The Minneapolis journal., 1901-05-13
At the Fair Grounds.

Nearly four hundred members Of the
Minnesota Territorial Pioneer associa-
tion attended the annual meeting of the
association held Saturday in the old log
cabin at the state, fair grounds. 1t was
the biggest reunion that the association
has ever had and there has probably never
been such large number of old settlers
together since the old days when the
towns used to turn out and celebrate the
Fourth of July.
There was big crowd already there
when the old favorite stage coach ar
rived from Minneapolis. The men and
women from St. Anthony Falls were
warmly greeted and their big flag was
loudly cheered. D. A. j. Baker, probably
the earliest school teacher in the state
now living, came up the path in an auto
mobile. Judge Baker was warmly well
coined. Regrets were expressed that For
mer Governor Alexander Ramsey, and
Charlotte Ouisconsin Van Cleye, who have
been such favorites at former meetings
could not be present. Tams Bixby and
Sam Langum also failed the association
Among those present was Mrs. w. J.
Dean Of Minneapolis, who although one
of the younger in appearance is really
very ancient pioneer. She was born in
Richfeld In 1874 Her cousins, Mr.. and
Mrs. Edward Pond, both of whom
were present, have even better
records. Mr.. Edward Pond was
born at Lake Harriet in 1910 nearly ten
years before Colonel Stevens erected his
now famous house and Mrs. Pond was
born at Lac qui Parle in 1843. There
were very few among the four hundred
who could claim longer residence in the
state.
Several could claim a residence in the
state previous to 1850, but only two OF
those present to-day would admit having
lived in the state over sixty years.
Strangely enough both were of the weaker
sex, Mrs. H. R. Gibbs, who lives near the
fair grounds, came to Minnesota in 1885,
and Mrs. Eli Pettiiohn, who was born at
Fort Smelling in 1882. She is of Indian
descent on her mothers side.
Mr.. Pettijohn himself is something Of a
pioneer, and antedated all the men at the
meeting. He came to Fort Smelling in
1S41, and says he is the earliest actual set
tier in the state, now living.
Harriet r. Godfrey has the distinction
of being the first white child born in the
old town of St. Anthony. She was born
in 1S48 She greeted few of her old
playmates however.
After several hours of "reminiscences
the party adjourned to institute hall,
where luncheon was served by the ladies'
club. Governor Van SAINT, former Gov
ernor John S. Pillsbury, E. w. Durant,
William Pitt Murray and others spoke.
At the annual election John s. Pillsbury
was reelected as president and w. ].
O'Connor as secretary.
Seats were provided at the table of
honor for Governor Van SAINT, 81; Former
Governor John s. Pillsbury, '55; w. H.
Yale, Winona, 81; E. w. Durant, Still
water, '4S; w. P Murray, st. Paul. 40;
Thomas Simpson, Winona, SO; E. F. Ber-
risford, st. Paul, Sc; H. l.. Moss, st. Paul,
AS; H. R. Wells, Preston, 81; ]. B. Gill
fllan, Minneapolis, So; Frank G. O'Brien,
Minneapolis, '55; NJ. ]. O'Connor, St. Paul,
'55 B. F. Farmer, Spring Valley. 81; e.
E. Hughson, E. R. Lathrop and Edwin
Clark, Minneapolis, 57.
Minneapolis Members.
Among the Minneapolis members pres
ent were Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Gilfllan, Mr..
and Mrs W. ]. Dean, Mr.. and Mrs. o. NJ.
Laraway, Mr.. and Mrs o. H. Shepley, o.
c. Merriman, Henry Richardson, Mr. and
Mrs Eli Pettijohn, Mr.. and Mrs. Henry
Moore, Mr.. and Mrs Harry Cobb, j. A.
johnson, Mrs. Stewart, W. RAIDER,
George Brown, Mr.. and Mrs. AL
len d. Libby, W. P. Mealey, E. A.
BIecken, Harriet R. Godfrey, Gus Plum
mer, Mrs. Frank Holmes, Frank G.
O'Brien, Edwin Clark, Frank Slocum, Mrs.
Carrie Stratton, Washington Pierce, Mrs.
J. NJ. Robinson, w. T. Chowen, w. II. j
I,auderdale Mrs H E. Reeves and Ed