The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1882-06-02
THE EARLY PIONEERS OF WIS
CONSTN

all who were settlers in the territory
previous to state organization. 1t is
now thirty-four years since Wisconsin
was admitted into the union of states.
1t now contains more than four times
the population that it did at that time.
Those now living, who were in terri
torial times active in the business of
life, are among the old people of the
state; but alas! comparatively few of
the territorial settlers are alive to wit
ness the prosperity of the present time.
In the olden times, there was strong
bond of friendship existing among the
pioneers; they priced each others so
ciety very highly. and, though scattered
far apart, in the early settlements,
often met and experienced great pleas
ure in talking over early experiences
and in recounting the scenes of pioneer
life. These meetings were occasions
for immense enjoyment, and those who
participated in them were made better
and happier; they had their spirits re-
newed and enliyened; returned to
their homes the better prepared to en-
dure the tolls and hardships of their
situations; their reviews of the scenes
of the past meeting and their anticipa-
tions of the enjoyments of the next
gave them sources of consolation that
freed pioneer life from much Of its
trouble on account Of its privations.
These remarks are suggested in view
Of the fact that there is call out for
a meeting of the State Pioneer Associa
ton, at Madison, on Wednesday, the
7th day of June, and in the hope that
the attention of the old settlers may
be called to the subject in a manner
that will cause them to attend this
meeting. If the number of the
old pioneers is diminished, this af-
fords no reason why those who still
live should take less interest in each
other; but, on the contrary, affords
conclusive reason why they should
stand closer together; why they should
meet more frequently, that the remem-
brances of the past shall be kept fresh
in mind during the remnant of time
that is left to those who rank in the
class Of pioneers. The meetings Of
these persons would afford greater
pleasures, if possible, than did those
of early times; though they may be
old in years. the mind is young when
freshened with the recollections of
early scenes in territorial days. A
day of association together of these
pioneer settlers will add largely to the
pleasures of their future lives. Let
the time-the 18th of June-be remem-
bered, and let all those who lived in
Wisconsin in her territorial days, who
are able to endure the fatigues of
trip, make it a point to visit Madison
on that day, to live over again in talk,
at least, the joys and sorrows, the Incl
dents and hardships of a settlement
in new and wilderness country.
The meeting on the seventh prom
ises to be one of deep interest, not only
to the pioneer, but to the recent settler
in the state. The membership Of the
association consists of all persons
male and female-who were in the
territory prior to state organization in
May, 1S4S. No fee is required. At
tendance at the meeting is all that is
needed to constitute such persons full
members. The president of the asso-
citation is Hon. John H. Rountree, of
Grant county, who was one of the
earliest settlers in the territory; indeed
he was here many years before Wis
consin Territory was organized. He
is not only among the oldest settlers,
but ranks among the most distin-
guished men in the state. He has held
large number of public positions, and
has honored them all, and stands to-
day one Of the marked men of the
great northwest. AS president, he
will deliver an address, that cannot
fail to be one of deep interest to all
who may hear it. The venerable and
able gentleman, who was among the
earliest settlers of the territory, and
whose noble father was it's first Cover
nor, General Augustus c. Dodge, of
Burlington, Iowa, has kindly consented
to deliver the annual address at the
approaching meeting on the 18th of
June. This in itself will amply repay
any person for coming from the most
distant part of the state to hear.
Other distinguished gentlemen, among
whom are Hon. FL. L. Palmer, of Mil
waukee, Chief Justice Cole, of Madi-
son, and Mr.. Justice Orion, have been
invited to address the meeting, and it
is hoped they will comply with the re-
quest. Then there Will be brief re-
marks from many oe the pioneers
present, all of which will render the
occasion one of absorbing interest to
those who attend
1t is especially desired that the sur
viying members of the two constitu-
tional conventions, the surviving
territorial officers, and the surviving
members of all the territorial legisla-
lures be present and participate in this
meeting. The season of the year will,
in all probability, be pleasant, and the
occasion will afford rare opportunity
for the distinguished citizens who aid
ed in laying the foundation for the
great state of Wisconsin to build upon,
to meet and renew old acquaintance.
Let the time be well improved.
We hope the press of the state will
take an interest in extending the notice
of this meeting of the pioneers to
Wisconsin, Madison State Journal.
SALEM.
Mr.. Schuyler Bundy and Mrs. S. P.
Green, both of Burlington, Wis, and
Mrs. II. W. Putnam, of Coon Rapids,
Iowa, were the guests of Mrs. Geo.
Wicks recently.
Mrs. H. II. Hagadorn, of Ports
mouth, Mich, who has been visiting
her sister, Mrs. G. e. Clark, will start
for home on Tuesday.
Jimmie Pease has gone to Fargo,
Dakota, with the intention of remain
ing until the first Of January.
Mrs. VIM. Coon, of Mankato, Mimi,
sister to DR.. F. Paddock, arrived at