USA > Kansas > Butler County > History of Butler County Kansas > Part 30
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On May 12, 1879, a meeting was held in district No. 3, which includes the city, to submit a $4.000 bond proposition. The bonds were voted May 15. 1879. There were 248 votes for the bonds and five against. The contract was let to S. R. Watson, June 17, for the two-story stone addition on the west, for $3,465. C. N. James, director ; L. B. Snow, treas- urer, and Vincent Brown, clerk, were the school officers at that time. The main building, with the addition and furniture, cost the district about $17,000. It contained six rooms, with recitation rooms, and was heated with coal stoves. L. D. Hadley, principal, Gertrude Dick, Mary Schmucker, Mabel Morrison, Lela Allen and Juniata Adams were the teachers in the building.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE PIONEER CHURCH.
By George F. Fullinwider.
FIRST RELIGIOUS SERVICES IN BUTLER COUNTY-A PIONEER MEETING HOUSE-BEECHER'S SERMONS DELIVERED HERE-FIRST SERMON IN WESTERN BUTLER COUNTY-MISSIONARIES-FIRST METHODIST MIN- ISTER-ALL DENOMINATIONS REPRESENTED-SUNDAY SCHOOLS IN- FLUENCE OF CHURCHES.
The history of the religious services and class organizations of the early days of the settlement of Butler county is meager, indeed. No really authentic record has been preserved, and the best that can be done is to rely upon the memory of those yet living who were a part of the little band that had the courage to camp in the wilderness and make home and fortune of the then unbroken prairie, with the coyote, the Indian and the buffalo as neighbors-and very few of them are now living.
Diligent research has established the fact that, so far as is known, the first religious service ever held in Butler county was in the spring of 1858, when Rev. Mr. Morse, a Congregationalist minister, came to the settlement at Chelsea and, after visiting the homes, announced a meeting to be held in Lewellyn's grove, and there, beneath the scant shade of the small trees, with the canopy of the heavens for covering. the entire settlement gathered to hear the message from the Word of God. Rev. AIr. Morse continued his occasional visits for a period of about two years. Rough and uncouth, as many of his hearers were, he was accorded the heartiest reception and cordial welcome.
During that same years, 1858, there came also a colony of Swedes, who located on the upper Walnut river and on DeRacken creek. One of their number. Rev. Mr. Winberg, settled on Cole creek, on what is now the Fullinwider farm. Ile was a devout man and interested in the spiritual welfare of those about him. He interested his brother Swedes and others in the settlement and held weekly services in the homes of the settlers for miles around. Ile was a Lutheran preacher. A little later. Miss Maggie Vaught, now Mrs. HI. O. Chittenden, and a Miss Minnie Post, begged rough lumber from a saw mill located in that vicinity, and with their own hands seated a deserted log cabin on the farm now owned by Phineas Osborn and occupied by his son. J. Hugh Osborn. This old
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log cabin served their purpose for a meeting house and centrally lo- cated as it was, it was easily accessible to all within the limits of the settlement. Not satisfied with fitting the meeting house, Miss Vaught next organized a Sunday school, and, so far as known, this was the first Sunday school in the county. Rev. Mr. Winberg was its superintendent.
In the fall of 1860. James S. Saxby, a Baptist minister, came from Clear Lake, Iowa, and located just east of what is now the Holderman farm, near Chelsea. 1Te, too, held services in the old log cabin. His methods were unique. Hle was a regular subscriber of a New York weekly paper. and it contained Beecher's sermons, and these he would commit at the noon hours and during the evenings. He would then rehearse them as he followed his plow and on Sunday deliver them to attentive congregations. They were always appreciated, and many looked forward to the coming of the next Sunday, when they would be able to hear and enjoy another of Beecher's sermons. Not every family was able to have a paper arrive in the weekly mail, and the whole community was thus kept posted on the sermons of that eminent divine. Rev. Mr. Saxby, in later years. moved to Douglass, where he preached two or three years.
The first sermon preached in western Butler was near . Towanda, in 1862, at the home of D. H. Cupp, who still occupies his old home- stead, by Rev. Wilson Harer, who then lived about six miles north of Towanda.
In 1860, J. D. Chamberlain, a missionary among the Choctaw In- dians, came and took charge of the Sunday school work of Butler county. He remained about a year and returned to his old home in Massa- chusetts. No record was ever kept of the results of his labors.
The first Methodist minister of which there is any recollection was a circuit rider, Rev. Mr. Stansbury, whose home was at Belmont, a little town near Piqua, which has long since passed out ofexistence. Then came Rev. William Stryker, in 1870. Following him came Rev. Mr. Rice, a Methodist presiding elder, who lived at Burlington, Coffey county. He came quite often and preached at Chelsea. A little later, Rev. William Hartman, of Florence, came and organized a class at Chelsea and for a time they held regular services. Rev. Mr. Hartman also embraced El Dorado in his itinerary and. I believe, organized the first Methodist class in El Dorado.
About the same time, Rev. James Gordon, a brother of the late Dr. J. P. Gordon, came to El Dorado and preached for the Presbyterians.
The first Presbyterian class organized was at Chelsea, by Rev. John M. Rayburn, the father of Mrs. George W. Stinson, of El Dorado, in the new school house, which had then just been completed. Rolla Lakin and J. B. Shough were among the elders and served four years.
In 1869, the Friends church was organized in Southwest Butler, in Pleasant township, soon after Michael Cox located at Rose Hill. The first meetings were held in the homes of the people. The permanent organization was effected in Rose Hill in 1878 and named the Friends
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church. The first building was erected in 1881. It was but 24x36 feet. The membership numbered about 100. Later a more commodious edi- fice was built and the membership increased to about 225. Jonathan P. Ballard was the first resident minister. He came here on October 24, 1876, from Hamilton county, Indiana, and drove through with his team. Mr. Ballard died at the home of a daughter in Wichita, in October, 1915. It is worthy of note that the Friends church of Rose Hill is the mother church of all churches of that denomination in adjoining counties, includ- ing Wichita.
In April. 1871, the board of county commissioners ordered "that religious meetings may be held in the county court house. No special privileges were given to any one church society, and meetings of a public nature may be held there. Free use was given to citizens of all parts of the county."
About this time the Presbyterian class in Chelsea, having become disorganized, Rev. Crothers, a Presbyterian minister, who had been preaching in El Dorado and other points, went to Chelsea and perfected a reorganization, which remained for years. ( This was Samuel Mechord Crothers, now a writer of note .- Ed. )
Other pioneers of several denominations came and went, but no record exists of their efforts. Their names are not now remembered and they cannot be located. Much good was accomplished by them and they did their share toward taming the wilderness and, in many in- stances, the wilder residents thereof. The seed sown by them fell upon good ground and has multiplied many fold. Only eternity, with its fault- less leader, can reveal what they accomplished. The influence of their labors and teachings has spread and augmented until scarcely a home in Butler which has not its family altar, and the family circle is made up of God-fearing and God-loving individuals. The spires of nearly a hun- dred churches in town and country throughout the county point heaven- ward. A hundred Sunday schools convene regularly, where the young are taught and the elder ones gain knowledge concerning their Creator and eternal life. Nearly all orthodox denominations are represented, in- cluding the Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Christian, M. E. Church South, Evangelical, Lutheran, Mennonite, Congregational. Catholic and Adventist. The influence of these churches, their ministers and mem- bership constitutes a force for good, the uplifting of humanity and the promotion of all the graces and virtues that is incalculable. It is the foundation of the homes, of society, and is the rock upon which the whole superstructure rests and upon which it will immovably repose until time shall be no more.
CHAPTER XXV.
FRATERNAL ORDERS AND LODGES.
MASONIC LODGES-INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS-MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA-GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC-WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS-ANTI HORSE THIEF ASSOCIATION.
MASONIC LODGES. By H. M. Sinclair.
The first body of Free Masons organized in Butler county was that of Mystic Tie Lodge, No. 74, of Augusta. This lodge received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Kansas on October 22. 1869, with the following brethren named as its first officers; C. N. James. W. M .: J. W. Douglass. S. W .: Thomas Stewart, J. W. The destruction of its records many years ago render it impossible to give the names of the charter members.
Mystic Tie Lodge is composed of the best citizenship of Augusta and the surrounding country, and is famed both individually and collect- ively for its broad-minded charity and helpfulness in time of need. The lodge is in a prosperous condition and the membership is now 160.
The second lodge to receive a charter was Patmos Lodge, No. 97, El Dorado, whose authority dates May 19, 1870, with the following brethren as its first officers: T. G. Boswell, W. M .; James P. Gordon, S. W .; J. C. Lambdin, J. W. ; H. H. Gardner, treasurer ; D. M. Bronson, secretary : C. M. Foulk, S. D .; S. M. Feelv. J. D. : E. S. Gordon, Tyler. and the following charter members: C. Ferguson, J. L. Cupples, J. A. Mckenzie, V. Sain and L. B. Snow. Of the original members of Pat- mos lodge, Brother John L. Cupples is the only surviving member. The early records of the lodge were destroyed by a tornado in June, 1871. and the early work is very undefined, only as it comes down to us by oral tradition. The lodge owns its own building which is a fine two- story brick structure at the corner of Central avenue and Settler street. The rooms are nicely fitted up and the lodge is in a very propserous condition. The present membership is 239.
Douglass Lodge. No. 151, was granted a charter on October 22, 1874. The officers elected were: Gideon D. Prindle. W. M. : Solomon Wise, S. W .: James J. Harney. J. W .: John S. Johnson, treasurer : Watson M. Lamb. secretary: James P. Shanks, S. D .: Edwin Stevens, J. D. : Joel H. Price, Tyler, together with the following charter mem- bers: Joshua Olmstead, John Stalter. Charles H. Lamb, James Kent.
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James F. Gibson, Adelbert D. Lee, Jeremiah Brittingham, E. E. Harney, Isaac Renfrow and LaFayette B. Wamsley.
In the ranks of Douglass lodge are found men high up in religious and political circles, always battling for the maintenance of truth and the upbuilding of all that is good in the community. The present mem- bership is 140.
Joppa Lodge, No. 223, located at Leon, was granted a charter on February 22, 1883, with the following as its first officers: George A. Kenoyer, W. M .: John J. Brown, S. W .; Charles Tabing, J. W., to- gether with the following charter members: Jerry Campbell, Ambrose Batt, John L. Moore, Daniel W. Poe, Thomas J. Lindsay, E. K. Sum- merwell and Joseph Pattie.
Joppa Lodge has always responded nobly in acts of kindness and charity to those in adversity and distress and many a one has reason to bless the philanthropy `of the members of this lodge. The present mem- bership is eighty.
Towanda Lodge, No. 30, although having a number which would indicate an earlier organization, did not get its charter until September, 1885. Its first officers were: E. T. Beeson, W. M .: John Eddington, S. W. : Andrew Swiggett, J. W .: A. J. Ralston, treasurer ; W. H. Young, secretary ; L. M. Pace, S. D .; Fred Lyons, J. D .: George Swiggett, Tyler, with these brethren as charter members: J. S. Braley, J. T. Nye, B. W. Eakin, J. M. Read, R. S. Miller, Ely Lytle, Charles Mornheinweg, Julius Straw and William Snyder.
Towanda lodge owns it own building, which is a solid structure of stone, located in the center of the business portion of the city, and en- joys the reputation of being one of the best "working" lodges in this jurisdiction. Its membership comprises the best in the community. The latch string always "hangs out" to those who are worthy. The present membership is eighty-five.
In the early part of 1886, a few Masons living at Brainard and vicinity, being homesick for a place to meet and do Masonic work, con- cluded to petition the Grand Lodge for a dispensation to open and form a lodge according to ancient usages. On June 25, 1886, authority was given them to work under dispensation, which they did until February 17, 1887, when the Grand Lodge granted them a charter to be known as Brainard Lodge, No. 280, with the following officers: E. T. Eaton, W. M .: G. W. Neal, S. W .; J. C. Jewett, J. W .; W. H. Stewart, treasurer ; M. C. Snorf., secretary ; A. M. Brumback, J. D .; J. M. Foy, S. D. : B. V. Squire, S. S .; L. J. Turner, J S. ; H. Dohren, Tyler, and these charter members: Isaac N. Carson, Daniel M. Green, William C. McCraner. John Stuart, Benjamin D. Squires, Thomas T. Stansbury and James V. Seaman.
The lodge had a steady and healthy growth until 1892, when the Rock Island railroad, having built its road through Whitewater (prac- tically leaving Brainard "out in the cold") decided to move to the latter
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place. Brainard lodge, like many others in a new country, had its "ups and downs," but still with its eye on that "hieroglyphic bright, which none but craftsmen ever saw," pursued the even tenor of their way until at the present ime they can boast of one of the best working lodges in the States, composed of the very best men in the community and enjoying the confidence and respect they richly deserve. The total membership is now fifty-eight.
On February 23, 1913, a charter was granted to How- ard C. Tillotson, W. M. : William Yenter, S. W .; William H. Brown, J. W., together with the following charter members to do all regular Ma- sonic work at Latham, to be known as Latham Lodge, No. 401: John R. Jarnell, John T. Comstock, Thomas T. Trigg, William McKinney, A. E. Jones, W. L. Murphy, W. H. Ellis and Sam S. Wright.
Although a new lodge, it is forging to the front both in membership and in the accuracy of its work. The future certainly looks bright for Latham lodge. Its membership is thirty-six.
The Order of the Eastern Star, an auxiliary, or appendix, of Free -- masonry, is in a very flourishing condition in this county. Stars, or chapters, being located at practically all places where Masons meet and when the hand of a brother Mason is in need of the refinement, grace and the soothing presence of woman, some good sister of the order is certain to be found.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.
By George F. Fullinwider.
El Dorado Lodge, No. 74, is the oldest and strongest. It was in- stituted May 31, 1871, by H. L. Stoddard and the only charter member now living, I believe, is H. M. Logan, who also bears the distinction of being the oldest in point of membership in continual good standing who was initiated in the county, now living within its boundaries. Present membership, 177.
Following closely after this organization was that of Western Star Lodge, No. 81, at Augusta, October 19, 1871, by W. A. Shannon, P. G. M. This lodge has passed through many vicissitudes, but has always held its charter, and at present is in a thrifty growing condition. Its membership numbers one hundred.
Leon Odd Fellowship has experienced a rough voyage in the past. on May 24, 1882, A. H. Dow instituted Leon Lodge, No. 203. After struggling for several years, the members surrendered their charter, March 20, 1896. The present lodge was instituted October 7, 1905, by H. K. Herbert and given the same name and number as the old lodge. Number of members, thirty-nine.
Walnut Valley Lodge, No. 156, was instituted in Douglass, May 20, 1879, by W. A. Shannon, P. G. M. It, too, has had its ebb and flow, but is now in good working condition. Membership, thirty-four.
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Benton Lodge, No. 255, was instituted April 23, 1885, by William Mathewson. This lodge has passed through tribulation. At one time it lost its hall ,together with its regalia and paraphernalia, by fire. It struggled to its feet, bought a new site and erected a fine brick build- ing, the upper floor of which is occupied for its lodge room. It is now in a flourishing condition with fifty-one members and good prospects.
Milton Lodge, No. 268, was first instituted at Brainard, October 14, 1885. It is now located at Whitewater. When it was moved or by what authority, the records fail to show. Suffice it to say, the lodge is comfortably located in its own hall, a new brick building, has a mem- bership of forty-seven and is in a flourishing condition. William Math- ewson was the instituting officer.
Beaumont Lodge, No. 275, located at Beaumont, was instituted January 11, 1886, by J. S. Codding, G. M. It has a membership of fifty-five. It is one of the real live lodges of the county and is doing good work.
Potwin Lodge, No. 525, at Potwin, was instituted May 20, 1901, by B. F. Allebach. This lodge has recently erected a new brick block, the upper floor of which is used for lodge purposes. Membership, fifty- four.
Rose Hill Lodge, No. 557, was instituted September 25. 1903, by T. D. Wardell. Its membership now numbers twenty-nine.
Rosalia Lodge, No. 565, of Rosalia, was instituted by H. K. Herbert, December 15, 1905. The membership of this lodge is a lively bunch. They have a fine degree team in splendid fettle and put on the work by the ritual. E. S. Gray is captain of the team. The lodge has a member- ship of sixty-three, with good prospects to increase it to one hundred.
Cassoday Lodge, No. 592, located in Cassoday, in northeast Butler, was instituted October 8, 1906, by H. B. Rogers. It has a membership of forty-eight and they are the substantial sort that make up an organi- zation of true Odd Fellows.
Andover Lodge, No. 624, located at Andover, is one of the youngest lodges in the county. It was instituted December 17, 1909, by James Wilson. Its membership numbers thirty-seven.
Latham Lodge, No. 637, located in Latham, was instituted May 10, 1910, by W. K. Adams. This is the last and youngest of the lodges of Odd Fellows in Butler county, but its membership is made up of the best men in the community and its influence is manifest. There are thirty-three members.
Along with the subordinate lodges and working with them in the great object for which they stand, are the Daughters of Rebekah. A detailed history of the sister organization in Butler county is at this time not available. "It is, however, safe to say that in nearly every in- stance where a subordinate lodge is organized a Rebekah lodge is al- most certain to follow. And this is true in Butler county as well as elsewhere. It is also safe to say that the oldest lodge of Sister Re-
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bekahs in Butler county is Friendship Lodge, No. 10, of El Dorado. The strongest, perhaps, in the county, is Potwin Lodge, and it is, per- haps, the most active.
MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA.
By U. M. Green.
The first camp of Modern Woodmen of America in Butler county was organized November 10, 1902. Chelsea Camp. No. 8877. with the following officers: Creed Hamilton, Counsel: U. M. Green, Adviser. C. E. Winkler, clerk. The charter of this camp was afterwards sur- rendered, most of the members uniting with the El Dorado camp.
Camp No. 627, Douglass ; chartered June 18. 1888; first consul, J. R. McNabb ; first clerk, W. A. Phipps : present membership, 133. Camp No. 647, El Dorado : chartered July 10, 1888; first consul, J. F. Wright ; first clerk. C. M. Cruncleton ; present membership, 265. Camp No. 902, Augusta ; chartered April 9. 1889; first consul, J. F. Richardson; first clerk. Lem Locker: present membership, ninety-one. Camp No. 1838. Potwin : chartered November 25. 1892: first consul, Joseph King: first clerk, G. W. Ball ; present membership, fifty. Camp No. 3108, Towanda, chartered July 25. 1895; first consul, W. G. Turner: first clerk, M. Orban, Jr .; present membership, thirty-six. Camp No. 3860, White- water; chartered May 9, 1896; first consul. J. W. Stiger; first clerk, J. M. Pace; present membership. forty-nine. Camp No. 408, Benton ; chartered July 27, 1896; first consul. J. B. Patton: first clerk. J. C. Os- born : present membership, twenty-eight. Camp No. 5469. Leon ; char- tered March 26, 1898: first consul, E. L. Bornhouse, first clerk, Charles H. Watson; present membership, forty-five. Camp No. 4381. Latham; chartered June 23, 1898: first consul. W. D. Jessup; first clerk, Roy Shafer; present membership, sixty-nine. Camp No. 6694, Andover : chartered June 15. 1899: first consul, Henry Hart; first clerk, S. B. McClaren ; present membership, forty-seven. Camp No. 3999. Rose Hill : chartered September 7, 1899: first consul, J. B. Hall: first clerk. W. J. Harrold; present membership, thirty. Camp No. 7154. Rosalia ; chartered October 28, 1899: first consul, Val Piper; first clerk, C. E. Prescott ; present membership. thirty-four. Camp No. 7261, Bodarc: chartered November 25, 1899: first consul, I. Stewart ; first clerk, L. T. Elder ; present membership, thirty-four. Camp No. 11063. Cassoday : chartered January 6, 1908: first consul, J. W. Young : first clerk. W. G. Robinson : present membership, eleven. Camp No. 11403. Elbing ; chartered September 7, 1911 ; first consul. W. H. Hallett; first clerk, H. H. Cassell ; present membership, ,seven. Other camps have been organ- ized in the county and afterward disbanded and the members uniting with the nearest camp.
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GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
By W. E. Bates.
At the close of the Civil War, Greeley's advice, "Go West, young man, and grow up with the country." was followed by a large number of courageous, energetic and intelligent young men who had served their country valiantly in preserving the union of States unbroken. Men of brain and brawn found their way to Kansas, 128,000 of them. The rich bottom land and the fertile grass producing upland of Butler county attracted many to locate within its borders. They came here to make a home and a future for themselves and their posterity. The de- mands and hardships of pioneer life were cheerfully and heroically borne. A feeling of comradeship and ties of common service drew them closely together. The need of organization soon became apparent if the interest in each other was to be kept alive and be of helpfulness in their common experiences. Very soon after the founding of the Grand Army of the Republic in 1866, organizations of veterans of the war sprang up quite generally throughout Kansas. The veterans of Butler county, inspired by a spirit of brotherhood, quickly fell into line and posts were organized at El Dorado, Douglass, Augusta, Leon, Latham, Potwin, Towanda, Andover, Benton, Whitewater and Beaumont.
Interest in comrades of the war spread beyond the limits of the local post to comrades of other posts. A county organization was formed and meetings of the boys who wore the blue were held annually. These reunions were seasons of renewing the youth of old boys. By recital of daring adventures and comparison of army experiences, the veterans were boys again, fired with enthusiasm and ready to shoulder the musket and go forth to repeat the service of other days if need should require.
Of late the county reunions have been discontinued. The boys of sixty-one-sixty-five have become old men. Their number has become small. The long and often forced marches of active service on the field, the manning of rifle pits, the strain of musket fire and bayonet charge, the exposure of picket service and sleeping on wet and frozen ground are manifesting themselves in enfeebled constitution and lessened phys- ical vigor. Probably the last county reunion of the veterans of the Civil War has been held.
The number of comrades has become greatly reduced. Some of the posts of the county have ceased to exist and of those still remaining most of them have only occasional meetings. Three posts meet only on call; one has meetings only quarterly; two monthly; one semi- monthly.
As the comrades grow older and feebler and their number fewer, the tie of sympathetic fellowship between them grows stronger and more tender. Only a comrade can enter into completest oneness with an- other comrade.
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