Daily Davenport Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1864-1874, 1867-01-09
TENTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL
OF TUE
Pioneer Settlers Association.

Pioneer Settlers Association,
The pioneer settlers of Scott County he'd
their tenth annual "visit" at the Pennsyl-
vanis House last evenicg. 1t has been ths
custom Of these carry settlers Of this county
those who had a residence here prior te
December 3lst 1s40-with their sons and
daughters born previous to that date-tc
r.cet together in this way, aud enjoy the
pleasures of real good old fashioned visit
renew early scquaintances, and form new
ones revive the pleasant "Reminiscences o
the past, enjoy the pleasures Of well filled
festive board, and engage in such other ex'
ercises and Ger emonies as in the most kensi
BILE manner conducc to their pleasure, and
enhance the fraternal feelings Of the associ,
alton.
The meeting last evening was one Of the
most successful that has ever been held. -
The weather was favorable for the attend
ance of 'the country members. About two
hundred and forty tickets were sold, which
represented SIS many actual attendants - 10
say nothing oc liberal numter Of invited
guests.
The exercises Of the evening were coin.
menced in the spacious hotel parlors. which
had been appropriately decorated for the
occasion, at seven clock, by President Nc
Gosh taking the chair The meeting being
called to order, the choir, consisting of Mrs.
|. 3. Glaspell, Mr.. and Mrs. +. w. Kicker,
Mrs. D. S. Glsspell. Miss Fanny Alvord,
Miss Clara Alvord and Miss Julia Craig -
all Pioneer Settlers-performcd charming
chorus Rolling River" upon the conclusion
Of which Judge Grant, on the part of che
Executive Committee, brought up the subs
ject Of the "Pioncer Picture"-s beautiful
cluster photographer 318 Old Settlers, that
had been ordered At the previous annual
gathering. The Judge spoke in terms OF
highest praise OF the superior manner in
which the work had been performed-the
credit Of which belonged to Mr.. Ed.
Day, Of the firm Of Lusc L Griggs.
He thought Mr.. Day was entitled to . reso-
luton Of thanks by the Association, II in
deed, he had not earned . substantial
token Of their regard. The original pic<
lure. which had been so artistically arrang-
ed and labelled by Mr. Day, had been pre-
'cnted by that gentleman to the Society, for
he purpose Of being handed over to the
State Historical Society--in the gallery of
slich it will hereafter figure as a very ir,>
,ortant feature. 1t was also recommended
hat copies Of this beautiful picture be fran
ID and presented to the sister societies of
he counties Of Rock Island, Dubuque,
)es Moines and Jot nson.
lie also called the attention Of the Old
settlers to the necessity Of their furnishing
biographies or sketches Of their livcs-each
md every onc-ss matter to fill printed
Iolume which would probably be issued by
he organization, which would form u very
rortion:of the early history Of
he State of Iowa.
Allusion was also made to proposition
hat had arisen regarding the amendment of
he constitution, to make the Association
by advancing the limit VI
membership five or ten years at time, or
~ regulation admitting the children and
hildren's childrens of all settlers to full
membership. Either plan would meet the
'bject in view, but it Was a matter f,r
uture discussion, about which there was 10
hurry.
lie informed the old folks that according
o new arrangement the festivals would
rom that time forward be furnished with
music by choir, made up Of its own nen,-
,ers-to DC known as the ''Pioneer Singing
Jhoir."
On motion, Old Settlers pictures were
ordered for the above named Associations.
President McCpsh arose and in a few
cry Lnppy and appropriate remarks, sur
endered the official care to Israel Hall,
resident elect, who addressed the Associa-
ion us follows:
Wy Friends:
In receiving this cane, the insignia Of ny !
lice as President Of the Pioneer Settlers
Ass ociation Of Scott county, take this, the |
rst opportunity afforded ne, to return my
incere and heart.felt thanks for this ex>
ression Of confidence and respect. hope
nd pray that your confidence may never be |!
ess.
In receiving this insignia Of my office, it |
alls to my mind many things in the past
1T us for a few moments take look back 10 |
he time when we were bu. few in numbers.
years before the organization Of this So
iety. 1t seems to me but yesterday. wher,
first beheld this beautiful country. Ithera
bought it possessed the most beautiful see
ery that my eye ever rested upon.
1t now seems as five could step back and |
axe hold Of the latch string that hung out
( the log cabin door, and step in and have
social chat. But look now for the
abin. Where are they7 Near,y all passed
way now and then one remains to re
mind Us Of the past. look again, and
vhere are those familiar faces! those
'ioneers that occupied lhem2 A few fs
nilar faces and where are the rest! A
ew have gone to other counties, and somc
20 other States but many have gone TO
her long home. I look on this cane; l
lere find several names Of friends engraved
hereon. They, too, nave passed away to
heir long home! Their spirits-arc they
ooking down upon US this evening. while
We meet to renew old acqaaintances Upon
his the oracles are silent but this w do
snow !: II they have lived up to the Divine
they are now where they behold
! more lovely country than ours more
scenery than this We behold this
beautiful city they that city whose builder
md maker is God. We behold this beauti>
Tul river, that runs at the foot Of our streets;
hey that river which flows from the throne
Of God and the Lamb. Can We wish them
backy Rather should not We desire to
Join thcmy
Since my residence in this city l have
enjoyed many happy days: many pleasant
scenes; have had some dark days also some
hours. will not allude to but
two Of them one in 1860 and the other 10
1866, with me were dark and gloomy. One
child and then another passed away Those
with whom l have anticipated much joy
and happiness in my old age. Those 6ow-
ers havc been pluckcd. Deep is our sor>
a -: O-.-.:A