|
Old Settlers Association
of Grayson County The Sherman Courier Wednesday, August 15, 1917 Fiftieth Anniversary Edition Section 3, pg. 1 OLD SETTLERS' REUNION THIRTY-SIX YEARS AGO An Account of the Fifth Annual Picnic Held at Sherman in August 1881 The following article taken from The Courier for the week of August 18, 1881, gives an account of the fifth Old Settler's Picnic and Reunion held in Sherman that year. This article will be very interesting, not only to the old settlers of Sherman and Grayson county, but to the "young settlers" as well. The Old Settlers' Picnic Grounds were crowded Wednesday and Thursday of the past week with great throngs of cheery-faced people, old and young, intent on making the fifth reunion of the pioneers of Grayson county one of unalloyed pleasure. FIRST DAY By nine o'clock Wednesday morning a large crowd had assembled at the picnic grounds, which was variously estimated at from five to eight hundred. At fifteen minutes past ten the crowd of old and new settlers was called to order by J.R. Jeter, who introduced C.N. Buckler, who proceded to deliver an address of welcome to the old settlers in behalf of the new settlers and the residents of Sherman. Owing to lack of space, we are unable to give the address of welcome of Mr. Buckler, or the response by Capt. J.D. Woods. Mr. Buckler dwelt touchingly upon the pioneer days of Texas, and the heroes who fought for Texas independence. He said it was the duty of the people of this State to meet yearly and pay tribute to their memory. In conclusion he extended a hearty welcome to the old settlers on the part of the new settlers and the city of Sherman. Jesse P. Loving, secretary of the association, then introduced Capt. Woods, who responded most feelingly and patriotically on the part of the old settlers to the happy, eloquent and earnest address of welcome by Mr. Buckler. Capt. Woods waded into the task with his usual vigor and directness. Being one of the grey-bearded veterans who peopled this glorious county at an early day, he felt down in his heart the theme he talked so earnestly and patriotically. He extended a broad welcome to all the new settlers. Following this patriotic response, the Sherman Cornet Band treated the crowed to some more lively music after which the dinner was announced, and each happy squad sought a shady and quiet retreat under which to spread out well-laden baskets of edibles. At two o'clock after all had refreshed themselves with free ice water and a healthy repast from their lunch baskets, the happy crowd gathered again around the speakers' platform, where they were treated with a splendid address by Wm. Woods of Denison on the history of Grayson county. Following his speech felicitous addresses were made by Judge Wilkinson, J.H. Dills, Uncle Billy Wheat and Y.S. McKinney. This ended the speaking for the day. In another part of the ground a cotorie of happy young people were "tripping the light fantastic" on a splendid platform, while others enjoyed themselves with swinging, chatting, promenading, etc. Refreshment booths were numerous, and good ice-cold lemonade, without the pink circus tint, sold at five cents a glass SECOND DAY The sun beemed forth brightly Thursday morning, and there was very little breeze, making it rather sultry on the ground, but the crowd did not seem to mind it one bit, and laughed and chatted with a gaity indicating complete contentment. By noon at least fifteen hundred people were gathered on the grounds, not less than one thousand of whom had gathered around the speakers' stand to listen to the addresses. Governor Hubbard did not put in an appearance, as formerly announced, but Mr. Beall of Corsicana treated them to such an elaborate view of Texas history, such an interesting statistical account of her progress, and so patriotic an allusion to the valor of her heroic pioneers that the audience did not experience any disappointment. The effort of Mr. Beall was indeed an agreeable surprise. Mr. Beall was introduced to the audience by Jesse P. Loving, and proceeded to deliver an interesting address, holding the audience entranced for two hours during the course of his address. W.W. Wheat then appeared and said that as his time was out, he desired to resign his position as president of the association, and at the same time suggested that a small contribution from each one would help square accounts. Following the resignation of Mr. Wheat, Judge Silas Hare made a courteous and pleasant appeal in behalf of the reiting president's suggestion, and headed the list with a liberal contribution from his own pocket. The dinner hour was then announced, and the crowd retired to shady nooks to follow up the "feast of reason and flow of soul" with a square meal of "yaller-legged" chickens and the customary accompanying substantials. After dinner the crowd was drawn to the stand by the music of the band, when Major Reynolds took the stand and in a touching speech, in which was mingled a good deal of the old man's experience, introduced Mrs. Judge Thompson, the oldest lady in attendance, who was crowned the "queen of matrons." Judge W. W. Wheat, the...then announced that Mrs. Porter would now crown the queen, Mrs. Porter stepping forward. Mrs. Thompson's bonnet being removed, her hair, frosted by many winters, neatly gathered into a club, and bowing her head toward the vast crowd, place the crown of flowers and evergreens upon her head, when the band played "Hail Columbia." The Old Settlers Association was then called to order by the president, who announced that the first business was the election of a president for the next year. Judge Wheat being nominated said he was not in favor of the third term and declined. Horace Lea, Si Collins, and Jack Jennings were nominated. Mr. Lea declined and the name of Si Collins was withdrawn, when Jack Jennings was elected president by acclamation. Jesse P. Loving was re-elected secretary and treasurer. Sherman was then chosen as the place of meeting in 1882. The time fixed was for Wednesday night before the full moon in August. On motion, the following were appointed a committee on credentials: Wm. McKinney, Major Reynolds, and Capt. Pattie. Jack Jennings was introduced by the retiring president. When takin the chair he remarked the he felt like the President of the United States. The following were appointed a committee on program: Capt. Jim Woods, J.R. Jeter, E.J.C.Thompson, M.Y. Brockett, Judge Silas Hare, Dick Randolph and Jesse P. Loving. Capt. Tom J. Brown was then introduced, and delivered a master eulogy on the early history of Texas and Grayson county, and showed the great value of reunions. Capt. Brown's address was well received and warmly applauded. Jack Jennings was then introduced as president of the Old Settlers Association and thanked the members for the great honor they had conferred upon him, and promised to do all in his power to make the next reunion a success. B.F. Christian then delivered the farewell address. Mr. Christian's remarked were along pathetic lines, and were very much appreciated by all present. He said that in his short life he had found no duty harder than to say the word "good-bye." About four o'clock it was announced that the Old Settlers' meeting for 1881 was closed, and visitors began making preparations to start for home. A number of Sherman residents remained on the ground until the soft shades of evening began to fall. And thus ends the fifth reunion of the Old Settlers' of good and glorious old Grayson - a reunion during which old reminiscences have stirred their hearts afresh. The hand of fraternal love clasped once again. The hardships of pioneer life recounted anew. And may we not earnestly hope that they have derived both pleasure and profit from this generous outpouring of soul and expressions of respect for honest citizenship. They have returned to their home to bide the unalterable decision of Time, looking forward hopefully to another annual gathering. May Heaven bless them, and bring the old band together many years more, with not a wrinkled face missing of venerable graybeards or silver-haired matrons who led the way in preparing this noble heritage for us all. This is The Courier's highest and greatest wish. Old Settlers Association History Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |