MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA

REGISTER OF
OLD SETTLERS
BOOK ONE


Source: REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS , BOOK One, page 3 - 5
submitted by Lynn McCleary, January 26, 2008

MEETING OF THE "OLD CITIZENS”.
(and written pages)

At a meeting of the old citizens of Muscatine held at Hans Hall Monday morning February 4th, 1856, to prepare suitable testimonials, relative to the death of one of their number, the late JUDGE ARTHUR WASHBURN.

Joseph Bennett called the meeting to order, when Pliny Fay was called to the chair and Joseph Bridgeman appointed Secretary. After remarks by the chair and T. S. Parvin the latter moved the appointment of a committee of three to prepare motions for the consideration of the meeting. T.S. Parvin, Joseph Bennett & W. A. Jamison were appointed said committee, who reported the following papers which were unanimously adopted, viz:

    In the year 1835 Arthur Washburn moved from the state of New York and came to this city then known as “Caseys Landing” a trading point with a single cabin, when the present county was a part of Des Moines one of the two counties into which the then District was divided as the whole attached (with Wisconsin) to Michigan Territory.

    In 1836 Mr. Washburn was appointed Post Master at the Mouth of Pine known as “Iowa” Post office the only office in the limits of the present county.

    *** continues on page 4 ***

    In the fall of 1838 the Iowa District having on the 4th of July previous been created into a Territory Mr. W was by Gov. Lucas appointed Judge of the Probate Court.

    In 1851 when the Code of Iowa (admitted into the Union in 1846) created the office of County Judge Mr. W. was elected the first incumbent of that office, which he administered for four years, and during his turn of office raised the currency of the county by an e-commercial administration of its affairs from a greatly depreciated rate to fear.

    Judge Washburn also filled several other important offices as Justice of the Peace, County Commissioner te te wherefore in view of the above brief history be it.

    Resolved that us the Old Citizens of Muscatine County have heard with unfrigued sorrow of the death of the late Judge Washburn one of our number who by his long residence, quick and un assuming department won the public regard.

    Resolved, that us deeply sympathise with his Widow Felicldum in their irreparable loss, and commemorate them to the care of them who has said he would be “a father to the fatherless and a judge of the Widows”.

    *** continues on page 5 ***

    Resolved that a copy of these proceedings be transmitted to the family of our deceased friend and also furnished to the papers of the city for publication.

    On Motion of T.S. Parvin

    Resolved, that this meeting do now adjourn to meet again on Saturday evening in the Lecture room of the Congregational church for the purpose of organizing a “Society of the First Settlers of Muscatine County”, to include all who settled here prior to the first day of January 1840.

    (signed) Pling Fay Chr.
    J. Bridgemen Secy
    Muscatine February 5th 1856
    Transcribed by order of the Society by T.S. Parvin Secy


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