USA > Minnesota > Rice County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 13
USA > Minnesota > Steele County > History of Rice and Steele counties, Minnesota, Vol. II > Part 13
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All applicants for the orders of Knighthood must be members of the Masonic lodge and chapter, in good standing. A loss of membership in either of the Blue lodge or chapter causes an im- mediate loss of membership in the commandery.
The following officers have been elected to fill the various offices from year to year since its organization. 1874-C. IF. Hathaway, E. C .: J. W. Morford, G .; Smith Stowers, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; A. C. Dodge, S. W .; T. W. Irving, J. W .; E. M. Morehouse, treasurer; T. G. Patch, recorder; H. H. Rosebrock, W .; J. A. Oppliger, St. B .; W. II. Wilsey, Sw. B .; L. S. Padgham, 1st G .; T. J. Howe, 2d G .; Hiram Backus, 3d
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G .: G. F. Albertus, sentinel. Installed April 12, 1875-C. H. Hathaway, E. C .: J. W. Morford, G .; S. H. Stowers, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; A. C. Dodge. S. W : T. W. Irving. J. W .; E. M. Morehouse, treasurer ; M. L. Strong, recorder. Installed April 24. 1876-C. H. Hathaway, E. C .; J. W. Morford, G .; M. L. Strong, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; T. W. Irving, S. W .; H. H. Rosebrock, J. W .; G. F. Albertus, treasurer; S. H. Stowers, recorder; J. W. Hall. sentinel. Installed March 26, 1877-W. R. Kinyon, E. C .: T. W. Irving. G .: M. L. Strong, C. G. ; L. L. Wheelock, P .; J. W. Morford, S. W .; Henry Birkett, J. W. ; G. F. Albertus, treasurer ; S. Il. Stowers, recorder : J. W. Ilall, sentinel. April 8, 1878-W. R. Kinyon, E. C .; R. L. McCormack, G .: M. L. Strong, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; H. Birkett. S. W .: T. W. Irving, J. W .: G. F. Albertus, treasurer ; S. Il. Stowers, recorder. April 14, 1879-R. L. McCormack, E. C .; T. W. Irving. G .; M. L. Strong, C. G .: L. L. Wheelock, P .; W. H. Wilsey, S. W .; J. W. Morford, J. W .: G F. Albertus, treasurer ; S. H. Stowers, recorder. March 30, 1880-R. L. McCormack, E. C .: H. Birkett, G .; T. W. Irving, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .: G. R. Buckman, S. W .; W. H. Wilsey, J. W .; G. F. Albertus, treasurer : W. II. Maes, recorder. April 25, 1881 -- Henry Birkett, E. C .: A. C. Hickman, G .; T. W. Irving, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; H. E. Strong, S. W .; W. C. Thayer. J. W .; G. F. Albertus, treasurer ; W. H. Maes, recorder. April 8, 1882- H. Birkett, E. C .: L. L. Wheelock, G .: G. R. Buekman. C. G .; A. C. Hickman, P .; W. C. Thayer, S. W .; W. H. Maes, J. W .: G. F. Albertus, treasurer ; J. W. Morford, recorder. March 24, 1883-L. L. Wheelock, E. C .; A. C. Hickman, G .; G. R. Buck- man, C. G .; G. C. Tanner, P .; W. C. Thayer, S. W .; W. H. Maes, J. W .; G. F. Albertus, treasurer; W. H. Donaldson, recorder. March 24, 1884-L. L. Wheelock, E. C .: G. R. Buck- man, G .; L. L. Bennet, C. G .; G. C. Tanner, P. ; J. D. Holden, S. W .; N. C. Larson, J. W .; G. F. Albertus, treasurer ; T. J. Howe, recorder. March 23, 1885-J. M. Diment, E. C .; D. S. Cummings, G .; F. F. Grant, C. G .; G. C. Tanner, P .; J. D. Holden, S. W .; N. C. Larson. J. W .; G. F. Albertus, treasurer ; L. L. Bennett, recorder. April 12, 1886-J. M. Diment, E. C .; D. S. Cummings, G .: F. F. Grant, C. G .; G. C. Tanner, P .; N. C. Larson, S. W .; N. J. Schafer, J. W .; W. H. Wilsey, treasurer ; L. L. Bennett, recorder. March 28, 1887-F. F. Grant, E. C .; G. R. Buckman, G .; N. C. Larson, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; N. J. Schafer, S. W .; J. E. Truesdell, J. W .; H. H. Rosebrock, treasurer ; T. J. Howe, recorder. March 26, 1888-G. R. Buck- man, E. C .; H. Il. Rosebrock. G .; E. G. Wood, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; E. E. Bigelow, S. W .; J. W. Aughenbaugh, J. W. ; L. L. Bennett, treasurer ; T. J. Howe, recorder. April 8, 1889-
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G. R. Buckman, E. C ..; H. H. Rosebrock, G .; E. G. Wood, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; E. E. Bigelow. S. W .; J. W. Aughenbaugh, J. W. ; L. L. Bennett, treasurer ; T. J. Howe, recorder. March 24, 1890-H. H. Rosebrock, E. C .; J. W. Aughenbaugh, G .; N. J. Schafer, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; M. M. Davidson, S. W ..; J. W. Connor, J. W .; L. L. Bennett, treasurer ; Smith H. Stowers, recorder. March 23, 1891-H. HI. Rosebrock, E. C .; W. J. Aughenbaugh, G .: N. J. Schafer, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; Geo. R. Kinyon, S. W .: J. W. Connor, J. W .; L. L. Bennett, treasurer; S. IT. Stowers, recorder. April 11, 1892-Gco. R. Kinyon, E. C .; N. J. Schafer, G .; J. M. Diment, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock. P .: J. W. Connor, S. W .; N. C. Larson, J. W .; L. L. Bennett, treasurer ; J. Palmer Johnson, recorder. March 12, 1894-E. E. Bigelow, E. C .; J. W. Connor, G .; Wil- liam Mork. C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .: N. Evans, S. W .; H. K. Tompkins, J. W .; L. L. Bennett, treasurer; J. P. Johnson, recorder. April 8, 1895-J. W. Connor, E. C .; William Mork. G .; Norman Evans, C. G .: H. K. Tompkins, S. W .; N. J. Schafer, J. W .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; L. L. Bennett, treasurer ; J. P. Johnson, recorder. March II, 1896-J. W. Connor, E. C .: William Mork. G .; N. Evans, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .: H. K. Tompkins, S. W .; N. J. Schafer, J. W .; J. P. Johnson, recorder ; L. L. Bennett, treasurer. May 10, 1897-William Mork, E. C .; N. Evans, G .; H. K. Tompkins, C. G .; E. E. Bigelow, P .; C. J. Balch, S. W .: Hans Anderson, J. W .; L. L. Bennett, T .; J. P. Johnson, R. May 9. 1898-William Mork, E. C .; N. Evans, G .; N. J. Schafer, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; C. J. Balch, S. W .; Ilans Anderson, J. W .; L. L. Bennet, T .; J. P. Johnson, R. May 8, 1899-Alfred G. Pinkham, E. C .: N. J. Schafer, G .; C. J. Balch, C. G .; L. L. Whcelock, P .: H. Anderson, S. W .; S. V. R. Hendrix, J. W .; L. L. Bennett. T .: J. P. Johnson, R. May 14. 1890-A. G. Pinkham, E. C .; N. J. Schafer. G .; C. J. Balch, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; H. Anderson, S. W .; N. C. Larson, J. W .; L. L. Bennet treasurer ; J. P. Johnson, recorder. March II, 1901-N. J. Schafer. E. C .: C. J. Balch, G .; J. W. Connor, C. G .; H. Anderson, S. W. ; N. C. Larson, J. W .; L. L. Whee- lock, P .; L. L. Bennett, treasurer; J. P. Johnson, recorder. March 17, 1902-T. J. Ilowe, E. C .; C. J. Balch, G .; J. W. Con- nor, C. G .; HI. Anderson, S. W .; N. C. Larson, J. W .; L. L. Wheelock, P. ; L. L. Bennett, treasurer, J. P. Johnson, recorder. March 9, 1903-T. J. Howe, E. C .; C. J. Balch, G .; J. W. Connor, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; H. Anderson, S. W .; N. C. Larson, J. W. ; L. L. Bennett, treasurer ; W. H. Vinton, recorder. March 14, 1904-J. M. Diment, E. C .; C. J. Balch, G .; G. R. Kinyon, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; C. H. Rosebrock, S. W .; N. C. Lar- son, J. W .; P. H. Evans, treasurer ; W. H. Vinton, recorder.
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March 13, 1905-J. M. Diment, E. C .; C. J. Balch, G .; G. R. Kinyon, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; C. II. Rosebrock, S. W .; N. C. Larson, J. W .: P. H. Evans, treasurer ; W. H. Vinton, recorder. March 11, 1906-J. M. Diment, E. C .; J. C. Balch, G .; C. R. Kinyon, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock, P .; C. H. Rosebrock, S. W .: N. C. Larson, J. W .; P. H. Evans, treasurer ; W. H. Vinton, recorder. March 11, 1907-N. C. Larson, E. C .; C. H. Rosebroek, G .; H. C. Ilowe, C. G .; L. L. Wheelock. P .; A. B. Stewart, S. W .; J. M. Diment, J. W .; G. R. Kinyon, treasurer ; W. J. Vinton, recorder. March 9, 1908-C. H. Rosebrock, E. C .: II. C. Howe, G .: A. B. Stewart, C. G .; W. H. Vinton, P .; G. R. Kinyon, S. W .; J. M. Diment. J. W .; P. H. Evans, treasurer ; G. L. Lieb, recorder. March 8, 1909-A. B. Stewart, E. C .; H. C. Howe, G .; P. H. Evans, C. G .; W. H. Vinton, P .; W. C. Zamboni, S. W .; C. A. Tincher, J. W .; G. R. Kinyon, treasurer ; G. L. Lieb, recorder. Upon the resignation of G. L. Lieb, April 26, 1909, E. E. Bigelow was appointed to fill the vacancy of recorder for the remainder of the year. The late J. W. Hall held the office of sentinel from 1875 up to 1878. The late G. W. Shaw held the office of sentinel from 1879 up to 1908. Sir Knight Shaw was always a thorough and painstaking official.
ODD FELLOW LODGES.
Star of the West Lodge, No. 14, I. O. O. F. Jacob Newsalt, then a member of Prairie Lodge No. 7. Winona, Minnesota, accompanied by E. K. Smith and R. C. Ambler, on August 9, 1864, went to Rochester. Minnesota, where his companions were initiated by Rochester Lodge No. 13, receiving all the degrees appertaining to the subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows. The Rochester lodge courteously remitted the initiation fees, the same being used to procure a charter which was granted on December 28, 1864, and Star of the West Lodge No. 14, I. O. O. F., was duly instituted by M. W. G. M., C. D. Strong, assisted by P. G. M. M., O. J. Noble, the charter members being Jacob Newsalt, Dr. W. H. Twiford, E. K. Smith. P. J. Smith, Eben. Durham and William Hamburg.
The officers elected and installed were J. Newsalt, N. G .; E. K. Smith, V. G .; W. H. Twiford, secretary ; William Ham- burg, treasurer. During the first term of six months three mem- bers, including Hon. A. C. Hickman, were admitted by card and twelve by initiation. The officers chosen for the second term commencing July 1, 1865, were E. K. Smith, N. G .: L. Bixby, V. G .; A. C. Hickman, secretary ; D. B. Marble, treasurer ; J. Newsalt, D. D. G. M.
In June, 1907, the lodge was consolidated with the Coetha
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lodge, No. 38, which was organized in 1873. Soon after the organization of Star of the West lodge it built the upper story of the Oppliger building and occupied it as its home till in 1907, when the lodge sold its interest to the National Farmers' Bank that. with the rest of the old block, it might be torn down to be replaced by the present bank building, and removed its quarters to the present new home in the Parrot & Smith building which is supplied with all of the up-to-date modern improvements to be had from any source. According to the last term report the lodge has $3,192.62 in loans and bank certificates, $1,546.85 in lodge furniture and $465 invested in paraphernalia, making a total valuation of its personal effects $5,204.47, besides cash in the treasury for its incidental expenses. The present officers are L. A. Disbro, N. G., and E. A. Haines, V. G.
Coetha Lodge No. 38, I. O. O. F. This lodge was organized at Owatonna April 25, 1873, by Grand Master E. K. Smith, of Owatonna, assisted by a vice grand master. The first officers of the lodge were Jacob Newsalt, N. G .; Lewie Bion, V. G .; R. Joos, P. S .; G. Siebolt, R. S .; A. Butsch, treasurer. The lodge, for some time, hield its meetings in Star of the West Hall over the Dresser building, then moving into the Adam Butsch hall where it remained until 1879, when it moved into the More- house hall on Broawday. In 1887 the lodge had fifty-two mem- bers and was well provided with funds and lodge paraphernalia. The lodge removed to the hall in the Thon laundry building in 1902, where it remained until June, 1907, when it consolidated with the Star of the West lodge, thus creating a strong lodge out of two weak ones, forty-seven members coming from the Coetha lodge and seventy-five from the Star of the West lodge, to make a total of 126 members. About this time the con- solidated lodges secured the whole third story of the Parrot & Smith block which had been purposely fitted up with ample hall room, reception rooms, dining rooms, kitchen and closets.
Central Encampment No. 4, I. O. O. F. A dispensation having been granted, on March 31, 1869, C. C. Comee, D. B. Marble, Luther Bixby, E. K. Smith, J. W. Daniels, A. S. My- gatt, William Reynolds, William Pepper, with C. A. Strong and others from Rochester Lodge, No. 13, met at Star of the West Hall and all being third degree Odd Fellows, as required, were organized by C. A. Strong, D. D. G. S., and C. C. Comec, G. M., as Encampment No. 4. Third degree members E. B. Crooker, J. W. Dresser, C. W. Hastings, John Middough, H. M. Brown, C. S. Crandall and A. C. Ilickman were added at the two following meetings of the encampment. The first offi- cers were C. C. Comee, C. P .; D. B. Marble, H. P .; E. K. Smith, S. W .; J. W. Daniels, J. W .; A. S. Mfygatt, secretary. Among
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the prominent members. now officials of the encampment, are S. A. Kubat, H. P .; O. L. Turner, S. W .; F. A. Rosenthal, J. W .; J. N. Niles, scribe; Robert Dininger, treasurer; George H. Peterson, sentinel. The encampment meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month, at Star of the West Hall where they have all of the necessary high-class regalia and parapher- nalia. This order of Odd Fellowship is one step higher than the subordinate lodge, only third degree Odd Fellows being eligible to membership in the encampment. The encampment now num- bers thirty-three members.
Canton No. 12, I. O. O. F. This, the highest order of Odd Fellowship, was instituted at Owatonna, March 31, 1890, by Lieutenant Commander John C. Underwood and Adjutant Gen- eral G. T. Frost, of the department of Minnesota, with the fol- lowing charter members: J. H. Helwig, Jacob Newsalt, S. N. Lund. George H. Peterson, Emil Theimer, A. A. Brison, Robert Dinninger, J. H. Shaw, Wm. Wicklow, F. C. Webb, O. S. More- house, James Brown, George Parrott, John Reich, O. B Me- Clintock, F. Fibgard, E. M. Twiford, C. Weise, W. A. Dynes and Geo. Peachey. The members of the Canton are of necessity members of the encampment, so hold meetings at the same dates of the encampment ; the encampment holding its meetings in the earlier portion of the evening. There are eighteen members of the Canton at the present time and is now presided over by S. A. Kubat, captain of the Canton, who is an enthusiastic Odd Fellow and a great lover of Odd Fellowship. Among the veteran Odd Fellows are found George H. Peterson, present clerk of the canton ; Robert Dinninger, accountant ; E. L. Haines, ensign; Emil Thiemer and H. II. Helwig, privates, the ranks having been depleted by death of the larger share of the charter members. others having either dropped out of the ranks or moved out of the jurisdiction, their places having been filled by others.
Alma Rebecca Lodge No. 27, I. O. O. F. This lodge was instituted November 29, 1887, with the following charter mem- bers: Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Newsalt, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Shaw, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Peterson, Rev. and Mrs. J. C. Ogle, Mr. and Mrs. Emil Thiemer, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Luce, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Reynolds, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Peachey. Mrs. Sarah McDonald, Mr. and Mrs. J. Il. Helwig and Mr. and Mrs. John Cottier. The present officers for the term commencing January 1, 1910, are Mrs. Emily Hos- field, N. G .: Mrs. Gertie Mitchell, V. G .: Mrs. Elizabeth P. Pe- terson secretary, and Mrs. Mary Davis, treasurer. There are fifty-three sisters and twenty brothers in good standing in the lodge. During the first term of the Star of the West lodge a
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HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
Rebecca lodge was formed in which all scarlet degree members and their wives were entitled to membership, but for some reason the lodge was abandoned until the above lodge was formed.
Owatonna Rebecca Lodge No. 180, I. O. O. F. This lodge was instituted May 21, 1900, by Mrs. Alice A. Kelsey, president of assembly, and Mrs. Eunice Melville, secretary of assembly, with the following charter members: E. A. Luce, Anna Twi- ford, W. J. Woods, Mary Woods, Harrict Howe, Fanny Denny, C. J. Burdick, Robena Burdick, Jolın Klima, Jennie Klima, John Rcash, Nellie Rcash, S. N. Lund, G. W. Shaw, Chas. J. Shaw, Mat Bion, Rachel Bion, Maggie Cherry, Maggie Woods, Lutheria Disbrow, Emily Smersh, F. M. Smersh, Anna Kubat, Nancy Wilson, Galena Mudeking, E. S. Simpson and Joana Sampson.
The first officers were Maggie Woods, N. G .; Fanny Denny, V. G .; Harriet Howe, recorder and financial secretary; Jennie Klema, treasurer; Joana Sampson. warden; Robena Burdick, conductor; Elizabeth Luce, chaplain; John Klima, O. G .; Mag- gie Cherry, I. G .; Mary Woods, R. S. N. G .; Galena Mudeking, L. S. N. G .; Lutheria Disbrow, R. S. V. G .; Rachel Bion, L. S. V. G.
The present officers arc Lutheria Disbrow, N. G .: Mattic Turner, V. G .; Grace V. Luce, recorder and financial secretary ; Ellen Niles, treasurer : Ellen Wright, warden; Anna Kinny, conductor; Cora D. Pettie, chaplain: O. L. Turner, O. G .; Sarah Hayes, I. G .; Jennie Klima, R. S. N. G .; Fannie Barker, L. S. N. G .; Mand Norton, R. S. V. G .; Sarah Morrell, L. S. V. T. There are now seventy members in the order.
These organizations were instituted and are maintained on account of their special beneficial and social features which they embrace and form a large adjunct to the Star of the West lodge in whose hall they hold their meetings, the Alma No. 27 on second and fourth Friday evenings at 7:30 o'clock, and the Owatonna No. 180 on second and fourth Monday evenings at 7:30 o'clock.
PYTHIAN ORDERS.
Owatonna Lodge No. 50, Knights of Pythias. This lodge was instituted in Castle Hall at Owatonna on November 14, 1888, by the officiating grand officers, F. D. McDonald, P. G. C .; C. H. Tasker, G. C .; Paul Iliggins, C. V. C. pro tem .; Fred E. Wheaton, G. P. pro tem .; Grier M. Orr, G. K. R. S. ; C. Talbert, G. M. A .; A. C. Gidfrey, G. I. G. pro tem. ; W. A. Cunningham. G. O. G. The lodge received its charter September 11, 1889.
The charter members were John E. Shipman, Charles E. Clifford, John HI. Adair, Sidney B. North. Frank C. Webb, John
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HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
HI. Luers, Edward Downie. Geo. R. Forsyth, James A. Harris, Wm. J. Webber, Geo. W. Shaw, Albert J. Katz, James W. Con- nor, John Cottier, W'm. F. Barker, Wm. A. Bailey, Alfred C. Webber, Harris E. Keefe, Elisha Freeman, Russell O. Philpot. John D. Rowlan, Andrew Downie, Charles T. Palmer and Le- grand S. Wright.
The first efficers elected were John E. Shipman, P. C .; Charles E. Clifford, V. C .: John H. Adair, C. C .; Sidney B. North, V. C .; Frank C. Webb. P .; John L. Luers, K. R. S .; Edward Downie. M. F .: Geo. E. Forsyth, M. E .; James A. Harries, M. A.
The present officers are O. E. Williamson, P. C .; Louis Wa- tawa. V. C .: A. G. Scholl, prelate; H. Kahn, M. of W .; C. J. Gough, K. R. S .: G. J. Schafer, M. F .; H. D. Tompkins, M. of E .; Hugo Theimer, M. A .; H. S. Dartt, I. G .; E. A. Brown, O. G. The trustees are G. F. Cardoff, A. Butsch and G. W. Doo- little. The present membership is 119.
The Pythian Knighthood had its conception in the exempli- fication of the life test of true friendship existing between Da- mon and Pythias. Friendship or mutual confidence. being the strongest bond of union between man and man, and only exist- ing where honor has an abiding place, is adopted as a founda- tion principle. And the ideal Knight of olden times was the personification of all the higher and nobler attributes of man's nature, the candidate for knighthood had to prove himself worthy of acceptance by those who valued friendship, bravery, honor, justice and loyalty. The order of the Knights of Pythias -founded on Friendship, Charity and Benevolence, which it proclaims as its cardinal principles-strives to gather into one mighty fraternity worthy men who appreciate the true meaning of friendship: who are cautious in word and act: who love truth ; who are brave in defending right; whose honor is untar- nished; whose sense of justice will prevent, to the best of their ability, a personal act or word injurious to the worthy, whose loyalty to principle, to family, to friends, to their country, and to the constituted authority under which they enjoy citizenship is undoubted, and who, at all times, are prepared to do unto others as they would that others should do unto them.
Owatonna Lodge, No. 50, has since its institution been com- posed of the younger business and professional men of the city and representative men from the surrounding country and its course has always been marked by social and benevolent enter- prises. This order has always exerted a strong influence among its members for the "elevation and betterment of mankind." The social activities of this lodge have been largely increased and strengthened by the institution of its sister society, the Rath-
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bone Sisters, now known as the Pythian Sisters, who have a flourishing temple in the rooms and castle hall of this lodge. Owatonna Lodge, No. 50, has a reserve fund of about $800 and is in a flourishing and active condition, and has always been very aggressive since its institution in Owatonna.
Hope Temple, No. 32, Pythian Sisters. This temple was instituted by Olive J. Gilmore, grand chief, and Nellie A. Mc- Call, grand senior warden, with a chapter membership of twenty- four ladies and nine knights. The first officers were Gertrude Carthoright, past chief; Mary McClintock, M. E. C .; Francis Kendall, Ex. S .; Gertie Mitchell, Ex. J .; Sarah Adsit, manager ; Jennie Adsit, M. of R. & C .; Agnes Doolittle, M. of F .; Mary Cedardahl, protector ; Eva Rowlan, guard; Nellie Graham, Effie Adsit and Augusta Bell, trustees. Meetings are held in the Knights of Pythias Hall, on the first and third Tuesday evenings, at 7:30. The present officers are: Edith Deitz, S. P. C .; Lorinda Morehouse, M. E. C .; Ella Dartt. Ex. S .; Alfraetta Rolf, Ex. J .; Bertha Vanorum, manager; Pearl Hagan, M. of R. & C .; Suzie Zamboni, M. of F .; Eva Smith, protector; Guesena Schafer. guard.
FRATERNAL INSURANCE
The Ancient Order of United Workmen. This order was founded at Meadville, Pa., on October 28, 1868, by John Jordon Upchurch. It is a fraternal society, having an insurance feature, and was the first organization of the kind in America. It has during its operation paid to the widows and orphans of de- ceased members $170,000,000, $9,000,000 of which was distrib- uted in Minnesota, $40,000 of that being placed in the city of Owatonna. Its present membership in Owatonna is 120, and in the state, 32,000. One of our citizens, Hon. James M. Diment, held the office of grand master of the state during the three years of 1899, 1900 and 1901. This being the oldest organization of the kind in the country having the insurance feature, and hav- ing witnessed the failure of a large number of fraternal societies of its kind, it would seem that its marvelous success as com- pared with the failures of others is owing fully to the manner of management and integrity of those intrusted to the manage- ment of the general financial affairs of the different organiza- tions, and speaks well for such an organization when under proper management.
Owatonna Aerie, No. 1791, F. O. E. This lodge was insti- tuted June 9, 1908, and now has a membership of 171 in good standing. The first officers were: Gus. A. Cedardahl, P. W. P .; Charles Green, W. P .; E. H. Lippert, W. W. P .; C. A. Sweeny, W. C .; C. A. Hoffman, F. S .; J. W. Rowland, T .; F. Hoffman,
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HISTORY OF RICE AND STEELE COUNTIES
F. F. C .; F. Jorgenson. J. G .; John H. Martin. O. G .; Dr. Amos, Ole Williamson, L. C. Brown and F. M. Smersh, trustees. The present officers are: Gus A. Cedardahl, S. P. W. P .: E. H. Lip- pert, P. W. P .: Leroy Holmes, W. P .; William Peller, W. W. P .; James Sulivan, W. C .; R. W. Sander, F. S .; John Watawa, T .; F. Bassett. W. C .; John H. Martin, J. G .: Geo. Staley, O. G .; W. Amos, J. Jorgenson, L. C. Brown and F. M. Smersh, trustees.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles teaches a philosophy which is as eternal as is divine truth, and wherever its doctrine has been promulgated it has found a responsive echo in the hearts of men. It represents the true Democracy of Fraternalism. Its creed is simple, and in it there are no patricians nor plebeians. Each Eagle, wherever located, is the equal of every other. There is embraced within the circle of its fraternity humanity in all its phases, and no man in whose soul there is yet remaining one spark of manhood is denied its benign influence. The Eagles recognize that in every man there is some good, and seek to develop that good until it shall bear good fruit in the betterment and uplifting of mankind in general.
Classes, so destructive to ancient nations, are not recognized. Ancient precedents concerning man's superior over man are swept away before the flood tide of equal rights and opportuni- ties afforded to all. Vocation, business, profession, calling, social, religious or political standing do not enter or weigh con- cerning a man's standing as an Eagle, and no aristocracy is rec- ognized save that of enthusiasm in the noble and mighty cause.
Owatonna Council, No. 1646, Royal Arcanum, was organized August 28, 1895, with twenty-seven members. The Royal Ar- canum is a fraternal association aiming to give life insurance at a cost as near that of "normal mortality as safety and perma- nency will permit." According to its reports, it stands among all fraternal societies to-day fourth in membership, third in amount of insurance in force, third in assets, second in yearly income, sec- ond in receipts since organization, second in disbursements to widows and orphans. Since its organization, June 23, 1877, it has distributed to beneficiaries $129,000,000. to some 65,000 fami- lies. The present officers of the local council are as follows: Regent, J. H. Dinsmore ; vice regent, Walter S. Dynes ; orator, E. A. Brown: past regent. R. H. G. Netz; secretary, J. G. Briggs; collector, J. W. Rowland; treasurer, C. I. Buxton ; chaplain, C. L. Pound; guide, F. L. La Bare; warden, G. A. Merrill ; sentry, W. A. Sperry ; trustee, W. E. Mcclintock.
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