August 12, 1897 Monroe Mirror Newspaper article: First "Old Settlers Day" Celebration.
Source: A History of Monroe, Iowa 1843 – 1976
Monroe, Iowa Old Settlers Association
(West side of square of Monroe, Iowa in 1860)
News of the first Old Settlers was first printed in the August 12, 1897 issue of the then Monroe Mirror. Published the week after the first Monroe, Iowa "Old Settlers' Day", the leadoff story told of the first re-union's "great success" with a headline of THE CHILD IS BORN AND NAMED. The differences between then and now are very interesting.
(In 1955 prior to the 59th reunion, the following article appeared in the Monroe Mirror.)
The Child is Born and Named
Story of first Old Settlers Day
IN A PERMANENT ASSOCIATION EFFECTED ABOUT THE OLD SETTLERS ASSOCIATION OF MONROE. THEIR FIRST REUNION A GREAT SUCCESS. GOOD CROWD - GOOD SPEECHES - GOOD MUSIC - GOOD TIME ALL AROUND.
"Say, wasn't it a grand success?"
"Pleasantest public meeting in the Park for years."
"Never saw such a large crowd around the stand pay such close attention to the speakers."
Such were the expressions that were heard on every side at the close of the first old settler's reunion ever held in Monroe, on Thursday last. The management evidently had a stand-in with the weather-the weather could not have been improved-it was simply delightful. And the people-they began coming in bright and early from all directions, until by 1 o'clock there was such a large crowd as to make comparisons with our best 4th of July days. And the old settlers, some of them that had looked in upon goodly Jasper before the 40's; what memories of the past they brought with them.
Pioneers that commenced with the aboriginal Indians, the emigrant with all his hardships and vicissitudes. In comparison their struggles than and now, what a marked contrast. These pioneers bravely surmounted all difficulties, and we are in a great measure enjoying the fruits of it. What a mingling of old time friends there was-past and present-and how thoroughly it was enjoyed.
A log cabin-typical of the old-had a prominent place in the Park, which proved a great attraction, as well as the old time relics. There were the strings of dried pumpkins, skins of wild animals, seed corn and an old spinning wheel and reel which had seen service a hundred years back.
A big pocketknife owned by Mrs. J. K. Fudge, which her grandfather, Jacob Pendroy, had bought in 1812.
A rolling pin used by Mrs. Hardin Lewis' grandmother; a flint lock pistol owned by J. M. Porter, used by an ancestor in the battle of Brandywine; besides flails, sickles, forks, rakes, etc. used by our grandfathers in their agricultural work. Near by was an old fashioned well-sweep with "the old oaken bucket, which hung in the well."
In the afternoon there was a novel parade under the Marshallship of Geo. Lackey. First came "Uncle Dick" Thomasson, Ed McBride, Peter Lust, Henry Lewis, Asa Shepard with old times sickles and rakes. Two covered wagons, one managed by Manley Gifford, loaded with a family, and printed on it "Tools Point or Bust",1843.
The second a one horse outfit, managed by Mr. Sager, loaded with a big family and dog. Then came "Jake" McDuff on horseback with a sack of grain in front and behind, inquiring his way to the mill. All were dressed as near as possible to represent "Old Times". This was followed by a large number of old settlers headed by the band.
The exercises in the Park were very interesting. Tool’s Point was settled in the spring of ‘43 by Adam Tool, William Highland, J.B. Frost, and John Vance, and Revs. J.A. and J.M. Tool, sons of Adam Tool were two principal figures in the exercises. J.A. Tool presided as President.
There was excellent music throughout the whole day by the Monroe band under leadership of J. R. Hall himself an old settler. Choice vocal music was furnished under direction of Dr. Hendershot. Rev. Wilson Mills led in an earnest and warm prayer. Mayor Hugh Morrison made the welcome address in a neat and appropriate manner. Both James A. and John M. Tool made interesting addresses, which if we had space, we would notice more extendedly. Short and pointed addresses were also made by hon. E. E. Dotson of Colfax; Col. John Myer of Newton, and Prof. D. M. Kelley of Colfax.
A permanent organization was effected, to be known as the Old Settler's Association of Monroe, to meet annually, and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:
President - John M. Tool
Vice Presidents - James H. Tool, Ellis Gifford, David Tice, Allen Tice, John Williams, Joshua Chips, Samuel Worth, Richard Thomason, Allan McDaniel, A.J. Porter.
Secretary – Z.T. Honnold.
Marshall George Lackey.
Tommy Rogers, C.A.B Tice, W.H. Dodge and wife, M. S. Drake, Col. Meyer, Willet Howard, Mr. And Mrs. Ed Cook and daughter, Mr. And Mrs. John Claussen, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Jarnagin, Mr. And Mrs. George Shenton, Mrs. Joe Cunningham, Mr. And Mrs. John Hendryx, Harry Alfree, and M. K. Livingston and family attended from Newton. McDaniel, of Reasnor, came in 1852. He footed here all the way from Tennessee. When but 19 years of age.
Mr. David Tice, who came in 1843, entered 200 acres 3 mile south of Monroe, which he is still occupying and to which he has added 120 acres more. He is 77. His brother Allen Tice, one-year younger, and came at the same time entering 360 acres three miles southeast of Monroe, which he sold a few years ago.
Mr. and Mrs. DeBok, of Cordova, came early and stayed all day. They came in 1849. Dan Mosier was also present. He came in 1843. He can spin some hunting stories.
Nearly 200 badges were giving out. Badges ran short, but we have printed some more of them, and any Old Settler can have one by calling and this office.
Six were present who came here in 1843. They were James H. Tool, John M. Tool, Allen Tice, David Tice, Mrs. Huldah McClintock and John Williams.
Nate Collins came in 1841. Mrs. Joel Worth and Dan Mosier were introduced as the oldest "Old Settler" now living. Father McConnaughey and daughter, Miss Annie, celebrated with the old settlers at Monroe yesterday.
Prairie City Kodak News
Author Note:
I always found it ironic that they considered Jacob Pendroy an "OLD SETTLER" in 1897 as I consider the 1897 residents all "Old Settlers" themselves. The mentioned "Old Settlers Day" has not fallen by the wayside. It is still an annual Monroe, Iowa event today each Mid-August and still draws large numbers of people to the town.
For many area kids living around Monroe, Iowa in the 1950s, "Old Settlers Day" was an annual highlight. I always looked forward to the Carnival rides, games, races and festivities, and also the free coins hurled out from the 2nd floor of the "American legion" Hall by its members. My grand-parents Ed and Tempa Pendroy lived in Monroe to ages 95 and 96 and I recall there were some times each of them received an award at the "Old Settlers Days" as the "oldest man or woman present".
When I read the comment in the first Monroe Mirror Article in 1897 in which Mrs. J.K. Fudge stated that Jacob Pendroy was her grandfather, I was always curious what the relationship was.
The below marriage is of Margaret Ann Mosier. Margaret Ann Mosier who became Mrs. J.K. Fudge was the daughter of Daniel and Jemima (Pendroy) Mosier. Jemima was the daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Boots) Pendroy of Monroe, Iowa. (Jemima Pendroy first married Horatio Pace in Indiana)
James K. Polk Fudge was the son of William E. and Elizabeth Mary (Thompson) Fudge. They were from Washington County, Virginia. They moved through Coles County, Ill. before moving to Jasper County, Iowa. James was buried in Jasper County in 1926.
William E. Fudge was married three times and had 19 children and two step children. William E. Fudge was descended from John Fudge who arrived from Germany in 1744 aboard the Phoenix. (James K. and William E. Fudge Information provided by a gg grand son of William E. Fudge.) Note: p. 108 Jasper Co. - Newton Iowa; James K. Polk Fudge & Margaret Ann Mosier - Married - Feb. 24, 1865: Sol. by - E. W. Mitchell, J. P.
Read partial history of 1843 settlement of Jasper County, Iowa at Monroe, Iowa area.
Go To full publication: Jasper County, Iowa Early Settlement History: From Source: Jasper Co. IAGenWeb Past and Present of Jasper Co. CHAPTER V EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY. Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa. B.F. Bowden & Company, Indianapolis, IN, 1912. Transcribed by Ernie Braida in July 2003.