The history of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Part 102

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Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 1082

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In 1856, the erection of a church on Fond du Lac street, the present structure, was begun. It was finished, dedicated and occupied in December, 1857. In 1867, blinds were added, the building was painted and other repairs made, so that it is now an exceedingly tasty and comfort- able place of worship. During this same year, 1867, twenty-five new members were received into the church, which is the greatest number received at any one time. The church is entirely out of debt, and has been for some years. The Pastors (those before this having been merely "supplies " or acting Pastors) have been : H. I. Parker, 1856 to 1860, who preached in the City Hall until the church was completed ; C. T. Tucker, who was the first to devote his whole time and attention to the church ; E. L. Walker, 1860 to 1863; A. Latham, September, 1863, to March, 1864; P. Work, July, 1864 to August, 1869; J. C. Burkholder, a portion of 1809 and 1870; L. L. Gage, 1870 to 1872; R. W. Arnold, 1873 to 1877; D. Crosby, June, 1877, to date, being the present Pastor.

This church first belonged to the Marquette, but now to the Winnebago Association. It has a resident membership of eighty-three.

First Presbyterian Church .- This church was formerly called " Grace " Methodist Epis- copal Church, and was an "independent" organization formed by Alfred E. Bishop, Elizabeth

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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY.

Bishop, Albert P. Corliss, Hattie Corliss. Mathew Miller, Rosa Miller, Edward Smith, Judith Smith, Cornilius Brundige, Katherine Brundige, Alphonso S. Crooker, Miss Emeline M. Crooker. It was incorporated under the laws of the State May 8, 1877, by E. J. Smith, E. Babcock, A. P. Corliss, D. Furniss, R. T. Graves, Alfred E. Bishop, D. G. Woodward, Edward Smith, John Martin and B. Kingsbury.

Rev. J. M. Craig was the Pastor of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, as he now is of the new Presbyterian organization, which was effected January 19, 1880, on petition of the congre- gation. After entering the Presbyterian denomination, an organization was completed by the election and ordination of R. T. Graves, A. S. Crooker, John Martin and Dan Furniss, as Elders, and Edward Smith and D. G. Woodward as Deacons. Services have always been held in the Unitarian Church,* which is rented for that purpose.

The members of this church were those who left the old Methodist Church on account of some difficulty or dissatisfaction. It is in a prosperous condition.

Imanuel's Kirche .- This is a branch of the German Evangelical Church of North America. It was organized May 8, 1870, at the house of W. Luck, with the following members : Rev. A. IIuelster, August Buchholz, W. Luck, A. Scheewe, W. Aker, A. Zank, G. Burger, G. Rad- drenzel, M. Drahim and F. Hoft. A. Scheewe, W. Aker and W. Luck were elected Trustees. At this first meeting, arrangements were made to erect a place of worship, and Rev. A. Huelster, August Buchholz and A. Zank were elected Building Committee. A lot was secured in Cer- esco plat, on Jackson street, on which, in September, 1870, a building, 30x44 feet, was erected at a cost of $2,273. The dedication was by Bishop J. J. Escher, in October, 1870, at which time the entire indebtedness of the church was liquidated. In 1875, the congregation had grown so rapidly that more land, costing $175, was purchased, on which additional accommodations for teams were built, and on which an enlargement of the church building will also be erected soon. The congregation numbers 200 members, and money enough is on hand to make all contemplated improvements. The different Pastors have been : Revs. A. Huelster, six months; C. F. Fin- ger, two years ; John Koch, two years; Fr. Stroebel, three years ; O. Kuederling, the present Pastor, two years.

Evangelical German Lutheran Church .- In 1866, Rev. G. Thiele, who built the stone church on Scott street, and had been its Pastor about two years, took a few of its members, among them F. Leistikow, C. Bremer and C. Daluege, and started a Temperance Lutheran Church. Services were first held in the college building until a small dwelling near the end of the Sheboygan & Fond du Lac Railroad bridge was purchased, which is now the parsonage and schoolhouse. In this services were heldl, the Pastor resided, and school was held until the Con- gregationalists erected their new church, when the Lutherans purchased of them the old wooden building on College Hill.

The church now is composed of seventy families. The school, in which only children who are thirteen years oldl are taught, contains thirty-six scholars. The Pastors have been, G. Thiele, E. Meyerhoff, G. Hoelzel, A. Liefelt and Joseph Westenberger, the present Pastor, who came in 1878. The Trustees are W. Wallschlaeger, Gustave Ruestau and W. Ponto. The Elders are C. Daluege, E. Neuenfeld and William Schmidt. The church has no debt and is in prosperous circumstances.

Evangelical Lutheran Church .- During the month of February, 1864, a German Protes- tant minister, named G. Thiele, arrived in Ripon and attempted to organize a church. He suc- ceeded in securing pledges from thirty men to sustain him as their Pastor and erect a church. Accordingly, in 1865, a church edifice, 36x52 feet, was begun on Scott street. It was con- structed entirely of stone from the Ripon quarries ; had a basement for school purposes and ornamented with a graceful spire. In 1866, Mr. Thiele was dismissed, and the name of the church changed to the Evangelical Lutheran, with by-laws and ritual in conformity with this

* This church was erected mostly by Elder Sanborn at the beginning of West Fond du Lac street, as a Universalist house of worship The number embracing this form of religious worship being small, the church was changed to the Unitarian denomination. But this main- tained a formal organization for only a short period, and the house had been without worshipers for several years, until it was rented by tho above-mentioned.

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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY.

religious subdivison. The new minister was Rev. W. Schmidt, who resigned on account of ill health at the end of the year. In 1868, Rev. David Tunkele was chosen Pastor, who remained with the congregation five years. He was succeeded by Rev. Conrad, who filled the pulpit about eighteen months, and was succeeded by Rev. C. Dalies, the present Pastor. Under the ministration of Mr. Dalies many improvements have been made on the church property. A handsome and commodious parsonage was erected in 1879, and the surrounding grounds fenced and beautified. The school, taught in the basement of the church, has 125 students, who have books, maps, charts and a fine organ. The inside of the church edifice is neatly finished and furnished, having an organ which cost 8700. At present the church has 185 members, and is in a prosperous condition.

St. Patrick's Catholic Church .- This church was organized by Rev. E. Gray in January, 1859. Those present at the first mass were N. Roche, Thomas Leo, Michael Lyman. M. Spellman, James Flattery and M. Bannon. The church, 'a well-built wooden structure, is located on the south side of Oshkosh street. Formerly a portion of the church yard was used as a cemetery, but is no longer. The parochial residence is a fine brick structure, two stories in height, located near the church on Oshkosh street. For some years the church was heavily in debt, but, through the efforts of Father Graves, the present Pastor, and his congregation, this has been nearly wiped out, and the finances are now in a sound condition. The church is con- stantly increasing in membership, its members constituting a strong and active temperance society.

BANKS OF RIPON.

The very first exchange, or banking business, done in Ripon was in 1853, by E. P. Brock- way, who opened an office for that purpose, and which was really the beginning of the present First National Bank. In 1855, Catlin & Brockway-Richard Catlin and E. P. Brockway- opened a banking and exchange office. This continued until the organization of the Bank of Ripon.

Bank of Ripon .- In December. 1856, the exchange office of Catlin & Brockway was organized as a bank of issue ; capital, $25,000, with E. P. Brockway, Richard Catlin, H. II. Mead, E. L. Northrup, Thomas B. Robbins, George W. Mitchell, B. B. Parsons and A. M. Skeels as stockholders. After October, 1860, until the organization of the First National Bank, E. P. Brockway and H. H. Mead owned all the stock of the bank.

First National Bank .- This bank was organized with a capital of $50.000, March 19, 1864. The stockholders and directors were E. P. Brockway, H. H. Mead, George L. Field, William M. Taggart and Bertine Pinkney, the three first named being the principal holders of stock. The first election of officers was held April 1, 1864, and resulted in the choice of E. P. Brockway, President ; H. H. Mead, Vice President, and George L. Field, Cashier. These men still retain the same offices. In 1869, S. T. McKnight and S. Richmond succeeded William M. Taggart and Bertine Pinkney as Directors, who still continue in office. This bank, from its commencement, has been a prosperous and successful institution ; the growth of its business has been such that it now ranks among the safest and best in Wisconsin. It has always maintained in circulation the full amount of bills allowed by law. The bank building, a solid structure of Ripon stone, was erected in 1855, especially for banking purposes, on the west side of Public Square.

Prairie City Bank .- This was a bank of issue, organized in 1861 or 1862 by Julius Bur- dick, as President, and C. H. Smith as Cashier. Its circulation-amount of bills issued under the State law-was $20,000. The charter was sold at the end of the first year to Oshkosh parties. the bank thereupon going out of business at Ripon.

Oneida Bank .- L. HI. Kellogg opened, for a few months, in Ripon, a branch of the Oneida Bank at Berlin. The concern proved disastrous to its patrons, and soon closed its doors.

Bowen &. Wheeler's Bank .- This is a private banking institution, the business of which is .carried on by Jehdeiah Bowen and Charles F. Wheeler. They formed a copartnership in

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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY.

May, 1864, for the purpose of carrying on the business of banking, except to issue bills, and first opened in Mr. Bowen's stone building, in which was located the post office, on the east side of Public Square at that date. The affairs of the bank are managed by Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Bowen having other business to occupy his attention.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

Ripon Lodge, No. 95, F. § A. M .- In September, 1857, a dispensation was granted by the Grand Lodge to the following persons: Robert O. Selfridge, David N. Hosmer, A. B. Pratt, Philo England, David P. Mapes, Charles Hopkins, Thomas Ford, G. P. Bragdon, J. E. Brown and J. K. Hunt. The Lodge was duly chartered and numbered June 9, 1858. The first officers were : R. O. Selfridge, W. M. ; A. B. Pratt, S. W. ; D. M. Hosmer, J. W .; J. M. S. Maxon, S. D. ; Thomas Ford, J. D .; J. E. Brown, Secretary ; B. Dailey, Tiler. The Past Masters are R. O. Selfridge, A. B. Pratt, W. M. Taggart, H. S. Town, Jay May- ham, A. B. Russell, H. L. Barnes, L. E. Reed, E. Babcock, G. F. Ilorner, W. T. Whiting and J. C. Miller. The present officers are L. E. Reed, W. M. ; A. Zinth, S. W .; A. S. Crooker, J. W. ; J. Hitchcock, Treasurer ; G. F. Horner, Secretary.

The Lodge has 107 members, and meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, in Masonic Hall.

Ripon Lodge, No. 144, I. O. O. F .- On the 11th of March, 1868, Samuel Ryan, D. G. M. ; E. M. Loomis, D. D. G. M., and Charles Marks, G. W., instituted this Lodge of Odd Fellows, at Ripon. The charter members were L. S. Shepard, A. E. Olin, Daniel Stafford, O. R. Ellis, and H. MeArthur. The first officers were L. S. Shepard, N. G ; Daniel Stafford, V. G. : S. G. Dodge, R. S. ; George W. Peek, P. S .; A. E. Olin. Treasurer. Thereafter the following officers were duly elected :

1868-D. Stafford, N. G .: C. Combs, V. G. ; P. N. Dellinger, S. ; D. W. C. Root. P. S .; A. E. Olin, Treasurer. 1869-C. Coombs, P. N. Dellinger, N. G. : P. N. Dellinger. H. T. Henton, V. G .; H. T. IIenton, C. B. Valentine, S .; D. W. C. Root. H. Bowerman, P. S .; G. E. Bushnell, HI. R. Hill, Treasurers. 1870-H. T. Henton. T. Harris, N. G .; T. Harris, HI. R. Hill, V. G .; I.W. Gaylord, S .; R. Stuart, P. S .; H. R. Ilill. A. P. Matteson, Treasurers. 1871-H. R. Hill, I. W. Gaylord, N. G .; I. W. Gaylord, G. E. Bushnell. V. G .; G. E. Bushnell. R. Stuart, S .; R. Stuart, C. R. Stickle, P. S .; Ed Smith, Treasurer. 1872-G. W. Bushnell, A. E. Olin, N. G .; A. E. Olin, R. Stuart. V. G .; R. Stuart, E. A. Bradish, S .; C. R. Stiekle, L. M. Allen, P. S .; Ed Smith, D. Stafford, Treasurers. 1873-R. Stuart, A. P. Matteson, N. G .: A. P. Matteson, L. M. Allen, V. G .; E. A. Bradish, W. W. Davy, S .; L. M. Allen, J. E. Chappell, P. S .; D. Stafford, Treasurer. 1874-L. M. Allen, J. Rogers, N. G .; J. Rogers. J. M. Bonnell, V. G .; J. M. Bonnell, J. E. Chappell, S .; J. E. Chappell, R. Stuart, P. S .: D. Stafford, Treasurer. 1875-J. M. Bonnell, J. E. Chappell, N. G .; J. E. Chappell, W. W. Davy, V. G .; C. N. Hodges, W. T. Runals, S .; R. Stuart. E. W. Sylvester, P. S .: O. E. H. Zobel, Treasurer. 1876-W. W. Davy, O. E. Il. Zobel, N. G .; O. E. H. Zobel, John Mulvey, V. G .; W. T. Runals, S .; E. W. Sylvester, C. H. Milliman, P. S .; D. Stafford, Treasurer. 1877-John Mulvey, N. G .; W. T. Runals, C. J. Derby, V. G .; E. H. Upham, S .; C. H. Milliman, D. Stafford, P. S .; C. N. Ilodges, C. H. Milliman, Treasurers. 1878-C. J. Derby, C. H. Milliman, N. G .; C. H. Milliman, E. H. Upham, V. G .; E. H. Upham, R. Stuart, S .; L. M. Allen, P. S .; R. Stuart, D. Stafford, Treasurers. 1879-E. H. Upham, C. S. Latimer, N. G .; C. S. Latimer. Ed Smith. V. G .; G. E. Bushnell, A. E. Olin, S .; L. M. Allen, P. S .; D. Stafford. Treasurer. 1880-Ed Smith, N. G .; H. J. Goodall, V. G .; R. Stuart, S .; L. M. Allen, P. S .; D. Stafford, Treasurer.

The Lodge is prospering. owning all its furniture and having a sum of money out at interest. The present membership is eighty-five, though 200 persons have belonged to the Order since 1868.

Ripon Encampment, No. 37, I. O. O. F .- A dispensation was granted to this lodge Feb- ruary 10, 1870, and a charter January 18. 1871, with the following charter members : H. R.

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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY.

Hill, H. Bowerman, D. Stafford, J. B. Crossan, P. N. Dellinger, A. E. Olin, S. B. Taylor and D. P. Imson. The elective officers have been :

1870-H. R. Hill, G. W. Dellinger, C. P .; S. B. Taylor, A. E. Olin, H. P .; G. W. Dellin- ger, G. E. Bushnell. S. W .; H. Bowerman, H. J. Goodall, J. W .; J. B. Crossan, S. B. Salis- bury, Seribes; A. E. Olin, D. Stafford, Treasurers. 1871-G. E. Bushnell, D. Stafford, C. P .; H. J. Goodall, T. Ilarris, H. P .; D. Stafford, S. B. Salisbury, S. W .; S. B. Salisbury, J. Mulvey, J. W .: T. Harris, II. N. Williams, Scribes ; E. Smith, Treasurer. 1872-A. E. Olin, E. Smith. C. P .; E. Smith, A. E. Olin, II. P .; J. Mulvey, H. N. Williams, S. W .; II. N. Williams, R. Stuart, J. W .; G. E. Bushnell, L. M. Allen, Scribes ; T. Harris, D. Stafford, Treasurers. 1873-G. W. Dellinger, R. Stuart, C. P .; G. E. Bushnell, L. M. Allen, H. P .; R. Stuart, C. J. Derby, S. W .; J. E. Cook, A. P. Matteson, J. W .; L. M. Allen, J. E. Chappell, Scribes ; D. Stafford, Treasurer. 1874-C. J. Derby. II. J. Goodall, C. P. ; J. E. Chappell, D. Stafford, H. P .: A. P. Matteson. T. J. Lynch, S. W .; T. J. Lynch, C. S. Latimer. J. W .; R. Stuart, W. W. Davy, Scribes; D. Stafford. A. E. Bishop, Treasurers. 1875-J.Mulvey, C. S. Latimer, C. P .; J. M. Craig, II. P .; C. S. Latimer. J. D. Owen, S. W .; R. Stuart, J. E. Chappell, J. W .; W. W. Davy. O. E. H. Zobel, Seribes ; D. Stafford, E. Smith, Treasurers. 1876-J. M. Craig, C. P .; W. R. Pearson, A. E. Bishop. II. P .; A. E. Bishop, O. E. H. Zobel, S. W .: W. T. Runals, C. II. Milliman, J. W .; O. E. H. Zobel, W. T. Runals, Scribes : D. Stafford, Treasurer. 1877-O. E. H. Zobel, C. P .; J. M. Craig, C. H. Milliman, II. P .; C. II. Milliman, E. II. Upham, S. W .; J. D. Owen, A. P. Matteson, J. W .; W. T. Runals, C. S. Latimer, Scribes : D. Stafford, Treasurer. 1878-C. H. Milliman, C. P .; E. H. Upham, II. P .; E. Smith. S. W .; A. P. Matteson, J. W .; C. S. Lati- mer, Seribe ; D. Stafford, Treasurer. 1879-E. H. Upham, C. P .; A. E. Bishop, H. P .; Thomas Harris, S. W .; L. M. Allen, J. W .; C. S. Latimer, Scribe ; D. Stafford, Treasurer.

By an order from the Grand Encampment, the officers of this and other encampments hold office for one year. Meetings are held twice each month in Odd Fellows' Hall.

Ripon Lodge, K. of IT., No. 1,328 .- This Lodge was instituted January 15, 1878, by W. H. Ballou, D. P. D .. of Oshkosh, with the following charter members: C. B. Hart, I. M. Lin- derman. John Haas. Henry Lum, C. F. Dodge, J. J. Luck, M. Vankirk, G. F. Wilson, Geo. H. Jussen, C. G. Thompson, S. R. Patten, Alanson Wood, H. L. Barnes, I. M. Dakin, H. S. Town. The first officers were: P. S., H. S. Town; Dictator, I. M. Linderman ; V. D., S. R. Patten ; A. D., J. Haas ; R., C. G. Thompson ; F. R., H. Dauben ; Treas .. A. Wood; G., G. II. Jussen ; C., H. L. Barnes; Guardian, J. J. Luck : Sentinel. G. F. Wilson ; Rep. to Grand Lodge, H. S. Town ; Alternate, I. M. Linderman ; Trustees-J. J. Luck, one year : C. B. Hart, two years : M. Vankirk, three years.

At the second election, held June 27. 1878, I. M. Dakin, who has since held this office, was elected Reporter in place of C. G. Thompson. The same Treasurer and Financial Reporter were chosen, and have held the office ever since. The Dictators have been I. M. Linderman two terms and S. R. Patten. The Lodge now has nineteen members. Meetings are held on the first and third Fridays of each month, in the Sons of Herman IIall, over Graf & Jussen's store.

Living Water Lodge, No. 328, I. O. G. T .- This Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars was instituted by Rev. James Lavelle, November 5, 1866, with the following charter members : Fred. S. Veeder. Will F. Bundy. Gco. C. Duffie, J. C. Oaks, C. F. Hammond, O. Vanorman. H. L. Strong, T. P. Smith. George W. Peck, N. S. Bristol, Clarence Skinner, L. M. Allen, Z. A. Pedrick, C. V. N. Brundige, Mrs. C. F. Hammond, Hattie Hammond, Mrs. H. L. Strong, Mrs. O. Vanerman, Mrs. E. N. Harris, Mrs. C. Allen, Mrs. J. C. Oaks, Miss C. M. Oaks, Miss Minnie Cook, Miss M. Anniss.

The first officers were as follows : W. C. T., Fred S. Veeder; W. V. T., Mrs. E. N. Harris ; W. R. S., Z. A. Pedrick : W. F. S., J. C. Oaks ; W. Treasurer, Hattie Hammond ; W. M., George C. Duffie : W. I. G .. Mrs. C. M. Oaks; W. O. G., N. S. Bristol. George Washington Peck, now proprietor of Peck's Sun newspaper, at Milwaukce, was chosen Lodge Deputy. The Trustees were Z. A. Pedrick, J. C. Oaks and II. L. Strong.

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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY.

Living Water Lodge has continued to meet regularly every week since its first organization, and has initiated 1,000 members. The highest number of members in good standing at one time was 150. The present active membership is 50. The lodge-room in old Masonic Block, on the west side of Public Square, was nicely furnished at a cost of $300. Of the original charter members only one remains, L. M. Allen, who is hardly ever absent from the regular meetings.

Ripon Grange, No. 57 .- Ripon Grange, No. 57, was organized February 4, 1873, by C. W. Foster, Local Deputy of National Grange. The charter members were Jabin Lawson, Mrs. Jabin Lawson, L. K. Hyde, A. Chisholm, Miss Lizzie Chisholm, Robert Kuderling, Mrs. Robert Knderling, A. G. Kellogg, Mrs. A. G. Kellogg, W. O. Hargrave, II. W. Kellogg, H. S. Hunt, Fred Nohl, Jr., Fred Nohl, Sr., L. Nohl, James Henderson, Sr .. Miss Aggie Henderson, E. C. Stewart, Mrs. E. C. Stewart, C. W. Kurz, M. W. Meyer, A. W. Sage, Mrs. A. W. Sage, F. Everez, E. Babcock, A. R. Hargrave, Mrs. A. R. Hargrave and R. Sheldon.

The first officers were : W. M., E. Babcock ; W. O., Robert Sheldon; W. L., E. C. Stew- art ; W. S., James Henderson, Sr .; W. A. S., H. S. Hunt ; W. C., F. Nohl: W. Treas., A. R. Hargrave; W. Secy., W. O. Hargrave; W. G. K., Jabin Lawson ; Ceres, Miss Lizzie Chis- holm ; Flora, Mrs. A. R. Hargrave ; Pomona, Mrs. R. Kuderling ; L. A. S., Mrs. J. B. Ager. The organization was effected, and, for some time thereafter, meetings were held in the hall over O. J. Clark & Co.'s hardware store. Subsequently the lodge moved into Good Templars' Hall, and finally into the Grange Hall in Salisbury Block, which they now occupy. Business meetings are held in the afternoon of the first Saturday in each month. Special meetings were held weekly for two years after its organization. The Grange has always had a large member- ship of enterprising and intelligent farmers. It has lost some members by withdrawal demits and suspension, but the loss has been well made up by the addition of new members. E. Bab- cock, J. B. Ager, O. HI. Chamberlain, J. M. Little, Henry Willard and A. R. Hargrave, the present Master, have held the office of Master in succession. W. O. Hargrave, J. M. Bonnell, Mrs. H. E. Chamberlain, J. B. Ager and J. M. Bonnell have been the Secretaries. It is now in good working condition, out of debt, and looks forward to a long time of usefulness and prosperity. Its membership is made up of successful farmers, representing a large portion of the wealth of the farming community in the vicinity of the city. The annual meeting is held on the first Saturday in December of every year.

Ripon Temple of Honor and Temperance, No. 13 .- This lodge, which is a secret fraternal as well as temperance organization, was instituted March 19, 1875, by Jerome A. Watrous, with forty-five charter members and the following officers : W. C. T., H. L. Barnes ; W. V. T., J. D. Owen ; W. R., W. R. Lyle; W. F. R., Robert Stuart ; W. T., N. H. Wyckoff; W. W., P. Hales ; P. W. C. T., Byron Kingsbury ; Chaplain, J. M. Craig. The Temple increased rapidly in numbers until it contained 250 members, and then decreased no less rapidly, until only enough members in good standing were left to hold the charter and keep up the form of organization. The lodge is financially prosperous, owning its furniture and paraphernalia, and having a sum of money out at interest.

Ripon Lodge, No. 37, Sons of Herman .- The formation of this Lodge was secured by Ilyp. Dauben, May 18, 1878, with the following charter members : Hyp. Dauben, Gust. Muller, George H. Jussen, J. J. Luck, Hugo Shultz, Emil Schaff, A. Singer, F. W. Butzke, John Haas, Frank Jupp, August Zinth, William Quast, F. Schoeffler, S. Schmudlach and H. Mathwig. The first officers were : President, Hyp. Dauben ; Vice President, J. J. Luck ; Reporter, Wm. Butzke; Financial Reporter, Robert Giese ; Treasurer, Hugo Schultz: Guide, G. Muller : Inside Guard, George H. Jussen ; Outside Guard, S. Schmudlach. This Lodge now has twenty members and a surplus capital of over $400. The Order is one for purely benevolent purposes. It has forty lodges in the State, and a membership of 2,319. During the last year, it has paid ont in benefits to sick brothers, $5,262.72, and to the families of nineteen brothers who died, $19,000. Its real estate was valued, January 1, 1880, at $56,178.98. Ripon Lodge holds its meetings regularly in Sons of Herman Hall, over Graf & Jussen's store on Main street.

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HISTORY OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY.

BENEVOLENT, LITERARY AND OTHER ASSOCIATIONS.

Young Ladies' Guild .-- The first meeting to organize this benevolent society was held at the house of W. L. Gillett, in the fall of 1876. This portion of the constitution adopted at that time, shows the objects of the society :

" We, the undersigned, do hereby organize ourselves into a society, to be called the Young Ladies' Guild. Our object-to visit and sew for the poor, and give them such other assistance as we may see fit. We agree to meet weekly ; to pay an initiation fee of 25 cents. and a fine of 5 cents for absence from any meeting."

The first officers were : President, Miss Nellie Skeels; Vice President, Miss Alice Taggart ; Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Carrie Wolcott; Directors, Misses Anna Gillett and Lizzie McCracken. The first funds were $30, as the proceeds of selling the furniture of the old " Library Association," and $10 donated by the members of the society. The "Guild " has done much to relieve the snfferings of the poor, giving entertainments and resorting to various commendable means to secure funds to make their labors more comprehensive. It started out with a membership of forty, which has increased since the date of organization.

American Red Ribbon Club .- In the spring of 1879, W. L. McCollister began a series of revivals in Ripon, which resulted in securing the signatures of several hundred persons to a pledge of total abstinence, among them many of the prominent citizens of the city. Having secured the names of 1,400 persons, a permanent organization of the signers was effected the 1st of May, by electing Hiram S. Town, President; A. L. Dobbs, Recording Secretary ; Edwin Wilson, Financial Secretary ; C. F. Wheeler, Treasurer. At the annual election of officers, in January, 1880, C. H. Upham was chosen President; Mrs. S. F. Crosby, Recording Secretary ; Edwin Wilson, Treasurer; G. R. Shaw and O. J. Wolcott, Managers. The Club supports a reading-room opposite Opera Hall, at which papers and periodicals are free, and where members congregate to indulge in social games and amusements. The Club has 200 active members.

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The history of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Part 102

Author: Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company Number of Pages: 1082

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 1082