Vanderburgh County, Indiana - Chapter 20: Freemasonry, 1897

Chapter 20: Freemasonry

Secret atid Benevolent Orders - The Ancient Order of Freemasonry Odd Fellowship in the City from the First to the Present - Knights of Pythias - Aficient Order of United Workmen - Knights and Ladies of Honor - All the Fraternal Organizations and Benefit Institutions - The Military Orders - Knights of St. John.

Feeling the want of a lodge in Evansville, a number of master Masons organized early in 1819, and were chartered September 15, 1819 by Alexander A. Meeks, grand master, as Olive Branch lodge No. 10, with Jay Morehouse as worshipful master, William Olmstead as senior warden and Amos Clark as junior warden. The lodge assembled in the fourth story of the warehouse on the corner of Water and Locust streets, owned and used by Shanklin & Reilly. In 1833 Olive Branch surrendered its charter, and for fifteen years there was no Masonic lodge in Evansville. After the institution of the town into a city, in 1847, another lodge of Masons was founded. On April 3, 1848, they petitioned the grand master for a dispensation. The charter was dated May 26, 1848, and signed by Elizur Deming, grand master. This was named

Evansville Lodge No. 64, F. & A. M.

The charter was issued to Colly A. Foster, worshipful master; John C. Hubbard, senior warden, and James T. Walker, junior warden. The lodge is now in a flourishing condition, with a membership of 203. The present officers are Fred Herbert, W. M.; Thomas A. Walker, S. W.; W. C. McClain, J. W.; Jonas Smith, treasurer; Otis Wood, secretary; Alex. Crawford, chaplain; C. C. Lavery, S. D.; J. C. McPhillips, J. D.; J. W. Kratz, steward; A. P. Ancker, steward; Louis Schmitz, tyler.

Reed Lodge No. 316, F. & A. M.

This lodge was organized May 30, 1866, by a charter, which was granted to Samuel Peed, worshipful master; William J. Hargrave, senior warden; Richard H. Cooke, junior warden.

This lodge does splendid work and numbers among its members some of the best citizens of the county. Its present membership is 180. The honor of furnishing two grand masters of this state in the persons of Sidney W. Douglas and Simeon P. Gillett, the present grand master, has been conferred on this lodge.

Evansville Chapter, No. 12, Royal Arch Masons

Was instituted May 26, 1849. The charter members were: C. A. Foster, Moses Ross, James T. Walker, John D. Anderson, W. H. Ingram, N. Soapris, S. Rathbone and P. Sharpe. The present membership is 175. The honor of furnishing the grand high priest of the state in the person of Charles H. Butterfield, was conferred on this chapter. The present officers are: Jonas H. Smith, H. P.; H. J. Clark, K.; E. B. Price, S.; S. P. Gillett, treasurer; H. Engel, secretary; C. M. Seller, C. of H.; Alex Crawford, P. S.; C. V. Worthington, R. A. C; Louis Schmitz, Tyler.

This council was organized May 6, 1867. The charter members were: Geo. H. Fish, Wm. E. Hollingsworth, Albei-t Hay ward, Frank Clark, Geo. H. Plummer and Samuel K. Dunn. The present officers are: Simeon Jaseph, Ills M.; C. P. Bacon, Dep. Ill M.; H. J. Clark, P. C. of W,; B. B. Price, C. of G.; S. P. Gillett, treasurer; H. Engel, recorder; Louis Schmitz, tyler.

La Vallette Commandery, No. 15, Knights Templars

F. Welborn, Alex Sharra, Samuel W. Thompson, James K. Minor and Elias M. Bundy. The present officers are : Wm. L. Swormstedt, E. C; C. E. Scoville, G.; C L. Hinkle, C G.; A. W. Emery, prelate; James B. Rucker, S. W.; H. J. Clark, J. W.; S. P. Gillett, treasurer; Herman Engel, recorder; D. A. Cox, standard bearer; W. H. Gilbert, sword bearer; E. P. Busse, warder; Louis Schmitz, captain of guard.

Lessing Lodge, No. 464, A. F. & A. M.

This order was instituted May 27, 1873. Its membership is 71. The charter members were: C. L. Chr. Ruuek, Fred. Hofman, Sam Loeweustein, C. Kratz, G. L. Altrater, Ph. Nonweiler, Wm. Pretorius, Dan Heilman, J. Bopp, Julius J-v^ahn, Hany Joseph, H. W. Elmendorf, Sam Meyer, Ph. Klein, F. S. Zumstein, Wm. Koch. The past officers are: C. L. Chr. Runck, Ph. Nonweiler, Chris Jung, Alfred Heine, Henry Becker, Fred Hofman, Jacob Graul, Herman Wilde, Wm. Woerner, Hans Scheller, G. L. Altrater, K. L. Bach, Daniel Heilman and Lorenz Rohr. The present officers are: Hugo Legler, W. M.; M. H. Martin, S. W.; Julius Stoever, J. W.; Alfred Heine, secretary; Peter Herrmann, treasurer; L. A. Wollenberger, S. D.; Gustav Weyand, J. D.; George Heilman, steward, Henry Luersou, steward; Louis Schmitz, tyler.

Colored Masonry Royal Arch Chapter Melchisdec, No. 23

This lodge of colored Masons was instituted August 14, 1885. Its membership is 25. The charter members were : Jones Simon, Edward Rouse, Frank Washington, William N. Curry, Braden York^ Robert Hopkins, J. D. Rouse, John Lawson, Edward James, M. G. Talbott, Samuel Monroe, James Moore and James Findley. The past officers are : J. D. Rouse, John H. Neville and John C. Dawson.

Pythagoras Lodge, No. 11, F. & A. M.

Garnett, B. E. Carr, J. H. Neville, Bradeu York, W. A. Eucker, W. H. Colemau, Wm. Cutler, Wm. Baker, W. E. McFarlaud, J. W. Starling, George W. Austin, Thomas Booker, James Houstin, F. D. Morton, Henry W. Eowans, W. C. Thornton, Nathaniel Allen, Eobert Smith, W. H. Hasty, Thomas Young, Fleming Eastwood and Edward James. The past officers are: Anthony Garnett, B. E. Carr, J. H. Neville, W. A. Eucker and D. W. Brooks.

Was instituted June 30, 1896. Its membership is 14. The charter members are: W. A. Eucker, Hiram S. Moore, C. A. Hillman, John C. Snoden, C. H. Christy, Thomas W. McFarland, George W. Powell, Louis Anderson, John C. Dawson, Louis Johnson, Thomas 'Allen, W. E. McFarland, Geo. W. Smith and William Thomas. This commandery of colored Knights Templars was set to work under a dispensation dated August 5, 1894. W. A. Eucker is eminent commander and John C. Dawson is recorder.

Odd Fellowship Morning Star Lodge, No. 7

Oddfellowship began in Evansville in 1839. The first charter was granted to nine members ; now there are over 600. The aggregated resources of the lodges amount to perhaps $12,000 or $15,000. The first meetings were held in a frame building that stood where the Marble hall now stands, opposite the Old National bank building. Since that time the first society has met in many other places.

This order was instituted January 7, 1853, and ba.s a membership of 112. The charter members were James Jones, Robert Boyd, R. S Ruston, H. D. Allis, D. S. Anderson, Thomas M. Archer, John Greek, Isaac T. White, John Gregg, Charles Churchill, James Laughlin. Its past officers are :

George A. Bittrolff was the first deputy 5, Vanderburgh County. Ci'escent is one in the city. It is progressive and active, ship many of the wide-awake men of the

Schiller Lodge, No. 138

This lodge is an offshoot of Morning Star lodge, and is composed principally of Germans who preferred to conduct the exercises of the lodge in the German language rather than in the English of the mother lodge. They organized into a lodge December 10, 185.3, with a charter membership of fifteen. It has been a prosperous and successful lodge, and has done much good work in relieving the distressed and burying the dead. At present its membership is 151. The charter members were as follows : Philip Deusner, Henry Lutz, Valentine Wetzel, John Karsch, M. Renchler, John Emrich, R. W. Steineker, P. Schmidt, Jacob Sinzich, Henry Wingert, Jacob Fix, L. Daum, G. Wolflin, August Uhl and W. Mack. Following is a list of the first officers: M. Renchler, N. G.; Philip Deusner, V. G. George Wolflin, secretary ; Henry Wingert, treasurer. The names of the present officers are : Jacob Detroy, N. G.; Jacob Fuchs, V. G.; John Bernhard, secretary ; John V. Stroebel, treasurer, and John AValters, secretary. The trustees are : L. A. Wagner, William Rahm, Jr., and Christ Harte. A. list of past grands is given here below : M. Renchler, Louis Schmidt, Fred. Schlamp,

Rising Star Lodge, No. 544

This lodge was instituted May 7, 1877, many years after the first lodge was organized in Evansville, and it at once took rank as a leading order, progressive and public spirited. It has always kept in view the sublime precepts and noble teachings of the order, and by so doing it has enabled its members to grow in greatness of character and nobility of purpose. The order has done much good in the course of its history, and it is destined to do much more in the future. There are at present 125 members. The charter members were: Alex Maddux, William B. Rogers, William Alexander, Herman Klee, Alexander Wood, Charles Cody, Wash Stinchfield, John T. WoodruiF, J. S. Wills, Louis ^Langolf, Jr., Wm. Koch, Sr., George W. Hall, James M. Johnson, John W. Stark, John Wesley, George Koch, Sr., Moses Stinchfield and George Wund. The pa.st officers were: Alex Maddux, William Alexander, Louis Langolf, James M. Johnson, George Koch, Sr., J. S. Wills, William Koch, Sr., J.W.Stark, C. C. Yoelker, Ora C. LaRue, F. A. Wood, John Wesley, William B. Rogers, J. M. Geddes, J. T. Woodruff. W. Stinchfield, George L. Curnick, Henry Gillen, W. H. Thurman, John C. Geddes, J. W. Odell, J. T. Neal, G.

Eagle Lodge

The first lodge in Evansville was the seventh one instituted in Indiana. Forty-one years afterward on May 8, 1880, Eagle lodge was founded. Its number, which is 579, shows that in these years nearly 600 lodges had been established. The name of the lodge - Eagle - is the name of the proud bird, which our great country adopted as its emblem. There are now 117 members. The charter members were:

Evansville Encampment No. 20 Schiller Encampment No. 68

The beauty of the .system of benevolence practiced by the I. O. O. F was rendered still more practical and was applied on a larger scale commensurate with the grand teachings of the order, by the founding of the encampment degree. As all good Odd Fellows know, the encampment is a separate and distinct lodge, possessing its own forms and character, but coupled in a way with the subordinate lodge. The excellent character or nature of the order commended it everywhere, as soon as the grand lodge established it, and Schiller lodge, which is noted for its enterprise and public spirit, soon after formed Schiller encampment, on the 17th day of May, 1865. The number of the present membership is eighty-five. The charter members were H. L. Dannettell, Eugene Kappler, John Karsch, Louis Ulmo, Charles Schaum, George Wolflin, Christ Wilhelm, Fred Kroener.

The Rebekah Degree

Hon. Schuyler Colfax, who was afterwards vice president of the United States, was the author of this degree. It was adopted by the grand Lodge of the United States in September, 1851, by a vote of 47 to 37.

The active members of the benevolent order, the Daughters of Rebekah, in visiting the needy in different parts of the city, found many destitute orphan children, who were sadly in need of a good home as well as mental and moral culture. Some of those who felt the need of such an asylum, presented the subject to the society, and a committee was appointed to wait on the mayor and city council to request an appropriation for the support of such needy children. That honorable body, after convincing themselves that siich an asylum was greatly needed, appropriated the sum of $50 per month towards its support. Another committee visited the citizens in each ward of the city for donations, which call was liberally responded to, and on April 1, 1866, the first orphan asylum was opened on Mulberry street. Eleven children were admitted during the first month. To the Daughters of Rebekah and the odd fellow lodges is due the credit of establishing the orphan asylum in this city. From Mulberry street the asylum was moved to the corner of Mary and Illinois streets and from there to the present site. The children's home is now a permanent institution, and under the providence of God and through the benevolence of our citizens, it can not be a failure. It is tor the benefit of the orphans of Evansville and Vanderburgh county. The first officers were: Mrs. N. W. Plummer, president; Mrs. B. L. Reynolds, vice president; Mrs. C. Geis.sler, recording secretary; Mrs. Fannie Fisher, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Elizabeth Turnock, treasurer. The managers of the asylum were: Mesdames L. Sinzich, M. Archer, Thomas Feast, Ann Davidson, Susan Mills, Kate Sanders, A. Chute, C. Dannettell and L. Pittman.

Colfax Lodge, No. 34

Colfax Rebekah lodge, No. 34, I. O. O. F., was organized January 26, 1870, and the date of charter was November 7, 1869. The charter members were: Joseph Turnock, Elizabeth Turnock, Alex Maddux, Susan Maddux, Hiram Nelson, AVilliam H. Smith, Lydia Smith, Thomas J. Groves, Charlotte Groves, Roland Fisher, Fannie Fisher, Benjamin Sansom, Maggie Stinson and Lizzie Feast. The first officers were: James D. Riggs, N. G.; Elizabeth Turnock, V. G.; Christian Geissler, secretary, and Fannie Fisher, treasurer. The past noble grands are:

Sarah Lodge, No. 59, Daughters Of Rebekah

This is a German lodge. It was instituted November 16, 1870. They have 132 members, of whom 77 are sisters. The charter members were : H. L. Dannettell and wife, Martin Stolz and wife, Val. Hirschman and wife, Christ. Wilhelm and wife, Charles Ehrhardt and wife, William Pfisterer and wife, Chris. Miller and wife, Chris. Lampe and wife, and Adam Mann and wife. The past officers are : H. L. Dannettell, Rich Mahr, Elizabeth Richstein,

Diana Rebekah Lodge, No. 256, Dob. R.

This lodge was instituted March 16, 1886. The uumber of members at present is 85. The ciiarter members were : John W. Odell, Josh Beai, Henry Muth, James McCIeary, Fred Kurtz, Rickey Woodruff, Mary Muth, Caumilia J. Smawlwood, Lottie Schmal^ey, Emma Walker, John Woodruff, F. M. Walker, Henry Hottendorf, Russell Smawlwood, Mary Odell, Mary Beal, Elizabeth McCIeary, Sophia Kurtz and Elizabeth Ramsey. The names of the past noble grands are : Joshua Beal, Rickey Woodruff, Maggie (-onway, Lettie Beal, Elizabeth Davidson, Nancy Webster, Georgia Thurman, Anna Retinger, Mary Odell, Jennie Catilla, Carrie Wills, Clara Koch, Zora Lynxwiler, Dora Beard, Katie Hawkins, Rhoda Goad, OUie Marsh, Jenne Larne and Estelle Wyttenbach.

Household Of Ruth, Excelsior Lodge, No. 543

It was instituted September 2, 1888. Its membership is 30. It is a colored lodge for ladies. The charter members were : Harriet Tabb, Darley Branton, Harriet Snyder, Fannie Cross, Sue Glover, Emma Jones, Cynthia Lancaster, Cassa Conway, Sallie Young, Jennie Woodson, Mollie Taylor, Belle Glover, Mitchell Glover, John Tabb, Spencer Griffith, Bettie Catlett, Emma Purnell, Eliza Grant and Eliza Harris. The past officers were . Mrs. M. B. Jones, S. F. Green, and M. A. Griffith. The present officers are : Mrs. J. Win, M. X. G.; Alonzo Fields, W. treas.; M. Dillard, R. N. G.; Mrs. B. Catlett, P. M. N. G.; Mrs. S. Green, W. usher; Mrs. John Tabb, W. shepherd ; Mrs. H. Snyder, W. chamberlin ; Mrs. Eliza J. Grant, W. recorder.

Household Of Ruth, Lodge No. 128

This is a colored ladies' lodge. It was organized in October, 1878. The affairs of this lodge are in good condition, and it is in active working order.

Knights Of Pythias

Everybody remembers the story of Damon and Pythias. That sublime friendship is beautifully portrayed in the order of the Knights of Pythias, founded by Justus C. Rathbone, in Washington city, about thirty years ago. In Evansville the order has grown with wonderful spirit and success. The first lodge instituted here was

Orion Lodge No. 35 St. George Lodge, No. 143

This lodge was instituted July 12, 1886. The order at once took front rank, and many of the best young men in the city belong to it. At present its membership is 134. The charter members were :

The past chancellors are : R. M. Millican, F. J. Ehrman, George L. Bittrolff, Ludson Worsham, W. C.Howe, W. B. Millis, A. E. Orr, George S. Pritchett, C. P. Mingst, J. N. Jorgenson, Julius Blum, W. F. Wunderlich, Ben L. Kruckemeyer, John Selzer, Henry B. Kinchell, A. W. Munson, W. J. Hoster, D. S. Halbrooks and John F. Glover. The present officers are : A. M. Meyer, chancellor commander ; Frank Stortou, vice chancellor, William Irick, prelate ; S. F. Jacobi, keeper of records and seal ; W. B. Millis, master of finance ; J. W. Lunkenheimer, master of exchequer; Elwood Moore, master at arms ; Philip Klein, inner guard ; Henry Levi, outer guard.

Ben Hue Lodge, No. 197

This lodge was instituted June 28, 1888, and the first installation took place on the fifth of the succeeding month. Its charter bears date of June 6, 1888. Its success was marked from the first, and today its membership numbers 143. Its long list of charter members is as follows:

A. W. Carpenter, George L. Covey, Wm. D. Grain, Herbert Crawford, Parvin DeGaris, O. C. Decker, A. F. Duysing, A. J.'Emerich, Frank P. Euler,

A list of the past chancellor commanders is as follows: Charles Laval, J. G. Owen, F. M. Sanders, William M. Akin, Jr., Charles P. Beard, Louis O. Rasch, L. H. Legler, A. C. Richardt, J. P. Walker, J. R. Brill, W. J. Rogers, William H. Byington, Walter F. Freudenberg, A. G. Slade, George W^. Speer and M. J. Comptou. The present officers are: H. A. Campbell, chancellor commander; W. J. Doeriug, vice chancellor commander; George W^. Speer, prelate; W. E. Eberlin, master at arms; M. J. Compton, master of the works; A. G. Slade, keeper of the records and seals; J. C. Buchart, master of finance; L. O. Rasch, master of exchequer; Charles Roth, inner guard; Michael Doering, outer guard. The trustees at present are: Walter Ruston, L. D. Rogers and Otto Klein. One of the special features of this lodge is the large number of county officials and city policeman and other city officials who belong to it. There are four attorneys and four doctors in its pales.

Wagner Lodge No. 303, K. Of P.

Alfred N. Heine, Charles W. Capelle, Dr. Charles Knapp, William F. Bahr, Julius A. Esslinger, Robert Haueisen, John A. Bauer, L. H. Levy, J. O. Froelich, L. Weinheimer, H. Stoermer, George H. Schultze. W. A. Legeman.

Wagner lodge is the only German K. of P. lodge ever instituted in Evansville, and worked under the German ritual, until the ritual was^ revoked by the supreme lodge. After this order from the supreme lodge, the English ritual was adopted, and the work is now carried on entirely in English. Wagner has prospered since its institution, and includes in its roster some of the best citizens of Evansville. Since its institution the lodge has suffered by death the loss of but two members - Brothers Adolph Uhl and J. A. Bauer. This lodge is on a solid financial footing, and is considered one of the best K. of P. lodges in the city. The present flourishing condition gives promise of a prosperous career.

Evansville Division No. 4, Uniform Rank

In the year 1877, thirty -six members of Orion lodge. Knights of Pythias, organized what was then termed "the drill corps." The members were all enthusiastic on the subject, and took hold of the

A few months after the organization of the corps, the grand lodge of Knights of Pythias met at Indianapolis, where prizes were offered to the best drilled organizations. Several drill corps of the state made contests for the same. The Evansville corps attended, and by its splendid drilling captured the second prize. At the meeting of the supreme lodge, Knights of Pythias, at Indianapolis, Indiana, August session, 1878, the uniform rank was authorized. Evansville Division, No. 4, Uniform Rank of Knights of Pythias, was instituted September 2, 1879. The same knights that constituted the drill corps are the charter members of this organization. In August, 1880, the supreme lodge of Knights of Pythias convened at St. Louis, and during its session the first national encampment of the uniform rank met there. Evansville division, under command of Sir Knight Captain Charles Myerhoff, attended and entered the contest. They carried off two prizes, one for the best drill master and the other for the best drilled organization. Organizations of this order from all sections of the United States competed in the drill. The rank has a membership of sixty Sir Knights.

The officers at the present time are as follows : R. S. Viets, captain ; .John H. McCutchan, first lieutenant; Thomas H. Hooker, second lieutenaot ; D. T. MacClement, Sir Knight recorder ; J. S. McCorkle, Jr., Sir Knight treasurer ; John F. Young, Sir Knight guard ; Harry Fitch, Sir Knight sentinel. R. S. Viets, L. Kevekordes and W. H. Hunnel, trustees. Sir Knight D. T. MacClement has served the division as recorder for more than seven years from July 10, 1889, to the present time.

Evansville division is the strongest division in the state financially, and in its early days it was one of the best drilled semi-military organ-

Endowment Rank

The charter list of Section 697, Endowment Rank, K. of P., is as follows: R. E. Graves, C. E. Pittman, M. J. Reid, F. J. Ehrman, G. A. Coburn, C. C. Tenny, H. C. Jorgenson, C. C. Thomas, B. M. Zaff", and J. H. Osborn. This section was instituted June 11, 1885, and it now has 75 members. The first board was: C. E. Pittman, president; C. C. Tenny, vice president; B. M. Zaff", secretary and treasurer. The board for 1897 is: W. S. Pritchett, president; B. M. Zaff", vice president; Herman Glass, secretary and treasurer. The board ot directors meet annually. This endowment rank has paid no assessments for ten years. It now has a surplus fund of $453,870.93. This section here has had only three deaths since its institution. It is in a very prosperous condition.

Taj Mahal Temple, No. 59

This Dramatic Order of Knights of Khorasson was organized August 3, 1896. It is to the Knights of Pythias what the mystic shrine or Scottish rite is to Masonry, or what the encampment is to Odd Fellowship. The order was founded about three years ago. John A. Hinzey is the imperial prince with headquarters at Chicago. The order in this city has 70 charter members, a full list of whom is given here below:

The high character required of its membership is one of the special features of the order. No man can enter who may not be admitted to the family fireside of every member. The object is social entertainment.

Arminius Lodge, No. 3

This is an "improved order" of the Knights of Pythias, and was established in this city in March, 1895. It has a large membership and is in good working order.

Ancient Order Of United Workmen

The Ancient Order of United Workmen is one of the largest and most prosperous orders in the city. No section of the state is as strong as is this city and this part of Indiana. Its state officers are here, and its grand recorder has his office in the city. This is the headquarters of the order throughout the entire state. A monthly journal is published here in the interest of the order.

Vanderburgh lodge is the oldest lodge of this order in Southern Indiana. Brother C. C. Genung is a past grand master workman, a supreme representative and one of the committee of the grand lodge on laws, etc. Brother L. M. Earl is a member of the grand lodge, and holds the office of inside watchman. The average age of members is forty years. Since the organization this lodge has lost twenty members by death, causing the distribution among their widows and orphans of $40,000.

Excelsior Lodge No. 38

The second lodge instituted in Evansville was Excelsior lodge No. 38, in October, 1883. It meets regularly every week in the A. O. U. W. hall, and is an active, progressive lodge. C. C. Culp is the present secretary.

Leni Leoti Lodge No. 43

Buttriss, overseer; William Snyder, recordei-; George W. Haynie, financier; A. J. Feay, receiver; J. West, guardian; O. C. Hopkins, inside watchman; H. G. Hall, outside watchman.

This lodge, during its term of existence, has probably been the most successful lodge in the state, and at the present time it has a membership in good standing of 290. Until within the past few months it was the strongest in point of members in Indiana, but recently that honor has been relinquished to Summit City lodge No. 36, of Fort Wayne. One thing this lodge is proud of, and that is the fact that it has never yet been confronted with the unpleasant view of a depleted treasury - probably one of the most uncomfortable situations in a secret society's career.

The membership of this lodge feel justly proud of its record, and each and every one strives to do his utmost to add to its ranks the best physical and moral element of the city. The present membership is 343.

Humboldt Lodge No. 49

This lodge dates its existence from the same year as the preceding one. It was organized in June, 1878, and ever since its institution it has had, a successful career. B. H. Schlur is the secretary of this lodge.

Lone Star Lodge, No. 56 Evening Star Lodge, No. 14

This lodge was instituted October 15, 1880, with a charter list of sixteen members. It has kept pace with the rapid growth of the western part of the city. It numbers among its members all classes of people. There is now a membership of 265. This lodge ranks fifth in size in the state. Its meetings are held Thursday evenings, on the corner of St. Joseph avenue and Franklin street, in a beautiful hall erected by the Hon. F. W. Cook especially for its use. Thirtythree times has the angel of death visited the lodge and taken from its membership a noble worker and a loving brother.

At the organization W. A. Sanford was elected past master workman, and since that time the following brothers have won the past master's badge :

The present officers are : Wilber Frances, past master ; Dr. Thomas Macer, master workman ; George V. Mann, foreman ; H. I. Simmon, overseer; George C. Nash, recorder; Leon Curry, financier ; Henry Menson, receiver ; George Fierst, guide ; Earl Rudolph, inside watchman, and John W. Duncan, outside watchman. Drs. Macer, Varner, Richstein and Heusler are the local examiners of the lodge.

Howell Lodge, No. 122

This lodge was founded October 19, 1895, to meet the growing wants of this flourishing suburban town. The members meet regularly every week, and its meetings are lively and interesting.

Degree Of Honor

The Degree of Honor is a ladies' auxiliary to the A. O. U. W. order. Thei-e are three lodges in the city. Evansville lodge, No. 1, was instituted May 27, 1891; Trinity lodge. No. 5, dates is organzation from April 19, 1892, and Excelsior lodge, No. 7, was founded seven days later, April 26, 1892. All these lodges are doing well.

Knights And Ladies Of Honor

The purposes of this order are to promote benevolence, morality, science and industry, and to provide funds to support its members when sick; also to issue certificates of insurance upon the lives of its members, payable after the death of such members to those dependent upon them. The society was organized in 1878, and one of its chief features is that ladies are admitted upon the same conditions as men. The order is established throughout the United States, and its membership has continuously increased until at the present time it numbers nearly one hundred thousand.

In, the city of Evansville there are eight lodges of the order, and in Howell there is one, each of which pays to any member from three to five dollai's per week when sick and iinable to follow his vocation.

Otto Lodge, No. 814

Was organized on April 4, 1884, with thirty-eight charter members and the following officers: William B. Rogers, past protector; F. N. Hunton, protector; Mrs. B. Annie Hunton, recording secretary; William Rogers, financial secretary; Henry Simons, treasurer; Lillian Grisby, chaplain; Jane Davis, guide; George Knotts, guardian; James McDermott, sentinel. John Kachelman, W. D. Neal and O. F. Jacobi, trustees. The present officers are: William P. Cairns, past protector; Charles F. Kirves, protector; Miranda J. Simpson, vice protector; Louisa Schmitz, chaplain; Harry J. Keelor, recording secretary; Lottie Friedrich, financial secretary; Lizzie Casey, treasurer; Ada L. Clark, guide; Tillie Hess, guardian; George Knotts, sentinel; Albert Johann, Louisa Schmitz and Carrie M. Arnold, trustees. The present membership is 206.

Olive Lodge, No. 842

Was organized April 28, 1884, with forty-three charter members and the following officers: S. A. Smith, past protector; J. W. Hillis protector; M. F. Stowers, vice protector; M. B. Lanman, chaplain; Dollie S. Atkinson, secretary; Charles Walters, financial secretary; A. H. Cooper, guide; A. F. Woods, treasurer; J. C. Cummings, guard; J. T. Young, sentinel; Charles Alexander, medical examiner; T. J. Cooper, O. T. Rodgers and Charles Alexander, trustees. The present officers are: M. E. Walker, past protector; Katie Bauer, protector; Mary Manion, vice protector; F. M. Walker, recording secretary; Harvey B. Brummett, financial secretary; Bertha Sites, treasurer; Stella Baker, chaplain; Wm. Gaberts, guardian; Dan White, sentinel; Mrs. Hornbrook, Edwin Artes and Jack Odell, trustees. The present membership is 212.

Lilly Lodge, No. 1015

John Junker, vice protector; Gus Miller, secretary; Theo. Miller, financial secretary; John Heide, treasurer;' Lena Thalmuller, chaplain; Mrs. John Younker, guide; Miss Johanna Matt, inner guard; John V. Kullman, sentinel. The present officers are : Louis Boesche, past protector; Henry C. Judith, protector; Mary Alexander, vice protector; Christian Kratz, Sr., secretary; Fred Taschner, financial secretary; F. J. Wittmer, treasurer; Anna Eden, chaplain; William Schmitt, guardian; August Scherger, sentinel; M. Alexander, Charles Strass and H. C. Judeth, trustees. The present membership is 135.

Martha Lodge, No. 1107

Was organized November 20, 1885, with thirty-four charter members and the fiallowing officers: James L. Davis, past protector Alfred H. Mathews, protector; Mary B. Pierce, vice protector; Sarah J. Snyder, chaplain; George Settlemier, recording secretary; George Settlemier, financial secretary; Donia Siegling, guide; Lidia E. Eves, guardian; Fred W. Smith, sentinel; Thomas W. Ranes, treasurer. The present officers are: Amelia Kounz, past protector; David F. Himmelheber, protector; Susan J. Powers, vice protector; Eachel Muth, chaplain; George W. Kounz, recording secretary; Phoebe Walden, financial secretary; Emil Levy, treasurer; Tillie Reese, guide; Christina Lutz, guardian; Henry P. Garritt, sentinel; G. J. Crowe, James L. Davis and Eva Elliott, trustees. The highest membership is 217.

Crescent City Lodge, No. 1292

Was organized March 21, 1888, with eighty-six charter members and the following officers: J. J. Klippert, past protector; Mollie Stembridgc, protector; Emma Smith, vice protector; Elmer E. Cooper, secretary; Hattie I. Durham, financial secretary; Fred J. Wittmer, treasurer; Katie Blum, chaplain; Ida Koenig, guide; Ira Culp, guardian; George S. Pritchett, sentinel. The present officers are: Charles W. McKinney, past protector; William H. Mosley, protector; Thomas E. Crunibaugh, vice protector; Rosa Ranes, chaplain; Charles T. Bottomly, secretary; Victor B. Adams, financial secretary; Lillian Parvin, treasurer; Sophia Snyder, guide; Alice Dodds, guardian; Frank Vaughn, sentinel; Thomas M. Ranes, John H. Moellenkamp and Alice Kriepke, trustees. The present membership is 152.

Freundschaft Lodge, No. 1.581

Thalmuller, protector; Heleu Schwaner, vice protector; Nettie Gerst, secretary; Amelia Heide, financial secretary; Julius Schlumpf, treasurer; Barbara Zengler, chaplain; Anna Kohl, guide; Sophia Karl, guardian; Mary Loebs, sentinel. The present officers are: Charlotta Geiss, past protector; Lena Thalmuller, protector; Kathrina Huether, vice protector; Amelia Heide, secretary; Fred C. Schenck, financial secretary; Jacob Kohl, treasurer; Barbara Ubrich, chaplain; Kate Buehmer, guide; Josie Weigel, guardian; Elizabeth Seek, sentinel. The present membership is 188.

Was organized May 2, 1895, with forty-six charter members and the following officers : Dr. B. F. Rose, past protector; Elijah Lauman, protector; Mary Lamote, vice protector; Louisa Bell, chaplain; Mollie A. Bain, financial and recording secretary; J. N. Ragsdale, treasurer; Lizzie Meyers, guide; George Vaugn, guardian and sentinel. The present officers are Eliza Ragsdale, past protector; Mollie Junkerman, protector, Leaychbrook, vice protector; Anna Maynihan, chaplain; Nellie Wilson, recording secretary; Mollie A. Bain, financial secretary; J. M. Ragsdale, treasurer; Harry Joice, guide; O. F. Junkerman, guardian; Lizzie Meyers, sentinel. The trustees at present are: Lizzie Ragsdale and O. F. Junkerman. Its highest membership is 130.

Charity Lodge No. 1,967

This lodge was organized October 29, 1895, with forty-eight charter members and the following officers : F. A. Gerrard, past protector; Frank Freudenberger, protector; August Behmer, vice protector; Margrath Monahan, chaplain; Annie E. Behmer, guide; Lizzie Beierlein, recording secretary; Fred J. Wittmer, financial secretary; Agnes Kirwer, treasurer; Caroline Fawcett, guardian; Barney B. Funk, sentinel. The present officers are : Charles Stanfield, past protector; Lizzie Beierleiu, protector; Bertha Cooper, vice protector; Nettie Borneman, recording secretary; Henry S. Crowe, financial secretary; Mary Fox, chaplain; Rosa Barker, guide; Barney Funk, guardian; Charles Rausch, sentinel. Its highest membership is 85.

Park Lodge No. 2,020

Williams, protector; Alice Bevins, vice protector; Rhoda M. Perigo, recording secretary; Sarah A. Pine, financial secretary; Lottie F. Senflfj treasurer; Sarah E. Andrews, guide; Miss Annie Wolf, guardian and sentinel. Trustees - William A. Pine, Margaret Schwaegerle, Mary Zimmerman. Its present membership is 32.

Knights Of Honor

This social order organized in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 30, 1873, and in less than four years a lodge of the order was organized in this city.

Red Cloud Lodge, No. 640

The present officers are : George Horn, past dictator ; Julius F. Blum, dictator; Conrad Gonnerman, vice dictator; C. Fennimore, acting dictator ; G. L. Daum, treasurer, and Chris. Hewig, secretary.

Silver Star Lodge, No. 3041

The present officers are : W. Rahm, Jr., solictor ; C. Koch, exdictator ; F. Bauer, vice dictator ; R. Fischer, assistant dictator ; Gus Weber, reporter; George Nester, financial reporter, and Joseph Reedy, treasurer.

Silver Cloud Lodge, No. 1548

This order was established March 31, 1879, with twenty charter members. W. F. Ogden, a printer, was most active in founding this lodge. It now has a membership of about 200.

Golden Rule Lodge, No. 3572 Fraternal Legion

The Fraternal Legion is a benevolent order, and has for its object the promotion of charity and brotherly love. The order was founded in Baltimore, Md., in July, 1881. Three camps have been established in this city.

Evansville Camp No. 37

The organization of this lodge occurred October 10, 1881. Its present membership is 85. The charter members were : Charles Nicklous, F. C. Walter, J. H. Schorle, George Eigenbrodt, G. F. Birkenmayer, James Salat, VV. F. Blair, Joe EUspermann, Charles Knapp, James Lanboher, Leo Hanbuch, W. F. Altheide, Nick Jensen, Kr. Laubscher, Fred Schemet, J. II. Kerth.

The following members have been the chief officers of this lodge : Joe Joest, commander; Ed Weber, S. V. C; Joe Fritsch, J. V. C; Ed Ruckmar. treasurer; Oscar Jensen, E. O.; John Hillenbrand, adjutant; Henry Maier, orator; George Hank, guide; John Martin, warden; John Frank, sentry.

Smith Gavitt Camp No. 26

Ph. Schneider, John S. Sherwood, R. M. Jones, Charles Weyand, Christian Kratz, Sr. Ph. Miller, Alex Walker, J. W. Spain, J. Owen, J. W. Bedford, Orion Meeks, C. W. Kerney, G. A. Miller, G. A. Phillips, William Jameson, A. Miller, John Kochlen, A. Geise, S. A. Berley, George Kotts, S. A. Tupman, P. S. Koch, Charles Tupman,

Lama Sco Camp No. 54 Order Of Forresters

This lodge was instituted March 1, 1893. The charter members were: John A. Hartman, John Kesel, Philip Willem, Jacob Weirer, Charles Weierbacher, Felix J. Seiffert,

Vanderburgh Court No. 3249

This lodge of Independent Order of Forresters was organized May 30, 1896. It meets weekly. Its membership is .steadily increasing^ and it is doing good and successfiil work.

Order Of Elks

As everyone knows the order of Elks is made up of commercial travelers, and a jollier set of men, men with more good humor to the square inch, never banded themselves together for any purpose whatsoever. Their annual anniversary parades, in point of make-ups, outclown the clowns and manifest more pure love of grotesque fun than was ever conceived of by the inventive brain of Bill Nye or Artemus Ward.

Knights Of The Maccabees Of The World

This secret order is based on the principle of insurance, paying death and disability benefits. It is founded upon the Maccabean dynasty, the history of which is given in the two books of the Maccabees in the apocrypha of the Bible. The time of the Maccabees, who were Jewish priests, was not long before Christ - about 150 years.

The order of the Knights of the Maccabees is both fraternal and benevolent. The organization was first effected in the city of London, Ontario, in the year 1878. It spread rapidly and tents sprang up all over the land - almost in a night. The plan of ten-cent assessments for members of all ages was charged, and the order was put on a firm basis in 1880. This occasioned a temporary division in the order, but a union was effected Jnne 1, 1881. Under the energetic leadership of Sir Knight N. S. Boynton, of Port Huron, Michigan (and he is at present the mayor of that city), the factions were harmonized, new laws were adopted, and the order was incorporated under a special law of the state legislature. He is called the Judas Maccabseus or the "father" of thrs order. The Ladies of the Maccabees, whose different lodges are called " hives," were recognized by the great camp in 1888, as auxiliary to the Knights of the Maccabees. This order is a prosperous institution.

As a fact that indicates the success of the Knights of the Maccabees, it may be stated that at the close of 1881 there were but 700 members; but at the close of 1896 there were 260,000 members. The surplus funds of the supreme "tent," on March 1, 1896, were over one hundred thousand dollars.

Tent No. 185 was instituted in this city January 28, 1897, with a charter membership of over seventy. They hold their meetings regularl}- every Thursday evening in their hall, on Sycamore street, between Fourth'and Fifth streets. The officers of this first organization are as follows : C. A. Brehmer, Sir Knight past commander ; A. D. Adams, Sir Knight commander; B. F. Hoffman, Sir Knight lieutenant commander ; H. E. Fitts, Sir Knight record keeper ; F. Mitchell, Sir Knight finance keeper ; J. E. Edwards, Sir Knight chaplain ; W. H. Jones, Sir Knight sergeant; S. J. Powei-, Sir Knight physician; J. H. McCutchan, Sir Knight physician ; C. Y. Miller, Sir Knight master at arms; W. H. Sath white, Sir Knight first master of guards ; H. Schminke, Sir Knight second master of guards ; Thomas Watson, Sir Knight sentiuel, and N. C. Ogden, Sir Knight picket.

The Home Forum

This organization was incorporated in April, 1887, as the " Independent Order of Knights and Ladies of Honor," in Chicago. On December 13, 1892, the name was changed to " Home Forum Benefit Order." It is a fraternal order as well as an aid to the disabled and berefit. Its life indemnity is its prime purpose. A Forum was founded in Evansville in October, 1895, known as the Evansville Forum No. 688. Its charter members were :

The names of the officers are as follows : George K^ Denton, president; Frank E. Willes, first vice president; Rose E. Dunn, M. D., second vice president; Dr. Charles F. Boyden, secretary; Eben C. Poole, treasurer; Preston C. Munger, historian; John B. Culbertson, orator; Frank Nelson, assistant orator; William A. Connor, porter; William A. Smith, guard; C. F. Boyden and R. E. Dunn, medical examiners; Eben C. Poole, John B. Culbertson and Frank E. Willes, directors.

Ira A. Gulp, Wm. J. Crisp, W. W. Marshall, A. H. Schlange, E. M. Morris, Frank A. Stevens, Herb Sturtevant, Chas. R. Saberton, J. Ostermann, C. L. Harlinfels, Wm. McKinley,

Ed. J. Laval, F. J. White, Henry J. Grote, W. A Legeman, Sam N. Grant, Geo. D. Boicourt, A. L. Flicknei, A. J. Feay, Will Brizius, John Weigel.

This tribe is composed almost entirely of young men, who believe in enjoying life in the truest sense ; not, however, losing sight of the fact that by binding themselves together in one common band of fraternity there is a guarantee of assistance and protection in times of distress and sickness.

The Improved Order of Eed Men had its inception in the famous Boston Tea Party, which story receives a prominent place in all histories of the United States. The order's watchwords are "freedom, friendship and charity," and its primary objects are to promote among men the exercise and practice of the true principles of benevolence and charity, the care and protection of the widows and orphans of its members, and the cultivation of friendly relations with those who have entered its circle. The democratic influences which attended its birth, the idea that all men are equal, are the tenets of the order, and what a man is, not what he possesses, constitutes his claim for recognition among the brotherhood.

Liberty Council No. I4, Order Of Chosen Friends Eureka Lodge, No. 50, Order Of Unity

This order was instituted March 6, 1896 numbers 54. The charter members were :. Ernest L. Uzel, John C. Switzer, Wm. G. Connor, Cora Haynie, Cordelia Jones, Elizabeth Powell, Cornelius Hotschkiss, Mattie Gaddis, Wm. F. Stine,

The Order of Unity is a benevolent organization to provide for its members during sickness or disability and at death. It was incorporated under the laws of Pennsylvania in 1893.

Evansville Council, No. 120

The present officers are: C. W. McKinney, past president; F. C. Gore, president; J. H. Moellenkamp, vice president; J. A. Buckham, financial accountant; Frank Henn, adjuster; M. E. Schor, prelate; V. Abbott, chronicler; S. Yost, herald; F. X. Smith, sentinel; Ernst Uzel, picket. The trustees are: H. S. Mitchell, F. C. Ohning and J. Salat.

Woodmen Of The World

The officers for the first year were: S. D. Lett, C. Com.; E. G. Miller, Adv. Lieut.; Albert E. Swope, banker; Wm. A. Page, clerk. The present officers are: Charles S. Young, C. Com.; Charles T. Bottomly, Adv. Lieut.; Louis Oehlmann, banker; Wm. A. Williams, clerk.

Hebrew Orders

The B'nai B'rith (sons of the covenant) is a Hebrew secret order. Thisbe Lodge, No. 24, was instituted in this city May 9, 1860. This is an old and prosperous order.

Kersher Shel Barsel (knot of iron) is also a Hebrew secret order. Spinoza Lodge No. 136 was founded here July 27, 1874. It is a prosperous order.

Other Orders

There are several lodges of the United Brothers of Friendship. This is a colored order. There is Asbury lodge No. 1, Young Men's Hope lodge No. 9, Pride of David lodge No. 25, Mount Bethel Temple No. 10 (ladies). Mount Olive Temple No. 8 (ladies). Golden Rule Temple No. 4 (ladies). Queen Victoria Temple No. 25 (ladies).

It may be here noted of the secret and benevolent orders, that others have been organized, existed for a time and then passed away - just as is true in all things.

Knights Of St. John

was then state organizer. The initial members were about fifty in number, and the presiding officers were as follows : P. H. Cunningham, president ; Gus Muhlhausen, secretary , J. M. Funke, Captain. Unrivalled enthusiasm characterized this, the mother commandery ; and following in regular order were organized : St. Matthew's commandery. No. 213, Mt. Vernon, Indiana, 1893 ; Independence commandery, No. 221, Evansville, Indiana, 1894 ; St. Edward's commandery, No. 250, Evansville, Indiana, 1895 ; St. Mary's commandery, No. 259, Evansville, Indiana, 1895 ; St. Anthony's commandery, No. 268, Evansville, Indiana, 1895; St. Boniface commandery. No. 280, Evansville, Indiana, 1896; St. Bernard's commandery. No. 296, Rockport, Indiana, 1896.

Owing to the greatly increased membership and untiring energy of the above mentioned commanderies, on October 24, 1895, Evansville battalion of sixth district of Indiana was organized by H. T. Rush, then assistant adjutant general and organizer. Captain Nicholas Kohl was elected colonel of said battalion. February 14, 1896, the respective officei's of the sixth battalion were duly installed at Evans hall. The installation services were public and under the command of Col. H. T. Rush. Rev. Joseph Dickman, chaplain of the battalion, acted as installing officer. The officers of the battalion, who are now presiding, are the following : Nicholas Kohl, colonel ; J. M. Funke, lieutenant colonel ; Theodore Kohl, senior major ; Gus Muhlhausen, junior major, and Henry Buehner, adjutant.

The members of the Evansville commanderies have been especially favored in receiving appointments from the supreme commanders, among whom may be mentioned Rev. P. H. Rowen, of commandery No. 200, who was elected supreme treasurer for two years; Henry Luebberman, of No. 213, who received the appointment of adjutant general, and H. T. Rush, of No. 200, who was selected pay-master general.

The Knights of St. John is a fraternal and beneficiary, as well as a uniformed, semi-military and social organization. Its chief and worthy objects are the caring for its sick members, the payment of a weekly indemnity, and also a death benefit. It is one of the few organizations that combine military and social features. The sixth district of Indiana comprises the following counties : Vanderburgh, Posey, Warrick, Spencer, Perry, Crawford, Gibson, Pike, Dubois, Orange, Martin, Lawrence, Sullivan, Greene, Monroe, Owen, Knox and

Daviess. All commanderies in auy of the above counties are under the supervision of the Evansville battalion with headquarters at Evansville, Indiana. Thus in a short space of a few years, from one commandery, whose membership scarce exceeded fifty, with no equipments save energy and courage, have sprung the seven strong, stalwart organizations comprising the sixth battalion of Indiana.