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Given under our Hands and Seals at Boston, This Fourth Day of February, Anno Domini One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty-four and of Masonry Five Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty-four.
By the Grand Master Command.
BENJAMIN HALLOWELL, D. G. M. CHARLES BROCKWELL, S. G. W. JAMES FORBES, J G. W.
JOHN LEVERETT, G. S.
The first regular communication of St. John's Lodge of Middletown, Conn., was held at the tavern of Captain Michael Burnham, February 26th 1754. This tavern was the house now occupied by Dr. Edgerton on Washington street below Main. It appears by the town records that Captain Michael Burnham came from Hartford and purchased this property in 1750.
The charter members were: Jehosaphat Starr, Thomas Tyler, Richard Alsop, Ichabod Camp, John Easton, Sam- uel Griffin, Samuel Bement, Jedediah Stow, Israel Ab- bott, Phillip Mortimer, George Phillips, Thomas Edwards, George Lawson, William Davis, Elijah Davis, and Com- fort Sage.
" Jehosaphat Starr read his deputation from Thomas Oxnard Esq., appointing him Deputy Grand Master of the lodge and after the usual -ceremonies he nominated aloud Brother Thomas Tyler for his . Senior Warden, Brother Richard Alsop for his Junior Warden, Brother
III
MIDDLETOWN-ST. JOHN'S LODGE.
Ichabod Camp for his Treasurer, and John Easton, his Secretary. A committee on by- laws was appointed and subsequently submitted the following, which were adopted: By Laws for the well Regulating the First Lodge of Frec and Accepted Massons in Middletown, February 26th 5754.
Presented by Bro. Thomas Tyler and unanimously received and eon- sented too By the Right Worshipfull Jehosaphat Star, Deputy Grand Master, the Wardens and members of Said Lodge. .
FOLLOW REASON.
1st. It is ordered that this Lodge meet every Wednesday evening till the members are Good workinen.
2d. The Lodge to be opened at 12 Past 60'elock, from March 10th to 10th September, and at 6 o'clock from 10th Sepr. to 10th March again, to be closed always by nine, or sooner if the master pleases, which, when done, no Brother shall insist upon, or force another to tarry longer.
3d. If any of the brethren should be so imprudent as to sware pro- fanely during Lodge hours he shall pay one shilling Lawfull money to the Treasurer of the Lodge to be Deposited in the fund for the Relief of Poor Brethren.
4th. When a Candidate is proposed for admission the Proposer shall pay to the Treasurer Twenty Shillings L. M. as Earnest for his Initiation in Case he be aeeepted, if he be not Balloted in the money to be return'd.
5th. Every Candidate, at his Admission, shall pay to the Treasurer Twenty Shillings L. M. more for the use of the Lodge, and shall be at the expense of a pair of Gloves to each of the members present at his adınission all other Charges to be born by the Lodge.
6th. Whereas. by the new Regulations of the Grand Lodge in London, Liberty is granted to particular Lodges to Admit a Candidate if they think proper when there are no more than three votes against him. but the better to preserve Harmony this Lodge declines that Priviledge, and no Candidate shall be admitted unless the votes are Unanimous.
Tth. A Candidate shall not be Ballotted for the same night he is Pro- posed, but the next Lodge night after; that his qualifieations may be diseussed, &e., unless the Lodge ean with safety dispenee with this Law by being well acquainted with the Merits of the Candidate, nor shall a Candidate be admitted the same night he is Ballotted in, but the next Lodge Night.
8th. Every member and Visiting Brother shall pay one shilling L. M. each night he is at the Lodge.
9th. When an Oeeasional or special Lodge is call'd for the Admission of a Candidate he shall be at the whole Charge of that night.
10th. Though for Certain reasons it is provided in the Book of Consti- tution that the feasts of Saint John's the Baptist & Evangelist may be omitted, yet as them Reasons no way Affeet this Lodge the said festi- vals shall be observed & kept in due form and aceording to aneient Usages.
11th. The Members of this Lodge shall be very Cautious of their Be- havior both in Lodge and without, that no unjust Reflections inay be thrown on the Royal Art.
12th. The Master shall order this Lodge to meet on the evenings of the first and third Wednesdays of every month.
13th. The Treasurer of the Lodge shall aceompt onee in six months, and the surplusage of all monies in his hands, shall be put into the Chest, in order to Raise a fund for the Relief of poor Brethren.
14th. If any of the Brethren should be so void of shame as to disguise himself in liquor, or shall eome disguis'd to the Lodge, he shall pay a fine of Two shillings L. M., be dismissed for that night, and the Next Lodge night he comes, shall be severely Reprimanded & dealt by ac- eording to the manner of Masons.
15th. Whoever promotes feuds or animosities, or endeavors to dis- turb the Tranquility of the Lodge, shall likewise be dealt by us as seemeth meet unto the master and his men.
16th. As Masonry ought never to be neglected, and as true Cement is necessary for keeping the Lodge in a firm state, so if any member shall be in town and absent himself of a Lodgo Night, he shall be charg'd his Club unless he give a satisfactory reason for his absence.
17th. The foregoing Laws shall not be Abrogated Nor any new ones made unless it bo by a Majority of Votes.
"SUMMONS FOR QUARTERLY MEETING.
" BOSTON, March 12th 1751.
" Right Worshipful Brother
"I have received orders from our Right Worshipful Brother Thomas Oxnard Esq. Provincial Grand Master in North America to summons the Masters and Wardens of all Regular Lodges within his District to attend him at the Royal Exchange Tavern, in King Street, Boston, the second Fridny in April next at 6 o'clock P. M., being Grand Lodge or Quarterly Communication. You are desired to attend with your Wardens and bring what Charity your Lodge shall think proper for the Relief of poor Brethron. You are desired to send a List of your Mem- bers and the time and place of your meetings. The Grand Lodge lu
January last Pass'd the following Vote to which you are to Conform viz. Voted that no Brother within our District shall be master of any Regular Lodge under Thirty years of age
"Tam Right Worshipfull "Your Humbl' Se'v't & Bro'r " JOHN LEVERETT G. S. " To " MR. JEHOS STARR Master of the ) Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons In Middletown, Connecticut."
The lodge continued to work under the original char- ter until May 20th 1795, when a new charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, signed by William Judd, G. M .; and John Mix, G. S., and the old one sur- rendered.
The stated communications of the lodge were held subsequently at the house of Mrs. Ashabel Shaler, mother of Nathaniel . Shaler, in the old frame building (still standing) just below the Episcopal church, on Main street. Early in the present century it met at the Washington Hotel, corner of Main and Washington streets, which is now owned and occupied by the Divin - ity School. Afterward, a piece of property on High street was purchased by the lodge, with a view of erect- ing a building. Nothing was done, however, and the property was subsequently sold.
Some of the most distinguished men in the country. have been, at different periods, connected with this lodge, among whom were General Comfort Sage, General Samuel Holden Parsons, Commodore McDonough, Chief Justice Stephen T. Hosmer, Rev. Abraham Jarvis, the second Episcopal Bishop of Connecticut, and a long list of prominent citizens of Middletown. The growth of Freemasonry in the United States, as indicated by the membership of St. John's Lodge during the several dec- ades from the time of its organization, has been fluctuat- ing. From 1754 to 1764 there were admitted 116; from 1764 to 1774, 29; from 1774 to 1784, 37; from 1784 to 1794, 28; from 1794 to 1804, 132; from 1804 to 1814, 59; from 1814 to 1824, 78; from 1824 to 1834, 64; from 1834 to 1844, 12; from 1844 to 1854, 55; from 1854 to 1864, 106; from 1864 to 1874, 121; from 1874 to 1884, 78; making the total membership from 1754 to 1884, a period of 130 years, 895, being an average of about 7 members a year or 70 for each decade. The largest num- ber was from 1794 to 1804 being 132; the smallest, from 1834 to 1844, was only 12. There have been periods of 9 to 12 years when none were admitted. From 1836 to 1848 a period of 12 years, none were admitted. This covered a period when the Morgan sensation entered largely into politics. The oldest living member of St. John's Lodge is William P. Spencer, of Higganum, who was admitted in 1824. The oldest living past master is Jonathan Kil- bourn, who united with the lodge in 1828 and served as master.
It is a fact worthy of notice, that all the buildings used by the lodge for their meetings during the 130 years are still standing and in good condition.
The following named persons have served as W. M .: Jehosaphat Starr, February 4th 1754; Richard Alsop, June 4th 1755; Phillip Mortimer, December 27th 1756; George Phillips, December 27th 1757; Ichabod Camp, December 27th 1758; Phillip Mortimer, June 24th 1760;
I12
HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.
George Phillips, December 27th 1764; Richard Alsop, December 27th 1765; Comfort Sage, December 30th 1767; John Cotton, December 27th 1781; Samuel H. Parsons, June 26th 1782; Comfort Sage, December 27th 1783; Robert Warner, December 27th 1784; Asher Miller, December 25th 1786; Lamberton Cooper, Decem- ber 27th 1788; Ebenezer Sage, December 15th 1790; Stephen T. Hosmer, December 23d 1794; Samuel Can- field, June 21st 1798; William B. Hall, December 17th 1800; Alexander Collins, June 25th 1804; Stephen T. Hosmer, December 28th 1809; Samuel Ells, December 26th 1810; Levi H. Clark, December 30th 1812; William C. Hall, December 29th 1813; Stephen T. Hosmer, January 4th 1814; Samuel Cooper, May 14th 1816; Lysander Wells, December 26th 1821; Samuel Cooper, December 26th 1823; Horace Clark, December 15th 1824; Samuel Babcock, December 20th 1826; George W. Bull, December 17th 1828; Edward S. Cone, Decem- ber 8th 1830; Merrils Ward, February 2d 1831; Alanson Work, February 6th 1833; Lot D. Vansands, February 24th 1834; Joseph C. Burke, December 17th 1834; Jonathan Kilbourn jr., December 25th 1835; Caleb Mil- ler, January 18th 1836; Samuel Babcock, December 2d 1846; Townsend P. Abel, December 15th 1848; Elliott Bradley, December 20th 1850; William B. Casey, Decem- ber 19th 1856; James E. Bidwell, January 11th 1860; George H. Bishop, December 28th 1860; Henry Wood- ward, October 2d 1863; George H. Bishop, December 18th 1863; Alfred O. Smith, December 16th 1864; Wil- liam Shay, December 21st 1866; Charles W. Stearns, December 13th 1867; William H. Burrows, December 11th 1868; J. B. Kilbourn, December 9th 1870; J. L. S. Roberts, January 3d 1873; William H. Fagan, December 11th 1874; L. C. Vinal, December 10th 1875; Arthur W. Bacon, December 8th 1876; John V. Adams, Decem- ber 14th 1877; W. K. Bacon, December 13th 1878; Charles R. Fagan, December 12th 1879; Franklin H. Taylor, December 3d 1880; L. O. Davis, December 2d 1881; Russell H. Whittaker, December Ist 1882; Wesley U. Pearne, December 7th 1883.
Present officers: Wesley U. Pearne, W. M .; Henry Bernard, S. W .; R. W. Burke, J. W .; L. O. Davis, treasurer; E. S. Davis, secretary; J. E. Bidwell, W. K. Bacon, L. O. Davis, trustees.
MARK MASTERS DEGREE .- The records do not show the exact date of this organization, but it was the out- growth or continuation of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M., and the first meeting was held about 1781. The first record in the minute book contains the by laws, which are similar to those of the Blue lodge. The following are the names of the first signers of the by laws, with the distinguishing " mark " of each:
Samuel H. Parsons, turn stars; John Lewis de Koven, hope and anchor; John Cotton, ink and pen; John Heart, ark; Stephen Ranney, rose; Joseph Webb, time; Eli Foot, justice; Ralph Pomeroy, the sun; Matthew Reed, two pillars; Wm. Redfield, the square; Wm. Wor- thington, hand in hand; David Starr, key; Step. Lay, olive leaf; Wm. Joyce, the compass; Elijah Bingham,
seven candlesticks; Comfort Sage, Bible; Robert Warner, rays of light; Jehosaphat Starr, moon; John Heart, heart; Allyn Pryor, stone; Daniel Cotton, beaver; Edward Mil- ler, five points; Samuel Burr, bee hive; Noadiah Bissell, the artch; Sam'l Stillman, quadrant, and taken by Samuel Stocking; Jared Brown, wheat leaf; Ebenezer Griffin, sword; Nathan Sage, ship; Sam'l Willis, lamb; John Webb, lion; Noah Coleman, lancet; Eben Gray, bald eagle; W. C. Moore, ship compass; Wm. Douglas, head and marrow bones; Bishop Abraham Jarvis, pulpit; John Brown, Somerset, Massachuseth State, pine tree; S. Titus Hosmer, trine, motto of Middletown: Per as pera ad astra; Samuel Clark, north pole, motto, Commerce; Rev. Ashabel Baldwin, Stratford, an organ, motto: May it always sound forth the praises of friendship and love; Bezaleel Latimer, liberty: a woman in a flowing robe with a branch of olive in her hand and a cap above; Noadiah Hubbard jun'r, plough, motto: Husbandry; Joshua Stow, the eye, motto: Vigilance.
WASHINGTON CHAPTER. No. 6, R. A. M .- A royal arch chapter was formed, in 1783, which subsequently became Washington Chapter, No. 6. By the following record it appears that certain royal arch masons formed themselves into a chapter " for the purpose of promoting the royal craft."
"We the subscribers of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, in Middletown, State of Connecticut, having been duly initiated into that most sublime de- gree of an excellent super excellent Royal Arch Mason, in regular con- stituted Royal Arch Chapters. For the purpose of promoting the Royal Craft, assembled ourselves at the Lodge Room in said Middletown at Mrs. Abigal Schaler's after properly examining each other, and find- ing each and every one of us to have been regularly made agreed to form ourselves into a Royal Arch Chapter under sanction of St. John's Lodge.
" Witness our hands this 5th day of Sept. A. D. 1783 and of Royal Arch Masonry 5783.
"WILLIAM JOYCE " WILLIAM REDFIELD "JOHN LEWIS DEKOVEN " EDWARD MILLER " DAVID STARR "OLIVER LEWIS."
The following officers were then duly elected to serve for three months: John Lewis De Koven, captain general or royal arch captain; William Joyce, senior grand mas- ter; William Redfield, second grand master; David Starr, third grand master; and Edward Miller, scribe. Broth- ers Lewis and De Koven were appointed a committee to form a code of by-laws. Brothers DeKoven and Joyce were appointed a committee to procure seven aprons and seven sashes to be worn by the officers.
The second convocation of this chapter was held at the same place, September 12th 1783, when the following names were balloted for and passed: Brother Jonathan Heart, Samuel Holden Parsons (who was then master of St. John's Lodge). Ralph Pomeroy, of Hartford, pro- posed himself by letter. William Redfield was elected treasurer at this meeting. At a subsequent convocation, held September 19th 1783, Samuel Holden Parsons, Ralph Pomeroy, and Joseph Webb received the noble degree of Royal Arch Mason.
On December 26th 1783, a regular convocation was held at the lodge room of Mrs. Abigal Shaler, when the following officers were elected to serve for one year:
II3
MIDDLETOWN-SOCIETIES.
Captain general, or royal arch captain, Comfort Sage; senior grand master, Lewis De Koven; second grand master, Ralph Pomeroy; third grand master, William Redfield.
Regular convocations were held, from year to year, with no other than this self-constituted authority, until 1796, when the chapter received a charter from Wash- ington Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, New York city, from which it derived its present name. The following is a copy of the charter:
" At a Washington Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, held in the City of New York North America on Tuesday the fifteenth day of March |ham L. Clarke.
A. L. 5796 (1796).
" Whereas Brothers William Redfield in behalf of himself and sun- dry other Brethren residing at Middletown in the State of Connecti- cut did on this day present a Memorial to this Chapter, praying that they might be invested with sufficient power to form and hold a regular Chapter in Middletown aforesaid."
" Now be it Known that by virtue of the power to us regularly com- mitted we have in ample form constituted those of our beloved brethren into a regular Chapter by the name and stile of Washington Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, No. 3, held in the City of Middletown, Connecticut, and installed the several officers into their respective stations in man- ner we have received it to wit
" THE Most Worshipful Brother William Redfield H. P .; The Right Worshipful Brother Stephen T. Hosmer K . . g; and the Right Wor- shipful The Rev'd Abraham Jarvis S . . . . e; The Worshipful Brother Robert Warner R. A. C .: and the Worshipful Brother Thomas Leveritt z . . . . 1; the last four severally by Proxy.
" And our said beloved Brethren and their successors in office are hereby authorized and directed, by and with the assistance and concur- rence of a majority of the members of the said Washington Chapter to be summoned and present upon such occasions to elect and install the Officers of said Chapter as often as vacancies happen in manner and form as may be prescribed and directed by the Constitution and Gen- eral Laws of the Mother Chapter, but in no wise to have power to grant any dispensation to hold any Chapter under them or to install any other than the officers of the said Washington Chapter to be elected in man- ner and form aforesaid.
" And further, we do hereby enjoin upon the said Washington Chap- ter at least once in every year immediately or as soon after the election and installment of the several new Officers to communicate to us the state and condition of the said Chapter, that we may know what Breth- ren have attained to this exalted degree, and who by their virtue and zeal for the prosperity and welfare of the Order have been promoted to office.
" IN WITNESS whereof we the presiding Officers of Washington Chapter hereunto set our hand and caused the Seal of our Said Chapter to be affixed.
" JOHN ABRAMS H. P. W. C. R. A. M. '
" JOHN C. LUDLOW K. W. C. R. A. M.
" WM. RICHARDSON, S. W. C. R. A. M.
" Attest:
" EZ'L HICKS, Secretary."
Nothing is known at the present time of the Washing- ton Chapter, R. A. M., New York city, that granted this charter, nor of the " Mother Chapter " referred to in the charter. The chapter continued to work under the charter until a new charter was granted.
The old charter was not recognized and was never sur- rendered. It is carefully preserved among the archives of the chapter, and is an interesting masonic relic.
The present officers of the chapter are: Walace K. Bacon, K .; H. C. Harris, S .; C. W. Harris, treasurer; E. S. Davis, secretary; E. S. Miller, C. of H .; L. O. Davis, P. S .; William Walker, R. A. C .; J. S. Bailey, 3d V .; C. H. Edwards, Ist V .; Henry Woodward, 2d V.
The first meeting of the Grand Chapter of the North- ern States of America, after its organization, was held, agreeably to the Constitution, in the city of Middletown, Connecticut, on the third Wednesday of September 5798.
Present: Companions William Woart, general grand sec- retary; Rev. Abraham L. Clark, general grand chaplain; Excellent Benjamin Hurd jr., general grand king, was rep- resented by Companion Henry Fowle, of St. Andrew's Chapter, Massachusetts, his proxy; Excellent James Harrison, deputy grand scribe, Massachusetts, repre- sented by companion Samuel Billings, his proxy; Excel- lent Seth Wheaton, deputy grand high priest; Excellent Gershom Jones, deputy grand king; and Samuel Eddy, deputy grand scribe, Deputy Grand Chapter Rhode Is- land, were represented by excellent companion Rev. Abra-
The septennial meeting of the General Grand Chapter was held at Middletown, January 9th 5806.
CYRENE COMMANDERY, No. 8, K. T .- The following report of this commandery is taken from the able and interesting address delivered in 1878 by R. E. Sir Henry Woodward, Past Right Eminent Grand Commander of Connecticut :
" In the year 1867 there were living in the towns of Middletown and Portland, fourteen Knights 'Templar, and hailing from four different commanderies, ten from Washington No. I, Hartford, two from New Haven, one from Palestine No. 6, and one from Malta Commandery of Binghampton, New York." The first meeting was held November 4th 1867, and the following Sir Knights were nominated for the first three officers, viz .: Sir Alfred O. Smith, E. C .; Sir Henry Woodward, Gen .; Sir C. W, Stearns, C. G. Instead of petitioning for a dispensation, these Sir Knights, acting on the advice of R. E. Sir Stiles G. Sperry, then Grand Commander of the State, applied to the Grand Commandery, which was about holding its semi-annual conclave at New London, and within three days after the first steps were taken, a char- ter was granted. The charter members were: Sir Knights Horace Clark, T. B. Abel, Jonathan Kilbourn, Henry Woodward, A. O. Smith, James E. Bidwell, C. W. Stearns, Samuel Stearns jr., E. G. Parkhurst, S. Nelson Hall, Alfred Hall, George Stancliff, W. H. Budd, and J. C. Van Benschoten. The commandery was instituted De- cember 19th 1867, by R. E. Sir S. G. Sperry, R. E. G. C., at the McDonough House. The following officers were duly installed: E. Sir A. O. Smith, E. C .; Henry Wood- ward, Gen .; C. W. Stearns, C. G .; T. P. Abel, Prel .; Samuel Stearns jr., S. W .; E. G. Parkhurst, J. W .; John Kilbourn, Treasurer; J. E. Bidwell, Rec .; S. N. Hall, St'd B .; W. H. Budde, Sw'd B .; J. E. Bidwell, Wdr. E. Sir Elijah Ackley was the first person who received the orders of knighthood in the commandery. In 1883. while apparently in excellent health, he dropped dead of apoplexy at his home.
The total number of Sir Knights at present is 78. The following named persons have since served as E. C., viz .: Henry Woodward, December 6th 1869, and December 5th 1870; E. Ackley, December 20 1872; J. S. Bailey, December 15th 1873; J. S. Smith, December 20th 1875; J. B. Kilbourn, December 4th 1876; C. R. Fagan, De- cember ioth 1877; W. K. Bacon, December ist 1879; Tra I. Gardiner, December 6th 1880; G. R. Burdick,
16
II4
HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.
December 5th 1881; Henry Woodward, December 4th 1882, and December 3d 1883.
The present officers are: Henry Woodward. E. C .; W. K. Bacon, G .; Ira L. Gardiner, C. G .; J. W. Hub- bard, P .; R. H. Whitaker, S. W .; J. S. Bailey, J. W .; C. W. Harris, treasurer; E. S. Davis, secretary; F. W. Flagg, St. Br .; J. R. Pitt, Sw1. Br .; Willis Cheeney, warder; C. B. Bidwell, Ist. G .; H. H. Abbe, 2d G .; G. R. Burdick, 3d G .; Wallace Pease, sentinel. ,
CENTRAL LODGE, NO. 12, I. O. O. F., was instituted June 12th 1843, by Charles William Bradley, grand master of Connecticut. The charter members were. Stephen M. Shaddick, Erastus H. Booth, Origen Utley, Charles H. Mather, and Timothy Sage. The first officers were: Stephen M.Shaddick, N.G .; Erastus H.Booth, V.G .; Origen Utley, secretary; J. E. Bidwell was initiated July 13th 1843 and was elected treasurer. He is at present permanent secretary, which position he has held for 30 years. The present officers are: Benjamin F. Robinson, N. G .; H. W. Ward, V. G .; John B. Kirby, recording secretary; David Dickinson, treasurer. The present membership is 224.
SCHILLER LODGE, No. 92, I. O. O. F., was organized February 11th 1874. The charter members were Louis Wolf, Leopold Strauss, Christopher Snyder, Jacob Schwiger, Frederick Kennebecker, Henry Bernhard, and Henry Katt. The first officers were Leopold Strauss, N. G .; Jacob Schwiger, V. G .; John C. Fisher, record- ing secretary; Louis Wolf, treasurer; Henry Katt, finan- cial or permanent secretary. The present officers are: Ernest Firl, N. G .; George Kauth, V. G .; Andrew Lohneiss, recording secretary; Frederick Kennebecker, treasurer; Adam Heinrich, financial or permanent sec- retary.
SOWHEAG ENCAMPMENT, No. 6, I. O. O. F., was in- stituted September 27th 1844, by John L. Devotion, grand patriarch, assisted by John C. Palmer, of Oriental Encampment, East Haddam, and C. A. Converse, of Pal- myra Encampment, New London. The charter members were Erastus H. Booth, Origen Utley, Alfred Hall, Thomas C. Simpson, James S. Parmalee, Patrick Fagan, William Chapman. The first officers were: E. H. Booth, C. P .; Origen Utley, H. P .; Alfred Hall, S. W .; T. C. Simpson, scribe; J. S. Parmalee, treasurer; P. Fagan, J. W The present officers are: Henry H. Bullard, C. P .; Henry R. Young, H. P .; William Inglis, S. W .; John C. Fisher, scribe; Henry A. Chamberlain, treasurer; Herbert W. Ward, J. W. Present membership, 75.
ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS, Division No. 1, Middletown, was organized by John F. Nolan, March Ist 1872. At the date of its organization the society consisted of only 12 members. Since that time it has increased to 66 members, and it had, in August 1884, over $3,000 in the treasury. It is a mutual aid and burial association. The first board of officers, elected at the time of its organization, consisted of John F. No- lan, president; W. J. Tynan, vice-president; Owen Joyce, recording secretary; Daniel E. Green, financial secretary; W. J. Coughlan, treasurer. The following persons have
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