The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1867-09-05

Chicago. It may, then, with entire truth,
be said, that white people have q rightto the
claim of "Old Settlers
Col. George Davenport was the Oldest I
settler of Rock Island county. He coufin-
ued to reside on the Island from the time Of
his first settlement until the 4th day Of July |
1s45, and On that day, when the white peo-
pie Of the United States were rejoicing over |
the tlessingsuf our free and happy country,
he was stricken down by the hand Of the |
robber and assassin. Sensation.
Mr.. President, do you not recollect what
q storm of Indignation swept over our coun-
try ON learning of the shocking event?--l
The people were mad with excitement, and
the deep uttered VOW was made that the
murder Of that genial old gentleman should
be avenged. Thatp3sdge was redeemed.
The family continued to make the isiahd
their home until it was required by the
United States for military purposes, "neh
thew surrendered the possession. Il
| This cane is made from that first-cut tree.
II has been beautifully and extensively
mounted, and sol arranged that the
names of the respective presidents of the
society may be engraven upon in. The sur
naming members of the Davenport family
now desire to present it to the society.
], therefore. in their names, and in their
behalf, present it to you, as the present rep
resentative OF the society. Receive it as
your insignia of Office, and when you retire,
pass it to those who may come after you in
| the same office, and let it be remembered
by Us, Old Settlers, that it was made from
| the first tree cut, and was part of the first
house built in this county; and that it was
| cut by the first white settler of the county,
and let us all cherish the memory Of George
Davenport, the Oldest settler of Rock ISL
and county. Applause.
| Prominent among the ladies on the stand
| was Mrs. Lewis, the mother of George and
Bailey Davenport, and probably the Oldest
lady resident of this city. On her right sat
Mrs. LIE Claire, the venerable and highly
respected widow of the late Antoine LIE
Claire. Mrs. Lewis held the cane in her
hand while Judge Drury was speaking, and
when the Judge alluded to the murder of
ICol. Davenport, all eyes were turned upon
her and Bailey Davenport, who sat at her
left. Her eyes instantly filed with tears,
while few near her could suppress their emo
ton. At the proper time she gracefully
handed the cane to Judge Drury who pre-
sented it to Judge Spencer, the President
of the Society.
! George Mixter, Esq, at the request Of
Judge Spencer, replied to the remarks of
Judge Drury.
1 DR.. Gregg then deliv cred the annual
Grafton, Astounding in eloquence, wit, poetry
sentiment, and "reminiscences of some Of the
more noted of the early settlers Of this coun
v.
DIR. GREGG's ADDRESS.
Mn. CHAIRNAN:--I deem myself fortunate
E to be here on this occasion. Last year, ow
81 ing to Providence or the railroads, 1.-THE
latter, think, for if special object of in
terest with the former, the hairs on my hcas
would be more numerous than they arel,
was not present. But from all can learn
my irretrievable loss was your great gain, a
, | the exercises were much better conduete,
than they would have been under my man
sgement.
As punishment for my apparent delin
queney, the committee of arrangement
4; have this year heaped burdens on my shoul
ders, and, among other duties, they hav
tried to make me orator of the day. Now
E the combined powers of both societies eoul,
t not do that thing, for it is impossible to ge
a | wool from q goat. or blood from turnir
Laughter.
IS In the way of expiation, however, for m
8 shortcomings I viii endeavor to make fey
!. suggestive remarks.
II 1t is good for us all to be here to-day
= good for the mind, good for the body an
good for our common country. 1t is we'll +
l. rest the weary body, to unbend the mind, t.
k | withdraw for day from the tolls and for
few hours from the little perplexities of lifi
!. to renew old acquaintance, make new an
re-veld the severed chains of friendship
parted not ruthlessly, or in anger, but by tn
e unrelenting hand of time and change.
Our days of recreation are too few. Gu
national holiday, and a proclaimed thanks
giving is all we have, neither of which, it
to be regretted, have of late years been oil
s served as they should be. They have bee
70 desecrated in some instances and totally i.
q Rored in others.
II The Almighty in His wisdom and mere
/ has decreed day of rest for overtasked an
4 weary mortals. This is divine law and con
a pulsory. But the immortal mind he lie
n free to roam through creation vast VOLUME
:, and endowed it with capacity of glesnin
e thence and from the refreshing spring
|. unalloyed happiness.
I
called. Not so; or if so, man makes til
tears, not God. Tears there are, shed ft
st loved ones departed, but dried by the prom
t, Use of peace and a blessed immortality
Sources of joy, not sorrow, in all natur
]. Joy in the twinkling stars, in the laughin
brook, in the songsters of the grove; JOY
* everything as it comes from Gods hand
lc man makes the sorrow.
&c Here, to-day, is JOY, and why should it nj
=. be SO? Look out on this lovely valley
- gem of beauty, necklaced around with bead
of emerald and permeated by the Father
E. Waters, a highway for the commerce of a
r.. lands, and holding in her lap the twin stal
!. of the Mississippi Valley-babies, as We
d but with sufficient nutriment for both
r, give them, at no distant day, giants sta
(. ure. That's true. Eighty appreciate
". this is a world of joy
lyl Joy on the Handicapped mountain top.
- In fields of waving grain,
~ In Heavens radiant sunshine,
es In Heavens bornteous rain.
Il The tiny feathered songster,
OF The first of early spring,
be, Brings joy to every household,
And healing on his wing.
he In bloom of peach tree there is joy,
And in the humble bees;
, In perfume laden zephyrs, g,
ne When waited through the trees.
Ir.
In beauteous blue of ocean,
In lilly of the dale,
mr. In snowy robes of gallant bark
!, Propelled before the gale;