The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1885-06-11
The Old Pioneers.

| The morning OF June ID, the day set for
the annual meeting of the Pioneers Associa-
ton on the fair ground, in this village, open
ed rather dismally, and the threatening clouds
caused the 'old settlers" to be rather tardy
in making their appearance; but towards
noon, as the clouds broke away and the
bright orb of day shed his welcome rays over
the scene, they began to gather from all di-
rections, bringing well laden baskets, ard
prepared TO enjoy good time.
Shortly after eleven o'clock, the president
called the meeting to order, in Floral Hall,
where speakers stand had been erected, and
seats provided for the multitude.
| The exercises were opened with piece of
music by the officiating glee club, composed
of Mrs. G.. Il. Chappell, Miss Jennie Fish,
and Messrs. Rooms and Free, Miss Mamie
Rowland acting as organist.
After prayer by the Rev. Fish, reading
of the minutes the last meeting, and the
presidents address, which was very credita-
| bic, it was discovered to be dinner time,'
and, after more music an adjournment was
taken TO the hall above, where ample justice
was done to one of the finest repasts ever
| spread before a hungry throng. After this
everybody felt refreshed, and ready to pro-
coed with the business part of the programme,
which was taken up at one O'Clock p. IN.
First in order were the reports of the vice
presidents of the various Townships among
other things, this included list of the deaths
of members of the society during the past
year, with date of birth, time of settlement
in Michigan, etc. Many of the pioneers have
passed away, and their places must be filled
by younger generation.
Then came the election of officers for the
ensuing year, which, thanks to the executive
ability of Hon. j. j. Woodman, who assisted
the president, was disposed of in short order.
Following is list of officers elected
President, G. NJ. Morrill,, Antwerp; vice-pres-
ident j. j. Woodman, Antwerp secretary, j.
w. Free, Paw Paw; treasurer, w. II. Hawk
ms, Paw Paw; executive committee, G. j.
Monroe, South Haven; Chauncey Wise, Pine
Grove: Asa Crofoot, Aimena: Henry Ran
dolph, Antwerp: VIM. Thomas, Hartford:
II. II. Howard, Bloomingdale David Wood
man, Paw Paw; X. j. Myers, Waverly; A.
b. Copley, Decatur; Caleb Nash, Arlington:
Eaton Branch, Lawrence; j. II. Hendryx,
Hamilton; Daniel Van Auken, Bangor o.
NJ. Sykes, Keller; j. A Hunt, Covert: David
Narkle, Porter; j. N. Howard, Columbia.
The business part of the programme being
disposed of, Mr.. Woodman, in few happy
remarks. introduced the orator of the day,
teresting incidents connected with MIR. Anna
ble's experience as a school teacher, in the
old pioneer times, which were received with
great enthusiasm 10y the audience. Mr.. An
nable then proceeded to deliver his address,
which did not at all need the apology with
which he saw fit TO preface his remarks.
The speaker il his well known humorous
style, related many comical events transpir-
ing within his knowledge and that of others
who We're present and also some more
pathetic experiences. No one could enjoy
these 10 the extent that the old settlers did,
TO whom these narratives were a true picture
from memory's album.
The speaker exhibited, as q curiosity,
document written by himself, many years
ago, allowing any person authorized by law
TO join in marriage certain couple therein
mentioned, and signed by himself as town
ship clerk. This extraordinary writing, he
alleged, was given in accordance with the de-
mand of Esq. Morrill,, who, being lately from
Massachusetts, sought TO engraft its laws
upon this region.
After this entertaining address was ended,
five minute speeches were announced by the
president: the first to respond was Hon. A.
b. Copley, who made short speech in his
happiest style. He was followed by several
members, who were now thoroughly aroused
and imbued with the spirit of the occasion.
Esq. Morrill, and w. X. Hawkins had quite
an exciting battle of words in reference to
some occurrences in which they both partic-
ipated, which amused their listeners immense
ly.
Music was interspersed among these exer-
ercises, and two songs by Rev. l.. Il. Fish
"Uncle Sans Farm" and "Forty Years Ago"
sung in his inimitable style, called forth
storm of applause, as well as a pretty floral
tribute. At last, having had their full of en-
joyment, the meeting adjourned to convene
at Lawrence on the first Wednesday of June,
1886, at which time it is hoped that the fates
will be propitious and grant to the old pio-
neers as happy day as they enjoyed this
year.