Union Township (part 2 of 4)

Rev. J. G. Brice, clergyman and missionary, resided for many years at Winchester, preaching and lecturing and making collections for missionary purposes over portions of Indiana and Ohio. Members of this church have lived in various parts of the county, but, for the most part, have united with some other denomination. The Rev. Brice attempted to establish a church at Buena Vista in 1846, but with no success. The only church of that denomination is the Ridgeville Congregational church.

Ridgeville Congregational Church

This church was organized April 12, 1892, by an ecclesiastical council composed of Rev. E. D. Curtis, president, Indianapolis, Indiana; Rev. J. W. Wilson, scribe, Indianapolis, Indiana; Rev. J. S. Ainslee, Fort Wayne, In-

. The following named persons became members of the church at its organization : Prof. C. A. Gleason, Mrs. C. A. Gleason, Miss B. A. Zelleny, Prof. William C. Kruse, Prof. C. W. Macomber, Miss Rebecca Horn, Henry Kitselman, Mrs. Henry Kitselman, Miss Nina Kitselman, Joseph Lay, Mrs. Joseph Lay, Mrs. Gertrude Sumption, Nelson B. Hiatt, Mrs. Nelson B. Hiatt, Miss Irma Hiatt, Samuel C. Lay, Mrs. Samuel C. Lay, Miss Minnie Studabaker, John McFarland, Sr., Mrs. John McFarland, Sr.

About the time of the organization of the Ridgeville Congregational church, the Ridgeville Colleg'e was taken over from the Baptist denomination by the Congregationalists. Rev. C. A. Gleason was the first pastor of the church, as well as the first president of Ridgeville College under Congregational management.

The church was legally incorporated December lo, 1900. The services of the church were held in the chapel hall of the college building until the present church building was erected in 1903. The first service in the new building was held on January 31, 1904. The present membership of the church is eighty-eight. The pastor at the present time (1914) is Clifford G. Thompson A. B., B. D. The board of trustees is composed of J. E. Rickert, president ; J. E. McFarland, Ross W. Boswell ; George P. Newton, treasurer, and D. G. Hiester, clerk. Congregationalism is not strong in this part of the state, the Ridgeville church being the only one of that denomination ever organized in the county.

Presbyterian

Many of the early settlers of the county were Presbyterians, although there were enough of them in any community to justify the organization of a church. Meetings were frequently held in the residences of Presbyterians, but that was as far as the movement was ever carried up until at least 1835. The early Presbyterian settlers were to be found west and south of Winchester and west and south of Union City. The first named locality was in and around Sampletown, just east of where the Lincoln school building now stands.

The pioneer of this movement was Adam McPherson. Mr. McPherson was of Scotch extraction and was very devoted to the Presbyterian church. Mr. McPherson contemplated the building of a church; in fact, had gone so far as to dedicate a portion of the lot as a cemetery. Within a few weeks of the time of which he expected to begin the church death came to him suddenly by an accident, and the movement was dropped. Others of the same community adhering to this belief were Robison Mclntyre, Maxville; Mr. Jenkins, south of Sampletown, and Henry D. Huffman, south of Sampletown. There was, however, as we stated before, no church erected in this community.

The community southeast of Union City, near Salem, had a very similar experience about 1835. A New School Presbyterian society was begun in that neighborhood. They held services in the school house and in private residences for some time, but no building was erected and but little came of the movement.

Pleasant Ridge. - Pleasant Ridge (two miles south of Buena Vista) was formed November 28, 1842, at a school house near Mr. Hogeland's, one mile north of Huntsville, Indiana. There were eighteen members, as follows : Jacob B. Kepler and wife, John Starbuck and wife, Cyrus Starbuck and wife, John Shearer and wife, James Shearer and wife, John Jenkins and wife, Isaac Hogeland and wife, Parker Jewett and wife, Joseph C. Kepler, Patience Smith. Jacob B. Kepler, John Shearer, John Jenkins were chosen ruling elders. Between 1842 and 1849, inclusive, twenty-six members were received, making a total of forty-four members. The church, however, did not continue, but about 1852 it ceased to be active, and has become wholly extinct. A log meeting house (very good for the time) was built by the church at the beginning of their existence, about 1842. A graveyard also was established, the first burial in which was in 1842. The preachers at different times were Revs. J. G. Brice, E. R. Johnson, I. N. Taylor, Thomas Spencer and Andrew Loose.

Buena Vista. - A meeting-house was built some years after the Pleasant Ridge church was erected, but an attempt was made to form a Congregational church from the members of the Presbyterian church. As a result of the effort, all failed, and the meeting-house at Buena Vista has been for many years occupied as a barn by Robert Starbuck, on whose land it is situated.

Winchester. - A New School Presbyterian church was formed there about 1842 by Rev. J. G. Brice. Some of the chief members were Samuel Ludy, James Brown, Esq., and Mr. Morrison. They maintained services for twelve or fourteen years, and, in 1853, undertook the erection of a meeting-house, under the pastorate of Rev. R. Irwin, which, however, they could not finish. The building stood across the street from the present Methodist Episcopal church. Their preachers have been Revs. Brice, Spencer and Loose. About 1854 an Old School Presbyterian church was formed. Some of the members .were Dr. Craig, Dr. Ferguson and others. There were some dozen members at first, and after a time the number had increased to forty. Several of the New School members joined also. In 1857 the new organization bought the unfinished house, and, completing the same, used it for purposes of worship. The preachers were Messrs. Holliday, McCullock, Chapman and Campbell. This organization prospered reasonably for some years. About 1865 several prominent members removed - Dr. Ferguson, to Union City; Judge Brown, to Minnesota, etc., and, in 1868, the church was dissolved by direction of Presbytery, and their meeting-house passed into the hands of the Disciples church. This building now stands on Main streeet and is known as the Alexander meat market.

The old Scotch theory, that once a Presbyterian always a Presbyterian, had been thoroughly drilled into the hearts and minds of the adherents of the above church.

It remained for Mrs. Clara Commons to organize a Union Sunday school which should gather together the adherents of various denominations not having a church, and in Winchester they met in a room over the Farmers and Merchants Bank and organized this school, with George Best as superintendent of the school. It was very prosperous and aroused a great deal of interest among the people. This movement led into a broader movement of the church. Those having no church home, led by the Rev. McCaslin, held meetings in the city hall for quite a while.

The question of a new organization began to be talked. The possibility of a new church being organized whereby the local members would have a home of their own soon crystalized into a definite movement. In October, 1 88 1, seventeen adherents to the Presbyterian faith in and about Winchester petitioned the presbytery of Muncie, then in session at Tipton, Indiana, to organize a church in Winchester. These petitioners were Carrie M. Bruce, Harriett N. Neff, Clara R. Connors, Mary A. Ludy, Mary A. Cheney, Lizzie A. Goodrich, Jane G. Edgar, Mrs. W. S. Montgomery, Kittie Nichols, Deborah Miller, W. S. Montgomery, Mabel Montgomery, Flora Wilmore, George B., Best and Anna Best, who, with Henry Miller and Paul P. Ludy, became charter members of the church.

The presbytery granted the petition and delegated Rev. David S. Mc- Caslin and Rev. Andrew Loose and an elder whose name is not mentioned in the minutes, to organize the church. They met in the Methodist church in Winchester in December of that year and listened to a sermon preached by the Rev. McCaslin.

It was thought by some that it would not be best to «rganize another church in the body of the church of a different denomination. Consequently the meeting adjourned to the residence of John Neff and organized by electing Samuel P. Ludy, formerly an elder, as ruling elder. In March, 1882,. John Neff, John J. Cheney and George W. Bruce were elected as the trustees. The meetings were held in Snedeker's hall until 1885, when they moved to the Odd Fellows Hall, where they remained until they moved across the street west from the present edifice. From the first the society was very enthusiastic and enjoyed a constant growth of membership. It was soon apparent that a new church must be erected to meet the needs of the increasing congregation. To this end the splendid church which now stands was built at a cost of thirty thousand dollars in the year 1907. The church at this time is one of the leading churches of the city and enjoys the distinction of having the largest class of men in Sunday school in the county. This class is under the guidance of James P. Goodrich, who is one of the leading supporters of the church.

The ministers of this church have been Rev. McDonald, from September, 1882, to March, 1883 ; Rev. C. T. White, of Portland, to February, 1884; W. H. Sands, of Union City, to March, 1887; J. B. Fowler, to March of 1895; John Wilson, to March of 1900; E. E. Plannette, to February, 1902; C. I. Truby, to May, 1909; Robert Little, to March, 1913; the present minister being Gustave. Papperman. The present board of trustees consist of John Thomas, John R. Engle, P. E. Goodrich, B. F. Hinshaw and Wilbur Hiatt.

Union City. - Was first organized in the house of Martin Cox, Washington township, Darke county, Ohio, by Rev. Isaac Ogden, presiding missionary, November 8, 1835, with six members. The ministers have been Revs. Gulick, Ogden, Meeks, Campbell, Drake, Lower, Eastman, Coulter, Ziegler. Mr. Drake was pastor seven years, and received into the church 167 persons. The greatest number of addition in any one year (1851) was thirty-eight. The church was changed to Union City in 1862. The first meeting-house was a log building near Martin Cox's, now used as a woodhouse at Cox's school house. The next house was what is now the German

Reformed (brick) church at Hill Grove, Darke county, Ohio. The first services in Union City were Held at the Methodist church. The greatest number of members at any one time before the removal to Union City was fifty-seven. Six years after the removal, there were but forty. The greatest number at one time was 127. The church built a meeting-house on Union street, south of Oak, in 1863, and occupied it till about Christmas, 1879, at which time they dedicated their new, tasteful and elegant edifice on Howard, north of Oak; cost, $1,200.

One of the characteristics of the Presbyterian church is to have a strong ministry. Union City has been no exception to this rule, and the present excellent condition of the church is due in a great measure to the strength of these pastors. Those having had charge of the church are : Messrs. Coulter, Zeigler, Adair, Hott, Gorby, McDonald, Elliott, McDonald (returned), George T. Gunter, Charles S. Pier, J. H. Miller, Mr. Zuck and Orvil J. Hutchinson.

The Evangelical Church

The Evangelical Association is one of the oldest church organizations in the United States. It was in the 183 - 's when the first members of this church settled in Winchester and vicinity. As they were many years without a church edifice, they assembled in their homes with the pastor as he came from time to time. No obstacles seemed too great to surmount; no revival service or prayer meeting was too distant to attend. Mr. G. G. Keller, an old and well-known resident of Winchester, an early member of the church, to whom the writer of this sketch is much indebted for an interesting account of its work, told how great numbers traveled for miles in wagons, sleds or on horseback on any kind of roads and in all sorts of weather to attend big camp meetings at various places in Wayne, Jay and other neighboring counties.

The number of adherents to this denomination gradually increased so that they were able to construct a church home in Winchester in the year 1864. This church soon became the property of the Indiana Conference of the Evangelical Association and was recognized by being given its support and regularly appointed ministers. Although this church is not now existing, it was served, together with the Zion Evangelical church four miles west of Ridgeville and the Greenville Evangelical church, for many years by a strong Christa'n ministry.

mostly German. A number of such prominent German families that settled west of Ridgeville in what was then known as Emmettsville, began the work by building a church at that place in 1879. This church, although a country charge with only an average membership, has had a prosperous career, having been instrumental in sending a number into the Christian ministry and into other useful fields of labor. By the year 1908 so many of the strong supporters of this class had moved to Ridgeville that it was deemed advisable to organize a society at that place. So the members residing at both places united their means and purchased the Baptist church at Ridgeville. Since the dedication of this edifice, in February, 1908, the society has enjoyed prosperous years. The membership increased remarkably from the outset. The Sunday school has been particularly strong and spirited.

Such is a brief review of the work of the Evangelical church of Randolph county. May her adherents, although few in comparison with those of other denominations in the county, be loyal to her in all things so that she may bear a Gospel message to the communities in which she is located.

The Church Of The Brethren

Ever since the decline of primitive Christianity in the early age of the church, God has had a people Vho protested against the departures from the usages of the apostolic church. The Brethren come in this line of succession, and the movement which resulted in their closer organization grew out of the great religious awakening which occurred in Germany during the closing years of the seventeenth century, when large numbers, becoming dissatisfied with the lack of spirituality in the State church, withdrew from its communion and met together for the worship of God. They were called Separatists, and among them were to be found such men as Jacob Philip Spenner, Herman Francke, Earnest Christian Hochman, Alexander Mack, and many other earnest, pious men whose names have become historical. The Separatists were bitterly persecuted by the Reformed and Catholic churches and were driven from place to place until finally Count Cassimir, of Witgenstein, opened a place of refuge for the persecuted brethren in his province. Here, in the village of Schwartzau, Alexander ^Nlack and others, similarly minded, met together to read and study God's word, and as a result of their study, the church was organized, taking the name of "Dunkers," with Alexander Mack as its first minister. This was in 1708. The name was given them by their enemies, who called them "Dunkers" because of their mode of baptism. The infant church increased in numbers rapidly, but even in Witgenstein their peace was soon disturbed, and the hand of persecution was laid heavily upon them. In 171 8 Alexander Mack formed the acquaintance of William Penn, who was at that time very much interested in his colony in the new world, and invited him and his brethren to settle in Pennsylvania, and the invitation was gladly accepted.

In 1 7 19 they commenced to emigrate to America, and in less than ten years the entire church found itself quietly settled in the vicinity of Germantown and Philadelphia. After arriving in the New World they went by the name of "The German Baptist Brethren" until the year 1906, when they were incorporated under the name of "The Church of the Brethren."

They, today, have flourishing congregations in most of the states of the Union. At the general conference held at Winona, Indiana, in 191 3, forty states were represented by delegates, or letter and six foreign countries.

The local organization of the Church of the Brethren, known as the Union City congregation, was organized in 185 1 with seventy-two members. The territory covered by the organization at that time consisted of the northwestern part of Darke county, Ohio, the southwestern part of Mercer county, Ohio, the southeastern part of Jay county, Indiana, and the northeastern part of Randolph county, Indiana.

The first meetings of this organization were held in the homes of its members until in 1870, when the first church house was built, one and onehalf miles north of Union City, Indiana, on the State line, on the Joel Noffsinger farm.

In 1875 the church territory was divided and the "Bear Creek'' congregation was organized on the northwest and a church house was built near Portland, Indiana. In 1891 the territory of the Union City congregation was again divided and the "Pleasant Valley" congregation was organized in the northeastern part of the territory and another church house was built near Lightsville, Ohio. Again, in 1893, a third division was made and the "Poplar Grove" congregation was organized on the south and a church house erected near Hill Grove, Ohio.

The first residing elder of the congregation was Thomas B. Wenrick, who was elected to fill this position in 1865. He continued in this ofiice until his death, in 1884. W. K. Simmons was soon after chosen elder and served in this capacity until 1912, when B. F. Sharp was selected as the elder and continues as such at the present time. Michael Deeter, David Flory and (45)

Aaron Simmons were the first trustees of the church, elected in 1868. The present trustees are George Netzley, E. M. Scholl and John D. Hay.

The present ministers are W. K. Simmons, Ezra Noffsinger, W. P. Noffsinger and Oliver Royer. The latter has charge of the church in Union City, Ohio.

1. They believe the present collection of the books and epistles, composing the Nev^f Testament volume, to be the last and perfect vi^ill of God, and as such, they believe the vi^hole of the New Testament to be essential to salvation.

2. They hold that all the authors of the New Testament books and epistles were inspired, and that it is exceedingly dangerous to reject any one of them as spurious or untrue (Matt. 7:26, 27).

3. They regard repentance as a complete turning away from everything sinful, - including everything vain and worldly, - and turning toward God, setting their affections on things above (Col. 3:2).

4. They baptize by trine immersion (28:19), while the candidate is kneeling, employing the forward posture in imitation of the baptism of suffering. They regard this baptism as for the remission of sins amd as a condition of the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2 138 ; Matt. 3 :i6).

5. They wash one another's feet, as a religious rite, regarding Christ's example and teaching as being too plain to admit of their doing anything less (John 13:4-15).

6. They regard the Lord's Supper as a sacred meal, to be eaten in the evening of the day, in imitation of the Savior's example the evening before the Jews' Passover feast began (John 13-1).

ID. They are opposed to going to war, and hold that to take human life is wrong and adhere strictly to the principles of non-resistance (5 :2i-22).

of customs practiced by the early fathers of the church, and are getting closer to the real meaning of Christ's teaching while here upon earth.

Another church of this denomination was established two miles north of Saratoga but has now ceased to exist. They also have had a branch two miles west of \A'inchester, but no church organization has been perfected at this place.

Baptist

The baptists have not been \ery numerous in Randolph county although there have been some from the very earliest days of the settlement of the county. Curtis Clenney, of Lynn; W. C. Wilmore and John James, of Greensfork; Thomas Maulsby, of Nettle creek; Mr. Cartwright, of Spartanburg ; Bela Cropper, West River ; Ezra Stone, Winchester. James Spray, Edward Scott and others have been prominent Baptists and some religious work has been done in this county by that worthy body of Christians.

Messrs. Wilmore and Cropper were enthusiastic ministers and labored earnestly for the promotiton of that doctrine, but were unable to receive any very great degree of success. There have been churches at Little Creek and Losantville, Nettle Creek township; Winchester, and Middletown, in Jackson township. The churches at Losantville and Little Creek have been greatly disturbed by questions of "Means and Anti-Means."

Huntsville. - The Baptists used to have meetings at Bela W. Cropper's and Samuel Spray's, not far from Huntsville. They never had a church or any society in that neighborhood. B. W. Cropper was a preacher and did religious work in that region; but no church was ever founded there, so far as we have been able to learn.

Losantville. - This society was organized many years ago, and had a more or less vigorous and successful existence, but was eventually abandoned for lack of membership.

This society was formed in Ohio about 1840, and began to hold services near Middletown in i860. They never had a meeting-house. Their gatherings have been held chiefly at dwelling-houses. Their meetings take place once a month, at Middletown and Rose Hill - every third meeting at the former place, at Mr. Hinkle's on Saturday, and at the Christian church, at Middletown, on Sunday. The first members at Middletown were Richard and Eliza Straight, Henry and Eliza Ann Hinkle, Mahlon and Rachel Peters,

The preachers have been Revs. Mahlon Peters, John McDaniels, Seymour Craig, John Peters, George Cottrell and others. Mr. Cottrell ministered to the church for more than fifteen years past.

\\''inchester. - About 1840, a Baptist church was organized for Winchester and the region. The meetings were held, at first, at John Lykins', five miles south of Winchester; afterward, at Winchester, and still later, at Willis Wilmore's, south of \A'inchester. The society continued for a considerable time, but the members died or moved away, and the church finally ceased. The first members were Bela Cropper and wife. James Spra}', Edwin Poor and wife, George Vandeburg and wife, Ezra Stone, \A'illis C. W'ilmore and wife, Edward Scott and wife. Afterward, Thomas Loring and wife joined the society and probably others may have done so. The church never had a meeting-house. At Winchester the servicer were helrl at the courthouse ; elsewhere, at private dwellings. The society never ^rew very much. The deacons were brethren Stone and Cropper. The church was a friendly band, no difficulty ever arising to mar its peace. Prayer-meetings VvCre held, from house to house, with sweet seasons of Christian love and high hope and foretaste of endless bliss in the mansions above. In Winchester, they assisted in maintaining a union Sunday school for several years.

Some of the preachers were Revs. Xathaniel Case and James Harvey. \\'illis C. \A'ilmore was for nearly, or quite, fifty years ( 1882) a preacher among the Baptists, and an active and zealous Christian withal. Ezra Stone was a fine Christian gentleman who was much esteemed and greatly beloved. Edward Scott lived east of \A'inchester ; his wife dying November, 1880; eighty-four years old. He had died years before that time.

Spartanburg. - Hezekiah Cartwright was a Baptist residmg near that town, and preaching by the ministers of that order, took place at his bouse. W'e have heard of no other Baptists in that region, though there may have been such. No church of the kind, so far as kno\\n, was ever formed in that vicinity.

West River. - William Smith and his wife, father and mother, of Hon. Jere Smith, were Baptists and \Aere members and regular attendants of the Friends church, south of them, in W'ayne county.

Little Creek. - The only church of this denomination, active at this time, is the one at Little Creek. This society was established some time before, 1843, near the residence of one of its chief members, Thomas Maulsby. This church was divided upon the question of "Means and Anti-Means" which as we understood it virtually meant Sunday school or not Sunday school. The church remained "Anti-Means" and does not support a Sunday school at this time. The membership had decreased to about twenty-six, in 191 3, when another division occurred in the church over the question of whether musical instruments should be used in the church. The membership divided equally, thirteen leaving and thirteen remaining. Meetings are conducted each month upon the fourth Saturday and Sunday. Rev. A'ergal Eagen is the minister. The trustees being Harvey Grouse and M. V Maulsby.

Free-Will Baptist Church - Ridgeville and vicinity. - There was a society at Father Mendenhall's, on the river, as long ago as i860, or earlier. They began to hold worship at Ridgeville about 1868. The society has no meeting-houses in the town, the college chapel being occupied for meeting purposes. At Father Mendenhall's was a hewed log church, which, however, has not been used since the society began at Ridgeville. Some of the members have been Robert Sumption, Fennel Mendenhall, John Collier (Rev.), Mahlon Sumption, William Hollowell, Egbert Payne (Rev), Cunningham, John Thurber, Allen Baker, Dr. Farquhar, William Reed (Prof.). Asa Pierce ( Rev ) , and their wives. The church, at Ridgeville, numbered at first thirt}' to eighty members.

This church was conducted in connection with the college, which denomination had established in Ridgeville in 1867. They were unable to make a success of the school and after having disposed of it to the Congregationalists, in 1892, found it necessary to abandon their church, also, and the church building was sold to the German Evangelical church. Some of their preachers were Messers. Collier, Atkinson, Bates, Davis, Pierce, Vaughn and Harrison. During the winter of 1880-81 meetings of this denomination were held at Stone Station and about forty were converted and a church was formed, embracing twenty-five members, i. e. ; Thomas Clark and wife, Georfi:e Snera and wife, Da\'id Reitenour and wife, Mrs. Ross anrl daughter, and two sons, Mrs. Owens and family, Samuel Ross and wife and James Jefferson and wife. They met in the Clark school house with Rev. Asa Pierce as their minister. The enterprise was abandoned before a cnurch was built.

The Protestant Methodists have never had any very large societies in the county. About 1837 they established a preaching place, near Deerfield, but were never able to affect a permanent organization. The only one in the county at this time is at Hopewell, north of Farmland.

The society was organized some time before 1845 by Rev. Jonathan Flood, a pioneer of his denomination. They built their first church in 1853, which stood as it was built until a few years ago, when it was remodeled and made modern in every respect. This church has a splendid Sunday school, in connection with it, and while it is the only one of this denomination in the county is strong enough to make its influence felt.

Church Of God

This organization first sprung up in recent years under various titles of Holiness Band and other various names. There are two churches in the county, one in Jackson township and the other the center of Ward township, east of Deerfield.

Unionsport. - These people ha-\-e held meetings at times at ]Mr. Lamb's and at Josiah ]\Iendenhairs. Some years ago they held two or three grove meetings on the lands of John Lewis, near Unionsport. They have no settled organization, at the place, but several persons in the vicinity are inclined to that faith and think they have evidence that their friends, who died yesiTS ago, have appeared to them in material form, have spoken and in other ways have proven their actual bodily existence. Spiritualism has found some adherents in past years, in Winchester, but at present the number is quite small and there is no organization.

Holiness Band

At different times, in the history of the county, sects have arisen, having as a special doctrine, "Holiness" For the most part these bands have consisted of people of other denominations believing in two states of Christian experiences - the lo\Aer and the higher estate. The first is commonly attained at conversion and the second is an advanced state brought about by special blessing.

The principal center of organized bands has been in and around Farmland. An organization of this character has been in existence for a number of years, with Hamilton Pursley as its leader. The membership has never been large. Their meetings consist, for the most part, of open air meetings, held upon the streets of surrounding towns.

The first churches to be held in the limits of Randolph county were held by Methodists, in the cabin of Ephraim Bowen, by the Rev. Mr. Holman, of Louisville, Kentucky. This was probably as early as 1814-15.

They had a plan of holding meetings peculiar to themselves, for the lack of room or proper house in which to hold meetings, they resorted to camp meetings, or grove meetings, as they were sometimes called. These camp meetings were held in various parts of the county, some of which grew to gigantic proportions. People would take their families and attend these meetings for a week or two, or sometimes a month, at a time. They were a source of great spiritual awakening and reached the pioneer in a way that no other kind .of meeting could have done. People met for spiritual up-lift, sincere in their purposes and enthusiastic in their desires to better humanity. Thousands of people, at times, would be called together with this purpose in view.

Some of the principal places of these meetings have been Spartanburg, Greensfork township; wesl^ of Fairview, in the edge of Delaware county; Mt. Zion, White River township; Union Chapel, West River township; Ritenour's, Ward township; Union City fair grounds; Winchester fair grounds; Arba, Greensfork township; Windsor, Stoney Creek township; Ridgeville; Shiloh, north of Farmland, and Chenoweth's Grove, near Bartonia.

People would go for miles and miles to attend these meetings ; many no doubt for curiosity, but the spirit of the Lord was there in power and brought many a haughty blasphemer to the foot of the cross.

"Mischief is there in abundance, but the off-setting, wrestling, .conquering, converting, new creating Holy Ghost power is all too seldom seen in modern days."

The old Methodist church, like that of other denominations, has given way to that of the new. The old-<fashioned "shouting JNlethodists'' is seen and heard but seldom, in this da}'. The minister no longer "lines his hymns" with the command of "Sing brother, sing." Ko longer does the leader "pitch the tune", with his pitch pipe. The music of today may have more harmony and balance, but under no condition can it exceed the old-time song, with its fervor and spirit of devotion, to the cause of establishing the kingdom of the Master.

The policy of the Methodist church, in sending out its ministers to "hold meetings" and travel from place to place, preaching as they went, to those who care to hear, was the means of establishing many churches throughout the land. "Wherever civilization was found, there was a ]\Iethodist preacher, also, proclaiming the word of God.

Many of the country churches have been abandoned, owing to the lack of membership. With better roads and transportatiton, the centers became larger and larger and have in many instances been established in towns. Among the places in the county so abandoned are : Huntsville school house, where a class existed for twenty years or more ; at Lebanon,- between Huntsville and Winchester, on the Huntsville pike; Beech Grove school house, just west of \\'ood's Station; Mt. Pleasant, in West River township, on the boundary one mile north of the Wayne county line. A log church was built there in 1838 and a new building erected in 1865; the church has since been abandoned. This is the church home of Rev. John Grubb, one of the most forceful pioneer ministers of the county.

Pittsburg. - ^leetings were held here at the home of James Porter for a great many years. A log church was built south of Pittsburg, at Walnut Corner, and a frame church built in i860, but was soon abandoned.

Pleasant Hill. - (One and three-fourth miles north of Farmland.) The class was formed in 1858; the building built in i860 and was abandoned about 1875.

Prospect. - (East of Deerfield, Ward township.) There was an early preaching place near this house. The circuit-rider used to make Riley Mar- shall's, who was the grandfather of Gov. Marshall, one of his points away back at the beginning of things. Mr. Marshall came about 1821, and the time of the commencement of preaching dates back nearly to that day. The meeting-house was built about 1845. It has been used until within a few years, and this neighborhood has been, since the first settlement, an important point to the Methodists. But the house had become so out of repair that it was scarcely fit for use, and, Saratoga, having grown up as an active center of business, the new church was built there; and "Prospect meeting-house" stands, neglected and forsaken, besides the ancient cemetery, one of the oldest in the county, "where the rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep," a sad memorial of the melancholy changes that come over the face of human affairs as the ages roll. The cemetery is still in use, and will probably continue so.

Ritenour's. - (One mile west of Deerfield. ) A class was formed at this joint, probably about 1820. It was organized by Mr. George Ritenour, who had joined the Methodist church when a boy, in Virginia, and who settled on the Mississinewa before 1820. Class was held in his house and other houses of the neighborhood for about fifteen years. A log house was built in 1836; this house was abandoned about 1838 and remained standing for almost fifty years afterwards. Ritenour's class, cemetery and church were the first of the Methodist denomination on the Mississinewa river. This was at one time a great place for camp meetings. This was one of the most famous churches of its time, and hundreds met here "To hear the sermon delivered in the power of the Spirit, to the eager, spell-bound assemblers, thronged within and around that once sacred shrine. Scores and hundreds of fervent worshippers flocked, for miles and miles, through the grand old woods, along the dim blind trails, or with no track at all, on horseback or on foot, to reach the sanctuary and join in the shouts of praise and the sacred hallelujahs that made the echoes ring."

Salem. - fOne mile east of Modoc.) This church was built in 1838 and went down about 1855. This church was organized by John Grubb, of whom we have spoken elsewhere. The class of this church moved their membership to Concord meeting-house, which was built about that time, and which is now abandoned.

Stuebenville. - (In the center of Green township.) The Methodists built a church at this place about T8-15 ^"^ it was not finished and was never dedicated to religious purposes.

Spartanburg. - Methodist preaching began in Greens fork township the earliest in the county. The first preaching was by Rev. William Holman, of Louisville, Ky., at the house of Ephraim Bowen, probably in 1815, and a meeting for worship and exhortation was held at the same place by Stephen Williams, local preacher, not very far from the same time. A class was formed soon after, and preaching was held and class conducted at Ephraim Bowen's and at Sc^uire Bowen's and James C. Bowen's for thirty years or more. About 1830 William McKim settled at Spartanburg, and preachers from the Ohio Conference established meetings at Mr. McKim's. Some years later, about 1837, a meeting-house was built at Spartanburg, on a lot given for the purpose by Mr. McKim, who laid but the town. This house stood until 1857, when a new church was erected by the Methodists, which, having been remodeled, is occupied by them at the present time.

Some of the early preachers were Revs. Holman, Williams, Lawrence, Beck, Hull, Bruce, John L. Smith, Richmond, Bradbury, Burns, Swazy, Hollingsworth, Cooper, Wright, Snblett. Some of the later preachers have been Newton, Thomas, Curtiss, Bicknell, Cain. Spartanburg and the region used to be famous for religious acti\ity. At one time the class was so large that the house would be filled and two leaders would conduct class at the same time on opposite sides of the room. Camp meetings were held, and extensive revivals took place, bringing great numbers to a profession of Christ.

Mt. Zion. - (Southeast of Winchester, near William Kennedy's.) Preaching began in this vicinity very early, when only paths and trails traced their winding way among the forest trees. Mr. Kennedy was an ardent Methodist, and the preachers soon found him out, and his cabin was the circuit-rider's home for many years. His wife and himself used to go on horseback through the woods, to near Richmond, and to Ritenour's church, between Ridgeville and Deerfield, in those ancient days. Probably a pole cabin answered the purposes of worship, after having met in the dwellings of brethren Kennedy, Lucus, etc.

A log church was built in about 1836, which answered the desired end . till 1868, at which time a new building was erected. This building was remodeled into a neat and tasteful edifice in 1912.

not for show, were as follows: William Kennedy and wife, John M. Lucas and wife, David North and wife, Tyndall and wife, Pierce HoUingsworth and wife (local preacher), William Hollingsworth and wife (local preacher), Stephen Williams and wife (local preacher), Nathan Butts, John R. Philips, Henry Tisor. The earl}' preachers cannot now be given. Some of the later ones have been Revs. Stout, Cooper, Jenkins, Newman, Newton, Thomas, Butts, Cain.

Maxville. - One of the oldest churches in the county at this time is at Maxville, six miles west of Winchester. Meetings were held at John Sumwait's, and a class was organized about 1821 or 1822. Several other preaching points were established not far from the same time - George Ritenour's, on the Mississinewa; William Kennedy's (Mt. Zion, southeast of Winchester) etc. 'Sir. Kennedy belonged first to the class at Ritenour's and attended class there, he and his wife going on horseback through the woods eight miles though preaching was held also at Kennedy's cabin.

Another nucleus of Methodism was among the Hunts, in West River, "Old Billy Hunt" being a preacher for fifty years or more. Some of the early preachers were Messrs. Richard Brandreth, Wood, John S. Smith, John H. Hull, 1837; Ansel Beach, 1838; Francis Carey, William Dickerson, Colbreth Hall (married "Old Billy Hunt's" daughter), AVilliam Hunt, etc., etc. Membership - There were but few members of the class at Sumwalt's for ten or fifteen years - John Sumwalt, one and a half miles south of Maxville; Godfrey Sumwalt, at Sampletown Cross Roads; Jacob Sumwalt, who lived in the vicinity; Walter Ruble and his wife; Caleb Odle, Mrs. Tarlton Moorman and others.

The church at Maxville was first built in 1838, near the mill, a frame. The house was burned, supposed to have been done by an incendiary in 1847. The house, just now, 1914, being abandoned was built about 1856. Early members at Maxville, besides the ones named : Robinson Mc- Intyre, who had been a Presbyterian, but who became an active Methodist; Henry D. Huffman, also a Presbyterian, but an efficient worker; Alexander Mclntyre, John Mclntyre, Mrs. Mclntyre (widow of John Mclntyre), Charles Schultz (local preacher), Stephen Moorman, Rudolph Good, David Addington, Simeon Brickley, etc.

came to the region, preaching the gospel. He established a class at Abram Clevenger's. Members ha\'e been (in early times), besides others, Randolph Smullen and wife, William Moore and wife, Bezaleel Hunt and wife, Jonathan Fryer and wife.

Preaching was held at times at Fryer's, and at Hunt's also. A hewedlog church was built at Windsor, in 1839, and in 1859 a frame, which stands yet, but has been remodeled. WinSsor is on the Parker circuit.

New Dayton. - There was preaching as early as i837,at the very first settlement of the region. The first Sunday school in the region was organized by Rev. J. G. Brice.

The meetings were held at a school house, near Isaiah Milner's, on the present pike from Olive Branch to Stone Station. A class was organized at an early day and the services were held at various places - at Mrs. Helms' and elsewhere. It has been, on the whole, a good, substantial class, dwindling sometimes, and given up two or three times, by the conference; but it would not stay "dropped", and still struggled on, determined to live. In 1877, a tasteful and convenient church was erected near the cemetery, and the class feel well repaid for the conflict they have endured for nearly eighty years.

Some of the members have been James Addington (exhorter) and wife, Isaiah Milner and wife, Simon Lighty (exhorter) and wife, Eli Hiatt and wife, Jesse Addington and wife, L. W. Sherman and wife, Mrs. Pardon Sherman, Hannah Rose, etc.

Some of the former preachers are Messrs. Barrett,* Lank, Heustis, Harbour, Bradshaw; Brice (Congregational), Pierce, Newton, Spellman, Ockerman, Elijah Harbour, etc. New Dayton is on the Deerfield circuit.

Deerfield. - The class was formed about 1837. The meetings were held at first in a log school house, east of town, then at Perry Field's, for some, years, then in a log school house, half a mile south of Perry Field's, and in other places also. The church at Deerfield has been built about sixty-two years. Some of the early members were Anthony Ritenour, Perry Fields, Caleb Odle, AVilliam Odle, Ephraim Collins (exhorter), William B. Fields (exhorter).

Some of the former preachers for Ritenour's, Prospect and Deerfield have been Revs. Burns, Bartlett, Hall, Bradshaw, Bradbury, Kent, Campbell, Newton, Herrick, Ramsey, Blake, Kerwood, Madden, Harrison. Some of the older members were Fletcher Barrett, David Harker, John Garwin, Perry Fields, Willis Whipple, Isaac Thomson.

borhood nearly ninety-two years ago, being held at Christian Edmonds' and Thomas Phillips', who came in 1821. Rev. John Strange, famous in the history of pioneer Methodism, was among the first preachers. Rev. William Hunt also labored in this region.

There was first a log church, built as early as 1830, or sooner. A frame church was erected in 1862, and the present meeting-house was built in 1881.

The circuit in early times used to be Huntsville, Economy, Union Chapel, Bloomingsport, Hopewell, Spartanburg, Mt. Zion and INIt. Pleasant (old Snow Hill), which shows the enormous task the pioneer minister had to perform. Christian Edmonds donated the lot for the church.

The inembers, some of them, were Christian Edmonds, Isaiah Rogers, Hugh Botkins, Peter Botkins, Jesse Cox, Joseph Rogers, Daniel Worth and others. Some of the preachers have been Messrs. Strange, Beck, Fairchild, Swank, Ansel Beach, Moses Hall, Bruce, Hull, Smith, Caney, Burns, Hunt, Lank (senior and junior), Farnsworth, Kelso, Medsker, Morrison, Meek, Mark, Smith, Barnes, Spellman, Strite, Phillips, Roberts. Bowen, Canann, Pierce, Newton, James, Johnson, Rammel, Smith, Anderson, Kerwood, Cain, Harbor, Huestis. Union is on the A'lodoc circuit.

Fairview. - The Methodists began to hold services at the first settlement of the region. Rev. Elijah Harbour moved in very early, and he was a local preacher, and did much toward planting religion in that part of the county. Preaching was held at Nathan Godwin's, near Fairview; at Mr. Pendry's, in Delaware county; and at John Booth's, in Jay county. A log church was built in Fairview about 1839, and a frame house in 1849, which is standing yet, having been remodeled in 1874.

Some of the early members were Nathan Godwin, Bennet King, John King, James McProud, John Life, Elijah Harbour, (Rev.) Caleb Manor (Jay county), John Booth (Jay county), William Richardson, with their wives. Some of the preachers were : Messrs. Harbour, Ackerman, Bradbury, Brandshaw, Bowers, Leech, Sales, Smith, Hall, Bruce, Barrett.

Lynn. - The Methodists began at Hopewell, in Wayne county, very early one mile south of Mr. Curtis Clenney's. Mrs. Shoemaker (daughter of Curtis Clenney, who came to near Lynn about 181 5) joined the Hopewell class in 1831.

In 1844 preaching was established at Mr. John Moody's, southeast of Lynn, and a class was formed, and the meetings were held in dwellings for many years. About 1850, or possibly sooner, the Methodists had preaching

Some of the members of the class at Mr. Moody's were John Peele and wife, John Moody and wife, Elijah Benson and wife, Elizabeth Shoemaker, Mrs. Elizabeth Benson. Some of the members at Lynn were Pierce Hollingsworth (local preacher), John Peele and wife, John Clenny and wife.

,Some of the oldest preachers; Messrs. Burns, Cooper, Stout, Smith, Bradford, Wright and many others. There have been great revivals in connection with the Lynn work. At one meeting 150 members joined. In 1861 a powerful awakening occurred, the meeting lasting a month.

It was not very long, however, until the work of the church declined very rapidly and was eventually abandoned as a preaching point. It was afterward put into a mission circuit. The work finally became self-supporting. It was not very long after this until again the interests in the church became so weak that no regular meetings were held, but the spirit of Methodism in Lynn was not dead. The class in recent years has been prosperous and now enjoys a very progressive career.

Bartonia. - A class was established there (at Mr. Bailey's) about 1848, and a meeting-house was built about 1850. Edward Barton was class leader. Some of the members have been Edward Barton, James Bailey, William vShockney, James Jackson, William A. T\'Iacy, Ephraim L. Bowen, Chenoweth ; William Locke, Manning, Manning, Spencer and their wives.

Some of the early preachers have been Messrs. Stout, Hollingsworth, Wright, Hull, Black and others. Mr. Chenoweth, during his lifetime, prepared a grove upon his land for the holding of meetings, and in the summer time religious services were often held there. The Bartonia class is in a prosperous condition, being one of the strongest country churches in the county.

Huntsville. - (Modoc Circuit). The first settler of Huntsville was Mr. William Hunt, who came there some time previous to 1825. Mr. Hunt donated land for a church and cemetery. The church was built in the center of what is now known as the "old cemetery." It was used for church and school purposes.

Locust Grove. - (Formerly called Thomburg Chapel, Stoney Creek township, north of Nefif.) Preaching began in the neighborhood in 1840, by Rev. William Bradbury. Meetings were held at Abram Clevenger's and elsewhere - sometimes in the woods, again in an old store building put up by Jonathan Clevenger, then in an old leg hou?e on the western part of Will:;i"i Hewitt's farm, etc. The church was built in 1857, and it is standing yet.

About 1850 and onward camp-meetings were held yearly for several years, and great power was manifested, and also great results achieved through the divine mercy. Rev. Morrison was one of those on the work in those days. The meetings were orderly and impressive and convincing. They were continued many days. People moved to the grounds and dwelt in the tents erected for the purpose during the continuance of the meeting, and gave up their souls to the power of truth and to the enjoyment of religion. Some of the early preachers were Messrs. Bradbury, Leech, Smith, Stout, Morrison, etc. Among the first members were Joseph Hewitt and wife, Randolph Smullen and wife, George A. Carmian and wife, etc.

John A. Grubbs, Isaiah Rogers, Kerwood and William Howell often came and exercised their gifts of exhortation among the people. The church used to have grand and gracious seasons in former days.

Another church was built about 1850, this being succeeded by another structure about 1879. This has been very much improved and modified in recent years until it is now a thoroughly modern structure.

The class at Huntsville was not very large because of the nearness of other churches, one of which was Pleasant View, one and one-half miles north and the other Lebanon, about two miles northeast. This class finally gave way, strengthening the class at Huntsville. Some of the leading members have been John A. Hunt, George Howell, Elizabeth Hunt and sons, Edward Butler and wffe, William Butler and wife, Ackerell Lamb and wife, Joshua Campbell and wife, John T. Harris and wife. Some of the early preachers were Rhodes, Wones, Harvey, Wolverton, Bowen and Peck.

Rehobeth. - (Farmland Circuit). (Four miles northwest of Farmland.) The church was built about 1853, but was removed and the present one erected in 1881. Some of the older members were Abram Hammer, John Craig, Alfred McCamy, Jacob Windermaker, John Windermaker, Joseph Hammer, Jacob Simmons, George Morris, Stephen Wiley, Cooper Morris, Richard Horner, George Keever, Adam Keever, John Adams, David Morris and others.

Ridgeville. - The Methodists began to hold services about 1856, first at Mr. Renbarger's, then at a school house in Ridgeville, as also on the Dilly farm, two miles northwest of Ridgeville, and at Robert Collier's, northeast of the town. Class was held and services were established eighty-five or ninety years ago at Ritenour's, as elsewhere related.

jamin Lewallyn and wife, Abram Renbarger and wife, George Ritenour and wife, William Munden and wife, Obadiah Hall and wife, James Odle and wife, Caleb Odle and wife, Robert Starbuck and wife, William J. Shoemaker and wife, Mr. Wysong and wife, Arthur McKew and wife, Hannah Ward, Mrs. Ann Addington, George Gagner and wife.

Some of the early preachers have been: Messrs. Sell, Pierce, Herrick, McDaniel, Way man, Metz, Harrison, etc. The church at this time is one of the most active and vigorous churches in the county.

Farmland. - A class was formed some time before 1866. The Christians were more numerous. Both meetings were held in the school house at first, but, in 1868 or 1869, the Methodists built a church, and gradually increased in numbers and influence until gaining a prominent standing. Among the members in 1866 were John S. Mclntyre, Samuel Mclntyre, William R. Oliver, Charles Wall, Mr. Kelley (preacher returned to Virginia). Some of the members since that time have been John A. Moorman, (Rev.) Elias Holliday, John H. Denton, Lewis A. Gable, James S. Davis, M. W. Diggs, S. C. Grimes, K. L. Mull, etc.

Some of the older preachers have been Moses Marks, W. R. Jordan, McMahan, J. H. Peyton, Roberts, McKegg, J. W. Lowry, Jackson, Spellman, A. J. Lewellen, Charles Bacon. The present church was built about 1897 and is indicative of the prosperous condition of the class.

Parker. - The first Methodist church established in Parker was early in the fifties, perhaps in 1852. Church was held in various residences of the members, and ministers held meetings occasionally but no permanent organization was affected until about 1870. In 1872 they built a church and were at. that time a part of the Windsor conference. The building has been remodeled twice; the latter time being almost completely rebuilt, and the church is now in a very prosperous condition. Some of the early members of the church were James Cecil, Ezra Cecil, Ephraim Cecil, Peter Deal, John Morris, J. L. Miller, Henry Knapp, Messrs. Daugherty and Friddle.

Saratoga. - This class was started about 1881 and was made up of members from the old Prospect and some off the east part of the Deerfield circuit. The church was built that year and was one of the most up-to-date churches of the entire country. It has been very prosperous and now enjoys an excellent membership.

Modoc- - With the organization of the town of Modoc naturally came the organization of the church. The Methodists were very strong in that community and proceeded to organize the church about 1885. The member-

Losantville. - (Hagerstown Circuit.) This church was organized in the old town of Losantville, but moved to the new town upon the organization of New Losantville. The class has prospered since its organization and has, from the start, been one of the leading classes of the Hagerstown circuit.

Grace Chapel. - (Barrax Corner, Nettle Creek township.) The last class to be organized in -the county was Grace chapel, in 1895. After a big revival had been held in the community many of the Methodists decided to organize ' a class, which they did by a special dispensation from the conference and procured land from John Lamb and built a very neat church. This class is small, but what is lacks in numbers is made up in interest.

Winchester. - It is almost impossible to state with any degree of accuracy when Methodism began in Winchester, but it is safe to presume that their meetings were held here very soon after the organization of the town, 1818. Their first house was built some time before 1839, as we have record of a temperance meeting having been held January i, 1839, "at the Methodist meeting-house in the town of Winchester, Randolph county, Indiana." This house stood on Main street, almost directly east of where the Methodist church now stands. They received deed to a lot on Meridian street in 1853. The trustees at that time were W. H. Fitzgerald, Jehiel Hull, John H. Cottom, William Allen and William Gorsuch. A small brick church was built at that time. It was dedicated with appropriate services October 2, 1859. Winchester was at that time a station attached to the Muncie district, later on it was attached to the Richmond district and remains there until this time.

For many years IMethodist meetings were held in the court-house. The itinerant preacher would come once a month and hold a two-days' meeting. Revival services were also held in the court-house. The first quar-terly meeting connected with Winchester as a station was held June 4, 1859. ^^^ that time S. Lamb was the presiding elder and John S. Peyton, pastor of the church. This small church became inadequate for the accommodation of the rapidly growing class, and it became necessary to build a new one. This was

The Winchester station is considered one of the most desirable stations in the conference, and has been fortunate in the high efficiency of the pastors sent to it. The pastors have been ^lessrs. Peyton, Mack, Stout, Rhodes, C. (46)

Union City. - This class was organized by Rev. Colclazer, of the Deerfield circuit, in 1852, the first year of the existence of the town. The first class was composed of Henry Debolt, wife and sister, R. T. Wheatley and wife and Mrs. Elizabeth Livengood. They were soon joined by J. T. Farson, local preacher, and wife, and S. L. Carter and wife. Services were first held at the home of Henry Debolt. This was at that time called the "Bee Line Boarding Car." It afterward became Hawkins warehouse, then Scanlin's hall, then White's warehouse, which afterward was destroyed by fire. This class was small and was on the Deerfield circuit from 1852 to 1859.

At times it seemed that the organization would be compelled to disband, but by persistent efifort it was made a missionary station in 1859, and remained as such about six years. They built their first church of brick on Columbia street, north of Oak, in 1858 and 1859. They remained in this house ten years, when a new church was erected on the southwest corner of Oak and Plum streets. It was only partially completed at the time, the congregation not being financially able to continue with the work. The class grew in strength and interest, until 1886 the house was completed at a cost of $18,000.00.

The occasion of the dedication upon the completion of the church was one of great interest. The auditorium was crowded to its limit. One person, in speaking of the exercises that day, said : "The raising of the funds needed to complete the payment for the house was interesting and almost dramatic."

That year, 1880, was an important one in the history of the church, as the Indiana annual conference was held in it that year. This conference was comprised -of some four hundred members, lay and clerical, and was unusually well attended. The spirit of the entire church membership of all churches of Union City was shown in the excellent manner by which this great throng of people were cared for during the session, which lasted more than one week. During this same year a revival of unusual interest was held. It lasted for several weeks, and scores of new members were added to the class. The church was at that time one of the finest in this part of the state and seemingly was commodious and modern enough to accommodate the class for years and years to come. "The old must give way to the new," in Methodist churches as well as all other institutions. The Union City church was no exception, and in 19 12 the present massive stone structure was erected.

The first board of trustees were : S. L. Carter, R. T. Wheatley, Henry Debolt, C. Saxton and J. T. Farson. The ministers have been: Colclazer, Newton, Stout, Blake, Mendenhall, Templin, Rhodes, Sparkes, Greenman, Simpson, Lynch, Barnes Vigus, Mack, Greenman (returned).

Winchester Mission Church

Feeling the need of a church in the northeast part of Winchester, a number of devoted citizens of the community organized a Mission church. The prime mover of this organization was George W. Veal, and to him great credit is due for the erection of a neat little church located in Beech Grove.

The Sunday school was organized in 1853, with Rev. J. T. Farson superintendent. There were twenty-five pupils at that time and the sessions were held in the "Bee Line Boarding Car."

True Wesleyans

This denomination arose in the United States, chiefly by a secessioa from the Methodist Episcopal church, about 1842. The movement sprang from several causes - opposition to slavery, secret societies and Episcopal power. And these three principles were declared in the new society, Anti- Slavery, Anti-Secretism, Anti-Episcopacy. The movement sprang rapidly through the countr}' and became for a time strong and vigorous. The denomination began in this region at Newport (Fountain City), Wayne county, Indiana, in 1843, in the form of a quarterly meeting held there by ministers and lay members who were ready for the movement. As a result of that conference, the denomination took its rise in Randolph and Wayne counties, and several classes were formed. In Randolph county, at Sparrow Creek, at White Chapel, in West River township, and at Clayton's, five miles west of Winchester. In fact, most of the veterans of that anti-slavery conflict are no longer among the living. Some of the younger soldiers in that struggle still answer the "rofl call" of duty, but, as to the elder heroes in that fierce contest, their arms were long since laid aside ; their mortal frames rest sweetly in the friendly dust, and their souls have gone to the mansions above. Their

The Catholic church, at Union City, was begun in 1854; Rev. Sheen, oJ Sidney, was pastor one year. Rev^ Hemsteger, from Piqua, came in 1855. Rev. Clane came next and established a chapel on the farm of Mr. Weis, two miles from town. Rev. Hemsteger came again and stayed four years. Rev. Shelhammer, from Greenville, then came, remaining until 1862. Rev. Mc- Mahon was next, until 1865. During his pastorship a church was built, on Plum street, north of Oak street, frame, and about 1870 a large bell was added. Rev. Lamour was pastor from 1867 to 1870. Rev. Von Schwedler, 1870 to 1871. Rev. Noll, 1871 to 1875. Rev. Jeremiah Quinlan succeeded, who was pastor until 1890, when he was succeeded by Rev. F. A. King. The congregation was thriving and prosperous, with a property of four lots, a church, a parsonage, nunnery and a schoolhouse; as also a cemetery, out of town, two miles north of the Salem pike. St. Mary's school was taught by sisters of the Holy Cross and was attended by lOQ pupils. A flourishing day school has been maintained for many years, by the Catholics whiai has been, for a considerable time, free to all comers, through the munificence of Peter Kuntz, lumber dealer in Union City, and a member of the Catholic congregation.

The congregation, in 1890, was worshiping in a substantial, but unpretentious and wholly inadequate edifice, and Father King's first thought was to provide a fairer and properly commodious house of worship for his people. There was only about $1,200 in the church treasury, but this apparent lack of material funds did not deter the earnest pastor, ana 11 was not long until his efforts towards the enlargement of his parish were rewarded by the assurance of a fund sufficient to guarantee the completion of the work he had in mind. In 1891 the corner-stone, of the new church, was laid, with imposing ceremonies, the Rt. Rev. Joseph Brammer officiating. On February 12, 1895 - proud day for St. Mary's parish - the new church, splendid and complete, was dedicated to the service of God, the dedicatory services being presided over by Bishop Chatard. This new church cost nearly $25,000 and so well had its finances been managed that the congregation was practically out of debt. The church is and stands a substantial local monument to the zeal of good Father King and the earnestness of his parishioners.

With its passing, as a place of worship, the old church did not lose its usefulness, however, as it is now constantly occupied as a place of meeting of the several auxiliary societies of St. Mary's. In this old structure are held the meetings of the Catholic benevolent society, of the Catholic benevolent legion and of the Catholic knights of St. John. Father King was succeeded by Fathers Berne, Durham and Baker.

St. Mary's cemetery is a beautiful spot of consecrated ground, containing five acres and the pride of the parish is mainfested in keeping it in faultless order.

In addition to the duties as pastor of St. Mary's, Rev. Baker is charged with the spiritual directions of the adjacent mission, at Winchester. This is an interesting and growing mission, full of promise. The church building is a frame, was built in 1882 by Rev. J. H. Quinlan and cost $600.

Colored Churches

Of the three that have been abandoned, one was located in the colored settlement near the Union Literary Institute; the second at Snow Hill, and the third north of Modoc. The colored churches have never had very large congregations because the county has never had very many colored people within its borders.

Randolph county has been a county of churches; one of the greatest branches of which has been and is the Sunday school. More people have been brought into the church through the door of the Sunday school than by any other means. This recognized truth has led practically all churches to pay especial attention to the Sunday school, and to make it as efficient as possible.

Turpen Lodge No. 401. - Charter dated, May 25, 1869. First officers were: Wm. H. Anderson, worshipful master; Win. A. Wiley, senior warden ; Wm. B. Hedgepath, junior warden ; N. Cadwallader, treasurer ; Wm. H. Swain, secretary. Charter members are: Wm. H. Anderson, Wm. H. Swain, N. Cadwallader, A. J. S. Bowers, W. B. Hedgepath, C. S. Evans, Raifford Wiggs, A. L. Knight, Alexander White. Present officers are: Walter D. Anderson, worshipful master; Bruce F. Beaty, senior warden; Perry A. White, junior warden; Jas. F. Rubey, treasurer; Cyrus M. Thompson, secretary. 93 members. Meetings every first and third Tuesdays of each month.

Parker

Parker Lodge No. 630, Free and Accepted Masons. - Institution dated March 26, 1900. Charter dated, May 22, 1900. First officers were : Levi H. Karnes, worshipful master; Wm. G. Moulton, senior warden; Barclay- Smith, junior warden; Albert Canfield, treasurer; Andrew C. Dragoo, secretary; Isaac D. Everingham, senior deacon; Samuel H. Suplee, junior deacon; Martin L. Coyner, tyler. Charter members are : David T. Williamson, Wm. D. Stuck, John M. Good, Wm. H. Coon, Lawson L. Wilson, Chas. R. Daugherty, Frank Hyer, Willard F. Cline, Aaron C. Rogers. Present officers are: Merl A. Hutson, worshipful master; Wm. H. Moulton, senior warden; John E. Clevenger, junior warden; Frank Hyer, treasurer; S. H. Karnes, secretary; R. A. Jellison, senior deacon; W. E. Rooker, junior deacon ; M. L. Coyner, tyler. yj members. Meetings held 2nd and 4th Friday evenings.

A petition was presented to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons asking for the organization of a new Masonic lodge tmder dispensation. This was granted May 29, 1901, under the name of White River Free and Accepted Masons, under dispensation. This was changed December 25, 190 1, to Summer's Lodge Free and Accepted Masons, under dispensation. A charter was granted May 28, 1902. The charter members (those to whom the dispensation was granted) were: John H. Boltz, James P. Goodrich, Jos. L. Shetterly, Edward S. Goodrich, Charles W. Eastman, George E. Leggett, John W. Macy, Sr., John E. Markle, C. W. Moore, C. C. Yunker and George W. Robbins, of the Winchester No. 56, except John "W Macy, and George W. Robbins, of Farmland 308. The first officers were : John H. Boltz, worshipful master ; James P. Goodrich, senior warden ; Joseph L. Shetterly, junior warden; Edward S. Goodrich, senior deacon: Charles W Eastman, junior deacon; George E. Leggett, tyler; John W IMacy, secretary; John E. Markle, treasurer. Present officers are : Wm. P. Van Wylich, worshipful master; Henry Ludy, senior warden; Thomas Jeffry, junior warden; Martin Heltz, senior deacon; John D. Summers, junior deacon; John Flight, tyler; Samuel D. Fox, secretary; Thomas J. Ashton, treasurer. The present membership is one hundred fifty.

Lynn

Doric, No. 362. - Constitution, dated June, 1867. Charter dated. May 30, 1867. Charter members are: Thomas Addington, Elisha Bailey, Arthur McKew, Charles Jones, Wm. Champ, Jacob Myers, Edwin Myers, Geo. Addington, David Williamson, Joseph Coons, Wm. J. Shoemaker, Wash T. Pettijohn, Wm. M. Fisher, Cyrus Blackaby. First officers were : Thomas Addington, worshipful master; Elisha Bailey, senior warden; Arthur McKew, junior warden; Wm. Fisher, treasurer; Wm. Shoemaker, secretary; J. M. Coons, senior deacon. Present officers are : Chas. Cadwallader, worshipful master; Bert A. Mattison, junior warden; J. Wilbur Seigler, secretary; N. W. Ferguson, senior warden ; W. R. Bolinger, treasurer ; Jesse M. Wilhite, senior deacon ; J. J. Hurst, junior deacon ; William Thrash, A. J. Wood, Stewards. S. S. Clevenger, tyler. Thirty-four members. . Meetings, first and third Wednesday of each month. J. W Seigler and others have served on Grand Lodge committees various years.

Lodges which have been in existence and surrendered their charter having been absorbed by other lodges are : Deerfield No. 1 1 7, instituted May 30. 185 T ; Pittsburg No. 387; Olive Branch No. 426, instituted July 27, 1870.

Eastern Star

Eastern Star. - This Ladies Auxiliary of the Free and Accepted Masons is one of the oldest institutions of its kind. "Stars" are to be found in Union City, Winchester and Farmland.

Farmland Chapter No. 95, Order Eastern Star. - Organized, January 27, 1890. William E. Murray, of Winchester, chapter installing officer assisted by the Winchester Chapter held at Masonic Hall. The hall was destroyed by fire in 1897, with part of furnishings; rebuilt in 1898. Officers installed : Charles Paris, worthy patron ; Julia Gray, worthy matron ; Sarah Lumpkins, assistant matron; Alice Paris, secretary; Jennie Smith, treasurer. Charter members : Eli Hiatt, Jennie Hiatt, S. B. Watson, Abigail Watson, W. W. Fowler, Elizabeth Fowler, Fred P. Shaw, Ella Shaw, Dr. Calvin Smith, Jennie Smith, J. K. P. Gray, Julia Gray, E. V. Graham, Demarns Graham, P. O. Hewitt, Martha Hewitt, John Lumpkins, Sarah Lumpkins, Ellis McNees, Mary McNees, Jethro Macy, Andy McNees, Rebekah McNees, J. H. Thornburg, Anna Thornburg, Joseph Branson, Matilda Branson, L. M. Thornburg, Elizabeth Thornburg, George M'orl, Ann Worl, George Robbins, Anna Ford, James Lumpkins, Bertha Bales, Lou Smith, Emma Hiatt, L V. D. R. Johnson, Abigail Johnson, Charles Paris, Alice Paris, Dollie Watson, Charles Weiler, making forty-four charter members. Officers for 1914: Eli Hiatt, worthy patron ; Julia Gray, worthy matron, Julia Dick, assistant matron ; Linda Deselms, treasurer : Mary E. Driver, secretary. Number of members in good standing, sixty-five. Regular meeting nights, the first and third Monday nights in each month.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows has subordinate lodges in Winchester, Union City, Farmland, Parker, Fairview, Ridgeville, Deerfield, Saratoga, Spartanburg, Lynn, Carlos, Huntsville and Windsor.

Winchester Lodge, No. 121. - In November, 1852, a petition to the Grand Lodge of Indiana, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 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 a charter for a lodge at Winchester of Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A dispensation was granted November 11, 1852, and a charter issued by Joseph L. Silcox, grand master and Willis W. Wright, grand secretary. 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 Acting Grand Master then appointed the following officers pro tem. : John C. Helms, noble grand; John I\I. Jameson, vicegrand ; Thomas Matthews, secretary ; Job Swain, treasurer ; Eli J. Jameson, warden ; William Brotherton, conductor ; Jacob Colvert, left hand supporter to noble grand ; Josiah P. Williams, right hand supporter to noble grand ; Andrew Wachtel, left hand supporter and vice-grand; William L. Matthews, right hand supporter and vice-grand; William J. Ethell, right scene supporter; J. O. B. Tuttle, left scene supporter. The first officers were then elected and installed, viz.: Silas Colgrove, noble grand; Thomas L. Scott, vice-grand; John J. Cheney, secretary; Harvey Patty, treasurer; C. D. Searl, Philip

Barger, T. W. Kizer, trustees. The Winchester Lodge, being the first in the county, became a kind of nucleus for the surrounding region. Present officers are : Arnta Oyler, past grand ; Daniel Heenan Moore, noble grand ; Clare Brawley, vice-grand ; Samuel D. Fox, secretary ; George W. Keller, treasurer ; Elmer A. Thomas, Vestal L. Haisley and G. M. Ulrick, trustees; Joseph L. Shigley, warden; Marcus Reynard, conductor; Robert M. Carson, inside guard; Carl M. Myers, outside guard; Thomas A. Helms, right supporter noble grand; Charles F. Pierce, left supporter noble grand; Percy Whitten, right supporter vice-grand; William Deal, left supporter vice-grand; W. O. Coats, right scene supporter; William H. Deal, left scene supporter, and G. M. Ulrick, chaplain. Number of members, three hundred and thirteen. Meet each Thursday evening.

Fairview Lodge No 134 was instituted August 17, 1853. Their property was destroyed by fire January 29, 1857. First officers were: H. L. Searl, noble grand; James White, vice-grand; J. N. Converse, recording secretary; James Armstrong, past secretary. Present officers, E. E. Turner, noble grand; Dan Bubt, vice-grand; Ira Vernon, recording secretary; Guy Linley, past secretary. Number of members, one hundred and seventy-one. Meet Wednesday evening of each week.

Ridgeville Lodge No. 788, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. - Institution dated June 23, 1902. Charter dated. May 22, 1902. First officers were : D. G. Heister, noble grand ; H. W. Ames, vice-grand ; A. Morrical, recording secretary; M. Stebelton, financial secretary; Lot Pettijohn, treasurer. Charter members are : Daniel G. Heister, N. W. Ferguson, W. L. McCurley, Chester Buhler, O. L. Heister, George Lemaux, Jr., A. H. Farquhar, C. E. Barrett, Lot Pettijohn, C. W. Addington, W. E. Allen, Michael Stebelton, J. A. Huston, J. L. Wilmore, C. Mendenhall, L. A. Wilmore, Ward Hollowell, Geo. P. Newton, Geo. R. Mendenhall, A. Morrical, J. C. Retter, H. W. Ames. Present officers are : Elmer Bockoven, noble grand ; George Terrell, vicegrand; A. Morrical, recording secretary; W. E. Ward, financial secretary; John E. Rickert, treasurer. Number of members, one hundred and thirty. Meeting every Monday evening.

Parker Lodge No. 170, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. - Institution dated November i, 1855. Charter dated July 18, 1855. Charter members were : John Chandler, Henry Adams, W. H. Harrison, John Gangf ord and G. W. Thornburg. First officers were : Henry Adams, noble grand ; W. H. Harrison, vice-grand ; Thomas A. Reece, secretary ; John Chandler, treasurer. Present officers are : Pearl Meeks, noble grand ; Fred Anderson, vice-grand ;

Farmland Lodge No. 208, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. - Institution dated November 15, 1859. Charter dated December 7, 1897; first charter destroyed by fire. First officers unknown. Charter members were: John A. Moorman, Henry Mclntire, John S. Mclntire, Henry Tripp, Nathan Thornburg, George S. Spillers, Charley Baldwin, T. W. Windowmaker. Henry Adams and William Barnes. Present officers are: C. C. Sunday, noble grand ; Lester Ford, vice-grand ; C. A. Painter, recording secretary ; A. J. Pursley, financial secretary; \\'' H. Taylor, treasurer. Number of members, one hundred and ninety-two. Meet Wednesday night of each week.

Losantville Lodge Xo. 232. - This lodge was formed May 18, 1864. Charter members : William Hendricks, James Ralston, Milo Moore, Joseph Crouse, W. A. Snodgrass. First officers the same.

Spartanburg 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, S. G. Hill, John Chenoweth, Levi Hill, Harvey Piatt, S. S. Humphreys, James D. Bowen, Wm. M. Campbell, George M. Marion. Present membership, one hundred and twenty-one. A hall was built in 1867, at a cost of $650. The lodge is in good condition, with property worth $2,500. Its orphan fund is $500. 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. First officers were: John Harlan, first noble grand. Present officers are : Frank Jessup, noble grand ; Delbert Martin, vice-grand ; John W Crist, recording secretary; Ira S. Taylor, financial secretary; Roy Crist, treasurer. Number of members, one hundred and twenty-one. Meet each Saturday evening.

Deerfield Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 293. - Institution dated Wednesday, November 11, 1867. Charter dated November 11, 1867. First officers were: Uriah Pierce, noble grand; Lewis A. Heath, vice-grand; William O. King, secretary; Olney Whipple, treasurer; Charles N. Taylor, permanent secretary; Elijah B. Heath, Thomas L. Addington, Thomas N. Pierce, John Barnhart Ward, trustees; Thomas L. Addington, right supporter noble grand; Isaac Harker, left supporter noble grand;

W. B. Smiley, right supporter vice-grand; James W. Bragg, left supporter vice-grand; Enos Myers, conductor; Ben Bodarrf, inner guard; W. G. Smith, right scene supporter; Thomas N. Pierce, left scene supporter. Charter members are : Uriah Pierce, Francis E. Massey, Wm. O. King, John Barnhart, Lewis A. Heath, John W. Hall, W. G. Smith, Benjamin Bodarrf, W. B. Smiley, E. B. Heath, Thomas N. Pierce. Present officers are : John Culy, noble grand ; James Clark, vice-grand ; Bert A. Matheson, secretary ; John H. Huber, treasurer ; Amos Heston, L. M. Fisher, George Bousman, trustees ; Clyde Barrett Ward, Fred \^'aIl Cloud, Dan Clapp, inside guardians ; Russell Sampson, outside guardian; Theodore Barrett, left supporter noble grand; Chas. Wall, right supporter noble grand; David Lewis, right supporter vicegrand ; Charles Reitenour, left supporter vice-grand ; George Garringer, left scene supporter; Clarence Mullen, right scene supporter; Frank Hummel, chaplain, L. M. Fisher, host. One hundred and five members. Meeting each Saturday evening.

Note. - The lodge was instituted by Deputy Grand Master Thomas W. Kiser and the following Brothers from Winchester Lodge No. 121, Independent Order of Odd Fellows : W. E. Murray, A. Stone, H. H. Neff, Wm. Burrass, D. H. Key, W. H. Ward, E. Corwin and Arthur Quick. Brother Arthur Quick conferred the first, second, third, fourth and fifth degrees on the following brothers : Olney Whipple, Charles N. Taylor, Thomas L. Addington, Enos Myers, Isaac Harker, and James W. Bragg. There is one of our charter members, John W. Hall, that is still an Odd Fellow in good standing and still a very enthusiastic worker.

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. Charter members : W. E. Starbuck, F. M. Way, J. R. Jones, George F Miller, James Vankey, M. T. Sumption. Elective officers of the lodge : J. R. Jones, noble grand ; W. E. Starbuck, vice-grand ; M. R. Hiatt, recording secretary; J. L. Collier, permanent secretary; D. S. Kitselman, treasurer; M. T. Sumption, D. W. Ward, J. L. Collier, trustees. The charter was surrendered in 1901 and a new lodge was organized.

C. Mendenhall, L. A. Wilmore, 'V\^ard Flollowell, George P. Newton, George R. Mendenhall, A. Morrical, J. C. Retter, H. W. Ames. Present officers are : Elmer Bockoven, noble grand ; George Terrell, vice-grand ; A. Morrical, recording secretary ; W. E. Ward, financial secretary ; John E. Rickert, treasurer. Number of members, one hundred and thirty. Meeting, every Monday evening.

Windsor Lodge No. 517. - Instituted January 17, 1876, by Richard Berger, of Muncie Lodge No. 74, under a dispensation from J. B. Kimball, most worshipful grand master. Charter members : John Gable, Matthew

D. Lynch, Robert Fisher, Nelson T. Chenoweth, Abraham B. Hammer, Elijah J. Pemberton, William K. Wallace. George W. Dickson and William Bailey were admitted on card. Total at organization, fourteen. First officers: Nelson T. Chenoweth, noble grand; Elijah J. Pemberton, vice-grand; William Bailey, secretary ; Matthew D. Lynch, permanent secretary ; John Gable, treasurer. Charter granted by the Right Worthy Grand Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Indiana, at its semi-annual communication of 1876. The lodge built a hall the first sumnier, which was dedicated by B. F. Foster, grand secretary, Independent Order Odd Fellows, of Indiana, September 8, 1876.

Present officers are : Marion Phillips, noble grand ; Thomas Gilbert, vice-grand ; Thomas W. Chenoweth, secretary ; W. E. Brooks, treasurer. Number of members, sixty-one. Meet every Saturday evening.

Saratoga Lodge No. 703, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. - Institution dated December 26, 1893. Charter dated November 23, 1893. Charter members were not reported. First officers were : Lewis Hawthorn, noble grand; Porter A. Daily, vice-grand; Thomas W. Johnson, secretary; John F. Wa-rren, treasurer. Present officers are : F. M. Fayette, noble grand; William A. Johnson, vice-grand ; V. E. Harmon, secretary ; Pei"ry W. Warren, treasurer. Number of members, one hundred and fifty. Meet every Tuesday evening.

Encampments of Independent Order of Odd Fellows are located in Winchester, Union City, Saratoga, Deerfield, Ridgeville, Farmland, Lynn and Spartanburg.

Present officers are : William P. Marlatt, chancellor prelate ; D. H. Moore, senior warden; Ennis Roosa, high priest; Clare Brawley, junior warden; Samuel D. Fox, scribe; George W. Kellar, treasurer; William Deal, outside sentinel ; George R. Kennedy, inside sentinel ; Joe L. Shigley, guide ; T. A. Hehis, first warrior ; W. R. Deihl, second warrior ; Charles Tillson, third warrior; William L. Hawkins, fourth warrior; G. M. Ulrick, first inside guard; Arnta Oyler, second inside guard; John C. Meir, William L. Hawkins, Ennis Roosa, trustees.

First officers were : David Ferguson, chancellor prelate ; J. W. Cottom, high priest; H. H. Neff, senior warden; Asahel Stone, junior warden; J. W. Way, scribe ; Thomas W. Kizer, treasurer ; Benjamin Ramsey, sentinel ; John P. Clough, first inside guide ; William Burres, second inside guide ; Silas Colgrove, first warrior. Number of members, two hundred and ninety-three. Meetings every first and third Friday each month.

Ridgeville Encampment No. 272. - Institution dated March 7, 1900. Charter dated March 7, 1900. Charter members are : Daniel G. Heister, Abram Morrical, Joseph Landwich, Lewis Barger, N. B. Barger. Present officers are: L. C. Barrett, chancellor prelate; James Clark, high priest; C. E. Burke, senior warden; John B. Mitchell, junior warden; A. Morrical, scribe; John E. Rickert, treasurer. First officers werej Weldon E. Allen, chancellor prelate; Lewis Barger, high priest; Joseph Landwich, senior war- den; C. D. Miller, junior warden; A. Morrical, scribe; Lot Pettijohn, treasurer. Members, thirty-eight. Aleetings every second and fourth Wednesdays.

The Rebekah lodges are located in Union City, Spartanburg, Lynn, Parker, Farmland, Fairview, Ridgeville, Deerfield, Saratoga, Winchester and Huntsville.

Spartanburg - Olive Branch Lodge No. 6. - Institution dated February 19, 1869. Charter dated February 12, 1869. Charter members are: S. A. Custer, Maggie A. Custer, John Harland, E. S. Anderson, Fannie Anderson, A. Bannes, Martha Harland, E. J. Bannes, Sarah Whittier, S. S. Humphrey, Samuel Whittier, Martha Humphrey, J. H. Curtis, J. C. Knox, Sarah Whittier, Catherine Knox, Sarah J. Curtis. First officers are: Levi Hill, noble grand ; Maggie A. Custer, vice-grand. Present officers : Georgie . Bowen, noble grand; Ava Jackson, vice-grand. Members, thirty-seven. Meetings Friday evening of each week.

Parker Amicus- Rebekah Lodge No. iii. - Institution dated May 16, 1874. Charter dated February 16, 1874. Charter members were: Oliver Sutton, Catherine Sutton, J. A. Jones,

Present officers are : Sarah Free, past noble grand ; Mollie Adams, noble grand; Lelia Anderson, vice grand; Audrey Patterson, secretary; Mabel Rogers, .financial secretary; Orrilla Milburn, treasurer; Leona Jellison, warden ; Elsie Williams, conductress ; Orrilla Wiles, outside guard ; Bessie Gruley, inside guard ; Myrtle Thorn, chaplain. Nearly one hundred members. Meetings on Thursday evenings.

Charter members were : David Boots, S. J. Myers, L. Barger, N. B. Barger, L. M. Evans, J. C. Ward, C. A. Reed, Z. W. Manor, W. D. Campbell, Phillip Barger, J. P. Hickman, W. M. Hickman, Susan J. Myers, Nancy Boots, O. M. Barger, A. B. Barger, Maggie Ward, Alice J. Campbell, Sarah Read, Mary Manor, R. E. Hickman. Two members of first lodge are charter members of Liberty No. 665, Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Campbell.

Charter members are : W D. and Alice Campbell, E. M. and Elva Hickman, W. L. and Harriett Stilwell, L. C. and Etta Gable, C. L. and Vora Manor, J. W. and Eva Mauller, F. W. and Sarelda Green, C. A. and Sue Shrack, O. C. and Eva Friddle, G. S. and OUie Starbuck, J. L. and Lola Ryan, O. B. and Sarah Friddle, J. M. Porter, C. W Eager, William Cline, C. E. Stump, Orville Read, Pearl Green, Carrie Gates, Anna Campbell, Nettie Wiseman, Jennie Godwin, Mary Coulson, Edith Dearraond, Lolo Godwin, Goldie French, Lou Stilwell, Martha Stilwell, Alice Gray, Mary C. Starbuck and Emma Gowdy.

Present officers are : Noble grand, Zina Dull ; vice grand, Edna Stilwell ; secretary, Flossie Eager; financial secretary, Harriett Stilwell; treasurer, Sarah Friddle; warden, Ollie Starbuck; conductress, Minnie Eager; inside guard, Emma Gowdy; outside guard, Lola Manor; right supporter noble grand, Jessie Campbell ; left supporter noble grand, Elva Hickman ; right supporter vice grand, Edith Dearmond ; left supporter vice grand, Eva Friddle ; chaplain, Alice Campbell. Members, forty. Meetings on Monday evening.

Charter members: Adam Slonaker and wife, Samuel C. Grimes and wife, A. Canfield and wife, H. F. Wood and wife, H. D. Good and wife, K. L. Mull and wife, H. A. Moorman and wife.

First officers were : H. A. Moorman, noble grand. (The old records being burned when the building burned, dp not remember any more of them.)

Present officers are: Hattie Mclntire, noble grand; Callie Cline, vicegrand; Hattie Wright, recording secretary; Martha Birts, financial secretary, and Flora Taylor, treasurer. Members, one hundred and fifty-four. Meetings held Friday night of each week.

Present officers are : Eva Rickert, noble grand ; Martha Renbarger, vice grand; Hazel Addington, recording secretary; A. Morrical, financial secretary; Lillie Collins, treasurer.

Present officers are : Noble grand, Kate Siper ; vice grand, Rosetta Wall; treasurer, Maytie Fisher; secretary, Daisy Wall; warden, Olive Nickey; conductress, Maytie Fisher; inside guard, Sarah Sampson; outside guard, Hattie Walker ; right supporter noble grand, Belle Pierce ; left supporter noble grand, Gail Barrett; right supporter vice grand, Emma Garringer; left supporter vice grand. Belle Matteson; chaplain, Elizabeth Lent. Members, seventy-six. Meetings ever}' Tuesday night.

First officers were : Ollie Stewart, noble grand ; Alice Baird, vice grand ; Flora Willmore, financial secretary; Delia Hinkle, secretary; Malinda Evans, treasurer.

Present officers are : Cora Pratt, noble grand ; Catherine Summers, vice grand; Sarah Barber, secretary; Eva Alexander, treasurer. Members, fiftyfive. Meetings every Friday night.

Knights Of Pythias

First officers were : Levi W. Study, past chancellor ; Charles L. Lewis, chancellor commander ; Joseph W Thompson, vice chancellor : George E. Leggett, prelate ; Benjamin F. Boltz, keeper of record and seal ; Charles E. Ferris, master of finance ; Joseph A. Thomas, master of exchequer ; William A. O'Harra, master of arms ; George W. Hiatt, inside guard ; Ellis Kizer, outside guard.

Present officers are : Ross Castle, past chancellor ; William G. Batchelor, chancellor commander; Morton Longnecker, vice chancellor; George Hiatt, prelate; Carl Winbigler, master of aVms; Harry Pierce, inside guard; Lora Keister, outside guard; S. D. Fox, keeper of records and seal; Harry A. Smith, master of exchequer; Charles E. Reed, master of arms; Lee Taylor, Clyde G. Hiatt and Thomas A. Bailey, trustees. Members, two hundred and ninety-four. Meetings each Tuesday evening. James E. Watson served as grand chancellor.

Aria M. Brown filled the chairs in Grand Lodge and is a past grand chancellor, having held that office in 1909 and 1910. He is now supreme representative.

Union B. Hunt was made a Knight of Pythias in Lynn Lodge. He placed his membership in Modoc Lodge No. 229, that he might be a charter member there. Since that time he has become a past grand chancellor, a supreme representative, and is now president of the insurance department of the order.

Bert Isenbarger, who acted as chancellor commander at the dedication of our new hall in 1906, is now district deputy and conducted the district meeting at Liberty this year.

Present officers are: L. Blaine McGuire, chancellor commander; Harry H. Oren, vice chancellor; C. Moulton, prelate; William Homer Moulton, master of work ; John E. Clevenger, keeper of records and seal ; William G. Moulton, master of finance; Merle E. Patrick, master of exchequer; Morris Thornburg, master at arms ; W. B. Driskill, inside guard ; William Hole, outside guard.

Charter members are : Charles Smith, George W. Batchelor, Lewis A. Botkin, William H. Vaught, Karl R. Vaught, Albert M. Vaught, George A. Hutson, William H. Williams, E. E. Deal, William R. Daugherty, Ernest Dotson, C. S. Hendricks, J. W. Fry, Isaac T. Karns, Ernest Milburn, A. Bonham, W. G. Mouhon, S. A. Arbogast, A. B. Vaught, C. F. Halliday, John M. B. Reeves, W. E. Baker, A. G. Rogers, Asa Rarick, C. Delma Yates, E. D. Davis, Carl M. Fry, Sidney F. Karns, A. R. Polhemus, W. A. Frushour, E. L. Ashcraft, Thomas H. Condon, Joseph P. Doyle, J. E. Clevenger.

Present officers are : J. A. White, chancellor commander, Bert Wright, vice commander; L. O. Dickson, prelate; J. A. Kramer, master of work; F. L. Remmel, keeper of records and seal; S. C. Friddle, master of finance; J. E. Ballinger, master of exchequer; Cary Carmichael, master at arms; Lee Clevenger, inside guard; Sam Kegerreis, outside guard; Cary Carmichael, Sam Kegerreis and T. M. Reece, trustees. Meetings each Tuesday night.

Present ofificers are : Jack Addington, chancellor commander ; W. E. Smith, vice-chancellor; Myra Kolp, prelate; Joe Machett, master of work; Ray B. Wright, keeper of records and seal; R. C. Harlan, master of finance; J. E. McKew, master of exchequer ; Roe Malott, master at arms ; El Addington, inside guard; C. N. Hotmire, outside guard; E. E. Myers, host-janitor; Adam Heniser, John M. Edgar and A. M. Renbarger, trustees; A. A. Gantz, representative. Members, ninety-three. Meetings held Tuesday evenings at 7:30.

First officers were : I. S. Taylor, chancellor commander ; John Jessup, vice chancellor; Lester Clark, prelate; O. E. Aukerman, master of work; Ed. Chenoweth, keeper of records and seal; T. A. Middleton, master of finance; F. B. Catey,, master of exchequer ; Nee Nuss, master at arms ; John Wisner, inside guard; George Miller, outside guard; T. B. Anderson, O. E. Aukerman, I. S. Taylor, trustees.

Present officers are : Will Morgan, chancellor commander ; Russel Yeats, vice chancellor; Ray Jordon, prelate; I. S. Taylor, master of work; Ed. Chenoweth, keeper of records and seals; T. A. Middleton, master of finance; F B. Catey, master of exchequer; Roy Moore, master at arms; Clarence Riner, inside guard ; Orla Bowman, outside guard ; W. S. Bowen, I. S. Taylor and Lester Clark, trustees. Members, seventy-five. Meetings on Wednesday night.

First officers were: Past chief, Mary Schuyler; M. E. C, Ella Briscoe; E. S., Lou Turpen; E. J., Jennie Clark; manager, Effie Gist; M. of R. and C. M., Josie Nelson; M. of F., Cora Huesman; protector, Lee Clark; guard, Lou Smith.

Present officers are : Past chief, Edith Harrison ; M. E. C, Mary Moffatt; E. S., LaVenia Ladd; E. J., Mamie Keltner; manager, Rosa Ladd; M. of R. C, INI. Josie Nelson; M. of F., Georgie Statts; protector, Sara Leonard; guard, Lizzie Smith. [Members, twenty-six. Meetings second and fourth Tuesday evenings.

Those who have served as grand officers are : M. Josie Nelson, grand junior, 1892; grand senior, 1893; grand chief, 1894; supreme representative, 1896. Elected supreme mistress of records and correspondence in 1900 and still filling that office. Mabel Keltner, grand manager, 1897.

Present officers : Hugh Ritchey, P. C. ; Thomas M. Watts, H. P. ; W. H. Bales, M. of R. and C. of E. ; W. C. Hiatt, esquire; S. D. Coats, N. C; S. W. Roosa, S. H. ; Clyde Engle, W. C. ; Ira E. Bailey, S. G. ; John F. Adams, V. C; John D. Smith, V. H.; Russel H. Bales, ensign; Otho Day, F. G.; A. T. Engle, T. A. Helms and John F. Adams, trustees. Members, thirty-four. Meetings Tuesday evening of each week.

Those who have served as grand officers are : W. W. Canada, grand chief, one year; W. H. Bales, gfand chief, one year; E. N. Canada, grand" S. H., one year.

First officers were: G. C. Shultz, past chief; William Holdeman, vice chief ; John Millett, sir herald ; James H. Smith, master records ; O. J. Rowe, keeper exchequer; J. B. Fortenbaugh, noble chief; J. K. Owen, high priest; Fred Ackles, venerable hermit ; H. J. Wickersham, clerk.

Order Of Eastern Star Improved Order Of Red Men, I. O. 0. R.

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. The lodge in Union City was formed January 22, 1879.

The members at the first were the following : J. S. Bowers, O. A. Baker, Stephen Clevenger, F H. Lewiston, Henry W. Leisure, W- B. Harlan, J. A. Green, S. M. Wentworth, H. C. Vening, D. J. Wise, W. H. Lawrence, J. C. Meier, W. Turpen, C. W. Voorhees, John Lawrence, Samuel Curtner, N. W. Cooper, F. H. Rodman, Elmer Hornbarger, J. W. Sugart, J. A. Hoover, J. W. Williams, G. W. Purdue, C. W. Huffman, Joseph Schronz, William Reeves, W. A. Orr, G. W. Lawrence, J. L. Heck, J. Hirsch, A. C. Thorp, W. S. Murray, J. W. Myers, G. W. Burns, J. A. Armstrong, Charles Covey, J. Thomas, B. F. Julian, J. P. Standt.

First officers were : John C. Meier, sachem ; John H. Tremble, senior sagamore; E. B. Martin, prophet; John Jackson, junior sagamore; Link Hall, chief of records ; O. F. Lewellen, keeper of wampum.

more; Ulysses G. Daly, junior sagamore; John Ginthur, prophet; A. L. Barker, first sannap; Charles Wagner, second sannap; Samuel D. Fox, chief of records; John C. Meier, keeper of wampum; Frank Adams, Philip Pahman and Jesse W. Yost, trustees ; Otto Myers, first warrior ; Frank Adams, second warrior; Clarence Keener, third warrior; Ory Dodd, fourth warrior; Fred Hobbick, first brave ; Philip Fahman, second brave ; Otho Day, third brave ; Fred Darragh, fourth brave; Henry Bales, guard of wigwam; Ernest Dodd, guard of forest. Members, two hflndred and fifty-nine. Meeting each Monday night.

Present officers are : George Thornburg, sachem ; George O. Helm, senior sagamore; James Richardson, junior sagamore; L. O. Dickson, prophet; O. B. Cline, chief of records; Ralph Friddle, keeper of wampum; Thomas Gilbert, W. S. Helm and F. R. A. Helm, trustees. Members, seventythree. ^Meetings Wednesday night of each week.

First officers: George W. Smith, sachem; John Adams, prophet; J. B. Engle, senior sagamore; Ellis Frame, junior sagamore; J. W. Jackson, chief of records; Arthur Engle, keeper of wampum.

Present officers are : J. T. Swindell, sachem ; Reed Coggeshall, senior sagamore; Forest Thomas, junior sagamore; W. A. Ventress, prophet; Glen B. Brown, chief of records; George W. H. Smith, keeper of wampum. Members, fifty-six. Meetings each Wednesday.

Charter members : John C. Mier and wife, M. V. Tucker and wife, J. M. Thomas and wife, Thomas Lacy and wife, Samuel McAllister and wife, W. A. Lewis and wife, Charles W. Holdeman and wife, J. W. Trimble and wife, Lewis Klamburg and wife, Jesse Conner and wife, Frank Kazer, Elisha Martin and wife, John Helms and wife, Charles Favorite.

Present officers: Mrs. Roscoe Dodd, prophetess; Mrs. W. O. Hayes, Pocahontas; Mrs. Alonzo Hinshaw, Winona; Alonzo Hinshaw, Powhaton; Mrs. Susan Haines, keeper of records; Mrs. George Shettel, keeper of wampum; Miss Grace Jones, collector of wampum. Number of members, sixty. Time of meeting, Thursday evening of each week.

Members who have served as grand officers : Mrs. Nannie Diggs has served one year as great Minnehaha ; one year as great Winona ; one year as great Pocahontas ; one year as great prophetess ; one year as great instructress, and is now serving a three years' term on the Orphan's Board. Mrs. George Shettel served one year as great first scout. Mrs. W. S. Hoke served one year as great second scout. Mrs. J. M. Thomas served one year as great trustee.

Modern Woodmen Of America, Winchester, Indiana

Owing to friction between members of the above camp, withdrawal was taken by a number of members, and Randolph Camp No. 7440 was organized June 12, 1906, with the following named charter members : Charles R. Albright, Oscar L. Britt, Alphesus Beard, R. J. Bosworth, Joshua Britt, Fred D. Britt, S. C. Catey, William S. Circle, John Falls, W. H. Fields, R W. Hartley, W. W. Hodge, Carry Hevland, Oscar Jellison, Charles Lennon, G. C. Markle. John O. Murphy, E. W. Nolan, G. A. Silvers and W. Clyde Spence.