CHAPTER XXIX
THE SOCIETIES OF CIRCLEVILLE
MASONRY.
Pickaway Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. M. The first lodge instituted in Pickaway County was Pickaway Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. M., at Circleville, its organization dating from about the third year of the county, and ante-dating the incorporation of the town of Circleville by about two years. Unfortunately some of the earliest records of the lodge were lost in moving from one building to another, and it is necessary to depend upon the records of the Grand Lodge of Ohio for information as to the organization of the lodge in Circleville.
From the proceedings of the Grand Lodge in session at Chillicothe, Grand Master Lewis Cass presiding, it is learned that on Monday, January 4, 1813, "a petition from a number of Master Masons residing in the county of Pickaway, praying to be erected into a lodge in the town of Circleville, in said county, to be called Pickaway Lodge, No. was handed in and 'read, whereupon it was referred to Brothers Merwin, McArthur and Dillon, to make a report," and that on Tuesday, January 5th, this committee reported' as follows :
The committee to whom was referred the petition of sundry brethren of Circleville and vicinity, have taken into consideration the same, and are of the opinion that the prayer of the petitioners ought to be granted. They would recommend that a dispensation be issued accordingly.
(Signed.) E. B. MERWIN, Chairman.
The report was agreed to, and a dispensation issued in accordance therewith; and soon
thereafter a lodge was organized to be known as Pickaway Lodge, No. . and officers were chosen as follows : Ralph Osborn, W. M.; Peter Parcels, S. W. ; James Renick, J. W. ; Jonathan Renick, treasurer ; Richard Douglas, secretary; James Russell, S. D. ; Ira W. Pier, J. D.; Abel Renick, tyler.
At the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge, held' at Chillicothe, in January, 1814, the following Master Masons were returned in addition to those named above, as follows : William Renick, William Seymour, James Denny and George Brown ; and the following Fellow Crafts,' viz.: William Florence, Johnston Hunter, James Bell and James R. Hulse. The first communication was held by Pickaway Lodge on Feburary 6, 1813, and the first member initiated was James Bell, on June 8, 1813.
At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio at Chillicothe, Grand' Master Henry Brush presiding, January 2, 1815, it was agreed upon motion of Ralph Osborn, of Pickaway Lodge, to grant a charter in lieu of the dispensation which was surrendered; and on the following day, January 3, 1815, Pickaway Lodge, No. 23, Free and Accepted Masons, was duly chartered by Henry Brush, G. M.; Jacob Burnett, D. G. M., pro tem.; Edward Tupper, S. G. W.; Levin Belt, J. G. W.; David Kinkead, G. T.; and Robert Kercheval, G. S. The charter members were designated as follows : Ralph Osborn, Peter Parcels, James Renick, James Denny, Jonathan Renick, James Russell, James Bell and James Keller.
The new lodge had the usual vicissitudes of
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a new organization, and perhaps the trials and inconveniences were greater than would be experienced at this, the day of strenuous civilization and unlimited invention; but the faith and the enthusiasm of the brethren were of the kind that surmount all obstacles, and Pickaway Lodge has never faltered, from 1813 to the present time, in carrying out the grand principles of Masonry.
The first communications were held in a log house, the first structure erected within the, limits of .Circleville, which is referred to at another place in this work, as having been the first Court House in the young county seat. After the streets were laid out around it, it stood on the southwest corner of High and Scioto streets, and is known to many people as the "Williamson House." It was recently torn down to make room for a modern dwelling, and the view of it shown in this work was made shortly prior to its destruction. After the Court House had been removed to the center of the circle (now the intersection of Court and Main streets), Pickaway Lodge also moved and occupied rooms in that building.
On July 7, 1824, at a regular communication, Brother Henry Sage presiding, the following resolution was adopted :
Resolved, That it is expedient to appropriate the funds of the lodge to the building of a lodge room, in connection with a school house, if sufficient funds can be raised to complete a building for that purpose.
Brothers Andrew Huston, G. W. Doane, F. Kinnear, James Bell and William Leiby were appointed as a soliciting committee and were so successful that at a special communication, a week later, a building committee was appointed, consisting of Brothers Huston; Bell, Webb, Kinnear and Wolfley. The upper story of the building, which was erected in accordance with the action detailed above; was dedicated to lodge purposes by the Grand Lodge of the State on Friday, June 24, 1825, and was thus occupied and used for 20 years. The lower story of the building was used as an academy. It stood on the north side of Watt street near Pickaway on the site of a residence recently owned by the late Peter Bartholomew. The total cost of the new home of the lodge was $505.97 1/4, the room costing $440.73 1/2, and the furnishing $65.23 3/4.
On February 24, 1845, a committee consisting of Joseph G. Doddridge, J. A. Roof and Henry N. Hedges, Jr., was appointed to negotiate with Edson B. Olds, for the purchase from him of the third floor of the building occupied by the stores of Lyman N. Olds, William Triplett and Sage & Duncan (the same rooms as are now occupied by the exchange of the Citizens' Telephone Company). On Tuesday evening, March 4th, Mr. Olds offered to sell the property desired for $1,500; and at the regular communication on March 19th the lodge instructed the committee to accept the offer and the contract was concluded March 24th, and a contract let on June 18th, to Gephart & Hartz, for $112, to put the rooms in suitable condition for lodge purposes, under the supervision of a committee consisting of Brothers William B. Thrall, Henry Sage and G. C. Gephart. On Friday, August 22, 1845, the new hall was dedicated by the Grand Lodge of Ohio, Grand Master William B. Thrall presiding. After the dedication ceremony, an oration was delivered by William B. Hubbard (grand high priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio) at the English Lutheran Church on West Franklin street. This lodge room was used for Masonic purposes for over 30 years, until the present imposing Masonic Temple was built in 1875-76.
A joint stock company was formed and was incorporated February 23, 1874, under the name of "The Masonic Temple Association of Circleville, Ohio." The incorporators were Samuel W. Courtright, Samuel B. Evans, William E. Bolin, Charles F. Krimmel, John H. Bortz and William Fletcher Hurst.
The lodge had purchased the King property (opposite the present Masonic Temple) but disposed of it after purchasing from John Henry and wife, for $6,000, on February 21, 1874, the lot which they now occupy, the deed being made April 1, 1874. The lot is 46 feet front on Court street by 150 feet deep,
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and one of the most eligible and desirable building sites in the city.
The capital stock of the association was 20,000, divided into shares of $10 each. The lodge subscribed $6,00o, and in payment for 600 shares of stock transferred to the association the lot upon which the Temple stands. The remainder of the stock was subscribed by members of the lodge, a reduction to $18,000 being made.
The corner-stone was laid Thursday afternoon, July 29, 1875, with the customary exercises, but with little display. There was a procession composed of the fraternity of this city and representatives from Lithopolis Lodge. In the absence of Brother Mills Gardner, of Washington Court House, grand master of Ohio, Brother Samuel W. Courtright, acting by proxy, conducted the services. The ceremony was witnessed by a large assemblage. Wittich's Band furnished inspiring music.
On the evening of Tuesday, July 3, 1877, the fraternity took formal leave of their hall on Main street, and removed to their new and more commodious quarters. The members of the order assembled at the old hall at 7:30 o'clock and the exercises began with the opening ode. Brother J. T. Franklin then offered an appropriate prayer, and was followed by an eloquent farewell address by Brother Charles F. Krimmel. At the conclusion of these exercises, the members of the order bade final adieu to the old lodge room, around which clustered so many Masonic memories, formed a procession, headed by Wittich's Band, and proceeded to the new hall, where the ceremonies were concluded. An excellent opening address was delivered by Brother Isaac N. Abernethy, and a concise and interesting historical address by Brother Judge Samuel W. Courtright. The exercises were interspersed with music.
The building was erected by Vorys Brothers, of Lancaster, Ohio, their bid of $i8.599 being accepted. The building committee having supervision of the work was made up of Brothers Nelson J. Turney, Samuel A. Moore and William E. Bolin, with J. T. Hatris, of Columbus, architect. The structure was originally 46 feet wide by 1 to feet long, and three stories high. It has been added to at the rear in recent years, until now it is. 150 feet long. The first story has been used since the completion of the building for mercantile business, the second story for offices and the third story for Masonic purposes. The lodge room is 43 feet wide, 60 feet long and 24 feet high. After the main hall and adjoining rooms had been magnificently carpeted and furnished, it was decided to have a formal public dedication, and the date for this ceremony was fixed for St. John's Day, June 24, 1879, and a committee of arrangements was selected, consisting of Brothers Nelson J. Turney, John Boyer, Isaac N. Abernethy, Samuel Ward, Andrew R. Bolin and Samuel B. Evans. The committee and other members of the order worked unremittingly for the affair, and their efforts were crowned with abundant success. The city was lavishly decorated, the entire line of march, and a great part of the city away from the line of march being covered with flags and Masonic designs. The grand officers who were present and conducted the ceremonies were: William M. Cunningham, of Columbus, M.; John W. May, of New Holland, D. G. M.; B. F. Reese, of Columbus, S. G. W.; M. Watt, of Chillicothe, J. G. W.; Theodore P. Gordon, of Columbus, G. T.; G. H. Hampson, of Columbus, G. S.; J. T. Rose, of Springfield, G. C.; Smith M. Sullivan, of Dayton, G. O.; Joseph M. Stuart, G. M.; Allen B. Hughes, of Mt. Sterling, G. S. D.; Hugh Buckley, of Cleveland, G. J. D.; Jacob Randall, G. T.; W. A. Connelly, of Portsmouth, G. S. B.; C. H. Ostrander, of Cleveland, G. A. Jacob Theobald ; T. A. Jackson, of Columbus, G. S.
The ceremony of dedication being concluded, a procession was formed, comprising Ely, Miami, Athens, Cyprus, Chillicothe and Lancaster commanderies, and Lancaster, Dresden, New Lexington, Amity, Amanda, Aurora, Paramuthia, Scioto, Frankfort, Magnolia, Goodale, Greenfield, Bloominburg, Lockbourne, Sabina, Malta, Mount Sterling, New Holland, Lithopolis, Heber, Battin and Pickaway lodges. The crowd gathered on the
316 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.
streets to watch the parade was estimated at 7,000. The march extended to the Fair Grounds, where dinner was served to 1,500, after which the following program was rendered :
MUSIC
Cadet and Bauer's Band
PRAYER
Rev. J. W. Swick
VOCAL MUSIC "SEARCH ME, O LORD"
Arion Quartette--Messrs. McCrae,
Oliver, and Melanchton and Edward Wittich
ADDRESS OF WELCOME
Andrew R. Bolin
ADDRESS-"FREE MASONRY AROUND THE WORLD"
Dr. Robert Morris, P. G. M., of Kentucky
VOCAL MUSIC- "I'LL THINK OF THEE"
Arion Quartette
BENEDICTION
There were 922 Masons in the parade, while the musicians, military escort, etc., added 100 more.
During the three decades that have elapsed since the building of the Temple, the same fraternal spirit has animated the brothers that stirred, in the old days, such men as Brothers Turney, Doane, Thrall, Denny, Webb, Franklin, Robbins, Huston, Sage, Gephart, Leiby, Kinnear, Hull and a host of others, and that same spirit is a guarantee that Pickaway Lodge is a permanent institution.
Brother William B. Thrall was honored for four successive years 1843, 1844, 1845, 1846--with the office of grand master of Ohio.
There are now upon the roll of the lodge 206 members. The present officers are as follows : Jonathan R. Florence, W. M.; Stuart R. Bolin, S. W.; Nelson Wolfley, J. W.; Germain Joseph, treasurer; William ,Vieth, secretary; Earnest L. Tolbert, S. D.; John N. Cook, J. D.; I. Lutz May, S. S.; David H. Lewis, J. S.; and Thomas R. Bell, tyler. The stated communications are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
The Temple now belongs to the Masonic bodies in the following proportion :
Pickaway Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. M. . . . . . . . $ 9,000
Circleville Chapter, No. 20, R. A. M. . . . . . . . . 5,000
Tyrian Council, No. 60, R. & S. . . . . . . . . . . .. . 500
Scioto Commandery, No. 35, K. T. . . . . . . . . . . 3,220
Total 1,772 shares . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17,720
Circleville Chapter, No. 20, R. A. M.--On February 23, 1830, a meeting was held by a number of Royal Arch Masons in the office of James D. Caldwell, for the purpose of organizing an effort to establish a chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Circleville. fames D. Caldwell was chairman of the meeting and William B: Thrall was secretary; and resolutions were adopted approving the establishment of a chapter. A committee, consisting of Henry Sage, James D. Caldwell and William L'. Thrall, was appointed to superintend the preparation of the hall for the conferring of the chapter degrees.
A dispensation was secured from the Grand Chapter and the following companions were chosen as the first officers : Henry Sage, high priest; William B. Thrall, king; Andrew Huston, scribe; Otho M. Herron, captain of host; James D. Caldwell, principal sojourner; Matthias Robbins, royal, arch captain; James R. Hulse, master of 1st veil; Andrew Shaughnessy, master of 2nd veil; and Nelson Franklin, master of 3rd veil.
At the first meeting, held on May 17, 1830, appropriate by-laws were adopted and petitions were received from Brothers James W. Finley, John Cochran and Seymour G. Renick. On June 7, 1830, all the degrees of the chapter were conferred upon Brothers James W. Finley, John Cochran and George A. Patterson. On January 5, A. L. 5831, a charter was granted to the above named companions, to be known as Circleville Chapter, No. 20, Royal Arch Masons, the official signatures being John Scatterthwaite, G. H. P.; William Gwynn, D. G. H. P.; Timothy Baker, G. K.; Henry Sage, G. S.; and John L. Starling, G. S.
In 1834 Companion Henry Sage was called upon to preside over the deliberations of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, and was succeeded by Companion William B. Thrall, who was
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again honored by his companions by being chosen grand high priest in 1839. Companion Samuel W. Courtright has been grand king and grand scribe of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, and was high priest of the local chapter for a quarter of a century.
The chapter has had a steady growth to the present time, when the enrollment is 148 members. It has $5,000 invested in the Temple. The meetings have always been held in the same hall with the blue lodge, and are held the first Monday of each month.
The present officers of Circleville Chapter are: Charles C. Chappelear, high priest ; Harry B. Weaver, king; Israel U. Finkel, scribe; Isaac B. Barnes, captain of host; Charles S. Gusman, principal sojourner; Harry C. Baker, royal arch captain; Enoch F. Anderson, master of 1st veil; Nelson Wolfley, master 2nd veil; Bartan Walters, master of 3rd veil; Germain Joseph, treasurer; Stephen L. Grigsby, secretary ; and Thomas R. Bell, guard.
Tyrian Council, No. 60, R. & S. M .--Upon the recommendation of Lancaster Council, No. 4, a number of the fraternity in Circleville applied for a dispensation to organize a council of Royal and Select Masters. On May 17, 1838, a dispensation was issued to William B. Thrall, thrice illustrious master ; John H. Tennant, D. I. M..; George C. Gephart, principal conductor of work; Henry Sage, William Emmett, D. Kinnear, Matthias Robbins, S. Diffenderfer and J. M. Milligan, Royal and Select Masons, by William J. Reese, puissant grand master of the Grand Council of Ohio.
The first meeting under authority of the dispensation was held the same evening that it was granted, in the Masonic Hall, in the old Academy building, and petitions for degrees were received from to Royal Arch Masons, viz.: P. K.. Hull, Jason Case, George Brunner, G. Botkin, E. Kirkbridge, H. J. Chenoweth, J. W. Julian, D. Brunner, J. C. Hunter and George Try.
A charter was granted on June 22, 1838, by the Grand Council, in session at Lancaster, to Tyrian Council, No. 7. The council survived for eight years, but at that time had encountered obstacles, which it could not overcome, and it suspended operations, the last record being a transfer of the funds of the council to Pickaway Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. M., for hall rent, in 1846.
The council lay dormant for 26 years, and was reorganized March 20, 1872, by a dispensation granted by Puissant Grand Master Joseph B. Conrad, to Companions E. Z. Hays, T. I. M.; S. A. Moore, D. I. M.; A. Smith, Prin. Con. W.; and J. Y. Duncan, Henry N. Hedges, Jr., Jacob Rutter, Jason Case, William B. Thrall and Nelson J. Turney, Royal and Select Master Masons. Two days later, the council was constituted by Companion Orestes A. B. Senter, acting by proxy for P. G. M. Joseph B. Conrad. The Grand Council of Ohio met in Columbus in October, and on October 12, 1872, a charter was granted to Tyrian Council, No.. 6o, Royal and Select Masters, signed by Joseph B. Conrad, P. G. M. On January 21, 1873, it was duly constituted by Companion O. A. B. Senter, by proxy from the puissant grand master.
The first petitions for membership came from Jesse D. Courtright, Samuel B. Evans, Samuel W. Courtright, George R. Miller, Theophilus K. Wittich, Battael H. Moore, John Courtright and Palmer Lowe.
Companion Samuel W. Courtright was chosen by the brethren of the State three years in succession, in 1875, 1876 and 1877, as thrice illustrious grand master of the Grand Council of Ohio. He is at this time second in 'seniority in point of service.
A vacancy occurring by death in the office of grand treasurer of the Grand Council, in 1876, Companion Samuel B. Evans was appointed by Puissant Grand Master Courtright to fill the position and was reelected and served thereafter until his death, which occurred May 14, 1902--a period of 26 years.
The council now has a membership of 92, and meets in Masonic Temple on the second Thursday of each month. They own $500 worth of stock in the Temple building.
The officers of Tyrian Council at the present time are : Jonathan R. Florence, T. I. M.; Nelson Wolfley, D. I. M.;. Stuart R. Bolin,
320 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
principal conductor of work; Germain Joseph, captain of guard ; Charles S. Gussman, conductor of class; L. M. Long, steward ; Harry B. Weaver, treasurer ; Stephen L. Grigsby, recorder; Thomas R. Bell, sentinel.
Scioto Commandery, No. 35, K. T.--An application or petition to open a commandery at Circleville was presented to the Grand Commandery in session at Lancaster, in August, 1879, and on August 6th a dispensation was granted to Sir Knights Samuel W. Courtright, Samuel B. Evans, Lloyd W. Buckmaster, Charles F. Krimmel, Ira Busick, James O'Neal, Samuel M. Green, Battael H. Moore, Alva B. Courtright, Emanuel Westenhaver, John Courtright, Isaac N. Abernethy, Stephen L. Grigsby and Theophilus K. Wittich, naming Samuel W. Courtright to be first eminent commander; Samuel B. Evans, first generalissimo, and Charles F. Krimmel, first captain general. The dispensation was signed by Brenton D. Babcock, grand commander, and James Nesbitt, grand recorder. The following sir knights were appointed to complete the roster of officers : Battael H. Moore, prelate; Theophilus K. Wittich, senior warden ; Isaac N. Abernethy, junior warden; Ira Busick, treasurer; Stephen L. Grigsby, recorder; John Courtright, standard bearer; Emanuel Westenhaver, sword bearer; Alva P. Courtright, warden; James O'Neal, sentinel.
There were 11 applications for the orders of knighthood at the first meeting held by the commandery, the late John L. Krimmel heading the list, and being the first upon whom the work was conferred, on October 30, 1879, there being present a large number of visiting knights, among whom were Jacob Randall, grand captain general ; J. W. Lewis, past grand generalissimo; B. F. Reese and A. B. Robin-son, past commanders of Mount Vernon Cornmandery, No. 1, Columbus ; C. W. Matthews, generalissimo, and C. Wiley, captain general, of Lancaster Commandery No. 2; F. H. Rehwinkel, commander, W. A. Wayland, treasurer, and I. N. Miller, recorder of Chillicothe Commandery, No. 8, J. B. Hudson, generalissimo, Robert Beeson. captain general, D. F.
Furtwangler, treasurer, H. D. Pursell, warden, and J. L. Milliken, sentinel, of Garfield Commandery, No. 28, Washington Court House; James E. Stewart, prelate of Palestine Commandery, No. 33; and a large number of sir knights.
Twenty-five members were added to the original dispensation list during the year, as follows : Thomas R. Bell, Scott C. Boggs, Andrew R. Bolin, Burr H. Bostwick, Daniel W. Boyer, Peter White Brown, Hartley R. Clarke, Wesley Davis, Lewis C. Dungan, Jonathan R. Florence, Herdman E. Grand-Girard, Albert J. Grigsby, William A. Griner, Joshua Hedges, Robert Hughes, John L. Krimmel, Leander D. Lyon, Milton Morris, John D. Newton, Jr., William B. Renick, Joseph W. Swick, James Ward, William J. Weaver, Dill Wiegand and Frank A. Williams.
The charter was issued to the sir knights named in the dispensation on September 16, 188o, and the commandery was duly constituted on November loth of the same year, by Grand Commander J. Kelly O'Neal, and Deputy Grand Commander H. H. Tatem, assisted by sir knights from the following commanderies : From Mount Vernon No. 1, of Columbus ; Lancaster No. 2, Chillicothe No. 8, Calvary No. 13, Miami No. 22, and Garfield No. 28, of Washington Court House. The regularly elected officers were then duly installed by Grand Commander J. Kelly O'Neal, assisted by Deputy Grand Commander H. H. Tatem.
The officers were the same as those selected at the opening of the commandery with the exception that Charles F. Krimmel, captain general, asked to be excused from serving further and Samuel M. Greer was elected to fill the place.
Arrangements were duly made with the Masonic Temple Association for holding the conclaves of the commandery in. the new Masonic Temple, and such conclaves have continued to be held there since that time.
There have been 35 deaths in Scioto Commandery since its organization, the first being that of Daniel Dum, on November 10, 1882; and the second, that of Benjamin Franklin Ruth, on September 29, 1883.
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Scioto Commandery has 105 members, who meet in the Masonic Temple, in which they own stock to the value of $3,220. The regular conclaves are held on the last Thursday of each month.
The officers of the commandery serving at the present time are: Richard A. Brown, eminent commander; Stuart R. Bolin, generalissimo; Samuel J. Irwin, captain general; Nelson Wolfley, senior warden; Edward C. Rector, junior warden; George H. Colvin, prelate; Israel U. Finkel, treasurer; Stephen L. Grigsby, recorder; Edward T. Tootle, standard bearer; George P. Teegardin, sword bearer; George P. Hunsicker, warden ; Thomas R. Bell, sentinel.
Circleville Chapter, No, 90, O. E. S., was instituted January 11, 1898, and a charter was granted October 14, 1898, to 42 charter members, as follows : Irwin Boggs, Mary M. Boggs, Theodore B. Long, Jennie A. Long, Andrew R. Bolin, Sophronia I. Bolin, Germain Joseph, Emma Joseph, Samuel W. Courtright, Jennie R. Courtright, Burdick Courtright, Florence C. Dunn, Stephen L. Grigsby, Mary E. Grigsby, Emma E. Grigsby, S. Jennie Grigsby, Israel U. Finkel, Ella Finkel, Henry C. Allen, Louise S. Allen, William J. Weaver, Ella M. Weaver, Emanuel S. Neuding, Mary Neuding, Margaret R. Caldwell, John P. Given, Emma Given, Margaret J. Morris, Emily E. Haswell, Marietta B. Upton, William E. Haswell, Clara Haswell, Albert J. Grigsby, Mary Grigsby, Lorenzo W. Lewis, Anna A. Lewis, Hyde C. Trask, Sarah E. Trask, Nellie Trask, Lizzie C. Blackstone, Nell H. Schleyer and Harriet R. Weldon.
The first officers, for the year ending in November, 1899, were as follows : Mary M. Boggs, worthy matron; Theodore B. Long, worthy patron; Sophronia I. Bolin, associate matron ; Louise S. Allen, secretary; Margaret R. Caldwell, treasurer; Jennie A. Long, conductress ; Mary Neuding, associate conductress; Emma E. Grigsby, Adah; Nell H. Schleyer, Ruth; Burdick Courtright, Esther; Marie Grigsby, Martha; S. Jennie Grigsby, Electa; Margaret J. Morris, warder; Germain Joseph, sentinel; Lizzie C. Blackstone, chaplain; Nellie Trask, marshal; Jennie R. Courtright, organist.
There are at the present time 106 Members of Circleville Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, who meet in the Masonic Temple on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. The officers at the present time, for the year ending in November, 1906, are as follows : Ella Finkel, worthy matron; Samuel Preston Deeds, worthy patron ; Jennie R. Courtright, associate 'matron; Bertha Taylor, secretary; Louisa A. Miesse, treasurer; Carrie Patton, conductress ; Eva Black, associate conductress; Laura A. Hughes, Adah ; Melissa Colvill, Ruth ; Anna Corne, Esther; Harriet Teegardin, Martha; Nellie F. Chappelear, Electa; Anna Ruth, warder; Sarah E. Trask, chaplain ; Belle T. Gearhart, marshal ; Sophronia I. Bolin, Mary M. Boggs and Lizzie C. Blackstone, assistant marshals ; Emma E. Grigsby, organist ; and John Taylor, sentinel.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.
Columbia Lodge, No. 32.-According to arrangements previously made, the evening of Monday, August 12, 1844, five petitioners for a charter to conduct a lodge of Odd Fellows, met with a number of brethren from Charity Lodge, No. 7, of Lancaster, and Chillicothe Lodge, No. 24, in the lodge room of the Masonic' fraternity in the old Academy building, on Watt street, for the purpose of instituting a lodge. The brethren were called to order by R. W. G. G. Joseph Phares, of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, acting for the Grand Master, and Columbia Lodge, No. 32, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was duly instituted, in accordance with the established usages and ceremonies of the order. A charter was presented to Asa G. Spurgeon, William Medcraft, Henry A. McCullough, Peter S. Hoff-man and George Umbaugh, signed on August 12, 1844, by Horatio N. Clark, M. W. G. M.; Jas. T. Snelbalser, R. W. D. G. M.; Joseph Roth; R. W. G. W.; Isaac Hefley, R. W. G. S.; Charles Thomas, R. W. G. T.; Joseph Phares, R. W. G. G.; Chatfield Walker, R. W.
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G. C.; Jacob Ernst, R. R. G. C.; Albert G. Day, G. C. S. .
The officers for the ensuing quarter were then duly installed and took their seats, as follows : Peter S. Hoffman, noble grand; Henry A. McCullough, vice grand; William Medcraft, secretary; Samuel Marfield, treasurer (afterward initiated). The following candidates were then proposed for membership, and upon being balloted for were duly elected, viz.: Justus B. Bell, George Wilmore, John Brotherlin, Joseph S. Redd, Fanus Crouse, W. N. Skinner, James H. Ladd, David Leonard and Samuel Marfield.
The candidates being in waiting were solemnly initiated into the mysteries of Odd Fellowship. Hyram R. Geiger presented his visiting card from Charity Lodge, No. 82, held in Halifax. Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, and, after examination, was permitted to visit.
Committees were appointed to arrange for jewels, etc., and to draft by-laws.
On Friday evening of the same week, August 16th, the appointive officers were installed as follows : Fanus Crouse, R. S. of N. G.; Justus B. Bell, L. S. of N. G.; George Wilmore, conductor; Joseph S. Redd, warden ; W. N. Skinner and David Leonard, scene supporters; James H. Ladd, inside guardian; John Brotherlin, outside guardian.
At the meeting of August 17th, a committee was appointed, consisting of Fanus Crouse, \V. N. Skinner and William Medcraft, to procure a suitable room for the lodge to hold its meetings in, and at the next meeting, Saturday evening, August 24th, the committee reported as follows :
"The committee called on Dr. Olds, who offered them a suitable room for the term of five years, at the following price : $40 .for the first year, and $50 a year for the remaining four years payable quarterly."
The committee was instructed to procure the room, and reported on August 31st that the room would be ready in about two weeks ; and it is presumed that at about that time the lodge moved in, though the record does not show such fact. But on October 25th it was unanimously agreed, upon motion of Brother Samuel Marfield, that "as the lodge had been at a considerable expense in furnishing carpet, each member who should spit upon said carpet, should pay a fine of $1," which was a wise precaution, though there is no means of ascertaining the amount of profit accruing to the general fund thereby. The room was in the third story of the building on the north side of West Main street, adjoining the first alley west of Court street.
The lodge continued to meet in this room until the building at the corner of Court and Main streets was purchased by the lodge, and it has since had its quarters in that building. The purchase was made November 26, 1861, the title conveyed to Peter Kinney, Jacob H. Schryver and William W. Bierce, trustees, possession to be given by Felix Miller, the grantor, on April 1. 1862. The consideration was $10,000, and payment was made $4,000 on April 1, 1862, and $1,131.42 on each succeeding April 1st for seven years. During the summer of 1862 the new hall was appropriately refitted and furnished and was then taken up as the permanent home of Odd Fellowship.
A contract was entered into between Columbia Lodge and Pickaway Encampment whereby the encampment acquired an interest in the property, which now amounts to 35 per cent. The lodge also invested the Widows' and Orphans' Fund in the building and that fund 'now owns half the stock in the entire real estate.
"On December 13, 1894, the lodge and encampment purchased the Wagner Block for $15,000. The Odd Fellows are the owners of by far the most valuable real estate of any lodge in the city; and it is clear of encumbrance. The lodge room. proper. is 40 feet wide and 55 feet in depth, while the ante-rooms and paraphernalia rooms are commodious, and the furnishings of all are well-appointed.
Columbia Lodge has for many years had by far the largest "Widows' and Orphans' Fund" of any lodge in Ohio, it having been started as long ago as November 5, 1847, when a by-law was passed setting aside 10 per cent. of the whole- receipts of the lodge for a fund,
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solely to be applied for the relief and support of indigent widows and orphans of deceased members of the lodge, and an additional ten per cent. of the whole receipts for a fund, solely to be applied for the education of indigent orphans of deceased members. A few years ago, the Odd Fellow law no longer requiring the setting aside of a certain per cent. after the fund has reached $500, and the fund of Columbia Lodge being about $15,000, the appropriation of a portion of the lodge receipts was discontinued, as the fund now more than sustains itself.
The Odd Fellows of Circleville have always contributed liberally to their brethren in other parts, when overtaken by disaster, and to many other worthy objects, among others a contribution made February 26, 1851, toward the erection of the Washington Monument, at the national capital.
The first death which occurred among the members of the lodge was that of John B. George, who was initiated November 7, 1845; and died December 28, 1845. The second death was that of James H. Ladd, who was initiated at the first meeting of the lodge on August 12, 1844, and died July 11, 1846.
Seventy-three members were initiated into the lodge within one year after its institution and 23 more within the next year.
Columbia lodge now has 154 members, senior of whom is William H. Yerington, of Banning, California, who was initiated at the age of 21 years, on April 23, 1847--60 years next April. In addition to seniority at the present time, he has been a member for a longer time than any one else, the second longest membership being that of Alfred Pedrick, the senior resident member, who was initiated March 18, 1848, and the third longest membership being that of E. Maynard; who was initiated January 24, 1845, and died June 9, 1903--a membership covering a period of 58 years, 4 months and 15 days. Brother Maynard was 99 years of age when he died.
The surviving brothers who have been members for over 50 years, besides Brothers .Yerington and Pedrick, are : William Green, Gallatin, Tennessee. June 3, 1853; and Otis Ballard, Toledo, Ohio, October 2, 1853. Eighteen brothers have been members over 40 years.
The officers for the present term are as follows : Socrates M. Yates, noble grand ; Lewis E. Miller, vice grand ; Lyman McGath, secretary; George J. McMullen, treasurer; Albert C. Cook, right supporter of noble grand ; Henry W. Fosnaugh, left supporter of noble grand ; John H. Parks, warden; John W. Lowe, conductor ; W. E. Hampp, right scene supporter; Max Dulsky, left scene supporter; James A. Graham, outside guardian; John Beck, inside guardian ; Samuel W. Courtright, chaplain;. Clinton A. Leist, right supporter of vice grand ; John A. Hoffman, left supporter of vice grand; Clarence Curtain, Samuel M. Lewis and Alfred English, trustees.
The lodge meets on Friday evening of each week.
Pickaway Encampment, No. 11. Upon petition from a number of members of Columbia Lodge, No. 32, I. O. O. F., the Most Worthy Grand Lodge of the United States, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, through the Grand Encampment of Ohio, on the 6th day of December, 1845, issued a charter to the following patriarchs, authorizing them to conduct an encampment at Circleville, viz.: Edson B. Olds, Thomas Bown, Lorenzo H. Olds,. John Brotherlin, Lyman N. Olds, Alexander P. Howe, James M. Pratt and Wilson Baker. The charter was duly signed by Isaac Hefley, grand chief patriarch; Chatfield Walker, grand high priest; John T. Blain, grand senior warden; W. Winters, grand junior warden C. I. W. Smith, grand scribe; Samuel B. Neill, grand treasurer ; Samuel Froomd, grand sentinel; Joseph Phares, deputy grand sire.
Upon the evening of Tuesday, April 21, 1846, the above named petitioners except Thomas Bown, met in the hall of Columbia Lodge, pursuant to the call of Grand Chief Patriarch Isaac Hefley, and the patriarchal. golden rule and royal purple degrees were conferred upon them. An election for officers was then held, which resulted in the choice of Edson B. Olds. for chief patriarch ; Lorenzo
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H. Olds,. high priest; Alexander P. Howe, senior warden; John Brotherlin, junior warden; Wilson Baker, scribe; and James M: Pratt, treasurer ; who were thereupon installed into their respective offices by Grand Chief Patriarch Hefley and the encampment was declared a duly constituted encampment by the name and style of Pickaway Encampment No. 11, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Encampment of Ohio.
Petitions were then received from Brothers Michael Strayer, John Maiden, Justus B. Bell and Charles M. Foresman. The brothers were duly recommended and balloted upon which resulted in their election. The candidates being present, the encampment conferred upon them the patriarchal degree, and after appointing a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws adjourned to the next evening.
On Wednesday evening, the 22nd, Brothers John Maiden, Justus B. Bell and Charles M. Foresman were present and received the golden rule and royal purple degrees. Appropriate by-laws were adopted. The golden rule and royal purple degrees were duly conferred upon Brother Michael Strayer at the meeting of April 28th.
The encampment continued its meetings twice each month, in the same room as the lodge. It prospered through the years that followed and felt strong enough to assist the lodge in the purchase of a permanent home when that question came up.
At the meeting of March 18, 1862, the encampment trustees having in :their hands bonds and' interest amounting to $1,461.60, an order was drawn in their favor for $38.40, making a fund of $1,500 which the trustees invested with Columbia Lodge in the Odd Fellows' Block, corner of Court and Main streets. Their interest in real estate has gradually increased until at the present time Pickaway Encampment has an undivided' 35 per cent. interest in the Odd Fellows' Block and the Wagner Block, adjoining on Main street.
At the present time there are 85 members upon the roll of the encampment, the senior member being William H. Yerington, who lives at Banning, California, and has been a patriarch since January 2, 1849, a period of nearly 58 years. William H. Ballard, of Tarlton, Ohio, has been a member for nearly 51 years ; Henry Bailey, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 41 years; Samuel G. Davenport, of Chillicothe, Ohio, and James A. Graham, of Circleville, over 40 years, the latter being the senior resident member.
The Grand Encampment of Ohio met at Circleville in 1899. Some 15 or 20 years ago M. K. Marshall, of Pickaway Encampment, was grand patriarch.
The present officers of Pickaway Encampment are George F. Denman, chief patriarch; Samuel W. Courtright, high priest; Socrates M. Yates, senior warden; Lyman McGath, scribe; Lyman H. Hoffman, treasurer ; John W. Lowe, junior warden; Henry S. Hulse, guide; Martin E. Dreisbach, 1st watch; William H. Kirkendall, 2nd watch; William E. Denman, 3rd watch; Samuel M. Lewis, 4th watch ; James A. Graham, outside sentinel ; Isaac Fowler, inside sentinel ; Albert C. Cook, 1st guard of tent; Henry W. Fosnaugh, 2nd guard of tent; John W. Lowe, Henry W. Fosnaugh and William H. Kirkendall, trustees.
The encampment meets on the first and third Tuesday evenings of each month.
Odd Fellows' Trustees. --The real estate of the Odd Fellows is of the value of about 40,000 and is owned by Columbia Lodge and Pickaway Encampment jointly in the proportion of 65 per cent. in the lodge and 35 per cent. in the encampment. The lodge ownership comprises 15 per cent. in the General Fund and 50 per cent. in the Widows' and Orphans' Fund. The property is managed by a joint board of trustees, consisting of three members from each body. The present board is composed of Alfred English (president); John W. Lowe (secretary), Clarence Curtain (treasurer), Samuel M. Lewis (superintendent of the building), William H. Kirkendall and Henry W. Fosnaugh. The real estate belonging to the Odd Fellows has always been well managed and has been a good investment. It was formerly managed by a single property
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trustee, but under a recent change in the Odd Fellows' laws it is now controlled by the trustees. The ground floor of the building is occupied by Albert C. Cook, fruit and candy; John S. Ritt, shoes; Moeller & Schleyer, dry goods; and Otis D. Mader, queensware ; the second floor by Dr. A. W. Holman, attorneys Clarence Curtain, Irvin F. Snyder, Jacob P. Winstead, Ed. A: Brown, George W. Lindsay and L. F. Wegerly; Hummel & Plum, insurance; the Democrat and Watchman business office and the Democratic committee rooms. The third floor is occupied in the Odd Fellows' Block by the lodge room, and in the Wagner Block by the Democrat and Watchman printing office.
The trustees meet the first Thursday evening of each month.
Mount Gilboa Rebekah Lodge, No. 538.-To the late Sister Emily B. Roose belongs the credit of initiating the movement to organize a Rebekah lodge in Circleville. The idea was taken up and vigorously pushed forward by Brother Samuel W. Courtright and his wife, Sister Jennie R. Courtright, and soon a list of applicants numbering 46 was obtained and accordingly, on May 24, 1901, a charter was issued by Grand Master James L. Lowrey, attested by Grand Secretary C. H. Lyman, to the following charter members : Samuel W. Courtright, Jennie R. Courtright, Frank Bowsher, Elizabeth Bowsher, Adolph Goldfrearick, Carrie Goldfredrick, Alfred English, Mary English, William H. Kirkendall, Sarah A. Kirkendall, John W. Lowe, Lizzie Lowe, Lewis E. Miller, Annette B. Miller, Henry W. Fosnaugh, Mattie Fosnaugh, Minnie Fosnaugh, Chester F. Lutz, Juliette Lutz, Samuel Lewis, Cynthia Lewis, Marcus B. Radcliffe, Lizzie C. Radcliffe, James A. Graham, Anna Graham, Will J. Graham, Isaac Levy, Hannah Levy, William Edward Hampp, Minnie M. Hampp, Sarah F. Hampp, Oscar H. Spencer, Melissa Spencer, George J. McMullen, Andrew Jackson Trone, John A. Hoffman, Lizzie D. Sweetman, Sallie A. Martin, Ellen V. Nightengale, Mary E. Hammel, Laura A. Hughes, Eliza J. Sunderman, Frances Wolfe, Jennie McCrady, Florence E. Dunton. and Emily B. Roose.
On the evening of July 29, 1901, at the Odd Fellows' Hall, Grand Master James L Lowrey, accompanied by Grand Secretary C.. H. Lyman, instituted Mount Gilboa Rebekah. Lodge, and caused an election of officers to be. held, which resulted as follows : Juliette Lutz, noble grand; Carrie Goldfredrick, vice grand; Emily B. Roose, recording secretary; Minnie M. Hampp, financial secretary; Jennie R_ Courtright, treasurer, who together with the following appointive officers were duly installed, viz.: Adolph Goldfredrick, R. S. N. G.; Lizzie Lowe, L. S. N. G.; Elizabeth Bowsher, warden; Mary English, conductor; Laura Hughes, inside guardian; A. J. Trone, outside guardian; Lizzie D. Sweetman, chaplain ; John W. Lowe, R. S. V. G.; Sarah Kirkendall, L. S. V. G. The lodge has been enthusiastic and has prospered, now numbering 113 members.
The first death was that of Sister Emily B. Roose, who had done so much for the building up of the lodge. She was taken suddenly ill at the lodge meeting of August 18, 1902, while acting as recording secretary, survived only two days, and on August 21st was conveyed to Forest Cemetery with the honors of the order.
The lodge meets each Monday evening in. Odd Fellows' Hall. The officers for the present term are Lelia Lewis, noble grand; Cynthia Lewis, vice grand; Eva Lehman, recording secretary; Mary Kindler, financial secretary; Jennie Titus, treasurer; Juliette Lutz, R. S. N: G.; Lizzie Lowe, L. S. N. G.; Bertha Duffy, warden; Mary Haines, conductor; James A. Graham, O. G.; Jennie Parrett, I. G.; Mattie Fosnaugh, chaplain ; Jennie R. Courtright, pianist; Mary English, R. S. V. G.; Annette B. Miller, L. S. V. G.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
Philos Lodge, No. 64--A dispensation was granted on January 19, 1874, by Grand Chancellor Adams Emerson, attested by Joseph Dowdall, grand recorder and corresponding scribe, to 27 petitioners, authorizing them to-
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conduct a Knights of Pythias lodge in Circleville, under the name and style of Philos Lodge, No. 64, which was duly instituted on the evening of that day at Odd Fellows' Hall, corner Court and Main streets. The petitioners, to whom on March 12, 1874, a charter was granted, were as follows : Michael K. Marshall, Joseph S. Collins, Edson B. Bauder, Marcus B. Radcliffe, Israel P. Todd, George Krinn, Samuel A. Collins, John L. Krimmel, Thomas J. Stephens, Samuel A. Swinehart, Joseph C. Redman, Lemuel A. Meeker, Samuel B. Evans, W. Henry Nicholas, Albert H. Rowland, William Doane, Asa T. Anderson, J. Wesley Irwin, Charles B. Taylor, Edw. E. Winship, Charles F. Krimmel, W. Frank Tolbert, Albertus Smith, Battael H. Moore, Theophilus K. Wittich, William Simpson and Noah Weaver.
Grand Recording and Corresponding Scribe Joseph Dowdall, assisted by Past Chancellors Slack, Breideman and others conferred the ranks of page, esquire and knight, after which the following officers were duly chosen and installed : Past Chancellor, William Doane; chancellor commander, Michael K. Marshall; vice chancellor, Edson B. Bauder ; prelate, J. Wesley Irwin; master of exchequer, Edw. E. Winship; master of finance, John L. Krimmel; keeper of records and seal, Joseph S. Collins; master at arms, Charles F. Krimmel; inner guard, Israel P. Todd; outer guard, William Simpson; trustees--William Doane, Albertus Smith and William Simpson.
William Doane was chosen as deputy grand chancellor and as representative to the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
At the meeting of January 26th, suitable by-laws were adopted, fixing, among other things, Monday evening of each week as the time and Odd Fellows' Hall as the place for meeting.
A petition for membership was received from John Bortz and at the convention of February 2nd he was duly elected and had conferred upon him the three ranks. The second new member was Charles E. Groce and the third, A. E. Messerly.
The lodge continued to meet in Odd Fellows' Hall until the Pythian Castle Association was formed and the Pythian Castle erected on the east side of Court street, just north of Mai street.
On February 1, 1892, a select committee of knights, consisting of Charles Dresbach, H P. Lorbach, Samuel W. Courtright, J. R. Wilson and Lee M. Hammel, reported in favor on the purchase from George W. Bauder and Mrs Anna Ruth of a frontage of 79 feet by a dept of 44 feet, extending from the first alley north of Main street, on the east side of Court street the distance named toward Main. Brother George E. Smith and Samuel B. Evans were added to the committee, and the committee was instructed to procure a charter for a joint stock: company, to subscribe for $5,000 worth o stock for the lodge and to purchase the prop erty recommended, the price to be $4,000 cash and $400 in stock. The' property was accord ingly purchased, April 2, 1892, together with a plat 40 feet wide from the north end of Henry Pfennig's lot and adjoining the Bauder Ruth lot on the east, giving the Knights o Pythias a lot with 79 feet frontage on Court street and a depth of 84 feet.
The castle was erected at a total cost, in cluding the real estate, of $22,500, and was ready for occupancy by the end of the year Before moving in a grand fair was held in the, building in December, 1892, for the purpose, of raising funds for furnishing the lodge room About $820 was cleared.
The Lodge leased. the Castle Hall from the Association January 1, 1893, moved into it and has since occupied it. The lodge room proper is 40x55 feet, and there are ample ante rooms and wardrobes. Philos Lodge has one of the most pleasant and convenient homes o any lodge in Ohio, only a few of the lodges it the large cities having more pretentious quarters. The room is so popular that many other organizations have rented the right to hold their meetings there.
The affairs of the association are conducted by seven directors, who must be members of the lodge, and the lodge owning a majority of the stock, controls the election of the directors. There is at the present time bonded in-
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debtedness of $8,000 on the property which is being paid off at the rate of $750 a year.
The lodge is in a very flourishing condition and has a membership of 190. The conventions are held on Monday evening of each week.
Philos Lodge has on several occasions entertained the annual district lodge and always in a highly creditable manner. Brother Charles Will, of Philos, is now deputy grand chanceller of the 13th District, composed of Fairfield, Ross and Pickaway counties.
There have been 30 deaths in Philos Lodge, the first being that of Samuel Swinehart on April 23, 1878, and the second, Robert C. P. Peebles, on November 14, 1878.
The officers of Philos Lodge are: John W. Lowe, representative to Grand Lodge; George Blank, chancellor commander; John B. Majors, vice chancellor; Wayne V. Moffitt, prelate; Walker Baughman, master of work; Wade H. Cook, keeper of records and seal ; Meeker Terwilliger, master of finance; Nelson R. Huston, master of exchequer ; Timothy P. Mogan, master at arms ; John E. Walters, inner guard ; Thomas J. Stephens, outer guard; W. K. Salter, Joseph McMahon and Joseph R. Noecker, trustees.
Marshall Temple, No. 218, Rathbone Sisters, was chartered April 29, 1903, as an auxiliary to Philos Lodge, by Ellen Leland, grand chief, and Ella Given, grand mistress of records and correspondence. The first officers were : Lizzie Lowe, past chief ; Cathleen Morgan, M. E. C.; Mary Glick, E. S. ; Mary Delaplane, E. J.; Carrie Will, M. of T. ; Laura Bentley, M. of R. and C.; Rose Salter, M. of F.; Dora Glaze, P. of T.; Amanda. Markham, G of O. T.
BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS.
Circleville Lodge, No. 77, was instituted, under dispensation granted February 15, 1888, by District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler George A. Clugston, of Mansfield Lodge, No. 56, accompanied by members from Mansfield Lodge, No. 56, and from Chillicothe Lodge, No. 52, and Columbus Lodge, No. 37, at Odd Fellows' Hall, corner of Court and Main streets. A charter was granted to the following 26 members: Charles H. Kellstadt, Mack A. Lanum, Charles Dresbach, Alf. C. LeBaron, Thompson B. Wright, Charles P. Rowe, Joseph G. Wilder, Harry S. Lewis, Alf. Dresbach, Gustavus A. Schleyer, C. Edmund Moeller, Thomas Walke, W. H. Albaugh, Jr., W. Gill Jacob, James C. Haswell, George H. Pontius, John M. Hitt, Harry M. Weldon, Lawrence Weldon, R. C. Weldon, William B. Drum, J. W. Harsha, Fred L. Fickardt, S. Turney Ruggles, Edward Wittich and Harry Montelius.
The following officers were then elected and installed: Lawrence Weldon, exalted ruler; Mack A. Lanum, esteemed! leading knight; Gustavus A. Schleyer, esteemed loyal knight; Charles Dresbach, esteemed lecturing knight; Alf. C. LeBaron, secretary; S. Turney Ruggles, treasurer; W. H. Albaugh, Jr., tyler; W. B. Drum, W. G. Jacob and J. G. Wilder, trustees ; Fred L. Fickardt, esquire ; George H. Pontius, chaplain; R. C. Weldon, inner guard; Edward Wittich, organist.
A charter was granted July 12, 1888.
After the installation,' a banquet was held at the New American Hotel. The lodge continued to meet in Odd Fellows' Hall until June, 1891, when it moved to the City Building, and furnished an elegant club room.
On September 1, 1899, the lodge moved to the second floor of the First National Bank Building, where they have club rooms, well equipped and furnished. On the 12th anniversary of the institution of the lodge, they were presented by Brother Charles Whalen, of Dayton, with a fine elk's head, which adorns the wall of the lodge room. It is ' one of .the largest and finest in the United States.
The lodge now numbers 115 , members.
The first death was that of Willis H. Rodgers, who died September 21, 1893. In all, there have been 15 deaths.
The officers at the present time are as follows : Harry S. Grant, exalted ruler ; Howard B. Moore, esteemed leading knight; J. Theodore Kirkendall, esteemed loyal knight; George W.
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Lindsay, esteemed lecturing knight; Meeker Terwilliger, secretary; Charles G. Shulze, treasurer; Walter C. Darst, tyler; Fred L. Fickardt, Charles F. Weaver and Dudley V. Courtright, trustees ; Fred R. Nicholas, inner guard ; Rev. T. W. C. Cheeseman, chaplain; Frank. M. Peters, pianist.
IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN.
Congo Tribe, No. 51, was instituted and its officers installed by a representative of the Great Council of Ohio on October 13, 1869. The membership was entirely from the German citizens of Circleville and for a number of years all records were kept and business transacted by them in their native language. Some dissatisfaction arising, a few of the members of Congo, together with a number of "pale-faces" who desired to become Indians, succeeded in obtaining a sufficient number of charter members and a new tribe was instituted on the evening of April 26, 1872, and christened Indianola No. 66. The new tribe did its work and kept its records in the English language and for a number of years was prosperous and progressive. However in the early '80's both Congo and Indianola had lost members until neither of them possessed more than a fair working number and the outlook of neither was very bright. Overtures were made by both tribes and after some delay, a committee was appointed from each to endeavor to ascertain in what manner a consolidation could be effected. It was finally agreed that Indianola should turn over to Congo all of the money in its treasury and thereupon all members who were in good standing would be accepted as such by Congo Tribe. This agreement being satisfactory to all members, it was then submitted to and ratified: by the Great Council of Ohio and on the 15th day of February, 1886, a consolidation was effected and Indianola ceased to exist. Since that date no other tribe has been started and Congo Tribe has had Circleville to itself with no opposition. It experienced prosperity and hard times alternately until about 1896 when the tribe began an upward march that has continued upto the present date and landed Congo to the front as one of Circleville's strongest fraternal societies. The tribe now has a membership of about 15o and has quite a bit of money safely invested in first mortgage loans.
The Great Council fire of the State of Ohio was held here in 1903 and Congo Tribe handled the affair in such a manner that at each successive Great Council meeting since that time Circleville is always mentioned as a place where the entertainment was ideal.
The officers of Congo Tribe at the present time are: Joseph J. Rooney, sachem ; F. Mont Long, senior sagamore; Harley Kirlin, junior sagamore; Noah Myers, prophet; Albert Palm, keeper of wampum ; Charles G. Duffy, chief of records ; A. Lamaster, guard of the forest ; Charles Bateman, guard of the wigwam; and Noah Myers, Lewis E. Miller and J. Howard Sweetman, trustees.
The tribe meets Thursday evening of each week at Memorial Hall.
KNIGHTS OF HONOR.
Scioto Lodge, No. 1370, was organized in Circleville on February 11, 1879, with the following charter members, 24 in number : Battael H. Moore, C. M. Bethauser, James Harsha, Germain Joseph, Albert J. Grigsby, Samuel. B. Evans, Alva P. Courtright, S. L. Grigsby, Milton Morris, Frank Tolbert, L. B. Lyons, H. E. Grand-Girard, William A. Chaney, C. B. Tyler, George W. Bauder, Julius Weill, John Lemuel Kent, Samuel Marfield, George W. Downs, S. M. Lewis, Philip Heine, W. F. Hurst and William Simpson. The first dictator was Rev. C. M. Bethauser.
The lodge has a present membership of seven members and holds its meetings at Nos 109-11 West Main street. The present officers are : Germain Joseph, dictator and deputy grand dictator ; Julius Weill, reporter and financial reporter; Lyman H. Hoffman, treasurer.
ROYAL ARCANUM.
Logan Elm Council, No. 425, was organized December 22, 1879, being instituted by
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Deputy Grand Regent H. E. W. Campbell. The charter members, i8 in number, were as follows : Samuel B. Evans, G. A. Wilder, E. M. Olds, Ed. D. Bryant, E. D. Bowers, Orin F. Thompson, Dr. L. C. Vernon, Burr. H. Bostwick, James Harsha, Ira Busick, W. H. Albaugh, H. H. Yerington, S. M. Hall, Battael H. Moore, George W. Bauder, Aaron R. Van Cleaf, Howard Brown and S. M. Greer.
Upon the organization of the council, L. D. Dare was admitted by card from Hope Council, No. 82, of Zanesville. The following were the first chosen officers : Regent, Battael H. Moore; vice regent, Samuel B. Evans; orator, Burr H. Bostwick; past regent, L. D. Dare; secretary, George W. Bauder; treasurer, James Harsha; chaplain, Orin F. Thompson ; guide, E. M. Olds; warden, H. H. Yerington; sentry, Howard Brown; trustees--W. H. Albaugh, Ira Busick and Aaron R. Van Cleaf.
The council has 33 members at the present time and holds its meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays in room No. 6, Odd Fellows' Block. The following are the present officers: Regent, Samuel W. Courtright; vice regent, Charles Steinberger; orator, Simon Brown; sitting past regent, Benjamin Friedman; acting secretary, Dr. George T. Row; collector, JacobP. Winstead; treasurer, George J. McMullen; chaplain, Benjamin Friedman; guide, B. F. Benford; warden, Charles E. Groce; sentry, W. H. Moyst; trustees--B. F. Dreisbach, B. F. Benford and Edw. E. Winship; representatives to the Grand Lodge--George J. McMullen and Samuel Rindsfoos.
KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES.
Hargus Tent, No. 266, was instituted in Circleville in June, 1895, with but seven members. This being so small a number, no chapter could be obtained and it, was not until April, 1.897, that the tent was duly instituted with a membership of 18 and the following officers installed : E. W. Philips, commander ; H. H. Groce, lieutenant commander; Dr. R. F. Lilly, record keeper; K. J. Brown, finance keeper; Willis Ludwig, chaplain ; Dr. O. H. Dunton,physician ; Franklin Kibler, sergeant ; C. E. Newton, master at arms; E. W. Lutz, 1st master of guards; E. K. Ebert, 2nd master of guards ; Charles Miller, sentinel; and H. L. Reeves, picket. The i8 chapter members were made up of the above-mentioned officers and the following members : B. F. Ludwig, H. M. Dunnick, Samuel W. Courtright, George G. Stouch, George F. Wolf and Dr. A. W. Holman. The membership has been increased during the nine years of the tent's history and at the present time there are 50 sir knights in good standing. The present officers are as follows : S. C. Grant, commander ; K. J. Brown, lieutenant commander; Dr. R. F. Lilly, record keeper ; George G. Stouch, finance keeper ; Alexander Lower, chaplain; Dr. O. H. Dunton, physician; C. C. Hixenbaugh, sergeant; George Lump, master at arms ; George F. Grand-Girard, 1st master of guards; H. H. Troutman, 2nd master of guards ; Charles Young, sentinel ; and W. E. Hampp, picket. The tent meets at the office of Dr. R. F. Lilly on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
LADIES OF THE MACCABEES.
Circleville Hive was organized July 6, 1897, and was instituted by Rhoda P. Wright, with the following officers : Minnie T. Weaver, past commander ; Ellen Foresman, lady commander ; Ruth Patterson, lieutenant commander; Elizabeth Atkinson, record keeper; Margaret Wehmeyer, finance keeper; Eva Stevens, chaplain ; Florence Dunton, sergeant ; Dr. O. H. Dunton, physician ; Hattie Butler, mistress at arms ; Jennie Bolender, sentinel ; Emma Oney, picket. The hive increased to 26 members by October 1, 1898, when the charter was issued to them.
They originally met at the home of Mrs. Ellen V. Nightengale and Mrs. O. H. Dunton. At present they meet in. Pythian Castle Hall. The deceased members are Ellen V. Nightengale and Sophia McCrum. The present officers are: Carrie Will, commander; Elizabeth Bowsher, lieutenant commander; Elizabeth Lower, record keeper; Iva McManamy, finance keeper; Ruth Patterson, chaplain; Annette
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Miller, mistress at arms; Susie Wilson, sergeant ; Ellen Foresman, sentinel ; Mrs. Hoffman, picket. They meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month.
MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA.
Circleville Camp, No. 3648, chartered March 5, 1896, the charter members being George W. Butler, H. M. Dunnick, O. H. Dunton, A. J. Grigsby, W. E. Haswell, A. W. Holman, C. F. Lutz, George W. Morris, G. W. Morrison, E. W. Philips, A. L. Redman, Jerome Smith, Rollen Smith and G. A. Young. The camp now numbers 225 members and meets the second and fourth Wednesday evenings of each month in Pythian Castle Hall. The present officers are as follows : W. H. Anderson, consul; K. J. Brown, worthy advisor; E. C. Friece, clerk; W. G. Jacob, banker; Meeker Terwilliger, escort; J. W. Trimmer, watchman; T. J. Stephens, sentry ; A. W. Holman and G. P. Huddle, physicians ; and Milton I. Brown, Albert C. Cook and Chester F. Lutz, managers. The camp has had three deaths--J. M. Riffle,. Lewis Stout and John W. Leist.
ROYAL NEIGHBORS.
Logan Elm Camp, No. 2198, was organized in the summer of 1900, with 22 charter members, being an auxiliary of the Modern Woodmen of. America. The first regular meeting was held on July 5, 1900, when the first officers of the organization were inducted into office and the camp instituted by Mrs. Letha Terry, of Zanesville, instituting officer. The first officers were : Mrs. Juliette Lutz,: oracle; Mrs. Mabel Nothstine, recorder; Mrs. Elizabeth . Moeller, receiver. The present officials are : Miss Mary Foerst, oracle; Mrs. Juliette Lutz, recorder ; and Mrs. Emma Joseph, receiver. The camp has a membership of 31 and meets in Memorial Hall.
WOODMEN OF THE WORLD.
Logan Elm Camp, No. 141, was instituted August 12, 1905, by Deputy Organizer Humphrey, of Columbus, there being 28 charter members. The first officers were : Thomas McManamy, consul commander ; Emanuel S. Neuding, banker; Harry E. Weill, clerk. The present officers are : Joseph Miller, consul commander; Emanuel S. Neuding, banker; Samuel Finney, clerk. The present membership is 72. The lodge meets every Wednesday night in Memorial Hall.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF FORESTERS.
Court Pickaway, No. 1406, was instituted October 5, 1893, with 26 charter members. The charter being signed by Dr. Oronhyatekha, supreme chief ranger. The first officers were : Carl N. Lorey, court deputy high chief ranger; George W. Butler, chief ranger; George H. Spangler, past chief ranger; W. B. Christy, vice chief ranger ; George E. Hammel, recording secretary; Emanuel S. Neuding, financial secretary; George C. Gerhard, treasurer; J. T. Bentley, chaplain; Dr. Ralph Morden, physician ; S. B. Ulm, senior woodward; E. G. Woolever, junior woodward: L. C. Hammel, senior beadle. The Court increased steadily in membership--in November and December, 1898, initiating 25 members, and on July 6, 1899, 14 members. At the present time the membership is 140. Court Pickaway has a higher average insurance per member than any court in Ohio, carrying nearly $500 per member above the average of the entire order.
It has had four deaths, namely : J. M. Riffle, Dr. Ralph Morden, Fred R. Rees and Martin L Greeno.
On October 19, 1899, an auxiliary was instituted under the name of Companion Court Circle City, No. 256.
Companion Court Circle City had one death --Mrs. Mary E. Cummins. In May, 1906, this court was consolidated with Court Pickaway.
Court Pickaway meets on the second and last Tuesday evenings of each month in Pythian Castle Hall. The present officers are: George R. Foresman, junior past chief ranger; Walker Baughman, chief ranger ; Abbie Gussman, vice chief ranger; John B. Majors, re-
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cording secretary; John W. Lowe; financial secretary; George C. Gerhard, treasurer; Dr. W. L. Peters, physician; J. T. Bentley, orator; James H. Thompson, senior woodward; Thomas A. Strawser, junior woodward; Henry S. Hulse, senior beadle; Thomas J. Stephens, junior beadle. The court is well fixed financially and is in a flourishing condition.
Companion Court Thornburgh, No. 512, was instituted in December, 1901. The court meets on the third Thursday of each month at the residence of Mrs. Abram Parret. The membership is 28. There has been one death --Mrs. Emily B. Roose.
CATHOLIC ORDER OF FORESTERS.
St. Joseph's Court, No. 1074, was organized April 15, 1900, with 20 charter members. The first officers were : James E. Dodds, chief ranger; John P. Egan, recording secretary; John Kirwin, financial secretary; and John F. English, treasurer. The present officers are: John L. Cummins, chief ranger ; John Drum, recording secretary ; Ed. Riley, financial secretary; and John Kirwin, treasurer. The court has a present membership of 20 and meets the first and third Sundays of each month at St. Joseph's Parochial School. The court has lost two members by death : John Throckmorton and Daniel McManamy.
FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES.
Aerie No. 685, of Circleville, was instituted on April 22, 1904, with 82 charter members. The first officers were as follows : John F. Carle, past worthy president ; George M. Fitzpatrick, worthy president; John A. Dodd, worthy vice-president; Frank H. Palm, worthy chaplain ; Samuel W. Morgan, worthy secretary; W. G. Jacob, worthy treasurer; Frank A. McGinnis, worthy .conductor; William Herbert, worthy inside guard; G. W. Darling, worthy outside guard; and William E. Pickens, John F. English and William H. Mason, worthy trustees. The present officers are as follows : George E. Caskey, past worthy president ; John A. Dodd, worthy president ; F. A. Lynch, worthy vice-president; C. E. Harris, worthy chaplain; F. K. Cummins, worthy secretary; W. H. Mason, worthy treasurer; H. O. Johnson, worthy conductor; Frank Haines, worthy inside guard; John Enck, worthy outside guard; Dr. B. R. Bales, worthy physician; J. W. Sweetman, Rance Washburn and Joseph P. Duffy, worthy trustees. The aerie has a present membership of 163 and meets on Thursday evening of each week at Memorial Hall. The Eagles have given several successful entertainments.
NATIONAL UNION.
Xerxes Council,. No. 159, was organized in 1886. There are now 32 members.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
Groce Post, No. 156, was organized November 4, 1881, and was named in memory of John H. Groce, of Circleville, captain of Company H, 30th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. At the storming of Fort McAllister, December 13, 1864, he was killed by a sharpshooter while in advance of his division. His remains now rest in Forest Cemetery, Circleville.
The charter members of this organization came from every walk in life, representing almost every trade, craft and profession, but they were all united, bound together by a tie that only patriotism can weld. They were all men who had suffered that their country might live, who had responded to the call when they were needed and who had never faltered in the face of danger. Not all remain to answer the muster roll, but their memories are preserved, not only by their comrades, but by a grateful country. Ohio had ample reason to feel proud of the soldiers she sent out and many laurels were won by the 30th Regiment, whose gallant captain is kept in memory by the use of his honored name in this organization.
The names of the charter members are as follows : G. C. Bayer, James M. Duffy, W. H. Kirkendall, Lem Kent, O. H. Spencer, Emanuel Gephart, H. Cook, L. H: Hoffman, L. D.
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Lyon, E. D. Bowers, George Miller, Burr H. Bostwick, R. D. Moffit, Charles M. Seibert, T. J. Stephens, George A. Irwin, J. M. Landenberger, J. W. Glaze, M. H. Miesse, Joseph Wallace, Philip Altenberger, John Pickering, M. B. Radcliffe, M. E. Dreisbach, George W. Downs, Martin Van Green, Stephen Miller, Thomas Heiry, Henry Foerst, Henry R. Bending, Newton Peters, James B. Doney and Spencer Brooks.
The first officers of the post were : John Pickering, commander; G. C. Bayer, S. V. commander; William H. Kirkendall, J. V. commander; O. H. Spencer, adjutant; Thomas Heiry, quartermaster ; M. H. Miesse, surgeon ; L. D. Lyons, chaplain ; James M. Duffy, officer of the day; R. D. Moffitt, officer of the guard ; J. L. Kent, sergeant major ; Henry Foerst, quartermaster sergeant.
Groce Post has maintained a very prominent position in the Grand Army. While death has visited its ranks but too frequently, interest in the objects of the organization has continued lively and its influence has been felt in securing favorable legislation on many points. Visiting veterans have reason to know that feelings of warm comradeship glow in the heart of this post. The present officers of the organization are : J. W. Pontius, commander; G. W. Kinney, S. V. commander; W. T. Fissel, J. V. commander ; S. R. VanMeter, adjutant; D. H. Lewis, quartermaster; S.. M. Yates, surgeon ; S. W. Manley, chaplain ; J. C. Rigg, officer of the day ; Andrew Jackson, officer of the guard; O. H. Spencer, sergeant major; J. A. Graham, quartermaster sergeant.
WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS.
Groce Relief Corps, No. 68, received its charter on February 28, 1888. The names appearing on the roll as charter members are as follows : Ella Bowling, Frances Kent, Sarah Kirkendall, Agnes Butch, Liss Spencer, Mary E. Hammel, Hattie Bostwick, Adelaide Heim, Ora Weaver, Mattie Fosnaugh, Tillie Bayer, Phebe Hand, Carrie Weaver, Elizabeth Miller, Elizabeth Haine and Clara Warner.
The first officers were : Ella Bowling, president; Frances Kent, vice-president; Agnes Butch, secretary; Liss Spencer, treasurer. These capable ladies safely guided the new organization into quiet waters. Much of the efficiency of the work done by the corps has been due to the hearty co-operation which has universally prevailed.
The present officers are as follows : Liss Spencer, president; Mattie Fosnaugh, senior vice-president; Ella Millet, junior vice-president; Adelaide Heim, secretary; Sarah Kirkendall, treasurer.
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR VETERANS' ASSOCIATION.
The local society of this association was organized shortly after the war. Philip Herrnstein, the first commander, and Charles M. Titus represented the local organization at the State convention. There were about 25 members. Some two or three years ago, about the period when the association was combined with the Spanish War Veterans, the local society ceased active work.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATIONARY ENGINEERS.
Circleville Association, No. 20, was instituted Nov. 5, 1900, by State Deputy Frank N. Yeager, of Cincinnati, Ohio. The purpose of this association is to educate engineers in their profession and is at no time to be used for the furtherance of strikes or for the purpose of interfering in any way between its members and their employers in regard to wages. Circleville Association has a membership of 19. The present officers are : J. B. Wilkins, president ; Daniel Brannon, vice-president ; Harry Leist, recording secretary ; Albert C. Cook, corresponding and financial secretary; John Lake; treasurer ; Thomas Fitzgerald conductor ; C. E. Cox, door-keeper ; John S. Baer, Albert C. Cook and Samuel F. Groom, trustees:
THE CIRCLEVILLE ATHLETIC CLUB
Was first organized as the Circleville Cosmopolitan Comities; in 1896. Harry E. Brown
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was the first president of the organization, which numbered 16 charter members. The society was started merely as a pleasure club and the first meetings were held in the old Masonic Hall, now used as the exchange of the Citizens' Telephone Company. In a very short time after the organization, a ritual and initiation ceremonies were gotten up by the members, which continued to be used for a period of about six months, when the society discontinued their secret rites and changed the name to the Circleville Athletic Club, which was organized for the promotion of healthful athletics, which exhilarate the spirit and restore the tone of languid nature." At this time the club moved to the Herrnstein Hall and a small amount of gymnasium apparatus was purchased ands installed. After about a year and a half there, they moved, eight years ago, to Peck's Hall, where the club, which has a membership of 165 members, is at present located. The following are the officers : Harry D. Jackson, president; Earl Warner, vice-president; Harry E. Weill, secretary; Charles F. Lowe, treasurer; Edward Seeley, sergeant at-arms ; Charles M. Titus, John A. Dodd and Frank Hamilton, executive committee.
The Circleville Athletic Club has taken the lead' in several successful entertainments, notably a Fourth of July celebration in 1902, when the business men of Circleville joined in forming the largest parade ever seen in the city.
The club is well equipped with gymnasium apparatus, has well-appointed club rooms, and is in a prosperous condition.
LITERARY CLUBS OF CIRCLEVILLE.
Although the club is supposed to be a modern institution, the spirit which animates all clubs developed at a rather early day in Circleville.
In the early '20's the Circleville Forum flourished. This seemed to be a society devoted to oratory . (as its name would denote) ; its chief occasion for usefulness and diversion was the Fourth of July, which day was each year fittingly, and rather elaborately, celebrated under the auspices of the club, the earliest. in Circleville of which we have any record. During the '30's the Circleville Atheneum was in progress. This, as well as the Pickaway Lyceum, which dated from about 1845 and continued for some 10 years or more, was a debating club. The Atheneum was the forerunner of the Public Library; the article on the Public Library contains a rather fuller notice of this organization and also of the Lyceum.
In these three earlier literary clubs membership was limited to men. When women were first admitted to club life is hard to determine, as no data on the subject are obtainable until a comparatively recent date.
About 1885 a number of men, among them being Judge I. N. Abernethy, Albertus Smith, Dr. Charles Naumann, John W. Lowe, Dr. George Butler, Harry Weill, and the late Dr. Ralph Morden, D. H. Marshall and Michael Marshall organized a debating club called the Circleville Literary Alliance. A room in Mr. Smith's building was, at first, used for the meetings, which were held bimonthly. After a time, the City Council granted the society the use of a room in the City Building, where they met for a year or two, and after this, for a short time, in J. Wheeler Lowe's law office. This society, when first organized, admitted only men, but after a time the members began to take to the meetings as guests, their wives and sisters and other people's sisters, and before long the club's rules were changed and these women, and eventually others, became members of the Circleville Literary Alliance.
About the same time that this society began, the ladies of the Evangelical Church organized one, under the title of the Evangelical Reading Circle. Two or three persons out-side the church were so fortunate as to be admitted to membership in this society, which, in the two years of its existence, did some of the most thorough literary study which has been done in this city. The meetings were held at the homes of the members. Poetry, chiefly from the American authors, was studied, each poem selected being taken up for an indefinite time and studied, read aloud, and thoroughly discussed before being laid aside.
After this reading circle was disorganized,
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no special literary work was done in this church until about 15 years ago, when the Young People's Alliance was formed. This society, while in the main devoted to regular church work, has a miscellaneous literary feature in connection with its monthly meetings.
Almost all the churches in the town have literary programs in conjunction with their various missionary and young people's societies. These are usually of a varied nature, with no regularly arranged calendar.
The Epworth League of the Methodist Church, however, some years ago, took up the study of English history. The women of this congregation have also for the past five years had a Bible class, which under the leadership of Miss Clara Littleton has made a systematic study of the life of Christ and the early church.
The Woman's Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church has a regularly arranged calendar, each year. The topics for 1905-06 were embraced under the general title of "Dux' Christus; an outline study of Japan." The subject now being taken up is "Africa." The meetings are held; the first Friday of each month at the homes of the members. The officers for. the . current year are ; President, Mrs. David S. Tappan; vice-president, Mrs. Charles Naumann; secretary, Miss Clara Southward; treasurer, Mrs. J. R. Wilson; secretary of literature, Mrs. James Reichelderfer.
In 1904 several of the ladies of the African Methodist Episcopal _Church, prominent among them being Mrs. Henry Johnson, established a club, the primary object of which was the study of the negro race. This society was in existence only about one year, the removal from town of some of the more earnest workers causing it to be disorganized. In this short time, however, some very creditable work was accomplished.
A number of literary societies have existed, at various times, in St. Joseph's Catholic congregation, but no organized club work was attempted until last winter, at which time St. Joseph's Reading Circle was begun. Beside Bible study, which is a feature of the circle, the study taken up this year is the work of American Catholic writers, commencing with Orestes E. Brownson. The program committee has arranged a printed calendar upon the work. The semi-monthly meetings of the circle are held in the chapel of St. Joseph's Parochial School. Musical numbers, at be-ginning and closing, add to the pleasure of the meetings. The officers for 1906-07 are : President, Miss Agnes Butch; vice-president, Mrs. Charles McLean; secretary, Miss Ida Jeffries; treasurer, Mrs. Will Krimmel.
The Clio Club was organized by a group of younger teachers, in 1898. As the name would indicate, the object of the club was the study of history. This plan was followed the first year, the United States being the country considered, but the next year's calendar published a program on American literature. This society met every two weeks at the homes of the members. Although excellent work was accomplished, the club disbanded after carrying out only two annual programs.
The Euterpean Club was organized in 1904, by an out-of-town individual with long locks and soulful eyes. Its object was the attainment of the beautiful, expressed by the correlation of music, art and poetry. The study program was prepared in much the same manner as the predigested breakfast foods, the lessons having been selected, boiled down and printed on little cards, that they might be readily comprehended by the feeblest mind. A set of these cards, the choice of a book of poems worth 25 cents or a set of Perry pictures worth about to cents, and a very ornate certificate of membership bearing the autograph of the esthetic organizer, were presented to each member. Each member, in turn, presented the organizer with $5.
The membership at first numbered too or more, and the meetings were held in the social room of the First Presbyterian Church. After a time the membership dwindled, and in order to reduce running expenses the society met at the members' homes. A number of pleasant evenings were spent and some excellent programs rendered but at length the Euterpeans found it too great a strain to live up to the ideals inculcated in their first lesson, and the
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club ceased to exist, the last meeting being held in May, 1905.
At various times, organizations with a slight literary feature have existed here, among them the Young Men's Christian Association and the Young Men's Institute. These were discontinued and, in a manner, merged later in the Circleville Athletic Club, established about 10 years ago. The membership of this club is large, nearly all the young men of good. standing in the town being connected with it. The club's quarters are in Peck's Block, where beside a well-equipped gymnasium, amusement and bath rooms, a good reading room is kept up, where books and the current periodicals are found.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks also has a magazine reading room established in their lodge room. Neither the Elks now the C. A. C., however, take up special literary study as a part of their work.
Of the two most prominent literary clubs in Circleville, the Monday Club takes precedence in matter of age, it having maintained its existence longer than any literary society which has ever been established in Circleville.
The Monday Club was the outgrowth of a series of lectures on the subject of English history, delivered in Circleville in the winter of 1889. The lady giving the lectures urged upon her hearers the formation of a woman's club. Following this advice, several ladies met at the residence of P. C. Smith and began a reading circle, the present name being given at that meeting. Mrs. Charles E. Groce was chosen president of the circle. Among the ladies present at the first were : Mrs. Charles E. Groce, Mrs. Lucy Hoffman, Mrs. William Ballard and the Misses Alice Pedrick, Marne Smith, Mollie and Lizzie Renick, Lizzie Ruggles, Kate Scovil, Ella and Lydia Drum, Nell Weldon and Florence Hoffman.
Mrs. Ballard offered her home for the second meeting, Miss Weldon for the third, Mrs. Groce for the fourth and so on through the list of members. The meetings were held then as now, each alternate Monday. At the third meeting, Mrs. Howard Jones and Mrs. James Reichelderfer came into the society. The f of Circleville adopted a constitution and banded work of this preliminary reading circle was the study of Circleville and special points in local history. The Monday club proper began its first regularly organized winter's work in September 1890, using a printed calendar, the subjects taken up being ancient Greece and Rome. Miss Alice Pedrick was elected president and Mrs. James Reichelderfer, secretary; a committee composed of Mrs. Howard Jones, Mrs. William Ballard and Miss Ella Drum was appointed to draft a constitution.
The Monday Club was federated into the National Federation in 1893: In 1894, on the occasion of the initial conference of the State Federation, in Springfield, Mrs. Jones and Miss Harriet Smith were sent as delegates from the Monday Club, with instructions to use their judgment as to placing their club in the list of those federated. The convention proved such as to warrant the delegates taking this step, and thus the Monday Club of Circleville is a charter member of the State Federation.
For some time the meetings were held, as in the beginning, at the homes of the members; but it being deemed advisable to have a club room, the use of a room in the Court House was secured, which was 'occupied until October 19, 1900, when the club room which had been secured in the new First Presbyterian Church was opened with a pleasant social session. This room had been previously furnished by the club. The meetings continued to be held in these same quarters. Besides the regular study program of history or literature taken up each year, the Monday Club has been instrumental in bringing to Circleville a number of excellent concerts and lecture courses. Various social sessions, also, have added much to the pleasure of the club members and their guests.
The present officers of the Monday Club are : President, Mrs. H. C. Allen ; vice-president, Mrs. James Reichelderfer; recording secretary, Miss Elizabeth Atkinson; corresponding secretary, Miss Alice Pedrick; treasurer, Mrs. A. C. McArthur; librarian, Miss May Lowe.
On November 4, 1897, 64 men and women of Circleville adopted a constitution and banded
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themselves together as members of the Circleville University Association Center. The program prepared by the university extension course, a pamphlet on ancient history, was taken as the first year's study. But on April 25, 1898, the name was changed to the University Club, it having been decided to withdraw from the parent organization: Since that time a program committee has arranged the annual printed calendar, the subject studied having been, for the most part, literature, with an occasional year's work in history.
Some of the most thorough study work in this city has been accomplished by the University Club.
At first, the meetings were held in the court room, but later the use of one of the Public Library rooms was secured. It being found, however, that some confusion was caused by persons passing in and out of the library, it was thought best to move to more secluded quarters. Therefore the use of the room in the Court House, recently vacated by the Monday Club, was obtained, and the meetings have been held there ever since.
A social session has been an annual event with the University Club ever since its organization. These occasions have been entered into with zest by all the members and have added not a little to the charming. social features of the town life.
The officers of this organization for the current year are : President, Prof. T. C. Williams; 1st vice-president, Mrs. E. Beeshy; 2nd vice-president, Miss Vinnie Clark; secretary, Mrs. F. Donnelly; treasurer, Supt. C. L. Boyer; librarian, Miss May Lowe.