Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 June 1896 — From Carpenter Township. [ARTICLE]

From Carpenter Township.

OLD SETTLERS REUNION-MORE OLD TIME TRIPLETS. . 50 years ago this fall; John and David Alter then about 18 and 2T years of age, came to this Co- and settled, “Far out upon the prairie.” The next year Isaac and David came, and -continued the improvement so started. The following winter their father Rev. jlohn Alter and the rest of his family came, and settled on the farm in Sec. 21. Town. 27 R. T. where he died in 187 G and was hurried in the family grave yard, on the farm. .

This we believe was the first Settlement made in the open prairie, away from any natural grove of timber. ,It is proposed to have an old Settlers reunion, to celebrate the Semi-cent6nial of the Settlement of the Paairie, to be held in the grove on th 5 Alter farm. Lewis S. Alter the present owner says he will furnish a dinner to every one in attendance who lias been a a resident of Jasper dr Newton counties for 50 years or more. More particulars will be published latter. Speaking of triplets; I believe there is one set, you have not mentioned. About 21 years ago, Mrs. Wingate Downing, a sister to Mrs. C. 11. P rice, had 3 boys, of average weight of 8 lbs. apiece; but unfortunately, the mother and 2 boys died; the other boy is living yet now in Kan. Mr. Downing lived on Sec. 16 Carpenter Tp. that time. The cut worms have done considerable damage in the South end of the Co. But they have an enemy, that we hopewill soon become numerous enough to keep them in check. A beetle very much Resembling a cut worm in eizd and shape but of jet black color and a very rapid runner, can often be seen over the fields, Tuning here and there as if hunting; and woe to the poor cut worm that comes in reach of its powerful jawa. Now if we can find out their habits and raise a good supply the cut worm question will soon be solvedj in favor of the farmers.