USA > Minnesota > Freeborn County > History of Freeborn County, Minnesota > Part 36
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The membership at present is eighty. the list of members in good standing being as follows: A. G. Brundin, F. W. Barlow, John F. Barron. C. R. Brundin. B. L. Blair, Charles E. Brainerd. J. H. Bishner. Martin Blacklin, J. Q. Annis, F. M. Crane. J. S. Chapman, H. C. Cogdal, H. H. Dunn, J. D. Dauterman. I. H. Dar- nell, August Geissler, V. B. Gillott. J. W. Gilbert, Charles H. Gruver, J. H. Griffin. J. L. Hartz. John M. Horne, H. C. Higgins,
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J. C. Hassler, M. M. Jones, Theo. A. Jacobson, W. A. Irvin, H. G. Koontz, H. E. Kellar, Nels Lund, J. C. Lampert, J. B. Large, W. A. Morin, W. C. Mitchell, John L. Miller, J. F. D. Meighen, H. M. Martinson, T. F. McKey, Charles M. Mott, Henry A. Mor- gan, S. L. V. Meiggs, Emil Nelson, Hans N. Nelson, Edwin Nelson, John F. Owens, C. M. Overly, L. N. Olds, L. F. Peabody, F. H. Parker, Oscar P. Paulson, J. P. Peterson, Nick W. Sims, N. C. Sorenson, George Stickney, Svend Svendson, W. F. Springer, F. A. Snow, H. E. Skinner, K. O. Sandum, George R. Spensley. Foster Stevens, R. B. Simmons, C. F. Towne, T. A. Vandegrift, James Van Draska, James J. Wright, D. M. Whitney, H. H. Wil- cox, C. D. Williams, O. J. Wulff, L. P. Wohlhuter, L. S. Whit- comb, James L. Warden, William Freeman, F. S. Faville, Charles H. Freeman, J. A. Fuller, C. S. Edwards, James M. Elliott, G. W. Barck.
Halcyon Chapter, No. 21, Order Eastern Star, had its begin- ning in a meeting held April 10, 1888, in the Masonic hall, which at that time was in the second story of the Hewitt building. Those present were: F. B. Fobes, Anna Fobes, W. A. Higgins, Sarah Higgins, A. H. Squires, Georgia Squires, W. J. Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, W. W. Parker, Fanny Parker, William Lowe, Rhoda Lowe, J. Q. Annis and S. S. Mallory. These names appear on the charter. The first officers were: W. M., Sarah A. Hig- gins; W. P., F. B. Fobes; A. M., Elizabeth Taylor. Since then the officers have been as follows, the W. M., W. P. and A. M., respectively, being given under each year: 1889-Sarah A. Hig- gins, F. B. Fobes, Elizabeth Taylor; 1890-Sarah A. Higgins, F. B. Fobes, Mary Palmer; 1891-Sarah A. Higgins, William J. Taylor, Salome Geissler; 1892-Salome Geissler, A. H. Squires, Rhoda Lowe ; 1893-Georgia Squires, W. A. Higgins, Mary A. Cran- dall; 1894-Mary A. Crandall, O. J. Wulff, Lillie Wescott; 1895 -Mary A. Crandall, O. J. Wulff, Lillie Wescott; 1896-Lillie Wescott, O. J. Wulff, Ida M. Bliss; 1897-Ida M. Bliss, O. J. Wulff, Ella Brundin ; 1898-Ida M. Bliss, O. J. Wulff, Carrie Vaughn; 1899-Ida M. Bliss, O. J. Wulff, Anna Whitney; 1900 -Sarah A. Higgins, C. N. Ruble, Etta Johnson; 1901-Ida M. Bliss, C. N. Ruble, Anna Whitney; 1902-Agnes K. Armstrong. W. W. Parker, Nellie H. Wulff (Mrs. Armstrong having removed from the jurisdiction, Nellie H. Wulff was elected W. M. and Hattie S. Fuller, A. M., for the balance of the year) ; 1903-Ida M. Bliss, William J. Taylor, Anna Whitney; 1904-Maude Whit- comb, L. M. Kaplan, Bertha Hoffman; 1905-Maude Whitcomb, L. M. Kaplan, Anna Whitney; 1906-Edith Clarkson, N. C. Sor- rensen, Hanna Esping (Edith Clarkson removed from the juris- diction and Hanna Esping filled the office of W. M. for the bal- ance of the year) ; 1907-Ida M. Bliss, O. J. Wulff, Hanna Esping ;
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
1908-Lucinda Cook, H. H. Cook, Mary Crandall; 1909-Ida M. Bliss, John F. D. Meighen, Claudia M. Bruyn; 1910-Claudia M. Bruyn, Charles W. Turnbull, Martha E. May; 1911-Lucinda Cook, H. H. Cook, Martha E. May. The chapter has had a steady growth and at present has 140 members. It has at various times been represented in the Grand Chapter of the state of Minne- sota ; Anna Fobes. as associated grand matron; Ida M. Bliss, as grand chaplain ; Lillie Wescott, as associate conductress; Hanna Esping, as grand Electa. At the schools of instruction that are held each year in the district, Halcyon Chapter has taken an active part and a number of times has exemplified the work, doing it in a very creditable manner. Ida M. Bliss filled the office of district deputy grand matron two years and Hanna Esping one year.
When the Chapter had been organized ten years, a very enjoy- able anniversary was observed. Nearly all of the members took part in one way or another. At the installation of the officers Western Star Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M., in 1903, the sisters of Halcyon Chapter took charge of the social features, and pre- sented the lodge with a beautiful ivory gavel. A fraternal spirit prompted the giving and the hearts of the Masonic brothers responded in loving gratitude.
ODD FELLOWS
Oddfellowship in Albert Lea dates from August, 1877. The order is now represented by two bodies, Albert Lea Lodge, No. 61, I. O. O. F., and Miriam Rebekah Lodge, No. 106. I. O. O. F.
Albert Lea Lodge, No. 61, I. O. O. F., received its charter from Grand Master D. A. Morrison, August 14, 1877, and on that date he declared the lodge to be duly instituted, to take effect August 29 of the same year. Five men-George T. Gardner, W. H. Long, S. H. Cady, J. R. Purvis and Rev. G. S. Gowdy-were the charter members. The first officers were: S. H. Cady; V. G., George T. Gardner; R. S., E. C. Stacy; T., G. S. Gowdy. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, having steadily increased in membership. and prospered in a financial way. Faithful to its teachings, the members have many times been enabled to render needed assist- ance to worthy brothers and their families. The lodge has recently purchased a fine location on the corner of Newton and William streets. and now contemplates building, in the near future, a fine lodge home. The lodge room is now in the New Opera House building at the corner of Broadway and College street. The membership is nearly one hundred, and the regular meetings are held on Monday evening of each week. The present elective offi- cers ar : C. J. Dudley. N. G .: L. A. Hanes. V. G .; E. A. Nou-
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
bauer, R. S .; A. W. Massee, P. S .; E. S. Hammond, T. The trus- tees are : A. U. Mayland, W. E. Bickford and T. F. Thurston.
Miriam Rebekah Lodge, No. 106, I. O. O. F. The Rebekah Degree of Odd Fellowship at the present time is represented in Albert Lea and Freeborn county as well by Miriam Rebekah Lodge, No. 106, I. O. O. F. It is the only Rebekah Lodge in Freeborn county.
This lodge was instituted on January 10, 1895, by Mrs. M. L. Norton, president of the Minnesota Rebekah Assembly. The charter members were: A. H. Squires, D. L. Squires, S. H. Cady, M. J. Wulff, J. H. Menifee, Herman Klinke, Georgia A. Squires, Alice Squires, Kittie M. Cady, Inga Wulff, Elizabeth Menifee, T. K. Olson, C. H. Calkins.
The elective officers chosen at this time were: Elizabeth Men- ifee, noble grand; Alice Squires, vice grand; C. H. Calkins, recording secretary; Inga Wulff, treasurer. Since the organiza- tion of the lodge 158 names appear on the membership roll. The largest number of members at any one time was seventy-one. The present membership is thirty-seven. The present elective officers are : Julia Wahlin, N. G .; Margaret Larson, V. G .; Ella Willard, recording secretary; Emergene Massee, financial secre- tary; Elizabeth Menifee, treasurer.
The following members have filled the chair of noble grand at various times since the organization in 1895: Elizabeth Meni- fee, Helen Cady, Laura Palma, Libbie Richards, Jennie English, Marie Peterson, Alice Squires, Inga Wulff, Alice Marlett, Mar- garet Larson, Fannie Biddell, Caroline Horning, Ella Braga, Annice McMahn, Etta Johnson, Emergene Massee, Ella Willard. Ida Brown. Julia Wahlin, the present incumbent, has served many terms.
A Rebekah Lodge, Albert Lea, No. 16, was organized at a much earlier date, and was in existence for many years. It sur- rendered its charter in 1893.
PYTHIAN ORDERS
The principles of the Pythian fellowship are represented in Albert Lea by the Albert Lea Lodge, No. 66, K. of P.
Albert Lea Lodge, No. 66, Knights of Pythias, was instituted on the evening of February 13, 1890, and the following Grand Lodge officers were present: M. E. Everest, P. G. C .; B. F. Stahl. G. C .; Fred E. Wheaton, G. V. C .; A. W. Knaak, G. P .: Grier M. Orr, G. K. of R. S .; J. H. Adair, G. M. E .; R. O. Philpot, G. I. G .; R. A. Hauston, G. O. G. The charter member list contained the names of Morris E. Cole, Seward H. Cady, John P. Hovland, Clinton L. Luce, Thorvold V. Knatvold, Morey E. Stern, Charles A. Briggs, Frank V. Tryon, Leroy O. Greene, I. L. Ingbritsen,
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
Henry A. Morgan, Thomas A. Wiley, Jr., D. W. Flemming, Julius E. Peterson, John P. Von Berg, Andrew N. Daniels, W. Huffer, Frank A. Slosson, Henry N. Nelson, George H. Rohrbeck, William E. Sturtevant, Edward O. Hand, John R. Rohrbeck, C. P. Heden- stad, Thomas M. Blacklin, Joseph B. Gibson, Peter P. Berg, Rolla S. Farnsworth, Simon Strauss, C. R. Brundin, L. A. Brown, Mar- tin Dye, H. A. Hanson, P. A. Nelson, H. C. Higgins, Thomas O. Kleven, H. Matthews and C. S. Prentice. The first officers were : Morris E. Cole, P. C .; Seward H. Cady, P. C .; John P. Hovland, C. C .; H. A. Morgan, V. C .; C. L. Luce, P .; T. V. Knatvold. K. of R. S .; Morey E. Stern, M. F .; C. A. Briggs, M. E .; F. V. Tryon, M. A .; L. O. Greene, I. G .; I. L. Ingbritsen. O. G .; trus- tees, S. Strauss, T. M. Blacklin, H. A. Hanson, S. H. Cady, G. L. R.
The charter was issued September 10, 1890. The lodge was organized in the Masonic hall on the third floor of the Hewitt building, at the northwest corner of Broadway and William street, and met afterwards in the Odd Fellows' hall until March 15, 1895. Meanwhile a third story had been added to the Wie- gand building, at the southwest corner of Broadway and William street, for the use of the order, and a long-term lease thereon secured. For the purpose of furnishing and decorating the hall an assessment of $15 per member was volunteered. The new Castle Hall was dedicated on the evening of March 5, 1895, and an elaborate program prepared and banquet served. Those tak- ing part in the program were: Albert Lea Division, No. 21, Uni- form Rank; Brigadier-General F. S. McDonald, Minneapolis ; Grand Chancellor Fred E. Wheaton, Minneapolis; Judge Grier M. Orr, G. K. of R. S., St. Paul; Col. R. O. Philpot, Owatonna ; Chancellor Commander C. S. Edwards; H. A. Morgan, I. L. Ing- britsen, T. V. Knatvold and Simon Strauss. The toastmaster on this occasion was T. V. Knatvold. At this writing the lodge still has a long-term lease on this space, which was christened the Knights of Pythias Hall. The hall was wholly remodeled and redecorated during the summer of 1907. During the Spanish American war, when Company I, Second Minnesota National Guard, was mustered into service and taken to Chickamauga. eight of the ten officers of the company were of the Albert Lea Lodge, K. of P., as well as many privates. Resolu- tions were passed May 10, 1898, providing for a special com- mittee to keep in touch with the brother volunteers, to see that all dues were paid, also to look after all those who were depend- ent upon them for the necessaries of life, should they need assist- ance. Some of the brothers were taken ill or injured while at Chickamauga, and, with the assistance of the brothers at Lex- ington, Ky., they were assisted in many ways and their stay at Chickamauga made more pleasant than it could otherwise have
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
been. Thursday, May 30, 1899, about forty-five of the members of No. 66 made a pilgrimage to Fairmount for the purpose of instituting a Knights of Pythias lodge at that place. Their rank conferring work was of such a high character that many invita- tions have been received to confer the ranks before other lodges. They have conferred the third rank at Minneapolis, Waseca, Owa- tonna, Dodge Center and Lyle, in Minnesota,and in Germania and Osage, Iowa, also many other places. Many times a special train has been used, and they have been accompanied by the Knights of Pythias orchestra. The lodge has always been in good financial condition, with a steady growth each year. The membership is composed mostly of the business and professional men of the city. The following members have served the lodge as chancellor commander, and in this capacity have been a credit to the organization : John P. Hovland, Seward H. Cady, Morris E. Cole, Henry A. Morgan, T. V. Knatvold, Leroy O. Greene, Clement S. Edwards, R. S. Farnsworth, H. C. Higgins, S. Strauss, L. A. Brown, L. S. Whitcomb, Fred H. Mallery, H. E. Keller, Martin Blacklin, J. P. Greene, Norman E. Peterson, Jacob P. Petersen, John F. D. Meighen and William J. Voight. Those who have received state honors are: H. C. Higgins, grand inner guard; Clement S. Edwards, G. V. C. and fraternal correspond- ent; and J. P. Petersen, G. M. A. and fraternal correspondent. The present spirit of the lodge is well illustrated by the following quotation from the 1911 grand chancellor's report to the grand lodge :
"Albert Lea, No. 66, is sure a winner. A page could be writ- ten about their minstrel shows, theatre parties, lantern work and ritualistic renditions. They have the right spirit and will soon own their own home. There is only one Jake Petersen, and he lives, moves, breathes and has his being in No. 66. Nothing short of a cyclone would ever retard the growth of Albert Lea. When- ever they want a blow-out, they secure enough new members to pay for it-great idea, that."
ORDER OF ELKS
Albert Lea Lodge, No. 813, B. P. O. E., was organized in the year 1902, and the first meeting held on November 24 of that year. The following names made up the charter roster, and the initiatory work was conducted by members of St. Paul, Minneap- olis, Mankato and other lodges, and were headed by D. D. G. E. R. J. W. Foley, of St. Paul Lodge, No. 59. Charter members: John G. Skinner, C. N. Ruble, W. L. Devaney, J. E. Fitch, C. D. Cow- gill, J. L. Klemme, D. A. Scott, C. E. Southwick, F. B. Ehlers, B. E. Baarson, L. W. Blaisdell, W. T. Morton, W. F. Gage, H. A. Barck, W. A. Russell, G. R. Jennings, L. J. Okre, James Krenik,
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
F. E. Case. J. E. Brown. Theo. Taraldson, Charles Baker, J. P. Morton, H. J. Harm, C. L. Swenson, H. H. Wilcox, H. W. Sieg- laff, W. H. McMullen, E. W. Johnson, T. G. Skinner, W. M. McAllister, F. C. Brown, Arthur Hirsch, A. T. Jenson, R. M. Skin- ner, Walter Gillrup, H. E. Skinner, O. F. Steiler, Walter Morton.
Abe Hirsch was awarded the much coveted No. 1 on the mem- bership roll, as it was his good work and efforts that placed the lodge in this city, and he might well bear the title of "Father and Founder" of No. 813. Brother Hirsch was originally a mem- ber of Olewein Lodge, but presented his application for member- ship here soon after the institution of this lodge. W. M. McAllis- ter was first to occupy the chair of exalted ruler, and with him was John G. Skinner as secretary.
Nicely furnished club rooms were put in order on the third floor of the Broadway Theatre building. A parlor, card room, buffet, kitchen and billiard room made up the quarters and here the lodge maintained headquarters until March, 1910. when the club rooms were moved to the Hewitt block, at corner of East Main street and Broadway, where the home is now located. Up to the time of this move the lodge meetings were held in the Knights of Pythias hall, located on the third floor of the Wie- gand block, at the corner of West William street and Broadway, as the former club rooms did not furnish ample room for lodge purposes. The present quarters are very comfortable and are made up with the lodge room in connection with the club. In addition to a large and spacious hall, there is a parlor and loung- ing room. card room, billiard room, buffet and kitchen, and are furnished in elegant style, which altogether make a most com- fortable club home for its members.
The initiation fee was placed at $25, and no change has been made. The annual dues are $10 per member, which entitles him to all privileges of the order and club rooms. The order has made a steady growth until now the membership roll has reached number 312. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, its club rooms receive good patronage, and it can be classed as one of the leading social organizations of the city.
It is with deep regret that the following names are listed under the head of those who have gone before: Edward A. Foote, George Breckman, C. N. Ruble, L. E. Wetherell. Louis Peterson, L. J. Okre, Ben Huntley, Theodore Hoidal, F. E. Case. W. H. McAllister. O. J. Narverude, John C. Munkhoff, George T. McCreary, P. Bischoff. W. H. Wood. Memorial services are held each year on the first Sunday in December. and a fitting program is rendered in memory of the departed members.
Below is a list of those occupying the stations of exalted ruler and secretary since the institution of the lodge :
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
Exalted ruler : 1902-1903, W. H. McAllister; 1903-1904, C. H. Freeman ; 1904-1905, F. H. Mallery; 1905-1906, F. H. Mallery ; 1906-1907, John G. Skinner; 1907-1908, W. L. Devaney; 1908- 1909, W. L. Devaney; 1909-1910, C. M. Wilkinson; 1910-1911, J. P. Greene.
Secretary : 1902-1903, John G. Skinner; 1903-1904, W. Gill- rup, P. C. Jensen, A. D. Paine; 1904-1905, A. D. Paine ; 1905-1906, William Walsh; 1906-1907, William Walsh, F. H. Mallery; 1907- 1908, F. H. Mallery; 1908-1909, J. P. Greene; 1909-1910, G. A. Tingley, N. J. Whitney ; 1910-1911, N. J. Whitney.
Present grand lodge members are F. H. Mallery, John G. Skin- ner, W. L. Devaney and C. M. Wilkinson. Regular meetings are held the first and third Monday evenings of each month, at the Home, corner East Main street and Broadway, where visiting members are always welcome.
UNITED COMMERCIAL TRAVELERS
Albert Lea Council, No. 259, U. C. T. of A., was organized on February 20, 1904, by Ernest Grant, grand counselor, assisted by George W. Rodgers, junior grand counselor, of the Grand Council of Minnesota, Dakotas, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The council started with a membership of eighteen, with the fol- lowing officers : S. C., Ira G. Stark; J. C., J. E. Fitch; P. C., W. B. Clarkson; secretary-treasurer, L. M. Kaplan; conductor, James A. Crowe; page, A. B. Chapman; sentinel, William B. Christensen. Executive Committee-C. D. Cowgill, W. J. Schmitz, W. E. Russel and H. E. Smith. Members as follows: Charles Flanders, F. S. Faville, Charles Baxter, A. Beiler, Theodore Tarld- son, O. B. Newell and Martin Blacklin.
The council has ever since its organization been recognized as a "live one," and many a council in this grand jurisdiction has measured its prosperity by Albert Lea Council. The membership has been steadily on the increase, and December 1, 1910, Albert Lea Council had a membership of ninety-seven. The aim has always been "quality and not quantity," and the result is that the council is in keeping with the tenets of the order, which are : Unity, Charity and Temperance.
One year following the organization, W. B. Clarkson, J. E. Fitch and Martin Blacklin were sent to the grand council meet- ing at Sioux Falls, S. D., with instructions to invite the grand body to meet at Albert Lea in 1906. Their efforts were success- ful, and on June 8-9 the grand council held their annual session in Albert Lea. This session was so ably handled by the Albert Lea Council, assisted by the Commercial Club, that it went on record as the best and most successful meet of this Grand Body.
At the grand session in Grand Forks, N. D., in 1907, W. B.
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
Clarkson was elected grand sentinel, and has been advanced each year, and now holds the office of senior grand counselor, which is next to the highest gift within the grand body.
Albert Lea Council has eight past senior counselors, as fol- lows: W. B. Clarkson. J. E. Fitch, J. A. Crowe, Frank Nelson, L. M. Kaplan. C. A. Dunning, Riley Thomson and S. K. Swenson. The officers for the present year (1910) are as follows: S. C., William C. Gray; J. C., J. E. Snyder; P. C., S. K. Swenson ; secretary-treasurer. L. M. Kaplan; conductor, Henry Stocz ; page, Robert Weigand; sentinel. H. A. Ellis. Executive Committee --- J. A. Crowe, J. E. Fitch, E. G. Storey, Peter P. Kiel.
OWLS AND EAGLES.
Albert Lea Lodge No. 734, Fraternal Order of Eagles, is a growing organization with a fair membership among the young men of the city. The Order of Owls also has a nest in this city and maintains some pleasing social features for its members.
FRATERNAL INSURANCE ORDERS.
Many fraternal insurance orders are represented in this city, all having large memberships and being in a flourishing state. Among them are : Ancient Order of Workmen, Albert Lea Lodge, No. 71; Independent Order of Foresters, Court Albert, No. 1950; Knights of the Maccabees, Browning Tent, No. 28; the Ladies of the Maccabees, Albert Lea Hive, No. 28; Modern Brotherhood of America, Dimick Lodge, No. 574; Modern Woodmen, Chincapin Camp, No. 835; Royal Arcanum, Albert Lea Lodge, No. 1406; Royal Neighbors, Rose Leaf Camp, No. 354.
Albert Lea Lodge, No. 71, A. O. U. W., was organized Novem- ber 14, 1881, the charter officers being: R. C. Van Vechten, P. M. W .; R. N. Parks, M. W .; G. W. Rutan, foreman; J. W. Dalton, overseer ; Chauncey Burtch, recorder ; James A. Fuller, financier ; M. M. Dodge, receiver ; George Gardner, guide; C. L. Mueller, in- side watchman; Martin Oleson, outside watchman. That this lodge has prospered and that it has well taken care of the widows and orphans of its deceased brothers, the records eloquently tes- tify. During its life of nearly thirty years there have been thirty- four deaths and the total of $65,000 has been cheerfully and promptly paid to the beneficiaries. During the tenure of office of the present recorder, Thomas I. Bergen, a period of five years, the lodge has paid out to the beneficiaries the sum of $29.000. The lodge at the present time has a membership of 150 and is in a very flourishing condition. There is also an auxiliary lodge, known as the Degree of Honor, which has been of great help to the local lodge in many ways, but especially along social lines. From the time of its birth in this city down to the present time, this pioneer
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of all fraternal insurance orders has enjoyed a membership of men in all walks in life, and some of Albert Lea's best business and professional men are now, or have been, members of this lodge. Following is a list of the master workmen of this lodge from the date of its organization: M. M. Dodge, S. S. Stauss, Adam Wiegand, Alex McNeill, William Tweedy, W. J. Taylor, W. S. Casey, J. E. Stadheim, S. S. Strauss, M. F. Donahue, Adam Wiegand, C. R. Brundin, H. F. Korfhage, John Doerr, H. F. Korf- lage, William Barneck, H. F. Korfhage and J. H. Menefee. The recorders have been : Aug. Peterson, F. W. Barlow, O. Knudson, Jr., John W. Wood, Ole J. Wulff and Thomas I. Bergen. O. J. Wulff has an honorable record as recorder from 1894 to 1906, when the present recorder took office. The present officers are: P. M. W., H. F. Korfhage; M. W., J. H. Menefee ; foreman, Fred Urfer ; overseer, Walter E. Bickford; recorder, Thomas I. Bergen ; financier, A. F. Wohlhuter; receiver, O. J. Wulff; guide, Carl Jacobson ; inside watch, Nels Nelsen; outside watch, W. McNeill ; medical examiners, Drs. J. P. von Berg and R. G. Stevenson ; trus- tees, C. R. Brundin, H. F. Korfhage and Alex McNeill.
Albert Lea Council, No. 1406, Royal Arcanum, was instituted April 21, 1900, with a charter membership of thirty-seven, by Deputy Grand Regent Frank R. McDonald. The first officers and charter members were as follows: Regent, Henry C. Carlson; vice-regent, Dr. W. C. Merrill; orator, J. W. Olson ; sitting past regent, J. D. Dauterman ; secretary, Salsick Halverson ; collector, C. A. Briggs ; treasurer, C. A. Ransom ; chaplain, John P. Klemme ; guide, Julius E. Fitch; warden, Frank Thompson; sentry, E. W. Blaisdell; trustees, C. W. Ransom, A. McCullock, Charles S. Prentice. Other charter members were: D. C. Armstrong, Walter Carlson, C. H. Day, A. Erickson, E. A. Foote, J. H. Griffin, F. A. Hauge, G. R. Jennings, P. C. Jensen, P. C. Johnson, George W. Johnson, J. L. Klemme, E. H. Korfhage, J. A. Lietz, H. A. Morgan, W. W. Parker, J. C. Sheffer, C. M. Simonson, J. G. Skinner, C. E. Southwick, S. G. Thompson, Dr. W. E. Todd and Prof. G. M. Wilcox. Of the charter members, J. D. Dauterman joined by card from a council in Iowa ; J. E. Fitch, from St. Paul Council, No. 656, and G. M. Wilcox from Faribault Council, No. 1506.
The regents, or presiding officers, since the institution, have been as follows: Henry C. Carlson, 1900; D. C. Armstrong, 1901; Julius E. Fitch, 1902 ; J. F. D. Meighen, 1903; Salsick Halverson. 1904; Guy R. Jennings, 1905; S. K. Swenson. 1906-7; L. A. Hanes, 1908; J. P. Hurley, 1909, and E. W. Dick, 1910. The membership of the council at the close of each calendar year, beginning with 1900, has been as follows: 40, 60, 61, 61, 61, 45. 44, 91 and 106. The present membership is 99.
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