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         In November, 1870, John Ferguson invited to his house the old settlers of the vicinity of Red Oak. Among them were the following: John Safely, who came with John Ferguson and wife, September 11, 1836; Charles Dallas and wife, now of California, came with them; W. A. Rigby, who came in October, 1836; William Coutts and John Chappell, who came in the Spring of 1837; Samuel Yule, who came in September, 1837; Robert, William and Gordon Dallas, who came in 1838; John Goodrich (deceased) and wife, 1838; Robert Cousins and family, including sons James and Joseph, 1841; J. W. Brown and family, December, 1839.

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         When all had arrived at the house of Mr. Ferguson, he informed them that he had caused them to come together in order to properly recognize and more fully appreciate the kindness and beatitude of the Great River of all good to that community; for after a lapse of more than thirty long years, while the ruthless sickle of time had stricken down friends and neighbors on all sides, not one of the little band of settlers before 1840 had been removed by death, but, singularly enough, all were living and had been blessed by surroundings of comfort and elegance and a goodly share of this world’s property.

         The day was passed in reviewing and renewing the old times, and from that time an annual meeting of this hardy band of Scotchmen has been held, in succession, at the homes of the following members:

         1871, John Goodrich; 1872, W. A. Rigby; 1873, John Safley; 1874, Samuel Yule; 1875, Elzy H. Carl; 1876, John Chappell; 1877, Gordon Dallas; 1878, to be held at the residence of James Cousins.

         John Goodrich died February 2, 1877, aged 81 years. He was born August 1, 1795. Robert Dallas and Robert Cousins have been dead some years.

         From this informal society sprang the Cedar County Old Settlers' Association