USA > Wisconsin > Dodge County > The history of Dodge county, Wisconsin, containing its early settlement, growth an extensive and minute sketch of its cities war record, biographical sketches > Part 68
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122
Several years previous to this tragedy there was a case of blood-letting in the Fourth Ward, in which one McCabe was shot and killed by William Haskell, who, however, claimed that the shooting was accidental, he having aimed to kill a dog. Haskell was acquitted at the preliminary examination of intent to murder.
On the 9th of February, 1869, Franklin Butterfield brought into the city the dead body of Putnam Stevens, his brother-in-law, who was a man of weak intellect, the two having started fishing and gunning together. Stephens was shot in the mouth, the charge passing out of the back of the neck. The preliminary examination of Butterfield revealed the fact that Stevens' life was insured in favor of Butterfield for $10,000. The prisoner was held for trial and was afterward acquitted before the Circuit Court. There is a well-founded belief, in the community, that this was a foul and premeditated murder. Butterfield, to save being mobbed, quit the country. The suits for the insurance money were compromised, but it is well understood that Mr. Butterfield never profited thereby.
THE NEW CITY HALL.
On the 5th of August, 1879, the Fire Department of Beaver Dam petitioned the City Council to build better quarters for their engine. A committee was appointed to select a site, which they did, and, on the 15th of the same month, a large lot at the corner of Spring and Middle streets was purchased for $825, the Council in the mean time having decided to build a City Hall, which should also furnish accommodations for the Fire Department. Plans and speci- fications were advertised for, and those drawn by H. C. Koch & Co., of Milwaukee, were accepted by the Council. The building will be of brick, 70x44 feet, three stories high and roofed with tin. The contract was let to S. P. Doolittle for $10,580, the structure to be completed by September 1 of the present year.
THE CHURCHES.
The early history of the most of the religious institutions of Beaver Dam is given in the inter- esting papers read before the Old Settlers' Club, which have already engrossed the attention of the reader. The compiler has endeavored to "take up the thread," as it were, and pursue, briefly, the history of each church and denomination. If any inaccuracies or omissions are found in the result of our efforts, the fault occurred on account of the great difficulty encountered in obtaining the material for our facts.
The Methodist Episcopal Church .- Among the first members of this denomination in Beaver Dam were Ruben Dexter and wife, Mr. Peters and wife, Mrs. M. H. Baldwin, and Mr. L. H. Marvin, the latter being the Class-Leader. There was preaching every two weeks, the society being in the Burnett Circuit. In the spring of 1847, a small church edifice was built on the lot recently purchased by the Irish Catholics on the corner of Beaver and Middle streets. This was occupied until 1871, numerous improvements being made, when the present handsome
457
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
structure belonging to the society was built at a cost of $8,000. Following is a list of the Pas- tors who have filled the pulpit since the foundation of the society: Revs. A. P. Allen, W. H. Hayward, Henry Requa, William Barnes, James Lawson, N. S. Greenc, J. M. Walker, E. Tucker, D. Stansbury, G. Fellows, I. M. Leihy, S. L. Brown, N. J. Aplin, A. C. Huntley, C. E. Carpenter, A. A. Reed, Isaac Wiltsic, S. Smith and E. D. Farnham. The church officers at the present writing are: Trustees-O. O. Burgit, D. Dickinson, S. H. Ford, J. II. Howard. W. D. Hambright, Joseph Bowes, J. C. Hunt, O. G. Yates and J. I. Warner. Stewards-F. Hempel (Recorder), A. P. Lawrence, D. Dickinson, E. Smith, J. E. Flanders, I. J. Hibbard, S. Hogeman, A. Tibbits and M. G. Howard. The society is out of debt.
Free Methodist Church .- This denomination differs from the Methodist Episcopal brethren in that they do not countenance secret societies. The first preaching by one of this faith in Beaver Dam was by Rev. J. Traves, and their first place of meeting was in Ackerman's Hall. A church was organized here in 1866, Rev. J. S. Ladue being its first Pastor. In 1872, the Church purchased and fitted up for their use the stone schoolhouse in the Third Ward. at a cost of about $300. It will seat about one hundred and fifty persons. The first officers of the soci- ety were William Lindsay, Isaac T. Morrison, Peter Palmiter, Walter Markham and Levi John- son, Stewards, and George Colby, Class-Leader.
For 1880, the officers consist of Bros. Pomeroy and Chichester and Sister Ann Peachy, Stew- . ards, and Levi Johnson, Class-Leader. The society pay no stated salary to their preacher, giving " as the Lord prospers them;" present membership, thirteen. The following named have served as Pastors : Revs. J. S. Ladue, W. Cooley, W. A. Noble, James Kelso, John A. Murray and Robert Page.
German Methodist Episcopal Church .- Organized in 1868. First Trustees-F. Hempel, W. Berg and G. Linde. Stewards, A. Lange and W. Freidrich. A brick church edifice was erected in 1871, on Spring street, at a cost of $3,500. The Pastors have been the Revs. Th. Stuble. Charles Ewent, Chr. Wentz, G. Linsenmeyer, W. F. Kruckmann and A. Meixner.
The present Trustces are G. Linde, Z. Groosc. G. Henz, W. Zrewel and A. Schmutzler. Stewards, W. Zrewel and W. Freidrich. The society is out of debt and consists of about thirty- eight families.
The Baptist Church .- The first place of worship by this society was a small frame house which stood on the present site of the residence of Mr. Schutte, on Center street. Dr. Hitch- cock lived in a portion of the building. As the society grew and prospered, they built a church edifice on the lot now occupied by their present place of worship. This was destroyed by fire in 1863, and upon the ruins was soon afterward erected, at a cost of $11,500, the commodious structur now occupied.
The regular Pastors who have preached the doctrine of John the Baptist in Beaver Dam are Revs. Mr. Pillsbury, Alva Burgess, N. E. Chapin, E. M. Gates, M. F. Hodge, J. E. Johnston, R. E. Manning, N. E. Wood and J. M. Coon. The present officers of the Church arc : Trustees -C. B. Beebe, Caleb Perry, P. V. Haring and George B. Chatfield. Deacons-G. B. Chat- field, E. P. Cady and Rufus Clason. The membership is given at 155.
First Presbyterian Church .- The original place of worship was a small frame structure which stood on the lot now owned and occupied by Mr. Loomis. It was afterward moved to the present site of W. H. Lander's residence, on Spring and Third streets. In 1847, the society built a neat little frame on Front street. The structure is still standing, and is the res- idence of S. Jolins. In 1851, the present church edifice was erected. Many improvements have been made, and it is now one of the most comfortable churches in the city.
The list of Pastors comprises the names of the Revs. Moses Ordway, Alexander Montgomery, William A. Niles, Renben Smith, J. J. Miter, William F. Brown and G. F. Hunting.
The present officers of the society are: John W. MeNitt, Moderator : E. L. Hall, Clerk ; C. W. Whinfield, Treasurer. Trustees-G. B. Congdon, M. E. Stevens and L. H. Marvin. The membership is given at about two hundred.
458
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
Assembly Presbyterian Church .- This Church was organized May 3, 1858, by a com- mittee of the Presbytery of Winnebago, consisting of Rev. G. C. Heckman and Rev. H. M. Robertson. On presenting their credentials, twenty-nine persons were enrolled as members, as follows : Judah Paddock, Mrs. Miranda Paddock, Benj. Clason, Mrs. Maria Clason, Jos. Clason, Mrs. J. Clason, J. H. Montgomery, Mrs. L. M. Montgomery, Alexander Clason, Mrs. L. A. Clason, Elizabeth Clason, Louisa Clason, Washington Clason, Orpah Clason, Mary Clason, Nesbit Ross, Mrs. Margaret Ross, Thomas Samuels, Mrs. Jane Samuels, Caleb Reed, Mrs. Elizabeth Reed, Mrs. Alfred Marden, Mrs. Augusta Marden, M. A. Chapman, Ann Morton, Adolphus Pad- dock, Elizabeth Kellogg, Robert Norris and Charlotte Smith. The first meetings were held in the Bicknell Building, in the room now occupied by the Citizen printing office. The church was built in 1859, at a cost of about $1,200. It will comfortably seat 250 persons. Rev. Dr. J. M. Buchanan preached the dedication sermon. The following named Pastors have occupied the pulpit : Rev. L. M. Chapman, Rev. E. L. Peck, Rev. Joseph Vance, Rev. H. P. Peck, Rev. T. S. Johnson. The Church now pays its Pastor a salary of $900 per year, and raises for charitable and benevolent purposes some $200 -- a total of $1,100 for all church purposes. The present officers of the Church are : Elders-N. Ross, S. D. Mason, N. W. Goodman. Trustees -A. Marden, O. R. Williams, W. Bonner, W. Wadley, A. Ganski, Il. B. Cochrane ; Secretary, S. Carroll ; Treasurer, J. H. Barrett.
St. Mark's Episcopal Church .- The first services of the Church in Beaver Dam were held by Rev. L. D. Brainard, a missionary of the Domestic Board, on the 5th of November, 1855. There were then but two communicants-one of whom died shortly after, and the other moved away. Mr. Brainard held services here and at other places, after an itinerant manner, and gradually sceured means to aid in the erection of a church building. A lot and $300 worth of material had been secured in 1857. On the 13th of April, 1858, Mr. Brainard resigned his charge, and the Rev. Luther Gregory succeeded him. On the 15th day of May, 1858, the corner-stone of the church was laid. Mr. Gregory went East to raise money for the building, but, having raised only $100, became discouraged by lack of success, and resigned his charge. At the request of Bishop Kemper, Mr. Brainard returned to the work on the 22d of October, 1858. He succeeded in raising $1,500 in the East and South, and the church building was completed and freed from debt, and, on the 5th day of September, 1860, was consecrated by Bishop Kemper. In July, 1864, Mr. Brainard resigned his charge at Beaver Dam, and in August, 1864, Rev. R. F. Sweet was elected Rector of the parish. In July, 1865, it was decided to remove and repair the church building. The lot on which the church now stands was purchased for $275, and the church was removed and thoroughly repaired at a cost of $1,200. In November, 1865, the Rev. Mr. Sweet resigned the parish, and in June, 1866, Rev. William E. Wright was elected Rector and remained in charge until September, 1867. In December, 1868, the work in the parish was placed in charge of an associate mission, under Rev. William B. Bolmer, and so continued until May 1, 1872, when the Rev. S. K. Miller became Rector of the parish, and so remained until February 14, 1875. On the 1st of May, 1875, Rev. F. C. Eldred became Rector, and resigned his charge June 8, 1879. On the 14th of September, 1879, Rev. S. S. Burleson, as missionary in charge, under appointment of the Bishop, com- menced work at Beaver Dam, in connection with Juneau, Fox Lakc, Columbus and Doylestown. The size of the church is 30x50; chancel, 12x14. The bell is from the foundry of Jones & Co., Troy, N. Y., and was presented to the parish by business inen in New York. The number of sittings in the church is 162. The present number of communicants in the parish is 26. The officers of the parish arc : Charles Weston, Senior Warden ; Hiram Booth, Junior Warden ; J. J. Dick, Charles Leichardt, W. H. Ford, Vestrymen.
The Catholics .- In 1855, the German and Irish Catholics co-operated in organizing a parish, and together built a small frame church edifice (the structure now occupied as a resi- dence by the Sisters of St. Peter's Church), where for a time, the spiritual welfare of both nationalities seemed to prosper, but in 1860 a split occurred, and the Hibernian element quit the fold. The Germans then re-organized and commenced the erection of a church building,
459
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
which was dedicated as St. Peter's Church November 17, 1862, by Archbishop Henni. The structure cost $4,000. The Pastors have been : The Revs. Martin Kundig, Matthias Gern- bauer, James Stehle, Sebastian Seif, Fr. Shroudenbach, P. De Berge and F. Fusseder. Father Fusseder was a Chaplain in the Union army, and accompanied Gen. Sherman on his famous march to the sea. He has been in charge of St. Peter's parish since July, 1866. His congre- gation consists of 150 families.
St. Mary's Church .- When the proposition to build St. Peter's Church was first advanced, in the early part of 1861, quite a number of those interested were in favor of locating the structure in the southwestern portion of the city, but the majority insisted that the elevation east of the river, near the site of the original place of worship, be retained and built upon. This difference of opinion caused a serious rupture, and those in favor of a new location rebelled to the extent of leaving the fold and erecting a structure of their own, at a cost of about $2,000. The question had been submitted to Bishop Ilenni for his decision, which he gave in favor of retaining the old site. and he, therefore, for some time, refused to recognize the recalcitrants. Father Fusseder was finally deputized to effect a reconciliation, which he did, on the 19th of March, 1867. He now preaches to both congregations. St. Mary's parish comprises about forty families.
St. Michael's Church .- Society organized in 1875, by a number of Polish Catholics who had previously worshiped with their German brethren. Hippolite Gurski was the first Pastor. He was succeeded by C. Rogozinski. F. Dombrowski is the present Pastor. The congrega- tion comprises between seventy and eighty families. The church and parsonage buildings cost $7,000, about $3,000 of which is yet unliquidated.
St. Patrick's Catholic Church .- The church edifice was erected under the supervision of Rev. P. De Berge, in 1858. Among the original members of the congregation when first organized were John Malone, P. Brennan, M. Kelly, John Kelly, W. Baskfield, W. MeGill, John Moylan, James Guilfoyle, John Sullivan, P. Lillis, James Anderson, P. Ring and James Kennedy.
The first resident Pastor was Rev. P. Allen, from 1868 to 1869, followed by the follow- ing named : Rev. J. Vahey, Rev. D. Tierney, Rev. John J. Buckley, who took charge of the parish in September, 1871, and has since continued in charge. The church property is now valued at $3,500, but the congregation has lately purchased property on which they intend to build a handsome brick church in the near future. Number of families represented in the con- gregation is about eighty, with a membership of some four hundred and fifty.
Evangelical Lutheran Church .- Society organized in 1860, under the Wisconsin Synod (the unaltered Angsberg faith). Occasional meetings had been held prior to the organization, in the First Ward Schoolhouse. The German Singer Society Hall, on the east side of the river, was then purchased for $300. and converted to the uses of a church. The first officers of the society were F. W. Menkey, E. Seibold, Ed. Leibig, John Sherman, Theodore Huth and Henry Weaver. The different Pastors who have preached to the society are the Revs. Duberg. F. Bochner, Adolph Rehim, Philip Springling, Paul Lucas and Edward Jonas. Present Trustees -F. W. Menkey, Charles Dusel, John Ilarre, George Elser, Philip Weaver, William Kluge, August Butterbrod, Carl Kuhnke and John Winning. The society comprises about eighty families.
Second Evangelical Lutheran Church .- This society was organized December 5, 1875, by Rev. Philip Lucas, with about twenty families who had formerly held membership in another organization in this city, and who felt it their duty, in consequence of a violation of one of the rules of the Synod with respect to church membership by some of their number, to go out from them. After organizing, they appealed to the Synod to sustain them in their action, and, after hearing the case, the Synod recognized and admitted them to membership in that body. Immediately on perfecting their organization, they proceeded to purchase property as a home for their Pastor, and a lot on which to erect a elinrch. In the summer of 1876, they completed and dedicated to the service of Almighty God a small house, in which they yet
460
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
assemble from week to week for worship. Rev. Mr. Lucas continued to serve as Pastor of this Church until March, 1878, when he resigned, and was succeeded in April following by Rev. Christian Probst, who yet remains with them. The congregation has increased steadily though not rapidly in memberslup, and now numbers forty-five families. The Pastor's salary is $350 per year. Valne of church property, including parsonage, $1,500.
SOCIETIES.
Dodge County Lodge, No. 72, A., F. §. A. M., was organized in June, 1856. A. B. Manzer, Sewell Haskell, Abner Remington, J. W. Robinson, D. A. Stevens, A. Hyde, Paul Kribs, John Robinson, Charles E. Manzer and I. V. Shaw, charter members. John Robinson, W. M. ; I. V. Shaw, S. W .; A. B. Manzer, J. W .; John W. Robinson, Sec., composing the first officers. The Lodge has continued steadily to grow, and January, 1880, it reports a membership of 119. Officers elected at that time were R. E. Thomas, W. M .; John Fergu- son, S. W. ; J. E. MeClure, J. W. ; J. H. Barrett, Sec. Meet first and third Wednesday evening of each month.
Beaver Dam Chapter, No. 26, R. A. M., organized September, 1864, with twelve char- ter members, as follows: John McCullough, S. H. Bailey, O. M. Warren, T. L. Newton, Michael F. Lowth, A. B. Chamberlain, P. W. Thompson, Ben. Ferguson, Arie Banta, L. P. Converse, H. C. Wing, G. F. Hartwell. Its first officers were John McCullough, H. P .; J. H. Barrett, Sec. At their first meeting in 1880, the following named were installed : W. H. Ford, H. P .; R. E. Thomas, K. ; Rev. George F. Hunting, S. ; J. H. Barrett, Sec. Meets first and third Friday in each month.
Beaver Dam Lodge, No. 117, I. O. O. F., was instituted December 20, 1866, with the following named charter members : James Monroe, Edwin E. Holt, S. T. Canoll, Andrew Willard, S. F. Smith, L. D. Livermore, H. R. Hawks, Thomas Turton, George Foote. First officers : James Monroe, N. G .; E. E. Holt, V. G .; L. D. Livermore, R. S. ; Andrew Willard, P. S .; S. F. Smith, Treas. At their first meeting in 1880, were installed the follow- ing : George Egglesfield, N. G .; Joseph Bowes, V. G .; E. A. Crane, R. S. ; Andrew Willard, P. S. : John P. Brown, Treas .; M. G. Howard, R. S. N. G. ; A. P. Partridge, L. S. N. G. ; Jacob Martin, J. W .; James H. Messenger, Con. ; Charles E. Dickinson, R. S. S. ; Edward Flanders, L. S. S .; James H. Conlon, O. G .; W. D. Hambright, I. G .; James E. Flanders, R. S. V. G .; A. Farrington, L. S. V. G .; George F. Hunting, Chap. ; J. D. Brooks, P. G. Regular meetings Tuesday evening of each week. Present membership 128.
William Tell Lodge, No. 162, I. O. O. F., was instituted March 1, 1869, with sixteen charter members, as follows: G. Hebgen, John Wurster, William Beimdieke, Philip Binzel, George Hofferbert, Joseph Caspari, Charles Groling, Andrew Schluckebier, Henry Harder, Andrew Mirlach, Fred Lehrkind, William Gallun, Ferdinand Krueger, Henry Grams, John Sherman, Charles Schutte. First officers : G. Hebgen, N. G .; John Wurster, V. G .; Will- iam Beimdieke, R. S .; George Hofferbert, P. S .; Philip Binzel, Treas. For the term beginning January, 1880: G. Stolz, N. G .; G. Hebgen, V. G .; Lewis Frank. R. S. ; H. Lambeck, P. S .; John Sherman, Treas. ; Fred Osterthun, R. S. N. G. ; Gust. Iauch, L. S. N. G .; C. Gensen, W .; John Wurster, Con .; Robert Kolb, O. G .; Charles Hopf, I. G .; Jul. Konke, R. S. S. ; Jul. Miller, L. S. S .; Jacob Ertl, R. S. V. G .; Charles Hinig, L. S. V. G. ; John Winning, P. G.
Beaver Dam Encampment, No. 24, I. O. O. F., was instituted April 1, 1868, with Edward Elwell, Andrew Willard, H. B. Phelps, J. S. Rowell, J. C. Roper, James J. Dick, Thomas Hughes, L. D. Livermore and L. C. Gebard as charter members. On organizing, the following named were chosen first officers : H. B. Phelps, C. P .; Andrew Willard, S. W .; E. Elwell, J. W. ; J. J. Dick, H. P .; L. D. Livermore, Treas. ; Thomas Hughes, Seribe. January, 1880, the following were elected and duly installed : George Egglesfield, C. P .; Jacob Martin, S. W .; Andrew Willard, H. P .; E. A. Crane, Scribe; J. H. Conlon, Treas .; J. D. Brooks, J. W. Present membership thirty-eight.
461
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
Beulah Lodge, No. 4, D. of R., was instituted January 21, 1875, with J. C. Roper, William Wade, H. B. Phelps, S. F. Smith, C. W. Russell, John Wurster, William Beimdieke, and Sisters M. A. Roper, E. R. Wade, M. A. Phelps, J. E. Flanders, S. E. Russell as charter members. Present officers : Mrs. E. R. Wade, N. G .; Mrs. George Egglesfield, V. G. ; E. A. Crane, R. S. ; Andrew Willard, F. S .; Miss Olive Edgerton, Treas. Membership eighty - eight.
Temperance .- The first temperance organization of which we can find record was that of the Sons of Temperance, who organized a Division in this city in 1849, but disbanded after two years' service. J. E. Hosmer and Daniel Howard are believed to be the only persons now living here who were members of it. But a short time elapsed when another Division was organized, which continued to battle for the cause until 1869. In 1856, the Good Templars entered the field, and for the space of twenty-three years have been in active existence. On Monday even- ing, December 15, 1879, the Lodge held its twenty-third anniversary exercises, on which occa - sion Hon. Andrew Willard read a very interesting history of its work, a synopsis of which wo give below : Crystal Lodge, No. 6, I. O. of G. T., was organized by F. A. Artherly, G. W. C. T., December 17, 1856, at the residence of A. Tiffany. The charter members were M. Culla- ton (then editor and publisher of the Dodge County Citizen), William Dean, S. B. Johnson, D. Newman, A. P. Lawrence, Mrs. A. Tiffany, C. R. Swallow, L. J. Gibson, Miss F. M. Tiffany, Miss C. L. Lawrence and Miss M. A. Lawrence. The G. W. C. T. installed the following officers : W. C. T., M. Cullaton ; W. V. T., F. M. Tiffany; W. R. S., A. P, Lawrence; W. F. S., L. J. Gibson ; W. Treas., Mis. A. Tiffany ; W. M., S. B. Johnson ; W. I. G., C. L. Law- renee ; W. O. G., C. R. Swallow. The W. C. T. made the following appointments: P. W. C. T., D. Newman ; W. Chap., William Dean ; W. R. S., M. A. Lawrence.
The next regular meeting was held December 22, in E. S. Kellogg's daguerrean rooms. At this meeting Henry Shuart was initiated, being the first initiation by the Lodge. The third meeting was held December 29, in the old Masonie Hall. The fourth meeting was held in the same hall, January 5, 1857, and the fifth regular meeting was held in the S. of T. Hall. The hall was over the meat market now occupied by Harvey & Son.
The Lodge, with the Sons, continued to occupy that hall until July 6, 1858, when, with the Sons, it removed to Fring's Block, near the southeast corner of Front and Center streets, and occupied that hall until the great fire of January 17, 1863, when the hall, together with most of the furniture, was burned, the books and regalia being saved. It then, with the Sons, moved to the second story of the furniture shop owned by C. B. Beebe, on the site where J. Wagner's greenhouse is now located. After being there a few months, Mr. Beebe moved the building to the north side of Front street, and it is now occupied by him. He there fitted up a comfortable little hall ; but our membership increased so rapidly that we could hardly find stand- ing-room in the hall. The Lodge occupied that hall until Brother Lawrence built this hall, expressly for a home for the two Orders-Good Templars and sons of Temperance. The Lodge removed to this hall January 1, 1864.
The Division surrendered its charter in 1869. At the end of the first year, after the Lodge was instituted, there had been admitted to the Lodge, by initiation, 116; by card, 2; charter members, 11-making a total of 129. Fourteen had withdrawn, leaving 115 in good standing. After two or three years of prosperity, came a re-action, and the membership dwindled down, so that, October 31. 1859, the Secretary reported only nineteen members in good standing-six sisters and thirteen brothers. From that time, the Lodge began to revive and increase its mem- bership. In the beginning of the year 1866, the Lodge numbered 329 members in good stand- ing, and the largest Lodge in the State or in the world ; we were known as .. The Banner Lodge of the World." It shows what a few can do, with brave hearts and a determined purpose. We find the following item in the Dodge County Citizen of February 12, 1863: " The Good Tem- płars Lodge of this city has forty-one members in the Union army." From 1866 to 1870, the Lodge nearly kept its membership good. From 1870, we suffered another re-action ; the mem- bership gradually dwindled down, so that for the quarter ending April 30, 1879, we had only
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.