International Order of Odd Fellows This history appears in Chapter XC of "History of South Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. I (1904), pages 516-525 and was scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net. This file may be freely copied by individuals and non-profit organizations for their private use. Any other use, including publication, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission by electronic, mechanical, or other means requires the written approval of the file's author. This file is part of the SDGENWEB Archives. If you arrived here inside a frame or from a link from somewhere else, our front door is at http://www.usgwarchives.net/sd/sdfiles.htm CHAPTER XC ODD FELLOWSHIP BY- HARVEY J. RICE, GRAND SECRETARY The first organization of Odd Fellows in the territory of Dakota was at Yankton, May 25, 1870, when Dakota Lodge No. 1, was instituted with five charter members, N. J. Cattell, H. A. James, E. A. Norton, Alex Linn and A. Bruce. At this meeting three new members were initiated and two admitted by card. The following were initiated in this lodge and ever since have been identified with the progress of the order in the territory and state: Fred Schnauber, initiated December 16, 1870; Warren Osborn, October 25, 1871; E. T. White, December 14, 1871; Zina Richey, February 1, 1872; James Kingsbury, February 29, 1873. Echo Lodge No. 2, was instituted at Ft. Randall February 7, 1872, with twenty-five members. Vermilion Lodge No. 3, was instituted at Vermilion August 21, 1872, with fourteen members. Among this number was Andrew E. Lee, since governor of South Dakota. Elk Point Lodge No. 4, was instituted at Elk Point January 21, 1873, with eleven members, among whom was the Hon. Ezra W. Miller, who has since attained quite a prominence in state affairs. Humbolt Lodge No. 5, was instituted at Yankton May 11, 1874, with eleven members. This was a German lodge. Among its charter members were William Blatt and Herman Ellerman, prominently known throughout the state. Northern Light Lodge No. 6, was instituted at Fargo in 1874. All of the foregoing lodges received their charters from the sovereign grand lodge, then known as the right worshipful grand lodge of the United states.. During the month of May, 1875, the propriety of the organization of a grand lodge in Dakota of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was discussed by the members of Vermilion Lodge No. 3, and it was then agreed to submit the matter to the six subordinate lodges then in existence, viz: Dakota Lodge No. 1, located at Yankton; Echo Lodge No. 2, at Ft. Randall; Vermilion Lodge No. 3, at Vermilion; Elk Point Lodge No. 4, at Elk Point; Humbolt Lodge No. 5, at Yankton, and Northern Light Lodge No. 6, at Fargo. The constitution of the grand lodge of the United States required that there be ten subordinate lodges in a state or territory in order to organize a grand lodge, but it was believed that this obstacle could be overcome by special legislation, provided a proper presentation of facts were duly submitted to the sovereign body. Brother Ralph R. Briggs, past grand, was deputed to visit the other points and consult with the prominent members of the order and make such arrangements as seemed most expedient. Among those who became at once enthusiastic and zealous workers in the cause were William Blatt, Charles Eiseman, M; P. Ohlman, past grand of No. 5, and Norman Learned, past grand of No. I, and it was decided to correspond with the grand sire and grand secretary, Brother James L. Ridgley and other leading representatives in the sovereign grand lodge, from whom was reported very encouraging replies. At a regular meeting held on the 25th day of June, 1875, the following resolutions were adopted: "Resolved, That we, the officers and members, are unanimously in favor of organizing a grand lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Dakota," which resolution was duly certified to the other five lodges in the territory, requesting similar action and corporation. All of them promptly responded and a call was issued for a convention to be held at Yankton, August 18, 1875. Pursuant to this call, a large number of past grands assembled in the Odd Fellows' hall at Yankton August 18, 1875, and were called to order at nine o'clock A. M. by Brother Fred Schnauber, past grand, who stated the object of the convention, and Brother A. Siebrecht, of Ft. Randall, was elected temporary chairman and Brother J. A. Wallace, of Elk Point, temporary secretary. The following representatives were found to be present, with certificates of election as such from their respective lodges: James H. Magoffin, from Dakota Lodge, No. 1; August Siebrecht, from Echo Lodge, No. 2; R. R. Briggs, from Vermilion Lodge, No. 3; J. A. Wallace, from Elk Point Lodge, No. 4; M. P. Ohlman, from Humbolt Lodge, No. 5; J. P. Knight, from Northern Light Lodge, No. 6. On motion, James H. Magoffin was elected chairman and R. R. Briggs, secretary of the convention. Representative Wallace offered the following, which was adopted: Whereas, upon full and mature consideration of the subject, and in view of the feet that there are at this time thirty-nine past grands in good standing belonging to subordinate lodges in Dakota, therefore be it Resolved, That we, as representatives of said lodges, are heartily and unanimously in favor of organizing a grand lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in Dakota. A petition was duly signed by all present to the grand lodge of the United States, praying for a grand charter and the appointment of Brother William Blatt as special deputy to institute the grand lodge of Dakota, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and install its officers. The following were nominated for the grand officers of tile new grand lodge when organized: Grand master, Brother Ezra W. Miller; deputy grand master, Brother Norman Learned; grand warden, Brother Aug Siebrecht; grand secretary, Brother Ralph R. Briggs; grand treasurer, Brother Fred Schnauber. It was decided to request each subordinate lodge to send three past grands as representative, to a meeting to be held in Yankton on the 13th day of October, 1875, at 9 o'clock A. m., at which time it was expected that the grand lodge of Dakota would be organized. ORGANIZATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF DAKOTA. Pursuant to the call issued by the convention of August 18, 1875, a large number of past grands from the different subordinate lodges convened in Odd Fellows Hall in the city of Yankton at nine o'clock A. M., October 13, 1875, and were called to order by Brother William Blatt, who had been appointed special deputy grand sire by the grand sire of the grand lodge of the United States, Independent Order of Odd Fellows (now the sovereign grand lodge). Prayer was offered by Brother James H. Magoffin, of Yankton. On the report of the credential committee, the following past grands were found to be present as representatives and entitled to seats as such: From Dakota, No. 1, Yankton, Fred Schnauber, Zina Richey and Norman Learned; from Echo, No. 2, Fort Randall, F. St. Clair, A. Siebrecht, H. A. James and L. D. F. Poorer from Vermilion, No. 3, Vermilion, J. F. Curtis, J. P. Kidder and R. R. Briggs; from Elk Point, No. 4, Elk Point, J. S. Hughes, William Conley and E. W. Miller; from Humbolt, No. 5, Yankton, H. Pfotenhauer, M. P. Ohlman and William Blatt; from Northern Light, No. 5, Fargo, J. P. Knight, J. H. Magoffin and Charles Eiseman. The special deputy, Brother William Blatt, produced and read the charter of the grand lodge of Dakota, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and after due form proclaimed the said grand lodge duly instituted by the authority of the grand lodge of the United States. The following grand officers were then elected, appointed and duly installed: Grand master, E. W. Miller; deputy grand master, Norman Learned; grand warden, J. P. Knight; grand secretary, R. R. Briggs; grand treasurer, A. Siebrecht; grand representative to the grand lodge of the United States, William Blatt; grand chaplain, James H. Magoffin; grand marshal, James F. Curtis; grand conductor, Fred Schnauber; grand guardian, M. P. Ohlman; grand herald, Frank St. Clair. A constitution and a set of by-laws were then adopted for the grand lodge, which provided for the annual sessions. A constitution was also adopted for the government of subordinate lodges. It was decided to hold the next session at Fort Randall in October, 1876. The session lasted two days and was a very harmonious one. The total membership at this time in Dakota was two hundred and twenty seven. 1876. The second annual session was held at Fort Randall October 11, 1876, and was called to order by E. W. Miller, grand master, six lodges being represented. During the year the following lodges had been organized: Springfield, No. 7, at Springfield; Dell Rapids, No. 8, at Dell Rapids; Sioux Falls, No. 9, at Sioux Falls; Centennial, No. 10, at Canton; Re-Echo, No.11 at Fort Sully. Total number initiated during the year, 79. Total paid for relief, $277.12. Total receipts of lodges, $3,845.88. At this session the grand lodge was incorporated under the laws of the territory of Dakota. Brother Norman Learned, of Yankton, was elected grand master, Brother R. R. Briggs was reelected grand secretary and Brother Fred Schnauber, grand treasurer. 1877. The third annual session was held at Elk Point October IO, 1877, and was called to order by the grand master, Brother Norman Learned. Brother William Blatt, of Yankton, was elected grand master, Brother R. R. Briggs, grand secretary, and Brother Zina Richey, grand treasurer. 1878. The fourth annual session was held at Yankton October 9, 1878, Grand Master William Blatt presiding. Two new lodges had been added during the year, viz: Sioux Lodge, No. 14, at Standing Rock, and Flandreau Lodge, No. 15, at Flandreau. The grand secretary's report for the year showed 174 initiations. Total relief paid, $1,772. L. D. F. Poore was elected grand master. 1879 The fifth annual session convened at Yankton October 8, 1879, Grand Master L. D. F. Poore in the chair. Three new lodges were reported, viz: Croftin, No. 16, at Fort Tolton; Lead City, No. 17, at Lead, and Unity, No. 18, at Gary. Brother Zina Richey was elected grand master and Brother George W. Snow was appointed grand chaplain. 1880. The sixth annual session was held at Sioux Falls October 8, 1880, and was presided over by Brother Zina Richey, grand master, sixteen lodges being represented. Eight new lodges were instituted, viz: Grand Forks, No. 19, at Grand Forks; Madison, No. 20, at Madison; Chanka, No. 21, at Mitchell; Anniversary, No. 22, at Marion; Mandan, No. 23, at Mandan; Watertown, No. 24, at Watertown; Spearfish No. 25, at Spearfish; Golden Center, No. 26, at Central City. Amount paid for relief during the year, $1,168.39. Brother J. A. Wallace was elected grand master. 1881. The seventh annual session was held at Yankton October 12, 1881, Grand Master T. A. Wallace presiding, twenty-nine lodges being represented. Five new lodges were organized, viz: No. 27, at Goodwin; No. 28, at Valley City; No. 29, at Casselton; No. 30, at Fargo; No. 31, at Jamestown. Total membership, 1,050. Amount of relief paid, $I,066. The date of holding the annual session was changed from October to May and the next session fixed for the 8th of May, 1883. Brother W. A. Bentley of Bismarck, was elected grand master. 1883. The eighth annual session was called to order at Fargo by William A. Bentley, grand master, with twenty-four lodges represented. Nineteen new lodges had been instituted during the year, viz: No. 32, at Huron; No. 33, at Hillsboro; No. 34, at Big Stone; No. 35, at Forestburg; No. 36, at Alexandria; No. 37, at Pierre; No. 38, at Wahpeton; No. 39, at Rapid City; No. 40, at Brookings; No. 41 at Pembina; No. 42, at Portland; No. 43, at Mayville; No. 44, at Plankinton; No. 45, at Ashton; No. 46, at Sturgis; No. 47, at Chamberlain; No. 48, at Howard; No. 49, at Aberdeen; Rebekah Lodge, No. 1, at Lead City. Number initiated during the year, 622. Amount paid for relief, $3,325.53. At this session Brother Ralph R. Briggs, who had served as grand secretary continuously from the organization of the grand lodge, was unanimously elected grand master and Brother F. S. Emerson was elected grand secretary. 1884 The ninth annual session was held at Mitchell and was presided over by Brother R. R. Briggs, grand master. Forty-eight lodges were represented. Eighteen new lodges were organized during the year, viz No. 50, at Redfield; No. 51, at Frederick: No. 52, at Lisbon; No. 53, at Groton; No. 54, at Milbank; No. 55, at Caledonia ; No. 56, at Sioux Falls (German); No. 57, at Scotland; No. 58, at DeSmet; No. 59, at Buxton; No. 60, at Clark; No. 6, at St. Lawrence; No. 62, at Miller; Hope Rebekah Lodge, No. 2, at Madison; Naomi Rebekah Lodge, No. 3, at Alexandria (since defunct). Amount paid for relief, $3,233.80. Total membership, 2,122. A constitution for Rebekah lodges was adopted. Brother A. E. Clough, of Madison, was elected grand master and Brother E. M. Fuller, of Bismarck, grand secretary. The time for the annual session was permanently fixed on the third Tuesday of May of each year. 1885. The tenth annual session was held at Aberdeen May 20, 1885, A. E. Clough, of Madison, as grand master. Fifty-two subordinate lodges were represented.' During the year seven lodges were instituted, viz: No. 66, at Lake Preston: No. 67, at Woonsocket; No. 68, at Ellendale; No. 69, at Columbia; No. 70, at Fort Buford; No. 71, at Eagan; No. 72, at Ree Heights. There were paid during the year $3,580.28 and there was a gain in membership of 364. H. J. Rowe, of Casselton, was elected grand master and R. R. Briggs, grand secretary. 1886. The eleventh annual session was held at Watertown May 18, 1886, H. J. Rowe, grand master, presiding, forty-nine lodges being represented. Seventeen new lodges were organized during the year, viz: No. 73, at Altoona (now Hitchcock); No. 74, at Hope; No. 75, at Hurley; No. 76, at LaMoure; No. 77, at Alpena; No. 78. at Wittenberg; No. 79, at Carthage; No. 80, at Artesian; No. 81, at Wessington Springs; No. 82, at Milnor; No. 83, at Frankfort; No. 84, at White Lake; No. 85, at Mellette; No. 86, at Park River; No. 87, at Larimore; No. 88, at Parker; No. 89, at Highmore. Total membership January 1, 1877, 2,955. Total paid for relief, $4,674.73. Harvey J. Rice was elected grand master and R. R. Briggs was reelected grand secretary. 1887. The twelfth annual session met in the city of Grand Forks May 17, 1887, Harvey J. Rice, grand master, presiding, and fifty-eight lodges being represented. During the year ten lodges were instituted, viz: No. 90, at St. Thomas; No. 91, at Hunter; No. 92, at Arlington; No. 93, at Ludden; No. 94, at Kimball; No. 95, at Tyndall; No. 96, at Vilas; No. 97, at Centerville; No. 98, at Volga; No. 99, at Parkston. 667 new members were initiated during the year. Total relief paid by lodges, $4,867.71. Abbott H. Smith, of Deadwood, was elected grand master and R. R. Briggs, grand secretary. 1888. The thirteenth annual session was held at Huron May 15, 1888, Abbott G. Smith, grand master, presiding, and sixty-two lodges being represented. Four subordinate lodges and one Rebekah lodge were instituted during the year, viz: No. 100, at Dickinson; No. 101, at Toronto; No. 102, at Drayton; No. 103, at Milton;' No. 4, Rebekah Lodge, at Spearfish. 616 new members were initiated during the year, and the several lodges paid for relief, $4,g58.o5. Frank S. Emerson, of Sioux Falls, was elected grand master and R. R. Briggs, grand secretary. 1889. The fourteenth annual session was held at Jamestown and was called to order by Frank S. Emerson, grand master, all other grand officers being present and eighty-six subordinate lodges being represented. Four subordinate lodges and two Rebekah lodges were organized during the year, viz: No. 104, at Armour; No. 105, at Bryant; No. 106, at Salem; No. 107, at Northwood; No. 5, Rebekah Lodge, at Watertown; No. 6, Rebekah Lodge, at Ashton. Total initiations during the year, 619. Total relief paid by lodges, $5,552.11. At this session the representatives at the sovereign grand lodge, who were Abbott G. Smith and Harvey J. Rice, were instructed to take the necessary steps in the sovereign grand lodge to divide the jurisdiction, as the territory of Dakota had been divided by congress and North and South Dakota admitted into the Union as two- states, said division of the grand lodge of Dakota to take place at the annual session in May, 1890. A. E. Nugent, of Fargo, was elected grand master and R. R. Briggs as grand secretary. 1890. The fifteenth annual session convened at Deadwood May 20, 1890, A. R. Nugent presiding. Nine past grand masters were present and representatives from ninety-six lodges. During the year six subordinate lodges and four Rebekah lodges were instituted, viz: No. 108, at Wheatland, North Dakota; No. 109, at Oelrichs, South Dakota; No. 110, at Warner, South Dakota; No. 111, at Hamilton, North Dakota; No. 112, at Hot Springs, South Dakota; No. 113, at Britton, South Dakota; No. 7, Rebekah Lodge, at Sioux Falls, South Dakota; No. 8, Rebekah Lodge, at Deadwood, South Dakota; No. 9, Rebekah Lodge, at Fargo, North Dakota; No. 10, Rebekah Lodge, at Dickinson, North Dakota. Total relief paid by lodges during the year, $7,731. At this time the total membership was 4,330. The total amount of invested funds of lodges, $90,133.74 This was the most notable session ever held by the grand lodge of Dakota, or perhaps that will ever be held by the two grand lodges growing out of it. Space will not permit going into the details of this eventful meeting. During the fifteen years of existence the official roster of the grand lodge remained unbroken. Now those who had during that time labored together for the upbuilding of this institution were to separate, some never to meet again. The sovereign grand lodge had decided that the grand lodge of South Dakota should be the legal successor of the grand lodge of Dakota and should retain its present charter, and instructed its grand secretary to endorse thereon, "The Grand Lodge of South Dakota." The division occurred on the afternoon of the third day's session, May 22, 1890, which will never be forgotten by those present. The following brothers participated in the exercises: A. E. Nugent, retiring grand master; H. J. Rowe, past grand master; W. A. Bentley, past grand master; C). S. Basford, grand master-elect;` E. W. Miller, the first grand master; A. E. Clough, past grand master; A. G. Smith, past grand master; Zina Richey, past grand master; H. J. Rice, past grand master; R. R. Briggs, past grand master; F. S. Emerson, past grand master, and George W. Freeman, grand chaplain. After the exercises the representatives from North Dakota withdrew to another hall, where the grand lodge of North Dakota was duly organized by Harvey J. Rice, special deputy grand sire. Brother O. S. Basford, of Redfield, was elected grand master of the grand lodge and Ivan W. Goodner was elected grand secretary. Brother R. R. Briggs having declined a reelection. 1891. The sixteenth annual session was held at Yankton May 19, 1891, and was called to order by Grand Master O. S. Basford, sixty-two lodges being represented and seven past grand masters present. Four Rebekah lodges had been instituted during the year, viz: Colfax Rebekah Lodge, No. 9, at Huron; Evangeline Rebekah Lodge, No. 10, at DeSmet; Esther Rebekah Lodge, No. 11, at Woonsocket; Fountain Rebekah Lodge, No. 12, at Yankton. The grand secretary's report showed 3,122 active members and $7,083.49 paid for relief. In addition to this amount, $8,241.98 was paid out as special relief for seed grain to members in drought districts, making a total of $15,325.47. H. A. Piper, of Hill City, was elected grand master and Ivan W. Goodner, grand secretary. 1892. The seventeenth annual session was held at Madison and was presided over by H. A. Piper, grand master. Sixty-four lodges were represented and seven past grand masters were in attendance. Five lodges were instituted during the year: No. 114, at Revillo; No. 115, at Webster; No. 116, at Letcher; Rebekah Lodge, No. 13, at Iroquois; Rebekah Lodge, No. 14, at Hot Springs. The amount paid for relief during the year was $7,451.30. The first death among the past grand masters occurred March 17, 1892, it being that of Justus A. Wallace, at his home in Elk Point. Brother Wallace was an earnest Odd Fellow in its truest and fullest sense and was greatly missed. George W. Snow was elected grand master and Ivan W. Goodner retained as grand secretary. 1893. The eighteenth annual session was held at Sioux Falls May 16, 1893, and was presided over by George W. Snow, grand master. Seventy five lodges were represented. During the year eight new subordinate lodges and seven Rebekah lodges were instituted, viz: No. 177, at Doland; No. 118, at Hill City; No. 119, at Belle Fourche; No. 120, at Bristol ; No. 121, at Custer ; No. 122, at Worthing; No. 123, at Fulton; No. 124, at Elkton; Rebekah Lodge, No. 15, at Bristol; Rebekah Lodge, No. 16, at Milbank; Rebekah Lodge, No. 17, at Canton; Rebekah Lodge, No. 18, at Miller; Rebekah Lodge, No. 19, at Carthage; Rebekah Lodge, No. 20, at Hitchcock; Rebekah Lodge, No. 21, at Dell Rapids. $6,894.07 had been paid for relief by the lodges during the year. C. J. Bach was elected grand master and Ivan W. Goodner, grand secretary. 1894. The nineteenth annual session was held in Sioux Falls May 15, 1894, and continued the usual three days, C. J. Bach, grand master, presiding. Seventy- eight lodges were represented. During the year one new subordinate lodge and three new Rebekah lodges were instituted, viz: No. 125, at Hartford; Rebekah Lodge, No. 22, at Revillo; Rebekah Lodge, No. 23, at Mitchell; Rebekah Lodge, No. 24, at Pierre. $7,245.85 had been paid for relief. Brother N. C. Nash, of Canton, was elected grand master. Brother Ivan W. Goodner, who had served four years as grand secretary, declined a reelection on account of other duties, and Harvey J. Rice, past grand master, of Huron, was unanimously elected grand secretary. 1895. The twentieth annual session met at Yankton May 21, 1895, and was called to order by N. C. Nash, grand master, eighty-five lodges being represented. Seven subordinate lodges and eight Rebekah lodges had been instituted during the year, viz: No. 126, at Chamberlain; No. 127, at Waubay; No. 128, at Alcester; No. 129, at Westport; No. 130, at Beresford; No. 131, at Edgemont; No. 132, at LaDelle; Rebekah Lodge, No. 25, at Elkton; Rebekah Lodge, No. 26, at Brookings; Rebekah Lodge, No. 27, at Gettysburg; Rebekah Lodge, No. 28, at Vermilion; Rebekah Lodge, No. 29, at Plankinton; Rebekah Lodge, No. 30, at Oelrichs; Rebekah Lodge, No. 31, at Worthing; Rebekah Lodge, No. 32, at Frederick. $5,912.67 had been paid for relief. 455 new members had been admitted. Brother George W. Freeman, who for twelve years had been grand chaplain of the grand lodge, died at his home in Elk Point March 13, 1895. Willis E. Benedict was elected grand master and Harvey T. Rice. grand secretary. 1896. The twenty-first annual session met at Hot Springs May 19, 1896, and was called to order by the grand master, Willis E. Benedict. Eight past grand masters were present and representatives from eighty-four subordinate lodges. During the year three subordinate lodges and seventeen Rebekah lodges were organized, viz: No. 133, at Hermosa; No. 134, at Wilmot; No. 135, at White; Rebekah No. 33, at Parker; Rebekah No. 34, at Edgemont; Rebekah No. 35, at Hartford; Rebekah No. 36, at Sturgis; Rebekah No. 37, at Groton; Rebekah No. 38, at Waubay; Rebekah No. 39, at Alcester; Rebekah No. 40, at Beresford; Rebekah No. 41, at Hurley; Rebekah No. 42, at Custer; Rebekah No. 43, at Webster; Rebekah No. 44, at Central City; Rebekah No. 45, at Gary; Rebekah No. 46, at Big Stone City; Rebekah No. 47, at Rapid City; Rebekah No. 48, at Bristol; Rebekah No. 49, at Hill City. The total relief paid by lodges during the year was $5,57I.74. Ivan W. Goodner, of Pierre, was elected grand master by the unanimous vote of the grand lodge and Harvey J. Rice was reelected grand secretary by acclamation. It was decided to establish an Odd Fellows Home, for which nine trustees were elected, viz: For three years, A. E. Clough, P. G. M., H. A. Piper, P. G. M., and I. W. Goodner, P. G. M.; for two years, S. E. Wilson, of No. 112, J. W. Abbott, of No. 115, and N. C. Nash, P. G. M.; for one year, George W. Snow, P. G. M., C. J. Each. P. G. M., and M. A. Heath, of No. 53. 1897. The twenty-second annual session was held at Aberdeen May 18, 1897. Present, Ivan W. Goodner, grand master, and all of the grand officers, ten past grand masters and representatives from eighty lodges. Two Rebekah lodges were instituted during the year, viz: Rebekah No. 50, at Warner, and Rebekah No. 51, at Aberdeen. Voluntary contributions for the Home fund were received amounting to $645.54. $7,759.84 was paid by lodges for relief. Peter Marquart, of Madison, was chosen for grand master and Harvey J. Rice, grand secretary. L. D. F. Poore, past grand master, died May 25, 1897. 1898. The twenty-third annual session was held at Sioux Falls May 17, 1898, and was called to order by Peter Marquart, grand master, all grand officers being present, and seventy-nine lodges being represented. The following new lodges were chartered: No. 136, at Erwin; Rebekah No. 52, at Springfield; Rebekah No. 53 (German), at Sioux Falls; Rebekah No. 54, at Volga; Rebekah No. 55, at Wilmot; Rebekah No. 56, at Columbia; Rebekah No. 57, at Hermosa; Rebekah No. 58, at White; Rebekah No. 59, at Howard; Rebekah No. 60, at Westport; Rebekah No. 61, at Bryant; Rebekah No. 62, at Lennox; Rebekah No. 63, at Mellette; Rebekah No. 64, at Tyndall. Total relief paid by lodges, $6,372.24. L. L. Lostutter, of Iroquois, was elected grand master and Harvey J. Rice, grand secretary. 1899. The twenty-fourth annual session was held at Huron May 16, 1899, Brother L. L. Lostutter, grand master, with ten past grand masters and eighty-four representatives present. Two subordinate and four Rebekah lodges were instituted during the year, viz: No. 137, at Terry; No. 138, at Keystone; Rebekah No. 65, at Kimball; Rebekah No. 66, at Flandreau; Rebekah No. 67, at Salem; Rebekah No. 68, at White Lake. There had been paid for relief by-lodges, $7,318.72. The Home fund on May 1, 1899, amounted to $1,961.09. Benjamin F. Teall, of Belle Fourche, was elected grand master and Harvey J. Rice, grand secretary, both by a unanimous vote. 1900. The twenty-fifth annual session was held at Mitchell May 15, 1900, and was presided over by Grand Master B. F. Teall. Eleven past grand masters were present and representatives from ninety lodges. Seven subordinate and twelve Rebekah lodges were chartered during the year, viz: No. 139, at Fairfax; No. 140, at Whitewood; No. 141, at Conde; No. 142 at Ethan; No. 143, at Valley Springs; No. 144, at Clear Lake; No. 145, at Castlewood; Rebekah No. 69, at Terry; Rebekah No. 70, at Erwin; Rebekah No. 71, at Lake Preston; Rebekah No. 72, at Fulton; Rebekah No. 73, at Conde; Rebekah No. 74, at Marion; Rebekah No. 75, at Redfield; Rebekah No. 76, at LaDelle; Rebekah No. 77, at Parkston; Rebekah No. 78, at Chamberlain; Rebekah No. 79, at Key Stone; Rebekah No. 3, at Alexandria. This last Rebekah lodge was instituted in place of the old lodge at Alexandria of the same number, which became defunct in 1888. During the year $648.93 was added to the Home fund. $7,032.63 was paid for relief. The grand lodge paid the dues of all the members who had enlisted in the volunteer service of the United States for the Spanish war. Theron G. Brown, of DeSmet, was elected grand master anti Harvey J. Rice, grand secretary, the latter by acclamation. 1901. The twenty-sixth annual session was held at Canton May 21, 1901, Theron G. Brown, grand master, presiding. Ten past grand masters present and eighty-nine representatives. One subordinate and three Rebekah lodges had been instituted during the year, viz: No. 146, at Canistota; Rebekah Lodge No. 80, at Centerville; Rebekah Lodge No. 81, at Clear Lake; Rebekah Lodge No. 82, at Highmore. The Home fund had increased $770.63, making a total on hand May 1, 1901, of $3,380.65. Lodges had paid for relief the sum of $9,126.13, $351.00 having been sent to the Galveston sufferers. James R. Sharp, of Rapid City, was elected grand master and Harvey T. Rice, grand secretary. 1902. The twenty-seventh annual session was held at Lead City May 20, 1902, James R. Sharp, grand master, presiding, twelve past grand masters being present and ninety-three lodges represented. Two new subordinate lodges were instituted during the year, viz: No. 147, at Langford, and No. 148, at Winfred. A Rebekah lodge was instituted at Pierre, taking the same number of a prior one at this place, which had become defunct. Total relief paid by lodges was $8,622.63. Received for the Home fund $1,584.45, making a total on hand May 1, 1902, of $4,965.10. James C. Calder, of Plankinton, was unanimously elected grand master and Harvey J. Rice, grand secretary, by acclamation. 1903. The twenty-eighth annual session was held at Watertown May 19, 1903, James C. Calder, grand master, presiding, thirteen past grand masters being present and ninety-six. representatives from lodges. Four subordinate lodges were instituted during the year, viz: No. 149, at Platte; No. 150, at Broadland; No. 151, at Virgil; No. 152, at Ramona. Two deaths occurred during the year in the official roster of the grand lodge, viz: Brother B. F. Teall, past grand master and grand representative to the sovereign grand lodge, who died at his home in Belle Fourche November 5, 1892, and Brother J. J. McIntire, grand chaplain, who died at East Sioux Falls December 20, 1902. $8,484.33 had been paid for relief by lodges. $1,525.31 had been added to the Home fund, making a total May 1, 1903, of $6,400.41. Dyer H. Campbell was unanimously elected grand master and Harvey J. Rice, grand secretary. The twenty-ninth annual session will be held at Yankton May 17-18-19, 1904. During the twenty-eight years of existence of the grand lodge, the grand master-elect has called the session to order. Three past grand masters have died; three have become members of North Dakota by division; three have permanently left the jurisdiction, while the other eighteen are still active members. Brother Zina Richey, past grand master, one of the most earnest and respected members, has attended every session from the beginning and holds the honor of being the only one who has answered every roll call since 1875. The following shows the attendance of the past grand masters in their order, who still hold membership in South Dakota: Ezra W. Miller, eighteen sessions; Norman Learned, six sessions; Zina Richey, consecutively, twenty-nine sessions; A. E. Clough, sixteen sessions; Harvey J. Rice, consecutively, twenty sessions; A. G. Smith, thirteen sessions; F. S. Emerson, consecutively, twenty sessions; O. S. Basford, eight sessions; H. A. Piper, eight sessions; George W. Snow, twenty three sessions; C. J. Bach, seventeen sessions; N. C. Nash, sixteen sessions; W. E. Benedict, consecutively, twelve sessions; I. W. Goodner, eight sessions; Peter Marquart, ten sessions; L. L. Lostutter, fourteen sessions; Theron G. Brown, eleven sessions; James R. Sharp, consecutively, seven sessions; James C. Calder, twelve sessions. There have been five grand secretaries, viz: Ralph R. Briggs, who served from 1875 to 1883, when he served one year as grand master, and was reelected grand secretary in 1885 and served until 1890, when he declined further election, having served in that capacity thirteen years. Frank S. Emerson was elected in 1883 and served one year. E. M. Fuller was elected in 1884 and served one year. Ivan W. Goodner was elected in 1890 and held the office until 1894, when he declined a reelection, having served four years. Harvey J. Rice was elected in 1894 and has served nine years and is the present incumbent, having been elected by acclamation every year except one. In the rank and file there are many zealous and faithful workers who deserve credit and mention, but space will not permit. Leaving the grand lodge, we will briefly take up the other branches. THE REBEKAH BRANCH. The first state convention of the Rebekah branch of the order in South Dakota was held at Deadwood May 20, 1890, pursuant to a call of the grand master, A. E. Nugent. Sister Nannie E. Smith, of Lead City, was elected temporary president; thirteen representatives were present from the several lodges. The total membership of this branch at this time was one hundred and sixty-one; number of lodges, six. A constitution was adopted. Nannie E. Smith was elected president and Emma L. Court, secretary. In 1895 the name was changed from Rebekah Convention to Rebekah Assembly of South Dakota, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a charter was issued by the grand lodge as such. The following are the presidents in the order named: Mrs. Nannie E. Smith, Deadwood, 1890-1; Mrs. May D. McDonald, Sioux Falls, 1891-2; Mrs. P. E. W. Walton, Huron, 1892-3; Mrs. Sarah Fuller, Lead, 1893-4; Mrs. Ernie E. Richey, Yankton, 1894-5; Mrs. Hattie B. Borland, Madison, 1895-6; Mrs. Grace Sutphen, Huron, 1896-7; Mrs. Florence M. Jones, Britton, 1897-8; Miss Helen Baker, Deadwood, 1898-9; Mrs. Hanna C. Cripps, Iroquois, 1899-1900; Mrs. Hattie L. Bradley, DeSmet, 1900-1; Mrs. Maude I. Benedict, Custer, 1901-2; Mrs. Ella Kingery, Parker, 1902-3; Mrs. Sallie M. Patton, Sioux Falls, 1903-4. The secretaries have been as follows: Mrs. Emma L. Court, Spearfish, 1890-1-2; Mrs. Jennie B. Cunningham, Sioux Falls, 1892-3; Mrs. Ernie E. Richey, Yankton, 1893-4; Mrs. Florence M. Jones, Britton, 1894-5-6; Miss Helen Baker Deadwood, 1896-7; Mrs. Adeline Alexander, Elkton, 1897-8; Mrs. Ella Abbott, Waubay, 1898-9-1900-1-2; Mrs. Maude L. Patterson, Gettysburg, 1902-3; Miss Rose Blanche Spaulding, Huron, 1903-4. In 1903 there were seventy-nine Rebekah lodges, with a membership of 3,484, comprised of 2,166 sisters and 1,318 brothers. The Rebekah degree was started as a mere side degree, but has become one of the most important factors. in the work of Odd fellowship. THE ENCAMPMENT BRANCH. The grand encampment of South Dakota, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized at Yankton, August 10, 1881, the following encampments being represented: Royal Purple, No. 1, of Sioux Falls; Yankton, No. 2, of Yankton; Hesperian, No. 3, of Elk Point; Golden Rule, No. 4, of Bismarck; Black Hills, No. 5, of Deadwood, Sinai, No. 6, of Fargo. F. S. Emerson, of Sioux Falls, was elected grand patriarch and AL. E. Ronne, grand scribe. This session then adjourned to meet at same place October 12th at which session a constitution and set of by-laws was adopted. D. S. Dodds was elected grand patriarch and R. R. Briggs, grand scribe. The following brothers have held the office of grand patriarch for the years designated: F. S. Emerson, of Sioux Falls, 1881; D. S. Dodds, of Grand Forks, 1882-3; William A. Blatt, of Yankton, 1883-4; Ezra W. Miller, of Elk Point, 1884-5; George W. Snow, of Springfield, 1885-6; S. E. Blauvelt, of Sioux Falls, 1886-7; T. A. Robinson, of Sioux Falls, 1887-8; J. T. Wooley, of Ashton, 1888-9; A. S. Dam, of Frederick, 1889-90; George W. Mathews, of Sioux Falls, 1890-91; Aug. C. Witts, of Aberdeen, 1891-2; E. P. Mesmer, of Ashton, 1892-3; I. W. Goodner, of Pierre, 1893-4; Fred Schnauber, of Yankton, 1894-5; M. A. Heath, of Groton, 1895-6; C. H. Tinkham, of DeSmet, 1896-7; D. S. Waldo, of Canton, 1897-8; George T. Grove, of Huron, 1898-9; George H. Waskey, of Madison, 1899-1900; C F. DeMouth, of Deadwood, 1900-1; W. J. Mattice, of Brookings, 1901-2; E. Y. Lane, of Watertown, 1902-3; C. H. Blow, of Dell Rapids, 1903-4. The grand scribes have been: A. R. Ronne, of Elk Point, 1881; R. R. Briggs, of Sioux Falls, 1882-3-4-6-7-8-9; E. M. Fuller, of Bismarck, 1885; I. W. Goodner, of Pierre, 1890-1-2-3; J. A. Ward, of Sioux Falls, 1894-5; George W. Waskey, of Madison, 1896-7-8-9-1900-1901; Harvey J. Rice, of Huron, 1902-3-4. For years the order struggled along, gaining little ground, but the few faithful ones were never discouraged, always remembering the watchword "Go on," and today this order stands on the proud eminence of being considered one of the foremost benevolent institutions of the age. It employs no trumpets to sound its praise, but is quietly fulfilling its mission of relieving human misery and trying to lift mankind onto higher ground. Having for its foundation principle "The Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man," it marches on, noiselessly gaining in numbers and public esteem, as the years come and go.