History of Jackson County, Michigan, Part 53

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago [Ill.] : Inter-state Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1166


USA > Michigan > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Michigan > Part 53


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The Catholic Church .- Passing over the period prior to the set- tlement of Jackson by the Eastern people, the history of the Cath- olie Church in the county may be said to begin in 1835-'6, when Rev. Mr. Cullen, of Ann Arbor, entered on his missionary labors. In the spring of 1836 this missionary priest caused a log church to be built, in which he continued to officiate for many years, mak- ing his visits at intervals of three months. In 1854 Rev. Mr. Hennessy, of the Marshall mission, succeeded to the pastoral charge, still continuing the quarterly visits suggested by his pre- decessor, and the congregation .still satisfied with the primitive log building in which it worshiped. The Catholic families of Jack- son then comprised John McCabe, James Ward, John Mahon, John Carroll, James Burns, Matthew Fallahee, John Fallahee, John O'Brien, Daniel Rielly, John O'Neil, Peter McGill, Nicho- las McQuillan and Michael Morrissy with their families. Rev. B. C. Koopmans was appointed priest of the Jackson mission in 1855, and the subsequent year he succeeded in obtaining such financial aid and promises of aid in the erection of a new church, that he entered upon the work. In June, 1856, Bishop Le Fevre conse- crated the corner-stone of the building, and in 1857 the nucleus of a beautiful church was completed under the supervision of Mr. Koopman's successor, Rev. Father C. Moutard, the first resident priest of Jackson. Rev. Mr. Moutard, however, visited Jackson as early as 1855, in a missionary capacity, saw the city was des- tined for a great future, and determined to share in its fortunes. The old part of the present church was finished under his direc- tion, with Rev. G. P. Berentzen assisting. The priest struggled with many and serious difficulties until illness bowed down his energies; his funeral at Jackson is his biography; attended by rep- resentative men of all opinions, religious and political. It proved the popularity of the missionary priest, and a high testimony to the character of the thousands forming the funeral cortege.


Mr. Moutard was succeeded by Rev. P. O'Brien, who was re- quired to watch over the spiritual interests of 1,100 members. He arrived here Aug. 15, 1870, and remained until Jan. 27, 1871, when he was succeeded by the Rev. T. Buyse.


Under the administration of Rev. Buyse great advances have been made and many improvements carried out. The church edi- fice was enlarged and beautified at a cost of 825,000; a school was completed, at an expense of 85,000. The Sisters of Charity, a number of religieuse who devote themselves to works of mercy as well as education, were introduced into the parish. Their school numbers about 350 children, and is supported by the school fund of the Church and a portion of the Church revenue. The grounds sur- rounding this school have been improved, the parochial house renovated, and a general line of progress apparent, under the ad- ministration of the present pastor. During the year 1880 the Rev. Mr. Mallany was appointed assistant in the mission, and it is now


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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.


his purpose and the intention of the congregation to erect a church in the southwest quarter of the city. The requirements of the large number of members, over 2,000, call for such an addition; so that it is very probable another year will witness the erection of an edifice, devoted to Christian worship.


St. Paul's Church .- At an early period in the history of this city the services of the Episcopal Society were performed in the midst of its people by Rev. S. Freeman, but from 1832 to 1838 the clergy and the faity of that portion of the Christian Church were unrepresented at Jackson. In the latter year Bishop S. A. Mc- Coskry preached to eight or ten persons. The parish of St. Paul was formed in 1839 by Rev. F. H. Cuming. Rev. Charles Fox succeeded Ang. 7, 1839, and he held the services of the Church within the old court-house. September following saw the society incorporated, and a movement on foot for building a church. This structure was completed in September, 1840, at a cost of 82,500, and was consecrated a month later by the Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Rt. Rev. S. A. MeCoskry. Rev. Edward Waylen was chosen pastor in November, 1841. Rev. C. W. Fitch succeeded him in 1842, and he was succeeded by Rev. D. T. Grinnell in 1847. Dr. Johnson is the present pastor.


The present church building was commenced in 1850, when the corner-stone was laid Aug. 20. For two years the work of erec- tion was carried forward, and though the new church was opened Dec. 24, 1852, it was not dedicated until Jan. 11, 1853. Bishop McCoskry presided over this dedicatory ceremony. The Church was a missionary station until 1847, when it was erected into a parish. At the organization of the Church Ira C. Backus and Samuel Higby were elected wardens; Charles Derby, Lemuel S. House, Henry Tisdale, Joseph C. Bailey, Leander Chapman and Giles Bloomfield, Luther Graves and Samuel H. Kimball were elected vestrymen.


The Chapel of the Good Samaritan .- To the gifts of Mrs. Emily Marvin, Mrs. Guy Foot and Allen Bennett to the parish of St. Paul's Church, and the liberality of Hon. H. A. Hayden, with other citizens, the congregation is indebted for the Church of the Good Samaritan. The dedicatory services were carried out by the Rev. Wm. Magrath in February, 1872. The building is a wooden structure, Gothic in style, and is situated at the corner of Bennett and Hallet streets. The little church is capable of seating about 300 persons, is well furnished, and altogether creditable to its pro- jectors, who expended on it about $3,000.


The Christian Church of Jackson has met with repeated and serious reverses. At present it seems to be "without form and void." But it has a history which should not be ignored.


As early as 1836, Rev. James Knight, then a " Christian " min- ister of considerable reputation, inaugurated meetings here. His congregation called themselves a "I'nion Society," but were with- ont any formal organization. They erected a church building where the Hibbard House now stands. Afterward Mr. Knight abandoned the field. the congregation was scattered, and the Baptist Society completed the building.


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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.


In the autumn of 1852, Rev. William Bradley came here as a missionary, and Dec. 28 of that year a brick church, standing on the site now occupied by the Unitarian church, on Jackson street, was rented, and religious services commenced. Feb. 17, 1853, Mr. Bradley, having presented the Bible, especially the New Testa- ment, as the only creed and discipline for the new organization, 31 persons gave in their names and were acknowledged a " Chris- tian " Church by Revs. William Bradley and F. H. Adams. Mr. Bradley was a successful pastor, but remained only to Dec. 1, 1853, when he was succeeded by Rev. S. M. Fowler.


Mr. Fowler labored very faithfully, and with a measure of success, till the middle of February, 1856, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. S. White, of Marshall. The first year of Mr. White's ministry was eminently successful, a large revival was enjoyed, and numerous additions to the Church were made, but soon after he entered upon the second year of his pastorate, an unfortunate division occurred, and he closed his labors June 1, 1857. For a while meetings were suspended, but May 28, 1539, the Church was again brought into active labor. The house on Mechanic street, now owned by the Lutherans, was rented, and meetings were held there until 1863, Revs. A. M. Sowle and Elder Asa Burdick supplying the pulpit. After that, meetings were held in private houses, and at the Round school-house, two miles east of the Hibbard House, until January, 1866, when, under the labors and direction of Rev. D. E. Millord, who was engaged by the State Missionary Society and the Church jointly, the Church was re-organized according to law, Feb. 28, 1866, with 30 members .. Public services of recognition were held March 1, and Rev. J. G. Noble preached an appropriate and eloquent sermon. Mr. Millord continued as pastor until April 1, 1872, a period of six years and a quarter. During his pastorate the brick church on Francis street was built, and more than three-fourths of the cost was paid. The Church had grown from a membership of 30 to 165, and the society was considered in an eminently prosperous condition, but by reason of poor health the pastor felt compelled to resign, and his resignation was reluctantly accepted by the society.


He was succeeded by Rev. C. I. Devo, who was an able and popular speaker, and by his "liberal" sentiments drew a new element into the congregation, which it was thought might add to its strength. He continued in the pastorate about three years, during which time a portion of the congregation became alienated from the society, and the financial condition of the Church was so impaired that subsequently the church building was sold on the mortgages, and at this writing is the property of a private citizen. Rev. Mr. Pardee, a Unitarian minister, succeeded Mr. Deyo. Soon after the Unitarian Church was formed, and the Church property on Jackson street was purchased by the society, since which the Christian Church of Jackson has been known only by its vicissitudes and reverses. Nevertheless it has had a mission, and has accomplished acknowledged good. For many years it


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HISTORY OF . JACKSON COUNTY.


was an active religions organization. This is its position: "No creed but the Bible; no name but Christian; no test of fellowship but Christian character." The denomination believes in the inspiration of the Scriptures, in the divinity of the Son of God, and in spiritual regeneration. There were 200 conversions and more than 160 additions to the Church during Mr. Millord's pastorate. From its foundation and during its existence more than 400 names have been enrolled among its members. About one-fourth of that number remain in the city. Many are members of other Churches, and quite a number are scattered as sheep with- out a shepherd. Mr. Millord is now preaching once in two weeks at the Round school-house.


The Synagogue of the Congregation Beth Israel was organized under the presidency of J. Hanaw in 1862, and proceeded to pur- chase a house of worship the year following. This church was consecrated Jan. 29, 1863, by Dr. Wise, of Cincinnati; cost $2,000. The first rabbi was Mr. Wetterhahn. Mr. Eppstein succeeded to the pastoral charge, and he in turn gave place to Rev. S. Weil. Henry Lang succeeded Mr. Hanaw in the presidency. Solomon Musliner was elected president in 1869. Rev. Henry Bloch was pastor after the departure of Mr. Weil for Denver, Col. Rev. Henry Frietman succeeded Mr. Bloch. Jacob Desenberty was elected president during the administration of Rev. Mr. Bloch, and was succeeded by B. Wolf. Mr. Hanaw, the present president, was elected in May, 1880. Rev. Dr. Eger is the present Rabbi. The membership comprises about 25 families, who elected D. Herman secretary.


The First Free- Will Baptist Society was organized Feb. 27, 1843, Rosevelt Davis, Nathaniel Norvill, William P. Fifield, Chester Herrington, Ralph Stiles and Samuel P. Lewis, Trustees. This congregation was reorganized in January, 1869, with Rev. Free- born Straight as pastor; W. P. Fifield, Zina Allen, Wm. Peterson, Trustees; Herbert Daniels, Clerk; Geo. Stiles, Treasurer; Zina Allen and Lucian B. Johnson, Deacons. The church erected by this congregation on Mechanic street is among the architectural ornaments of the city. It is plain Gothic, flanked with well-pro- portioned towers. Rev. G. R. Holt is the pastor at present. The Free-Will Baptist Church was organized Feb. 28, 1839, and the First Baptist Church and Society Jan. 2, 1858.


There are still other Churches to be found within the city limits, comprising the Jackson Society of Spiritualists, organized March 28, 1868; the German Evangelical Lutheran, organized May 24, 1864: First Free Methodist, organized May 13, 1875; Apostles' Church of Jackson, organized April 23, 1877; African Methodist, organized Oct. 20, 1865; the Central Baptist; Second Baptist (col- ored), organized Oct. 1, 1868; the Emanuel Chapel, evangelical, Jan. 19, 1875; the Simpson Mission, St. Paul's, at the mines, Universalist and Unitarian have all sprung into existence in later years. A few of these religious societies have made a steady progress; a few are still giving battle to the world, and all have


Amos Koot


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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.


contributed in some degree to check the progress ot vice by ad- vancing the cause of virtue.


German Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church, connected with Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and adjacent States; pas- tor, Carl Franke, regularly installed Feb. 23, 1879; organized in 1858; chartered May 24, 1864, with 27 members. Qualifications for mem- bership: Baptism; acknowledgment of the Holy Scriptures as the divine precept and rule of faith and life; Christian deportment; profession of the symbolical books of the Lutheran Church, as pub- lished in 1580; participation in the holy sacrament, if confirmed; education of one's children in the doctrine of faith and aid in sup- porting church and parochial schools; conformation to the rules set down by a majority of members. Tests as to qualification: Commending testimony of other active members, if unknown; testimonials from other societies of the Lutheran Church, or pro- bation. Number of members, 1880, 66 active. Sabbath-school, 60 children. Week-day school, German and English, 80 children; teacher, C. Franke; house erected April 29, 1864; property in 1880, $5,900; income in 1880, $1,000; expenditures, $900.


HOW THE CITIZENS ARE LINKED TOGETHER.


Masonry in Jackson County.


The history of Jackson county would not be complete unless it was accompanied by an account of the birth and growth of an in- stitution that is as closely interwoven with the progress of the past and present of society as its educational or religious institu- tions. Dating as far back as the oldest, it has left its mark on the history of every people and State that has made a history that has survived to the present time. While it does not claim to be a sys- tem of education or a religion, it embraces within its scope what is worthy in both. As an educator it teaches what is practical in our common life and in religion, withont sectarianism; it embodies the morale of all Christianity, and it has practiced its rites at nearly all points in Jackson county where are now found, in lieu of the forests of 50 years ago, the clustering habitations of men.


The early history of Masonry in this county is of necessity some- what obscure, the primal actors having, it is believed, all passed away, with one exception, and his recollections of the de- tails of that period are far from distinct. From what we have been able to gather (and at the outset we find that state- ments conflict), the first lodge was organized in the village of Brooklyn in the summer of 1838, and worked under a dispensa- tion issued by the Grand Master of the State of New York, under the name of St. John's Lodge, their place of meeting being in a chamber over Tiffany's store. The following were the officers : William Jones, W. M .; Mason W. Southworth, S. W .; Abram S. Bolton, J. W. Among its founders were Geo. Stranahan, Samuel Selden, Win. S. Brown, Ebenezer Farnham, James Ganson and


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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.


Elijah Spenser. The first work done in the lodge, and conse- quently in the county, was the initiation of our venerable friend James A. Dyer, and with him Wright Chittock, father of Dr. Chittock, of Jackson.


After operating for a few years in Brooklyn, the lodge was moved to the new stone tavern at Napoleon, built by Col. Bolton, where it remained until about 1843 or 1844, when A. P. Cook erected his store in Brooklyn, and rooms for theaccommodation of the Masons were obtained in its second story. The order contin- med its workings here until 1845, when the Grand Lodge of Mich- igan granted a charter to St. John's Lodge, No. 3, in Jackson village, and soon after the Brooklyn Lodge disbanded, most of its members uniting with the organization at Jackson. The charter was dated June 5, 1845.


St. John's Lodge, No. 3, began active operations in their hall in the Merriman Block, over what is at this writing the drug store of E. J. Weeks & Co., north side of Main street. In the summer of 1847, by vote of the members, the charter and property was sur- rendered to the Grand Lodge.


In this lodge were made many of the Masons who have since figured prominently in the order in this county, but in the then mixed condition of society, it was impossible to guard against the discordant elements where dissatisfactions finally resulted in the dissolution of the lodge. After a few weeks quiet a number of the fraternity, where successful policy had secured the surrender of the original charter, petitioned for and obtained of acting Grand Master E. Smith Lee a dispensation for a new lodge, with Paul B. Ring as Master, Czar Jones as S. W., and William N. Choat as J. W. At the session of the Grand Lodge, Jan. 4, 1848, a charter was granted to this organization under the title of Jackson Lodge, No. 17. Meanwhile those who had been unexpectedly disconnected with the order by the surrender of the charter as stated, were not idle, and in 1849 they obtained a dispensation for a lodge, of which Dr. Moses A. McNaughton was named Master, but the existence of this organization was of brief duration, as it failed to obtain a charter from the Grand Lodge. Jackson Lodge, No. 17. has at present the following board of officers, viz .: Dan Griffith, W. M .: Ralph B. Turner, S. W .; Charles E. Humphrey, J. W., Joseph B. Tomlinson Sec .; Benj. Porter, Treas. ; Adelbert O. De Wolf, S. D .; Andrew J. Wetherwax, J. D .; Moses J. French, Tyler. The present membership is 210. The regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.


CONCORD LODGE, NO. 30.


In 1848 Grand Master E. Smith Lee issued in petition of the following Master Masons, Reed B. Loomis, Edwin Perry, Wm. S. Collins, Moses Benedict, Henry Cross, Warner J. Hodge, Wm. O. Cross and Charles Cross, a dispensation for a new lodge, to be


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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.


located in the village of Concord, and named Reed B. Loomis as W. M .; Edwin Perry, S. W., and Wm. S. Collins, J. W. At the next annual communication of the Grand Lodge, Jan. 10, 1849, a charter was issued to Concord Lodge, No. 30, since which time it has made a glorious Masonic record, having added to its members over 400, with a present active membership of 125. In the winter of 1878 this lodge lost by fire its furniture, charter and nearly all its records, but it soon recovered and is now more prosperous than ever. Of this lodge A. J. Paddock was W. M. 12 years. Its present officers are: A. W. Severance, W. M .; Charles A. Spratt, S. W .; A. S. Gregory, J. W .; Thomas S. Hungerford, Treas. ; Hiram K. Billings, Sec. Its sessions are held Tuesday on or before the full moon of each month.


MICHIGAN LODGE, NO. 50, JACKSON.


From January, 1849, when Concord Lodge was chartered, until January, 1852, that and Jackson Lodge were the only sources of Masonic light in the county, except the short term of St. John's Lodge, U. D. At that date, inspired by love of the order and de- sire for its increase, Fidus Livermore, Michael Shoemaker, James C. Wood, Leander Chapman, Dr. Ira C. Backus, Frederic M. Foster, Jerome B. Eaton, Henry Foster, Henry O. Bronson, and Reuben S. Cheney applied directly to the Grand Lodge for a charter, which was granted Jan. 15, 1852, and the first meeting when the lodge was instituted and the officers installed, was held at the hall of Lodge No. 17, in the village of Jackson, Feb. 3, 1852. The following is the first list of officials: Fidus Livermore, W. M .; Michael Shoemaker, S. W .; James C. Wood, J. W .; Dr. Ira C. Backus, Treas .; Reuben S. Cheney, Sec .. During the spring and early summer of 1852, this lodge held its meetings in the rooms of No. 17, at the southeast corner of Main and Mechanic streets, but this continued only until they had furnished a lodge-room of their own; which they did in the third story of the building lately occupied as a drug store by D. C. Messerole, and which was burned in the fire on the morning of Dec. 31, 1880. In 1853, with the other Masonic bodies of Jackson, they removed to a new hall on the corner of Main and Jackson streets, now occupied by the Jack- son Daily Patriot as composing rooms. In 1870 they took up their quarters in the Keystone Block, at the intersection of Mill and Liberty streets. The accretion of members made their hall too small for convenience, and in December, 1877, all the Masonic bodies established themselves in a commodious suite of rooms in the Bennett Block, on the southwest corner of Main and Jackson streets. Since the organization of the lodge in 1852, it has had 15 success- ive masters, about 300 initiations, with more than that number raised and admitted by demit. The highest membership at any one time was in 1876, when the returns showed 215 active mem- bers; the last returns make an exhibit of 192. The following are the names of the present officers: Hiram F. Hatch, W. M .;


32


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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.


Sanford Hunt, S. W .; Richmond F. Livermore, J. W .; Hollis F. Knapp, Treas .; John C. Bonnell, Sec. The nights of meeting are the first and third Wednesdays of each month.


EXCELSIOR LODGE, NO. 117, GRASS LAKE.


Excelsior Lodge dates its origin from a dispensation granted by Grand Master William M. Fenton, Nov. 12. 1858, on petition of the following: Dr. O. L. Rider, Jolm M. Allen, O. R Dibble, Os- car F. Pease, William D. Pease, Samnel Jaynes, John Mark, James B. Watson, O. C. Williams, E. F. Gay, James E. Thomas, and named the following as first officers: O. L. Ryder, W. M .; O. R. Dibble, S. W .; W. D. Pease, J. W .; James B. Watson, Treas. ; O. C. Williams; Sec. The first meeting of the lodge was held on the 16th of the same month, and the working was continued under a dispensation until chartered by the Gand Lodge, Jan. 13, 1860, with the following officers: O. R. Dibble, W. M .; W. D. Pease, S. W .; Samuel Bunker, J. W. This lodge first erected its altar in a room over what is now the furniture store of C. Colley, where they remained temporarily until they fitted up rooms in the Lord & Fargo Block. As soon as practicable, they built for themselves a hall over the brick store of Curtis, McDonald & Co. The extent of their room is 80 feet by 26. The hall proper includes a space 50 feet by 26. It is beautifully frescoed with Masonic emblems, handsomely furnished and well ventilated. A fine reading-room and library is attached, amply provided with newspapers and peri- odicals and over 100 volumes of standard Masonic and general reading. The hall was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies by Grand Master Hugh McCurdy, Dec. 22, 1873, assisted by members of the fraternity from Jackson, Clinton and other lodges. After the dedication, the Grand Master gave an eloquent address, which was followed by a banquet in the town hall. This lodge during its 21 years of chartered life has been prosperous to a marked de- gree and very harmonious in work, dispensing charity in large measure to the unfortunate, both in and outside of the brother- hood. There are 111 members in good standing, and the follow- ing is the present list of officers: Jerry B. Watson, W. M .; M. D. Raymond, S. W .; E. L. Cooper, J. W .; Geo. Bunker, Treas .; John Malknight, Sec. The lodge sessions occur on Friday on or before the full moon in each month.


BROOKLYN LODGE, NO. 169, BROOKLYN ..


On the 13th of January, 1865, the Grand Lodge of the State granted a charter to Brooklyn Lodge, No. 169, to the following brothers: John M. Stowe, W. M .; Wm. S. Culver, S. W .; Chaun- cey S. Webster, J. W .; A. S. Palmer, Geo. W. Green, Thomas Murray, V. F. Randall, L. Gardner, H. S. Palmer, L. M. Jones, Geo. P. Cook and Rufus Dubois. The lodge was instituted Jan. 16, 1865. The following is the list of Masters: John M. Stowe,


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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.


1865; Wm. S. Culver, 1866-67-'68-'72-'73-'74-'77-'78; W. S. Palmer, 1869-'70-'71; E. N. Palmer, 1875-'76-'80-'81; J. A. Por- ter, 1879. The present officers are: E. N. Palmer, W. M .; John B. Martin, S. W .; Cyrus Stearns, J. W .; L. M. Jones, Treas .; Hiel Woodward, Sec .; E. E. Ferguson, S. D .; B. L. Wright, J. D .; Fred Kleine. Tyler. This lodge has had since its organiza- tion 177 members; its present active membership is 93. The lodges at Liberty and Napoleon owe their existence chiefly to the members of this lodge. Regular meetings are held on Monday of each month, on or before the full moon.


PARMA LODGE, NO. 183, AT PARMA,


was chartered by the Grand Lodge Jan. 11, 1866, with the tol- lowing brothers : John J. Hinchey, Alson Landon, S. H. Bristol, Amasa M. Buckman, Reynolds Landon, W. W. Landon, De- catur F. Moe and Wm. M. Conant. The lodge was instituted Jan. 26, 1866, by Past Master Joseph B. Tomlinson acting as the representative of the Grand Master, and the following officers were installed : John J. Hinchey, W. M .; Alson Landon, S. W .; Smith II. Bristol, J. W .; Amasa M. Buckinan, Treasurer; Reyn- olds Landon, Secretary; Wm. W. Landon, S. D .; Charles Ferguson, J. D .; E. A. Miller, Tyler; Geo. W. Chapel and Samuel Chapel, Stewards; Geo. A. Armstrong, Chaplain. The first work done in the lodge was the initiation of Jonathan Scott; he was the first Master Mason made in the lodge, and is the senior in years among the members. His venerable figure is usually the first in the Ty- ler's rooms to welcome a visitor. The lodge records exhibit the following statistics : Initiations, 102; passed, 97; raised, 94; de- mitted, 38; expelled, one; suspended, three; died, six; present ac- tive membership, 72. The officers are Geo. W. Chapel, W. M .; Lorenzo N. Dowling, S. W .; Joseph C. Sampson, J. W .; Theodore A. King, Treasurer; Samuel Chapel, Secretary; Lewis D. Vewa- lin, S. D .; Charles Sleik, J. D .; James C. Quick and Henry D. Maten, Stewards; Jonathan Scott. Tyler. Luther H. Ludlow, to whom we are indebted for the above account, has been secretary of the lodge for the last ten years. Regular meetings are held Saturdays of each month on or preceding the full moon.




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