History of York County, Pennsylvania : from the earliest period to the present time, divided into general, special, township and borough histories, with a biographical department appended, Part 99

Author: Gibson, John, Editor
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago
Number of Pages: 1104

USA > Pennsylvania > York County > History of York County, Pennsylvania : from the earliest period to the present time, divided into general, special, township and borough histories, with a biographical department appended > Part 99

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tention to the beauties of the so-called "three linked fraternity," and became stead- fast votaries at her shrine.

Some time during the early part of Janu- ary, 1842, some twenty citizens of York (who had been initiated at Baltimore and Philadel- phia) assembled at what was known as the Museum Building, on North Beaver Street, to consult as to the advisability and practicabil- ity of organizing a lodge of the I. O. O. F. The spirit manifested at this meeting showed a decided promise for speedy action, and cul- minated in the appointment of a committee to make the necessary application for a char- ter. On the 5th of March, the committee re- ported the reception of a dispensation grant- ed by the board of grand officers of the juris- diction of Pennsylvania, authorizing the es- tablishment of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 74; Jacob Forrest, noble grand, Gen. George Hay, vice grand, Edwin C. Epley, secretary, Alexander Klinefelter, assistant secretary, and Abraham Arnold, treasurer, were designated as the officers of the lodge, and their names were duly recorded upon the original charter. Some four weeks after the arrival of the dis- pensation the institution proper took place at said Museum Building, where the meetings took place for a period, and the admission of members followed in unexpected succession. On Tuesday, the 15th day of November, 1842, the lodge room. which had been re- moved to South George Street, near the site of the present German Catholic St. Mary's Church, was regularly dedicated to the pur- poses of Odd-Fellowship, at which time 105 members proved present, participated in the ceremonies, and signed a memorial apper- taining to the services in their own proper handwriting.

The power of the order soon developed. The deportment of the members, their stand- ing in the community as citizens, and the ac- tivity displayed by the new converts, many of whom constituted the very best elements of the community, gave the organization a foot-hold so firm, that opposition yielded, and the bit- ter passions of hatred and violence, which felt inclined to beat against her base, ex- pended themselves without doing any harm. Application upon application followed, and continued to strengthen the fort of "friend- ship, love and truth."

On the 28th of January, 1845, or just about three years after the institution of Mount Zion Lodge, Mount Vernon Encamp- ment No. 14, was called into existence by a desire to learn and disseminate the princi- ples of the order in their entirety. George S. Morris, chief patriarch, E. G. Smyser,

+Deceased.

*By George E. Sherwood.

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high priest, Henry Bayler, senior warden, Matthew Tyler, junior warden, D. W. Funk, scribe, J. Demuth, treasurer, and Jacob For- rest, guide, composed the founders and char- ter members of this, the so-called aristocratic portion of the fraternity. This part of the order did not prosper as well numerically as might have been expected, a fact largely at- tributable to the circumstances, that the founders of this branch felt disinclined to en- large the usefulness of the encampment, and appeared to rather confine its privileges to a chosen few. Notwithstanding these disincli- nations, the patriarchal fires burned brightly, and the Encampment to-day, although it still maintains a certain seclusion, proves pros- perous and is at this period one of the rich- est of its kind in the State.

In the meantime many citizens from the vicinity of Shrewsbury and Hopewell Town- ships, had associated themselves with the order, and the disposition openly manifested by many others, seeking knowledge under the banner of "Faith, Hope and Charity," led to the establishment of Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 143, located to this day at Shrewsbury Borough. The charter of this lodge bears date December 29, 1845, but the institution proper did not take place until February, 1846. The first or charter officers were Henry G. Bussey, noble grand; George Blas- ser, vice grand: Eli S. Beck, secretary; Samuel Brenise, assistant secretary; and C. F. Meyers, treasurer. Like her sister lodge in York, she flourished aud grew in the face of all opposition, making a noble record and maintaining it to the present day.

Two years later, Wrightsville made her demand for her own retreat, and the appli- cation of the there residing members was favorably considered by the board of grand officers, and a charter was duly granted, bearing date August 2, 1848, with Elias Raub, noble grand; John Kerr, vice grand; D. J. Boynton, secretary; Jacob Stoll, assis- tant secretary and David Flury, treasurer.

Chihuahua Lodge, No. 317, proved as healthy as her sister lodges, and considering the comparatively small population from which to draw membership, stands as a proud success both numerically as well as finan- cially.

During the same year Hanover sought and obtained a charter, bearing date August 23, 1848, with the following complement of officers: noble grand, Samuel Shirk; vice grand, R. J. Winterode; secretary, J. E. Naille; assistant secretary, E. J. Owings; treasurer, John Bair. Hanover Lodge, No. 327, located in one of the most thickly set-

tled portions of the county, soon forged to the front and maintains to this day second rank numerically, and third financially in the county.

During this period, the old mother lodge, Mount Zion, No. 74, had become too un- wieldy, numbering in the spring of 1849 over 400 active members, the greater portion of whom had become regular attendants at lodge meetings, which fact called a consul- tation, where it was decided that the best interests of the order required the establish- ment of a second lodge. The intention was promulgated on February 19, 1849, when a charter was granted for the institution of Humane Lodge, No. 342. The charter officers being noble grand, Dr. William S. Roland; vice grand, David E. Small; secretary, William R. Stouch; assistant secretary, J. G. Capito; treasurer, Wesley Test. This lodge soon gathered around her altars the most active and ardent converts, and by steady, firm and shrewd management forged ahead of all the lodges of the county, occupy - ing to-day the first position in the county numerically, and the first position in the State financially. She remains the most active of all the lodges and numbers among her membership the best posted in southern Pennsylvania.

From 1849 to 1855, there prevailed a dor- mancy in the establishment of new lodges. During the latter year, Mount Hebron, No. 516, was chartered. Charles Shultz, district deputy grand master, instituted this lodge at Delta on May 16, 1855, with the follow- ing officers: Dr. J. Y. Bryan, noble grand; William J. McCurdy, vice grand; A. C. McCurdy, secretary; William McSparran, assistant secretary; E. C. Steinford, treasurer.

After a lapse of nearly seventeen years, Goldsboro called for her own lodge, and her application for a charter was duly considered, and granted on March 8, 1872. The insti- tution of Goldsboro Lodge, No. 791, took place shortly afterward, when the following charter officers were duly installed: John Nicholas, N. G .; H. Montgomery, V. G .; J. K. Waidley, secretary; Adam Wisman, assistant secretary; George S. Wolf, treas- urer. This lodge had the misfortune of having her hall, a costly three-story build- ing, destroyed by fire, a circumstance which materially crippled ber progress; she stands, however, to-day, though few in numbers, on a solid financial basis.

Following the institution of Goldsboro Lodge, came the organization of Harmonia Lodge, No. 853, located at York. Mount Zion and Humane Lodges having become

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.

wealthy and in consequence somewhat fas- tidious relative to the admission of candi- dates, the leaders of the order deemed it desirable to make a call for the establish- ment of a third lodge in York Borough. The answer to this call brought nearly eighty applications, and a petition was at once sent to the grand officers, who issued the required dispensation on August 18, 1873. Shortly after the reception of the dispensation the institution took place, at which time the fol- lowing members were installed as the char- ter officers: noble grand, D. H. Ginter; vice grand, Crayton W. Brand; secretary, D. K. Trimmer; assistant secretary. W. I. Reisinger; treasurer, Peter Swartz.

Two years later, on July 3, 1875, Mount Sinai, No. 908, located at Jefferson Borough, received her charter and was duly instituted by D. D. Grand Master George E. Sher- wood, who installed the following set of officers: noble grand, Dr. William F. Brink- man; vice grand, E. J. Masamore; secretary, Henry B. Baker; assistant secretary, Jesse Williams; treasurer, Ephraim Dubs.

During the year 1876 some twenty mem- bers of various lodges made application for a charter for a new lodge to be located at East Prospect, under title of Winona Lodge No. 944. After some delay the charter was granted, bearing date October 3, 1876, and enumerating the following charter members: Michael Shenberger, Moses Burg, B. F. Beard, Valentine Knisley, H. B. Beard, A. J. Givens, Henry Burg, Walter Burg, George S. Oberdorff, L. Jacobs; A. W. Himes, S. W. Smith, David Barshinger, F. T. Glatfelter, George C. Dritt, A. M. Helder, J. W. Young, H. H. Sprenkel, J. R. Wallace, John F. Kline, Frank Kauffman and Peter J. Gil- bert. The institution of the lodge took place on January 13, 1877, George E. Sher- wood acting as grand master.

The last born of the three-linked fraternity is Mount Olivet, No. 997, located at the thriv- ing village of Spring Grove. The there re- siding membership, brethren of Mount Sinai, Shrewsbury and Hanover Lodges, desired a home of their own, and duly petitioned the grand lodge for that purpose. Considerable opposition was manifested by the member- ship of Mount Sinai on account of the close proximity of the two places, aad the hostility caused a rejection of the first application. Undaunted, the second application was made in the fall of 1883, and on January 5, 1884, the charter was granted, and the lodge duly organized with the following charter officers: noble grand, Charles Michael; vice grand, J. J. Hawkins; secretary, Charles H. Seiler;

assistant secretary, George E. Miller; treas- urer, William Hoke.

Eagle Encampment, No. 158, was instituted on the 12th day of October, 1867. It has worked slowly up to within a recent date, when a new spirit appears to have taken possession of it, and it now promises to move to the front. The charter members of this encampment were chief patriarch, Charles Bowman; high priest, J. D. Slagle; senior warden, George W. House; junior warden, William Bair; scribe, J. H. Flickinger; treas- urer, Fred L. Bange.

Riverside Encampment, No. 245, located at Goldsboro, was of short duration. The destruction of the Odd Fellow's Hall, by fire, caused a surrender of the charter, May 8, 1879. Its charter bore date November 12, 1873. Its institution took place January 20, 1874, and the charter officers were Jacob Waidley, Franklin R. Prowell, John P. Nicholas, James Markley, William Palmer, George K. Grove, John Alwine, H. Strickler, William Jessop and Lawrence Alwine.

Salome Rebekah Degree Lodge, No. 30, of York, was instituted February 18, 1870. It however found no favor among the greater portion of the male membership and surren - dered its charter to the grand lodge after having been in existence about five years. It ceased to exist July 19, 1876.

The present strength and condition of the Order of Odd Fellows in York County are as follows:

Mount Zion, No. 74 .- Number of members, 151. Cash capital, $17,579.33. Amount of relief granted during the last year, $1,880. Officers of the term: George W. Breeswine, N. G .; Ernst Hein, V.G .; George P. Spangler, secretary; F. F. Buckingham, assistant sec- retary; F. M. Dick, treasurer and representa- tive to Grand Lodge.

Mount Vernon, No. 143 .- Number of mem- bers, 99. Capital on hand, $5,403.31. Amount of relief granted during last year, $1,006. Officers of the term: S. D. Ehrhart, N. G .; James H. Moody, V. G .; M. M. Hutchinson, secretary; D. R. Klinefelter, assistant secre- tary; J. H. Hendricks, treasurer and repre- sentative to Grand Lodge.

Chihuahua, No. 317 .- Number of mem- bers, 63. Capital invested, $3,608.09. Amount of relief granted during last year, #293. Officers of the present term: J. B. Waltman, N. G .; C. S. Glatfelter, V. G .; A. J. Duden, secretary; John K. Upp, treasurer. A. J. Duden, representative to Grand Lodge.

Hanover, No. 327 .- Number of members, 179. Amount of capital invested, $8,196.51. Amount of relief granted during last year,.

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$1,072.75. Officers of the term: E. A. Michael, N. G .; George H. Bowers, V. G .; W. H. Long, secretary; William A. Clay, assistant secretary ; Carl Erdman, treasurer; F. S. Zinn, representative to Grand Lodge.

Humane Lodge, No. 342 .- York; number of members, 182. Amount of capital on hand, $21,433.47. Amount of relief granted du- ring last year, $1,216.75. Officers of the present term : Mcclellan M. Spahr, N. G., J. W. Dennis, V. G., James H. Fisher, secre- tary ; L. H. Sudick, assistant secretary ; D. P. Shultz, treasurer ; Henry J. Deitch, . representative to Grand Lodge.

Mt. Hebron, No. 516 .- Delta; number of members, 34; 'amount of capital on hand, $1,000, amount paid for relief during the year, $35; present officers: N. G., W. Wal- lace, Jr .; V. G., H. Sprenkel; secretary, P. J. Gilbert; treasurer, J. H. Gilbert.

Goldsboro, No. 791 .- Goldsboro; number of members, 24; amount of capital on hand, $1,159.16; amount of relief granted during the year, $85; officers of the present term: John Ziegler, N. G .; George H. Grove, V. G .; John A. Willis, secretary; Ed. D. Brecken- ridge, assistant secretary; Geo. S. Wolf, treasurer ; John A. Willis, representative to Grand Lodge;

Harmonia, No. 853 .- York; number of members, 57; cash on hand, $1,130.07; amount paid for relief during the year, $268; present officers: W. B. Ruby, N. G .; John Bender, V. G .; D. P. Heckert, secretary; Herman Sauppe, assistant secretary; Alber- tus Hibner, treasurer, and J. T. Tracy, rep- resentative to Grand Lodge.

Mt. Sinai, No. 908 .- Jefferson; number of members, 46; cash on hand, $1,338.31; amount paid for relief during the last term, $35; present officers: A. B. Miller, N. G .; Henry A. Walter, V. G .; W. H. Brodbeck, secretary; C. M. Motter, assistant secretary; Henry Eichelberger, representative to the Grand Lodge.

Winona, No. 944 .- East Prospect; number of members, 24; amount of capital on hand $375.47; amount paid for relief during the year, $15; present officers: Henry Thomas, N. G .; J. W. Kinard, V. G .; Peter J. Gilbert, secretary; Jacob H. Leber, assistant secretary ; Michael Shenberger, treasurer; Peter J. Gil- bert, representative to Grand Lodge.

Mt. Olivet, No. 997 .- Spring Grove; number of members, 54; cash in treasury, $418.57; amount paid for relief during year, $48; present officers: John S. Myers, N. G .; William Hoke, V. G .; William Currens, secretary; George Seiler, assistant secretary; Ephraim

Stambaugh, treasurer; Jesse G. Williams, representative to Grand Lodge.

Mt. Vernon Encampment, No. 14 .- York; number of members, 125; capital on hand, $9472.31; amount relief paid $896; present officers: chief patriarch, David Ziegler; high priest, George A. Welker; senior warden, D. P. Heckert; junior warden, William E. Pat- terson; scribe, James H. Fisher; treasurer, George E. Sherwood.

Eagle Encampment, No. 158 .- Hanover; number of members, 50; amount paid for relief, $166; amount on hand, $562.61; present officers: E. D. Melhorn; chief patriarch; W. H. Long, high priest; H. Melhorn, S. W .; Charles J. Myers, J. W .; W. F. Stair, scribe; Carl Erdman, treasurer.

IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN.

This secret organization claims to be pecul- iarly American in its conception and its lead- ing advocates assert publicly and privately that it was conceived and born as a genuine American institution, during the dark days of the Revolutionary period, and that her founders were a band of five Revolutionary officers. The introduction of the order into York Borough occurred early in the year 1857. The flourishing condition of the Ma- sonic and Odd Fellows' Lodges, who had been called into existence during the two preceding decades, and whose direct benev- olence and active aid bestowed and man- ifested toward their respective membership, particularly during the financial crisis of 1856-57, had called general attention and comments and aroused a spirit of imitation fostered to a considerable degree by the members of the existing secret orders, who perchance, felt a curiosity to know and learn the base and principles of the then compara- tively weak and order of Red Men.

During the latter part of the year 1856 a number of citizens met privately to con- sider the probable success of the establishment of a tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men. The views advanced, looking favorable to the project, appeared to receive a hearty support and culminated in an application for a charter, which, after some delay, was granted by the Great Council of Pennsylva- nia and "Conewago" Tribe, No. 37, was duly called into existence, regularly organ- ized by G. T. Zahm, then great sachem of the jurisdiction or Hunting Grounds of Pennsylvania. The institution took place in the building formerly known as "Temperance Hall" on North George Street, at the site at present occupied by the First National Bank;

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.

and the first officers that kindled the council brand were; Dr. Alexander Small, sachem; Christian Markley, senior sagamore; Edward S. Rupp, junior sagamore; Leonard Koons, chief of records, and Isaac Swartz, keeper of wampum. The new organization remained but a short time at their first place of meet- ing, but migrated successively from Temper- ance Hall to the Museum Building on North Beaver Street, to Strack's building, cor- ner of Princess and South George Streets, to Lebach's Centre Hall, and finally to the Odd Fellows' Hall on South George Street, where a wigwam particularly suited and fitted to the initiatory ceremonies was established. The original membership, many of whom are still living, worked hard and faithfully, for the dissemination of the principles inculcated by the order, and succeed- ed in giving it a firm and permanent foot- hold in the community. The tribe numbers at this time 188 members, is possessed of a capital of nearly $6,000, and expends nearly $1,200 annually for the relief of the sick, the burial of the dead, and the education of the orphans. The present officers are : Sachem, William Markley; Sr. Sag., George W. Hess; Jr. Sag., W. H. H. Craver; Prophet, Edward Neas; C. of R., John Hays; K. of W., Jacob S. Wilt; Asst. C. of R., W. H. Albright; First Sanap, Samuel Platts; Second Sanap, Thomas H. Fulton; G. of W., George S. Yeaple; G. of F., Abraham Baker; First Warden, John Geise; Second Warden, Harry E. Wanty; Third Warden, Luther A. Small; Fourth Warden, William A. Mitzel; First Brave, Levi Ilgenfritz; Second Brave, Edward Yeaple; Third Brave, George F. Geiselman; Fourth Brave, Amos Hoffman.

After eight years of labor the membership of Conewago Tribe had increased to such an extent as to make the establishment of a sec- ond tribe desirable, particularly so in view of the fact that a large number of the Ger- man speaking element of the town had ob- tained membership. After a free exchange of opinion the organization of a German Tribe was decided upon. An application for a charter was made and "Codorus" Tribe, No. 78, to be located in York, was called into existence. The institution took place on the 21st of Traveling Moon, G. S. D., 374 (Oc- tober 21, 1865), at which time the following chiefs were raised by Great Sachem M. J. Weaver, of Lancaster: Daniel Decker, sachem ; Louis Hoffman, junior sagamore; William Coose, junior sagamore ; George Plitt, chief of records ; William Tash, keeper of wampum. The present officers of this tribe are John Schott, sachem ; Peter

Reich, senior sagamore ; junior sagamore ; Christian Wagner, prophet ; John H. Schum, chief of records ; Augustus Voss, keeper of wampum; Theo. R. Helb, representative to great council of Pennsyl- vania. The present numerical strength of this tribe is small, notwithstanding the fact that it contains some of the most active Ger- man Red Men of the borough. The wampum belt of the tribe contains about $800.

Following the establishment of Codorus Tribe came the organization of Waunepewink Tribe, No. 89, at Shrewsbury, with the following charter officers : sachem, E. H. Gerry ; senior sagamore, Samuel Giesey ; junior sagamore, Frank O. McCleary. ; chief of records, Frederick A. Hake ; prophet, Jo- 1 seph H. Blasser ; keeper of wampum, Isaac E. Berg. The prospects for a prosperous tribe appeared to be flattering at the time of the institution, 10 Sleep Corn Moon, G. S. D., 377 (September 10th, 1868), but the hopes of the membership were doomed to disappointment. The council fire ceased to burn some time during 1876, and all efforts to rekindle it have so far proven unsuccess- ful, a circumstance to a greater or less de- gree attributable to the existence of some older institution, and the smallness of the town.

In the meantime the English element had invaded the wigwam of Codorus Tribe, and after considerable argument it was deemed best to separate, and application was made for a charter for Conewingo Tribe, No. 93, to be located at York. The institution of this, the third tribe within the borough limits, took place on the 5th Sleep of Traveling Moon, G. S. D., 378 (October 5, 1869), Great Sachem Frank C. Knipe, officiating at the raising of the following chiefs : sachem, John W. Shirey ; senior sagamore, Josiah M. Jones; junior sagamore, William Hose; chief of records, William L. Keech; keeper of wampum, William Tash. The following officers were elected for the present term: sachem, A. Patterson ; senior sagamore, Eph. Thatch- er ; junior sagamore, Lewis Sudick ; prophet, J. W. Hetrick ; chief of records, L. R. Rouse ; keeper of wampum, Aug. T. Walt- man ; representative to G. C., W. B White. This tribe now stands as second in the county.

On the 10th of May. 1870, Yosemite Tribe, No. 100, of Glen Rock, was organized by Deputy Grand Sachem John Hays. Andrew Shaw, W. F. Boecel, Eli R. Miller, John W. Hartman, Henry J. Heiser and A. H. Herbert were the first officers, and Theo. Bol- linger, S. H. Jacobs, George W. Gable, A. R. Bollinger, George Barshinger and Agrippa

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FIRE INSURANCE COMPANIES.

Shauk occupy the stumps at this time. This organization flourished and possessed at the 1st of April, 1885, ninety members and an invested capital of $1, 755.

Ganaga Tribe, No. 226, of Jefferson Borough was organized on the 25th of Sep- tember, 1874. It, however, never gained a foothold in the community and ceased to exist three years later.

The last one of the tribes of Red Men, Minnewaukuru, No. 250, was instituted on the 7th of January, 1884, . at Hanover. Thomas A. McDowell, then great sachem of the jurisdiction, raised the following chiefs: sachem, D. D. Ehrhart; prophet, D. F. Stair; senior sagamore, George W. Thomas; junior sagamore, C. W. Gebensleben; chief of records, A. C. Wentz; keeper of wam- pum, John D. Jenkins. This tribe prom- ises to be one of the most active in York County, being principally composed of young men.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.

The introduction of the order of Knights of Pythias into York County took place on the 11th of November, 1869. Some thirty citizens, principally members of the order of Odd Fellows, organized a lodge of this fraternity, and for that purpose repaired to Columbia, there to receive the required degrees to enable them to procure a charter, which degrees were conferred by Evergreen Castle. The application for a charter was granted, and "White Rose Castle," No. 211, located at York, was the first to disseminate the principles of friendship set forth in the well-known poem of "Damon and Pythias." The order flourished for some years, and castles or lodges were established at Han- over in 1870; at Glen Rock in 1871; at Seven Valley in 1876; at Siddonsburg in 1879. Some time during 1874 a difficulty relative to a certain obligation occurred be- tween a number of subordinate castles and the Grand Castle, or its officers, which caused considerable dissension in "White Rose Castle" and finally led to its dissolution. Hanover Castle met with severe losses, finan- cially. The castle at Siddonsburg surren- dered its charter three years after its organ- ization, and Zion Castle, No. 447, of Seven Valley, and Friendly Castle of Glen Rock, No. 287, are the only two whose condition at this time is of such a nature as to warrant the belief that the order will retain active defenders in the future. Friendly Castle, according to its last report, had sixty mem . bers, and Zion Castle retained only twenty- four members in good standing.

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History of York County, Pennsylvania : from the earliest period to the present time, divided into general, special, township and borough histories, with a biographical department appended, Part 99

Author: Gibson, John, Editor Publication date: 1886 Publisher: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago Number of Pages: 1104

Author: Gibson, John, Editor
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago
Number of Pages: 1104