The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1866-02-23
A Decided Success.

ed In this paper, the nf6t annual ieesA'"i VA
the Old Settlers Association of Rock Island
County was held in Babcock's Hall, on
Thursday Feb'y 20, 1866. The day was
mild. the roads tolerably good. and there was
an excellent delegation from oil parts of the
county. Il was . meeting worthy the tath-
ers and mothers who had tho good sense to
choose this county for their permanent
homes,-who, dating from twenty years
residence, or more, reclaimed this goodly
land from the savage, and led the way to a
population of now over $4,000 in county
unsurpassed by any in the west for its vsrie-
ty of coil, minerals, water power, and unde-
veloped wealth, and which, at no distant
day. is to be among the very first in the
west. They met to have good visit. to re.
new old acquaintance, to revive. pleasant
memories of other days, and talk over scenes
of early times, of more interest to them than
any in all their hves-to have good time,
end they had it.
Shortly after noon, tho splendid Lead
Mine Silver Band commenced playing stir
ring airs from the balcony of Baboock's Hall,
and the people from town and country be-
gan to assemble. Between and 3 O'Clock
the people were called to order by DR.. Gregg,
president of the society, who said:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.-Not with mere lip
service nor with cold unimpassioned words,
but with heartiness of feeling, defying ade-
ouate expression, do l congratulate you that
the Old Settlers Association of Rock Island
County is fixed fact.
For some years past, the organization of such
a society had been frequently and generally spo-
ken Of But nobody took the initiative; here
was no concert of action, until recently few
energetic men from the country, in attendance
on court, set the ball in motion, and we have
to day the pleasing result of their labors
In the early settlement of this county, society,
though sparse and widely scattered, was com
pact in intercourse. Everybody knew every
body and there existed fraternal feeling rarely
to be met with in more densely populated COM
munities Soon, the wave Of migration, guided
by the star of Empire, rolled westward, wedging
in between the old pioneers, and diverging them
more and more, until they seldom met, and
when they did, it was as perchance "a wan
dering bark doth sometimes meet wandering
sister on the main"
The proceedings of this day augur brighter
future, and give promise that, at least annually
hereafter, the old settlers of Rock Island county
will have an opportunity to exchange congratu-
lations, and revive the pleasant memories of
"days lang syne," and the singing of that good
old song, in which the entire assembly will
join, is the most appropriate introduction TO the
exercises OF the day.
After the delivery of this very neat and
appropriate opening, Aud Lang Syne was
sang with good taste and spirit, by glse
club, improvlsed for the occasion.
Seated upon the stage, around the presi
dent, were John Kissler, Timothy Dutton,
Jacob Norris, vice presidents; also John G.
Powars, Lucius Wells, Isaac Nsgus, and per-
haps others, members of the society ALSO
Mr.. Philleo, secretary of the association.
We also noticed, upon the stage, James
McCosh, president of the Pioneer Settlers
Society, of Scott county Enoch Mead, sec
rotary, also Judge Grant, D. c. E.dridge, and
perhaps others, from the Scott county society.
The president then introduced, from
among the large number of old gentlemen on
the stage, Mr.. John G. Powars, aged 80
years, who was received with applause, and
made few very appropriate remarks, clos
ing with thanks for the kind and courteous
reception given him. The remarks of Mr.
Powers elected an enquiry as to who was
the oldest person in the county. Mr.. Will
liam Dickson, aged 80, next March, was
spoken of, among the old men, also man
named Warren in Hampton (Watertown)
said to be 81.
After this, the band played "The Star
Spangled Banner" in excellent taste.
Jacob Norris Esq. was then introduced,
by the president, and delivered the regular
Grafton, full of good things, early reminis-
cinces, affecting and funny, which was fire.
quently applauded. We believe it is inten-
ded. by the society, to publish a pamphlet,
containing the proceedings, Grafton, toasts,
responses &c. &c. This would make a most
attractive little work, and every old settler
would want copies, not only to preserve, but
TO send to his friends. Enough could pro-
badly be sold to pay the cost of printing.
After the Grafton, the band played Hail
Columbia"
Beloher, j oss phi Knox, and others, who could
not be present.
The band then performed Aud Lang
Syne, Sweet Home, and Yankee Doodle, and
the assembly adjourned to Island City
Hall for dinner, it being then O'Clock.
At Island City Hall there was most
sumptuous and elegantly gotten up dinner,
with seats for over 200 people. These seats
were quickly filed. the band playing char
ming airs, on the balcony of the hall, until
all were seated.
The dinner was served up in Staford's
best style, and with comfort rarely found
at public tables. After all had partaken. to
their entire satisfaction, the president called