USA > South Dakota > Faulk County > History of Faulk County, South Dakota, together with biographical sketches of pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 9
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William J. Dodds, Senior Steward.
John Dignan, Junior Steward.
William Garrick, Tyler.
While a number have removed from the county and taken their demits with them, the grim reaper-Death has made his inroads, so that the present membership is re- duced to seventy-seven.
After the division of Dakota Territory, North and South Dakota remained under one Masonic Jurisdiction until 1899.
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Free Masonry has found a very fruitful field in South Dakota, counting among its members many of the state's most talented, influential and reliable citizens. Today there are lodges of Free and Accepted Masons and chapters of Royal Arch Masons.
YORK MASONRY.
The York rites of Free Masonry in Dakota Territory date from February 25th, 1885, when charters were issued for chapters at Yankton, Sioux Falls, Deadwood, Canton, Huron, Watertown, Brookings, Flandreau, Redfield and others to the number of fourteen, delegates from which met at Sioux Falls, July 8, 1885 and proceeded to organize the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for South Dakota. This branch of this ancient order together with the auxili- ary order of the Eastern Star have found a very fruitful field in this state. The class of people who constituted the pioneer settlers of Faulk County were of that degree of intelligence that required just such social and intellectual enjoyment that this popular and influential organization was prepared to supply.
It was not until December 21, 1888, that discussion and agitation culminated in a meeting at the Masonic Hall at Faulkton, at which decisive measures were taken to secure from the Grand Chapter a dispensation under which to meet in view of a permanent organization.
The first meeting under a dispensation was held at the Masonic Hall in Faulkton, Jan. 23, 1889, with the follow- ing active members:
Companion R. G. Morton, High Priest.
Visiting Companion C. H. Ellis, King.
Companion H. S. Humphrey, Scribe.
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Companion M. S. McDearmon, Captain, of the Host. Companion I. Allen Cornwell, Royal Arch Captain. Companion J. A. Pickler, Grand Master Third Veil. Companion C. H. Derr, Grand Master Second Veil. Companion Jerome Ferguson, Grand Master First Veil. Companion G. A. Morse, Secretary.
The Most Excellent High Priest read the dispensation under which the Chapter was acting. It was decided to elect a secretary and treasurer. Companion George A. Morse was unanimously elected to fill both of the offices. The following is the record of the first Stated Convocation of Faulkton Chapter No. 30 Royal Arch Masons, held at the Masonic Hall, Faulkton, South Dakota, July 10, 1889.
Companion, H. S. Williams, of Aberdeen Chapter No. 14 South Dakota, a duly appointed Deputy, Most Excellent Grand High Priest, installed the following elected officers, viz:
Companion R. G. Morton, High Priest.
Companion H. S. Williams, King.
Companion Ed. W. Lowe, Scribe.
Companion M. S. McDearmon, Captain of the Host.
Companion P. H. Wilson, Past Scribe.
Companion I. Allen Cornwell, Royal Arch Captain.
Companion H. D. Chamberlain, Grand Master Third Veil.
Companion F. A. Seaman, Grand Master Second Veil. Companion David Bryden, Grand Master First Veil. Companion Geo. A. Morse, Treasurer.
Companion C. A. Morse, Secretary.
Companion J. A. Pickler, Guard.
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The passing years have brought no unusual changes. Some of its valued members have been called to the Supreme Lodge and if found worthy, to enter into the Sanctum Sanctorum above. Others have removed to other jurisdic- tions. From the surrounding community good men and true have been found to take their places.
The opening year of 1909 finds a membership of seventy Companion Royal Arch Masons, with the following elected and appointed officers, viz:
Companion A. M. Moore, High Priest.
Companion I. Allen Cownwell, King,
Companion A. D. Griffee, Scribe.
Companion Thomas Picton, Treasurer.
Companion C. E. Haskins, Secretary.
Companion A. J. McDowell, Captain of the Host.
Companion A. W. Morse, Royal Arch Captain.
Companion A. A. Garrick, Grand Master Third Veil. Companion A. W. Phelps, Grand Master Second Veil.
Companion John Dignan, Grand Master First Veil.
Companion N. J. Frayn, Guard.
EASTERN STAR.
Faulkton Chapter No. 69 Order of the Eastern Star was organized in May 1907, and June 11th of that year re- ceived their charter.
This organization is composed of the wives, widows, mothers, sisters and daughters of Master Masons. Al- though the Eastern Star is closely related to the Masonic fraternity, it is no part of that ancient institution, but be- comes active in advancing the principles of Free Masonry.
From seventeen charter members there has been a rapid growth of nearly one hundred members. Regular
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meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday even- ings of each month. The officers for the present vear (1909) are as follows:
Inez Armstrong, Worthy Matron.
James Turner, Worthy Patron. Abbie A. Jarvis, Associate Matron. Mayme Bryden, Conductor. Frances Cornwell, Associate Conductor. Adah, Nellie Bottum.
Ruth, Nora McDearmon.
Esther, Louise Simon.
Martha, Mattie Colgrove.
Electa, Jane Lockey.
Elizabeth Jones, Secretary. A. M. Moore, Treasurer.
Rheta Garrick, Chaplain. Ruby McDearmon, Organist.
Sue Phelps, Warden.
Emma Moore, Sentinal.
Alice Morse of Faulkton is Grand Associate Matron of the Grand Chapter of South Dakota.
THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.
The Odd Fellows of Faulkton in the early eighties organized a lodge of considerable size which continued un- til about 1893, when owing to the hard times, and there being no hall in the town that was suitable to hold meet- ings, which they could procure, they surrendered their charter. This lodge was known as Nixon River Lodge.
On May the 2nd, 1906, Faulkton Lodge No. 169, I. O. O. F. was organized with a good membership and is now considered a good strong working lodge.
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There is also a lodge at Chelsea, South Dakota, of which I am unable to give the name and number. Also at Cresbard where New Empire Lodge was organized on April the 15th, 1909. These two lodges are located in good thriving towns, along the line of the M. & St. L. rail- road, and in a portion of the county that is well populated and in one of the finest agricultural sections of South Da- kota, and are destined to become strong and influential organizations.
LILLY REBECCA LODGE.
There was on the 19th day of April, 1909, organized in Faulkton, Lily Rebecca Lodge No. 116 with twenty-five members, and has a bright future before it, with the fol- lowing officers:
Dora Louise Simon, Noble Grand.
Frances Champlin, Past Grand.
Anna Bixler, Vice Grand.
S. Belle Jarvis, Secretary.
Ada Dunsmore, Treasurer.
Millie L. Ellis, Warden. Victorena Rush, Conductor.
C. E. Coste, Inside Guardian.
Ralph Warren, Outside Guardian.
James Dunsmore, Right Supporter to the Noble Grand.
Ada Alden, Left Supporter to the Noble Grand.
Mrs. C. E. Coste, Right Supporter to the Vice Grand. Violetta Shaver, Left Supporter to Vice Grand. Emily Niemeyer, Chaplain.
ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN.
The Ancient Order of United Workmen perfected an organization in Faulkton in 1889. This is a fraternal and
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insurance organization and has always been popular with the business men of this city and has taken a strong hold upon the rural population of the county.
DEGREE OF HONOR.
In December, 1898, the Degree of Honor organized a temporary lodge in Faulkton, and since that time has been in active operation. In that time it has paid three thous- and dollars or more on account of the death of members. From the twenty-six, who were charter members, the order rapidly increased in number until nearly one hundred had identified themselves with it. The promptness with which death losses have been paid has done much to give the lodge both financial standing and a social influence both in the city and surrounding country, and as a beneficiary organi- zation is well worthy the sympathy and patronage of a much larger number. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The last meeting of each month, refreshments are served and especial attention is given to the social side of the order.
The order has had its home in Hay's Hall ever since his block was erected and is in good financial standing.
The following are the officers for the year 1909:
Mary Griffee, Past Chief of Honor.
Victorena Rush, Chief of Honor.
Ann Thorn, Lady of Honor.
Louise Simon, Chief of Ceremonies.
Minnie Pangburn, Recorder.
Eva M. Young, Financier.
Emma Seaman, Receiver. Altia Edgerton, Usher.
Frank Pangburn, Inner Watch.
S. F. Thorn, Outer Watch.
Mrs. Emma Rice, Advisor.
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ORDER OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES.
This order was introduced into Faulkton eleven years ago and a Hive established and a strong organization secured.
After a destructive fire, with hall, charter and para- phernalia all destroyed, the order has never recovered from this heavy blow. The organization is barely kept up on account of the insurance benefits secured through this society.
George Zaelke, Commander.
R. M. Whitney, Recorder.
THE LADIES OF THE MACCABEES OF THE WORLD.
This order was introduced into Faulkton in November, 1897, and a live working Hive of twelve members secured, which was soon increased to seventy-five, fifty of whom were benefit members.
A fire in which their lodge room, charter and parapher- nalia were destroyed was a hard blow to the organization. The social members soon dropped out and by reason of that and the removal of benefit members there are at the pres- ent time only thirty-five members, with the following offi- cers:
Inez Armstrong, Lady Commander.
Millie L. Ellis, Lieutenant Commander.
Emma Burge, Record Keeper. Mattie Colgrove, Finance Keeper. Emily Niemeyer, Chaplain.
MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA.
Faulkton Camp No. 2774 of the Modern Woodmen of America was organized in April, 1895, with ten charter members, being a social order with fraternal features.
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While the organization has received the hearty support of the community and acquired a good membership, there has not been a single death or a dollar of insurance paid out since its organization in 1895.
The present officers are:
C. L. Streeter, Venerable Commander.
F. A. Seaman, Clerk.
A. Boller, Banker.
MODERN BROTHERHOOD OF AMERICA.
The Modern Brotherhood of America organized a lodge in the city of Faulkton in 1903. This is a fraternal and insurance organization and has secured a very rapid growth, having a membership of one hundred. Frank A. Pangburn is president of the organization and Mrs. Eva M. Young, secretary.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
Phil. H. Sheridan Post No. 72, organized in 1895, has had an eventful history. At one time, with one hundred and twenty-three Civil War veterans in the county, one hundred and two had their names upon the roll.
Through the earnest and persistant efforts of the Woman's Relief Corps the Post has a place of meeting in a fine Grand Army and Relief Corps building.
Many members have removed from the state and with- in less than one year five have answered to their last roll call. There are now only fifteen members, the oldest being in his eighty-fourth year and the youngest niember sixty-three.
The ownership of the lot and building is vested in the Grand Army Post and the Woman's Relief Corps and when the last roll call has been sounded the property will revert to the city of Faulkton for a public library building.
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The following is a list of officers:
John W. Hays, Commander.
A. A. Andrews, Senior Vice Commander. H. A. Wilkinson, Junior Vice Commander. George J. Jarvis, Adjutant.
M. S. McDearmon, Quarter Master.
Thos. O'Neil, Officer of the Day.
L. D. Wood, Officer of the Guard.
A. J. Sprague, Chaplain.
WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS.
Phil. H. Sheridan Woman's Relief Corps No. 43 under territorial jurisdiction and 19 South Dakota jurisdiction was organized May 24, 1888, with twenty-one charter members as follows: Sarah B. Humphrey, Alice M. A. Pickler, Helen M. Bissell, Hattie F. Douglas, Lottie A. McDearmon, Belle F. McCoy, Nettie E. Haskins, Susan C. Moulton, Retta H. Miller, Carrie B. Norton, Hester A. Swearngen, Emma B. Miller, Lydia M. Bonsey, Viola E. Wallace, Mary Etta Talcott, Jane E. Hughes, Martha Anderson, Mary E. Summy, Silvia G. Bottum, Alla A. Bottum and Mattie M. Johnston.
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This organization has been one of the most devoted, successful and efficient working Relief Corps in the west. Too much credit cannot be given for the beautiful, com- modious Grand Army hall, now worth two thousand dol- lars, and for the sympathy and encouragement extended to our comrades in sickness and in health, and for the most loyal support, when the last sad roll call has sounded.
The following ladies have served as president of the Corps in the following order named: Mrs. Humphrey, Moulton, McCoy, Pickler. Wallace, Finney, Stoddard,
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Whipple, Hays, Rush, Miller and Mrs. Spencer, now act- ing president.
This corps has also had the honor of having two state department presidents, viz: Sue C. Moulton and Alice M. A. Pickler.
The following are the officers for A. D., 1909:
Eliza Spencer, President.
Frances C. Champlin, Vice President.
Frances Hays, Junior Vice President.
Mary A. Finney, Secretary.
Emma Rice, Treasurer.
Victorena Rush, Conductor.
Emily Niemeyer, Chaplain.
THE TUESDAY CLUB.
The Tuesday Club of Faulkton was organized in the fall of 1897 as a literary club exclusively for ladies. Meet- ings were to be held every Tuesday evening from October first to May first.
The early membership was limited to sixteen and in later years to twenty.
For several years Shakespeare's plays were the chief study, and not one year has passed without some study of one or more of the plays of the greatest inaster of litera- ture.
Carlyle said: "The study of history is the preliminary to all right and full understanding of anything we can ex- pect to find in books," and the club recognizing the fact, has made thorough study of the history of nearly all the great nations of the world. With the history has been in- cluded the study of geography, literature, art, music, government and the people. Three complete years have
METHODIST CHURCH, CRESBARD
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, CRESBARD
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been devoted to the study of America and three years to the study of England. Other countries studied are Ger- many, Russia, Scandinavia, Holland, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, China, Japan and Mexico.
Each year one program at least has been devoted to both the question of Household Economics and the Woman Question.
In 1906 the club raised one hundred dollars to pay for trees to be planted in the city park.
During the club years 1906-7 the club wrote a progress- ive story" the main incidents of which were all authentic facts in the knowledge or experience of the writers. The story was named "Three P's" or Pioneer Pen Pictures of Dakota, and was published in book form in the fall of 1907, and has met with a ready sale.
The "open meetings" of the club. once or twice a year have always been counted among the leading social events of the year.
In October 1907, the tenth anniversary of the organi- zation of the club was celebrated by a grand banquet, to which husbands and friends, to the number of seventy-five were invited.
The following is the list of presidents names from the beginning: Belle F. McCoy, Sylvia G. Bottum, Mable R. Morse, Carrie M. Norton, and Sue C. Moulton.
The club joined the "State Federation of Women's Clubs" in 1900, and has been identified with all its pro- jects for general welfare and charity.
CHAUTAUQUA LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC CIRCLE.
The history of the county would not be complete without at least a brief mention of the Chautauqua Liter- ary and Scientific Circle of the winters of 1887-88, 1888-89.
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It was the aftermath of a small circle which was the source of much pleasure in the earliest days of Faulkton, of which Mrs. Pickler was president and her home head- quarters.
The later circle, with few exceptions, miet weekly at the home of George A. Morse and his sons, A. W. and C. A. Its membership was composed of doctors, lawyers, merchants, bankers, editors, ministers, housewives, young men and maidens, about fifty in all, and the flow of wit and wisdom was unsurpassed in any other literary circle of the land. C. A. Morse was president of the circle both years.
There were many notable events in connection with these meetings that cannot even be mentioned in a short article, but who of the old crowd will ever forget Frank Turner's recitation of "Tanı O'Shanter," or the lecture on Burns by Captain Douglas of Seneca, or the time the gen- tlemen played "Pyramus and Thisby" from Shakespeare's "Midsummer Nights Dream." Joe Bottum played the part of "Bottum," Joel Booth the part of "Pyramus," Leslie Bailey, "Thisby," A. W. Morse, "Wall," and C. A. Morse, "Moonshine."
The birthdays af all the great authors were appropri- ately celebrated in turn, and many brilliant papers were read. The greatest event in the circle's history was when Albion W. Tourgee lectured in Faulkton on "Socialism and its Allies," and a grand reception by the circle, at the "Morse House," at which he read selections from his own writings. His gracious, friendly cordiality was fully ap- preciated by those present and he seemed equally pleased with his entertainment and entertainers.
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THE SWASTIKA CLUB.
This organization is composed of young ladies and the membership is limited to sixteen. The object is for social and intellectual improvement. The meetings are held from September to June on every Tuesday evening and the so- ciety has proved a perfect success for the first year of its existence.
There has been general enthusiasm among all the members to faithfully perform the work assigned then1.
This club was organized in March 1908 and in July became a member of the State Federation of Women's Clubs.
The first president of the club was Margaret Frayn. The following are the present officers of the club:
Mayme Byrne, President.
Margaret McDowell, Vice President.
Katherine Harty, Secretary and Treasurer.
Margaret Nichol, Press Correspondent.
FAULKTON COMMERCIAL CLUB.
Leading all the improvements in the city was the erection by I. Allen Cornwell of his fine concrete block on the corner of Ninth avenue and Court street. The first floor supplies two of the finest offices in the city, one occupied by the Faulk County Abstract Company, supplying every facility and abundance of room for its in1- portant and ever growing business, the other by P. H. O'Neil, who, on account of his extensive cattle business is now known throughout the state as "South Dakota's Cattle King." In addition to his dealing in neat stock, Mr. O'Neil has made some extensive deals in real estate which brings him well up as a real estate man.
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The second floor of this building is the home of the Faulkton Commercial Club. It contains four spacious and conveniently arranged rooms with all modern improve- ments and conveniences. It has been furnished most sumptuously and with every facility to care for and attract a large membership. No organization has ever started out under more favorable circumstances or made more per- fect arrangements to interest and hold together its more than one hundred members.
Its genial affable and social president, Mr. P. H. O'Neil, seconded by the mayor of our city, Dr. William Edgerton, vice president of the organization, will do much in providing not only the pleasing and companionable en1- joyment that such an organization should afford, but in bringing the members of the club in one solid phalanx to support anything that tends to the npbuilding or the social, moral and financial advancement of the city.
With the fact before her that each year adds largely to the value of surrounding farm lands, more largely to the number of acres put under cultivation, together with the rapid and almost unparalled increase in bank deposits Faulkton must keep a pace in the onward march, and her Commercial Club if true to themselves and the general prosperity of our city must lead in the onward march.
The following is a full list of its efficient and popular officers: Hon. P. H. O'Neil, president; Dr. William M. Edgerton, vice president; Dr. A. J. McDowell, secre- tary; A. M. Moore, treasurer. The board of directors con- sists of all the above named officers, together with Messrs A. Boller, A. D. Griffee and Frank Oulton.
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CHAPTER XXVIII. CHURCH ORGANIZATION.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The Congregational church of Faulkton had its birth in the fall of 1883 in a rough board building sided up with sod when a few earnest devoted christian men and women niet to organize themselves into church fellowship. This organization was perfected January 10th, 1884, with thir- teen members by whom the following officers were elected, viz: Rev. Clinton Douglas, pastor; P. B. Durley and N. S. Whittlesey, deacons; George A. Morse, P. B. Durley and M. Summy, trustees; E. E. Pierce, treasurer; R. G. Newton, clerk. For more than two years the church oc- cupied a rented building. These were the days of small things commencing before the organization of the county and keeping full abreast with its development and improve- ments. Four years after the organization found itself in a large well furnished church costing $4000.00 with a fine toned bell ringing out its calls to worship. The bell was a gift of Judge John Douglas of Lonaconing, Maryland.
To these thirteen members has been added more than 150 more and through all its years under eight different pastors, stood in the front rank of moral reform and earnest, devoted christian work.
After a two year pastorate, Rev. J. L. Fisher has just severed his relation with this church to accept a call to a sister church in Omaha, Nebraska. Doubtless before this writing is in the hands of our friends another worthy minis-
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ter will have taken up the work just laid down, for while God removed the workmen His work has and will go on to the end of time.
In February, 1909, the church extended a call to Rev. A. A. Wood of Fond du Lac, Wis., who is now faithfully and acceptably discharging the duties of his important office.
CATHOLIC CHURCH.
On the 15th of August A. D., 1903, Rev. Father Reilly called a meeting to arrange plans for a new Catholic church in Faulkton.
There were seven earnest and devoted members who responded to the call, viz: P. H. O'Neil, Patrick Duggan, J. L. Grater, Henry Nicholson, Bernard McGough, Nicho- las Kennedy and Thomas O'Neil. Plans were adopted and approved by Bishop O'Gorman and the work went forward.
A church building 36 by 60 was erected, an honor to the city and a monument of devotion to the cause it repre- sents.
In the summer of 1904, the church with a seating capacity of two hundred, at a cost of $7,000.00 and free from debt, was ready for dedication, and on September 14th of that year, Bishop O'Gorman of Sioux Falls, assisted by Revs. Father Nolon of Sioux Falls; MacConnachie of Red- field; Myers of Zell; Monohan of Gettysburg and Reilly of of Orient, dedicated and set apart the fine edifice to the service of Almighty God.
This was a most important event in the history of the Catholic church in Faulkton and its immediate vicinity, giving new life and power to its influence in the community. Its worshipers have now increased to forty families and
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still greater good will soon be accomplished through the influence of a resident priest.
FREE METHODIST CHURCH.
The Free Methodist church of Faulkton, South Dako- ta, was incorporated on the 15th day of January, A. D., 1900. Rev. Rufus Earl at that time purchased the build- ing from the Presbyterian denomination. Rev. Earl was pastor of this church two years, afterwards moving to Port Arthur, Canada, where he has since died and gone to his eternal reward. Since Rev. Earl's pastorate of the Faulkton circuit there has been four different ministers serving this charge, Rev. W. N. Vennard, now of Wessing- ton Springs; Rev. Gallaway, of Indiana, who has since passed to his reward; Rev. W. D. McMullen, now pastor of the Wessington Springs circuit and the present pastor Rev. Daniel B. Waller, who was born in the state of Ohio in the year 1866, and at the tender age of two years was left motherless, and some of you know what home is without a mother. He was let to do about as he pleased, so he grew up something like Topsy. At the age of fifteen he left his home and became a wanderer upon the face of the earth; became a victim to bad habits and waded into sin, but he will ever thank God that he had a praying mother, and he was told by his sisters after he grew older that the last words of that sainted mother was offered in prayer for her baby boy and often times in after years when he would have went into sin and probably crime, the thought of that deathbed scene and that prayer from those loving lips which were growing cold with the deatlı damps, caused him to stop and look with horror upon that road that leads to hell and eternal night. Thirty years after that prayer
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