The Van Buren press., 1904-08-20
THE OLD SETTLERS
OF Crawford County Meet for
their Second Annual Re.
union and Enlov Two
Pleasant Days.

The second annual meeting of the
Crawford County Old Settlers Associ-
alton hss come and gone, leaving in its
wake ought bat pleasant memories and
the wish that all those present at the re-
union just closed will live TO attend
many more and that they may grow
from year to year in scope.
Wednesday the first day opened with
low-hsnging clouds, which threatened
rain, but also tended greatly TO modify
the burning rays Of the August sun. AT
m early hour the old settlers-and
young settlers-begsn TO assemble on
the grounds and when the hour arrived
for Chairman Smith to call the associ-
alton 10 order there was large crowd
In evidence. The band had arrived and
everything bore festal air. Mr. Smith
introduced Elder Jno. q. West. who, in
tervent words, invoked Divine bless
ings on all assembled Hon. Rob l..
Rogers was then introduced to deliver
the welcome address which was gem,
and we are sorry that lack Of space pre-
vents our giving Il In its entirety, but
we give u few extracts from it:
MR.. ROGERS ADDRESS.
Mr., Chairman. Ladies and Gentlemen:
feel honored to have delegated TO me
the authority as we'll "a the pleasant
duty OF welcoming a God-fearing law.
abiding and Christian people to psrtake
of the hospitality of the same kind Of
people Here under the broad canopy
Of Heaven, under the clear, blue sky
that shelters the garden spot OF the
universe, this beautiful southland,
speak for my neighbors the old citizens,
the young citizens and the new citizens,
of grand old Van Buren,, the Queen
City Of the Great Northwest, and
voice their sentiments, when say that
you are welcome, and that our hospit-
ality to you Is as free rs the pure, fresh,
God.given air that you breathe
To the old settler Of this county
| salute You reverently while extending
to you a hearty welcome. This town is
yours it Is yours with fence around
it, land down hill pull, - Itis fenced
about with posts Of honor and integrity
of our early settlers. and anchored to
its country with cable made Of patriot
ism, industry and local self-pride, and
protected by your valor. 1t is attached
to you by reason of the fact that some
of your loved ones lie under the sod OF
It's vicinity. To the old settlers, | say
and my people say May God be
thanked tnat you have lived to see this,
your country blossom as arose. That
some OF the scenes that were black In
the past are now entirely obiterated,
and now "a you look IN the present and
into the future your prospects look rs
bright as the noon-day sun, for the
Great God, the Great Creator, has re.
warded your industry with peace and
plenty, and inspired you to love your
neighbor ss your brother, and while
your heart is big, thank God there is
not room enough In II for envy and
strife. We owe TO You much, You toiled
that future generations may enjoy the
luxury resulting from your labor,
Pleasant and happy be the evening OF
your days,
"Ror age Is opportunity, no less
Than youth itself tho IN another dress
And nv the evening twilight fades away
The sky is hllcd with stars invisible by day"
To the older women There are no