These words were written by Major M. H. Peters, of Watseka, at the suggestion of Hon. S. C. Rutherford, county superintendent of schools. They are sung to the tune of "Maryland, My Maryland," which is also the familiar tune of "O! Tannenbaum." The song was introduced to the teachers of the county at the Teachers' Institute (Conference) in January, 1902, and was to be introduced in each classroom of the county as a way to instill pride in the home county of the students. (Source: Iroquois County Past and Present, 1907, available from The Iroquois County Genealogical Society.)
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My own beloved Iroquois, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- Of all the earth land of my choice, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- Beneath thy grateful sun and shade, Within thy bosom gently laid, Repose the ashes of our dead, Iroquois, dear Iroquois. |
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The mem'ry
of thy pioneers, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- Who thro' their courage, toil and tears, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- Bequeathed to us this fair domain, Inspiring in our souls this strain-- Their names linked with the sweet refrain, Iroquois, dear Iroquois. |
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When treason with its
impious hand, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- Assailed the flag of our free land, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- Thy sons obeyed the high decree, And bore the banner of the free Thro' blood and glorious victory, Iroquois, dear Iroquois. |
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.And
while thy sons in battle front, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- Like heroes bore the shock and brunt, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- Thy noble daughters, true and brave, Cheered on their brothers whom they gave To freedom, Union, and the grave, Iroquois, dear Iroquois. |
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My
heart with proud emotion swells, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- In rapture on thy story dwells, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- Thy placid streams and flowing wells, Entrance me with their magic spells-- Each scene I view my song impels, Iroquois, dear Iroquois. |
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On hill and plain where'er I gaze, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- Contented herds serenely graze, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- While warbling birds from bush and tree Pour forth their joyous melody To join my song in praise of thee, Iroquois, dear Iroquois |
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Home
of my heart, home of my pride, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- Thro' grief or joy, whate'er betide, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- Still would I revel in thy charms, Sing of thy forests, fields and farms, And rest at last within thine arms, Iroquois, dear Iroquois. |
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O, let my song exultant rise, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- Until it reach the vaulted skies, Iroquois, dear Iroquois-- Where angels 'round the throne rejoice And listen while my ardent voice Proclaims thy charms, dear Iroquois-- Iroquois, dear Iroquois. |