People's Pilot, Volume 6, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 August 1896 — Semi-Centennial Celebration. [ARTICLE]

Semi-Centennial Celebration.

Fifty years ago two young men, John and David Alter, driving an ox team, struck this town inquiring for a location to farm on the prairie. Our old enterprising townsman, Geo. W. Spitler, directed them where they could find a stone quarry, ‘way out upon the prairie.’ Thither they journeyed and located on sec. 21, town 27, range 7 west This we believe was the first settlement made out on the praire. Arrangements are now being made for an old settler’s meeting to be held Sept, 17, at Alter’s Grove to celebrate the Bemi-centennial of the settlement of the prairie. Short speeches by old settlers and other entertaining features will make it pleasant for all. Everybody is invited to attend. Bring your baskets well filled and have a picnic.