Peoria City Township (part 3 of 3)

It is well known to every person conversant with the requirements of the legal profession that in order to practice in the higher courts successfully, an attorney must have access to a large range of legal literature, so large, indeed, that if he attempts to jjurchase all the law books which have a bearing upon the practice in the courts of Illinois, it will involve an amount of capital entirely beyond tiie ability of the lawyer of average means to invest. The puljlished reports of every State and Territory in the United States, the reports of England, Scotland, Ireland, and the British Possessions in America, are all considered essential to a complete law library of a thorough practicing attorney, inasmuch us all these rej)orts contain records of pleadings and decisions which are liable to have an important bearing upon cases and decisions that may arise in his practice in the courts of Illinois. There are about 3,000 of these published reports of the courts of the United Slates, anil some 1,.500 of the English speaking countrifs of Europe, and there are not less than 70,000 pages of reports being published annually. In the year 1874 there were twenty volumes published in the countries subject to the British crown, and eighty-two volumes the same year in tiiis country. These numbers have since considerably increased. These volumes range in price from $1.10 to SIO each. Besides the rcpoits, the statutes and digests are e(juall\- necessarj- to the legal practitioner. Thus it will appear that to possess a full equipment of legal lore, siicli as every first-class attorney siiould have at his command, will involve a capital of -^;]0,000 to $oO,000. It was with a view to obviate this immense outlay, and at the same time supply this imperative want, that the Peoria Law Lil)rary Association was organized.

Of the $1'),000 stock taken, 89.71!t.2.i has been jjaid in. Tiie original collection of books consisted of the private lil)raries of such members of the bar as took stock in the company. There was thus taken in four thousand volumes. Upon the combination of these private collections it was found tliat there were many instances of duplicates, while numerous vacancies of necessary l)ooks existed. The officers of the society set about selling, exchanging, and purcliasing new books, so as to dispose of duplicates, and fill vacancies, and make tlir lil)rary a complete unity. The collection now contains ;i,100 volumes which stand first in the catalogues of liooks needed liy the Bendi and Bar. Of these -,.')00 volumes are report,s representing every StAte antl Territor}- in the Union and the District of Columbia. By an arrangement with dealers, the association is enabled to place upon their shelves all books of reports and such other law books as are of a character to be applicable to the practice in the State of Illinois, within thirty days after their issue from the press.

The value of the property owned by the association, consisting of the library and fixtures, is $14,000, and there are no claims held against it by any parties outside of the stockliolders.

The officers of the Board consist of: Thomas Cratty, president; S. D. Puterbaugh, vice-president ; Chauncey Nye, secretary ; James M. Rice, treasurer ; L. C. Pinkney, librarian.

German Library Association. - This association was organized in 1856, for the purpose of collecting and maintaining a library of books in the German language, for circulation among the readers of that tongue in Peoria. The nucleus of the library was a lot of about too volumes, which originallj" belonged to the Peoria Leidercranz, and this stock of books has steadily increased, by judicious selections, purchased from time to time, until its catalogue now contains about 2,000 volumes. Though this number is comparatively small, the library is still a good and comprehensive one, owing to the careful selection of the works composing it. The annual subscription is $3 ; the books are much sought after, and fill a recognized want in the communit}'. The association was incorporated under private act in 1861, and in 1876 the charge of the books was turned over to the German School Association, in whose building they had for some j'ears been kept, with the proviso that should that association ever dissolve, the books should revert to the original Library Association. Its affairs are at present managed by the following committee: Dr. Fred. Brendell, Dr. R. Roskoten, and Carl Gillig. The librarian is Mr. Christian Zimmerman, who attends the library in the German school on Second Street, from 7 to 9 o'clock every Wednesda}^ evening.

The Peoria Bar Association. - In pursuance of a notice through the newspapers, the attorne3'S of the city of Peoria met in the Law Library rooms at the Court-house on the 10th of November, 1879. The object was to consider the advisability of forming a Bar Association. The meeting was well attended. James M. Rice was made chairman, and a committee of five was appointed to draft a plan of organization and report at an adjourned meeting on tlie 18th following. This committee consisted of James M. Rice, Thomas Cratty, David McCuUoch, Chauncey Nye and Leslie Robison.

On the 18th of November the committee reported a plan, a constitution was adopted, the association regularly organized, and the following officers elected for the ensuing j^ear : President, David McCulloch ; first vice-president, J. K. Cooper ; second vice-president, S. D. Puterbaugh ; secretary, Henrj- C. Fuller; treasurer, Thomas Cratty.

The objects of the association are expressed in the constitution: "To cultivate the science of jurisprudence; to promote reform in the law; to facilitate the administration of justice ; to elevate the standard of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession ; to encourage a thorough and liberal legal education, and to cherish a spirit of brotherhood among the members thereof."

The meetings are Iield at the Court-house on the evening of the second Tuesday of each month. The exercises consist of addresses, debates, discussions of questions of law, moot courts, etc. The attendance is good and the association prosperous.

Peoria Scientific Association. - This association was organized April 17, 1875. Its object, as declared iq its constitution, is " to increase the knowledge of science among its members, and awaken a spirit of scientific investifjation among the people." Its regular meeting is held on the first Thursday evening in each month. By the kindness of the Board of Supervisors, it occupies rooms in the Court-house. Its work is carried on through sections. Those at present organized are the Botanical, Entomological and Microscopical, Geological and Paleontological, Zoological, Archa;ological and Historical.

Its museum contains a collection of all the flora of the region of Peoria, and many of the plants of other sections, comprising over :i thousand species ; one hundred and twenty-five of the mollusca of the Illinois river : several hundred stone axes and other implements of the Mound Builders, and many specimens illustrative of the zoology, geology and paleontology of Peoria county. Its collection of coleoptera is probably the finest in the State.

The herbarium of the society is a donation from Drs. J. T. Stewart and F. Brendel. Its collection of shells is the gift of Dr. Brendel. Its archieological sjjecimens have been by Mr. Sydney Pulsifer. The case devoted to entomology is the donation of Miss Emma Smith. Tlie society is indebted to many friends for other donations to its collection. It is under special obligations to Miss Smith and Dr. Brendel, who in addition to their other contributions, have given a very large part of their time to the work of collecting and classifying its specimens.

The officers of the association are as follows : S. II. White, president ; Dr. J. T. Stewart, John X. Wilson, J. F. King, vice-presidents ; Mrs. Clara P. Bourland, secretary ; Miss Emma Smith, corresponding secretary ; W. F. Bryan, treasurer ; Dr. F. Brendel, curator and lilirarlan.

The Peoria Ladiet Art Society. - This society was organized on the 12th day of June, 1878, at the office of Mrs. Emery, in the Transcript building, five ladies being present at the meeting. The constitution of tlie society w.is then adopted, declaring its fundamental objects to be " to promote Art culture, and to develop a taste for the decoration and ailornment of home." Officers were elected, by-laws adopted, and the society put into full working order by these five ladies. Semi-monthly meetings of the society have lieen regularly held since its organization, with constantly increasing interest, and (it is believed) profit to tlie members. The mcral)ersliip now amounts to twenty ladies. Gentlemen may, under certain conditions, become honorary members, and have all the privileges of regular members, except voting or holding office.

The society's rooms, corner of Madison and Main Streets (Spurck's building, third floor), are well adapted to the present needs of tlie society, and are fitted up with the simj)licity and elegance of true Art. Here may already be found quite a number of real art gems, and tlic student of art, if desirous, will be freely arcorded the ]>rivilege to work or study. The members are all " Students of Art," not in idea only, but in fact, ami the meetings at the rooms are for the purpose of comparing and interchanging the results of work and study, as well as to attend to matters pertaining to tlie external affairs of the organization.

At the present time and for some months past, the subject of study has been the " History of Art." This will he followed by (ho special study of arcliiteclure, its orders, stjdes and history in the different countries and ages - this by sculpture, and lastly by painting, with a similar scope of inquiry. So it will be seen that although the society is small, it hivs laid out a large field for years of study, in directions which can not fail to be beneficial in a very high degree to the members, and to the whole community in which they dwell. The society is self-sustaining, and incurs no liabilities which are not conveniently and promptly met by the regular membership fees and contributions.

At the beginning of 1879 the society resolved to make the trial of a Loan Exhibition of Art. The appeal to the public was responded to so heartily as to leave no reasonable doubt that such an exhibition would succeed. It was tried, and the success, both in the character of the exhibition, the attendance, and financial results, were greater than the most sanguine member anticipated.

So much for a slight sketch of the organization, objects and progress of this still very young and small society. It is not supposed that any thing more than a beginning has yet been made, but the members have " abiding faith."

The annual meeting of tlie society is held on the first Thursday of June, and the regular meetings on the first and third Thursdays of each month. The present officers of the society are president, Mrs. Clara P. Bourland ; vice-presidents, Mrs. Mary Whiteside Emery and Mrs. Sarah B. Armstrong ; treasurer, Mrs. Mary McClure ; recording secretary. Miss Alice M. Dodge ; corresponding secretary. Miss Jennie S. Stone ; directors, Mrs. Howard Knowles, M"rs. R. A. Cutter, Mrs. J. T. Skinner, Mrs. Geo. W. Rouse, Miss Annie Kulder. and Miss Minnie Bills. Non-official members, Mrs. E. D. Hamlin, Mrs. J. H. Francis, Mrs. John Birks, Mrs. D. Miller, Mrs. L. Griswold, Miss Mary Bestor, Mrs. White, Mrs. Mary Petherbridge, Miss Emily Smith.

Peoria Grerman School Association. - At a specially convened meeting of some of the prominent German speaking citizens of Peoria, held March 21, 1862, the idea of founding this association, for the purpose of maintaining a school or schools for the teaching of the German language, was broached, and received with such favor, that $600 was at once subscribed to aid in its execution. The association was formally organized April 11, of that year, and nine directors elected, viz. - Dr. Brendel, Charles Feinse, Louis Green, F. Schwab, Adam Lucas, A. L. Matthies, Robert Strehlow, H. N. Peterson, Theo. Pfeiffer, Valentine Jobst, Otto Treibel, Henry Balder, and John Lutz, with power to take such steps as they might deem necessary towards the establishment of such a school. Two days thereafter the directors met and organized by electing Charles Feinse, president ; Henry Baier, secretary, and Louis Green, treasurer. At this meeting teachers were selected, and in the latter part of the same month the school was opened in Bergen's hall, on South Washington Street. During its first term it was attended by 12.3 scholars. It may here be stated that the first German school in Peoria was opened and taught by Mr. Ruppelius in the year 1850, and in the year following several small schools sprang into existence. In April 1863 the association bought the lot on Second Street now occupied by their school, at a cost of $1,160, and shortly afterwards took steps for the erection of a building upon it. The contract for the same was let to Mr. Joseph Miller, for $-1,698.14, and it cost when finished about $5,000. The corner-stone was laid August 6, 1863, and the building was opened and dedicated November 16. of the same year, with appropriate ceremonies, the day being wound up with a grand ball in Parmley's hall, which netted the association the handsome sum of $416. It is located on Second Street, between Franklin and Monson, is of brick with stone trimmings ; has four large rooms, and is capable of accommodating easily about 400 children. When the erection of the school was determined upon, the association issued stock in $25 shares, to the amount of $4,000, bearing interest at the rate of 6 per cent, and secured by mortgage on the building. These shares were eagerly taken, and were retired and paid by lot, whenever the funds of the association permitted, and in March, 1866, all except five had been tlius disposed of. On February 16, 1865, the association was incorporated under a special act of the Twenty-fourth General Asseraby of the State of Illinois, in the names of Charles Feinse, Henry Baier, Louis Green, Frederick Brendel, Frederick Schwab, Herman Peterson, Adam Lucas, Adolph L. Matthies, Theo. Pfeifi"er, Val. Gradinger, Ernst Violand, Frederick Beckman, and Joseph Studer, which act exempted from taxation the property of the association to the amount of $100,000. The present attendance at the school is about seventy-five children, who are instructed b}' two teachers, one male and one female. The cost of tuition is very moderate and quite 1-5 per cent, of the children are taught gratis.

In 1876 the German Library Association turned over its collection of books in the German language to this association, whicli has since continued to superintend their circulation, and care for those not in use in their school building. The present officers of the association are, president, Valentine Jobst ; secretary, A. L. Schimpff ; treasurer, F. D. Weinnett.

German School Association of North Peoria. - Tiiis association was organized in June, 187.^, by some of the German speaking residents of North Peoria, who recognized the need of a German school in that division of the cit}-. Its first officers were, president, Hubert Felrath ; vice-president, (Jscar Furst ; secretary, Robert Becker ; treasurer, A. B. Rossmassler; trustees, Jacob Schneider, Otto Triebel, Rudolph Eichenberger. Immediatelv after organization steps were taken to have the association incorporated under charter from the State, and which incorporation was duly effected. In order to provide a school-house stock was issued to the amount of $1,000 without interest, and with the funds thus olitained a school-house was erected at 1028 North Monroe Street, at a total cost of $1,400, including lot. During the first term there was an average attendance of fifty -five scholars. In December, 1879, the school building was moved to a lot acquired by the association at a cost of S700, on the corner of Wayne and North Washington Streets, where it is pleasantly located. Tliis move was made for the purpose of bringing the school nearer to the more populous part of the North division of the city, and the beneficial effect of which is shown by the increased attendance, which, previous to the removal, liad fallen to about thirty-five, but has now risen to upwards of fift}'. The school is only intended for primary education, and to ground the children in the German language, after which they are sent to the public schools. Many poor children are educated free of charge. The present officers of the association are, president, Jacob Schneider; vice-president, Cliristian Frache ; secretary, Robert Becker; treasurer, William Zuidel ; teacher, Adolph Splitoesser ; trustees, Oscar Fui-st, Charles Polster, and Conrad Seipel. Regular meetings are held on first Thursdays in June and December.

Standard Littrary and Social Association. - Tliis associntion was organized for the purpose of mental culture and social intercourse, by some of the most prominent Hebrew gentlemen in the city, an<l was incorporated under charter from the State of Illinois in Marcii, 1874. The association owns a fine hall on Soutii .\<lams Street ; where its entertainments are held. These are given principally in the Winter months, and consist of amateur theatricals, musical, literary, and terpsichorean exercises, to which none are adniitteil but members and their friends, The annual busine.ss meetings of the society are held on January 1, in each year, at which tiie officers and tiustees are elected. Those now in office are, president, Henry Ullman ; vice-[)resideiit, L. Ballenberg; secretary, L. Loewenthal ; trustees, Samuel Woolner, Joseph Axman, James Loucheir, M. Salzenstein, J. Schradzki, David Ullman, and Max Newman.

[mst four years conducted tliis enterprise, and has at length, by thoughtful attention to )usiness and the expenditure of considerable money, brouglit its system of instruction to a point of perfection, creditai)le alike to liiinself and to tlie county from wiiicli his pupils are drawn. The college wixs establisiied in January, 18G."), and luis been in steady oi)eration ever since. It is at present located at 114 and 116 S. Adams Street, and occupies the entire third floor, which has been arranged especially for its needs and uses. The a.s8embly room is covered with matting, neat black walnut desks grace the interior, and here some hundreds of students can be seen at work any day. The cunicuhim comprises i| thorough course of double and singly entry book-keeping, couimercial corre- spondence, penmanship, commercial arithmetic, partnership settlements and commercial law, and in tlie academic department instruction in the English branches, spelling, arithmetic, writing, etc. Telegraphing and short hand are also taught, and nothing is wanting whicli would tend to make the instruction in the commercial department practical in the highest degree. From "200 to 250 students pass through the college annually, and about 10 per cent, of them are young ladies.

Peoria Choral Union. - This society, although not the oldest musical association in Peoria, is undoubtedly the most ambitious, and has done the most towards the elevation of the musical taste of its residents. It was organized about four 3'ears ago by Prof. S. L. Fish, and its first officers were : President, Dr. N. K. Beasley ; secretary, M. H. Hewett ; treasurer, Chas. H. Kellogg ; conductor. Prof. Fish. Its meetings were at first held in the parlor of Second Presbyterian church, and for the three past winters in the parlors of the Congregational church. The membership is composed almost entirely of American ladies and gentlemen, and contains much musical talent. Since its organization the society has produced at its concerts Mozart's Twelltli Mass, The Creation, Dudley Buck's Forty-sixth Psalm, and in tiie way of cantatas. The Haymakers, Erl King's Daughter, Trial by Jur}', Queen Esther, and the Doctor of Alcantara. The society is at present at work upon Elijah, and a careful rendition of that noble oratorio will doubtless soon be publicly given. The present officers are : President, C. H. Kellogg ; vice j^resident, M. H. Hewett ; financial secretary, F. S. Tucker ; recording secretary. Miss Ida Stowell ; treasurer, Geo. C. Clark ; conductor. Prof. E. H. Plowe ; librarian, H. C. Plowe. The singing season extends over eight months of the year, and practice meetings are held every Monday evening from September to June. The membership is at present about 100, the society possesses a fine lot of music, and is in a prosperous condition, both musically and financially.

Concordia Singing Society. - This society has been in existence for nearly 25 years, and is composed exclusively of Germans. The music sung is principally German, part songs and glees, and a concert is generally given every year. The voices are all male. At the present time the officers of the society are : President, Christian Gentes ; vice president, Anton Kiefer ; secretary, H. M. Kiefer ; treasurer, Henry Minchhoff ; librarian, Fridolin Widinger ; musical director, Chas. Rolff.

Harmonie Singing Society has been established about a year, and is composed of mixed voices. Their attention is principally turned to German four part songs, and the " Glocke " by Romberg has been recently practiced with a view to a public performance of it in the near future. The present officers are: President, Simon Trefzger ; vice president, Martin Buhler ; secretary, Henry Triebel ; treasurer, C. F. Lehne ; conductor, Prof. C. Trautvetter. Meetings are held at Harmonie Hall on S. Adams Street on the Tuesday and Friday evenings of each week.

Virgil Conservatory of Music is situated on S. Adams Street, Nos. 213 to 219, and is the onl}' school of music in the city. It was established September 8, 1879, and has been well attended in the past terms. It has at present 140 pupils, about twenty per cent, of whom are males. The conservatory is under the direct supervision of Mr. A. K. Virgil, formerly of the Burlington Conservatory of Music, and has a staff of seven teachers. Instruction is given upon the piano, organ, violin and other orchestral instruments, the cornet, and all other band instruments, the guitar, and also in elocution, German and Italian. The teaching is of the most thorough and practical kind, and the recognition of the usefulness of such a school, is evidenced by the large and steadily increasing attendance.

Spencer's 1th Regiment Band. - This band was organized in 1863, and has sixteen members. Prof. D. M. Spencer is director. A first-class orchestra is connected with the band.

who is still its conductor and business manager. It consists of 12 pieces and has an excellent string band in connection with it. Its headquarters are at 123 S. Je£ferson Street.

Peoria Boat Club. - The association known as the Peoria Boat Club, was organized May 18, 1875. The object of the association was for instruction and improvement in, and enjoyment of the art of rowing and the cultivation of a friendly feeling in all who participate in this amusement and exercise.

The gentlemen present at first meeting were G. I. Gregg, P. C. Wheeler, Ed. Pulsifer, Ferd Lothy, Henry Simoneau, W. H. Bartlett, S. C. Bartlett, W. L. Green, Jr., J. R. Conway, Jno. Birks, H. H. Miller, F. G. Martin, W. F. Bryan. Jr., H. Knowles. The credit is due these gentlemen for having organized a club, which has many times reflected honor upon them, and one in which the citizens at large take a just pride. At the first regular meeting, held June 5, 1875, the following oflBcers were elected : P. C. Wheeler, president ; G. I. Gregg, vice-president ; H. Knowles, secretary and treasurer ; H. C. Townsend, captain ; Ed. Pulsifer, coxswain ; S. Kilduff, vice-coxswain. At this meeting a Constitution and By-Laws were adopted, the most important features of which were the fixing the initiation fee at $25.00 and dues one dollar per month, also limiting the membership to amateurs. For a boat house, was rented the old brick building on the river bank, at the foot of Gay Street ; it was formerly used as a soap factory. Since then the club has outgrown the old quarters, and it now owns a building built expressly for the purpose, at a cost of $700. It is situated at the foot of Fayette Street ; is one story in height, 60 by 30 feet in dimensions, has a storage capacity of 20 boats, is well supplied with bath-rooms and lockers, and is altogether as convenient as any thing in the North or West. The first boats were purchased in August of 1875, and consisted of a six-oared barge cedar, a single and four-oared gig, both wooden. On May 9, 1876, the ladies of the Bachelor Club, at an entertainment given by the Amateurs in Rouse's Hall, presented the P. B. C. with its colors. Tliis was an event which will always be remembered with pleasure by the members. The ladies of Peoria have ever taken a kindly interest in the club, and by their presence and encouragement have helped many a crew to row a " winning race." On July 4, 1876, under the auspices of the P. B. C, a regatta was given on Peoria Lake, the first one ever held here. It was participated in by boating men from Chicago, Burlington, Moline, Hannibal, Mo., and Peru, Ills. It attracted quite a crowd and served, as intended, to awaken the boating interest throughout the city. Since ti:at time the citizensof Peoria have always contril>uted liberally and promptly to any scheme which the club has presented. On the 5th of July crews were sent to the Burlington, la., regatta. Althouc:h the club captured no fii-st jirizes, it did creditabh* when it is taken into consideration that rowing in a shell boat is a science, and to attain any degree of proficiency, requires time and practice. June 2, 1877, the new boat house was completed. During the Summer of '77 Peoria Lake was the scene of many a lively contest, and altiiougli no regattas were held, the l)oating interest was kept up and practice which we greatly needed was attaiiKMl. On November .'id of tills year the club joined tlie M. V. A. K. A., tiiis was an important event in tiie history of the P. B. C, as by so doing it placed itself in competition with the best oarsmen in the Mississippi Valley, as the Association is made up of them, and to win a prize at one of the ^I. V. A. R. A. Regattas means " blood."

The first one given l)y tiie association was held on Peoria Lake, Juno 10 and 20, 1878. It was participated in by eight clubs, all of them older organizations than the P. B. C, but notwithstanding this, the club won first prize for six-oared barges, first prize for four-oared gigs, and came in second in the race for junior four-oared; tliere were six entries in this race. In July of the same year tlie club was represented in the Keokuk regatta. There were four clubs represented in this affair, Peoria " walked off" with first

One requirement is necessar}- for a person to become a member, and that is, that the applicant should be a gentleman. This is imperative, and owing to this wise policy the club has become the leading social organization of the city. Its annual party is looked upon as one of the leading social events of the season. The club was represented at the annual M. V. A. R. A. regatta, held at Keokuk, July 15, 16, and 17, 1879. This was attended by seventeen clubs. The P. B. C. carried off first prize junior four-oared, first prize junior single, first prize four-oared gigs. So in the two M. V. A. R. A. regattas, the Peoria Boat Club has won five first prizes. This is a splendid record for any club. At the last meeting the secretary reported sixty-four active members, and five honorary ones ; the club out of debt, and owning between two and three thousand dollars' worth of property, together with a boat-house worth, with added improvements, $1,000. Its fleet of boats consists of one paper six-oared barge, one cedar six-oared barge, one paper four-oared shell, one cedar four-oared shell, one paper double scull, two paper single sculls, and one cedar single, one four-oared working boat, wooden, one single gig, cedar, besides several boats owned by individual members. Our " course " can not be beaten by any in the country, and by few rivaled. It is wide enough to start any number of boats, and is a good "straight away " of two miles without any perceptible current. The influential position the club holds in boating circles was evinced by the JNI. V. A. R. Association voting the office of Ensign to Mr. P. C. Wheeler in 1878, and that of Commodore to Mr. John L. Cockle in 1879. The present officers of the club are : Thos. Cratty, president; James T. Taylor, vice-president; W. H. Binman, treasurer ; L. D. Puterbaugh, secretary; Chas. Cockle, captain; W. R. 'Cockle, coxswain; W. W. Hook, vicecox, and custodian. The P. B. G. is an organization in which the citizens of Peoria are interested and the members satisfied.

Peoria Shooting Club was organized May 11, 1875, with about ten original members, and was incorporated under charter from the State of Illinois, January 2-4, 1877. The following are the names of some of the original members : N. Shurtleff, L. F. Belke, Chas. F. Stock, Chas. W. Greenleaf, Dr. L. B. Martin, Fred. Kimble, P. Bourdereaux, and Jolm Grifiith. The present officers are : President, Dr. L. B. Martin ; vice-president. Will. Clark ; secretary, R. R. Hotchkiss ; treasurer, Z. N. Hotchkiss. The club owns a shooting park of five acres, with dwelling house, amphitheater, and coops for 6,000 pigeons, in the upper part of the city, near the Water Works, and is acknowledged to be one of the best shooting parks in the State.

In 1879, the annual tournament of the Illinois State Sportman's Association was held at the club's park, and its accommodations were found ample, notwithstanding an exceptionally large number of entries. The club is strong in membership, and numbers within its ranks many excellent marksmen. Members practice at the park every Friday, when the weather permits. Regular business meetings are held on first Wednesday in each month, in State's Attorney's office in Court-house.

Central City Shooting Club. - This club was organized in the Summer of 1878, and has about twenty members. The present officers are : President, F. Lammers ; vicepresident, ; secretary and treasurer, Chas. Scheonheider. The members use for shooting purposes the park belonging to the Peoria Shooting Club, and hold there a monthly contest for the club badge. The club hopes soon to have a park of their own.

Fort Clarlc Shooting Club was organized in July, 1878, with thirty-five original members, and has still that number of names on its roll. Use the park of the Peoria Shooting Club for shooting purposes, where they generally meet every Saturday afternoon. The present officers are : President, O. Moore ; vice-president and secretary, John Wood-

Peoria Rifle Club was organized in June, 1877, and has about fifteen members, each of whom owns a breach-loading, repeating rifle. The present oflicers of the club are : President, A. W. H. Reen ; treasurer, Peter J. Singer; secretary, F. H. Wagner. The club has found it very difficult to secure a suitable range for practice, but expect in the coming Summer to possess one of five hundred yards, easily accessible from the citj-.

Peoria Turn-Verein. - This association was organized in 18.50, with about thirt)- members. During the early years of its existence it rented a building where the members could exercise themselves, and in 1856 built a frame structure on Washington Street near Walnut, at a cost of about $1,000. Here they had tlieir gymnasium for some eight years, at the end of wliicii time they sold their property and bought the old School on South Adams Street, to which the}' removed and occupied for ten years. About this time the Union Turn-Verein was organized, and drew to itself, from a variety of causes, almost all the young and active members from the parent society, which consequently became almost dormant for some years. Meantime the society had sold their property on Adams Stret-t, and held thereon a mortgage of $o,.500, the interest on which, during its years of inactivity, was annually paid over to the German Scliool Association, to assist in the maintenance of their school on Second Street. In the Summer of 1879 the Union Turn-Verein fell into difficulties and uU its active membei-s came over in a body to the old institution, and by this accession a new and prospective term of usefulness was opened to it. A new constitution and by-laws were adopted, and the membership has now risen to about sixty and is still steadily increasing. The gymnasium of tlie society is at present in the old Court-house on Hamilton Street, but tliey expect very soon to erect a l;andsome building of their own, and have already appointed a committee to secure a suitable location. In 1879 Mr. J. C. Wieting was president, and the officers for 1880 are: President, A. L. Schimpff; vice-president, Albert Triebel ; secretary, Albert Pfeiffer ; corresponding secretary, Henry Hedrick ; and treasurer, Jacob Miiller. Regular business meetings on first Thursday in each month at the hall.

Union Turn-Verein. - In 18G8 nine members of the Peoria Turn-Verein, becoming dissatisfied with the management of that society, resolved to sever their connection with it and organize another Turn-Verein. Their firet lousiness meeting was held in Ross' luinl)er yard, where the " Union Turn-Verein " was formally organized. Meetings were afterwards held at Engine House No. 8, and the society grew strong in number and enthusiasm, so much so, that six months after organization, its strength was one hundred and thirty members, sixty of whom were active, young Turners. In tlie Suiftnier of 1869 the society bought the church building corner Madison and Libert}' Streets, for use as a

?;ymnasium, at a cost of $3,650, and in order to properly fit it up for tlieir use, incurred a urther indebtedness of f 7,500. Here the Turn-Verein remained, strong and prosjierous, for aliout nine years, and cleared off all its load of debt, except a sum of $4,000, which was secured by a mortgage on the building. In June, 1878, the building was amicably surrendered to the mortgagee, it having become, from dampness and recent obstruction of its ventilation, unsuitable for the further use of the society. The old Court-house on Hamilton Street wjis then rented and occupied till October, ls79, when, owing to the defection of many of its active memljcrs, they were obliged to give it up, and also to dispense with the services of a teaciier, whom tliey had hitherto been alile to employ at a salary of $50 per month. The officers, however, are not without hojie that the society will again taste prosperity, ami in the near future hope to erect a frame building on South Adams Street, which will have ample accommodations for all the purposes of the society.

recording secretary, F. Kliiigel ; treasurer, Frank Vonachan ; teacher, Chris. Klingel. Regular meetings are held on first Tuesday of each month.

Masonic - Peoria Lodge No. 15, A. F. <f A. M. - In the month of September, 1840, ten brethren residing in Peoria and the neighborhood, met in the second story of the house at the corner of Main and Adams Streets, and after consultation agreed to make application to the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, for a dispensation empowering them to work ; their names were as follows : Samuel H. Davis, Augustus O. Garrett, John King, Geo. Fai-rell, James Mossman, Nathaniel Chapin, Geo. H. Quigg, Fred. Semelroth. They recommended Samuel H. Davis, as Master, A. O. Garrett, as Senior Warden, and John King, as Junior Warden ; their application was vouched for by the Ottawa Lodge, and forwarded to the Grand Lodge, to be laid before that body in that or the ensuing month. The application in due time came before the Grand Lodge, but as that body knew nothing ol the Ottawa Lodge (the latter working under a foreign charter), tlie application could not be granted, and thus the matter rested till December, 1841, when it became known that the Grand Lodge was satisfied with the regularity of the Ottawa Lodge, and accordingly accepted its recommendation for a petition. Upon application therefor, a dispensation was accordingly granted, appointing as officers the brethren recommended for the positions in the application, and dated January 3, A. L. 5,842, A. D. 1842. Under that dispensation, the first meeting was held January 8, of that year, at which nine Master Masons were present. On December 24, 1842, a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge, under which their first election of officers took place, resulting in the elevation of the following gentlemen : W. M., Samuel H. Davis ; S. W., A. O. Garrett ; J. W., Andrew M. Hunt ; Treas., Geo. Metcalfe ; Secy., William Mitchell ; S. D., Peter Sweat ; J. D., Ralph Hamlin ; Tyler, Chester Hamlin. They were installed by Past Master Simeon DeWitt Drown, of Chester Lodge, No. 71, of Ohio.

From that time on, the Lodge flourished and did much work, and on June 18, 1844, made its first ai^pearance in public, the occasion being the celebration of the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, and to commemorate the death of Gen. Warren, the first Grand Master of North America. The programme of the exercises on that occasion is reproduced below :

Order of exercises : The procession will move from the Hall at 10 o'clock, and proceed as follows : Proceed up Hamilton Street to Jefferson - down Jefferson to Fulton - down Fulton to Adams - up Adams to Hamilton - down Hamilton to Washington - down Washington to Fulton - down Fulton to Water - up Water to Main - up Main to Madison - down Madison to Methodist church, entering it at 11.

"ReielvtJ. Th«t the thanks of this Lodge be tendered to Bro. Wm. Hale, for his liberal donation to the members and friends of Peoria Lodge No. i;. of the block on Jackson and Perry Streets, for a burial ground.

" KtsohtJ. That this lodge accepts of this donation, and that a commiitce of three l>e appointed, to confer with Bro. Hale, and devise a plan for surveying and laying out the same into loti, fencing and ornamenting the same."

The block thus obtained, was used as a Masonic burying ground till 1871, when further interments were forbidden by the authorities, owing to the rapid growth of the city - the adjoining blocks being all built upon with residences. The lodges then contempleted the removal of the bodies there interred, to Springdale Cemetery, and sale of the block - the proceeds to be applied towards the purchase of ground for burial purposes elsewhere - but their designs in the direction were opposed by the heirs of the donor, who denied their right to use the block for any purpose, other than that for which it was originally intended. After some litigation, a compromise was effected, whereby the right of the lodges to dispose of the block was recognized, and a lot in Springdale Cemetery, 7.'>xr20, purchased, to whicli in the months of May and June 1873, the bodies from the old ground were removed. The square was then sold to various parties, netting about -*i7,000, with a portion of which sum, the lodges bought the lot cor. Adams and Liberty Streets, upon which in the near future, they propose the erection of a handsome Masonic Temple, the plans for wliich, have been already prepared and selected.

The Past Masters of this lodge are : Samuel H. Davis, Peter Sweat, William Mitchell, Thomas J. Pickett, John T. Lindsav, William Rounseville. David D. Irons, Lewis Keyon, Samuel Tart. Peter Hoj.kiiis, B.L. T. Hoiu'iuid. Willis Y. Francis, Henry E. Seley,"John S. Gragg. Robert Francis. Joseph F. Hazzard and John ^L Simpson.

The present officers are : W. M., John M. Simpson ; S. W., E. N. Armstrong ; J. W., A. J. Harbers; Treas., J. N. Kinney; Secy., Geo. L. Bean. The regular meetings are on the last Monday in each month, in the Masonic Hall. 124 N. Adams Street.

Temple Lodije, No. 4fi, A. F. .j- A. 3/., was chartered October 20, 1846, with six original numbers, viz : Geo. T. Metcalf, Clark H. Stebbins, Wm. F. Bryan, John C. Heyl, John King, Elhvood Andrew. The first officers of the lodge were : W. M., Geo. T. Metcalf; S. W., John C. Heyl ; J. W., Clark B. Stebbins. The Past Masters of this lodge are as follows : Geo. T. Metcalf, John R. Crandall, John C. Heyl, John Jewell, James S. Freeman, Alexander Hearst, Geo. Broad, Clark D. Rankin, Geo. K. Hazlitt, Barnhart Meals, Jno. E. McDermott, Tluimas Cosgrove. The present officers are : W.M., John N. (iriffith ; S. W., George S. Dustin ; J. W., Chas. H. Ibell ; Treas., A. D. Olney ; Secy., N. S. Tucker. Regular meetings, the last Wednesdav in each month, at Masonic Hall, 124 N. Adams Street.

Illinois Lodge, No. 263, A. F. ^ A. M. - This lodge was granted a dispensation to work, on February 1, 1858, and was chartered under its present name and number, by the (Jrand Lodge of the State, in Octol)er of the same year. The first officers were installed on Octolier 10. 18r)8, by Deputy (Jrand Master D. D. Irons, and were as follows: W. .M., S. H. Bennett ; S, W., A. Freeman; J. W., J. Hancok proxy for I). M. Cummings; Treas., J. W. Parish; Sec'y, D. T, N. Saunderson. The Past Masters of the lodge are: S. H. Bennett, A. Freeman. John Swentzel, G. Kettelle. Chas. Spalding, Wm. B. Whiffin, Wm. J. Brown, J. E. Pillsburv. Wm. Rounseville. Wm. Kellogg, Jr., S. W. Ottenhcimer, W. H. Ea.stman, James MrMiilan an<l J. S. Miller. The officers who now preside over the lodge are: W. M., W. H. Eiu>*tman ; S. W., C. M. Cuiumings ; J. W., M. W. Slndtz. ; Treas., S. W. Ottenheinier ; Sec'y, J. W. Grover. Regular meetings at 124 N. Adams Street, on second and fourth Tuesdays in each month, and annual meeting on second Tuesday in Decemlier.

Schiller Lmlge, No. :}:J.'), A. F. jf A. M. (German), was chartered Novemlier 11. 1859, with twenty-four charter members. The first officers of the lodge were : W. M., Albert

Potthoff ; S. W., Emil Quinky ; J. W., Henry Ullman ; Sec'y, John N. Niglas. The present officers are : W. M., A. L. Schimpff; S. W., John Korsoski; J. \V.,Chas. Ulrich ; Sec'y, Adolph Splittstoesser ; Treas., A. W. H. Reen. Meet last Thursday in each month at hall, 124 N. Adams Street.

Henry Brown Lodge, No. 22, A. Y. tf M. (colored) - This is a clandestine lodge, and derives its authority from the so-called Grand Lodge of A. Y. & M. Masons of the State of Illinois. It was organized December 7, 1876, and was chartered December 25, 1879, with twelve original members. The present membership is about twenty, and its officers are: P. M., John W. Wagoner; AV. M., Walter Campl)ell ; S. W., Daniel Rayner; J. W., Joseph Johnson ; Treas., John H. M. Wagoner; Sec'y^ John W. Wagoner. Regular meetings on the first Thursday of each month in hall, 122 N. Adams Street.

Order of Eastern Star, Central City Chapter, No. 42. - This body was instituted in 1872 as " Central City Chapter, No. 120," under charter from the English Grand Chaptei*, and on September 20, 1877, was chartered under its present name and number, by the Grand Chapter of the State of Illinois. The present officers of the Chapter are : W. M., Mrs. A. M. Mann ; W. P., Mr. W. H. Eastman ; A. M., Mrs. H. Lloyd ; C, Mrs. Matilda Griebel ; A. C, Mrs. S. C. Hasbrouck ; Treas., Mrs. M. A. Cummings; Sec'y, Mrs. S. C. Robinson ; W., Mrs. H. Eastman; S., Mr. W. Price. The Chapter has about one hundred members, and meets in the Masonic Hall on Adams Street, the last Friday in each month.

The officers for the present year are : H. P., Geo. S. Dustin ; K., Albert W. Martin ; S., Chas. F. Hitchcock; C. H., Edwin N. Armstrong; Sec'y, Geo. F. Henthorne; Treas., Crosby White. The Chapter meet in their hall on Main Street, on first Thursday in each month.

Peoria Consistory, S.'. P.\ R.'. <SV. Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. - The first Consistory meeting held in Peoria was on Feljruary 12, 1869, under a charter granted to Consistory in Yates City, 111., bearing date February 25, 1867, which was at that date transferred to Peoria. At that meeting the following officers were elected : Com. in Chief, Justin E. Dow ; 1st Lieut. Com., William O. Hewitt ; 2d Lieut. Com., Samuel

In May, 187'2, the firet meeting was held under its present name and charter. The present ofiBcers are: Com. in Chief, James Bannister; 1st Lieut. Com., Robert S. Martin; 2d Lieut. Com., Chas. F. Hitchcock ; Gd. Orator, Thos. D. Gault ; G. C, A. J. Boylan : Sec'v, Geo. L. Bean ; Treas., John R. Smith ; E. & A., E. R. Mann ; G. K., Samuel W. Otte'nheimer ; M. of C, M. E. Erler; G. S. B., William Perry; C. of G., James McMillan ; G. S., Benj. Berquist. The stated meetings of the Consistory are upon the fourth Monday in March, June, September and December.

Columbia Lodge, No. 21, was instituted at Peoria Dec. 8, 1846 by D. D. G. M., A.C Robinson, under a charter granted by the R. \V. Grand Lodge of Illinois, November 24th, 1846. Tiie charter members weic John M. Law, Samuel Easton, John Payne, E. S. Anderson, John Wham Jr., and Francis A. McNeil. This is the oldest Lodge of the Order in the County and has had from the beginning a most harmonious and useful career. It is now in a very flourishing condition with a membership of seventy in good standing. Its present ofiBcers are N. G., L. M. Brockett ; V. G., N. Crutchfield ; Rec. Secy, D. C. Frazer ; Perm. Sec'y, A. W. Hack; Treas., John Wetzel ; Rep. to Grand Lodge, D. C. Frazer. Regular meetings every Tuesday evening in their hull on Adams Street.

Fort Clark Lodge, No. 109, was instituted July 7, 1852, with fourteen original members. The first officers of the Lodge were ; N. G., Henry S. Austin ; Sec'y, Matthew W. McReynolds. The present officers are : N. G., Henry Thielbar : V. G., E. M. Clark; Sec'y, O. B. Ciiampney ; P. Sec'y, N. C. Nason ; Treas., John Jones ; Representative, I. J. Marsh. Meet at their hall every Monday evening.

Knights Of Ptthias

Calanthe Lodge, No. 47, was organized March 24, 1874, by Grand Chancellor H. W. Rice, of Chicago, assisted by P. C, M. C. Wilkie, of Aurora, and P. Cs., Wm. L. Campbell, C. C. Weidrich and Seely, of Princeton. There were fourteen charter members, viz: Wm. J. C. Drum, I. C. Edwards, W. C. Strickler, N. C. Nason, C. C. Coffinberry, J. A. Jeffries, J. C. Widenham, Wm. A. Hunter, Geo. N. Walker, Jr., T. H. Smithe, Wm. B. Vance, Wm. T. Smith, Jno. A. Hudson and S. R. Baker. The first ofScers elected and installed were: P. C, J. Drum ; C. C, N. C. Nason; V. C, I. C. Edwards; P., C. C. Coffinberry ; K. of R. and S. and M. of F., W. C. Drum ; M. of E., James E. Jeffries; M. at A., W. B. Vance; I. G., J. C. Widenham ; 0. G., A. H. Wiltz. The charter under which the Lodge now works was issued by the Grand Lodge October 19, 1876. The following gentlemen have filled the office of Chancellor Commander in the order named: N. C. Nason, Geo. N. Walker, Jr., James A. Jeffries, Joseph Moss, O. E. Schupp, S. R. Baker, Wm. A. Hunter, and John A. Hudson. The present officers of the Lodge are ; P. C, John A. Hudson ; C. C, N. C. Nason ; V. C, T. C. Johnson ; P., James Kennedy ; M. of E., G. N. Walker, Jr. ; M. of F., W. A. Hunter ; K. of R. and S., S. R. Baker; M. at A., Joseph Moss; Rep. to Grand Lodge, P. C, S. R. Baker. Past Chancellor N. C. Nason is the present Grand V. Chancellor in the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois. The Lodge is strong, and is doing good work. Regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays in each month, in the G. A. R. Hall, No. 105 S. Adams Street.

Undoivment Section, No. 208, is connected with the above Lodge, and is a side degree of the Order. All K. of P. in good standing can become members, and their lives are insured for from one to three thousand dollars, as they may elect. Wm. A. Hunter is president, and G. N. Walker, Jr., Sec. and Treas.

Peoria Grove, No. 6, was instituted December 28, 1860, and the charter under which they now work bears date February 1, 1861. Their first officers were: N. A., William Gebhardt ; V. A., Kaspar Zimmerman ; Sec'y? Fried. Roehr ; Treas., Adam Lucas ; and those now in office are ; N. A., Henry Klein ; V. A., Heinrich Martens; Sec'y, Gottfried Schmidt ; Treas., Leopold Wappich. The Grove meets each Monday evening at Hall corner Bridge and Washington Streets.

Ventral Grove, No. 8. - The charter of this Grove is dated August 3, 1861, and there were thirteen charter members. The first officers were : N. A., Henry Dahlmeyer ; V. A., E. J. Muller; Treas., Chas. Lengaher; Sec'y., D. Kellister ; and those now in office are : N. A., Geo. Riesz ; V. A., A. Jacobs ; Rec. Sec'y, Adolph Bezemann ; Fin. Sec'y, Tobias Somer ; Treas., John Fay.

Brother Grove, No. 19, was chartered June 5, 1867, with six original members. The first officers were : N. A., Philip Eichorn ; V. A., John Reuter; Secy., Frank Reuter. Those now in office are, N. A., Fritz Hoffman ; V. A., J. G. Altmans ; Secy., H. Blumhoff; Treas., P. Lulay. Meet every Friday evening, at hall corner Washington and Bridge Streets.

The first officers of the Grove were : N. A., William Gebhardt ; V. A., E. Godel ; Secy., Rudolph Eichenbertjer ; Treas., Wendel Kneer. The present officers are, N. A., Jacob Stein; V. A., Charles Auderer ; Secy., Frank Renter; Treas., Paul Meyer; J. G., Wm. Nitschke. This Grove has thirty-one members in good standing, and meets every Wednesday evening, in hall corner Main and Adams Streets.

Supreme Arch Chapter U. A. 0. Z>., Central City Chapter, Xo. 3. has charter dated August 10, 1867, and was instituted with thirteen original members. The first officers of the Chapter were : N. G. A., John M. Weinmar ; Secy., Frank J. Vonachan ; and those now in office are, N. G. A., Tobias Sommer ; Secy., Peter Lulay. The Chapter meets on third Tuesday in each month, in hall corner Bridge and Washington Streets.

Goethe Lodge, No.S, was organized February 11, 1876, with twenty-two charter members. The first officers were : M. W., J. H. Becker ; G. F., G. Harsch ; Rec. Secy., G. Feldcamp ; Fin. Secy., Carl Mueller ; Treas., G. C. Harsch. The present officers of the Lodge are, M. W., F. X. Korhumel ; G. F., John Kohler ; Rec. Secy., John Q. Schmitt ; Fin. Secy., F. Winkliiieyer; Treas., G. Harsch. The Lodge meets every Thursday evening, in hall corner Main and Washington Streets.

Peoria Lodge, No. 15. - This Lodge was organized July 7, 1879, with thirty-five charter mem!)ers, and is at present officered by the following: P. ^L W., E. P. F. Vetterhoffer ; M. W., Robert Bolton ; F., Robert Clark ; Rec, DeRoy Howe ; Financier, F. L. Thompkins ; Receiver, W. E. Hack ; Guide, W. H. Shoupe ; Trustees, C. B. Keller, W. F. Hyle, E. F. P. Vetterhoffer ; Overseer, O. T. Owens. Meet every Wednesday evening, at Workmen's Hall, corner Washington and Main Streets.

Miscellaneous Orders

Progress Lodge, No. 113, /. 0. B. B. - This Lodge was organized August 30, 1S68, with twenty-four charter members, and has now a membership of sixty-one in good standing. The first officers who presided over the Lodge were : Pres., David Ullman ; V. P., Sol. Bennett ; Rec. Secy., H. S. Ottenlieinier; Fin. Secy., Jacob Heim ; Treas., Gerson Bloom ; Monitor, Rev. Dr. Max Stern ; Asst. Monitor, Abraham Wachenheimer ; Trustees, Henry Ullman, Henry Netter, L. Mayers. The present officers are, Pres., Rev. Dr. Stern ; V. P., Charles Salzenstein ; Rec. and Fin. Secy., Louis Strauss ; Treas., Samuel Woolner ; Monitor, David Eppsteiner ; Warden, Aaron Ullman ; Guardian, Isaac Rosenfield ; Trustees, H. S. Ottenlieinier, Henry Ullman, and A. Schradzki. Regular meetings are held at 216 and 218 Main Street, on first and third Sundays of each month.

Moses Montifiore Lodge, No. 15;'), 0. K. S. B., was organized April 3, 1876, with twenty-four charter members. Its first officers were : Pres., S. Woolner ; Vice-Pres., L. S. Bennett ; Secy., Isaac Rosenthal ; Treas., Solomon Bennett ; Conductor, John Korsoski ; Asst. Con., L. L. Wiesel. The Past-Presidents of the Lodge are, Samuel Woolner, L. S. Bennett, Jacob Woolner, Solomon Bennett, J. Conigisky, and John Korsoski. The present officials are, Pres., D. Sclnvartzmann ; V. P., Adolph Woolner ; Treas., Moses Gumbiner ; Secy., Lewis J. Weisel ; Monitor, John Korsoski. Meetings are held in the afternoon of the second and fourth Sundaj's of each month.

Clough ; S., R. A. Schimpff ; Med. Exam., L. B. Martin, M. D. The council meets on second and fourth Fridays of each month in hall of G. A. R.

Peoria Lodge, No. 353, Harugari, was instituted June 7, 1874, with nine charter members. The first officers were : O. B., Robert Becker ; U. B., Frank Renter ; Secy., Henry Sudenga ; Treas., Jacob Becker. The present officers of the lodge are : O. B., Jacob George; U. B., Aug. Seibold ; Secy., Frank Renter; Treas., Fritz Weber. The lodge has forty-one members in good standing, and meets every second Tuesday in hall corner Washington and Bridge Streets.

Lake Lodge, No. 715, Knights of Honor, was instituted August 25, 1877, by W. M. Obermayer, D. S. D., with nineteen charter members. The Past Dictators of the lodge are: N. C. Nason, John S. Stevens, James Bannister, O. B. Charapney, J. J. Steiger, and W. A. Beasley. Present officers are : D., G. Willis Smith ; V. D., R. M. Campbell ; Treas., Geo. S. Dustin ; Rep., O. B. Champney. The lodge meets on the first and third Tuesdays in each month.

Fort Clark Lodge, No. 10, Universal Brotherhood of the World. - Tliis lodge was organized January, 1879, with Geo. S. Dustin as 111. Commander, and is at present dormant.

Phoenix Lodge, No. 608, /. 0. G-. T., was organized May 1, 1874, with twenty original members, and thereupon elected to office the following : W. C. T., F. L. Ladd ; V. T.. Mrs. A. D. Johnson ; Chap., J. B. Cranimond ; Secy., S. O. Hinsdale ; A. S., Miss Susie Scott ; F. S., C. E. Van Tress ; Treas., Mrs. E. V. Van Tress ; M., John Cation ; D. M., Mrs. C. M. Ladd ; I. G., William Cation ; 0. G., M. B. Hinsdale ; R. H. S., Miss Agnes Armstrong ; L. H. S., M. Ross ; P. W. C. T., Miss Sophia Becker. The present officers of the lodge are : W. C. T., W. H. Lambert ; V. T., Mrs. Lizzie Campbell ; Chap., Henry Boyle ; Secy., Geo. A. Monteith ; A. S., Miss Laura Metcalf ; F. S., Miss Lucy Hamilton ; Treas., Otto C. Hoffman ; M., David Crutchfield ; D. M., Mrs. Lucy Crutchfield ; L G., Miss Lizzie Andrews ; 0. G., Joseph Shurley ; R. H. S., Miss L. H. O'Connor ; L. H. S., Miss Clara Monteith ; P. W. C. T., Frank Dudley ; L. D., John Short. The lodge meets every Tluirsday night in hall corner Main and Adams Street. The present membership in good standing is about 115.

Peoria Temjjle, No. 8, U. 0. A. T. - This lodge was chartered February 2, 1877, and the following officers were elected : Templar, James Mahoney ; Rec, Harry Lambert. The present officers ai-e : Templar, James Mahoney ; Rec, Uriah Vonhan. The present membership in good standing is sixty-three, and the lodge meets in hall corner Main and Adams Street every Friday evening.

Patrons of Hushandry. - There are in Peoria Co. eight Granges of this Order, located as follows: Orange Grange, at Orange Prairie ; Alta Grange, at Alta on R. I. R. R. ; Dunlap Grange, at Dunlap, on the same road ; Salem Grange, 4 miles west of Dunlap; Radnor Grange, 3 miles west of Alta ; Jubilee Grange, at Jubilee ; South Kickapoo Grange, 2 miles west of Pottstown on C. B. & Q. R. R. ; and Rome Grange, at Rome, on C. R. I. & P. Each of these Granges becomes in turn, the Head-Quarters of all the others, and retains the position till the next meeting, on the first Tuesday of each month, when the next Grange in order of seniority, succeeds it. The present officers of the County Grange are. Master, Amos Edwards; Secretary, Thos. Cady ; and they hold their offices during the year 1880. The membership of the County Grange is about 150, and the members of the Order residing in the county, and in good standing in the subordinate Granges, number about 1,000. The Grange Store for the county, is located on corner Washington and Liberty Streets ; is under the charge of Mr. W. W. Atwood ;

Clan na Gael. - This body was organized in 1875, with about 40 original members, and the strength is still maintained at about the same figure. The present oflBcers of the society are, Pres., Joseph F. Manning; V. P., John Down; Sec, P. W. Crowe ; Treas., Frank Bradley. Regular meetings are held every Sunday afternoon, in Fenian Hall, on Main street.

Ancient Order of Hiberniang. - Lodge No. 1 of this Order was organized in Peoria April 18, 1875, with 19 original members. On 25th of the same month, its first election of oflBcers was held, with the following result: County Delegate, Eugene McCarthy; Pres., Thos. J. Kelly ; V. P., M. J. Cody ; Fin. Sec, James E. Walsh ; Cor. Sec, Jos. F. Manning ; Treas., James R. Murphy, and they were forthwith installed in oflBce, by County Delegate Gallagher. The present membership is about 45, and its oflBcers are, Pres., John Downs ; V. P., Lawrence Dwyer ; Sec, D. J. Allmon ; Fin. Sec, John Dolan ; Treas., James McGinn ; State's Delegate, P. W. Gallagher ; County Delegate, J. G. Higgins. The Regular meetings of the Society are on the first Sunday afternoon of each month, at Fenian Hall, on Main Street.

Benevolent And Miscellaneous Societies

Woman's Refuge of Reform. - This institution was first opened in January, 1877, by a few benevolent Christian ladies of the city, who became impressed with the necessity of its estalilishment, in the course of their labors while connected with other charitable societies. It was designed for the reformation of fallen women, and to afford them a Refuge secure from their former associates, where they might form and mature good resolutions, under the influence of the prayers and counsels of these noble women. la June, 1877, the Refuge was closed, and remained so until the loth day of October following, when it was opened with Mrs. McCoy as Matron. In Ajjril, 1878, the present organization was formed, and the society was incorporated under charter in the following year. The first Refuge was on Hale Street, where it remained for about two years, thence removing to G13 N. Washington .Street, and then in December, 1879, to its present location at 913, 4th Street. The ladies who are interested in it, make regular visits to the houses of prostitution in the city, and try to induce the girls to come to the Refuge. After a residence in it of a year, to permit the growth of good resolutions for the future, and to test the sincerity of their desires to reform, they are either returned to tiieir friends, or good places are fivind for them in Christian liomcs. During their stay in the Refuge, they assist in their own support by sewing, etc Since October 15, 1877, till now, upwards of '25 girls have been regularly admitted to the home and have stayed in it for considerable periods, and four or five others have stayed for short periods, on trial. Of this number, the ladies have good rea.son to believe, ten are doing well, and several girls who have experienced the beneficial influences of the Refuge, have since been married. The home lias at jiresent, two inmates, and can acconunodate six. It is supported solely by ciiaritable donations, and although much of the coal and almost all the provisions are thus contriliuted. it still takes almost iJ500 a year in cash to meet its requirements. The present oflBcers of the Society are, president. Mrs. Wm. Weis : vicepresidents, Mrs. Fall and Mrs. Hallcoml) ; secretary, Mrs. Wm. Reynolds ; treasurer, Mrs. I. Ficnton ; Matron, Mrs. Chase. Regular meetings are held at tlie Refuge every second Wednesday afternoon.

Ladies' Hebrew Benevolent Society is the oldest Hebrew Benevolent Society in the city, and was organized about twenty-two years ago, by the Hebrew Indies of Peoria, for the cart- of their resident |)0()r, and also of needy sojourners of their own faitii who miu'lit be temporarily resident in it. It was born of a strong feeling of sympathy for the sufferings entailed by poverty, and has beeu in active, helpful oxisteucu ever sinuu. Mrs.

Henry C. Ullman, Mrs. Goodhart, and Mrs. Frank, were prominently connected with the organization of the society, and Mrs. Ullman is now, and has been for the past thirteen years, its president. There are about twenty-five active members, all of whom occupy prominent positions in the Hebrew society of the city. The charity is dispensed by a standing committee, appointed annually by the president, which for the present year consists of the following ladies : Mrs. Schwartzmann, Mrs. Loewenthal, and Mrs. Frank. The other officers of the society are : Vice-president, Mrs. Max Newman ; cashier, Mrs. Lj'on ; secretary, Mrs. Schradzki ; sick committee, Mrs. Jacob Swabacher and Mrs. Aaron Ullman. Regular meetings are held at Jewish church on Fulton Street, on the first Sunday of each month.

Peoria Hehreiv Relief Association. - This society was organized by some of the Hebrew ladies of the city, about four years ago, and has for its object the relief and assistance, in the way of clothing and the necessaries of life, of the poor in the city, without reference to creed or nationality. In certain pressing cases, money is also given. The materials for clothing ai-e bought by the purchasing committee, which consists for the presentyearof Mrs. Henry Ullman and Mrs. Schradzki, made up by the members at their homes, and the garments, when completed, are distributed under the supervision of the visiting committee. Much of the relief thus dispensed is to needy Gentile families. For the present year the officers of the association are : President, Mrs. Loewenthal ; vice-president, Mrs. Jacob Swabacher; cashier, Mrs. Henry Ullman; secretary, Mrs. A. Schradzki.

The Sisters of Peace. - This society is composed of Hebrew ladies, and has for its object the assistance and relief of the poor of their own faith in the city. It has been in existence about six years; was organized under the efforts of the Mrs. Woolner, Bennett, and Nusbaun, and has been the medium through which much practical charity has been dispensed. Mrs. Weal is now president ; Mrs. Woolner, cashier ; and Miss F. Bennett, secretar}'. Its meetings are held on the first Sunday in each month, in the Jewish church on Seventh Street.

Masonic Benefit Association of Illinois was organized in Peoria in 1879, and incorporated June 9, of that year. " The objects of this association are, to benefit the widows, orphans, heirs or devisees of deceased members, and for no other purposes whatever." The requisite qualifications for membership are, that the applicant be an affiliated Master Mason, in good standing, a resident of the United States of America, in good health, and between twenty-one and sixty years of age. The benefit in case of death, is on the mutual plan, and is raised by assessment, upon the surviving members. The assessment is fixed according to age at time of admission to membership, and never changes thereafter. The association consists of four divisions. The benefit in the first division, is limited to $1,000. In the second to $2,000. In the third to $3,000, and in the fourth to $5,000, but the membership in each division is unlimited. The officers of the association are : President, P. J. Singer ; vice president, B. Meals ; secretary, F. H. Wagner ; treasurer, John C. Yates ; medical director, H. Steele, M. D. ; general agent, John Thomas; directors, H. P. Tracy, Elm wood ; A. B. Sawyer, Pekin, and C. J. Off, T. D. Gault, B. Meals, J. J. Steiger, A. L. Schimpff, Alex. Hearst and P. J. Singer of Peoria. The offices of the association are at 428 South Washington Street, where the regular business meetings are held, on the second Tuesday in each month.

Peoples' Loan and Homestead Association. - The charter under which this association does business, bears date June 12, 1874, and the association itself was organized January 21, 1878. Its object is, "- to accumulate capital, to be loaned only among the members, for the purpose of building and improving homesteads." Its present membership is about 417, and its officers are: President, F. Cantelo ; secretary, S. N. Kinney. The stock is issued in series semi-annually, and the number of shares now in force is 5,084.

The total assets were $52,042.90 at date of la.st report, and its rate of interest l^f per cent, per annum. Regular meetings on third Monda}- of each month.

Catholic Societies

St. Mary's Catholic Benevolent Society was organized in 1872, in connection with St. Mary's Parish, and iiad about forty original members. Its funds are derived from small monthl}- payments, and members while disabled through sickness or accident, receive a weeklj- benefit therefrom. In case of death, an assessment is made upon each member, sufficient to pay all funeral expenses, etc. Its present officers are : President, Andrew Doyle ; vice president, James Gowran ; secretary, James Durkin ; treasurer, Nicholas Bourke ; Board of Managers, William Cosgrove, James Kenny, Thos. Moran, P. Mc- Hugh and C. Flannigan. Regular meetings on first Sunday in each month, in the Hall of St. Mary's School.

Knights of Father yiatthew. - This order was organized in Peoria in August, 1877, is a combined total-abstinence and benefit society. Tiie order is quite strong, and the members make a fine appearance in their striking uniform, whenever tliey appear in public. Members must be Catholics, and between the ages of sixteen antl thirt^'-five years. Members while sick receive a weekly benefit of fo for ten weeks, and in case of death f.50 is devoted for the purpose of defraying funeral expenses. The present officers of the society are : Chief Sir Knight, D. J. Allman ; deputy sir knight, D. Donovan ; recorder, James Cullen ; financial recorder, Wm. J. O'Brien ; corresponding recorder, Thos. F. Crowe; banker, Thos. O'Sliaughnessy ; gi-and commander, James Cullen ; commander, E. J. O'Rourk ; senior commander, T. J. Grace ; junior commander, Dennis O'Brien. Regular meetings are held in St. Mary's School Hall.

Father Matthew's Total Abstinence a)id Benevolent Society is connected with St. Patrick's Parish, and was organized September 21, 1873. The objects of the society are indicated b}' its name. It has 130 members and is presided over by William Welch.

Benevolent and temperance societies are in existence in connection with all the other parishes in the cit}-, but owing to the difficulty of finding their officers we are unable to give detailed particulars regarding them.

German Workinynien's Society. - This societ)' was organized about 1859, and was incorporated under charter in the following year. It is a mutual benefit society. Its funds are kept up liy small weekly payments from each member wliile in liealth, and when the dark days of sickness and death come a sufficient sum may be drawn therefrom to meet the requirements of the case. The membersliip is not strictly confined to Germans, Ijut as all its business is conducted in tiiat language, tliere are few, if any of its members, wlio are not conversant with it. Its business affairs are well and conservatively managed, and it has a reserve fund of $2,000 with which to meet any extraordinary call upon it. The society has about 125 members, and its present officers are: President, Adam Lucas ; vice president, Timothy Weisbrook ; secretary, Cliris. Jager ;

Workingmens Loan and Homestead Association was organized August 1, 1873, and shortly thereafter incorporated under the laws of the State. Has now about 500 stockholders ; a nominal capital of $500,000 and paid up capital of about $175,000. Tiie present officers are: President, R. C. firier; secretary, J. D. McClure. Tlie regular meetings of the association are on the first Monday evening of each month, in the old Court-house on Hamilton Street.

German Fire Insurance Co. of Peoria. - Tliis is the only local insurance company in the county, and was incorporated May 10, 1876, under the laws of tlie State, and began business on 12t]i of same montli. It is doing a large, safe and profitable busine.>is, confined exclusively to the State of Illinois, and as a matter of policy takes no risks either in Chicago or East St. Louis. The company is enterprising in pursuit of business, and has 400 agents tliroughout the State. It is authorized to issue stock to the amount of $500,000, and tlie paid up capital is 1100,000. Premium receipts for last year were about $34,000, and interest receipts nearly $6,000. Net surplus as i-egards policy-holders, after deducting reinsured reserve, and all other claims against the company is $105,476.41. The head office is at 421 S. Washington Street, and the present officers of the company are : President, Louis Green ; vice president, Bernard Cremer ; secretar}', F. H. Wagner ; treasurer, M. Pfeifer ; general agent, D. B. Phelps ; special agent, F. E. Chase.