The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-02-08
Minor Topics at the Old Settlers Meet


Mr.. VIM. Il. Chopper called attention to
the embarrassing occurrence at the last
annual dinner of the society, in which
many of the young settlers rushed into
the dining room erowding the older mem
bers back and compelling them to wait
until those at the first tables were served.
He said that, although he was a member
of the executive committee at the time.
the matter could not very we'll have been
helped, as the committee had no idea that
any of the young people would take seats
before the older members. He cautioned
the present committee to be on their guard
and see that this unmannerly accident did
not occur again.
The Old Settlers should be furnished |
with red meal tickets and the Young
Settlers with blue, and the executive COM
mittee should see that none holding blue
tickets are admitted until those holding
red tickets were seated.
Mr.. A. K Philleo stated that he had
been requested, by many old friends of
the late Jacob Norris, to call the attention
of the members Of the society to the pro-
priety of erecting monument in memory
OF the deceased. He said that the heirs
of Mr.. Norris were in some sort of dis
agreement in regard to the settling Of his
estate and refused to erect or aid in
erecting a monument. Mr.. Philleo did
not think the society should appropriate
any money for this purpose, but thought
that it would be showing feelings Of
affection for deceased president of the
society if each member should contribute
a small sum towards the purchase of this
monument. By unanimous consent the
subject was then dropped, TO be brought
up again at the annual dinner on the oath.
i 1t is said that Mr.. Norris left, besides
his property in this city, valuable piece
of land 10 Nebraska or Kansas his oldest
SOD, Charles, is said to be wealthy man
in Idaho or Montana, and the other
children are in comfortable circumstances
and entirely able, from their own private
means, to erect suitable monument Tor
headstone at least) in memory OF their
father.
Mr.. David Halves called the attention of
the members to the destitute condition OF
E one Of our Oldest and best known citizens,
John Thompson. Mr.. Halves said that
S he had met Mr.. Thompson a few days
ago, and that that gentleman had eX-
pressed desire to take part in the various
meetings of the society, but was pecuniar
lily unable to do so. Mr.. Halves assured
him that he was welcome to come and thai
it need not cost him anything. Mr. homp
5 son had then requested Mr.. Halves Il
bring the facts of his destitute condition
before the society, and that probably it
members could assist in alternating thu
+ wants of himself and wife. His wife il
:, about II, and he is SO years of age.
:, Many of the members of the society ap
r peared to be surprised at the condition o
: this Old Settler. Several stated that the
n thought Mr.. Thompson was being sup
II ported by the county.
or1 Mr.. Philleo stated that, three or fou
years ago Mr.. Thompson had decided
the county his house and lot on Roc
River street, near Deer, On condition tia
u the county should support himself an
wife The board of supervisors, consider
I'd ing the old age of the couple, thought tn;
t.. the county had fiat thing, but, aftt
supporting the old folks for about tV
te, years, backed out of the contract Ear
nd decided the property back to Mr.. Thoml
eT- son. The subject was then dropped.
-, Mr.. Z. c. Chopper suggested that tt
.he ex presidents Of the society be appointed
be committee to invite any old residents, u
&C members of the society, who would like
hat attend the annual dinner on the 24th al
OPP also to ask the different clergymen in tt
ms city to attend, as the society would pro
baby need one to open the exercises.
Mr.. Cutter-Haven't we got any o
an among the members who could act
in chaplain?
DR.. Gregg-No, without you would
willing to serve in that capacity.
Mr.. Cutter Well, | guess ] could
wv necessary.
~ =, Dr. Gregg--Cutter puts me in mind
l .s a story of old Judge Brown. Brown "
l na down in Knox county holding court,
Nv good many years ago, and Joe Johnst
:he and myself were there. The Judge wou
icn when excited, clasp his hands togeth'
ing look UP and exclaim ooh, Godl'' in
rather blasphemous manner. A wid'
1t? lady kept the hotel where We were
up stopping, and she heard the Judge chidi
tor some of the young lawyers for their p
- family, and had come to the conclusi
'ne that Brown was very pious man. A
the cordingly, at the dinner table, the wild
to requested the Judge to say grace. Bro
ire. was taken by surprise, and, clasplng
hands, hooked toward the ceiling and {
noe claimed in loud and hurried tones -
ard Godl' The widow afterwards remark
ust to him (Dr. Gregg that that was abe
Ken the shortest blessing she had ever hea
Now [ think Cutter would succeed j
- about as we'll as Judge Brown, SO | '
ley vote for him.
the This story was received with roars
bic laughter, Mr.. Cutter joining in the mir
Many other amusing hits were made a
stories told but they would occupy
res much space to give them all. Several
of the subjects on which no action was tax
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