Knox County, Ohio - Chapter 41: Literary and Other Societies, 1881

Chapter 41: Literary and Other Societies

Tht PoLEMIC SOCIETY - MT. VERNON LITERARY, SOCIETY - Mr. VERNON LYCEUM - DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION - MECHANICS' SOCIETY - THE FRANKLIN - KNOX COUNTY HIs- TORICAL SOCIETY - LATER LITERARY AND OTHER ASSOCIATIONS - MASONS - ODD FELLOWS - KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS - KNIGHTS OF HONOR - ROYAL ARCANUM - KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS--PENNSYLVANIANS IN KNOX COUNTY.

HE first society of a literary character, established at Mount Vernon, was the Polemic society, in 1815, which was kept up until 1817, and included among its members the more talkative and social citizens. It was converted into a Thespian society, and was well sustained for many years. Theatrical performances were generally gotten up every winter for a number of years, and were very creditable to those concerned. The object was to spend the long winter evenings agreeably - not to make money. Lawyers, doctors, merchants, and students lent a hand as occasion required. Among the active and valuable upon the boards were Dr. R. P. Moore, Philo L. Norton, J. W. Warden, Charles Sager, T. G. Plummer, Jacob Davis, William Smith, S..W. Hildreth, S. W. Farquhar, Eli Miller, Henry B. Curtis, T. W. Rogers, Isaac Hadley, John Colerick, J. S. Banning, and Calvin Hill. The exhibitions were usually at the court house, or at the Golden Swan inn, now known as the Swetland and Banner office corner. The clothing, equipments, and scenery were of very rich material. One of the old actors says - "'it was most splendidly illustrated with gorgeous paraphernalia in most profuse variety, and transcends representation."

Joseph Mozier, now an artist of distinction and character in Rome, Italy, was a member, and took an active part in the exhibitions. active and useful member of the Mt. lyceum, of 1830.

The Mt. Vernon Literary society was formed in the year 1816. Among the members of this association were Joseph Brown, Hosmer Curtis, R. D. Moore, Gilman Bryant, Timothy Burr, Daniel S. Norton, Samuel Mott and Henry B. Curtis, the last of whom was its last librarian. It had a very good collection of standard works, which, in the end, were divided among its stockholders.

The Mt. Vernon Literary society, organized in the winter of 1821-2, by a number of young bachelors of the town, to-wit: 'Dr. Norman Murray, David Wadsworth, Henry B. Curtis, John W. Warden and James Bebee. Members subsequently admitted were Benjamin S. Brown, S..W. Farquhar, N. N. Hill, and Samuel R. Curtis. The organization existed several years. The society expired by reason of the young men becoming absorbed in the more active duties of life.

The Mt. Vernon lyceum, in 1830, was formed and well sustained many years. At the session of the legislature, 1833-4, it was incorporated, and high hopes were entertained of its being a permanent organization. Henry B. Curtis, president, in an inaugural address, delivered January 1, 1834, speaking of the aim and of the society says: 'We have now assumed a different and more imposing attitude. Having adopted a public charter, we from this time become a part of the history of the State; and let us at least hope that the account which its faithful pages may hereafter give of us and of our transactions shall be such as would not make us blush, could we be permitted to see them." It was the best literary association and the longestlived ever in Mt. Vernon. It continued in successful operation until 1842, and numbered among its active members many of the best citizens of Knox. Its regular meetings were held at the court house, and the public generally and ladies particularly attended its sessions. Literary essays, orations and discussions were the chief entertainments.

Among the number of those who have died may be named - Benjamin Brown, David Dunn, John A. Holland, S. W. Hildreth, M. A. Sayre, Daniel S. Norton, T. W. Rogers, W. A. Hoey, T. G. Plummer, Dr. M. L. Bliss, Hosmer Curtis, E. Sparrow, M. H. Mitchell, Rollin C. Hurd.

Among those who moved to other places are William Byers, J. H. Kinney, J. C. Hall, G. Hathaway, J. G. Chapman, J. B. Foster, D. C. Dunlap, James W. Miller, Joseph Mozier.

matic association was organized, and continued in existence until about 1840. The representations took place in the second story of the the Huntsberry building, now known as the old Masonic hall. At that time the whole of the second story was one large room, and, for theatrical purposes, answered very well. The prominent members were F. J. Zimmerman, William Thompson, James Blake, James Smith, E. C. Vore, Benjamin F. Smith, Benjamin Colopy, N. N. Hill, Thomas Shaw, David Brentlinger, Elijah Stevens, Alexander Elliott, and Jacob B. Brown. One farce gave the citizens great amusement, and is often spoken of yet, viz: "Raising the wind." Among the cast of characters were - 'Jeremy Diddler," F. J. Zimmerman; "Peggy, the Beautiful Maid at the foot of the Hill," was well sustained by Thomas Shaw. David Brentlinger was the company's singer and ventriloquist. The orchestra consisted of N. N. Hill, Benjamin Colopy and Alexander Elliott. Stage managers, B. F. Smith and F. J. Zimmerman.

In 1834,a Mechanics' society was formed, which continued till 1840, and enlisted I. B. Brown, G. C. Lybrand, E. Alling, D. McFarland, Abel Hart, sr., and nearly all the workmen in this vicinity.

In 1839, a society called the Franklin, was organized for mental improvement, by John Lamb, Robert Thompson, Benjamin McCracken, W. H. Oldham, Isaac J. Allen, W. P. Griffith, W. T. Curtis, R. S. Thomas, and others, which was well sustained for three or four years, and then went down.

In December, 1849, several gentlemen of Mt. Vernon set about getting up a historical society for Knox county, and, in 1850, a constitution was drawn up and signed by "thirty-two gentlemen, fourteen of whom," writes Mr. Norton, "have passed from earth. Twelve years have passed by, the society long since was numbered with the things that were - and this - (the History of Knox County) - comes the nearest to being a report of anything that yet has emanated from any of 'its members." |

In 1850, Zohar Blair, Noah Hill, Robert Thompson, Daniel Clark, and Samuel Davis, started The Mechanics' Mutual Protection association, which, after two years, was merged in the Brotherhood of the Union, and continued till 1854.

In 1856, Dr. T. Eugene Clark, Robert Buck, J. Q. Buck, William A. Bounds, Thomas Wilson, C. Springer, and John W. White, associated together and formed ''The Atheneum," for amateur theatrical representations. They were assisted by Mrs. J. Q. Buck, Miss Irene Swan, and Miss Sallie Swetman, of Cincinnati, and Miss Julia Irvine, of New York City. The association continued for two years, and numerous performances were given the citizens.

On the evening of Monday, February 16, 1874, an association of young ladies and gentlemen of this city, gave an amateur dramatic entertainment, at Wolff's Hall. The pieces selected were the popular drama entitled "All that Glitters is Not Gold," and the laughable farce of "The Quiet Family." The Banner of February 2oth, speaking of the first night's performance, says: ' "The house was crowded to overflowing, and everything passed off to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. 5 , The audience were so well pleased with the performance that it was repeated, by general request, on the next evening."

On the evening of May 4, 1874, the'same association placed upon the boards the pleasing drama of "Down by the Sea," and the roaring farce of "Raising the Wind." This entertainment was given under the auspices and for the benefit of the Mt. Vernon Silver Cornet band. The performance of these two pieces gave as much, if not more, satisfaction to the audience than the performances of February 16 and 17, 1874.

association presented to the people, at Kirk Hall, "The Honeymoon," for the benefit of the Soldiers' Mounment. 'The city newspapers of the day claimed that the members of the association surpassed their previous performances. 'The play, by request, was repeated the next evening. 'The programme of "The Honeymoon," was thought worthy, by the committee, of a place in the corner stone of the monument.

As an act of justice to the ladies and gentlemen composing the Amateur Dramatic association, of this city, as he proceeds of all their entertainments, were devoted to charitable and benevolent purposes, their names, which are as follows, are here preserved :

About the same time two or three other Thespian companies were organized, and gaveseveral public entertainments, the two most prominent were by 'The Ten Nights in a Bar-room" association, and "The Kirk Opera House" company. 'The latter association, under the management of Mr. Leroy G. Hunt, met with great success. 'Their specialty was '"Fanchon" and "The Ticket of Leave." Miss Lizzie Evans made her debut as "Fanchon, the Cricket," and achieved a brilliant triumph. She is now the leading lady in one of the many travelling combinations, and receives special praise from the press in all parts of the State.

In the winter of 1875-'6, some of the scholars of the Mt. Vernon high school, formed "The Pi Delta Psi society," and held weekly meetings. On the evening of May 26, 1876, the society gave a grand dramatic entertainment at Kirk hall. The entertainment was highly appreciated by a large and intelligent audience. The programme was an excellent one. Among the performers were Charles

Mount Zion Lodge Wo. 9, F. And A. M.

At a meeting of the Grand Lodge held at. Chillicothe, January 2, 1809, a petition was presented, signed by Samuel H. Smith, Nathaniel W. Little, Richard Fishback, William Little, Alexander Enos, jr., Ichabod Nye and Thomas Brown, praying for a dispensation to form this lodge. The petition was granted and Mount Zion Lodge No. 7 was instituted inthe village of Clinton in 1809. Sometime afterwards the number was changed from seven to nine.

The first officers of this lodge were, Samuel H. Smith, W. M.; Alfred Manning, S. W.; Ichabod Nye, J. W. ; Samuel Nye, treasurer; Oliver Strong, secretary ; William F. Roberts, F. D.; James Miller, J. D.; William Bartlett and Peter Wolf, stewards, and Richard Fishback, tyler.

of Clinton, May 23,1814. The first celebration of the day of St. John the Baptist, took place June 24, 1813. An able oration was delivered by Winn at the house of Mr. Boalse. The second celebration of the day was on June 24, 1815, in Clinton, procession and the delivery of addresses by Messrs. Vaudeman and Curtis.

In 1815, a resolution was passed requesting the Grand lodge to change the place of meeting to Mt. Vernon. The petition was granted and a proclamation to that effect issued by the grand master, March 7, 1817. The first meeting under this proclamation was held at the court house April 5, 1817. Joseph Brown was chairman and Robert D. Moore secretary. 'The communication from the Grand lodge was accepted, and a committee consisting of John Shaw, John P. McArdle and Joseph Brown was appointed to draft by-laws for the government of the lodge; and it was decided that the.

At said communication of Mount Zion Lodge No. 9, the organization of the lodge was effected and the by-laws reported and adopted. Brothers Alfred Manning, W. M.; John P. Mc- Ardle, S. W.; Robert Buchanan, J. W., Joseph Brown, secretary; Jonathan Miller, treasurer; Robert D. Moore, S. D.; Hosmer Curtis, J. D.; Gilman Bryant, tyler; John Shaw, John Roberts, John Warden and Orange Granger visiting brethren.

The following regular officers were elected June 6th, succeeding: Alfred Manning, W. M.; John McArdle, S. W.; John Shaw, J. W.; Joseph Brown, S.; Gilman Bryant, T.; Royal D. Simons, S. D.; Robert Buchanan, J. D.; John Roberts, S., and James Miller, T. These officers were installed June 24th at 9 a. M., and the anniversary of John the Baptist duly commemorated. A sermon was delivered in the court house, after which the lodge marched in procession to the tavern of Mr. Zimmerman where a dinner was prepared.

The first Mansonic funeral of this lodge after its removal to Mt. Vernon, was that of Andrew M. Roberts, April 18, 1819. 'Thomas Rigdon preached the funeral discourse at the court house from the text "Be ye also ready." took place in the new Masonic hall, in 1819, in the second story of the then new brick school house on Mulberry street. The building is no longer in existence, having been taken away in 1880, by William B. Brown, mayor, for the purpose of erecting on the spot his dwelling.

Dr. Jonathan N. Burris the oldest past master in this part of the country. He was a member as early as 1825, and in 1829, was made W. M. Since that time he has served in this position many years, He is yet living, though past four score.

Clinton Royal Arch Chapter No. 26, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, was erected the sixteenth day of May 1842, under a dispensation from the Most Excellent Companion G. D. Hines, deputy G. H. P. of the grand chapter of the State of Ohio, and the first officers were duly installed by the above named companion, on the twentieth day of the same month.

Officers, July 1, 1880: Com. Oscar M. Mulvany, H. P.; Com. C. Sherman Pyle, king; Com. Dr. Samuel C. Thompson, scribe; Com. Austin A. Cassil, captain of host; Com. Frank Moore, P. S.; Com. Edward M. Wright, R. A. captain; Com. Alexander Cassil, treasurer; Com. Samuel H. Peterman, secretary; Com. W. Frank Baldwin, G. M. of third vail; Com. Milo K. Huntsberry, G. M. of second vail; Com. William R. Cassil, G. M. of first vail; Com. James R. Wallace, guard. Stated meetings - at Masonic hall, northeast corner of Main and Vine streets, the second Friday of each month.

stituted at Mt. Vernon on the twelfth of October, 1843, by virtue of authority and a letter of dispensation granted for that purpose by William James Reese, general grand generalissimo of the general grand encampment of the United States of America. The grant was to B. F. Smith, Joseph Muenscher, Isaac Davis, S. M. Smith, and A. D. Bigelow.

Mount Vernon Lodge No. 20, I. 0. O. F.

Fifty years from December 23, 1880, the first subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows was introduced into Ohio, and Cincinnati became the pioneer location for an order that rapidly spread all over the State. Ohio Lodge No. 1 was instituted at Cincinnati December 23, 1830, and now there are six hundred and ninety-two working lodges scattered over the territory of Ohio. The little Knox county village of Amity, in Pike township, according to the statistics of the order for the year ending December 31, 1879, the last made public, has the honor of closing, at that time, the progressive history of an order whose object is to "Visit the sick, bury the dead, and to educate the orphan." And nobly has that object been carried out in the last half century, and the past is a sure guarantee for the future. Starting with one subordinate lodge at the close of 1830, two years elapses before Cincinnati organized a second lodge - Washington Lodge No. 2 - and at the close of the year 1879, Cincinnati numbers twenty-nine lodges, and there are also a few scattered in different parts of Hamilton county. June 21, 1843, Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 20 was instituted, nearly thirteen years after Ohio No. 1

The first meetings of the Grand lodge were held quarterly, and were composed of the past grands in and around Cincinnati who thought proper to attend, paying their own expenses, which mode was continued long after the adoption of the annual meetings. At present the State is divided into seventy-eight representative districts, allowing a representative for every five hundred and froty-two members, who are paid a per diem, and allowed mileage for travelling expenses. The Knox county lodges are attached to district No. 53, composed of twelve subordinate lodges, with an active membership of five hundred and ninety-two. The district comprises Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 20, Ellicott No. 267, Quindars No. 316, Sycamore Valley No. 553, Centerburgh No. 666, Owl Creek No. 686, and Bartholo No. 692, of Knox county; Chester No. 204, Sparta No. 268, Bennington No. 433, and Johnsville No. 469, of Morrow county; and Galion No. 215, of Crawford county.

During the thirty-seven years Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 20 has been in existence, she has had enrolled upon her list of members over five hundred names. Withdrawals, deaths, and inmigration have cut them down to sixty-eight active members at the close of the year 1879. The four oldest in membership of those sixty-eight are, respectively: William M. Bunn, John Cooper, Abraham Ehle, and John W. White. Although Mr. Ehle retains his membership in No. 20, he is a resident of one of the northwestern counties of the State. .

Charter members: Richard Blake, Liberty Waite, Lorenzo D. Nash, William Sullivan, and Robert Wright. Of these five charter members none are living.

The following were initiated at the first meeting: D. A. Robertson, James R. Wallace, Miller Moody, Matthew H. Mitchell, and Thomas Winne. Messrs. Miller Moody, Mitchell, Winne, and Robertson are dead. Mr. Wallace holds membership in Quindaro, No. 316.

Quindaro Lodge No. 316, I. 0. 0. F.

QUINDARO LODGE NO. 316, I. 0. 0. F., of Mt. Vernon, was instituted June 9, 1857, by dispensation from the Right Worthy Grand lodge of Ohio, by Deputy Grand Master A. C. Glenn, acting under a dispensation from Grand Master W. C. Chidsey, assisted by several past grands from Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 20.

Charter members: G. B. Arnold, J. M. Byers, A. C. Elliott, J. Frank Andrews, John Lamb, T. P. Fredrick, sr., and John Jennings, all having received withdrawal cards from Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 20, for the purpose of forming a new lodge in the city.

The career of Quindaro has been, from the start, a brilliant one, and its prosperity has been equal to any lodge within the limits of central Ohio. The hall now occupied has been used by the lodge from its organization, first at a yearly rental from James W. Miller, and then by purchase. A few

Kokosing Encampment, No. 38, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Mt. Vernon, was instituted March 29, 1849: The encampment branch is' the highest rank in the order, and is made up of the fifth degree members of subordinate lodges. The standing of encampment members depends upon their good standing in the subordinate lodges.

Messrs. Gribben, Prentis, Phillips, Mather and Stevens are dead. Mr. Campbell is a citizen of Ashland; Mr. Ehle is a citizen of one of the northwestern counties, and Dr. R. C. Kirk severed his connection with the order some years ago.

Representatives to the Grand encampment, since the adoption of the new constitution in 1855 - W. M. Bunn, John W. White, J. Frank Andrews, Henry Phillips, W. R. Hadt, A. C. Elliott, T. P. Frederick, sr.

Knights Of Pythias

Section No. 180 of the Endowment Rank, K. of P., was instituted May 31, 1878, by Colonel J. S. Crall, of Mansfield, Ohio. Its first president was J. M. Tompkins, and its first secretary and treasurer Samuel H. Peterman. The membership in the first class is eighteen, and in the second twenty-eight. The former pays an endowment of one thousand dollars, and the latter two thousand, on the death of a member. The regular meeting night is the last Monday of each month.

Knights Of Honor Royal Arcanum

The officers for 1881 are: James Britt, president; Matthias Kelly, vice-president; Thomas Hays, secretary; Michael Shehan, treasurer; James W. Logsden, marshal.

Knights Of The Red Cross

This order has just been instituted in Mt. Vernon by the members of St. Vincent De Paul's Catholic church. The origin of the order dates back to the eleventh century (1069) when Pope Urban II., at the council of Clermont, invested the nobles about to take part in the crusade against the Saracens, with the Red Cross. The Knights of the Red Cross of the present day are not called upon to wage physical warfare, but a spiritual warfare against the evils of the day - against intemperance, impurity, irreligion, and all manner of vice, by their example and admonition. The Mt. Vernon chapter have engaged, through their pastor and spiritual director, a suitable hall in which to hold their meetings and drill. In order to make the institution attractive, to the young men of the congregation, particularly, military drill forms a marked feature of the exercises of the chapter. In course of time the members are duly knighted and receive, at the hands of the grand commander of the order, their uniforms, which are usually very handsome. Regular meeting nights occur on every alternate Sunday night. Drill night every Friday, at St. Vincent hall. The chapter starts out here with a membership of over forty.

First officers - -Samuel J. Brent, president; Thomas Hayes, vice-president; M. M. Kelly, treasurer; J. F. Stoeckle, secretary; William Hunt and Thomas Brannigan, guardians; and Rev. T. J. Lane, chaplain.

is the present theme of conversation throughout the county. The object sought is an organization of native Pennsylvanians and their descendants, residents of the county. A preliminary meeting was held on the nineteenth of January, 1881, and a committee of five appointed to draw up and present at a future meeting a programme for consideration, to perfect as far as possible arrangements for a reunion of all natives of Pennsylvania, now residents of the county. That committee consisted of Messrs. G. W. Morgan, John F. Gay, W. C. Culbertson, John Welsh, and David C. Lewis. The adjourned meeting met at the court house, | Saturday afternoon, February 5, 1881. The report of the meeting was adopted. It proposed an organization, with a president and vice-presidents, one from each township in the county, a secretary, treasurer, and an executive committee of five persons. A committee of arrangements was appointed to make arrangements for a reunion and picnic to take place on the fair-grounds, sometime during the coming summer or fall, on a date to be fixed by the president and executive committee. Addresses, orations, etc., are to be delivered on subjects pertaining to the object for which the meeting is convened.

About one hundred persons interested in the call, attended the meeting of the fifth of February, and completed the organization by electing the following officers: General G. W. Morgan, president; Hon. R. C. Kirk, vice-president; C. S. Pyle, secretary; Joseph M. Byers, treasurer; Jackson, James P. Ross; Butler, Jacob Lepley; Union, Wilson Buffington; Jefferson, James Withrow; Brown, A. M. Vincent; Howard, Robert Cassil; Harrison, Martin J. Horn; Clay, E. O. Bebout; Morgan, Benjamin Smith; Pleasant, Joseph V. Park; College, Frank Scoles; Monroe, John McElroy; Pike, W. W. Walkey; Berlin, Michael Hess; Morris, H. C. Wilson; Clinton, John Welsh; Miller, J. F. Barnhard ; Milford, W. T. Turner; Liberty, T. F. Cole; Wayne, Joseph Duncan; Middlebury, John C. Levering ; Hilliar, Demas Bucker; Mt. Vernon - First ward, Dr. J. Hess; Second ward, Thomas McCreary; Third ward, W. C. Culbertson; Fourth ward, David C. Lewis; Fifth ward, David C. Montgomery, township vice-presidents; W. C. Culbertson, G. A. Jones, J. F. Gay, Thomas Odbert and William B. Banning, executive committee.