USA > Wisconsin > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Wisconsin, past and present : including an account of the cities, towns and villages of the county [microform] > Part 28
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Class of 1887-Robert B. MeCoy. Laura L. Miller, Nellie A.
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SPARTA SCHOOLS
Morse, Everett R. Pease, Alonzo R. Smith and Grace M. Mc Withey.
Class of ISSS-Julia M. Beebe, Mary L. Bisbee. Mary B. Brooks, Martha Davenport, Grace E. Lee, Kate McMillan, Lillian M. Moffatt, Anton Moe and C. Floyd MeClure.
Class of 1889-Spencer D. Beebe, Josephine Brennan, Pauline M. Bedenk, Agnes Davenport, Robert B. Dunlevy, Walter E. Kaser, Charles J. O'Connor, John W. Palmer, Lillian B. Clark, Helen R. Gray, Eva A. Gray, Gertrude Nntting, Margaret B. Lewis, Ilarriet Richardson, John M. Fanning and Carl M. New- berry.
Class of 1890-George W. Ascott, Harry D. Baldwin, Seth R. Burroughs, Mary M. Calhoun, Wm. B. Calhoun, Olive C. Chadsey, John L. Herbst, Lonis T. Hill, Alice K. Hill, Albert E. Hollister, Frank W. Horner, Harriet M. Manley, Lelia R. Palmer, Helen Richardson, Bertha Sargent, William Thorbus, Mina M. Ware and Henry A. Waste.
Class of 1891-Flora A. Angle, Margaret A. Jones. George M. Link, Mabel L. Masters, Lila D. Newberry, Mabel A. Payne, Louise Foote. Clare L. McMillan, Charles Stimson, Maggie Tay- lor and Hugh H. Williams.
Class of 1892-Mame L. Beebe, Frederick Brooks, Nellie Car- gill, Albert Fonken, Ella L. Hewitt, Carl II. Lewis, Clara Olson, Albert L. Miller, K. Josephine Mueller and William D. Tallman.
Class of 1893-Bess R. Baldwin, Nellie Dodge, Inez E. Berry, Alice Hettman, Mande Jewett, Della Johnson, Kate McAuliffe, Leonora O'Connor, Eva J. Rhodes, Kate H. Sterger, Nellie E. Sullivan, Julia White, William P. Dunlevy. Daniel Fisk, Will Ford, Carl Foster, Clarence Fulmer, Milon R. Gould, Edmund Gray, Ilenry C. Hanson, Theodore Lewis. Ossian R. Link, Will G. Merrill, John Schram and JJessie M. Wright.
Class of 1894-Nellie M. Bnsh, John M. Woy, Emma E. Gantka, Bernard Mulrenin, Lena A. Wright. Rose L. Finn, Carrie A. Huffman, Anna J. Evans, Stella O. Thorbus, Clara A. Fowler. Jessie J. Sias, Ruth M. Hanchett, Jas. J. Bowler, Maude Woy, Anna B. Durrie, Mary A. Barber, Tillie I. Olson, Thresia Inger- soll, Lulu E. Bush, Josephine Erickson, Arthur Hollenbeck and Nellie Throbus.
Class of 1895-Herbert N. Leete, Bessie Rutledge, Joseph Brown, Jessie Lake, Edward E. Sands, Silas M. Lewis, Harold Stevens, Lena Freenlec, George Dudley, Minnie Van Antwerp, Addie King, Rollie Hogue, George Bowler, Wayne Moseley, Ger-
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
trude Nodine, Josie Dammon. Maggie Bowler, Milo Babcock and Carl H. Gould.
Class of 1896-Arthur Avers. George Esch. Clyde Smith, Alfred White, Grace Brown, Lula Converse. Ella Erickson, Effie King. John Brown, Frank Frazier, Griffith Roberts, Robert Teall, Susan Beswick. Nellie Brown, Anna Doxrud, Nellie Freeman, Ella Mulrenin and Etta Melntyre.
Class of 1897-Letha Ordway. Blanche Webb, Nettie Lewis, May Varlin, Mabel MeGary, Anna Jenkins, Nellie Sias. Allie Bur- roughs. Sadie Hettman. Carl Newton. Colburn White, Jason Wil- liams, Herman Hanchett. Ray Palmer. Nellie Jones, Lillian L. Dudley, George Hanchett and Frank Schneller.
Class of 1898-Alice Beebe. Norman Durrie. Ella Esch, Blanche Gray, Mark Jewett. Gertrude JJones, Bess Palmer, Francis Seidell. Nellie Bradley. Nellie Woods, Evan Evans, Jane Gallagher, Earl Howard, Earl Kemp. Winnie Mulrenin and Myrtle Wood.
Class of 1899-Stena Sands. Grace Blackman, Agnes Bowler, Paul Bush. Sadie Edminson, Susie Fish, Genevra Johnson, Elma Landt. Hattie Murphy, Louis Nelson. Mac Robinson, Emma Sax- ton. Marie Seidel. Winnifred Smith, Annie Teall. Georgie Whit- comb. Ella Bowler. Mabel Bush. Fred Chamberlain. Dorothy Everett. Clara Jackson, Elizabeth Jenkins. Charlotte Shermer and Harry Masters.
Class of 1900-Anna Abrahams. Dona Brownell. Blanche Chamberlain, May Hubbard, Gertrude MeAuliffe, Anna Nyberg. Katherine Romanowsky, Netta Sholts. Mabel Tuthill. Alfred Clark, Augusta Delhan, Tillan Goltz, Elizabeth Homer, Mattie Howard, Ward Jewett. Dwight Leete, Blanche Morrison, Hilda Olson, Ethel O'Leary, Norton Saxton, Ernest Servis, Fred Smith, Bess Thayer and Angeline Taylor.
Class of 1901-Carrie Ditman. Blanche Boyden. Elsie Cam- eron. Jennie Johnson, Fern Scott, Ida Clark, Isaac Lewis. Dora Sherwood. Elizabeth Teall. Carroll Avers. Mary Babcock, Ernest Brooks, Etta Homer. Hattie Hutson, Lottie Johnson. Clara Knd- son, Lula Nelson. Russell Rath, Edwin Rich. Zel. S. Riee. Charles Roy. Will Rutledge, Meta Smith, Robert Rutledge. Ray Webster, Everett Williams and Rachel Williams.
Class of 1902-Cora Abrahams, Bess Blackburn, Herman Can- field. Mabel Heasty. Doris MeAuliffe. Emma Moy. George Seidel. Cornelius Shea. Edward Strait, Robert Merrill. Francis Smith, Charles Potter, Ruth Dalaba. Ethel Link, Edith McCormick, Elizabeth Oliver, Floyd Rogers, Ray Smith. Margaret Young,
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SPARTA SCHOOLS
Charles Carnahan, Frank Newton, Horace Howell, Leon Moss and Rollie Quackenbush.
Class of 1903-Andrea Winterfield, Grace Shotts, Maude Nicol, Florence Jones, Clara JJankel, Clara Jackson, Mae Hitch- cock, Maud Farnham, Effie Edminster, Julia Cholvin, Roy Shat- tuek, Sadie Slayton, Daniel Clark, Alice Brackett, Earl Brandt, Fannie Babcock. Lawrence Dake, Harvey Dorwin. Laura Davis, David Jones, Eva Moffatt, Guy Palmer, Jacob Putman, Grace Sharp and Catherine Johnson.
Class of 1904-Mae Rice, Lucretia Van Zandt, Lydian Bush, Harriet Ball, Margaret Dougherty, Mildred Evenson, Arthur Fish, Nellie Hitchcock, Myrtle Hoffman, Gertrude Johnson, Martha Jankel, Edward Leverich, Verne Lovell, Esther Moy, Lester Moss, Dorcas Prill, Sophie Roy, Tom Teall and Ethel Williams.
Class of 1905-Alvin J. Graf, Will II. Graf, Theresa Hanson, David Jones, Bess Heasty, Mary Hutson, Helen Jennings, Mabel Huschka, Nettie Jordan, Laura Kyle, Carl Kelley, Alice Thorbus, Fidelia Van Antwerp, Edwin Moy, Mabel Sheldon, Harry White, Elsie Tucker and Arthur Walters.
Class of 1906-Nellie Marie Ball. Sydney David Jones. Edna Caroline Dieke, Gwen M. Jones, Luella Anna Graf. Helen Pitkin Leete, Carl Glenn Gililand, Winfred Owsley, James Andrew Johnson, Ella Louise Sehlaver, Grace Emma White, Loren Ernest Austin, Harold Edwin Blackman, Endora Deldee Burrows, Nor- man Lee Jewett, Gloria Alta Mengelt, Minnie May Evans, Neil Martin Molley, Ella Everson, JJason Nicol. Vena Rae Hemstock, Aimee Ethel O'Brien, Clarence Edwin Hitchcock, John Howard Prill, Otilde Josephine Jackson, Maria Della Sahrt, Catherine Magdalena Kuhn, Harry Ross Sheffer and Harold Kasson Thurs- ton.
Class of 1907-Price McConnell, Evan Lewis, Perey Leverich, Nora Abrahamson, Hubert Blank, Mark Jones, Julia Harvey, Stella Kitchum, Rachel Nicol, Hazel Nicol, Mertie Jackson, Grace Shoemaker, Gorman Moffatt. Carl Jones, Harry Longwell, Win- nie Rooker, Arthur Blank, Lottie Graf, Bennett Stiles, Sarah Jones, Nora Mulrennin, Benjamin Sias, Reuben Rogers, Jay Webb, Jessie Rutledge, Frank Van Antwerp. Miriam Lamborn, Mark Quackenbush, Anna Potter, David Simpson, Elizabeth Trux, Edgar Clough, Arthur Nichols. Ernest Dorwin, Tracy Huschka and Nina Hubbell.
Class of 1908-Mabel Davis. George Barker, Hazel Wolcott, Rose Seidel, Gretchen Esch, Harold Barker, Harriett Brackett, Mabel Parks. Grace Baldwin, Grace Van Antwerp, Minnie Poss,
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Anton Boison, Marie Dowd, Francis Huston, Myrtle Butler, Eu- gene Matteson, Hazel Hubbard, Lillian Farnham, John Wolf, Inez Lloyd, Jessie Morrison, Eleanor Smith, Fred Newman, Kiesling Thayer. Pearl Tripp, Blanche Davis, Marie Winterfield, Irene Jordon, Arthur Hoffman, Sophy Abrahams, Pearl Richard- son, Lillian Jensen, Arbie Brooks, Fred Heitman, Luella Walters and Frank Glyneh.
Class of 1909-Jennie Webster. Andrew Johnson, Elinor Sher- man, Earl Jones, Lettie Jackson, Chester Jackson, Forrest Rich- ards, Anna Jones, Otis Westby, Blanche Wagner, Earle Jefferson, Maude Sharp, Celia Krotzman, Moses Smith. Mabel Matteson, James McDonald, Edith Pratt. Eugene Hesselberg, Gertrude Madden, Ethel Crowe, George Brooks, Grace Walters, Percival Hutson, Grace Simpson, Olga Larson, Delia Merrill, Margaret Ileasty, Harold Dorwin, Bessie IIntson and James Merrill.
Class of 1910-Alta Wolcott. Harry Walters, Sylvia Richard- son, Ethel MeClure, Earl Jones, Ethel Doyle, Agnes MeGarvey. Lila Blank, Jessie Swarzlow, Ida Jones. Delbert Dawley, Jessie Holinbeck, Edna Janes, Rachel Davis, Edith Clark, Alma Winter- field. Earl Leverich, Margaret Laing. Clara Barker, Elmer Abrahamson. Anna Axelson, Jennie Hitchcock, Chauncey Beebe, Jessie Powell, Lucy Smith, Helen Haddow, Joseph Dana, Elsa Baldwin, Pearle Kelley, Ralph Williams. Lillia Lund, Harriet Herman, Harry Hersh, Edith Heasty, Ella Shaw and Luh Herrick.
Class of 1911-Floyd Rath. Grace Sarles, Leita Bestow, Stephen McDonald, Fern Smith, Lisle Mayfield. Jennie Jones, Roy Dunbar. Mae Morrison, Frank MeDonald. Christina Winter- field, Ruth MeCabe. Clyde Ewers, Zella Keene. Dorothy Oswald, Lawrence Carroll, Lila Bartlett, Emma Hansen, Charles MeGone- gal. Hazel Matteson, Amelia Wright. Burton Evans. Bernice Everson. William Kammalade. Esther Freeman. Merritt Newton, Myrtle Jones. Fred Enekhausen. Dorothy Hansen, Walter Evans, Mande Mayfield, David Williams. Harrietta Rathbun, Vaughn Lee and Edna Richards.
Class of 1912-Inga Christopherson. Don Divoll. Hulda Erick- son. Doris Esch, Mae Finger, Rena Frank, Fred Hansen, Emil Hersh. Cecil Horswill. Ruby Jackson, Ethel JJones. Elsie Kielberg, Dorothy Kyle. Victoria Larson, Spencer Lucas. Mina Morgan. Serenus Paulson, Alice Prill. Grace Reed. Doris Richards, Esther Roberts, Blanche Rooker, Frances Sarles, Earl Thurston, Emma Walters and Grace Wright.
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE BANKS OF SPARTA.
Within four years after the passage of the law which created the county of Monroe, the citizens of Sparta were furnished with banking facilities through the organization of the Bank of Sparta in 1858. From that time until the present the banking business has been conservatively and safely conducted with the exception of a private banking institution of M. A. Thayer and Company, which originally was established in the 70's by M. A. Thayer and R. S. Kingman, but which failed, together with the bank estab- lished by Mr. Thayer at Tomah in 1893.
The other banking institution have been distinguished for a steady and substantial growth. Two of them are housed in their own buildings and the third will undoubtedly acquire its home within the next few years.
The combined capital of the three institutions in Sparta is now $100,000. The total amount of of the surplus of the three institutions combined is $17,250, and the total amount of re- sources is $1,257,933.10.
The Bank of Sparta, which is the oldest bank in the state of Wisconsin west of Madison, was organized in 1858 by John T. Hemphill, who came from Milwaukee, Wis., and Samuel MeCord, of Madison, Wis. It was inaugurated under the banking laws of 1852 and opened for business on the 26th day of July in that year, in the north half of the one-story frame building which is now No. 120 North Water street and occupied by the Grand Rapids Milling Company. The other half of the building at that time was oceupied by the postoffice. Both Mr. Hemphill and Mr. McCord were experienced bankers, formerly having been connected with the Marshall & Ilsley Bank at Milwaukee, Wis., the latter being connected with the State Bank of Madison. In 1860 Mr. McCord sold his interest in the institution and moved to Milwaukee.
A statement of the bank at this time is interesting and the fol- lowing is copied from the semi-annual report, dated July 2, 1860, on file with the register of deeds of Monroe county :
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts $25,274 61
Overdrafts 46 60
Stocks on deposit with state treasurer 19.000 00
Bills of solvent banks. 4.631 00
Bills of suspended banks
17 00
Due from banks and bankers 7.434 73
Specie
2.145 55
Total
$58,552.49
LIABILITIES.
Capital
$25,000 00
Registered notes in circulation 15,280 00
Deposits 15,925 40
Dne others 2.347 09
Total $58.552 49
The remarkable fact about this statement is what appears to be the small amount of cash entered in this statement as "specie " as only $2.145.55, but it will be observed that the bank at that time issued its notes for circulation, which amounted to over $15,000.
In the fall of 1860 the bank removed to the corner of Water and Main streets, into what was known as the "Goss building." now the site of the Masonic Temple, and while there plans were made for a more substantial home. In 1864 the bank erected the first brick business building in the village, designed by a Milwaukee architect, and a very fine building at the time. This was occupied by the institution until it was replaced in 1906-07 by the present bank building, except for temporary occupancy of a building opposite during the construction of the new bank.
When the national banking system was established through- out the country the Bank of Sparta reorganized in 1865 as the First National Bank and increased the number of its stock- holders. The officers then chosen were: John T. Hemphill. pres- ident : T. B. Tyler. vice president, and Thomas W. Wilson. cashier. Later Mr. Wilson removed to Minneapolis and was sie- ceeded by William Wright.
On May 8. 1873. E. H. Canfield entered the office as book- keeper, was elected assistant cashier in 1877, and cashier in 1878. having faithfully served the bank continuously to the present
BANK OF SPARTA
BANK OF SPARTA
303
THE BANKS OF SPARTA
time, except three years, durmg which he was out on account of ill health.
In 1878 the bank surrendered its national charter and reor- ganized as a state bank, resuming its original name of Bank of Sparta.
In 1879 Ira A. Ilill became identified with the institution and was elected as a member of the board of directors. At the retire- ment of Mr. Hemphill in 1883, who removed to Indian territory, Mr. Tyler was elected president and Mr. Hill vice president. They held these offices until 1886, when Mr. Tyler's death oc- curred and Mr. Hill was elected president, in which capacity he continued until the time of his death in 1904.
In 1898 Messrs. D. D. Cheney and D. W. Cheney became in- terested in the institution, the former being elected vice president and the latter assistant cashier. D. D. Cheney retired as vice president in 1901, but continued as a member of the board of directors until his death in 1904. D. W. Cheney succeeded his father as vice president and at the death of Mr. Hill was elected president to succeed him, which office he holds at the present time.
Louis T. Hill entered the bank as a bookkeeper in 1893. and was elected assistant cashier in 1897 and vice president in 1904. which position he now holds. A. W. Barney, who had formerly been connected with the Monroe County Bank, became asso- ciated with the Bank of Sparta in 1901 and was made assistant cashier, and later the same year was promoted to vice president. A. W. Ryon entered the employ of the bank in 1908 and was in 1911 promoted to the position of assistant cashier. J. D. Button, formerly in the grocery business in the city of Sparta, was em- ployed as assistant cashier in 1911 ; Pearl Kelley, assistant book- keeper, and Charles Aylesworth, night watchman.
The management of this institution has during its fifty-four years of existence aided many men and many business enter- prises in their growth from small beginnings to greater success and usefulness, and numbered among its present customers are the sons and grandsons of those who were valued customers of the bank in its earlier days. It moved into the present hand- some banking building on May 17, 1907; truly one of the most artistic, commodious and substantial buildings of its character to be found anywhere. It occupies thirty-five feet front and is is eighty-five feet deep, is of classic design and massive in out- lines ; the front is of Indiana Bedford stone; the interior arrange- ment of the bank is according to the best modern ideas for an
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
institution devoted solely to country banking purposes, with every convenience for both the patrons of the bank, its officers and employees ; there is a three-story vault built independently of the structure, the walls being heavier than standard and rein- forced with steel rods and beams; ample customers' room and directors' room and all modern conveniences are found in con- nection ; in front are the offices of William H. Blyton & Co. and D. W. Cheney. The wood work of the interior is mahogany and beautifully grained wood was selected, especially for this pur- pose. In the interior finish, beauty, without too much ornament, was sought, and the result is pleasing in every particular. At the last statement of the bank its total resources were $734,975.46, and carrying deposits of $672,845.46.
Monroe County Bank. This institution was opened for busi- ness October 26, 1894, with a capital of $25,000. The institution purchased the banking building on the corner of Water and Oak streets, which has formerly been occupied by M. A. Thayer: a very advantageous location for business purposes, and it has remained in this building, which it now owns, ever since. The interior of the banking room has been remodeled and modern- ized in every particular and now has a handsome equipment of the most up-to-date facilities for the handling of the large busi- ness which this institution enjoys. Its first officers were George D. Dunn, president; W. G. Williams, vice president and A. W. Barney cashier. Directors: George D. Dunn, A. Thorbus, W. G. Williams, C. M. Masters, L. D. Merrill and W. T. Sarles.
During its existence this bank has been conservative in its investments and has been of much service to many business enter- prises which have been assisted through its help. It has built up a strong clientage and is considered one of the best conducted and managed banks of its kind.
The present officers are: President, George D. Dunn: vice- president, W. G. Williams; cashier, O. G. Lindemann; assistant cashier, David L. Jones: bookkeeper. F. B. Heitman.
At the last statement made by it the resources of the institu- tion were $328,171.90, with deposits of $286.977.65.
Citizens State Bank. This bank was established on May 25, 1907, the officers being W. A. Jones, president ; H. M. Newton. vice president ; W. M. Gioler, cashier; T. C. Longwell. assistant cashier, and while vet young, the bank has rapidly increased its resources and has every indication to good success in the future. At the present time it occupies rented quarters in the I. O. O. F. building. on the corner of Oak and Water streets, which are
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THE BANKS OF SPARTA
neatly fitted up for the purpose of the institution; its present officers are : President, W. A. Jones ; vice-president, H. M. New- ton ; eashier, T. C. Longwell. Directors: J. C. Prill, C. M. Beebe, A. J. Carnahan and H. J. Masters.
At the last report the resources were $194,787.74, carrying deposits of $166,481.59.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
LODGES AND SOCIETIES OF SPARTA.
It is the intention in this chapter to give brief historical accounts of the lodges and societies which came in existence in the city ; there have been a number of organizations in the past which have been disbanded and the records of which are not available, thus preventing any detailed account of their history at this time; among these orders was a lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, which was organized in 1876, and also a lodge of Good Templar, which has had rather a fitful exis- tence at different times.
Early in 1880 there was organized in the city a civic organiza- tion called the "Board of Trade," having for its purpose the advancement of the interests of the village along manufacturing and mercantile lines and promoting in the general prosperity of the municipality; this organization continued for some time. but finally disbanded for lack of interest. No institution of the kind was in existence again until 1908, when the citizens' club was corporated and furnished rooms in the Schram building on Water street. The object of this organization was practically the same and for the time it accomplished considerable good in several ways, but, like the Board of Trade, interest in it waned, and it finally dissolved, sold its furniture and fittings. and in 1911 became a thing of the past. The business men of Sparta have now no organization of the character which looks after promot- ing the general welfare of the city and there seems to be no disposition among the business men to maintain such an organ- ization.
Valley Lodge, No. 60, Free and Accepted Masons. A dispen- sation was granted by the grand lodge of Wisconsin on August 17. 1854. and Valley Lodge duly instituted. The first meeting was held in the house of R. S. Kingman, August 26. 1854, when Morrison McMillan was installed as worshipful master. The charter was granted June 15. 1855. Mr. Me Millan being the first worshipful master under the charter ; since which time there have been twenty-three worshipful masters and eighteen secretaries;
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LODGES AND SOCIETIES OF SPARTA
the former are: Morrison McMillan, A. D. Soper, A. H. Condit, A. H. Isham, M. R. Gage, S. N. Dickenson, S. S. Field, D. C. Hope, C. M. Masters, T. D. Merrill, P. S. Sparling, N. W. Iluntley, L. M. Stevens, H. T. Child, C. W. Hines, J. C. Prill, E. A. Richard- son, G. II. Chaffee, HI. D. Baldwin, T. C. Longwell, H. J. Mas- ters, W. B. Ford, E. R. Williams, and A. J. Frye. Secretaries : Chester MeClure, R. W. Bowles, E. F. Clinton, M. Montgomery, J. M. Sugden. Fred Lee, H. E. Kelley, E. Aylesworth. A. Oppen- hemer, E. C. Caskey, J. J. French, C. E. Boyden, J. M. Sugden, C. W. Pott, S. T. Lewis, R. A. Merrill, W. McBride and D. B. Laing.
In the year 1891 the Masonie fraternity purchased lots nine and ten, Tyler's addition, on the northwest corner of Water and Main streets, and a corporation was formed which erected a Masonic Temple ; stock in this institution was held by members of the different Masonic bodies until 1910, when Valley Lodge, No. 60, having accumulated sufficient funds, took over the build- ing and now owns it absolutely, practically free from indebted- ness ; the lodge rooms are handsomely fitted up and are used by the Masonic bodies, including the Commandery of Knights Templar and by the Order of the Eastern Star.
Valley Lodge has at the present time 126 members of good standing, and its officers are A. J. Frye, W. M. : F. A. Brandt, S. W .; F. L. French, J. W .: W. S. Telfer, S. D .: L. R. Moore, J. D .; L. D. Merrill, treasurer; D. B. Laing, secretary ; J. II. Chaffee, chaplain : P. S. Sparling, tyler.
Sparta Chapter, No. 19, R. A. M. Dispensation was granted by the grand chapter of Wisconsin January 9, 1859, upon the peti- tion of Morrison McMillan, Soloman Howe. A. II. Condit, W. S. Lane, A. R. McLean, Thomas Beitcher, Robert Langley, E. San- ford Blake, E. F. Clinton, J. W. Millour, Israel Graves, Chester McClure, E. S. MeBride, J. D. Condit and R. C. McMann.
The first meeting under this dispensation was held in Jack- son hall, on the evening of March 11. 1859, at which time Mor- rison McMillan was installed as high priest. On the 3rd day of February, 1860, the charter was granted by the grand chapter and the chapter was constituted and the officers installed on the 19th day of April following; A. II. Condit being the first high priest under the charter.
During the forty-three years of its existence the chapter has had twenty-three high priests; the institution is in a prosperous condition and numbers ninety-five members in good standing.
The present officers are G. H. Bunnell, high priest; W. M.
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IHISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY
Forsman, king: G. H. Chaffee, seribe; D. B. Laing, secretary; A. W. Barney, treasurer ; Thomas Teall, captain of the host ; R. A. Richards, principal sojourner; W. MeBride, royal arch captain ; E. R. Williams, master of third veil; George Dreyer, master of second veil; A. II. Frye, master of the first veil, and P. S. Sparling, sentinel.
Sparta Commandery, No. 16, Knights Templar. The charter of this organization was granted by the grand commandery of the state of Wisconsin on the 6th day of September. 1882. and the following were the first officers installed: S. N. Dickenson, eminent commander : N. W. Huntley, generalissimo : J. D. Condit, captain general; the commandery has always occupied the lodge rooms in the Masonic Temple for its meetings, and there, in con- nection with these rooms, are a set of cedar lockers which house the uniforms and equipments of the order; the jurisdiction of the commandery includes the Royal Arch Chapters at Tomah, Black River Falls. New Lisbon, Necedah and Sparta, and at the present time the membership is 100 sir knights.
Its present officers are R. A. Richards, eminent commander : Lonis T. Hill, generalissimo; George Dreyer. captain general ; W. McBride, senior warden; William Forsman, junior warden ; George H. Chaffee, prelate; F. E. Baldwin, recorder: A. W. Barney. treasurer : P. S. Sparling, standard bearer ; John Kemp, sword bearer; E. R. Williams, varden. and J. T. Sargent, sentinel.
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