USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people, Volume I > Part 52
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The chapter has now forty active members.
PENELOPE VAN PRINCES CHAPTER, D. A. R.
Pursuant to a call issued by Miss Harriet Lake, regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, appointed by the national society, the following named members of the national society met at her home on Wednesday afternoon, June 3. 1903. for the purpose of organizing a local chapter : Mesdames Thomas Blamer. H. C. Chappell, D. S. Jones, N. M. Evers, G. T. Blamer, R. E. Leach, W. C. Littlejohn. A. J. Klocker, Misses Kathryn Clarke, Harriet Lake, Ada Stout. Twelve members are required to form a chapter. and these above named mem- bers had satisfactorily proved their elegibility to the national society; the re- quirements are that a member shall be a lineal descendant of a Revolutionary soldier. At this meeting the following named officers were elected : Miss Lake, regent : Miss Ada Stout, vice regent ; Mrs. Kate Leach, secretary; Mrs. Am Littlejolin, registrar; and Miss Kathryn Clarke, treasurer.
At the next meeting, on July 16, 1903, by-laws were presented and adopted, by which the offices of corresponding secretary, historian, and two directors were created. To these offices the following named women were cleeted: Mrs. Edna Blamer. corresponding secretary ; Mrs. Kathryn Chappell, historian ; Mrs. Delphia Ransier and Miss Lillian Barber, as directors. Seven more women having proved their eligibility, were promptly admitted to membership at this meeting. It was voted that the chapter be named the "Independence Chapter." but this name. not proving acceptable to the national society (there being another chapter of that name), several names were selected, with "Penelope Van Princes" as first choice. With this name the chapter was christened.
Penelope Van Princes was the maternal ancestor of two of the charter mem- bers. Mrs. Ella Stout Campbell and Mrs. Ada Stout Backus; she was a woman of wonderful heroism and resourcefulness, with a history full of exciting and remarkable experiences.
The regular meetings of the chapter are held the second Tuesday of the months from October to June, inclusive. Officers are elected for a term of two years. The resident membership of the chapter is limited to twenty-four active members (any number of non-resident members is permissible).
The work of the chapter is along patriotic lines, following an outlined course of study and participating in the local, state and national patriotic and historical
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work. The mission of the local chapter, like that of the national society, is to foster and perpetuate patriotism; to instill the honor and respect due the founders of our country, and their glorious achievements; and to manifest a vital interest in the future citizenship of our country, for which latter purpose, particularly, the "Children of the Republic" and "Children of the American Revolution" were created. The first-named society is for all children, partieu- larly of foreign-born parents, and the latter for the children of Daughters of the American Revolution.
As to the specific work of Penelope Van Princes Chapter, it has donated lib- erally to Continental Memorial Hall, the magnificent building at Washington, D. C., erected by the Daughters to honor their Revolutionary ancestors and the founders of our nation, aside from its presenting a fine mahogany desk to the lowa room. It has also lent its aid and support to the schools maintained by the society for the indigent white children of the South, to restore and preserve historical homes and places, ereet monuments and mark the early trails, some legislative work, and has assisted in local patriotie work in connection with the G. A. R. and W. R. C. societies in placing flags in all the public and parochial schools of the city and in creating a soldiers' monument fund, assisted in the Munson Federation and the cemetery association work, and individually pre- sented a very elegant picture of Aurora Lighting Up the Dawn, by Guido Re, to the high school, with appropriate exercises of impressive character. The chapter also gives money prizes to the divisions of the seventh and eighth grades of the public schools making the best average in history for the year, the money to be invested by the class in purchasing something for the school equipment. Two years ago the chapter inaugurated the plan of a short course in domestie seience as a means for raising funds for local enterprises, eon- templated by the chapter. Teachers are procured from the state school at Ames, and the course includes not only cooking and serving meals, but home furnish- ing and decorating, and sanitation and care of the sick. The first term of the course was held in the high school domestic science room in 1913, at Munson Ilall, and 1914 in the science room, in November. This has proved a very beneficial and profitable enterprise. The chapter also presented the publie library with a flag and for many years has contributed the American Monthly Maga- zine (the national society's organ) to the reading room. The red letter days observed by the chapter are Washington's wedding anniversary on January 16th and his birthday on the 22d is celebrated as annual guest night with banquets and programs, and the 22d is also honored with a patriotic service at one of the churches of the city, and on flag day, June 14th, occurs the annual chapter pienie. A treasure, both of sentimental and historical value, in possession of Penelope Van Princes Chapter, is a gavel made out of the wood of the Frigate August, which was sunk over one hundred years, and then raised. The gavel is a gift of Miss Lake, the first regent.
Another treasure of historical value in possession of Penelope Van Princes is a silk flag made by Rachael Albright, granddaughter of Betsy Ross, the original designer and maker of our national flag. Rachael learned this art at her grandmother's knee.
Penelope Van Princes Chapter has achieved more than ordinary distinction, having received both state and national honors. For three consecutive terms,
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Miss Harriet Lake was elected to the state body, first in April, 1908; reelected in 1909, and again in 1910. In the spring of 1911 she was elected as vice president general at the national conference at Washington, D. C. In 1913 the conference reelected her to the office.
Another honor not sought but gracefully accepted was the election, in Oc- tober, 1911, at the state conference, of Mrs. George Spangler as state historian, to which office she was reelected in 1912.
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
Declaration Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, was instituted on the evening of March 13, 1900, by Mrs. Mary Rathbun, deputy grand matron, of Clinton, Iowa. The name Declaration has a special significance, which is worthy of mention. The name was suggested by Mrs. Rathbun as being very appropriate, considering that it was to be organized on the thirteenth of the month, and the thirteenth chapter in the state, in the City of Independence, and that thirteen original states signed the Declaration of Independence, hence, the name suggested itself to Mrs. Rathbun, and the new chapter gladly selected it for a cognomen.
That the organization was of an excellent and substantial character is at- tested from the number and character of its twenty-one chapter members, elected to the following offices: W. M., Mrs. Laura Fiester; W. P., Jacob Steinmetz; A. M., Mrs. Ella Truax ; secretary, C. M. Roberts ; treasurer, Mrs. Myrtle Roberts; cond., Mrs. Mary Wilson; a. cond., Carrie Steinmetz; Adali, Mary Davis; Ruth, Minnie Burlingham ; Esther, Mrs. Emma Ileege; Martha, Mrs. Lulu Tidball; Electa, Mrs. Alice Lyon ; chaplain, Mrs. May Davis : marshal, Mrs. Sarah Burris ; sentinel, Mr. Lou Lyons : warder, Mrs. E. J. Smith ; organist, Iona Truax. The other members were E. J. Smith, Martha Steinmetz, Mrs. Clara MeDonald and Mr. John Truax.
The order has always flourished, at one time having about one hundred and thirty-five members and now have one hundred and twenty-five enrolled.
In 1908 twenty-one of the members, residents of Rowley, withdrew and instituted a chapter of their own. One memorable occasion was in 1903, when the State School of Instruction was held in Independence, with Declaration Chapter as the hostess. Declaration Chapter has also been honored with state offices, having had a member, Mrs. Lulu Tidball, appointed Grand Esther in 1904, and Mrs. Mary Oglesbee as grand deputy in 1907. The anniversary of the chapter is always duly observed with guests, and a banquet followed by some high-class program.
The Eastern Star has been identified with all the public philanthropies and enterprises, and been a most able auxiliary to the Masons' lodge and lent most substantial aid toward furnishing the kitchen and table necessities. Suppers and banquets have been an important feature of the lodge since its organiza- tion, and that, together with the excellent ritualistic work, has kept up the interest of the order.
One of the possessions of which Declaration Chapter is proud is a beautiful silver loving cup which they were awarded at the Independence flower show of 1903.
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Declaration Chapter has always manifested a keen interest in the state work of the order and contributed liberally to its interests.
REBEKAHS
A Rebekah Lodge was organized in Independence on March 12, 1897, at the Odd Fellows' Hall, with forty-five charter members. A similar organization was in being a great many years previous, but owing to internal troubles the order soon died.
A former law read that none were eligible to attend except wives and daughters of Odd Fellows, but with the opening of doors to all women and men also, the growth of the order began.
The local organization is known as Lillium Lodge No. 25, and was instituted by the Crescent Lodge from Manchester, with visiting brothers and sisters from Earlville and Masonville. The officers were Mrs. J. B. James, Mesdames W. T. Evans, F. S. Doty and J. P. Pease. Abont thirty-five visitors were present.
The conferring of ranks and election of officers occupied the entire evening. After the business meeting a banquet was served. The officers of the lodge were voted for six months, as follows: N. G., James Neath : V. G., Mrs. E. H. Sweet ; secretary, Miss Flora Evers; treasurer, Miss Kate Leytse; R. S., Mrs. G. W. Horner ; L. S., Mrs. Jed Snow ; R. S. V. G., Mrs. J. W. Romig : L. S. V. G., Mrs. C. E. Bissell : warden, Mrs. Bert Allen ; conductor, Miss Mattie Ilageman ; chaplain, Mrs. Nettie Peek ; I. G., Miss Saner, and O. G., E. E. Hageman.
Lillinm Lodge has always been an active, progressive order and prosperous to a marked degree. They have manifested a keen interest in all publie enter- prises, and aside from their being a most helpful auxiliary to the Odd Fellows Lodge, they assisted them to furnish the hall and the kitchen equipment and table furnishings.
The Rebekahs, with the P. E. O.'s and O. E. S., organized the Oak Wood Cemetery Association and did an excellent public service in cleaning and main- taining the grounds.
At present they have ninety-six active members. Meetings are held on the first and third Friday evenings of each month.
PYTHIAN SISTERS
Independence Temple, No. 183, was instituted on May 25, 1904, by Sister Carrie G. Hunter, P. G. C. of Newton, lowa. The charter membership included forty-five sisters and forty-three brothers, mostly of young married people of the town. The temple was instituted as a Rathbone Sisters' organization, for at that time, the Knights of Pythias had not formally acknowledged the relation- ship between their order and the Sisters' organization, and not until November, 1904, was it legally adopted into the Knights of Pythias order.
The first officers elected to the chairs were: Mrs. Emma Gillette, P. C .; Mrs. Flora Backus, M. E. C .; Mrs. Nellie E. Corliss. E. S .; Mrs. Mande Donnan, E. J. ; Miss Caroline Littell, manager ; Miss Minnie Wackerbarth, M. of F .; Miss Lillie Soener. M. of R. & C. ; Miss lona Truax, protector ; and Mrs. Birdie Bemis,
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guard : Mrs. Eva Simmons, Mrs. Emma Sutkamp, and Mrs. Ed Wilson, trustees.
Meetings are held every second and fourth Thursday in the month. This organization has always been an exceedingly active one both socially and philan- thropically. Every variety of entertainment has been indulged in from the drama to thimble bees, and many ereditable performances have been given, and although they have expended mueh on Pythian Sisters' charities and their benevolenees have not been confined to members of the order, but extended to individuals and organized charities both of this city and of the state and they have also generously contributed to many public enterprises. After the organ- ization of the Sister Temple, the Knights refitted and newly and beantifully fur- nished their hall, making it one of the finest in the city, and the Pythian Sisters contributed all the kitchen utensils and table furnishings, silver and dishes complete and bought a new piano. While the hall was in the process of con- struction, meetings were held in the courthouse. The Independence Temple has been signally honored, considering the short time of its existence, by having first a grand protector, Mrs. Emma Gillette serving in that capacity in 1907, a grand M. of R. & C., Mrs. Nellie E. Corliss serving two years, 1909 and 1910, and then being elected as grand chief in 1911; and a district deputy grand chief in the person of Mrs. H. C. Netcott in 1913. This temple has also furnished officers in the chairs at the grand lodge in 1910 and twice at district conventions, and in 1908 entertained the district convention. At present there are 125 active mem- bers, 65 women and 60 men.
In May, 1914, the temple celebrated its tenth anniversary with appropriate ceremonies ; a banquet followed by a literary and musical entertainment, and had as guests some of the grand officers.
ROYAL NEIGHBORS
The woman's organization of the Modern Woodmen of America, known as the Royal Neighbors, was organized as Pinicon Camp No. 1736, in Independence, on April 13, 1902.
Mrs. Margaret Carmody applied to the Supreme Camp offieers to seeure the organization of a camp at Independence and they sent Mrs. Ida Lawrence of Hazleton, who organized the eamp with nineteen charter members.
At present there are 115 members, 97 beneficial and 18 social members. The social members are those, who, on account of physical disability, can not be permitted to hold insurance policies, but are entitled to all other privileges of the order. In 1914 the beneficial members carried $100,000 insurance.
Since organization, the eamp has lost but two members by death, Mrs. Emma Caldwell and Mrs. Jannette Anderson.
At the organization of Pinicon Camp, Miss Lottie Van Vorse was elected oracle and Miss Lettie Troy, recorder. The present officers, Mrs. Margaret Carmody, oracle; and Mrs. Rachel Adams, recorder, have served nine years. Besides the great beneficial privileges of this order the social advantages are many.
LADIES' LITERARY SOCIETY
More than usual interest attaches to this organization because of the fact that to it belongs the distinetion of being the oldest literary society in the state. Vol. 1 -27
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having been organized thirty-seven years ago. The idea originated with Mrs. Ephraim Leach, who invited a number of Independence ladies to meet at the home of Mrs. S. S. Clark, December 13, 1877, to discuss the advisability and desirability of forming an organization which, it was hoped, would prove a mental stimulus and intellectual inspiration to its members. Nearly thirty ladies responded to the invitation and a temporary organization was effected with Mrs. N. O. Lawson in the chair and Miss Irene M. Wells acting as secre- tary. A committee consisting of Mrs. R. E. Leach, Mrs. J. F. Henshaw and Miss S. E. Homans, was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. One week later, December 20th, at the home of Mrs. W. G. Donnan, the organization was perfected and thus was launched upon the unknown sea of club life a modest bark floating from its masthead L. L. C., and manned by such women as Mrs. L. C. Bryant. the first president ; Mrs. S. P. Campbell, vice president : Miss S. E. Homans, secretary and treasurer, and Mrs. H. A. Woodruff, assistant secretary. Four pilots were considered necessary for this first journey : Mrs. N. O. Lawton, chairman of the committee on art and literature: Mrs. M. B. Jackson, chairman of committee on science and education; Virginia Clarke (Boggs), chairman of committee on history : Mrs. J. F. Henshaw, chairman of committee on miscellaneous subjects. The passengers on board were: Mesdames S. S. Clark, W. G. Donan, E. Leach, JJ. W. Myers, D. L. Smith, Warren Barn- hart, HI. W. Hlohman, A. B. Clarke, O. P. Hammond, E. B. Okler, J. F. Coy, Dr. A. Reynolds, F. D. Jackson, S. Newman, P. G. Freeman ; Misses Fannie Clarke, I. M. Wells, E. R. Phillips, Josie Smith (Jones), Addie Bartle ( Harvey), Josie Eusminger (Mowry).
The same bark still sails upon the sea of club life, but now calmly and proudly, with confidence in itself and faith in its destiny.
Many discouragements were met with in the early days. Sometimes the attendance averaged only four or five, and it seemed almost useless to continue the meetings, but Mrs. Leach counseled persistence, and Miss Homans patience, and thus the faith and determination of four or five women made possible such meetings as the members enjoy today.
For a long time after its organization the meetings of the L. L. C. were held in the Masonic Hall, a privilege greatly appreciated by the ladies, although a sentinel was always detailed to guard the sacred trophies of his order.
Many of the features inaugurated in the early days of the society are still preserved, among them the observance of anniversary day, which continues to be the red-letter day in the chib calendar.
In 1896 they joined the state federation and the general federation in 1908.
This elub has always manifested a strong altruistic tendency, and to them belongs the honor of having originated, in 1908, the "Scholarship and Loan Fund" idea, a means whereby young women can borrow money without paying interest and for conveniently long terms, to assist them to acquire an education, which later was approved by the federated clubs of the Third district, who took up the work and proceeded to push the proposition to a most successful footing. Much of the credit of its sneeess being due to the efforts of Miss Harriet Lake of Independence, who has been the chairman of the loan fund committee for this district since this work was inaugurated. (The state federation adopted this idea four years ago as one of its principal, altruistic endeavors.) The
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ORIGINAL WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS
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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY
Ladies' Literary Club has always donated liberally to this fund and having a personal representative in the work have made it their special mission to keep in close touch with this grand work and have always been interested and active in all the local enterprises for publie improvement and philanthropie purposes. The L. L. C., together with the Chautauqua Literary Club, launched the "city beautiful" idea in ereating the "Civie Improvement League," which has proved to be a wonderful incentive to the citizens to beautify and keep clean the yards and streets of our city.
At present there are thirty-six active members and twelve honorary members.
WOMEN'S RELIEF CORPS
E. C. Little Women's Relief Corps was organized in March, 1888, with nineteen members. Mrs. Harriet Holman was elected president and Mrs. Carrie Parker as secretary. From the very first it was an active organization, as at- tested by the faet that they began giving publie entertainments. The second year of their existence they gave a play which netted them $90.
In 1891, they presented the E. C. Little Post, G. A. R., the beautiful flag which they still carry. They have entertained two district conventions, the last one in the fall of 1913, and with their characteristie hospitality they made of it a grand sueeess.
In 1911, they entertained the veteran reunion and that same year they placed flags in each room of both the publie and parochial schools, thereby to awaken a patriotie reverenee for the national emblem in the hearts of the young, and at different times to the churches and last year presented a fine flag to the Boy Scouts.
Besides this, the W. R. C.'s have been a most active factor in the proper observanee of Decoration Day. Through their efforts Hags are displayed in the churches and a special patriotie service is observed at one of the churches every year. They have always kept closely in touch with the state and national work and always been represented at the department conventions.
One of the members, Carrie I. Neteott, has been signally honored by the department, having held several prominent positions. In 1912, she was ap- pointed department patriotic inspector by Lena T. Ring. The year following was elected chairman of the executive board. In 1913, she was appointed department inspeetor by Mattie Witter, department president, and in 1914 was unanimously elected department president at the department convention at Burlington.
Edith S. Sill has held the office of deputy secretary. Among those who were charter members and are still active in the work are Mrs. M. D. Blakeley, Mary F. O'Brien, and Louisa Parker.
Besides their patriotic work, they do much in a philanthropie way among any of their members who are sick and afflicted and contribute to the orphans' homes and to the poor of the city. They actively cooperate with all public enterprises and are acknowledged to be one of the most hospitable and generous organizations in the city, entertaining their friends on numerous occasions. Last winter they entertained the entire publie and parochial school force and school board of the city.
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LADIES' RELIEF SOCIETY
The Ladies' Relief Society was organized in Independence in 1879. Mrs. Narcissa T. Bemis was elected president. The object of the society, as stated in the constitution, was "to extend aid to the suffering, and worthy poor in and around our city," and for thirty-five years it has carried out its mission with both zeal and decision. The society has always worked unostentatiously, succored the afflicted and comforted the sorrowing in our midst, and cooperated with the other local societies in every worthy public enterprise.
It would be utterly impossible to ascertain all the money expended or to definitely recount the many acts of charity of this society, but suffice to say that no one in poverty, or afflicted who calls upon this organization or whose wants are made known, is refused assistance. In 1897 the Relief Society cooperated with the W. C. T. U. in conducting the Munson Industrial School and for the past four years have conducted it alone. Besides the sewing instrnetion and garments contributed by them for the school, they have held regular sewing bees on Monday afternoons, during the lenten season, making garments for the indigent children of the city and children's and infants' complete outfits for the charitable homes in the state. For many years it was their custom to give a charity ball and supper, but for the past several years the supper has been omitted. This function always nets them a goodly sum. A memorable occasion, and one to be recorded, was when C. W. Williams, the horseman, paid $100 for a ticket to the ball. At Thanksgiving and Christmas time, baskets of tempting edibles are sent to poor families.
Mrs. Narcissa T. Bemis continued as president for several years. Following her in that office during the next ten years were Mrs. Margaret Ross, Mrs. Robert Plane, Mrs. R. Campbell, Mrs Lyman Curtis, Mrs. Wm. Toman, Mrs. F. B. Bonniwell, Mrs. Jed Lake and Mrs. Phockler.
In 1889, Mrs. Jed Lake was elected president and continued in that office until 1899, when she declined to serve longer and as no argument was sufficient to change her decision on this point, Mrs. Phil Phockler was elected to the office and has continued up to the present time.
The officers of this society are a president, vice presidents and visiting com- mittees from each ward, and a treasurer and secretary. In 1886 the society was reorganized and called the Ladies' Aid Society.
It seems to be the custom of this society to retain its officers through a long period of years. Mrs. T. J. Ahearn has served the society twenty-three years as treasurer, and several thousands of dollars has passed through her hands and the society have the satisfaction of knowing that the money has been expended judieiously and prudently.
Mrs. L. C. Simmons has ably served as secretary for many years.
The average expenditure of money in conducting the school and for other charitable purposes is $250, the expense of the school alone averaging $100 per year. For the 1914 term, 578 yards of material was purchased besides the necessary finishings.
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