Chariton courier. (Keytesville, Chariton County, Mo.) 1878-current, 1896-08-14

Missouri than had Col. Swiuler, from
which we are led to believe that he is
native of Missouri, born In Saline
county just across the Missouri river,
almost in sight Of Keytesvillc-
At about 10 a. m. the Dalton Cor
net band took its position near the
speakers stand and admirably render
ed several pieces of music. President
]. A. Merchant, OF Brunswick, called
the people to order and announced
the program, first asking the the peo-
pie to sing the grand old hymn,
Praise God from whom al blessings
flow. Rev. Willis G.. Dockery, one of
the sweet singers OF Israel" led in
singing and then in appropriate terms
invoked the Divine blessing. The
prayer was followed by the opening
address OF President Merchant. during
the delivery of which there were
noticed n number of eyes moisteued
with tears.
The following is the presidents ad.
dress:
Fellow citizens Of Charlton county,
Ladies and Gentcmen:-As presi-
dent of the Old Settlers ASSOCIATION
of our county it not only dcvolves
upon me, but affords me great
pleasure to extend to you, one and all,
visitors as well rs the citizens present,
4 most hearty welcome to this our third
annual reunion.
Another year has past and gone,
with all It's pleasures and cnjoyments,
mingled with much sadness and disap-
pointmen;s. Death, that grim monster,
has invaded n number of our friends
and taken from us some OF our dearest
friends and loved ones. Among itS
victims were several of our Oldest citi-
zcns and pioneers. We shall miss here
to-day the familiar faces OF Capt.
William HeIylord, who VIZ Be remeu1-
6ered as our marshal last year,
who, ut the time OF his death,
was the Oldest native born citizen
Of Charlton county. Judge John VI.
Davis, how his familiar face will be
missed at the coming session of our
circuit court in October. where he had
been 4 regular attendant for over fifty
years. Senator Mackey, that polished,
afdble old Chesterfield. how this com
munity must miss him socially, and
other old pioneers.
But, dear friends, we feel thankful
that We have yet spared unto us few
of the "old timers" OF our county, some
OF whom l am glad to have w.th Us to-
day to celebrate our anniversary. /
see here on the platform Elias Elliott
Thomas Elliott, Uncle Chap" Craw-
ley. Judge Lucius Salisbury. Rev. p.
NJ. Sears, Uncle BOP" Curran who
celebrates to-day the 77th annivcrslry'
of his birth. God bless these old
pioneers and may their lives be spared
US vet = little longer.
am also truly gratiticd to sec such
n vast assemblasc here to-day, the
Young rs well rs he old. and that We
have such an ideal lovely day for our
coming together. And from the ample
preparations made by our good friends
Of Ee;ycsville IN this beautiful grove.
am sure al present vii have Il most
enjoyable time in mixing and nlingling
together here with old friends OF other
days and make this such a delightful
occasion that it viii ever bc Icmcm-
bered rs one Of the harp.es; epochs OF
Cur lives.
Now, my friend, as there is an in
tercs;ing program arranged 20. yoIE
entertainment to-day. I wall no. dc.aIn
YOU longer with any further preliminary
remarks ON my Tart, but ss your pre-
siding officer, will n once ea.cr upon
the exercises OF the hour is requesting
YOU to arise and al JOIN Ia singing that
grand old anthem: Praise GoI from
whom all blessings iiov," @Glr which
the Rev. ". l. D0cbcry, an old
pioneer minister OF North Missouri viii
lead us in devotional exercises.