Clark County, Indiana - Chapter 21: Odd Fellowship Pythl\nism and Other Secret Societies in Clark, 1909

County Independent Order Of Odd Fellows

The Odd Fellows organized their first lodge in Clark county at Jeffersonville, September ii, 1837, and named it Jefferson Lodge. It appears as No. 3 on the roster of lodges of the state, and this number indicates that Clark county was only behind two other places in the state in organizing. Jeft'erson Lodge was chartered on application of C. H. Paddox, Thomas Humphries. John Applegate. Benjamin Riggles and Nicholas Kearns. It now has two hundred and thirty-four members, and Don D. Walker is noble grand.

The next lodge of Odd Fellows to be organized in Clark county was Tabor Lodge, No. 92. also at Jeffersonville. Tabor Lodge now has one hundred and forty-eight members, and Ernest E. Jacobs is noble grand.

Charlestown Lodge. No. 94. was organized the same year. February 20, 185 1, at Charlestown. This lodge has at present seventy-nine members. Milliard A. Badger is noble grand.

The next year saw the birth of Odd Fellowship among the rugged hills of Utica. Utica Lodge. No. 112, was organized May 29. 1852. It has thirtyeight members and J. M. Worthington is noble grand.

Tell Lodge, No. 272. was organized in Jeffersonville on January 16, 1867. Its present membership is eighty-eight, and Ernest Rauth is noble grand.

Cement Lodge, No. 494, was organized at Er^ther. July 2, 1875, and named after the industry which has added so much to the business life of the county. Cement Lodge has a membership of forty-nine at present. E. C. Long is noble grand.

Sellersburg Lodge, No. 702, was organized at Sellersburg, December 28, 1S93. George W. Morgan is the present noble grand. Its membership is eighty-seven.

Marysville Lodge, No. 714, was organized at Marysville. June 13, 1895. Its present membership is ninety-nine, and B. K. Stoner is the noble grand.

Henry ville Lodge, No. 794, was organized at Henryville, November 15, 1902. Homer Wills is the present noble grand, and the membership is one hundred and two.

Rebekah Lodge. Xo. 8, Daughters of Rebekah, was instituted in Jeffersonville, March i. 1869, with Herman Preefer, Mary Preefer, R. H. Timmonds, M. C. Timmonds, H. N. Holland, J. T. Davis, James \V. Jacobs and others as charter members. This lodge is for the benefit of the wives and daughters of Odd Fellows, and it gives them the fraternal ties which bind their husbands and brothers in the bonds of friendship, love and truth. Rebekah Lodge has two hundred and four members. The noble grand is Lola Hodson.

Gold Knob Lodge, No. 701, Daughters of Rebekah, is located at Henryville. It was instituted January 2j, 1906. Mamie Ferguson is the mtble grand.

Excelsior Encampment, Xo. 14, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized several years ago. The membership at present is about seventy. S. L. Huff is chief patriarch.

The lodges now existing in the county are enthusiastic and energetic in pushing the principles of Odd Fellowship. Thomas H. Stradley is the present district deputy grand master.

Clark county has furnished several distinguished Odd Fellows to their grand lodge. William Cross, a member of Jefferson Lodge, was grand master in 1S44.

John P. Sanders, a member of Jefferson Lodge, was grand master in 1867. and John Dixon, of Jefiferson Lodge, was grand secretary in 1846-47.

Some years ago \\'illiam Beach erected a tAVO-stor\' brick building on the southeast corner of Alarket and Wall streets. The Odd Fellows added a third story for their use as lodge rooms in 1856; and later on, on the death of Mr. Beach, they purchased the lower part of the building. This they rent, retaining the upper floors for their own use.

The Knights Of Pythias

The Knights of Pythias of Clark county are a numerous and progressive organization. The oldest lodge in the county is Hope Lodge. Xo. 13, founded on July 7, 1 87 1. It was instituted by Grand Chancellor Hazelton, assisted by other grand officers, and Friendship Lodge, No. 10, of New Albany. It had twenty-five charter members, and the following were the first officers : S. B. Halley, P. C. : W. H. Northcutt, C. C. ; T. B. Sharp, V. C. : J. Davis, Jr., K. of R. S. ; C. H. Kelly, M. of F. ; Herman Preefer, M. of E. ; John Howard, M. A. ; Brother LeClare. I. G. ; Brother Bowman. O. G.

Jeffersonville has another lodge of Knights of Pythias, Myrtle Lodge, No. 19. It was chartered July 24. 1872, by A. L. Eggleston, C. H. Kelly, W. H. Bowman, J. B. Piper, 6. W. Rogers, OW^Prather, W. E. Rose and about thirty others who came out of Hope Lodge to organize this additional lodge. It is in a prospering condition.

The Endowment Rank, Knights of Pythias, was organized in Jeffersonville December 29, 1877, by William T. Myers, R. M. Hartwell, Alexander Sample, Charles H. Kelly and ten others.

The Unifonn Rank, No. 9, Knights of Pythias, was organized and mustered in on July 27, 1882, by H. T. Rawlings. John M. Glass was the first captain, Samuel Perrine the second, Thomas B. Rader the third, W. W. Crooker the fovu^th and Fielding Wilson the fifth and present commanding officer. This organization has been a most enthusiastic and hard working body and has the reputation nf having won prizes at every competition which they entered.

At Cincinnati, August 3, 1882, they won the silver cup. At Seymour, Indiana, they took the second prize; at Washington they took the thirty dollar prize: at Indianapolis they took the fourth prize of three hundred dollars : at Detroit they took the third prize of six hundred dollars : at Indianapolis, in 1904, they won the prize, a fine sword; and at Louisville they won a prize of three hundred dollars.

The company at present has a membership of twenty-seven and with the excellent accommodations afforded by the spacious armory just completed will evidently prosper.

This armory, completed at a cost of twenty thousand dollars, is the largest and best hall in the city of Jeffersonville. Built upon the site of the old Wigwam armory, which burned several years since, it occupies a convenient position, and from a financial standpoint the attractiveness of its auditorium will make of it a valuable investment and reflect credit on the order which made it possible. The floor of this armory is one hundred two by fifty-nine feet ; the stage is thirty by twenty-three feet ; the lodge room is sixty by forty feet and is located in the third floor.

Baird S History Of Clark Co., Ind

Fred Metzgar, O. G. : Trustees, Dave Dunlevy, Fred Hallimbach and Ira Smith. Officers, June 30, 1908: James D. Dean, C. C. ; Frank Mastin, V. C. ; Aaron Cummings, prelate : Otto Guernsey, M. of W. ; M. H. Dunlevv, K. of R. S. ; T. F. Prall, M. of F. : James A. Smith, M. of E. ; J. W. Bailey, M. at A Charles Enterman, I. G. ; Charles Francke, O. G. ; Trustees, I. L. Smith, Zack Taylor and Fred Kallenbuck.

Sellersburg Lodge, No. 417, Sellersburg, Indiana, was instituted ]\Iay 22, 1895, with thirty-one (31) members. It was instituted with the followingofficers : William O'Connell, C. C. : William Pass, V. C. : Earl Piercy, prelate; Elias Dodd. :\I. of W. ; Will H. Sierf, K. R. S. ; Walter Hyatt, M. of F. ; Edward Dodd, M. of E. : John W. Piercy. M. at A. ; Walter Carson. I. G. ; Pat Nevils. O. G. John M. Nickles, Stephen Allen and Michael Moore, trustees.

Bethlehem Temple, No. 325, Pythian Sisters, was instituted February 2, 1906, at Bethlehem, with thirty-three charter members. Since the organization of the Temple there have been sixteen memlaers admitted.

The Benevolent And Protective Order Of Elks

This order was organized February 5, 1897, with the following officers: James W. Fortune, exalted ruler ; Joe E. Bottorff, esteemed leading knight; AI. Z. Stannard, esteemed loyal knight; C. C. Foster, esteemed lecturing knight ; James E. Burke, treasurer and William C. Pfau, tyler. The thirty charter members in 1897 has grown to one hundred fifty members in 1908, and since the organization the following have served as exalted ruler: James W. Fortune, 1897; Joseph E. Bottorff, 1898; Edgar Howard, 1899; G. A. Scheer, 1900; James E. Burke, 1901 ; W. A. Ruby, 1902; M. H. Gascoign, 1903; W. J. Schwaninger, 1904; Orlando Chandler, 1905: James W. Taylor, 1906; Harry C. Sharp, 1907; Thomas J. Piers, 1908.

During the summer of 1901 and 1902 the Elks gave a street fair and carnival for the purpose of raising money to build a "Home." With the fund thus started the project was carried to a successsful culmination in 1904. On November 17th of that year the handsome Elks' hall at 242 Spring street was dedicated in the presence of a large number of Elks and their friends from the three falls cities. The cost of the building was eighteen thousand dollars, and the whole of the upper floor is given up to lodge rooms, the first floor being used for a store room. Jeffersonville Lodge, No. 262, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is in a flourishing condition, and the comfortable and commodious club rooms oft'er a convenient and attractive lounging place for the members and their friends at all times.

The Modern Woodmen Of America

The Modern \Voodmen of America, a fraternal organization, entered Clark county about 1896. Sellersburg Camp, No. 3896, was organized at Sellersburg January 30, 1896. The first venerable consul was M. L. Smith, the present is A. E. Snodgrass. The present membership is one hundred thirty-five.

Hoosier Camp, No. 3594. was organized February 21, 1896, at Jeffersonville. The first venerable consul was Henry Nachand, the present is Luther Childs. The present membership is two hundred twenty-eight.

Henryxille Camp, No. 3761, was organized at Henry\'ille in .\pril, 1896. The first veneraljle consul was John Gray, the present is George Smallwood. The present menihersliip is thirty-three.

Charlestown Camp, No. 3823, was organized at Charlestown in May, 1896. The first venerable consul was Frank W. Carr. the present is John ^\^ W'hitlatch. The present membership is sixty-six.

Ivanhoe Camp, No. 3951, was organized at Utica in June, 1897. Tiie first venerable consul was William Hobson, the present is Aaron Scott. The present membership is twenty-six.

Jeffersonville Camp, No. 12587. was organized at Jeffersonville in July, 1907. The first venerable consul was C. T. Brightwell, the present is C. T. Brightwell.

New Washington Camp, No. 4408, was organized at New Washington, in December, 1897. The first venerable consul was A. G. Knowles, the present is Charles Pierce. The present membership is fifty-six.

Ideal Camp, No. 4103, was organized at Borden, in March, 1898. The first venerable consul was A. E. Almstead. the present is Richard A. McKinley. The present membership is forty-five.

Otisco Camp, No. 6406, was organized at Otisco in August, 1903. The first venerable consul was Dr. C. P. Meloy, the present is S. L. Stoner. The present membership is forty-six.

The Kxight.S Of Honor

This fraternal and beneficial order was organized in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 30, 1873. ^^ was originally composed of men only, but of late years members of both sexes are admitted, the age limits being eighteen to fifty-four years. The order soon spread to Clark county, and Eureka Lodge, No. 3, was organized in Jeffersonville November 6, 1873. Soon after this, on August 24, 1875, Barbarossa Lodge, No. 146, was organized in Jeffersonville. It was followed by Hope Lodge No. 308, organized at Charlestown, June 15, 1876: Ohio Falls Lodge, No. 405, organized at Ohio Falls November 15, 1876; Silver Creek Lodge, No. 1171, was organized at Sellersburg on August 8, 1878.

German Aid Society

This society was organized ]\Iay i6. 1887. Its object is as its name implies - aid to its various members as they may need it. It is composed of the most prominent German citizens of Jeffersonville, and since the date of its organization in 1887, to 1908, has received as dues and interest, nine thousand five hundred sixty-one dollars. There have been paid out as benefits, seven thousand one hundred fifty dollars, leaving two thousand four hundred eleven dollars in the treasury. A weekly sick benefit is paid each member, while ill, and in case of death of either a member or his wife a substantial sum is donated. Alatthew Kilgus was the first president, F. X. Kern, the first secretary, and Herman Preefer the first treasurer. The presidents who have served since the organization are as follows: Alatthew Kilgus, 1887-1888; G. T. Englehardt, 1889; F. X. Kern, 1890: Matthew Kilgus, 1891 to 1901 : Andrew Kilgus, 1902 to 1908. The secretaries have been Frank X. Kern. Adam Laun, Hugo Alben and August Happel.

Knights And Ladies Of Honor

Mystic Tie Lodge, N^o. 7, Knights and Ladies of Honor, was organized in Jefifersonville, December 12, 1877, with thirty-three charter members. At present it has a membership of ninety-eight.

Eden Lodge. No. 240, Knights and Ladies of Honor, was organized in Jefifersonville December 31, 188 1, with twenty-five charter members. At present the membership is one hundred seven.

The Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen have one lodge. Jeffersonville Lodge, No. 689. This organization is composed of railroad conductors, brakemen and yardmen, and the objects of the order are mutual protection and insurance. The lodge was organized in the eighties, and at present has one hundred sixty-five members.

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen have one lodge, Clark Lodge, No. 297. This lodge was organized in 1886, and at present has one hundred twenty-five members. Its membership consists of Pennsylvania engineers and firemen, of the Louisville division. Its objects are mutual protection and insurance.

The Brotherhood of Locomtive Engineers have one lodge. Engineers' Division No. 712. It was organized in 1907, and at present has fifty members. Its objects are mutual protection and insurance. The Pennsylvania has fitted up a reading room and billiard room in the depot at Wall street and Court avenue, where their employes may spend their leisure time. The above named organizations meet regularly in the Elks" hall, on Spring street.

Improved Order Of Red Men

Kwasind Tribe, No. 268, Improxed Order of Red Alen, was organized in Jeffersonville April i, 1898, with a membership of fifty. The tribe has grown until it now has a membership of over three hundred. Harry Pfeiffer is the prophet. Thomas Hodson, a member of Kwasind Tribe, is district deputy grand sachem.

Okenuck Tribe, No. 476, Improved Order of Red Men, was instituted at Memphis, Indiana, August 22, 1908, with a membership of forty. Jack Cleveland is the prophet.

Mengive Tribe, No. 376. Improved Order of Red Men, was instituted at New Washington, Indiana. Januan* 23, 1904, with twenty-three charter members, and Charles H. Jones as prophet. The trilie at present has a membership of thirty-two.

Agawan Tribe. No. 272. Improved Order of Red Men was instituted at Sellersburg July 8. 1899. with thirty-six charter members. John M. Meloy was elected sachem. The present membership of the tribe is eighty-six.

Abenaki Tribe, No. 367, Impr(i\-ed Order of Red Men, was instituted at Bethlehem, with thirty-six charter members. E. D. Giltner was the first sachem, and W. H. Patterson, the prophet. July i, 1908, there were one hundred fifteen members.

There are councils of the Degree of Pocahontas at Charlestown and Bethlehem. The Bethlehem council is known as Silver Heels Council, No. 260. This degree of the order admits women, and these two localities are in a flourishing condition.

The Eagles

Jefifersonville Aerie. No. 1527. of the Order of Eagles, was organized in 1907 with Lyman Parks, past worthy president; James Fortune, president, and Heniy Miller as vice president. This order is a social and convivial organization and its popularity has resulted in a roster of over two hundred names.

The Royal Arcanum

Clark Council, No. 12 16, Royal Aixanum, is located in Jeffersonville. It was organized on December 9. 18S9, with Herman Preefer as regent. At present it has a membership of forty-five. Clark Council is the only council of the Royal Arcanum in Clark county.

Jeffersonville Lodge, No. 403. was organized November 20. 1905. by Jacob Hoffman. George Kopp was the first president and the following have sen'ed as such: George Kopp, 1905-6; Emil Rauth. 1906, six months; Levi EngHsh. 1907, six months; Walter Grant, 1907. six months; Charles Clayton, 1908. The Pathfinders is an insurance and social organization. The lodge in Jefifersonville. the only one in the county, has at present eighty-five members.

United Order Golden Cross

The Grand Commandery United Order Golden Cross was instituted in Jefifersonville April 29, 1891, at which time William H. Buckley was elected past grand commander; Rev. E. L. Dolph, grand commander; Kate W. Dawson, g'rand prelate ; W^illiam S. Tucker, grand treasurer ; John C. Loomis and S. W. Evans, grand trustees ; all these being residents of Clark county. The Rev. E. L. Dolph is at present prelate of the supreme commandery, and resides in Jefifersonville. Previous to this date there had been several commanderies in Clark county, Bain Commandery being the pioneer. This commandery was the first one to be organized outside the state of Tennessee.

Bain Commandery, No. 15, was organized on February- 28, 1877, by the late George W. Bain, Kentucky's great temperance lecturer. Since its organization the commandery has had nearly five hundred members, sixty or more of which have died. At present the membership is one hundred fourteen.

Perpetual Commandery, No. 724, was organized at Ohio Falls, November 10, 1894, by Samuel Swartz, of Jefifersonville, who was the grand commander of the state. The commandery was organized with twenty-five charter members and since that time there have been initiated one hundred nineteen new members. At present the membership is forty-two.