History of Buffalo County Wisconsin 10847607, Part 35

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During the winter of 1881-82 some members began to agitate for the building of a larger hall, which also meant an extension of the operations of the society in the direction of dramatical per- formances and other exhibitions, a consolidation with the Turner society, (though no such existed) and probably with the Shooting Society. As usual Mr. Chas. Schaettle, senior, was the moving spirit in the matter, and his views were extensive and liberal. It must be confessed that he was always liberal enough in the sup- port of this and almost every other society of the kind. Yet it can not be denied, that his calculations were always woefully short of actual expenses, and realization about as much short of his ex- pectations. Admitting the several defects of the old hall, the ques- tion is even now pertinent, whether it would not have been wiser to endure them a few years longer, than to go over head and heels into debt. The pretense of fostering German national customs and sociability by transplanting them into larger quarters has not by any means been realized. The financial condition of the so- ciety may be its own private affair, but to destroy the harmony among the members of a well organized and contented society by taking away its accustomed place of meeting, and offering a splen- did receptacle, in which no one feels at home, may still be open to advertence by those who were members before that event and might still be willing to do their share towards the pretended ob- ject of the society, if the old conditions had prevailed. The so- ciety was never intended to be a money-making institution, and as much as we admire the splendid financial talents of some men, we can not suppress a candid wish that they might be employed in some other enterprise, in which we wish them the most gratify- ing success. But to come back from reflection to facts and history

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it must be remembered that the extension of the quarters brought with them an extension of views and an elaboration of a new con- stitution. The building was raised in due time and dedicated during the month of December. There was a large attendance of citizens and visitors among the latter former members of the so- ciety. Everything was yet rather unfinished and it required still considerable sums for fitting up a suitable stage and rendering the lower story of the building habitable. The hall itself is actually a large one, and the several dependencies as bar-rooms, cloakroom, galleries, are convenient enough, and quite a crowd can be aecom- modated and entertained. The stage is ample and acoustically well placed, which means that words spoken upon it can dis- tinctly be heard in any part of the hall. The objects of the society have been already referred to, and it is to be conceded that they are in general carried out as far as singing, instrumental music, theatricals and kindred performances are concerned. The male choir still exists, as also the mixed one, and their performances are always creditable, and sometimes exceptionally good. I am con- versant enough with the general workings of such institutions to appreciate thoroughly the manifold difficulties that have to be overcome by the director and instructor of the choirs, and the sac- rifices of time and comfort required of him and the other members of the choirs, and those who are occasionally called upon for as- sistance. Their exertions are so much more disinterested, as they have to pay a monthly assessment of twenty-five cents, and at all performances in which they do not take any special part, have also to pay for admission. Of the financial success I can not say anything beyond what has been above indicated, as I am not a member of this society. At present there is a janitor with his family living in the lower story, and one of the large rooms has been fitted up as a supper room for the occasion of balls and festivals held by other societies in the building. The upper part, under the roof, which formerly served as a supper room is now fitted up as lodge rooms and occupied for meetings of the Knights of Pythias and the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic. The number of actual members is stated at 33, of which some are of the passive denomination. To give a list of the members of this society would require to do the same for every other society, which, requiring too much space, is out of the question; to name

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some and omit others might seem partial. Besides these consid- erations it must be remembered that absolute correctness is not very easily obtained, as I know now from experience. In the above sketch it was impossible to go into all the details and to record occurrences, which may have had a transient or individual inter- est, but which did not materially influence the general course of events. The next society in point of time and proximity of loca- tion is the

Arion, of Beef River Valley.

Its original organization may fall into nearly the same period as that of the Concordia, although I think that some of the older members of the Arion were at first, and at odd times members of the Concordia. It was at the time when I became a member of it in 1870, a numerous society, the members of which resided in the towns of Alma, Nelson and Belvidere, and some of them at the village of Alma. Its first recorded meeting was held in 1868.

The central point of interest was in Mill Creek, where the meetings for practice in singing were held every Sunday, if the weather permitted the assembling of a complete choir. The; locality of the meetings was sometimes the schoolhouse of Dis- triet No. 2 of the Town of Alma, sometimes the house of Jacob Wald, and sometimes in the open air in the neighborhood. These meetings were notable for the cordiality of intercourse among the members, and a general spirit of conviviality distinguished especi- ally the monthly meetings which were at that time held at the house of some member who had invited the society to a visit. This latter practice was after a while abandoned, but otherwise there were no preceptible changes in the meetings. At present the society is remarkable for the advanced age of some of the members, of whom J. Thomas Lanigga is 74, Jacob Leonhardy 74, and Jacob Wald over 61 years of age. A number of other members are over fifty and others very near to the half century station. There is also a number of younger members, who seems to enjoy the company of their seniors quite well. The old veterans named are still active members, and as enthusiastic as ever, and very frequently forget the failings of old age in their enthusiasm. The society is also remarkable for its adherence to popular songs, and its abstinence from attempts of producing more artificial pieces, thus avoiding those stilted performances, which are very

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the origin and practical convenience of the combination are not out of place. As in other places, there existed the societies named above, each separate, but members of one were frequently mem- ber of one or both of the others, either active or passive. This was a somewhat embarassing position in some cases, and at any rate cost more than necessary, and it was easy enough to convince any one that by uniting expenses might be lessened and results made more satisfactory. Hence the three societies united, and, consisting almost entirely of Germans, naturally adopted the name of Ger- mania. This was done on the 26th day of May 1872, the 14th anniversary of the founding of the Turner Society. The society was incorporated September 14th, 1872.

It consists at present of 50 members, and Christ. Florin is the president, Chas. R. Bechmann Treasurer of it, the post of Secre- tary being temporarily vacant. I am not informed as to the do. ings of the Singing Section at present, but during the first ten years it seems to have been quite active. -

Harmonia Singing Society of Fountain City.

What causes led to the founding of this organization in Nov. ember 1882, I am not informed of, but being acquainted with most of the members, and aware that they are still members of the Germania, it would seem that some dissatisfaction at either the conduct, or the neglect of the singing in the latter society was at the bottom of the new departure. I think that the 15 members of this new society are all enthusiastic devotees of the noble art, and know that they have made very creditable progress in it. Christ. Florin is the President and Henry Roettiger, jr., the Secre_ tary of this society, which meets for practice about twice a week usually in Feigl's hall. J. L. Utermoehl was the instructor during his stay at Fountain City.

Harmonie, of Waumandee.

This society was organized among the Germans of the Wau. mandee Valley as early as 1861. It is supposed to be chartered, or to have been so, when Hon. C. Moser, jr., was a member of the Legislature, which was in 1868 and '69, but there seems to be some doubt about it. It holds meetings every first Sunday of each month. The purpose of this society is the entertainment and general mental improvement of the members, discussion of im- portant topics of local, political and general importance and

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interest. Those inclined to do so form a singing club, for their own amusement and for social purposes. It has a library of 321 volumes, containing works of most of the prominent German authors, especially of the past, a very commendable feature of any similar society. There are at present 20 members, but I think that formerly there were more. President is Charles Hohmann, Treasurer JohnFarner, Secretary and Librarian, Charles Kirchner. It is to be wished that similar societies were formed in every locality which affords an opportunity for it. They are not only of benefit for the present, but also for the rising generation, both by afford- ing a chance for instruction and by creating habits of reflection and mental recreation.

Frohsinn, of Lincoln.

This society was organized somewhat after the model of the next preceding one in 1877 and incorporated in 1878. A majority of the older members used to belong to the Harmonie, but as they all resided in the Little Waumandee Valley and could come to the meetings of that society only by traveling a distance of eight miles or more, they found it more advantageous to have a society of their own. They named it Frohsinn, which means merriment, hilarity, or good humor, things which never fail to be duly cultivated among the members, at their meetings. It must not, however, be supposed that they did not make preparations for serious things, as they have a small library containing some good books. At the time when Mr. Julius Otto resided in Little Waumandee the society contained a considerable singing club of which he was the director, so that during that time it might be considered a singing society. Since his removal to Alma this has changed, and a term of languishing seems to have overcome the society. It contains at present 20 members. Franz Schieche is Secretary and Librarian.

Howard Library Association of Gilmanton.

Of this society I took occasion to speak in the chapter on Education, but have since sending that chapter to the printer received further or at least fuller information which is given as follows:

The founder of the association was Mr. Sidney Howard. It organized in 1866, has prosperously continued ever since, and counts 164 members, with a library of 1630 volumes. These are mostly standard works of science, travel and fiction, The condi-

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tions of membership are an age of at least 16 years and a recom- mendation from som other members. Points of management are: Quarterly meetings, and sale of the reading for ensuing quarter, and annual election of officers, who do not receive any compensa- tion for their services. For this information I am indebted to Mr. Alexander Lees, who has been for years, and is at present, the secretary and librarian of the association. Necessary repetition in this notice of what was said before will be pardoned.

PIONEER SOCIETIES.

They are sometimes called "Old Settlers' Clubs." It is very natural that those, who have born the hardships and deprivations of the original settlement, should feel kindly inclined towards each other, and like old soldiers, should feel a desire to fight over the battles in remembrance. Almost every neighborhood in our western country contains people of that sort, who in these better times remember those obstacles, which had to be, and are now, overcome, and also remember the neighborly feelings, which ex- isted when mutual dependence was more forcibly felt than now. It is for them a regular treat to gather those still surviving at a festival for the rehearsing of old time experiences, and to renew the old ties so often formed under circumstances of trial and ad- versity. Then, too, the ranks are sadly thinned and soon there will be none left of the old pioneers, who found a wilderness with- out roads and bridges, and to whose perseverance and indomit- able industry more than to anything else we owe the improve- ments of which we are apt to be proud, and which go so far to make our lives so easy and comfortable. Not that every thing is now perfect, but what a contrast to how it was thirty years ago!

There is only one regularly organized society of this kind in the county, which is the

. OLD SETTLERS' CLUB OF MODENA.

I think that Hon. Orlando Brown is President and Mr. Frary the Secretary of this organization, and they hold their annual fes- tival some time in Spring every year. There may be, or have been, similar associations 'in other towns, but I am not informed of any of them. There was once a meeting of " Old Settlers " at Fountain City, but I am not aware of any permanent organization resulting therefrom. If I should have made a misstatement in re- gard to this matter, I beg pardon, but it would indeed be strange

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512

SECRET SOCIETIES.

The adjective "secret" is applied to such societies, as prescribe certain ceremonies in the initiation and advancement of members to established degrees, have signs of recognition, symbols of mem- bership and degrees, and meetings by closed doors, to which none but the initiated, or those who are going to be, are admitted. All of them have some kind of ritual, designed for occasions to which it may be applicable within the lodge or at public occasions, es- pecially at the burial of a member. The model of this ritual is that, which in the course of time has been accumulated in the order of Free Masons, but it is modified in each society to suit times and circumstances. On public occasions the members ap- pear in Regalia, if the ritual or a resolution of the lodge requires them to do "so. The aim and general tendency of these secret societies, though not publicly expressed, is not so much a secret, and may be stated to"be brotherly love, mutual assistance in case of necessity and general benevolence. Old superstitions, formerly entertained against Free Masons especially, have been dissipated by the light of education in latter times, and have probably never struck very deep roots in this country, at least not since the days of "Salem Witchcraft." By the time it became possible to organize secret; societies in our county the Anti-Mason movement had also died'out, and so there was among the great majority of the people no objection to the existence of such societies, or to joining the same. That I have not joined myself, must not be construed into an objection to have others join. All of these societies claim an ancient origin, but as long as this origin does not manifest itself by antediluvian principles or practices, there can be no reasonable objection to the claim. The enumeration will be given, as near as known, in a chronological order, more however, with regard to their introduction into this county, than to other points.

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. Alma Lodge No. 184

Meets on the 1st and 3d Saturday of each month at Masonic Hall in Boehme's Block. The lodge was organized and chartered June

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12th 1872. It has forty members. John Buesch is W. M. and John Burgess Secretary. To the latter I am indebted for particu- lars given. Most of the members reside here, a few reside out of town, in Modena and other places. This is the only lodge of Free Masons in this county, though Masons in good standing in the order are living in different parts, who are probably members of other lodges.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.

There is but one lodge of this order in our county, the Steuben Lodge No. 280 at Fountain City.

It was founded, organized and chartered on the 8th day of March 1878. It has now 67 members and its officers are: L. Bram- stedt, N. G .; J. L. Utermoehl, V. G .; H. Friedel, Secretary; F. H. Bitter, Treasurer. It is the latter to whom I am indebted for par- ticulars.

GRANGERS.

Their official name, if I am not mistaken, is "Patrons of Hus- bandry," and ladies are entitled to membership. Lodges of this order were quite numerous throughout the county, but of late they have not manifested any public activity. In the times of their flourishing they had organizators, of whom Jas. Imrie, Esq., of Misha Mokwa was a prominent one. Granger Halls are in the towns of Canton and Glencoe. Stores under the control of the order there are none. Within only a few years I noticed that some members received goods, for instance fencing wire, through some general agency. Not knowing to whom to apply for further information, I could not do more than mention what I knew from remembrance.

ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN.

Of this order there are three lodges in the county. In chron- ological order of organization these lodges are as follows:

Fountain City Lodge No. 13.

Probably organized in 1877. Owing to a failure to report, no further particulars can be given except that Peter Schwoebel is Master Workman and J. J. Senn Recorder. A report was prom- ised by a prominent member, but failing to be received in time, I had to proceed as above.

Mondovi Lodge No. 23.

The request to the Recorder for a detailed statement not hav-

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ing received any response, I can but repeat the public advertise- ment, according to which they meet on every Monday evening at Wyman's Hall. W. W. Wyman is Master Workman and Ryland Southworth, Recorder.

Alma Lodge, No. 52.

It was organized on the 14th of January, 1879, and has now 70 members, who meet on every second and fourth Thursday in each month. Master Workman, G. M. Reinhardt, Recorder Joseph Schlumpf, who furnished particulars here given in regard to this and the two other lodges.

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.

This organization consists entirely of veterans of the late war for the Union. No other persons are admitted. There are two posts of this organization in the county, which, of course, belong to the Department of Wisconsin. The following are the posts:

Fimian Post No. 196, at Alma.

It was organized or mustered in May 1885. Its roster con- tains 41 names. Of these two are names of deceased comrades, one of a discharged one. Of the 38 remaining there are four of Comp. H. 6th Reg, 8 of the 9th Reg., 2 of the 17th, 3 of the 25th, 4 of the 48th, 3 of the 50th, Wisconsin Infantry, the others of dif- ferent other regiments and military organizations. Post Com- mander is Hon. Robert Lees, Adjutant Gerb. Gesell, Surgeon Dr. N. McVey. The post has issued a printed roster.

John W. Christian Post No. 9, at Mondovi.

It was organized or mustered in July 14, 1883. Its roster con- sists of 37 names. Post Commander is W. W. Wyman, Adjutant and Surgeon Dr. Chas. Hebard. I am obliged to the Post Com. mander for particulars.

TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.

These have probably been more numerous at some times previously, but I can only report what I know of.

St. Patrick's Total Abstinence Society of Waumandee and Glencoe.

It was organized March 5th, 1872, is not chartered, but ad- mitted into the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of Wisconsin. It bears on its banner the inscription: St. P. T. A. S. of Waumandee and Glencoe. There are, all told, about 65 members. M. L. Tier- ncy of Waumandee is President, M. J, Cashel of Glencoe, Vice.

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516

CRIME.

CRIME

It may well be doubted whether a discussion of the causes of crime should find a place in a local history, and the omission of it is, therefore, excusable. That every where, where mankind d wells, crime also would be .pres nt among the many, is an experience, which, though not very flattering to our pride, must be admitted. There is, however, a difference of its quantity and quality, that is in the number of criminals and the gravity of the offences. As it would not be judicious, and perhaps would be impossible, to relate in any book all the events occuring even in a very limited territory, so it would be injudicious to relate all the circumstances and events connected with violations of law, that are considered criminal, be they actual crimes or minor misdemeanors. Some people have a theory, that criminals and other offenders and their misdeeds should be held up as frightful examples, so as to scare others into morality. But success in that method of moral edu- cation is more than doubtful, and it might even be asserted, that the effect of such exhibitions is rather depraving than elevating, although some people might feel as the Pharisee: "O, Lord, I thank thee, that I am not like these." During the thirty three years, which have elapsed since the organization of this county no very startling crime, which in its details and in its conception and execution showed a very marked degree of depravity and law- lessness, has been committed. Detailed relation of circumstances of such crimes, as were committed, or of which people have been accused, would, therefore, in no instance be very interesting, and I should refuse it for the following reasons:

1. Persons merely accused, or even indicted, but who were, for an insufficiency of proof, or because they really were innocent, released from processes of law, may well claim to be let alone about circumstances, which unfortunately had incriminated them and for which they had to suffer, perhaps unjustly.

2. Even those, who, by a regular process of law, had been found guilty and upon whom the penalty prescribed by statute

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has been imposed and put in execution, have at least a construc- tive right to exemption from persecution.

3. The crimes of which the law has taken cognizance in this county, were, in some important cases, committed in the heat of passion, or under erroneous impressions, that became the ultimate cause which animated the offenders, who sincerely repented after having come to a clear conception of the wrong they had commit- ted. Such people have, aside from punishment meted out'to them, their conscientious regrets, which need not be aggravated. I have, therefore, concluded to give merely general statistics, or rather a tabulary enumeration of the more important crimes, which were objects of proceedings in the circuit court. For this table I am indebted to my young friend Edward Lees, jr., who was a short time ago deputy clerk of the circuit court, and is a lawyer by pro- fession.

CRIMINAL STATISTICS OF BUFFALO COUNTY.

NAMES OF OFFENSES.

No. Ac- cused.

No. Con- victed.

Murder (any degree)

Manslaughter, do.

Rape ..

Forgery

Grand Larceny

Assault with dangerous weapons.

Assault with intent to kill

Embezzlement.

Seduction

Arson

1 None.

Perjury

Incest.

Bigamy

None.

Counterfeiting (under Statute law)

None.

To go into an analysis of this table is for reasons alleged not practicable, but a reference to the first item may be made in the remark that the judgment in the only conviction for murder was reversed at a second trial in the case, and the culprit convicted for manslaughter.

A reference to the tables of population may be instructive. Our present population is 16,483 and for about twenty years, the

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History of Buffalo County Wisconsin 10847607, Part 35

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