For information on the source (the book Counties of White and Pulaski, Indiana, published by A.F. Battey & Co., Chicago, in 1883), see this post.
[Note from the Historical Society. This history is that of white settlers moving in, forming governments, schools and towns. For the most part, it does not include the history of Native Americans, who were displaced after centuries of living on this land.]
The Old Settlers’ Association was organized at the court house in Winamac September 15, 1879. Hon. Stephen Bruce was elected President, and W. E. Carter, Secretary. The objects of the association were the renewal of old associations, the preservation of early records, etc.
The meeting was adjourned to meet on the fair ground the last day of the fair, 1879. It was then voted to hold the first re-union of old settlers one week from that date.
The day came, and as the President was absent, Hon. Jacob Shoup was called to the chair. Addresses were delivered by Rev. John P. Barnett, Dr. F. B. Thomas, and others, and 120 names were presented for membership.
A large assemblage was present, and a most enjoyable day was passed recounting old incidents and jokes.
Photo: Andrew and Anna Thompson Moyer and children, Josiah and Cassie. Andrew and Anna were the children of “old settlers,” and, at the time this photo was taken, the Old Settlers’ Association was in its early days.
On the 25th of September, 1880, the second re-union was held. President Stephen Bruce delivered the opening address. He was followed by Hon. Jacob Keiser, Hon. W. C. Barnett, Rev. A. Lewis, Dr. F. B. Thomas, and others. The election of officers resulted: J. P. Barnett, President; W. E. Carter, Secretary.
At the re-union September 17, 1881, J. B. Agnew, Sr., acted as President. The orators were Hons. Jacob Keiser and Samuel Decker. The officers elected were J. B. Agnew, Sr., President; W. E. Carter, Secretary.
The meeting of September 2, 1882, was held at Huddleston’s Grove, the officers being present and addresses being delivered by Rev. A. Lewis, Hon. Samuel Decker, Rev. J. P. Barnett, and others. The present officers are Jacob Shoup, President; T. B. Hedges, Secretary.
Would it not be well for this association to put on record all the old items that can be gathered, either from memory or from written accounts, for some future historian? Now is the time to do this, if ever.