USA > California > San Luis Obispo County > History of San Luis Obispo County, California, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 52
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The Order of Knights of Pythias was founded in Washington, our National Capital, on the 19th day of February, 1864, by Justus H. Rathbone, who is still alive, and an active and honored member of the frater- nity. He composed the ceremony and ritualistic work --- which since that time has undergone very few changes, the master having builded better than he knew-whilst teaching school in the State of Michigan. Believing that he had accomplished a work of great good which ought to be disseminated, he called to his aid a few trusty friends, and on the date last mentioned, after having ob- ligated them to secrecy, divulged to them the plan of his work and the secret labor of his life. They at once saw the good to be accomplished by the establishment of the order, and immediately set about organizing lodges. At first, adversity seemed to attend their efforts, and for several years it was very questionable whether or not the plan would have to be abandoned. But our pioneers were resolute and hardy men, and, after repeated rebuffs, they finally saw their enterprise attain a healthy fruition.
We now have lodges in nearly fifty Grand jurisdictions, with a membership of almost one hundred and fifty thousand, as well as our rites and ceremonies translated into some ten or twelve different languages,
All authority for governing the order, as well as origi- nating and promulgating necessary legislation, is lodged in the Supreme Lodge of the World, which is composed of all persons who have passed through the highest office in the different Grand jurisdictions, the highest officer being styled Supreme Chancellor. Directly subordinate to the Supreme Lodge, is the Grand Lodge, which is given a distinct country or territory, over which to exer- cise immediate control and supervision, its members be- ing those who have passed through the highest station in the subordinate lodges. Its highest officer is styled Grand Chancellor. Next comes the Subordinate Lodge, of which we are one, which is directly controlled and re- ceives its authority and laws from the Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction in which it is located. Its highest officer is known as the Chancellor Commander.
The order was first established in this State in the year 1869, and now numbers fifty-two subordinate lodges, with a membership of nearly three thousand. Our lodge (which is named Park, and numbers forty in this State) was instituted on the 21st day of December, 1876, having now just passed its second natal anniversary, with a char- ter membership of fourteen, of whom but few now re- main in our midst, a number having removed. From this small beginning, and at a time characterized by financial distress, we have grown, until our roster looms up proudly, with a membership of upwards of forty, among whom we can count many of our most worthy citizens, and upright, honest, and industrious inhabitants.
Of our plan of benevolence, but few words will suffice to make it very plain. A member of our lodge, who is not in arrears for dues for more than the sum of five dol- lars-that sum being five months' dues- in case of sick- ness, receives from the treasury the sum of eight dollars per week during his illness, as well as being provided with nurses from among the members, who, in turn, must sit and watch by him at night, and during the day as well, if necessary. In case of death, under the condition, be- fore stated, fifty dollars is set apart to defray his funeral expenses. To take away any disagreeable feature, or re- move any delicacy a brother may have in receiving the moneys, as spoken of, it has been established as a law, that all are bound to receive it, when legally entitled thereto, whether they will or not, so that the richest brother has no discretion, except what is accorded to his poorer neighbor. This takes away all the unpalatable flavor of receiving as charity what is given as a right.
In connection with our order, we have established a side rank, which is under the supervision of the Supreme Lodge of the World, which insures the lives of all mem- bers taking the rank, for the sum of one, two, or three thousand dollars, at the option of the member, which, upon his death, is paid to such person or persons as he may designate in his application, or may afterwards ap- point to receive it, by his will. The funds necessary to pay these insurances, is made up by assessment levied upon all the members belonging to the rank alike. It is composed of two classes; the first being for one thou- sand dollars, and the second for two thousand dollars. A member, when receiving the rank, can designate the class to which he wishes to belong, and can take his choice of one or both. Whenever the funds for meeting a death, in either class, is exhausted, an assessment is immediately levied upon all members belonging to that class, of $1.10 each, and no other assessment is again levied until all moneys so raised have been exhausted in the payment for deaths. In each class there is now a membership of about six thousand, so that when an as- sessment is levied, enough money is raised in the first class to pay for six deaths; and in the second class to pay for three deaths. Since the addition of this rank, its efficacy has been severely tested, and its practicability
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and utility conclusively proven. The ravages of the yellow fever epidemic has caused ns to expend thousands of dollars in payment of life-insurance endowments, and yet, with this extraordinary mortality, each member has only been compelled to pay the small sum of about four- teen dollars in the past year, that is in the second class, the first class much less.
We do not claim to be rivals to the other secret or- ders; nor do we claim to do more good, or to be better. We do not court envy or hatred from them, and eschew presumption, or anything calculated to engender those feelings. We merely hope to aid them in carrying out their landable principles. We are young, know it, and are content to play the humble part which youth should always play. Our cardinal principles are laid down by the Supreme Lodge, which I will read, and close :-
Recognizing the universality of human brotherhood, its organization is designed to embrace the world within its jurisdiction, intended solely and only to disseminate the great principles of friendship, charity, and benevo- lence. Nothing of a sectarian or political character is permitted within its portals. Toleration in religion, obedience to law, and loyalty to Government, are its cardinal principles. Misfortune, misery, and death, being written in fearful characters on the broad face of crea- tion, our noble order was instituted to uplift the fallen; to champion humanity; to be his guide and hope, his refuge, shelter, and defense; to soften down the asperi- ties of life, to subdue party spirit, and by the sweet and powerful attraction of the glorious trinity of friendship, charity, and benevolence, to bind in one harmonious brotherhood men of all classes and all opinions. The brightest jewels which it garners are the tears of widows and orphans, and its imperative commands are to visit the homes where lacerated hearts are bleeding, to assuage the sufferings of a brother; bury the dead, care for the widow, and educate the orphan; to exercise charity to- ward offenders; to construe words and deeds in their least unfavorable light, granting honesty of purpose and good intentions to others, and to protect the principles of knighthood unto death. Its laws are reason and equity; its cardinal doctrines inspire purity of thought and life, love of truth, and loyalty to the Government under which we live; its intention is peace on earth and good-will to men.
ENDOWMENT RANK K. OF P.
On the 18th of April, 1878, a Section of the Endow- ment Rank of the Order of Knights of Pythias was insti- tuted in San Luis Obispo, known as No. 147. This was a new rank added to the order during the past year by the Supreme Lodge. The chief object of the rank, as announced by the order, is to provide a life insurance for the Knights. It is conducted somewhat upon the plan of the mutual benefit associations, so common among the different trades and societies in this country. It is claimed, however, that the Endowment Rank is superior to all the others, combining as it does all their good qualities, and many improvements which experience has suggested. The subordinate lodges are termed sec- tions, and are numbered consecutively. The rank is divided into two classes, first and second, and the mem- bers have the privilege of designating the class which they wish to join, or a member may belong to both classes. The first class pays $1,000 and the second class pays $2,000 upon the death of a member, to whomsoever may be elected by the brother to receive
the same. Upon the death of a member an assessment of $1.25 is levied upon the members of all the sections belonging to the class to which the deceased was con- nected. Or, in other words, if a member of the second class dies, only those belonging to that class are assessed. One dollar of the assessment goes to the endowment fund and twenty-five cents to the expense fund. The money is collected and disbursed by officers of the Supreme Lodge. One feature of this rank which it is claimed makes it superior to existing institutions of like character, is that the person entitled to receive the ben- efit is not compelled to wait until the money is collected. The constitution of the Endowment Rank requires that there shall always remain in the hands of the proper officer sufficient to pay for one death in each class, and the benefit must be paid to the party entitled thereto within sixty days after the death of the member. The amount raised by assessment would, of course, exceed the amount required to meet one loss; consequently there can be no further assessment until the endowment fund is exhausted, with the exception, as has been stated, of enough to meet a death in each class. To make the matter more clear, we will say, for instance, that there are 20,000 members of the second class, and a death occurs. An assessment is levied and $20,000 is raised for the endowment fund. The $2,000 due the legatee of the deceased brother is paid, and $18,000 remains in the fund-enough to meet nine deaths-so that nine more deaths must occur before there will be another assess- ment. The qualifications for membership are good standing in the Order of Knights of Pythias, and sound bodily health. A strict medical examination is required.
SECTION NO. 147.
The manner of designating the various organizations was by sections numbered consecutively as they were formed in California, and the one in San Luis Obispo, being the 147th in the State, took the title of Section No. 147. There were eleven charter members. The follow- ing officers were elected for the first year, and were duly installed by P. C., J. M. Wilcoxon, Instituting Offi- cer: President, G. B. Staniford; Vice-President, B. Sin- sheimer; Chaplain, J. B. Bennett; Secretary and Treas- urer, L. M. Noah; Guide, Jesse Riley; Inner Guard, Chas. Taubert; Sentinel, L. Pigot.
In December, 1878, the following officers were elected for the year: President, G. B. Nichols; Vice-President, R. Lossins; Chaplain, W. H. Masterman; Secretary and Treasurer, J. M. Wilcoxon; Guide, J. B. Bennett; Guard, C. Taubert; Sentinel, L. Pigot.
The following officers were installed in January, 1881: W. H. Masterman, President; A. H. Hecox, Vice-Presi- dent; D. Mallagh, Chaplain; J. B. Bennett, Secretary and Treasurer; R. S. Brown, Guide; B. Sinsheimer, Guard; W. J. Oaks, Sentinel.
PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.
This order is organized in the interest of the tiller of the soil, and is a recent American institution. The sym- bol is P. of H., and the different organizations are styled
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HISTORY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY.
Granges; hence the members are denominated Grangers. Primarily it was nothing more than a secret, co-operative, industrial, and literary association, the benefit of which not only the farmer, but his wife and family, alike enjoyed. By its means they thought to do away with middlemen, or agents, and thus make a reduction of expenses upon every article purchased, whether in the line of luxury or necessity. Early in 1868 the order was formed, and its general plan elaborated by a number of the prominent agriculturists of Minnesota.
THE FIRST GRANGE
Or lodge was organized in Itasca, in that State; the sec- tion was instituted in Iowa, and, a few months later, two or three each in Wisconsin and Illinois. For four years the order made little headway, and, at the close of the year 1871, there was not in the whole West more than 60,000 members. The seed had been carefully sown, however, and by degrees the people began to see the benefits accruing from the system pursued by the Granges, both in a business and social point of view. They saw that the Patron could live at least ten per cent. cheaper than the outsider, while he was enabled to purchase his farming utensils and machinery at a discount of at least twenty per cent. from the prices paid by others. They saw, too, that the organization must sometime become a power in the land, and that it was better to be for it than against, or even indifferent to it. Certain local causes, which are apparent to all who have marked the current of Western events for the last few years, aided in giving a sudden and strong impetus to the movement. To-day the order exists in nineteen different States, and numbers nearly half a million members. There is, of course, a grand head, to which the Granges of all the States are subordinate. It is styled the National Grange, and meets every two years.
STATE GRANGES
Are required to meet every year, and subordinate Granges every month, or oftener if occasion requires. In these last, women as well as men are admitted to all the de- grees, which are four in number, and hold office the same. The fifth degree is peculiar to the State Granges. Those only are eligible who have served as Masters of subordinate bodies. The sixth degree is conferred only on members of the council of the National Granges. This council is composed of Masters and Past Masters of the State Granges. The council meets once in every year. The seventh is the highest degree to which any Patron can attain. It is conferred only on members of the National Senate, which is composed of members of the council who have served one year in that body. The functions of the council and senate are similar to those of the Representatives and Senators in the Legislative bodies. The supreme executive authority in the order is lodged in the Master of the National Grange; but each subordinate Grange has its own Master, Overseer, Lect- urer, and other officers. The halls or rooms used for meetings are elegantly fitted up and furnished with every attraction and incentive to attendance. Libraries-
some of them numbering thousands of volumes-pianos, pictures, chess-tables, and in fact everything that may serve to amuse and instruct are the almost invariable concomitants of these places. Private concerts, social parties are of frequent occurrence, the very intimacy thus engendered rendering the bond more firm and the action of the organization more combined and powerful. It will be seen from this that the order is compactly and thoroughly organized, and in a manner that would make all opposition to it, on the ground of its principles merely, wholly vain. As instances of what they have accom- plished in a material way, in some of the Western cities they have purchased or leased grain elevators; at other places they have employed forwarding agents of their own order. In Iowa they have already built an agricult- ural implement manufactory of extensive capacity. But what is most significant of this movement is the progress it has made and is making. In Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and, most of all, in Georgia, the people are organizing Granges with the same avidity as has charac- terized the people of che Northwest, and the idea will probably erelong find development in the New England and Middle States.
THE ORDER OF P. OF H. IN SAN LUIS OBISPO.
The agriculturists of San Luis Obispo County soon perceived the advantages of co-operation under the sys- tem taught by the Patrons of Husbandry, and in June, 1873, the farmers of Cambria took steps to form a lodge in their town. The result was the organization of Cam- bria Grange, No. 25, of California, there being then over five thousand Granges in the United States.
On September 20, 1873, a Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry was instituted at the Arroyo Grande by Special Deputy A. J. Mothersead, of the Morro, with twenty-three charter members. After receiving proper instructions, the following officers were elected for the term :---
D. F. Newsom, W. M .; W. H. Nelson, Overseer; James Morse, Jr., Lecturer; A. Fowler, Steward; F. Branch, Assistant Steward; R. J. Branch, Chaplain; J. F. Branch, Treasurer; D. F. Wittenburg, Secretary; Eli Edmunds, Gate Keeper; Miss Lizzie Nelson, Ceres; Mrs. Sarah Fowler, Pomona; Mrs. Susan Henry, Flora; Miss Angie Moore, Stewardess.
Several other Granges were formed in the county, and in 1874 five reported to the State Grange. The Granges are well maintained and much interest is taken in their meetings.
GRANGERS' RESOLUTION.
The scope of action and design of the order are shown in the following resolutions adopted March 10, 1874, by the San Luis Obispo Grange, No. 28 :---
WHEREAS, We are informed that a bill is now pending before the Legislature of this State for the purpose of incorporating a company to build and equip a railroad from the bay of San Luis Obispo to the Santa Maria Valley, in Santa Barbara County, and, from such informa- tion as we are possessed of in regard to said bill, we be- lieve that it unjustly discriminates in favor of said com-
.
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FRATERNAL ORDERS CONTINUED.
pany and against the interests of this and the adjoining county of Santa Barbara; and
WHEREAS, We believe that, should the bill become a law, it would create an oppressive monopoly; therefore, be it
Resolved, That our Representatives in the Legislature be, and they are hereby, requested to so amend the said bill as to fix similar rates of charges for moving freight and passengers, as all railroads now being built, or here- after to be built, in this county, under the General Incor- poration Act, are authorized to assess.
WM. JACKSON, Master.
E. L. REED, Secretary.
GRANGE COUNTY COUNCIL.
In response to a call made on February 21, 1874, by Cambria Grange, No. 25, P. of H., for a County Council, delegates from the following-named Granges assembled in Little's Hall, San Luis Obispo, on Tuesday, March 17, 1874, at 2 o'clock P. M., viz .: Cambria, Confidence, Morro, Old Creek, and San Luis Obispo.
The council met at the time appointed and continued in session several days. Geo. Steele, of San Luis Obispo Grange, was elected Chairman; J. M. Mannon, of Cam- bria Grange, Secretary. A constitution of the San Luis Obispo County Council was adopted, similar to the constitution of the National Grange, with the same offi- cers and titles.
The following officers were elected provided in the constitution: M., A. J. Mothersead; O., Wm. Jackson; L., C. S. Clark; Ch., Orrin Miller; Sec., J. M. Mannon; Treas., J. C. Baker; S., Thos. Barrett; G. K., Isaac Flood; C., M. E. Ivins; F., Mrs. Wm. Jackson; P., Mrs. C. S. Clark. Board of Trustees, Wm. Leffingwell, Sr., Isaac Flood, H. Y. Stanley, Geo. Steele, and O. Miller.
OFFICERS IN THE ORDER.
The officers of a Grange, either National, State or Subordinate, consist of and rank as follows: Master, Overseer, Lecturer, Steward, Chaplain, Treasurer, Sec- retary, Gate Keeper, Ceres, Pomona, Flora, and Lady Assistant Steward. It is their duty to see the laws of the order carried out.
How Chosen: In the Subordinate Granges they shall be chosen annually; in the State Granges, once in two years, and in the National Grange, once in three years. All elections to be by ballot. Vacancies by death or resignation to be filled at a special election at the next regular meeting thereof-officers so chosen to serve until the annual meeting.
The Master of the National Grange may appoint members of the order as deputies to organize granges where no State Grange exists.
The minimum fee for membership in a Subordinate shall be, for men, five dollars; for women, two dollars, for the four degrees, except charter members, who shall pay-men, three dollars, and women fifty cents. The minimum of regular monthly dnes shall be ten cents for each member.
On the 7th of April, 1874, a large, enthusiastic meet- ing was held by the Grange in San Luis Obispo, attended by citizens and members from all parts of the county.
On this occasion, Mr. C. H. Johnson, Lecturer of San Luis Obispo Grange, delivered an eloquent, instructive, and able address on agriculture, and the history and ob- jects of the order.
On the 20th of October, 1877, the Grangers held a meeting at San Luis Obispo. The Worthy Master, Hon. George Steele, made an extended report on the doings of the State Grange, which was listened to with deep interest.
On the 8th of December, 1877, the election of officers for the ensuing year of San Luis Grange took place. The following officers were elected: Hon. George Steele was re-elected Master of the Grange, and Mr. W. P. Burnett, Overseer; J. A. Patchett, Sec .; Samuel Cook, Treas- urer; J. F. Beckett, Lecturer; Mrs. George Steele, Chap- lain; 1). Mitchell, Steward; A. T. Mason, Gate Keeper; Mrs. D. Edwards, Ceres; Mrs. W. C. Moore, Pomona, and Miss E. M. Day, Flora.
The following officers were elected on January 10, 1880, of San Luis Obispo Grange, P. of H .: Geo. Steele, W. M .; W. P. Barnett, O .; J. F. Beckett, L .; A. T. Mason, Sec .; Levi Smith, 'Chap .; L. M. Warden, Treas .; D. Mitchell, S .; L. Fersler, A. S .; Mrs. D. Steele, C .; Mrs. H. M. Warden, P .; Mrs. B. F. Pettit, F .; Mrs. S. M. Johnson, L. A. S .; B. B. Pierce, G. K.
On the 11th of December, 1880, the following officers were elected in San Luis Obispo Grange, P. of H., No. 28: George Steele, W. M .; W. P. Barnett, O .; Mrs. E. WV. Steele, L .; L. Fersler, S .; Jessie Lewis, A. S .; Mrs. Geo. Steele, C .; L. M. Warden, Treas .; R. E. Jack, Sec .; F. F. White, G. K .; Mrs. Vincent, Ceres; Mrs. S. M. Warden, Pomona; Mrs. B. F. Pettit, Flora.
ORDER OF GOOD SAMARITANS.
The Independent Order of Good Samaritans is one of the recent associations for the purposes of benevolence and social intercourse among its members.
On the 21st of November, 1878, a lodge of this order was organized at Morro. Rev. S. P. Sitton, G. W. C. S, instituted the lodge. The following were installed as officers for the year: W. C. S., J. L. Rains; W. V. S., Sister F. Isom; Sec., J. V. Holcourt; W. G., Wm. Isom ; WV. I. K., Sister Flora Stocking; W. G. K., H. Mclellan. A number of San Luis Samaritans were present and as- sisted. The lodge started with a membership of 21.
In May, 1879, a lodge of Good Samaritans was insti- tuted in the Los Osos District with the following officers: Mr. J. D. Fowler, W. C. S .; Mrs. M. Williams, W. V .; Mr. J. M. Pierce, W. C .; Miss Julia Bagley, W. S .; Mr. S. Bagley, W. F. S .; Mrs. M. J. Bagley, W. T .; Miss M. A. Bagley, W. G .; Mr. José Gaxiola, W. A. G .; Mr. J. Brainard, W. I. K .; Mr. R. Nelson, W. G. M.
Garden Street Lodge, No. 6, I. O. G. S., elected the following officers who were installed May 3, 1879, by B. F. Bidamon, L. D .; B. B. Pierce, W. C. S .; Estella Howell, W. V .; E. Martin, W. S .; J. Nary, W. F. S .; A. Smith, W. T .; P. Emerson, W. G .; Julia Smith, W. A. G .; Amelia Fisher, W. I. K .; J. Fisher, W. G. K .; A. Lake, W. C .; Kena Howell, W. R. H. S .; Lizzie Smith, W. L. H. S.
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HISTORY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY.
SONS OF TEMPERANCE.
From the earliest occupation of California by Ameri- cans, efforts have been put forth by public spirited and reformatory individuals to stay the progress of intemper- ance or exterminate the evil. Temperance societies were formed under various styles of organizations. Prominent of these in California, in the first decade fol- lowing the discovery of gold, was the order of Sons of Temperance. Lodges, or divisions, of this order existed in every county of the State, and of course several were formed in San Luis Obispo County. Their organization was copied, as far as necessary, after the oldest secret or- ders, with officers of many departments, with symbolic letters attached to their names signifying their positions in the order.
THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS,
As a temperance organization, soon absorbed the Sons of Temperance, appearing in California in 1860. The symbol by which the order is usually designated are the letters I. O. G. T. The officers are Past Worthy Chief Templar, Worthy Chief Templar, Worthy Vice-Templar, Worthy Recording Secretary, Worthy Treasurer, Worthy Inside Guard, Worthy Outside Guard, etc.
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