USA > Nebraska > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton and Clay counties, Nebraska, Vol. I > Part 62
USA > Nebraska > Clay County > History of Hamilton and Clay counties, Nebraska, Vol. I > Part 62
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A BIT OF CHURCH HISTORY.
The history of the Swedish Evangelical Mission church of this city, although a brief one, ought to be of great interest to those concerned. It dates itself from the year of 1884.
The meetings were then held in private houses. Mr. D. A. Johnson was then leader at large. There were only two or three Swedish families in the city at that time. But God, who had his plan laid out for a greater work among the Scandinavian people, blessed the insignificant beginning, so that those that started the work were made able to keep it up.
After some time as the interest grew stronger it was decided to rent a room suitable for gathering in. Finally the U. B. church was rented for that pur-
535
IIISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
pose. At this time a Sunday school was organized of which Mr. D. A. Johnson and Mr. Fred Peterson were the principal leaders. Later on Oscar Gunnarson, P. M. Quist and K. P. Swanson entered the ranks as teachers, which greatly strength- ened the Sunday school cause.
As the interest and attendance increased ministers were called upon to make periodical visits and preach the gospel. The first minister that served was Rev. N. Nelson, from north of Hamilton. After him G. Norseen from Siloa and John Anderson from Monroe, successively took up the work. The latter held the position for several years or until Rev. Eno. Berg from Omaha was called and had consented to come. During his time of service the congregation was organized under its present name. After this had been done it was only decided to build a church, and it was not only decided but also undertaken and completed with the good result that the church was all paid for at the time of dedication. The church property may be valued at six thousand dollars. The reorganiza- tion took place in the year 1904, when the church was incorporated as the Swedish Evangelical Mission edifice.
Rev. Berg served as its pastor for about two years and was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. F. O. Gustafson, who was installed in the first part of June, 1906, and the present pastor Rev. K. A. Isakson.
The First Baptist Church of Aurora was organized in May, 1872, by Rev. Mr. Biggert, who became its first pastor, his ministry covering a period of two years. He was succeeded by Rev. Moses Rowley in the spring of 1876. Rev. Mr. Rowley was succeeded by Rev. Frank Mitchell in the spring of 1877, who was pastor for one year. In the spring of 1878 Rev. J. W. Lewis accepted a call from this society, elosing his ministry in the spring of 1880, when he was suc- ceeded by the Rev. A. J. Cotney. The church was completed during the pastorate of Rev. Moses Rowley in 1876, and was valued at $1,500. The church became embarrassed financially, and the building was afterward sold under a mortgage, the purchasers tearing it down and using the material for building a dwelling house.
The society was then for several years without a regular meeting place and without a pastor.
Initiatory steps were taken in the fall of 1878 to organize a German Evange- lical Church in Aurora, services being held by Rev. S. H. Holdgraf, at the houses of German citizens. The church was organized on January 13, 1879, with Rev. Holdgraf as pastor, and the following members: Fritz Hoefer, William Kramer, Louis Bald, Joseph Schwab, Adolph Reuber, Henry Kemper and John Fisher.
Rev. Holdgraf was succeeded in August, 1884, by Rev. Louis Kleeman, a young man of much worth and ability, who was followed by Rev. G. H. Becker, and he was followed by Rev. Herman Tietke.
A neat little church building was erected in the fall of 1884, the building committee being : August Strauss, William Kramer and L. Kleeman. At this time the membership numbered about thirty-two families.
German English Lutheran Church was organized in Aurora in 1920 with about 25 members, Rev. J. J. Timpken as its first pastor.
CHAPTER X.
LODGES AND ORGANIZATIONS.
HAMILTON GRANGE-EARLY LODGES AND FRATERNITIES, J. H. GROSVENOR- A. F. & A. M .- I. O. O. F .- G. A. R .- W. R. C .- K. OF P .- A. O. U. W .- R. N. A .- AMERICAN LEGION-Y. M. C. A .- ROTARY CLUB.
The first secret society organized in the county was Hamilton Grange, at Aurora, on July 28, 1873, with C. P. Dick, master; John Tweedy, J. C. Rateliff, H. W. King, P. C. Culver, Rev. William Biggart, J. H. Faris, W. A. Epla, William Strain, Mrs. T. W. Pierce, Mrs. Amanda Hagerman, Miss Maggie E. Faris and Miss Susan J. Culver, as members. It continued in existence through the "grasshopper years," but in 1876 the members ceased to take an interest in it, and it was disbanded.
THE CITY'S LODGES AND FRATERNITIES (By J. II. Grosvenor-1916.)
The golden age of fraternity began during the early history of our city. Great growth and steady development shown. Civic and business life of our community owes much to the "friendly societies." Intoleration and opposition have disappeared. Insurance orders strong.
In the space of a short article like this no adequate treatment can be given to the ever increasing activity of the lodge as a factor in our history and develop- ment and growth. We must generalize. Details of the life and good accom- plished right here in Hamilton county by lodges and fraternities would fill volumes and we have only columns.
The historian of the future looking backward will say, "The friendly societies" of the 19th century brought about the golden age of fraternity in the latter decades of that century. Commencing immediately after the close of the Civil war there was such a growth of lodges, fraternities and civic associations as had not been known to history before. The brotherhood of man under the fatherhood of God commenced to be commonly accepted and this was made the first plank in almost every lodge, secret society or fraternity. Of course, there was opposition as is always the case; of course, there was intoleration, as is always the case. But the trend of the human mind had been directed in the proper course and nothing could withstand the onward march of the clans and hosts of "good will toward men."
Forty years ago lodges commenced to spring up in the South Platte towns and Aurora was early in the lists.
MASONS
The Masonic order came to us with the organization of Aurora Lodge A. F.
536
537
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
& A. M. in February, 1876, and J. S. Miller was the first W. M. It was a comparatively small lodge and run along for some years in pretty hard lines and yet the flame of fraternity kept it alive until today it is one of the great lodges of this part of the state. R. D. Curry is the present W. M. and Glen Anawalt is secretary. There are about 125 members.
In May, 1886 Shekinah Chapter R. A. Masons was organized and in this Chap- ter the higher degrees of that rank have ever since been beautifully exemplified from year to year and the Chapter is today prosperous and on the highway of fraternal success.
Oddfellowship is represented in Aurora by Hamilton Lodge, No. 60, which was instituted in 1876 at Hamilton, from which it derived its name, and this lodge is today one of the strong and influential ones of the county. The first Noble Grand was T. A. MeKay and the first secretary was A. W. Agee. Chas. L. Whitney is now N. G. and W. E. Reber is permanent secretary and treasurer, with A. M. Glover secretary. The membership numbers over one hundred. H. G. Cass is the only resident member who was one of the original charter members.
In 1904 steps were taken to organize the Eneampment Degree and about thirty members took this work and organized an Encampment which still survives although not in as active state as the subordinate lodge.
THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS
The K. of P. emblems were first noticeable in Aurora in 1885 when Mystic Lodge, No. 39, K. of P., was organized. J. R. Van Boskirk was the first Chancellor Commander and W. J. Stevenson the first Keeper of Record and Seal. Today it is strong, active and growing, with C. M. Grosvenor as Chancellor Commander and H. E. Newton as Keeper of Record and Seal. The present membership is about 80.
For a time a Uniform Rank was established and this was quite a feature with uniforms of a military type and a splendid band and often enlivened the publie occasions of the day on parade. Later the active members, many of them at least, moved away and the rank finally disbanded.
THE IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN
Hiawatha Tribe, No. 15, I. O. R. M., was for many years one of the best known lodges in Nebraska. Organized in 1893 and at once taking front rank as a social and fraternal order it endured for twenty years and even then when giving up its charter was a strong lodge, but the mistakes and mismanagement of the Great Council in the state made it a question of this once powerful order in this eity giving up its life because of conditions for which it could not be responsible and which it was powerless to change. So Redmanship vanished from our midst. At one time there were over 200 members of this tribe and its charities, its entertainments and its good times were too numerous to soon be forgotten.
MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA
The Modern Woodmen of America came to town in the early 80s. The lodge was named Hawthorne Camp No. 446 and still numbers about 300 members, al-
538
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
though rate wars and internal strife in the order have cost it many members in recent years. Today Fred Kuhn is V. C. and W. E. Reber is Clerk.
THE ROYAL HIGHLANDERS
This lodge deserves whole chapters. A home institution. Born in our city ; nurtured by our entire citizenship and now doing business in nearly or quite one- half of the states of the union. August, 1897, saw the institution of Douglas Castle, No. 1, and today it numbers nearly 800 souls. The Head Castle of the order is here and the Home Building on our public square. It has dispensed benefits that now run in million figures, instead of thousands. No measure can be taken of its great work of usefulness and it tops all lodges here very properly in point of mem- bership and appointment for lodge convenience. Chas. S. Brown is Illustrious Protector and L. A. Morris Secretary of this giant castle.
The Royal Highlanders in 1921 are operating in 17 states. Its steady growth is shown by the following table :
Facts and figures from the records showing how revenues secured from invest- ments have increased our funds.
Rec'd Commis- sion from Borrowers
Rec'd Interest on Loans
Total Rec'd on Invest- ments
1898
$ 725.88
$ 725.88
1899
$ 1,288.75
2,353.36
3,642.11
1900
1,265.75
4,881.61
6,147.36
1901
1,025.60
7,725.97
8,751.57
1902
586.25
10,127.47
10,713.72
1903
1,410.25
14,209.40
15,619.65
1904
1,749.95
18,017.80
19,767.75
1905
1,892.40
21,656.27
23,548.67
1906
3,985.00
26,384.37
30,369.37
1907
4,107.10
31,181.22
35,288.32
1908
5,858.50
36,469.87
42,328.37
1909
6,881.50
40,116.13
46,997.63
1910
5,210.50
51,076.14
56,286.64
1911
7,021.00
55,934.98
62,955.98
1912
6,258.00
61,467.64
67,725.64
1913
11,732.70
68.680.82
80,413.52
1914
14,692.50
76,273.83
90,966.33
1915
11,492.25
89,634.59
101,126.84
1916
13,740.75
95,529.60
109,270.35
1917
15,748.50
100,480.85
116,229.35
1918
6,459.38
101,901.87
108,361.25
1919
7,462.00
90,278,41
97,740.41
1920
20,085.00
83,584.46
103,669.46
Totals
$149,953.63
$1,088,692.54
$1,238,646.17
Vui 1 -.
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8
1
2
3 J. Youngquest F (. Putnam Delevan
(' A. Coatg John Jones 8. MeClay
Edw. Bird Alex. Wilson S Lounsbury
J. N. Cassell H J. Witlis
J. D. Perry W. H. Streeter
J. Fritz Edw. Huling JJos. Wilcoxen Isaac Kincalde T. J. Fiss C. L. Smith
N. M Fross 0. Shankland
8 J. D. Strong B. F. Isaman Jas McBride Wm. Niehardt Delos Kearns T. A. Mckay Rubert Miller
9 John Driskell E. B. Barton G Rhinehart Alex. Coleman W. W. McCoy J. J. : Grim Earl Tuttle
10 M. Mitchell Wm. Lakin
11 S. S. Matlock Edward Fields S. B. Gebhart Dan. Richards W. Henderson I. N. Jones F. M. Barnes
II. F. Lashell
Auron Toland J. W. Elarton
. A. Scoville P. C. T. B. Johnson W. Shenberger Jacob Ewalt
Harrison E D. Preston
4
6
7
5 Bates L D. Ellsworth Henry Woods A'b'rer'mbie 1. McCom'ghy Delevan Bates
James Moore
Wm. Thomas S. B. Chapman T. Machamer A N. Thomas Lafe Isaman
12
CIVIL WAR VETERANS OF AURORA
541
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
The Royal Highlanders show that their funds have earned over Twelve Hun- dred Thousand Dollars in commissions and interest, all of which has gone to swell the amounts contributed by members and to build up the splendid surplus after paying benefits of $4,782,957.27. Statement, January 1, 1921: Total benefits paid, $4,782,957.27 ; surplus funds, $1,812,827.50.
W. E. Sharp has been President of this institution practically all of the time, though J. L. Rose was President a short time. F. J. Sharp has been Secretary, A. E. Seikman, Treasurer. These three with L. J. Seikman of Hastings, C. A. Smith of Tilden, F. H. Hanke of Sutton and J. C. Peterson of York constituted the Executive Committee. D. A. Johnson served for years in this capacity, as High Prudential Chief, and II. B. Treat also.
The Woodmen of the World have from time to time had lodges under way here but have never succeeded in maintaining a regular lodge with lodge hall and equipment.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
This most famous of all "last man's clubs" was largely represented in the early days of its organization here in Aurora. Under its constitution it is fast fading away. Unless eligibility is enlarged and soldiers of the later wars ad- mitted, then its membership is destined to diminish until the last man is reached in the years to come. Membership is therefore rare and almost impossible to measure in value, a privilege of a most exclusive kind to the brave soldiers of the Rebellion. Today the lodge in Aurora is thinning down rapidly. How long shall we see any of them with us? Should not this situation stir the loyalty and the patriotism of our people? "Honor to whom honor is due."
Other societies like the Knights of the Maccabees, Loyal Order of the Moose and possibly a few others, not now called to mind, have come and gone with the flight of the years.
Ladies auxiliaries have uniformly flourished. The Eastern Star, the Rebekahs, the Pocahontas, the Royal Neighbors, the Degree of Honor, the Ladies of the Maccabees have all had an existence in Aurora and all now survive except the Ladies of the Maccabees and the Pocahontas. All have large memberships and are doing good work.
The mystic society, the P. E. O., has as we are informed, a goodly number and is in excellent condition at this date.
All in all, Aurora marches in the front rank of fraternal cities. It would fill the ordinary directory to name the members of our lodges who have achieved prominence or become famous. Some day some one will perhaps compile and publish in book form a good comprehensive history of our lodges and societies.
Of the secret societies Aurora Lodge No. 68, A. F. & A. M. was organized under a dispensation granted February 10, 1876, and received its charter June 9, 1878 .The following were the charter members and officers: J. S. Miller, W. M .; T. A. MeKay, S. W .; J. II. Helms, J. W .; W. H. Streeter, Darius Wilcox, W. K. Ream, T. II. Glover, E. J. Hainer, W. L. Whittemore, Benjamin Freed, M Hagarity, John Tweedy and S. S. Hayden.
During the year 1890 the Temple-Craft Association, an incorporation of this city, erected a fine substantial brick block on the west side of the public
512
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
square, occupying Lots 19, 20, and 21 of Block 19, at a cost of $25,000, in which there are an elegant and commodions lodge room, banquet hall reception rooms, ete. An association composed of the A. F. & A. M., K. of P., A. O. U. W. and G. A. R. furnished the lodge-rooms throughont with beautiful, tastefully arranged appointments, affording the lodgers using the hall a delightful and comfortable place of meeting. The lodge gained a sound financial condition, owning a two- fifths interest in the lodge furnishings and considerable stock in the Temple- Craft Block.
The organization at that time had a membership of sixty-nine, and the officers were P. M. Green, W. M .; E. A. Steenburg. S. W .; W. F. Gooden, J. W .; W. II. Alden, secretary. Regular meetings were held on the first and second Tuesdays of each month.
Shekinah Chapter, No. 32, Royal Arch Masons, was organized May 14. 1885. with twenty-two charter members and the following officers : W. R. Bell, M. E. H. P .; D. Bates, king: J. N. Cassell, scribe; I. N. Jones, C. of H .; F. J. Brieker, R. A. C .: E. J. Ilainer, P. S .: J. W. Jones, G. M. 1st V .; F. G. Bucham, G. M. 2d V .; A. S. Crosby, G. M. 3rd V .: Adolph Renber, T .; William P. Hellings, recorder, and W. H. Streeter, treasurer. The organization was highly pros- perous and in excellent financial condition.
Hamilton Lodge, No. 60. I. O. O. F., was organized under a dispensation granted June 1, 1876, with the following charter members: T. A. MeKay, E. B. Iloyt, A. W. Agee, II. G. Cass, L. M. Reber, Simeon Snow, James M. May, T. C. Khumb, W. K. Ream and W. L. Warn. The first officers were T. A. MeKay, N. G .: Simeon Snow, V. G .; A. W. Agee, secretary, and Levi M. Reber, treasurer.
For a time the lodge flourished, and added largely to its membership, when divisions began to creep into the lodge and obstructed its harmonious working and for a time seriously retarded its growth. After this spirit had been elim- inated, the lodge again entered on a more prosperous era.
Post No. 44, Department of Nebraska G. A. R. was organized April 16th, 1880, with the following Charter Members:
Jesse S. Miller, James M. Fodge, Delevan Bates, C. II. Kimball, Lewis Kelley, L. W. Ilastings, R. A. Ingalls, E. D. Preston, D. A. Scovill. A. V. B. Peck, W. W. Trobee, Joshna Norton Jr .. J. L. Trobee. L. C. Predmore, W. S. Strain, Robert Miller, L. Isaman, T. A. MeKay, W. C. Preston, C. J. Agee, W. II. Pinnell, T. L. Meyers, S. S. Hayden, A. E. Cheney, W. A. Johnson, J. W. Thiery, W. L. Whittemore.
The following were elected as the first officers of the post : J. S. Miller, Post Commander; Delevan Bates, S. V. (); E. D. Preston, J. V. C .; L. Isaman, P. S .: A. V. B. Peck, Chaplin ; T. A. MeKay, L. M .; J. M. Fodge, O. D .; J. L. Trobee, (. G. The above officers were duly installed by J S. Wood, after which the Post Commander appointed D. A. Scovill AAdjt .; Lewis Kelly, S. M. : L. C. Fredmore L. M. S. and the Post was named Zack Chandler. No. 44.
For many years a strong Post was maintained active in all matters of public interest, especially in relief work for soldiers, widows and orphans and memorial services. In 1906 a memorial Park was designed in the Court House square in which was erected a monument in memory of soldiers of the Civil War and a monument to the "Unknown Dead" the latter being the gift of General Delevan Bates who also designed the other monument and two army cannon which were
543
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
mounted in the Park and also a flag-staff. The total cost of the whole being some Three Thousand Dollars of which Fifteen Hundred was contributed by the County, thus giving every tax payer a part in it. This Park was dedicated on Decoration Day, 1906, the principal address being delivered by Ilon. E. J. Hainer of Lincoln.
From a total enrollment of nearly Three hundred the post has dwindled to only eight members in good standing in 1921, over one-hundred being now buried in the Aurora Cemetery.
The foregoing article was compiled by T. B. Jolmson.
Zaek Chandler W. R. C. No. 36, was chartered September 14, 1885. Its Presidents have been C. A. Bacon, Deceased, 1885; Lizzie Reynolds, 1886; Ella F. Ellarton, 1887, 1888, 1890, 1894; Lana Bates (Died in office) 1889, 1895, 1896, 1901-2; Emma Cassell (Died in office) 1891. Rose Matlock (deceased) 1891; Martha Bristol, 1892; Jennie Jones, 1893; M. A. Isaman (Deceased) 1897; Mary Cain (Deceased) 1898; Della M. Carr, 1899; Theresa Barton 1900; Ida Putnam, 1902; Fannetta McGee (Deceased) 1903. Senna Kimball (Deceased) 1904, Jennie Lannsbury (Deceased) 1905-1906; Mary M. Smith, 1908-1913; Lavina Kearns (deceased) 1907; Mary J. Hupp, 1909, 1910, 1915, 1916; Ella Verbeek, 1911; Martha James, 1912; Sarah Faith, 1914-1919; Charlotte Little- field, 1917-1918; Lavina Kearns Andrews, 1920-21.
The following Charter Members have been, C. Bacon, A. Hurd, D. Bates, C. Noble, E. Elarton, H. Myers, L. Tweedy, C. Hayden, J. Cassell, B. Hurd, L. Oyler, A. Kimball, A. Peck, M. Woods, A. MeKay, S. Work, G. Pennell, A. Keller, L. Peck, I. Miles, E. Hull, A. Miles, M. Preston, M. Woods, R. S. Kaggs, M. Gebheart, L. Reynolds, C. Sweetland, A. Jennings, I. Birchill, M. Goodrich, C. Turner, L. Seoville, M. Hunington, E. Gebheart, S. Mitchell, II. Kelly, A. Reynolds, R. MeCarty, M. Kamper, E. Miller, M. Williams.
The number of members December 30th, 1920, was seventy-two and on March 31st, 1921, was one-hundred and thirty-eight.
HISTORICAL SKETCH, MYSTIC LODGE, No. 39, KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS, AURORA, NEBR.
Mystic Lodge, No. 39, Knights of Pythias, was organized May 7, 1885. Charter members: Thomas P. Leon, Jesse L. Thomas, M. L. Todd, W. II. Ferguson, H. C. Van Boskirk, H. M. Kellogg, W. H. Fairchild, W. I. Farley, M. T. Wildish, Emil Swartz, Frank Wilson, P. C. Westover, J. R. Van Boskirk, G. B. Williamson, Charles Pexton, James A. Wilson, L. W. Shuman, Robert Lamont, Charles J. McKee, F. W. Cornwold, J. B. Rogers, Fred W. Eaton, W. J. Stevenson, P. M. Green, Joseph Johnson, G. S. Kirkham.
The officers at time of organization were: J. R. Van Boskirk, C. C .; P. C. Westover, V. C .; James A. Wilson, P .; W. J. Stevenson, K. R. S .; P. M. Green, M. F .; M. T. Wildish, M. E; L. W. Shuman, M. A .; Robert Lamont, I. G .; J. B. Rogers, O. G. The meetings were held in Masonic Lodge rooms in a frame build- ing on the east side. At present the lodge meets in the Masonic Lodge rooms in Temple Craft building.
The presiding officers (Chancellor Commanders) since organization: J. R. Van Boskirk, L. W. Shuman, M. T. Wildish, J. B. Rogers, James A. Wilson, G. B. Williamson, H. E. Metzger, W. J. Threadkell, Delevan Bates, W. E. Lounsbury.
544
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
George Daniels, J. II. Likes, J. F. Dietz, W. I. Farley. F. M. Coykendall, J. P. Chapman, G. W. Curry, W. E. Worthington, F. L. Hart, C. C. Jones, H. E. Newton, F. H. Boyland, M. F. Stanley, J. G. Poley, A. P. Sprague, V. Swanson, C. H. Feelhaver, Charles Grosvenor, C. L. Whitney, A. Grosshans, O. M. Newman.
The Keepers of Record and Seal since organization : W. J. Stevenson, Delevan Bates, C. P. Whitesides, C. A. Sharp, J. B. Cunningham, J. G. Poley, H. E. Newton.
The present offieers are: Dr. O. M. Newman, C. C .; Dr. J. M. Woodard, V. C .; C. L. Whitney, P .; A. Grosshans, M. W .; H. E. Newton, K. R. S .; Joseph John- son, M. F .; F. H. Boyland, M. E .; J. L. Sauls, M. A .; R. L. Laurie, I. G .; D. M. Walker, O. G.
L. W. Shuman served one year as Grand Chancellor of the state. Joseph Johnson has been a member of the order since Dee. 7, 1881.
Six of the charter members are still members : H. M. Kellogg, W. I. Farley, James A. Wilson, L. W. Shuman, Chas. J. MeKee and Joseph Johnson.
The present membership is fifty-seven. Meeting nights, the second and fourth Monday in each month.
A distriet meeting was held Nov. 22, 1920, about one hundred Knights pres- ent; lodges represented at the meeting beside Aurora : York, Osceola, Central City and Papillion. Five were initiated in the first rank. Grand Lodge officers present : Will H. Love, G. K. R. S., of Lincoln ; II. N. Milner, Deputy Grand Chancellor, of Lineoln ; J. N. Kildow, P. G. C., of York, and Dr. Hatfield, Deputy G. C. for the district.
On May 9th the lodge celebrated its 36th anniversary, at which the members and their families were invited.
H. E. NEWTON,
K. R. S.
A. O. U. W., AURORA LODGE NO. 6, AURORA, NEB.
Aurora Lodge No. 6, A. O. U. W., was organized in 1882. Its first meeting place was Masonie Ifall, Aurora, Neb. Its charter members were J. H. Farris, Fritz Hoeffer, S. R. Lounsbury, Robt. Waddle, R. Miller, D. Bates, H. Sargent, M. Kohn.
The members who have served as presiding officers were: J. II. Farris, R. C. Machames, R. Miller, S. R. Barton, W. E. Lounsbury, Robt. Mitchell, J. R. Peters, Art Miller, Frank Miller, N. J. Rouin, Chas. Rouin, C. H. Barton, Henry Stewart, Ralph Woods, C. HI. Hebb, D. Bates, O. W. Cass, L. J. Howell, J. A. Moses, Chris Miller.
The members who have served as Keeper of Records are: D. Bates, Wm. Threadkill, A. E. Siekman, W. E. Lounsbury (Recorder for 24 years). A. Le Higby. ,
W. E. Lounsbury was Grand Foreman for two years and was made Past Grand M. W. by courtesy of Mr. Walling, which title he still holds.
Present officers are: Chris Miller, M. W .; Ralph Woods, Foreman: Art Miller, Overseer; A. Le Higby, Recorder-Financier. Now has 48.
The records of our lodge are so incomplete for the years before 1890 that I am unable to get a better history.
W. E. LOUNSBURY.
545
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
ROYAL NEIGHBORS OF AMERICA, MISTLETOE CAMP NO. 65, AURORA.
Mistletoe Camp No. 65, Royal Neighbors of America, was organized May 26, 1894. Its first meeting place was Union Hall. There were over 50 charter mem- bers, six of them still members.
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