Boone County, Indiana - Chapter 20: Civic and Benevolent Societies, 1914

Chapter 20: Civic and Benevolent Societies

The essential basis of most secret orders is to bring together men of every sect and opinion and to establish friendship among those who might otherwise remain at perpetual distance. These organizations give their membership a broader idea of and a greater field for practicing the principles of charity, benevolence, love, truth, hope, fidelity, patriotism, friendship, etc.

Many of them have also incorporated in their tenets the dispersal of benefits to the sick and distressed and to the relief of the widow and orphan. These institutions have thousands of members, each obligated to work for the betterment of society and the elevation of their fellowmen. We have sought information from the various lodges of the county, but in many cases have received no response. It shall be our endeavor to make brief mention of each lodge and society in the county and should any lodge not be mentioned it will be because no data has been received from it.

Free And Accepted Masons

Boone Lodge 9, Thorntown; this was among the early lodges of the state. The charter was granted to Harvey G. Hazelrigg, worshipful master; Silas M. White, senior warden and Joseph D. Davis, junior warden, and was continued at Thorntown until 1849 when the place of meeting was changed to Lebanon and named Boone Lodge No. 9, and Thorntown lodge was given 113 instead of No. 9; Zion 197, Zionsville : Hazelrigg 200, Jamestown, Celestial 525, Whitestown; Rosston 528, Rosston.

Boone Lodge No. 9, Free And Accepted Masons

This lodge was organized in some southern county of the state, afterwards discontinued, and the number was given to the lodge organized at first at Thorntown and called Thorntown Lodge No. 9, Free and Accepted Masons. It was discontinued at Thorntown and the number given to Lebanon and name, Boone Lodge No. 9, Free and Accepted Masons was given. The charter was granted May 29, 1845.

Officers 19 1 2 - Ben Hartley Coombs, worshipful master; Louis S. Sterling, senior warden ; Earl Higgins, junior warden ; Will Sims Ritchie, treasurer: Ivory C. Tolle, secretary; William Henry Orear, Jr., senior deacon; Edward George Orear, junior deacon; Brush H. Mclntire. steward; Rolla C. Williams, steward; Perry C. Swigett, tyler. Stated meetings, second Friday evening of each month.

Free And Accepted Masons, Thorntown, Indiana

Thorntown Lodge No. 113. This charter was issued to Darlington Lodge, May 30, 185 1. The name was changed May 25, 1852, to Thorntown Lodge No. 113.

Officers 1 91 2 - E. A. Godley, worshipful master; Nathan Riley, senior warden; Earl B. McCorkle, junior warden; Frank N. Armstrong, treasurer; William M. Myers, secretary; Virgil W. Moore, senior deacon; George W. Ritter, Jr., junior deacon; Edward C. Weakley, steward; William A. Pearson, steward; Baxter McBain, tyler. Stated meetings first Tuesday of each month.

Officers 1912 - George Berry, worshipful master; Hugh A. Johnson, senior warden; Pirtel N. Shaw, junior warden; Ira E. Conrad, treasurer; H. H. Avery, secretary; William H. Palmer, senior deacon; Raphael P. Bundy, junior deacon; Henry C. Berry, steward; John R. Moore, steward; Frank S. Anderson, tyler. Stated meeting, Tuesday on or before the full

Officers 1912 - Marvin M. Porter, worshipful master; Thomas R. Johnson, senior warden: Elmer Shirley, junior warden; Frank Porter, treasurer; Paul Martin, secretary; Elisha M. Dale, senior deacon; Arthur Joseph, junior deacon ; James Routh, steward ; George W. Grove, steward ; Harvey D. Raninger, tyler. Stated meetings, Friday on or before the full moon.

Officers of 1912 - Clyde Hull, worshipful master; Francis A. Stark, senior warden; Clive Cline, junior warden; Walter Schooler, treasurer; Clyde O. Laughner, secretary; Minnis L. Ottinger, senior deacon; Charles Good, junior deacon ; Butler Huckleberry, steward ; John Ditzenberger, steward ; Edward Livengood, tyler. Stated meetings, Wednesday, before the full moon.

senior warden; Frederick U. Lanham, junior warden; Ben W. Whitehead, treasurer; John M. Kiser, secretary; James P. New, senior deacon; Arlis Staton, junior deacon ; Charles O. Peters, steward ; Thomas W. Padgett, steward. Stated meetings, second and fourth Saturday each month.

Officers 1912 - William H. Clark, worshipful master; Samuel McMullin, senior warden; Levi M. Craig, junior warden; Richard R. Ryan, treasurer; Harry B. Harting, secretary ; Omer Love, steward ; Jesse Blaubaugh, steward ; Richard R. Ryan, tyler. Stated meetings, second and fourth of each month.

Officers of 1912 - H. O. Bennett, worshipful master; John M. Sandy, senior warden; Joseph B. Graves, junior warden; Marion Riner, treasurer; Thomas E. Burrin, secretary; Ivan Crawford, senior deacon; Carl Riner, junior deacon; Ralph Jones, steward; Pierce McClain, steward; Merrit Mc- Clain, tyler. Stated meetings on or before each full moon.

Officers 1912 - Thomas W. Huckstep, high priest; Henry A. Flickinger, eminent king; George W. Campbell, eminent scribe ; Will S. Ritchie, treasurer; Ivory C. Tolle, secretary; William H. Orear, captain of hosts; Ben H. Coombs, principal sojourner; Earl B. Cox, royal arch captain; James A. Bassett, master third vale ; Louis F. Sterling, master second vale ; Edward G. Orear, master first vale; Perry C. Swiggett, guard. Stated meetings, second Wednesday of each month.

Officers 19 1 2 - Thomas W. Huckstep, thrice illustrious master; Carl Higgins, right illustrious divine master; Will S. Ritchie, illustrious past senior warden; Joseph F. Trowbridge, treasurer; Ivory C. Tolle, recorder; Ben H. Coombs, captain of guards; William H. Green, conductor of council; George M. Comley, steward ; Perry C. Swiggett, sentinel.

Officers 1912 - Charles C. LaFollette. eminent commander; Earl Higgins, generalissimo; Charles Hartman, captain; Gen. Ben F. McKey, senior warden; Ben H. Coombs, junior warden; Lester F. Jones, prelate: George W. Campbell, treasurer; Ivory C. Tolle, recorder; Bert Winters, standard bearer;

Nathan Riley, sword bearer; Everett N. Hurst, warder; Perry C. Swiggett, sentinel. Stated conclaves, first and third Wednesday evenings of each month.

Officers 1912 - Mrs. Pearl Goodwin, worthy matron; Walter Schooler, worthy patron; Julia Dulin, assistant matron; Mrs. Effie Livengood, secretary; Mrs. Maggie Huckleberry, treasurer; Jna Morris, conductress; Mattie Schooler, assistant conductress ; Mrs. Mary Marshall, chaplain ; Emma Turner, marshal; Mrs. Eva Dulin Ottinger, Adah; Vina Dulin, Ruth; Bonnie McKinsey, Esther ; Oma Dulin, Martha ; Savanah Bryce, Electa ; Ida Livengood, warden; Butler Huckelberry, sentinel; Cora McKinney, organist. Regular meetings, after the full moon of each month.

Lebanon Lodge No. 635, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, was instituted on July 25, 1901, with thirty-four charter members, as follows: (3o)

Lebanon Lodge has one hundred and seventy-two active members December i, 1 91 4, and the officers are as follows: Exalted ruler, Walter H. Hodge; esteemed leading knight, Omer A. Burgin; esteemed loyal knight, William J. Wood; esteemed lecturing knight. Noble P. Shelby; secretary, J. Richard Beck; treasurer, Len Titus; tyler, Norval H. Neas; esquire, Floyd N. Worrell ; inner guard, John Huber ; chaplain, Asher C. Jacobs ; trustees, J. Ed. Riley, Earl M. Adney, Frank O. Meyers. . .

Modern Woodmen

This order has several nourishing camps located in the county, but we have not been able to obtain a full report of each that we desired for this work. There is a camp at Thorntown, Number 5069, Dr. J. S. Shields, clerk. There are two camps at Lebanon. Ora Nelson is clerk of the old camp. There is also a camp located at Zionsville, with Doctor Brendel as clerk, one at Elizaville, with Ed. Silver as clerk. There are also camps at Whitestown, Max and at Jamestown.

Cedar Camp No. 1019, Royal Neighbors of America, is the ladies auxiliary of the Modern Woodmen and meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month. It was organized May 15, 1897.

Improved Order Of Red Men

members of Red Cloud Tribe No. 78, of Indianapolis, Indiana. The chiefs elected were: Prophet, L. V. B. Taylor; Sachem, John M. Scott; Senior Sagamore, Dr. W. P. Parr ; Junior Sagamore, William O. Berryhill ; Chief of Records, Robert W. Matthews; K. of W., Samuel S. Daily.

Members of Winnebago Tribe organized the tribes at Frankfort, Clinton county; Zionsville, Thorntown, Jamestown, Advance, Whitestown, Fayette, Elizaville, Mechanicsburg and Rosston, Boone county. They also have been factors in the organization of several tribes in adjoining counties.

Tribes now in Boone county are as follows : Winnebago No. 36, Lebanon, 508 members, Chief of Records, W. D. Martin; Nipmuck No. 141, Advance, 216 members, Chief of Records, Charles E. McClain, box 135; Calumet No. 166, Jamestown, 70 members, Chief of Records, C. H. Goudy; Oniska No. 225, Reese's Mill, 114 members, Chief of Records, John S. More, R. R. 9, Lebanon; Metoska, No. 273, Rosston, 146 members, Chief of Records, Perry T. Hancock; Ouequa No. 386, Elizaville, 115 members, Chief of Records, John F. McKinley, R. R. 6; Merrimac No. 404, Whitestown, 92 members, Chief of Records, L. E. Smith; Tonapah No. 429, Fayette, 88 members, Chief of Records, Ronald Everett, R. R. 1, Brownsburg: Zecana No. 504, Zionsville, 121 members, Chief of Records, Andrew Sheets.

All pay a death benefit on death of the wife of a member, also a funeral benefit on death of a member, the majority of the tribes pay $1.00 for each member in good standing to the family on the decease of a member.

There is also the degree of Pocahontas which is under the control of the Great Council of the United States Improved Order of Red Men; this branch of the order is prospering and doing a good work. While this degree is controlled and directed in this state by the women, who are the chiefs and officials, any Red Man in good standing in his tribe can become a member of this degree and have a voice in the proceedings of councils.

Grand Army Of The Republic

The second Grand Army of the Republic organized in the state of Indiana was the McPherson Post No. 2, at Lebanon, was in 1866. It continued for several years, but finally surrendered its charter. Among its original members were Capt. Felix Shumate, Capt. J. O. Pedigo, J. M. Martin, H. Olive, Capt. T. H. Martin and others.

Rich Mountain Post No. 42, Lebanon, was organized January 19, 1882, with the following post officers: Jesse Neff, post commander; W. H. Schultz, senior vice-commander; Jacob S. Cobb, junior commander; Felix Shumate, officer of the day; W. H. Jacks, officer of the guard; Charles W. Scott, quartermaster; J. O. Pedigo, adjutant and D. M. Burns, chaplain. The post was organized by Gen. James R. Carnahan, who was Department Commander at that time.

In the new court house is provided commodious apartments for the Grand Army of the Republic on the first floor, well fitted and arranged for their accommodation and comfort. The long lapse of time since the Civil war has thinned the ranks of the veterans, so that the post at Thorntown and many other posts in the county, have been discontinued and the few remaining have changed their membership to the post at Lebanon. A few more years at best, and all the braves of the war of 1861-65 will be at rest in the realm of triumph where they war no more. The honored band becomes history complete and their names will be retained in the memory of a grateful people as the years roll by. The country with its preserved institutions of liberty and equal rights will remain as the lasting monument of their bravery and sacrifice. The baptism of that struggle established the permanency of our institutions and the stability of our union. Wars may cease, and the Grand Army of the Republic, as an institution may pass away in the progress of civilization, but the principles and the sacrifices of men to maintain them, will stand as the rocks and be a lasting monument to the memory of those that stood in battle for their maintenance.

The local organization of the Woman's Relief Corps was instituted June 21, 1889, by Mrs. Melissa Caylor, of Indianapolis, who was then department president. She was assisted by the Westfield corps. There

The local Woman's Relief Corps now has 112 members, and the organization is doing much good in looking after the widows and orphans of deceased soldiers. The present officers of the Woman's Relief Corps are: President, Isabelle Bennett; senior vice, Lizzie Roberts; junior vice, Eliza Powell; secretary, Alice Lanpher; treasurer, Sarah Watts; guard, Emma Hamilton ; assistant, Nannie Trees ; conductress, Dorothy Kincaid ; assistant, Pet Cobb; chaplain, Sadie Saunders; press correspondent, Sarah Osborne; patriotic instructor, Anna Frank ; first color bearer, Alice Stephenson ; second color bearer, Nora Chambers; third color bearer, Mattie Abernathy; fourth color bearer, Nora Chambers; pianist, Martha Wheeler.

The following are the names of Lebanon clubs, giving the names of the president and secretary of each: Magazine, federated, Mrs. Ethel Coombs, president; Mrs. Winafred Fish, secretary; Research Club, federated ; Mrs. Belle Hutchings, president ; Mrs. Ella Lane, secretary ; Tourist Club, federated ; Mrs. Cora Williams, president ; Mrs. Clara Bush, secretary ; Bay View Club, federated; Mrs. Ella Shumate, president; Mrs. Delia Jones, secretary ; Florentine Club, not federated ; Mrs. Mary Hadley, president ; Miss Helen Caldwell, secretary ; Travel Club, not federated ; Mrs. Carrie Edwards, president; Miss Katherine Wilson, secretary; Domestic Science Club, not federated; Mrs. Jessie Coons, president; Mrs. Adah Richey, secretary;

Knights Of Pythias

Thorntown Lodge No. 124, present officers, July 1, 1914: Chancellor commander, Albert Cassady; vice-chancellor, Fred Campbell; prelate, John Hewett; master of exchequer, Arthur C. Taylor; master of finance, Joe C. Jaques; keeper of records and seal, W. W. Smiley; master of arms, Bert Miller; inner guard, J. Denney; outer guard, Sherman Gregory; trustees, S. V. Titus, H. W. Huber, Al Griffin.

Thorntown Lodge No. 124, Knights of Pythias was organized April 27, 1885: Chancellor commander, Milroy L. Witt; vice-chancellor, J. W. Witt; prelate, S. L Potter; master of Arms, Foster Vestel; master of exchequer, Everett E. Moffitt ; master of finance, Charles M. Thompson; keeper of records and seal, Carrol E. Young; inner guard, J. D. C. Hammond; outer guard, F. E. Clark; trustees, R. S. Stall, James P. Staley, T. E. Bradshaw.

Chapter A, P. E. O. Sisterhood

A chapter was organized at Lebanon in August, 1888. Charter members, Mrs. Kate Kelsey, Mrs. May Wilson, Mrs. Josie Saltzgaber, Mrs. Mollie Lane, Mrs. Maggie Davis, Mrs. Delia Vantruys, Mrs. Neva Busby. Was disbanded later.

Thorntown P. E. O. Chapter has lived to be near twenty-nine years old and is a loyal P. E. O. chapter. All the members are busy women, with the various duties that come their way as housewives, teachers and various occupations - but by adhering to the principles of this sisterhood, the P. E. O. star brightens the path and distributes pleasure in the lives of those with whom it comes in contact.

"In Life - not death Hearts need fond words to help them on their way, Need tender thoughts, and gentle sympathy Caresses, pleasant looks to cheer each passing day Then hoard them not, until they useless be

Facts About P. E. O.

Organized by seven girls at Wesleyan University, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, in January, 1869, composed of local chapters, state grand chapters and supreme chapter.

More Than A Century Of Temperance

From the time of Noah there has been drunkenness in the land. The first temperance association on record, since the days of the Rechabites - the first society organized - was at Moreau in Saratoga county, New York, in the year 1808 and was called the Moreau and Northumberland Temperance Society. Forty-seven citizens signed the articles of association and began operations. They sent our circulars to different parts of Europe giving the rise and purpose of their organization.

The constitution of the society provided that no member should drink rum, gin, whiskey, wine, or any distilled spirits, under a penalty of "twentyfive cents." It was deemed prudent to make an exception in favor of wine at public dinners.

In 1809 at New York "The Greenfield and Milton Temperance Society" was organized, on a similar basis except the wine clause was rejected. In June, 1812, a temperance society was organized at Bath, Maine, and a great bloodless revolution was begun by the General Assembly of Connecticut, recommending all the ministers to preach on the evils of intemperance as it then existed. A careful estimate gave 40,000 distilleries throwing out thirty million gallons of intoxicants among nine million people. In 1813 the Massachusetts society was organized at Boston and exerted a wide-spread influence.

epoch at hand. It was during these years that Dr. Lyman Beecher published his series of sermons, which produced a great excitement wherever read.

In 1828 there were over two hundred societies in the United States; in 1829 their number had increased to one thousand; and in 1832, ten thousand societies were reported by the American Temperance Society, embracing a membership of five hundred thousand.

In 1833 the American Temperance Union organized on the 24th day of May in Philadelphia, two hundred and forty delegates present declared the "traffic in ardent spirits is morally wrong." A number of societies were organized on this broad platform, and in May over eight thousand members of the New York State Societies had signed the cold-water pledge, which number in two years grew to eighteen thousand members. Sweden, Denmark, Prussia and Russia had also become interested in the temperance doctrine wafted to their shores by American philanthropy.

In 1840 Washingtonianism arose. In less than two years some hundreds of thousands signed the pledge of total abstinence, among whom were reputed to be fifty thousand drunkards.

In September, 1842, in Teetotaler's Hall, 71 Division street, New York, "The Order of Sons of Temperance" was formed, which in time arose to a national division, which became the guiding intellect of the movement, while the grand and subordinate divisions are its actual existence, as the representative of temperance.

In 1845, December 5th, the Good Templars were organized in New York, the first temple being in that city. No one was eligible as a member except a member of the Sons of Temperance. There arose a controversy between Templars and the Sons of Temperance, which was never harmonized and the Good Templars declared themselves free at Cincinnati in the year 1849.

In 1846 the liquor traffic was suppressed in Maine. In 185 1 the Neal Dow Prohibition Maine law was passed, with a penalty of confiscating the liquors. This led to the organization of the National Liquor Dealers' Association in New York the same year, 185 1. This association passed a resolution and stuck to it to this day : "That no candidate of any political party or faction will be supported by us who has not given his declaration in writing, that in case of election, he will act and vote against the Maine liquor law, or a law similar to it."

The early agitation of the slavery question was contemporaneous with the agitation of the liquor question. Each had been fomenting from the beginning of the century. It waxed hotter and hotter. The great senator of Massachusetts was caned in the senate because of his speech against slavery. The primary battle was fought in Kansas, where blood ran hot and fierce radicals were bred on either sides. John Brown carried the war into the Old Dominion and drew sword for the freedom of the slave. The powers of Virginia were too much for him, and Governor Wise had him swung between heaven and earth. The real fight was now on. Blood ran hot. The temperance question was overshadowed. Thorntown, Boone county, was in the forefront of the double battle against slavery and the liquor vending. Kansas won for freedom. Lincoln was elected, and the real fight was on in earnest. The sword was drawn across the continent and blood flowed freely. The Rumites were vigilant for their own interests and the government was so eager in the fray against the slave power that was threatening the life of the government, that it lost sight of this subtle enemy, and actually took him into partnership, to raise money to prosecute the war for the salvation of the nation. During the smoke and din of the fearful battle, the red-dragon was hid from sight. All eyes and all forces were turned against the armies for slavery. As soon as the battle was over, and the smoke cleared away his heinous form arose to view; and men began to organize for a continuance of the battle, until men are free indeed and the last despot in the nation is subdued. In 1869 the Prohibitionists organized for political action; the fierce Crusade of the Women came upon the stage in 1873 and 1874 which sowed the seed for the W. C. T. U. that stands as an invincible army to this day. The sly "Raster Resolution" was passed that pledged the second great political organization to the liquor interest. Thus early in the 70's the great battle for moral principles is lined up for action. For more than a century the war has progressed and it is still raging. When and where the end will be, God alone can tell. We rest in the assurance that as sure as there is a living God in the heavens the right must triumph. The flood of rum became so overwhelming that the blue and red-ribbon movements were organized to save the victims that were swept down by the Phlegethon of rum.

In 1884, July 24th, the men and women of Indiana met in convention to organize for political action against the rum power. This division of the army is still in the field with its armor on to do battle at the polls. We are living in an age when the church, all benevolent orders, commercial interests, our institutions of learning and public sentiment are lined up against the advocates of the liquor traffic. ,

In 1854 Indiana voted for prohibition and the following legislature enacted a law to that effect. It stood for about six months and was knocked out by the Supreme Court of the state.

The Local Fight

Soon after the court's decision, localities over the state took up the fight. The citizens of Thorntown were in the midst of this fray, with the women in the foreground. The keepers of the doggeries were asked to desist their business of making drunkards. They were at that time not dignified as saloons and cafes with a license on the wall from the state to do the deadly work. The men did not close their doggeries and the women armed themselves with axes and clubs, marched in a body to the dens and demolished them and poured the vile stuff into the gutters. The bravest of the heroines knocking in the heads of the barrels with an ax. This action ended the tratfic in Thorntown and the moral standing of the community kept it out for seventeen years.

After the organization of the national prohibition party in 1869 and the adoption of the Raster resolution by the Republicans in national convention of 1872 came another woman's crusade, with songs and prayers, this time instead of clubs and axes. The movement was simply marvelous, since it was God's work. The women actually prayed the saloons out of business. This tide arose in New York and Ohio and swept over the land. The women of Boone county were in the midst of the moral fight. As soon as the wave passed, the saloon men, backed by the strong arm of the license law, resumed business. The crusade and its prayers were overwhelmed by the statute of the state that supported the iniquity. Then came the organization of the W. C. T. U. that stands to this day in the fight. We would like to mention the noble women in Boone county that led out in this work and call the roll of honor that hold up the banner.

The liquor traffic, backed by the law of the state, prevailed and set up business in Lebanon, Thorntown and all other towns in Boone county. The local fight and throughout the state continued. The state prohibition party was organized at Indianapolis July 23-24, 1884, to oppose the law that legalizes the saloon. The first Prohibition convention held in Boone county was at Zionsville September, 1884. The first prohibition address in the county was at the Baptist church in Thorntown, October, 1884, by Col. Eli F. Ritter, of Indianapolis. During this long fight it was found out that prayers, and moral sentiment would not keep out the saloon as long as it was set up by the votes of men. From this knowledge came local and county option and by votes the saloon was shut out of Thorntown and Lebanon and the entire county. We trust under this system they are out to stay, although in some localities they are reinstated and retained by the votes of the people. Whenever civic ethics attain to the point that there are things that majorities have no right to enforce over minorities, then the liquor curse is doomed in all civilized lands. Class drunkard making as a crime, which it is, of deepest dye - and its legalization, will end as others have ended. The majority has no right in civics, or under the law of God to take property or life or character of the souls of men. Slowly and surely the people of Boone are growing toward this acme of civilization. It is a fight typical of the conflict in the state and the nation, aye, is world wide. Wherever there is a human being this principle of humanity must content. The church must lead if it follows the Master and all other forces must join hand and heart against the common enemy. The most effective implements of warfare must be used. We are glad to live in a county where no one has legal authority to make another drunk, to take his life, character or soul. This standard means lots in progress. Thanks to the men and women who helped lift up the standard. We trust that it will never be lowered, but spread until it involves the state and all mankind in its righteous folds.

An Indian S Plea For Prohibition

(The following article is written for The New Times by the venerable Simon Pokagon, chief of the Pottawattomie Indians. It will be remembered that Chicago stands today on the land which was ceded by the fathers of Pokagon to the United States government for a small consideration. A large portion of Chief Pokagon's life, however, has been spent in securing from the government payment for the land thus purchased.

There is something very charming in the quaint phraseology and the earnest rhetoric of this child of the forest, while his appeal, coming as a warning voice from an honored patriarch among a vanishing people, has a melancholy interest. - B. O. F.)

Although by nature a child of the forest, and born a chief, yet by adoption I am a citizen of the United States, having the right of petition. I must confess I hate the "beverage of Hell" with a bitter hate. Were it an enemy outside our lines I should not so fear the dangerous foe. But alas, it is a traitor within our camp that embraces with a kiss, then bites like a snake, without the warning rattle. Pokagon has felt in his heart for half a century that there is no good reason why this soulless monster should not be utterly destroyed. My native brain is, indeed, puzzled to understand how it is that the incoming white race, who, by their intelligence and skill, have invented instruments whereby they can measure the heavens above and tell the substances of which the stars are composed, who have provided means whereby they can travel at ease in palaces, sweeping above rivers, cutting through mountains, and outstripping the flight of birds in their migrations, who have constructed vessels in which they can enjoy parlor life while crossing oceans in the face of the wildest storm; who have perfected inventions which enable them to rise above the eagle in his heavenward flight or to descend into the depths of the sea where fish can scarcely swim, whose subtle brains have devised means whereby they can send communications around the world with lightning speed ; whose ingenuity can successfully preserve human speech, so that generations yet unborn may listen to the voices of their forefathers, from whose brains have emanated that marvelous invention by means of which a button pressed by the finger of a child causes mountains to be rent asunder, but, notwithstanding such marvelous, almost divine works, declare to all the world by words and deeds that they are not able to provide means whereby they can destroy that great devilfish which their own hands have fashioned and launched upon the sea of human life. Day by day and year by year the tentacles of this monster are permitted to reach out to do their wicked work alike in the wigwam and in the palace, in the halls of legislation, and in the courts of law, and which, all unsought and unbidden, crushes in its coils the trusting heart of the young bride, the wife, the mother, and the little child. Now, if it be true that they lack the power to destroy this great evil born of their own race, then it must also be true that the moral science of good government for the best good of all the people has not kept pace with their remarkable discoveries and inventions.

Some of the best brains of our country are now laboring night and day to perfect means by which the seeds of disease or any foreign substance in the human body may be detected, so as to aid surgery in relieving the afflicted. The people are loudly applauding their achievements, and yet these benevolent researchers and their followers, as also most of our political and moral scientists, can not, or will not, see in broad daylight the curse of the glass between the lips of our boys and young men, who are gliding down the toboggan slide of shame and disgrace to the broad gateway of physical ruin and moral death. It is well for the agriculturist to study chemistry that he may understand the properties of the soil so that he may prepare it for the golden grain. But he who would so prepare his land and sow it with the best seed and then allow the grass and weeds to choke out the young and tender plants would be considered worse than foolish. Our country is one vast field for cultivation. Science with a lavish hand has contributed ample means to properly cultivate and make it productive, and yet to the shame of this nation, cigarette weeds, whisky weeds and all manner of weeds are running it over, demoralizing alike the old man, the young man, and the little boy. Fathers and mothers, Pokagon asks you in the name of the sons of the forest, and in the name of the Great Spirit of his fathers, he asks you in the name of the God of your fathers, in the name of Christianity and humanity, is it not your duty to destroy these deadly weeds ? Certain it is that in order to attain to the most perfect type of civilization, the best good of all the people must be equally advanced along moral, mental and physical lines, and yet it must be plain to every candid thinking man who beholds intemperance sweeping over our land like a prairie fire, that the lack of moral education to map out and enforce needed legislation is the most lamentable defect of the present age.

not desire to tighten the reins, to curb physical or scientific development, but in driving the triple team that moves the giant car of civilization he would urge forward the one that lags behind, that all in harmony may keep step side by side until the goal is reached. My humble prayer is that the great and learned of this land of my fathers may in future labor as zealously to search out the true science of good government for the best good of all as they have in the past to search out the science of the physical world about them. Let knowledge and righteousness march shoulder to shoulder onward and upward until the mountain top is gained, when the perpetual sunshine of social purity will cleanse the hearts of all, breaking asunder the degrading chains of intemperance, and letting the oppressed go free.

All along our seacoasts and the shores of the Great Lakes have been erected by the United States nearly three hundred life saving stations, from whose watch towers a lookout is kept day and night for the rescue of wrecked passengers and crews. These life stations are manned by thousands of stalwart men and experienced seamen, equipped with all the latest improvements of the service at an expense of millions of dollars annually. During the last fiscal year the general superintendent of the lifesaving service with much pride reported that six hundred and thirteen lives were saved from shipwreck. The work is indeed a noble one and worthy the hearty approbation of all. And yet how limited is the field it offers for the saving of shipwrecked humanity compared with that along the vast shore of the sea of intemperance, whose tides and overwhelming waves sweep over and drown its hundreds of thousands each year. When Pokagon reflects upon the ruin this child of the devil has brought upon his once sober and happy race, he feels moved to cry aloud from the depths of his soul to the present lawgivers of his fathers' land, "Extend your life-saving service to the great ocean. of struggling humanity. Throw out the life line of prohibition and save the perishing!" For nearly sixty years I have asssociated with the white race as well as my own, and from close observation during that time I am compelled to believe that the only safe tower of refuge from the ravages of the blighting curse of intemperance is total abstinence.

In the stillness of the night, while wandering alone under the glistening canopy of heaven, asking the Great Spirit to teach Pokagon if there is any reasonable excuse why partisan politicians and statesmen should not tread upon the neck of this soulless tyrant of humanity, my petitions have always been answered. Not in the voice of thunder, nor emblazoned in characters of living fire across the vault of heaven, but in murmurs soft and low the answer has fallen upon my waiting" heart as gently as the dews of evening upon the grass and flowers, whispering in my soul, "Pokagon, there is no good excuse." Christian charities may try to clothe their nakedness by declaring to the world that they are so blinded by the love of party and so fearful of the liquor ballot that they will not hear the widow and the mother pleading; they will not see the little child and the orphan weeping; but this is no excuse. Again and again I am told that it is an easy matter to find fault ; and so it is. But not until the dove shall cease to fear the hawk that steals her young will Pokagon cease to sound the war whoop of alarm against the destroyer of your children and ours.

Come, all lovers of justice, equity, and humanity, and in the name of your God, and in the name of home and country, move bravely forward under the glorious banner of temperance. Let the general government decree that noble motto, royally begot of duty and love, to be the law of the land, and Pokagon in faith believes that the great destroyer of honor and manhood will abdicate his throne and the glorious sun of universal temperance shine upon our loved country, bringing hope and joy to millions of hearts now sad and despairing, and lighting the way to the crushing out of other giant evils which at present darken our land.

Gospel Temperance Meetings

In the summer of 1892, on July 17, the first of a series of Gospel Temperance Meetings was held in the open, at L. M. Crist's Grove. There were three hundred present, who listened to a specially prepared program. The meeting had a good effect. A number expressed a willingness to attend regularly, and would make the needed sacrifice, to make the meetings a success. So programs were statedly prepared for each summer, and the work grew in interest and educational facilities, until these gospel temperance meetings covered a period of six )'ears. Many notable speakers, both at home and abroad, filled the platform with eloquence, logic and sound gospel each Sabbath at 3 130 to 4 :t,o p. m. Not only the people from the villages and county-seat were there, but the country side oft swelled the crowd.

The highest attendance reached one thousand, July 31, 1892, when Rev. W. H. Jones, of Chicago, addressed the meeting. It was not uncommon for three hundred to be present, and on threatening shower days the crowd would dwindle down to the faithfuls, a half hundred or so; but the fort was always held. A notable outcome of the work was the pledging of the people to total abstinence by the signing of the temperance and narcotic pledges. In this way the grown-ups setting the example, many if not most of the children were saved. Someone has well remarked that "A child's trainingshould be ethical, rather than intellectual. It is easier to make a person bright than sound. Intellectual training may be gained from books, but morality cannot be printed." When the fall of the year would of necessity shut down these meetings, the faithful women workers of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union gathered in the harvest of this out-of-doors work by organizing the children pledge-signers into Loyal Temperance Legion Bands, and continuing the instruction in scientific temperance at a meeting held once a week at a hall prepared for the training. Many useful exercises and public exhibitions grew out of this work. We note with very great pleasure that the Sunday schools are now organized to carry it on successfully. We herewith submit one of the programs, showing the term covered, from June 2 to September 30, 1895, and giving the character of the meetings, which had a warm place in the hearts of the community. These meetings were held every summer for six years, beginning the first Sunday in June and closing the last Sunday in September, the first meeting being the exception, that program being a little short on time, but not in quality or tone of the speaking.

Woman And The Church

Some say "there is no scriptural authority for the prominence of woman in the church." Paul says, in Philippians 4:3, "I entreat you also, true yoke-fellow, help those women who labored with me in the gospel of Christ;"' then there are mentioned in Acts the four daughters of Philip, who were preachers and prophesied; and Luke speaks of the aged prophetess, Anna, ministering in the temple. Some say that woman is not capable of leadership, Joan of Arc followed God, and led an army to victory. Mrs. Stowe's pen was more potent than the sword of Grant, Sherman, Sheridan and Hancock, for it molded public opinion and gave inspiration to the whole Union Army. Frances E. Willard in leading the temperance host of Christian women to victory proved herself as possessing in the highest degree all the graces of true leadership. Yes, woman as well as man has genius, talents, ambition, and aspirations, and nature teaches that there is a field of action for fundamental wants or inherent desires. A worker for God and humanity is the most exalted position either for man or woman. When woman's qualifications are fully recognized as being equal with man, then the home will be more secure; saloons and gambling dens will be voted into oblivion, then Christ's kingdom will be on earth, and there will be neither Jew nor Gentile, bond nor free, male nor female. Joseph Cook says, "Hand in hand man and woman build the home; hand in hand they ought to build the state and church; hand in hand they left an earthly paradise lost; hand in hand they are likely to enter, if at all, an earthly paradise regained."

A History Unique

For twenty-four years straight suffrage planks were in the Prohibition platform, viz. : First National nominating convention, Columbus, Ohio, 1872. "The right of suffrage rests on no mere circumstance of color, race, sex or nationality, but inheres in the nature of man."

Second nominating convention, Cleveland, Ohio, 1876: "The abolition of class legislation and special privileges in the government, and the adoption of equal suffrage and eligibility to office without distincton of race, religion, property or sex."

Third nominating convention, Cleveland, Ohio, 1880: "We also demand as a right that women, having in other respects the privileges of citizens, shall be clothed with the ballot for their protection, and as a rightful means for the settlement of the liquor question."

The called convention of New York, 1881, consisting of the strongest men and women of the prohibition movement throughout the Union, adopted the following, prepared by Miss Anthony : "The withholding of the elective franchise on account of sex, in direct violation of the fundamental principles of our government is disastrous to moral, social, educational, industrial, civil and political interests; therefore we demand the ballot for women as inherent right, and as a potent weapon for securing prohibition."

Fourth nominating convention, Pittsburg, Pa., 1884: "That, believing in the civil and political equality of the sexes, and that the ballot in the hands of woman is her right for protecton and would prove a powerful ally for the abolition of the liquor traffic, the execution of the law, the promotion of reform in civil affairs, the removal of corruption in public life, we enunciate the principle and relegate the practical outworking of this reform to the discretion of the Prohibition party in the several states according to the condition of public sentiment in those states."

Fifth nominating convention, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1888: "That the right of suffrage rests on no mere circumstance of race, color, sex or nationality, and that where from any cause it has been withheld from citizens who are of suitable age and mentally and morally qualified for the exercise of an intelligent ballot, it should be restored by the people through the legislatures of the several states on such educational basis as they may deem wise."

The seventh nominating convention, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 1896,. after adopting a straight suffrage plank, nine to one, it is said, bolted from the women by substituting a single issue plank for all that was before the convention.

Effects Of Woman'S Franchise

New Zealand enfranchised woman in 1893, anc' m ^94 a local option law was passed. In 1910 it was made illegal to sell liquor to a person 'under twenty-one and the employment of bar-maids was prohibited.

In Finland woman was enfranchised in 1907, and in 1910 a prohibition bill was passed which the Czar vetoed to please France so she could have a market for her wine.

In Norway, women were enfranchised in 1908 and a bill was passed for prohibition. The government wanted to borrow money to build a railroad. They vetoed the prohibition bill to please France so she could sell her wine and she loaned them the money.

In Colorado, women were enfranchised in 1893, there has been a steady increase in its no license territory since the granting of suffrage to women.

Idaho, women were enfranchised in 1896. A law has been passed forbidding the sale of alcohol to persons under sixteen. The sale of liquor isprohibited on election days.

Oregon and Arizona are using the women's vote against the liquor trafhc and we believe that when the women of the United States are enfranchised as a whole we shall have found the strongest weapon against the liquor traffic, and every kindred evil. The liquor men are opposed to the right of franchise for women, because they feel that she will stand for the home and the child against the liquor interest or it would grant franchise to women.

Boone county is dry without the direct vote of the women. If they had the say in this county the liquor interest would never have a shadow of a chance to resume its business in Boone county.

Give the women of Indiana a chance at the monster and he would never lift his head again in the state. Dr. Anna Shaw, the accomplished and world-renowned suffragist, is quoted as saying, at the National American Woman Suffrage Association in session at Nashville, Tennessee a short time ago: "Men say the voice of the people is the voice of God, but they refuse to permit the soprano to be raised along with the bass. The great difficulty with this government is that we have been listening to one big bass solo."

In coming to this wide-awake, beautiful little village in the early eighties we found here the usual gospel temperance work going on. Regular weekly meetings were held in the various churches, and they were interdenominational, and always well attended. The spirit of these meetings was to keep the saloons out of Thorntown. In connection with this was the taking of pledges from the youths against the use of narcotics, and alcoholics, and an especial war was made against the use of cigarettes. Work with the legislature was carried on extensively to frame and pass a law against the use of cigarettes. Governor Claude Matthews signed the Scientific Temperance Bill, that instruction should be given statedly in our public schools against the use of alcoholics and narcotics. Miss Lodie Reed was presented by him with the pen with which he signed the bill. It was placed in the archives of the State Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and heart rejoicings went up all over the state from every county and local union, (a) Jail and prison work; (b) social purity; (c) flower missions, to visit the sick and shut-ins, and solace them with loving words and bouquets of flowers; this was the most popular department; (d) medal contest work, the winner receiving, ist, a silver medal; 2d, a small gold medal; 3rd, a large gold medal; and 4th, a diamond medal; (e) mothers' meetings, largely attended always; (f) peace meetings, well received; (g) the franchise department; and so on up to three score and ten departments, really growing into a college extension work to those who did their duty. It was incumbent upon the county president to attend each fall a state convention and report proceedings for her county work. From there, if choice fell to her, she would attend a national convention, usually at some city far distant, and lucky was the one who was chosen to represent her people in an international convention, such a privilege occurring usually but once in a lifetime. Boone county Woman's Christian Temperance Union was a regularly organized auxiliary of the state from the inception of the Woman's Crusade of 1873-74. Our knowledge of it begins with the early eighties. The payment of $1.00 dues entitles one to membership. It was customary to choose from the forty departments blocked out by 1st, the national; 2nd, the state organizations, such departments as were deemed best fitted for the environments with which each county had to deal. It was deemed proper to hold at the county-seat Woman's Christian Temperance Union Institutes, by some specially prepared state workers to help the local unions at Jamestown, Zionsville, Lebanon and Thorntown to fix upon the lines of work which they felt willing to take up; the state, which kept oversight, used its best endeavors to keep all in a uniform line. First, in importance stood: (a) School of Methods, to train the workers to become most efficient; (b) Evangelistic work, to keep each worker imbued with the spiritual power, which introduced us into the White Ribbon movement; (c) department of literature, intended to furnish us with correct data and knowledge of our movement; (d) scientific temperance instruction - showing the evil effects of narcotics and alcoholics. It was made a duty of the various Woman's Christian Temperance Unions to, as far as possible, co-operate with the public schools in securing this instruction. In coming to this wide-awake, beautiful little village in the early eighties we found here the usual Gospel Temperance Work going on. Regular weekly meetings were held in the various churches and they were interdenominational and always well attended. The spirit of these meetings was to keep the saloons out of Thorntown. So far, Thorntown had fought a good fight and had held the fort for prohibition, but by the aid of the legislature on March 17, 1875, the saloons were growing arrogant, and began to creep insidiously into all Indiana towns and cities; and the day came when two regularly licensed saloons were operating in this clean, classic little village to the detriment of our schools, churches and society at large. It was then that the women met in solemn conclave to pray and consider what they could do to save their sons and daughters from the ravages of the saloons. By appointment on March 26, 1885, an organization of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was effected by Mrs. Cowan, of Frankfort, at the home of Mrs. Harriet Buser, with the following as installed officers : President, Mrs. Joseph Meyers, Methodist church ; corresponding and recording secretary, Mrs. A. E. Allen, Friends church; treasurer, Mrs. Hattie Buser: vice-president at large, Mrs. A. H. Moffit, Friends church; vice-presidents, Mrs. Maiden, Baptist church; Mrs. Phebe Curryer, Methodist church; Mrs. Kate Austin, Presbyterian church; Mrs. L. M. Allen, Friends church. The constitution was read and explained by Mrs. Cowan. Thirteen ladies signed it and became supporting members. This organization grew and did heroic work for several solid years ; then deaths occurring in their midst and removal of some of the younger members, the organization was abandoned. A lapse of three years occurred at this juncture in our history. In February, 1889, there was an arousement on the part of Indiana state officers, and a communication was received by this local union from Miss Lodie Reed, corresponding secretary of the State Woman's Christian Temperance Union, who wished to make arrangements for Miss Alice Palmer, state organizer, to visit our city with a view of organizing a local union. A number of ladies met at the home of Mrs. Charles LaFollette. Miss Palmer was introduced, and after reading a choice selection from the Bible and commenting impressively thereon, she, by request, gave a brief talk, explanatory of Woman's Christian Temperance Union methods; read the constitution for the local work, and solicited joiners to sign and form a local union. The following ladies responded to the call, and became members : Mrs. Nancy J.

An election of officers was held, resulting in the choice of Mrs. J. P. Moore as president; Mrs. Lucy Bower, vice-president; Mrs. Nancy J. Roseboom, treasurer; Mrs. Phebe Curryer, secretary, and the regular time of meeting was fixed for the second Friday of each month. After a few meetings, over a score of names were enrolled, which statedly grew in numbers and influence, and is today in existence accomplishing effective work. This society casts a most lasting influence over the young, the most popular lines of work being pledge signing and Demorest medal contests, these being held statedly and prizes are given; first, a silver medal; second, a gold medal; third, a large or grand gold medal ; and fourth, a diamond medal, which entitles the winner of it to a scholarship in "The Chicago School of Expression." At the last contest held recently in Montgomery county, the prize of a grand gold medal was awarded to John Hewitt, of Thorntown, Indiana. Scientific temperance instruction is one of the important lines of work and receives its full share of attention. It pays to train the youth along moral lines. Usually from five to six out of the forty departments of the State Woman's Christian Temperance Union is all that is taken up by any one local union, but all are, unanimous on mothers' meetings. They are considered the "sine qua non" - no doing without. The following are the present officers of the Thorntown Woman's Christian Temperance Union: President, Mrs. Myrtle Lyster; vice-president, Mrs. Estelle Stubbs; treasurer. Mrs. Len Pauley; secretary, Mrs. Mattie Peery.

"I joined the Woman's Christian Temperance Union at Lebanon in 1898. This was a new organization (the old organization had disbanded). I was made vice-president at that time. Served in that office for one year. The next year was made president of the local Lebanon union, serving four years. In 1902 was elected county president, serving continuously to the present time. The union has had a steady, healthy growth from the beginning. The first work we did was to petition for and get the curfew ordinance. It has been kept in operation ever since. Then we organized the young people and the children. Thir organizations were very prosperous for a long time and did much good work. Finally they had to give up for want of a steady leader, but the work begun with the children and young people is still going on; the oratorical contests have been a special work, and a great many contests have been held annually. Contestants from neighboring counties and in some instances from other states have come to Boone county to contest for medals. All grades of contests have been held, from the lowest to the highest. Contestants ranging in age from eight years to way past middle life have been represented in the contest work, creating temperance sentiment in a very telling way and educating the public to total abstinence and prohibition. The work of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union broadens each year and new departments are taken up as conditions call for them. The departments of Equal Suffrage, Publicity Bureau and Co-operation with Missionary Societies have been added to the long list of other departments.

The local Woman's Christian Temperance Union got the blame for putting the last saloon off the public square in Lebanon a few years ago, thus crowding them all into one ward (at least the saloon keeper said if it hadn't been for the Woman's Christian Temperance Union he would have got through all right) ; and later on helped in putting them out of Lebanon.

Boone County Woman's Christian Temperance Union is working fourteen of the departments of the organization; the local unions are working about the same.

The county meetings, institutes and conventions have all been held regularly and in harmony with the state plan of work. Local meetings are held semi-monthly. Petitions for special work, legislation, etc., have always received prompt attention in our county. We also have had some of the best talent, not only of the state but of the nation, on several occasions to come before the people of Boone county to promote the cause of temperance."

Ananias Story

The Ananias Club is in a furor. There is an application from Missouri for membership. The question is on qualifications. There was a committee appointed to examine the applicant. One of the jolliest members was selected to take the Missourian down to Sugar Creek and put him through the regular prescribed practical tests and interrogations. Of course it is not expected that a new member will make a full hand the first day. He should have ample time to get his lines out and his hands in. If he is from Missouri where people do not know Ananias, he will have to be given still more time to get his tongue in proper tune and all the organs in gear so as to spin off a good thread of a story, one that will not ravel or fray at the ends. With these instructions and modifications in mind the committee man proceeds and makes report as follows : Everybody remembers that Fourth, it was ideal for fishing and testing. It was warm and rainy like. Occasionally the sun would beam out as if it was April, we were sure the fish would forget it was July and think it was April. A good place was selected by deep waters under the spreading boughs of a sycamore tree that sheltered us alike from the rain and the sun beams. They made ready for business, adjusting lines, hooks and poles and baiting properly. All the while these preliminaries were being arranged Billy in a modulated voice was telling what a good place this was to fish, what marvelous success he had had. The great string of fish he had caught and so on but at the same time admonishing Tom to keep still and not talk any or the fish would not bite. Now it so happened that our new member was not made of taciturn stuff, and his loquacity welled up and he begged permission - a story or so about his experience in fishing - while the fish were getting ready for their part of the game. I will give you some of the latest, and began in a low mellow voice, by saying, out in Missouri the streams are full of fish. The water is always muddy so you can't see them to gigger, snare or shoot, so there is no way to get them except by the skill of the hook. Yon are not allowed to seine. I went occasionally when I could get away from the office - we were so busy all the time that it was seldom 1 could get out - and always caught a good string of them just about as fast as I could throw in the hook, pull out the fish, take him off and rebait. It would only take a few moments to catch as many as I could carry home with my board bill for a week until surfeited. I want to tell you about one time especially. The day was fine, I think about the first of May. It had rained the night before but the sun shone out bright and warm. I went to the place where I had often met with good luck. The stream was muddy as usual. In that particular place it was very muddy. The old fishermen say that is a good sign. You see the fish are hungry and are rooting around for food just like so many pigs and that makes the water riley. Well I got ready in a hurry and cast out my line hoping for a good catch. I waited a long time for a bite, became impatient, drew up my line, rebaited, flung it out, waited, got restless, fidgeted around, thought some bad words, and - and - finally felt something at my hook. I still waited and watched. It pulled, I pulled, it would not budge. I held on, pulling steadily and felt it move and was sure I was hooked on to a log or something. It rose toward the surface slowly. I noticed the water began to broil around and became very muddy and finally the head of a huge turtle appeared above the water and then his whole back. My ! What a whopper ! ! He scared me. He would open his big mouth, snap at the line and try to twist it off. By and by he tucked his head under the water used his four big oars and in spite of all I could pull dived down to the bottom and anchored himself in the mud as firm as Gibralter. I would pull, could feel him stretch out his long neck as far as it would go and then fall back quickly. I did not know what to do. There was my new dollar line that I bought that morning and promised to pay for so I did not want to lose it so I kept on pulling until I got red in the face. At this juncture there came up a brawny looking fellow with sleeves above elbows, a broad brim merry widow, and still broader grin on his face. Say ! mister, wot you got? One of them ar tortles? Lots of 'em in that ar hole. I seed one in thar tother day when the water was clar five foot over. I specks yo've got 'em. Want eny help to git 'im out? I've got a rope we can yank 'im out with. We'll make a noose, put it over your line, run it down on it to the old fellow's head, slip it over his neck when he stretches it up and we will have him. While talking he was working and it was not long until we had him and went out pulling, both of us, our level best. We could not budge him. You just wait and I'll get him, and ran over in the field where he was plowing with a yoke of oxen, unhooked, brought and hitched them to the rope. He stood off a bit, cracked his whip, Tom ! Dick ! ! now to it, down ! ! ! Well they did. Bowed their heads, bent their knees and something began slowly to come. That old turtle reluctantly walked out on shore behind the oxen like a prisoner of war. What did you do with him? Why, you see, that old farmer charged me a quarter for hauling him out and I did not have the money, as is always my luck, and he took the turtle. He was worth five dollars.

Sunday Schools

Just as early as settlements became established and there were enough to form a society for a church, it was organized in each neighborhood throughout the county, then followed the establishment of Sunday schools and the children were gathered in and taught to spell and read. There would be songs, prayers, scripture-readings and study of the scriptures, all the work trending towards the uplift of the moral and religious standard of the community. This work was of very slow growth at first, especially in the rural districts. For a long time there were not enough people to support a Sunday school except in the more thickly settled portions of the county. Thorntown, Jamestown and Eagle Village were among the first to establish and maintain a Sunday school. The first struggle was to start the Sunday school. Then came the long, patient work to maintain it all through the year. In every neighborhood it was first continued through the summer, when the weather was good and the days were long. In each Sunday school the question would come up every fall, whether they should close the Sunday school until spring or continue through the winter season. Brave hearts would grapple the question and the effort would be made. Often the Sunday school would continue half-winter over and be reluctantly closed until spring. The next fall the effort would be made again and thus continued until success crowned their efforts. It was in this way through perseverance that Sunday schools were established in almost every neighborhood in the county. Like every other good work of the county, it took hard work and lots of patience and perseverance by the men and women in various sections of the county to accomplish and maintain the Sunday schools in many sections of the county. The armies of self-sacrificing Christians that carried on this pioneer work were true and faithful and have passed to their reward in glory. It was not done in a day or year but by persistent and continuous labor for years. At first, in many cases, the Sunday schools were undenominational and taught the elements of Christian living and thereby sowed the seed for a church and it came forth as a tower of strength in the wilderness to lead the people into Canaan land.

In this way and this slow process Sunday schools were established all over the county and organizations were formed to advance the general welfare of the good work. As early as 1876, county conventions were held, looking forward to the organization of the Sunday school workers throughout the county. Just when this organization was effected we are unable to gather the data. We learn that in 1876 there was a two days' county convention held at Mechanicsburg and presided over by Rev. E. R. Johnson, a Methodist minister. We regret that we have not at hand a full record of this meeting, for it must have been the beginning of a new epoch in Sunday school work in this county. Out of this meeting came a spirit that brought together the Sunday school workers of the county, which grew into a permanent organization that has continued to this day. We can find dates back to the early eighties. Partial records show the following progress of the work to the present date. The following persons have served as presidents of the association: L. M. Crist, from 1883 to 1886; James C. Hague, 1886 to 1892; W. F. Taylor, 1892 to 1900; W. T. Hooton, 1900 to 1902; B. F. Ratliff, 1902 to 1903; E. C. Gullion, 1903 to 1905: S. T. Johnson, 1905 to 1909; F. B. Brock, 1909 to 1912; J. F. Hussey. 1912 to 1914; R. S. Crose, 1914 to .

The following are the officers of the various departments elected at the convention at Zionsville in 19 14, to serve one year from date of election. These various departments have been created from year to year, showing how the work of the organization has grown since its inception. List of officers for 1914-15 :

The following report of the Elementary Department of the Boone county Sunday school work, for the year 19 13, was given by Mrs. J. D. Emmert, superintendent of the elementary work of Boone county, at the Indiana State Convention, held at Evansville, June 17, 18 and 19, 1913:

Number of schools reporting, sixty-one; number of cradle rolls, fortythree; number of babies enrolled, nine hundred and forty-seven. One school is a union school. Its babies' names are enrolled on other rolls. The two African Methodist Episcopal schools, one at Thorntown and one at Lebanon, have no babies. The youngest member at Thorntown is eleven years of age; at Lebanon, four, consequently these schools have no roll. Smallest enrollment, one baby ; largest enrollment, ninety-five babies. Number of teachers taking teacher's training course, ten; number of teachers teaching children under thirteen, one hundred and eighty-three; number of schools having a separate class or department for beginners, twenty-one; primaries, twentyone; juniors, sixteen; number of schools having regular promotions from beginners, twenty-nine; primaries, twenty-eight; juniors, twenty-four.

Report shows thirteen different denominations in county : Thirteen Methodist Episcopal, eleven Disciples, nine First Christian, six Missionary Baptist, five United Brethren, four Methodist Protestant, three Presbyterian, three regular Baptist, two African Methodist Episcopal, one Friends, one Lutheran, one United Presbyterian, one Holiness. First report was received from Esther Hopkins, Mt. Zion, Center township. First township sending in complete report, Jackson. Each school is requested to prepare hand work such as map drawing, biographies, pasting of pictures, complete books of the different grades in each department for a display either at fair or county convention.

The elementary report of 1914 shows the following growth: Number of cradle rolls, fifty-eight; number of babies enrolled, one thousand and ninety-five. The largest cradle roll in the county is at the Christian church at Zionsville, one hundred and fiftv.

County Conventions

The Indiana Sunday School Association began its work in 1857 and was reorganized in 1865. The first county convention that we have been able to obtain date was held at Mechanicsburg in 1876. We presume conventions were held prior to that date and that they were held annually ever since then but we have not been able to obtain the dates or the places where they were held.

William H. Levering, of LaFayette, the most eminent Sunday school worker of the state was invited to be present at the county convention at Thorntown of 1907, but was unable to come, owing to sickness. It proved to be his last sickness and we publish his letter in the matter which gives the facts in the case.

Supposed To Be Last Letter

My Dear Brother: I have just received your kindness of yesterday - an invitation to attend and take part in the exercises of your Ninth Annual Boone County Convention, to be held at Thorntown, September 3, proximo, for which I thank you right warmly.

It is well known that for a few years I have had to withdraw from travel because of physical disability - and the doctors. In this case I have consulted my care taker, Mrs. Levering, and she thinks I can undertake it if she goes with me. September 3rd occurs on Tuesday, I think.

The Big Four trains run on convenient time, I think, leaving here at 8:15 A. M., would put me in Thorntown about beginning time and a return passing Thorntown about 4 P. M., to bring us home - providing that train stops at Thorntown.

address." Had yon not said that, I would have suggested that you appoint for me an 'address,' but since you request it I will say, let it be some homely topic; some conversational, everyday talk with the faithful, say, "The Ideal County Convention."

Perhaps that is all I need say now, but desire to add : For me please give loving regards to all the Sunday school friends in Boone - I well remember their courtesy.

He aided in the Indiana Sunday School Association in 1857, was at the reorganization in 1865 and was a member of the committee that framed the constitution. Served as president of the association from 1874-77 and again from 1881-87, when ill health compelled him to withdraw. During his first presidency he traveled over the state and organized conventions, institutes and normal classes in each of the ninety-two counties.

For twenty-three years he conducted Sunday school and evangelistic work for two churches of colored people in LaFayette which required attendance at three sessions each Sabbath.

He has collected and published a large amount of literature giving the history of Sunday school wrork in Indiana and the world, has it neatly bound and tabulated, placed in an elegant case, all of which he has bequeathed to the state library at Indianapolis. All of this work was without any compensation and he paid his own expenses of travel besides systematic contribution. His rule of life and conduct can be embraced in the following epigram : "Blessed are those who know their opportunities and improve them ; their abilities and use them; their duties and do them.'' at 10:15 P- M., he passed the border into the haven of rest. Mr. Levering left a widow and three children, viz : Mortimer Levering, of Lexington, Kentucky; Mrs. Charles R. Henderson, of Chicago; Mrs. A. H. Diver, of Trenton, Ontario.

The subject of this sketch, Mrs. Jesse (Millikan) Newley, was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Millikan, of Thorntown, Indiana. Her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Millikan, were early pioneers of Boone county. Allen Millikan, apprentice of Mark A. Mitcham, made the first saddle in Thorntown, and afterward opened a saddle and harness shop of his own, carried on the business until his death, and was succeeded by his son, William, who still runs the shop, in partnership with his son. They have no competition. Jessie is the only daughter of William and Sadie Millikan and was carefully reared. In early life she attended the "Old Brown Academy," passing through all its grades. When it was razed to the ground, and supplanted by the commodious new brick grade school building, she continued her work in this ; and graduated from the commissioned high school in the early nineties. For several years following, she was a pupil of Miss Baker's Kindergarten College, in Indianapolis. In September, 1907, she was employed by the Government, in a school at Ponce, Porto Rico. Here she instructed the children in English, while she took occasion to employ her leisure time in the study of the Spanish language. She remained two years. Came home in July, 1909. In the following August she received from the Government an appointment to Hoonah, Alaska, to teach the Indians. She took the long trip unattended, and taught in Alaska two years. At the end of that period she was promoted and assigned to a school at Susitna. She performed the work here with her usual vigor, skill and success. Her great zeal and energy attracted the admiration and attention of the superintendent of the school, Mr. H. W. Newley, to whom she was married, July 6, 191 2. At the close of the year they gave up mission work and settled down to make Susitna their home, Mr. Newley entering the mercantile business, and she devoting herself to the duties of home-making, after having had so successful a career. Our best wishes attend them onward through life's journey, for she was a faithful member of our Berean Sabbath school class for quite a number of years.

Forty-Four Years In The School Room

The subject of this sketch, Miss Mattie Matthews, a cultured Christian lad\-. has been a life-long resident of Boone county, Indiana. In early life she began teaching in a country district school, in the year 1868, when the demand for lady teachers was created by the decimated ranks caused by the blooch' internecine strife between the North and the South over the question of civil rights. The following year, 1869, sne entered the Thorntown grades, where she remained guiding the footsteps of recreant youth, and teaching their young ideas how to shoot, for the space of six years. It was here that we first made her acquaintance, and learned to love her gentle and pursuasive ways. She then went to Lebanon for one year, 1875. Not being able to forget her first love, she returned at the close of the year's successful work and took up work with her first love remaining in Thorntown until 1890, a period of fourteen successful, happy years. Again, strong inducements being urged upon her, namely to assume principalship of the schools there, she returned to the capital of Boone, resolving to make the science and art of teaching her life work. She applied herself assiduously to her new and complex duties and turned out pupils who became noted for brilliant scholarships in the states and in the Old World. To make note of her successes would make fine reading chapters in her life history, and would fill volumes. In the year 1912 she resigned her field of toil and sought a surcease from labor, crowned with the golden meed of praise which has rung down for centuries from the ages. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many things."

Lydia M. Hoath

Rev. Lydia M. Hoath was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1867. Four years later she came with her parents to Thorntown, Indiana. At the proper age she was entered in the Old Brown Academy as a pupil. Here her childhood and girlhood were spent in innocent glee and happiness. At the age of 12 years she united with the Methodist Episcopal church. When this academy became merged into the public school she passed up through all its grades, until it was rebuilt and became "The Thorntown Commissioned High

School." From this, she graduated with the class of 1885. She entered the ranks as teacher, giving good satisfaction at Edinburg, Indiana, for two years. Then coming home, she taught in the neighborhood of Thorntown two years. She then took a trip west to Kansas City, Missouri, and while there accepted a fine business position for four years. Returning home she accepted a call to teach Latin and mathematics for two years in the Thorntown High School. In 1897, she classified as junior at DePauw University. Recognizing a divine call to the ministry, she united with the Friends Church in 1901, recorded as a minister of the Western yearly meeting same year. The years since have been spent in Bible study, pastoral work and Bible teaching. Two years were employed in religious work as director in the Young Woman's Christian Association in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. A year was then spent at Oberlin, Ohio, studying for the ministry. The last three years of her pastoral work she has occupied the pulpit and taken charge of the work of Sugar Plain, Thorntown, Indiana, which work she accepted so as to be with her mother, who was left widowed in the homestead.

Mabel Bonsall

The subject of this sketch was born in Burlington, Iowa, December 21, 1872. Her parents brought her to Thorntown in 1875, where at the school age she entered the public schools, and attended continuously until she graduated from the Thorntown High School in 1888. She immediately entered upon the work of teaching for the first two years in the country. She then attended the State Normal, graduating from there in 1896; afterwards taught in Lebanon, Edinburg, Franklin, New Albany, Alexandria, and graduated from the State University in 1900. When President Roosevelt sent Dr. E. B. Bryan to the Philippines to establish a normal school for the Filipinos, she went as one of the faculty of twenty-five teachers in 1902. Mathematics was her specialty. She remained there two years and four months. After she returned home, on account of having contracted malaria, and had recovered and rested up, she was appointed as one of a commission to meet at Yonkers, New York, to assist in drafting an arithmetic for the Philippine schools. Her suggestions received the preference, and she was employed by The American Book concern of New York to prepare an arithmetic suitable to the needs of the Filipinos; which was adopted for five years, by the commission of education in the Islands. She has since revised and added to the book, as their advancement required, and it is still retained in their schools. In 1908 she was called to the State Normal at Terre Haute, and she has been there continuously ever since.

A Foreign Missionary Sixteen Years In China

Luella M. Masters, M. D., the subject of this article, attended the district school in Washington township, Boone county, Indiana; then attended the Frankfort High School, and from there went to "The Ladoga Normal," where she graduated. She taught several terms of school in the country, and taught one year in the Thorntown public schools. She attended the University, Syracuse, New York, one year, and then entered the Syracuse Medical College, Syracuse, New York, from which she graduated in 1891. While in Syracuse she joined the Student Volunteer Movement. In 1891, she was accepted by the N. W. branch of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in August, 1892, sailed for China from San Francisco. She has spent sixteen years in medical work in China, and while there had charge of a hospital for women and children ; also opened medical work in the interior. While in China she did medical work at Foo Chow, Foo Chow City and Nencheng, South China; Chung King, West China, and at Tientsin, North China. She was in China during the vegetarian trouble in 1895, during the Boxer uprising in 1900, and during the Revolution, which began in 191 1. The greater part of her mission work was at Foo Chow. In 1910 she returned, going via Trans Siberia railway to China. She was at Chung King, West China, only one year, when the Revolution broke out, and she, with hundreds of other refugees, was ordered to Shanghai for safety. While a refugee she did two months post-graduate medical work in Tropical diseases ; three months medical work with the Methodist South at Soo Chow (the Venice of China). In June, 1912, she was sent to take charge of the medical work at Tientsin, where she remained until March, 1913. In April, 1913, she returned to the States, and at present is practicing in Thorntown, her former home before going to foreign lands.