Decatur County, Indiana - Chapter 11: Secret Societies and Fraternities, 1915

Chapter 11: Secret Societies and Fraternities

The first secret order to establish itself in Greensburg was the Free and Accepted Masons. Greensburg Lodge No. 36 was instituted here, May 29, 1846, by Grand Master Johnson Watts and and Grand Secretary A. W. Morris. The first officers were: Israel T. Gibson, worshipful master; William Buchanan, senior warden; W. W. Riley, junior warden; James Blair, treasurer; Philip Williams, senior deacon; W. P. Stevens, junior deacon; David Gageby, secretary; W. M. Finley, tyler. These, with Thomas E. Peters, were the charter members. At the first meeting, held June 6, 1846, seven petitions were received, as follows : Philander Hamilton, James M. Talbott, Henry H. Talbott, Chatfield Howell, Joseph Robinson, William J. Likens, and Marine D. Ross. At the end of the first year there were thirtyfive members and at the end of 1849 there were seventy-five.

The membership numbers two hundred and forty-five and is growing rapidly. The lodge has assets valued at fifteen thousand dollars and contemplates building a temple in the near future.

Concordia Lodge No. 476 was formed in 1873 by members from Greensburg Lodge No. 36 and kept up its existence until consolidated with the mother lodge, on November 5, 1901.

Greensburg Chapter No. 8, Royal Arch Masons, was instituted on May 23, 1848, by Grand High Priest Abel C. Pepper, assisted by William Hacker, king; L T. Gibson, scribe, and J. W. Sullivan, secretary. The first convocation was held on July 6, 1848. Charter members were: William Hacker, L T. Gibson, J. W. Sullivan, Samuel Reed, J. McElroy, Isaac W. Fugit, D. Lindley, J. T. Wilkins and P. Williams. The first petitioners, elected July 6, 1848, were: Philander Hamilton, Jacob C. Houser, George R. Todd, William Hanaway, O. P. Gilham, Samuel Bryant, H. H. Talbott and B. W. Wilson.

The designation of the chapter was No. 7 originally, but was changed to No. 8 on June 5, [849. The first officers were: Wilham Hacker, high priest; I. T. Gibson, king; J. W. Sullivan, scribe; Samuel Reed, captain of post; J. McElroy, principal sojourner ; I. W. Fugit, royal arch captain ; D. Lindley, master of the first veil; J. T. Wilkinson, master of the second veil; P. Williams, master of the third veil; Philander Hamilton, secretary; Daniel Stewart, guard ; B. W. Wilson, treasurer. The following companions have served as high priest: William Hacker, 1848-49; Jacob E. Houser, 1850-51. 1853; Barton W. Wilson. 1852; Daniel Stewart, 1854, 1860-61; L T. Gibson, 1855-56; J. V. Bemusdafifor, 1857-58, 1865-66; Ira G. Grover. 1859, 1871 ; J. J. Monifee, 1862: John L. Wooden, 1867-68, 1870; George L. Curtis, 1869; Isaac L. Fugit, 1872; Frank M. Weaden, 1873-82; Joseph R. David-

The chapter has a membership of eighty-fi^-e and is in a flourishing condition. Fifteen were added during the first half of 1915. The chapter treasury has about seven hundred dollars surplus. The present officers of the chapter are: L. D. Braden, high priest: T. B. Havens, king; R. W. Pierce, scribe; H. T. Kitchin. past scribe; J. H. Christian, captain of host; W. G. Bentley, royal arch captain; C. L Ryan, secretary; Robert Woodfill, treasurer; J. W. Rhodes, master of the third veil; J. N. Annis, master of the second veil; T. E. Day, master of the first veil; O. P. Creath, guard.

Greensburg Council No. 74, Royal and Select Masters, was instituted on August 2Ti, 1902, by John J. Richards, illustrious grand master of the grand council, with Jesse W. Rucker, thrice illustrious master; Fred Erdmann, deputy thrice illustrious master ; W. H. ^^'ooden, principal conductor of work.

The first convocation was on September i, 1902, when the following officers were elected: J. W. Rucker, thrice illustrious master; Fred Erdmaim, deputy thrice illustrious master; W. H. Wooden, principal conductor of work; J. T. Alexander, treasurer; C. T. Pleak, recorder; C. Al. Woodfill, captain of the guard; A. P. Bone, conductor of the council; D. A. Myers, steward.

There are fifty-nine members of the council at the present time. Nine have been admitted during the first half of 1915. The present officers are as follows: J. H. Christian, Jr., thrice illustrious master; R. W. Pierce, deputy thrice illustrious master; T. B. Havens, principal conductor of work; Robert Woodfill, treasurer; C. I. Ryan, recorder; W. C. Bentley, captain of guard; J. W. Rhodes, conductor of the council; S. F. Ridenour, steward; J. N. Annis, sentinel. The first thrice illustrious master was Jesse W. Rucker. He held the office until 191 1, when the present incumbent, J. H. Christian, Jr., was elected.

Greensburg Commandery No. 2, Knights Templar

It is a matter of pride among Greensburg Masons that there once existed here a commandery of Knights Templar. Greensburg Commandery No. 2 was organized and set to work under a dispensation from Most Eminent WilHam R. Hubbard, grand master of the United States, on March 25, 1 85 1. The charter members were: James Mcllroy, WilHam Hacker, W. F. Pidgeon, William Crawford, George Hibben, Jacob E. Houser, M. V. Siminson, John W. Sullivan, Homer T. Hinman, Burriss Moore and John S. Scobey. A charter was issued on September 19, 1853. The eminent commanders were: Jacob E. Houser, 1851 to 1856; J. V. Bemusdaffer acted as eminent commander between this time and i860, but there is no record of his election; Israel T. Gibson, i860. The other officers elected at the last election held June 30, i860, were B. W. Wilson, captain general; J. V. Bemusdaffer, generalissimo; J. E. Houser, prelate. There is no record of any 'meetings after i860. Sixty-six members were enrolled during the ten years the commandery was in operation. The Civil War called many of the members to the service of their country, causing interest to decline, until the following knights petitioned Grand Commander William Hacker to transfer the commandery to Shelbyville : Thomas Pattison, William Allen, Jacob Vernon, T. H. Lynch, Daniel Stewart, B. W. Wilson, James Gavin, Putnam Ewing, J. V. Bemusdaffer, Will Cumback, James Elliott, Robert Cones and John Elliott. The commandery was reorganized at Shelbyville on March 18, 1865, as Baldwin Commandery No. 2.

Greensburg Commandery was the second formed in Indiana and participated in the first grand commandery at Indianapolis, May 16, 1854. It then had thirty- four members: Indianapolis No. i had fifty-three; Lafayette No. 3, forty-six, and Fort Wayne No. 4, fifteen. With the prosperous condition of all branches of the order at the present time, Greensburg Masons are looking forward to the no-distant future when they shall have a new temple and again have a commandery.

Among the early members of the craft who contributed to the establishing of the order here perhaps none wrought so effectivelv as I. T. Gibson, a prominent merchant and father of Mrs. Dr. E. B. Swem. Others who ably assisted were Jacob E. Houser, H. H. Talbott, J. Monroe Talbott, Samuel Bryan, B. W. Wilson, Daniel Stewart, Daniel Moss, J. V. Bemusdafifer, and Isaac L. Fugit. It has been said of I. T. Gibson, that he was "the father of Masonry in Greensburg," which is in a large measure true.

One of the most noteworthy events in the early history of Greensburg xMasonry was the obser\-ance of St. John's Day, June 24, 1859. It was the first elaborate ceremony attempted by the local lodge since its organization. \^isitors were present from Brookville, Shelbyville and many other towns in the state.

Hon. Caleb B. Smith, one of the most famous of Indiana's United States senators, addressed a large assemblage in the forenoon at the court house. At noon several hundred visiting Masons sat down to a sumptuous repast in Stockman's ele\'ator near the freight depot. After dinner they marched to the Masonic hall, where the formal program was gi\'eR.

Rev. Joseph Cotton responded to the toast, "This Day We Celebrate." "Masonry" was described by I. T. Gibson. Other toasts were as follow: "Our Newly Elected Worthy Daniel Stewart; "Our \^isiting Brethren," Rev. J. Brockway, Hartsville; "Our Bachelor Friends," R. C. Talbott and I. G. Grover.

Another point of interest in connection with the local Masonic lodge is the fact that it is the only lodge in the world which has ever elected and initiated a negro. The lodge has recei\'ed one large bequest, Aaron Howard leaving it three thousand dollars at the time of his death.

Milford Lodge No. 94

Milford Lodge No. 94, Free and Accepted Masons, was organized on ]\Iay 28, 1850, with the following officers and charter members: Isaac Fugate, worshipful master; Samuel Todd, senior warden; John King, junior warden; Jacob Miller, James Mandlove, Henry B. Smally, Albert G. Hanks, William Sefton and Stamper Perry. The lodge now has ninety-seven members and during its existence has initiated more than three hundred candidates.

The lodge owns its own hall, which is \-alued at two thousand dollars, and meets regularly. Its present officers are : Sherley Wasson, worshipful master; Charles Worland, senior warden; Lincoln Vandiver, junior warden; J. M. Luther, treasurer; Dal Neibert, secretary; Clarence Worland, senior deacon; Wallace Champ, junior deacon, and Nelson Henderson, tyler.

Clarksburg Lodge No. 1 24

Inquiry has not discovered the date of the founding of the Clarksburg lodge or any of the early history pertaining to this chapter. The pres- ent beautiful brick building in which the lodge meetings are held is the property of this chapter. This lodge has a membership at present of fifty. The present officers are as follows: Birney E. Hite, worshipful master; Ora A. Hite, senior warden; Clifford A. Martz, junior warden; D. F. Hite, secretary; James B. Clark, treasurer; George F. Rogers, tyler ; II. C. Doles, senior deacon; Lon H. Kerrick, junior deacon; W. E. Thomas and P. E. Clark, stewards; Homer M. Campbell, chaplain.

Westport Lodge No. 52

Westport Lodge No. 52 was organized in 1852, but the charter for the installation of this lodge was not granted until the following year. In i860 the lodge suffered the loss of their hall by fire and the early records w-ere destroyed. This makes it impossible to give the early history of the lodge in a complete and concise form. James McKelvey was the first candidate taken into this lodge after it was organized. Dr. William House is the oldest living member of this lodge, in which he has been active for fifty years. The following is a partial list of the charter members: Christopher Stott, Noah Reynolds, Dr. Pottinger, W. T. Reynolds, Robert Armstrong and Hiram Bruce.

The present building, which is valued at two thousand dollars, is the property of this lodge. The present membership totals one hundred and twenty-four. The officers who are serving the lodge at present are as follow : W. W. Ricketts, worshipful master ; Clay demons, senior warden ; Carl Keith, junior warden; Ray D. Patrick, senior deacon; Harry Tucker, junior deacon; James Rainey, tyler; Glen Gartin, secretary; H. V. Cox, treasurer.

New Point Lodge No. 255

New Point Lodge No. 255, Free and Accepted Masons, was organized on May 29, i860. The records of this lodge fail to give the names of the charter members. The first officers were : Joel Pennington, worshipful master; Edward Paremore, senior warden; Ezekiel R. Cook, junior warden. The present membership numbers forty-five. The lodge building was erected in 1861 at a cost of one thousand dollars, and is a very substantial brick structure. The present officers are Edbert Starks, worshipful master; Dr. Harley McKee, senior warden; William Haas, junior warden.

Adams Lodge No. 269

Adams Lodge Xo. 269, located at Adams, was organized in the year 1856, with \V. \\\ Riley as worshipful master. Hiram C. Whitlow and John G. Guthrie were the two first master Masons of this lodge. This lodge surrendered its charter in 1877.

Alert Lodge No. 395

The Alert Lodge No. 395 was organized on May 25, 1869, with the following members serving the lodge as the first officers : William T. Strictland, worshipful master; Agnus J. McCloud, senior warden; James S. Bannister, junior warden. The following were also among the list of charter members: Jere Gant, John B. Seal, Frank Seal, Samuel Thomas, Louis Gant, Mulford Baird, William Keeley and A. B. Mims. This lodge is in a prosperous condition and owns its own quarters, which are valued at one thousand five hundred dollars. The present officers are : Clifford N. Fulton, worshipful master; Ray Fulton, senior warden: Cliff^ord Carter, junior warden; J. Otis Beesley, treasurer; John C. Arnold, secretary; Ray Irwin, senior deacon; George B. Blazer, junior deacon; John W. Hamilton, tyler; Ray Bannister and William Starks, stewards; Thomas Norton, John W. Spears and Smith S. Thompson, trustees.

Order Of The Eastern Star

The Order of the Eastern Star was organized for tht purpose of creating a social tie between Masons and their families and to give to the fraternity a helpmate in the beneficent work of the order in caring for widows and orphans and to assist in all deeds of mercy and love. Master Masons in good standing, their wives, daughters, mothers, widows and sisters who have attained the age of eighteen years are eligible to membership in this order.

Lois Chapter No. 147 was instituted at Greensburg, February 15, 1894, by Past Grand Patron Martin H. Rice, of Indianapolis, with thirty charter members. The first officers were : Worthy matron, Mae Childs ; worthy patron, Frank H. Drake ; associate matron, Rena J. Gilchrist ; secretary, Eliza H. Lambert; treasurer, Ella Childs; conductress, Eliza J. Crisler; associate conductress, Margaret Schultz : chaplain, John W. Drake : Adah, Carrie Meek; Ruth, Isabella F. Stout; Esther, Louisa ]\I. Bone; Martha, Louisa

The office of worthy matron has since been filled by Eliza J. Crisler, Ella M. Stout, Missouri Moberly, Esther Lockwood, Margaret Rigby, Lizzie Styers, Lizzie Nordmeyer, Margaret Glenn, Ella Kirkpatrick, Jennie Shirk, Rena J. Gilchrist, Elizabeth Ehrhardt, Emma Creath and Ella M. Forkner. The office of worthy patron has since been filled by James C. Pulse, J. F. Childs, William P. Skeen, Coleman T. Pleak, Ira G. Rigby, Taylor E. Meek, George B. Von Phul, W. F. Gilchrist, Herschel Smiley, Owen Steadman, Bruce Bishop, Dr. E. T. Riley and Will Ehrhardt. Nannie L. Kofoid and Will Ehrhardt are the present (1915) holders, respectively, of these stations, with Candace Shepherd, associate matron; Eliza J. Crisler, secretary; Anna P. Mowrer, treasurer; Elizabeth Ehrhardt, conductress; Louise Crews, associate conductress; Margaret Glenn, chaplain; Sallie House, marshal; Clara Hamilton, pianist; Carrie Meek, Adah; Jessie Skeen, Ruth; Jennie Ainsworth, Esther; Elizabeth Bennett, Martha; Alfaretta Havens,

Electa; Lizzie McConnell White, warder, and Oliver P. Creath, sentinel. The membership now numbers one hundred and twenty-four; fifty-three have been lost by death and sixty-eight by dimit and suspension.

The crowning feature of the work of the order in Indiana at present is the building of the Eastern Star and Masonic Home at Franklin. It was through the persistent efforts of the Eastern Star that this was made possible. Two hundred and fifteen acres of land have been purchased near Franklin, on which the buildings will be erected. The cornerstone is to be laid in May, 1916. In this home, unfortunate Masons, their wives, widows and children may find a safe and pleasant retreat, surrounded with the comforts and conveniences of a home in every sense of the word. The children will be carefully trained, educated, well clothed and fed, thus symbolizing charity, truth and loving kindness.

Knights Of Pythias

On August 24, 1886. Greensburg Lodge No. 148, Knights of Pythias, was organized Ijv Grand Chancellor Charles E. Shively, assisted by W. L. Heiskel, John H. Russe. Frank Bowers and other grand lodge officers. The , P)'thian "goat" \\as hard at work by three o'clock on that memorable afternoon, initiating thirty-two charter members, who were as follows : Past Chancellor, J. W. McRoberts; Chancellor Commander, Marine D. Tackett: Vice-Chancellor, ]\Iax IMergenheim; Prelate, J. Loraine Wright; Keeper of Records and Seal, P. H. Aloulton; ]\Iaster of Exchequer, J. T. Cunningham; ^Master of Finance, S. F. Rogers; Inside Guard, Will Cumback, Jr.; Outside Guard, F. M. Bryan; D. A. Myers, C. C. Lowe, J. D. White, W. L Johnson, C. S. Williams, T. J. [Nlagee, W. H. Buckley, A. B. Armington, C. M. Thomas, W. O. Elder, George L. Roberts, A. ]\[. Elkins, C. E. Schobey, John O. [Marshall, Charles F. Belser, D. L. Scobey, William A. Johnson, Phil Weymer, Henry Black, A. M. Willoughby, J. E. McKim, I<>ank Eubank.

It was a hot day when Greensburg Lodge was instituted, and ever since its birth its members have been a warm, live set of fellows. This lodge nas always been progressive and now has over four hundred and sixty members. The business affairs of the lodge have been based upon a firm footing from the very inception of the organization. The officers who have been in charge of the business affairs have at all times as jealously guarded the interests of this fraternity of Pythionism as they would their own homes. The best business transaction was made in June, 189 1, when Frank Robinson, Ezra Guthrie and George L. Roberts, then trustees, purchased the old Falconbury block and vacant lot adjoining. During the autumn of 1898 the trustees, Charles S. Williams, J. P. Thomson and Oscar G. Miller, let the contract to Ed Dille for the present useful and up-to-date business building and lodge room, occupying the ground just south of the new Y. M. C. A. building on North Broadway. This fine Pythian building is now the home and resort of all loyal hearted Knights. Beautiful club rooms are also maintained, for the pleasure and recreation of members of the K. of P. Club.

Almost seven years ago this lodge had the pleasure of being the means of providing a beautiful opera house for the city of Greensburg. This opera house is the pride of every Knight and is highly appreciated by all citizens of the city and county. Besides expending almost fifty thousand dollars for these buildings, ecjuipment and furnishings, the lodge has been at all times liberal and beneficent, performing many deeds of charity and benevolence, which were an outgrowth of the sentiments inculcated in the minds and hearts of the members by the teaching of Pythian principles. It has paid out in benefits and benevolent contributions since its organization over thirty thousand dollars.

Greensburg Lodge has also been high in the councils of the grand lodge of Indiana, having at this time two grand lodge officers, Brothers John W. Craig and Arthur J. Lowe, who is at present a member of the supreme lodge of the United States and Canada.

The present officers of Greensburg Lodge are : Past chancellor, E. E. Hite; chancellor commander, Ben Havens; vice-chancellor: Ira M. Ainsworth; prelate, Charles Howe: keeper of records and seal, Charles H. Dowden; master of exchecpier, Robert McKay; master of finance, E. A. Rankin; master-at-arms, Stanton Guthrie; inside guard, Rollin A. Turner; outside guard, Frank Osting; trustees, Oscar G. Miller, Bert Alorgan and David Blackmore.

The cardinal principles of this lodge are founded upon the exercise of friendship, charity and benevolence. Nothing of a sectarian or political character is permitted within its sacred precincts. Tolerance in religions, obedience to law and loyalty to government are fully emphasized. The Pythian order teaches its members to exercise charity toward offenders; to construe words and deeds in their least unfavorable light; grant honesty of purpose and good intentions to others and bring back any thoughtless or wayward Knight who has forgotten the Pythian teachings given in the castle hall.

Letts Corner Lodge No. 375

Letts Corner Lodge No. 375, Knights of Pythias, was in-stituted on April 13, 1892. It owns a lodge building, valued at five thousand dollars and is in a flourishing condition, both financially and numerically. The first officials of this lodge were: W. A. Taggart, past chancellor; H. H. King, chancellor commander; H. H. Boyd, vice-chancellor; J. H. Stout, prelate; John G. Evans, master of exchequer; G. W. Fraley, master of finance; K. L, Adams, keeper of records and seal ; Silas Sweeney, master-at-arms ; A. J. Adams, inside guard, and J. D. E. Elliott, outside guard. Other charter members of the organization were O. S. Mitchell, VV. T. Morgan, W. F. Keisling, Edgar Whipple, P. M. Johnson, Edgar Samuels, C. J. Armstrong, M. S. Parker, John A. Jackson, Charles Stout, W. L. Evans, U. S. Parker, William Jordan, Albert Jordan, John Hill, George Gardner, C. J. Red, der; Oda Fear, vice-chancellor: Grover Williams, prelate; \Valter Jackson, master-at-work ; W. G. Fraley. keeper of records and seal; E. H. Jackson, master of finance ; Urso Bentley, master-at-arms ; Ora Thurston, inside guard ; Morris Tudor, outside guard, and John A. Jackson, John L. Davis and Harry Black, trustees. Sardinia Lodge Xo. 146 is an auxiliary of this organization.

St. Taul Lodge No. 368

St. Paul Lodge No. 368, Ivnights of Pythias, was organized at St. Paul on August 29, 1892. The charter was granted on June 7, 1893. The charter members were, J. C. Leech, G. T. Lefiler, B. F. Trader, S. T. Hutson, H. C. Roberts, T. A. Kelley, F. H. Goff, E. L. Severs, W. J. Martin, E. W. Noah, Charles Allison, William Bush, W. A. Reed, O. A. Seward, J. L. Shelhorn, R. Hendrickson, J. A. Gofif, L. E. Dixon, J. R. Kanouse, L. E. Lines, G. F. Bailey, C. M. Barnes, J. W. Jenkins, C. C. Fisher, F. M. Allison, F. P. Walton, F. AI. Howard, Daniel Apple, Harry Hayes, J. ]\I. Shortridge, J. P. Garrett, J. F. Strickford, John Doggett and Conrad Minger. The first officers were, past chancellor, L. E. Dixon ; chancellor commander, J. W. Jenkins; vice-chancellor, F. P. Walton; prelate, C. C. Fisher; master of exchequer, R. Hendrickson; master of finance, J. M. Shortridge; keeper of records and seal, L. E. Lines; master-at-arms, O. A. Seward; inner guard, J. E. Walton; outer guard, Frank Goff ; and C. M. Barnes, James Goff and James Severs, trustees.

The lodge property consists of a three-story brick building, constructed in 1903, at a cost of about five thousand dollars. Property and improvements are estimated to be worth at least eight thousand dollars.

The building is a monument to the enterprise of the Knights of Pythias in the town of St. Paul, and the rentals are a source of income which is quite

The lodge is now taking on new life, after a long period of laxity, and bids fair to regain the place that it once held, as being one of the live lodges of the state.

Burney Lodge No. 34 1

Burney Lodge No. 341, Knights of Pythias, was organized, June 8, 1892, with the following charter members: Edwin Jackson, Morgan Miers, Ira Lewis, E. E. Mouse, O. B. Trimble, William G. Miner, John G. Gartin, Levi M. Craig, John E. Miller, Charles T. Powner, T. T. Howell, James M. Hiner, William A. Gartin, John W. Burney, G. S. Crawford, Harve Pumphrey, John Johnson, Felix Garten, G. W. Wiley, Charles Braden, John Hunter, G. W. Miner, Ed Stewart, Frank House, Francis Pumphrey, James Pumphrey, Julius Benson, Francis Galbraith, G. M. Miner, Jr., Hershell Miers and Ira Ballard. Charles L. Powner, past chancellor, installed this lodge. The first officers were L. T. Howell, chancellor commander; Morgan L. Miers, vice-chancellor; James Hiner, prelate; F. L. Galbraith, master of exchequer; Ed Jackson, master of finance; W. E. Arnold, keeper of records and seal; Frank House, master-at-arms; William Carton, inner guard; G. M. Miner, outer guard ; J. W. Burney, O. W. Trimble and Charles T. Powner, trustees ; Charles T. Powner representative. The present building was erected in 1895 ^^'^^^ the membership has almost reached the hundred mark.

The present officers are as follows : Freman Sasser, chancellor commander; W. W. Barnes, vice-chancellor; Samuel Lawson, prelate; Carl Pavy, master-at-work ; J. H. Dean, keeper of records and seal; James Galbraith, master of finance; E. A. Porter, master of exchequer; Bert Oliphant, masterat-arms; Emzee Elder, inner guard; Herbert Stribling, outer guard; Floyd Miner, host ; C. W. Pumphrey, Edward Jackson and Ira Carmen, trustees.

This lodge has an auxiliary in the Rathbone Sisters, which was organized on October 3, 1900. This chapter bears the local name of Triangle Temple No. 232.

Westport Lodge No. 3 1 7

The building which this lodge occupies at present is the property of the lodge and is valued at seven thousand dollars. The present officers are, George C. Nicholson, chancellor commander; J- M. Tucker, vice-chancellor; Edward Whalen, prelate ; Walter Watterman, master-at-work ; A. Boicourt, keeper of records and seal; E. L. Shaw, master of finance; M. D. Harding, master of exchequer ; Wea\-er Elliott, master-at-arms ; J. E. Da\'is, inner guard; James H. Keith, outer guard.

Independent Order Of Odd Fellows

Newpoint L6dge No. 656, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized on January 22, i8go. The following men a])plied to the Greensburg lodge for a chapter to be installed at Newpoint : William L. Hasbrouck, William Cheek, Jet Boyd, A. E. Dorsey, Richard Christain and James Borden. The lodge was instituted on April 16, 1890, by E. S. Porter, who was appointed by the grand master to install this chapter.

The charter members were as follow : Leander Starks, John L. Hilliard, George Hollinsbee, L. C. Jackson, John Dryer, Charles Marlin, H. P. Danforth, L. W. D. German, Benjamin Ketcham, John W. Snedeker, George W. Foster, James E. Butler, and Herman Green. The following members served the lodge as the first officers : L. C. Jackson, noble grand ; Leander Starks, vice-grand; Charles Marlin, recording secretary; George Hollinsbee, permanent secretary ; John L. Hilliard, treasurer.

The lodge purchased its present quarters for the consideration of one thousand dollars and has made improvements since that time. A piano was purchased in 1910. This lodge is in a prosperous condition and at present has eighty-five members enrolled. Benefits of four dollars per week are paid the sick members, and the resources at present amount to one thousand four hundred and eighty-five dollars and twenty-four cents.

Daughters Of Rebekah

Lodge No. 523, Daughters of Rebekah, which locally is known as \Vhite Dove lodge, was instituted on August 31, 1896. This is an auxiliary of Newpoint lodge. The following were charter members of W'hite Dove lodge: John H. Milliard, Ora Cheek, John Al. Green, Ilattie Marlin, Ollie Alinning, Minnie Snedeker and Mrytle Jerman.

Sandusky Lodge No. 856

Sandusky Lodge No. 856, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized on May 21, 1908, with the following charter members: John L. demons, Louis Ruddell, Lafayette Bowman, Benjamin T. Riley, Llewellyn Fleetwood, William H. Scott, Harvey Townsend, William Maple, Otis Nation, George Smith, Albert Bowman and M^esley Bennett. The first officers were : Benjamin T. Riley, noble grand; J. W. Bennett, vice-grand; Otis Nation, secretary; Louis Ruddell, treasurer. The lodge has had a prosperous growth and at present numbers sixty-five members. The present officers are : Frank Maple, noble grand; Llewellyn Fleetwood, vice-grand; Ed Ricketts. recording secretary; John W. Patterson, corresponding secretary; Orville Garrett, treasurer.

Centenary Lodge No. 535, Milford

Decatur Lodge No. 103, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, journeyed down to Milford on June 6, 1876, and assisted in organizing Centenary Lodge No. 535. W. D. Dailey, district deputy noble grand, had charge of the ceremonies. The following charter members were present : A. P. Bennett, Frank Getzendanner, Leonard Worcester, S. L. Jackson and E. S. Porter. The latter presided as noble grand ; L. Worcester, vice-grand ; Z. T. Boicourt, treasurer; J. K. Ewing, secretary; Frank Getzendanner. conductor; G. W. Richey, warden; Sylvester Kendall, inner guard; Adam Stegmaier, outer guard. Thirteen applications for membership were favorably acted upon. No. 103 presented the new lodge with paraphernalia and the following new officers were elected: W. T. Jackson, noble grand; John Braden, vice-grand; Dr. J. H. Alexander, secretary; James Braden, treasurer.

The lodge suffered the loss of its rooms on April 24, 1877. The present building was completed in 1856 and the lodge hall, which is located in the second story, was purchased by the lodge in 1877 for Ihe consideration of six hundred dollars. The present membership numljers eighty-five. Benefits and resources amount to two thousand four hundred and eightyseven dollars and five cents. The present officers of the lodge are as follow : Wallace Champ, noble grand ; William Oliphant, vice-grand ; Elmer Swift, secretary; Charles Braden, treasurer: O. B. Trimble, Marion Lane and James Conk, trustees.

Adams Lodge No. 79O

Fire completely destroyed the lodge building on X^ovember i, 1906, but a new hall was immediately erected and the lodge continues to make steady progress. Its present officers are : Roy Darby, noble grand ; Ed. Shaner, vice-grand: John Inman, secretary; Merritt Webb, financial secretary, and Walter Rhoades, treasurer. The lodge hall is \-alued at three thousand five hundred dollars.

Clarksburg Lodge No. 559

Clarksburg Lodge Xo. 559 was organized on May 23, 1878, and has a very strong membership." Its first officers and other charter members were: A. A. Chenoweth, noble grand; A. S. Creath, vice-grand; G. T. Bell, secretary; J. A. Miller, treasurer; W. D. McCracken, warden; W. W. Ewick, outer guard. It was organized by A. P. Bennett, Samuel J. Jackson, F. Getzendanner, Leonard Worcester, Joel W. Stites and A. Stegmaier, of Greensburg. The lodge owns a .sul:)Stantial building which cost more than five thousand dollars to erect. (21)

Wf.Stport Lodge No. 68 1

Westport Lodge Xo. 68 1 was installed on August 27, 1891, with the following officers and charter members: Thomas Bemish, noble grand; P. M. Rhodes, vice-grand; W. R. Tucker, secretary; S. C. Cann, financial secretary; G. D. Little, treasurer; Thomas Bemish, Morris W. Brewer, E. K. Hause and O. M. Taylor. The lodge owns its own building, which cost five thousand five hundred dollars to erect. Its present officers are : P. F. Owens, noble grand ; M. G. Stewart, vice-grand ; Carl Davis, secretary; J. \V. Holcomb, financial secretary, and George C. Nicholson, treasurer. Westport lodge has one hundred and forty- four members.

Shiloh Lodge No. 560, Daughters of Rebekah, is an au.xiliary of Westport lodge. This organization was effected on January 18, 1898, by the following women : Annie Nicely, Mrs. George Wheelwright, Sarah Owens, Mollie Keith and ^Nlarj' Sample.

Covenant Lodge No. 1 63

Covenant Lodge No. 163, Lidependent Order of Odd Fellows, at St. Paul, was organized on July 11, 1855. The following comprise the list of charter members: Stephen Ridlen, Jonathan Kurr, George Reede, \\'illiam Reede, Thomas Reede, Squire Van Kelt, Michael Halloren, Elisha H. Crosby, Milton Corwin, Charles J. Smith, Samuel McKee and William C. Lowden.

The Odd Fellows' building was completely destroyed by fire and all the early records were destroyed, therefore it is impossible to ascertain the names of the first officers. The lodge owns a two-story brick building, erected in 1879, with two business rooms on the first floor. It also owns a threestory brick building, which has three stores on the first floor, while the other two stories are occupied by the lodge. Total \-alue of the lodge property is eight thousand six hundred forty-one dollars and fifty-five cents. The present membership numbers ninety. The present officers are : Warren Brook, noble grand; Thomas Wolverton, vice-grand; H. F. Prill, recording secretary ; J. B. McKee, financial secretary ; Fred Metzler, treasurer.

Modern Woodmen Of America Newpoint Camp No. 984O

Xewpoint Camp Xo. 9840, ]\Iodern Woodmen of America, was organized on May 21, 1910. This camp was instituted by the Greensburg and Batesville degree teams and thirty-one members were initiated the first night, while three were added by transfer from other lodges at the time of the installation of the camp. S. G. Fitch served as head deputy for initiation. The following men were enrolled the first night : J. C. Barbe, John Bradewater, R. F. Carr, J. C. Colson, C. R. Dowden, Walter Harding, A. E. Huber, C. C. Barnard, U. G. Brown, John H. Castor, William J. Colson, Holman Glidewell, B. A. Hilliard, Ira jNIartin, Chris. F. JMyer, George M. Neimeyer, Charles Risinger, Howard F. Starks, William H. Swegman. Curtis H. Walker, John L. Wiecher, Harold J. Wolf, Willis R. Wolf, W. R. Castor, John Hart, George Price, Waid Williams, Charles Meyer, O. P. Grove, A. L. Shazer, Harley McKee, J. E. Starks, William C. Parmer and \\ H. Minning.

The first officers were as follow : A. T. Shazer, venerable consul ; George Neimeyer, worthy adviser; J. C. Barb, b?nker; R. F. Carr, clerk; A. E. Huber, escort; John Hart, watchman; C. C. Barnard, sentry; Harley S. McKee, physician. The present officers are as follow : Charles Reisinger, venerable consul; Charles Meyer, worthy adviser; William Colson, banker; B. A. Hilliard, clerk; Glenn Gibberson, escort; William Gentry, watchman. The present membership is twenty-eight. The insurance of the members in 191 5 totaled thirty-two thousand five hundred dollars.

Lone Tree Camp No. 7253

Several years previous to this a camp of the Modern Woodmen had been installed in Greensburg, but this camp never experienced a great growth and about the year 1898 was moved to Shelby ville. The present camp has had a flourishing existence, with a total membership at present of one hundred and eighty. The insurance at this time amounts to two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. The lodge has suffered the loss of sixteen brothers, with insurance paid out amounting to twenty-four thousand dollars. The officers at present are : John H. Tresler, venerable consul ; Roy Styers, worthy adviser; M. S. Wamsley, banker; Will Ehrhardt, clerk.

The tribe at present owns property valued at one thousand one hundred dollars. Three dollars per week are paid out for sick benefits. The present membership numbers eighty-four. The present officers are Joseph Childers, senior sagamore; Harry Tucker, junior sagamore; Ira T. Colson, sachem; Wesley Idlewine, keeper of wampum; Curtis Goble, chief of records; E. H. Dusenberger, prophet.

Benevolent And Protective Order Of Elks

Greensburg Lodge No. 475, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, was organized on April 26, 1899, with thirty-one charter members. The first exalted ruler was S. P. Minear. -Others who have held this position since the installation of the lodge are : Charles Zoller, J. Van Woodfill, William C. Pulse, Web Woodfill, Fred L. Thomas, Hugh D. Wickens, Charles H. Ewing, Hal T. Kitchin, Will H. Lanham, Robert C. Woodfill. Charles H. Dalmbert, John W. Craig, Frank Hamilton, Robert E. AIcKay and R. A. Turner.

Since its installation the lodge has grown to a membership of one hundred and fifty-four and is now considered the leading social organization of the city. It is composed of representative business and professional men of Greensburg, occupies a fine suite of apartments on the north side of the sfjuare and is ever ready and willing to undertake acts of charity and kindness which have rendered the order distinct in all places where it has a lodge.

D. A. Batterton, treasurer ; Herbert Hunter, esquire ; Will C. Monf ort, chaplain; Ira Miller, inner guard, and John Crooks, tyler. Trustees are Harry Emmert, J. F. Russell and Loren L. Doles.

Improved Order Of Red Men

Pequonnock Tribe No. 185, Improved Order of Red Men, was organized on May 15, 1894, with the following charter members: John F. Childs, A. P. Bone, W. L. Bennett, William H. Rybolt, George S. Dickey, William Bruner, George Kesling, William Weathers, J. B. Conover, W. A. Lawson, T. J. Powell, Dan Styers, R. F. Thomas, Branson Beeson, John Riley, Smith Riley, George Beeson, Perry Robbins, William A. Brooks, John Abbott, A. L. Dickey, William Fulks, Brack Chance, J. R. Patton, Dr. L. W. D. Jerman, Taylor F. Meek, J. W. Roberts, Charles Reed, John I. Rodman, Frank Pickett, P. I. Clark, O. H. Rybolt, Harry Reniger, R. H. Look, D. ~E. Biddinger, J. W. Fletcher, Joseph Reingar, Charles Phillips, Cyrus Waters, E. A. Cavett, Charles S. Short.

The first officers were : John F. Childs, sachem ; W. L. Bennett, senior sagamore; J. W. Roberts, junior sagamore; A. L. Dickey, keeper of records; T. J. Powell, keeper of wampum; G. O. Barnard, conductor of work; R. F. Thomas, Branson Beeson and Frank Smith, trustees. The present beautiful building is the property of the lodge and is valued at eighteen thousand dollars.

The present membership of the lodge numbers two hundred and ninety. The present officers are : John King, sachem ; N. S. Doles, senior sagamore ; Frank Murdock, junior sagamore ; Joe Renigar, prophet ; William Snell, keeper of records ; G. O. Barnard, conductor of work ; J. L. Luchte, keeper of wampum ; Charles A. Dowdle, Link Beeson and W. S. Harvey, trustees.

Degree Of Pocahontas

Pequonnock Council No. iii. Degree of Pocahontas, is an auxiliary of the Red Men's tribe of Greensburg. The charter for this order was granted on October 20, 1898. The meetings are held in the Red Men's hall. The membership at present includes seventy persons. The ofificers serving the lodge at this time are : Sarah Robbins, Pocahontas ; Mary Robbins, Wenonah; James B. Towler, Powhatan; Jacia Pool, prophet; Lottie Dowdle, keeper of records; Lydia McMillan, keeper of wampum.

Pequonnock Haymakers

hall. The membership at present totals one hundred and five. The present officers are: Dola Robbins, chief ha}-maker; Frank ]\Iurdock, assistant chief haymaker; Arthur Murdock, overseer; Dallas Land, past chief haymaker; William M. Snell, collector of strau'S ; Charles Dowdle, keeper of bundles; William Best, R. C. West and James M. Duncan, trustees.

Loyal Order Of Moose

The Loyal Order of iloose was organized at Louisville, Iventucky, on April 12, 1888. It is not an insurance order; there are no assessments of any character ; it is not a rival of any other fraternal organization ; it is not a class organization, but is open to all good white citizens between the ages of twenty-one and fift}-. At the end of 1914 the order had over one thousand four hundred and fift}- lodges, with a total membership of more than half a million. The initiation fee for charter members is five dollars and after the charter is closed the initiation fee is increased to twenty-five dollars. The iVIoose pay benefits of seven dollars a week to sick or disabled members. The death benefit is one hundred dollars.

Lone Tree Lodge No. 1005 at Greensburg, is the only one of this order in Decatur county. It was organized on November 12, 1913, with the following charter members : Joseph Gentry, Fred Stiet, W. B. Brogan, Elijah \^anderdur, Clarence Stith, Benjamin Meyer, L. J. Alexander, George Cosmas, George A. Kurr, Sabe Perkins, C. F. Kercheval, Paul R. Tindall, William McCormick, Lowe Bush, Lemuel J. Howard, Michael McCormack, Oscar F. Kuhn, Loren Hutcheson, William ^^'eeks, Earl Martin, Ed Buchannan, Harry Vanderbur, Herschel Vanderbur, James Frances, Fred Tucker, John Muldoon, Charles Jackson, William Boyce, David Wiley, James Sparks, Morton Davis, Carl Suttles, George Richards, John A. Abbott, Jefferson Morris, D. C. Powner, Len Fischer, David Bower, Ed Bozzell, Joe Stier, Thomas Davis, William Littell, Frank Buckley, Fred Weber, William Fulks, Sherman Patton, William B. Lemasters, James Smith, Da\'id Welsh, W. T. Vanderbur, Ross Grimes, B. E. Baker, W. H. Scripture. Ace Dean, Ora Grimes, J. Dunn, Clifford English.

The officers at present are as follow : Joseph Gentry, past dictator ; Paul R. Tindall, past dictator; Michael Gutting, dictator; Frank Murdoch, vice-director; Blaine Hoin, prelate; Sabe Perkins, secretary; Earl Crooks, treasurer; Bernard Menzie, sergeant-at-arms ; Martin Sparks, inner guard; Ace Dean, outer guard; Ben Meyer, James Ford and J. L. Alexander, trustees. The membership at present totals three hundred and seventy-five.

Knights Of St. John

St. Boniface Commandery No. 22"/, Knights of St. John, was organized on October 9, 1914, with a total memljership of thirty-six. The installation of this chapter took place on Sunday, October i8th. The following comprises a list of the charter members : Rev. A. J. Urich, Dr. N. C. Baunian, Edward Luken, John B. Rolfes, Bernard Blankman, Edward Kroeger, B. W. Zapfe, John Schoetmer, Lawrence Duerstock, Clem Duerstock, Joseph Duerstock, George Frye, Ed Frye, William Frye, Leo Frye, George Luken, Henry Luken, Louis Luken, Louis Schoetmer, Henry Meier, Clem Herbert, Andrew Butz, Frank Vaske, Bernard Harping, Benjamin Harping, Charles Witkemper, John Witkemper, Louis Moorman, Joseph Moorman, Jr., Albert Goldschmidt, Louis Moenkedick, Joseph Kesterman, Joseph Redelman, Edward Feldman, Lawrence Ruhl, John Wenning.

The present officers are Rev. W. J. Urich, chaplain; Dr. N. C. Bauman, president; Ed Luken, first vice-president; John B. Rolfes, second vice-president; Bernard Blankman, recording and corres]:x)nding secretary; Edward Kroeger, financial secretary, B. W. Zapfe, treasurer; John Schoetmer, captain; Ed Kroeger, first lieutenant; Lawrence Duerstock, second lieutenant; George Frye, William Frye, Lawrence Ruhl, Joseph Duerstock, Bernard Harping, trustees. The present membership has reached forty-eight and the growth of this chapter has not reached its maximum.

This lodge is divided into a military and social body. The military body consists of twenty-two members at present. The members dress in full uniform on certain church celebrations, making the ceremonies very impressive. They also meet for drill twice each month. The Knights have rented the Scheidler hall for their meetings, but expect to build a hall of their own in a short time.

All sick members are taken care of and the lodge pays a certain benefit to all sick members. Each member is assessed five dollars annually, paid in quarterly installments. The members also give social entertainments and dances to help defray the lodge expenses.