MENUTreasures from the Collection
Things we found around the Museum
Vernon County Early Settlers Association:
Pioneer Meeting at the County Fair, Sept. 1892.
Writing on upper right corner:
Dr. C.V. Porter in center picture at back – high
D. O. Mahoney at his right
Writing on lower right corner:
From Nell Mahoney To Mrs. Clinton Nuzum Jan 30 57
The photo above was taken during the 1892 Vernon County Fair. It is also where the idea for an Early Settlers Association was formed. The following newspaper article from the Vernon County Censor gives the details of the event.
D.O. Mahoney gave an address of welcome to the pioneers. The newspaper article states Mr. Mahoney was not present to give the address, so it is not clear when this was given. However, it was printed in the Vernon County Censor along with the previous article.
The last item in the Vernon County Censor article is a roster of the pioneers in attendance at the 1892 gathering:
In 1897, early settlers of Vernon County formed an Association "...for the purpose of cementing our friendships, cherishing memories of the past, and educating the younger residents of the county concerning pioneer life..."
Of particular interest is Article 12 of the Constitution "...and the right of suffrage shall be enjoyed by women."
Included in the ledger is a letter written to Mr. R.S. McMichael from Alexander Latshaw. Mr. Latshaw is asking Mr. McMichael to contact specific people regarding histories of the towns.
Unfortunately, there isn't any other information about the Early Settlers Association. The last entry in the association ledger dates to 1902. Did they have another gathering or meeting? If anyone has any information regarding the Early Settlers Association, please contact the musuem - call: 608-637-7396, or come in for a visit.
More Treasures:
1918 Graduates and alumni in WWI