USA > Indiana > Grant County > Centennial history of Grant County, Indiana, 1812 to 1912 : compiled from records of the Grant county historical society, archives of the county, data of personal interviews, and other authentic sources of local information > Part 75
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Hackleman Lodge. No. 551, was instituted at Hackleman August 10, 1577, by John O. Spurgeon, acting as special deputy. Its charter members were: John H. Colville, James C. Fink, Marion MeCombs, Lewis D. Milroy, Columbus Jones, B. F. Alberts, Samuel Peters, R. E. Pattison, W. F. Fink. S. B. Clifton, Dr. Isaac N. Seal, Vinton Miller, John Winegardner, A. B. Carpenter and George Diunnick. While the lodge was prosperous and everything pointed to continued growth it lost its hall, and when Radley was located on the opposite corner of the same section of land, the new town took most of the business away from Hackleman when the lodge was finally removed to Radley and the name changed to El Morro, a Spanish-American war faney, the request granted November 22, 1899, and the transfer made Jannary 6 of the Century year. The lodge then became one of the most active in the county, but within a short time some of its members became dissatisfied and wanted to go back to Hackleman. While the subordinate lodge was located at Radley a Rebekah lodge was instituted there by E. L. Coxe, July 11, 1900, known as El Morro Rebekah Lodge, No. 601, the charter members being Frank Pattison, Martha Pattison, B. C. Howell, Annie Howell, Laura James and "twenty-three others." When the subordinate lodge moved back to Hackleman the Rebekah lodge refused to make the change, and consolidated with Fairmount Rebekah lodge December 8, 1910, being crable to continue its separate existence at
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Radley. Haekleman Rebekah Lodge, No. 755, was instituted February 3. 1911, by grandmaster deputy. James I food, the petition having the following names: Samuel Leer, Jennie Leer. Fred Ler. .. ... Kimbrough, Mand Kimbrough, John Pinkerman, Mary Pinkerman, C. K. Behymer, Elizabeth Behymer, Charles Collins. Emma Collins, John Havens, Annie Havens, James Havens, George Havens, C. C. Havens, Benj. Downs, Nora Downs, F. M. Alberts. Anna Alberts, W. H. Lindsay, Sarah E. Lindsay, Samuel Kimes, Ethel Kunes, W. H. Bumpus, Albert. Morris, Warren L. Wilson and Amos Bannister. Mr. Hood was assisted by Frank M. Brizeudine and Oscar C. MeGraw in institut ing the Hackleman Rebekah lodge.
The charter of Swayzee Lodge, No. 625, was issued June 30, 1886, and the lodge was instituted July 21 by John O. Spurgeon, acting deputy. Its charter members were : John T. Wakeland, Azariah Hames, Mathias D. Bish, John W. Davis, James M. Wakeland, F. M. Swisher, Benjamin N. Leisure and Prank Lenox. None of these are now metit Rens. M. D. Bish was recently transferred to Mississinewa lodge. Perry Zirkle, Holm B. Smith, Heury T. Manca, Arthur E. Curless and Harri son Mark were initiated the night the lodge was orgamzed and are still members. Swayzee lodge owns its own ball and its own Theulkill cemetery, and is in excellent financial condition. The charter of Har moby Rebekah lodge bears date of May 2. 1892, and the lodge was in stituted five days later by C. E. Hialt acting as special deputy. Its charter members were: Martin Friermood, Mary E. Friermood, Robert. Lyons, Rosetta Lyons. David P. Barngrover, Laura C. Barngrover, Isaac Pennington, Loretta Pennington, and Mary M. Johnson. Swayze Rebekah lodge has always been active in degree work, and now ranks second in the county in point of membership. It is nearly double the numerical strength of the subordinate lodge similar conditions pre- vailing in the New Cumberland lodge. There was once an encampiett at Swayzee, but since only third degree members of a subordinate lodge are eligible to the patriarchal degrees, the field was restricted and Grant. encampment accepted the Swayzee patriarchs, the consolidation occur ring September 13, 1905, and, having surrendered its belongings, it now works with the Marion organization.
Van Buren Lodge. No. 633, was granted a charter March 20, and instituted March 31. 1887, by Grand Master A. N. Grant, and its charter members were: John R. Paxton, John W. Henderson, B. H. Duckwall, William Whittaker, Freeman E. Ballard, W. J. Daniel, J. B. Kikey and John Burk. The lodge owns its own budding with ball above a business room which answers all its requirements. It is in good financial con dition and meets all the requirements of Oddfellowship. During boom days Van Buren lodge was one of the most active in the county and once showed the biggest gain of any lodge in Indiana. When gas and oil failed the lodge suffered heavily and almost failed, but it rallied again. The Van Buren Rebekah was chartered March 27, 1895. its charter members being : C. W. Camblin, E. S. Sutton, S. B. Buffington, G. W. Landess, L. V. Conwell, J. E. Riley, William Whittaker, Henry Crawford, John Burk, Flora Sutton, Margaret Crawford and I. C. Havel. There was once an encampment at Van Buren, but this subor- dinate lodge could not furnish enough recruits and it surrendered its charter. Some of the patriarchs transferred to Marion and others to Warren.
Landess Lodge, No. 665, was instituted by Grand Master W. H. Leedy, of Indianapolis, January 9, 1891, and its charter members were : Dr. John JJ. Hanmore, James L. Bradford, James L. Dillon, William G. Long and Lemuel F. Eastes. This lodge was burned out August 16,
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1901, but within a short time and without outside assistance it had another two-story brick building that is a credit to any town the size of Landess. The new building was dedicated January 29 1902 with splendid ceremony and much rejoicing on the part of the membership. Deputy Grandmaster E. L. Coxe was assisted in the ceremony by David C. Scarles, James M. Pyle, Samuel Babb, William Paulus, James 11. Ferguson, Charles F. Baxell. James W. Kistler, and Lewis O. Miller, and there was a banquet in connection with the ceremony. On January 20, 1908, a charter was granted Landess Rebekah Lodge, No GIT and it was instituted the fifth of February. Its charter members were Sammel MeVicker, Anna Me Vicker, Stephen Nicewanger, George Nierwanger, Elijah Harrell. Thomas Williams, Mary F. Williams, Osa Williams, O. R Williams, Eva Williams and Harley Williams. On the same evening the Rebekah degree staff From Marion under the leadership of Captain Daniel Gunder conferred the degree upon twenty three candidates Like other lodges the order at Landess Telt the loss when the gas and oil boom failed, but both branches are active and hope to regain their old time interest and prosperity.
Fowlerton Lodge, No. SIS, received its charter May 22, 1907. and it bears the following names: M. F. Partridge. W. H. Milspangh, W. IL. Man, W. HI. Hoppas. S. F. Furby and M. F. Hardesty. It was insti- tuted by E. La Cose, assisted by Sammel Babb and James M. P'sle, and while it does not own its own lodge quarters, it continues to meet where it was organized, twenty three candidates being initiated and six others entitled to membership who were unable to be present. When this lodge was organized Fowlerton was a boom town, but it survived the consequent loss of members when the boom collapsed and it still retains its charter. The charter of Narcissus Rebekah lodge was issued July 22. 1907, the mitial members being: Mamie Milspaugh, Addie Furby, Mrs. T. B. Dolan, Jennie Delaney, Elizabeth . Thorn, Nora Deren, Hugh Deeren, Lillie Richards. C. E. Richards. S. F. Purby, M. F Part ridge, Nettie Solomon, Eva Jones, Ethiel Jones, Ollie Mann, J. A. Mami. Addie Beach, Mattie Simmons, Leah Fowler, Nora Lindley, Daisy Lewis, Lizzie Hill. S. Hill and Nettie Wooten.
At one time Grant county had three generations from Amana lodge in Grand lodge- Aaron Shideler. David B. Shideler and John E. Shide- ler, all being there in 1879, a showing not often duplicated in Indiana It was so unusual that special note was made of it in the annual report, and D. B. Shideler, who became grand master of Indiana. November Is, 1874. was also high up in the Knights of Pythias and Masome lodges While the order came with the pioneers its growth was slow, but good deeds and kindly ministrations at last won it an abiding place in the hearts of the people. While Odd Fellowship had its origin in England in the eighteenth century, where its meetings were little more than clubs, where congenial spirits met for special enjoyment, the members being mechanies and laborers whose pay was small, mutual interest and sym pathy was aroused and each one dropped his contribution into the com mon treasury, and a fund was thus created for relieving want among them. From this humble beginning the motto has been: "To visit the sick, to relieve the distressed, to educate the orphan, to help the widow and to bury the dead," and lodges have multiplied in the world until today the aggregate membership is 2,121,921, with property valued at $63,539,895.32 and in 1912 the lodges of the world expended $5.917,323.15 in the relief department alone.
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LXX. THE BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS
By John R. Brown
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is one of the greatest fraternities whose benefactions have smoothed the pathway of human he. This is not said boastfully for the records of Elks lodges Wherever Found more than confirm the statement. It is generally presumed by those who know not what the order either means or does that it is largely a social organization. In a great measure this presumption is well founded, but far above and beyond this exists in the heart of every true Elk the better and finer sentiments of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity.
The charity of the order is known only to its members and the recipi ents of its bounty. The outside world knows nothing of it. This charity is not contractual, that is, not so much per week or month for sich bue- lits, nurse hire, ete., but it is whatever a worthy Elk needs, regardless of the amount thereof or the attention required. Justice works out square dealings and conduct frought with integrity, uprightness and hot esty among Elks and their fellows by devices in ways and through pro eesses unknown to those who are not Elks. The brotherly spirit of the order is paramount to all else in times of grief, suffering and distress Fraterity, as exemplified in the order, embraces all the other virtues taught and practiced and demands of every Elk that he be true to him- self. Shakespeare has said this incomparably better than all others.
"This, above all, to thing own self be true, And it must follow as the night the day. Thou caust not then be false to any man."
The Order of Elks is distinctively American. There is not and never will be an Elk lodge outside of the United States of America and its dependencies. It might be that lodges may be organized in other coutu tries as Elks lodges, but they never will be chartered by the Grand Lodge of the B. P. O. E., U. S. A. The reason for this is that American patriotism is one of the foundational corner stones of the order. The American dag is the emblem which first lies upon its altar, and no Elk's lodge opens or closes except in the presence and under the inspiring influence of the flag.
The charter of Marion Lodge, No. 195. B. P. O. E., was granted by the Grand lodge on March 12, 189], upon the application of G. D. Custer, John W. Whisler, Jr., O. A. Sprague and W. D. Pratt. The lodge prospered slowly from the outset, but its era of greatest pros- perity begun in 1900. At this time the organization held the largest carnival ever given in the city and as a result thereof made sufficient money to purchase the valuable lot on which its home is now constructed. on Boots street between Third and Fourth streets, and to aid materially in building its home.
More than 900 Elks have been initiated by Marion Lodge, No. 195, and about ten per cent of the total have been initiated within the last year. Many members, particularly those who were engaged in the oil and gas business here, have moved to various parts of the country and many members have departed this life. Among the latter are JJos. Leon, Frank Lennox, G. D. Custer. D. B. Sweetser, W. 12 Golding. M. Blumen- thal, Arthur LaBelle, C. M. Hawkins, Thomas Cameron, George (' Thompson, W. C. Smith. J. W. MeClure, W. R. Francis, A. J. Dooley,
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D. V. Brunabangh, Wm. D. Stecle, Martin T. Burke, John MeDongle. William Adams, M. C. Wallet, I. W Price, Hiram B. Wilson, Claude Boswell, Herman Undwig. A. B. Thompson, T. C. Kimball, L. B. Hutch inson, Geo, Sweetser, W. V. Turpin, Fred O. Koeppen, Wm. V. Havres. John Wiley, J. E. Naylor, Harvey Birdley, Francis D. Weber, S. S. Horn, George F. Raymond. F. M. Hibbard, Theo. Pastorius, W 1. Cum mins. L. A. VonBehren, P. B. Manley, John Gobling, and Wilham Il. Anderson.
On the first Sunday in each December, at 2:30 o'clock P. M., every Elk Lodge in the United States holds ils memorial service. The core mony is styled the "Lodge of Sorrow." Every one is invited to attend these services. As strange as it may seem, Elks who do not visit the regular meetings of the order generally attend the " Lodgy of Sorrow." The services are beautiful, being interspersed with splendid music. The decorations are simple, but in keeping with each such occasion. Every deceased Elk is remembered at each " Lodge of Sorrow."
Among the Elks who have been honored by election as exalted ruler of Marion lodge, No. 195, are G. D Custer. O. A. Sprague, O H Barrows, Charles A. Ball, 4'. E. Van Vactor, Ben Lartimer, 1. B. Hutchinson, Sol Allman, Gus S. Condo, J. D. Bockius, W. R. Francis, Harry Charles. George W. Rauch, J. P. Charles. J. B. Johnson, Robert Van Alta, .A. HI. Unthank, H. W. Tandte, George L. Dann, Meade S. Hays and JJohn R. Browne.
There are about 1,500 lodges in the United States, with an aggregate membership of about 425,000. The largest and most enthusiastic lodges are in the eastern and western portions of the country, but all the organi zations in the central portion of the country are alive and doing much much of the good work for which the order was founded.
LAXL. THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHLAS
In a small book published jointly by Claude V. Allegar and Robert. A. Warfel, March 1, 19II, is a detailed history of Pythianism in Grant county. The order grew out of a poem written in 1521, in which John Bauim portrayed a loyal Friendship existing between Damon and Pythias, and the touching story of friendship and devotion struck deep into the heart of Justus H. Rathbone, who read and reread the poem the story of Damon and Pythias. He decided to form a compact among his friends having read the poem in 1857-8 - but the War of the Rebellion delayed things. He told a Friend, Robert A. Champion, about his scheme and read to him the ritual. His friend was so impressed with the idea that. they at once agreed to organize and the close of the war was to mark the beginning of their efforts. It was in IS64 that the order was institutel in Washington city, and in 1869 the first lodge was instituted in Indiana.
The Lomax homestead is now the home of Grant Lodge, No. 103, justi- tuted July 20, 1882, in Marion, and on the opening page of its history are thirty-one names of the best known citizens of the community who launched it. They are: W. E. Smith, Willis Vandevanter, George Web- ster, Jr., Simon Goldthait, W. H. Irvine, J. C. Goldthait, Cyrus W. Neal, W. M. Sheldon, F. H. Shambaugh, Hiram Beshore, J. M. Wilson, Edgar 1. Goldthwait, Charles S. Brown, D. R. MeKinney, Heury G. Hamaker, L. A. VonBehren, F. W. Torrence, A. E. Evestone, Thad Butler. JJ. Il. Forrest, J. Q. Brownlee, A. A. Hamilton, JJ. F. GrafIty, Barney Prins, William Flynn, Lewis A. Marks, Jolm T. Strange, Robert S. Lyons and Emery Milner. The firster onlar meeting was held July 25. immediately
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after its organization. The Lomax homestead became Castle Hall, Jant ary 1, 1907, and more room is badly needed to accommodate the order. The property was acquired from Mrs. Maria Lomas at ant oulay of $15,000 and was easily adapted to the requirements at the thne, Int the membership is rapidly increasing. There are no better Pythians than those who constitute Grant lodge, and members of the order have made names for themselves at home and abroad.
Jonesboro Lodge, No. 102, was instituted June 22, almost one month earlier than the Marion lodge, but about ten years later it was abandoned and the charter was surrendered. A second organization of the order was effected March 30, 1893, and the charter members are: R. N. Wright, Austin Jay, A. II. Cline, L. R. Spener, G. T. Lotfridge, Ler Long O. F. Roush, C. F. Barnard, E. 11. Neal. W. M. Amsden, C. A Jay, V. A. Metz ler. Charles Zeis. W. J. Mcleod. D. W. Hill, Charles Fisher, G. Solomon, Thomas Knight, R. T. Riley, W. H. Coleman, That Mckinstry. I. A. York, & M. Hunt, C. F. Hayworth. G. T. MeKrever. D. K Rules, Frank Jay, W G. Wilson, E. C. Whitson, William Flora, Charles Rottunghouse, 1. O. P. Cline, D. W. Ronsh, T. I. Seward, Amos DuBois, J E Russell. George R Mckinney. C. T. Rudey, C. C. Lane. H. M Franklin, W. .. Anderson, N. E. Livengood. S. S. Horne, G. W. Bromley. Edward Elwood, Edward Morgan, Algernon Rothinghouse, C. M. Wells, 1. D. Smith. Ed France, M. Gardner, H. E. Prickett, P. M. Neal. A. C. Kies. C. E. Pritchard, L. C. Boyd, Howard Davis, J. X Gordon, J. T. MeKen nitt, A. C. Young, 11. C Mount. J. P. Wright. C. C. Hill, E T. Zois. JJ. E. Poirer, J. C. Knight, A. F. Seiberling. E. M. Candy, E. B. Tyler. W. 11. Agan, E. M. Whitson, B. K. Adams, A. N. Harter, I. N. Koush. C. E. Horne. E. T. Allen. E. P. Weygant, L. H. Ford. J. C. Evans and W. F. Young.
The Upland Lodge. No. 482. was instituted March 28. the century year, and its charter members are: Mason Hollen, S. A. Connelly, Clark Pearson, Benjamin F. Little, A. Y. Stout. A. M. Ballinger. O. L. Stout, A. J. Merritt, Julius P. Schoy, W. O. Peele, Harmon Fisherback. A. D. Hunt, John Woods, Isaac Pearson, Joseph Harmon, Arthur .). Dantz. Solomon Johnson. W. A. Greenlee, Taswell Shoemaker. Otto Smith. Joseph Bowdin, Libertas Vanderlitt, Ezekiel Jones, Ellis Thomp son, G. W. Rowe, W. E. Stout, D. S. Farr. O. B Whitis, G. A. Atkinson, Alonzo Pulley, James Harrison, E L. Helins, L. A. Porter. J. E. Brake. man, Salvian Tilli, W. E. Hubert, J. W. Hunt, William M Brown, Alfred Parott. G. A. Brakeman, Walter Keever, & B. Bidwell, H. S. Jeffrey. Lewis Tousant, Ernest Demitt, G. B. Peirce and William Atkinson
Van Buren Lodge, No. 496, was instituted April 10, 1902. and the charter members are: C. A. Williams, Erastus Ingar, J. M. Danekler, E. W. Landess. W. F. Brewer, J. La Pussy, D. W. Boxell, S. G. Robin son, N. E. Duekwall, J. A. Whitaker, William Bray, John Me Dougle, I W. Loney, E. M. Betz, J. B. Cottingham, 1. Willamer, E. J. Corey. W. T. S. Strange, J. W. Doyle, J. A. Winthrop, D. W. Rankin, Elmer Tyson, (. Baldwin, J. W. Toney, L. V. Conwell, E. A. Peters, W. R. Fraizer. W. L. Durkwall, JJ. E. Baldwin, and charter members by transfer are C. E. Evarts, J. J. Howard, J. C. Schorling, J. H. Mills, J. A. Boller, Henry Hulecolton, J. S. Demick, J. 11. Bostick, D. M. Beckman. O. J. Shaw, Julius Berereranz and R. L. Lander.
Gas City Lodge, No. 428, was instituted Derember 17. 1895, and the charter members are: W. C. Jay, L. W. Maggart, R. A. Brashear, B. M. Harris, W. P. Alexander, B. F. Barge, Ferdinand Devlin, Angust Debruque, G. A. Broad, M. J. Holm, O. K. Sheldon. C. W. Randal, Elisha Overman, L. C. Westcott, E. S. Bartimus, A. E. Griffin, Cornelius Young, T. S. Jackson, and those admitted by card are James Holbrook, C. A.
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Wiley, W. H. Gnthman, J. E. Ward, Clarence Bicknell, F. S Bartimus, J. O. Austin and JJ. R. fladley.
Paragon Lodge, No. 219, of Fairmount, was instituted May lo. 1889. and the charter members are: John Flanagan, John Wuslow, C. D Overman, W. 11. Beasley, Emery Carpenter, I. O. Lowman. 1. 1. Baker, Jacob Brites, J. Il Simons, N. W. Edwards, C. N. Oakley. E. E Briles, J. H. Charles, R. A. Wiley, Levi Scott, Jolm Kelsay, Gilbert LaRue. W. 11. Campbell, W. L. Ballinger. W. E. Wilson, C. T. Parket, E. M. Hlol lingsworth, J. M. Bloomer, B. F. Iwach, E. A. Morgan, J. H. Parker, E. J. Raber and W. B. Comer.
Swayzer Lodge, No. 451, was instituted May 12. 1897, and the charter members are: W. H. Usher, A. C. Curless, E. G. Lenfesty. R. J. Main, J. B. Pearson, W. J. Pearson, W. J. Larkin, Jesse lawark, Thomas Hab bard, O. O. Pence, J. R. Smith, Charles Shrively. A. R Cutter. W. W. Herbst, W. W. Winslow, d. N. Bennett, H. F. Bak w, D. P. Long and J. ES. Larkin.
While only charter members have been enumerated bere, all the lodges have had substantial growth, and according to the Pythian history there are about 1,500 Knights in Grant county. Some kerils of wheat taken from the erved for workers are : I believe in my job. I believe in my fellow man. I believe in my country. I believe in my home. I believe in today. The Pythian history should be in many libraries.
LASIL. THEATRES -- MOVING PICTURES
While there are Grant county citizens who never visit theaters, Marion is in the center of a 73,000 theater population. Whenever really merit- orious plays are staged at The Judiana, one of the best equipped play houses about the country, adjoining counties contribute to swell the local theater population. High class attractions always draw outside patron age from other countries that do not have such splendid show house facilities. Marion is known among player folk everywhere as an excel- lent show town. The theater has been censored and toned down and the people have been educated up their viewpoint changed toward the stage, and it is freely admitted that some plays are better than sermons -- trach moral lessons.
While Marion and contiguous territory is regarded as high class theater patronage, there must be a beginning and in antebelium Grant county the Indiana College and Marion Academy, together with the vir- cuit court room, were social reuters where all kinds of attractions were encouraged. It is related that when John Littlejohn came to the Indian College for a lecture it was an unusually dry season, and he prefacil the lecture with a prayer: "Oh, Lord! send us ram. We need it so badly. The ground is parched. Send us rain, not a beating, dashing rain but just a gentle shower and then let her flicker," and the prayer proved to be entertainment in advance of the lecture. When recon- struction of society came again at the close of the war there was need of better auditoriums, and White's Hall served such purpose in Marion for many years as Daily's Hall in Jonesboro, and later came similar improvements in Fairmount, Swayze and Van Buren -- just innnense halls over business rooms without advantages now seen in theaters. White's Hall was the third story of the White block located on the site of the Iroquois business block, and there was a stage across one end of it.
The lexicographer says that a theater is a building appropriated to
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HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
the presentation of dramatic spectacles-that it is a room. hall or other place provided with a platform. Beside those early day social centers are later ones: Library Hall. Stinson Memorial, Civic Hall, assembly rooms in the Marion Normal Institute, Fairmount Academy and Taylor University, the Grand and the Indiana, and along in "oit boom days" there was a Bradford theater on North Washington street. Recently many business rooms have been adapted to moving picture show pur poses-plenty of social centers all over Grant county. There is also a private opera fitted up in the third story of the Wilson mansion of West Fourth street, and in all these public centers the seats are arranged so that people in the rear may see the stage. Graduated floors relieve the difficulty in the motion picture houses, and beside the elevated seats and boxes the platform or stage is usually above the floor level, and in drama, comedy, tragedy-when people attend theaters and pay for seats they will brook no obstructions. The theater is one place where women have consideration of the rights of others the law of the house and hats are removed in theaters, those attending always demanding a view of the stage.
It was no less a personage than William Shakespeare who proclaimed all the world a stage and all the inhabitants actor folk, and there have been "stage struck" citizens in Grant county, Indeed. some native talent has brought honor to the community when appearing before the Footlights: Anna Hollinger, Sadie Sherman. Mae St. Clair, Martha Boucher, John M. Ammons, "Matie White," Harry Collins. Frank Johnson, Edward Genung, Eddie Allen the historian needs a stage directory. A host of local entertainers have done vaudeville "stunts." and there is amateur home talent in Grant county quite equal to professionals in both music and impersonation. There are good voices in the "war departments" of many churches that are sometimes heard outside of their own choir lofts, and local home talent shows always attract a large attendance. When the natives give recitals all the people lend their patronage. Even commencement programs given by the graduates are highly appreciated loyalty to local aspiration, and some- times real merit is discovered where little had been expected -revela- tions right at home.
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