USA > Minnesota > Meeker County > Album of history and biography of Meeker County, Minnesota > Part 64
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65
The first elevator in this village was erected by Commodore Davidson, in connection with the railroad company in 1869. It was at that time quite small, and has been since its
596
MEEKER COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
sale to its present owner, the Millers' Asso- ciation of Minneapolis, considerably enlarged and improved. This was is 1879. A. D. Ross has the charge of it at the present time.
What is now the grain elevator of M. J. Flynn & Bro. was erected in 1876 by Channeey Butler, who operated it until the time of his failure in 1877, when it was pur- chased by James B. Atkinson. This gentle- man continued its management for about two years, and, finding that it was an unre- munerative investment, re-sold it to the as- signees of Chauncey Butler, who disposed of it to its present proprietors, Flynn Bros., in 1880.
The Farmers and Merchants Cooperative Association's elevator was put up by that company in the fall of 1886, and has storage of capacity of 35,000 bushels. John Lind- gren is the efficient manager.
The elevator of the Litchfield Roller Mill was constructed by Shaw & Ehlers in 1885, and has been operated ever since.
The Howard elevator was erected by Col. J. M. Howard in 1872, and was the first independent institution of the kind on the line of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railroad. It continued under the manage- ment of the owner until 1884, when it was sold by him to its present proprietors, Car- gill Bros.
The Minnesota and Dakota Elevator Company are also running an elevator in the village. This edifice was constructed in 1883 by a local stock company, known as the Litchfield Elevator Company, composed of Alexander Cairneross, Andrew Nelson. W. W. Rollins, Nels Larson. B. P. Nelson and others, who operated it until 1887, when it passed into the hands of the present owners.
The Litchfield Brewery was established in 1874, by Lenhardt and Roetzer, and alter- ward passed into the ownership of the present proprietor, Ehrhardt Lenhardt, on
the north shore of Lake Ripley. During the first year, he manufactured about 100 bar- rels of beer, but the business has increased, until now he makes and disposes of over 2,000 barrels each year. This institution furnishes employment for five men.
The Litchfield and Meeker County Nur- sery, the only one in Central Minnesota, is owned and operated by G. W. Fuller and son. The senior partner came to this place in the spring of 1872, and purchased the Litchfield Nursery, or what there was of it, and that year started some 10,000 evergreen trees. Hle deals largely in all kinds of orna- mental, shade and fruit trees, and all descrip- tions of small fruits, etc., and has a large and increasing trade.
The greenhouse and market garden of W. J. Whittington is one of the institutions of the city that must not be overlooked. The proprietor came to Litchfield in 1878, and, September 12th broke ground on two town lots which he bought on the corner of Third street and Holcomb avenue, for the purpose of establishing his business here. After raising a crop of vegetables, and later mak- ing a grand floral display on the grounds that year, he continued to make that his place of business for about two years, but finding it too circumscribed, decided to remove to his present location in Greenleaf's addition to the town site, where he now has five acres of land. Part of this is made into a private Park, known as Garfield park, and is used for the purpose of floral and land- scape gardening displays. In this is held an annual horticultural fair and festival, given to the friends and patrons of the proprietor. Connected with the establishment is a mar- ket garden for the raising of early and choice vegetables, and as he has telephonic communication with the town, affords easy facilities for procuring those necessaries at the shortest notice.
The Litchfield House, the first in the vil-
597
MEEKER COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
lage, was built by Charles Ahnquist and his brother in 1869, and was at once rented to L. W. Perkins, who was the landlord for a year. He was succeeded by M. T. Hayford in 1870, and the business was carried on by the latter gentleman until about 1880, when C. C. Sturdevant became the proprietor. A short time afterward it passed back into the hands of Mr. Hayford, who remained at the head of its affairs until the fall of 1885, when Mr. Hayford died, and the charge of it was assumed by M. E. Baum, the present proprietor.
The Howard House, the leading hotel of Litchfield, now under the able proprietorship of Frank W. Minton, was erected by Col. J. M. Howard in 1880. at a cost of some $19,- 000. It is a beautiful and tasty edifice, built of cream-colored brick with brown trimmings; is about 75x90 feet in size, three stories, surmounted with a mansard roof, which adds another story to its height. It contains a comfortable office, complete bar- room, ample dining-room, and a large mim- ber of comfortably furnished bedrooms, with all of the usual additional rooms proper to the carrying on of a first-class hotel. The owner of the edifice has never assumed the responsibility of catering to the traveling public, preferring to rent it to some one more conversant with the business. The first landlord was Harry S. Lilligar, who remained until 1884, when he was succeeded by Richard Knights. Afterward Knights & Gorman ran it until May, 1885, when they were succeeded by Frank Minton, the present host. Mr. Minton is admirably fitted for the position of landlord, his kindly, genial disposition and accommodating man- ners making him a general favorite with the traveling community, a great number of which frequent this part of the State.
The Union House, owned and occupied by Andrew Ogren, was built in the summer of 1887. and opened for business in August of
that year. It is a fine building, two stories in height. built of eream-colored briek, is thoroughly fitted and furnished throughout, and offers superior inducements to travelers.
The Exchange Hotel, another of the hostelries of the village, was erected by W. S. Knappen early in 1873, and was situated on Sibley Avenue, opposite to where the Meeker County Bank is now located. Mr. Knappen continued to fill the post of " mine host " here for about two years, but in JJanu- ary, 1875, he disposed of it to Thomas Ryck- man, who owned it until it was purchased by II. W. Simons, who removed it to its present site on Marshall avenue, and enlarged it, and ran it for some time. He finally sold it to J. B. Hatch, who presided over its destinies for about a year, when, not being able to meet his payments on it, it reverted to Mr. Simons, who sokl it to S. A. Scarp, who rented it to A. J. Lee. The latter con- tinued its landlord until the fall of 1887, when Henry E. Freeman became host, and has filled that position ever since.
The St. Cloud Hotel was erected in 1880 by M. L. O'Laughlin, and continued under his management until his death, since which time it has been run by his widow.
The Lake Ripley Ilouse was built by Gould & Co. in 1870, and was first rented by James Tinkham, who ran the house for a little over a year, when he was succeeded by P. E. Christian, who was followed soon by John Scarp. A short time afterward O. D. Webb became the landlord, and continued to hold that position until the fall of 1872. and was followed by Otto Campbell, and then G. H. Fountain entered upon the pos- session of the house. Ile remained to fill the duties of host until March, 1876, when he was succeeded by L. D. Marshall, who was in town, followed by Otho H. Campbell. and he by R. W. Dunn. For a short time the house was run by the latter when he was in town, succeeded by Z. B. Fifield.
593
MEEKER COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Peter Weissenburg became the landlord in 1880. and continued so until his death Janu- ary 5, 1884, since which time the house has been presided over by his widow and son Nicholas.
The United States Land Office was brought from Greenleaf to Litchfield in December, 1869, at which time J. C. Braden was the re- ceiver. and J. M. Wallen, register. The office was located in this place until the 16th of September, 1876, when, in obedience to the mandate of the powers that were, it was removed to Benson, this State. At the time of this removal, W. H. Greenleaf, now of Litchfield, was receiver, and J. C. Braden, who died in December, 1877, was register.
BOARD OF TRADE.
One of the prime factors in the substantial growth and progress of Litchfield is the Litchfield Board of Trade. It was organ- ized in 1880, with eighty-two charter mem- bers, and may be said to have had its origin in the movement which established and put the Litchfield Creamery in successful opera- tion. The first officers of the board were as follows : W. S. Brill, president ; E. P. Peter- son, secretary; M. J. Flynn, treasurer ; Henry Ames, W. M. Campbell, P. Eckstrom, S. A. Heard, H. B. Johnson, N. C. Martin, Jacob Koerner, J. II. Morris. A. Nelson, A. D. Boss, John Rodange, S. W. Leavitt and S. Cairncross. The board of directors has full power for the transaction of all routine business, and the aiding and encouragement of such enterprises as it may deem beneficial to the town and community. In 1885 the board took in hand the project of establish- ing a woolen manufactory, and the result was-the close of the year found one of the most creditable enterprises of its kind in the State established and in operation in the vil- lage. The present officers of the board are; J. M. Howard, president; W. D. Joubert, secretary ; Andrew Nelson, treasurer.
POSTOFFICE.
The postoffice in Litchfield was established in August, 1869, and J. A. C. Waller com- missioned as postmaster. He was succeeded by IT. B. Johnson, and the latter by Frank E. Daggett. The next to hold the position was James Il. Morris, who was followed by A. D. Ross, the present incumbent.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
Frank Daggett Post, No. 35, G. A. R., was organized at Litchfield on the Sth of July, 1883, with fourteen charter members. The books, however, were held open until the next meeting, when additional names were added. making the number appearing on the rolls as charter members, twenty-seven. The following is a list of these, the original " four- teen " being named first-J. M. Howard, G. H. Chapman, J. B. Atkinson, John Lock- wood. V. IT. Harris, Carl Smith, William Heath, N. C. Martin, S. HI. Hoffman, F. E. Bissell, Thomas G. Crump, George Sholes. A. J. Anderson, Carl Schultz, John Knights. Peter Stiern. August T. Koerner, J. S. Me- Neal, Peter MeIntyre, Patrick MeKarney, James Dearey, Robert Vorys, William Me- Stotts. Isaac M. Russell, Christian M. Morten- son, Samuel Gleason and A. D. Simons.
The first offieers of the Post were as fol- lows-J. M. Howard, commander; John Lockwood, senior vice-commander; J. B. Atkinson, junior vice-commander: G. H. Chapman, officer of the day ; V. H. llarris, quartermaster; N. C. Martin, adjutant : F. E. Bissell, surgeon ; T. G. Crump. chaplain. and George Sholes, officer of the guard. Colonel Howard held the position of com- mander until January 1. 1884, when he was succeeded by V. H. Harris, who served one year. N. C. Martin was then elected com- mander, and has since been his own successor, being the present commander. The Post was organized in the old court-room building, but held regular meetings in the judge of
599
MEEKER COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
probate's office at the court-house until the summer of 1885, when the present G. A. R. building, "Memorial Hall," was erected. The corner-stone was laid on Memorial Day, in May, 1885. The cost of the building and grounds was $5,000, and it is one of the finest furnished and finished buikdlings of that character in the county, and the only one owned by the members of the order in Min- nesota. There is a fine library room in the hall, in which the Post have a number of in- teresting and valuable relies of the rebellion and "Indian massacre times." Among these relics are the two bullets which were fired at a mark on the tree by Jones and Baker with the Indians, on the 17th of Aug- ust, 1862. They were ent from the tree on the first of January, 1886. The gavel, which is now in use by the commander, was made from the wood of a log taken from one of the log cabins in which the Jones and Baker families were killed.
The Post is now in excellent condition, having 125 members in good standing, and socially as well as well as financially it has been one of the most successful organizations in the State. The present officers of the Post are as follows -N. C. Martin, commander : G. H. Chapin, senior vice-commander ; T. J. Soule, junior vice-commander; J. B. Hatch, adjutant : Israel Miller, officer of the day ; G. A. Phelps, officer of the guard : A. T. Koerner, quartermaster ; T. G. Crump, chap- lain : F. E. Bissell, surgeon ; F. V. DeCoster, Q. M. S .; C. C. Curtis, S. M. : and J. M. How- ard, V. II. Harrisand A. T. Koerner, trustees.
It may be of interest to state that the Post was named in honor of Frank E. Dag- gett, who was a lieutenant in the Sixth Min- nesota Volunteer Infantry. He was the first grand commander of the Department of Minnesota, G. A. R., and was well known throughout the State. A sketch of him is given in the biographical department of this work.
Edward Branham Post, G. A. R., was an institution of past days, formed under the old organization of the order. Their meet- ing room was over Dart's store on the east side of Sibley Avenue
The Relief Corps, No. 16, auxiliary to Frank Daggett Post, No. 35, G. A. R., was organized January 2, 1886, with the follow- ing sixteen charter members-Mrs. J. B. Atkinson, Mrs. M. J. Flynn, Mrs. F. E. Bis- sell, Mrs. J. M. Lockwood, Mrs. William Campbell, Mrs. J. B. Sherman, Mrs. J. B. Hatch, Mrs. N. C. Martin, Mrs. A. Phelps. Mrs. Israel Miller, Mrs. George Chapman. Mrs. L. Perry, Mrs. J. MeNeal, Mrs. F. V. DeCoster, Mrs. L. Damuth and Mrs. C. L. Angell. The following is the roster of the first officers who were elected on organiza- tion-Mrs. J. B. Atkinson, P .; Mrs. M. J. Flynn, S. V. P .; Mrs J. McNeal, J. V. P .; Mrs. J. B. Sherman, S .; Mrs. F. E. Bissell, T .; Mrs. C. L. Angell, C .; Mrs. J. M. Lockwood, Con .: Mrs. A. Phelps, Asst. Con .; Mrs. N. C. Martin, G .; Mrs. J. B. Hlatch, Asst. G. These officers were installed the same even- ing by Mrs. Becker, department installing officer, assisted by Mrs. Starkweather, the department treasurer. The corps soon !(- ceived applications for new membership, and has always held interesting meetings and done much good Various ways of obtain- ing funds for their treasury were devised. such as giving dinners, suppers, entertain- ments, making and selling ice cream, etc., with happy results. In the year 1886 relief was given to the needy to the amount of $85 in provisions and clothing, and, in 1887, to 853. In addition to this the ladies have given to the G. A. R. Post money to the amount of $215 since their organization. The officers were reelected the second year, with the exception of Mrs. J. M. Howard being chosen J. V. P., and Mrs. Miller, guard.
December 3, 1887, the following officers were chosen for the ensuing year-Mrs.
600
MEEKER COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Bissell, P .: Mrs. Howard, S. V. P .; Mrs. Chapman, J. V. P .; Mrs. Sherman, S .; Mrs. Soule, T .; Mrs. Perry, C .: Mrs. Angell, Con .; Mrs. Phelps, Asst. Con .: Mrs. MeNeal, G., and Mrs. Martin, A. G. The Corps is in a flourishing condition, having at present over thirty members in good standing.
J. C. Braden Camp, No. 10, Sons of Vet- erans, was originally known as Yerrick Camp, and was organized at the village of Dassel, December 5, 1885. In August, 1887, the camp was moved to Litchfield, and the name changed, though the original membership was retained and eight new members added. the camp being officered as follows: F. B. Lawson, captain ; C. A. Perry, first lieuten- ant; Charles Phelps, second lientenant; F. II. Hlaven, first sergeant; J. B. Atkinson. Jr., quartermaster. At present (1888) the camp musters twenty members in good standing, and has the following officers: C. A. Perry, captain ; Chas. Phelps, first lien- tenant; Chas. Collier, second lieutenant ; F. B. Lawson, orderly; J. B. Atkinson, Jr., quartermaster.
MASONIC.
The Masonic Fraternity is exceptionally strong at Litchfield, there being a represen- tative of three of the different branches of the order in full operation, namely- Golden Fleece Lodge, Rabboni Chapter and Melita Commandery, besides the lodge for the con- ferring the Eastern Star degree.
Golden Fleece Lodge, No. 89, A. F. & A. M., was organized under dispensation March 10, 1871, with the following members- J. C. Braden, B. L. Perry, J. B. Hatch, II. L. Wadsworth, J. M. Mitchell. C. D. Ward, J. A. C. Wailer, D. C. Miller, C. L. Angell, Samuel Anderson, G. W. Weisel, M. W. Pi- per, Daniel Pineo, II. J. Lasher, Henry IIill, N. A. Viren, M. T. Hayford, J. Il. Morris, and Lowell Weymouth. The first officers chosen and installed - J. C. Braden, W. M .;
J. M. Mitchell, S. W. ; B. L. Perry, J. W. ; C. D. Ward, T .; J. A. C. Waller, S. ; J. B. Ilatch, S. D .; D. C. Miller, J. D. ; II. L. Wadsworth. S. S. ; and C. L. Angell, tyler. The lodge ran along under the dispensation until January 23, 1873, when it was placed under a charter granted by the Grand Lodge, and the following officers installed-J. C. Braden; W. M. ; J. A. C. Waller, S. W .; J. M. Waldren, J. W. ; Frank LaCross, T .; J. Q. A. Braden, S. ; J. B. Hlatch, S. D. ; T. R. Briggs, J. D .; II. L. Wadsworth, S. S. ; D. C. Miller, J. S. : II. J. Lasher, tyler. Dur- ing the years of its existence the following named worshipful masters have presided over its meetings - J. C. Braden, 1871-2- 3; J. A. C. Waller, 1874; A. C. Smith, 1875; J. Q. A. Braden, 1876 ; S. A. Phunley, 1877; J. II. Morris t878 9; J. B. Hatch, 1880; Ilenry Ames, 1881; A. D. Ross, 1882- 3-4; W. J. Nytes, 1885: A. D. Ross, 1886 ; and A. J. Revell, 1887. The officers for the current year (1888) are as follows- A. J. Revell, W. M .: O. A. Pennoyer, S. W. ; C. Bertleson, J. W. : II. S. Branham, T. ; Ham- let Stevens, S .; T. G. Crump, C .; G. B. Phelps, S. D. ; Peter Berens, J. D. ; C. F. Payne, S. S .: J. W. Wright, J. S .: (. Il. Bigelow, tyler.
Rabboni Chapter, No. 39, R. A. M., was instituted at a meeting held June 1, 1852, when the following named companions signed the petition for authority to establish the chapter, and who filled the respective offices-J. H. Brown, Il. P .; S. A. Plumley, K .; A. D. Ross, S .; A. T. Koerner, C. of II .; W. J. Nytes, P. S .: O. A. Pennoyer, R. A. ( .; Ilamlet Stevens, R .; Il. II. Pennoyer, G. M. T. V .: T. G. Crump, G. M. S. V .: D. HI. Duckering, G. M. F. V .; and A. C. Brown, acting sentinel. The first communication under the charter and name and number was held November 30, 1882, when the following companions were installed as officers-J. H. Brown, H. P .; S. A. Plumley, K .; A. D.
601
MEEKER COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
Ross. S .; A. T. Koerner, C. of II .; W. J. Nytes, P. S .; C. H. Strobeck, R. A. C .; W. S. Brill. T .; Hamlet Stevens, S. ; II. Il. Pen- nover, G. M. T. V .; H. B. Johnson, G. M. S. V .; D. H. Duckerson, G. M. F. V .; O. A. Pennover, Sent. J. H. Brown held the office of High Priest until 1884, and companion A. D. Ross filled the chair of Iligh Priest of this chapter until the current year, when the dignity of that ollice was conferred upon Charles H. Strobeck. The other officers for 1888, are as follows-Theodore Ehlers, K .; A. T. Koerner, S .; J. H. Morris, C. of II .: A. J. Revell, P. S .; Nels M. IIolm, R. A. C .; II. S. Branham, T .; Hamlet Stevens, S .; T. G. Crump, C .; Amund Dahl, G. M. T. V .; O. A. Pennover, G. M. S. V .; J. E. Upham, G. M. F. V .; and C. II. Bigelow, Sent.
Melita Commandery, No. 17, K. T., was duly instituted at a meeting held June 21, 1884, at which time Sir Knights J. II. Mor- ris, A. D. Ross, A. T. Koerner, T. G. Crump. (. II. Strobeck, T. Ehlers, II. S. Branham. N. W. Hawkinson, O. A. Pennoyer, S. B. Lake, Hamlet Stevens and Peter Johnson signed the petition to the Grand Com- mander for the establishment of the Com- mandery. At a conclave held January 10. 1885. the following officers were chosen and installed : J. H. Morris, E. C .; A. D. Ross. G .; A. T. Koerner, C. G .; T. G. Crump, P .; C. II. Strobeck. S. W .; Theodore Ehlers, J. W .; II. S. Branham, T .; Hamlet Stevens, R .; E. A. D. Salter, standard bearer ; O. A. Pennover, sword bearer; N. W. Hawkinson, W., and Marcus Johnson, Sent. The charter was received October 29, 1885, and the first officers under it were the following named Sir Knights: J. II. Morris, E. C .; A. D. Ross. G .; A. T. Koerner, C. G .; T. G. Crump, P. ; C. II. Strobeck, S. W. : Theodore Ellers, J. W. : II. S. Branham, T. ; Hamlet Stevens, R. ; E. A. D. Salter, standard bearer ; O. A. Pennoyer, sword bearer ; N. W. Hawk- inson, W. ; A. E. Rice, C. of 1st G .; W. J.
Nytes, C. of 2d G. ; Peter Johnson, C. of 3d G., and O. W. Hawkinson, Sent. Sir Knight J. HI. Morris held the post of Eminent Com- mander until April 9, 1888, from the first meeting. On the above date the following officers of the Commandery were duly in- stalled at the regnlar conclave : A. T. Koer- ner, E. C .; Theodore Ehlers, G .; J. Il. Morris, C. G .: C. II. Strobeck. P .; C. II. Bigelow, S. W .: A. J. Revell, J. W .; II. S. Branham, T .; Hamlet Stevens, R .; E. A. D. Salter, standard bearer; O. A. Pennoyer, sword bearer; N. W. Hawkinson, W .; Peter Johnson, C. of 1st G. ; O. W. Hawkinson, C. of 2d G.
All of the branches of the Fraternity are in splendid condition, both financially and socially, and great interest is taken in the work by the members.
The Blue Lodge erected the hall, in 1874, as related elsewhere, and rents the use of it to the other societies. It is a finely furnished and comfortable lodge-room, and manifests considerable taste in the fitting and furnish- ing
Fidelity Chapter, No. 17, Eastern Star, was organized under dispensation, March 3, 1886, with the following list of officers and members, all of whom were initiated into the order by Golden Fleece Lodge, No. 89: Mrs. Narcissa II. IHeard, W. Matron: Charles II. Strobeck, W. Patron; Mrs. Carrie E. Strobeck, assistant matron ; Mrs. Ennice A. Hayford, treasurer; Mrs. Theo. Ellers, sec- retary : Mrs. Elizabeth M. Ross, conductress ; Mrs. Elizabeth S. Newland, assistant con- ductress ; Mrs. Louisa M. Hayford, Adah ; Mrs. Ida HI. Joubert, Ruth ; Mrs. Alice E. Wright, Esther; Mrs. Ida M. Johnson. Martha ; Mrs. Ellen M. Crump. Electa ; A. J. Revell, warder: Charles Il. Bigelow, senti- nel: Mrs. Frances S. Patrick, Mrs. Jennie Revel. Mrs. Frances R. Bigelow, Mrs. C. D. Patrick, Mrs. Sarah Thomas, Mrs. Frances L. Salter, J. D. Hayford, Theo. Ehlers, A.
602
MEEKER COUNTY, MINNESOTA.
D. Ross. S. D. Patrick, T. G. Crump and (). A. Pennoyer. The lodge has prospered sice its inception, and ranks among the best in the State. The present officers are as fol- lows-Mrs. N. Il. Heard. W. M .; Charles Il. Strobeck, W. P .: Mrs. (. Il. Strobeck, A. M .; Mrs. C. C. Patrick, T .: Mrs. Theo. Ehlers, S .; Mrs. E. M. Ross, C; Mrs. .. Revell. A. C .; Mrs. L. M. Hayford, A .; Mrs. 1. Il. Joubert, R .; Mrs. M. C. Braden, E .; Mrs. F. S. Patrick, M ; Mrs. E. P. Howard, Electa ; Mrs. Frances Bigelow, warder ; Theo. Ehlers, Sent .; A. J. Revell, Chap .; and Mrs. T. J. Morris, organist.
OTHER SOCIETIES.
Litchfield Lodge, No. 50, Ancient Order of United Workmen, was instituted February 23, 1878, with the following charter mem- bers - N. C. Martin, II. Angier. S. Cairn- cross, S. A. Ileard. B. P. Nelson, A. Nelson, H. S. Branham, G. O. Hickox, C. G. Top- ping. L. Eckstrom, II. McGannon, A. D. Ross, L. Elmquist, A. Palmquist, F. E. Bis sell, A. MeConger, A. J. Anderson, G. Il. Chapman, S. Y. Gordon, A. A. Sanford and E. P. Peterson. The first officers were - C. G. Topping. M. W .: N. C. Martin, F .: F. E. Bissell. O .: G. O. Hickox, Rec. ; H. S. Branham, financier; A. Nelson, receiver ; H. McGannon, G .; Il. M. Angier, 1. W. : A. G. Anderson, O. W .; S. Cairneross, P. N. W. The present officers of the lodge are as follows- E. M. Eastman, M. W .; O. A. Phelps, G. F. : George Il. Chapman, O .: N. A. Viren, recorder; N. W. Hawkinson, financier; S. S. Cook, receiver; E. Nelson. G .: A. Pahnquist, I. W .; C. Topping, (. W .; V. I. Harris, D. Elmquist, and John Rodange, trustees. The lodge has com- fortable. convenient and pleasant lodge-rooms in the Harris block, and is in a flourishing condition, and enjoys an excellent reputa- tion as a benevolent and social organization.
A lodge of the Independent Order of Odd-
1 1
fellows was instituted in Litchfield, and sus- tained for a time, but was finally abandoned and the charter surrendered.
The Litchfield Library Association was chartered under the laws of the State. on September 15, 1875. The capital stock was fixed at $5,000, 1,000 shares being issued, at $5 each. The articles of incorporation de- fined the general purposes of the association to be " for instruction and mental improve- ment in the arts and sciences, and for literary and social culture by means of the establish- ment and maintenance of a library of miscel- laneons books, the collection and preservation of curiosities, works of art and skill, and ob- jeet illustrations of natural science, and by lectures, addresses, and literary, scientific. musical and dramatic entertainments." The officers and charter members of the Associa- tion were as follows-A. C. Smith, presi- dent ; W. M. White, vice-president ; W. S. Brill, secretary and librarian; Charles 11. Strobeck, treasurer; F. Daggett, J. Q. A. Braden, W. M. Campbell, W. IT. Greenleaf, S. A. Plumley. V. P. Kennedy, F. V. De- Coster, IT. S. Lasher, directors; F. Belfoy, Dr. F. E. Bissell, S. W. Leavitt, A. Nelson Fosen, J. Esbjornsson. Leonard Leight. Henry MeGannon, Nelson J. Marsh, C. F. Dart, E. A. Campbell, M. J. Flynn, J. 11. Bacon, J. A. C. Waller, James HI. Morris and C. G. Topping. The library is at present in the Grand Army of the Republic hall, in the immediate care of Post No. 35, though still the property of the Association.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.