Seward County, Nebraska - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 8 of those read), 1888

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 8 of those read)

Was organized Dec. 16, 1880, by Capt. Jolin S. Wood, of Omalia, Assistant Adjutant General, Department of Nebraska. The following were chosen officers:

J. N. Edwards, Commander; Wm. Hays, Senior A^ice Commander; S. D. Love, Junior Vice Commander; D. H. Figard, Q. M.; A. W. Hageman, Surgeon ; Jeff. Ogg, Adjutant; A. H.Edwards, Officer of the Day ; J. D. Edwards, Sergeant Major; H. Vanderhoof, O. G.

The charter members were: H. M. Hinsdale, Jefferson Ogg, Thomas Corr, A. W. Hageman, Henry Vanderhoof, S. D. Love, Abraham Wallick, C. C. Jobes, J. C. Ford, C. K. Humhpreys, GW. Hoover, J. M. Fletcher, Wm. Hays, J. D. Messinger, J. X. Edwards, Wm. demons, A. H. Edwards, D. H. Figard, J. D. Edwards, Geo. W. Fuller, Geo. W. Whiting, Geo. H. Sidle, A. JWilliams, Thos. B. Siddons, Chas. Lyon, and Cyrus Fetterruan.

The post continued to hold meetings during 1882, with some drawbacks, whicli were happily adjusted during the year by tiie men getting into a hall by themselves, and began to gather an outfit peculiarly needed in a post room.

December 1, 1883, the following were elected officers for the year 1884: E. C. Parkinson, Commander; C. C. Jobes, Senior Vice; A. W. Hageman, Junior Vice; H. Sanders, Chaplain; J. H. Welsh, Surgeon; C. K. Humphrey, Q. M. ; A. H. Edwards, O. D ; M. Pilgrim, O. G.; H. Vanderhoof, Adjt.

The post started out for the year in good trim, and had many good camp-fires, tending to revive the veterans up and bring in some old comrades from the outside. During the year the following were brought in by muster, etc. : E. A. Hitchcock, John Rhoades, B. Chattuck, J. M. Strayer, Leander Callaghan, S. C. Stanwood, S. H. Carter, J. A. Mick (by transfer), Chas. P. Stephenson (by transfer), S. G. Jones, Wm. Wait, S. D. Dutton, G. W. Boyes, J. J. Redding, R. R. Schick, J. H. Walker, L. A. Weklen, A. Crawford, C. Turner,

September 6, 1884, E. C. Parkinson resigned the office of Commander, and C. C. Johes, who was then Sen. Vice, was elected to fill the vacancy until the next annual election, which occurred December 6, 1884, by the election of A. H. Edwards as Commander ; A. W. Hageman, Sen. Vice; A. Crawford, Jun. Vice; C. Turner, Surgeon; J. M. Fletcher, Chap.; E. C. Parkinson, Q. M.; Lee Welden, O. D.; T. B. Siddons, O. G.; W. H. Walker, Adjt. This year was a pleasant one with the veterans. They added many needed improvements to the post room, gathered in members, and got the post on a firm foundation. The following were mustered in during the year: John N. Halliday, John W. Gladwish, S. M. Caldwell, B. Smith, Rev. T. L. Sexton, C. Dunn, C. H. Goldsmith, AV. P. Christian, M. D. Monley, Alf. Wilcox, Chas. Scribner, H. G. Hosford, W. R. Davis, E. Faust, W. J. Eatinger, Geo. W. Anderson, Jededia Austin, Joseph Miller (by transfer).

Dec. .'kl, 1887, the following were elected for the ensuing year: Henry Morris, Commander; Wra. Kedford, Sen. Vice; D. H. Figard, Jun. Vice; J. H. Pressou, Chap.; S. N. Welsh, Surg.; J. M. Strayer, Q. M.; A. H. Edwards, O. D.; M. Millspaugh, O. G.

The post has exerted a great influence for good during its existence, and has always demonstrated the principles of the organization, towit, fraternity, charity, and loyalty; and in extending the helping hand to those of its membership, or the old veterans outside, has done so in such a manner as to exemplify the adage, "that it is more blessed to give than receive," and that it was a privilege to aid the needy comrades or their families. Several hundred dollars have been expended by the post in helping the old veterans and the widows and orphans living in the vicinity. The post has a burial plat in the Seward cemetery in which to lay the remains of those comrades that were without means to provide the same.

In the department encampment the post has been conspicuous for its ability and influence. During the year 1882, the state re-union came very near being held at Seward through the efforts of its representatives and the citizens of Seward.

The post has been honored by the selection of J. N. Edwards and E. C. Parkinson as members of the department council of administration, and J. H. Presson as Chaplain of the department; also having elected J. N. Edwards several times a delegate to the national encampment.

The membership in good standing, as shown by the quarterly report dated September 30, 1887, was one hundred and three (103) and the desire to join the G. A. R. seems to increase on the part of many. old veterans that have heretofore hesitated to connect them- .selves with any soldier organization.

The prospects of the post for the future seem bright, and it hopes to gather in all the old veterans in its vicinity, realizing the fact that the material from which recruiting can be made is fast passing away, and it is desirable that all the old veterans should stand elbow to elbow. As age demonstrates that many years have passed since their interests began, and as there is strength in united action, it is greatly to their mutual good that they should combine themselves together toexemplify loyalty to country and to each other. Approved bv Post, Dec. 14, 1887.

The post is named in honor of Capt. Winslow, commander of the U. S. ship Kearsage, that captured and sunk the famous rebel cruiser,. Alabama. At the time of her capture the Alabama had taken refuge in the port of Cherbourg, France, and was ordered to leave by the French government. As soon as she reached the high seas, Capt. Winslow pursued her, and an engagement took place which resulted in her capture and destruction.

J. H. Culver, two terms; G. M. Couffer, one term; J. H. Davidson, one term ; D.. C. Work, one term ; J. A. Miller, one term; A. Hiller, one term; Dr. A. K. Seip, now in command. The post is ia a flourishing condition.

The following comrades were elected and installed as officers of the post at the next regular meeting, held on April 10, 1883, by mustering officer J. H. Culver: Commander, P. H. Steele; Sen. Vice Commander, E. Atwater; Jun. Vice Commander, J. L. S. Jackson; Adjutant, C. F. Reed; Quartermaster, T. J. Foster; Surgeon, D. Nelson ; Chaplain, J. T. Pinkerton ; Officer of the Day, J. C. Boicourt;. Officer of the Guard, Wm. Collier; Sergeant Major, T. J. McQuillan ;, Quartermaster's Sergeant, W. P. Ostrander.

The post continued to prosper and soon numbered thirty-four members, and afterwards increased to thirty-eight. Many of the charter members have removed to other localities, so that now but twenty members are upon the rolls. Various causes have helped to reduce the membership. The present condition of the post is flourishing, and it expects to continue the organization until the last comrade has responded to the last roll call, and that grim mustering out officer, death, has made his last demand upon our number.

The present officers are as follows: Commander, E. Atwater; Sen. Vice Commander, R. Jones; Jun. Vice Commander, M. Gibbs; Quartermaster, J. T. Gibbs; Adjutant, F. Tremper; Surgeon, Wm. Rumsey; Chaplain, George Foster; Officer of the Day, W. P. Ostrander; Officer of the Guard, O. Culver; Sergeant Major, G. W. Winand.

Masonic Fraternity

Oliver Lodge No. 38, A. F. and A. M., was organized under dispensation July 29, 1871, by the following members, to-wit: C. J. Richmond, W. H. Tuttle, J. W. Dupin, Samuel Manley, A. W.. Sperry, L. W. Manning, Thos. Corr, H. S. Faucett.

June 18, 1873, a charter was granted, which bears the following names of members and officers : William Leese, W. M. ; T. L. Norval, S. W.; Aurelius Roberts, J. W. ; J. W. Shields, Treasurer; J. W. Dupin, Secretary; Thomas Corr, Nathan Clough, O. P. Cope, M. Dunigan, James Hackney, Wm. Hayes, L. G. Johns, J. C. Laugton, Horace Lester, Samuel Manley, L. W. Manning, Geo. Miller, S. D. Paddock, H. C. Page, C. J. Richmond, Madison Rogers, Robert Rowbottom, W. T. Shields, I. B. Sorter, Sam. Stevenson, J. C. Sullivan, Joel Tishue, A. B. Sutton, Joseph Whitson, and O. T. B. Williams. The first Worshipful Master was G. J.Richmond; first Sen. Warden, W. H. Tuttle; first Jun. Warden, Sam. Manley.

The lodge at this writing has 90 members, and is in good financial condition. The present officers are: Wm. M. Rosborough, W. M. F. G. Simmons, S. W. ; A. J. Williams, J. W.; S. D. Atkins, S. D. A. D. Hicks, J. D.; W. B. Barrett, Treas.; W. H. Walker, Sec'y L. A. Weldon, Tyler. The order has decided to build a fine hall this year, and has chosen the lots just north of the Windsor house, on the corner of Main and Sixth streets.

Utica Lodge No. 95, A. F. And A. M.

On the 14th day of July, 1882, a dispensation was granted by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska to Joseph Jones, E. J. Porter, Thomas E. Standard, Stephen H. Hobbie, Lyman Calder, Robert Marler, Samuel H. Beaver, James E. Hibbard, Joseph J. Pounder, David M. Roland, George A. Verbach, and Edmund L. Blanchard, all Free and Accepted Masons, to assemble as a lodge of Free Masons at Utica, Neb. Having passed the proper term of probation, a charter was granted on the 19th day of June, 1883, to the above-mentioned petitioners, together with the following members: Thomas C. Allen, Andrew Austine, John C. Bicourt, Cyrus Black, Thomas Black, Thomas J. Brant, William Diugman, Ira Lapham, James E. Murphy, Calvin E. Phiuney, Presley Pindell, and Harvey Robinson. They were organized as a regular and constitutional lodge of Master Masons by the name of Utica Lodge No. 96, with the following officers: Joseph Jones, W. M. ; E. J. Porter, S. W.; Lyman Calder, J. W.; Samuel

The lodge thus organized steadily progressed under a fair state ot prosperity until the year 1888. The lodge lost one - John Davies - by death April, 1887, and some have been demitted and moved to other parts of the country, leaving a present membership numbering forty-six (46) January, 1888. The present office bearers are as follows; Joseph Jones, Master; Charles H. Wray, S. W.; Daniel J. Hartrum, J. W.; James E. Hibbard, Treasurer ; Thomas J. Brant, Secretary; John W. Runyan, S. D.; Frank M. Cougill, J. D.; Darius D. Potter, S. S.; James E. Murphy, J. S.; Daniel P. Sherwood, Tyler.

The charter members were: G. A. Derby, Joseph Kimmell, E. L. Blanchard, David Doan, E. C. Whitnali, John G. Allison, John A. Boon, C. C. Berrard, Wm. J. Derimer, and Geo. Goodbrod.

After the organization the lodge received the petition of J. R. Toman and Julian E. Phinney, who were initiated as members and received all the degrees and became full members, constituting a lodge of twelve (12) members to start with.

When the lodge was organized they, together with the Masonic lodge, had built a hall 24x48 ft., but they were in debt for the larger portion of it. Since their organization they have taken in some twenty new members and had withdrawn by card some ten members, leaving present membership twenty-two. They have paid for the hall and are clear of debt, and aow have $233 in the treasury.

While it is a fact that there has been a hikewarm indiiference in the interest and attendance at the lodge for the past six mouths, the lodge is now again in a prosperous condition.

The Odd Fellows of Seward became an organized body May 30, 1871, having L. G. Johns, W. R. Davis, T. D. Green, J. H. Anderson, D. H. Figard, Lewis Anderson, J. W. Shields, and J. K. Mc- Gavren as charter members, and L. G. Johns, N. G., D. H. Figard, V. G., J. H. Anderson, Secretary, and T. D. Green, Treasurer, as its first officers; Samuel Pence was the first initiated candidate. The lodge is now progressing rapidly, and holds a membership of 60 ; a fine hall was built by this order in 1886, which is used by nearly all the other secret societies for their meetings. The order is in a good condition, and has a degree staff which vastly improves the rendition of its work. The present officers are : Noble Grand, J. S. Kittle ; Vice G., E. P. Smith ; Secretary, Walter A. Leese ; Treasurer Samuel Pence.

In April, 1884, an auxiliary branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized in Seward, with thirteen members^ President, Mrs. C. M. Woodward; Vice Pres., Mrs. T. L. Sexton; Rec. Sec, Mrs. E. B. Ireland; Cor. Sec, Mrs. Ada Van Pelt.

Through the effi)rts of this society, in 1886 a Y. W. C. T. U. was organized, a Band of Hope, and also a Reform Club. Present membership, 25. The society has done much good work in the temperance field and in charitable works.

A. Schell, E. A. Polley, C. M. Hovey, W. N. Walker, Louis Stahl, W. J. Taylor, J. E,. Erfort, Louis Leibrock, Henry Petri, Bernhardt Kohn, V. Miner, S. D. Atkins, A. J. Senter, F. G. Simraons, Wm. Clemmons, E. H. Fletcher, Wm. Schultz, C.Grabenstein, H. Hartwick, H. M. Waring, and W. O. Whitcomb. Henry Hartwick was the lirst Master Workman, and Smith D. Atkins was the first Recorder. The Master Workmen since that time have been E. A. Polley, C. N. Emiltou, F. G. Simmons, and J. F. Stevens.

The Ancient Order of United Workmen is a fraternal organization, and combines with the usual features of such organizations a system of protection for the families of its members, which has made it very popular. The order was instituted about seventeen years ago, in Pennsylvania, John J. Upchurch being the man who conceived the idea and put it into operation. The order rapidly spread, and its founder lived to see it carried into every part of the United States, as well as into Canada.

At the time Seward Lodge was instituted, the state of Nebraska was under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. In 1886 Nebraska organized a Grand Lodge of her own, and since that time has had a separate jurisdiction. The order in Nebraska has grown more rapidly since then than ever before, and the Lodge of this city has kept pace with the general growth in the state. It has now over eighty members in good standing, and is in a very prosperous and healthy condition. It has lost no members by death since its organization, having been particularly fortunate in this respect. Among its members are many of the best business men of the city. It may certainly be considered an element of good in the community, and something of which the city of Seward may be proud.