Fairfield County, Ohio - Chapter 16: Fraternal and Benevolent Societies, 1912

Chapter 16: Fraternal and Benevolent Societies

Masonry and Its Various Branches and Lodges in Lancaster - The Independent Order of Odd Fellozvs - The Knights of Pythias - The Elks - The Eagles - Daughters of the American Revolution - Ladies Auxiliary - Sons of Veterans - Daughters of Veterans.

Lodges Of Lancaster Free Masonry

The history of Free Masonry in Lancaster, Ohio, if fully and carefully worked out, would almost be the history of Free Masonry in the whole state, as well as a part of Kentucky and West Virginia.

A Masonic Lodge was not organized in Lancaster until January i8, 1820, because of the rather conservative character of the citizens, although the town was the home of many of the most prominent Masons in the State. Many other lodges had been organized in the State previous to this, so that it became Number 57.

Lancaster Lodge, F. & A. M., Number 57, from its organization occupied a very prominent position in the Masonic circles of the state, because of the conspicuous ability and eminent character of its membership. Among its first members were Hon. Charles R. Sherman, father of Gen. W. T. Sherman and Senator John Sherman, who in 1824 became the second Grand Master of the State; William W. Irvin, who was Grand Master in 1825; General George Sanderson; Judge J. D. Dietrich; Dr. James Wilson; Hon. Philemon Beecher, who afterward became Deputy Grand Master and Grand Treasurer; Darius Talmadge ; Thomas Gushing ; John Noble ; and M. Z. Kreider, who was afterwards Grand Master and Grand Commander; and William J. Reese, who afterwards became Grand Master, Grand High Priest, Most Illustrious Grand Master, General Grand Captain General, and General Grand Generalissimo. When the great outcry was raised against Masonry because of the so-called "Morgan revelation," and the Grand Lodge found it unsafe to meet in Columbus, or other prominent cities of the state, Lancaster was its asylum, and the Grand Lodge met here consecutively from 1836 to 1843, and it was purposed to make Lancaster the permanent place of meeting for the Grand Lodge. A lot was purchased for this purpose, on the Southwest corner of Broadway and Mulberry Streets. The plans for a temple were made, and the cornerstone laid. But lack of funds and objection on the part of other lodges

The Lancaster lodge met from 1820 to 1824 in the old Court House. In 1824, they built a hall in the rear of the Market House, which they occupied for 44 years. In 1868, in conjunction with the other Masonic bodies, they took possession of the rooms in the Rising block which Mr. Phillip Rising had fitted up for their use, and they occupied them for 40 years. In 1907 the brethren of the M. E. church having outgrown the capacity of their church building, situate on High Street between Chestnut and Walnut, and having erected a more capacious building farther north, offered their abandoned building for sale, which the Masonic bodies of Lancaster purchased for $6,000, and by re-modelling, and the building of an addition, converted into the beautiful and well arranged temple now occupied by them. This temple was dedicated June 22-24, 1908, by the most impressive and imposing ceremonies ever witnessed, in the city.

The old Elmwood Cemetery at Lancaster, Ohio, though much neglected, contains the bodies of more distinguished early Masons than any other cemetery in the United States. The remains of three Ohio Grand Masters are lying there.

Lithopolis Lodge No. 169, was chartered September 29, 1848. It has been an earnest, faithful lodge, doing excellent work, and has a present membership of sixty-five.

Its Worshipful Masters have been: Joshua Glanville, William Riley, D. C. Martin, A. Clark, A. English, C. W. Speaks, John Courtright, David Kessi, J. B. Potter, G. S. Courtright, J. A. Benner, Phillip Teegardin, John \\'. Teegardin, R. V. Allen, T. H. Courtright, F. P. Creed, Levi Teegardin and C. E. Beery.

Rushville Lodge, No. 211, F. & A. M. The charter of this lodge was issued in 1851, and re-issued in 1857. This lodge has been very conspicuous from the high character of its work, and many of its officers have had wide masonic recognition. It, at present, has sixty-nine members. Its Past Masters are: E. Kalb, D. M. Rae, C. D. Rissler, H. B. McLaughlin, A. B. Mortal, E. F. Rissler, W. C. Lewis, T. H. Battan, B. A. Thomas, A. L. Baker, D. H. Fahrer, J. M. Lidey, C. C. Swinehart and J. C. Elder.

Baltimore Lodge, No. 475, F. & A. M. This lodge was chartered, October 22, 1874. It has done consistent, faithful Masonic work, and has a present membership of 73. Its Past Masters are: Harrison Applegate, W. W. Luckey, D. H. Sands, E. L. Helmick, C. J. Miller, C. M. Rowlee, F. P. Miller, A. A. Weakley, Ora Macklin, Harry Hanna, John A. Schaertzer.

tained a high standard for its excellent work, and has held a high grade of membership. Its present membership is 48. Past Masters : Ed Greiner, Levi Lawrence. Peter Hewetson, Jacob Balthaser, S. H. Simon, T. J. Barr, R. B. Miller, William Borchers, J. G. Wagner, Stanley Lawrence, W. A. Cromley, C. W.

Capitular Masonry

Lancaster Chapter Number 11, R. A. M., \vas organized under a dispensation of the Grand Chapter of the State, in 1825. Its charter, however, bears date of July 12, 1826. Hon. Charles R. Sherman, whose ma-

This lodge situated at Pleasantville, Ohio, was chartered Oct. i6th, 1883. It has had an excellent growth, and maintains a high standing both as to its work and membership. It has a present membership of 80. Past Masters: T. J. McNaughten, J. N. Mc- Naughten, W. H. Martin, C. D. Mills, Eli Rowles, T. J. Spitler, A. E. Miller, M. D. Mc- Cleery, D. M. Cupp, J. A. Irick, I. C. Spitler, A. E. McNaughten.

This newest lodge in the county has only recently received its charter. It has a present membership of 32. Brother J. M. Liday is Worshipful Master.

tinned as High Priest until his death in 1829. His death was rather sad; he had gone to Lebanon, Ohio, to hold court, being Judge at that time, in that district, and while there died suddenly of the cholera, which was then raging as an epidemic. The conditions prevented an elaborate public funeral, but the different masonic bodies of Fairfield county and of the state took action by appropriate resolution, commemorating his virtues and deploring their loss, and adopting the usual insignia of mourning.

Lancaster Chapter Number 11, R. A. M., took a very prominent position in the chapter work of the state from the time of its organization, which it has consistently maintained by excellence of work and the prominence of its membership among their brethren of the state. Its officers have been recognized for their ability, fidelity, and zeal in State Masonic Chapter circles. It has a present membership of over 200.

Cryptic Masonry

Lancaster Council, R. & S. M., was among the first chartered in the state. At that time the Council was not considered of much Masonic importance. Masons who desired to take either the Commandery or Scottish Rite degrees might do so without having taken the Council degrees, so it had few members, and fell into "innocuous desuetude." The charter was finally surrendered, and for many years Lancaster was without a Council.

The present Council, Number 88, was chartered September 23, 1902; its growth has been rapid, although conservative. It has high rank for efficiency and excellence of work. It has a present membership of

The past Thrice Illustrious Masters are : T. C. Coates, L. T. Unks, J. P. Hershberger, Fred L. Mauger, Charles S. North, W. C. Graham, Zach McCammon, and H. F. Repass.

The Commandery

Lancaster Commandery, No. 2, K. T., was organized April 4, 1838, under a charter issued from Baltimore, Maryland, by virtue of authority of the Grand Encampment of the United States of America, at a conclave held in Washington City, in December, 1835. From the time of its organization in 1838 until 1 84 1, it was the only working Commandery or Encampment, as the body was then termed, west of Albany, New York. Mt. Vernon Encampment Number i, which had been organized in 1818 had held no meetings from May, 1830, until June, 1841. Masons traveled hundreds of miles, coming from Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Zanesville, Mansfield, Louisville, Ky., Wheeling, Va., and other remote cities, to Lancaster, Ohio, to receive the Knight Templar degree. The Lancaster Encampment, on application, consented to and endorsed the organization of Encampments at Wheeling, Va. Cincinnati, Massilon, Mansfield, Mt. Vernon, and other places.

In 1843, Lancaster Encampment, uniting with Cincinnati, Massilon, Mansfield, and Mt. Vernon Encampments, at a meeting held in Lancaster, organized the Grand Encampment of Ohio. The importance of Lancaster Commandery in chivalric Masonry is very conspicuous. It was the parent commandery of chivalric Masonry in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.

The Lancaster Commandery, in 1838, was organized at the Masonic Hall, in Lancaster, Ohio, by Sir John Barney, from Connecticut, Sir J. W. Copeland, from Vermont, and Sirs William J. Reese and George Sanderson, from Mt. Vernon Encampment No. i, at Worthington, Ohio. The ofificers elected were : William J. Reese, Eminent Commander; Greorge Sanderson, Generalissimo; Joseph Grubb, Captain General; Enos Woodward, Prelate; M. Z. Krpider, Senior Warden; John G. Willock, Junior Warden; Gotleib Steinman, Treasurer; John B. Reed, Recorder; Henry Orman, Standard Bearer; Robert Fielding, Sword Bearer; Gabriel Carpenter, Warder; George W. Claspill, Sentinel. The historic importance of these names is well known in this community. In 1841 William J. Reese was Captain General of the Grand Encampment of the United States of America. His state honors in Masonry have been previously mentioned.

Scottish Rite Masonry

There are at present 31 members of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite having the 32nd degree in Fairfield County and 46 Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

Eastern Star Masonry

The M. Z. Krider chapter Number 145 of the Order of Eastern Star was instituted December 9, 1901. It has a large membership of about 180, and is in a most flourishing condition.

Independent Order Of Odd Fellows

The I. O. O. F. is one of the oldest orders in Fairfield County. Charity lodge, located at Lancaster, Ohio, was instituted in 1838, with seven charter members, and is now 74 years old and will next February, 19 13, celebrate its 75th or "diamond" anniversary. It was the seventh lodge of the I. O. O. F. to be instituted in the state. Since that time ten other lodges were organized in the county; Sugar Grove having surrendered its charter and Alpine Lodge having consolidated with Charity in May, 1902, leaving nine lodges with a membership of 709. There was paid out by the several lodges last year for relief alone the sum of $2,507. There are at present 320 Past Grands. The total assets are $25,000. The Grand Lodge has been represented at various times as follows: John C. Hite, Thomas C. Bope, J. D. Nourse, Henry B. Gray, Ira B. Bumgardner as representatives, and Rev. T. H. Hall as Grand Chaplain.

The Encampment branch has been represented by T. C. Bope, H. B. Gray, Christian Geiser and A. C. Turner as representatives Lancaster has been favored by having the Grand Lodge of the state meet here in the years of 1861 and 1882, with special sessions in 1912.

The Grand Encampment, in conjunction with the Patriarch Militants, met here in 1900, encamping on the fair grounds. The history of Odd Fellowship of this county is closely linked with the names of Holt, Reinmund, Weaver, Bope, Tschopp, Nourse, Gray, Wycoff and a host of others long since passed away.

The Encampment branch consists of Hock Hocking Encampment, No. 28, of Lancaster, Ohio, and Walnut Valley Encampment, No. 218, of Pleasantville, Ohio.

Hock Hocking Encampment, No. 28, was instituted March 28, 1848, and has a membership of 60. It paid for relief last year $297 and has assets to the amount of $1,600. The present officers are: John Brenstuhl, Chief Patriarch; W. H. Walford, Senior Warden ; Thomas Reap, Junior Warden ; R. F. Berry, High Priest; Ira B. Bumgardner, Scribe; J. H. Littrell, Treasurer. It meets on the second and fourth Thursdays.

Patriarch Militant branch is represented by one canton located in Lancaster, Canton Ivanhoe, No. 10. Its present officers are: A. C. Turner, Commandant; W. A. Meikle, 1st Lieutenant; George W. Moss, Ensign; Ira B. Bumgardner, Clerk. It meets the second and fourth Thursdays.

Charity Lodge, No. 7, Lancaster, Ohio, was instituted Feb. 13, 1838. Its present membership is 180; number of Past Grands, 70, It paid for relief the past year $1,295.40. Its present assets are $4,800. The present officers are: H. C. Robinson, Noble Grand; William Rudolph, Vice Grand; W. A. Meikle, Recording Secretary; Ira B. Bumgardner, Financial Secretary; W. H. Wolfe, Treasurer.

Fairfield Lodge, No. 163, Pleasantville, Ohio, was instituted Oct. 7, 1850. Its present membership is 107; number of Past Grands, 53. It paid for relief the past year $30373- Its present assets are $9,355-73- It owns its building and is in a flourishing condition. There were sixteen charter members all of them initiates of Charity Lodge, No. 7. The names of the first officers were: James Brown, Noble Grand ; Samuel Culp, Vice Grand ; Thomas Wilson, Recording Secretary; J. F. Irick, Financial Secretary; and Job McNamee, Treasurer.

Baltimore Lodge, No. 202, Baltimore, Ohio, was instituted June 11, 1852. Its present membership is 46: number of Past Grands, 15. It paid for relief last year $145.- 00. Its present assets amount to $1,062.51. They own their building and are doing well.

Philo Lodge, No. 392, Rushville, Ohio, was instituted July 17, 1867. Its present membership is 78; number of Past Grands, 42. It paid out for relief last year $260.80.

Its present assets are $2,127.81. It owns its building and is doing a good work. There were ten charter members, all of whom are deceased except C. B. Duncan. The present officers are: G. H. Drum, Noble Grand; E. Z. Caplin, Vice Grand; C. R. Turner, Financial Secretary; A. A. Huston, Recording Secretary; and G. W. Henderson, Treasurer. They own their hortie and are doing a good work.

Central Valley Lodge, No. 548, Amanda, Ohio, was instituted July 10, 1873. Its present membership is 34; number of Past Grands, 23. It paid for relief the past year $32.50. Its assets amount to $1,937.52. They also own their lodge building.

Weaver Lodge, No. 486, Greencastle, Ohio, was instituted May 10, 1871 ; its present membership is 40. The number of Past Grands have been thirteen. Last year $9.00 was paid out for relief. The assets are $1,937.52. They own their hall and are prosperous. There were twelve charter members, of whom S. P. Crist and W'illiam Kiger still retain membership. The present officers are : C. L. Calvert, Noble Grand; Homer Blue. Vice Grand; C. W. Crist, Recording Secretary; S. P. Crist, Financial Secretary; and C. H. Weiser. Treasurer.

Crescent Lodge No. 561, Bremen, Ohio, was instituted Oct. 7, 1863. Its present membership is loi. The number of Past Grands is 40. They paid for relief last year $217.35. The present assets amount to $2,277.41.

Advance Lodge, No. 606, Millersport, Ohio, was instituted March 30, 1875. The present membership is 52. The number of Past Grands have been 28. Last year $166.00 was paid for relief. Their present assets are $1,485.27. They own their hall which was built in 1884 and are doing well. The first Noble Grand was Samuel WycofT.

The present officers are : R. F. Wycoff, Noble Grand; Win. Hensel, Vice Grand; Fred Murphy, Recording Secretary; Ed. L. Wycoff, Financial Secretary; and I. N. Shell, Treasurer. The trustees are: F. A. Keller, H. D. Bowers, S. M. Chalfant.

Violet Lodge, No. 709, Pickerington, Ohio, was instituted Nov. 22, 188 1. Its present membership is jt^ ; number of Past Grands, 36. It paid for relief last year $38.00. Its assets amount to $473.00.

Helena Lodge, No. 617, Lancaster, Ohio, was instituted July 26, 1905. Its present membership is 130. The present officers are: Miss Guard Reap, Noble Grand; Mrs. Geo. Moss, Vice Grand; Mrs. Mayme Foreman, Recording Secretary; Miss Lillie Ritter, Financial Secretary; and Miss Lulu Gillespie, Treasurer. Mrs. Mayme Foreman is representative to The Ohio Rebekah Assembly.

Helena Rebekah Lodge entertained the 58th District Convention in November, 1906 and are making preparations to entertain a special session of the Ohio Rebekah Assembly in November of this year.

Knights Of Pythias

There were twenty-seven charter members as follows: Henry B. Gray, J. H. Heed, Leo Bilhorn, R. R. Pierce, Jolm A. Heim, J. A. Richards, C. A. Scoville, William Ditto, George Heilbron, R. M. Wiley, J. A. Bartholomew, U. C. Rudolph, H. Getz, C. H. Towson, W. W. O'Bough, O. S. Stoneburger, Noble Gates, T. C. Ochs. J. Bilhorn, H. Borneman, F. Etzel, J. D. Widner, W. F. Getz, M. H. Harps, S. H. Steck, A. Deitz, C. Bartholomew.

The Elks

Lancaster Ohio Lodge, No. 570, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, was instituted in Lancaster, P^airfield county, Ohio, in May, 1900, with about forty charter members. The first Exalted Ruler of the Lodge was Robert Gilliam, Secretary, Frank Matt and Treasurer, Edward H. Bininger. Shortly after the Lodge was instituted the membership began to look for a home of their own, and after several meetings they decided to purchase the Columbian Block, which is located at 134 to 140 West Main Street. From this time on the growth of the Lodge was assured. Much credit is due the Building Committee consisting of Geo. Matt, Sr., Edward H. Bininger, Edward DeLancy, Chas. P. Noll and Clinton P. Cole for the interest they manifested in the home up to the present time. The Order of Elks is strictly American and can only be instituted in the United States or its possessions. The love of country, family and home is impressed on every candidate who seeks admission. The present officers are as follows : Exalted Ruler, William H. Nye; secretary, H. R. Roley; treasurer, Geo. M. Hickle; trustees, Geo. Matt, William E. Thimmes, Jas. A. Davidson. The Elks Creed is as follows:

The Eagles

Forest Rose Aerie, No. 447, Fraternal Order of Eagles, was instituted in Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, in August, 1903. The first officers of the Aerie were : Worthy President, H. R. Roley; Secretary, Ernest Talbott; Treasurer, Col. Albert Muckensturm; Trustees, W. E. Barker, Louis Mc- Kown and John D. Wonderly.

The object of the Fraternal Order of Eagles is to unite fraternally for mutual benefit, protection, improvement and association generally, male members of the Caucasian race of sound body and health, of good moral

This chapter was organized at Lancaster, Ohio, April 23, 1900, and was named for Elizabeth Sherman Reese, daughter of Judge Chas. R. Sherman and wife of General William Reese. The charter was granted Feb. 21, 1901. National number of Charter, 514. Number of Charter members, 15. Mrs. Moses M. Granger, State Regent. Mrs. William B. Maccracken, First Chapter Regent. The first meeting was held at the residence of Mrs. Maccracken, April 23, 1900.

(i) To perpetuate the memory and the spirit of the men and women who achieved American independence, by the acquisition and protection of historical spots and the erection of monuments ; by the encouragement of historical research in relation to the Revolution and the publication of its results ; by the preservation of documents and relics, and of the records of the individual services

(2) To carry out the injunction of Washington in his farewell address to the American people, "To promote, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge," thus developing an enlightened public opinion, and affording to young and old such advantages as shall develop in them the largest capacity for performing the duties of American citizens.

(3) To cherish, maintain, and extend the institutions of American freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of country, and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty.

In speaking of the work done, an officer of the society says, "We have placed bronze markers at some of our Revolutionary soldiers' graves, and expect to mark them all as soon as they can be identified. We have presented large American flags to different public schools We have given a large flag and a copy of the Declaration of Independence to the high school. It was through our influence that beautiful Mt. Pleasant has become a city park.

"Mrs. Clara Brasee Towt, on behalf of this chapter, obtained an option on this tract of land, and it was under the terms of this option that Mr. Philip Rising purchased it and presented it to the city. We were the first to take any active steps to procure the establishment of a hospital and now have a sum of money on deposit in the Hocking Valley Bank for that purpose.

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution has erected in A\^ashington City a magnificent building, "Continental Memorial Hall," and it is the first memorial ever erected by women in America "to the memory of the men and women who helped to achieve our independence." It is most beautifully located between the Corcoran Art Gallery, and White House and the Washington Monument.

The Ladies' Auxiliary, No. 8i of McKinley Camp, No. 21, Sons of Veterans of Lancaster, Ohio, was organized on January 22, 1902, with 31 charter members, Miss Mayme Herbst, of Canton, Ohio, being our Division

President. Miss Herbst is now Past National President; Miss May Volmer, assisted by Aliss Emma Bryan of Columbus, came down and mustered us in. Our Auxiliary was then the banner Auxiliary of the State, having 63 members. The first officers for the first years were as follows :

President, Miss Elizabeth Schleckman; Past President, Mrs. Mary Stewart; Vice President, Miss Katherine Ranch; Trustees, Julia Henderly, Mayme Shumaker, Mrs. W. C. Fees ; Treasurer, Miss Gladys Fees ; Secretary, Miss Daisy Witham ; Chaplain, Miss Stella Hart; Guide, Mrs. Lida Cook; Assistant Guide, Miss Hattie Holland; Inside Guard, Miss Artie Hane ; Outer Guard, Mrs. Mary Shrieve; Judge Advocate, Bro. W. T. Shrieve. The Auxiliary has 31 members at the present time, having lost a good many by marriage and removal from the city and two by death ; only two charter members being left. On March 30, 1910, we took in a nice class of 24 members, a class of 14 girls from the Columbus Auxiliary, No. 17, doing the initiation, Miss Margaret Patterson of the Columbus Auxiliary now our Division President, doing the work that year. Our Auxiliary being the smallest Auxiliary making the largest gain, won as a prize $12.50 in gold and four beautiful silk flags. Brother W. T. Shrieve has held the ofifice of Judge Advocate for nine years, Bro. H. R. Roley holding the office one year. Our Treasurer, Mrs. Mary C. Shrieve, has had the office for five years, showing the high esteem in which we hold her. The officers for the present year are as follows: Past President, Miss Ida Schleckman; President, Mrs. Bertha Hendricksen; Vice President, Miss Futilla Williamson ; Trustees, Mrs. Georgia Turner, Sallie Flagel and Minnie Marks; Treasurer, Mrs. Mary Shrieve; Secretary, Mrs. Bertha

Ohio Department

The association known as the National Alliance, Daughters of Veterans of the United States of America, was established in Massillon, Ohio, in 1885, by a number of school girls, who after assisting in decorating the graves of the veterans on Memorial Day, decided to associate themselves in a permanent organization, for the purpose of assisting the Grand Army post. From that day hence this order has grown with unusual rapidity, our duty being, "Loyalty to our Country and to our Flag."

In May, 1902, the G. A. R. held its State Encampment in Lancaster, Ohio. Attending it was one of the greatest workers the organization has ever known. Miss Bertha Martin, whose influence aroused such an enthusiasm among the people, that a new tent was organized by her in Lancaster. Now, as there was no hall in which to assemble, the parlor of the Hillside Hotel (owned by Mr. Wm. Getz), was thrown open to us.

Being immediately across the street from the home and birthplace of our great general, W^m. Tecumseh Sherman, our tent was named in honor of him. The charter members are as follows :

Our membership is made up exclusively of the daughters and granddaughters of the veterans. We are busily engaged in fostering the patriotic spirit which animated our fathers in the heroic days from 1861 to 1865, in aiding the distressed veteran where found, and in doing honor to those who fell on the battle field, or have since answered to the last roll call, in performing the tender services of Memorial Day.

account of all the work that is done, for many a basket of fruit and flowers find their way to the sick bed of a veteran, and many wreaths are placed every year upon the soldiers' graves, also many acts of unrecorded charity and helpfulness attest the earnest and devoted spirit with which the Daughters of Veterans everywhere are taking up their noble and patriotic mission. Respectfully submitted in F. C. and L., Etta Boyer, President.