Gc m:
977.701
J63o
33rd Kept.
1899
1524711
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01084 7124
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1524711
PROCEEDINGS OF
THE OLD SETTLERS
OF JOHNSON COUNTY, lA.
AT THEIR ANNUAL REUNION AUGUST 17, 1899
At an early hour this morning the pioneers began to arrive from
the country, and throughout the forenoon they assembled at the fair
grounds. There, -'camping" neath widespread branches of fragrant
apple trees, they chatted and told stories of olden days to their hearts'
content. They rejoiced with one another, at the privilege of renew-
ing the memories of the years of Iowa's territorial life and incipient
statehood, they talked with glistening eyes of the perils and privations
of a half century and more ago, and, as we have said, they sighed to-
gether over departed friends and dear ones.
They wandered through the quaint old log cabins, with their
treasure trove of "ancient history," and in a wakning dream beheld
their boyhood and girlhood come back to them once more. At noon
on Nature's own velvety tablecloths, they spread the contents of their
baskets — rich viands such as only Johnson county housewives know
how to produce, and feasted on delicious compounds that defy the art
of the Waldorf-Astoria.
The association dispensed steaming coffee, the product of the
skill of the grand high coffee maker Frank Luse, and the amber fluid
and Nature's pure and crystal offering surpassed all the sparkling
champagne that ever flowed at a political love feast or a milHonaire's
trust banquet.
The dinner hour passed, the literary and musical program of the
day was presented at length. The committee had prepared a series
of numbers at once entertaining and instructive, and the best program
in the history of the association was the result.
The invocation was pronounced by Rev. M. A. Bullock. The
principal address of the day was delivered by Dr. B. F. Shambaugh
who chose for his subject "The Pioneer."
— 4 —
The Pioneer.
By Benjamin F. Shambaugh.
Old Settlers and Pwtieers, and the Sons and Daughters, and the
Grandsons and Granddaughters of the Old Settlers and Pioneers
of Johnson County: —
This day (old settlers' day) is the one day in the year set apart
for the reunion of the pioneer settlers of Johnson county. It is dis-
tinctively their day. And, since I am addressing those settlers of our
land who still survive the toils and labors of half a century or more,
I may with propriety say that this day is your day — a day when it is
yours to be seen and heard, when you may show the younger gen-
eration of what stuff the pioneer was made and recount the trials and
deeds of frontier life.
To be called upon to address Iowa pioneers is always an honor.
It is more than this — it is a rare privilege. It is a privilege which
we of the present generation always welcome. For, to stand face to
face with pioneers is to inspire feelings of reverence and foster a
wholesome respect for our ancestors. To study the lives and char-
acters of the pioneers of Iowa is to strengthen our confidence in the
future of this commonwealth. For the Iowa of today and tomorrow
is largely determined by those who first settled upon these hills and
prairies. "It is with a reverence such as is stirred by the sight of
the head-waters of some mighty river" that we turn to the consider-
ation of the character of the pioneers of Iowa.
There is one principle in the life and character of the Iowa
pioneer that has always commanded my admiration. I would com-
mend it to the present generation and to the generations yet uuborn.
I refer to the principle of ecotwmy — that fundamental in all industrial
progress. The old settler practiced economy; he saved wealth; he
created capital. Thus he made possible the industry of today. For
without saving there can be no capital, and without capital there can
be no industry. The old settler was a "saver of wealth." He was
a capitaHst, since he possessed the capitalistic instinct to save.
At times, however, his economy verged on parsimony. I will
make this point clear by way of illustrations drawn from documentary
* An address delivered on "Old Settlers Day," at Iowa City, Iowa, August
17th, 1899.
— 5 —
evidence. In a broader sense these illustrations will serve to indi-
cate the pioneer's way of looking at things in general. Following
the true historical method, I will let the pioneer speak for himself.
It is October loth, 1844. The members of the Constitutional
Convention of 1844, are assembled in yonder Stone Capitol. After
listening to several reports from standing committees the conven-
tion took up Mr. Sell's motion to have daily prayers. ^
"Mr. Chapman spoke in favor of the resolution, stating that no
outlay would be occasioned, as the ministers would gladly attend and
render the service without compensation.
"Mr. Gehon said it would not be economical, for the convention
sat at an expense of $200 to $300 per day, and time was money.
"Mr. Hall moved an amendment to the resolution, that the ex-
ercise of prayer commence half an hour before the hour for conven-
tion to meet.
"Mr. Chapman said if it passed with such a provision as that, the
resolution would be an insult to those who believed in the superin-
tendence of Almighty God, and desired his aid to be invoked in be-
half of the convention.
"Mr. Kirkpatrick opposed the resolution, because the religion
of Christ was a religion of peace and persuasion, and acknowledged
no compulsion, save moral. To pass a resolution to have prayers was
compelling men to listen to what they were opposed to, and violated
one of the inalienable rights of man.
"Mr. Sells did not expect the resolution to meet with opposi-
tion, and should regret to have it said of Iowa that she had so far
traveled out of Christendom as to deny the duty of prayer.
"Mr. Lucas regretted that there should be contention on this
subject, and could not believe that any disbelieved in a superintend-
ing Providence. If ever an assemblage needed the aid of Almighty
Power, it was one to organize a system of government. He was
surprised at the expression of his friend from Dubuque, [Mr. Gehon]
that we had not time to spend a few moments in prayer for divine
direction. Mr. L. referred to precedents of similar practice in other
assemblages.
"Mr. Kirkpatrick said if precedent was to be followed, we should
go back to aristocracy. This was a day of improvement. Let those
' The reports of the debate on prayers here presented are copied from the
Iowa Standard.
who believe so much in prayer, pray at home. Pubhc prayer was too
ostentatious.
"Mr. Hooten was opposed to Mr. Hall's amendment, and wanted
to meet the question on its true merits. If a majority were for prayers,
have them; but hoped those who were in favor would not press it
at the expense of the feeling of others.
"Mr. Hall said he did not offer his amendment through levity,
but because be believed it right. In the morning, if some were absent,
the Sargeant-at Arms might be sent after them, they be compelled
to attend upon what they were opposed to. If any refused to come, it
would be told to their constituents, and political capital made of it.
We were to have prayers not for the benefit they would do us, but
to make the world think we were better than we were. He was
opposed to that. Let those who prayed, enter into their closets.
Prayers were introduced at political mass-meetings which ended in
rows and riots. If prayer was had in accordance with his amend-
ment, the President could invite some one for that purpose, and there
would be no interference.
"Mr. Kirkpatrick said if the Convention had a right to pass the
resolution, they had a right to establish a religion. It had no right to
bring the members on their knees every morning. If it had, it might
do it noon and night; and had a right to require the people of the
Territory to do the same. We do not require the others not to pray,
but they require us to.
"Mr. Chapman disclaimed all idea of force. The resolution was
but a means of testing whether we should have religious services or
not.
"Mr. Bailey said whenever politics and religion were mingled,
excitement was created. When the motion was made to open the
Convention with prayer the first day, he had no objection. But to do
it every day would cost $200 or $300. Why not be economical in
this as well as in other things. Gentlemen who voted against taking
papers, ^ voted for this resolution. Were the people more interested
to know the acts of the Convention, or to know that it was opened by
prayer? Their constituents did not expect such a thing to be intro-
^ On Oct. 8th the following resolution was introduced by Mr. Hall: "■Resolved,
That each member of the convention have the privilege of taking twenty copies
weekly, of the newspapers published in this city, and that the expense of the
same be charged to the contingent expenses of this convention." This resolu-
tion was voted down.
— 7 —
duced. Absent members might be brought in and compelled to hear
what they were opposed to. This was contrary to the inalienable
rights of man. If members did not feel disposed to come, it took
away their happiness, contrary to the Declaration of Independ-
ence and the principle laid down by Thomas Jefferson, the Apostle of
Liberty. If individuals wish prayer, there were meetings in town
almost every night; let them go there and not take up the time of the
Convention. Precedent exerted too much influence — operated upon
the Convention that formed the Constitution of the United States. If
we were to follow it always, we should hang for witchcraft, and punish
for rehgious opinions. People were becoming more liberal in senti-
ment. No man could say that he ever opposed another on account of
religion; he respected men who were sincerely religious; but he
wanted to have his own opinions.
"Mr. Cutler desired the yeas and nays on the question. He
had not lived a great while, ^ but long enough not to be afraid of
meeting such a question openly. He was opposed to the resolution.
"Mr. Thompson said, when he looked at the system on which
the Christian religion was propagated, and saw the excitement that
existed in the convention, he felt satisfied, that although those in
favor of opening the convention with prayer, might be a majority,
they ought not to urge the point; and he hoped that the measure
would be withdrawn.
"Mr. Fletcher said, that having made the motion by which the
convention was opened with prayer on the first day, and
voted to take up this resolution, he felt bound to say something. He
regretted the opposition that he saw, and he was unwilling that it
should go forth to the world that Iowa refused to acknowledge a
God. He believed it was becoming in the patriot to appeal to the
Almighty for aid and guidance. He was not a professor, and prob-
ably would not be acknowledged as an EvangeUcal Christian, but be
acknowledged the God of his fathers, and was willing to supplicate
His blessing. He hoped the resolution would pass.
"Mr. Hall rose to set his remarks right. The drift of the argu-
ments of those who favored the resolution was to accuse those who
opposed it of denying the existence of a God. Opposition was no
evidence of disbelief. He believed, with the gentleman from Mus-
catine, in the God of his fathers. But he thought there were places
* Mr. Cutler was then twenty-eight years of ag-e.
where the Almighty could not be approached in a proper spirit —
and this was one. Precedent was invoked, but he did not believe in
following it here. Effect abroad was what was desired — not good
here. They did not tell us we were sinners, and call upon us to re-
pent. If any gentleman needed religious instruction, he would vote
to give it to them. It was wrong and hypocritical to send such a
thing abroad for effect. Men on all sides caught this up for effect.
At the great Dorr meeting in R. I., a clergyman was procured,
who prayed for the release of Door, the election of Polk and Dallas
and the success of Democratic principles. If the Almighty was a
Democrat, he would perhaps grant the prayer; if not a Democrat, he
would not grant it. Mr. H. desired to know what was to be prayed
for? He would pray as did the man in New Orleans, that God
would 'lay low and keep dark,' and let us do the business of the
convention. He objected to prayers not out of disrespect to relig-
ion, but because he thought them inappropriate. It would be going
a step too far, and would be a mockery. The amendment he had
offered would give those who desired to pray the free use of the hall
for half an hour in the morning; the President was authorized to in-
vite a minister, and would attend to preserve order,
"Mr. Evans said he never knew prayer to be any disparage-
ment. He thought the example of the convention that formed the
constitution of the U. S. a good one to be followed. He did not be-
lieve so much in "progression" as to exclude prayer, and had no
fears of its leading to monarchy. When he was a boy, all kinds of
meetings except political, were opened with prayer.
"Mr. Grant. — Did they open town meetings with prayer?
"Mr. Evans. — No; but trainings were so opened. Time enough
had been already consumed in the discussion to have had prayers for
a fortnight. He would be in favor of providing a room for those who
did not wish to hear prayers.
"Mr. Hepner said he would like to see the Convention be con-
sistent. The committee that reported a Bill of Rights, had provided
that no law should be enacted to establish a religion. None had
opposed that, nor did he presume anybody would oppose it. There
was a rule of the Convention which required all the members to be
in attendance when it was in session. Suppose some of the members
attend somewhere else on religious service in the morning, the Sar-
geant-at-Arms might be sent for them, and they be compelled to
attend here. That would be an interference with the free exercise of
reHgion. Mr. H. also spoke of the probability that the services would,
in the end, have to be paid for, and cited the instance of rent having to
be paid for the use of the Temporary State House, and the $5,000
loan from the Dubuque Bank, in support of that opinion. He objected
to the resolution to have prayers upon the principle of pay, and upon
the principle of inconsistency, and should vote for the amendment.
"Mr. Shelledy said he did not feel as if he would represent cor-
rectly the moral and religious feelings of his constituents, if he re-
mained silent. He could not conceive that gentlemen were serious
when they opposed the having of prayers upon the ground of expense.
Except in case of Congress, he believed no charge was made. He
thought we should pay some respect to precedent. He said it was a
matter of record that the most dissolute members of Congress were
the most zealous supporters of the practice of having daily prayers.
They said that they would come into the House with violent feelings,
and prepare to make the most outrageous remarks, but the exercise
of prayer subdued them, and they could not let out as they intended.
"Mr. Sells said he had not heard an}- reasons to induce him to
surrender his resolution. The arguments in opposition were incon-
sistent. Some were afraid of losing religious liberty, and some of the
expense: some were anxious about their natural rights, and some
wanted God to 'lay low' — get out of the way altogether. He thought
that if the majority desired prayers, it was their right to have them.
"Mr. Quinton thought his constituents as moral as those of the
gentlemen from Mahaska, (Mr. Shelleday.) He believed that the
Bible furnished a rule for faith and practice, but did not believe pray-
ing would change the purposes of Deity, nor views of the mem-
bers of the Convention. In the name of Heaven, don't force
men to hear prayers. He believed in religion but did not want to
force members to hear what they did not believe in. He was in favor
of those who wanted to pray, meeting half an hour before the Con-
vention, and doing it.
"Mr. Lowe, of Muscatine, said he had not intended to have said
anything in this discussion; he did not think its continuation would be
profitable; but he had concluded to say one word. He considered
that the amendment did not fairly meet the question — it was skulk-
ing it — It was a direct attempt to defeat the resolution, and was un-
worthy of the gentleman who introduced it. It was in the line of safe
precedents to pass this resolution as it originally stood, and a refusal
to pass it would be an imputation upon the House — one that he
hoped would not be permitted. He said that religion had taken a
deep hold in this country, and the time would soon come when men
of proper moral and religious sentiments would alone hold the offices
of this country. The exercise of prayer would have an effect to
calm excitement, and contribute to moderation, and for that reason
he was in favor of it. The gentleman from Des Moines (Mr. Hep-
ner) was generally correct, but he and others were wrong in the
present instance. He assumed that the Sargeant-at-Arms might be
sent to bring in absent members. It was not so. Members were re-
quired to be present at hours when the convention was doing busi-
ness. The convention was not open to do business until after the pray-
er. The prayer itself opened the convention. There was no proper
organization till afterwards, and members could not be compelled to
attend till afterwards. Members of Congress were not compelled to
attend on the prayers. The plea of compulsion was frivilous. He
was willing to follow the example of the fathers of the country; but
he did not support prayer solely on the ground of precedent — it
would tend to give dignity and character to the convention, in all
time to come. Mr. L. could not believe that those who talked about
blending Church and State, were serious in what they said. It
seemed too trifling. Members of Congress were not afraid of
blending Church and State, nor did the members of the convention
that formed the Constitution of the United States believe so. He
hoped the gentleman from Henry (Mr. Hall) would withdraw his
amendment, and permit the vote to be taken on the original resolu-
tion, and if the friends of prayer were defeated, they would submit.
"Mr. Durham now offered a resolution to postpone the further con-
sideration of the subject until Monday next; but the resolution was
cut off by a motion from Mr. Lang worthy that the Convention adjourn ;
which prevailed." i
The daily sessions of the Convention of 1844 were not opened
with prayer. It could not be shown that prayer was worth two or
three hundred dollars.
Of the extreme economy of the pioneers of Iowa we find still
further confirmation in the debates of the same convention. I refer
* On the day following this interesting debate a resolution was passed by the
Convention indefinitely postponing the whole matter.
especially to the discussion on the salaries of the State officers. The
committee had recommended that the Governor be paid $1000 per
annum; Secretary of State $500; Treasurer $400; Auditor $700;
Judges of the Supreme and District Courts $800.
"Mr. Hooten thought the salary [of Governor] was about right
at $1000. The Governor was rather than else considered as public
property, would have to entertain a good deal of company, etc., and
should have a pretty Hberal salary."
"Mr. Harrison said, we were in a youthful condition, and were
poor, and we could not afford to pay such salaries as the wealthy
State of Ohio * * * He wanted the officers to share something in
the hardship and privations of the citizens. He would not have them
gentlemen of leisure, walking about the streets, talking with their
friend, etc., with plenty of money in their pockets. An hon est man
would perform the duties of Auditor as well for $300 as $rooo. If
he was not an honest man we did not want him."
"Mr. Chapman said he desired to pay a fair price for services
rendered, but he was not willing to spend a single dollar for dignity.
He did not want to have men paid to live as gentlemen, with no ser-
vices to perform * * * A farmer toiled from the rising of the sun,
to its going down, and at the end of the year had not made perhaps
$100; * * * In this country we were all poor, and have to do with
but Httle."
"Mr. Bissel supported the reduction of the salary, and referred
to the state of Vermont * * * He did not want to support govern-
ment officers at high salaries, to ride about in their coaches and sport
gold spectacles. * * * He did not want them paid for giving wine
parties. * * * They should walk from their residences to their offices
as other citizens."
What wonder that in the midst of such arguments Mr. Hemstead
should have said that he "felt disposed to make a motion that no
gentleman or man of ability should be appointed to any office under
the government of the State of Iowa."
Turning now to a more general consideration of the character of
the pioneer settlers of Iowa we find that there was at the time a differ-
ence of opinion. Calhoun states that he had been informed that "the
Iowa country had been seized upon by a lawless body of armed
men."i Clay had received information of the same nature. ^ And
* Cong. Globe, Vol. VI, Appendix, p. 137.
» Ibid, p. 139.
Mr. Ewing (Senator from Ohio) emphatically declared that he
would not object to giving each rascal who crossed the Mississippi
one thousand dollars to get rid of him.i Nor was the view repre-
sented by these statesmen uncommon. It was entertained by a large
class of men throughout the East and South who looked upon the
pioneers in general as renegades and vagabonds forming a "lawless
rabble" on the borders of civilization. To them the first settlers
were "lawless intruders" on the public domain, "land robbers,"
"fugitives from justice," and "idle and profligate characters." ^ Squat-
ters, they said, were those "who had gone beyond the settlement and
were wholly reckless of the laws either of God or man."^ They
were "non-consumers of the country performing no duties either
civil or military. 4 In other words, they were held up as the frag-
ments of society.
Now, however apt this characterization may have been when
applied to frontiersmen of an earlier day, ^ it was wholly unmerited
when made in reference to the squatters of Iowa. All testimony
based upon direct personal observation is overwhelmingly against it.
Albert Lea, a Lieutenant in the service of the United States, who
traveled through Iowa in 1835, writes that "the character of this
population is such as is rarely to be found in our newly acquired ter-
ritories. With very few exceptions there is not a more orderly, in-
dustrious, active, painstaking population west of the Alleghanies, —
than is this of the Iowa District. Those who have been accustomed
to associate the name 'squatters' with the idea of idleness and reck-
lessness, would be quite surprised to see the systematic manner in
which everything is here conduced. * * * It is a matter of sur-
prise that about the Mining Region <5 there should be so little of the
recklessness that is usual in that sort of life." '' Two years later,
(1838) F. H. Engle, writing from Dubuque, says: "The people
are all 'squatters;' but he who supposes that these settlers * * *
who are now building upon, fencing and cultivating the lands of the
government, are lawless depredators, devoid of the sense of moral
1 Cong-. Globe, Vol. Ill, p. 431.
^ Petition from settlers in Wisconsin — Sen. Doc. 2nd Sess., 25tli Cong-. Vol.
I, Doc. 30, pp. 1, 2.
» Cong. Globe, Vol. Ill, pp. 431, 432.
4 Ibid.
^ Notes on the Wisconsin Territory, by Albert lyca, p. 14.
• The region about Dubuque.
' Notes on the Wisconsin Territory, by Albert Lea, p. 14.
— 13 —
honesty, or that they are not in every sense as estimable citizens,
with as much intelHgence, regard for law and social order, for public
justice and private rights * * * as the farmers and yoeman of
New York and Pennsylvania * * * has been led astray by
vague and unfounded notions, or by positively false information." ^
The statements of Lea and Engle fairly represent the opinion uni-
versally advanced by those who came in contact with or who partici-
pated in the pioneer Hfe of lowa.^
Indeed, nothing is more certain in my mind than that the pioneers
of Iowa as a class were neither idle, ignorant, nor vicious. They
were representative pioneers of their day ; than whom Benton declared,
"there was not a better population on the face of the earth." ^ They
were of the best blood and ranked as the best sons of the whole
country. 4
They were young, strong, and energetic men, hardy and adven-
turous. Caring little for the dangers and toils of the frontier, they
extended civilization and reclaimed for the industry of the world vast
forests, prairies, and deserts. By their industry they added much to
utilities of the country. They made roads, built bridges and mills,
cleared the forests, broke the prairies, erected houses and barns, planted
orchards, and defended the settled country against the Indians. ^
Especially were they distinguished for their intelligence, hospitality,
independence and bold enterprise.^ They had schools and school-
houses, erected churches and observed the Sabbath. A law abiding
people they were always loyal American citizens, strongly attached
to the Nation and the general Government. In their morals as in their
economy they were sometimes rather narrow. But in general the
pioneer was liberal and broad-minded.
Nor are we surprised to find that the pioneer had these charac-
teristics. It is simply indicative of a more or less perfect adaptation
to the conditions of his hfe. In the first place only strong and inde-
pendent hearts ventured to the frontier. A weaker class could not
have hoped to endure the toils, the labor, the pains, and the loneliness
of pioneer life. For the hardest and at the same time the most sig-
^ Observations upon the Wisconsin Territory, by P. H. Engle.
* Cf. Address of Geo. W. McCrary before the Pioneer I^aw-Makers Asso-
ciation of Iowa, 1890, p. 112.
3 Cong. Globe, Vol. VI, p. 143.
* Ibid, Appendix, p. 512.
6' Cong. Globe, Vol. VI, Appendix, pp. 132, 137.
* Ibid, p. 143.
— 14 —
nificent battles of this century were fought with axes and plows in the
"winning of the West." The frontier called for men with large capa-
city for adaptation — men with flexible and dynamic natures. Espec-
ially did it require those who could break with the past, forget tradi-
tions and if necessary discard inherited political and social ideas.
And with such material to work upon the strong external factors
of the West brought into American life elements distinctively Ameri-
can. The broad rich prairies of Iowa and Illinois seem to have broad-
ened men's views and fertilized their ideas. Says Stephen A. Doug-
lass: "I found my mind Hberalized when I got out on these broad
prairies, with only the Heavens to bound my vision, instead of having
them circumscribed by the narrow ridges that surrounded the valley
[in Vermont] where I was born." i
The West intensified and fostered the principles of self-govern-
ment, and introduced into American politics those agencies which were
to nationalize the General Government, And for the accomplishment
of this great work it produced such leaders as Jackson, Lincoln, and
Kirkwood — pioneers all.
' Lincoln-Douglass Debates, p. 134.
Those Gone Before.
The necrological report was prepared by Horace Sanders, but
in his absence it was read by 'Squire Gil R. Irish. It gave the list
of those who have been summoned to their eternal home and whose
deaths have not been hitherto reported by the Association. The
record of sadness is as follows:
Allen, W. C.
Adams, Mrs. John E.
Adams, Moses
Abrams, E.
Beach, Abel
Brown, John
Banbury, Mrs. Thos.
Backingham, Mrs. Mary
Burke, Thomas
Baxter, J. W.
Clark, Geo. B.
Carleton, Mary J.
Calkin, Charles
Cavanagh, Gamaliel
Chenskey, Mrs. Charles
Coulihan, Jerry
Clearman, Mrs.
Crow, Mrs. Nathaniel
Crosby, Elizabeth
Hershire, A. J.
Hedges, J. P.
Hutchinson, Mrs. Julia
Hess, Mrs. Sarah H.
Hummer, Mrs. Jennie
Houk, Mrs. Elmira K.
Henderson, Rev. Stephen
Holderness, Mrs. Josiah
Hudnut, Henry
Johnson, Mrs. Sylvanus
Jacobs, Mrs. Nicholas
Jones, Mrs. David O.
Jones, Mrs. John P.
Kespord, Jacob P.
Eee, Mrs. Eugene
Eloyd, Dr. Frederick
Eoan, Mrs. June
Morseman, Dr. M. J.
Moerschel, Mrs. John
Roberts, Mrs. Elizabeth
Ruppert, Mrs. "William
Roberts, Chas.
Stewart, Mrs. Janet
Shiland, Mrs. Catherine
Strub, Mrs. Mary A.
Strang, Mrs. Jas. B.
Smith, Mrs. John
Smiley, Mrs. M. M.
Sprandle, John
Seymour, Sarah E.
Sawin, Mrs. Samuel
Schenkmej'er, Henry
Statler, Andy
Smith, Mr. John
Stewart, Mrs. E.
Summerhays, Mary A,
Thornbury, J. H.
Tuck, Mary Templin
Carder, Lucy A.
Clark, Mrs. Jane
Dodder, Geo. W.
Denton, Mrs. Robert
Deever, Mrs. J.
Dorwart, Mrs. Daniel
Doyle, Patrick
Downs, Mrs. Willis
Davis, Enoch
Elbert, Mrs. William
Fountain, Mrs. Andrew
Fox, Osmond B.
Feenan, James
Fenton, F.
Fry, Mrs. Jane
Gould, Mrs. G. W.
Goss, Mrs.
— 15 —
McCune, Mrs. Austin
Mahana, Mrs. Elizabeth
Morford, Mrs. Mary
Memler, John
Mead, James
Murphy, Patrick
Overstreet, Mrs.
Orr, William
Ott, V.
Payne, Mrs.
Pate, Mrs. Maurice P.
Preston, George C
Powell, Miss Martha
Pisha, Joseph P.
Patterson, W. W.
Poland, C. H.
Reno, Mrs. Morgan
Thomas, Bert
Trimble, Huldah
Trimble, Caroline M.
Teeter, John
Tomlin, George
Taylor, Mrs. Elizabeth
Westcott, Moses A.
Waite, Dr. James H.
Wade, Mrs. Patrick
Warner, Mrs. E.
Wray, Carson B.
Wray, Miss Catherine
Wilkinson, Martin
Younkin, Archie
Younkin, Mrs. Martha
Regret Their Absence.
Being unable to attend the reunion, several pioneers sent letters
of good cheer, expressing regret at their unavoidable absence.
These epistles were read by Mat. Cavanagh. They were from Henry
N. Berry, of Cloud Chief, O. T; Hon. J. D. Bowersox, of Lawrence,
Kan., and Dr. and Mrs. C. H. Preston of Davenport.
D. K. Shaver's Memories.
The only other address of length was Capt. D. K. Shaver's
"Reminiscences of Early Days." That jolly old patriach of over a
half-century ago talked in a strain that must have surprised those who
knew nothing of the poetry and sentiment that lurk in the grizzled
veteran's soul. He was really eloquent.
He spoke in part as follows:
"A little over a half-century back this country was in its primitive
state, fresh from the hands of the great Architect.
We can well imagine what a beautiful country it was to the first
beholder, standing on the Indian Lookout, made classic by Mr. Yewell
our former townsman, in his first effort at the art of painting. Look-
ing to the east and west, there must have been presented to the eye
a scene of unsurpassed beauty.
For a distance of miles and miles the undulating prairie stood out
in bold outline of variegated flowers, grasses, forests and hazel corpses,
with their foliage of green; later they were tinted with the various
hues of Autumn, as she spread her transcendent beauty from the billowy
— i6 —
prairie, forest and glade and skirted stream where the morning sun
first touched with its rays the Feather of Waters and its setting flooded
with a sea of gold, and bathed the whole intervening landscape with
its soft, mellow light.
The seasons had come and gone, for countless ages over this
lovely scene, with none to appreciate its beauty and grandeur, and the
waters of the streams, then nameless, had flowed on silently to the
ocean, and heard no sound save their own dashings the howl of the
wild beast, and of the wild man.
But the time was rapidly approaching when it was to be invaded
by the white man. In 1838, two young men from the Hoosier state,
Ell Myers and Philip Clark, first built their cabins in Johnson county.
They returned to their homes in the fall of that year, and in the soring,
with a few of their friends came back to their future homes beyond
the Mississippi. In 1839 the county was organized after which the
tide of emigration rapidly filled it.
They came from the east, north, south and west, from the Father-
land, the Rhine and the Rhone, from the Tweed, and the Doon, the
Ban and the Shannon. Our native Americans left the rock-ribbed
hills of their native homes on a long, tedious journey of weeks and
months, over mountains, valleys, marshes, and rivers, with ox and
horse teams, and here commenced life in the humble log cabin.
We can hardly understand the patience, the courage, the toils
privations they had to undergo. But this simple, primitive mode of
living was dear to them, as with stout hearts and strong hands they
worked for a better state of things for themselves and families.
In all conditions of life, and in all nations of the globe, and in all
ages of the past there are certain chords of the human heart which
when touched, vibrate in the same manner. Joy leaps as high in the
humble cabin, over the birth and marriage, as in the most splendid
palace. Hope springs as exultant on triumphant wings over the
lowly cot, as the lordly mansion.
The first settlers had "bushels of fun." Everybody was invited
to a wedding. The cabin was cleared of its belongings after the
wedding feast. The fiddler took his place on a table or box in a
corner, and old and young "tripped the light fantastic toe" till the
"wee sma' hours," with no distinction as to dress or class.
We have seen some of the most pathetic scenes at the funeral,
or at the grave of a first settler. Perhaps 'twas a father or mother.
— 17 —
or a child consigned to the grave — the first and only one on that part
of the prairie — hundreds of miles from friends and relatives. Though
they had the sympathies of all the neighbors, how their hearts would
yearn for their cabin homes, and the pang felt by the blow of the
death angel is as keen in the cabin of the humble and lowly as in the
marble halls of the titled of the earth.
The pioneer was the advance guard of civilization. His cabin
was the outpost, with all the civilization of all the ages behind it, and
to which and over which expansion will march to still further fields of
conquest. The trail to his cabin was the forerunner of the highways
and railways, over which the commerce of a vast country was to be
carried. His humble cot was the simple improvement eventually
changed for comfortable homes, and his rude surroundings were to
be replaced by all the refinements and luxuries of a civilization that
he made possible.
Viewing retrospectively his earnest life, his patience and toil, his
courage and strength, his fortitude under all the circumstances that
surrounded him, we realize that here was the source of brain and
brawn, and a virile power that builds up and sustains mighty com-
monwealths, and that we have in those brave pioneers and their lives
a repetition of the picture drawn by the immortal Burns, when he
stood looking upon the farm houses and cottages that studded the
quiet landscape, and thought of the lowly worth, the fortitude, the piety,
which were often to be witnessed in those lowly habitations. Then
his heart swelled with feelings to which he afterwards gave vent in
that beautiful poem. "The Cotter's Saturday Night."
"From scenes like these old Scotia's grandeur springs,
That makes her loved at home, revered abroad.
Prince and lords are but the breath of kings,
'An honest man's the noblest work of God.' "
From scenes like these Iowa's grandeur rises and through them
she has gained her exalted position among her sisters, and has be-
come one of the roost potent factors for good among the galaxy of
states.
Fifty-six years ago, when I first saw Iowa City, it was a strag-
gling hamlet on the confines of civilization — and outside. The habita-
tion of the settler was invariably the log cabin (a specimen of which
you see on the fair grounds today.) What changes have taken place!
The mechanics' academy and the ancient seminary have given
place to the State University, with its laboratory, museum, and library.
— I» —
Commercial colleges and high schools are here. The ox and horse
team have made way for the palace car; the grain cradle for the self-
binder; the flail for the separator, the self-feeder and blowing stacker;
the omnibus for the street car. The flax break is a thing of the past.
The corn-planter, the seeder and the disk have taken the place of
the hoe, the harrow and the plow, and the farmer of 50 years ago,
looks with astonishment at the vast improvements that have taken
place in his days.
Cloud Chief, Okla., Aug. 9, 1899.
Mr. M. Cavanaugh,
Iowa City, Iowa.
Dear Friend: —
Your kind invitation received and we would be glad to accept
it, but as that is not practicable, please say to our friends that al-
though our residence is changed we always think of Johnson county
as home, and we would very much enjoy meeting with them again.
Tell them when they come to Oklahoma, that Berry's latch string
is always out to Johnson county people.
Very truly yours,
Henry N. Berry and Family,
AND Mrs. C. C. Berry.
Davenport, August 15, 1899.
Messrs. G. R. Irish and M. Cavanagh,
Committee on Invitation.
Dear Sirs: —
It is with keen regret that Doctor and I deny ourselves the
pleasure of meeting with you and other friends at the Old Settlers'
picnic to which you have so kindly invited us. I know from exper-
iences of the past how interesting these gatherings are, and how de-
lightfully the reminiscences will sparkle with wit and humor and how
the genuine good-will and good fellowship that pervaded the atmos-
phere will rejuvinate the old settlers as well as the young. There-
fore when considering all this and the well filled hampers beside — it
is no exageration to say that we keenly regret not being with you
on so felicitious an occasion.
I will close my letter by telling the gentlemen a secret I have
— 19 —
known for some years about them; one which I presume they have,
until this hour, fondly believed only their betterhalves had discovered,
When I was teaching school in your county some years ago,
one of your bright-eyed little boys told me, in all earnestness and as
a physiological fact, that "your stomachs when full held three
pecks." Now I'm sure that will be their condition today, and the
Doctor joins me in hoping that your digestions are good, and also in
hearty good will to all.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ruth Irish Preston.
Lawrence, Kansas, August 9, 1899.
M. Cavanaugh and G. R. Irish,
Old Settlers Committee,
Iowa City, Iowa.
My Dear Friends: —
I am honored by your invitation to meet with the Old Settlers
August 17th. I am more than pleased that you remember me,
proud to be remembered and named among the old settlers of John-
son countv, Iowa.
The boy is impatient to be a man in years. The old man sighs
for the days of his boyhood. After boyhood, up to a certain time in
a man's life, he desires to be considered young, but later on, he
prides himself on the number of years that have passed over him. I
don't know just where the turning point is; I am just betwixt and
between, and have reached that point where my age is not a matter
for boasting; but today I will not conceal the fact that I am a little
puffed up by the thought that I am one of the younger old citizens.
How many of you remember the old Gower store building that
stood on the lot where Herman Strub succeeded to my business? Do
you recall the firm of Gower & Holt? Can you picture the old
brick building, built at different times, with the offset at about the
middle of the main floor, and the old-fashioned fire-place at the rear
of the store room? To the rear and at one side of this old fire-
place, James H. Gower had his office in the early sixties — ^James H.
Gower, pioneer, over six foot on the outside and taller on the inside,
one of the brainiest men that helped to make Iowa and Iowa City.
Mr. Gower's little dingy office had one small window with 8x10
lights and when he left the door of the office open, he could be seen
from the sidewalk at his desk. Mr. Gower was a stern man to those
who did not know his kindly side. His daughter, Mary, and I were
mutually interested in what to us was a very serious matter, and
while we agreed perfectly, it was suggested that we take her father
into our confidence, and at least allow him to think that he was a
silent partner in the affair. I was to be spokesman, I will not say
how many times I walked by the store door and cast a glance at the
face of the old gentleman in the gloomy office. I wanted to ap-
proach my fate at an opportune moment. After days of observa-
tion, I finally got my courage so high that my feet were induced to
carry me into the office and into the presence of "her father." Since
that day, I have braved the dentist in his own chair; have taken
friends home with me to dinner without giving my wife notice; have
tried to get into my home quietly late at night — after being later
than usual at my club; I was one of the crowd that for about one
long hour struggled through the tortuous mazes of the stairways
leading to the old Metropolitan Hall when Tom Thumb was in Iowa
City, but never have I felt my heart so high up in my throat as on
that day when I faced James H. Gower and in halting, broken sen-
tences told him that I had a small favor to ask of him, that I wanted
him to give me his daughter.
In 1868, the old Gower brick store building with its low ceiling,
10x14 front windows, and its old fireplace for wood, gave way to
the structure now occupied by Herman Strub & Co. Herman Strub
who began as a clerk with me in the early seventies, then a ruddy-
faced German boy, then and now deserving any success that may
come to him. I have read in the papers the dissolution notice of the
co-partnership between that erratic but capable old citizen, LeGrand
Byington and Uncle Sam. Many years ago, when I was a young
man, I was in Johnson County Court one day, at a time when Mr.
Byington lost a case because of his refusal to stamp a legal paper.
Later in the day, in front of my store, I commented on this to a
friend, saying, it was to me unaccountable that Byington would in-
sist on doing a thing that could only result in loss to him. Unknown
to me, Byington was just behind me and heard my comment. He
stepped in front of me, raised his hand above his head and said, "I
will tell you why sir. Because it is necessary sir, that some man
sir, should stand up for the liberty of his countryman."
May I be able to meet with you next year and "may you all
live long and prosper."
Sincerely and with best wishes,
J. D. BOWERSOCK.
There was present besides those mentioned elsewhere:
Adams, E. M.
Alderman, P. A.
Adams, J. M.
Andrew, Orin and \
Hunt, Wm. and wife
Hunter, Lennel and wife
Hunter, George
Hunter, Wni. and wife
Andrews, William and wifeHeath, J. R.
Andrews, Joseph
Andrews, John and wife
Andrews, Mary Jane
Alder, Ira. J. and wife
Alt, Joseph
Babbit, Mr. and wife
Ball, Sarah A.
Burge, Martin and wife
Barber, D. S.
Brockway, E. F.
Burge, M.
Buchanan, W. H.
Balluff, E.
Burk, John A. and wife
Beuter, A. W.
Barnes. J. W. and wife
Borland, Geo.
Brown, Mrs. Julius
Bowen, W. J.
Baker, Chas.
Ball, George
Brenan, Thos.
Colony, P.
Cochran, Wm.
Curtis, E. E.
Crou, J. G.
Clifford, C. E.
Cupp, W. E.
Cannon, W. D.
Calkins, A. T. and wife
Coldren, Mary O.
Conklin. D. V. and wife
Dorcas, Mrs. Mattie
Hemphill, J,
Horner, Benjamin
Hemstead, F. and wife
Hess, S. J.
Hanke, William and wife
Hope, Miss Anna E.
Hope, Enoch and wife
Hitchcock, George
Hubner, Charles
Howell, Elias and
Howell, Mathew J
Hummer, W.
Hill, Sion
Hoffman, J. M,
dfe
Neuziel, Frank
O'Brien, J. W.
Picard, J. L.
Parsons, Mrs. Elsie
Pratt, Wm. and wife
Pryce, Frank
Plum, Jerry
Robinson, C. E.
Robinson, Jas. T.
Rundel, Eeroy and wife
Rhue, Mr. J. F.
Rich, J. W. and wife
Rowland, W. J.
Richardson, A. and wife
Rarick, Wm. and wife
Riley, Caroline N.
Ried, Mrs. Iowa
Stratton, Frank and wife
Snyder, Miss Maria
Hohenschuh, Mrs. TeresaSweet, W. F,
Douglas, Lorimer and wifeKessler,
Dodder, Miss M.
Dennis, Bryan
Dixon, David M.
Douglas, W, M.
Davis, T. R.
Devault, Strawder
Dennis, E.
Drake, M. A.
Furbish, Mrs. Isaac
Fairall, Judge S. H,
Fairall, Rev. H. H.
Fairall, Chas.
Fry, Sam. P.
Hevern, Ramsey
Howell, Ralph
Hradek, Jos.
Hart, J. W.
Hall, J. R.
Harvat, Miss Emma
Hill, Mrs. Mary
Hastings, S
Holten, O. M.
Hess, Mrs. Ella
Hastings, Henry
Irish, G. R. and wife
Johnson, Mrs. Kate
Jones, Geo.
Jayne, John E.
Jones, Mrs. H.
Jones, Geo.
Johnson, Dr. Eeora
Seydell Jacob and daughter
Startsman, O. and wife
Strawbridge, J. K.
Stover, J. Y. and wife
Sanders, M. T,
Schneider, F.
Switzer, J. C.
Siverly, Mrs. Geo.
Sawyer, D. F. and wife
Shaver, Capt. Phill. and
rife
Shaver, Daniel
Stevenson, John A.
Sumner, Mrs. Henry
Struble, J. T. and wife
Sanders, Euclid and wife
Sanders, Horace
Sunier, John and wife
. W. Seydel, Milton and wife
Keen, R. A. Summerhays, Miss Eliz.
Kettlewell W. A. and wifeSueppel, John Jr.
Lee, J. J. Showers, Mrs. A. C.
Eewis, H. Ten Eick, Wm. P. and wife
Eee, Miss Margaret Ten Eick. Ed. G. and wife
Eee, Mr. Walter Thomas, D. R.
Eucas, Col. E. W. and wifeToms, H.
Lancaster, Garett Thomas, Mrs. Ezra
Miller, J. J. Tobb, Jas. and wife
Mueller, A. H. and wife Tanner, Fran
Miller, Phill.
McCallister, James
Vanfleet, Mrs. J. R.
Vonstine, J. P. and a
dfe
McKray, James and wife Vonstine, Dr.
22
McKray, John
MeKray, Miss Lydia
Metzger, J. J. and wife
McDonell, Enos
Madden, Geo.
McChesney, R. A.
Marshall, Wm.
Myers, S. B.
Miller, W. H.
Myers, Mrs. Sarah A.
McCallister, J. and wife
Fackler, W. B.
Fry, Miss Virginia
Foster, W. E. C.
Fairchild, L,.
Files, J. M.
Fountain, Andrew
Flyn, Peter
Fracker, Cora R.
Fleming, G. W.
Fountain, Thos.
Gaymon, Charles
Gaymon, Harry and wife Moore, F. B. and wife
Gearkee, Mrs. Henry andMoore, Calvin
daughter Morse, Mrs. E. K.
Hill, Mrs. J. G. Morse, William
The foregoing list is far from complete. If all who attended the
reunions hereafter will see the Secretary, drop in their quarters, and
leave their names, and any items of interest they may have it will
help to make up the records.
Wilson, Jas. S. and wife
Webster, M. E.
Walker, John
Walker, Henry
Wieneke, H. G. and wife
Willson, Mrs. Edna
Westcott, Miss Kate
Webber, J. J.
Welch, Samuel and wife
Watts, Mrs. Matilda
Wagner, Geo. and wife
Willson, Miss Eeva
Song by Mr. Griswold.
Old Settlers' Day has come again,
And we are on the ground,
And a better looking crowd to see
Is hardly to be found.
And when we say good looking crowd,
We mean our lady friends.
For in their shy and sparkling eyes
Our happiness depends.
Some sixty years or more ago.
When I was a little boy,
I learned to love a little girl
And she was all my joy.
But God, who doeth all things well.
Has taken her home with Him to dwell,
And I am left to weep and mourn
Until I meet her near the throne.
My mother taught my sisters dear.
To make themselves quite useful.
But now you will see the dear loved ones
Astride of a bicycle.
— 23 —
Our boys were strong and hardy lads
And helped to till the ground,
But now they are sent to school to learn
To kick the foot ball round.
We used to have our dancing jigs,
Our music was the fiddle,
We kicked up our heels pretty lively,
'Twas up and down the middle.
We did not have to put our arms
Around our partner's waist.
For she was able to carry herself
And do it with a grace.
We used to have our husking bees,
And lots of fun and frolic.
And sometimes we would get so gay
You'd thought we had the cohc.
We used to have good whisky then,
And lots of cider, too.
And sometimes we'd forget ourselves
And get a Httle blue.
The Parson when he came around
To visit our sinful race,
Did not refuse his glass of grog
Before he could say grace.
The lawyer, when you want advice.
Is always very free.
But if there is any money in it
He's sure to get his fee.
The Yankees sometimes are accused
Of doing naughty things.
Such as making wooden nutmegs.
And hams and horn gun springs.
About four miles out west of town,
There is a lovely plot of ground.
And when you get old and in a fix.
Go out and board with Landlord Wick's.
— 24 —
The coroner will come in next,
As you can plainly see,
And when the final order is given,
Let it be to Capt. A. B. Cree.
And now kind friends we will say adieu,
The time has not seemed long.
In nineteen hundred, if I Hve,
I'll sing you another song.
Personal Mention.
There were at the meeting a number of people whose names are
closely connected with the history of the county. Among them all
perhaps none is held in more loving remembrance than Mrs. S. J.
Kirkwood. She seldom misses these gatherings of her old friends
and neighbors and they look for her coming eagerly.
Miss Lillie Adams of Chicago, Mr. J. A. Printz and wife of Cali-
fornia, Mrs. Geo. H. Choat and daughter Irma of Idaho, Mr. C. A.
Cartwright and his sisters Mrs. Sarah J. Thomson, and Miss Emma
Cartwright of Marengo, Hon. Robert. S. Finkbine and son Charlie
of Des Moines, and Mrs. Virginia E. Hanby Wright of Illinois, came
to spend the day with old friends and revive old memories.
The earliest settler present was James Walker, of Pokertown.
He came to the county in 1837, and is the oldest living resident in the
county. His brother Henry, of River Junction, was there too, but
he did not come till three years later, but he has been here long
enough to gather together iioo acres of land so he is not seriously
regretting the seniority of his brother. Capt. J. Y. Stover was not
far behind James Walker in locating here. It was 1838 when he first
saw Johnson county. To look at him one would be certain that it
was the first year he saw light anywhere, but he was 15 years old
when he came here, locating in Sand town, and he is 76 now. He
does not look a day over 60. S. Hill of Scott township was next to
him in seniority, but perhaps the most remarkable of any of these are
Mr. and Mrs. Eben Adams. Mr. Adams was not only the oldest
man on the grounds in point of years, for he is 88, but he has lived in
the county longer than any but three or four. He arrived at Musca-
tme 1837 ^ut did not come to this county till the fall of 1838. The
following year the lady who afterwards became his wife came here
— 25 —
from Pennsylvania, and in 1842 they were married. They have the
record as the oldest living couple married in Johnson county.
Mrs. Fanny Walker, of Oolagaugh, Indian Territory, an old 1838
resident of Johnson, county was present and met many old time friends.
Laura Welch came to this county in 1837 and at the age of 76
is still able to enjoy the old settlers picnic.
George Magruder, of River Junction, who was recently struck
by lightning sent word by his old neighbor Henry Walker, to his
many friends that his heart was with them at the picnic and that he
was slowly recovering from his injuries.
Another old settler who is on the sick list, is Andy Rubleman, of
Fremont township, who also sent regrets thac he could not be present.
Caleb Sweet, who came to Johnson county with his parents when
four years old in 1838, told incidents of boy life in the days of our
early history.
Mrs. Isaac Bowen, who came in 1839, was present and met many
of her old friends.
Mrs. S. H. McCrory was present to renew the acquaintances she
formed in 1840.
Scores of other early comers were also present and enjoyed the
day visiting old time friends.
The friends of Austin Cole claim that he was the earliest settler
present this afternoon. He came to Muscatine county in 1836 and
settled in Johnson county in 1839. Mr. Cole has reached the advanced
ageofSr. 1524711
"A Glorious Reunion."
Mrs. Hiram Watts celebrabed her 79th birthday in a dehghtful
manner, Friday, August 11, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Kate
Johnson, at 415 South Dubuque street, and the caption to this article
fittingly describes the event, unanimously declare all who participated
in the joyous occasion.
Mrs. Watts was the guest of honor at a sumptuous dinner, and
about the board were assembled her sons and daughters, all of whom
had not been reunited in 20 years.
Some of these loving children, now grown to manhood and
womanhood, were accompanied by children of their own. The kins-
folk were: Joseph Watts, Chariton, Iowa; Mrs. Sarah Ball and Mrs.
— 26 —
Mary Hills of Arkanas City, Kansas; Mrs. Alice Mann and daughter,
Georgia, of Des Moines; Mrs. Laura Seiberth, of Grinnell; Mrs.
Watts' great grandchildren, Earle Livingston and Pearl Elliott, of
Arkansas City; and her son and daughter of Iowa City, Martin Watts
and Mrs. Kate Johnson.
Other guests from abroad were Mr. and Mrs. L. Hamilton of
Rock Island.
Happy in their glad reunion and appreciating the fact that pleas-
ures shared are oft doubled in sweetness, the merry makers decided
to divide their enjoyment with mutal friends. Accordingly, in answer
to the invitation in The Republican, 40 pioneers assembled at Mrs.
Johnson's home and from i to 6 o'clock spent the hours in reminis-
cent and gladsome chat.
Rich in reminiscences, indeed, was the converse between Mrs.
Watts and the guests. For nearly 60 years the venerable old lady
has dwelt in Iowa City. Her husband, coming hither while the red
men prowled about in the then wilderness, was one of the earhest
pioneers who blazed the path to prosperity and to Iowa's greatness.
The very room in which Mrs. Johnson was born and married and
wherein her boy first saw the light of day stands on a site cleared of
its "forest primeval" by Mr. Watts, over a half-century ago.
Mrs. Watts is a wonderfully well-preserved woman. Despite
her almost 80 years she reads with keen vision and without glasses,
hears finely, follows the daily papers, keeps in touch with the new
times, while remembering the old vividly, sews, quilts, and in fact,
shows powers of eye, ear, hand and mind that are envied by many a
woman 20 years younger.
Gladly her pioneer friends — and her younger ones, too — joined
with her own sons and daughters in offering her warmest congratula-
tions on the eventful day, so near to the 80th milestone in life's journey,
and united in the hope that her usual brightness, vigor, and health
may abide with her for many a year to come.
The pioneers of Johnson county will recall Hugh H. Tarbet,
now of Victor, Col., where he is a popular justice of the peace and
notary public.
This venerable interpreter of law received a copy of The Republi-
can'' s 150,000 edition, and in reply writes a brief letter, which old
settlers, especially his friends of other days, will read with deep inter-
est. It is as follows:
— 27 —
"Editor Republican :— This morning as I entered my office, I
found The Repuhlican upon the floor, it having been thrown over
the transom by some one.
"Imagine my surprise when I read 'Iowa City' on it. Thirty-
six years ago I left Iowa City to join the United States navy, and have
not seen a copy of The Republican since until today. I notice the
names of some old pioneers, and it seems like turning back to the first
pages of my life, and it brings to remembrance things that were al-
most extinguished in my mind.
"The white bread of my life was eaten in Iowa City and I cherish
'the Athens' as one of the dearest spots on earth. I cannot contem-
plate it without feeling a peculiar sensation within my breast.
"The old stone church,' 'the American house;' 'the Crummy
house,' where the stages used to stop; the Capitol, and LeGrand
Byington making a 4th of July speech on the front steps; the late
Senator Moses Bloom, the clothier, making a talk to the boys going
to the war, from the top of a box carat the Rock Island depot; Judge
Malcom Murray bidding the 22d Iowa goodbye and his 'God bless
you; I swore you all in and May God spare you to come back, that I
may swear you all out.'
"These things and many more crowd upon my memory until I
am unfit for busiHess for the day.
"Yes, Iowa City is a lovely place. In all my wanderings I have
not found its equal.
Mementoes.
In the cabins are to be seen the following reminders of old times:
One old clock, a portion of the old fashioned dishes of an old
timer, one pair of bellows, three lamps of ancient make, several sets
of shovel and tongs, a flint lock musket, some of the first brick, a set
of gourd dippers, cane of Rev. S. S. Howe, three spinning wheels, a
yarn reel, a frowe and broad axe, a wolf trap, two lanterns of very
early pattern, Robt. Bane's tar bucket, several sets of candle moulds,
a bake oven and skillet, an old ox yoke, a good old style flax break,
two domestic hackles, a candle box, a set of old hames, a powder
horn with a history, a pair of handirons, crane, and a complete set of
fire place furniture, some horns of elk and deer taken by hunters of
early times.
— 28 —
The foregoing list should be increased until it includes samples
of all the tools, weapons, and manufactures of pioneer times. A few-
bear, wolf, and buffalo skulls and anything that will be a reminder of
the times past can be made to interest and instruct, and all such will
be gladly received and well taken care of. The cabins show the
touch of time and will soon require to be rechinked and redaubed, an
effort should be made to replenish the grove around them in order
that the yearly gatherings may be made more pleasant by a cool and
plentiful shade.
Fun-Making.
The pioneers of Johnson county are not frigid old mummies —
not by a good deal. Their hearts are as warm as they were 40years
ago, and they still like fun, and lots of it. Consequently the jolly
music (and the pretty music, too) of Conway's colored orchestra of
Tipton and Cedar Rapids was encored a score of times during the
afternoon.
More fun was added to the program by the pie-eating contest.
The boys smeared their faces and shirts and waist fronts, but that did
not hurt any of them. Leo Dehner broke all records, finishing his
pie in 48 seconds. Paul McManus was a good second, and close after
in the order named, followed another member of the Dehner's "in-
numerable caravan," Art, and Master Downing, Hugh Grady and
Lloyd Frezwick. In the name of the association Henry Wieneke
gave each of the six boys a nice prize, harmonicas, knives and pocket-
books being divided among the lads.
The New Officers.
The officers elected for the ensuing year at the election held at
two o'clock are as follows.
President — Hon. S. H. Fairall.
ist Vice President — John Jayne.
2nd Vice President — R. P. Howell.
Secretary — Gilbert R. Irish.
Treasurer — Henry Wieneke.
— 29 —
Notes of the Day.
The picnic as a whole was a great success and was under the
management of the following committees:
Music — John Javne and Capt. Cree.
Grounds — E. Howell, R. Hevern, J. A. Stevenson and Chas.
Pratt.
Program — Euclid Sanders, W. E. C. Foster and Will Hohen-
schuh.
F¥
