MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA

REGISTER OF
OLD SETTLERS
BOOK ONE


Source: REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS , BOOK One, page 488, 490-a (out of sequence), 489 & 490
submitted by Phyllis Hazen, January 15, 2008

OLD SETTLERS’ MEETING.
1902 (hand written)

The Old Settlers’ Society of Muscatine county will hold their annual reunion at the pavilion in the Street Railway park on Saturday, September 6th, commencing at 11 o’clock a. m.

Bring your lunch with you. Good coffee will be furnished. The literary exercises will begin at 2 o’clock p. m. - E. F. Richman, Pres.

******

OLD SETTLERS MEET SATURDAY

Will Have Their Annual Reunion at
the Citizen’s Railway Park—All
Are Invited to Attend.


The call for the meeting of the old settlers of Muscatine county has been issued by President E. F. Richman and Secretary W. S. Fultz. The annual event is to be held Saturday, September 6, at the railway park. The call is as follows:

The annual picnic of the old settlers society of Muscatine county will be held at the new park of the city railway on Saturday, Sept. 6th, 1902. It will be a basket picnic and will commence at 10 o’clock a. m. The generous leaders of the Salvation army have made arrangements to give the children of the city an outing at the park on that day and many of those children may not be provided with dinner for that day. In making up our baskets let us provide a generous supply of eatables so that none may go hungry. Let the same liberality that characterized our fathers and grandfathers during the earlier settlement of the county when the latch string always hung out and the stranger and the wayfarer were always accorded a hearty welcome, govern us next Saturday.

The officials of the old settlers society have made arrangements to give a free graphophone entertainment during the forenoon and the literary program will be given during the afternoon. All old settlers and their friends as well as all others are cordially invited. Bring your baskets and let us have a genuine old fashioned picnic.

W. S. Fultz, Sec’y.
E. F. Richman, President.

******

REUNION OF THE PIONEERS
SEPTEMBER 6, 1902

MANY EARLY SETTLERS OF COUNTY GATHER AT PARK.
EXCELLENT PROGRAM GIVEN

Early Times Recalled—Secretary Reports
95 Deaths the Past Year—
Col. Dougherty Speaks of the Early Merchants.


The old settlers of Muscatine county held their annual reunion and picnic today at the Citizens’ Railway park, it being a success in every particular. The morning was given over to the renewal of aquaintanceship and a general good time, while the afternoon was taken up with an excellent program, wherein speakers took part and considerable music was in evidence. The secretary’s reports show that 95 of the old settlers of Muscatine county has passed away the past year, which is the largest list ever published, more of the pioneers of the county having passed away this year, than any previous year.

Morning Program.

The morning was given over to a general reunion. A large number were in attendance. A graphaphone had been provided for the occasion and added much to the amusement of the morning. A large number of town people went out this morning, taking their dinners with them, and enjoying a picnic with the pioneers. Hot coffee was served at the noon hour. The Salvation army also had a children’s picnic on the grounds, and the park was well filled, the street car company doing a large business.

Afternoon Program.

The afternoon was given over to a literary program which was of considerable merit and listened to by a large number of people, who are always interested in the old settlers, the sturdy pioneers, who did so much toward the development of the city and county. The addresses and papers were all good and listened to with the greatest attention.

The president’s address by E. F. Richman was a good one. He brought out two thoughts that were of great value to the association. First he made a plea for the perpetuity of the association. He advocated that the children of the pioneers and old settlers be taken in to the society, so that the reunions, the organization and the memory of the residents of early days be perpetuated. The plan is a good one and has been adopted in many counties in the western country, and will probably be taken up here. Another point in the president’s address was the old settlers album. This is a feature that has been started and the pictures of a number of the pioneers have been placed therein, but Mr. Richman advocated that all the old settlers have their pictures placed in this album and that it be forever kept as a sacred memory of the early residents.

Secretary’s Report.

Following the address of the president W. S. Fultz read the secretary’s report for the year, giving the list of deaths during the past year, which numbers 95. The report is as follows:

    The number of names in the list is 95. Last year it was 94, which was the largest since the organization of this society. Among the names of those who have passed away during the past year is that of Mrs. Laura Nye Patterson, who for many years has held the distinction of being, in point of resident, the oldest old settler in Muscatine county, having came here when a small girl with her father’s family in the year 1836.

    1901

    1. Thorton Nichols, Sept. 10. 15. Eugene Klein, Nov. 12.
    2. Pancratus Harman, Sept 18. 16. H. H. Hildebrand, Nov. 15.
    3. P. R. Evans, Sept 17. 17. Wendine Schainberger, Nov. 18.
    4. Mrs. Augusta Zarhringer, Sept. 30. 18. James T. Davidson, Nov. 25.
    5. Mrs. Sarah Nye, Sept 28. 19. Mrs. Minnie Ripson, Nov. 29.
    6. Mrs. Sarah J. Estle, Sept. 23. 20. John E. Briles, Nov. 28.
    7. Mrs. Edward Kennefick, Oct. 5. 21. Nicholas Achter, Dec. 7.
    8. Miss Hannah Terry, Oct. 7. 22. Mrs. Wm. Dorran, Dec. 20.
    9. Mrs. Henry Kemper, Oct. 8. 23. Henry Schaeffer --.
    10. Mrs. Dolsen. 24. Hiram Mapes, Dec. 26.
    11. Thos. F. Maher, Oct. 21. 25. Oliver Crandoll, Dec. 27.
    12. Basil A Turner, Oct. 27. 26. Martin L. Van Buren, Dec. 28.
    13. Thos. McGovern, Oct. 31. 27. Mrs. W. H. Johnson, Dec. 24.
    14. Mrs. John A. Nellis, Nov. 5. 28. Alexander T. Elder, Dec. 29.

    1902

    29. Mrs. William Schaefer, Jan. 9. 51. Mrs. Geo. Deming, March 17. 73. Mrs. Wilhelmina Fredericks, May 17.
    30. Mrs. H. C. Schmelzer, Jan. 12. 52. Geo. Foss, March 17. 74. Mrs. Julius Daniels.
    31. Frank R. Wright. Jan. 15. 53. Alfred Stigers, March 17. 75. J. P. Freeman, June 3.
    32. Mrs. Coady, Jan. 29. 54. Jacob Silverman, March 16. 76. John Nester, June 3.
    33. Wm. P. Beedle. 55. Shephard Farnsworth. 77. Mrs. Frederica Kramer, June 6.
    34. R. A. McIntyre, Feb. 2. 56. Andrew McMahon, March 24. 78. Joshua W. Hoopes, June 19.
    35. Mrs. Elizabeth Lone, Feb. 7. 57. Mrs. Peter Bigalow, April 10. 79. Henry Tiecke, June 19.
    36. Wm. Kramer, Feb. 12. 58. Paulus Hahn, April 14. 80. Mrs. Ira J. Lundy, June 29.
    37. Mrs. Kunigunda Neitzel, Feb. 17. 59. Mrs. David Kellogg. 81. Patrick Harrigan.
    38. John La Tourette, Feb. 17. 60. Mrs. James Vannatta, April 18. 82. Burrell Loveless, July 2.
    39. Mrs. R. R. Rowe, Feb. 17. 61. Mrs. Julia Morehouse. 83. Jeremiah Foster.
    40. Mrs. M. M. Riggs, Feb. 17. 62. Thomas S. Parvin, April 18. 84. Mrs. Maria S. Hatch, July 24.
    41. Mrs. Sarah Campbell, Feb. 15. 63. Mrs. Mary Sherry, April 30. 85. Mrs. Laura Nye Pat…..
    42. Mrs. Martha E. Mark, Feb. 20. 64. Joseph Seissig, May 2. 86. W. L. Davidson, July 31.
    43. Charles Alteneder, Feb. 20. 65. Mrs. Elizabeth Drake, May 1. 87. Adam Nollard, Aug. 6.
    44. Thomas Crandoll, Feb. 27. 66. Mrs. Ella O’Mella, May 6. 88. Mrs. D. S. Sterneman, Aug. 7.
    45. Mrs. J. C. Stewart, Feb. 15. 67. Mrs. Mary Frye. 89. Mrs. Anna Friday, Aug. 11.
    46. Ira Lundy, March 3. 68. Mrs. John A Parvin, May 13. 90. W. H. Wahl, Aug. 19.
    47. Mrs. Sarah M. Olds, March 5. 69. Mrs. Elizabeth Dobbs, May 14. 91. R. B. Hatch, April 20.
    48. Miss Hattie D. Van Horne, March 12. 70. Mrs. Knuegunda Kaufman, May 16. 92. John Boke, July 7.
    49. Abraham Smalley, March 13. 71. Richard R. Madden, May 12. 93. Mrs. Gertrude Freers, Sept. 2.
    50. W. R. Clark, March 13. 72. Mrs. Johanna Gottbrecht, May 17. 94. Mrs. Elizabeth Cooper, Nov. 15, 1901.

    *** continues on page 490-a ***

    The Early Merchants.


    One of the papers of the afternoon was on the subject of the early merchants by col. J. B. Dougherty. Mr. Dougherty’s address was as follows: Members of the Muscatine County Old Settlers society.

    Your president has requested a paper on “most any topic.” The granting of such latitudes is embarrassing. Perhaps the merchants of Muscatine may be of interest to some and hence the following:

      In the days of the pioneer merchant trade was largely by barter. It is within the memory of many here when the rear of a store room contained bins for the storing of corn, wheat, oats and other cereals and maybe a little wool, which the merchant was glad to receive in exchange for his merchandise or on account. The success of a man depended largely upon his ability to extend credit and wait patiently until such time as his debtors could or would settle. Accounts running until the statute of limitations were not unusual even with good men, but a cash customer was indeed a rarity. Many men succeeded solely by their business acumen. The facilities for obtaining exact information were by no means what we now enjoy, not even in commercial….

      *** continues on page 489 ***

      …centers had matters become systematical as they now are and a man depended on his own judgment wholly. One man’s opinion was as bad or good as another’s. Persons had not made a study of things or events by which their judgment could be made available as is now the case. The cause of many of the collossal fortunes of the present is that the builders could employ expert judgment in almost any project. This was not possible in the time of the pioneer. During the period in which the writer has been engaged in trade a horde of men have made strong effort to obtain at least a competency for declining years and 16 have had the good fortune to retire from active life with a sufficiency of capital to enjoy a life of comparative ease, one druggist, one baker, two restaurauturs, one dry goods merchant, one grocer, two stationers, one shoe merchant, one clothier, one tobacconist, two harness makers, and three hardware dealers. Six have died while in trade who left estates sufficient to maintain their families in comfort.

      Most Successful Block.

      Block 33 is justly regarded as the best retail section in the city. Four of the aforesaid persons were located there, but there has been 77 changes in that block in 25 years and the building occupied by the Wilson shoe store is the only one where there has not been a failure at some time. Two physicians and one attorney have left estates worthy of mention. There are 16 business buildings on Second street where no failures have occurred. When a boy studying the German and Latin lessons in the store at night, the subject of a failure of one would be introduced. After the discussion had ceased, I would ask my father, “What broke Mr. A--?” The reply would be, he let his old stock accumulate, would annually invoice it at cost thus would annually invoice it at cost thus deceiving himself. He did not instruct his clerk to push old goods, but permitted the exhibition of new stock always, and it was a matter of time until he was loaded up with valueless assets. Mr. B—would break, again the question, “What broke Mr. B?” The reply would be that he credited everyone, did not show judgment in the distribution of his favors, (for credit is a favor not a right) that he did not have the stamina to insist upon payment after a reasonable period. Then I would reply, that is the merchant’s fault and my father would agree. Mr. C - would fail, then the usual interrogatory, and in his case the explanation would be, pilfering of clerks and to my mind that could not be avoided. But in the present the cash register and the cash systems have reduced that risk to a minimum. All sorts and conditions of men have succeeded, where better men have failed. There was no fixed rule of success. What operated well in one man’s case failed utterly in an imitator.

      Varied Assortment

      In the stores of those days a varied assortment of merchandise was carried. Boots, shoes, hats, caps, groceries, hardware, dry goods, whisky, crockery, in fact anything that a customer might require except drugs and books. A young man who received training in such a store as Gen. John G. Gordon conducted was well fitted for most any branch of mercantile life. J. B. Mark, B. E. Lilly, and Geo. B. Jacskon received their training from General Gordon who was one of the kindliest hearted, brave and courteous gentlemen I ever knew. Mr. Joseph Bridgman was a prototype. Clerks cut more of a figure in those days than at present. Stores would at times vie with each other for employes. They were expected to know and did know everyone within a radius of miles. Knew their wives, children and all about a customer’s moral, financial and physical condition. One of the most popular men of the past is Mr. A. F. C. Gottbrecht who was with Dunsmore & Chambers, later Dunsmore & Barris. Women liked to trade with him owing to his politeness and gentleness of manner and I note that he has lost none of it since he has changed his occupation. Gen. Gordon had a green clerk by the name of Lee Adler, just out of Chicago. In those days it was the custom to make quite an exhibit on the walk in front of the windows. General Gordon carried most everything and had a large exhibit always. When a rain came up clerks hastened to take in the stock and Lee rolled in the grindstones and was permitted to do it. Subsequently the matter was referred to whenever it became necessary to cause him to subside. Early closing was unknown. There was not much trade at night, but merchants kept their stores open because their competitors did and the man who found home more alluring than the store at night was looked upon as a man who was taking life pretty easy. Taking it all in all the old time merchants took less time for recreation than the present business man. Some made annual or semi-annual trips east for the purpose of restocking, but the great majority remained at home keeping close watch without which they believed they could not prosper.


    Other Exercises.

    Mr. Cora Weed also read a paper, it being in the nature of a memorial and referring to the passing of the pioneers. It was well written and listened to with wrapt attention. Following the addresses on the program, the time was taken up with a number of impromptu speeches, and reminiscences, which were thoroughly enjoyed, especially by those who have been for so many years and seen the county and city grow and develop. After the election of officers and the singing of Auld Lang Syne, the society adjourned for the year. The reunion was voted a success, and was thoroughly enjoyed.

    Among the Pioneers.

    At a time like this facts and data concerning the older residents is always interesting. The older settler in the county at the present time is W. A. Drury, who came to this country in 1836. Mrs. M. Couch and Tobe Brown came but one year later in 1837, and are still residents of this county.

    The first child born in the county was a girl born to a family by the name of Moots, who lived near the mouth of Pine Creek, the father being an employe of Benj. Nye, the proprietor of the mills at that point. This child was born in 1835…

    [the 5 had been hand written over with the number 4 and the name of Moots changed to read Moats] Next to this section of the article was the hand written note on this page: This is a mistake the childs name was Sarah Jane Jackson and her mother dieing, she was adopted by Andrew Moats and was thereafter known by the name of Moats. The date of her birth was Oct 18, 1834.

    The oldest living settler who was born in Muscatine county is R. W. Leverich, living on Mulberry street. He was born in 1838 in Moscow township.

    The first bride to be born in Muscatine County was Mrs. G. W. Van Horne.

    Benj. Nye was probably the first settler in the county, and his daughter, Mrs. Patterson passed away but a few weeks ago, she being the earliest settler of the county up to that time.

    *** continues on page 490 ***

    Reunion a Success
    Journal, Sept 8” 1902 (hand written)

    Many Old Settlers Gathered SaturdayAt the Railway Park.

    A PLAN FOR PERPETUATION.

    President Richman Outlines Such a Plan –
    Other Addresses Given – Old Officers Were Re-Elected
    –Other Matters.


    The Old Settlers annual reunion held Saturday was a success in every particular and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who were fortunate enough to be in attendance. The Citizens Railway park made and ideal place for the holding of such a reunion, and the pavilion, which is now covered, made a splendid location for the program and other exercises. Undoubtedly, had it been generally known that such a place could have been provided, and that all would have been well no matter what kind of weather prevailed, the attendance would have been much larger than it was. Those who were there had an excellent time, and the pioneers enjoyed the assembly and the renewing of acquaintances, made many years ago, when a portion of the county was nothing more than a tangled wilderness.

    Good Program.

    Many commendatory remarks are to be heard concerning the program that was given. The invocation was pronounced by C. O. Hurd. The musical selections at the first of the program were mainly from a graphaphone, but other numbers had been provided for but failed to materialize. The secretary’s minutes and report, the latter being published Saturday night in the Journal, were listened to with the closest attention. E. F. Richman, the president of the association, gave a good address.

    Plan of Perpetuation.

    Mr. Richman had much to say with reference to the perpetuation of the society. He first mentioned that the time of coming to the county be extended, that is be made later than 1861, but this would not get the class of people really interested.

      “We can, I think, get a valuable hint from some societies organized to perpetuate the comeraderie and memory of military history. I refer to the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution, the Sons and Daughters of Veterans, etc. And I suggest that the present qualification be enlarged by adding thereto, the sons and daughters of all those who located here on or prior to the year, 1861. If it is desired now or hereafter to still farther enlarge the field from which our membership may be recruited, let it embrace subsequent generations – the descendants of the pioneers. If there is an element of aristocracy in the plan, I do not regard it as objectionable, but rather beneficent to the society. It will add to the feeling of obligation of a member to know that as a descendant of a pioneer, he is charged with the duty of perpetuating a society formed by his forefathers. And he will be more likely to be imbued with the sentiment by our annual meetings may be held with increasing interest and attendance.”

    Resolutions Adopted.

    Following the secretary’s report the following set of resolutions were read before the society and unanimously adopted by a rising vote:

      “Because of the large number of old settlers who within the past year have laid down the burden of life and passed to the peace of the grave, we who remain are impressed more fully with the thought of the uncertainty of life, the certainty of death. Because we truly mourn for these departed fathers, mothers, neighbors and friends, be it “Resolved. That this society sincerely condoles with the immediate relatives of deceased old settlers. That we bear testimony to the worth and kindliness they displayed in their lives, and to the great work which they accomplished in causing the wilderness to blossom and in laying a broad and sure foundation for the civilization which we enjoy.”
    Other Addresses.

    The addresses of Mrs. Core Weed and the one prepared by Col. John B. Dougherty were both listened to intently and well received. They were good and brought back many fond memories of the past. Following these two addresses on the program a number of impromptu speeches were listened to. John Mahin, David Rider, Hon. Samuel McNutt and Alex. Jackson were the ones who talked and they gave interesting bits of past history or little incidents connected with the early settlement of the county.

    Following these short addresses, Miss Laura Musser sang “Old Folds at Home.” This was very appropriate at this time, and the charming manner in which it was given touched the hearts of all within the range of her voice.

    Officers Elected.

    Following the program the election of officers took place, the old officers being re-elected for the ensuing year. They are as follows:

    President – E. F. Richman.
    Vice President – Mrs. Cora Weed.
    Secretary – W. S. Fultz.
    Treasurer – Mrs. Peter Jackson.

    The reunion then adjourned to meet in one year. It was regretted by all that no provision had been made for a register of the old settlers and pioneers who were in attendance, as their names at this date are more valuable than ever, and it is hoped that in the future some method will be adopted and provided for their keeping of the record.

    *** a portion of an article found on page 490 ***

    ….of reverence and regard for pioneer life and history, more likely to take a pleasure and pride in the society than those who coming here at a comparatively early date, were not really pioneers, nor of their blood, not bound to them by family tradition.

    “I therefore ask that during the portion of our meeting to be devoted to business, this matter shall have your attention, and that if any one has additional and practical suggestions to make for the good of the society, they ___e prepared, at that time, to acquaint __s with them. I hope that a wise plan _ay be formulated and adopted where-….(article cut off)


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