good feeling, plenty to eat and general sat- isfaction among the people, the occasion of the 27th of May, 1876, can safely be said to have had no equal since ante bellum days, and it is a forcible evidence of what can be accomplished and the satisfaction that can be enjoyed when there is a common object in view and a common purpose among the people. May they ever work together.
At a meeting of the committee of general arrangements, held in this town on Wednesday, 31st ult., concerning the proceedings had on the 27th ult., the following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the undersigned committee of general arrangements for the picnic and barbecue given in this place on the 27th ult., tender sincere thanks to
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI
the various auxiliary committees for their kindly and prompt assistance in car- rying out the various details of the day's programme. We especially return thanks to the venerable William Stevenson, and to his son Thomas, for their vigilant and untiring services and complete success in barbecuing the meats, and to the ladies who so kindly and beautifully decorated the grounds. We know no words commensurate with our appreciation of their noble services.
C. C. GIBSON, H. GOTTIG, F. W. COLLINS, · A. LEBLANC, W. W. VAUGHT,
Committee.
The occasion thus described in the foregoing article of the Herald was a great love feast in which the bitterness engendered over the court house question was softened and sweetened by forgetfulness of the past. Mayor Garner and Mayor Collins shook hands over the "blood chasm" and cemented the bonds of friendship by the burial of a genuine hatchet, deposited in the vault of the corner-stone of the new court house. A good old time lady of direct pioneer descent, wearing an ancient pair of spectacles, held on by a cord around her head, remarked to the writer:
"I am so glad the people of Magnoly and Summit is made up. I do hate these bickerins. I always heard it said that a man's love, and a woman's, too, for all-er that, was down his throat, and now I knows it. I bleve this dinner has had a powerful influence in settling the fuss."
In the early days of reconstruction the negroes were in a transitory condition, so to speak, and wholly unfit to perform any of the func- tions of government.
A more stupid effort to force them to the equality of the white man was never made by any civilized or enlightened government on earth. It would be bad enough now, with all the care and all the advantages of enlightened Christian education, to put them in possession of government with white people. To do so at the end of the Civil War, just liberated from slavery, was a crime of so great proportions as to stamp it the STUPIDITY of the Nineteenth Century.
The negro was a child of the jungles in his native land, far below
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI
the Indian in America, and never knew the value of anything. His ancestry for thousands of years was no wiser than those brought to Jamestown on a Dutch vessel in 1620 and sold into slavery for the ponderous sum of 150 pounds of leaf tobacco.
A race so deficient in intellect as the native African in the jungles where life exists only as that of the wild beasts, that have not ad- vanced higher in thousands of years, are not expected, by people ac- quainted with negro characteristics, to become fit for rulers in a few centuries, even with the advantages of educational training under the higher civilizing influences and care of the Caucasian. In the nature of the creature there is no redeeming quality to fit him for self- government or the position of ruler over the white race. He is a child of the hour and concerned only about his stomach and comfort. His progress, little as it is, in the United States, has been forced upon him by the white man. His civilization here is due entirely to the discipline and training, for three hundred years, to the institution of slavery improving him gradually each generation in the manner the superior intellect has evolved the intelligence of animals of the brute creation. He cares no more for the general welfare nor the upbuild- ing of a community now than he did thousands of years ago in his native jungles. As a race he cares nothing for law and order nor the attainment of the higher attributes of civilized man. A creature of the hour and present surroundings.
The very idea of a people like those of the Northern States, with their claims of superior education and general attainments, marshal- ing an immense army, spending billions of treasury and sacrificing hundreds of thousands of lives, murdering women and children of their own race, devastating a vast territory occupied by enlightened citizens, to put a race of savages over their white brothers and drive them to destruction, is a crime so vast and so unforgiving that it must be classed as the demon age of American history.
In the past as well as the present the negro as a race has shown only the characteristics of the creature that sleeps with utter uncon- cern in the jungles where the God of Nature planted him.
If the reader of this book will do as this writer has done in order
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI
to fit himself for a proper conception and truthful exposition of negro character, he will easily understand. No one possessed with an in- partial desire for truth can go into the negro quarters of large cities or small towns and investigate their condition, habits and character- istics without a feeling of disappointment and disgust after forty years of freedom and special care given them under the efforts of Northern missionaries and under the educational advantages forced upon them by the white people of the South. . And this is the creature, who, without having had these special intellectual advantages thrust upon them, just emerged from slavery, that the power of the military under Northern domination, holding the reins of government of the United States, put over our people to crush them and destroy their racial character, supervised by a horde of Northern adventurers, worshiping at the shrine of negro superstition, ignorance and idolatry. As a slave the negro could be controlled for good purposes; as a ruler he was the curse of the hour. In this the negro was not so much the criminal. It was his foster white brother, the Northern carpetbagger, political adventurer, so-called philanthropist, and fortune seekers. These observations and those in a previous chapter are given to show to the reader why the white people of the South took the steps they did to re-establish their supremacy and hold it at all hazards.
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