OLD CITIZENS REUNION

Madison Daily Herald - August 24, 1888, Page 4

At Liberty Church, Thursday

     The old citizens and settlers of Southern Indiana held their annual re-union at Liberty Church grove last Thursday, August 23d. There was a very large attendance of people, old and young, of both sexes, and all enjoyed themselves to the fullest extent of a happy social occasion. There was no dust, and the atmosphere in the park was pleasant. The exercises of the day commenced about 11 o'clock a. m., with all the officers present, namely: A. W. Jessup, President; Isaac Wagner, Vice President; Willis C. Robbins, Secretary, and Samuel Baker, Treasurer.

     The President declared the meeting ready to commence the exercises of the day.

     Rev. H. C. Pelsor read a scripture lesson from the 90th psalm.

     Rev. Robert Stevenson was expected to deliver the opening address, but on account of infirmities of greatly advanced age he was not able to be present. Rev. Mr. Skillman, of Madison, was solicited to take Mr. Stevenson's place in the address of welcome. He said he had not had time for preparation for such a task, but would willingly do the best he could on the spur of the moment. He then commenced his address to the people, soon became animated and interested in his subject, and the result was he greatly entertained the vast audience in one of the most appropriate, chaste, elegant and eloquent offhand extemporaneous orations we have listened to in a long time. Considering the circumstances under which it was delivered it was simply grand.

     Elder Love H. Jameson, of Indianapolis, a native of this county and of the immediate neighborhood of Liberty Church, now seventy-eight years old, made a very feeling response to Rev. Skillman's remarks.

     A volunteer choir from Madison then followed in some delightful music. This choir executed many pieces in the most chaste and artistic style throughout the exercises of the day.

     The choir was composed of Mr. J. G. Chambers, director; Miss Mattie Skillman, organist; Misses Mattie and Hattie Edwards, Misses Carrie and Grace Tibbetts, and Miss Josie Hildreth, Mr. C. T. Branham, Mr. W. H. Matthews, and Mr. Allison Scott. The music by this choir was a source of great pleasure to the vast assemblage of people throughout the day. Their services being gratuitous, are therefore more to be commended.

     The Liberty Cornet Band of Mudlick were there a very generously played many pieces in excellent style on their brass instruments.

     Rev. L. H. Jameson sang the song "We shall be known as we are known," accompanied by the choir. He is a sprightly man for 78 years of age, and has a strong and splendid voice. He sang quite a number of his beautiful songs during the day, and he made several short and neat addresses.

     The death roll of those who had died during the year since the last meeting was read and embraced the following names: Arnold Custer, Warren Moore, C. V. Loring, John Copeland, Hugh Hamilton, John Bushmiller, Jane Christie, Jane Steele, Robert Blair, Wm. Brown, Spencer Ball, Nathaniel Lee, Wm. Cahill, James Levin, Mrs. Anthony Chambers, and Wm. Weir.

     Elder Jameson and Robert Elliott made some fitting remarks in regard to the deceased members.

     Then Elder Jameson sang the impressive and suggestive song "They are gathering home, one by one," accompanied by the Madison choir.

     Many re'lcs of the past were exhibited, amongst which were a music book over one hundred years old; a silver platter, a kettle and a brass dipper, all over one hundred years old, and having belonged to Gen.. Morgan, of New Jersey, of Revolutionary war fame.

     There were a good many other very interesting relics exhibited belonging to the far distant past, which we have not space to notice specifically in our columns, which we regret.

     The association went into the election of officers for the ensuing year, with the following result, Isaac Wagner, President, Robert Elliott, Vice President, Willis C. Robbins, Secretary, and Sam'l Baker, Treasurer.

     The meeting then after some very fine music, adjourned the business to the fourth Thursday of August, 1883.

Mrs. E. G. Leland of this city, was taken suddenly ill at the Old Settlers' meeting yesterday afternoon. She was brought home last night and is much better to-day.