USA > Indiana > Madison County > Historical Sketches and Reminiscences of Madison County, Indiana: A Detailed History of the. > Part 26
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HOPE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
This society was organized on the 22d of November, 1891, with eighteen members. Rev. W. C. Gordon was the first pastor, and remained with the church until 1893, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Dr. A. H. Ball. The first year after the organization of the church, meetings were held in the Olympic theater. They were subsequently held in a building on Chase street until the completion of the new church, the corner-stone of which was laid August 16, 1894. This building stands at the south-east corner of Chase and Tenth streets, and is one of the handsomest places of worship in Anderson. The building was dedicated September 8, 1395, Dr. Crum, of Terre Haute, delivering the dedicatory address. The first trustees were E. J. Buffington, W. B. Cutter, J. C. Van Riper, E. R. Cheney and II. P. Coburn.
THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.
In the autumn of 1889, Rev. J. T. Roberts, a young theo- logical student of the United Brethren faith, organized the present society of that denomination which now has a home at the corner of Sansberry street, near Eleventh street. The society was organized at Westerfield's hall on north Main street, and meetings were held there and at other convenient places until December, 1892, when their church was completed and dedicated.
DUNKARD CHURCH.
This church was erected in 1892 under the auspices of a few members of this particular sect. They have no regular minister, and services are held only occasionally.
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LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The Lutheran church was organized February 1, 1893, by the Rev. W. J. Finck, and the first meeting of the society was held in a small building on West Ninth street. Property at the north-east corner of Fourteenth and Dolman streets was subsequently purchased, where services have since been held. The congregation is composed of sixty members. It is the intention of the membership to erect a new place of worship in the near future.
THE FRIENDS' CHURCH.
On the 13th of January, 1894, a small number of Friends, or Quakers, under the leadership of the Rev. W. S. Wooton, organized and founded the Friends' church. The first meet- ings of the Friends were held in the second story of a frame building on West Tenth street. The society afterward pur- chased the residence at the north-east corner of Fourteenth street and Central avenue, where services have since been held. The congregation is composed at the present time of 100 members.
THE SPIRITUALIST SOCIETY.
The present organization of Spiritualists in Anderson dates from January 15, 1892. The Spiritualists of the city and vicinity, however, had held meetings in the Westerfield hall on North Main street, and at private residences many years ago, under the leadership of the late Dr. John W. Wester- field, who, although not a lecturer nor medium, was very active in promoting the cause of what is now known as Modern Spiritualism. On the above date a number of be- lievers in the doctrine organized a society by electing a Presi- dent, Secretary and a Board of Trustees. Dr. G. N. Hilligoss was chosen President. Immediately after the organization had been effected, ground was purchased at the north-west corner of Thirteenth street and Madison avenue, and the erec- tion of a Spiritualist temple was begun. The building was completed and dedicated in the summer of 1892, and is one of the neatest places of worship in the city. The society has a large membership and is in a flourishing condition. The present President of the society is Mr. Alexander P. McKee.
SECOND M. E. CHURCH.
What is known as the Second M. E. church was organized by the colored members of the Methodist denomination in
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Anderson in 1873. A small frame building situated on Dela- ware streets between Eleventh and Twelfth streets, was pur- chased and converted into a place of worship. Services are held regularly every Sunday. The congregation is composed of about thirty members.
AFRICAN M. E. CHURCH.
This society was organized about the year 1890, and in 1896 the membership built a place of worship on South Sheridan street. The building is ample for the accommoda- tion of the congregation, which numbers about thirty mem- bers. It is one of the prettiest edifices of its kind in the city.
BAPTIST CHURCH (COLORED).
The colored members of the Baptist denomination organ- ized a society of about thirty members in Anderson in 1892, and subsequently erected a small frame church on South Sherman street. Services are held regularly every Sunday, and the society is in a flourishing condition.
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CHAPTER XXXVI.
IN WHICH SOME ACCOUNT IS GIVEN OF THE BENEVOLENT ORDERS OF ANDERSON - THEIR NUMBER - GROWTH - WHEN INSTITUTED, ETC.
F. & A. M.
There are but few secret fraternities of importance in ex- istence that are not represented by a lodge in Anderson. Since the discovery of natural gas, and the great influx of strangers caused thereby, the number of benevolent orders and secret societies, has increased very rapidly, indicating that the social relation, so far as its promotion can be affected by secret orders, is not neglected.
For many years the Masonic and Odd Fellows were the only secret fraternities in the city, and both orders had a large and influential membership. The former order was the first to establish a lodge here, one having been organized June 1, 1849. This lodge - Mount Moriah - held its first meetings in the old court house that stood where the present one is lo- cated, but subsequently met in a room on the third floor of the United States Ilotel building, mention of which is made else- where. The first officers were : Henry Wyman, W. M .; Adam Reed, S. W .; Robert Wooster, J. W. ; Townsend Ryan, S. D. ; Burkett Eads, J. D) .; Richard Lake, Sec .; G. T. Hoover, Treas. There were elements of discord and dis- content in the lodge, it appears, and in January, 1855. the charter was surrendered. It was restored, however, in the summer of the same year, and the lodge was reorganized. The growth of the lodge, for many years, was not unusual, and it experienced its seasons of activity, as all similar organizations do in the course of their existence. But a few years previous to 1865 the membership of Mount Moriah began to increase to such an extent that it was deemed advisable to organize an- other lodge. Accordingly a charter was asked and obtained of the Grand Lodge of the State on the 16th of September, 1865, for the organization of Anderson Lodge No. 114, F. &
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A. M. H. J. Blacklidge was the first Worshipful Master of the Lodge.
This lodge maintained a separate existence, but met in the hall of Mount Moriah lodge for a number of years, when both organizations were consolidated. From the date of the or- ganization of Mount Moriah lodge up to April, 1896, the Ma- sonic fraternity in Anderson had no permanent home and the meetings of the order were held at various places, the last hall occupied by the lodge previous to the dedication of the new Masonic temple on Meridian street being the third story of the building at the south-east corner of Main and Eighth streets, which for many years was known as Union hall.
ANDERSON COMMANDERY K. T.
This organization was granted a dispensation May 15,1884. J. E. Redmond was elected Eminent Commander; W. T. Durbin. Generalissimo, and G. D. Searle, C. G. On April 29, 1885, a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge. The first officers of the commandery under the charter were W. T. Durbin, E. C .; G. D. Searle, G. ; James Wellington, C. G.
Anderson Commandery is one of the finest of its kind in the country. Since its charter was granted its membership has steadily increased until it now numbers 137 Sir Knights, many of whom reside in different parts of the county. It is one of the organizations of which, not only the citizens of Anderson, but of the county, are justly proud. One of its members, the Hon. W. T. Durbin, has the distinguished honor of being the present Right Eminent Grand Commander of the State.
The present officers of Anderson Commandery are Jos. L. Schalk, E. C. ; George B. Wheelock, G. ; Edward R. Prather, C. G. A sketch of this commandery will be found else- where.
THE NEW MASONIC TEMPLE.
Ground was broken for this stately edifice in March, 1895, the corner stone was laid by J. A. Thompson on the 21st of May following, and on the 23d of March, 1896, it was form- ally dedicated. The building is four stories high, the front constructed of stone and the architecture both graceful and artistic. The rooms devoted to lodge purposes are finished and appointed in elegant style, particularly the main hall, which is one of the finest in Indiana, if not in the entire coun- try. The ceiling is arched and a pretty gallery extends along
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the north, south and west sides of the hall and at an elevation that affords a fine view, to those who occupy it, of all that is going on below. A spacious banquet hall is situated in the second story, where the order can entertain its guests, in that sumptuous style for which it is so justly noted, without incon- venience or unnecessary expense, as a kitchen supplied with a range and all other appliances and utensils necessary to a well-regulated culinary department is situated upon the same floor. The rooms upon the first or ground floor are used for business purposes, and the front rooms of the second story for offices. The building was erected at a cost of $40,000. It is the finest in the county and members of the Masonic fra - ternity are justified in feeling proud of it.
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR.
A lodge of this branch or degree of Masonry was first established in Anderson many years ago, and flourished for a while, but finally passed out of existence. On the 16th of April, 1894, a new lodge was organized, of which Mrs. W. A. Kittinger was elected Worthy Matron. The order is, at the present time, in a prosperous condition.
THE I. O. O. F.
Anderson Lodge, No. 131, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted on the 18th of April, 1858, and was the first lodge of that order organized in the county. The first officers of the lodge were. G. R. Diven, N. G. ; R. N. Clark, V. G. ; A. M. Williams, Sec. : William Wilson, Treas .. all of whom have been called to their reward. The first lodge hall was situated in the second story of the old court house, the same occupied by the Sons of Temperance. This latter order at that time flourished in Anderson, but long since passed out of existence. The Odd Fellows previous to 1867 had no permanent home, but in that year they joined with the own- ers of the lot where the present Odd Fellows' block is situated and erected a building, the order owning the third story. This building, along with others on the " West Side, " burned on the 27th of May, 1875, but was rebuilt in the autumn and winter following. The hall of Anderson lodge is well adapted to the purpose for which it is used, being centrally located, ample in size, well ventilated and possessing other advantages that render it one of the best lodge rooms in the State. It is also the home of Star Encampment No. 84, I. O. O. F., and
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Daughters of Rebekah. Anderson Lodge, No. 131, has been honored twice in its history by the Grand Lodge of the State, two of its members having been chosen Grand Master, namely : The Hon. W. R. Myers and the Hon. M. A. Chip- man, the latter being the present incumbent of that office.
Within Star Encampment was organized a uniform rank, known at the time as the " Uniformed Patriarchs " that became famous in the '80s on account of its proficiency in military tactics. An account of this once famous company's achievements in drill contests will be found elsewhere in this work.
I. O. R. M.
Ononga Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men, was organ- ized in 1874, with twenty-two charter members. The tribe was not very prosperous for some time after it was organized, but in 1877-88 there were a great many accessions to the membership, and the order to-day is the strongest in point of numbers in Anderson. From Ononga Tribe have sprung a lodge of the Daughters of Pocahontas, and Mingo and Kamala tribes. Mingo was instituted (October 19, 1892, and Kamala October 18, 1893. Both tribes have a large and active membership, and are in a prosperous condition. The Red men of Anderson and Madison county, like the ()dd Fellows, have been honored by having one of their number chosen by the Grand Lodge of the State as its chief officer, the Hon. Alfred Ellison, ex-judge of the Madison Circuit court, having been elected to the office of Great Sachem of Indiana.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
There are two lodges of this order in Anderson, and the membership of both is large and influential. Anderson Lodge, No. 106, was instituted January 26, 1883, with twenty-one charter members. It now has a membership of 200 Knights and is steadily growing. A uniformed rank was organized in the summer of 1889 composed of thirty-two members. This is one of the finest organizations connected with the order in the State, but of late has not been very active. An- derson Lodge owns its own Castle hall, one of the largest and handsomest in the city. This hall occupies the third story of the Donnelly block on Meridian street, between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets, and was dedicated with great ceremony November 28. 1894. A grand banquet followed the ceremo- nies at which Judge Alfred Ellison acted as toast master and
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prominent members of the local lodge delivered appropriate addresses.
Banner Lodge, No. 416, K. of P., was instituted on the 17th of April, 1895, with eighty charter members. The lodge now has about 185 members, and is in a satisfactory condition, financially and otherwise. The meetings of the lodge are held in the Elks' hall, at the northwest corner of Meridian and Eleventh streets.
KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN EAGLE.
This lodge was instituted in Anderson on the 18th of January, 1890, with sixty-eight charter members. It is be- nevolent and fraternal, and is gradually increasing its mem- bership, which at the present time numbers seventy in good standing. There is also a lodge of " The Ladies of the Golden Eagle." which is largely composed of the wives, daugh- ters and sisters of the members of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. Ladies whose husbands are not members of the order are eligible to membership in this order, however. The lodge is known as " Hope Temple Lodge, No. 3, Ladies of the Golden Eagle." Both lodges meet in the same hall which is situated in the third story of the Newsom block on Meridian. between Seventh and Eighth streets.
THE ORDER OF ELKS.
Anderson Lodge, No. 209, B. P. O. E., was organized on the 30th of June, 1891, with thirty-one charter members. The ceremonies of organization and initiation were performed in Odd Fellow's Hall and immediately following the exercises a banquet was spread on the stage of Doxey Music Hall. The lodge has about one hundred active members and is in a very prosperous condition. The idea of establishing a lodge of Elks at Anderson originated with R. H. Cokefair, C. K. Mc- Cullough, and H. B. Heineman. The meetings of the lodge are held in Elks' Hall, situated in the third story of the Harter block at the northwest corner of Meridian and Eleventh streets.
KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES.
Anderson Tent, No. 39, Knights of the Maccabees, was instituted at Anderson December 18, 1890, with forty charter members. The Order is social, fraternal and beneficial. The membership is not increasing as rapidly perhaps as in other organizations. for the reason that no special effort has been
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made in that direction. The lodge has at the present time, fifty members.
THE TRIBE OF BEN HUR.
Idernee Court, No. 26, was organized March 25, 1895, with seventy-five charter members. The meetings of this lodge are held in the same room occupied by the Knights of the Golden Eagle. The lodge is gradually increasing its membership.
UNITED AMERICAN MECHANICS.
A lodge of this order was instituted at Anderson on De- cember 19, 1894. with forty-three charter members. It is so- cial and benevolent in its character. The meetings of this lodge are also held in the hall of the Knights of the Golden Eagle.
MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA.
Oak Leaf Camp, No. 3690, was organized in March, 1896, with twenty charter members. The membership is steadily increasing. The meetings of the order are held in the Newsom block on North Meridian street.
WOODMEN OF THE WORLD.
Hemlock Camp, No. 18, was organized March 7, 1892, with eleven charter members. The order is fraternal and benevolent. The meetings of the Camp are held in the Han- cock building, on West Ninth street, between Meridian and Jackson.
J. O. t. A. M.
Anderson Council, No. 5, Junior Order American Me- chanics. was organized in June, 1891, the charter being granted on the 17th of that month and year. The lodge organized with thirty-eight charter members. The organization is in a healthy condition and growing. The Daughters of America are a branch of this order and have a lodge which meets in the J. O. U. A. M. hall, in the Hancock block.
EQUITABLE AID UNION.
Anderson Union, No. 548, was organized October 13, 1895, with twelve charter members. The lodge now has a large membership and is growing rapidly. The order is social, fraternal and beneficial. The lodge meets in the Han- cock building.
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
KNIGHTS OF HONOR.
A lodge of this order was established in Anderson May 18, 1875, with eighteen charter members. The lodge at present is in a prosperous condition. Its meetings are held in the Leib block, on the corner of Meridian and Tenth streets. ['p to the present time $23,000 in benefits have been paid to the relatives of deceased members of this lodge in Anderson.
A. O. H.
Anderson Division, No. 1. Ancient Order of Hibernians, was organized September 7, 1891, with eighteen members. The society now has fifty-two active members. The society also has a number of honorary members, who are entitled to the social privileges of the lodge room only. The meetings of the society are held at present in the basement of the Catholic Church.
CATHOLIC KNIGHTS OF AMERICA.
St. Mary's Branch, No. 646, was instituted in March, 1891, with twenty-one charter members. The membership, as the name of the order indicates, is confined to Catholics. The lodge is in a very prosperous condition and is growing rapidly. St. Mary's Commandery, No. 646, C. K. of A., was organized June 3, 1895, with thirty-six members. At the present time the roll bears the names of fifty-seven Knights, and the membership is rapidly increasing. It is conceded that this commandery is one of the finest in the State, both as to appearance and proficiency in military manouvres.
KNIGHTS AND LADIES OF HONOR.
A lodge of this order was instituted at Anderson, Sep- tember 22, 1894, with twenty charter members. The meet- ings of the lodge are held in Cook's hall, at the northwest corner of Main and Twelfth streets.
A. O. F.
Court Hazlewood, No. 7720, Ancient Order of Foresters, was instituted with - charter members. The lodge has a large membership and is in a prosperous condition. The lodge meetings are held in Kirkham's hall, Hazelwood.
SONS OF ST. GEORGE.
Red Rose Lodge, No. -- , Sons of St. George, was in- stituted with - charter members. The membership of
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
this lodge is composed very largely of natives of England. The meetings of the lodge are held in Kirkham's hall, Hazel- wood addition.
KNIGHTS OF THE ANCIENT ESSENIC ORDER.
A lodge of this order was instituted at Anderson, Au- gust 23, 1895, with fifty-two charter members. The order is social, fraternal and benevolent. The meetings of the lodge are held at the Elks' hall at the north-west corner of Meridian and Eleventh streets.
THE DRUIDS.
A lodge of this order was instituted in Anderson, July 22, 1896, but owing to a lack of interest on the part of the membership in its success, was shortlived. After several meetings had been held it became apparent that the lodge could not succeed, and it was taken by consent that the charter should be surrendered. This was accordingly done and the lodge passed out of existence.
ORDER. OF LINCOLN.
Anderson lodge, No. 5, Order of Lincoln, was organized September 22, 1896, with thirty charter members. The order is social, literary and patriotic. The lodge has forty members at the present time, and is in a prosperous condition. The first officers of the organization were, Dr. F. J. Hodges, presi- dent ; J. C. Teegarden, secretary, and H. C. Ryan, treasurer.
G. A. R.
Major May Post, Grand Army of the Republic, was or- ganized September 18, 1883, at the court house with seventy- one charter members. The meetings of the post were held in various halls for a number of years, but in 1895, an arrange- ment was effected with Major Charles T. Doxey which se- cured a permanent home for the organization as long as it ex- ists. The post hall occupies the entire second story of the building situated at the north- west corner of Central avenue and Ninth streets and is one of the most commodious in the city. It was completed in May, 1896, and while affording the local G. A. R. an asylum of which the membership can feel justly proud, will stand as a monument to the generosity of Major Doxey.
Besides the foregoing fraternal and benevolent orders, there are many other important organizations of a religious,
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, INDIANA.
social, literary and military character. Among these are the Columbia Rifles, or Company C, of the Indiana National Guard : Major Doxey Camp, Sons of Veterans : the Anderson Club, Columbia Club, Fortnightly Club, Epworth League, Y. P. S. C. E., Y. M. C. A., Edgerlie Club, Clio Club and Anderson Athletic Club.
In closing this chapter the fact is noted that Rev. J. A. McGlone, the popular rector of Trinity Episcopal Church is connected officially with seven of the foregoing secret orders and with a number of others in an unofficial capacity. He is also at the head of the organized charities of Anderson where his efforts in behalf of the worthy poor have been in the high- est degree praiseworthy and successful.
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CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE MANUFACTORIES OF ANDERSON-THEIR NUMBER AND CHARACTER-WHEN LOCATED-NUMBER OF OPERA- TIVES EMPLOYED, ETC.
As stated elsewhere the county of Madison, until the dis- covery of natural gas, was noted principally for the quantity and quality of its agricultural and other farm products. Up to that time but few manufactories had been established in the county, and Anderson being the seat of justice and enjoying better shipping facilities than any other town in the county, had a majority of them.
The first manufacturing establishment erected at Ander- son was a saw-mill and "corn-cracker ." This mill was built by David Williams in 1830 and was situated on White river just north of the Big Four and Pennsylvania railway crossing. The concern was purchased by Andrew Jackson and enlarged and improved from time to time until it became the principal mill in this part of the county. It was known as " the Jackson mill ," and before it was destroyed by fire, in 1877, did a large business. The last proprietor of the mill was David B. Jack- son, a son of Andrew Jackson.
About six years after the Williams mill was built, Joseph Mullinix erected a corn mill on White river two miles west of Anderson. This mill was situated on the present site of what for a long time has been known as the " Moss Island Mills ," so called on account of the island formed by the " race " and river, and from the further fact that James Moss owned the property for many years. The mill has been owned and im- proved by many proprietors in its time and has done a large local business, quite a village springing up around it, but of late years the property has been neglected and is at present in a dilapidated condition.
In 1849 Willis G. Atherton and sons, Mortimer and Ran- som V. Atherton, erected a sawmill near a large pond situ- ated about a quarter of a mile southeast of the Hazen nail- mill on Arrow avenue. This was the first steam mill in the
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county and supplied all the sawed timber used in the con- struction of the Bellefontaine (Big Four) railroad from Pen- dleton to Muncie. The mill was operated successfully for a number of years, when it passed into the hands of persons who neglected to keep it in repair and finally was destroyed by an explosion.
In 1857 Alfred Makepeace erected a large steam grist-mill at the north end of Central avenue, the building being the same that is now owned and operated as a brewery by T. M. Norton & Sons. This mill was supplied with the best mill- ing machinery obtainable at that time, but from various causes proved a bad investment. The machinery was subsequently disposed of and the building sold to T. M. Norton, who con- verted it into a brewery, which, from an unpretentious begin- ning, has become one of the largest and most successful indus- tries of its class in the State.
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