History of Knox County, Ohio, its past and present, Part 73

Author: Hill, N. N. (Norman Newell), comp; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-; Graham, A.A. & Co., Mt. Vernon, Ohio
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Mt. Vernon, Ohio : A. A. Graham & Co.
Number of Pages: 1096

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ous consideration by all citizens who feel a deep interest in the welfare of their children, their school, and their country

The following were the teachers in the high school :

Messrs. John .N. Cassell. H. W. Owen, T. J. Newman ; Misses A. Hubbard, Frances D. Turner, Harnet Carter, Kate Wilson, E. A. Burr, - Taylor, Harriet Robinson, Saral Muenscher; Mrs. Maria l'. Grant, Mr Daniel Butterficiu, O). C. Williams; Misses Perrin, Ella Dodge, Emily Pat- terson, Mary K. Lambe, Lizzie Hemler, Mary F. Parmenter, Hellen Cohen, Sarah L. McWilliams, Kate R. Cooper, Ermina J. Day; Messrs. J. C. Woodward, J. H. Richards.

The following is a catalogue of graduates from the high school:

1864-Perry Gribben.

1865-J. M. Rowe, Emily Patterson, M. Stauffer, Alice Buck- land, Sarah Rector, Julia Irvine, Elizabeth Thompson.

1866-Lizzie B. Sperry, M. Emily Durbin, Rose E. Farquhar, Ida E. Irvine, Mary R. Lewis, Rose A. Lippitt, Nora Parke, Louisa Bowers, Ella A. Vance, Rilla Young, M. Curran Far- quhar.

1867-Laura L. Bascom, Minnie E. Miller, Adda Smith, Rose E. Ingram, Letitia S. Elder, Nettie Ball, Anna Lewis, Mr. A. M. Hills.

1868-Mary Lane, Amanda Lewis, Belle Stevens, Perlie Stauffer, Louisa Turner.

1869-R. Annie Barr, Louisa Beam, Ella M. Bechtol, Sarah L. Cu.tis E. Chubbie Hyde, Etta Ingram, Alice M. Lewis, Alice Lane, Lou L. Peterman, H. Kate Parke, Maria L. Row- ley, Ella L. Reeves, Carrie M. Thompson, Emma White, Austin A. Cassil, James F. Hood, R. M. Morgan, Orlando V. Pricc, Hervey Scribner, Royal S. Dewitt.

1870-Mary E. Calkins, Julia S. Norton, Harry A. Sturges. William T. Colville.

1871-Adelaide E. Brown, Amanda Brown, Mary E. Brown, Emily Cohen, Catharine Fordney, Alice Reynolds, Sarah Smith, Elizabeth R. Willis, Mr. Frank R. Moore.

1872-Robert W. Colville, William E. Ewalt, Mary Thomp_ son, Carlie F. Benedict, Anna M. Blair.

1873-Flora K. Benedict, Selena K. Hodgins, Elizabeth A. Smith, Alice M. Trick, Elizabeth E. Wells.

1874-Luella Mitchell, Marion Smith, Belle Shaw, Ida Tudor. 1875-Carrie C. Pyle, Emma T. A. Bridge, Selena L. Trick, Agnes R. Montgomery, Mary L. Rowley, Frances L. Willis, Martha A. Power, Clara J. Tudor, Emma V. Huston, Anna Trimble, Flora M. McDonough, Charles Page Peterman.

1876-Mary R. Snook, Charlotte E. Shaw, Jessie White, Ella E. Shaw, Anna R. McCay, Clara J. Mckay, Fannie J. Blanchard, Jennie Chapman, Charles W. Doty, A. Baldwin Norton.

1877-Harry Martin, Sue R. Miller, Flora L. Stephens, Frank Harper, Emma Trott, Louis Lane, Sam R. Gottshall.

1878-Annie Severns, Belle Pickard, Herbert Ewalt.

1879-Margaret M. Ward, Olive M. Williams, Clara Mastel- lar, Linda DeVoe.

1880-Iva Shroule, Lou Martin, Will E. Fisher, Lois Bishop, Edith M. Marsh.

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

CHAPTER XLI. LITERARY AND OTHER SOCIETIES.

THE POLEMIC SOCIETY-MT. VERNON LITERARY SOCIETY- MT. VERNON LYCEUM-DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION-ME- CHANICS' SOCIETY-THE FRANKLIN-KNOX COUNTY HIS- TORICAL SOCIETY-LATER LITERARY AND OTHER ASSO- CIATIONS-MASONS-ODD FELLOWS-KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS -KNIGHTS OF HONOR-ROYAL ARCANUM-KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS-PENNSYLVANIANS IN KNOX COUNTY.

THE first society of a literary character, estab- T lished at Mount Vernon, was the Polemic so- ciety, in 1815, which was kept up until 1817, and included among its members the more talkative and social citizens. It was converted into a Thespian society, and was well sustained for many years. Theatrical performances were generally gotten up every winter for a number of years, and were very creditable to those concerned. The object was to spend the long winter evenings agreeably-not to make money. Lawyers, doctors, merchants, and students lent a hand as occasion required. Among the active and valuable upon the boards were Dr. R. P. Moore, Philo L. Nor- ton, J. W. Warden, Charles Sager, T. G. Plummer, Jacob Davis, William Smith, S. W. Hildreth, S. W. Farquhar, Eli Miller, Henry B. Curtis, T. W. Rogers, Isaac Hadley, John Colerick, J. S. Ban- ning, and Calvin Hill. The exhibitions were usually at the court house, or at the Golden Swan inn, now known as the Swetland and Banner office corner. The clothing, equipments, and scenery were of very rich material. One of the old actors says-"it was most splendidly illustrated with gor- geous paraphernalia in most profuse variety, and transcends representation."

Joseph Mozier, now an artist of distinction and character in Rome, Italy, was a member, and took an active part in the exhibitions. He was also an active and useful member of the Mt. Vernon lyceum, of 1830.

The Mt. Vernon Literary society was formed in the year 1816. Among the members of this asso- ciation were Joseph Brown, Hosmer Curtis, R. D. Moore, Gilman Bryant, Timothy Burr, Daniel S. Norton, Samuel Mott and Henry B. Curtis, the last of whom was its last librarian. It had a very good collection of standard works, which, in the end, were divided among its stockholders.

The Mt. Vernon Literary society, organized in the winter of 1821-2, by a number of young bach- elors of the town, to-wit: Dr. Norman Murray, David Wadsworth, Henry B. Curtis, John W. War- den and James Bebee. Members subsequently ad- mitted were Benjamin S. Brown, S. W. Farquhar, N. N. Hill, and Samuel R. - Curtis. The organiza- tion existed several years. The society expired by reason of the young men becoming absorbed in the more active duties of life.

The Mt. Vernon lyceum, in 1830, was formed and well sustained many years. At the session of the legislature, 1833-4, it was incorporated, and high hopes were entertained of its being a perma- nent organization. Henry B. Curtis, president, in an inaugural address, delivered January 1, 1834, speaking of the aim and of the society says: "We have now assumed a different and more imposing attitude. Having adopted a public charter, we from this time become a part of the history of the State; and let us at least hope that the account which its faithful pages may hereafter give of us and of our transactions shall be such as would not make us blush, could we be permitted to see them." It was the best literary association and the longest- lived ever in Mt. Vernon. It continued in success- ful operation until 1842, and numbered among its active members many of the best citizens of Knox. Its regular meetings were held at the court house, and the public generally and ladies particularly at- tended its sessions. Literary essays, orations and discussions were the chief entertainments.

Among the number of those who have died may be named-Benjamin Brown, David Dunn, John A. Holland, S. W. Hildreth, M. A. Sayre, Daniel S. Norton, T. W. Rogers, W. A. Hoey, T. G. Plummer, Dr. M. L. Bliss, Hosmer Curtis, E. Sparrow, M. H. Mitchell, Rollin C. Hurd.

Among those who moved to other places are William Byers, J. H. Kinney, J. C. Hall, G. Hatha- way, J. G. Chapman, J. B. Foster, D. C. Dunlap, James WV. Miller, Joseph Mozier.

Among the survivors in this county are Colum- bus Delano, Henry B. Curtis, Dr. J. N. Burr, and J. S. Davis.

The lyceum established a very good library of several hundred volumes.

About the year 1830, a regular amateur dra-

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matic association was organized, and continued in existence until about 1840. The representations took place in the second story of the the Hunts- berry building, now known as the old Masonic hall. At that time the whole of the second story was one large room, and, for theatrical purposes, answered very well. .. The prominent members were F. J. Zimmerman, William Thompson, James Blake, James Smith, E. C. Vore, Benjamin F. Smith, Benjamin Colopy, N. N. Hill, Thomas Shaw, David Brentlinger, Elijah Stevens, Alexan- der Elliott, and Jacob B. Brown. One farce gave the citizens great amusement, and is often spoken of yet, viz : "Raising the wind." Among the cast of characters were -. "Jeremy Diddler," F. J. Zim- merman ; "Peggy, the Beautiful Maid at the foot of the Hill," was well sustained by Thomas Shaw. David Brentlinger was the company's singer and ventriloquist. The orchestra consisted of N. N. Hill, Benjamin Colopy and Alexander Elliott. Stage managers, B. F. Smith and F. J. Zimmer- man.

In 1834, a Mechanics' society was formed, which continued till 1840, and enlisted I. B. Brown, G. C. Lybrand, E. Alling, D. McFarland, Abel Hart, sr., and nearly all the workmen in this vicinity.

In 1839, a society called the Franklin, was or- ganized for mental improvement, by John Lamb, Robert Thompson, Benjamin McCracken, W. H. Oldham, Isaac J. Allen, W. P. Griffith, W. T. Curtis, R. S. Thomas, and others, which was well sustained for three or four years, and then went down.

In December, 1849, several gentlemen of Mt. Vernon set about getting up a historical society for Knox county, and, in 1850, a constitution was drawn up and signed by "thirty-two gentlemen, fourteen of whom," writes Mr. Norton, "have passed from earth. Twelve years have passed by, the society long since was numbered with the things that were-and this-(the History of Knox Coun- ty)-comes the nearest to being a report of any- thing that yet has emanated from any of its mem- bers."

Mr, Norton gives the following names of the members of the Historical society :

Hosmer Curtis, Gilman Bryant, Joseph Muenscher, M. E. Strieby, Jesse B. Thomas, James Scott, Daniel S. Norton, M.

H. Mitchell, Henry B. Curtis, R. C. Hurd, R. R. Sloan, A Banning Norton, C. P. Buckingham, G. W. Morgan, C. Delano, Walter Smith, M. W. Stamp, N. N. Hill, George Browning, Matthew Thompson, J. C. Ramsey, J. N. Burr, Samuel Israel, W. Beam, J. W. Vance, W. H. Smith, John C. Stockton, D. Potwin, John W. White, J. H. Peacock, Samuel Mower, John W. Russell. Hosmer Curtis was chosen president; G. Bryant, vice president; R. C. Hurd, treasurer; Rev. J. Muenscher, cor- responding secretary; M. E. Strieby, recording secretary; R. R. Sloan, cabinet keeper.

In 1850, Zohar Blair, Noah Hill, Robert Thompson, Daniel Clark, and Samuel Davis, started The Mechanics' Mutual Pro- tection association, which, after two years, was merged in the Brotherhood of the Union, and continued till 1854.

In 1856, Rev. Dr. Muenscher formed a new Mt. Vernon Library society, that continued in ex- istence till some time in 1864.

In 1856, Dr. T. Eugene Clark, Robert Buck, J. Q. Buck, William A. Bounds, Thomas Wilson, C. Springer, and John W. White, associated together and formed "The Atheneum," for amateur theatri- cal representations. They were assisted by Mrs. J. Q. Buck, Miss Irene Swan, and Miss Sallie Swetman, of Cincinnati, and Miss Julia Irvine, of New York City. The association continued for two years, and numerous performances were given the citizens.

On the evening of Monday, February 16, 1874, an association of young ladies and gentlemen of this city, gave an amateur dramatic entertainment, at Wolff's Hall. The pieces selected were the popular drama entitled "All that Glitters is Not Gold," and the laughable farce of "The Quiet Family." The Banner of February 20th, speak- ing of the first night's performance, says: "The house was crowded to overflowing, and everything passed off to the entire satisfaction of all con- cerned. The audience were so well pleased with the performance that it was repeated, by general request, on the next even- ing."

On the evening of May 4, 1874, the same as- sociation placed upon the boards the pleasing drama of "Down by the Sea," and the roaring farce of "Raising the Wind." This entertainment was given under the auspices and for the benefit of the Mt. Vernon Silver Cornet band. The performance of these two pieces gave as much, if not more, satisfaction to the audience than the per- formances of February 16 and 17, 1874.

On the evening of February 25, 1876, the same

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association presented to the people, at Kirk Hall, "The Honeymoon," for the benefit of the Soldiers' Mounment. The city newspapers of the day claimed that the members of the association sur- passed their previous performances. The play, by request, was repeated the next evening. The pro- gramme of "The Honeymoon," was thought worthy, by the committee, of a place in the corner stone of the monument.

As an act of justice to the ladies and gentlemen composing the Amateur Dramatic association, of this city, as he proceeds of all their entertain- ments, were devoted to charitable and benevolent purposes, their names, which are as follows, are here preserved :

Ladies-Mrs. Mame C. Stahl, Mrs. Lu. M. Buxton, Misses Laura Bascom, Belle Stevens, Ella Davidson, Letitia S. Elder, Virginia Sapp, Clara M. White, Carrie Thompson, Clara A. Bergin, Martha Irvine, Bessie Devin.

Gentlemen-Messrs. Colonel William C. Cooper, Colonel Alaxander Cassil, Captain Will A. Coul- ter, John W. White, Frank R. Moore, Austin A. Cassil, D. T. Ramsey, L. B. Curtis, Clifford Bux- ton, Charles M. Hildreth, Charles W. Pyle, O. H. Tudor, Clarence B. Harper, Jack Harper, S. H. Reynolds, W. G. Clucus.

About the same time two or three other Thespian companies were organized, and gave several public en- tertainments, the two most prominent were by "The Ten Nights in a Bar-room" association, and "The Kirk Opera House" company. The latter associa- tion, under the management of Mr. Leroy G. Hunt, met with great success. Their specialty was "Fanchon" and "The Ticket of Leave." Miss Lizzie Evans made her debut as "Fanchon, the Cricket," and achieved a brilliant triumph. She is now the leading lady in one of the many travel- ling combinations, and receives special praise from the press in all parts of the State.

In the winter of 1875-'6, some of the scholars of the Mt. Vernon high school, formed "The Pi Delta Psi society," and held weekly meetings. On the evening of May 26, 1876, the society gave a grand dramatic entertainment at Kirk hall. The entertainment was highly appreciated by a large and intelligent audience. The programme was an excellent one. Among the performers were Charles

M. Pepper, Samuel R. Gotshall, Flora Stephens, Emma Shaw, Ella Shaw, Charles W. Doty, Sue Miller, May Snook, Kate E. Swetland, Jessie White, A. William Marsh, Harrie Martin, Louis Lane, Frank Harper, Clara McFarland, Jennie Chapman, Mary Sapp.

June 28, 1876, the scholars of "Saint Vincent De Paul's Parochial school," of this city, gave a delightful entertainment at Kirk hall.

The names of the young performers were: Katie Henegan, Belle Henegan, John Henegan, Frank Henegan, Katie Hayes, Mary Muldowney, Mary Weber, Flora Bechtol, Annie Purcell, John Taugh- er, Julius Rogers, Mary Payne, Mary Brent, Julia Johnson, Mary Mccarthy, Walter Brent, Mary Bar- rett, Katie Mead, Mary Mead, Mary Kelly, Mary Dermody, Bertha Brent, Annie Barrett, Maggie Henely, Annie Henegan, Ella Weber, Lizzie Lawler, Annie Magers, Ella Sheehan, Minnie Brent, Birdie Brent, Annie Barrett, Aggie Purcell, Katie Flanagan, Thomas Connor, Emma McKane, Henry Weber, James Kelly, William Dermody, Thomas McCale, James Murphy, Clarence Sapp, Walter Porter, Fanny Taugher, Mary Reynolds, Ella Porter, Annie Brent, Willie Sapp.

This last association still keeps up its organiza- tion, and appears before the public two or three times every season.

MOUNT ZION LODGE NO. 9, F. AND A. M.

At a meeting of the Grand Lodge held at Chilli- cothe, January 2, 1809, a petition was presented, signed by Samuel H. Smith, Nathaniel W. Little, Richard Fishback, William Little, Alexander Enos, jr., Ichabod Nye and Thomas Brown, praying for a dispensation to form this lodge. The petition was granted and Mount Zion Lodge No. 7 was in- stituted in the village of Clinton in 1809. Some- time afterwards the number was changed from seven to nine.

The first officers of this lodge were, Samuel H. Smith, W. M .; Alfred Manning, S. W .; Ichabod Nye, J. W. ; Samuel Nye, treasurer; Oliver Strong, secretary ; William F. Roberts, F. D .; James Miller, J. D. ; William Bartlett and Peter Wolf, stewards, and Richard Fishback, tyler.

Samuel H. Smith was the first representative to the Grand lodge, in 1810. The first masonic

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funeral was that of Richard Fishback, a merchant of Clinton, May 23, 1814. The first celebration of the day of St. John the Baptist, took place June 24, 1813. An able oration was delivered by Winn Winship, of Mansfield, after which dinner was had at the house of Mr. Boalse. The second celebra- tion of the day was on June 24, 1815, in Clinton, procession and the delivery of addresses by Messrs. Vaudeman and Curtis.

In 1815, a resolution was passed requesting the Grand lodge to change the place of meeting to Mt. Vernon. The petition was granted and a proclamation to that effect issued by the grand master, March 7, 1817. The first meeting under this proclamation was held at the court house April 5, 1817. Joseph Brown was chairman and Robert D). Moore secretary. The communication from the Grand lodge was accepted, and a committee con- sisting of John Shaw, John P. McArdle and Joseph Brown was appointed to draft by-laws for the gov- ernment of the lodge; and it was decided that the next meeting be held at the court house on the eleventh for the purpose of organizing a lodge.

The following is from the minutes of this meeting :

MT. VERNON, April 11, 1817.

At said communication of Mount Zion Lodge No. 9, the or- ganization of the lodge was effected and the by-laws reported and adopted. Brothers Alfred Manning, W. M .; John P. Mc- Ardle, S. W .; Robert Buchanan, J. W., Joseph Brown, secre- tary; Jonathan Miller, treasurer; Robert D. Moore, S. D .; Hos- mer Curtis, J. D .; Gilman Bryant, tyler; John Shaw, John Roberts, John Warden and Orange Granger visiting brethren.

The following regular officers were elected June 6th, succeeding: Alfred Manning, W. M .; John McArdle, S. W .; John Shaw, J. W .; Joseph Brown, S .; Gilman Bryant, T .; Royal D. Simons, S. D .; Robert Buchanan, J. D .; John Roberts, S., and James Miller, T. These officers were installed June 24th at 9 A. M., and the anniversary of John the Baptist duly commemorated. A sermon was delivered in the court house, after which the lodge marched in procession to the tavern of Mr. Zim- merman where a dinner was prepared.

The first Mansonic funeral of this lodge after its removal to Mt. Vernon, was that of Andrew M. Roberts, April 18, 1819. Thomas Rigdon preached the funeral discourse at the court house from the text "Be ye also ready."

The celebration of John the Baptist's anniversary

took place in the new Masonic hall, in 1819, in the second story of the then new brick school house on Mulberry street. The building is no longer in ex- istence, having been taken away in 1880, by William B. Brown, mayor, for the purpose of erecting on the spot his dwelling.

Dr. Jonathan N. Burr is the oldest past master in this part of the country. He was a member as early as 1825, and in 1829, was made W. M. Since that time he has served in this position many years. He is yet living, though past four score.

At present (1881) this lodge meets at Masonic hall, northeast corner of Main and Vine streets, the first Friday evening in each month. The offi- cers are W. F. Baldwin, W. M .; N. P. Whitesides, S. W .; Frank R. Moore, J. W .; D. W. Chase, treas- urer; S H. Peterson, secretary; A. W. Marsh, S. D .; W. R. Fobes, J. D .; James R. Wallace, tyler.

Clinton Royal Arch Chapter No. 26, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, was erected the sixteenth day of May 1842, under a dispensation from the Most Excellent Companion G. D. Hines, deputy G. H. P. of the grand chapter of the State of Ohio, and the first officers were duly installed by the above named companion, on the twentieth day of the same month.

The first officers were: J. N. Burr, E. H. P .; B. F. Smith, king; James Huntsberry, scribe; C. Delano, P. S .; S. W. Burr, secretary; James Huntsberry, treasurer; B. H. Taylor, C. of H .; S. W. Burr, R. A. C .; A. Corbin, A. C. Rowland, and J. Garrison, M. of vails; Joseph Muenscher, chaplain.

Officers, July 1, 1880: Com. Oscar M. Mul- vany, H. P .; Com. C. Sherman Pyle, king; Com. Dr. Samuel C. Thompson, scribe; Com. Austin A. Cassil, captain of host; Com. Frank Moore, P. S .; Com. Edward M. Wright, R. A. captain; Com. Alexander Cassil, treasurer; Com. Samuel H. Peterman, secretary; Com. W. Frank Baldwin, G. M. of third vail; Com. Milo K. Huntsberry, G. M. of second vail; Com. William R. Cassil, G. M. of first vail; Com. James R. Wallace, guard. Stated meetings-at Masonic hall, northeast corner of Main and Vine streets, the second Friday of each month.

Clinton encampment No. 5, of Knight Templars and appendant orders, Mt. Vernon, Ohio, was in-

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stituted at Mt. Vernon on the twelfth of October, 1843, by virtue of authority and a letter of dispen- sation granted for that purpose by William James Reese, general grand generalissimo of the general grand encampment of the United States of America. The grant was to B. F. Smith, Joseph Muenscher, Isaac Davis, S. M. Smith, and A. D. Bigelow.

First officers: Sir Joseph Muenscher, E. Com .; Sir B. F. Smith, general; Sir A. D. Bigelow, cap- tain general; Sir J. N. Burr, prelate ; Sir C. Delano, S. W .; Sir Isaac Davis, J. W .; Sir Sames Hunts- berry, treasurer; Sir Thomas Winne, recorder; Sir A. Randolph, standard bearer; Sir Joseph Hil- dreth, sword bearer; Sir E. W. Cotton, warden ; Sir E. D. Stevenson, sentinel.

Officers July 1, 1880: Sir Richard B. Marsh, E. Com .; Sir John M. Armstrong, generalissimo; Sir Alexander Cassil, captain general; Sir Austin A. Cassil, S. W .; Sir Oscar M. Mulvany, J. W; Sir Daniel W. Chase, prelate; Sir William B. Brown, treasurer; Sir Samuel H. Peterman, re- corder; Sir Samuel S. Mather, sword bearer; Sir William Sanderson, jr., standard bearer; Sir George W. Sandford, warden; Sir James R. Wallace, sen- tinel. Nights of meeting, the third Friday evening of each month.

MOUNT VERNON LODGE NO. 20, I. O. O. F.

Fifty years from December 23, 1880, the first subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows was introduced into Ohio, and Cincinnati became the pioneer loca- tion for an order that rapidly spread all over the State. Ohio Lodge No. I was instituted at Cincin- nati December 23, 1830, and now there are six hundred and ninety-two working lodges scattered over the territory of Ohio. The little Knox county village of Amity, in Pike township, according to the statistics of the order for the year ending De- cember 31, 1879, the last made public, has the honor of closing, at that time, the progressive his- tory of an order whose object is to "Visit the sick, bury the dead, and to educate the orphan." And nobly has that object been carried out in the last half century, and the past is a sure guarantee for the future. Starting with one subordinate lodge at the close of 1830, two years elapses before Cincin- nati organized a second lodge-Washington Lodge No. 2-and at the close of the year 1879, Cincin- nati numbers twenty-nine lodges, and there are also

a few scattered in different parts of Hamilton coun- ty. June 21, 1843, Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 20 was instituted, nearly thirteen years after Ohio No. I came into existence, showing the increase in the number of lodges was not rapid, yet it was healthy. The last annual report of the Grand lodge of 1880 shows that eight charters for new subordinate lodges were granted, so that at the close of the half century Ohio will have within her borders seven hundred lodges of Odd Fellows.

The first meetings of the Grand lodge were held quarterly, and were composed of the past grands in and around Cincinnati who thought proper to attend, paying their own expenses, which mode was continued long after the adoption of the annual meetings. At present the State is divided into seventy-eight representative districts, allow- ing a representative for every five hundred and froty-two members, who are paid a per diem, and allowed mileage for travelling expenses. The Knox county lodges are attached to district No. 53, com- posed of twelve subordinate lodges, with an active membership of five hundred and ninety-two. The district comprises Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 20, Elli- cott No. 267, Quindars No. 316, Sycamore Valley No. 553, Centerburgh No. 666, Owl Creek No. 686, and Bartholo No. 692, of Knox county; Ches- ter No. 204, Sparta No. 268, Bennington No. 433, and Johnsville No. 469, of Morrow county; and Galion No. 215, of Crawford county.

During the thirty-seven years Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 20 has been in existence, she has had enrolled upon her list of members over five hundred names. Withdrawals, deaths, and immigration have cut them down to sixty-eight active members at the close of the year 1879. The four oldest in membership of those sixty-eight are, respectively: William M. Bunn, John Cooper, Abraham Ehle, and John W. White. Although Mr. Ehle retains his membership in No. 20, he is a resident of one of the northwestern counties of the State.

Charter members: Richard Blake, Liberty Waite, Lorenzo D. Nash, William Sullivan, and Robert Wright. Of these five charter members none are living.

First officers; Richard Blake, N. G .; Liberty Waite, V. G .; Lorenzo D. Nash, secretary; Wil- liam Sullivan, treasurer-all deceased.

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History of Knox County, Ohio, its past and present, Part 73

Author: Hill, N. N. (Norman Newell), comp; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-; Graham, A.A. & Co., Mt. Vernon, Ohio Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Mt. Vernon, Ohio : A. A. Graham & Co. Number of Pages: 1096

Author: Hill, N. N. (Norman Newell), comp; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-; Graham, A.A. & Co., Mt. Vernon, Ohio
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Mt. Vernon, Ohio : A. A. Graham & Co.
Number of Pages: 1096