Bristol County, Massachusetts - Chapter 20: Taunton Fraternal Societies, 1924

Chapter 20: Taunton Fraternal Societies

So varied in name and purpose, and so extensive in influence have become the fraternal organizations within the past half century, that an account of them necessarily forms a chapter of the present-day story in the history of all towns and cities. Taunton is a city that has particular note on account of societies of this kind, both for the older origin of some, and for the rapid growth and position of others; while foreign-born people who have come here to make their homes have their own societies and clubs, from which new powers, political and social, are emanating. Most requests for information regarding the institution fraternal have been generously accorded in the following:

Masonic - One of the oldest lodges of Masonry in Massachusetts is King David Lodge, A. F. and A. M., whose charter dates from June 12, 1798, these being the charter members: Seth Padelford, William Sever, James Sproat, Abiatha Ingell, Thomas Weatherby, Daniel Crossman, William A. Crocker, Enos Williams, Samuel Crocker, John W. Smith, Nathaniel Terry, David Vickery, William Carver, Benjamin Harris, Apollos B. Leonard, Samuel Wilde, jr., Philip Padelford. These officers were elected and installed at the tavern of Josiah Crocker: Worthy Master, Seth Padelford; Senior Warden, William A. Crocker; Junior Warden, John W. Smith; Treasurer, William Sever; Secretary, Samuel Crocker; Senior Deacon, Nathaniel Terry; Junior Deacon, David Vickery; Steward, Thomas Weatherby. From July 6, 1798, meetings were held in the hall of the Bristol Academy, and from that date to 1819 one hundred and fifty persons were initiated. Opposition against Masonry began in 1825 and continued for a number of years. In 1832 the lodge voted to reject consideration to surrender its charter. Ichabod Bosworth, who was raised to the third degree in Masonry, December 3, 1833, was the last person made a Mason in this lodge until the close of the Anti-Masonic movement. Henceforth meetings were held at Free Masons' Hall, at Odd Fellows' Hall, at a hall in the West Britannia works, at Fraternity Hall, Union block, at a hall over the Old Colony Railroad station, at Mason's Hall, in Skinner's block, on Maia street. Solid silver jewels for the twelve officers, with velvet collars, were presented from Mrs. Sarah L. King and Mrs. Curtis Guild, daughters of Samuel Crocker. The past masters of King David Lodge:

A dispensation for a lodge at Taunton, to be called Alfred Baylies Lodge, A. F. and A. M., was granted January 12, 1866, to John H. Eddy and thirty-two others. The charter was granted December 13, that year, and the lodge was duly constituted January 9, 1867. The lodge, named for Dr. Alfred Baylies, a well-known physician, who was secretary of King David Lodge for over forty years, held its meetings at a hall in the Staples block up to the year 1923, when removal was made to the centre of the city. The Masonic apron of Dr. Baylies was presented to the lodge by his grandson, Walter Southgate, and it is highly prized by the members. The charter members were: John Eddy, Benjamin H. Baker, Charles F. Eddy, Charles H. Paull, James H. Codding, Benjamin B. Hathaway, Benjamin Cooper, John O. Babbitt, James F. Hathaway, Whitman Chase, Mason W. Burt, William H. Ingell, Sylvanus N. Staples, Darius M. White, George F. Gavitt, William D. Hatch, Jacob Burt, James W. Gavitt, George E. Paull, Albert French, William E. Thresher, Moses F. Pike, Jacob B. Phillips, Benjamin G. Wilbur, William L. Hathaway, William Hathaway, Abiathar I. Staples, Albert H. Hathaway, John M. Phillips. These have been the Past Masters:

Ionic Lodge, A. F. and A. M., was granted a dispensation January 8, 1867, James Utley receiving his appointment as first master, and William R. Williams and Charles H. Atwood first wardens. The lodge charter was granted December 11, 1867, and Ionic Lodge was constituted by the officers of the Grand Lodge, December 8, 1867. These were the charter members: Charles H. Atwood, Charles T. Atwood, Orville A. Barker, John S. Bassett, Gerry Brown, George F. Champney, Ezra Davol, Calvin P. Harris, Joseph W. Haywood, John Holland, Isaac C. Howland, Charles T. Hubbard, Elijah U. Jones, Daniel L. Mitchell, Jonathan L. Stanley, Albert S. Sweet, E. Dawes Tisdale, Daniel A. Trefethen, James Utley, George A. Washburn, Philo T. Washburn, Laban W. Williams, Philander Williams, William R. Williams, George L. Wilmarth, John O. S. Wilmarth, Baylies Wood. The first initiates were the following-named: Isaac R. Hadwen, Charles A. Hathaway, Silas D. Presbrey, who received the first degree April 12, 1867. The following-named have been the worshipful masters:

Charles H. Titus Lodge, A. F. and A. M., was granted a dispensation March 15, 1872, with Timothy C. Baker as first worshipful master, and Lewis E. Leonard and Walter S. Sprague as wardens. The lodge was named for Rev. Charles Henry Titus, of the Methodist Episcopal church, who had officiated as a pastor in this city, and who was a past master of King David Lodge. The lodge received its charter March 12, 1873, and was constituted March 28, that year, the following-named being the charter members: Charles T. Robinson, Zacheus Sherman, Henry H. Robinson, Lorenzo O. Barnard, William L. Walker, Lewis E. Leonard, Obed Harlow, James L. Corey, Edwin A. Darey, Abiathar Doane, jr., Charles Lawton, Daniel F: Frasier, Nathan §S. Williams, Wilson W. Arnold, Walter S. Sprague, James H. Stevens, Edward W. Harlow, Horatio L. Cushman, Edward B. Dean, Rev. Charles H. Titus, Isaac G. Carrier, Asaph L. Bliss, George H. Rhodes, Joseph W. Knowles, Herbert E. Tinkham, Henry I. Tinkham, Charles F. Ivers, William M. Cowing, Edwin E. Rogers, Timothy C. Baker. The first two initiates were Cornelius H. Paull and John E. DeBlois. The past masters of the lodge:

St. Mark's Chapter Royal Arch Masons was instituted July 24, 1865, its membership having been composed of former members of Adoniram Chapter. The names of the first members follow: John H. Eddy, Calvin P. Harris, John Holland, Robert Crossman, 2d, Isaac G. Carrier, William Cox, William H. Brown, Sylvanus N. Staples, E. Henry Hall, Charles Lawton, Thomas Y. Rothwell, L. O. Barnard, Shepard P. Briggs, Eli H. Eldridge, Zacheus Sherman, F. G. Shalling, Daniel A. Trefethen, Charles T. Robinson, James Utley, Charles F. Johnson, Edward Mott, Elijah U.. Jones, Jonathan L. Stanley, John E. Browne, Edward E. Washburn, Silas Dean. The high priests of the chapter:

Taunton Council, Royal and Select Masters, was instituted April 14, 1921, and constituted May, 15, 1922. In 1923 the membership was one hundred and sixty, the officers at that time being Illustrious Master Enos D. Williams; Deputy Master Frank W. Boynton; Principal Conductor of the Work, Levi L. Wetherbee; Treasurer Frederick®*E. Johnson; Recorder Henry D. Atwell; Chaplain Frank E. Beeman; Master of Ceremonies B. Percy Minchew; Captain of the Guard Robert C. Witherell; Conductor of the Council Eugene H. Brownell; Steward Lucius T. Cushman; Organist Edward G. Hall; Sentinel Chester E. Lindsay.

The Past Masters of the several Masonic lodges here organized the' Past Masters Association, November 28, 1887. The Knights Templar Association was organized April 7, 1891, composed of the Knights Templar residing in Taunton and its vicinity. The Southern Massachusetts Masonic Mutual Relief Association was organized August 29, 1873, for the purpose of rendering relief to the families of such Masons as should become members. Adoniram Arch Chapter had its charter granted October 14, 1816, and its first meeting was held at Attleboro, October 8, 1816; it was removed to Taunton July 5, 1825, and eventually to New Bedford in 1845.

The Taunton Masonic Corporation received its papers of incorporation July 27, 1900, for the purpose of leasing, holding and furnishing halls and rooms for the accommodation of societies of Free Masons. The officers elected at that time consisted of: President, Daniel L. Brownell; treasurer, George H. Rhodes; clerk, John H. Eldridge; vice-president, Alfred B. Williams; directors: $. Frank Hammett; Benjamin B. Pierce, James E. Lewis, Lloyd EK. White, John A. Abbott, George F. Pratt. The officers in 1923: President, Enos D. Williams; vice-president, Henry D. Atwell; treasurer, William C. Townsend; clerk, Percy F. Francis; directors: Arthur R. Knox of King David lodge; Edwin D. Ripley of Ionic lodge; Harold Walker of Charles H. Titus lodge, and C. Roland Hodges of St. Mark's Royal Arch Chapter.

Rose Croix Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star of Massachusetts, was instituted January 9, 1902, at the Board of Trade rooms in Taunton; and was constituted at Masonic hall, September 18, that year, the organization of the chapter having been brought about by Mrs. Martha W. Chace. One hundred and seven charter members had the degree conferred upon them by Henry B. Worth, Grand Patron. The first officers were: Worthy matron, Dora E. W. Messinger; worthy patron, Marcus A. Dary; associate matron, Flora F. Shumway; secretary, Fannie R. Macomber; treasurer, Hattie A. Johnson; conductress, Elizabeth S. Atwood; associate conductress, Bertha G. Dary; chaplain, Martha W. Chace; marshal,

Odd Fellowship. - The oldest representative of Odd Fellowship in Taunton is Good Samaritan Lodge, once No. 3, now No. 19, which was instituted here December 11, 1826, by the grand officers of the State; and it was the first subordinate lodge that was thus made by the grand lodge. The first officers were: N. G., Richard White; V. G., Robert Jackson; secretary, Joseph G. Charnley. At a later period among the members of the lodge was James Wood, who became the founder of the order in Rhode Island. This lodge continued its existence even after the death of the grand lodge, in 1832, as Grand Sire Thomas Wildey found it living in July, 1833; and it was granted a new charter on July 10 of that year. The lodge finally ceased to exist, and was not revived, and its charter was returned to the grand secretary, December 25, 1871. In 1874, the grand lodge granted its number to Commonwealth Lodge. In 1877, however, the lodge was reinstituted, with the number 19.

If no mention of old King Philip Lodge were made, the story of Odd Fellowship in Taunton would be incomplete, the interests of that lodge having become merged with those of Sabbatia Lodge in 1917. King Philip Lodge, the second to be instituted in Taunton, was organized July 29, 1844, in the upper story of a building that formerly stood on the site of the Manheim building. The petitioners for a charter were James M. Cook, Caleb C. Sprague, James W. Earl, Elijah S. Robinson, E. Dawes Tisdale, Francis S. Munroe. The dispensation was signed by Thomas F, Norris, deputy grand master, and the lodge was instituted by Past Grand Master Daniel Hersey, assisted by Past Grands Mullen, Mudge and Pollard. The lodge had several homes, notably Market Hall (later a tack factory), in 1923 the -car barns of the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway Company; the Armory Hall, across the road; the Washburn block, Main street, on the site of the present Union block; Fraternity Hall, Mason Hall, Templars' Hall, and the I. O. O. F. building.

Sabbatia Lodge, No. 225, I. O. O. F., has a membership of six hundred, assets in excess of $25,000, and is the principal owner of the Odd Fellows' building located on Court street. It is not quite thirty years old. At times it has attained distinction in the rendition of the first degree and in the promotion of inter-city anniversaries. It has been honored by the election from its membership of two grand masters of Massachusetts, the Hon. Nathaniel J. W. Fish and the Hon. Silas D. Reed. The lodge was started in the so-called Sabbatia Association which met in Skinner's block on Main street, in 1894. It was fathered and promoted by Henry A. Dickerman, James H. Pizer, Walter N. Smith and Edward §S. Hersey. It was instituted March 20, 1894, in the then new Odd Fellows' building on Court street, by Grand Master Louis A. Cook and staff of grand officers. The first elective officers were: Henry A. Dickerman, N. G.; Walter N. Smith, V. G.; James H. Pizer, recording secretary; Edward S. Hersey, permanent secretary; and Frank P. Elliott, treasurer. Its regular meeting night has always been Friday. For many years in its early history Ellerey B. Bromiley of Attleboro was its district deputy grand master. The lodge soon attained great repute by its development and production of the first degee. In this work, Herbert A. Morton, Albert L,. Carpenter and Walter Carter were chiefly engaged. On the Rhode Island anniversary of the order in 1896, as guests of Roger Williams Lodge of Providence, Sabbatia exemplified its conception of the first degree before fifteen hundred Odd Fellows, in Infantry Hall of that city. The Sabbatia version had a bearing upon the new first degree in the ritual of 1908. From time to time the lodge exchanged work and visits, less and less as the years have passed. In comparatively recent years the lodge has done two notable things; it saved King Philip Lodge No. 44 from oblivion by assimilating its entire membership and assuming all of its liabilities; and through the readiness and availability of its treasury, Sabbatia saved the Odd Fellows' building from the possibility of the auction block, and rehabilitated its management in a board of three directors, Charles S. McCall, George H. Burt and Thomas H. Arden. Under their sound and conservative management, all current indebtedness has been kept cleared and two-thirds of all other outstanding indebtedness has been extinguished. The elective officers of 1923: William G. Bradbury, N. G.; William M. Stevenson, V. G.; Albert F. Lapham, recording secretary; Norman A. Thurlow, financial secretary; J. Fred Barden, treasurer. The board of trustees: Silas D. Reed, George R. Hastings, and Chas. M. Caswell. Elizabeth Poole Lodge, No. 25, received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, April 17, 1875, and the lodge was instituted with 48 members enrolled on the charter list. The free use of King Philip Lodge hall was given the new lodge for fifteen consecutive years, and the officers gave their services free for several years, one sister, a charter member, acting as treasurer for twenty years, and another charter member serving as secretary for twenty-eight years, she having been the only one to occupy all of the elective officers' chairs. When the Rebekah Lodge was first established, the sisters were not permitted to have the honor of noble grand conferred upon them, as the chair had to be filled by a brother Odd Fellow. William F. Rose, who was one of the agitators for this degree, was elected first noble grand, serving two terms; Hannah F. Holmes as first vice-grand. Two years after the lodge was instituted, the sisters of Rebekah lodges were granted the privilege of occupying the noble grand chair, and Carrie Strange received the honor. At that time she was the oldest past noble grand and also the oldest Rebekah in the city. In June, 1879, Elias Strange donated a sum of money to the lodge

In the latter part of 1894, several of the members withdrew to form a sister lodge, taking the name of Golden Rod Lodge, No. 133; and in 1898 several Odd Fellows with their wives came over from Middleboro, took the degree, united with the lodge, and later withdrew to form a lodge of their own! Three brothers were in the government service, and there were seven hundred names enrolled in the books. The following-named have served as noble grand:

In December, 1894, sixteen members of Elizabeth Poole Lodge, No. 25, under the leadership of Henry A. Dickerman, withdrew from that organization, as follows, to form Golden Rod Rebekah Lodge, No. 133: Henry A. Dickerman, Minnie L. Dickerman, Leander Gifford, Harriet E. Gifford, William T. Hunter, Bessie J. Hunter, Edgar C. Leonard, Mary E. Leonard, Edward W. Wyman, Maria A. Wyman, Jireh W. Strange, Caroline J. Strange, Winfield S. Geary, Myra W. Geary, James H. Pizer, and Carrie Churchill. The lodge was instituted December 6, by Grand Master Ruggles and his board of grand officers, who installed Mary E. Leonard as first noble grand. In the evening, the new officers worked the degree on 192 candidates, and at the end of the first year there were 250 members. Mrs. Bessie Hunter, at whose suggestion the name Golden Rod was adopted, presented the lodge with a silk banner, October 27, 1915, and the lodge had as guests members of twenty-seven lodges in different parts of the state, there being 645 Rebekahs present at the meeting. 'The service flag has the names of fourteen members, as follows: Charles F. Frink, William Folsom, Captain Edwin G. Hopkins, Leon Lincoln, Clifford H. Macomber, Thaddeus C. Frederick, Sergeant Franklin Duckworth, Frank Jones, John S. Panton, Lieutenant Fred L. Nickerson, James A. Lincoln, William H. Stevenson, Alexander R. Cameron, Henry R. Hall. The following-named have served as noble grand: Mary E. Leonard, 1895-96; Cora L. Brownell, 1897; Susan E. King, 1898; Mary E. Borden, 1899; L. Maria Williams, 1900; Sarah Dean, 1901; Hattie W. Frisby, 1902; Hattie E. Lincoln, 1903; Lilla B. Dean, 1904; Gertrude Williams, 1905; Elizabeth B. Haskins, 1906; Martha Brooks, 1907; Esther A. Rouse, 1908; Maria LeGrow, 1909; Edith L. Paige, 1910; Eva M. Burt, 1911; R. Fannie Frink, 1912; Hattie C. Lockhart, 1913; Edna S. Hall, 1914; Blanche

The first meeting of the Past Grands Association was held August 28, 1894, at the close of the session of King Philip Lodge, with eighteen past grands present. On September 4, another meeting was held, and it was voted to call the association the Taunton Association of the Past Grands. George H. Burt was elected president, William H. Thomas vice-president, and George W. Richardson secretary and treasurer.

In 1845 the subject of Patriarchal Odd Fellowship was canvassed among the mémbership of King Philip Lodge, when that lodge was the only one of the order here, and the following-named petitioned the grand encampment for a charter: James M. Cook, E. Dawes 'Tisdale, Charles Foster, Sylvanus Thayer, James P. Ellis, E. A. Morse and James W. Earle. The officers of the grand encampment visited King Philip Lodge, March 30, 1846, whose lodge room was then in the present car-barn building on Winthrop street. Naomi Encampment was then duly instituted, with the following-named officers: C. P., James Cook; H. P., E. Dawes Tisdale; S. W., Charles Foster; scribe, E. Ambrose; treasurer, James P. Ellis; J. W., Sylvanus Thayer. A number of the members were instructed in the encampment degree. In the latter fifties, owing to strong antifraternity feeling, membership decreased, and in 1859 there was a temporary dissolution of the encampment. The tide turned at the conclusion of\ the Civil War, and in June, 1871, a number of Odd Fellows applying for reinstitution, the encampment was reéstablished October 27 that year, James M. Price, G. P., coming here for that purpose.

Canton Cohannet, No. 49, Patriarchs Militant, began its existence January 27, 1889, at the King Philip lodge-room, corner of Main and Weir streets, when sixteen of the patriarchs of Naomi Encampment met and started the uniform rank in this city. The first officers were: Captain Lewis M. Witherell; lieutenant, Eli Wordell; ensign, Jireh W. Strange; clerk, Albert H. Brickill; accountant, Leander Gifford; guard, William H. Thomas; sentinel, Jerome B. Mason; picket, Charles H. Leonard; standard bearer, Edward Whitters. The canton was instituted February 17, 1889, and nearly twenty, besides the above-named, were mustered into the service.

The present headquarters of the various lodges of Taunton Odd Fellowship, the I. O. O. F. building on Court street, was built in 1893, and the cornerstone of the structure was laid in August of that year. On April 26, 1894, Taunton Odd Fellows took possession of their new building, with a parade and banquet. The committee in charge of the day's events consisted of Chief Marshal Edward Valentine, George Williams, Charles A. Boomer, James E. Perry, F. M. Nichols, George Colwell, L. M. Witherell, John C. Chace, William H. Lewis, W. H. Thomas.

Loyal Friendship Lodge, No. 6429, Manchester Unity Odd Fellows, was instituted April 2, 1881, in Grand Army Hall, 19 Weir street, with forty-five charter members, by the Boston district officers, the officers chosen being: N.G., Thomas Fyans; V.G., Charles McCall; R.S.N.G., Robert King; L.S.N.G., Roderick McVay; R.S.V.G., William McCall; L.S.V.G., Richard Holt; P.S., Walter Warburton; E.S., Richard H. Sey-

The Southeastern Massachusetts visitation was held in Taunton November 6, 1915, about 1100 people being present. The lodge has affiliated with it a Friendship club, and an interesting initiatory degree staff. Past Grand John Macfarlane was the lodge secretary for twenty years. The membership in 1923 was 276. Taunton Past Grands Consulate has fortythree members. Those who have held the office of Past Grand are as follows:

Past Provincial Grand Master Thomas Fyans of Taunton was an active Odd Fellow, and it was his ambition to have an Odd Ladies' Lodge, in Taunton. Having interested a number of friends, Loyal Mayflower Lodge, No. 6, was instituted April 28, 1896, in Good Samaritan Hall, by the officers of the Massachusetts District Odd Fellows, of which Mr. Fyans was provincial treasurer, and forty-six names appeared on the charter list granted at Lowell. Shortly after the first anniversary, Mr. Fyans died, and George Carter was chosen his successor as lodge instructor. In 1923 there were surviving fifteen charter members, a past provincial grand lady, Elizabeth Macfarlane, and the permanent secretary, Mrs. Ida Read, had filled that office twenty-two years. The lodge has had fifty noble grands. The lodge observed its twenty-seventh anniversary at Elks Hall, April 26, 1923, with two hundred members present.

Catholic Societies. - Late in the summer of 1893, as stated by Secretary James H. Lawlor, several of the prominent Catholic laymen attempted to band together prominent men of the city in order to form a local council of the Knights.of Columbus. The order had been in existence compara- tively few years, and the idea had circulated through Taunton as well as other neighboring cities, and many of the younger men of this city saw the opportunity to form a fraternal society which would socially and financially meet the requirements. With this in view, James P. Galligan and Thomas F. Cavanaugh called a meeting, and it was voted that a council should be started, provided the application for a charter was granted by the supreme officers. On November 12, 1893, Supreme Knight John lL. Phelan and Supreme Secretary Daniel Colwell, acting on vote of the Supreme Council, issued the charter to Taunton Council, which was the eighty-second dispensed.

Fifteen or sixteen men attended the first meeting, which was held in Elks' Hail. The charter remained open from October until March, at which time there were thirty-five charter members. They were M. Francis Flood, Richard J. Joyce, Dr. E. F. Galligan, James F. Maher, James H. Cash, Thomas F. Clark, Thomas F. Boylan, Sumner B. Sargent, James E. Walsh, Edward F. Fitzgerald, Rev. John W. Quirk, John E. Brennan, Hugh J. Reilly, William H. Power, James P. Gaffney, Manus J. McHugh, Thomas F. Reilly, James P. Galligan, John H. Hoye, James P. Dunn, Patrick A. Corcoran, Michael J. Fahey, Patrick T. Creed, Patrick J. Coyle, Frank J. Flavin, Thomas F. Cavanaugh, John T. Franks, John F. McDonald, William J. Fannon, Michael F. Roarke, Charles T. Gaffney, John S. Conaty, William H. Desmond, and Jeremiah C. Dorgan.

After formation of the society, quarters were obtained on the third floor of the Cavanaugh building on Court street. These rooms were occupied for a period of five years, when the council started to grow, and more centrally located quarters were obtained on Main street, where the Wilbur building now stands. These rooms were just for social purposes, while the meetings were held in rooms of the council in the Gazette building. From the Gazette building the Knights of Columbus moved to the Mason building at the corner of Weir and Taunton Green, where they have been since. Sumner B. Sargent, former postmaster, was the first grand knight, Thomas F. Cavanaugh, chancellor.

The order has prospered well in the past twenty-eight years, and ranks well with other fraternal societies in the city. Ready response has met every appeal for aid by the society as well as the individual members, and all movements during the war were supported. In December, 1917, the Knights of Columbus collected a total of $6,821.36 from the residents of the city as a contribution to the War Fund, and $778.00 from the members, each of whom accepted a voluntary assessment. They bought $600 of Liberty Bonds and War Savings stamps, and contributed the sum of $475.94 to other collections during the period of collections for various war activities. In addition to all this, the Knights of Columbus credited the dues for all members while in the service, which amounted to a large sum. If this amount were compiled it would mean a total of over $10,000, which is excellent when one considers that there were but 350 members. At the beginning of the war the membership was 289, and by drives after 1918 the membership was increased until at the present the number is 750.

The society has prospered very well since the war, and plans are being considered for obtaining a permanent home for the council, and it will be but a short time before its realization. The officers for the years 1922-1923: Dr. John J. Gregg, grand knight; Edward L. Gallagher, deputy grand knight; John J. Carroll, chancellor; John J. McCormick, warden; Charles F. Gallagher, recorder; James H. Lawlor, financial secretary; William P. McCarthy, treasurer; James A. Gallagher, lecturer; John H. Hoye, James Cash, Joseph H. Martin, trustees; Albert P. Emsley, inside guard; M. Howard McDonald, outside guard; Rt. Rev. Mgr. Coyle, chaplain; Philip H. Reilly, advocate.

The Edward Douglass White General. Assembly, instituted in 1923, comprises the fourth and higher degree membership of the Knights of Columbus of the cities of Taunton and Attleboro; and in the towns of Middleboro, Franklin, Mansfield and North Attleboro. It was formerly part of the Bishop Stang Assembly, which now includes the cities of Fall River and New Bedford. The officers for 1923: Faithful navigator, Joseph H. Martin of Taunton; faithful captain, Philip M. Siddell of Attleboro; faithful pilot, John H. Carley of North Attleboro; faithful comptroller, Clarence O'Neil of Taunton; faithful purser, George E. Cody of Franklin; faithful scribe, James H. Colgan of Franklin; faithful inner guard, John A.

In June, 1921, a meeting of the Catholic women of Taunton was held in the Knights of Columbus lodge rooms for the purpose of organizing a circle of the National Daughters of Isabella, with headquarters at New Haven, and governed by Mrs. Mary E. Booth, of New Haven, as national regent. At this meeting Mrs. Carolyn B. Manning, of New Bedford, State deputy of Massachusetts, presided and set forth the purpose and aim of the society. It was finally decided to form a branch here subject to the jurisdiction of the national officers, and the name selected was that of Cardinal Gibbons. The charter was signed by the following: Agnes A. Winston, Madeline McKeon, Winifred McKeon, Mary McKeon, Margaret L. Philbin, Catherine C. Winston, Margaret Curtin, Gertrude Carey, Helen Brennan, Anna Hoye, Florence Fox, Lena Hern, Mae Moran, Catherine Grant, Katherine Harraghy, Mary Smith, Mary Conroy, Margaret Gill, Agnes Fields, Mary Kelliher, Irene Foley; and on July 10th, 1921, Mrs. C. B. Manning, assisted by Hyacinth Degree Team of New Bedford, and officers from Attleboro and North Attleboro, instituted Cardinal Gibbons Circle, No. 165, and initiated into the order ninety-five members. The following officers were installed for the balance of the year, having been elected at a previous meeting: Regent, Miss Agnes A. Winston; vice-regent, Anna C. Regan; chancellor, Vina Dubois; custodian, Mary Donovan; treasurer, Mary McKeon; recording secretary, Mary Moran; financial secretary, Margaret L. Philbin; scribe, Katherine A. Grant; honorary past regent, M. Ella Martin; monitor, Emma Caron; inner guard, Catherine McCormick; outer guard, Mary Brown; first guide, Catherine Gilchrist; second guide, Mary Orsi; banner bearers, Florence Fox and Catherine Winston; pianist, Madeline McKeon; trustees, Margaret Gill, Annie Hoye and Alice Higgins.

As all the meetings had been held at the K. of C. rooms, it was decided" at this time to hold meetings on the second and fourth Mondays in the Elks' Hall, the first meeting of the month to be a business meeting, and the second a social meeting. It was voted at the first business meeting following institution to send the newly appointed regent as a delegate to the Biennial National Convention held at Atlantic City to represent the new circle. In November, 1921, a class of one hundred twelve were admitted into the order, and Rev. James Dolan was appointed as chaplain of the circle, and a reception accorded him. In December the circle became affiliated with the National Council of Catholic Women at Washington, D.C. In December also, the members held their first public social in the form of a whist party and dance, attended by over seven hundred. In January, 1922, after all officers had been elected to serve for a second term, installation took place in Odd Fellows' Hall, attended by the Catholic clergy of the city, and officers of the Knights of Columbus.

In February, 1922, a class of two hundred and eight members were received into the circle; in May, 1922, a class of thirty-five, and in November of the same year a class of forty, making a total membership of about five hundred. Many socials were held during 1922, and among these was the Lawn Fete for the benefit of the Bethlehem Home, held in June, which netted $2,100. The following officers were elected to serve for 1923, and all were installed at a joint meeting of officers from various circles of Massachusetts at Convention' Hall, Boston, January 28, 1923: Regent, Agnes A. Winston; vice-regent, Anne C. Regan; honorary past regent, Helen Brennan; chancellor, Alice Crowley; custodian, Mrs. Helen Clark; treasurer, Mollie McKenna; recording secretary, Alice Hartigan; financial secretary, Margaret Philbin; scribe, Catherine Grant; monitor, Helen Welch; inner guard, Dorella Yelle; outer guard, Mary Brown; first guide, Louise Brady; second guide, Louise Gaffney; banner bearer, Alice Carney; pianist, Madeline McKeon; trustee, Nellie Clancy; recording secretary, appointed May, 1923, Anne Roundtree. At this time it was decided to send a representative to the National Biennial Convention to be held at Cincinnati, Ohio, and the regent was appointed the delegate.

Degree Teams, Glee Clubs and Dramatic Clubs form a minor part of interest for the younger members. A competitive prize drill for a loving cup was held in May, 1923, in the State Armory, - Attleboro, North Attleboro, New Bedford and Taunton competing, and it was won by the local Cardinal Gibbons Circle.

Although in existence but a short time, the five hundred members of this society have established a social center for the city of Taunton, very successful entertainments having taken the interest of the city, and plans are underway for permanent lodge rooms. The National Daughters of Isabella have for their motto, "Unity, Friendship and Charity," and this motto is lived up to in every way, especially when a call is issued from any creed or color for assistance, and more especially at the Yuletide, when a generous response is forthcoming. Although in its infancy, the plans underway will make the city of Taunton proud of its new circle.

The Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters was instituted in July, 1879, says Francis P. Conaty, and just ten years after that, or on March 12, 1899, Taunton Court, No. 73, was instituted in Taunton. Through the efforts of Jeremiah C. Dorgan, Dr. Edmund F. Flynn, Cornelius Murphy, John J. McGinty, William F. Smith, William G. Grigor and Martin J. O'Boyle, a charter list of eighty-three names was placed before the high standing committee of the order. These eighty-two Catholic men on March 12, 1889, were granted a charter in Cohannet Hall and initiated as members of the court by Chief Ranger Jeremiah G. Fennessey and staff. The following-named members constituted the first board of officers: Chief ranger, Benjamin Morris; vice chief ranger, Francis P. Conaty; treasurer, George F. Brammer; financial secretary, James T. Claffy; recording secretary, John J. McGinty; senior conductor, Jeremiah C. Dorgan; junior conductor, James E. Greenan; inside sentinel, William G. Grigor; outside sentinel, Charles A. Gibbons; chaplain, Rev. Father James F. Roach; board of trustees: John A. McDonald, Charles A. Gibbons, Cornelius Murphy. In June, 1889, the court removed to G.A.R. hall, then on Weir street; in January, 1881, Pierce's hall, on Main street, was rented for a period of six years, and in 1897, removal was made to Social Club Hall.

The first chief ranger of the court, Benjamin Morris, was elected mayor in 1896; and Judge William S. Woods was elected mayor in 1910. The court has participated in all the great events of Massachusetts Catholic Forestry. Martin J. O'Boyle was elected deputy high chief ranger-at-large

St. Elizabeth Court, Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters, was organized June 22, 1894, when Jeremiah Fennessey of Boston had charge of the ceremonies. There were forty-eight charter mmbers. 'The first chief ranger was Miss Ellen V. Galligan; vice chief ranger, Miss Sarah Dowd. The officers for 1913: Chief ranger, Mary E. Murray; vice chief ranger, Nellie Leary; senior conductor, Julia Moran; junior conductor, Mary Leary; recording secretary, Margaret O'Neil; financial secretary, Ellen G. Walsh; inside sentinel, Ellen Goodwin; outside sentinel, Margaret Lawlor. The Fr. McNulty degree staff: Manager, John E. Murphy; assistant manager, Joseph H. Eldridge; marshal, Miss Zita Foley; assisted by Miss Grace Dennehy, pianist, and Mrs. Maude Kelleher, Misses Nellie O'Malley, Ethel Morrison, Nora Minnehan, Mrs. Veronica Eldridge, Misses Bernice Buckley, Erma Foley, Mary Fitzmaurice, Bessie O'Malley, May Kelleher, Alice Kelleher, Mary Brady, Ruth O'Malley and John Carey and Dennis Coffey. In 1921, Mrs. Elizabeth Parker was appointed deputy high chief ranger-at-large. The membership in 1923 was 342.

Since the early fifties the Ancient Order of Hibernians have been a fraternal force in Taunton, and their gatherings, parades and conventions of the past century were noteworthy events. Division No. 2 was organized April 3, 1873, with twelve charter members, at Galligan Hall, on Weir street. The membership at that time consisted of William J. Hever, Michael McMahan, Luke Lee, James McMahan, John O'Hearne, senior, John O'Hearne, jr., Parrick Gallagher, John McNamara, Cornelius Reagan, Michael O'Brien, Dennis Gallagher, James Conaty, John McHugh. The officers were: President, William J. Hever; vice-president, Luke Lee; treasurer, Michael McMahon; financial secretary, John McHugh; recording secretary, John O'Hearne, jr. Division No. 5, organized at East Taunton in 1918, amalgamated with Division No. 2. Division No. 8, which had organized in Whittenton, also joined with Division No. 2. The A. O. H. Auxiliary is a flourishing organization. The officers in 1923: President, Miss Annie Hughes; vice-president, Miss Margaret Curran; financial secretary, Mrs. William O'Brien; treasurer, Miss Catherine McGuire.

The Wolf Tone Club was organized in 1876, with Francis Balfe as president; John McHugh as vice-president; John O'Hearne as secretary. The officers in 1923: President, John Hackett; vice-president, Philip Curran; secretary, Daniel Minahan; financial secretary, Lawrence Gaffney; treasurer, John S. Field; sergeant-at-arms, John Murray.

continued until the time of the Civil War, and met in the British block. Most of the members enlisted in that war, and the division ceased to exist.

B. P. O. E. - With its membership of more than six hundred and forty in 1923, Taunton Lodge, No. 40, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, had attained the highest standing of its long history, and with the presentation of its "Carnival" that year and the memory of leading social events and annual observances of past years, the lodge is one of the principal fraternities in the city. Edward C. Ward, secretary of the lodge, recounts matters of interest regarding the organization. The lodge was instituted December 9, 1889, the first meeting being held in the City Hotel for that purpose, those who made the application for the charter being the following-named: E. D. Chase, William R. Crossman, William F. Canedy, jr., William S. Briggs, Floyd Travers; James Cash, of Providence Lodge, No. 14; L. M. Maynard, of Lodge No. 73; Waldo Reed, William M. Lovering of Fall River Lodge, No. 18; and the charter members were the following-named:

Fifty-three members of this lodge entered the service of the Worid War, and three died in the service. In recognition of the valor and worth of their comrades, the lodge placed on the wall of the lodge-room a bronze memorial containing the names of the fifty-three members who entered the war, the memorial with its Elks emblems and aims thereon being the work

The officers in 1923: James H. Boyd, exalted ruler; William A. Lyons, esteemed leading knight, George H. Robinson, esteemed loyal knight; Daniel A. Stanton, esteemed lecturing knight; Edward C. Ward, secretary; Edgar L. Crossman, treasurer; Thomas F. Smith, tyler; Harry W. Galligan, trustee for three years; Edward J. Lane, delegate to the convention; Louis P. Soucy, alternate delegate to the convention.

Pythian Lodges. - John Hancock Lodge, No. 40, was instituted May 20, 1870, with 19 charter members. Taunton Lodge No. 93 was instituted January 12, 1892, with 62 charter members. These two lodges were consolidated January 16, 1908, forming John Hancock-Taunton Lodge, No. 40. Their membership December 31, 1922, was 74. The present officers are: Fred Smith, chancellor commander; Nathan A. King, vice-chancellor; John H. Smith, prelate; George I. Goff, master of work; R. Stanley Wicks, keeper of records and seal; Frederick W. Brune, master of finance; Amos P. Davis, master of exchequer; Arthur Doherty, master-at-arms; Frederick E. Handy, inner guard; J. Arthur Nixon, outer guard; George M. Jones, Levi L. Wetherbee, representatives to Grand Lodge.

Orient Lodge, No. 107, was instituted July 11, 1894, with 49 charter members. Their membership December 31, 1922, was 134. The present officers are: Arthur R. Meacock, chancellor commander; Frederick A. Haskell, vice-chancellor; Herbert N. Gibbs, prelate; James E. Roberts, master of work; Clinton P. Rounds, keeper of records and seal; George W. Seeley, master of finance; Irving Whitmarsh, master of exchequer; Ralph O. Teplow, master-at-arms; James Pilling, inner guard; Wilfred H. Lassell, outer guard; Charles EK. Hackett, George W. Seeley, representatives to Grand Lodge.

Liberty Temple, No. 7, Pythian Sisters, according to the compilation of Rebecca Brewer, was instituted in Grand Army Hall, Weir street, June 18, 1891, by Mary P. Lloyd, of Diana Temple, No. 2, of Gloucester, and her suite, with a charter list of thirty-one ladies and thirty knights as follows:

Past chief, Mary R. Williams; most excellent chief, Rebecca Brewer; excellent senior, Anna J. Harvey; excellent junior, Hattie L. Hathaway; mistress of records and correspondence, Florence M. Woodward; mistress of finance, Bertha E. Hodges; manager of the temple, Ella M. Sellars; protector of the temple, Isabella J. Woodward; guard of the outer temple, Ellen J. Waite; chaplain, Julia F. Sherman; past chiefs of the temple: Mary R. Williams, Rebecca Brewer, Anna J. Harvey, Hattie L. Hathaway, Ella M. Sellars, Florence M. Woodward, Bertha E. Hodges, Letitia M. Brown, Isabella J. Woodward, Hattie White, Ella Raymond, Georgianna D. Gifford, Mary Raymond, Ida Crossman, Alice Vaughn, Lucia Pizer, Isabel Padelford, Annie Zantow, Carrie Cole, Ada Rogers, Eva M. Brassell, Sylvina Abbott; past grand chiefs: Rebecca Brewer and Anna J. Harvey; past supreme representatives: Rebecca Brewer and Anna J. Harvey. Anna J. Harvey served as grand mistress of records and correspondence fourteen years. Rebecca Brewer was installed most excellent chief nine times.

Hebrew Societies. - It was about 1883, writes William W. Wells, that a young Hebrew with a pack on his back came to Taunton to sell notions and small wares, with the intention of raising money enough to pay the passage of his parents and brothers from Elizabethgrad, Russia, to this country. That young man, Moses Goldstein, in 1923 a resident of New Bedford, was the first of the Jews to settle in Taunton; and it was six months afterwards that his brother, Levi Goldstein, arrived, he still being a resident here. Then other settlers came (some to stop awhile, others to move on to other cities), so that the community was small in numbers for many years. At first public prayers were held at the home of one of the community; later a hall was hired for the principal holidays. It was not until 1905 that any Jewish association was organized here.

The Taunton Hebrew Fraternal Association was the first here, its purpose being to unite the Jews for religious and social work. In 1909 they bought and dedicated the Mount Nebo Cemetery, in Oakland, to this date the only Jewish burial place in Taunton. The first officers of the association were: President, Hyman Baron; vice-president, Jacob Goldstein; secretary and treasurer, Meyer Zachs. After the synagogue was built, the society allotted burial places for their members, and turned the cemetery over to the Congregation Agudath Achim.

The Jewish women of Taunton in 1908 formed the Ladies' Helping Hand, to be of assistance to any Jewish family that might be in temporary want, or any sick needing care. The first officers were: President, Mrs. Esther Goldstein; secretary, Mrs. Sophie Franklin; treasurer, Mrs. Annie Goldstein. The present officers: President, Mrs. Annie Levi; vice-president, Mrs. Pifla Cohen; recording secretary, Mrs. Sadie Swig; financial secretary, Mrs. Rose Glickman; treasurer, Mrs. Daisy Karon.

Taunton Lodge, No. 481, Independent Order of B'rith Abraham, a fraternal insurance order, was organized in 1908. Its first officers were: President, Benjamin Rozin; secretary, Max Greenfield. The officers in 1923: President, Joseph Kaplon; vice-president, Wolf Zachs; recording secretary, Rev. Israel Faber; financial secretary, Julius Kulick; treasurer, Joseph Singer; trustees: Samuel Silverman, Louis Berkover, Michael Goldstein. It has a membership of one hundred men and women.

The center of Jewish life and activities here is in the synagogue of the Congregation Agudath Achim, on Winthrop street. The congregation was organized in 1910, and its first president was William J. Dana. The synagogue was dedicated in 1912, under the presidency of Louis J. Antine, the cornerstone being laid by Charles Tannenbaum. In 1922 the congregation purchased the adjoining property, at 38 Winthrop street, and rebuilt the house for school purposes, where Jewish children are taught the Hebrew language and Jewish history and religion. The present officers (1923) are: President, William J. Dana; vice-president, Louis J. Antine; recording secretary, Sigfried Loeffler; financial secretary, Alexander Immerman; treasurer, Wolf Grossman. The congregation now has a membership of eighty.

The Young Men's Hebrew Association of Taunton was organized in 1910 by Judge Louis Swig, Louis Franklin, Max Goldstein, Max Ackerbach and others. For a short time it was a lively organization, catering to the needs of the growing youth of the community. Eventually interest subsided, and the society was disbanded. But in 1915 the Young Men's Hebrew Association was reorganized, with the following-named officers: President, William W. Wells; vice-president, Thomas Bravaman; financial secretary, Samuel Izkovitz; recording secretary, Dr. Hyman Swig; treasurer, Max Assiran. Quarters were then in the Leonard block, over the Star Theatre. During the World War, twenty-six of its members enlisted in the service, four of whom met death overseas. The officers in 1923: President, Edward A. Teplow; vice-president, Samuel Ruboy; recording secretary, Milton Levy; financial secretary, William Teplow; treasurer, Isadore Deutsch; sergeant-at-arms, Jacob Berkover. There is a membership of forty.

In 1917, Touro Lodge, No. 184, Order B'nai B'rith, was organized, the first officers being: President, Nathan H. Friedman; vice-president, Harry Karon; monitor, Judge Louis Swig; assistant monitor, Harry Glickman; financial secretary, Abraham B. Levi; treasurer, William J. Dana. The lodge, taking a leading part in civic, social and other movements among Jewish people in the city, has for its officers of 1923: President, Judge Louis Swig; vice-president, Irving Bertman; monitor, William W. Wells; assistant monitor, Joseph Cohen; recording secretary, Edward A. Teplow; financial secretary, Harry Zachs; treasurer, Max Assiran; sergeant-at-arms, Samuel Ruboy. With its quarters on Weir street, over Armory garage, it has a membership of sixty,

The Taunton District Zionists were organized in 1918, and the first officers were: President, William W. Wells; vice-president, Leo Bookchin; secretary, Isaac Teplow; treasurer, Joseph Weiner. The district has a membership of fifty-eight, and the officers are: President, William W. Wells; vice-president, Leo Bookchin; secretary, James Sugarman; treasurer, Isaac D. Teplow; executive committee: Louis J. Antine, Louis Berkover, Leo Bookchin, Samuel Cohen, William J. Dana, Mrs. Nathan H. Friedman, Nathan Friedman, Mrs. Harry Karon, Harry Karon, Samuel Rodberg, James Sugarman, Mrs. Louis Swig, Isaac D. Teplow, Joseph Weiner, Joseph M. Wells, Mrs. William W. Wells, William W. Wells.

Touro Auxiliary, No. 32, Independent Order B'rith Abraham, was instituted January 21, 1921. Its officers today, as elected at the first annual meeting, are: President, Mrs. Pauline Swig; vice-president, Mrs. Rose Glickman; recording secretary, Miss Gertrude Goldstein; financial secretary, Miss Reba Friedman; treasurer, Mrs. Ida E. Wells; monitor, Mrs. Ryetta Baron; guide, Mrs. Sadie Swig; sentinel, Mrs. Annie Levi; guardian, Mrs. Florence Wells; trustees: Mrs. Esther Goldstein, Mrs. Fannie Antine, Mrs. Pifla Cohen. The auxiliary has a membership of sixty.

Taunton Branch, No. 714, Arbiter Ring, was instituted in 1922, and its officers are: Chairman, Jacob Reizner; recording secretary, Perez Forman; financial secretary, Philip Altenhaus; treasurer, Edward Marder.

Miscellaneous. - St. Paul Commandery, No. 249, Ancient and Illustrious Order, Knights of Malta, was instituted at Taunton, in Good Samaritan Hall, June 8, 1898, with forty-three charter members. The commandery removed to Odd Fellows Hall, January 1, 1915, where they meet the second and fourth Tuesdays in each month. Since the institution of the commandery, the following-named have served as Sir Knight Commanders of St. Paul: Walter Dunkerly, Samuel Davis, Fred A. Fuller, H. M. Livingstone, George Herbert, H. W. Dryden, Zeno S. Waterman, N. A. Cushman, Leon H. Bremner, John W. Harrison, Robert A. Waterman, John F. Whitely, Thomas H. Arden, Ralph D. Dean, Robert MacAdam, Samuel F. Gardner, William E. Knight, James W. Stillman, Howard F.. Woodward, Wallace W. Gibson, Joseph L. Macomber, Henry W. Atkins, Frank E. Chapman, Howard Sturgis, John R. Sartoris, Walter R. Howland, Francis C. Sartoris, Frank G. Burt. The commandery in 1923 had a membership of one hundred and ten.

Unity Lodge, No. 38, New England Order of Protection, was instituted May 17, 1888, with twenty-seven charter members. The first officers were: Warden, Frank L. Fish; secretary, Charles A. Clifford; financial secretary, Frank O. Warner; treasurer, George B. Warren. The lodge in 1923 had a membership of ninety, its officers being: Warden, William A. Woodward; secretary, Nathaniel A. Cushman; financial secretary, Mrs. Ruth FE. Simms; treasurer, Frank P. Tew.

William H. Martin Lodge, No. 51, New England Order of Protection, was instituted by William H. Martin, of Boston, grand warden, September 27, 1888, and at that time it was known as Winthrop Lodge. Three years after the lodge's institution, William H. Martin died, and soon afterwards the lodge voted at a regular meeting to name the organization after the late warden.

Winthrop Lodge, No. 116, Ancient Order of United Workmen, was instituted August 29, 1890, with twenty-nine charter members. Grand Master Workman J. Edward Burt and associates acted as installing officers, the first officers being as follows: Past master workman, James E. Russell; master workman, William H. Thomas; foreman, William D. Richardson; overseer, Edgar W. Bennett; recorder, Fred P. Palmer; financier, Arthur F. Wastcoat; treasurer, Bion C. Pierce; guide, Eugene Wrightington; inside watchman, Alvaro Harnden; outside watchman, Charles C. Blandin. Trustees - For three years, Eugene Dexter; for two years, Arthur Wilbur; for one year, Edgar F. Bugbee. Medical examiner, M. C. Golden. Up to the year 1923 the recorders had paid out to the beneficiaries of deceased brothers $150,000. The officers for 1923: Master workman, John P. Field; foreman, James Boylan; overseer, John O'Sullivan; guide, Hugh Owens; recorder, John A. McDonald; past master workman, M. J. Wrenn; inside watchman, M. Noonan; outside watchman, J. Smith; financier, James J. Smith; treasurer, John J. Ambrose.

The first Court of the Foresters of America in the Old Colony was instituted in Taunton, called Court Elizabeth Poole, No. 116, May 29, 1880.

A tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men existed in Taunton previous to the constitution of Winnecunnet Tribe, No. 71, and the present tribe, establishing that organization on a sounder footing, was given its number, 71. The first meeting for reorganization was held at Good Samaritan Hall, October 8, 1903; and with forty-seven charter members and thirty others. elected to membership, the new tribe was instituted November 12, 1903, the officers being: Prophet, Albert S. Paige; sachem, W. H. Pendleton; senior sagamore, Alvaro Harnden; junior sagamore, Charles R. Borden; chief of records, George E. Chace; collector of Wampum, George M. Jones; keeper of wampum, Sumner A. Dudley; trustees: John T. Irvine, Richard E. Warner, Walter E. Cook.

Teeweeleema Council, No. 79, was instituted in November, 1905, with these officers: Pocahontas, Mrs. Amos Pendleton; prophetess, Mrs. Edith L,. Paige; Wenonah, Mrs. Mary Witherell; Powhatan, William H. Pendleton. Chewan Council was instituted in Whittenton in 1923.

Taunton Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, one of the most flourishing granges in this part of the State, was instituted December 29, 1902, by William H. Howard, of Easton, secretary of the Massachusetts State Grange. The officers elected for the first year were as follows: Master, Perley E. Davis; overseer, Edwin L. Lewis; lecturer, Charles D. Lincoln; steward, Cassander Gilmore; assistant steward, E. H. Leonard; chaplain, Lester Davis; treasurer, George O. Soper; secretary, Ernest A. Reed; gatekeeper, Abel F. Crane; Ceres, Mrs. C. Gilmore; Pomona, Mrs. Anna Tinkham; Flora, Mrs. M. J. Leonard; lady assistant steward, Mrs. L. F. Davis; executive committee: John Wade, George A. Crane, Charles I. King; chorister, Philip Crane. The Grange had a membership in 1923 of 192, and its officers were the following-named: Master, Dr. John P. Howland; overseer, Martha Wood; lecturer, Arthur Wood; steward, Edwin Warner; assistant steward, James DeCoff; chaplain, Mrs. Alice Pero; treasurer, Edward Crossman; secretary, Mrs. Susie Schreeder; gatekeeper, George O. Bullock; Ceres, Miss Gertrude Dean; Pomona, Margaret Howland; Flora, Araminta A. McCormick; lady assistant steward, Jennie DeCoff; executive committee: Dr. C. E. Borden, Daniel Neff, Nora Bostock; pianist, Mrs. Hastings. The leaders of the degree teams: Dr. C. R. Borden and Mrs. Jennie DeCoff.

The Portuguese people of Taunton, mill-workers, farmers, shop-keepers, gardeners, besides their churches, have a number of fraternities, as follows:

Lodge No. 40, Portuguese Fraternity, U. S. A., was organized May 20, 1920, with forty-six charter members. With a membership of 152 in 1923, the officers were as follows: President, Frank F. Silva; treasurer, Andrew T. Brazil; secretary, Manuel M. Carvalho; financial secretary, Eugene F. Soares.

Lodge No. 45, Portuguese Fraternity, U. S. A., was organized February 13, 1921, with thirty-two charter members. With a membership of eighty-two in 1923, the officers were as follows: President, Miss Mary D. Rose; treasurer, Miss Amelia V. Rose; secretary, Miss Nellie Silva; financial secretary, Mrs. Annie E. Brazil.

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sixty-four in 1923, the officers were as follows: President, Mrs. Victoria E. Santos; treasurer, Mrs. Lena V. Pimental; secretary, Mrs. Mary F. Medeiros; financial secretary, Miss Valentina Vicente.

Lodge No. 56, Portuguese Fraternity, Young America, was organized August 20, 1922, with twenty-eight members. The officers in 1923: President, Joseph F. Pimental; treasurer, Jose P. Mendoza, jr.; secretary, Joaquin F. Ferreira; financial secretary, Frank Rose.

Lodge No. 2, S.S. Trinity, was organized June 13, 1897, with sixtytwo members. In 1923, with a membership of 144, the officers were: President, Anthony F. Pimental; vice-president, John C. Santos; treasurer, Manuel S. Bettencourt; secretary, Manuel S. Carvalho; financial secretary, Joseph Vicente.

Lodge No. 34, Vasco da Gama Society, was organized October 28, 1915, with thirty-two members. In 1923, with a membership of 149, the officers were: President, Augusto Camara; vice-president, Manuel V. Ennes; treasurer, Augusto G. Fernandes; secretary, John Baptista; financial secretary, John G. Jardin.

Royal Michaelense Beneficent Association, Council Theophila Braga, No. 2, was organized April 12, 1896; reorganized January 12, 1900. Council Travassos Lima was organized April 3, 1910.

The French-speaking residents of the north part of the city, mostly in Whittenton, have membership in a number of societies, some of which organizations have been in existence since 1870. For example, the St. Jean Baptiste Society was first organized at about that time. The St. Jean Baptiste Society in 1914 became a part of L'Union St. Jean Baptiste, as No. 53. In 1923 it had a membership of nearly 280. Alfred Meunier is the president. St. Agnes Council, No. 81, of L'Union, was established in 1915, and in 1923 it had nearly 200 members; its president was Rosanna Nevitt. Société des Artisans, No. 58, was established in 1898; its president was Joseph A. Cyr. Catholic Order of Foresters, No. 1178, was organized in 1899, and in 1923 it had 377 members. Other clubs and circles are Cercle Rostand, in existence since 1893; Charette Club, Cercle Lacordaire.

Other Taunton fraternal organizations include: Ladies Auxiliary, No. 1, Alfredians, instituted in 1904. American Benefit Society, No. 193. Fraternal Order of Eagles, No. 845. Sabbatia Commandery, No. 860, and Taunton Commandery, No. 74, United Order of the Golden Cross. Lady Mitchell Branch and Smythe O'Brien Branch, I. N. F. General Sheridan Conclave, No. 88, Knights of Sherwood Forest. Taunton Lodge, No. 793, Loyal Order of Moose. 'Taunton Nest, No. 1569, Order of Owls. Bristol Council, No. 158, and Sabbatia Council, No. 1345, Royal Arcanum. Clan Gordon, No. 4, and Ladies Auxiliary, Order of Scottish Clans.