PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL ADDRESS

By Robert, B., Windham

   Again we are coming together for the purpose of recalling the past and reminding ourselves of the progress the states have been making. In accordance with custom as president of the Association, I shall deliver a short address. Before doing so I wish to express my regret that during the past year our worthy secretary, Mr. Paine, has passed from among us. He was a very active man. We have missed him in the preparation of this meeting, and he is also missed from his work in the Historical Society. I am sure that today we all feel there has gone from among us one of our most active workers, and we shall long remember his services.
   In the beginning of my address I wish, first, to felicitate the members of the association who have been so blest with health and strength as to enable them to be present at this meeting.
   This year marks an epoch in the History of Nebraska. rounding out as it does a half century of Statehood. With pardonable pride and some laudation we may now speak of our state as a great Commonwealth, shining out brightly among the most brilliant stars in the constellation of states.
   To the Territorial Pioneers of 1854 to 1867 belongs the credit of laying sure the foundation upon which they, their sons, and their sons' sons have built so great a structure.
   It is a matter of great personal interest to me that in celebrating Nebraska's 50th anniversary of State hood that I am also celebrating my 50th anniversary of residence in the state. 1 came to Nebraska in the fall of 1866, returning later to Glenwood, Iowa, where I was raised. Coming back in the spring of 1867, I located at Plattsmouth, then one of the best towns in the territory, and now if not the best, one of the best of its class in the state. I am glad I came to Nebraska, and glad I located in Plattsmouth. Both have honored me and in return I have always aimed to faithfully discharge every trust imposed. What I am of worth, or what I may have accomplished in the interests of my state I give credit largely to the inspiration received from frontier associations and environments.
   I was not yet 21 years of age when I took up my residence in Nebraska, and here I cast my first vote and have ever since exercised the right of franchise.
   In 1867 the estimated population of the new state was less

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than 80,000, located principally in the river counties. In the main they were a people of intelligence, and possessed of great courage. They were industrious, energetic, helpful and self-sacrificing in the interest of each other, willingly bearing one another's burdens. It was thus they were enabled to create homes in the best sense of the word, organize society. and bring into existence municipal, county and territorial governments, constituting the foundation of our present commonwealth, with its million and a quarter of population. Our marvelous development along all lines, agriculture, stock raising, commercial enterprises, education, and in many other ways, has challenged the attention of the country at large. We stand alongside the greater states of the Union.
   In the early years of the settlement of the territory, probably, the two most important factors in the organization of sociey (sic) were the pioneer Methodists and the newspapers. They were both coincident with the white population. The Church brought to bear great moral and spiritual force often emphasized in great camp meetings, which were the religious life of most every new community. These early Christians believed in an open, uncompromising, vigorius (sic) fight with the devil, asking no quarters and giving none.
   Recently Frank Harrison, while writing up Pioneer days in Cass county for publication, ran across an entry in an old record, which, he stated, was evidently the report of the first pronounced temperance movement in Nebraska. It stated that at a quarterly meeting held in Rock Bluffs, September 12th, 1855, the presiding elder among other questions asked if there were any complaints. In response one brother arose and said he had a complaint to make -- against Brother Thompson, who had been indulging to excess in the use of ardent spirits. Brother Thompson, a local preacher, who was present, arose and acknowledged the charge and agreed not to drink to excess any more. It has been suggested, that the result of this incipient advance on the enemy, culminated in Nebraska's going dry at the recent fall election.
   The newspapers occupied the political field and were also the medium which disseminated all news of every variety and character. Papers were started early in the settlement of the territory, at Brownville, Nebraska City, Plattsmouth, Bellvue (sic), and Omaha, and the establishment of others in other localities followed quickly as the country filled up with population. It was a pungent and virile press that lead and instructed the early pioneer in the work of advancing civilization and in the laying of the foundation upon which has been constructed the present great commonwealth, of which all Nebraskans are justly proud.
   When I came into the state fifty years ago while there were many well established newspapers, my attention was

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particularly challenged by the Omaha Herald, then edited by Dr. George L. Miller, the Omaha Republican edited by St. A. D. Balcome, and the Nebraska City News, edited by J. Sterling Morton. Mr. Balcome was connected with the Republican for only a few years, but he was a man gifted with a high order of intelligence and great force of character, and impressed a strong personality on the readers of his paper, which, at that time I was the leading representative influence of the Republican party in the State.
   It is only necessary to mention the names of Dr. George L. Miller and J. Sterling Morton, and the work of their lives passes before us as a panorama. They made their imprint in almost every page of Nebraska's history during their active lives, and the influence of both was nation wide.
   Among the prominent men who occupied the political field, and first attracted my attention were the Hon. T. M. Marquette, Judge Samuel Maxwell, General R. R. Livingston and Major D. H. Wheeler of Cass County; O. P. Mason. C. W. Seymour and Judge David Gantt of Otoe County; Hon. R. W. Furnas (later governor), United States Senator T. W. Tipton and Hon. Samuel Daily, Congressman of Nemaha County; Judge Elmer S. Dundy, Judge Isham Reavis (father of our present congressman), and Judge A. J. Weaver of Richardson County; Governor Alvin Saunders, United States Senator John M. Thayer, Hon. J. M. Woolworth, Hon. A. J. Poppleton, Hon. Phineas W. Hitchcock, Hon. John I. Redick, Hon. A. S. Paddock (later United States Senator), Judge George B. Lake and Judge Ebinezer Wakely of Douglas County.
   Judge Lorenzo Crounse, Hon. John Taffe, Congressman of Washington County; Governor David Butler, Thomas B. Kennard and John Gillispie, were not only prominent as state officers, but also by reason of having been constituted the commission that later on located the capital of the state on the then bleak prairies where it has now become a beautiful home city, a commercial metropolis, an educational center, the pride of every worthy Nebraskan. It was given the charmed name of Lincoln, a name that will not perish.
   I would not have it understood that the gentlemen named were the only active forces in the new field of effort, for there were others as prominent, and many nearly so in every live community, who were helping to solve the problems confronting both church and state in this rapidly growing country. I have simply mentioned those men to whom my attention was directed as leaders. As organizers, legislators, judges on the bench, politicians and statesmen, they launched the new ship of state on a sure wave of success, and today in our greatness as a commonwealth we show them homage.
   Only one of the men whose names I have mentioned is
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alive today to enjoy the wonderful results of the fifty years of statehood, and that is Hon. Thomas P. Kennard, the first Secretary of State, now a resident of Lincoln.
   As apropo to the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Nebraska's Statehood, I will now relate an incident which occurred in the fall of 1866 at the. general territorial election, at which time the momentous question as to whether Nebraska should become a state or remain a territory was among the other things voted upon. As a party the Democrats were opposed to statehood, while the Republican party was in favor of statehood; a state constitution was also voted upon, and there were full state, congressional, and legislative tickets in the field. It was apparent from the first that the contest would be a close one. Probably no more exciting election was ever held, and the struggle was nearly equal. The final results depended on the counting, or not counting, of a single precinct in Cass County. When I crossed the river at Plattsmouth in the Spring of 1867, although statehood had become a fact, there was still a great tension, with feeling running high and the "Rock Bluffs" fraud, as it was termed, was the only exciting subject that attracted my attention. The Republicans claimed there was fraud in the way the democratic election board conducted the election, alleging that persons living in Iowa were permitted to vote and that the list of the names of those purported to be voters at the election were not certified to by the board. They further alleged that when it was dinner time the board adjourned, going to their several homes, one of the judges taking the ballot box and contents with him, leaving no two judges being together during the noon hour, and that the returns of the election to county officers were not signed by the board.
   Under the law it was the prerogative of the County Clerk to appoint a canvassing board. B. Spurlock, who was then County Clerk, appointed Hon. Isaac Wiles and Hon. Millet Pottenger. It is intetresting (sic) to note that Isaac Wiles and B. Spurlock, although advanced in years, are still alive and active, and their minds clear as to the facts connected with the Rock Bluffs election. As one of these men stated to me "When we came to examine the returns from Rock Bluffs, there was self-evident traces of irregularity in every feature." Hon. Willet Pottinger, a very unique pioneer, now deceased, expressed himself in the following terse language: "Whether there was fraud or not, there was such a damn good chance for it that we threw the Rock Bluffs' vote out." I am informed the decision of the canvassers was tested in the court, with the result that the action of the canvassers was sustained.

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 The refusal to count the Rock Bluffs' vote facilitated Nebraska's admission into the union of states. It gave the Republican party two senators, John M. Thayer, and Thomas W. Tipton, one Congressman, John Taffe, all state officers, the control of the legislative branch of the state, and elected the Republican ticket in Cass county.
   It is but fair to state that the canvassing board had no idea of the extent of the result of throwing out the Rock Bluffs vote until after the election returns from over the state were all in. Evidenly (sic) but for this unexpected incident the celebration of Nebraska's fiftieth anniversary of statehood would yet be some years in the future.
   It would be a grave omission and a matter for severe criticism should I close this address without mentioning and giving credit to the pioneer women of Nebraska, for what they accomplished in territorial days and since. As a rule the early pioneer women made greater sacrifices and endured more than the men, and but for their aid and encouragement the country would have been much slower in its development. As a rule their lives were more monotonous than those of the men.
   They were the homebuilders, and homekeepers. They could not vote, or attend political conventions, or sit in legislative halls, but they could keep vigil over the home, train the children in temporal and spiritual matters, and as a diversion many of them helped their husbands in the field in the summer time and with the stock in the winter season. Some were ready handlers of the rifle when the Indians became too aggressive and were inclined to give trouble. It is certain that Nebraska could not have been what it is today without the help of woman. The poet has well expressed it in the following stanza:
"They talk about a woman's sphere,
As though it had a limit;
There's not a place in earth or heaven,
There's not a task to mankind given,
There's not a blessing or a woe,
There's not a whispered yes or no,
There's not a death, there's not a birth
That has a feather's weight of worth,
Without a woman in it."

   In conclusion, there are some matters of public interest I deem expedient to speak of, and which I think demands a careful consideration of our lawmakers, and I believe my views will meet with the approbation of pioneers generally.
   We have been considering events of the past, and are now looking forward to the future.

51
 
  Nebraska needs a new capital, one commensurate with our constantly expanding needs, and our wealth and standing as a commonwealth; this too, without regard to the condition of the present structure, whether it be safe or unsafe. We want a building that will be a credit to the state for at least the next half century.
   The State Historical Society is in urgent need of a building in which to safely store and preserve the records of forty years existence, and the many relies of pioneer days which have accumulated from time to time. All of these are of great historical value and are deeply interesting in associating the early pioneer days with the present advanced state of society.
   I think it is generally conceded that we need a new State Constitution, having greatly outgrown the one adopted in 1875, and which we have failed in many attempts to satisfactorily amend. I am in favor of a constitutional convention for the creation of a fundamental law, not only to meet present needs, but comprehensive enough to meet the wants of the state for many years to come.
   I never was much of a friend to the present primary law. It has some virtue but I am candidly of the belief that the remedy is worse than the disease. In some respects the law has proved viscious (sic). If true, as published in the papers at the time, that it cost a number of candidates for state offices upward of $15,000.00 each for campaign expenses, and the lucky men probably that much more at the general election, it is high time that the law was repealed, or at least radically amended, or else turn the office-holding business over the autocracy of wealth. A man of limited means, no matter how well qualified and efficient, has but small chance of attainment against such odds.
   The pioneers of the state, although rapidly passing from the stage of action, are as much interested in the passage of meritorious laws affecting the welfare of society and the state, as they ever were. They will watch with interest the work of the present legislature and have faith that it and our worthy governor, Keith Neville, will give us laws adequate to our present needs.
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CLARENCE S. PAINE

In Memoriam

By Minnie Prey Knotts

   Clarence Sumner Paine was born in Eden Prairie township, Minnesota, on the eleventh day of June, 1867. He was the son of Ezra Kempton Paine and Alice C. Brown Paine. His ancestors for several generations were of sturdy New England stock. His great, great grandfather, William Paine, and his great, great, great grandfather, John Paine, both served in the American revolution mud participated in several of the most important battles.
   Mr. Paine was born and raised on his father's homestead and secured his earliest education at the district school. He left school at an early age and worked a short time in the lumber camps in the northern part of the state. But this work did not prove to be to his liking so he went on a farm and at sixteen years of age became foreman on one of the largest stock farms in the state at that time.
   He soon gave up this work and went to Minneapolis to attend school, where he remained for some time, finishing his academic work. and also taking a business college course. Business appealed to him and he went to Boone, Iowa, where he established a business college and later controlled a number of commercial schools at various points in that state.
   While in Iowa he became interested in the work of Charles Aldrich, who was doing so much to preserve Iowa history, and took an active interest in the Iowa society as a collector. The subject of local history fascinated him and grew upon him 'till it became the dominant interest of his life.
   In 1897 Mr. Paine came to Nebraska to take charge of the commercial phase of the history of Nebraska which J. Sterling Morton sponsored. For a number of years Mr. Paine devoted the great energy of his nature to the project, urging, and assisting its completion after Mr. Morton's death.
    In 1907 he was elected secretary of the Nebraska State Historical society and with his characteristic energy and enthusiasm worked unceasingly for its up-building. His breadth of view regarding the possibilities of the society, combined with his enthusiasm, made a very marked increase in the growth of the society and in the scope of its work. His kneen (sic) appreciation of the hardships endured and overcome during the development of this state, together with the realization of its importance in national history, inspired him to

53

strenous (sic) effort in the preservation of the story. His enthusiasm aroused others and secured the active co-operation of a large number of organizations and individuals which brought great results. On account of his indomitable courage and will, more perhaps than any other one cause, Nebraska can point with pride to the marking of the Oregon Trail.
   One of the cherished hopes of his life was to see the Nebraska State Historical society occupying a building of its own which should be of such a nature as the usefulness and dignity of the society merited.
   During his first year as secretary of the Nebraska State Historical society, he realized the good which might be derived from organized and systematic co-operation of all like societies of the Mississippi valley. In accordance with this view he issued a call to representatives of the Mississippi valley societies. Men from seven states responded to the call and the Mississippi Valley Hitsorical (sic) Association we organized. Mr. Paine was made the secretary-treasurer and continued to hold the position until his death. The rapidity with which the new organization grew, and the work which it is accomplishing fully vindicate his beliefs and aims in its organization.
   He was a member of the Elks, the Rotary club, and the Knights of Pythias, having served as past chancellor of his lodge. He was secretary-treasurer of the Nebraska Territorial Pioneer's Association, secretary-registrar arid historian for the Nebraska Society Sons of the American Revolution, and secretary-treasurer of the Nebraska Memorial association at the time of his death.
   Early in life he united with the Christian church and for many years he gave of his time and strength for the promotion of its varied activities. In June, 1903, he was elected a member of the board of trustees of Cotner University, which position he held to the time of his death.
   His keen human sympathies and interest in his fellow men led him to take an official interest in the Nebraska Children's home society, local and national humane societies and other kindred organizations.
   He is survived by a wife and four children -- one, Mrs. Edward M. Slater of Omaha, by a former marriage, and two young sons and an infant daughter by a second marriage; his mother and one sister, Mrs. John P. McKay, of Oakland, Cal.
   The same energy and enthusiasm with which he pushed forward his historical work also characterized his attitude toward the movements for a better community and state, Optimism, human sympathy, and generosity, combined with energy and enthusiasm of purpose, were. the dominant features of his active life.

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MRS. ALICE TRUELL

In Memoriam

By F. A. Truell

   Alice Truell was born in Sterling, Illinois, March 7, 1864, and with her parents came to Nebraska on March 1, 1867, first settling in Cass county and some years afterward in Lancaster county, where she had lived until her death, which occurred July 26th, 1916.
   She was first married on March 7, 1887, to Jefferson H. Foxworthy, and from her marriage was associated with him in the prosecution of his pension and government claims business. She was regularly admitted to practice in the various departments at Washington, and continued in that practice until her marriage to Ferdinand A. Truell, of Lincoln, August 15th, 1899, who survives her. She leaves also her father and mother, Richard and Martha Iiams of Philomath, Oregon; six brothers and two sisters, one brother, Mr. Sam B. Iiams, living in this city.
   Mrs. Terrell was a woman of brilliant mind and endowed with uncommon business qualifications, which characterized her life for many years. Her long residence in Lincoln and vicinity, and her prominence in two fraternal orders, besides her church work, had given her, an uncommonly wide acquaintance in the city and in many states. The memory of her sweet presence with her kindly smiles and always softly spoken speech, will always remain with her relatives and friends. She had been a member of the Nebraska Territorial Pioneers' Association for many years.

55

NEBRASKA TERRITORIAL PIONEERS' ASSOCIATION

Report of the Secretary-Treasurer for the Year Ending

December 31, 1916

   The past year has witnessed many changes in the Association. A number of the members have gone on to new fields. Mr. Clarence S. Paine, the secretary-treasurer, left us on June 14th. A. N. Yost, president of the Territorial Pioneers' Association in 1914, crossed the great divide in September. Both of these officers had been active and we shall miss their presence and their efforts.
   At the opening of the present year there was a deficit of $79.63, but through effort sufficient money has been raised to wipe out this amount, meet the necessary bills, and leave a balance of $80.12.
   During the year a total of 68 new members have been added to the rolls. Through the efforts of Mr. J. C. Bowlby, Mr. Bardwell and Mr. Windham, many of these names were added. Your secretary-treasurer sent out notices from the office during the summer to the president and secretary of the county historical and old settlers' associations and secured a number in this way.
   The coming year, which marks Nebraska's semi-centennial anniversary of statehood, should mark also greater effort of members of this Association and result in greater growth of membership. If each member were to pledge himself to secure five new members, and carry out the pledge, it would mark a wonderful development, in the Association without burdening anyone.
   The activity of the members of this Association ought not to be confined alone to the securing of additional membership. As the fiftieth year of statehood passes away it will carry into oblivion many valuable records and relics of early days unless the effort of the members of this and kindered associations rescue them for the future. If the 800 living members will each rescue two articles illustrative of the past, what an addition it would be to the story of Nebraska's growth.
   In almost every community in the state there is still in existence some of the early landmarks of its settlement. Perhaps it is a schoolhouse, a sod cabin, a brick building or the earliest tree. These ought to be preserved and nobody will do it with as much interest or feeling as the pioneer who

56

regards them as old friends. Will not every pioneer exert himself just a little more this semi-centennial year than he has ever done before to preserve the story of which he is a part.
   This semi-centennial year seems also an appropriate time for the Association to take an advance step in its publications. In the past we have printed nothing but a roster of the members. A small volume containing the reminiscences given at these meetings would certainly be valuable to the state and a pleasure to the members.
   The present financial condition of the Association would almost warrant the undertaking at the present date, and with a little more effort on the part of the members such a volume might he completed and paid for during the year. For $125.00 such a booklet could be purchased and $80.00 of this is already on hand, with only two or three small bills in connection with this meeting to be paid. The badges on hand have already been paid for, so at each sale of badges the total amount will be left in the treasury. This and the number of new members ought to increase the Association's funds to $150.00 at least during the year.
   With each succeeding year the Society grows in its numbers through new members and is also reduced by those crossing the great divide. During this year the following have left us for the other side:


Deceased Members of the Nebraska Territorial Pioneers'

Association for the Year Ending December 31, 1916

Charles E. Burmester, Omaha, Nebr. Died Feb. 17, 1916.

Mr. Benjamin F. Good, Lincoln, Nebr. Died April 3, 1916.

Mrs. Martha P. Hayward, Omaha, Nebr. Died Oct. 4, 1914.

Mr. Frank Jelinek, Sr., Crete, Nebr. Died Feb. 1, 1916.

Mr. Edward H. Marshall, Lincoln, Nebr. Died Feb. 7, 1916.

Mr. Isaac Pollard, Nehawka, Nebr. Died Nov. 25, 1916.

Mr. Absalom N. Yost, Omaha, Nebr. Died Sept. 29, 1916.

Mrs. Alice Truell, Lincoln, Nebr. Died July 26, 1916.

Mr. Clarence S. Paine, Lincoln, Nebr. Died June 14, 1916.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Nebraska Territorial Pioneers' Association for Year

Ending December 31, 1916,

RECEIPTS

Received account of membership, fees and an-

nual dues

$170.25

Received from sale of badges

18.40

-----------

Total receipts

$188.65

DISBURSEMENTS

Deficit January, 1916

$79.63

Office supplies and stationery

$11.00

Postage

13.00

Printing

4.90

28.90

----------

-----------

Total disbursements

$108.53

-----------

Balance

$ 80.12

Respectfully submitted,          

MINNIE P. KNOTTS,     

Secretary-Treasurer.

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NEBRASKA TERRITORIAL PIONEERS' ASSOCIATION
PROCEEDINGS, 1917

Morning Session

 

     The Nebraska Territorial Pioneers' Association met at the Temple Theater, Wednesday morning, January 10, 1917, at half-past nine o'clock, for registration and distribution of badges. At half-past ten o'clock the meeting was called to order by President Robert B. Windham, who delivered the annual address.
     Following the president's address the report of the secretary-treasurer was given. It was moved, seconded and carried that the chairman appoint an obituary committee. The president appointed Frank Harrison, L. A. Bates and S. C. Basset as such committee.
     Pursuant to resolution the president appointed an auditing committee consisting of Mr. J. W. Cassell and Mr. Ferdniand (sic) Truell. A letter from Hiram Burch, a member of the society, but now a resident of California, was read by the secretary.
     The next order of business was the election of officers. The following named persons were duly elected by acclamation: President, J. C. F. McKesson, Lincoln; first vice-president, Casper E. Yost, Omaha; second vice-president, Clarence E. Keyes, Springfield; secretary-treasurer, Mrs. Minnie P. Knotts, Lincoln.
     After the discussion, it was moved, seconded and carried that the Association hold a summer meeting at the time of the Epworth Assembly in Lincoln.
     Upon motion duly carried the secretary was instructed to write Mr. Hiram Burch a letter of appreciation for the Society.
     Upon motion the secretary was asked to define the three classes of membership in the Nebraska Territorial Pioneers, Association, which are: Class A consists of those who came to the state on or before March 1, 1867. Class B consists of those who are lineal descendants of Class A, and Class C consists of those who have resided in the state a period of 35 years.
     Adjournment was taken to the Commercial Club rooms where luncheon was served.

Afternoon Session

     Following the luncheon the meeting was called to order at the Temple Theater at 2:00 o'clock, by President Windham, who presented the newly elected president, J. C. F. McKesson.

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After remarks by Mr. McKesson the following, report of the obituary committee, was read and accepted:

 

Lincoln, Nebr., Jan. 10, 1917.

     "The Nebraska Territorial Pioneers' Association is called upon to record the passing away of several of its honored members during the year 1916. These men and women lived to make their mark on the history of the state. Braving the trials of the early days, they lived on to the time when the homes they built for themselves and others became homes indeed in all things that modern civilization can supply.
     "We of the living pioneers and those younger people who are so rapidly taking our places, can not say too much for the memory of those who have gone on to the final camping place. What they did for themselves and for us in the days gone by, they did also for the generations that are yet to come. We place on the final roll call for 1916 the following. names; Charles E. Burmester, Mrs. Benjamin F. Good, Mrs. Martha A. Hayward, Mr. Frank Jelinek, Sr., Mr. Edward H. Marshall, Mr. Isaac Pollard; Absolom N. Yost, Clarence S. Paine, Mrs. Alice Truell.
     "Now, Be it resolved, that in their passing away this Association has suffered a loss of their wise council and their happy presence, The community in which they resided, while grieving over their absence, will long feel the influence of their good deeds and their good citizenship.

"FRANK HARRISON.
"L. A. BATES.       
"S. C. BASSETT."      
Committee.

     Obituary tributes to Clarence S. Paine and to Mrs. Alice Iiams Truell were read and handed to the secretary.
     Mr. Bates, pioneer of Sarpy county, displayed a flag which had been made by his mother, in '62, and, read a poem in its honor. President McKesson, being called from the meeting, requested that Mr. Windham take the chair and preside over the round table, during which a number of pioneers gave their experiences. The report of the auditing committee was read and accepted, as follows:

60

"Lincoln, Nebr., January 10, 1917.

     We, the Auditing Committee appointed to audit the accounts of the Territorial Pioneers' Association, do find that the accounts of the secretary-treasurer of said Association are in good form and correct.

"F. A, TRUELL,  
"J. W. CASSELL,
"Committee."

     The report was adopted and placed on record. Following this report the Nebraska Territorial Pioneers' Association adjourned sine die.

MINNIE P. KNOTTS,
Secretary-Treasurer
61
THE NEW CENTURY PRINTERS, LINCOLN, NEB.

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