Nevada County CA Archives History - Books .....Civic And Religious Societies 1867
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Book Title: Bean’s History And Directory Of Nevada County, California

CIVIC AND RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

MASONIC.

  The first Masonic Lodge in Nevada county was instituted, in November, 1850, by
a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, Jeffrey F. Halsey, Master.
This Lodge continued in existence until its records and Lodge room were
destroyed by the fire of March, 1851. A new place of meeting was provided, and a
Grand Lodge having then been instituted in California, a charter was procured
from that body in May, 1851, for Nevada Lodge No. 13. On two subsequent
occasions, in July, 1856, and November, 1863, the records and other property of
the Lodge were destroyed by fire. After the last disaster, a joint stock company
was organized under the auspices of the Lodge for the erection, of a Masonic
Hall. The building was completed in 1864, at a cost of about 810,000, the
majority of the stock being owned by the Lodge and other Masonic bodies of
Nevada. As showing the great changes in our population, it may be remarked, that
of seventy-six members whose names appear on the roll in 1853, only five are on
the roll of 1867. The following gentlemen have served as Masters of the Lodge,
in the order named: J. R. Crandall, John R, McConnell, James Fitz James, Isaac
Williamson, William G. Alban, Thomas P. Hawley, Addison C. Niles, and William C.
Randolph. The last named is now serving his sixth term. The stated meetings are
held at Masonic Hall corner of Pine and Commercial streets, on the second
Wednesday evening of each month. The officers for 1867 are as follows:

WILLIAM C. RANDOLPH         Master,
EDWAED F. SPENCE            Senior Warden.
WILLIAM VAN ALSTINE         Junior Warden.
ADDISON C. NILES            Treasurer.
ALONZO D. TOWER             Secretary.
ISAAC WILLIAMSON            Marshal.


  E. K. KANE LODGE, No. 72,, was instituted under a dispensation from the Grand
Master, in January, 1855, and a charter procured from the Grand Lodge in the May
following. This Lodge continued in existence four years, the Masters being
Charles H. Seymour, Charles Marsh, Clement C. Green, and Tallman H. Rolfe. At
the close of the latter's term, the Lodge surrendered its charter, turning over
its funds and property to the Grand Lodge.


  NEVADA CHAPTER No. 6—ROYAL ARCH MASONS—was instituted in October, 1854.
Meetings every Monday evening, at Masonic Hall, corner of Pine and Commercial
streets. Officers for 1867:

THOMAS H. CASWELL           High Priest.
ADDISON C. NILES            King.
CICERO M. BATES             Scribe.
TALLMAN H. ROLFE            Captain of the Host
WILLIAM C. RANDOLPH         Principal Sojourner.
ALLEN CHAPMAN               Royal Arch Captain.
NATHANIEL H. STOWERS        Master of 3d Veil.
EDWARD DUNSCOMBE            Master of 2d Veil.
JAMES DAVIS                 Master of 1st Veil.
ABRAHAM GOLDSMITH           Treasurer.
JAMES H. HELM               Secretary.
JOSEPH B. GRAY              Guard.


  NEVADA COMMANDEKY No. 6—KNIGHTS TEMPLAR.—Instituted November, 1858. Meets at
Masonic Hall, corner of Pine and Commercial streets, on Friday evenings. The
officers for 1867 are

THOMAS H. CASWELL           Eminent Commander.
CICERO M. BATES             Generalissimo.
JAMES H. HELM               Captain General.
THOMAS P, HAWLET            Prelate.
WILLIAM C. RANDOLPH         Senior Warden.
ADDISON C. NILES            Junior Warden.
ISAAC WILLIAMSON            Treasurer.
AARON A. SARGENT            Recorder.
WILLIAM McCORMACK           Standard Bearer.
ALEXANDER B. BRADY          Sword Bearer.
ALLEN CHAPMAN               Warden.
NATHANIEL H. STOWERS        1st Guard.
MARTIN L. MARSH             2d Guard.
JOSEPH B. GRAY              Sentinel.


ODD FELLOWS.

  OUSTOMAH LODGE, No. 16.—When the tide of population poured from the East into
California, in 1849, by steamers and sailing vessels, and over the plains, the
adventurous gold-seekers soon found that the spot where Nevada now stands was
rich in gold. The famous Coyote lead was discovered, and the hills and ravines
around it yielded rich returns for the first crude essays at mining. A
population of thousands soon gathered here. In 1851, the first association of
Odd Fellows was formed, which met in a log cabin, and organized for mutual
relief and social intercourse. Most of the members of the association were
ancient Odd Fellows, whose feet could not pass the portal of any "well regulated
Lodge;" but they kept warm in their hearts a love for the Order, and years
after, when the great reform worked by the non-affiliated law went into
operation, they renewed their regular connection with the Order. This
association had many pleasant meetings, and finally led to the organization of a
regular Lodge.

  In November, 1853, Oustomah Lodge, No. 16, was instituted by that nohle
apostle of Odd Fellowship, S. H. Parker, with A. A. Sargent, J. B. Van Hagan, H.
D. King, L. B. Austin, and B. H. Ferrell, as charter members, and. the following
as its first officers: A. A. Sargent, N. G.; L. B. Austin, V. G.; H. D. King,
Treasurer, and J. B. Van Hagan, Secretary. The increase of membership was very
rapid, and the Lodge rapidly grew in strength and wealth.

  In 1856 a sweeping fire destroyed the entire city. In that fire, the Lodge
lost a handsomely furnished hall, all its regalia, records and furniture, but it
soon recovered from the disaster. Another sweeping fire occurred in 1863. In the
meantime, the Lodge had completed and occupied a fine hall, costing, with its
furniture and regalia, some $14,000. This was swept away by the fire, and
nothing was saved but the charter. The property was insured for $7,500. This was
a severe blow to the financial prosperity of the Lodge, but it did not totally
discourage the resolute men who composed it. A temporary hall was immediately
furnished, which was occupied until the Masonic fraternity erected a building
adapted to the wants of the two Orders, which is now occupied by both, and in
which Oustomah Lodge owns stock.

  The seal of Oustomah Lodge is a shield, on which is emblazoned the bow and
arrows surmounted by the three links; above the shield are crossed keys
surmounted by the eye enveloped in rays, while around are circumscribed the
words "Oustomah Lodge, No. 16,1. 0. 0. E., Nevada. Inst. Nov. 4, 1853."

  Oustomah Lodge, in spite of repeated calamities, is one of the most stable and
prosperous Lodges in the State. It is situated in the center of a thriving and
enterprising mining section, where perseverance is taught by success. In the
fourteenth year of its existence, it shows no signs of decay, but, like the town
in which it is situated, it has been tried, not destroyed, by fires, and the
drain of its numbers by mining excitements in other quarters. Its prosperity has
never been greater, its promise for the future never brighter.

  While this Lodge has always faithfully discharged its duty to the distressed
brother, whether traveling or resident, the call upon its charities has been
surprisingly small in proportion to its membership; which, is a tribute not only
to the salubrious climate in which it is located, but to the temperance and good
conduct of its members. During its whole history, but one expulsion for
misconduct has occurred, and no appeal from its decisions has ever been taken to
the Grand Lodge. Grand Masters, visiting it have repeatedly borne testimony of
the excellence of its work, and the intelligence of its officers. It is a good
illustration of the vigorous growth and characteristics which have distinguished
Odd Fellowship on this coast. Regular meetings on Tuesday evening of each week,
at Masonic Hall, corner of Pine and Commercial streets. The following are the
list of officers for the first term of 1867:

JOHN F. HOOK                 Noble Grand.
E. DWIGHT HERRICK            Vice Grand,
ANDREW H. PARKER             Recording Secretary.
EDWIN W. BIGELOW             Treasurer.
OLE C. TORSON                Warden.
GEORGE SHAW                  Conductor.
JONATHAN CLARK               R. S. to Noble Grand,
WILLIAM R. COE               L. S. to Noble Grand.
JOHN R. STONE                R. S. to Vice Grand,
EDWIN F. BEAN                L. S. to Vice Grand.
WILLIAM EDDY                 Inside Guard.
JOSEPH B. GRAY               Outside Guard.
AARON A. SARGENT             Sitting Past Grand.



GOOD TEMPLARS.

  NEVADA LODGE, No. 201, I/O. of G. T.— Organized January 16th, 1866, with
thirty-three charter members. Number of members at present writing, March, 1867,
about one hundred and twenty. Lodge meets every Friday evening, at Masonic Hall,
corner of Pine and Commercial streets. List of officers for the first quarter of
the year 1867:

WILLIAM COOMB                Worthy Chief Templar,
Miss SARAH PRATT             Worthy Right Hand Supporter.
Miss JOSEPHINE GREELEY       Worthy Left Hand Supporter.
Mrs. M. A. HILL.             Worthy Vice Templar.
ALEXANDER I. ZEKIND          Worthy Recording Secretary.
Mrs. R. K. PEIRCE            Worthy Assistant Secretary.
FRANK M CRAWFORD             Worthy Financial Secretary.
FRANKLIN BATES               Worthy Treasurer.
JAMES P. DAVENPORT           Worthy Marshal.
Miss ALICE MURCHIE           Worthy Ass't Marshal.
Miss HATTIE PEABODY          Worthy Inside Guard.
SAMUEL NOVITSKY              Worthy Outside Guard.
Rev. D. A. DRYDEN            Worthy Chaplain.

  NEVADA HEBREW BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.—Organized in November, 1863. Prompted by the
feelings of charity and benevolence, the Jewish citizens of Nevada City formed
the above named Society, for the purpose of assisting the sick and needy, and
the interment of the dead. Its officers are:

A. BARUH              President.
S. ROSENTHAL          Vice President.
A. BLUMENTHAL         Secretary.
L. PHILLIPS           Treasurer.
J. JACOBS.      )
J. ROSENTHAL,   )     Directors.
J. GREENWALD,   )


  NEVADA BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.—Organized January 22d, 1867, for the purpose of
aiding and relieving the sick and needy, and especially such as do not come
within the scope of public charities. Officers:
G. K. FARQUHAR             President.
E. F. SPENCE               Vice President.
E. F. BEAN                 Secretary.
E. G. WAITE                Treasurer.

G. K. FARQUHAR,      )
E. F. BEAN,          )
G. V. SCHMITTBURG,   )     Directors,
A. GOLDSMITH,        )
JONATHAN CLARK,      )
JAMES MONRO,         )


  The following is the Constitution and By-Laws of the Society:

CONSTITUTION.

  ARTICLE 1. This Society shall be known as the Nevada Benevolent Society.

  ART. 2. The sole object of this Society shall be charitable and beneficial, to
relieve the sick and destitute.

  AKT. 3. It shall consist of not less than twenty nor more than fifty active
members, residents of the City of Nevada, and an unlimited number of subscribing
members. Each active member shall be elected at a regular meeting of the
society, and shall pay an initiation fee of two dollars and fifty cents, and
monthly dues to the amount of fifty cents per month.

  ART. 4. The officers of this society shall be a, President, Vice President,
Secretary, Treasurer and four Directors, who shall be active members, and shall
be elected annually at a meeting held for that purpose on the third Monday of
January of each year, and continue in office until their successors are elected.
All vacancies shall be filled by a majority of the Directors.

  ART. 5. The President, Directors and Secretary shall constitute a Board of
Directors, who shall have charge, management and control of all the affairs and
property of this Society, and shall be empowered to appropriate its funds to the
charitable purposes thereof.

  ART. 6. Special meetings may be called at any time by the President and
Secretary, or any five members. At the annual meeting it shall be the duty of
the Board of Directors to make a full report of all the transactions of the
Society during the preceding year.

  ART. 7. This Constitution shall not be altered or amended, except by a
two-thirds vote of all the active members at a meeting called for the purpose,
after one written notice.

BY- LAWS.

  SECTION 1. It shall be the duty of the Directors to supervise all the affairs
of the Association, audit all accounts, and publish monthly a statement of the
receipts, disbursements, and balaces in the treasury ; also of the dispensations
and number of persons relieved. They may appoint soliciting and disbursing
committees to dispense the charity and examine into the necessities of applicants.

  SEC. 2. The President shall preside at the meetings of the Association and of
the Directors and see that all officers and members perform their duties
promptly. He shall indorse all orders upon the Treasurer, or in the event of the
absence of the President, or his inability to act, his duties shall be performed
by the Vice President.

  SEC. 3. The Secretary shall keep a record of the meetings of the Association
and of the Directors, and prepare a monthly statement as required by Section
1st. He shall draw all orders upon the Treasurer and perform such other duties
as may be required,

  SEC. 4. The Treasurer shall receive and keep the funds of the Association, and
pay out the same upon the order of the Secretary, indorsed by the President or
Vice President. He shall submit a report in -writing to the Directors of the
moneys received and disbursed, and perform such other duties as may be required.

  SEC. 5. Applicants for aid must state their necessities and the cause of their
distress, which, if not vouched for by responsible parties, shall be
investigated by the Directors or some one appointed by them, and such relief
afforded as their wants require and the stores of the Association will permit.
All cases of imposture shall be published. The Directors shall not delay
investigation of any case brought to their notice more than half an hour.

  SEC. 6. The Board Of Directors shall appoint a collector whose duty it shall
be to collect all the dues and pay the same to the Treasurer within one week
thereafter, taking his receipt therefor. He shall receive for his services such
compensation as the Board may direct, and shall be at any time subject to
removal by the Board of Directors.

  SEC. 7. No religious or political subject shall be introduced or discussed at
any of the meetings of the Association or Directors; and nothing shall debar the
sick and destitute from the charitable aid of the Society.

  SEC. 8. Any member, guilty of conduct unfitting him for membership, may be
expelled by a majority of all the members.

  SEC. 9. At all meetings of the Association one-third of the members shall
constitute a quorum, and at all meetings of the Directors three members shall
constitute a quorum.

  SEC. 10. A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by election, at
a special meeting called for that purpose.

  These by-laws may be altered or amended at any meeting of the Association by a
majority of the members.


  NEVADA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION—Organized January 1st, 1858. Now contains about two
thousand volumes. The officers are: Charles Marsh, President; I. J. Rolfe, M. L.
Marsh, R. H. Farquhar, Trustees; Geo. R. Crawford, Secretary, Treasurer and
Librarian. Rooms at Geo. R. Crawford's Book Store, corner of Broad and Pine
streets.


  NEVADA THEATER COMPANY.—Incorporated in 1864; building on Broad Street. Its
officers are, John Cashin, President; James Monro, Secretary and Treasurer; John
Casbin, James Monro, W. C. Stiles and John Blasauf, Trustees.


  NEVADA GERMAN GLEE CLUB. — Organized in May, 1866. G. Y. Schmittburg,
President; A. Goldsmith, Vice President; John H. Godje, Secretary; John P.
Bussenius, Director and Treasurer. Meets every Thursday evening, at Blasauf's
brewery, on Spring street.


NEVADA BRASS BAND, (colored,) Dennis Carter, Leader.


RELIGIOUS.

  CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.—This Church was organized September 28th; 1851, with
twenty-one members, all of whom were males, excepting Mrs. Emily A. Warren. Rev.
James H. Warren, as missionary under the American Home Missionary Society, had
labored in the field since the previous April. A small house, built of shakes,
on the lot where the present church stands, sufficed for the purpose of worship
through the summer and fall, and was replaced soon after the organization of the
Church and Society, with a plain frame structure. This building was thoroughly
renewed in the autumn of 1855, and quite neatly fitted up, but was burned down
in the general fire of July 19, 1856. At the same time, a sweet-toned bell was
destroyed, the only one the Church has ever possessed, and its loss is seriously
felt on every Sabbath.

  The Church being deprived of its Christian home by this calamity, services
were held in Temperance Hall until a brick house of worship was erected, the
corner-stone of which was laid July 4, 1857. It was opened for use the following
January. This substantial building escaped the fire of 1858, but fell a prey to
the flames in the conflagration of November, 1868. The alarm of fire in the city
was given just as the morning service was closing, and the minister called after
the hastily retreating congregation with the announcement that worship would be
held in the evening as usual, but in one hour from the time he spoke the church
was little more than a mass of rubbish. The walls, however, remained standing,
and have place in the present edifice. The ravages of the fire were repaired by
the summer of 1864, at a cost of $5,000, which amount was raised by the energy
of Rev. H. Cummings, mostly in Sacramento and San Francisco.

  From the earliest days, a Sunday School gave scope for a prominent and
interesting part of the Christian effort of this Church. In the fire of 1863 the
school suffered the loss of a valuable library of one thousand volumes. The
school at the present time numbers one hundred and seventy-five scholars,
sixteen teachers, six officers, and has connected with it a missionary and
temperance organization. The library numbers four hundred volumes, most of them
recently purchased. J. B. McChesney is the Superintendent.

  Since the organization of the Church there have been connected with it one
hundred and eighteen persons, some of whom have died, and some removed to other
places of residence. The present membership, February, 1867, is sixty-one. In
the sixteen years which have passed since the foundation of the Church, its
spiritual interests have been eared for by two Pastors and two Supplies: James
H. Warren, Pastor, April, 1851, to July, 1858; W. C. Bartlett, Supply, 1860,
four months; H. Cummings, Supply, March, 1862, to April, 1865; R. Bayard
Snowden, present Pastor, began June 17, 1865. The Church has three Deacons, E.
W. Barnum, Robert Stuart, A. Downie. The officers of the Society, constituting a
Board of Trustees, are James Monro, P. Sutton, George H. Farquhar, John H.
Chesnut and D. B. Frink.

  The service of song in Sabbath worship is aided by a. very good cabinet organ,
B. B. Herrick, organist. In June, 1865, the Church and Society first became
independent of the Home Missionary Society, and as a self-supporting Church in
the mining region of California enjoys a fair degree of prosperity.

  METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.—Corner of Broad and Mill streets. This Church has.
been twice destroyed by fire, first in July, 1856, and again in November, 1863,
and was re-built in 1864. Rev. D. A. Dryden, present Pastor. A. A. Sargent, E.
F. Spence, W. C. Stiles, John Bluett, John Pascoe, Trustees.

  The Sabbath School connected with this Church has twenty teachers, one hundred
and fifty scholars, 507 volumes in the library, and 117 copies of the Sunday
School Advocate taken. Rev. D. A. Dryden, Superintendent.

  RAPTIST CHURCH—Corner of Pine and Spring streets. Organized in September,
1854, by Rev. O. B. Stone. The first church built by this society was destroyed
by the fire of 1856, and was rebuilt, but not completed until 1861, when,
through the exertions of Rev. Benjamin Brierly, a neat edifice was finished and
dedicated on the 13th of January of that year. Rev. J. A. Wirth, present Pastor.
Joseph Richardson, Deacon; I. R. Rumery, Clerk; Joseph Richardson, I. E. Rumery,
Thomas Shnrtliff, Frederick Bean, D. F. Hartman, Trustees.

  Baptist Sunday School, Thomas Shurtliff, Superintendent; nine teachers,
seventy-five scholars, and 325 volumes in the library. Fifty Young Reapers taken.

    ST. CANICE CHURCH, (Catholic,) Corner of Coyote and Washington streets.
First dedicated in the summer of 1857; destroyed by fire November 8th, 1863;
rebuilt in 1884. Present Pastors, Rev. Fathers Balton and Griffin.

  The Sabbath School has thirteen teachers, ninety scholars and a library of 220
volumes. J. C. Robinson, Superintendent.

  AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH—On Pine street. Dedicated in 1864. Present
Pastor, Rev. Mr. Green.

  Sabbath School, Oscar D. Montelle, Superintendent; two teachers, twenty-five
scholars, and 180 volumes in the library.


SCHOOLS.

E. F. SPENCE.        )
A. B. GREGORY,       )      SCHOOL TRUSTEES.
E. G. WAITE,         )

  NEVADA HIGH SCHOOL.—The schoolhouse is pleasantly located on the corner of
Nevada and Water streets, and is shaded by fine locust trees. The building is
partly of brick and partly of wood, and the rooms are furnished with modern
school furniture, a geological cabinet and other improvements. This school was
instituted in 1862, and has been successfully conducted by J. B. McChesney. Miss
Sarah Pratt is assistant, appointed in 1866. The average attendance seventy.

  INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.—Located on the north side of Pine street. Schoolroom
furnished with modern improvements and apparatus. Number of scholars sixty;
average attendance fifty-five. Frank Power, teacher.

  PRIMARY SCHOOL, No. 1.—Organized in 1864. Located on south side of Pine
street. Miss S. N. Jewett, teacher. Number of scholars, eighty-three; average
attendance, sixty-eight. A model school under its present teacher.

  PRIMARY SCHOOL, No. 2.—In basement of the High School building, corner of
Nevada and Water streets. Miss McCormack, teacher. Whole number of scholars,
sixty; average attendance, fifty-four.

  PIETY HILL DISTRICT.—Located on Piety Hill. Miss Annie S. Irwin, teacher.
Whole number of scholars, 40; average attendance, 30.

  OAKLAND DISTRICT.—This is a new district, organized in 1866, and located at
Gold Flat. W. S. Frink, Daniel Holmes and John B. Byrne, trustees. Mr.
MeCauslin, teacher. Whole number of scholars, thirty-five; average attendance,
thirty.

  MRS. C. HIBBARD'S SCHOOL, (Private,) Located on the south side of Bowlder
street, and is successfully conducted by Mrs. Hibbard. In this school the
English branches, modern languages, and vocal and instrumental music are taught.
Number of names on roll, forty; average attendance, thirty-five.

  CATHOLIC SCHOOL—Attached to St. Canice Church—J. C. Robinson, Principal; Miss
Flora A. Cornell, Assistant. Number of scholars, sixty-five.

  Miss OLIVE LITCHEIELD'S SCHOOL, (Private,) Located at junction of East and
West Broad streets. Number of scholars, twenty-four.

  COLORED SCHOOL.—A building was purchased last fall, on Pine street, for a
colored school, and has been neatly fitted up for that purpose. The school was
commenced on the first of January, G. A. Cantine, teacher. Number of pupils, 18;
average attendance, 14.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

Bean’s History and Directory of Nevada County, California

CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE COUNTY, WITH
SKETCHES OF THE VARIOUS TOWNS AND MINING
CAMPS, THE NAMES AND OCCUPATION OF
RESIDENTS; ALSO, FULL STATISTICS
OF MINING AND ALL OTHER
INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES.

COMPILED BY EDWIN F. BEAN.

PRINTED AT THE DAILY GAZETTE BOOK AND JOB OFFICE,
1867.


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