CHAPTER XI.

G.A.R. - Seward Post No. 3 - Winslow Post No. 56 - Keenan Post No. 137 - Masonic - Oliver Lodge No. 38 - Utica Lodge No. 96 - I.O.O.F. - Utica Lodge No. 101 - Seward Lodge No. 26 - W.C.T.U. of Seward - Ancient Order United Workmen - Seward Lodge No. 16

SEWARD POST NO. 3, G.A.R.

Was organized Dec. 16, 1880, by Capt. John S. Wood, of Omaha, Assistant Adjutant General, Department of Nebraska. The following were chosen officers:
J. N. Edwards, Commander; Wm. Hays, Senior Vice Commander; S. D. Love, Junior Vice Commander; D. H. Figard, Q. M.; A. W. Hageman, Surgeon; Jeff Ogg, Adjutant; A. H. Edwards, Officer of the Day; J. D. Edwards, Sergeant Major; H. Vanderhoof, O. G.

The charter members were: H. M. Hinsdale, Jefferson Ogg, Thomas Corr, A. W. Hageman, Henry Vanderhoof, S. D. Love, Abraham Wallick, C. C. Jobes, J. C. Ford, C. K. Humhpreys, G. W. Hoover, J. M. Fletcher, Wm. Hays, J. D. Messinger, J. N. Edwards, Wm. Clemons, A. H. Edwards, D. H. Figard, J. D. Edwards, Geo. W. Fuller, Geo. W. Whiting, Geo. H. Sidle, A. J. Williams, Thos. B. Siddons, Chas. Lyon, and Cyrus Fetterman.

The post started out with the above-named veterans, with the full hope of bringing in all the boys who wore the blue and that lived in reach of the post. The boys had camp-fire meetings, sung songs of the long ago, and mustered during the year 1881 the following members: Daniel W. Crouse, S. H. Marshall, Wm. Leese, H. M. Brooks, John H. Morris, S. N. Welsh, Benj. W. Walker, Henry Morris, L. G. Johns, E. H. Horn, Alfred Stephens, Jacob Andrews, John Larson. R. T. Cooper, Robt. W. Pound, J. L. S. Jackson, E. C. Archer, Ed. Cooper, J. C. Lockhart, Wm. Redford, L. G. Castle, M. Richtmeyer, J. H. Anderson, C. C. Ternicliff, Jas. W. Woods, A. M. Simpson, P. H. Steele, Henry Jett, John Ohlwiler, W. H. R. Phillips, John M. Thurman, Henry Creighton, Jas. Wright.

January 1, 1882, the following having been elected to fill the various offices of the post, were duly installed:
J. N. Edwards, Commander; Cyrus Fetterman, Senior Vice; Wm. Woods, Junior Vice; S. D. Love, Q. M.; A. W. Hageman, Surgeon; J. M. Fletcher, Chaplain; H. Vanderhoof, O. D.; C. K. Humphreys, O. G.; Wm. Clemons, Adjt.; D. W. Crouse, Q. M. S.; C. W, Lyon, Sergeant Maj.

The post continued to hold meetings during 1882, with some draw backs, which were happily adjusted during the year by the men getting into a hail by themselves, and began to gather an outfit peculiarly needed in a post room.

The following were mustered during 1882: Daniel Brady, John Hanley, Jacob Cox.

In December, 1882, the post elected the following officers to serve for the ensuing year of 1888: S. D. Love, Commander; M. Thurman, Senior Vice; Wm. Woods, Junior Vice; C. K. Humphrey, Q. M.; A. W. Hageman, Surgeon; Daniel Brady, Chaplain; E. H. Horn, O. D.; H. M. Brooks, O. G; H. Vanderhoof Adjt.

During this year the post mustered a number of new members, and many good social gatherings were had, long to be remembered by the boys. The following were mustered in: Jas. Moorhead, John Westerhoof, S. J. Ashton, C. Chapin, S. R. Philips, Chas. Emerson, W. T. Olmstead, W. S. Saunders, Wm. Silence, John Welsh, D. C. McKillip, Henry Sanders, E. C. Parkinson (by transfer), M. Pilgrim, John Knobbs, Wm. Morgan.

December 1, 1883, the following were elected officers for the year 1884: E. C. Parkinson, Commander; C. C. Jobes, Senior Vice; A.

W. Hageman, Junior Vice; H. Sanders, Chaplain; J. H. Welsh, Surgeon; C. K. Humphrey, Q. M.; A. H. Edwards, O. D.; M. Pilgrim, O. G.; H. Vanderhoof, Adjt.

The post started out for the year in good trim, and had many good camp-fires, tending to revive the veterans up and bring in some old comrades from the outside. During the year the following were brought in by muster, etc.: E. A. Hitchcock, John Rhoades, B Chattuck, J. M. Strayer, Leander Callaghan, S. C. Stanwood, S. H. Carter, J. A. Mick (by transfer), Chas. P. Stephenson (by transfer), S. G. Jones, Wm. Wait, S. D. Dutton, G. W. Boyes, J. J. Redding, R. R. Schick, J. H. Walker, L. A. Welden, A. Crawford, C. Turner, W. H. Walker, Geo. W. Lowly, P. Cameron, W. B. Barrett, Gen. Jas. M. True, J. P. Losee, J. C. Thomas, J. B. Ireland, C. E. Vanpelt, S. C. Burlingim, J. T. Dunrig, M. Millspaugh, C. C. Davis.

September 6, 1884, E. C. Parkinson resigned the office of Commander, and C. C. Jobes, who was then Sen. Vice, was elected to fill the vacancy until the next annual election, which occurred December 6, 1884, by the election of A. H. Edwards as Commander; A. W. Hageman, Sen. Vice; A. Crawford, Jun. Vice; C. Turner, Surgeon; J. M. Fletcher, Chap.; E. C. Parkinson, Q. M.; Lee Welden, O. D.; T. B. Siddons, O. G.; W. H. Walker, Adjt. This year was a pleasant one with the veterans. They added many needed improvements to the post room, gathered in members, and got the post on a firm foundation.

The following were mustered in during the year:
John N. Halliday, John W. Gladwish, S. M. Caldwell, B Smith, Rev. T. L. Sexton, C. Dunn, C. H. Goldsmith, W. P. Christian, M. D. Monley, Alf. Wilcox, Chas. Scribner, H. G. Hosford, W. R. Davis, E. Faust, W. J. Eatinger, Geo. W. Anderson, Jededia Austin, Joseph Miller (by transfer).

Dec. 5, 1885, election of officers resulted as follows: A. H. Edwards, commander; S. R. Phillips, Sen. Vice; Wm. Redford, Jun. Vice; Wm. Wood, Surgeon; H. Saunders, Chap.; E. C. Parkinson, Q. M.; L. A. Weldon, O. D.; M. D. Monley, O. G.; W. T. Olmstead, Adjt. The year of 1886 was an auspicious one for the post. Many valuable improvements were made and many good old camp-fires were had. There were mustered during the year as follows: B. Lindsey, D. C. Conley, Orrin Squires, C. M. Clark, Rev. John Lohr, Alex. Davis, Rev. J. H. Presson, D. C. Work, Jacob Lawsha.

Dec. 4, 1886, the election resulted as follows: A. W. Hageman, Commander; Wm. Redford, Sen. Vice; T. B. Siddons, Jun. Vice; J. M. Strayer, Q. M.; Wm. Woods, Surgeon; J. H. Presson, Chap.; E. C. Parkinson, O. D.; B. Lindsey, O. G.; D. C. Work, Adjt. During this year many were brought in who had long been on the outside and found that they needed a home among the "boys." The following were mustered: Jesse Knight, Amos Collman, J. W. Wharton, Nelson Taylor, Robert O’Dell, John Woods, A. A. Palmer, R. H. Woodward, L. J. Grunt, C. F. Dawley, I. D. Neihardt (by transfer), John R. Wenciker, A. L. Goss, J. G. Baylis, B. Fuller, F. Morton, A. G. Compton (by transfer), L. V. Bolon (by transfer), Jas. Devine.

Dec. 3d, 1887, the following were elected for the ensuing year:
Henry Morris, Commander; Wm.. Redford, Sen. Vice; D. H. Figard, Jun. Vice; J. H. Presson, Chap.; S. N. Welsh, Surg.; J. M. Strayer, Q. M.; A. H. Edwards, O. D.; M. Millspaugh, O. G.

The post has exerted a great influence for good during its existence, and has always demonstrated the principles of the organization, to-wit, fraternity, charity, and loyalty; and in extending the helping hand to those of its membership, or the old veterans outside, has done so in such a manner as to exemplify the adage, "that it is more blessed to give than receive," and that it was a privilege to aid the needy comrades or their families. Several hundred dollars have been expended by the post in -helping the old veterans and the widows and orphans living in the vicinity. The post has a burial plat in the Seward cemetery in which to lay the remains of those comrades that were without means to provide the same.

In the department encampment the post has been conspicuous for its ability and influence. During the year 1882, the state re-union came very near being held at Seward through the efforts of its representatives and the citizens of Seward.

The post has been honored by the selection of J. N. Edwards and E. C. Parkinson as members of the department council of administration, and J. H. Presson as Chaplain of the department; also having elected J. N. Edwards several times a delegate to the national encampment.

The membership in good standing, as shown by the quarterly report dated September 30, 1887, was one hundred and three (103) and the desire to join the G. A. R. seems to increase on the part of many old veterans that have heretofore hesitated to connect themselves with any soldier organization.

Since the post has been established there have been mustered out by death only two of its members—Daniel Brady and John F. Haney.

The prospects of the post for the future seem bright, and it hopes to gather in all the old veterans in its vicinity, realizing the fact that the material from which recruiting can be made is fast passing away, and it is desirable that all the old veterans should stand elbow to elbow. As age demonstrates that many years have passed since their interests began, and as there is strength in united action, it is greatly to their mutual good that they should combine themselves together to exemplify loyalty to country and to each other. Approved by Post, Dec. 14, 1887.

D. C. WORK,
Adjutant.

Was instituted Sept. 1, 1880—the first post of the G. A. R. organized in the county—and was composed of the following veterans as charter members: J. H. Culver, Co. K, 1st Wis. Inft; J. S. Dillenbeck, Co. L, 20th N. Y. Cav.; G. W. Lazenby, Co. L, 7th Iowa Inft.; J. C. Hogoboom, Co. A, 95th Ills. Inft.; A. F. Duryea, Co. A, 5th N. Y. Inft.; J. B. Mitchell, Co. C, 112th Ills. Inft.; S. D. Eastman, Co. C, 23d Wis. Inft.; John T. Wilson, Co. G., 21st Mich. Inft.; Charles Phoenice, Co. F, 57th Penn. Inft., Sam’l Stadler, Co. C, 25th Mich. Inft.; J. G. Howard, Co. K, 5th Mich. Cay.; E. R. Brown, Co. K, 16th Wis. Inft.; J. A. Miller, Co. F, 211th Penn. Inft.; G. V. Hageman, Co. D, 108d Ills. Inft.; H. C. Atwood, Co. B, 45th Iowa Inft.; E. Swank, Co. E, 133d Penn. Inft.; John Harmon, Co. C, 78th Ills. Inft.; Joe. Swearingen, Co. H, 140th Penn. Inft.

The post is named in honor of Capt. Winslow, commander of the U. S. ship Kearsage, that captured and sunk the famous rebel cruiser, Alabama. At the time of her capture the Alabama had taken refuge in the port of Cherbourg, France, and was ordered to leave by the French government. As soon as she reached the high seas, Capt. Winslow pursued her, and an engagement took place which resulted in her capture and destruction.

As Milford is the acknowledged watering place, it was thought appropriate to give the post the name of some hero of the navy.

The following commanders have presided over its deliberations:
J. H. Culver, two terms; G. M. Conifer, one term; J. H. Davidson, one term; D. C. Work, one term; J. A. Miller, one term; A. Hiller one term; Dr. A. K. Seip, now in command. The post is in a flourishing condition.

MAJ. KEENAN POST NO. 187, G. A. R.,

Department of Nebraska, was instituted at Beaver Crossing, April 5, 1883, by Commander D. C. Work, Deputy, the following old soldiers and comrades having petitioned the Department Commander for a charter, which had been duly granted: P. H. Steele, J. L. S. Jackson, C. H. Reed, W. P. Ostrander, T. J. McQuillan, J. C. Boicourt, Alonzo Coon, J. W. Draper, Thos. Tydyman, Jas. Irrom, Daniel Nelson, T. J. Foster, W. H. Mygatt, O. Culver, E. Atwater, J. M. Hunter, Wm. Collier, J. F. Sloan, J. T. Pinkerton, J. G. Burkett, E. D. Blanchard, J. T. Gibbs, J. H. Waterman, and F. Tremper.

The following comrades were elected and installed as officers of the post at the next regular meeting, held on April 10, 1883, by mustering officer J. H. Culver: Commander, P. H. Steele; Sen. Vice Commander, E. Atwater; Jun. Vice Commander, J. L. S. Jackson; Adjutant, C. F. Reed; Quartermaster, T. J. Foster; Surgeon, D. Nelson; Chaplain, J. T. Pinkerton; Officer of the Day, J. C. Boicourt; Officer of the Guard, Wm. Collier; Sergeant Major, T. J. McQuillan; Quartermaster’s Sergeant, W. P. Ostrander.

The name Keenan was adopted in honor of the brave major who gave his life for his country.

The post continued to prosper and soon numbered thirty-four members, and afterwards increased to thirty-eight. Many of the charter members have removed to other localities, so that now but twenty members are upon the rolls. Various causes have helped to reduce the membership. The present condition of the post is flourishing, and it expects to continue the organization until the last comrade has responded to the last roll call, and that grim mustering out officer, death, has made his last demand upon our number.

The present officers are as follows: Commander, E. Atwater; Sen. Vice Commander, R. Jones; Jun. Vice Commander, M. Gibbs; Quartermaster, J. T. Gibbs; Adjutant, F. Tremper; Surgeon, Wm. Rumsey; Chaplain, George Foster; Officer of the Day, W. P. Ostrander; Officer of the Guard, O. Culver; Sergeant Major, G. W. Winand.

MASONIC FRATERNITY.

Oliver Lodge No. 38, A. F. and A. M., was organized under dispensation July 29, 1871, by the following members, to-wit: C. J. Richmond, W. H. Tuttle, J. W. Dupin, Samuel Manley, A. W. Sperry, L. W. Manning, Thos. Corr, H. S. Faucett.

In September, 1872, it seems there was a new dispensation or a renewal of the first granted to the following members: Thos. Corr, William Hayes, H. C. Page, T. L. Norval, L. G. Johns, S. D. Paddock, Samuel Manley, Wm. Leese, John Helms, James Hackney, J. W. Dupin, and W. H. Tuttle.

June 18, 1878, a charter was granted, which bears the following

names of members and officers: William Leese, W. M.; T. L. Norval, S. W.; Aurelius Roberts, J. W.; J. W. Shields, Treasurer; J. W. Dupin, Secretary; Thomas Corr, Nathan Clough, O. P. Cope, M. Dunigan, James Hackney, Wm. Hayes, L. G. Johns, J. C. Langton, Horace Lester, Samuel Manley, L. W. Manning, Geo. Miller, S. D. Paddock, H. C. Page, C. J. Richmond, Madison Rogers, Robert Rowbottom, W. T. Shields, I. B. Sorter, Sam. Stevenson, J. C. Sullivan, Joel Tishue, A. B. Sutton, Joseph Whitson, and O. T. B. Williams. The first Worshipful Master was G. J. Richmond; first Sen. Warden, W. H. Tuttle; first Jun. Warden, Sam. Manley.

The lodge at this writing has 90 members, and is in good financial condition. The present officers are: Wm. M. Rosborough, W. M.; F. G. Simmons, S. W.; A. J. Williams, J. W.; S D. Atkins, S. D.; A. D. Hicks, J. D.; W. B. Barrett, Tress.; W. H. Walker, Sec’y; L. A. Weidon, Tyler. The order has decided to build a fine hall this year, and has chosen the lots just north of the Windsor house, on the corner of Main and Sixth streets.

UTICA LODGE NO. 95, A. F. AND A. M.

On the 14th day of July, 1882, a dispensation was granted by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska to Joseph Jones, E. J. Porter, Thomas E. Standard, Stephen H. Hobbie, Lyman Calder, Robert Marler, Samuel H. Beaver, James E. Hibbard, Joseph J. Pounder, David M. Roland, George A. Verbach, and Edmund L. Blanchard, all Free and Accepted Masons, to assemble as a lodge of Free Masons at Utica, Neb. Having passed the proper term of probation, a charter was granted on the 19th day of June, 1883, to the above-mentioned petitioners, together with the following members: Thomas C. Allen, Andrew Austine, John C. Bicourt, Cyrus Black, Thomas Black, Thomas J. Brant, William Dingman, Ira Lapham, James E. Murphy, Calvin E. Phinney, Presley Pindell, and Harvey Robinson. They were organized as a regular and constitutional lodge of Master Masons by time name of Utica Lodge No. 96, with the following officers: Joseph Jones, W. M.; E. J. Porter, S. W.; Lyman Calder, J. W.; Samuel H. Beaver, Sec.; Robt. Marler, Treas.; Stephen H. Hobble, S. D.; James E. Hibbard, J. D.; Thomas E. Standard, Tyler; Joseph J. Pounder and Edmund L. Blanchard, Stewards.

The lodge thus organized steadily progressed under a fair state of prosperity until the year 1888. The lodge lost one—John Davies— by death April, 1887, and some have been demitted and moved to other parts of the country, leaving a present membership numbering forty-six (46) January, 1888. The present office bearers are as follows; Joseph Jones, Master; Charles H. Wray, S. W.; Daniel J. Hartrum, J. W.; James E. Hibbard, Treasurer; Thomas J. Brant, Secretary; John W. Runyan, S. D.; Frank M. Cougill, J. D.; Darius D. Potter, S. S.; James E. Murphy, J. S.; Daniel P. Sherwood, Tyler.

UTICA LODGE NO. 101, I. O. O. F.

Instituted July 10, 1882, at Utica, Neb., by J. T. Hedrick, G. M. of G. L. of the state of Nebraska, assisted by T. C. Evans, D. G. M., A. T. Rice, V. G. M., J. J. Brown, R. S., C. J. Elkart, G. G. and J. C. McCord, G. C.

The charter members were: G. A. Derby, Joseph Kimmell, E. L. Blanchard, David Doan, E. C. Whitnab, John G. Allison, John A. Boon, C. C. Berrard, Wm. J. Derimer, and Geo. Goodbrod.

After the organization the lodge received the petition of J. R. Toman and Julian E. Phinney, who were initiated as members and received all the degrees and became full members, constituting a lodge of twelve (12) members to start with.

The next business was the election of officers, and resulted as follows: J. A. Boon, N. G., G. A. Derby, V. G. J. R. Toman, Sec.; Gee. Goodbrod, Treas., who were duly installed into their several offices by Grand Master J. T. Hedrick.

When the lodge was organized they, together with the Masonic lodge, had built a hail 24x48 ft., but they were in debt for the larger portion of it. Since their organization they have taken in some twenty new members and had withdrawn by card some ten members, leaving present membership twenty-two. They have paid for the bail and are clear of debt, and now have $233 in the treasury.

The present officers of the lodge are: R. S. Nier, N. G.; Geo. Goodbrod, V. G.; W. H. DeBolt, Sec.; and G. A. Derby, Treas. Officers elected for the ensuing year: J. A. Boon, N.. G.; Chas. H. Beaver, Sec.; Robt. Marler, Treas.; Stephen H. Hobble, S. D.; James E. Hibbard, J. D.; Thomas E. Standard, Tyler; Joseph J. Pounder and Edmund L. Blanchard, Stewards.

The lodge thus organized steadily progressed under a fair state of prosperity until the year 1888. The lodge lost one—John Davies— by death April, 1887, and some have been demitted and moved to other parts of the country, leaving a present membership numbering forty-six (46) January, 1888. The present office bearers are as follows; Joseph Jones, Master; Charles H. Wray, S. W.; Daniel J. Hartrum, J. W.; James E. Hibbard, Treasurer; Thomas J. Brant, Secretary; John W. Runyan, S. D.; Frank M. Cougill, J. D.; Darius D. Potter, S. S.; James E. Murphy, J. S.; Daniel P. Sherwood, Tyler.

SEWARD LODGE NO. 26, I. O. O. F.

The Odd Fellows of Seward became an organized body May 80, 1871, having L. G. Johns, W. R. Davis, T. D. Green, J. H. Anderson, D. H. Figard, Lewis Anderson, J. W. Shields, and J. K. McGavren as charter members, and L. G. Johns, N. G., D. H. Figard, V. G., J. H. Anderson, Secretary, and T. D. Green, Treasurer, as its first officers; Samuel Pence was the first initiated candidate. The lodge is now progressing rapidly, and holds a membership of 60; a tine hail was built by this order in 1886, which is used by nearly all the other secret societies for their meetings. The order is in a good condition, and has a degree staff which vastly improves the rendition of its work. The present officers are: Noble Grand, J. S. Kittle; Vice G., E. P. Smith; Secretary, Walter A. Leese; Treasurer Samuel Pence.

Milford Lodge No. 18, I. O. O. F., was the first organized body in Seward county.

WOMAN’S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.

In April, 1884, an auxiliary branch of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was organized in Seward, with thirteen members.

President, Mrs. C. M. Woodward; Vice Pres., Mrs. T. L. Sexton; Rec. Sec., Mrs. E. B. Ireland; Cor. Sec., Mrs. Ada Van Pelt.

Through the efforts of this society, in 1886 a Y. W. C. T. U. was organized, a Band of Hope, and also a Reform Club. Present membership, 25. The society has done much good work in the temperance field and in charitable works.

ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN.

Seward Lodge No. 16, A. O. U. W., was instituted on September 27, 1888, by T. A. Forman, Deputy Grand Master Workman. The organization started with twenty-five charter members, as follows:

J. S. Leonhardt, L. M. Smith, R. S. Norval, C. N. Emilton, W. A. Scheil, E. A. Polley, C. M. Hovey, W. N. Walker, Louis Stahl, W. J. Taylor, J. R. Erfort, Louis Leibrock, Henry Petri, Bernhardt Kohn, V. Miner, S. D. Atkins, A. J. Senter, F. G. Simmons, Wm. Clemmons,E. H. Fletcher,Wm. Schultz, C.Grabenstein, H. Hartwick, H. M. Waring, and W. O. Whitcomb. Henry Hartwick was the first Master Workman, and Smith D. Atkins was the first Recorder. The Master Workmen since that time have been E. A. Polley, C. N. Emilton, F. G. Simmons, and J. F. Stevens.

The Ancient Order of United Workmen is a fraternal organization, and combines with the usual features of such organizations a system of protection for the families of its members, which has made it very popular. The order was instituted about seventeen years ago, in Pennsylvania, John J. Upchurch being the man who conceived the idea and put it into operation. The order rapidly spread, and its founder lived to see it carried into every part of the United States, as well as into Canada.

At the time Seward Lodge was instituted, the state of Nebraska was under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. In 1886 Nebraska organized a Grand Lodge of her own, and since that time has had a separate jurisdiction. The order in Nebraska has grown more rapidly since then than ever before, and the Lodge of this city has kept pace with the general growth in the state. It has now over eighty members in good standing, and is in a very prosperous and healthy condition. It has lost no members by death since its organization, having been particularly fortunate in this respect. Among its members are many of the best business men of the city. It may certainly be considered an element of good in the community, and something of which time city of Seward may be proud.