Montgomery County, Ohio - Chapter 10: Secret Societies, 1882

Chapter 10: Secret Societies

WOT having access to the books of the various societies of the city, we are _ enabled to give only such information as can be obtained from outside .ices, except in some instances where the secretaries have kindly furnished s ith data for more complete sketches. Secret orders early found a footing : 'ayton, and have since increased in numbers and prosperity with the growth fie city.

Masonic

In early years, the members of this order were so scattered that it was diffiij to obtain a sufficient number to organize a lodge in one place. Accordiffir, we find that Harmony Lodge, No. 9, contained all the members of the n r residing at Dayton, Springfield and Ur liana, and that the meetings of u odge were held in each of these places once a month. The first record San find of these meetings is of a communication held in the court house, >ayton, on the 1st day of Septemb r, 1809. In Dayton, the lodge met i t at the residence of Hugh McCullom, or in the court house.

This lodge was afterward divided by the members living near Dayton and r forming a new lodge known as St. John's, which met semi-monthly in i< of the above places. These lodges met and operated under special disiratidns from the Grand Lodge of Ohio. St. John's Lodge continued to > its sessions alternately at Dayton and Troy, until it was permanently esil shed at the former place.

On January 10, 1812, the following members residing at Dayton obtained ' liter for St. John's Lodge, No. 13: Samuel Shoap, George Grove, Aaron rd. Jerome Holt, Hugh McCullom, George F. Tenery, Henry Marquart, hander Ewing, William Calhoun. William Smith, John Cox and David A6. The Lodge now numbers 139 members, and meets in Masonic Temple, of Fifth and Main streets. The present officers (1881 ) are: H. A. Billings, I. : W. H. Martin, S. W. ; J. E. Schonacker, J. AW ; Joseph Light, Treas. ; I. AVhitehurst, Secretary; George Blythe, S. D. : Phillip Haas, J. D. ; C. .neisly, Tiler; George L. Roberts, P. L. Snyder and D. Iv. Boyer, Trus-

Unity Chapter, No. 16, was chartered January 7, 1829, with the follow- - nembers : AVilliam Fielding, F. Gosney. John C Underwood, R. J. Skin- Henry A. Imlag. Orris Stearns, Burnett Lewis, Robert Hurd, Charles (Kelly, G. A. Schenk, Elisha Brotham, AVilliam Smith and Martin Smith, h arst officers were William Fielding, H. P. ; Robert Hurd, King; William "('ll, Scribe. The Chapter now numbers 166 members, with the following ® rs George J. Roberts, H. P. ; Eli Fasold, King; R. D. Hughes, Scribe; !h T Haas, Treas.; J. H. Scheffel, Sec.; Thomas Wyatt, C, H.; W. G. AVhite-

Reese Council, No. 9, was organized by charter granted October 24, 18 to A. Death, John Sayre, H. Vinal, M. Simpson and associates. There now over ninety members. The officers for 1881 are: Thomas Wyatt, T. I. S. J Rigler, D. M. ; W. G. Whitehurst. P. C. W. ; S. M. Sullivan, Treas.; H. Scheffel, Recorder; J. E. Schonacker, C. Gen.; H. A. Billings, C. of Coi cil; Philip Haas, Steward; Allen Jeffers, Guard.

Reed Commandery, No. 6, Knights Templar was organized under a < pensation granted by Right Eminent Sir Bela Latham, Grand Master of 01 June 15, 1846, and was opened with the following officers Isaac L. Davis, C. ; George Keifer, G. : Samuel Reed, C. Gen. The first conclave was k in the old Sayre Building, at the southeast corner of First and St. Clair strei and lasted for three days and evenings, during which time the orders Knighthood were conferred on nine companions. The charter was recei and the permanent officers elected under it October 27, 1846, as follows: 1 William H. Raper, E. C. ; Thomas C. Mitchell, G.; John Mills, C. Gen.; Jc Sayre, P. ; John H. Achey, S. W. ; John Willson, J. W. ; D. Eichelberj Treas. ; Peter Baer, Recorder; James Bolens, Standard Bearer; William Dai son. Sword Bearer; M. S. Blossom, W.; S. C. Mitchell, J. W. Kills, N. I jamin, Guards; and L. H. Brown, S. There are'now 185 members. The foil ing are the present officers ( 1881) of the Commandery: Eli Fasold, E. C.; Mai i J. Houck, G.; John A. Miller, C. Gen.; Yal. Schaeffer, P. ; William L, Ba S. W. ; Thomas Wyatt, J. W. ; Christian F. Kneisly, Treas.; John N El Recorder; Charles A Phillips, Standard Bearer; William H. Hvers, Swji Bearer; Horace A. Irvin, W. ; Allen Jeffei's, S. ; O. Britt Brown, 1st G. ; Jo L. Burkitt, 2d G. ; James Linden, 3d G. : Jost Durst, S M. Sullivan, Gee; W. Kneisly, Trustees.

City Of Dayton

Freemasons' Mutual Benefit Aid Association of Dayton was organized from nig the Masonic fraternity April 17, 1871. with about sixty members. The . officers were: C. C. Kiefer, Pres. ; O. M. Gottschal, Sec. ; C. C. Kiefer, i h Jeffers, D. K. Boyer, James M. Matthews, J. H. Waymire, P. L. Snyder 1. M. Gottschal, Directors. The object of the Society is to create a fund ctie benefit of the widows and children of deceased members. No health or .-qualification is necessary. Any Master Mason in good standing, of St. )1 's. Dayton or Mystic Lodges, can become a member. The Association i' numbers 140 members. The present Board of Directors (1881) is as folv, D. K. Boyer, Pres.; S. J. Riggler, Vice Pres.; Allen Jeffers, Sec. ; Joseph i t, Treas.; George Kemp, Eli Fasold, Ira Crawford.

Odd Fellows

The first meeting of Odd Fellows held in Dayton was at the residence of ,o;s Simpson, on the northeast corner of First and St. Clair streets, on the 1 ly of April. 1888. The members present were: R. N. Comly, Richard key, Richard Green, Martin Conklin, John Tothill and John Sidle. With ie members Montgomery Lodge, No. 5. was instituted by Grand Secretary be, under a charter dated April 19, 1833. The first officers elected were Hard Green, N. G. ; Richard Disney, Y. G. ; R. N. Comly, Sec.; and Lain Conklin, Treas. The first members initiated were William Wise and ji J. Lyons. The lodge meetings were first held in a room over Schoen- - i clothing store, on Second street, between Alain and Jefferson streets, hr meetings are now held in Odd Fellows Temple, corner of Third and Yrson streets. The lodge now contains 220 members. The officers are Pampei, N. G. ; George Wilson, Y. G. ; James Anderson, P. S. ; James -ell, Treas.

Dayton Encampment, No. 2, was, as its number indicates, the second Enaiment instituted in Ohio. Its charter members were: William F. Comly, 8p Cook, Henry L. Brown, Elias Favorite, John Sayre. William B. Dicks v James Yanaztram. The charter was granted on the 2d day of August, There are now 247 members. The officers for 1881 are George Wati C. P.; A. Shinn, H. P.; C. H. Stylar, S. W.; John Stales, J. W. : L. S. a lose, Scribe ; J ames Anderson, Treas.

Vv ayne Lodge, No. 10, was chartered April 15, 1840, and instituted with u ollowing members : William F. Comly, Richard N. Comly, John Sayre, H. .tt, L. Wollaston, Joseph A. Dusang, J. Bartlow, D. M. Houk, George F. 7er. E. Favorite and Lewis Lindsley. The lodge now numbers 249 mem- ;9,i The officers for 1881 are Albert F. Sparks, N. G.; Charles H. Steiner, Ah r- John W. Boren, R. S. ; Charles Rench. P. S. ; Charles A. Starr, Treas.; H 93 Turner, A. Shinn, H. Bates, George Parrott and Charles W. Raymond, hr.tees. J

Schiller Lodge, JSIo. 206, was chartered January 20, 1852, and ingtitin February 15, 1852. The charter members were: George Nauerth, F. W. Bi John Schaefer, J. C. Lutzenberger, C. Knecht, H. Y. Berk, D. Heinz, C. B] man, John V. Nauerth and C. Peeper. The lodge works in the German guage, and now numbers 175 members. The officers (1881) are: August G, ( N. G. ; Fred Kette, Y. G., Abrabam Minchrod, R. S. ; August Ebel, P. g. ; ward Pape, Treas.

Dayton Lodge, No. 273, was instituted in the hall in Ohio Block, on T' - street, April 20, 1855, by R. W. G. Master Thomas J. McLain. The clia : members were: George M. Young, William Stover, A. E Underwood, W. 1 Wolf. Joseph Baird, Thomas J. Green, I. N. F. Beaver, John M. H'artle, L Crawford and John Graves. The first officers were: George M. Young, N. John Graves, V. G. ; Ziba Crawford, R. Sec; Joseph Baird, P. Sec.; I. N : Beaver, Treas. The lodge held its first meeting in the new hall in Wall (now Dickey's) Block, on July 2, 1859. The hall was publicly dedicated i: uary 19, 1860. In March, 1880, they purchased a one-fourth interest in hall on the corner of Fifth and Commercial streets, which was dedicated A 20, 1880. The lodge now has a membership of 286, being the largest lodg i the county. It is a prosperous and enterprising lodge, and is characterize! : the regular and full attendance of its members. The officers for 1881 are: 1

Turner Encampment, No. 116, was instituted in Dickey's Block. East F street. May 21, 1869, by G. P. James Turner. The charter members v J. M. C. Matthews, C. P. ; George B. Hicks, IT. P. ; Adam Weber, S. W. ; Job I Lutz J. AY.; J. Malloway, Scribe; George W. Kemp, Treas. ; Henry Dornbi Ezra Clark, J. R. Mitchell and William AY. Patton. The encampment numbers eighty-seven members. The officers for 1881 are: H. B. Stanfer, Ed Jacob Perrine, H. P. ; Jacob Riscly, S. AY ; George A. Smith, J. AY; Joke' Knaub, Scribe; Adam AVeber, Treas.

AVildey Lodge, No. 24. Daughters of Rebekah, was instituted by On Master James Turner January 7; 1870, with thirty- three members. The officers were: A. AVeber. N. G. ; L. Mueller, V. G.; IT. Riehl, R. j§.; 1 Tschudy, P. S. ; IT. Dornbush. The lodge now numbers sixty-seven mem* ' The officers for 1882 are: Phillip Dhein. N. G. ; Elizabeth Miller, V Go 1 iel Schroer. Sec. ; Sophia Sauer, Treas.

Steubeu Lodge, No. 507, was organized under a charter granted May 1872. It was instituted at the hail of Dayton Lodge by James Turner k. M, , May 24, 1872, with twenty members. The lodge now numbers 111 -no' bers. The officers for 1882 are: Ignatz Franz, N. G. ; J. G. Miller. V i M. Seeger, R. S. ; Adam AVeber, P. S. ; Henry Riehl, Treas. The lodge 1 owns a one-fourth interest in the Odd Fellows Building, corner of F ifth j Commercial, which they purchased of the Society of Harugari, for $2,100.

'(.owing officers: M. Worman, Prest. ; W. W. Lane, Sec. ; John Bettelon, Treas. li object of the Association is to aid the families of deceased members by a )[q of mutual insurance. Each member pays an assessment of $1.10 at each ! th, and the family of the deceased member receives $500, and $1 of each afssment paid by the insure^ during his membership. There are now 585 jinbers. The officers are: Cyrus Howell. Prest.; N. R. Bunker, Vice Prest.; LS. La Bose, Sec. ; John Bettelon, Treas.

The District Grand Committee of Montgomery County, under its present king was organized under a law passed at a session of the Grand Lodge of

0 in May, 1874. The first District Deputy appointed was John Zehring, 'friendship Lodge. The first meeting held after his appointment was SeprJber 15, 1875. At that meeting it was decided to hold quarterly meetings, v eh has since been done. At the first regular meeting, the committee organ - z . by electing A. Shinn, W arden ; Hiram Lewis, Sec. ; J ohn Dieter, Guarii. W. C. Slifer, of Dayton Lodge, was the nest District Deputy; J. Anleon, Warden; J. M. Tressler, Guardian. The next officers were: James oner of Wayne Lodge, District Deputy; J. Anderton, Sec. ; D. R. Bosson, 7 'den; J. M. Tressler, Guardian. In 1878, J. J. Antrim, of Friendship jige, District Deputy; J. Anderton, Sec.; John Clingman, Warden; John Ink, Guardian. In 1879, P. G. Adam Weber, of Steuben Lodge, District liuty; J. Anderton, Sec.; Eddie Fairchild, Warden; J. Reedy, Guardian.

In 1870-71, Montgomery, Wrayne and Schiller Lodges and Dayton Ena.pment built the magnificent I. O. O. F. Temple on the corner of Third and Jeirson streets. The building is three stories high, 52x107 feet in size, and

Knights Of Pythias

North Main street, by Grand Chancellor James W. Swope and his Grai Deputies, and other prominent members of the order, who were present for tl occasion. The charter members were twenty-one in number. The first office were: Charles O. Iddings, P. C. ; E. L. Rowe, C. C. ; Charles E. Clark, Y, (. J. C. Young, Prelate; A. H. Whyte, K. of R. & S. ; D. T. Mills, M. of F.; Wi iam Wolf, M. of E. ; Thomas S. Felto, M. at A. ; John W. Marshall, J. G. ; Hen Ha as, O. G. ; Charles 0. Iddings, Representative. The present officers (188 are: Samuel Johnson, P. C. ; George H. Wilcox, C. C. ; John W. Marsha Y. C. ; A. O. Schenck, Prelate; J. Daniel Knerr, M. of E. ; H. W. Lewis. M F. ; Thomas S. Tilton, K. of R. & S; G. E. Rogers, M. at A.; W. J. Obling Jr., I. G. ; O. D. Casterline, O. G. ; Dr. C. H. Leaman, Member Joint Boa of Relief; PI. W. Lewis, Representative to Grand Lodge; T. Brown Holxru District Deputy Grand Chancellor; Samuel Johnson, T. B. Holmes, W. George, W. W. Hales and Thomas S. Tilton, Trustees. The present membt ship is 101. The lodge now occupies New Castle Hall, East Fifth street, a meets Wednesday evening of each week.

Uniform Rank Division, No. 5, was chartered November 13, 1878, a: organized with the following officers: Charles D. Iddings, Com.; P. Weidn Lieut. Com. ; J. P. Marquardt, Jr., Herald; L. H. Reist, Recorder; J. L. M: quis, Treas. ; Robert Georgi, Guard: W. S. Star, Sentinel. The Division n< numbers seventy-seven members. The officers for 1881 are: William F. Ti bein, C. ; T. Brown. L. C. ; J. P. Marquardt, Jr., Herald; J. L. Marquis, Record

Endowment Rank, Section 416, was organized May 18, 1880, with twen two members. There are now thirty-nine members. The officers are: Gcoi M. Smart, Prest. ; H. W. Lewis, Vice Prest. ; J. L. Marquis, Sec. and Treas.:

Ancient Order United Workmen

M. J. Swadener, M. W. ; A. Whitcomb, Foreman; W. H. Barbour, 0 verse W. D. McKemy, Recorder; Daniel Leonhard, Financier; Joseph Lebersbeq Receiver; Phillip Kerr, Watchman. The first meetings of the lodge were Gorman's Building, East Third street. The lodge now7 numbers eigMy-f members, and meets at No. Ill South Jefferson street. The officers for 1 are: Charles Makenas, P. M. W. ; Harry B. Keller, M. W. ; George A. Jewell, Charles Gilliland, O. ; James O. Arnold, Guide; D. McKemy, R. ; Daniel Le hard, Financier; John S. Church, Receiver; Robert Hempenstail, I. W.; J<

Teutonia Lodge, No. 21, was organized April 15, 1874, with thirtycharter members. The first officers were: Phillip Kern, P M. W. ; Louis Hi M. W. ; George Happel, Foreman; Christ Kronenthal, Overseer; Samuel A ner, Guide; George Hueber, Recorder; Henry Keuler, Financier; George I big, Treas.; Andrew Metz, Watchman. The first meetings wrnre held in

I. 6. B. B. Hall, in Gorman's Block. The present officers (1881) are: Jfi Franck, P. M. W.; Peter Aman, M. W. ; Plenry G. Wetecamp, Foreman; Cor Beckel, Overseer; Frederick Bender, Guide; Jonas Rosenthal. Recorder; 1 Weismantel, Financier; Louis Haas, Treas.; John A. \\ eismantel, I. Joseph Beh, O. G. The lodge now numbers eighty -one members, and in, in S. O. N. W. Hall. It works in the German language, and is in a flour ing condition.

Concordia Lodge, No. 46, was instituted by D. D. G. M. W. Louis Haas Jjjch 25, 1875, with twenty-four members. The first officers were: John oen, P. N. W. ; Peter Lenz. M. W. - Jacob Gruenewald. F. : William Nauerth, i Charles Wenzel, G. ; Adolph Abicht, R. ; Louis Stern, Treas. The lodge c; numbers seventy-sis members and meets in Druids and Odd Fellows Hall,

E. F. Wellemeyer, O. W. ; William Seeley, Fred Weis and J. D. Arras, r lees. The present membership is 103. The lodge meets on Friday even- , in A. O. U. W. Hall (Charch's Building), Jefferson street. The present ffsrs are: Jacob Spindler, P. M. W. ; John Hauser, Jr., M. W. ; Henry Ltser, F. ; Enoch Travis, O. ; Edward Phillips, R. ; J. D. Arras. Fin.; B. FT,

Order United American Mechanics

Fulton Council, No. 15, was organized June 17, 1872, in Boslar's Hall, Youth Main street, with thirty-three members, and the following officers: -ge S. Ball, C.; M. V. AVirich, V. C. ; Richard Witcomb, R. S.; W. A. c;er, F. S. ; W. H. Rouzer, Treas. The present (1881) officers are: David liter, C.; W. H. Smith, V. C. ; L. J. Moore, R. S. ; Isaac S. Moon, F. S. ; I Rouzer, Treas.

Miami Council, No. 7, Junior Order, was organized in Arnold's Building, '8 South Main street, October 18, 1872, with eleven charter members. The ^officers were: D. P. Clark, C. ; H. AV. Lewis, A7. C. ; G. R. AVells; R, S.;

Other Orders

T. B. Holmes, Sec.; G. R. Wells, Col.; S. L. La Rose, Treas.; James W. A derton, Guide; W. F. Snyder, Sentry. The council now has a members!) of seventy-three. The present officers (1881) are: A. Humphreys, R. ; J. Viot, V. R. ; William Watkins, P. R.; J. C. Reber, Orator; A. L. Shear Chap.; W. E. Crume, Guide; S. H. Hall, Warden; T. B. Holmes, Sec.; G. Wells, Collector; Y. P. Van Horne, Treas.; S. L. La Rose, Sentry.

Dayton Lodge, No. 23, Knights of Honor, was instituted July 13, IS in Ladow & Winder's marble shop, North Main street, by Darius Wilson, D., the first Supreme Dictator of the Order, with eleven charter members. T following officers were elected and installed: W. H. Rouzer, P. D. ; John Winder, D. ; G. A. Walkup, Y. D. ; J. Hotsapillar, A. D. ; Thomas W. Harri R. ; W. A. Marietta, F. R. ; E. Jennings, Treas.; R. M. Allen, Guide; W. Groneweg, Guardian; W. L. Blocker, Sentinel. The first meetings were In in Ohio Block, and in the following November they took a joint lease Sheets' Hall, on East Second street. On the 1st of October, 1880, they p cured a lease on ClegMs Hall. East Third street, and made it one of the Sn appointed halls in the city. It has been dedicated, and is known as Knigl of Honor Hall. The lodge meets every Friday evening; has 145 mornbe and the following officers: A. B. Reeves, P. D. ; C. F. Messner, D. ; J. Dodd, V. D. ; Henry S. Steffy, A. D. ; W. A Marietta, R.; R. M. Allen, F. 1 C. R. Heckler, Treas. ; L. Brussman, Guide; O. P. Wood, Guardian; Peter A pi Sentinel. In the seven years since its organization, they have lost but ( member by death, and have paid into the Supreme Treasury, for the relief families of deceased members, $6,647.20.

Franklin Grove, No. 2 (German), United Ancient Order of Druids, v organized July 10, 1849, with the following charter members: Philip Dke John Kissner, William Groneman. The first officers were: John Kissneo A.; Phillip Walz, V. A.; Frank Schieble, Sec ; William Groneman, 1. <j Franz Schieble and Phillip Walz. The Grove now has 133 membeis, and I following officers: Henry Hessler, N. A. : Henry Horn, Y. A.; Charles Nag Sentinel; George 'Sauer, Treas.; Emil Tiete, I. S. G.

Eshcol Lodge, No. 55, Independent Order B'Nai B'Rith, was orgauuj in Red Men's Hall (Ohio Block), April 2, 1864. Of the eighteen c members only eight are now members, the rest having died or withdrawn lithe lodge. The first officers were: Henry Kline, Pres.; Joseph Lebensfourg Y. Pres.; Alexander Major. R. S. ; Morris Wertheimer, F. S. ; Jacob A Treas.; Isaac Pollack, Monitor; David Meyer. A. M. ; Abraham Ach, Ward The lodge now numbers sixty-five members, and meets in Gorman s Bui Mi It is a Jewish organization, but works in the English language. Gennec with the order there is a plan of endowment known as the District End< ment, by which $1,000 is paid to the beneficiary on the death of the msu member. The present officers are: Leopold Baer, Pres.; Adolph Lessner, Pres.; Jonas Rosenthal, R. S. & F. S. ; Leopold Ranh. Treas.; David Me) Monitor; Tobias Weinstein, Warden; Joseph Beatus, Guardian.

e members, on the 25th Sun, Worm Moon, G. S. D., 378, or in the common ,ri March 25, 1869. Adam Sachs was the first Sachem. The first Chiefs Tted were: Charles Sagebath, Sachem; Peter Reinhard, Senior Sagamore;

' d Weis, Junior Sagamore; John Bettelon, Chief of Records; Ed Pope, Keeper if Vampum. The tribe now numbers 107 members, nine having died since the ,nnization. The present Chiefs (1881) are: William Sonneman, Sachem; ppeyrich, Sr. Sag.; Albert Euchenhofer, Jr. Sag. ;. Charles F. Tredten, K. of \ Daniel Mentel, C. of R. The tribe is in good financial condition, having $4,000 in the wampum belt.

Division No. 1, Ancient Order of Hiberanians, was organized in Munday nvder's Hall, corner of First and St.Clair streets, June 25, 1878, with Men members. The first officers were: C. P. Sweetman, C. 1). ; JohnO'Con- Pres. ; E. J. Ryder, Y. Pres.; William Fitzman, F. S.; R. W. Ryder, R. James Daugherty, Treas. There are now 100 members. The present flers are: John O'Connor, C. D. ; E. J. Burns. Pres.; R. W. Ryder, Y. hi.: J. P. Maddin, F. S. ; John Sweetman, R. S. ; James O'Neil, Treas.

The German Washington Beneficial Society was . organized November 12, Sy It meets in Druid's Hall, corner of Fifth and Commercial streets, and els in the German language. The present officers (1881) are: George W. i-er, Pres. ; William Kopf, V. Pres.; John Aman, 1st Sec. ; Julius Miller, lee. ; Frederick Hensel, Treas.; William Rechner. C. B. ; C. Hock, M. Dayton Typographical Union, No. 57, was organized at a meeting held .11 18, 1862, at which the following officers were elected: E. Lindlsey, hi.; Joe Schnebly, Y. Pres.; Thomas Shain, Treas.; S. J. Rigler, R. S. ; R. '/.Hark, F. S. ; G. IV. Matthews, C. S. Diming the rebellion, the meetings v(3 so slimly attended as seldom to have a quorum, and on December 25, "B, was the last recorded meeting until May 26, 1866, when the Union was rganized, and has since had uninterrupted esistence as a body. The ijitional" Typographical Union having changed its name to " International," w charter was issued for Dayton Typographical Union, No. 57, dated Janie 24, 1872, to the following charter members, who were at the time its offi- 1 : W. R. Eckley, P. C. Fairchild, E. .J. Farrell. W. I. Mather, William loover, J. R. Hamilton, John Buchner.

The Union has been valuable to its members in maintaining a fair and dorm scale of prices in the better printing establishments of the city; and ^protected employers against incompetent workmen by making a four years' -i ice as apprentice a condition of membership. At present (1881) the memdip is forty-two.

The present officers are: L. C. Peacock, Pres.; R. P. Frampton, V. Pres.; Yin Shivel, R. & C. S. ; S. T. Maloney, F. S. ; W. O. Groneweg, Treas. ; . Carson, S. at A.; H. Carr, John Sexton. W. S. Nixon. Executive Comi.'ee: time of meeting, last Saturday in each month.