The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1879-02-22
the OLD SETTLERS.
Nearly 800 Present.

The fourteenth annual reunion of the
Pioneer Settlers Association of Rock ISL
and county was held, this year, on the eve-
ming of the 2lst, at the Rock Island
House, and was the most largely attended
gathering the Association has had for
some years. The weather was fine and at
an early hour the old settlers from a dis
lance commenced to arrive, and at o'clock
the Office, halls and parlors were filed with
the familiar faces of residents from the
city and all parts Of the county, together
with their children and grandchildren. 1t
has never been our pleasure to see pleas
anter gathering in this city, as these old
pioneers exchanged greetings while wait
ing for the supper room to open. In the
hall on the second floor was the grand piano
which the young settlers kept musical for
those who crowded about it and thronged
the parlors, engaged in animated CONVEX
sation and in recalling the scenes and incl
dents of the early times in which they had
taken part. OF course the young folks
were happy because the old ones were hap
by, while on the faces of their guests, a few
old settlers from Scott county and others
present by invitation, was the same pleased
expression. 1t had been arranged to have
the addresses, speeches, toasts and in
promptu remarks take place at
the banquet table when all
were assembled aud where all
could hear; but, as it was impossible for
all of the party to obtain seats at one
time, these exercises were held in the
hall, near the dining room door. The
first in this line was investing the newly
elected president of the Association, Maj.
Frazer Wilson, with "the cane" recog-
nlzed as the emblem of authority and the
badge oG honor. This was done by his
honor, Justice L. G. Chopper, who laid
aside his judicial manner and made very
neat speech in which he thanked the As.
ISOLATION for the courtesy shown him dur.
ing the time he had been their president
and congratulated the newly elected pres
ident, who of course bore the honors in
his usual bashful manner. The Major
said that he never made but one public
speech in his life, and that was 40 years
ago, at which time he discovered that
speech-making was not his forte. He
however proceeded to demonstrate that he
could talk; he expressed his appreciation
Of the honor conferred upon him Dy his
old associates; he congratulated them upon
the large members present, the prospects
OF pleasant time: he also related several
incidents Of former years and bowed his
acknowledgements. holding the cane in
both hands.
THIS CANE,
Is fast becoming historic, as the honored
hands that have carried it are passing
away-three of the first four president bav-
ing already closed their earthly labors. tits
q handsome gold headed affair costing $lOC.
and was presented to the association in the
first year of its organization, in 1866.
1t is made of wood cut by Col. Davenport
in 1916 On the top is this inscription:
old Settlers Association of Rock Island
County, Illinois. Presented by Bailey
Davenport. On the octagonal sides of
the head are engraved the names of the
holders, all the sides but one Icing filed
The holders names as they appear on this
roll Of honor, are.
1st President-Dr p Gregg, 1866.
2d-J w. Spencer, l S67. Died Feb 90, 1878
3d-JacOb Nor is, 1868. Died Sept. II, 1874.
4th-Lucius Wells, 1869 Died Sept. 16, 1875
5th-JOhn H. Eby, 1870.
Bth-John A. Boyer. 1871,
7th-David Halves, 1872.
Sth-Wm Bell, 1879.
9Jh-A K. Philleo, 1874
lOth-Wm. e. Brooks. 1875.
llth-lsRac Negus, 1876.
18Th James Taylor, 1877,
l3th-Elton c. Chopper, 1873
l4th-Frazer Wilson, 1872
AS the new president was fully invested
with the ensignia of rank, Capt. T. J,
Robinson announced supper. The doors
were thrown open, exhibiting four long
tables extending north and south across
the spacious dining room, covered with
shining silverware and all the delicacies
the market could offer, aud the experience
OF Mr.. Jarvis could suggest, as we'll as the
more substantials. for. although it may
not be generally known, some of the old
settlers have good appetites, and, in this
respect, some OF the younger ones, even
the rosy checked maidens, are not lacking
this same element of longevity.
While the first table we're at aoorls, Capt
Robinson introduced Rev. DIR. Westwood,
OF the Central Presbyterian church, who
took a position on the stairway right in the
midstot some Of the prettiest girls, with the
historic cane in his hand, as he said, to give
him inspiration, and spoke for some fifteen
OF twenty minutes in very happy mood.
AT first he seemed little embarrassed,
probably owing to his immediate surroun-
diDgs, he however gave those present
some good advice and as the doors again
opened Tor supper he closed bis remarks.
DIR. N. 2. Belcher who for years has re-
sided at Port Byron, but nov lives in this
city, was called ont. His remarks consisted
OF Incidents dating back to 1888; be com.
pared the situation of the Old Settlers
then with their condition to-day; he spoke
OF the growth and development of the
country and the prosperity of very many
who were present, and in feeling manner
spoke of those who had gone during the
past year. In his closing remarks he said
''Sivkao,, have boo., IL. r.. - .- L