CHAPTER XXVI. SECRET SOCIETIES. MASONRY IN LONDON.* The ancient order of Free and Accepted Masons has had many zealous adherents in Madison county from the very earliest period, and the history of the various lodges over the county show one long line of loyal members who have earnestly studied and transferred the ever increasing circle of the arts and sciences. In this field of endeavor London, the county seat, has naturally taken a leading part, and has assisted materially in continuing and passing on to succeeding generations the mysteries of the ancient craft. CHANDLER LODGE NO. 138. Chandler Lodge No. 138, Free and Accepted Masons, occupies commodious quarters, especially built for its accommodation, on the west side of South Main street, London, Ohio, on the third floor of the Farrar building. This lodge is now, and ever since its organization, has been in a flourishing condition. Its original charter bore the date of May 8, 1846, but as the lodge suffered the fate of so many buildings and organizations in "the great fire" of the fifties, when its charter, books, records and its all (materially considered) were consumed in the flames, it is now impossible to furnish a correct or complete list of its charter members. The "new" charter was granted on October 18, 1854, and authorizes John Dungan to act as worshipful master ; Foster L. Downing as senior warden, and Albert R. Phifer as junior warden. The present membership of the lodge is two hundred, and its present (1915) officers are: Worshipful master, Ralph Van Dorn Coons; senior warden, Richard H. Robison; junior warden, Joe A. •Gardner; treasurer, Omer E. Jones; secretary, George W. Clark; senior deacon, Downing Beach; junior deacon, Ben VanWagener ; tyler, Stanley Reed. ADONIRAM CHAPTER NO. 73. Adoniram Chapter No. 73, Royal Arch Masons, works under authority of a charter dated October 18, 1856, which 'bears the names of the following charter members : John Melvin, O. P. Crabb, David Haskel, Thomas J. Stutson, Toland Jones, Israel Fisher, Jeriah Swetland, Robert Alkire, William McClintock and B. H. Moore, and which authorizes David Haskel to serve as the first high priest, John Melvin as king, and 0. P. Crabb as scribe. The chapter has a present (1915) membership of one hundred and eight, with the following officers: High priest, A. Thad. O'Neall; king, Oliver P. Crabb; scribe, Maxey B. Cannon; treasurer, Omer E. Jones; secretary, George W. Clark ; captain of host, Martin W. Dungan; principal sojourner, John P. Skinner ; royal arch captain, Robert W. Boyd; grand master of the third veil, Gustav Mitray; grand master of the second veil, Joe A. Gardner ; grand master of the first veil, Bernard F. Wildman ;I guard, R. Lincoln Farrar. LONDON COUNCIL NO. 41. London Council No. 41, Royal and Select Masters, the "purple lodge," has a charter bearing the date of October 13, 1866, with the following charter members: 326 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. Harford Toland, John C. Sothron, Levi March, Oliver P. Crabb, William H. Chandler, John C. Coblentz, Jacob March, George H. Rowland, Samuel Cramer and M. M. Hutchinson. The first officers of the council were: Thrice illustrious master. Harford Toland; deputy master, John C. Sothron; principal conductor of the work, Levi March; captain of the guard, Oliver P. Crabb; treasurer, William H. Chandler; recorder, John C. Coblentz; sentinel, Jacob March. In addition to the above named officers, Samuel Cramer, George H. Rowland and M. M. Hutchinson, members, were present at the first meeting, held on October 1, 1.866, under dispensation, when David Haskel, Dennis Bird, John H. Kennedy and Rev. C. W. Finley were elected, and received the council degrees. The present membership (1915) of the council is seventy-one, with the following list of officers: Thrice illustrious master, Maxey B. Cannon; deputy master, Oliver P. Crabb; principal conductor of the work, Richard H. Robison; treasurer, Omer E. Jones; recorder, George W. Clark; captain of the guard; Joe A. Gardner; conductor of council, Harford W. Gerrard; steward, Byers Adair; Sentinel, Robert M. Hamilton. The council records bear the names of the following past thrice illustrious masters (living) : Harford Toland, Oliver P. Crabb, Martin W. Dungan, E. Pitzer Fisher, Bruce Paul Jones, C. Ed. Arbuckle, George W. Clark, John P. Skinner and Thurl A. Creamer. Chandler lodge, Adoniram chapter and London council occupy the same lodge rooms on South Main street. URANIA LODGE NO. 311. Urania Lodge No. 311. Free and ACcepted Masons, of Plain City, was instituted by Grand Master Horace M. Stokes under a charter granted on October 21, 1858, to the following petitioners: John Beach, E. R. Cook, A. R. Downing, T. J. Downey, A. D. Doolittle, T. W. Fosha, R. J. Ferguson, Wesley Ferguson, Joseph Guiltner, John Holycross, Benjamin King, W. W. Norton and D. C. Wingeg. The first officers were A. R. 'Downing, worshipful master ; E. R. Cook, senior warden; T. J. DOwney, junior warden; W. W. Norton, senior deacon; D. C. Winget, junior deacon; Joseph Guitner, secretary; A. D. Doolittle, treasurer; and W. Ferguson, tyler. The first candidate was E. W. Barlow, now of the Barlow, Kent Furniture Company, of Urbana, Ohio, and A. G. Curry was the second. The lodge has always occupied a beautiful room on the third floor of the building over the First State Bank. The lodge owns the third floor of this building. There are at present ninety-eight members in good standing. The present officers are E. M. Kile, master; Dale Powell, senior warden; John Geese, junior warden; S. M. Jones, treasurer; C. Zimmerman, secretary (Mr. Zimmerman died on June 14, 1915, and his successor has not been chosen) ; M. J. Jenkins, senior deacon; Henry Wenzel, junior deacon; W. G. Allen, tyler; and F. J. Kahler, Ernest Beach and Isaac Strosnider, trustees. The past masters of the lodge are A. Downing, 1858; E. R. Cook, 1859; A. Doolittle, 1860; M. B. Curry, 1861; W. W. Norton, 1862; R. G. Graham, 1863. 1864, 1867, 1870; R. Hahn, 1865; Thomas Jones, 1866; E. W. Barlow, 1869; J. T. Black, 1871, 1873, 1875, 1879; C. L. Barlow, 1872, 1874, 1876; 1884, 1885; R. C. McCloud, 1877, 1878, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883; M. B. Smith, 1886; D. L. Lombard, 1887, H. C. Black, 1888, 1889; T. K. Sherwood, 1890, 1891; H. B. Converse, 1892, 1884; E. H. Malott, 1895, 1896; B. A. Talor, 1897, 1898; E. Beach, 1899, 1900; F. M. Mattoon, 1901, 1902'; F. J. Kahler, 1903, 1904; C. H. Lucas, 1905, 1906; Henry Wenzel; 1907, 1908; C. M. Jones, 1909; J. E. Strayer, 1910, 1911; M. J. Jenkins, 1912, 1913; and Elton M. Kile, 1914: LEANORE LODGE NO. 512. Leanore Lodge No. 512, Free and Accepted Masons, at Sedalia, was organized on October 26, 1875, with the following charter members: Jeriah Sweatland, Addison P. Hewitt, Samuel J. Paullin, David T. Yates. John H. Peters, Frank Wursley, John H. Kellough, Thomas S. Davis, John R. Griffith, Henry McCann and James M. Hurrell.   MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 327 The first officers were Jeriah Sweatland, worshipful master ; A. P. Hewitt, senior warden ; D. T. Yates, junior warden ; Henry McCann, treasurer ; S. J.. Paullin, secretary ; T. S. Davis, senior deacon; J. H. Kellough, junior deacon ; J. R. Griffith, tyler. The building where the meetings are held was erected in 1875 and the second story was purchased by the lodge for seven, hundred and fifty dollars. The present membership numbers Seventy-two. The present officers are C. S. Bethards, worshipful master ; S. L. Rowe, senior warden ; Leroy Binns, junior warden ; C. C. Hewitt, treasurer ; George T. Williams, secretary. P. C. Meyers, senior deacon; Fred Dorn, ,junior deacon; J. H. Chenoweth, J. C. Hankins, stewards Nathaniel Gillispie, chaplain; Charles Armstrong, tyler. Madison Lodge No. 221, Free and Accepted Masons, located at West Jefferson, was founded under dispensation from the hands of Grand Master W. B. Hubbard, on January 30, 1852, with the following charter members ; Benjamin Crabbe; John Melvin, T. J. Stutson, O. P. Orabbe, Rev. George. J. Archer; Samuel Davidson, Richard Acton and James Parks. Under the dispensation. Benjamin Crabbe acted as worshipful master. John Melvin, as senior Warden, and T. J. Stutson, as junior warden. On October 22, 1852, a charter was granted to this group by the grand lodge of Ohio. At the first meeting after the lodge had been chartered the following officers were elected Benjamin Crabbe, worshipful master; John Melvin, senior warden ; Thomas J. Stutson, junior Warden ; James Parks, treasurer: O. P. Crabbe, secretary ; Samuel Davidson, senior deacon ; Albert Downing, junior deacon; Richard Acton, tyler. The lodge then consisted of nineteen members. The first meetings of the society were. held in the upstairs room of the building now owned and .occupied by W. H. Pence, undertaker; from there they moved to the Hoe building, now occupied by the Oder's grocery, their meetings being held here for forty-five years.. They moved to their present beautiful room, .over the Commercial Bank, in loop. This lodge has one charter member. that is     living, Judge. O. P. Crabbe, who now resides with his son-in-law, Richard McCloud in London J. Stutson, who died in 1913, served as master of this lodge for about thirty-five years, a record of .which the lodge is. proud.. Jacob McNeal served as secretary for a similar length. of time. The present officers are S. C. Smith, worshipful master ; F. G. Brown, senior warden ; F. L. Olney, junior warden ; Charles G. High, treasurer; Walter Jones; secretary ; senior deacon; S. G. Feder, junior deacon; H. C. Wilson, tyler, and John Baker and Harry Ingalls, stewards. There are no trustees. Mt., Sterling Lodge No. 269, Free and Accepted Masons, was organized in July, 1855, with the following charter members ;  J. D. Kauffett, Samuel Vance; Smiley Hughes, Isaac Myers, Scott Harrison, McClintock Swetland, Samuel McClintock, Robert Alkire, Poland Jones, B. H. Jones, William Harrison. Adam, Young, G. Neff and W. L. Cook. The first officers. included Toland Jones,. worshipful. master N.. J. D. Kauffelt. senior, warden; Scott Harrison junior warden., The lodge, owns the second story of a brick building which it acquired several years ago at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. The present, membership is one hundred and fifty-three. The past masters of the lodge are: N. J. D. Kauffelt, William McClintock, B. H. Moore, G. N. Alkire, Reuben Newman, A. B. Hughs, J. W. Ingrim W. Emery, S. F. Rock, Sherman Leach, P. W. Junk, A. R. Parker, George Hornbeck, J. G.. Loofbourrow, B. W. Leavell, C. D. Finley, B. T. Snyder, John R. Tanner, Robert T. Gallagher, W. G. Lewis, W. F. Cox, Smith, C. P. Corkwells E. Hughs, B. H. Edgington, C. E. Dick. The officers for 1915, are as follow: F. H. Dike, worshipful. master ; V. L. Cox, senior warden; W. G. Alkire, junior warden; S. E. Hughs, treasurer; O. J. Ray, secretary; Rev. G, J. Duckworth, chaplain ; C. M. Neff, senior deacon, E. D. Blaine, junior deacon ; C. E. Dick, senior steward; W. F. Cox, junior steward, Alvin Leach, tyler. 328 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. DAUGHTERS HAS OF THE EASTERN STAR Mt. Sterling Chapter No. 74, Daughters of the Eastern Star, was instituted January 1, 1897, the 'charter being granted on October 24, 1897. The charter members were Lou Wilson, H. C. Wilson, Siddie Burgett, T. J. Burgett, Adeline Bragg, W. N. Bragg, Myrta Hewitt, Jennie Hanawalt, Julia Finley, Inez Leavell, B. W. Leavell, Hulda Loofbourrow, J. G. Loofbourrow, Lulu Lightle, Kate Riddle, Cinda Lilley, Anna Davis, N. J. D. Kauffelt, Ella Hornbeck, E. C. Hornbeck, Bertha Kobelsperger, A. B. Hughs, R. B. Wittich. The first officers were as follow : Lou Wilson/ worthy matron; N. J. DI. Kauffelt, worthy patron; Adaline Bragg; assistant matron. The present officers are as follow : Worthy matron, Lillie M. Ray ; worthy patron, W. F. Cox; associate matron, Edna Hewitt; secretary, Loretta Dick; treasurer, Lola Beale; conductress, Leah Maud Finley ; associate conductress, Sylva Hughs; Adah, Ida M. Cox ; Ruth; Lillie Henkle; Esther; Stella Beale; Martha, Vona Corkwell; Electa, Mabel Hughs; warden, Rachel Clauson; sentinel, C. D. Finley ; chaplain, Lida E. Schryver ; pianist, Zoa W. Adkins; marshal, Lillie Snyder. The past worthy matrons are, Lou Wilson, Adeline Bragg, Siddie Burgett, Inez Leavell, Julia Finley, Lulu Lightle, Ella Hornbeck, Ella Zahn, Bessie F. Boice, Zoa Adkins, Maud Noble Huffman, Nellie Tanner, Louetta Dick. The past worthy patrons are, N. J. D. Kauffelt; J. G. Loofbourrow, H. C. Wilson, W. N. Bragg, B. W. Leavell, C. D. Finley, W. E. Fulton, F. H. Dike, C. E. Dick, W. F. Cox, E. T. Snyder, S. E. Hughs, Lida E. Schryver. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODE FELLOWS. West Jefferson Lodge No. 412, located at West Jefferson, was instituted under a dispensation from the grand lodge of Ohio by James Turner, grand master, on the night of June 2, 1869, with the following charter members: J. C. Blair, David. Oakley, William Wallace Fellows, J. H. Randall, Gilbert C. Deems, William Peene, and William C. Willing, with J. C. Blair, as noble grand; J. H. Randall, vice-grand; Gilbert C. Deems, secretary, and William W. Fellows, treasurer. On the evening of the first meeting, the following made written applications and were initiated : A. D. Burnham, W. H. Stutson, N. B. Blair, Martin Kuehner, J. A. Beals, W. E. Oakley And Wilson Jones. The present officers are,. Wilson Johnson, noble grand; J. C. Dick, vice-grand; Frank Burrell, Secretary; J. A. Baer, treasurer; D. S. Busick, chaplain; John Borland. inner guard; Leonard Johnson, Outer guard; Harvey Johnson, Warden; W. R. Borland, conductor; Alpheus, right supporter to the noble grand ; William Haislett, left supporter to the noble grand; J. C. Deenis, right supporter to the vice-grand; M. R. Roberts, left supporter to the vice-grand; Oscar Hopfe, right senior supporter ; Clarence Russell, left senior supporter; and Harvey Johnson, J. IL Harvey and Alpheus Burrell, trustees. This lodge was probably at the height of its prosperity during the nineties. At that time it had about two hundred members and won the first prize for the greatest increase in membership. At that time also it was in. good financial condition and contemplated purchasing the Olney building on the corner of Main and West. streets. It has never Owned any buildings. Its hall is located over the Commercial Bank, on 'Main street. At the present time (1915) it has fifty-four member's in good standing; of which about thirty-five have served as noble grand. Pleasant Valley Lodge No. 193; Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Plain City, was organized in 1852. The following are the names of the charter members: I. U. Converse, Joseph Gudtner, Abel H. Thomas, V. P. Langworthy, E. C. Francis, John Knock, P. A. Case and A. H. Gillett. This lodge has been in active existence for sixty-three years and although the growth has not been rapid, it has been steady and the lodge hag always prospered. There are at present eighty-four members who are contributors and thirteen members on the honor roll. The present officers are, Fred Reed, noble grand; H. E. Penrose, vice-grand; J. S. Howland, secretary. The lodge room is MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 329 leased for a period of twenty years and the meetings are held every Tuesday night. This lodge also has an active auxiliary in the Daughters of Rebekah. Gilroy Lodge --No. 695, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Lilly Chapel,. was installed on July 8, 1880, by H. P. Grovatt. The charter members were G, A. Ogden, J. H. Gardner, George Gardner, Wilson Gardner, W. H. Bailey, Thomas Preston, Amos Jackson, G. A. Bostwick, Charles Bales, Joseph Truitt, John Byers, G. R. D. Bennett, H. Lilly and J. W. O'Brien. The lodge erected a brick building in 1908, at a cost of four thousand dollars, following a fire in that year which destroyed all records up to that time. Consequently it is impossible to give the name of the installing officer or the first set of officers. The present officers include Frank Gilland; noble grand, and Clinton McContis, vice-grand. The membership of the lodge is, one hundred and twenty-two. Madison Lodge No. 70, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized at London, September 18, 1846, by John Brough, special deputy of the grand lodge of Ohio. The charter members were A. A. Hume, John Jones, Thomas Fellows, John A. Skinner, H. Carter, W. H. Holmes, N. D.. Morgan, J. Cheney, David' Armstrong, and James. McClain. Nearly seventy years have elapsed since this lodge was instituted and during all these years it has been a potent factor in the life. of London. and the surrounding community. The present membership is two hundred and twenty. The officers for the current year are as follow Delmer Brown, noble grand; F. E, Caldwell, vice-grand; H. W. Robinson, recording secretary ; J. C. Lohr, financial secretary ; W. E. Lukens, treasurer ; W. A. Jones, Robert McMurray and Frank Jones, trustees. The lodge owns its lodge: building, a brick structure erected at a cost of sixteen thousand dollars. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. Pleasant Lodge No. 544, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Mt. Sterling, was organized on June 6, 1873. It was installed by Rodney Foos, deputy grand master, with the following charter members: William C. Douglass, George W. Bolin, F. C. Gearhart, W. E. Wilmott, J,. M. Nicodemus, D. T. Snider, John Lysinger, P. A. Zahn, and G. W. Alkire. The first officers were as follow : William. C. Douglass, noble grand ; P. A. Zahn, vice-grand; J. M. Nicodemus, secretary ; and F. C. Gearhart, treasurer. The present two story brick building which is the property of the Mt. Sterling lodge was purchased in 1902 at a cost of three thousand five hundred 'dollars. The present membership numbers one hundred and twenty-four. The present officers are W. W. McGuire, noble grand; R. J. Candey, vice-grand; W. A. Huffman, recording secretary; D. B. Saint; financial secretary; E. E. Fisher, treasurer. Div of the original charter members still pay dues to this lodge. STERLING ENCAMPMENT No. 202. Sterling Encampment No. 202 was instituted by M. K. Marshall, chief patriarch, on June 8, 1876, with the following charter members :.P. A. Zahn, J. M. Nicodemus, N.' A. Riggin. Charles H. Miller, George W. Rolin, David T. Snider and John Clarridge. The first officers were G. W. Bolin, chief patriarch; P. A. Zahn, senior warden; X: M. Nicodemus, secretary, and G. W. Alkire, treasurer: The present membership totals eighty-three. Only one charter member still belongs to the encampment—C. H. Miller. The present officers are E. T. Mooney, chief patriarch; E. E. Fisher, high priest; G. E. Alkire, senior warden; W. B. Junk, junior warden; D. B. Saint, scribe; C. H. Miller, treasurer. The Encampment owns one-third of the Odd Fellows hall and the meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday nights. SUMMERFORD LODGE NO. 481. Summerford Lodge No. 481, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized on July 15, 1871. On May 10, 1871, the grand lodge of the state of Ohio granted a warrant 330 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. and dispensation to the following persons and their successors, legally and duly elected to constitute a Lodge to be known as the Summerford Lodge No. 481; and this chapter was installed by Rodney Foos, V. H. Prugh, T. F. Prugh, James W. E.. Stotler, H. P.  Markle, H. H. Harris, William Harris; A. T. Prugh, Patrick Powers; Newton Potee, David M. Candler S. IT, Saunders, Jackson. Wilson and Alexander Wilson. John Furrow, Oscar Dickison and Joseph Ward, were also among the list of charter members. The following officers were duly elected• and, installed at— the initial meeting: James W. D. Staler, noble grand; V. H. Plough, vice-grand : H. P. Markle; secretary; A. T. Plough, permanent secretary and David Bales, treasurer. The present lodge building; is the property of the Summerford chapter and was erected in 1878 at a coat. of two. The present membership numbers sixty; The officers for the year 1915 are B. F. Woosley, noble grand; Charles Bryan, vice-grand; James Clingan; recording Secretary, H. V. Wilson, financial secretary; H. F. Farmer, treasurer London Encampment N. 126; of the 'Odd Fellows,' was organized June 22, 1870, by Robert B. Miles; with the following members: B. F. Clark, A. L. Brown, M. L. Bryan, John Jones, S. Creamer, S. H. Cartzdafner and S. W. Darety. The present officers include Fred Peterson. chief patriach ; Charles Tracy, senior worden; H W. Dickerson, junior warden; Delmer Brown, high priest; Dr. J. S. Recob, scribe; W. A. Jones, treasurer; B. Lohr, Joseph an Pelt and F. E. Caldwell. trustees. The present membership is one hundred and forty-tive.. DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH Madisonia Lodge No. 725, Daughters of Rebekah, at London, was instituted by Mrs. Lizzie Garver on December 4, 1912, Mrs. Garver at the time was president of the Ohio Rebekah assembly. There, were thirty-eight charter members; the present membership is one hundred. The first officers were as follow: Alice Sifrit; noble grand, Alice Brown, vice-grand; Mark. Lehr, recording Secretary ; Louise, Orebaugh financial secretary; Lino Lorime, treasurer; Mary Van Dike; Esta Harney :and Laura Wood, trustees; Ida M. Recob, deputy president. The Present officers include Lola M. Brown, noble grand; Myrtle Allen, vice-grand; Laura Tracey, recording secretary; Alice M. Brown, financial secretary; Nora McCandles, treasurer.; Ida M. Recob, Lino Lorimer and Laura Wood, trustees. KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. Solon Lodge No. 702, Knights, of Pythias, at South Solon, was organized August 20, 1896, with the following charter members H. Blessing, J. M. Blessing, Lawrence Black, A. J. Brock, Dr. C. A. Buell, G. H. Cooper, J. W. Cuny, G. E. Crawford, J. O. Chapman, 0. E. Duff, U. G. Evans, E. B. Eyler, George W. Gossard, John B. Hoover, J. A. Holton, William Lucas. J.' M. Linson, A. B. Lukens, W. R. Maxey, Dr. A. Pancake, M. Price, Ellsworth Price, Robert L. Ritnour; J. A. Simmenuon, Charles T. Stilwell, H. C. Schoenberger, D. J.. Schurr, G. M. Whitaker and Frank Woosley. The first officers . were asfollow : Robert L. Ritnour, chancellor commander ; D. J. Schurr, vice-chancellor; W. H. Blessing, prelate; Dr. C. A. Buell; master of work; O. E. Duff, keeper of records and seal; Ellsworth Price, master of exchequer; Dr. A. Pancake, master of finance John Hoover, master-at-arms; George H.. Cooper; inner guard ; Lawrence Black, outer guard; M. C. Price, past chancellor; J. M. Linson, J. W. Curry and Charles T. Stilwel, trustees. The lodge has a membership of eighty-nine, thirteen of the original members. still retaining their membership: in the lodge. The lodge owns, no. building, holding its meetings in a rented hall. The present officers are as follow G. N. Toops, chancellor commander; Lewis Spicer, vice-commander; W. H. Blessing, prelate; Ralph Lukens, master. MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 331 of work ; C. C. Clemans, master of exchequer ; Charles T. Stilwell, master of finance; Lester Gunter, master at arms; Albert Fout, inner guard; Earl Curry; outer guard ; W. H. Blessing; G. S. Shinkle and C. C. Rowland, trustees. Evening Star Lodge, Knights of Pythias, at Sedalia, was organized on June 29, 1904. This chapter was installed by C. A. Lucas, with the following charter members: G. T. Williams, H. S. Clark, George Dorn, Fred Dorn, Glen Hankins, Harry Heath, 3..1 F. Kirkpatrick, William. Clawson, J. C. Badger, Charles Armstrong, F. M. Shepherd, J. N. Ford, Lewis Counts, Henry Dorn, M. M. Slaughter. C. C. Howard, W. A. Badger, .L. C. Shepherd. C. C. Hewitt, John Jeffries, James Jeffries, John Hicks, C. S. Beathards, William McMillan, E. B. Meade, F: B. Core, H. J. Kelsoe; Robert Minshall, Robert Wilcox, W. W. Paullin, James Smith, Isaiah Shipley, M. Shoemaker, F. J. Paullin and J. E. Tanner. The first officers were, G. T. Williams, chancellor commander ; H. S. Clark, vice-chancellor ; Harry Heath, master of work; S: J. Paullin, prelate ; C. S. Bethers, keeper of records and seal ; George Dorn, master of finance ; William Clawson; master of exchequer ; Glen Hawkins, master-at-arms; C. C. Howard, inner' guard; Robert Wilson, outer guard ; Robert Minshall, trustee. This lodge, although having an existence of but eleven years, is in an excellent condition, both financially and numerically. The present membership numbers eighty-eight. The present officers are, Robert Minshall, chancellor commander; Charles Wheaton; vice-chancellor ; Charles Foster, prelate; George Williams, master of work ; Pearl Meyers, keeper of records and seal ; George Dorn; master of finance; James Sinith; Master of exchequer; Forest Rill, master-at-arms ; Henry Dorn, inner guard to Howard Poster, outer guard; J. N. Ford, deputy grand chancellor Talmadge Lodge No 194, Knights of Pythias, at Mt. Sterling, Was installed on April 10. 1885, by E. J. Dewdall, special deputy grand chancellor, chancellor, charter members were C. A. Clark, A. Denison, C. W. Hodges, David Leach; A. E. Loofbourrow, T. P. Neff, Dr. A. J. Welch, N. A. Riggin, A. L. Robinson and C. A. Wilson. The lodge built the Story of the Tenny-Alkire brick building in 1890, at a cost of two thousand dollars: The present officers are as : C. S. Dennis; chancellor commander ; H. R. Allen, Vice-chancellor ; E. H. Gildersleave, prelate.; A. H. Alkire, master of work ; O. J. Ray; keeper of records and seal ; George W. Tanner, master of finance; C. M. Neff, master of exchequer.; E. H. Julian, master-at-arms; J. J. Kalkloschi inner guard; W. C. Dyer, outer guard; J. S. Core, Scott McCafferty and F. H. Hat. trustees. The lodge now has a membership of two hundred and seventy-six. The London Knights of Pythias lodge was organized on March 16, 1892. It was installed by M. J. Jenkins, grand chancellor. The charter members were as follow : William Burbaugh, J. T. Greene, Howard Lotspeich, E. S. Vent, D. D. Downing, M. W. Dungan, J. L. Bishop, J. F. Johnson, J. Hanson, George Coberly, Jesse Paine, J. J. Cass Speasmaker, R. X. Chrisman, Alex Evans, Fred Bardon, J. D. Maddux, J. B. Garrard, W. A. Talmage, O. M. Bryan, John Boyer, A. W. Gardner, R. D. Smith, W. F. Davidson, T. H. Davidson, M. Duglass, Martel Bryan, S. F. Kirkpatrick, J. S. Chance, B. F. Wildman, R. W. BOA, F. R. Bridgman, J. S. Harrold, D. W. .Winchester, D. S. Bird and R. H. McCloud. The first officers of the lodge were John S. Chance, past chancelor; M. W. Dungan, chancellor commander; E. N. Gunsolis, vice-chancellor; J. D. Maddox, prelate; R. D. keeper of records and seal John Johnson, master of work; D. W. Winchester; master of exchequer; F. R: Bridgman, master at arms; R. W. Boyd, inner guard; Alex Evans, outer guard; J. F. Kirkpatrick, trustee. This chapter with only a quarter of a century growth has expanded and is the strongest lodge of this order in the county. It has a membership at present of one hundred and fifty-seven loyal workers. The present officers are William Sanderson, 332 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. chancellor commander ; J. J. Mitchell, vicvice-chancelloryle Vance, keeper of records and seal; Homer ,Stone,, master of exchequer.; Alex Evans, master of finance; A. C. Bongent, master at arms; Cleyton Curl, inner guard; John Theel, outer guard; Ed Lewis, J. J. Mitchell and W. E. Lukins, trustees. Pain City Lodge No. 159, Knights of Pythias, was organized on May 11, 1883, and was installed by Robert Smith, deputy grand chancellor, of Richwood, Ohio, charter members: E. E. Jones; C. Amann, A. E. Smith, C. A. Horn; O. C. Robinson, C. L. Sherwood, E. L. Williams, M. J. Jenkins, E. C. Robinson, J. H. Stewart, J. L. Converse, J. C. Tauber, T. L. Robinson, Charles Dutton, L. C. Barlow, Bruce Robinson, W. H. Platt, A. N. Woodruff, A. N. Jones, D. L. Lombard and W. W. Horn. The first officers were W. .W. Platt, past chancellor; M. J. Jenkins, chancellor commander.; C. A. Horn, vice-chancellor ; D. L. Lombard, prelate; Charles F. Dutton, keeper of records and seal; Charles Amann, master of finance; Bruce Robinson, master of exchequer ; 0. C. Robinson, master at arms; J. H. Stewart, inner guard; Thomas L. Robinson, outer guard; W. W. Platt, .grand representative. J. W. Bowers was the first candidate initiated after the charter was installed. The present brick lodge building is the property of this chapter and was erected in 1890 at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars. The present membership numbers sixty-two. The, following are the officers for 1915; 0. M. Lowery, chancellor commander; F. J. Currier, vice-chancellor; W. D. Atkinson, prelate; H. B. Baker, master of work ; O. K. Howland, keeper of records and seal and master of finance; L. C. Alder, master of exchequer; Jesse Arnold, master at arms; J. J. Mayberry, inner guard; J. S. Kelley, outer guard; O. K. Howland, grand representative. The following members have served the lodge in the capacity of past grand representative : W. W. Platt, M. J. Jenkins, D. L. Lombard, J. F. Feather, J. W. Bowers, C. H. Lucas, C. C. Smith, J. E. Smith and E. E. Stevens. The following members from this chapter have held higher offices in the' lodge : M. J. Jenkins, grand chancellor, 1896, and surgeon of the Ohio brigade, uniformed rank, Knights of Pythias; J. F. Feather, hospital steward of the first regiment, Ohio brigade uniformed rank, Knights of Pythias; H. C. Black, district deputy grand chancellor ; and the following have served as county deputy grand chancellor ; J. W. Bowers, j. F. Feather and C. H. Lucas. FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES. The first Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles, was organized at Seattle, on February 6, 1898, with but a handful of members. From this humble beginning the order has gained in membership until it has reached the enormous number of almost one-half million. It has increased its wealth from nothing to almost one hundred million dollars. It has paid for sick benefits within the last year alone over three hundred and fifty thousand dollars, fotforneral benefits about eighty-eight thousand dollars ; for physician's services, two hundred and thirteen thousand six hundred and seventy dollars. The order is founded upon the four corner stones of liberty, truth, justice and equality—that liberty for which the forefathers fought and which the fathers fought to maintain; that truth without which no enterprise, no business can be successful and without which none can succeed; that justice of the Golden Rule—do unto others as you would have others do unto you ; that equality that is one .of the corner stones of good socsociety —belief the doctrine that all men were created equal—whether they remain so is a matter of environment and choice. These are the pillars upon which the order rests. It is its duty to look After the sick or those in trouble or in grief—to furnish a physician to the sick brother or any member of his family. It is its duty to bury the MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 333 dead brother and to look after his widow and orphans, see that they are properly cared for, and they even after the death of the husband and father still continue to have the services of the Aerie physician. These brief remarks form an epitome of what the Fraternal Order of Eagles is accomplishing and briefly gives to the general public at least some idea of its work. The order does not seek to curb the religious opinions of anyone, but instead welcomes to membership adherents of any faith, provided he be eligible otherwise. The following are the past presidents of London Aerie No. 59: M. B. Golden, John P. Welsh, Joseph Enders, D. K. Gould, IL L. McCafferty; John Fraher. The present officers are John Fraher, Fred Schlegle, Leo Holland, A. S. Eastman, Frank Carey; John W. Gorry, Dr. H. V. Christopher, Cornelius Casey, Edward McCann,' William Roddey. Trustees, A. J. Schlereth, D. K. Gould and Edward Hill. London Aerie No. 950, Fraternal Order of Eagles, was organized on January 10, 1905, and was installed by C. E. Vorta. The first officers were as follow: M. B. Golden, past worthy president; John P. Welsh, worthy president; D. L. Dunevent, worthy vice-president; Thomas Golden, chaplain; Maurice Mooney, treasurer; William F. Kelley, secretary Frank Farnsworth, inside guard; Walter McGrath, outside guard; Luther, McCloud, Emmett Shaffer, Joseph Endos, trustees; Dr. W. W. Snyder, physician; Earl Kennedy, conductor:  The present membership numbers one hundred and eighty-nine. The present officers are Leo Holland, past worthy president; C. J.. Casey, worthy president; Harvey Goings, worthy vice-president ; Daniel Bowen, chaplain; William. H. Smith, conductor ; Frank Carey, secretary ; H. B. Welsh, treasurer ; E. P. Speasmaker, E. B. Chrisman and Daniel K. Gould, trustees; Edward McCann, Inside guard; Cecil Adams, outside guard; H. B. Sparling, conductor. CATHOLIC ORDER OF FORESTERS. The headquarters of the Catholic Order of Foresters are located in Chicago. This society was organized in that city in 1883, under a charter granted by the state. of Illinois, and the membership of the order in the United States and Canada is now over one hundred and fifty thousand. St. Joseph's Court No 1191, Catholic Order of Foresters, was organized at West Jefferson on March 11, 1901, by the state organizer, James Farley, charter member; as follow: Rev. M. A. Heintz, William P. Redmond, George Gillivan, Thomas Driscoll, William H. Danyer, Francis J. Ernst; James McCarty, Anton J. Birkenback, John H. Carroll, George W. Nippel and James Holland: the first officers were George Gillivan, vice-chief ranger; William Redmond, chief ranger ; William Dwyer, recording secretary; Frank Ernst, financial secretary ; James McCarty, treasurer ; John Carroll and John Birkenbach. The present membership numbers thirty and the present officers are Weldon Miller, recording secretary ; William Grassle, financial secretary; William Engelsperger, chief ranger; F. B. Biggert, past chief ranger; Calvin Gillivan, senior conductor ; Joseph Keyser, junior conductor. London Court No. 703, Catholic Order of Foresters, was organized on July 11, 1897, by Maurice Langen, of Columbus, Ohio; charter members, J. A. Morrissey, G. H. Fobbie, William E. Kelly, M. W. Fitzgerald; P: A. Gallagher, John Ryan, P. A. Lanigan, Andrew Canton, James F. Corbett, Thomas A. Conner, George Killeen, P. A. Morrissey, John Maloney, John Drudy, William McDonough, Edward Carlon, William Charters; James Mackin, Edward Buckley. The first Officers were J. A. Morrissey, chief ranger; Edward Buckley, vice-chief ranger ; William E. Kelley, recording secretary; G. H. Fobbie, finan 334 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. cial secretary ; P. A. Morrissey, treasurer ; P. A. Gallagher, past chief ranger ; James Corbett, John Ryan and Andrew Canton, trustees. The present officers are Frank Gallagher, chief ranger ; J. L. Bardon, vice-chief ranger ; William F. Kelley, recording secretary ; Thomas J. Roddy, financial secretary; B. J. Flynn, treasurer ; John A. Gorry, past chief ranger ; L. J. Fraher, speaker ; John H. Kennedy, William H. Kaveney and Edward Mooney, trustees. The present mem bership numbers seventy-five. The benefits consist of insurance and sick benefits of five dollars per week. This chapter has excellent quarters in the Buff block, but does not own any real estate or property. Catholics of all nationalities are eligible to membership. The local organization is in a flourishing condition. KNIGHTS OF CoLUMBUS. Contributed. London Council No. 1786, Knights of Columbus, was organized on May 2, 1915, by State Deputy P. J. McCarthy and staff, of Toledo, with a charter membership of one hundred. Fifty of these were new members. and the remaining number were transferred from Springfield, Columbus and Zanesville councils. The first officers of London council were P. J. Kirwin, grand knight; George Killeen, deputy grand knight; T. J. Dwyer, treasurer ; E. J. Mooney, financial secretary ; W. J. Kelley, recording secretary; John A. Gorry, chancellor ; T.' A. Connor, lecturer ; M. S. Murray, advocate; Alfred Langen, warden ; Robert Gallagher, inside guard ; W. D. Morrissey, outside .guard ; E. L. Brennan, Cornelius Ducey, and M. W. Sullivan, trustees. The Knights of Columbus is an organization of Catholic men banded together for the threefold purpose of fraternity, devotion to the Catholic ' church' and Catholic interests and patriotism. There is little need to explain the tie of fraternity, familiar ever since the first instances of brotherly love. Examples of the exercise of the fraternal spirit are found continually. In sickness or in health, in wealth or poverty, in business or pleasure—everywhere is noticeable the spirit of helpfulness and of sympathetic interest that holds Knights of Columbus together: Patriotism is a duty for the Catholic, and hence its interest to every Knight of Columbus. Politics are forbidden to enter the order directly or indirectly, but the members stand for law and order everywhere and at all times. Devotion to church and Catholic interests is essential to membership in the Knights of Columbus. Some societies seem to boast their acts of charity and kindness, but not so the Knights of Columbus. The personal kindness, the council's aid to sick and distressed, the genial spirit of mutual helpfulness rendered by a Catholic to his fellow man, are deeds of the heart under the inspiration and teachings of the church—hallowed and sacred and never to be advertised or capitalized. The Knights of Columbus have an absolutely safe, sound and scientific system of insurance. Each man pays the cost of his own insurance. No new members are needed to insure the payment of death losses. The rates of the Knights of Columbus were prepared by David Parks Fackler, Esq., of New York City, ex-president of the Actuarial Society of America, and he is advisor of the order in all insurance matters. The Knights of Columbus are active in parochial and diocesan matters; they endowed the chair 'of American History in the Catholic University at Washington, at a , cost 'of fifty thousand dollars, and the further foundation of five hundred. thousand dollars, enabling the university to award fifty free scholarships in perpetuity; hospital endowments; founding of free scholarships in Catholic colleges; free employment bureaus; protection of Catholic minor wards of state and city ; establishment of free day-nurseries for the children of Catholic mothers; maintenance of lecture courses; MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 335 public profession of faith on all proper occasions—all these are necessarily public and outward manifestations of the faith of the members. of this order, which quietly and privately by force, of decent living is hourly accomplishing in no small way the mission of the apostolate of the laity. Knights of Columbus homes are being erected by local councils, throughout the order: It is proposed to make them the centers of Catholic thought and activity. London council has already taken steps to insure a home for itself within, the next few years., The, ceremonial of the order is secret—but not oath bound. London council has not added to its, membership since its installation because the ceremonial of the order is. such that the degree work can only be put on with classes of fifty or more. A new: class of at least fifty is now in process of formation and will shortly be admitted to knighthood, which will increase the membership of the local tcouncil to one hundred and fifty. It is the aim of the officers and members to secure the membership of every eligible Catholic man in the county and when this accomplished the local council will have more than seven hundred members to its credit. The Knights of Columbus have no auxiliary. The local council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday evenings in the C. O. F. hall, its temporary quarters. Visiting members in good standing are always welcome. SILVER URN LODGE NO. 29. Silver Urn Ledge No. 29, Free and Accepted Masons, the oldest secret organization among the colored people at Madison. county and located at London, Ohio, was granted a charter of dispensation . and set up by Right Worshipful John R. Blackburn, grand secretary of the Grand. Lodge of Ohio, August 6, 1869, with the following charter members: James Cain, worshipful master ; Edward Mumford, senior warden; George White, junior warden; Robert Cain, treasurer ; John L. Cain; secretary; Americus, senior deacon; Andrew .1 Smith, junior deacon; Thomas Pleasant, tyler, and Green Roberts, of which only two are living—James H. and John L. Cain. The lodge has been very .prosperous in that time and owing to the population it had to draw froth. has made about one hundred and fifty master Masons, while some have moved away, others have passed to the great beyond. These are the worshipful Masters who have helped make the lodge a success since its organization : E. H. Lowery, W. H. Napper, William S. Lowery, John M. Bunch. George M. Phonosdall, Joseph L. Lowery, Daniel Lewis, Charles W. Cain and. A. G. Holloway, the present worshipful master. The lodge has now a membership of twenty-eight and is doing well It holds its meetings in the hall in the Buff block, corner of High and Main streets. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. By Mrs. Robert Moore. The purpose of the Woman's Relief Corps is to render the veterans aid and comfort in sickness or distress; to find employment and homes for their widows and orphans; to cherish and emulate the deeds of our army nurses and of .all loyal women who rendered loving, service to our country in .her, hour of ,peril; to encourage loyalty. and inculcate lessons of patriotism and love of country in the communities in which we live; to perpetuate the memory of our heroic. dead in the sacred, observance. of Memorial day. The Woman's Relief Corps is the .greatest philanthropic, charitable and patriotic organization, of women in the world. It instituted a patriotic curriculum in its regular work, and began the inculcation of patriotic teaching in the public, schools of the country, a work which has been taken up. by many other patriotic. organizations since then. are now more than three thousand women whose work as patriotic instructors in corps. 336 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO and departments of the Woman's Relief Corps is commanding attention. Space is too limited to tell all that has been accomplished. during these past years: The patriotic work of the Woman's Relief Corps of London can scarciely be estimated. Two hundred and more patriotic primers have been placed in the schools of our county. and elsewhere; also thirty Declaration of Independence charts ; fifty oleographs of history of the stars and stripes; more than three hundred leaflets and fifty flags. Members are pledged to keep "Old Glory" where it stands today, and on Flag day; June 14, every home (not only the members of the Woman's Relief Corps) should float the flag, and in this way show their' loyalty to the principle for which it stands. The children of the Ohio Soldiers'. and Sailors' Orphans' Home are remembered, the mountain schools of the south, the Old Ladies' Home, the building of monuments, etc., and the flood sufferers of 1913 were generously cared for and, with all this,. they do not forget their own suffering poor, nor the old comrades. Their cause should interest all American women alike, for it is purely a labor of love and kindness to the unfortunate and a service to our country. Everyone owes the same debt of gratitude to its defenders. The Woman's Relief Corps: is the largest organization of women in the world under! one eligibility clause and one motto. It now numbers one hundred and sixty-seven thousand members, with department organizations in forty-one states, divided among two thousand six hundred and four corps, as the local organizations are known. It was; on Wednesday, July 23, 1884, that Mrs. Robert Moore, Mrs. James Peck, Mrs. G. W. Wilson, Mrs. Albert Phifer, Mrs. Theodore Miller, Mrs. Charles Skeeles, Maria Skeeles, Mrs. William Morrow Beach and Mary Beach,. met in the: Grand Army of the Republic hall in London, Ohio to consider the question of organizing a subordinate corps of the Woman's Relief Corps, auxiliary to the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Robert Moore was chosen, president pro tem, and Mary Beach, secretary pro tem. After a general interchange of views, the secretary was instructed to correspond wall. Mrs. Kate E. Putnam, president: of Mitchell corps, Springfield, Ohio and request her to come to London on the 6th; of August, 1884, with reference to organizing and mustering in the officers and members of this corps. Upon motion the meeting adjourned until Wednesday, August 6,1884, on which day, at three o'clock p. m. a permanent. organization was effected. Sixteen women were present and duly, mustered in Mrs. Putnam, with her assistants, Mrs. Ernest and. Mrs. Grant, of Springfield, Ohio, were the mustering officers; The following officers of Lyon Corps No. 52, were elected by acclamation: President, Thowessa Moore; senior, vice-president, Maggie Miller; junior vice-president, Laura Kinney ; treasurer, Martha L. Wilson ; secretary, Mary Beach ; conductor, Elizabeth Minshall; chaplain, Vinnie. Phifer ; guard;. Maria Skeeles, These, with the following names, composed the list of charter members: Hannah Underwood, Alice Dooris, Thomas, Lucy Beach, Lizzie Skeeles, Rena Stuckey, Mary Durflinger, Virginia Davidson, Clara Pierce, Sarah Dunkin, Ella Haley, Jennie Graham, Minerva Acton, Alice Eastman, Jennie Van Wagerer, Kate Dooris Sharp, Cornelia Mitchell, Josephine Lohr, Mary McSaveny, Jennie Huddleson, Victoria Mille'', Kate Peck, Victoria Withrow, Josephine Mathers, Kate Hanson. Some of the members of this corps have moved away, some have withdrawn and thirteen have been lost by death, namely : Lizzie Skeeles, Ellen Allen, Sarah Sprague, Alice Dooris Thomas, Victoria Miller, Harriett Gillette, Maggie Miller, Ella Haley, Harriet Gunsaulus, Philomelia Simpson, Sarah Dunkin, Flora Vent and Frances Smith. There are now forty-six members and the number is gradually increasing. The organization offers to the American people a cause broad and sublime enough to enlist every sympathy and to engage every faculty. With this labor of love and duty for the past thirty-one years, in this cause, the local corps would be greatly pleased if it could only see a movement toward the erection of a memorial hall in memory of the loyal men who MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 337 enlisted to save their country's honor. If the resources of Lyon Relief Corps had compared with the fraternity, charity and loyalty of this order, Madison county would, have had a memorial hall several years ago. The present officers of Lyon Corps No. 52 are as follow: President, Caroline Emery; senior vice-president, Phoebe Simpson; junior vice-president, Permelia Arnett; secretary, Thorressa Moore; treasurer, Orpha Morris; chaplain, Jennie Davidson; conductor, Bell Neff; assistant conductor, Clara Pierce; guard, Catharine March; assistant guard, Emma Preston; musician, Fannie Speasmaker; patriotic instructor, Vinnie Phifer; press correspondent, Jennie Davidson; color bearers, Anna McCormack, Alice Eastman, Ida Warner, Grace Lankaster. These, with the following names, constitute the present roll of members:. Candace Anderson, Lucy Beach, Mary Bescher, Olive Bacome, Mary Durflinger, Ida Fricker, Eva. Graham, Allie Gamlin, Margaret Ingrim, Lucy Jones, Belle Anson, Catherine March, Elizabeth Minshall, Cornelia Mitchell, Augusta Kilgore, Katie Peck, Julia Reese, Flora Robey, Kate P. Strain, Cloey Shaffer, Jennie Turner, Jennie Van Wagener, Martha Wilson, Victoria Withrow, Ada Workman, Laura Cannon, Abbie Haines, Maria Skeeles, Maude B. Bonner, Kate Dooris Sharp. CHAPTER XXVII. CLUBS. AND FRATERNITIES.. LONDON FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS. By Mrs. A. J. Strain. The London Federation of Women's Clubs was perfected on April 17, 1913; when the three literary clubs of London, realizing that much better work might be accomplished.: and more activities taken care of by co-operation, decided to join forces. The East High Street Club, the oldest literary organization in London, took the Initiative and invited the: Woman's Club and the Twentieth Century Club to meet with them in a mass meeting at the court house. Mrs. A. P. Morris and Mrs. Cussins, members of the Altrurian Club of' Columbus, were present on that occasion, and both spoke of the work accomplished by the Federation of Columbus. The first officers of the London Federation were: President, Mrs. Clinton Morse; recording secretary, Mrs. Charles E. Gain; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Ralph Coons; treasurer, Mrs. Peyton Emery; auditor, Mrs. Sherman Simpson. The vice-presidents were the presidents of the three literary clubs, Mrs. Frank Noland, of the East High Street Club; Mrs. John Parker, of the Woman's Club, and Mrs. B. F. Linson, of the Twentieth Century. Since the early organization other clubs have joined the federation, so that eight organizations, numbering about two hundred women, are now banded together for social and welfare work, civic improvement and club fellowship. The London federation, in its short existence, has proven a powerful good in the community. The first great achievement of which the members feel justly proud was the beautifying of the grounds around the high school. Under the efficient chairmanship of., Mrs. Lee Williams, the entire federation worked as a unit, until the last payment of the one thousand thirty-five 'dollars, the contract price, was paid. A community Christmas tree in 1913, for the benefit of all the children in London, another splendid one in 1914, and a Christmas dinner consisting of all the delicacies that constitute a real Yuletide, feast, was given under the auspices of this organization, with Mrs. Clint Morse and Mrs. John Tanner chairmen, thereby proving that members are' interested in the social and moral uplift of the community. The recent enjoyable home talent entertainment of "Fi-Fi," given under the leadership of Mrs. Gideon Clark, chairman of ways and means committee, was staged for the purpose of helping a new and worthy organization in our midst, and 'the entire proceeds-were given to the Madison County Health and Welfare League. It became necessary a few months ago to make the federation an incorporated body in order that it might be a beneficiary under the will of the late Miss Bertha Coover. That grand, noble, kind, self-sacrificing woman bequeathed to the federation the sum of seven thousand dollars for the purchase or erection of a club house. The following board of trustees were elected: Mrs. Peyton Emery, Miss Sallie Dooris, Mrs. Rosser Atchison, Mrs. William Chandler, Mrs. Clinton Morse, Mrs. Robert Moore, Mrs. A. J. Strain, Mrs. Martel Bryan, Mrs. Charles Gain, Mrs. Frank Noland and Mrs. Ogan Stroupe. The officers were as follow : President, Mrs. Sallie K. Robison; recording secretary, Mrs. Ida White; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Frank Noland; treasurer, Mrs. Martel Bryan. The beautiful Dixon home on North Main street was purchased by the federation MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 339 in the early summer of 1915 and henceforth will be the club home, not only of this organization, but of the societies and clubs of which the federation is formed, as well as two or three organizations not Included in its membership. The London Federation is a power for good in this community, and while so much has been accomplished in the short period Of its existence, greater, :nobler, grander achievements are being hoped for by the members in the years that are to follow. THE LONDON CLUB The London Club was organized on February 11, 1901, with eighty-seven charter members. The first officers were as follow : Charles Butler; president; H. S. Mitchell, secretary-treasurer. It is purely a social organization and seeks to provide wholesome amusement for its members. Strangers in the town are always welcome to its rooms and the members make. the wayfarer feel that the club is a real factor in the life of the city. The present membership includes one hundred' and twenty-five of the leading men of the city. Albert G. Cartzdafner is president and Charles Lohr, secretary-treasurer. The club has quarters in the Winchester block. EAST HIGH STREET CLUB. By Mrs. Horace G. Jones. A little group of East High street women, while seated on the lawn of one of their number, in the twilight of one of the most sultry days of the summer of 1887 conceived the idea of banding together- for some line of literary work for the coming winter, but action was postponed until cooler weather. A meeting was called in November, and on the 21st day of that month, at the home of Mrs. Hannah Underwood, the club was organized. The hostess was the possessor of a copy of Hicks famous engraving, of American authors, and it was decided that the authors represented' in' this picture should constitute the line of study. The first literary meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Lizzie Jones. The charter members were eight in number, Mrs. Hannah Underwood, Mrs. Lizzie Jones, Mrs. Nannie Houston, Mrs. Mary Davidson, Mrs. Anna M. Chandler, Mrs. Alice Armstrong, Mrs. Laura Ward and Miss Lucy Lotspeich. Other members were enrolled and, as the greater number lived on . East High' street, the name of the East High Street Club was adopted. Meetings were held on Monday evening of each week at the homes of the members, taking one author and a subject beginning with the initial letter of the author's name for the evening's study. Each member was on duty each evening. The study of American authors led 'to the study of those of other countries. This manner of procedure was continued for Seven years. Dating long before women's clubs became the necessity they are today, the organization, in the beginning, was a very simple one and its freedom from formality was, perhaps„ the reason of its success. Later, when the club movement became general, a constitution was adopted, regular officers elected and the club was federated with the ;Ohio Federation of 'Women's Clubs on October 26, 1894. It became a member of the General Federation on June 10, 1910. The tenth, twentieth and twenty-fifth anniversaries and other "Festa" days were celebrated in a fitting manner. Memory recalls many pleasant associations, delightful friendships, and beautiful characters, met with during the existence of the club. Sad and tender thoughts are invoked when the memorial pages of the calendar are read. Response has been made by the club to various outside issues, especIally aiding in any work for the advancement and improvement of its home town. With an unbroken record of twenty-eight years of progressive and happy existence, being, with one exception; the oldest woman's literary club in the state, it is not surprising that the East High. Street Club should feel an honest pride in the earnest; eon- 340 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. scientious work which marks the whole of its career and in the fact that it' is an active, progressive, up-to-date club. The following are the present active members.: Mrs. Myra. Atchison, Mrs.. Imo V. Booth, Mrs. Nannie Byers, Mrs. Anna M. Chandler, Mrs. Mary Durflinger, Mrs, Rose M. Gain, Mrs. Rilla F. Hornbeck, Mrs: Cathleen Hord, Miss. Ella Ivins, .Mrs. Lizzie H. Jones, Miss Clara Johnston, Mrs. Jeannette Loofbourrow, Miss Irene Martin, Mrs: Laura S. Noland, Mrs. Amelia O'Day, Mrs. Myra J. Rasor, Mrs. Haysel J. Robison, Mrs. Sallie K. Robison, Mrs. Lelia Rosnagle, Mrs. Nellie Rice, Mrs. Nora J. Simpson, Mrs. Elizabeth G. Stoll, Mrs. Myrtle Schurr, Miss Jeannette Smith, Mrs. Grace S. Thompson: Associate members: Mrs. Almeda Bryan; Mrs. Elizabeth Creath, Mrs: Ella Dunn, Mrs. Mattie Fisher, Miss Mabel Hamilton, Mrs. Viola E. Iliff, Mrs. Lucy A. Jones, Mrs. Carrie T. Kulp, Mrs. Minnie Noland, Mrs. Addie P. Rowlen, Mrs. Christine Smeltzer, Mrs. Lucile J. Stroup, Mrs. Jessie P. Sharp, Miss Jean Swartz, Mrs. Alice I., Tanner, Mrs. Frances M. Winchester, Mr's. Grace D. Warner. Corresponding members : Mrs. Ethel L. Baird, Henderson, Kentucky ; Mrs. Ada B. Chance, Chicago, Illinois ; Mrs: Lou P. Delahunt, Kansas City, Missouri; Miss Frank Delahunt, Kansas City, Missouri ; Mrs: Elizabeth F. Ewalt, Loveland, Ohio; Mrs. Mary Harshman, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Alice B. Jones, Van Wert, Ohio; Mrs. Minnie K. Jones, Seattle, Washington ; Mrs. Bertha Kinsman, Kinsman, Ohio; Mrs. Ertel C. Kumler, Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Clara McKinnon, Bellefontaine, Ohio ; Mrs. Lillian Prugh, Columbus, Ohio; .Mrs: Rose P. Smith, Independence, Kansas; Mrs. Bess R. Thomas, Birmingham, Alabama; Mrs. Hannah Underwood, Mechanicsburg, Ohio; Mrs. Jeannette P. Watson; Weiser, Idaho. THE WOMAN'S CLUB. By Sallie Dooris. Don't you remember when there was no woman's club in London? Maybe some of the rising generation of club women think it was of primeval origin; or even like the old oak tree—"it was here when I came!" Not so. There was a time when some young heads that are now growing silvery said: "Why can't we have a literary club; not like any other club that ever was?" So when the weather was growing cold and the nights long, and winter coming on apace, little white-winged messengers bearing the names of the hostesses, 'Misses Margaret and Sallie Dooris, November 5, 1892; 3:00 p.m. the magic word "conversazione" in the lower left-hand corner, were sent forth. In response, a bevy of women, some young, others in the meridian of life, assembled at a little white house on a green bank just between the edge of town and countryside, where oak trees grow. On that Saturday afternoon,. while the tea was being sipped, and the ices consumed, the nature of the "conversazione" developed and the possibility of organizing a woman's literary club to meet afternoons once a week, was discussed. Twenty-three years ago all staid and fashionable people had their social doings at night. No one dreamed of. 'gadding about to clubs or anything else in daytime. The serious business of social leaders was to "make calls" from three to six o'clock, or a decorous "tea" among intimates was permissible at four-thirty. All other functions were relegated, to lamplight or gaslight. homes. It was a bold step to take, but those women took it, and so the first afternoon club in London was inaugurated. But the boldest step of -all in defiance of custom or conventions was to hold it on Mondays. Don't you remember three and 'twenty years ago that, rain or shine, Monday was sacred to wash day and all uncomfortableness? It was a blow to all past traditions; that women should wilfully abandon their homes of a Monday, in broad daylight and spend their time- in a state' of mental dissipa- MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 341 tion It had a dash of audacity in it It appealed, as it were, to all the unconventionalism of a conventional class. There were five other days all open to choose from not as it is nowadays; a club or two for every day of the week, but just because every mother's daughter of us had been born to look upon Monday as a day of drudgery, it was chosen as the day of days for a literary clubs So enthusiastic were the promoters of the club idea, another meeting would have been held the following day, only it was Sunday ; but the day after that; the 7th of November, the same zealous women with a "Build-thee-a-more-stately-mansion-oh-my-soul" expression, on their faces, met at the residence of Mrs. Mary. Finley, on Main street, at two o'clock in the afternoon and an organization was effected; The new club was named "The Woman's Club." Mrs. Georgia Gould was elected president; Mrs. Elizabeth Watson, vice-president; Mrs. May B. Prettyman, secretary.; Mrs. Alice Dooris Thomas, treasurer. A committee. on program for. the year's study was appointed and English literature was selected as the subject. for study. The drafting of constitution and by-laws was a. delightsome, task to a specially favored few. Later on the motto, "Animi Cultus Humanitatis Cibus," was considered fit for such a learned club. The carnation was chosen as the club flower, pink and green the club colors. It is to be regretted that all the records of the club for the first sixty-four meetings were lost, in the fire of 1906, which very nearly destroyed the residence of the late Mr. William Morgan, North Main street, the custodian of the club at that time being a guest . of the. family, only saving a few personal effects. It is recalled that the club year began on the first Monday in November, ending on the last Monday in May, with a three-weeks' holiday at Christmas time Don't you remember, we met at two o'clock in the afternoon at each other's houses and had five and six duties apiece? Light refreshments were served after the literary program and by the time "good-byes": were exchanged it was dark night ere the very tired club women reached their homes, literally worn-out in mind and body. It was a wild. leap into space when the Woman's Club was federated into the General Federation of Women's Clubs on June 6, 1893; being at that time among the very first Ohio clubs to become identified with the larger movement. Then later, a less exciting, but at the same time a pleasing exhilaration of spirits was enjoyed when the club federated with the Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs, February 2, 1895. Memory recalls an ambitious attempt at journalism in editing "The Voice of the Club," to which every member was expected to contribute an original article in addition to their other duties. It died young, from want and inanition aged six volumes. Be it said to its earthly honor and glory, however, that a copy of this periodical was sent to the women's department of the Columbian: Exposition at Chicago in 1893. It held the choicest original thought, as. expressed by . the literati' of the club; written in the finest handwriting, with a white linen cover, embroidered in pink carnations, the club, flower. It received special: mention for its artistic beauty in a Chicago journal. Later on it was returned to Woman's Club, when the dismemberment of the world's fair took place. Alas ! it, too went up in smoke in the conflagration of 1906. In 1894 the educational room of the court house was chosen as the place for club meetings, being more central. The club year wag shortened; ending the last Monday in March, which has been the rule since, and the tea-drinking were discontinued. The first printed calendar of the Woman's Club was issued in November, 1894, Germany the subject chosen for study. It was no idle matter 'to "keep up." Fancy writing four or five papers on such subjects as the following, taken at random from a program lying before me : "Development of Science in Germany;" "Early German Literature and Folk Lore," "Martin Luther—His influence on Germany," etc. Those were strenuous days; and the club expression was of the essence of strenu- 342 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. osity, and because of the lessons learned in that hard school of expression, the young club women of the present day ought to rise up and call us beautiful names because we have now learned how to frivol. But truth must be told though the heavens fall. It was not all toil and endeavor. We had our glorious hours of pleasure and sense. Don't you remember our annual field day,. held at the country home of Mrs. Lucy Beach, "The Cedars?" Surely among all the trees of Lebanon, none were more beautiful than these growing at this. beautiful place. We have had good times under their branches, and we recall with delight the pleasant hours in June, fragrant with sweet memories and redolent of the past. It was decided in 1914 that field day be reinstated in the club annals and that a day in June be taken for its celebration by pick-nicking in Snyder Park. Vive la Field Day ! So swiftly have the years passed by, it seems only a little- while since the giving of a rose fete and colonial tea for the benefit of the public library. How memory crowds upon memory as the events of more than two decades are reviewed. Gala days. banquets, receptions, teas and garden parties were given, delightful hours spent at homes where generous hospitality was dispensed. It has not been all toil and endeavor for self alone; not all social enjoyment or hours of pleasure. While the aim of the club as originally planned was for literary, scientific and artistic culture, the broader human interests have not been neglected. The cry of the children in factories and mills has been hearkened to petitions bearing the signatures of the Woman's Club have been forwarded to the lawmakers, asking them to preserve our. forests ; to enact more stringent sanitary laws regarding public health: to suppress the white-slave traffic—in short, every good, for the . public welfare and uplift of humanity has received their moral 'support. Our beautiful public library was the , gift of Mr: Andrew Carnegie, through the solicitation of a member of the Woman's Club, Miss Sallie Dooris. The Woman's Club alcove bears on its shelves the gift of many books from the club women, one especial gift deserving particular mention, that of the late Mrs. Mary Florence, president of the Woman's Club, 1898-99, who left a bequest of five hundred dollars to the public library. which sum was spent in. works of reference adding much to, the students' research for knowledge. The little children of our town have been very near the heart of the Woman's Club. For years past it has been their dearest pleasure at Christmas time to remember the "little brothers. and sisters" for whom, no preparation is made. So that it .can truly be said that there are no sad ,hearts among the little ones of London when the birth of Christ is celebrated. Changes have taken place since the organization of the club in 1892. Of the charter members, ten still answer the roll. call. Some have. left us; others have* passed away.. Their names are. recorded in the club calendar. As the years pass, the list of the immortals increases : Mrs. Sobrina Custer, Mrs. Alice Dooris Thomas, Mrs. Flora Jones Murray, Mrs. Elizabeth Trimble -Wilson, Mrs. Mary E. C. Florence, Mrs. Elizabeth Watson, Miss Nellie Morgan, Mrs. Anna. C. Bidwell, Mrs. Caroline Ross. The club year of 1913-14 exacted a .heavy toll of members: Mrs., Alice IL Armstrong, Miss Ruth M. Van Wegener, Mrs. Georgia Gould, Mrs. Hazel Van Wegener Thomas. These have joined the "choir •invisible" . in the house not made with .hands. They are not forgotten. . The club year 1913-14 made its mark. The Woman's Crib. had the honor of giving to the Federated Clubs of London its first president, Mrs. May .B. Morse. A notable event in the club's achievement was the community Christmas tree of 1913, the tree. a splendid fifty-foot pine,. being the gift of that year's president, Mrs. M. M. Rowland. It was placed in the public square, where the many twinkling electric lights helped tell out . the story of Peace : Good Will to Man. Under its spreading branches over one MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 343 thousand gifts of candy and toys, the uninvited offering of our townfolk, made the little children realize as never before the pattern Christ Child. One of the latest ventures of faith on the part of. the club was another flight into journalism ; not for self-aggrandizement or power ; not for the purpose of scaling Parnassian heights to dwell with Apollo and the muses. This venture of faith was possible through the generosity of Mr. R. K. Shaw, editor of the London Times, enabling the club to assume control of his paper for one week ; to give to the people of London and Madison county at large the "Woman's Club Edition of the London Times,". the proceeds to be used for the beautifying of the grounds of the public schools, and another honorable achievement was added to the club's escutcheon., In 191' the Woman's Club will celebrate its silver anniversary. Much can be accomplished in the meantime. Memory may linger fondly on the days that, are past ; the vanished faces and sweet companionship that is no more. . Hope looks forward eagerly to the work that is to be done; the good to be accomplished.. To each and every member of the Woman's Club the wish is extended, "May we be there to see," The charter members of the Woman's Club were twenty-one in number, as follow Mrs. Lucy Beach, Mrs. Sobrina Custer, Miss Margaret Dooris, Miss Sallie Dooris, Mrs. Mary C. Finley, Mrs. Georgia K.. Gould, Miss Florence Gould, Miss. Anna Gould, Miss Adak Jones, Miss, Lucy Jacobs, Mrs. May B. Prettyman, Mrs.. Emelyine. Richmond, Miss Emma Richmond, Mrs. Kate Dooris Sharp„ Mrs. Alice Dooris Thomas, Miss Alice Thomas, Miss Mae Toland, Mrs. Elizabeth Watson, Miss Mary Williams, Mrs. Elizabeth T. Wilson, Miss Mary. Wilson. Of this number some have passed away; others removed from London or resigned from the club, while yet others fell victims to the winged arrow of Dan Cupid and changed their names. At the present date ten of the original members are enrolled on the club calendar, viz. : Mrs. Lucy Beach, Miss Margaret Dooris, Miss Sallie Dooris, Mrs. Anna (Gould) Emery, Mrs. Mary C. Finley, Miss Adah Jones, Mrs..M. B. (Prettyman) ,Morse, Mrs. Emelyine Richmond, Miss Emma Richmond, Mrs. Mary (Watson) Williams. . The active members of the club for 1915-16 number thirty-nine: Miss Amber Arbuckle, Miss Eloise Atchison, Mrs. Jeanette Barker, Mrs. Miinne C. Bidwell, Miss Gertrude Chance, Mrs. Alice W. Chenowith, Mrs. Neva K. Chenowith, Mrs. Fannie Clark, Miss Margaret Converse, Mrs. Bettie D. Davis, Miss Margaret Dooris, Miss Sallie Dooris, Mrs. Anna Gould Emery, Miss Margaret. Farrar, Miss Adah Jones, Mrs.. Harriet T. Martin, Mrs. Lizzie D. Mitchell, Mrs. May B. Morse, Mrs. Grace P. Parker, Mrs. Vinnie Phifer,' Mrs. Elizabeth Ridenour, Miss Emma Richmond, Mrs. May M. Rowland, Mrs. Florence V. Shaw, Mrs. Olga S. Spitter, Mrs. Kate P. Strain, Mrs. Marjorie S. Tanner, Mrs. Lucy Taylor, Mrs. Mary F. Taylor, .Mrs. Helen Taylor, Mrs. Alice G. Underwood, Mrs. Ida F. White, Mrs. Mary W. Williams, :Mrs. Kate F. Wilson, Mrs. Wilda Wilson, Mrs. Lelia H. Winchester, Mrs. Cora P. Wood, Mrs. Norma N. Wood, Miss Rosalind Wood. The associate members number nineteen : Miss Marguerite Range, Miss Myrtle Clark, Mrs. Alice K. Downing, Mrs. Catherine Dun, Mrs. Nella V. Houston, Miss Miriam Jackson, Mrs. Lizzie H. Jones, Miss Helen Mitchell, Miss Norma Pratt, Miss Ella Prim Emelyine Richmond, Miss Louise Richmond, Miss Jean Swartz, Mrs. Grace Thurness. Mrs. Mary Van Wagener, Miss Jeanette an Wagener, Miss Fannie Vent. 344 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. In March the election of officers for 1915-10 was held, with the following result: President, Mrs. Olga S. Spitler; first vice-president, Mrs. Mary Watson Williams; second vice-president, Mrs. Lizzie D. Mitchell recording secretary, Miss Gertrude Chance; corresponding secretary, Miss Sallie Dooris; treasurer, Mrs. Alice W. Chenowith; custodian, Mrs. May B. Morse; librarian, Miss Rosalind Wood. A few months later the president-elect, Mrs. Olga S. Spitler, passed away. In the fullness of ripe womanhood, with the promise of good days; she was looking forward to another year's progress and now she is not. For the beautiful life that ended a minor key has been touched, without which her earthly diapason is complete. In 1913, the three literary women's clubs of London, of which the Woman's Club is one,. united in the London Federation of Women's: Clubs,. their object being more especially for the good of the community. Through the munificent gift of seven thousand dollars from that great-hearted lover of humanity, the slate Miss Bertha, Coover, the federated clubs has acquired a handsome club house, occupying a commanding site in the center of the town which will be hereafter headquarters for all federated clubs in the pursuit of literary, social and civic improvement. The twenty-fourth year. of the. Woman's Club opens the first Monday, in November. The year's study is "Woman's Work: in the World." One quotation from it sounds the keynote of its import: "The woman of today has two big home duties: First, to see that her own home is civilized, that her own men and children are cared for expertly; and second, to ,see that the same .degree of civilization prevails in all the homes about her." DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. By Mrs. Victor W. (Julia Matthews) Reese. The London chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, owes its inception to the patriotism of Mrs. Forrest A. Bidwell, she having taken the preliminary steps necessary -to its organization. The first meeting for .this purpose was held in the parlors of Hotel London on Thursday, May 21, 1905. Mrs. Bidwell had been appointed regent of the London chapter by Mrs. Edward Orton, Jr., state regent for Ohio. Twelve representative women who were eligible to membership and interested in forming the. chapter were present- as the meeting. On motion of Mrs. Horace G. Jones it was voted to call the chapter the London Chapter. The other officers of .the chapter and the committee to draft suitable by-laws. viz.:. Mrs. Annette P. Lincoln, Mrs. Perry C. Rowland and Mrs. Victor W. Reese, were then appointed by the regent. The first regular meeting was held, in the assembly room of the court house on the 4th of June, 1908, when the national constitution and the by-laws of the chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution; as prepared by the committee, were read and adopted. The organization Was then effective. Another meeting vas held on the 18th of June, when the regent appointed her standing committees. Up to this time nineteen applications for membership had been approved by the national board. The secretary was instructed to apply for the charter, which was procured on January 18, 1909, and the names of these nineteen women were engrossed upon it' as the charter members of the chapter Mrs. William Morrow (Lucy E. Wilson) Beach, Miss Jennie Black, Mrs. Marion L. (Lizzie R. Cheney) Burnham, Mrs, Forrest A. (Mary Beach) Bidwell, Mrs. William (Harriett S. Thomas) Farrar, Mrs. Frank (Olive Black) Feather, Mrs. John (Blanche Morgridge) Florence,. Mrs: Elmer E. (Eau Coover) Harvey; Mrs. Glenn H. (Mary Martin). Johnson, Mrs. Horace G. (Lizzie Houston) Jones, Mrs. George (Theodora Annette .Phelps) Lincoln, Mrs: Victor W., (Julia Matthews) Reese, Mrs.. Perry C. (May Morgridge) Rowland, Miss Jean Rowland, Miss Florence Farrar MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 345 Thomas, Miss Mary Webster Thomas, Mrs. Walter (Cleo Emerson Thompson) Florence, Mrs. Homer E. Ida Farrar) White, Mrs. Pierrie (Helen Wilson) Voorhies. The objects of this .society are, to perpetuate the memory, of the spirit of the men and women, who achieved American Independence, by the acquisition and protection of historical spots, and the erection of monuments; by the encouragement of historical research in relation to the Revolution and the publication of its results; by the preservation of documents and relics, and of the records of the individual services of Revolutionary soldiers and patriots, and by the promotion of celebrations of all patriotic anniversaries. "To carry out the injunction of Washington in his farewell address to the American people, to promote, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge,' thus developing an, enlightened public opinion, and. affording to young and old such advantages as shall develop in them the capacity for performing the duties of American citizens. To cherish, maintain, and extend the institutions of American freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of country, and to aid in securing for mankind all. the blessings of liberty." The personnel of the first officers, ,appointive for one year, include the names of Mrs. Forrest A. Bidwell, regent ; George Lincoln, vice-regent ; .Mrs. Victor W. Reese, secretary ; Mrs. Elmer E. Harvey, treasurer; Mrs. Horace G. Jones, registrar ; Mrs. Frank Feather, historian ; Mrs. Perry. C. Rowland, chairman ways and means committee. In the following year, at the annual business meeting, on June 4, 1909, these same officers were unanimously re-elected for another term. From 1910 to 1915 successors to Mrs. Bidwell's regency are: Mrs. Horace G. Jones, Mrs.. Perry Rowland, Mrs. John Florence, Mrs. Homer E. White and Mrs. Lucy I. Beach. The regular meetings, are held on the first Wednesday of each month from October H May, inclusive, also two "gala days" are included in the calendar, "Flag .Day" and "Charter Day," both of which are always most charmingly celebrated. The work of our chapter is largely patriotic and educational and may be, summed up in the following list of standing committees: Memorial continental hall; patriotic education, to prevent desecration of the flag, "old trails," road conservation, welfare of women and children, .real daughters, George Washington memorial, American Monthly Magazine, and locating and marking Revolutionary soldiers, graves. International peace arbitration contributions are made annually to the cause of patriotic education, memorial continental hall the baby camp (Columbus) the Annette Phelps Lincoln memorial scholarship, and many other worthy objects. Four graves of Revolutionary soldiers have been located The most beautiful. gift the. Ohio Daughters of the American, Revolution have to bestow fell to the honor of London chapter when, at the continental congress Washington in April, 1911, Mrs, Annette Phelps Lincoln was elected state regent for Ohio, her appointment of Mrs. Victor W. Reese its state secretary and Mrs, Perry C. Rowland as member of state regents council gave us three representatives in state work. Mrs. Lincoln took up her new work with great vigor giving to the office all the knowledge and experience gained from a life ever interested in public affairs. But the work so splendidly begun was cut short by her untimely death, which will ever be haunting memory to us all.  "To live in hearts we leave .behind, is not to die ;" so recites the little sentiment on our "In Memoriam" page—the saddest in our. history. Inscribed upon this page we find the names of Mrs. George. (Theodora Annette Phelps) Lincoln, 1911 Mrs. William (Harriet S. Thomas) Farrar, 1911; Miss Mary Webster Thomas, 1912; Mrs. Elmer E. (Esta) Harvey, 1913; Miss Adah Bertha Coover, 1915, and Mrs, James (Adeline Chamberlin) Hamilton, 1915. These women were foremost in many lines of educational 346 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. and philanthropic work ; but a rich legacy in inspiration and steadfast devotion to high ideals has been bequeathed to the members of our chapter. "Enjoy what thou hast inherited from the sires, if thou wouldest really possess In the year-book for 1915-1916: the names of the present officers read as follow: Regent, Mrs. Victor, W. Reese ; vice-regent, . Mrs. Homes. E. White ; recording secretary, Mrs. J. R. Loofbourrow ; corresponding secretary. Miss. Florence Thomas; treasurer, Mrs. Horace G. Jones; registrar, Mrs. Charles E. Gain ; historian, .Miss Rosalind Wood. and custodian, Mrs. A. G. Kulp. Our present membership of sixty-seven includes these names : Mrs. .Edwin M. (Annette Emery) Baird, Miss Mary Caroline Baird, Mrs. Edward (Bessie Dungan) Bauer, Mrs. William Morrow (Lucy E. Wilson) Beach,. Mrs. Forrest. A. (Mary Beach) Bidwell, Miss Jennie Black, Miss Bonnie Ann Bonner, Mrs. Rollin. G. (Eleanor Wilson) Bradley, Mrs. Walter (Mattie Bryan) Bryan, Mrs.. Marion L. (Lizzie. R. Cheney) Burnham, Mrs. Jesse (Adah Beach) Chance,: Miss: Geneva Burnley, Chance, lVliss Gertrude Burnley Chance, Mrs. Rea (Louise Watson) Chenoweth, Miss Margaret .A. Converse, Mrs. Walter (Frances Emery) Converse, Miss Martha Crabbe, Mrs. Peyton (Anna Gould) Emery, Mrs. Colburn (Massey Harrison) Farrar, .Miss Zella Harrison Farrar, Mrs. John W. (Laura Wilson) Foster, Mrs. Frank ( Olive Black) Feather, Mrs. John (Blanche. Morgridge) Florence, Mrs. Walter .(Cleo Emerson Thompson) Florence, Mrs. Charles E. (Rose Susan Markley) Gain, Mrs. Arnold W. (Florence Irene .Lohr) Gardner, Mrs. Samuel (Amanda Sherman) Garrett, Miss. Grace N. Hamilton, Mrs. .John W. (Margaret Myers.) Ingram, Miss Clara Johnstin, Mrs. Albert (Flora Price) Jones, Mrs. Edward (Cora Thompson) Jones, Mrs. Horace G. (Lizzie Houston) Jones, Mrs. Omer K (Carrie Warrington) Jones, Mrs. William M. (Lucy A. Pancoast) Jones, Mrs William J. (Mary E. McKinley) Kinniard; Mrs. Albert G. (Carrie Thompson). Kulp, Mrs. Ross .K. (Jeanette Rowland) Loofbourrow, Mrs. Charles G. (Mary Sibley) Markley, Miss Irene H, Martin, Mrs. Harry S.. (Gertrude Smith) Mitchell, Miss Arabelle Morse, Miss Edna Morse, Mrs. Frank E. (Laura Smith) Noland, Mrs. Victor W. (Julia Mathews) Reese, Mrs. Pearl 0.. (Elizabeth Lane) Robinson, Mrs. Richard H. (Haysel Jones) Robison, Mrs. .Perry (May Morgridge) Rowland, Miss Jean Rowland, Mrs. Charles B. (Minnie Tyler) Shough, Miss Helen Louise Shough, Miss Hattie D. Smith, Miss Jeanette Smith, Mrs. Luke D. (Grace Mayne) Smith, Mrs. William ..(Bessie Neff) Speasmaker, Mrs. Cilton (Elizabeth Gregg) Stoll, Mrs. Ogan. K. (Lucile Jones) Stroupe, Mrs. John. R. (Alice Ingram) Tanner,. Mrs. Mark S. (Mary M. Florence) Taylor, Miss Florence Farrar. Thomas. Mrs. Charles .0. Grace Sifrit). Thompson,, Mrs. Pierre (Helen Wilson) Voorhies, Mrs. Lawrence Reed' (Jessie Farrar) Watts, Mrs. Homer E. (Ida Farrar) White, Mrs. Den W. (Martha Frances Glenn) Winchester, Mrs. Francis J. (Cora Parrett Wood, Miss Rosalind Wood. Our plans as outlined for the forthcoming year will consist mainly in fitting up the "relic room", set apart in the woman's club house and dedicated to our use through the generosity of our deceased member, Miss Bertha Coover. It has been voted to place the portrait of Miss. Coover in the, public school, building as a fitting memorial from the chapter for her splendid services rendered years ago as a member of the school board October 26, 27, 1915; London chapter was hostess to the seventeenth Ohio state conference of the. Daughters of the American Revolution. Greater significance attached to event since marked the twenty-fifth anniversary—or silver jubilee—of the founding of the national society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the largest body, of patriotic women in .the world. In the records of a society as in those of a person's life, there are always incidents, the outcome of which we would have different. There are things that might MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 347 have been done, difficulties that might. have been overcome, no doubt, but. as we look over the record of the London chapter for the last six years; we can only say that at all times we honestly .strove to do that which seemed best, Patriotic spirit is very active in the hearts and minds of us all, and anything which promotes the. interest of our society and the objects for which we are banded together is sure of this chapter's support. An honor recently was conferred upon this- chapter in the appointment of Miss Florence Thomas, chapter historian, as a member of the national committee on historical research. She promises to try and bring to light every item and fact of -the history of our own -ancestors that we may weave a chain from the days of 1776, which shall be of interest and instruction for those who will take our places in a few years in the largest society of patriotic women ever formed. The historian general says.: "The whole country of America is -now flung open for historians." More impressive .stillare her words: "I grow more amazed each day at the lamentable ignorance of American history." WOMAN'S ELECTIVE FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION. Contributed. Equal suffrage is merely a phase in the .evolution of the human race. Women have always, at one time or another, taken a prominent part in the world's work. But it remained for them to take up the line of thought and action declared by men in the Magna Charta, June 15, 1215, and later, in the Declaration of :Independence, July. 4, 1776, and call for the representation of their sex in the various departments of civilized life. The representation of the race by men alone had resulted in a variety of abuses and shortcomings to which even the men could not close their eyes, and many of them, of the most enlightened And judicial mind, united with the women in asking tor equal rights. From the time when women, were refused seats, as delegates in conventions, and forbidden to speak in public because of sex. were even denied any save the most rudimentary education, and when they came out in opposition to this treatment were hooted at on the street, assailed with rotten eggs, and otherwise persecuted, to the present day, when one-half the territory of the United States gives equal suffrage to its women, is an interesting story. Whatever progress has been made or advantage for women gained, it has always been accomplished by women who , were working in the equal suffrage. cause. Many injustices to women and children still remain to be remedied in, Ohio and the other states where women have not yet attained the ballot. Thirty years ago the present Ohio State Suffrage Association was organized. Through efforts. of this body, school .suffrage was granted the women of Ohio in 1894: This was reason enough for popular study of the subject, in the opinion of Katharine Dooris Sharp (Mrs. Sharp) of London. She inaugurated the work in Madison county by a series of articles, "Woman and the Elective Franchise" in the Dally Nickel-Plate, published by Albert Heintzelman, in London. A public meeting of the women was called and on November 19th. 'the Woman's Elective Franchise Association was organized. The charter, members are Mrs. Katharine Dooris Sharp, founder and first president; Airs: Lucy Beach, first vice-president; Mrs. Caroline Ross, second vice-president; Mrs. Georgia Gould, secretary ; Mrs. E. J. Dixon, Mrs. A. E. Chance, Mrs. :Virginia Clark, Mrs. J. A. Ewalt, Mrs. Howard Snyder, Mrs. Rosanna Kepler, Mrs. C. W. Pringle, Miss Nettie Snyder. On March 9, 1895, a convention of the women of. London was called by the Woman's Elective Franchise Association and two candidates were nominated to be voted on by the electors at the spring election. Miss Bertha Coover, who became a member of the 348 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. Woman's Elective. Franchise Association, before. her nomination, was,. elected,. to. the posi- tion .of member of the school board and held that position for one term, 1895-'98. Other women of the association. who have been .members of the school-board are Mrs. Minnie Willis Bonner, 1896-'99; Mrs. Esta Coover. Harvey, 1887 12. MEMBERSHIP AND OFFICIARY. A state life membership in the suffrage cause may be secured by the payment of twenty-five dollars State life members are Mrs. Lucy Beach, Miss Anna Ebner, Mrs. Sarah H. Farrar, Miss Mellie Mark, Mrs. Joanna Nedds, Mrs. Katharine. Dooris Sharp; .memorial state members : Mrs. Minerva Acton, Mrs, Esta Coover Harvey, Mrs. Georgia Gould, Mrs. Caroline Ross and Miss Bertha Coover.; list of ex-presidents; Mrs. Katharine Dooris Mrs. , Caroline Ross, Mrs. Georgia Gould, Miss Anna Ebner, Mrs. Lucy Beach, Mrs. Isabell Morgan, Mrs. Vinnie Phifer, Mrs. Esta Coover Harvey, Miss Bertha Coover, Mrs. Emelyn Richmond,. Miss Mary .Clark; state corresponding secretary, Miss Bertha Coover, 1903-12. This organization is governed by an adapted form of the constitution of the Ohio Woman Suffrage Association and "Roberts' Rules of Order" is accepted as parliamentary authority. Officers 1915-16 : Mrs. Katharine Dooris Sharp; president; Mrs. Lucy Beach, first vice-president ; Mrs. Josephine Locke, second vice-president ; Dr. Effie B. Koontz, third vice-president ; Mrs. Mary Shields, fourth vke-president ; Mrs Ina Tenney Foster, secretary and Mrs. Orpha Morris, treasurer.; assistant treasurers, Miss. Sallie Dooris, Miss Florence Ronemus; custodian, Mrs. Orpha Morris; assistant custodian, Mr. E. E. Harvey ; auditors, Mrs. Rills Hornbeck, Miss Margaret Dooris; committee on flowers, Mrs. Minerva. Caylor, Mrs. Hornbeck, Mrs. Joanna Nedds, Miss Anna Ebner; committee on literature. Mrs. Sharp, Mrs. Forest Bidwell, Miss Emma Richmond, Mrs. Kate F. Wilson; board of directors, Mrs. Josephine Locke, Mrs. Minerva Caylor, Mrs. Grace Warner, Mrs: Phoebe. Simpson, Mrs. Emelyn Richmond, Miss. Sallie Dooris. The officers and directors. constitute the executive committee. Regular meetings are held the first Friday of the month, beginning with October and ending with April, unless otherwise voted. During the current, year each member will contribute a free-will offering, to be not less than twenty-five cents, which is the sum payable to the state association,' and which may be any larger sum convenient to the donor. That which is given to a good cause is twice blessed; and look, whatsoever he [or she] doeth, shall prosper." One hundred and sixty names have been recorded on the register of this club since its organization. Some of these have passed on to their reward. Among these none have been more missed from the work than Mrs. Esta Coover Harvey, who died December 5, 1912: and her sister, Miss Bertha Coover, who died on February 5, 1915. Among other' bequests made by Miss Coover is the sum of one thousand dollars to the state suffrage work, and of one hundred dollars to the Woman's Elective Franchise Association. It is sometimes said by persons of no great depth of thought that only single women want the ballot, but the fact is, that wives and mothers are so faithful to their home duties that they delegate the work to those who have more freedom from those cares. Miss. Coover was well fitted for the role she undertook so cheerfully, and which became her life work: This club is honored in having been the means of bringing to fruition qualities of heart and mind which singled Miss Coover from the ordinary multitude. Such will be the effect Of increased political duty in the ranks Of womankind. The special qualities characteristic of the sex will enrich the 'world through future generations. To hinder the cause of suffrage—and therefore, justice—is thus to deprive the world of a wealth of gain: MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 349 REVIEW OF LOCAL CONDITIONS. This organization has been fortunate in the women. connected with it. As a rule they are good housekeepers; devoted mothers or daughters and fine business managers. They are not office-seekers, as some think an inseparable feature of equal suffrage fact, they are too little interested in holding office and it has always been difficult to find candidates for the school board. Mrs. Lucy Beach is one of the largest landowners and tax-payers in the county and also one of its most successful practical farmers. Too high praise cannot be given. to this lady for her 'generous benevolence to this and every other good cause. Her financial backing and cheerful encouragement have been material aids in the furtherance- of the suffrage work. Shortly after the organization of the Woman's Elective Franchise Association, Mrs. Sharp became a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and introduced the department of franchise into the county organization of that body at London, Mt. Sterling, Plain City and West Jefferson. This fine organization of women accepted the new branch of work gladly and have used it with success. It will be found, upon study of election returns, that all parts of Madison county are for suffrage except West Jefferson and London. While the best citizens of 'these localities are in favor of equal suffrage, there are elements of the .baser sort in favor of the liquor interest and enough others whose votes may be bought "to swing any election," to use the words of the political student. The method used in Adams county should be brought to bear upon this class of voters. It is the only one which will ever reach them. Against the manufacture and .sale of liquor the moral sense of the people —the voters—should prevent them from becoming the tools of the "interests" in the cities, where brewers use every scheme to influence the vote in the rural districts, not excepting .the church. During the twenty-one years existence of the Woman's Elective Franchise Association, a great growth of favorable sentiment has taken place in .Madison county as well as the world at large. It is rare to find one. entirely ignorant on the subject, and this club has endeavored to spread knowledge by distribution of literature and by bringing speakers, on the subject of woman's suffrage into the towns. "The History of Woman Suffrage," in, four large volumes, has been presented to the public library, also a framed portrait of Susan B. Anthony, one of the great leaders in the cause. A copy of "Everywoman," the state official publication, and of The Woman's Journal, Boston, the leading suffrage paper of the world; will be found at the library, presented by this club, as well as other literature. Where objection to women voting exists'it will be found owing to a lack of information on the subject of the great good accomplished by women in those states where they have the ballot. Of course-there is a small class who have given ground for the saying : "Convince a fool against his will and he'll be of the same opinion still." Owing to ill-health, Mrs. Sharp was compelled to give up membership in other clubs, but recognizing that women can accomplish little without the same tool used by men, the vote, she has devoted her chief interest to the acquisition of this benefit for her sex. Having a love of nature, she has spent a portion of her time in making a classified collection of the flora of the county, including the grasses, sedges, and certain of the fungi. Her latest book, "Summer in a Bog." relates .to her botanical work and is highly spoken of by the reviewers. Some of her other books are "Eleanor's Courtship and the Songs That Sang Themselves," "The South Ward," "The Doctor's Speaking-Tube" and "Sonnets for Women." She has written much anonymously and short articles on the suffrage question appear, frequently from her pen. A brochure, "Woman Suffrage and Anti-Suffrage." was circulated widely in 1912.