USA > Iowa > Page County > History of Page County, Iowa : also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. I > Part 30
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July 8. 1859, five candidates were elected to membership.
On the evening of September 9, of the same year, the record evidence shows that this lodge held its first banquet, for on that evening S. F. Snider presented a bill of fifty cents for candles and apples. While there is noth- ing in the record up to the evening mentioned, showing that the toast- master of the present was a member of the lodge at that time, vet, strange as it may seem, a motion was made that Snider's bill be referred to the finance committee. On the same evening a bill was presented by Thomas Owen for framing the charter and making a ballot box. At this meeting Charles Pfander was elected to initiation. He was afterward Master of this lodge for five terms.
On the evening of October 7, 1859, a committee, consisting of Jacob H. Powers, John Wilson and Thomas M. Bowen, were appointed to in-
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
quire into the distress of a certain Master Mason's widow and to take stich steps as they deemed best for her relief. This, according to the rec- ords, was the first action taken in the matter of charities. In this particular instance the charity continued for years.
At this meeting an application from a demitted Mason residing at Frankfort, Montgomery county, for membership, was received, showing that the jurisdiction of Clarinda Lodge extended outside of this county.
On the evening of December 7. 1859, one James Rand, of Bedford, appeared in open lodge to exemplify the work in the first three degrees of Masonry, which he proceeded to do. On motion it was declared that he do so to the satisfaction of this lodge, whereupon it was decided that the lodge give Brother Rand and the seven other brothers petitioning therefor, the necessary recommendations for a lodge of A. F. & A. M. at Bedford, Taylor county, Iowa. At this meeting a banquet, somewhat larger than the one last mentioned, was had, for a bill of one dollar for apples was pre- sented and promptly referred to the finance committee.
The first financial report that is entered in the minutes is under date of June 29, 1860, for that year ending.
From initiation and degrees
$172.00
Dues 37.50
Total $209.50
Amount paid to treasurer. $216.00
Balance in treasury
88.13
Unpaid dues. 39.94
For some reason the record shows there had been paid the treasurer seven dollars and a half more than the lodge had received. It doubtless at some future time was corrected.
For many long years in this lodge there has been a matter of dispute, often earnest and in good faith, and then on occasions when contention was had, I greatly fear for the sheer love of contradiction. It was over the question whether the block or plat of ground in the Clarinda cemetery be- longing to the lodge was acquired through purchase or by gift. On that evening, December 9, 1859, the trustees presented a bill for twenty dollars, in payment under purchase of a block in Clarinda cemetery, which the finance committee at once reported should be paid. In the history of Page county and Clarinda, published in 1880, we are unable to find any allusion to the organization or establishment of that cemetery. There is one re- flection which comes to us in spite of time and sorrow and that is this: that the exigencies of death put a fabulous value on real estate as far back as 1859.
At this same meeting a committee of three was appointed to rent a lodge room. On July 27, 1860, it reported that it had rented at five dollars per month a room from Brother John Wilson. This room was in the second story of what was afterwards known as the Cathcart store build- ing, which then substantially covered the ground now occupied by the building used by George O. Rogers, in the Dowdell block.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
On November 23d of the same year, Jacob Butler was elected to initia- tion in this lodge. He afterwards served, at various periods, nine terms as Master of this lodge, giving him the longest service as Master of any member so far in its history. We take this occasion to thank him for his kindness and the information furnished us in relation to uncertainties which arise in preparing a sketch like this.
The first Masonic funeral under the auspices of this lodge occurred on the 18th of January, 1863, when the remains of John M. Kridelbaugh were consigned to the grave. Later in the. same year Dr. Albert Heald was also buried with Masonic ceremonies. Both were members of this lodge and were interred in the Clarinda cemetery.
Some five years after the organization of this lodge, to be exact, on August 28, 1863, the members had become somewhat æsthetic in their tastes and yearned for a greater degree of luxury in the appointments of their hall, for at this meeting they constituted J. H. Powers a committee, "to see what he could get a piece of carpet for and report the price, etc, to the lodge." The subsequent records fail to show whether the laudable purpose was consummated or not. On the 25th of September of that year, the lodge took one step in advance of past conditions and it was moved and carried that the lamps be accepted. The day of candles for the general purpose of illumination had passed.
The question of securing a lodge room by purchase, or building, began to be agitated. On the evening of March 18, 1864, A. H. East, J. H. Powers, Charles Osgood, Jacob Butler and J. H. Conine were appointed a committee to select a site and ascertain the probable cost of building a lodge room. However, we are unable to find any records of any report from that committee. On April 15, 1864. a committee was appointed to confer with Mr. Hawley about renting his hall or room. From subse- quent minutes it is clear that about that date the lodge moved to the sec- ond story of a frame building then standing on the ground now occupied by the south room of Weil's store. About June 17, 1864, was the high tide, up to that time, of the financial condition of the lodge, for on that date there was a balance in the hands of the treasurer in the amount of three hundred and ninety-seven dollars and nine cents.
February 10, 1865. John Morledge and J. H. Powers were appointed a committee on buildings, and on April 9 they reported in favor of an ex- penditure of five hundred and fifty dollars in connection with the Indepen- (lent Order of Good Templars, in the construction of a hall.
On the 5th of May, 1865. Jacob Simonton, who had been continuously Master from September 10, 1858, to that date, was succeeded on election by Jacob Butler. On June 24. 1865, the Worshipful Master directed J. R. Morledge to form the lodge in procession and to proceed to the Baptist church (this church then located on the lot now occupied by the First United Presbyterian church). On arriving at the church, the minutes say, that an eloquent address was delivered by Rev. Cain, after which Brother Simonton installed Jacob Butler, Master elect, and the other officers of the lodge. The record says the lodge was again formed in procession and
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
moved to the schoolhouse (the ground now occupied by the south school building) where, in company of the ladies of the vicinity and such visitors present, we all partook of refreshments. This was the first public instal- lation.
On January 6, 1865. Jacob Butler was authorized to obtain for the lodge a set of jewels worth about fifty-five dollars.
June 22, 1866, a motion was carried that a committee be appointed to negotiate with the Odd Fellows in relation to purchasing an interest in their hall over the Universalist church, and on the 27th of July, the com- mittee reported that the Odd Fellows proposed to sell one-half of their hall for five hundred and fifty dollars, this lodge to be at the additional ex- pense necessary to fitting up its side room for regalia. The committee recom- mended the purchase, which on motion was lost.
At a regular meeting September 21, 1866, the following among other proceedings was had: "Moved by Brother N. C. Ridenour that the lodge hear the proposition of Brothers Butler. Thompson & Company to build a hall."
"Brother Butler proposed to build the first story of a building and put on the roof, and the lodge to build the hall, or he would complete the hall for fifteen hundred dollars." Brother N. B. Moore moved "that the lodge accept the proposition of Butler & Company for fifteen hundred dol- lars, the same to be fifty feet long, twenty-two feet wide and ten feet high, provided the chapter concurs," which was carried. The building was completed in either 1867 or 1868, was afterwards rebuilt and is now oc- cupied by the Graff Mercantile Company. We find that on April' 12, 1867, the secretary, Henry Loranz, was authorized to issue bonds, payable in two years, bearing ten per cent interest, in amounts of five dollars upwards, to pay off the indebtedness on the new hall.
Strange as it may seem we are unable to find by the minutes of the lodge that any of those bonds were ever issued. Henry Loranz has no recollection of ever issuing any and Jacob Butler and T. J. Bracken, both connected with the firm of Butler & Company, have no knowledge of any being issued, and it is something of a query how the payment of the hall was financed, yet there are indications from the minutes that in some in- stances the lodge was indebted to its members and they received credit for the same or were paid by warrants. T. T. Pendergraft's recollection is that in some instances the members paid dues in advance for a term of years for the purpose of raising money.
At a meeting under date of February 7, 1868, the three principal offi- cers were named as a committee to arrange for the dedication of the new hall on February 22d. Jacob Butler was named as marshal, C. P. Osgood as builder for dedication and Henry Holmes, J. M. Higgins and Moses Thompson were appointed a committee to invite the widows and orphans of deceased members. It was also decided that a basket dinner should be had and that each member should be a committee of one in relation to dinner and that the lodges of Sidney, Red Oak, Lewis, Quincy. Bedford and Maryville, Missouri, be invited.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
On February 22d, at nine o'clock A. M., the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Iowa, agreeable to dispensation granted by Most Worshipful Grand Master, Reuben Mickel, met in special communication in a room ad- jacent to the lodge room, for the purpose of dedicating a lodge, with Charles Pfander as W. M. G. M. pro tem, where a public procession was formed by the marshal and the lodge proceeded to the new room, where the same was publicly dedicated in due form. The procession then moved to the Methodist church (said church then occupying the ground immediately west of the Linderman Hotel), where a lecture was given by Colonel J. P. San- ford, afterward returning to the lodge room for the banquet.
This practically concludes the first decade. There are no ten years in our history, considering the difficulties, when the lodge was more pros- perous. Considerably over one hundred members had been added through initiation and affiliation. It should be remembered, from 1857 to 1862 were the most miserable years, in a financial point of view, that lowa had ever known. To the burdens of opening and improving a new country was added the distress of war.
April 3, 1869, Jacob Butler was reelected Master. May 13, 1870, Jacob Simonton succeeded Mr. Butler. April 29, 1871, Jacob Butler was again elected. On the 24th of June, 1871, the interest in Masonry had possibly reached its highest tide. As far back as April of that year a celebration had been under discussion and in preparation.
On the 24th of June, the lodge convened at nine o'clock A. M. with many members and a large number of visitors in attendance. The public pro- cession was formed outside of the hall and according to the records marched to the grove east of town, which was situated on the east side of the Nodaway river, some little distance north of the present bridge, on the main road leading east from Clarinda. On reaching the grove a public in- stallation was had. This was the first occasion of the lodge using a brass band and there was an abundance of music, both vocal and instrumental. Speeches were made by N. B. Moore, Ed. A. Pace, Thomas Wallace and by a gentleman named Bishop and the Rev. McKendrick Cain. The pro- cession returned to the lodge room about three o'clock P. M.
May 17, 1872, Charles Pfander succeeded Mr. Butler as Master.
February 7. 1873, John R. Morledge was instructed to prepare articles of incorporation for the lodge.
January 2, 1874, an abstract and deed was finally secured for the hall.
August 23, 1874, for the first time in its history, a car was chartered to convey its members to a Masonic funeral. On that day Isaac B. West. a member of this lodge, was buried in Villisca.
At the meeting on January 29, 1875, a committee reported as follows : "We cannot recommend this lodge to take any immediate steps for a change in the lodge room."
And now appears a strange record. At the meeting on May 5, 1876, the following is to be found in the minutes: "The lodge declared itself satisfied with the exemplification of the work by the petitioners of Centen- nial Lodge of Hawleyville, Iowa."
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Whether it was intended, or in contemplation, to establish a lodge at Hawleyville may to some extent be questioned. About this time the records show that a number of members residing in that vicinity were demitted but afterwards returned to this lodge.
On September 17, 1880, at a stated meeting, it was moved by C. P. Osgood that the trustees of this lodge be instructed to negotiate for a safe place to hold our meetings, by renting a hall, and also directing the trustees to either rent or dispose of the then present hall, Soon after this war- rants began to be drawn in favor of the Page County Bank in payment of hall rent. The secretary, like all his predecessors in office, utterly failed to make mention in the minutes of the lodge relative to a change in location.
Under date of November 7, 1881, Nodaway Lodge, No. 140, A. F. & A. M., and Clarinda Chapter, No. 29, deeded to Valentine Graff the old hall, in consideration of seven hundred and eighteen dollars, and on the 28th of February, 1882, there was paid to our treasurer the sum of three hundred and fifty-nine dollars, in full of our interest therein.
From the report of the finance committee, made on the 30th of June, 1882, it reported that there were dues uncollected in the amount of over four hundred dollars and we take that time to be the low ebb in the tide of our affairs.
The following-named parties since the organization of the lodge have been Worshipful Masters for the term following each name :
Jacob Simonton (U. D.) 1858-59
.Jacob Simonton 1859-65
Jacob Butler I865-67
Charles Pfander I867-68
Jacob Butler 1868-70
Jacob Simonton 1870-71
Jacob Butler 1871-72
Charles Pfander
1872-77
W. E. Webster 1877-78
D. C. Chamberlain 1878-81
W. E. Webster 1881-82
D. C. Chamberlain 1882-83 Jacob Butler 1883-84
T. J. Bracken 1884-87
Jacob Butler 1887-88
D. C. Chamberlain I888-89
M. R. Ansbach 1 889-
Raymond Loranz
to July, 1890
M. R. Ansbach July, 1890-91
A. T. Clement 1892
W. L. Lundy 1893
H. L. Cokenower 1894
W. E. Stevens 1895
R. H. Chamberlain 1896
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
Frank K. Miller
1897-98
E. R. Bailey 1899
T. E. Powers 1900-04
Perry Byerly
. 1905
E. B. Westcott 1906-
From an examination of the records during the period that might be termed the middle portion of our history, the names of the men now living, most mentioned in the work of the lodge, appear to be Jacob Butler, D. C. Chamberlain, T. T. Pendergraft, Henry Loranz, T. J. Bracken, John Beam, A. T. Clement, W. E. Stevens and M. R. Ansbach.
The Clarinda Chapter, under dispensation, was instituted January 13, 1865, with E. Grubb as high priest; Thomas Wallace, king; and W. K. Harrell, scribe. Today with M. R. Ansbach as high priest, and A. J. Haw- ley as secretary Chapter No. 29 has taken on a new life, is rapidly swelling its membership and bids fair to surpass in its growth any ten years in its past history.
If there is any truth in the proposition that "Hope long deferred maketh the heart sick," it certainly does not apply to Nodaway Lodge. The rude forefathers of this lodge had denied themslves many pleasures and stinted their expenditures with the hope that ultimately the lodge could have a home commensurate with its needs. Their hopes, endeavors and struggles in that direction began to be realized at the regular meeting held October 18, 1907, when the question of building was brought up and a general and heartfelt discussion was had. As a result of some semi-official negotiations during the previous few days, the two buildings owned by Louise Lewis and Lawrence Lewis were offered at thirteen thousand five hundred dollars. On motion of T. E. Powers, a committee of three were appointed to in- vestigate this and any other proposition that might be tendered. The Wor- shipful Master named T. E. Powers, W. E. Stevens and I. W. Shambaugh as that committee.
October 5th at a called meeting for the purpose of considering this sub- ject, the same being largely attended, T. E. Powers, for the committee, reported in writing with reference to the condition and price of the Lewis buildings and also as to the two rooms owned by Mr. Gaines, situ- ated immediately north of the Lewis buildings, and all being located in the same block.
T. J. Bracken moved that the matter be referred to the trustees with power to act, using their judgment as to which of the offers should be accepted, and with power to purchase. This motion on request was put in writing by F. P. Wells, and a discussion was had, remarks being made by Ansbach, Bracken, Scott, Wells and Westcott. The motion carried by a rising vote, forty-three being in favor and none against.
On November 15, 1907. at the stated meeting for that month, the trus- tees, through M. R. Ansbach, presented a written report, showing that they had concluded the purchase of the Lewis property, the deal to be closed on or before December 1, 1907.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
The trustees, on motion, were instructed to take such action. with refer- ence to the loans and securities of the lodge as might be necessary, in order to make the required payment on December Ist.
On the same evening F. P. Wells, W. C. Phillips and T. E. Powers were appointed a committee to arrange the floor plans of the second story, suitable for the use of the lodge. On December 13, 1807, the trustees, M. R. Ansbach, J. H. Abbott and W. E. Stevens, made report as to their purchase, including the disposition of the securities belonging to the lodge, which was referred to the finance committee, consisting of Ed F. Rose, I. W. Shambaugh and W. L. Lundy.
At the regular meeting on January 17, 1908, the report of the trustees was approved. They showed that the purchase price was thirteen thousand five hundred dollars, that cash had been paid to the amount of thirty-five hundred on the purchase, and notes given running ten years, so made that one thousand dollars with accrued interest could be paid annually. The pos- session of the upper floor was soon obtained through amicable arrange- ments with the tenants.
April 10, 1908, the three principal officers of the lodge, namely: E. B. Westcott, W. M., Ed. C. Lane, S. W., and F. P. Wells, J. W., on motion, were directed to proceed to the remodeling and reconstruction of the build- ing, as found by them necessary, and in accordance with the plans arranged by the floor committee and adopted by the lodge, and complete the same as soon as possible. This committee sought the advice and suggestions of others interested and pushed the work as rapidly as possible, consistent with good and efficient service. While the lodge room is not . completely finished as is contemplated, yet the committee has furnished up the Ma- sonic hall and it is being occupied by the various Masonic orders.
We are indebted to Orville C. Greene, the present secretary, for valu- able assistance in reference to the proceedings leading up to and the con- summation of the purchase, and it is a pleasure to say that his records are full and complete and should be satisfactory to the present and all future historians of this lodge.
Since September 10, 1858, and up to December 1. 1908, there have been admitted to Nodaway Lodge, No. 140, A. F. & A. M .. by initiation and affiliation, four hundred and thirty-nine members and today the lodge con- sists of an active membership of one hundred and forty-seven members. Since the institution of this lodge, a half century has left its mark on the dial of time. Nearly all the workers of 1858, save and alone D. C. Ribble, have passed over and are now with the silent majority. The piece of car- pet that Mr. Powers was to inquire about has been purchased. The old cannon stove, that took simply the chill from the open and ill built lodge room, is now in the scrap pile. A source of heat, then unthought of, affords warmth and comfort. The dozen chairs have long since passed to the rubbish heap. The old kerosene lamps have been replaced by an illuminating agent unknown to the founders. The days of the frugal ban- quet, with the apples and their health-giving qualities, are no more, and
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY
in their place we have the digestion-disturbers known as wafers, oyster cocktails and shrimp salad.
The past is with us, through the blessings of memories both kindly and respectful. The present, and in many ways the future of this lodge, is with the craftsmen here assembled.
The present officers of Nodaway lodge are: E. B. Westcott, worshipful master; Edwin C. Lane, senior warden: A. J. Hawley, junior warden ; E. G. Day, treasurer ; Orville C. Greene, secretary ; E. R. Harrison, senior deacon; Earl Peters, junior deacon : George E. Clayton, senior steward ; Tom L. Brown, junior steward; J. W. Osborn, tiler; M. R. Ansbach, J. H. Abbott, W. E. Stevens, trustees.
Clarinda Chapter. No. 29, of Royal Arch Masons, was organized in Clarinda, June 13, 1865, under dispensation, with the following Royal Arch Masons present : E. L. Grubb, most excellent high priest : T. Wallace, king: W. K. Harrell, scribe : J. H. Powers, J. S. McIntyre, J. J. Rounds, William McR. Cain, J. Butler and John Bixby. At its first meeting the following officers were appointed: J. J. Rounds, captain of the host ; Wil- liam McR. Cain, principal sojourner ; J. H. Powers, treasurer ; J. S. Mc- Intyre. secretary ; John Bixby, Royal Arch captain : J. Simonton, visiting companion, guard pro tem. Several petitions for membership were pre- sented at the first meeting, and on June 27, 1865, the first team was ex- alted, composed of D. C. Chamberlain, Allen Collins and Charles Pfander. According to a report of the chapter degrees were conferred on thirty-two candidates up to May 21, 1866, and the chapter within that period received $800 for degrees conferred. Thomas Evans served as secretary of the chapter from January 10, 1867, to December 14, 1896. J. H. Powers was its treasurer from 1865 to 1878. Charles Linderman also served the chap- ter as treasurer for many years. Seventeen different members of the chapter have served in the chief office, that of the most excellent high priest. as follows: E. L. Grubb, 1865 and 1866; W. K. Harrell, 1867. 1868 and 1869: S. S. Bean, 1870 to 1875: C. P. Osgood, in 1875: W. M. Alexander, 1876, 1877. and 1879 to 1885. eight years altogether: Charles Pfander. 1878: W. C. Stillians, from the fall of 1885, one year; F. C. Barker, two years, 1886 to 1888: Raymond Loranz, part of 1888; D. C. Chamberlain, 1889 to 1896, continuously: T. J. Bracken, elected in 1896, one year : M. R. Ansbach, elected in 1897. two years : T. E. Powers, elected in 1899. one year : E. R. Bailey, elected in 1900, one year ; Walter W. Hill, elected in 1901, one year : Edwin C. Lane, elected in 1902, three years ; T. E. Powers. elected in 1905, one year : F. P. Wells, elected in 1906, one year : M. R. Ansbach, elected in 1907. and re-elected in 1908. The chap- ter at this time ( 1909) has fifty-six members and is in a prosperous condi- tion. Its officers (1909) are: M. R. Ansbach, high priest : T. J. Bracken, king; Edwin C. Lane, scribe : Arthur J. Hawley, secretary: J. N. Miller, treasurer : E. B. Westcott, captain of the host: T. E. Powers, principal so- journer : W. E. Stevens, Royal Arch captain : Earl Peters, master of the third vail: F. P. Wells, master of the second vail; J. E. Auman, master of the first vail : J. W. Osborn. tyler.
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CLARINDA CHAPTER, NO. 211, ORDER EASTERN STAR.
About 1868 or 1869 a chapter of the Order of Eastern Star was or- ganized, with Mrs. Margaret Butler, wife of William Butler, the first worthy matron, and Jacob Butler worthy patron. The charter members were Mr. and Mrs. William Butler, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Butler, Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Kimball, Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Osgood, Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Bracken, Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Bean and Miss Maggie Abbott, afterwards wife of Port White.
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