CHAPTER, XVIII
FRATERNAL AND BENEVOLENT ORGANIZATIONS
Sweet Charity-The Masonic Order- Independent order of Odd Fellows-Knights of Pythias-Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks-The Marion Deutscher Bund-The Tally Wag Club-Catholic Societies-Fraternal Insurance Societies-Grand Army of the Republic-United Spanish War Veterans-Ladies of the G. A. R.-Daughters of America-Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
SWEET CHARITY.
The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath; it 1s twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
One of the greatest attributes of the human heart is benevolence. From Christ man has learned that the strong should bear the infirmities of the weak. And so men, actuated to noble deeds by the impulses of charity, have organized many societies for the purpose of alleviating human suffering, as well as to extend the social spirit. Benevolent organizations, both within and without the church, have collected millions of dollars annually, and with it have made bright the dark places of earth, and have carried the blessings of civilization to the poor, the sorrowing and the helpless at home and abroad. The leaders in benevolence have ever taught the people that,
There's a wideness in God's mercy,
Like the widerness of the sea
And the masses have taken up the refrain and through the splendid benevolent and other organizations, of the county
The charities that soothe and heal, and bless,
Are scattered at the feet of men like flowers.
Masonic, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias
Bodies in Marion and the Villages
of the County.
THE MASONIC ORDER,
By common consent, has been accorded the primacy among fraternal orders. It is now generally accepted among intelligent Masons, that the premier Grand Lodge of England, organized June 24, 1717, is the mother of all regular Masonic lodges of the three craft degrees. Very early in the settlement of America, Masonic lodges were instituted, for in 1734 Benjamin Franklin was master of a lodge in Philadelphia.
Marion Lodge, NO. 70, F. & A. M.-The first lodge of Master Masons in the county was organized under dispensation, issued by M. W. Grand Master William James Reese, of the
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Grand Lodge of Ohio, dated at Lancaster, Ohio, July 18, 1840. Lodge was opened September 19, 1840, tradition says, in the auditor's office in the Court House, the chairs and stations being filled as follows: John G. Bruce, W. M.; John Bartram, S. W.; Elisha Hardy, J. W.; Richard Wilson, treasurer; Joseph W. Larrabee, secretary; Greenville P. Cherry, S. D.; Sanford S. Bennett, J. D.; Olney R. Stone, tyler; George H. Busby, member, and William Trago, of Amity Lodge, No. 5, visitor. At this session by-laws were adopted and officers elected as follows: John G. Bruce, W. M.; Moses H. Kirby, S. W.; Elisha Hardy, J. W.; Richard Wilson, treasurer; Joseph W. Larrabee, secretary; Greenville P. Cherry, S. D.; Sanford S. Bennett, J. D.; and, Olney R. Stone, tyler and steward.
Bad roads prevented the Grand Lodge representative from reaching the Grand Lodge meeting of 1840, at Lancaster, until the meeting was over and the dispensation for Marion Lodge was continued for another year. The charter of Marion Lodge, No. 70, F. & A. M., consequently was not granted until October 21, 1841. The first officers elected thereafter were: John Bartrarn, W. M.; Richard Wilson, S. W.; B. Warner, J. W.; George Gray, treasurer; Joseph W. Larrabee, secretary; J. J. Garwood, S. D.; Henry Bretz, J. D.; and John Wildbahn, tyler and steward.
The lodge held its meetings in the Bartram Block on Main street from its organization to 1855, then for one year in Odd Fellows Hall on Main street, and in the Bennett Block on Center street until June 30, 1871, when it moved into the Masonic Block on Center street.
On May 4, 1877, the hall was destroyed by fire. The council and chapter lost everything and the only articles saved, belonging to Marion Lodge, were the charter and record books and papers, the seal, the jewels, the three great lights, the low-twelve bell, 16 volumes of the library and three gavels. The lodge then met again in Odd Fellows' Hall on Main street until March 15, 1878, when it moved back into the rebuilt and refurnished hall in the Masonic Block on Center street, which was publicly dedicated on June 24, 1878, "St. John's Day," by Past Grand Master A. H. Newcomb.
At the 50th anniversary of the institution of Marion Lodge, held in Marion in 1891, Rev. John G. Bruce, a Methodist minister, who was the first worshipful master of the lodge under dispensation, was in attendance and took part in the celebration. On April 5, 1900, The 'Masonic, Temple Company was incorporated for $50,000. A lot was purchased by the local Masonic bodies at the southwest corner of Church and Main streets. The corner-stone to the temple was laid with imposing Masonic ritual services, on November 20, 1901. More than 600 visiting brothers were present and 14 lodges were represented in the parade. The ceremonies were conducted by M. W. Grand Master Ike M. Robinson, and the other officers of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The temple was completed at a cost of $46,000, and dedicated June 30, 1903. There were 17 visiting lodges present on this occasion and the dedicatory services were conducted by M. W. Grand Master William A. Belt. Kosciusko Lodge, No. 58, 1. 0. 0. F., Canby Lodge, No. 51, and Marion Lodge, No. 402, K. of P., Marion Lodge No. 32, B. P. 0. E. and the Marion Commercial Club entertained the visiting Masons during the day.
The different local Masonic bodies are now located in the third and fourth stories of the Masonic Temple, which is supplied with every modern convenience.
Marion Chapter, No. 62, R. A. M., was organized December .5, 1854. The charter members were T. B. Fisher, George H. Busby, James S. Reed, John Bartram, Charles Smith, James H. Godman, Richard Wilson and J. Rice. The following were the first officers: T. B. Fisher, H. P.; George H. Busby, K.; J. S. Reed, S.; Philip Dombaugh, C. H.; John Bartram, P. S.; Charles Smith, R. A. C.; James H. Godman, G. M. 3rd veil; Samuel H, Bartram, G. M. 2nd veil: T. H. Dickerson, G. M. 1st veil John T. Merchant, treasurer; J. S, Reed, secretary; and Philip, Dietrich, guard. The chapter now has a membership of 275.
228 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Marion Council, No. 22, R. & S. M., was organized under dispensation dated February 26, 1856. There were 23 charter members. The first officers were: T. B. Fisher, T. I.; J. A. Kellam, D. I. M.; and J. S. Reed, P. W. There are now 220 members.
Marion Commandery, No. 36, K. T., was organized September 16, 1880, under charter dated May 25, 1880, With 33 charter members. The first officers were: T. B. Fisher, E. C; Sidney Moore, G.; F. R. Salter, C. G,; J. E. Julian, P.; George Williams,, S. John F. McNeal, J. W.; James H. Reed, treasurer; W. H. Eckhart, recorder; J. W. Alsop, standard bearer; S. R. Dumble, sword bearer; Charles E. Smith, warder; and Isaac Uncapher, sentinel. The present membership is 310.
Lydia Chapter, No. 83, 0. E. S., of Marion, while not strictly a Masonic organization, is composed of the wives, daughters, mothers and sisters of Masons. The order was instituted April 19, 1897. It was named in honor of Mrs. Lydia Knapp. There were 67 charter members. The first officers were: Caroline Wilson, worthy matron; T. C. Anthony, worthy patron; Elizabeth Ruehrmund, associate matron; Mary Knapp, secretary; Margaret Withoff, treasurer; Mildred Hunter, conductress; Florence Parkinson, Adah; Emma Herzer, Ruth; Laura Dombaugh, Esther; Jessie Clark, Martha; Ella Williams, Electa; Maria Smiley, chaplain; Belle Bland and Rebecca Miller, marshals; Maude Wyman organist; and Margaret Shurz, warder. The present membership is 161.
LaRue Lodge, No. 435, F. & A. M., was organized May 18, 1872. The first officers were: A. P. Cutting, W. M.; S. A. Guthery, S.W.; Luke Lenox, J. W.; J. H. Leonard, secretary, ; Henry Thew S. D.; G. F. Riley, J. D.; and C. W. Knapp, tyler.
Prospect Lodge, No. 444, F. & A. M. organized under dispensation granted June 7, 1870. The first officers were: Dr. E. R. Cook, W. M.; C. B. Linsley, S. W.; W. J. Wood. J. W.; George Van Brimmer, Treasurer, Henry Hain, secretary; J. P. Broadkins, S. D.; John F. Utz, J. D.; and P. C. Sells tyler.
Oliver Lodge, No. 447, F. & A. M., of Caledonia, was organized under dispensation granted by the Grand Master, July 26, 1870. On the 8th day of August, following, the lodge was organized by F. C. Ruehrmund, a past master of Marion lodge, with 10 members. The first elected officers were: Oliver W. Weeks, W. M.; John Weiss, S. W.; William T. Wayland, J. W.; John Rice, treasurer; William C. Neal, secretary; Solomon Pittman, S. D.; Jacob Rice, J. D.; William Baughton and Joshua Crawford, stewards; and George W. Ault, tyler. They were installed by Julius Strelitz, of Marion.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.
Kosciusko Lodge, No. 58, of Marion, was the first Odd Fellows lodge organized in Marion County. It was instituted March 4, 1846, with T. P. Wallace, James P. Gray, William Robbins, A. Seitz, George W. Howe, and R. F. Gray as charter members. The first officers were: George W. Howe, N. G.; T. P. Wallace, V. G.; and R. F. Gray, secretary. Of this number, Mr. Wallace still survives. Meetings were held in the Bartram Block until 1852, when the lodge moved into its own hall in the 1. 0. 0. F. Block. The lodge has a membership of 236.
Wayside Lodge, No. 864, of Marion was granted a charter at the session of the Grand Lodge held in Ironton, Ohio, in May, 1903, and on the 22nd day of July following was instituted at its hall in the third story of the Bartram on North Main street by Grand Master C. C. Pavey and Grand Secretary C. H. Lyman. The following were the charter memhers: S. A. J., Williamson, J. H. Diehl, Simon Rodgers, Easton E. Drown, A. H. Ash, A. E. Schaeffer, A. A. Welch, J. F. Fatzler, George Hagemann, L. C. Wasser, F. E. Disbennett, O. L. Sifritt, Ed. Ambrose, W. H. Houghton, Samuel Snyder, F. E. Dowell and Charles
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 229
Jerew. The first officers were: George Haggemann, N. G.; L. C. Wasser, V. G.; A. E. Schaeffer, R. secretary; A. H. Ash, F. secretary; and Easton E. Drown, treasurer. In April,. 1905, the lodge moved into its new quarters in the True Block on West Center street. The membership numbers 136.
Mizpah Encampment, No. 50, of Marion was organized under dispensation, received May 14, 1851. Its first members were: J. M. Horton, H. S. Camp, R. C. Kirk, J. Ullom, M. T. Mills, J. R. Codding, John E. Davids and J. Naylor. The lodge was organized by P. Pat. W. T. Slater. The encampment has a membership, of 175.
Canton Marion, No. 66, Patriarchs Militant of Marion, is the uniform branch of the Odd Fellows.
Sosnowski Rebekah Lodge, No. 164, Of Marion, was instituted May 22, 1885, with 31 charter members. The lodge now has over 200 members.
Wayside Rose Rebekah Lodge, NO. 598, of Marion, was instituted August 31, 1904.
Caledonia, Lodge, No. 299, was instituted April 29, 1856, with 6 charter members. The membership is now 93.
Day Lodge, NO. 328, of LaRue, was organized on August 31, 1857.
Prospect Lodge, No. 483, was instituted July 18, 1871.
Waldo Lodge, No. 588, was instituted July 21, 1974, with 15 charter members. It now has 42 members.
Green Camp Lodge, No. 644, was instituted July 18, 1876.
Agosta Lodge, NO. 751, was instituted December 7, 1886, with 15 charter members. The present membership, is 81.
Salt Rock Lodge, No. 883 Of Morral, was instituted October 10, 1905, by Isaac M. Jordan, G. M., assisted by Ralph P. Miller, assistant grand secretary, with 33 charter members. The membership is now 87.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
Canby Lodge, No. 51, of Marion was organized April 24, 1874. Its charter members were: John E. Davids, J. C. Johnston, A. C. Bowen, P. O. Sharpless, Henry Ackerman, 0. Frazier, M. L. Cunningham, James E. Bryan, Clark Turney, Nathaniel Green, H. F. Snider, W. S. Drake and S. J. Snyder. It is the oldest Knights of Pythias lodge in the county, and is one of the strongest lodges, both from point of membership and financially, in this part of Ohio, having a membership of over 300 and $4,000 in the treasury. The lodge was organized by Adam Emerson, P. G. C., of Wooster, Ohio. The first officers were: A. C. Bowen, C. C.; N. Green, V. C.; Charles Lederman, P. C.; John E. Davids, K. of R. & S.; Henry Ackerman, M. of. F.; S. J. Snyder, M. of E.; 0. Frazier, 1. G.; and H. F. Snyder, 0. G. The lodge met for many years in the Bartrarn Block on the third floor, but removing at length to its present quarters in the Wyant & Bishop Block on Church street.
There comes, however, a time of branching out of all things that grow-in fact branching is a proof of growth-and in 1890 some of the members became dissatisfied, separated from Canby Lodge and instituted Marion Lodge, No. 402. The spirit of rivalry has ever since kept both lodges working hard and the membership of the new lodge grew rapidly.
Marion, Lodge, No. 402, was instituted by George B. Donivan, February 25, 1890, at the Elks' Hall in the Warner & Edwards Block on West Center street, with 60 charter rnembers. Its first chancellor commander was H. True. This lodge now exceeds 300 in membership.
Marion Company, No. 15, Uniform Rank, was instituted May 25, 1882. Its first officers
230 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
were: W. C. Rapp, captain; Stephen A. Court, 1st lieutenant; M. H. Porch, 2nd lieutenant; B. F. Stall, recorder; Clark Turney, treasurer; N. B. Hess, guard; and George Lusch, sentinel. The present membership is 54.
Marion Lodge, No. 104, Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan, was instituted at Marion by Sidney Lodge on March 20, 1901.
Calanthe Lodge, No. 116, of Caledonia, was organized under dispensation received January 28, 1879, with 18 charter members.
Durward Lodge, No. 155, of Prospect, was organized January 2, 1883.
Walter Scott Lodge, NO. 214, of LaRue, was instituted May 6, 1886, with 33 charter members. The present membership is 85.
Whetstone Lodge, No. 718, of Waldo, was instituted in 1901, at the hall of Marion Lodge, No. 402.
Morral Lodge, No. 739, was instituted March 29, 1905, in the lodge rooms of Marion Lodge No. 402, in the Cummins Block.
Fraternal and Benevolent Organizations of Marion.
BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS.
Marion Lodge, No. 32, was organized September 14, 1885, by A. L. Thayer, district deputy, and by the officers of Cincinnati Lodge, No. 5. The institution of the lodge took place in the Masonic Block.
The lodge started out with a charter membership, of 33 Members, comprised of the following; Charles Lederman, C. C. Pettit, J. E. Crow, J. If. Vaughan, Benjamin F. Waples, Henry True, J. S. Reed, W. C. Lucas, B. G. Young, F. Sweeney, T. R. Frame, S. G. Kleinmaier, E. E. Weber, A. J. Anderson, W. C. Denman, J. F. Bryan, C. W. Kendrick, W. Chapman, 11. Lee, L. W. Clelland. T. H. B. Beale, George Key, J. E. Rayl, William Bland, A. W. Bryant, P. E. Dombaugh, S. Bonts, S. Bell, C. F. Haberman and H. Oliver.
The elected officers for the first year were: Charles Lederman, exalted ruler; C. C. Pettit, esteemed leading knight; J. E. Crow, esteemed loyal knight; J. H. Vaughan, esteemed lecturing knight: Benjamin F. Waples, secretary; and Henry True, treasurer.
An event that makes the breast of every local Elk swell with pride and sets his tongue to relating a never ending story of reminiscences was the Elks Grand Circus Carnival of Thursday, May 24, 1894. It was the first Elks Circus ever given in the United States and its success is attested by the many similar performances since given all over the country by the order.
The circus was advertised as "the most stupendous aggregation of modern times, by the side of which all other shows are small," and as "a gigantic illustration of , what brains and money can do." "As a fitting precursor and appropriate introduction to the swift succession of dazzling sights seen only with this big show, there may be seen free and marching through the principal thoroughfares of the city daily, an exhaustless sun-dazzling, old glittering pageant, of scintillating glory, including a countless caravan of cavaliers in Castillian costumes."
The event was pulled off at Aronhalt's grounds in the evening. The parade which took place at 1 o'clock in the afternoon required 30 Minutes to pass a given point. First came the 14th Regiment Band of Columbus; then followed the local lodge on horses, with dress coats and silk hats, followed by displays and features by the various business houses and establishments. The Tally Wags, about 20 in number, each mounted on a mule brought up the rear, concluded by the Elks home-constructed calliops in one octave, manipulated by Prof. Becker, with William Jessop, at the throttle of the Huber traction engine, which furnished the motive power.
The artists included "the well-known and famous, the elevated and respectable, the eminent and exalted," among whom were The Brothers Bryant--James and Arthur-Ro-
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PAGE 232 PICTURES: COMMERICAL CLUB HOUSE (MARION), MASONIC TEMPLE (MARION), CITY HALL (MARION) AND MARION COUNTY JAIL AND SHERIFF'S RESIDENCE.
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man Chariot Racers; Johnny Frame, the Wild West Rifle Shot; John Brigel, in His Columbian Wagon Wheel Wonder; Biecher & Crow, the Ladder Artists; The Brothers Kleinmaier, Sam and Ben the Aquatic Marvels who Smoke, Eat, Sleep, Telephone and even Whisper in a Tank Containing over Two Thousand Gallons of Water: Norris & Christian, in Their Gigantic Bi-Valve Act; Martin and Millizor, the Sword and Glass Eaters; The Beales-John and Eddie in Their Egyptian Transfigurations, Phenix, Monolith, Obelisk, etc.; Philbrick, Mybrick & Brick, in Their Boiler Plate Press Contortions; The Haberman Family-Fred, Harry and Fred, Jr.-the Bicycle Clowns; The Rhoades-John and A. A.-In Their Balance Feats; Dudley & Culbertson, the Startling Catapult Wonders; Brigham Young, the Russian Sleigh Artist; Berticrow, and His Band of Cow Boys and Indians; Tristram & Turner, the Hippodrome Kings; Henry A. Stowe, the King of Wild Beast Trainers; Harry Young, with His Bounding Rope and Flying Rings; George Mauderback, the Only Wooden Clown on Earth; The Brothers Leffler-Charles and John-the Aerial Artists; James Kendall, the Bucyrus Linguist, will Extemporize on the Disadvantages of Upper Sandusky Mononcue; Madamselle Sweeni, the famous Lady Equestrian, in Her New Four Horse Gyrations; George Key, in his Unexcelled Highland Broadsword Feature; Ackerman, Beerbower, Bland & Bontz, in Their Clowns' Picnic; Ell, Jack and Crack-Eli Bush and His Trick Mules; The McMurrays--George B. & J. A.-the Lion Trainers; Montecello Waples, in His Great Italian Spaghette; The Famous Stull Brothers, Electrical Wizards; Bartram and Blaich, the Modern Vulcans, Who Bend, Twist and Rend Bars, of Iron as it was but Flimsy Paper; Samuel Beerbower, in His Zouave Drill and High Class Rifle Juggling; Virden, Webber & Kling, Jolly Tars, Who Astonish all Beholders with Their Mid-Air Attractions; Lowell Elliott, the Wonderful Bottle and Glass Juggler; T. S. Lamson, the Flying Mid-Air Trapeze King and Tight Rope Artist; Senor Allini Flocken, and His Troop of Mexican Dogs; Colonels Christian, Vaughan, Thomas & Beerbower, the Hobos; Sterlitz & Dombaugh, the Graeco-Roman Wrestlers; F. S. Adams, the Wizard Epicure, Who Will Ascend the Largest Center-pole and Hanging by His Toes will Bake Waffles and Eat them; Col. James H. Vaughan, in His Celebrated Step Ladder and Wheelbarro,,v Act; Warren Hardin,-, the Contortionist, in His World Daring Human Serpent Act; Alike Clary, Shamrock's Pride., the only Real Clown of the Nineteenth Century; Crissinger, Stager, Petti & Rayl, Acrobats and Tumblers; and G. 0. Diegel, the Monarch of Modern Muscle.
One of the most beautiful features of this order is the custom of holding annually, in honor of the departed members, a lodge of sorrow." The last session of this nature was held in the Opera House, Marion, on Sunday, December 2, 1906, and as usual the services were very beautiful, pleasingly appropriate, and well attended. The program included rittialistic. Work, addresses and musical numbers, furnished by local talent. At the center of the stage setting in the rear, a large clock dial was suspended, the hands pointing to 11 o'clock, the hour which to an Elk is sacred, "to our absent brothers." As the names of the departed ones were called by the secretary, an incandescent light for each appeared on the face of the dial. At the conclusion of the exercises the members of the lodge sang the opening ode. George B. Christian delivered an eulogy on Henry True, the only member of the lodge to die during the year. Harrison W. Ewing, a member of the Cleveland Lodge of Elks, delivered the memorial address.
THE MARION DEUTSCHER BUND
Is a social order, including in its membership those of German extraction. It was ororganized, May 1, 1891, with 75 charter members. Meetings were at first held in the Freeland Block on West Center street. The first officers were Richard Horn, president: Louis Scherff, secretary; and Henry Ackerman, treasurer.
THE TALLY WAG CLUB
Is a social organization, including in its mem-
234 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
bership many of the younger men of Marion. It was organized November 8, 1891, by A. N. Williams, H. R. Diegle, Rolla C. Perry, E. J. Lee, H. G. Thomas, S. C. Bowen, F. S. Keller, C. H. Elliott, Charles Dee, J. E. Williams, J. F. Dombaugh and E. D. Bishop. Its first officers were: A. N. Williams, president; George B. Christian, Jr., vice-president; F. S. Keiler, secretary; S. C. Bowen, treasurer; and Charles Dee, J. F. Dombaugh and G. B. McMurray, directors.
CATHOLIC SOCIETIES.
St. Mary's Branch, NO. 41, Catholic Knights of Ohio, was instituted June 4, 1893, with 26 charter members. The first officers were: Henry A. Shuler, president; Michael Clary, vice-president; Martin J. Burke, secretary; Martin H. Kirchner, treasurer; J. J. Walsh, sentinel; and John Dee, Dennis Malloy and John W. Navin, trustees. The branch now numbers 108 members.
St. Mary's Commandery, No. 85, Knights of St. John, was organized May 29, 1899, by James Dugan, district organizer, of Kenton, Ohio. Its first officers, were: J. A. Miller, president; D. J. Horton, 1st vice-president; W. C. Von Stein, 2nd vice-president; F. C. Lutz, recording secretary; T. Lutz, treasurer; M. J. Fell, captain; James Cusic, 1st lieutenant; William F. Kelley, 2nd lieutenant; and Thomas Tyner, Charles Miller, John Lannon, Thomas Dugan and Joseph Voll, trustees.
Marion Council, No. 671, Knights of Columbus, was instituted May 25, 1902, in the hall of Canby Lodge, No. 5 1, K. of P., and the banquet following the institution was served in the hall, of Marion Lodge, No. 402, K. of P. There were 51 charter members. The first officers of the council were: Martin J. Burke, G. K.; John A. Schroeter, D. G. K,; Patrick Kelly, chancellor; Michael C. O'Brien, recorder; F. A. Huber, F. S.; F. A. Schroeter, treasurer; A. C. Edmondson, lecturer; Robert Ramroth, advocate; E. J. Masterson, warden; Leo Stuber, 1. G.; W. P. Haden, 0. G.; Henry A. Schuler, Michael Lawrence and J. F. Prendlergast, trustees; and Rev. M. J. Mulvihill, chaplain. The number of members at present is 87.
Catholic Ladies of Ohio.-The local organization of this society was organized in May, 1899, and now has 62 members. Agnes Hannegan is president and Alice Blum, secretary.
Ancient Order of Hibernians.-The local organization of this well-known Irish Catholic order was instituted in May, 1888, with 23 members. The membership now Is 42.
FRATERNAL INSURANCE SOCIETIES.
Sandusky Tribe, No. 99, Improved Order of Red Men, was instituted February 2, 1882, with 30 charter members. It now has 120 members. The first officers of the lodge were: Nathan Green, prophet; Stephen A. Court, sachem; D. L. Stouffer, senior sagamore; James P. Lutz, junior sagamore; and Henry Webber, chief of records.
One to Council, NO. 15, Degree of Pocahontas, was organized February 16, 1891.
George F. Wooley Camp, No. 91, Woodmen of the World, was instituted October 20, 1900, with 35 charter members. The membership is now 150.
Lime City Council, No. 206, Jr. Order of United American Mechanics, was instituted January 14,1892, with 23 charter members. It now has 129 members.
Marion Camp, No. 3866, Modern Woodmen of America, was instituted in Marion at the Court House on April 29, 1906, with 17 charter members. The society has a present membership of 185.
Eureka Chapter, No. 149, American Insurance Union, was instituted December 28, 1905, with 100 charter members. It now has a membership of 300.
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Model Tent, No. 157, Knights of the Maccabees, was instituted May 11, 1893, With 18 charter members, and the membership has grown to about 120 at the present tirne. The Ladies of the Maccabees also have a local organization.
Ithamar Court, No. 8, Tribe of Ben Hur, has 190 members. W. B. Spaulding is scribe.
Druids Circle, No. 6, U. A. 0. D., was organized September .24, 1890, with 37 members.
Clay Council, No. 106, National Union, was organized in Marion July 24, 1888, with 30 charter members. The present membership is 59.
Miscellaneous--Other fraternal and insurance orders in Marion are: Imperial Council, NO. 25, Fraternal Censor; Circle No. 84, Protected Home Circle; Crescent Lodge, NO. 40, Pathfinders; Marion Lodge, No. 85, Ancient Order of United Workmen; Washington Castle, No. 90, Knights of the Golden Eagle; Home No. 15, Home Guards of America; and Olentangy Council, NO. 355, Royal Arcanum.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
Cooper Post, No. 117, of Marion was organized August 12, 1881, by Col. A. H. Brown, of Toledo. There were at first about 40 members and the number is now about 60. The first officers were: Valentine Lapham, commander; George B. Christian, senior vice-commander; T. H. Dickerson, junior vice-commander; William Rapp, adjutant; Dr. 0. W. Weeks, surgeon; F. R. Saiter, quartermaster; John J. Williams, officer of the day: Charles Showers, officer of the guard; S. Fogleson, sergeant major; T. J. McMurray commissary; and S. R. Dumble, inspector of the post. The post was named after two brothers, Bert and Edward Cooper, both of whom lost their lives in the Civil War. Four of the Cooper brothers enlisted from Marion. Sturgess Herbert Cooper, commonly called "Bert." was the first, Marion soldier killed in the war. His death is thus described in a letter from Virgil D. Anderson to James H. Anderson, dated Marion, Ohio, August 6, 1861 : "Bert Cooper, a member of the Fourth Ohio Regiment, and the leader of the band, and who was sent by his general some six miles distant to see another member, was killed. just before arriving at his destination he was shot dead by concealed Rebels, one shot taking effect in his face, and another in his heart, which of course killed him instantly. He was buried, where he was stationed, in Western Virginia." His brother Edward was killed just before Lee surrendered. Charles lost his arm in the service and Albert died, soon after his return, from poor health incurred in the service. The present officers of the post are: Joseph Kleinfelter, commander; David Seas, senior vice-commander; Judson Davids, junior vice-commander; Harding, surgeon, Maj. S. N. Titus, adjutant; John B. King, quarter master; Milton Marsh, chaplain; and John J.
Crawley, officer of the day.
UNITED SPANISH WAR VETERANS.
This is a national society to which the soldiers and officers who participated in the Spanish-American War are eligible. The local branch, Marion Camp, No. 32, has 48 members. It was instituted May 8, 1904, with 16 charter members. Its first officers were: Thomas E. Andrews, C.; Finley M. Wolfe, S. V. C.; J. A. Early, J. V. C.; Harry L. T. Love, adjutant; Harry Brunn, chaplain; and Carson B. Sutterly, sergeant of the guard. Its present officers are F. M. Wolfe, C.; Lee Howison, S. V. C.; Fred Morrison, J. V. C.; E. R. Bondley, chaplain; Richard Miller, officer of the day; J. E. Messenger, quartermaster; C. O. Midlam, adjutant; and Ernest Boger and C. O. Midlam, trustees.
LADIES OF THE G. A. R.
Marion Circle, No. 29, was organized by Mrs. Flora Weeks November 27, 1894, with 21 members. Mrs. Carrie A. Chipps is secretary.
236 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA.
Paramount Council, No. 37, was organized December 23, 1903, with 50 charter members. Mrs. Carrie A. Chipps, a member of the local council, is now State warden.
WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
A history of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union necessarily includes the story of earlier temperance movements. The first temperance society in Marion was formed in 1828 by T. J. Anderson, Rev. Barbour, Rev, James Gilruth, T. L. Henderson and a few others. It was called a "Moral and Temperance Society." Rev. James Gilruth was its first president, and J. H. Godman, secretary.
In 1842 the Washingtonian temperance movement was started. The object of this movement was to induce men and women to sign the pledge. It was merged in 1846 in the Sons of Temperance, an order that flourished until 1855. During the exciting years preceding and during the Civil War all temperance movements ceased. But in 1866 the Good Templars were organized and soon had between 400 and 500 members. After four or five years this order lost its enthusiasm and surrendered its charter.
The Murphy movement was introduced in Marion on April 7, 1877, by two students from the University of Wooster. Speeches were made and by the 24th of the same month 1,200 persons had signed the pledge.
When the "Crusade" movement swept over the State in 1874, Marion's daughters entered the struggle with a desperate determination to do or die. Not a few of them had sore hearts because of the havoc being wrought in their own homes. The wave struck Marion in February and March, 1874. At a meeting held February 26th Rev. S. D. Bates was elected president and Mrs. H. T. Van Fleet, secretary. A remonstrance, signed by over 1,200 persons, was sent to the Legislature asking them not to change the "Adair Law." Large mass meetings were held in the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, business men were solicited to close their places of business and even the court was requested to adjourn in order to assist the movement. On March 6th, "Mother" Stewart, of Springfield, Ohio, addressed a large meeting, after which the women marched forth to visit the saloons of the town. Only a few saloons permitted them to enter, but several proprietors went out of business on account of the movement. By the middle of the summer the interest had subsided, but as everyone knows the outgrowth of the "Crusade" was the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. In 1883, Francis E. Willard delivered an address in Marion and the Union took on new life and has since been active in every temperance agitation, and in many ways has aided the cause of temperance.