USA > Ohio > Madison County > History of Madison County, Ohio : its people, industries and institution with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families > Part 49
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139
Changes have taken place since the organization of the club in 1892. Of the charter members, ten still answer the roll call. Some have left us: others have passed away. Their names are recorded in the club calendar. As the years pass, the list of the immortals increases: Mrs. Sobrina Custer, Mrs. Alice Dooris Thomas. Mrs. Flora Jones Murray, Mrs. Elizabeth Trimble Wilson, Mrs. Mary E. C. Florence. Mrs. Eliza- beth Watson. Miss Nellie Morgan, Mrs. Anna C. Bidwell. Mrs. Caroline Ross. The club year of 1913-14 exacted a heavy toll of members: Mrs. Alice R. Armstrong, Miss Ruth M. Van Wagener. Mrs. Georgia Gould. Mrs. Hazel Van Wagener Thomas. These have joined the' "choir invisible" in the house not made with hands. They are not forgotten.
The club year 1913-14 made its mark. The Woman's Club had the honor of giv- ing to the Federated Clubs of London its first president. Mrs. May B. Morse. A notable event in the club's achievement was the community Christmas tree of 1913. the tree. a splendid fifty-foot pine, being the gift of that year's president. Mrs. M. M. Rowland. It was placed in the public square.' where the many twinkling electric lights helped tell ont the story of Peace: Good . Will to Man. Under its spreading branches over one
343
MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.
thousand gifts of candy and toys, the uninvited offering of our town-folk, made the little children realize as never before the pattern Christ Child.
One of the latest ventures of faith on the part of the club was another flight into journalism ; not for self-aggrandizement or power; not for the purpose of scaling Parnassian heights to dwell with Apollo and the muses. This venture of faith was possible through the generosity of Mr. R. K. Shaw, editor of the London Times, enabling the club to assume control of his paper for one week; to give to the people of London and Madison county at large the "Woman's Club Edition of the London Times," the proceeds to be used for the beautifying of the grounds of the public schools, and another honorable achievement was added to the club's escutcheon. In 1917, the Woman's Club will celebrate its silver `anniversary. Much can be accomplished in the meantime.
Memory may linger fondly on the days that are past ; the vanished faces 'and- sweet companionship that is no more. Hope looks forward eagerly to the work that is to be done; the good to be accomplished. To each and every member of the Woman's Club the wish is extended, "May we be there to see."
The charter members of the Woman's Club were twenty-one in number, as follow : Mrs. Lucy Beach. Mrs. Sobrina Custer, Miss Margaret Dooris, Miss Sallie Dooris, Mrs. Mary C. Finley, Mrs. Georgia K. Gould, Miss Florence Gould, Miss Anna Gould, Miss Adah Jones, Miss Lucy Jacobs, Mrs. May B. Prettyman, Mrs. Emelyine Richmond, Miss Emma Richmond, Mrs. Kate Dooris Sharp, Mrs. Alice Dooris Thomas, Miss' Alice Thomas. Miss Mae Toland, Mrs. Elizabeth Watson, Miss Mary Williams, Mrs. Eliza- beth T. Wilson, Miss Mary Wilson. Of this number some have passed away ;" others removed from London or resigned from the club, while yet others fell victims to the winged arrow of Dan Cupid and changed their names. At the present date ten of the original members are enrolled on the club calendar, viz. : Mrs. Lucy Beach, Miss Mar- garet. Dooris, Miss Sallie Dooris, Mrs. Anna ( Gould) Emery, Mrs. Mary C. Finley, Miss Adah Jones, Mrs. M. B. (Prettyman) Morse, Mrs. Emelyine Richmond, Miss Emma Richmond, Mrs. Mary ( Watson ) Williams.
The active members of the club for 1915-16 number thirty-nine: Miss Amber Arbuckle, Miss Eloise Atchison, Mrs. Jeanette Barker, Mrs. Miinne C. Bidwell, Miss . Gertrude Chance, Mrs. Alice W. Chenowith, Mrs. Neva K. Chenowith, Mrs. Fannie Clark, Miss Margaret Converse, Mrs. Bettie D. Davis, Miss Margaret Dooris, Miss Sallie Dooris, Mrs. Anna Gould Emery, Miss Margaret Farrar, Miss Adah Jones, Mrs. Harriet T. Martin. Mrs. Lizzie D. Mitchell, Mrs. May B. Morse, Mrs. Grace P. Parker, Mrs. Vinnie Phifer, Mrs. Elizabeth Ridenour, Miss Emma Richmond, Mrs. May M. Rowland, Mrs. Florence V. Shaw, Mrs. Olga S. Spitter, Mrs. Kate P. Strain, Mrs. Marjorie S. Tanner, Mrs. Lucy Taylor, Mrs. Mary F. Taylor, Mrs. Helen Taylor, Mrs. Alice G. Underwood, Mrs. Ida F. White, Mrs. Mary. W. Williams, Mrs. Kate F. Wilson, Mrs. Wilda Wilson, Mrs. . Lelia H. Winchester, Mrs. Cora P. Wood, Mrs. Norma N. Wood. Miss Rosalind Wood.
The associate members number nineteen : Miss Marguerite Bange, Miss Myrtle Clark, Mrs. Alice K. Downing, Mrs. Catherine Dun, Mrs. Nella V. Houston, Miss Miriam Jackson, Mrs. Lizzie H. Jones, Miss Helen Mitchell, Miss Norma Pratt, Miss Ella Prim- rose, . Mrs. Emelyine Richmond, Miss. Louise Richmond, Miss Jean Swartz, Mrs. Helen Thomas, Miss Grace Thurness, Mrs. Mary Van Wagener, Miss Jeanette Van Wagener, Miss Sara Van Wagener, Miss Fannie Vent.
The honorary members number five: Miss Cora Atchison, Mrs. Lucy Beach, Mrs. Fannie Chance, Mrs. Mary C. Finley. Mrs. Mary S. Markley.
The active membership is limited to fifty, each paying. an annual fee of one dollar; associate members pay an annual fee of two dollars.
344
MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.
In March the election of officers for 1915-16 was held, with the following result : President, Mrs. Olga S. Spitler; first vice-president, Mrs. Mary Watson Williams; sec- ond vice-president, Mrs. Lizzie D. Mitchell; recording secretary, Miss Gertrude Chance; corresponding secretary. Miss Sallie Dooris; treasurer, Mrs. Alice W. Chenowith; cus- todian, Mrs. May B. Morse; librarian, Miss Rosalind Wood.
A few months later the president-elect. Mrs. Olga S. Spitler, passed away. In the fullness of ripe womanhood, with the promise of good days, she was looking forward to another year's progress and now she is not. For the beautiful life that ended, a minor key has been tonched, without which her earthly diapason is complete.
In 1913, the three literary women's clubs of London, of which the Woman's Club is one, united in the London Federation of Women's Clubs, their object being more especially for the good of the community. Through the munificent gift of seven thou- sand dollars from that great-hearted lover of humanity, the late Miss Bertha Coover, the federated clubs has acquired a handsome club house, occupying a commanding site in the center of the town, which will be hereafter headquarters for all federated clubs in the pursuit of literary, social and civic improvement.
The twenty-fourth year of the Woman's CInb opens the first Monday in November. The year's study is "Woman's Work in the World." One quotation from it sounds the keynote of its import : "The woman of today has two big home duties: First, to see that her own home is civilized, that her own men and children are cared for expertly; and second, to see that the same degree of civilization prevails in all the homes about her."
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. By Mrs. Victor W. (Julia Matthews) Reese.
The London chapter, Danghters of the American Revolution, owes its inception to the patriotism of Mrs. Forrest A. Bidwell, she having taken the preliminary steps necessary to its organization. The first meeting for this purpose was held in the par- lors of Hotel London on Thursday, May 21, 190S. Mrs. Bidwell had been appointed regent of the London chapter by Mrs. Edward Orton, Jr., state regent for Ohio. Twelve representative women who were eligible to membership and interested in form- · ing the chapter were present at the meeting.
On motion of Mrs. Horace G. Jones it was voted to call the chapter the London Chapter. The other officers of the chapter and the committee to draft snitable by-laws. viz. : Mrs. Annette P. Lincoln. Mrs. Perry C. Rowland and Mrs. Victor W. Reese, were then appointed by the regent.
The first regular meeting was held in the assembly room of the court house on the 4th of June, 1908, when the national constitution and the by-laws of the chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. as prepared by the committee, were read and adopted. The organization was then effective. Another meeting was held on the 18th of June, when the regent appointed her standing committees. Up to this time nine- teen applications for membership had been approved by the national board. The sec- retary was instructed to apply for the charter, which was procured on January 18, 1909, and the names of these nineteen women were engrossed upon it as the charter mem- bers of the chapter: Mrs. William Morrow (Lucy E. Wilson) Beach. Miss Jennie Black, Mrs. Marion L. ( Lizzie R. Cheney ) Burnham. Mrs. Forrest A. (Mary Beach) Bidwell, Mrs. William (Harriett S. Thomas) Farrar. Mrs. Frank ( Olive Black) Feather, Mrs. John ( Blanche Morgridge) Florence, Mrs. Elmer E. (Esta Coover) Har- vey, Mrs. Glenn H. (Mary Martin) Johnson, Mrs. Horace G. (Lizzie Houston) Jones, Mrs. George ( Theodora Annette Phelps) Lincoln, Mrs. Victor W. (Jnlia Matthews) Reese, Mrs. Perry C. (May Morgridge) Rowland, Miss Jean Rowland, Miss Florence Farrar
345
MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.
Thomas, Miss Mary Webster Thomas, Mrs. Walter (Cleo Emerson Thompson) Florence, Mrs. Homer E. (Ida Farrar) White, Mrs .. Pierrie ( Helen . Wilson) Voorhies.
The objects of this society are, "to perpetuate the memory of the spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence, by the acquisition and protec- tion of historical spots, and the erection of monuments; by the encouragement of his- torical research in relation to the Revolution and the publication of its results; by the preservation of documents and relics, and of the records of the individual services of Revolutionary soldiers and patriots, and by the promotion of celebrations of all patriotic anniversaries.
"To carry out the injunction of Washington in his farewell address to the Amer- ican people, 'to promote, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the gen- eral diffusion of knowledge,' thus developing an enlightened public opinion, and afford- ing to young and old such advantages as shall develop in them the largest capacity for performing the duties of American citizens. To cherish, maintain, and extend the institutions of American freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of country, and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty."
The personnel of the first officers, appointive for one year, include the names of Mrs. Forrest A. Bidwell, regent; Mrs. George Lincoln, vice-regent; Mrs. Victor W. Reese, secretary ; Mrs. Elmer E. Harvey, treasurer; Mrs. Horace G. Jones, registrar; Mrs. Frank Feather, historian ; Mrs. Perry C. Rowland, chairman ways and means committee. In the following year, at the annual business meeting, on June 4, 1909, these same officers were unanimously re-elected for another term. From 1910 to 1915 successors to Mrs. Bid- well's regency are: Mrs. Horace G. Jones. Mrs. Perry Rowland, Mrs. John Florence, Mrs. Homer E. White and Mrs. Lucy E. Beach.
The regular meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month from October to May, inclusive, also two "gala days" are included in the calendar, "Flag Day" and "Charter Day," both of which are always most charmingly celebrated.
The work of our chapter is largely patriotic and educational and may be summed up in the following list of standing committees: Memorial continental hall, patriotic education, to prevent desecration of the flag, "old trails." road conservation, wel- fare of women and children. real daughters, George Washington memorial, Amer- ican Monthly Magazine, and locating and marking Revolutionary soldiers' graves. Inter- national peace arbitration contributions are made annually to the cause of patriotic education, memorial continental hall. the baby camp (Columbus), the Annette Phelps Lincoln memorial scholarship, and many other worthy objects. Four graves of Revolu- tionary soldiers have been located.
The most beautiful gift the Ohio Daughters of the American Revolution have to bestow fell to the honor of London chapter when, at the continental congress in Wash- ington in April, 1911, Mrs. Annette Phelps Lincoln was elected state regent for Ohio, her appointment of Mrs. Victor W. Reese as state secretary and Mrs. Perry C. Rowland as member of state regent's council gave us three representatives in state work. Mrs. Lincoln took up her new work with great vigor, giving to the office all the knowledge and experience gained from a life ever interested in public affairs. But the work so splendidly begun was cut short by her untimely death, which will ever be a haunting memory to us all.
"To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die;" so recites the little sentiment on our "In Memoriam" page-the saddest in our history. Inscribed upon this page we find the names of Mrs. George (Theodora Annette Phelps) Lincoln, 1911; Mrs. Willian ( Harriet S. Thomas) Farrar, 1911; Miss Mary Webster Thomas, 1912; Mrs. Elmer E. (Esta Coover) Harvey, 1913: Miss Adah Bertha Coover, 1915, and Mrs. James (Adeline Chamberlin ) Hamilton, 1915. These women were foremost in many lines of educational
346
MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.
.
and philanthropie work: but a rich legacy in inspiration and steadfast devotion to high ideals has been bequeathed to the members of our chapter. "Enjoy what thou hast inherited from the sires, if thou wouldst really possess it."
In the year-book for 1915-1916 the names of the present officers read as follow : Regent. Mrs. Victor W. Reese : vice-regent, Mrs. Homer E. White; recording secretary, Mrs. J. R. Loofbourrow : corresponding secretary. Miss Florence Thomas; treasurer, Mrs. Horace G. Jones: registrar. Mrs. Charles E. Gain; historian. Miss Rosalind Wood, aud custodian. Mrs. A. G. Kulp.
Onr prosent membership of sixty-seven includes these names: Mrs. Edwin Mi. ( Ammette Emery ) Baird. Miss Mary Caroline Baird, Mrs. Edward ( Bessie Dungan) Bauer, Mrs. William Morrow ( Lucy E. Wilson) Beach, Mrs. Forrest A. ( Mary Beach) Bidwell, Miss Jennie Black, Miss Bonnie Ann Bonner. Mrs. Rollin G. ( Eleanor . Wilson ) Bradley, Mrs. Walter ( Mattie Bryan) Bryan, Mrs. Marion L. ( Lizzie R. Chouey) Burn- hamn, Mrs. Jesse (Adah Beach) Chance. Miss Geneva Burnley Chance, Miss Gertrude Burnley Chance. Mrs. Rea ' ( Louise Watson) Chenoweth. Miss Margaret A. Converse. Mrs. Walter ( Frauces Emery) Converse, Miss Martha Crabbe. Mrs. Peyton' (Anna Gould) Emery. Mrs. Colburn ( Massey Harrison) Farrar, Miss Zella Harrison Farrar, Mrs. 'John W. (Laura Wilson) Foster. Mrs. Frank. (Olive Black) Feather, Mrs. John (Blanche Morgridge) Florence, Mrs. Walter (Cleo Emerson Thompson) Florence, Mrs. Charles E. (Rose Susan Markley )' Gain. Mrs. Arnold W. ( Florence Irene Lohr) Gard- ner, Mrs. Samuel ( Amanda Sherman) Garrett. Miss Grace N. Hamilton. Mrs. John W. ( Margaret Myers) Ingram, Miss Clara Johnstin. Mrs. Albert ( Flora Price) Jones. Mrs. Edward (Cora Thompson) Jones, Mrs. Horace G. ( Lizzie Houston) Jones, Mrs. Omer E. ( Carrie Warrington) Jones, Mrs. William M. ( Lucy A. Pancoast) Jones. Mrs. William J. (Mary E. Mckinley) Kinniard. Mrs. Albert G. (Carrie Thompson) Kulp, Mrs. Ross K. (Jeanette Rowland ) Loofbourrow. "Mrs. Charles G. (Mary Sibley) Markley, Miss Irene H. Martin. Mrs. Harry S. (Gertrude Smith) Mitchell, Miss Arabelle Morse, Miss Edna Morse. Mrs. Frank E. (Laura Smith) Noland, Mrs. Victor W. (Julia Mathews) Reese, Mrs. Pearl O. (Elizabeth Laue) Robinson. Mrs. Richard H. ( Haysel Jones) Robison. Mrs. Perry ( May Morgridge) Rowland, Miss Jean Rowland, Mrs. Charles B. ( Minie Tyler) Shough. Miss Helen Louise Shough. Miss Hattie D. Smith. Miss Jean- ette Smith, Mrs. Luke D. (Grace Mayne) Smith. Mrs. William (Bessie Neff) Speas- maker, Mrs. Cilton ( Elizabeth Gregg) Stoll, Mrs. Ogan K. (Lucile Jones) Stronpe. Mrs. John' R .. ( Alice Ingram) Tanner. Mrs. Mark S. ( Mary M. Florence) Taylor, Miss Florence Farrar Thomas. Mrs. Charles O. (Grace Sifrit) Thompson. Mrs. Pierre ( Helen Wil- son) Voorhies. Mrs. Lawrence Reed ( Jessie Farrar) Watts, Mrs. Homer E. (Ida Far- rar) White, Mrs. Den W. (Martha Frances Glenn) Winchester. Mrs. Francis J. (Cora Parrett. Wood, Miss Rosalind Wood. 1
.
Our: plans as outlined for the forthcoming year will consist mainly in fitting up the "relic room", set apart in the woman's club house and dedicated to our use through the generosity of our deceased member. Miss Bertha Coover. It has' been voted to place the portrait of Miss Coover in the public school building as a fitting memorial from the chapter for her splendid services rendered years ago as a member of the school board . :
October 26, 27. 1915. London chapter was hostess to the seventeenth Ohio state conference of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Greater significance attached to the event since it marked the twenty-fifth anniversary-or silver jubilee-of the founding of the national society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. the largest, body of patriotic women in the world. .
In the records of a society as in' those of a person's life. there are always inci- dents, the outcome of which we would have different. There are things that might
·
347 .
MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.
have been done, difficulties that might have been overcome, no doubt, but as we look over the record of the London chapter for the last six years, we can only say that at all times we honestly strove to do that which seemed best. Patriotic spirit is very active in the hearts and minds of us all, and anything which promotes the interest of our society and the objects for which we are banded together is sure of this chapter's support. An honor recently was conferred upon this chapter in the appointment of Miss Florence Thomas, chapter historian, as a member of the national committee on historical research. She promises to try and bring to light every item and fact of the history of our own ancestors that we may weave a chain from the days of 1776, which shall be of interest and instruction for those who will take our places in a few years in the largest society of patriotic women ever formed.
The historian general says: "The whole country of America is now flung open for historians." More impressive still are her words: "I grow more amazed each day at the lamentable ignorance of American history."
WOMAN'S ELECTIVE FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION. Contributed.
'Equal suffrage is merely a phase in the evolution of the human race. Women have always, at one time or another, taken a prominent part in the world's work. But it remained for them to take up the line of thought and action declared by men in the Magna Charta, June 15, 1215, and later, in the Declaration of Independence; July 4, 1776, and call for the representation of their sex in the various departments of civilized life."
The representation of the race by men"alone had resulted in a variety of abuses and shortcomings to which even the men could not close their eyes, and many of them, of the most enlightened and judicial mind, united with the women in asking for equal rights.
From the time when women were refused seats as delegates in conventions, and forbidden to speak in public because of sex, were even denied any save the most rudi- mentary education, and when they came out in opposition to this treatment were hooted at on the street. assailed with rotten eggs, and otherwise persecuted. to the present day, when one-half the territory of the United States gives equal suffrage to its women, is an interesting story.
Whatever progress has been made or advantage for women gained, it has always been accomplished by women who were working in the equal suffrage cause. Many injustices to women and children still remain to be remedied in Ohio and- the other states where women have not yet attained the ballot.
Thirty years ago the present Ohio State Suffrage Association was organized. Through efforts of this body, school suffrage was granted the women of Ohio in 1894. This was reason enough for popular study of the subject. in the opinion of Katharine Dooris Sharp (Mrs. H. J. Sharp) of London: She inaugurated the work in Madison county by a series of articles, "Woman and the Elective Franchise" in the Daily Nickel- Plate, published by Albert Heintzelman. in London. A public meeting of the women was called and on November 19th. the Woman's Elective Franchise Association was organized. The charter members are Mrs. Katharine Dooris Sharp, founder and first president ; Mrs. Lucy Beach, first vice-president; Mrs. Caroline Ross, second vice-presi- dent ; . Mrs. Georgia Gould, secretary ; Mrs. E. J. Dixon, Mrs. A. E. Chance, Mrs. Vir- ginia Clark, Mrs. J. A. Ewalt. Mrs. Howard Snyder, Mrs. Rosanna Kepler, Mrs. C. W. Pringle, Miss Nettie Snyder.
On March 9, 1895, a convention of the women of London was called by the Woman's Elective Franchise Association and two candidates were nominated to be voted on : by the electors at the spring election. Miss Bertha Coover, who became a member of the
348
MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.
Woman's Elective Franchise Association before her nomination, was elected to the posi- tion of member of the school board and held that position for one term, 1895-'98. Other women of the association who have been members of the school board are Mrs. Minnie Willis Bonner, 1896-'99; Mrs. Esta Coover Harvey, 1908-'12.
MEMBERSHIP AND OFFICIARY.
A state life membership in the suffrage cause may be secured by the payment of twenty-five dollars. State life members are Mrs. Lucy Beach, Miss Anna Ebner, Mrs. Sarah II. Farrar, Miss Mellie Mark, Mrs. Joama Nedds, Mrs. Katharine Dooris Sharp; memorial state members : Mrs. Minerva Acton, Mrs. Esta Coover Harvey, Mrs. Georgia Gould, Mrs. Caroline Ross and Miss Bertha Coover; list of ex-presidents: Mrs. Kath- arine Dooris Sharp, Mrs. Caroline Ross, Mrs. Georgia Gould, Miss Anna Ebner, Mrs. Lucy Beach, Mrs. Isabell Morgan, Mrs. Vinnie Phifer, Mrs. Esta Coover Harvey, Miss Bertha Coover, Mrs. Emelyn Richmond, Miss Mary Clark; state corresponding secre- tary, Miss Bertha Coover, 1903-12.
This organization is governed by an adapted form of the constitution of the Ohio Woman Suffrage Association and "Roberts' Rules of Order" is accepted as parliamen- tary authority.
Officers 1915-16: Mrs. Katharine Dooris Sharp, president; Mrs. Lucy Beach, first vice-president ; Mrs. Josephine Locke, second vice-president; Dr. Effie B. Koontz, third vice-president ; Mrs. Mary Shields, fourth vice-president; Mrs. Ina Tenney Foster, sec- retary, and Mrs. Orpha Morris, treasurer; assistant treasurers, Miss Sallie Dooris, Miss Florence Ronemus; custodian, Mrs. Orpha Morris; assistant custodian, Mr. E. E. Har- vey ; auditors, Mrs. Rilla Hornbeck, Miss Margaret Dooris; committee on flowers, Mrs. Minerva Caylor, Mrs. Hornbeck, Mrs. Joanna Nedds, Miss Anna Ebner; committee on literature, Mrs. Sharp, Mrs. Forest Bidwell, Miss Emma Richmond, Mrs. Kate F. Wil- son; board of directors, Mrs. Josephine Locke, Mrs. Minerva Caylor, Mrs. Grace War- ner, Mrs. Phoebe Simpson, Mrs. Emelyn Richmond, Miss Sallie Dooris. The officers and directors constitute the executive committee. Regular meetings are held the first Friday of the month, beginning with October and ending with April, unless otherwise voted.
During the current year each member will contribute a free-will offering, to be not less than twenty-five cents, which is the sum payable to the state association, and which may be any larger sum convenient to the donor. That which is given to a good cause is twice blessed. "and look, whatsoever he [or she] doeth, it shall prosper."
One hundred and sixty names have been recorded on the register of this club since its organization. Some of these have passed on to their reward. Among these none have been more missed from the work than Mrs. Esta Coover Harvey, who died Decem- ber 5, 1912. and her sister, Miss Bertha Coover, who died on February 5, 1915. Among other bequests made by Miss Coover is the sum of one thousand dollars to the state suffrage work. and of one hundred dollars to the Woman's Elective Franchise Associa- tion. It is sometimes said by persons of no great depth of thought that only single women want the ballot, but the fact is, that wives and mothers are so faithful to their home duties that they delegate the work to those who have more freedom from those cares. Miss Coover was well fitted for the role she undertook so cheerfully, and which became her life work. This club is honored in having been the means of bringing to fruition qualities of heart and mind which singled Miss Coover from the ordinary mul- titude. Such will be the effect of increased political duty in the ranks of womankind. The special qualities characteristic of the sex will enrich the world, through future gen- erations. To hinder the cause of suffrage-and therefore, justice-is thus to deprive the world of a wealth of gain.
349
MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.
REVIEW OF LOCAL CONDITIONS.
This organization has been fortunate in the women connected with it. As a rule they are good housekeepers, devoted mothers or daughters and fine business managers. They are not office-seekers, as some think an inseparable feature of equal suffrage. In fact, they are too little interested in holding office-and it has always been difficult to find candidates for the school board. Mrs. Lucy Beach is one of the largest landowners and tax-payers in the county and also one of its most successful practical farmers. Too high praise cannot be given to this lady for her generous benevolence to this and every other good cause. Her financial backing and cheerful encouragement have been mate- rial aids in the furtherance of the suffrage work. Shortly after the organization of the Woman's Elective Franchise Association, Mrs. Sharp became a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and introduced the department of franchise into the county organization of that body at London, Mt. Sterling, Plain City and West Jefferson. This fine organization of women accepted the new branch of work gladly and have used it with success.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.