Delaware County, Indiana - Chapter 10: Knights of Honor, 1881

Chapter 10: Knights of Honor

Murvat Loper, No. 122 - DATE oF ITs INsTITUTION - INSTITUTING AUTHORITIES - CHARTER MEMBERS - FIRST OFFICERS - WHERE INSTITUTED - SUBSEQUENT PLACE OF MEETING - PRESENT FINANCIAL Con- DITION - WIDOW AND ORPHANS' Funp - TZimes ACCOUNT OF THE ORGANIZATION.

N the 14th of June, 1875, H. W. Overmyer, 8S. D., and H. H. Bar tholomew, instituted in the I. O. R. M. hall; removing at the next subsequent meeting into the old Odd Fellows' Hall in the city of

From the date of the institution of the lodge until the latter part of March, 1879, the regular place of meeting was in the old Odd Fellows' Hall, in the room in which it commenced its career in Muncie. About that date, a change of location becoming necessary, arrangements were made whereby comfortable quarters were afforded in the opera house, in conjunction with the Knights of Pythias who had expended a considerable sum in fitting up the room for their own accommodation. Since the time of its removal to this room, the lodge continued to meet regularly at the same place which appears to be recognized as the permanent headquarters.

The Widows' and Orphans' Fund were reported as follows, on the 30th of. June, 1880, for the half year commencing January 1, 1850: Receipts of fund from December 31, 1879, to June 30, 1880, $155.35; disbursements for same period, $1595.39.

"The objects of the order," as set forth in an article from the Mun- ~ cie Times "are to unite fraternally all acceptable men of all professions, to give moral and material aid in its power, and give to the widow and orphans of a deceased member, a benefit of $2,000 at his death, and to eare for the sick and distressed" and otherwise to maintain and cultivate the principles of a common humanity toward the brotherhood.

Knights And Ladies Of Honor

Protection Lodge, No. 346, was instituted J uly 20, 1880, by Deputy Grand Protector W. M. Overmire. The object of this order is the mutual protection and benefit of itsmembers. This lodge was instituted with ybe following charter members: L. H. Harper, Elleanor Harper, Moses Lutz, Naney A. Lutz, John A. Miller, Amanda Miller, Theodore M. Palmer, Joseph R. Paxon, J oseph A. Stahle, Anna E. Stahle, Wilber J. Boyden, Thomas Duncan, Maggie Duncan, L. Fayette Hardesty, Leroy Heath, Eva Heath, S. U. Huffer and Martha M. Huffer. On the evening of institution the following officers were elected and installed: John H. Miller, Past Protector; J oseph A. Stahle, Protector; Martha M. Huffer, Vice Protector; Mary A: Paxon, Chaplain; Thomas Dunean, Secretary; L. H. Harper, Financial Secretary; Leroy Heath, Treasurer: Nancy A. Lutz, Guide; Elleanor Harper, Guardian; J. R. Paxon, Sentinel; John H. Miller, Moses Lutz and Theodore M. Palmer, Trustees. The lodge is in prosperous condition, with a steadily increasing membership, haying at this time twenty-five members in good standing. The regular meetings are held every alternate Tuesday evening, in the hall of the Knights of Pythias. Each member carries a life policy of $1,000, payable at death by assessment upon the surviving members. As the membership of the order is unlimited, the annual cost to the members is not burdensome.

The officers of the current term (ending June 30, 1881), are: Past Protector, J.A. Stahle; Protector, John H. Miller; Vice Protector, Anna E. Stahle; Secretary, Thomas Duncan; Financial Secretary, L. H. Harper; Treasurer, Leroy Heath; Chaplain, Mary A. Paxon; Guide, Nancy A. Lutz; Guardian, Elleanor Harper; Sentinel, Martin Shafer; Trustees, John H. Miller, T. M. Palmer and George Feathers; Representative to Grand Lodge, John H. Miller.

Ancient Order Of United Workmen

'ORGANIZATION OF CENTER LODGE, No. 42, CHARTER MEMBERS, ORIGINAL OFFICERS - N AME ADOPTED - CONSTITUTION AND By-LAws ADOPTED - DisTRIcT DEPUTY - REPORT ON FINANCES - CHANGE PLACE OF MEETING - CONDITION OF FINANCES IN 1880 - PRESENT OFFICERS - MEMBERSHIP - AIMS, PROVINCE AND USAGES OF THE ORDER.

Haines, Sanford Bowers, Joseph Kirk, E. A. Maddy and A. J. Riley. The preliminary requirements having been complied with, the instituting ceremonies were consummated by the election and installation of

S. A. Haines, Past Master Workman; A. J. Riley, Master Workman; Elias A. Maddy, General Foreman; Sanford Bowers, Overseer; Calvin Haines, Guide; H. M. Winans, Recorder; G. D. Leech, Financier; C. H. Green, Receiver; Joseph Kirk, Inside Watchman; G. D. Leech, Trustee, term ending December, 1877; S. A. Haines, Trustee, term ending June, 1878; A. J. Riley, Trustee, term ending December, 1878.

The officers were then duly installed, and the name, Center Lodge, No. 42, agreed upon and adopted as that by which this branch should thereafter be designated and known.

On the 30th of November, 1877, Charles Rodman was duly instructed in the three qualifying degrees, as before prescribed. This was the first initiation, and the subject resided at Indianapolis, Ind. He was presented by Mr. Anthony, and was the tenth member of the lodge, making the number necessary for perfecting the organization complete. At this meeting, also, a committee was appointed to prepare a constitution and by-laws for the government of the lodge, and a committee on hall. December 14, 1877, the Committee on Constitution and By-laws reported such code, which was adopted: The committee on procuring a hall reported that the "Red Men's" Hall had been secured as a suitable place in which to meet. | pis

On the 28th of December, 1877, P. M. W. 8. A. Haines reported that he had received his commission as District Deputy of this jurisdiction, also a dispensation for a charter for this lodge.

The Committee on Finance, at the meeting of March 8; 1878, made the following report, in conformity with the regulations of the order, for the term ending at that date, to wit:

Reseiven for MNtiatron 1668.52. 2.0; on cccdisshtncns sacs Pe ee $70 50 Received as dues, up to Lecember, 1877.............ccccececcscecececeees 3 00 Received from donation of delegates to Grand Lodge............000.. 5 00° Received from donation of Medical Examiner G. D. Leach......... 2 95 Received on first death assessment.............cccsccoscsdecccccesacceceose 8 45 Received on return from instituting officers........cccccceccececcececece 8 00

On the Ist of April, 1879, the meeting-place was changed from the old quarters to the room occupied by the Red Men - both lodges moving about the same time - to the room now used as a hall, over Adamson & Goddard's store. The following are the present officers:

There are about twenty-three members in the lodge, and the maximum insurance, $2,000. The membership is unlimited in this lodge, and the insurance is limited to $2,000.

Creator and Preserver of the universe, and recognizing, asa fundamental principle, that usefulness to ourselves and others is a duty which should be the constant aim and care of all, the following are submitted as the aims and purposes of the Ancient Order of United Workmen:

"Ist, To embrace and give equal protection to all classes and kinds of labor, mental and physical; to strive earnestly to improve the moral, intellectual and social conditions of its members; to endeavor, by wholesome precepts, fraternal admonitions and substantial aid, to inspire a due appreciation of the stern realities and responsibilities of life.

"2d, To create a fund for the benefit of its members during sickness or other disability, and, in case of death, to pay a sum to such person or persons as may be designated by each member, thus enabling him to guarantee his family against want.

"With these noble aims and purposes in view, although it has been but six years since the first Supreme Lodge of A. O. U. W. was instituted, there are now subordinate lodges in seventeen States, and grand lodges in fourteen States of the Union, with a membership of about sixty thousand, and there has already been paid to the heirs and assigns of deceased brothers over $1,000,000.

"The order maintains that it offers superior inducements to the uninsured; also, to those wishing more insurance, for the following reasons: It assures weekly sick benefits, with a positive guarantee of $2,000, to the heirs of a deceased brother, and securing to his dependents this handsome legacy without the delay of some ninety days or SIX months, and the deduction of an exorbitant attorney fee, or, perhaps, a tedious litigation wpon some obscure provision in the policy, which is liable to cause of forfeiture of the insurance. To the payment of this legacy the order is individually and collectively bound. It officiates at the bedside of a sick brother, and pledges itself to the mutual encouragement and assistance of a brother and his family in every earthly misfortune; and, while it is true that the initiatory ceremonies take place within guarded doors, and that wholesome obligations are then and there administered, it is not a cabal of crafty, evil-disposed persons, who hold clandestine meetings for unworthy purposes, but, on the contrary, being thoroughly democratic in all of its parts, and humane in its purposes, it is becoming universally popular, and, when it is judged by the only true criterion that can be applied to a fraternalzbody, it challenges comparison with any and all other charitable enterprises, noble and effective as we may admit them to be; and, while its general plan of character, and unites the members in one common bond of sympathy and fraternal allegiance, permitting no interference with either religion or politics.

"The assessments call for but $1.00 at a time, and are so interspersed through the different months of the year as to render the payment thereof no hardship to a member in the most humble financial circumstances. Each member has a voice in conducting the affairs of the brotherhood, and poor or rich are all on the same basis of human equality. The restrictions as to membership are the full age of twenty-one years, and not over fifty; good moral character and sound bodily health; each applicant must pass a rigid and complete medical examination before he can have a degree conferred. Initiation fee, after the institution of a lodge, is $10.05 for each applicant. The lodge dues cannot be less than 7 cents per week. The cost of carrying the insurance benefit of $2,000 has been proved, by actual tests of former years, to be less than 4 cents a day, or an average of $13 each year."

Ladies Benevolent Society

This society, though not one of the secret orders known as benevolent, is oue of the strictly charitable institutions of the city, and as such is entitled to especial consideration, because of the bestowals of the necessaries of life to many of our people, unable, from their own exertions, to keep starvation from their door - not from considerations of pecuniary return, but from motives of highest Christian duty. With this ideal for their guide, the ladies of Muncie met at the residence of Mrs. Fred E. Putnam on Thursday evening, October 7, 1875, and organized the Ladies' Benevolent Society. The officers elected at that time were: Mrs. J. A. Goddard, President; Mrs. J. A. Husted, Vice President; Mrs. John Marsh, Treasurer; and Mrs. Geo. A. Beattie, Secretary.

The following by-laws were adopted for the government of the society, being only those most fully presenting the name, purpose and sphere of this association:

ARTICLE 2. Its object shall be to aid the poor and needy of our city, and temporarily relieve the wants of the widow and orphan, and destitute mothers and children,

Artictg 8. All are earnestly requested to unite in this work of relieving the wants of the needy and thus together we may do a little for the cause of humanity.

That the objects of this society were met by a fair response from the humane and the charitably disposed of our city, the following abstract of a. report presented by the proper officers will give the reader a substantial retrospect of what was accomplished in the earlier days of its existence, and offer an inducement for the further exercise of that spirit of genuine benevolence which actuated the prime movers in the project:

The society continued its usefulness for about four years, making at times a financial showing much in excess of figures given above, but was finally succeeded by other benevolent societies, which have proven no less useful. |

The Home Missionary Society Of Muncie

On the morning of Sunday, December 28, 1879, a few gentlemen met, by chance, at the store of Frank Leon, on West Main street. Christmas had just passed, and the memory of its festive scenes was still fresh in the minds of these gentlemen, who were, respectively, Charles W. Kilgore, Frank Leon, Dr. M. James, A. A. Milligan and William Kissel. The season seemed auspicious for the contemplation of the difference between their own condition and that of others less favored, and the propriety of devising, if possible, some means for the relief of the latter. The conversation may have turned upon this point; but, be that-as it may, we must regard Mr. Leon as the prime mover and the originator of a practical plan for the consummation of the object aimed at. He said: 'Gentlemen, if I can have a second to my action, I propose that a home missionary society be now organized, for the relief of our poor people, and I subscribe $5 to start it." The object was too commendable to require any time for consideration, and every gentleman in the company followed his lead, with an equal amount of cash, except Mr. Milligan, who subscribed $25. The plan originated with the right. men. They meant it should succeed, and nothing short of absolute success would satisfy them. Enthusiasm was aroused, and their hearts warmed with the consciousness of a good deed. © Others dropped into: the store as the morning advanced, and to each the plan was mentioned, receiving their hearty approval and co-operation, so that, within ten minntes, $80 had been collected. No constitution or articles of association were adopted, but, by a majority vote of the gentlemen present, Charles W. Kilgore was elected President; Frank Leon, Vice President; William Kissel, Treasurer; and Dr. M. James, Secretary. A committee was then appointed, consisting of two gentlemen for each ward of the city, to canvass their respective wards for aid in the good work. Contributions in cash and produce flowed in freely, amounting, before. January 1, 1880, to between $600 and $700. Whatever Christmas Day of music heralded the glad tidings to their ears. Clothing, provisions and other bounties awaited them at the Council Chamber, and, as the: needs of each were supplied, the goods were taken to their respective: places of abode by express wagons employed for the purpose. Many a. heart swelled with gratitude, and many a hard thought turned to a.

$134.16, which was held in reserve for its legitimate uses. The Missionary Sunday School, originated by Mrs. M. C. Smith and Mrs. T. F.. Riley, may be regarded as an outgrowth of this society, and an important adjunct to its workings.

About two months after the organization of the society, Mr. Leon was unanimously chosen as its General Manager, in which capacity hestill continues to act. It is the most important and practical benevoof each month, in the Knights of Pythias Hall.

lent society in the county, and its perpetuity seems assured. At a union meeting, held at the Presbyterian Church on Thanksgiving Day, 1880, a contribution amounting to $40.58, was made in its behalf, and private donations are numerous.

The officers of the society at this time are: E. Maddy, President; S. S. Rodman, Vice President; Frank Leon, Treasurer; A. W. Clancy, Secretary.

Royal Arcanum

ROYAL ARCANUM. FRATERNAL CounciL, No. 362 - DATE OF ORGANIZATION - EARLY MEm- BERS - PETITION FOR CHARTER - FIRST OFFICERS - SUBSEQUENT OFFICERS - PROCEEDINGS.

On the 30th day of July, 1879, Fraternal Council, No. 362, was | organized by Alfred Terry, Deputy Supreme Regent. charter was signed by the following persons: G. W.H. Kemper, Thomas

William A. Hoyt occupied the office of Regent until J anuary 26, 1881, when the following officers were installed: John W. Garner, Regent; W. L. Lacey, Vice Regent; W. A. Hoyt, Past Regent; D. W. Stuart, Orator: George S. Bartlett, Secretary: J. L. Whippo, Collector;

The meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday evenings Five new members have been added since the organization, and all the old ones remain.

Social Unions

= January of the centennial year, a number of ladies, at the suggestion of Mrs. Clara Shipley, uniting in the desire for mutual improvement, met at the residence of Mrs. McRae and decided upon the forma-

| tion of an organization entitled "'The Woman's Club." The significance | of the name is apparent, since wherein lies frail woman's power and force, of which the club is an emblem, if not in her cultivation of mind. And what fitter weapon for her to wield than her literary ability ? This organization, whose watchword is progress, whose aim is self-help, looking to the good of others, and whose results are felt more sensibly as time advances, has proved itself a power in the community. Steadily increasing in interest and popularity, it already, in its sixth year, followed by a longer one of English antecedents, down to colonial Selections from the best authors are mingled with essays upon a variety of subjects, and Meeting once

During the summer of 1876, the society adjourned temporarily, and was called together to take action as to the loss, by death, of one of its members. "In this case, as in many others," says a member of the club, "the destroyer sought a shining mark. Young, gifted, lovely in person and graces of mind, with life brilliant in coloring, she answered the summons- - 'Come up higher; for she has distanced in all things that excel - the veil concealing the spirit-world alone can reveal!" With a tear to the memory of Mrs. Georgie Willard, and resolutions of respect, the club took up its course of meetings, which have never since been interrupted, summer or winter. No special anniversary was held the first year, but the second was indeed an era in the history of the club. The anniversary meeting was held at the residence of Mrs. William Brotherton, as was also the fourth. The third was held at the residence of Mrs. Dr. Winans, and the fifth at the residence of Mrs. John Jack.

By invitation, the Woman's Club met with the Literary and Scientific Association of Muncie, at their rooms in the"public building, in Janu- They were courteously allowed to conduct the exercises on

_ that occasion, and "Home Training of Our Youth" was selected as the _ subject for discussion, and was ably treated. A discussion of the sub- _ ject of essays or selections has also been a noticeable feature of the _ exercises at various times; and, as the muse is courted by not a few of _ its members, poetry forms a part, while the more prosaic minds find _ ample room for the display of their powers.

A "Centennial" meeting was held in the centennial year, devoted to the interests of the club. Again, an evening was given to Dickens and his works, another to authors of equal note, and to our American poets, the last noticed being Whittier. Art, in its various forms, has also taken a place, one of the last papers read being on "Italian Art and Artists." Commendable in its objects and elevating in its character and associations, the Woman's Club of Muncie has been, from its very inception, a power for good. The following list embraces the names of its charter members: Miss Nellie Smith, Miss Jennie Neely, Miss Minnie Young, Mrs. McCulloch, Mrs. Emma Mont. McRae, Mrs. Millie Ethell, Mrs. Elizabeth Willard, Miss Lizzie Willard, Mrs. J. A. Husted, Mrs. Mary Marsh, Mrs. C. E. Shipley, Mrs. S. A. Bacon, Mrs. Juliette Riley, Mrs. Sallie E. Maddy, Mrs. Mary Sample, Mrs. Orinda Bishop, Mrs. Mary C. Smith, Mrs. Mary F. P. Kirby, Mrs. Florence Brown, Mrs. Lida Ryan, Mrs. Hettie Hodge, Mrs. Hattie Patterson, Mrs. Augusta A. Truitt, Mrs. Martha M. Little, Miss Mary E. Little, Miss Maggie E. Burt, Miss Hattie F. McCulloch, Miss Maggie Mellette, Mrs. Ella Mellette, Mrs. Mary A. Little, Mrs. Cornelia Little, Mrs. Ida Harper, Mrs. Ellen Smith, Mrs. Mary Young.

A constitution was adopted at the outstart, the signing of which constituted membership; but, in November, 1878, this constitution was revised and amended, and members are now chosen by ballot, assenting to the constitution and by-laws and paying 50 cents. The- first call made was an assessment of 6 cents upon each member, to pay for the an assessment of 30 cents upon each member. The present financial basis, however, calls for nothing of this kind, since the treasury is kept well filled by the present membership of thirty-three. A committee on programme, consisting of three ladies elected every three months - arrange the exercises for each meeting. Those on duty, if not present, are notified of what is expected of them.

The first officers-of the club were: Miss Nellie Smith, President; Miss Jennie Neely, Vice President; Miss Minnie Young, Secretary; Mrs. Carrie McCulloch, Treasurer. The officers for the present year (1881), are: Mrs. Belle Winans, President; Mrs. J. A. Husted, Vice President; Miss Lola A. Truitt, Secretary; Mrs. Mary Marsh, Treasurer.

Article II of the constitution of the club best explains its object: "The object of this association shall be to present practical methods for improving the mental, moral and physical condition of society, and to secure, as far as possible, united effort toward the higher civilization of

The Literary And Scientific Association Of Muncie

During the spring of 1878, Dr. T. J. Bowles circulated the following call, which was numerously signed by the business and professional men of Muncie:

'""We, the undersigned, hereby agree to enter into an 'association for mutual improvement in law, theology, medicine, history, literature and science."

In pursuance of this call, the first meeting was held April 23, at Blount & Templer's law office. There were present the following gentlemen, who, we might say, constituted the charter membership of the then embryo association, that has since achieved the distinction of being one of the fixed institutions of learning in the city of Muncie: Prof. H. 8S. McRae, William Lynn, Sr., S. A. Haines, Frank Ellis, L. T. Wilson, George H. Koons, T. J. Blount, C. B. Templer, R. 8. Gregory, O. J. Lotz, J. A. Keener, T. F. Rose, Dr. J. B. Summers Dr. T. J. Bowles, Dr. G. D. Leech, Dr. H. M. Winans, Dr. E. Beckwith, Dr. 5. O. Budd, Rey. George W. Blodgett, Charles Alf Williams, A. W. Clancey and L. A. Kirkwood, who entered into a temporary organization with Prof. H. 8. McRae in the chair, and T. F. Rose, Secretary. Various plans tee appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. That committee consisted of Dr. T. J. Bowles, R. 8. Gregory, S. A. Haines, T. J. Blount and E. W. Brady. Prior to May 2, many preliminary meetings were held at various places, looking to a permanent organization, which was affected at the City Council Chamber on that evening, by the adoption of a constitution and by-laws, and by the election of officers. Judge Walter March was chosen President; S. A: Haines, Vice President; W. H. M. Cooper, Secretary; and A. W. Clancy, Treasurer.

Some of the controlling principles and practical workings that have resulted as an outgrowth of the usages and laws of the soit aa may be briefly summed up as follows:

If. Any person of good moral character, over the age of sixteen years, may, by the payment of $1 and by a majority vote, be admitted to membership.

Ill. There is an Executive Committee of four, whose duty, among others, is that of separating the membership into classes, A, B, C and D, each class, in the order mentioned, to furnish a programme of such exercises as are deemed best, after which a spontaneous and free discussion is indulged in by all.

IV. The order of business is, 1. Roll call. 2. Reading minutes of previous meet_ ing. 38. Reports. 4. Business. 5. Amendments. 6. Appointment of critics. 7. Regular exercises. 8. Report of critics. 9. Discussion. 10, Adjournment.

V. The officers are elected by ballot and serve six months. The President elect, upon taking his chair of office, delivers an inaugural address. The retiring President, upon vacating his seat, delivers a farewell address or valedictory.

On the evening of January 8, 1880, the Woman's Club of Muncie, met by invitation in joint convention with this society, and discussed some of the questions 'appertaining to social science, to the edification of all present.

This association, like others of a similar character, has failed to secure the good will and friendship of all professed promoters of progress. 'To some, it partakes too much of religion; to others, too largely of science; to some, not enough of either. Indeed, some, whose cherished opinions and belief have suffered by coming in contact with the relentless argument of others, have irreverently and uncharitably charged infidelity as the prevailing sentiment. Occasions of its adjournment have been seized upon to write and publish its obituary by those whose wish has been father to the thought; but while numerous examples of the instability of all human affairs are constantly passing our notice, the Literary and Scientific Association of Muncie, now upon the threshold of the fourth year of its existence, never gave better promise of continuing to edify all who will attend its meetings, and of wielding an influence for good in the community where it seems to have a permanent lodgment. Its officers for the present term are: William Lynn, Sr., President; L. T. Wilson, Vice President; Charles Alf Williams, Secretary; A- Rothschild, Treasurer.

Mind;" "Physiology of Life and Death;" "Obvious Reasons for Evolution;" "The Nervous System;" "Man before Birth;" 'Geographical Distribution of Man." By A. Rothschild - '' Law;" "Love;" '' Science in Eating." By A. C. Silverburg - '" Law;" ''Spontaneity of American Eloquence." By Dr. William Glenn - " Turko-Russian War;" ' Darwinian " (three papers). By A. L. Wilson - Unseen Forces;" ' Observations by the Way;" "Tolerance and Intolerance;" " Artificial Geography;" "The Liquor Traffic;' "Taxation." By O. J. Lots - " The

Ottoman Turk;" "Mental Force;"' "Right and Wrong;" " Evolution and Religion;" "Ultimate Destiny of the Earth;" " First Traces of Man on Karth;" "Rudiments of Government;" 'The Ruling Passion;"' "Nationality ;" "Functions of Government;" "Moors in Spain." By G. D. Leech - * Poetry and Eloquence;' "Superstition in Therapeutics;" "Circulation of the Blood." By S. A. Haines - '' What we Are, and What we Need;' "Monopolies and Taxation;' 'The follies of Modern Times." By G. W. Blodgett - '' The Bible." By A. L. Kerwood - " Remembrance of a Presentiment;' ''The True Ideal." By Charles Alf Williams - "Capital and Labor." By T. J. Blount - Legal Effects of Marriage;" ''Some People.' By C. B. Templer - " Tact;" "Political Parties." By-O. M. Tyler - ' Patriot-

_ism vs. Dishonesty." By Dr. J. B. Summers - " Drowning and Treatment." By R. S. Gregory - Language." By A. W. Clancy - " Most Useful Knowledge;" 'What shall we Teach our Boys?" By Prof. H. S. McRae - " Relativity of Knowledge;" "Relation of Science to Morality;" "Simplification of English Spelling." By T. F. Rose - '' Mahommet and his Religion;" "Edgar A. Poe." By. D. H. H. Shewmaker - "Hard Times;" "The Decline of Intolerance;" " Utility of the Christian Religion;" 'The Religions of Asia;"' "Prohibition in Maine a Fraud and a Failure." By J. A. Dobson - The True Idea of Inspiration;'' "The Unseen, the Permanent Side of Nature and Life; "Heroes and Heroism;" - " Advances and Aspects of our Social Life;" "The Christ of Humanity ;" "Intellectual Culture." By A. G. Carpenter - '* Work." By William Lynn, Sr. - 'Freedom of Speech;" " Travel;" " Intolerance." By W. March - ''Our Association." By L. T. Wilson - '"' Henry Clay;" "The Relation of the African Race to our Government;'' '' National School System." By M. Stansberry - "Graves and Graveyards." By Dr. Phinney - *' Evolution from a Geological Standpoint;" 'The Earth and its Motions." By G. H. Koons - " Origin and Destiny of Man;" "True and False Relations." By K. Glenn - " Luck;" ''Influence of Superstition." By A. F. Schemm - ' Nationality." By J. W. Ryan - 'Two Enemies of our Republic;" "Evils of our School System." By Frank Tyler - Telegraph Monopoly."

Muncie Senate

A well-known social organization in Muncie is the Senate. - How that particular name happened to be selected, is scarcely known. It is simply an association of long-time acquaintances and personal friends, for purposes of amusement and recreation. The members meet quite promptly every evening except Sunday, as darkness begins, and close, quite as promptly, at 9 o'clock. The amusement is almost invariably a social game of cards, for which no name is given, in which the whole. pack is used at every hand dealt out, the trump suit changes at the appearance of every ace in dealing, every card being exhibited as dealt, and the winner of the game is the loser; that is, he who scores fifteen

One feature of the association is an annual supper, furnished by each member to his associates on the anniversary of his birth, proving: a highly enjoyable occasion for lookers-on as well as themselves.

The Muncie Democrat has been one of the institutions of. Muncie and Delaware Oounty for the past ten years, haying been established in 1870 by Mr. Samuel Shafer, a genial gentleman and gifted writer, well liked by all who knew tion, and continued to prosper until, in 1871, he sold out and left for Ohio, where he is now connected with the journalism of that State. The Democrat then passed through a fitful and flickering period of existence until 1872, when it was suspended, and the material fell into the hands of the Democratic Central room and stowed it away where only rats could corrupt and small boys couldn't carry it away. In December, 1873, Col..J. D. Williams moved to Muncie, from Hartsville, Tenn., and at once entered into negotiation for the purchase of the material of the old Democrat, and immediately took possession, and began the work of getting the office into order and "'clearing away the pi.'"' On the 15th of January, 1874, the Democrat, under the new management, was issued from its office on East Main street, known as the Odd Fellows Building, and at once became a popular favorite and an aggressive factor in the politics of the upon all subjects coming before the people. The Democrat improved with the times, and continued to hold its own as one of the "'leaders of thought'' in the county, under the same proprietorship, until August 1, 1877, when Mr. Walter L. Davis, then city editor of the Democrat, became associated as a partner in its publication, under the firm name of Williams & Davis. The new firm continued t) to carry on the business with greatest success, until January 1, 1879, when the : : ce partnership was dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Davis retiring, and Mr. Charles : Alf. Williams suceeeding as the city editor. The Democrat again changed hands ~ on March 1, 1879, Col. Williams retiring, and Mr. L. A. Kirkwood, then publisher of the Muncie Odserver, becoming proprietor and assuming the editorship. Under the name of Democratic Observer, the paper continued to flourish and prosper until September of the same year, when Mr. Kirkwood withdrew. From this on, the career of the Democrat (the paper having again assumed that name) was changeful, its proprietors numerous, its fortunes varied and its stability fleeting, up to September, 1880, when the present proprietors took charge, 'under the firm name of Davis & Williams. The character of the paper and its editors since the last-named date is well known to all.

riety « Mr. Waiter L. Davis, the senior member of the firm, was born in Youngsaah ville, Warren County, Penn., and was reared on, his father's farm in that county, continuing to make that his home until December 28, 1869, when he came to Mun- keeper, which situation he held until the dissolution of the firm. Mr. Davis was not long out of business, and.about March 28, 1877, he embarked upon the "'temhim. 'The paper under the control of Mr. Shafer was placed on a solid founda- - was changed to Davis & Miller, Mr. Davis still remaining with the firm, having, in the meantime, by strict attention to business, arisen to the position of book- .

pestuous sea of journalism" as city editor of the Democrat, afterward succeeding to the associate proprietorship, as mentioned above. After severing his connection with the Democrat, Mr. Davis accepted the city editorship of the Muncie Daily News, which position he filled with ability, giving perfect satisfaction to both the proprietor, and the readers of that paper until February 19, 1880. Mr. Davis' good natured disposition, uprightness of character and integrity of purpose have won for him hosts of warm friends in both city and county. Mr. Davis now occupies the position of business manager and city editor, and his success in both positions testify to his ample qualifications for anything he undertakes.

16th day of March, 1857, in the city of Rochester, N. Y. His parents afterward removed to Lexington,-Ky., and later to Columbus, Miss., where they lived during the war of the rebellion. At the conclusion of hostilities, the family took up their residence in Memphis, Tenn., and, in 1868 they again removed, going to Kansas City, Mo. Leaving this latter place in 1872, they removed to Tennessee, and after the lapse of a year came to Muncie. During this time, and at the several places mentioned, Col. J. D. Williams was engaged in journalism. Mr. Charles Alf. Williams (son of Col. Williams) entered the business at Gainsboro, Tenn., going into the office of the Sentinel at that place, as ''devil,"' working about one year, and completing his three years at the trade in Muncie, having arrived in the city March 12, 1874. He remained with the Demoerat, acting in the various capacities of foreman, reporter, city editor and editor, at different times until January, 1879, when he was appointed one of the Committee Clerks of the Indiana Senate. Mr. Williams, while in Muncie, also ucted as correspondent for several of the metropolitan dailies, and was one of the charter members of that stanch organization, the Muncie Literary and Scientific Association. At the adjournment of the General Assembly, Mr. Williams returned to Muncie, remaining until the middle of April, 1879, when he followed the family of his father to Georgia, taking, on his arrival at Macon, the city editorship of the Central Georgia Weekly, which position he held until February, 1880, leaving Macon for Rome, Ga., at which place he accepted the position of city editor on the Rome Daily Tribune (filling occasionally the position of political editor) until August, when he resigned his place and returned to Muncie August 28, 1880. On the 2ist of September, he became the junior of the present firm, and assumed the political editorship .of the Democrat, which is aggressively Democratic. Mr. Williams has made many friends and a few enemies during his residence in Muncie, covering a period of five years, all of whom respect him as a young man of sterling qualities and a trenchant wielder of the pen.

Change

Since the above has been placed in type, the firm of Davis & Williams have dissolved, and the Democrat, on February 17, 1881, was merged into the Observer, under the editorial and business management of Mr. L. A. Kirkwood, an accom- ences and contention, has always been avoided. Quarreling is never heard at their meetings. Never a death has occurred among the membership, and sickness sufficient to keep a member away from the "Senate" has seldom invaded their ranks. Wagering has never even been proposed, and nothing has ever been either lost or won at their meetings. } The building in which is their place of meeting, is popularly known } as the Senate Block. The gist and heartiness with which they engage in their evening recreation, the fun and the laugh at the diseomfiture of a player, tes- \ tify to the fact that men advanced in years can yet retain their boyish : freshness. 7 One must meet with them to understand even this brief description. To hear them alluding to each other as the " gentlemen from Berks," or "Wythe," or " Fayette," or "the blue-grass region," or the "Hawks? Nest," in allusion to the county or the locality from which they came, or as the "Trustee," the "Senator," or the " President," will provoke the laughter of a stranger. Good feeling always prevails, and fun is ; uppermost.