The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1897-09-17
OLD SETTLERS REUNION.
Permanent Organization of a Society.

The movement started about two
months ago in the northeast part of
the county for the holding of reun-
ion of the old settlers of Clifton, Col
fax, Pleasant Valley and Guilford-tps
at Benedict, eliminated in a grand sue
cess on Wednesday, the 9Th, and led to
the organization of County Old Set
tiers Society. Of the preliminary or
ganization representing the said four
townships, A. F. Kriser, of Pleasant
Valley-tp., was president or chairman
and by virtue thereof he presided at
the initial meeting held this week IN a
gracious and efficient manner.
Singleton's grove, hard by the Yer
digris, just west of Bendict, was the
spot chosen for the reunion. Though
the weather was dry and oppressively
hot and the air filled with dust, the
gathering was large, being estimated
at from $500 to 5000, While the
great bulk of the crowd came from the
four townships mentioned, there were
scores of pioneers present fl ON other
townships and goodly number from
the most distant parts of the county,
which showed the deep and widespread
interest felt in the undertaking. The
vehicles and horses filled several acres
of timber land and the crowd possessed
some acres additional. The grove is
an admirable in every respect-the
best of shade Astounding and water
being in abundant supply and readily
accessible.
A program of exercises had been
prepared and was carried out in per-
feet detail and to the credit of those
to whom parts were assigned. After
delivery of the welcome address by
Hon. 5. S. Bendict, the exercises were
interrupted by a motion to appoint a
committee of three, one from each
Commissioner district, to formulate a
plan for the organization of Wilson
CO. Old Settlers Society and to report
before adjournment. Chairman Kri
ser appointed as such committee S. S
Benedict for the Second district, Jno
>. Gilmore for the First and J. K
Morgan for the Third. After dimes
the committee submitted its report
recommending as follows:
REPORT.
This organization shall be known as the vii
son County Old Settlers Society.
The Society shall be composed of all settler
in the county who came here in 1874 or prio
thereto
Its officers shall be President, Secretary
Treasurer and Vice President from each town
ship in the county.
The officers shall be elected by those presen
at the annual meeting.
The annual meeting shall be held during tn
fall, on such dates as shall be previously d
termined by the officers of the society.
The grove in which the present meeting i
held shall be designated and known as Oh,
Settlers Grove, and the annual reunions eff tn
| society snail be held herein.
| Officers for ensuing year: President, T
Blakeslee, of Neodesha-tp; Secretary, G. Nc
Fadden, of Colfax; Treasurer, Thos. C. Single
ton. of Center; Vice Presidents, c. H. Marines
of Center; T. F. c. Dodd, Cedar; B. W. Ladd
Chetopa; W. B. Shirley, Clifton; James Nun
dell, Colfax; j. NJ. Hatton, Duck Creek; Frank
Farwell Guilford; w. H. Williamson, Fall Riy
err; j. B, Keys, Neodesha F. M Hehey, New
ark Jos. Risinger, Prairie Geo. Denney, Pleas
ant Valley; Dick Roger, Talleyrand; James
Mari, Verdigris; Burr Murdoch, Webster.
The financial needs of the society shall be
met by voluntary offerings of the members.
On motion the report was adopted
and the Wilson-co. Old Settlers So
ciety was Only launched as an argan-
ization.
The regular exercises we're then re-
newed, and at their close talks or inn
promptu speeches were made by var
ious persons, the audience enjoying
the same.
Following was the formal program:
l. Music by Rest Cornet band.
2. Song, America" by congrega-
ton.
3. Prayer by Rev. Wallace.
4. Son :, Redeemed" Roper male
choir.
S. Address of welcome, by S. S.
Benedict.
g. Music by Rest band.
z. Song, 1.-The Kansas E1nigrants, 4"
Mrs. VIM. Huffman.
8. Remarks by Adrian Anglin. of
Clifton-tp.
9. Song, Sing unto the Lord"
Buffalo glee club.
10. Remarks by e. McFadden, of
Colfax-tp.
IL. Appointment of committee on
county organization.
u. Recess-dinner.
ID. Music by Rest band.
IA. Report of committee and adopt
ion of report.
IS. Song, Home on the Prairie"
Benedict glee club.
10. Song, keep Rank" Roper