Delaware County, Ohio - Chapter 17: Fraternal and Benevolent Organizations, 1908

Chapter 17: Fraternal and Benevolent Organizations

Masons - Knights of Pythias - Independent Order of Odd Fellotvs - Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks - Ancient Order of Hibernians - Improved Order of Red Men - Other Societies.

Free Masons

The introduction of Free Masonry was coincident with the coming of the pioneer settlers to the county. About the middle of the Nineteenth century, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was introduced, and still later, the Knights of Pythias, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and kindred organizations. All of these societies are founded upon the belief in God. hope in immortality, and charity to all mankind.

The most ancient of all the secret organizations is Free Masonry. That there has been, is now, and always will be much discussion and continual speculation among the brethren as to the origin of this ancient order, none will question. The most learned in ancient literature fail to agree on many points as to its origin. That it originated about the time of the building of King Solomon'^ Temple, if not lie fore, among the" craftsmen at old Tyre; or earlier still, among the ancient Phoenicians, the latest archaeological discoveries seem to substantiate. It should be the duty of the historian to record all that can be found in tradition in the life of King Solomon. While the Holy Bible gives us much valuable history regarding the ancient craftsmen, critics have furnished much that is purely mythical. The reader may assign to historical tradition all that is valuable and true; and to the mythical what is equally as valuable - symbolism. The great object of King Solomon's life, the one which intimately connects him with the history of all Masonic institutions, was the building of the Temple at Jerusalem to Jehovah, according to the instructions of his father David, which had been revealed by the Supreme Architect of the universe.

It is believed by those unearthing many hidden valuable treasures in Palestine, that the Tyrians and Sidonians, descendants of the ancient Phcenicians, belonged to mystic organizations and operative societies. That these ancient workmen were men of the most comprehensive minds, imbued with great zeal, fervency and fidelity, is clearly proven in the Holy Bible. The lowest enter-apprentice was filled with enthusiasm and zeal by a promise of promotion and reward in his labor. The origin of Free Masonry, as we have it, has given rise to great discussion among the most learned Masonic thinkers, and will for all time. We say, "What lodge are you of?" "The lodge of the Holy St. John of Jerusalem." Whether this lodge room was in the room underneath the Temple where the working tools of the operative masons are engraved upon the walls; or in the rooms of the old Mediterranean Hotel, where tlie work was conducted, we leave for a future writer to tell. Masons are to be found in all lands. Among the unlettered tribes of the desert, where barbaric commercialism is only known, and commerce and modern civilization have made little or no impression upon the people. Masonry in some

The ancient Phoenicians, or their descendants, the Tynans, had workmen skilled in brass, gold, silver, wood and stone in different degrees, from the entered apprentice (burden bearers), the fellow craft or master overseers, to the three grand masters, all divided and winking in their respective spheres. Here at the building of the Temple to Jehovah, by King Solomon, masonry took on something like a definite form. It will be remembered after the completion of the Temple these skilled workmen returned home to Tyre, some 150 miles distant. Their descendants were called to rebuild the House of the Lord under Zerubbabel. That many of Solomon's people returned to Phoenicia or Tyre with the craftsmen seems probable. The ancient writers tell of the awful oppression of the Jewish people in after years, and how they sought protection under the Tyrians. Subjugation and enslavement staring them continually in the face, they were told much of the foreign lands discovered by the Tyrian mariners. The historian says they builded ships, and with the assistance of their Tyrian friends, filled the vessels with the necessaries of life and protection for a long voyage to foreign lands. They settled in the countries bordering on the southern and western coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Invested with secrets of the workmen of the Temple, unknown to others, and skilled in the many branches of architecture, they were well advanced for life's work. Their knowledge of the craftsmen they preserved most carefully, and carried it to their future homes. Another historian states that a few years after the completion of the Temple, a colony of Jewish workmen migrated to the western coast of Africa, and into Egypt, where, through their great learning and ancient secret order they became a power. From these various settlements Masonry began to spread until it reached all parts of the world. In every land settled by emigrants Masonry is found, her sighs nearly the same, and her mystic words the same in all parts of the world. The time will come, if not here already, that through the work of the archaeologist, all will be convinced that the order has existed in some form ever since the building of King Solomon's Temple, if not from the time of the early Phoenicians. In the latter part of the Seventeenth century, the Grand Lodge of England was established. From that time the history is more familiar to the student of the order.

Prior to 1808. the following lodges of Master Masons had been established in Ohio : American Union, No. 1, Marietta, Ohio; Cincinnati No. 13. Cincinnati, Ohio; No. 2 at Chillicothe, Ohio; Erie, No. 47. Warren, Ohio; Amity. No. 105, Zanesville. Ohio; New England, No. 48. Worthington, Ohio; Harmony. No. 9, Spring-field and Urbana, Ohio; Nova Cascera, No. 13. Cincinnati. Ohio. Several of these were working under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and New Jersey, while others were under Connecticut. For reasons unexplained. New England Lodge of Worthington. O'lio, to which many of the pioneers of this country belonged, was refused admission to the grand lodge held at Chillicothe in 1808: hut were admitted to membership in 1809. Franklin County, February 10, 1808. was divided on the north, forming Delaware County, and Delaware was made the county seat. This was done through the influence of Henry Baldwin of Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, who owned a large tract of land in this section. His friend, Moses Byxbe, who lived in the little village called Berkshire, the first town in the county, laid out a town in the early part of the year on the east bank of Alum Creek, and called it Olentangy. These two Masonic brethren were made Master Masosn in the east before coming to the newlands in the wilderness in the west. To attend !i dge meetings, they were compelled to travel through the trackless forests to Worthington, a distance of some fifteen miles. One of the most ardent members was Moses Byxbe, Jr.

At the first meeting of the Grand Lodj Ohio, January, [809, about the time of the founding of Delaware County, a number of Masons - Nathaniel W. Little. William Little, Moses Byxbe and Dr. Reuben Lamb - made an effort to form a lodge in Delaware, the new town laid out on the Olentangy River, seven miles west of the town on Alum Creek. For good reasons the charter was delayed. December 31, 1810, Azariah Root. Stephen Harrington, John Carpenter. Jonathan Catlin, Sturdavant, and others, petitioned the grand master of the State for a dispensation to organize at Delaware, Ohio, a lodge of Master Masons, which was granted, and the lodge was organized January 15, 181 1, A. L. 5811, Hiram Lodge No. 18, F. A. & and is the constitutional authority under which Hiram Lodge exists and exercises its functions as an organized body of the State.

Moses Byxbe, Jr.. was appointed by the grand master as worshipful master. Stephen Harrington as senior warden; John Carpenter as junior warden. On Friday, February 1, 181 1, the first meeting was held. Ten were present, and the lodge was opened in the Entered Apprentice Degree. The three officers were appointed under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Ohio by dispensation. They elected from their number Nathan W. Little, secretary; Reuben Lamb, treasurer; William Little, senior deacon ; and Azariah Root, junior deacon and steward.

At the meeting a committee of three was appointed to select a suitable room for the lodge, and to frame a constitution and bylaws, arrange for the installation of the officers, and procure furniture for the lodge room. All members were appointed on some committee to work for the advancement of the organization. The master's record shows that the lodge was closed with peace and harmony prevailing, which similar record continues to this day.

The second meeting was held February 8, 181 1, to hear the report of the committees. Committee reported room secured in the house of Brother Reuben Lamb, on the southwest corner of Union and Williams Streets,, which building had been erected in 1809. February 28th, Brother Henry Brush rode through the forests from Chillicothe to install the officers elected by Hiram Lodge, No. 18. Azariah Lebar was elected teller of the lodge. Brother

Henry Brush was a prominent lawyer of Chillicothe, and a member of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and followed General Lewis Cass as grand master, which position he held until 1817.

At this first meeting the Fellow-craft and Master Mason Degrees were conferred upon Solomon Smith. It was then the habit of the candidate to return thanks to the Almighty, after completing the work. This custom was adopted by Brother Smith. Smith came from Chillicothe, where he had been a prominent school teacher. He filled various offices in the country. He served as worshipful master in 1812-13-14-16-24-25-27. He died in 1845. The by-laws of this first lodge have never been found. The custom of these early officers was to open the lodge with the Entered Apprentice Degree, whether there was any work or business in the degree or not. The minutes show that the lodge was opened in due and ancient form and according to ancient usages. No business appearing, the same was closed and the Fellow-craft Degree was opened ana closed. The same took place in the Master Mason Degree.

The first Masonic funeral in Delaware was that of Brother John Carpenter, the second son of Brother Captain Nathan Carpenter, who came to Liberty Township in 1801. We are highly indebted to the pioneer brethren for the preservation of Hiram Lodge through all the early vicissitudes. We shall ask some future historian to make diligent search in the records of other lodges of the State that they may bring to light data that will give more knowledge of the early history of the lodges.

Moses Byxbe. Jr., who came to Berkshire with his father in 1804, removed to Delaware with the family in 1808. It was he who joined with the others in asking for a dispensation in the county seat of Delaware. He was a member of Scioto Lodge, No. 2, Chillicothe, Ohio. He died in 1871. In 18 10. the Ohio lodges occasionally conferred in the lodges the higher degrees - Master-Mason; Past Master; M. E. W., and the Royal Arch Degrees. In 1 8 10 the Grand Lodge recommended them to cease conferring the higher degrees, except

Axd Representative Citizens

William Little and Nathaniel W. Little, two prominent Masons came from Worthington in 1808. They soon became prominent business men in the town as well as earnest workers in Hiram Lodge. Nathaniel was Hiram's first secretary, March 4, 1812. He was killed by the Indians the following year.

Dr. Reuben Lamb, the first physician of the town, was born in New York in 1774, and joined the Byxbe colony about 1808. He was an ardent worker in Hiram Lodge until his death in 1850. His name figures in several parts of the history of the county and of the physicians. The charter of the lodge was dated January 15th, A. L., 5812, or 1812, and signed by Lewis Cass, grand master; and by other Grand Lodge members. When trying to read the old charter in 1887, it was found to be nearly illegible on account of the chemical action of the ink, and time on the organic matter, which had nearly destroyed it ; but by the aid of a microscope it was read. The stains and indentations were made plain. After tracing the letters with India ink, the ancient document has been made indestructible.

The good work and square work done until 1826-27 was torn asunder "when the great anti-masonic storm burst upon the country with a violence for a time that threatened to sweep Masonry into the valley of Jehosophat." Political enemies preached that Free Masonry was opposed to all laws, human and divine. "The cunning sought to snatch away her richest jewel - secresy, that they might expose her to the scorn and contempt of the world." Jehovah was over her and round about her. She put her trust in God and feared no danger. The weak were made strong, and the strong stronger; the faithful remained at the post of duty and kept the fires burning upon the altar. During this terrible excitement, the charter of Hiram Lodge was lost or stolen. It was entrusted to one of the faithful members of Millville, who lost it. "For several years it lay as securely hidden as the Book of the Law and Testimony lay hidden in the Ninth Arch from the destruction of the first to the building of the second temple" - Zerubbabel's temple. After the anti-Masonic crusade wave passed over, the charter was picked up on the streets of Mill-, ville, and given to Judge Griswold of Delaware, a zealous Mason, who reported to the Grand Lodge the finding of the charter, and succeeded in having the original number reissued to Hiram Lodge. The charter bears the inscription "Returned to the (hand Lodge, October 20th, Anno Lucis 5846 (1846), reissued Oct. 24th A. L. 5846. B. F. Smith, grand secretary."

On the 15th of January, 181 2, Hiram Lodge, No. 18, F. & A. M., entered into the sisterhood of the lodges, and became a coordinate member of the Grand Lodge. Up to this session of the Grand Lodge, Hiram and other subordinate lodges, had not been officially numbered, yet the old lodges kept the numbers they had borne when under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge which had chartered them. At the first regular session, the grand secretary was directed to issue charters to all lodges beginning with No. 2, Hiram becoming No. 18. "No. r" was kept for the "American Union" at Marietta, Ohio.

On January 18, 181 2, war was declared with Great Britain. This national disturbance interrupted the regular order of work in the lodge. The members of Hiram Lodge were ever patriotic to their country, as they were faithful to their Masonic order. On June 18, 1812, when the President of the United States called for volunteers to defend the land from British invasion, the members of Hiram Lodge, like other patriotic citizens, responded to the call, and under General Lewis Cass, the grand master of the Grand Lodge, they joined General Meigs, the commander. They bivouaced at Dayton, and started on their duty. Governor William Hull of Michigan had command. Brother Elias Murray of Hiram Lodge was given his commission or diploma, and became chaplain of the regiment. All were under the command of General William Henry Harrison of the Territory of Indiana, Illinois and the Northwest. Through the dense forests, over unmade roads and across swollen

The patriotism of the members of old Hiram Lodge reflected glory and honor upon their order, from June. 1812, to April, [813. Some returned to begin their life labor again; while others laid down their lives in the trackless forests, defending their country.

The first mention of Brother Sidney Moore, Sr., as a Mason was in 181 7. He had been made a Mason in Wyndenham, Vermont, and affiliated with this lodge in 1818. He was the father of Sidney Moore, Jr., of whom we shall speak later.

In the early history of our country, indeed, much less than a hundred years ago, it was not thought a sin or disgrace to indulge freely in spirituous liquors. Whisky and other liquid refreshment were served in the parlor; over the counter; at public meetings and social gatherings such as lug-rollings, barn raisings,' corn-huskings. etc. Liquors were freely used by ministers, doctors and lawyers. They were served at the lodges. Drunkenness was common. A man was not called an habitual drunkard unless he was drunk one half the time. Be it to the honor and glory of Hiram Lodge that it was one of the first to take the stand for temperance. As early as 1820, the Grand Chapter resolved that in the future, no liquid refreshments of an intoxicating nature be made use of in this chapter, and that subordinate chapters be earnestly requested to adopt similar resolutions.

In July. 1822. a chapter of the Royal Arch Masons, and a commandery df Knights Templar were formed at Worthington, Ohio, where many of the early pioneers were affiliated. Hiram Lodge always took an active part in the work at that place.

Y before referred to, Hiram Lodge in 1826 was partially paralyzed over the publications and illustrations of Masonry by one William Morgan, who lived in Batavia, New York. Hiram Lodge felt the shock and little business was done in the lodge for a long time; but it survived the shock and was not one of the forty-six that succumbed to the excitement.

During this depression. West Alexandria, of Preble County, thought it would adopt the name of "Hiram Lodge," believing that Hiram Lodge No. 18, had gone down under the public wave. Finding this untrue, it adopted the name "King Hiram Lodge, No. 88," and Hiram Lodge No. 18 held its own. The members of the lodge were connected with all of the interests of the town and county. There were blacksmiths, dyers, merchants, printers, and papermakers, etc. One particularly, Norman D. Perry, who was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 181 3, a paper-maker, came to Delaware and made paper by hand. He was made a Mason in Norwalk. Ohio, in 1839 and the same year came to Delaware to superintend the erection and operation of the first paper mill in the county, projected by Williams & Howard at Stratford, Ohio, after which he became a partner and continued thus for many years'. He died in Columbus in 1899.

Another prominent member of Hiram Lodge was George W. Sharp, who was born in York, Pennsylvania, in 1800. In 1821, be edited a paper in his native town. lie came to Delaware in 1834. and bought the printing interests of Brother E. Griswold, and named the paper The Olentangy Gazette. At this time, one of the most learned and highly respected practical editors and printers, Hon. Abram Thompson, a relative of Sharp, was induced to come to Delaware and engage in the publication of the paper, which he afterward owned, and re-named The Delaware Gazette, and edited until the time of his death. Brother Sharp was prominent in politics, and was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1850. He removed to Alt. Cilead. and died in 1854. His youngest son was educated at West Point, and is now a colonel in the U. S. Army.

In 1840, in some manner, the old Masonic carpet was lost: and the son of Brother E. Griswold painted one for the lodge. The lodge room at that time was fitted up over Brother Latimer's store, on the northwest corner of Sandusky and William Streets. Victor (iriswold again painted a new carpet for the lodge room, and also scenes for the Chapter.

The Griswold home was on the southwest corner of Sandusky and North Streets, now- Central Avenue, where the Reid Block and the home of the late Dr. T. B. Williams now stands.

Hiram, together with the Grand Lodge, in 1849, discussed the question of establishing a school for orphans and indigent children of Masons. The trustees of the Worthington Female College made an offer of their buildings to the Masons.

From 1827 to 1847, Hiram had many ups and downs. Its dormancy was deplorable and lamentable. In 1847. new nte Nvas injected into the members, and until 1850, all went well. About this time the attendance began growing small and irregular, and for a yeai or more, quarterly meetings were held, instead of monthly, in their rooms over Latimer's store, which were not entirely suited for lodge work. Owing to this fact, they held their meetings in the Court House. In 1851- 5_\ the lodge had much trouble with some of the members on account of their drinking habits and unmasonic conduct. Frequent admonitions and threatenings failed to change their habits, which led to the suspension of some, and the expulsion of others. Owing to the confused condition of the minutes during 1851-53, little can be given of the work of the lodge; but it was about this time that a committee of Brothers Willey, Dr. E. H. Hyatt, Rhodes, Fry and Aigen, who were enthusiastic temperance workers, was appointed to remonstrate with those who were addicted to drinking, and who were in the liquor business. Their work made an immediate and lasting impression for the cause of temperance. Some quit the liquor business and others reformed. Through this, the Grand Lodge issued its edict against intemperance and the liquor business.

It was about this time that Dr. Elisha H. Hyatt was a leader in a petition to establish a lodge at Bellepoint. It was called Equality Lodge. No. 242. Dr. Hyatt was a prominent physician, Mason, and master of the lodge at Bellepoint. Soon after, he left the medical profession, and became a Presbyterian minister, and preached at Mt. Gilead. Subsequently he abandoned the ministerial, and returned to the medical profession. In 1853, the by-laws were amended to prohibit the using of profane language, as they said "the habit was grossly unmasonic and highly injurious to the individual and to the community." This action led to much discussion and bitter feeling, many taking the ground that it was not within the jurisdiction of the lodge to sustain this by-law. The by-law stood, notwithstanding, and the records of 1867 show that the Grand Lodge did adopt and sustain the by-law of old Hiram, the pioneer of sobriety and right living.

In 1853 the dispensation was given from the Grand Lodge to form a lodge at Bellepoint. In five years it (Equality Lodge) surrendered its charter, and became affiliated with Hiram.

In 1852, the lodge room was changed to Templar hall on Sandusky Street, midway between Winter and William Streets, on the West Side. The building is now owned by M. Miller. The room was occupied by the Si ms of Temperance.

The Standing Committee of the lodge to look for suitable rooms, was always on the outlook, and now it became necessary to make preparation for the chapter of the Royal Arch Masons. The Delaware Chapter, No-. 54, Royal Arch Masons, was chartered October 15. 1855. In 1853, Brother Thomas Evans erected a large brick building on Sanduskv Street, near the Delaware Run. The committee from the chapter and from the lodge, together with the Sons of Temperance, secured rooms in this large, new building of Brother Evans. Here the Masons remained for several years. During this year, Ezekial Dutton, a paper-maker, came to Delaware from Batavia. New York, where he had passed through the Morgan excitement with all of its horrible details. Dutton was one of the victims of the anti-Masonic element. Many stories were given credence, and persecutions indulged in by the Morgan faction against 1 lutton from the time he left his home in New York, until he reached Delaware, where he found again many supporters of the Morgan element. Notwithstanding all the excitement which soon died out, the lodge prospered, and Dutton became a prominent Mason and an influential citizen.

After the election of officers in 1854, the worshipful master. E. Griswold, and the senior warden. Hon. H. M. Carper, with the members of the lodge, became dissatisfied with the quarters the lodge occupied, and looked out for a new room. Mr. Benjamin Powers, in 1855, erected a three-story brick building, midway between Winter and William Streets, on the east side of Sandusky Street, known as Oak Hall. They secured rooms here in the third story for the lodge and the chapter work on account of the pood ventilation. In June. [855, the lodge moved into its new quarters. For fifteen years the lodge occupied these rooms, when they moved into the rooms of the Reynolds and Frank block, in 1870, which had been specially fitted up for lodge and chapter work. Oak Hall was afterwards occupied by the new order, Knights of Pythias. In 1855, the lodge began to celebrate the festival of St. John the Baptist, other lodges participating. In 1857, owing to causes unknown. Equality Lodge at Bellepoint, was permitted to locate at Millville, now Warrensburg; but alter more or less dissatisfaction, it was moved back to Bellepoint in a short time. As before stated, in -1853 it surrendered its charter, jewels, books and furniture to Hiram Lodge, and went out of existence.

After thirteen years' occupancy of this home, many of the older members failed to attend meetings, owing to the two long stairways to the lodge room. A committee was appointed to meet the directors of the hirst National Bank, who had made a proposition to fit up lodge rooms over die bank on the second floor. The moms were satisfactory, and the lodge moved in 1883. and remained there until 1892, when it moved into the beautiful and commodious $30,000 Temple built and presented by Mr. Sidney Mo,, re.

One of the best known, most energitic, well posted and beloved Masons was Prof. W. O. Semans, who was secretary of the lodge, chapter and council continuously for ten yi

He was born in Defiance, Ohio, August 23, 1835, and graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1857. He was made a master Mason in 1858. In 1862 he was elected professor of chemistry in his alma mater. He affiliated with Hiram Lodge, August 11, 1864, joined the chapter in i860 at Leavenworth, Kansas, and the council in 1869, and was made a Knight Templar in Mt. Vernon Com-. mandery No. 1, Columbus, in 1S68, and acted as secretary for Hiram lodge, chapter and council from 1882 until 1892. when he was succeeded by his son. William M. Semans. who has filled this important position to the present time.

Hiram Lodge has had many distinguished members - Bishop Harris, and Bishop W. F. McDowell of the Methodist Church, Hon. William R. Warnock, and others. The last member to be spoken of whose name will go down through all generations, whose memory will be cherished, not only by the present generation, but by those following after who will enjoy the beautiful Masonic home and Temple so generously and wisely provided for the Masonic fraternity', is Mr. Sidney Moore. Jr. This quiet, unassuming and unostentatious, yet powerful brother, was born in Delaware, Ohio, December 16, 182 1. He was the eldest son of Sidney and Phoeba Mann Moore. He attended the select school of his aunt, Sophia Moore Gaston, in the upper story of the Welch Building, on the west side of Franklin Street, between William and Winter, immediately south of the Hospital grounds ; and the school of Mrs. Murray on the west side of Sanduskj Street, between William and Winter Streets, after which he was sent to the academy on Hill Street, now University Avenue, which has long since passed away. This bright and exemplar)- son worked in his father's office, that of county auditor, for several years. October 12. 1845. he entered the Delaware County Bank as bookkeeper and clerk. To perfect himself for the labors before him. he took a special course in banking in Columbus, Ohio. In 1851, he was elected cashier of the bank in Marion, Ohio. In 1852. alter his marriage he was called to Indianapolis, Indiana, to take the position of cashier of the Central Bank of that city. In 1854. lie was elected, and accepted the cashiership of the Delaware County Bank, where he had opened the hooks in 1845.

Mr. Moore's first wife died in 1855, and in [865, he was married to Mrs. Sarah Ann Cunningham Bierce. In June. 1883.. he became president of the Delaware Countly X'ational Bank, which position he held until the re-organization of the bank into the Delaware National Bank in January, 1905, when he was elected president, and served in that capacity until the time of his death in May. 1907. He was often called upon to fill many important positions, such as member of the School Board, etc. Mr. Moore became a member of the Delaware chapter in 1856 and the council at Columbus, Ohio, in [867, and Commander}' of Knights Templar at Marion, Ohio, in 1857. On October 12. 1867. he received the degrees from the fourth to the thirty-second of the Scottish Rite, at Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1886, he became S. G. and I. C. and a number of times served as presiding officer of the lodge, chapter, council and commandery ; and the grand junior warden of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. In 1886 he received the remarkable distinction of having conferred upon him the last degree of Masonry, the thirty-third degree.

In A. L. 5892 (1892) Brother Sidney Moore built and presented to the Mason- of Hiram Lodge the elegant and commodious Masonic Temple, his extreme modesty forbiding the use of his name in connection with the Temple ( which now should be added ) . He died in May. 1907, leaving his aged wife. Sarah Cunningham Moure, and stepson, Arthur Bierce, and one brother, William E. Moore, who with his brother enjoyed all the privileges of Masonry to the thirty-second degree. t< > mourn his loss. His funeral was o inducted by all 01 the Masonic bodies. Knights Templar, and several thirty-third Degree Masons who officiated.

Hiram Lodge has (1908) 340 members. There are fifty Knights Templar, twenty-six members of the Delaware Club Nbbles of the Mystic Shrine, and eleven living member- 1 1 the thirty-second Degree Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Northern Masonic jurisdiction of the United States - \Y. C. Dennison, W. F. Dodge. S. \V. Fowler, E. F. Gwinn, J. W. Heimberger, \Y. E. Moore. I. W. Rosenthal, D. F. Rust, William M. Semans, J. Leo Sperling. George H. Watkins.

Capitular Masonry

Delaware Chapter. Xo. 54, R. A. M., was chartered October 15, 1855. Its stated conventions are held in Moore's Masonic Hall on Thursday evenings on or before the full of the moon. The present officers ( 1908) are: Companion William A. Greiner. M. E. H. 1'. ; Companion W. F. Dodge. E. king; Companion Paul R. Hickok, E. scribe; Companion W. E. Moore. C. of H. ; Companion Orrie S. Smith, Prin. Soj.; Companion Harry L. Clark. R. A. C. ; Companion Dewitt H. Leas, G. M. 3rd V. ; Companion J. W. Heimberger, ( .. M. 2nd. V.; Companion Charles Justice, G. M. 1st. V.; Companion Rhea T. Graff, treas. ; Companion William M. Semans. secretary ; Companion Louis Thorman, guard: Companii 111 Edward Y. Mason, organist ; Companions C. W. Wiles, C. H. Watkins. C. W. Dennison, Finance Committee.

Cryptic Masonry

Delaware Council. Xo. 54, Royal ami Select Masters, was chartered first October 12. 1867, and held regular meetings for many years. But in 1887, through indifference, lack of attendance and other causes, the charter was surrendered. In October, 1890. through the influence of Brother Sidney Moore, newlife and new blood were infused into the council, and it was reorganized (29th) as No. 84. Y. D. 2900. The petitioners for the reorganization were Sidney Moore. W. A. Greiner. VV.

Delaware Council, No. 84, Royal and Select Masters, chartered October 9, 1900. Officers for 1908 are: Companion John W. Heimberger, T. I. M.; Companion W. F. Dodge, D. I. M. ; Companion Henry T. Main. Prin, C. of W. ; Companion N. Percy Starr, treas. ; Companion William M. Semans, recorder; Companion Dewitt H. Leas, Capt. of G; Companion George H. Watkins, Con. of C. ; Companion Albert F. Elkins, steward ; Companion Louis Thorman, sentinel. Finance Committee - Companions R. J. Cox, R. R. Heikes, G. J. G. Rosenthal. Stated assemblies are held in Moore's Masonic Temple on the third Monday of every month. There are about 120 members.

Ostrander Lodge, No, 594, F. & A. M. Sunbury Lodge

county, asked permission of Hiram Lodge for recommendation to the grand master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio for a dispensation to form a new lodge at Sunbury. It was granted, and the new lodge became Charity Lodge, No. 53. It was taken to Zoar, now Galena, in 1826. Just when they surrendered their charter is not known. It continued until the anti-Masonic agitation during the Morgan excitement, when it was compelled to surrender its charter to the Grand Lodge. The fires were kept burning on the altars by a few of the faithful members of the order. On October 21,1 868, the Grand Lodge granted a new dispensation and gave them a new charter for Sparrow Lodge, No. 400. F. & A. M. The charter members were E. R. Hempstead. A. J. Qtley, C. Patrick, James P. Decker, Amos Utley, Elijah Carnev. I. P. Crawford, I. W. Foot, C. Wilcox, Almon Stark, J. P. "Bardwell, James Lampman, Nathan Dustan and Nathan Wells. Sparrow Lodge of Sunbury has enjoyed a useful and brilliant career from the beginning, and its membership extends over all of the eastern part of the county. The present officers are: E. M. Perfect, W. M.; J. W. Furry. S. W. ; A. D. Strasnider, J. W. ; I. W. Longwell, treasurer: J. H. Gerhardt, secretary; O. F. Elling. S. D. ; Maselot Wilcox, J. D. ; C. M. Shicker, chaplain; C. O. Armstrong, S. S. : H. H. Loar, J. S. ; C. H. Wilson, pianist: James Cockrell. tyler. The trustees are C. O. Armstrong, C. D. Wan Houten, C. F. Beaver.

Order Of Eastern Star, F. & A. M., Sunbury

The lodge of the Order of Eastern Star, F. & A. M., Sunbury, Ohio, was instituted October 11, 1894, with the following members: Emma Gerhardt, Dr. I. II. Gerhardt, Anna Blakely, T. F. Blakely." Abbie A. Kimball. Otis Fl. Kimball. Annabel! Ramsey. N. Ramsey, Amy Burrer, A. J. Burrer, Mattie L. Crego, Charles F. Crego, Alida Roferts, W. P. Roferts, ^Iedora Longwell. J. P. Longwell. Anna Price. I. M. Price, Delila Perfect. Leroy Perfect, Daisy Wheaton, < '. M. Wheaton, Elrisa Smith. Marshall Smith, Mary S. Williams, Frank Williams. This is the only

White Sulphur Lodge, F. & A. M.

White Sulphur Lodge. F. & A. M., No. 10 (colored), of Delaware, Ohio, was instituted June 24, 1867, at the session of the Grand Lodge held at Xenia. Ohio. The warrant was issued at this meeting, June 20-22. inclusive. The lodge first met in the Springer Block, corner of Sandusky and University Avenue, now known as the Albert Block. Officers were elected and installed by Brother William T. Boyd, grand master (proxy) who is now in the employ of the C. C. C. & I. R. R. Co., as train baggagemaster. The lodge now meets in old Templar Hall, now known as the Miller Block. The following were officers and charter members: J. J. Williamson, W. M. (dead); Thomas Mendenhall, S. W. (dead); B. Alston; J. W. (dead); F. D. Merrit, treasurer (dead); B. F. Thomas, secretary; R. Stewart, S. D. ; G. B. Lewis, tyler, (dead). Thomas A. Jackson, William Alford. M. A. Taylor, G. Grenere. G. B. Coxsom, all dead, were charter members. The present officers and members are: Horace Wheeler, W. M. : W. A. Jackson, S. W. ; Gus Tyson. J. W. ; Thomas Kemper, treasurer; B. F. Thomas, secretary; William Wheeler. S. D. ; Walter B. Moore, J. D. ; James Fields. S. S. ; Joseph North, J. S. ; Henry Fleming, tyler. Members - William W. Wilson. H. C. Clay. Harry Clay, J. W. Jones, Herbert H. Chabious, Allen C. Alford, Oscar B. White. Sandy Merchant, Harrison Judy, [. T. Hurley, John W. Boyer. J. W. Balden'

Ashley Lodge, No. 407. F. & A. M.. was instituted February 17. 1808, through the influence of Brother Sidney Moore, of Delaware, who was made worshipful master. J. F. Doty was made senior warden; I*". 1!. Morrison, J. W. The following were charter members:" James P. Clark, John W. Hoff, W. E. Palmer, W. W. Stratton, S. A. Coomer, J.

B. Richardson, E. M. Conklin, John Gield, J. I.. May and Henry Sutton. The charter was granted October 19, 1808. The order has been very popular in the community and has 121 active members. In 1904 the lodge erected a temple on the corner of High and Franklin Streets at a cost of $5,000. The lower floor is used by the Farmer's Saving Bank Company, the upper floor by the Masons. The following are the present officers ( 1908) : W. M. Shoemaker, W. M. ; John A. Conner, S. W. ; Burton Olds. J. W. ; F. E. Whipple, treasurer; Frank W. Sharp, secretary; Ray Hickson. S. D. ; T. C. McGonnigle.'j. D.': R. P. Welch, tyler.

Knights Of Pythias

This order was founded during the war of the Rebellion, 1861-65, at which time the lesson of love and friendship was well nigh forgotten. Like the ancient story of the friends, Damon and Pythias at Syracuse. Sicily, the soldiers and citizens came together as one in the close tie of brotherhood. Many will ask the question "Who founded the order?" In 1886, the Supreme Lodge was held in the city of Philadelphia. At this meeting the supreme representative, Foxwell, of the District oi Columbia, presented a memorial picture of Justus H. Rathbone to the order, declaring the original of the picture to be the true founder.

It was in 1857, while engaged in clerking and teaching at Eagle Harbor, on the Eagle River on Lake Superior, that Rathbone became greatly impressed with the remarkable and wonderful story of Damon and Pythias, and their infinite love and friendship for each other; the influence of this friendship upon the tyrant Dionysius, and the willing sacrifice of the brave Sicilian who would die for his friend, which so impressed Dionysius that he spared his life. Rathbone determined to induce men to follow the example so pure, gun erous and holy, set by these true. de\ friends, and immediately organized this order.

was organized during the heat and turmoil of battle during the war, when all was strife, discord and disruption, and has steadily advanced and flourished until it has spread throughout the country and has become a power for much good.

To complete the history of the Knights of Pythias is fitting to speak of the Pythian Sisterhood, and the Rathbone Sisters. The former were granted permission to organize a secret society of female relatives of the Knights of Pythias in 1888. by the Supreme Lodge. They were to use their titles of officers and report the financial and numerical condition to the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seals previous to the Supreme Session. This branch of the organization has had a great and marvelous growth, and a widespread influence. Their fundamental' teaching is truth and purity. They recognize that in Unity there is Strength, and proclaim Friendship. Charity. Love, and Benevolence as their cardinal principles. To hold the trust of a sister is a sacred charge, and to impress upon the younger women the value of honor, purity and virtue is their chief aim. The order was founded through the efforts of Mrs. Alva A. Young, of Hopkinton, N. H. Her husband and three brothers served through the war of the Rebellion.

Unlike the Pythian Sisterhood, the Rathbone Sisters admit to membership both men and women. This branch was organized in 1888. and was approved by the Supreme Lodge and the Ritual. The members desire to promote the moral, mental, social and physical elevation of its members, always following the Golden Rule. Their growth has been steadv and they exert power and influence. The first temple of the Rathbone Sisterhood was instituted at Warsaw, Indiana, October 23, 1888. They have steadily grown in membership and influence, as well as widened their sphere of usefulness throughout the land. The colored race has similar organizations of their own. both of Knights of Pythias and the sisterhoods.

Lenape Lodge, K. Of V.

The Lenape Lodge is one of the largest and most flourishing in the State. The other lodges of the county are Sunbury, No. 231 ; Ostrander, No. 348 ; Good Hope, No. 457 ; Bellepoint. No. 525 ; Williams, No. 556; Cheshire. No. 613; Lewis Center, No. 636; Porter, No. 640; Centre Village. No. 645; Powell, No. 684.

Castle Hall, K. Of P.

Castle Hall Lodge, No. 231, K. of P., at Sunbury, was chartered May 25, 1887, with the following charter members : J. H. Kimble 1 .lead) ; D. R. Robinson (dead) ;" O. H. Kimble (dead); E. E. Wilson (dead); J. M. Price (dead) ; T. W. Ginn (dead) ; Joe Fuller, B. Shofrer, C. J. Rose, B. E. Perfect, C. D. Palmer,- N. Patrick. A. Lynn, H. C. Perfect, H. S. Cook, H. E. Smith, E. L. Gill. A. C. Williams, W. A. Wilson. C. P. Sprague, Frank Burrer, F. L. Gage, W. P. Roberts. Kimball Sedgewick, B. W. Gorsuch, C. A. McAllister, John Burrer. The present officers are: Elwood Miles. C. C. ; E. Debolt, V. C. ; Henrv Stelzer, prelate; C. L. Boyd, M. of W. ; H. H. Loar, K. of R. and S., and M. of F. ; J. S. Furey, M. of Ex.; E. G. Kempton, M.

of A.; D. B. Rosencrans, I. G. ; W. B. Dwinnel. O. G. The members at the present time 1 [908) number 132. The Pythian and Rathbone Sisterhoods are a part of this organization.

Powell Lodge, No. 684, K. Of P.

Was chartered April 18, 1895, with fortythree members. Its first officers were : E. P. Hover, C. C. ; F. B. Mason. V. C. ; I. E, Sharp, P. ; T. N. Neds, M. of E. ; Charles E. Watts, M. of F. ; W. E. Zinn, K. of R. and S. ; Charles Stanbery, M. of A.; V. F. ToplifL.I. G. , Frank Bayles, O. G. The lodge now has sixty-nine members, with the following officers : George Kibby, C. C. ; Frank Richards, V. C. ; J. N. Gardner, P.; Harry Davidson, M. of W.; J. C. Drumheller. K. of R. and S. ; C. O. Hawes, M. of F. ; O. T. Case, M. of E. ; R. J. Duffy, M. at A.; Calvin Corbin, I. G.; William Pounds, O. G. The lodge erected a line. two-story frame building, the first story of which is used for store purposes, and the upper for a lodge room. The building is 26x60 feet, and was dedicated August 30, 1906. The building c>st nearly $3,300. To begin with, the lodge had only $43 in the exchequer.

Powell Temple, No. 299, Pythian Sisters

Was instituted July 19, 1900. with sixty charter members. First officers : Hattie Pixley, M. E. C.; Mabel Richard... M. of F. ; Weltha Sharp, E. S. ; Alice Kirkpatrick. protector; Mary Bayles, E. J.; Anna Topliff, guard; < lara Corbin, manager; Olive Case. P. C. ; .Minerva Case, M. of R. and C. The present officers are: Clara Corbin. M. E. C. ; Ida Colvin, M. of I'.; Minerva Case, P. S. ; Emma Case, protector; Mabel Richards, E. J.; Mary Drumheller, guard; Bertha Colvin, manager, Mary Bayles, I'. C. ; Weltha Sharp, M. of R. and ( .

( )f the following lodges, 1\. of P., from the failure of officials to give any data, we are unable to give any history: ( )strander, Bellepoint, Williams and Centre Village.

Officers of First Year - M. E. C. Jane Oiler: E. S.. Cora B. Hutchisson; E. J., Emma Hecker; M. of T.. Ollie Coe; M. of R. and C. Estelle K. Healv; M. of F., Rebecca Ropp; P. of T., Cora Watson; G. of O. T.. Sarah Watkins ; P. C. of F., Florence Bovey.

Present Officers - P. C, Minnie McCloud; M. E. C, Lizzie Oiler; E. S.. Minnie Tones; E. J.. Kittie Dix; M. of T.. Anna Case; M. of R. and C. Emily D. Case; M. of F.. Elizabeth Zimmer: P. of T., Pearl Coe: ( !. of O. T.. Belle Dunlap.

Independent Order Of Odd

whose members are associated together to alleviate the suffering, attend to those in sickness and distress, to administer the last sad rites to the dead, to educate the orphan, to lighten the wants of the old and decrepit members, and to bind the members together in friendship, love and truth. Next to Masonry, it is the largest secret organization of all orders in America. The principles upon which this order is founded may date back to the days of the Gch id Samaritan, who helped a fellowman in distress at the inn on the mountain in Palestine on the way to Jericho. Other writers date its origin back to the Roman soldiers in 55 A. D. ; others, that it was suggested by the Caesars who called the brethren "Odd Fellows," because they knew each other by night as well as by day; while others again go back to the fifth century in Spain; or the sixth century in Portugal; or the twelfth century in France. It was 111 the eighteenth centurv that a union was formed and from this several organizations have been founded, such as the Loyal Ancient Odd Fellows, the Union Odd Fellows, and afterwards the Manchester Unity Odd Fellows. Each claim of these organizations has been disputed in regard to the origin of this grand order. But the Manchester Unity Odd Fellows- was introduced into Manchester, England, in about 1800, and from this came the American Odd Fellowship in 1806, which now exists as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the United States of America. The first lodge was opened in the old Shakespearean House or Tavern in Fulton Street, New York City, by W. E. and J. C. Chambers, John R. Thomas. William Dull"!-. George P. Morris, and others. In [818 it declined into dormancy, but in 1822, through Thomas Wildey. it was revived, and he became the real founder of the order as it exists today in the United States.

In the house of William Lupton. in Baltimore, at about the same time under a dispensation of the proper authorities in England, the order was placed upon a more substantial basis. Since 1822 the Grand Lodge of the United States has been the head of the ordei in this country. A charter was granted about this time to the Grand Lodge of the United States by the Grand Annual Moving Committee to conduct the business of Odd Fellowship in America independent of other lands.

The order consists of two branches - lodges and encampments. With the degree of Rebekah, the lodges comprise seven branches, and the encampment three degrees. The Roval Purple Degree of the encampment is the highest and last degree of the order. The lodges, encampments and all. are under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the United States. This order, more modern than the ancient order of Free Masonry, is somewhat like it in many essentials. It was introduced into Ohio at Cincinnati, and it was established in Delaware. November 15, 1845, as Olentangy Lodge. No. 53, I. O. O. F, with the following charter members : Henrv Patten, Adam Wolf, J. W. Place. Charles A. Drake. Cyrus Piatt. Bishop William L. Harris. George Breyfogle. The first officers were : Bishop Harris, N. G. ; C. S. Drake. V. G. : C. Piatt, secretary ; George Breyfogle. treasurer. The lodge has a membership of 229. The present officers are : Eugene Troutman, N. G. ; Charley P. Wallace, V. G. : H. H. Beecber. F. S. ; C. W. Riddle, Rec. secretary.

Chauncy Bradley was the first initiate. He was a prominent business man and was connected with many business enterprises for many years. Afterwards failing in business, and of extreme age, he ended his days in the Odd Fellows' Home at Springfield. Ohio. The first meeting place of the order was in Templar Hall. They moved from there to Thomas Evans Block on the west side of Sandusky Street, near Delaware Run. some time in the sixties. They moved from there to the Charles Cochran Block on the north side of Whiter Street between Sandusky and Franklin, a few years ago and are now located there. The Olentangy Encampment, No. 52, I. O. O. F., was chartered May 5, 1851. and has a membership of 118. The charter members were James A. Barnes, S. A. Cherry, William P. Jones, Chauncy T. Bradley, John Converse, Henrv W. Chamberlain, Cvrus Masters. The

Patriarch Militant has a membership of thirty-six. It was chartered December 31, 1885. The present officers are: Capt. H. L. Clark, C. W. Riddle, C. L. Shoemaker, ensign ; A. J. Ryan, accountant.

The Daughters of Rebekah. No. 198, was chartered May 20, 1887. The following were the charter members : C. Coomer, L. E. Young, Aaron Evans, J. C. Swickheimer, C. W. Owston, Bessie Carpenter, E. R. Ryan. C. Stimmel, Anne Berger, E. P. Gillett, W. O. Lupton, W. H. Smith, R. Carpenter, S. A. Coomer, W. Z. Evans, A. C. Gillet, I. Riddle,

G. Finley, G. W. Young, Rose M. Owston. F. R. Baldwin, B. Minturn. The present membership is 160. The present officers (1908) are : Mrs. L. Simpson, Miss Frances Klee, Miss Ethel Richey, Mrs. O. Kingman.

Mount Moriah Lodge

Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 1 5 1 1 , Grand United Order of Odd Fellows in America (colored), was chartered December 12, 1872, under the authority from the Grand Lodge of England. Among the chartered members and first officers were H. Garvin, B. J. Johnson, J. W. Highwarden, A. Crawford, N. G. ; A. Highwarden, vice B. ; J. W. Highwarden, P. and F. ; J. C. Lyons, P. and G. ; R. Lindsey. P. S. ; D. Austin, W. T. From some cause the lodge went into a sleep of Rip Van Winkle. They are now endeavoring to reorganize and to get started again. This was the only lodge of colored Odd Fellows in the county.

Galena Lodge, I. 0. 0. F.

The Galena Lodge, I. O. O. F.. No. 404. was chartered July 22, 1S68, by James Semple. G. M. After renting a hall for several years, the lodge purchased a permanent home in which the lodge work is conducted. This home was dedicated July 23. 1893, by W. W.

Bowen and P. G. Master. The charter members were : Prof. G. A. Frambes, W. E. Copeland, D. L. Ferson, W. E. Maxfield, Thomas Van Fleet, R. Cook, William Brown, J. P. Maynard, E. O. Nutt, J. C. Farrer, C. Closson, G. W. Harrisi in and Thomas Cline.

Ruffner Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 330, at Warrensburg was instituted October 21, 1857, at Millville, Ohio, now Warrensburg, by William Chidsev, G M., with the following members, William P. Crawford, N. G. ; William McFarland, V. G ; Thomas Silverthorne. treasurer ; John Frankenfield, secretary ; Charles Wilkins, James T. Shoup. I. W. Jones, John McAllister. Samuel Cooper was initiated at the first meeting. The lodge has a membership of eighty-seven. Officers in 1908 are: O. D. Cutler. N. G ; A. N. Decker, V. G ; George Fawcett, Rec. secretary ; E. C. Crawford, financial secretary.

The Daughters of Ruffner Rebekah Lodge, No. 248, was instituted by F. B. Zay, G M., on November 14, 1888, with the following charter members : E. J. Rogers, Carrie Rodgers, ]. M. Richev, Ella S. Richev, C. Dugan, R. C. Richev. J. W. Jones, R. 'Price, F. A. Tvler, Jessie Howison, W. H. Armstrong, J. G Strickler, R. W. Warren. W. A. Wheeler, A. Bean, A. C. McFarland, Rena Price, Frankie Decker, Nancy Warren, Elizabeth Jones, Cora Richey, May Wheeler, Martha, Flora, and July Dugan, Emma and Sadie McFarland, Amanda and T. Shoup, A. J. and S. R. Decker, Jennie Bean, L. L. and Martha De Good, Ophelia Armstrong, W. M. Jones, E. M. Williams. There are thirty-eight members of whom twenty-eight are still living. The officers when instituted were, Rena Price, X. ( I. ; M. McFarland, V. G ; Frankie Decker, rec. sect*y. ; Nancy Warren, treas. ; Amanda Shoup, financial sect'y. ; Mary Tyler, sect'y. ; The present officers are Julia Hous, N. G ; Carrie Decker, V. G ; Stella Phillin. rec. sec; Carrie Stults, F. S. : Anna Howison, treas. The present membership is 102.

Bellepoint Lodge, I. O. 0. F. Radnor Lodge, I. O. 0. F.

Radnor Lodge. I. O. O. F., No. 250. is the mother of the Richwood and Prospect Lodges. It was instituted May 17, 1854. with the following officers and charter members : Thomas Morton, Jr., N. G : B. Williams, V. G ; J. Baker, P. S. ; D. J. Cox, chaplain ; T. Silverthorne, secretary.

Was chartered September 29, 1870, with the following charter members: B. B. Nafzger, J. T. Gardner, Ralph Case, William P. Fuller, M. S. Case, J. N. Kidwell. M. G. Stagers, Arthur Doughty, G. M. Warner, A. S. Goodrich, Simon P. Andrews. The present officers of the lodge are : Frank Stagers, N. G. ; Frank Griffith, V. G. ; Allen Rutherford, sect'y. ; Dr. Charles Talley, treas. They have about sixty members. In 1890, the lodge erected a two-story frame building 28x55 feet in dimensions, costing $1,700 besides the lot. In 1 goo, an addition 18x32 feet, two stories high was built. The present value of the property is $2,600. The first floor is used for business purposes, and the lodge meets in the upper story.

Powell Lodge, Daughters Of Rebekah

Was chartered May 18, 1888. It now has forty-four members, and the following officers: Mrs. Sarah Moran, N. G: Mrs. May Croak, V. G. ; Mrs. Nettie Seekins. cor. and fin. sec'}'. ; Mrs. Sarah Richards, treas.

The Benevolent And Protective Order Of Elks

The Order of Elks is a child of America strictly. It has no rank or title, and is no respecter of persons. All are equal, differing only as one may excel another in loving the good and the beautiful, as well as performing noble deeds of silence. Their object is to help the sick in distress, and the unfortunate. The founders of the order had no conception of the scope and possibilities of the present organization.

The first organization was instituted May 21, 1868, in a two-story frame building, 29 Delancy Street, New York City. The order, at that time, was composed of a few gentlemen of the theatrical profession who met together in a social way. Now it has developed into a wide-spread, powerful order of benevolence and charity, with ledges in all parts of the country. At first it was the idea and purpose that none but members of the theatrical profession were eligible to membership in the order, and some have that impression today. This is erroneous, as nearly all male members of the theatrical profession and citizens are eligible to membership, as we find today, upon the roll of membership, prominent officials from the Presidency down. Merchants, bankers, journalists, members of the legal and medical professions, as well as artists, musicians, and literary people. In 1867, Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian, a son of an English clergyman of the English Episcopal Church, came to New York City as a ballad singer, and was the means of founding the organization. The first constitution of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, was founded February io, 1868, with Sir Charles as presiding officer.

It was on February 10, 1888, that the institution of the Elks lodge was established in Delaware. There was a special program, and a banquet was served. Many prominent citizens were charter members of the order, many of whom have since passed away.

The petitioners for the lodge were Robert G. Lybrand, E. L. K. ; W. C. Jaynes, E. L. K. ; Lou J. Mitchel. E. L. K. ; G. B. Dona- \ in. sect'y. ; E. T. Butler, treas. ; John W. Donvin. chaplain; J. H. Smith, esquire; Robert C. Wintermute, inner guard ; Van Dyke Stayman. Harvey J. McCullough, Henry L. Baker, L. K. Donavin. trustees. Charter members were C. F. Gruner, \V. E. O'Kane. I. R. Elston, H. N. P. Dole, H. E. Buck. W. B. Jones, Charles E. Dole, E. P. Sampsell, H. L. Hyatt, John P. Thompson, S. K. Donavin, M. P. Hunt, T. C. Jones, Jr., H. D. Myers. R. C. Thompson, R. E. Johnson. P. W. Merritt, W. L. Bennington, R. A. Jaynes, William Heseltine, L. L. Welch. R. S. Evans, E. G. Lvbrand. Of this number only nine are now in the city.

Ancient Order Of Hibernians

The aims and objects of this order are of the highest character. It is composed of practical Catholics; Irishmen of Irish descent, having for their motto, "Friendship, Unity, and True Christian Character." Practical Catholicity means that members should comply with their religious duties according to the decrees of the Catholic Church. Friendship : which shall consist in helping one another, and in assisting one another to the best of their ability. Unity : in combining together for mutual support in sickness and distress. Christian: in loving one another, and doing to all men as we would wish that they should do to us. The Ancient Order of Hibernians is also an insurance society. It helps in sickness, paying a sick member $5 weekly. It helps in time of death, paying not less than $60.

In f88o, the order was organized in this county with a membership of fifty-two. and with the following officers: James McDonald, county delegate; John Donehue. president; Michael Neville, vice pres. ; Frank Main my. fin. sect'y.; M. J. Hanley, rec. sect'y.; Stephen Potter, treas.; Charles McGuirk and Stephen Barnes, trustees. Patrick S. English, chairman; Stephen Barrow, Ed. Hanley. John O'Conner, Thomas F. Maloney, Patrick Griffith, standing committee. John P. Griffin, chairman; James Welch. Michael Jeffcot, visiting committee.

Up to the present time, the order has paid for sickness, death., and other charitable purposes, over $3,000. There is now a membership of forty-eight, with the following officers: County president, J. F. Gaynor; city president, Martin P. Handrahan ; vice pics., John Parker; finan. sect'y., Dennis T. Griffin: recording secretary. William T. Egan : treasurer, John Maloney; sergeant-at-arms, D. W. Lynch ; sentinel, P. Butt ; trustees : Jerry Gerow, chairman ; Robert Nelson, Thomas Ross, William Enright, Ed. Welch, Raymond Zinker, W. T. Egan, Frank B. Carl.

One of the greatest orders, and most beneficial to the community, is the St. Mary's Total Abstinence Society, which was organized in 1885. It has a working membership of no, including men and women. Their power exerted for sobriety and temperance is so great, no earthly power can estimate the good resulting from this organization. Their president is W. G. Gannon ; secretary, Robert Parker. Jr.; treasurer, Robert Parker. Sr. ; Rev. Ph. Steyle, spiritual director. The object of this Society is to advance the cause of temperance.

Improved Order Of Red Men

The Improved Order of Red Men. Delawana Tribe. No. 4-'. hold their regular Pow Wow at their Wigwam every Thursday of snow moon, and trail their hunting groundregularly. This lodge was chartered May 5 1904. It is strictly a patriotic and fraternal organization; and like the previously mentioned orders, it is a temperance organization, and none can join it only under certain conditions, as follows: The candidate must be a white person; a citizen of the United St; must be able to speak and understand the English language; of goo,) moral character: and a believer in the Supreme Being, or Great

Spirit ; must be of sound body and mind ; must reside within the reservation six moons next preceding the application ; is not engaged, and must not engage, directly or indirectly in the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors to be used as a beverage.

In this order, an officer of the tribe is raised to the clneftancy of the Great Sachem of the Tribe, and the Past Chief Deputy to the Grand Sachem. Thev keep the great fire burning brightly to keep a clear understanding of the remarkable secret principles of their order. They alone appreciate and know the great Sun Session which goes down in history. There is a membership throughout the United States of about 500,000. True to the legends of the Red Man, their place of meeting is the Wigwam, and the highest office is the Great Sun Sagamore. Following the ancient tribesmen of the original inhabitants of this country, they have a prophet, a medicine man, a sachem, senior and junior, a sagamore, who is the chief of records and keeper of wampum. The tribe in Delaware, No. 42, is named "Delawana." We add a few of the names of the tribes throughout the country : Ioka, Chickopee, Kill Eagle, Chimney Rock, etc.

The charter members of the Delawana Tribe are R. Garlinghouse, William McFarland, B. Radcliff, W. E. Demorest, Nathan Jones, J. McCarty, Ally Vining, J. F. Dennis, Clyde Coonfare, C. C. Long, F. Ufferman, C. Shover, John Dent, David Shaffer, O. E. McFarland, W. W. & G. B. Collins, R. S. Sherwood (sagamore), Joe. Feaster, Frank Grove, Henry Freece, J. W. Stietz, J. Fagley, H. C. Smith, Frank Gardner, Frank Rogers, C. C. Emerson, Henry and W. L. Smith, J. M. Syckes, L. M. Poppleton, G. C. Vining. They have a membership of about one hundred.

The Elk lodge of Red Men at Hyattsville was organized some seventeen years ago, or 1 89 1. No further data has been furnished in regard to the history of their organization.

The Pocahontas Tribe

Is an order for the squaw members of the tribe. The members meet in their tepee regularly, and are enthusiastic workers for the order. At their annual Council Fire, they, like their brother lodge, make a report of their transactions, and of those who have taken the trail to the Happy Hunting Ground in the Spirit Land, from which no hunter ever returns. The orders look after the orphans of the tribes, and have an annual assessment to apply for the benefits of their wards until they are fourteen years of age.

At one of their great Sun Sessions, they disqualified for membership all saloon keepers, bar tenders, and retail liquor dealers. The Red Men have under advisement the building of a home for indigent members. The Delawana and Pocahontas tribes are making a strong effort to have the home located in Delaware.

prophet ; Frank Crumb, sachem ; Ben Radcliff, senior sagamore; Ezra Beekman, Jr., sagamore; W. J. Temple, chief of records; G. K. Zimmerman, collector of wampum ; Richard Sherwood, keeper of wampum.