Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1901-07-03
Old settlers, Meeting

Notwithstanding the fact that the
thermometer was hovering around 80 In
the shade goodly number of old set
tiers gathered for their annual greeting
at the fair grounds last Wednesday
and forgot for q time all the shadows
of life while recalling many incidents
Of early pioneer days.
The program was unusually interest
ing. Excellent papers were sent by the
few who could not be present.
After social dinner hour Pres. F. .lB.
Peet called the meeting to order
and Rev. Amsden invoked the divine
blessing Then the President delivered
an excellent address which was not
written, hence cannot be given in full.
Cyrus McNamee, an early settler in
this county, now Of Waterloo, recalled
many amusing events of early times,
among which was an account Of the
wedding Of Liberty Cole. A large num-
ber Of guests, he said, were gathered to
celebrate the happy event, which was
to take place In the afternoon-bride
and guests were ready and waiting anx-
iously but no groom appeared until near
midnight, when he came in q somewhat
disturbed condition, and explained that
on his way over he came upon deer
and 'of course followed that deer till
1 got it."
Miss Lizzie Graves read an article
about the early experience of T. ID.
Peterman which he prepared for this
occasion.
r.. NJ. Marvin read an excellent paper
upon the educational conditions of early
times, comparing them with the pres
ent.
LIS. Stone favored the audience with
q good old fashioned song which was
appreciated.
Rev. Hubbell read an interesting
paper by Mrs. Henry Millen.
Mrs. Caul gave q recitation Of Will
Carleton's poem entitled. "Making an
Editor out O. JIM" in delightful man
ner which was enjoyed by all present.
GIN. Hickox read paper by S. Ton
ey, which was full of wit and wisdom
and early "reminiscences.
Mrs. Jenny Burbridge Gibson sang a
beautiful solo in her own charming way
which was received with hearty sp-
plause.
The papers by F. L. Minkler, w. A.
Roe and Mrs. Irmsher must be read to
be appreciated.
The Auditing Committee in their re,
port recommended that In as much ss
the present officers had proved SO eff
cient in the discharge of their official
duties they all be reelected for sec.
ond term. B. Peet, president; Miles
Blair, secretary, Mrs. ] Morse treasurer
Their election was unanimous.
After reading of the death roll, tht
exercises of the afternoon were closed
by all joining in singing the beautiful ole
hymn "Blest be the Tie that Binds. !"
Benediction by Rev. Caul.
The following are the papers read:
Mrs. Henry Mlllen.
For loyalty to God and pure, unde
filed piety and lasting friendship, Civ,
me q community of early settlers suct
as were the pioneers of Delawar,
county. I will commence at the begin
ming. -Four men of Berrien county
Michigan, thought they would start ou
and find Q place to start q church an,
neighborhood to suit themselves. The,
were John Martindale, Job Odell, Thof
Sullivan, and Job Gildersleve. The,
accordingly started out and crossed tn
Mississippi, coming to Delaware county
Iowa, which they decided was jus
about "the center of gravity" or ii
other words, good enough. They brough
their families out west aud settled II
or near where the town of Greeley nov
stands. This was in the spring o
1851.
4: In the following June they organizes
the Christian church. with John Maj
! tindale as leader or pastor. There wer
nine members to commence Withhold
Odell and wife. Thomas Sullivan an
, wife, Job Gildersleve and wife, Henr
: Drybread.and wife and Augustus Davil
With the exception of three they hav
all reached the Great Beyond. Th
ones remaining are Job Odell, Angus
! tus Davis aud Mrs. Gildersleve. In th
y lspring Of 1852 John Martlndale cam