Randolph County, Indiana - Chapter 16: Secret Societies, 1882

Chapter 16: Secret Societies

ECRET societies of various kinds have been established in the county from time to time, among which have been Masons, Odd Fellows, Sons of Temperance, Good Templars, Patrons of Husbandry, Knights of Pythias, Improved Order of Red Men, and perhaps others concerning which we have no information. And a remark at this point is called for, to wit, that the author has applied, by circular or by letter, or both, to every known lodge in the county, but that from a considerable number no reply whatever has been received.

Winchester Lodge, No. 121. - In November, 1852, a petition to the Grand Lodge of Indiana, I. O. O. F., was signed by Silas Colgrove, John J. Cheney, Heman L. Searl, David Ferguson, Calvin D. Searl, Cyrus A. Reed, Thomas L. Scott and Benjamin Ramsey, asking acharter for a lodge at Winchester of I. O. O. F. A dispensation was granted November 11, 1852, and a charter issued by Joseph L. Silcox, G. M., and Willis W. Wright, G. S. The charter was signed then or afterward by Schuyler Colfax, Solomon Meredith, Robert Dale Owen, Fabius Finch, P. A. Mackelman, Theodore P. Hough, etc., etc.

The lodge was organized December 30, 1852, in the second story over the drug store of H. P. Kizer, by brothers from Muncie, viz.: David S, Haines, John C. Helms, Thomas J. Matthews, Thomas M. Jameson, William Weilling, Edward J. Rasley.

The following were admitted, who had been members of other lodges: Thomas L. Scott, J. J. Cheney, Silas Colgrove, Cyrus A. Reed and Calvin D. Searl.

The following persous were initiated: Paul W. Jellison, John Richardson, Job Carr, Martin A. Reeder, Thomas W. Kizer, John Armstrong, Harvey Patty, George W. Helms and Philip Barger.

The first officers were then elected and installed, viz.: Silas Colgrove, N. G.; Tnomas L. Scott, V. G.; John J. Cheney, Secretary; Harvey Patty, Treasurer; C. D. Sear], Philip Barger, T. W. Kizer, Trustees:

Twenty-three of the above are still members of the lodge in good standing. Three have died, ten have joined other lodges, six have been dropped for non-payment of dues.

Twelve lodges and five encampments new exist in the county, a greater number of lodges and of members, in proportion to population, than are found in any other county in the State.

Of the original charter members, twelve are living; two, Job Carr and Harvey Patty, are dead; four have joined other lodges; four have been dropped for non-payment of dues; and four - J. J. Cheney, Thomas L. Scott, M. A. Reeder and Thomas W. Kizer - are members still.

Statistics of lodge - Initiated, 234; admitted by card, 58; reinstated, 35; total, 327; withdrawn by card, 95; suspended, 97; died, 17; expelled, 3.

It has enjoyed a high degree of harmony and prosperity. Its work has been prompt, active and thorough. The funds for benevolent purposes have been freely yet judicionsly expended, and those who have been and who still are members have reason to rejoice in the amount of good accomplished by means of the establishment of the lodges of the I. O. O. F. in Randolph County.

The amount of expenditures since the fire has been: For expenses of various kinds, $5,737.62; for benefits during sickness, and to widows and orphans, $2,431.12; total, $8, 168.74.

The I. O. O. F. professes to be a society for fraternal fellowship and assistauce, composed of men of various creeds and ideas. Its business is toalleviate trouble, to cement the bonds of friendship, love and truth, and to give aid, counsel and protection in times of need.

Losantville Lodge, No. 232. - This lodge was formed May 18, 1864. Charter members: William Hendricks, James Ralston, Milo Moore, Joseph Crouse, W. A. Snodgrass.

There are at present about thirty members. Their hall wus burned down June 24, 1870, causing an entire loss, except $650) insurance. The society is now building a new hall (1881), at a cost of about $700. They have an orphan fund of about $300.

The society is reasonably prosperous. Harmony and brotherly feeling prevail, and the brethren feel encouraged to persevere in the wise and virtuous maxims and practices inculcated in the teachings of the order.

Spartansburg Lodge, No. 287, was instituted August 27, 1867, by E. H. Berry, Grand Secretary. Odd Fellows from Winchester, Union City and Whitewater were in attendance upon the occasion. 'The charter members were Adolphus Barnes, John Harlan, 5. G. Hill, John Chenoweth, Levi Hill, Harvey Platt, 8. S. Humphreys.

Some years ago, a grand celebration was held in Anderson's Grove, east of town. Among other speakers, B. H. Herrell, from Southern Indiana, addressed the assembly upon that interesting occasion.

The. present officers are: Wilson Anderson, N. G.; Ira Taylor, V. G.; J. W. Locke, Secretary; John W. Hill, Recording Secretary; John Barnes, Treasurer.

Ridgeville Lodge, No. 297. - Ridgeville Lodge was instituted December 10, 1867, by authority of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, by Thomas W. Kizer, Grand Master.

Windsor Lodge, No. 517. - Instituted January 7, 1876, by Richard Berger, of Muncie Lodge, No. 74, under a dispensation from J. B. Kimball, M. W. G. M.

The benefits due its members have always been promptly and fully paid, and Windsor Lodge, No. 517, is reckoned one of those which are sound and reliable.

Spartansburg Encampment, No. 101, was instituted May 9, 1870, by Patriarch Ferguson, of Union City, assisted by Patriarchs from Union City and Winchester.

This lodge has entered, passed and raised some three hundred and fifty Masons, giving to that large number the means by which they may become lights in the Masonic world.

Union City Chapter, No. 94, R. A. M. - Instituted by disensation of the Grand Chapter of Indiana in December, 1875. + was fully organized, under charter, in the following October,

The officers now are: Sylvester Tillson, Master; W. A. W. Daly, S. W.; John Reynolds, J. W.; Henry D. Nichols, Secretary; Columbus Chenoweth, Treasurer; Henry Stillwell, S. D.; Alfred Price, J. D.; Tarlton Nichols, Tiler.

Turpen Lodge, No. 401, Union City, Ind. - Organized under charter from Grand Lodge of Indiana, May 25, 1869. Charter members from Union City, Ohio, No. 270.

Olive Branch Lodge, No. £26. - Instituted July 27, 1870. Charter members, - - - - _. Members now belonging, twentyone. The lodge owns the hall it occupies, and is in good condition.

Recapitulation

The number of Masonic lodges in Randolph County, so far as learned, isnine; thenumber of degrees conferred, about twelve hundred; the membership at present, about three hundred and thirty.

There may be, perhaps, other lodges, but their statements have not reached us. In fact, many lodges have failed entirely to respond to the request respectfully tendered them to furnish a resumé of their history for insertion in the present volume, which fact must be the reason for so brief a mention of their affairs.

Knights Of Pythias

Invincible Lodge, No. 84, Union City. - The Knights of Pythias were established a few years ago at Washington, by one Mr. Dunlap. It was intended for the benefit and protection of Government employes at the capital and elsewhere. The organization has spread, however, and lodges have been formed through the United States, and even in foreign countries. The motto of the order is '' Friendship, Charity and Benevolence."

The Invincible Lodge of Knights of Pythias at Union City, No. 84, was formed June 2, 1879. The charter members were fifteen: J.B. Ross, Gecrge W. Wiggs, Pierre Gray, Bayard S. Gray, John O. Ewan, E, A. Bradbury, David Kahn, Joseph Lohman, George W. Patchell, L. H. Ball, Adolphus Adams, R. Kirschbaum, John D. Smith, Ezra Thomas, C. Brandebury.

The officers at first were: Pierre Gray, Chancellor Commander; Charles G. Tritt, Vice Chancellor; Bayard S. Gray, Prelate; George W. Patchell, Master of Arms; L. H. Ball, Keeper of Records and Seals; George W. Wiggs, Master of Exchequer; J. D. Smith, Master of Finances.

The association is composed inostly of young men, arfd has met with general favor, and especially from the ladies, who have proffered to the lodge banquets and toasts. The anniversary is commemorated by special exercises, and the society has been the mvans of affording satisfaction and innocent enjoyment to its members, and to all who have been connected with its operations, or who have in any way contributed to its comfort.

Winchester Lodge, No. 91. - Through the efforts of Knights Kd Bradbury, Pierre Gray, George Wiggs and others, of Invincible Lodge, No. 84, Winchester Lodge, No. 91, Knights of Fythias of the Grand Jurisdiction of the State of Indiana, was instituted at Winchester, on the night of the 13th of April, 1880, with the following charter members and officers: I. W. Study,

There were present at the institution Knights from Union City, Richmond, Cambridge City, Muncie, Portland and Decatur, numbering, in all, about one hundred and ten. At 6 o'clock, before work was begun, a lunch was served in John Richardson's storeroom, on the southeast corner of the square, prepared by the ladies of the Christian Church. At 7 o'clock, the work of conferring the ranks of Page and Esquire began, and lasted until midnight. The hungry Knights and frightened Hsquires then repaired to a banquet which the same ladies had prepared, and which bore evidence of their taste and skill.

A braver set of Knights never left a castle hall and marched over creaking draw-bridge than those who filed out of that banquet hall, with brightness and beauty behind. Fresh zeal was given as the quiet Palmer, who sat in the arched doorway, whispered, '' Keep to the left, brave men; no railing on the right."

The work of conferring the Knight rank was completed and the officers installed about 4 o'clock, A. M., whereupon the weary Knights sought their welcome couches.

The I. O. O. F. Lodge very kindly tendered their hall for institution purposes, and, since that time, the same hall has been used by the K. P.

The lodge has three times successfully given the beautiful and touching drama of '' Damon and Pythias,'"' assisted and conducted by Prof. D. Hanchett.

Improved Order Of Red Men, I. O. O. Rb

Mississinewa Tribe, No. 62, Union City. - The name of the order was originally Independent Order of Red Men, and as such has existed for many years.

We can give no accurate statement as to the I. O. O. R., as to the time of establishment, principles, objects, number of lodges and what not. An account was promised us for insertion, but none has been furnished, and no data from which we could ourselves prepare such a statement concerning this comparatively new and somewhat unique society.

The lodge of Red Men in Union City has had but a brief existence, but the progress has been satisfactory, and the members feel encouraged to persevere in the work upon which they have entered.

Norre. - -The G. A. R. has lately been extended to Randolph County. Two posts have been formed - Union City and Winchester - the former established in November, 1881, and the latter in April, 1882. For particulars, see military history of Randolph County. For temperance orders, see article on temperance. For Patrons of Husbandry (Grangers), see Agriculture.