Knox County TN Archives History - Books .....Societies - Chapter XXI 1900 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/tn/tnfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@gmail.com September 10, 2005, 1:09 am Book Title: Standard History Of Knoxville CHAPTER XXI. SOCIETIES. Tennessee's First Masonic Lodge—Grand Lodge Organized—First Lodge at Knoxville in 1800—Chapter and Templar Masonry—Three Score Years of Odd Fellowship—Various Other Society Organizations. THE first Masonic lodge in Tennessee received its charter from the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, and was named St. Tammany Lodge, No. 1. The date was December 17, 1796. The Grand Lodge of North Carolina continued its authority over Masonry in Tennessee until 1812. St. Tammany, No. 1, was organized in Nashville. During the period prior to 1812 a lodge in Tennessee was chartered by-the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, which was not satisfactory to the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, which requested the Grand Lodge of Kentucky to recall all its charters granted to lodges in Tennessee. This request was not complied with, and then a threat was sent out by the Grand Lodge of North Carolina to the Grand Lodge of Kentucky that unless the charters were recalled, communication between the two Grand Lodges would cease. There appeared no way out of the difficulty except by the establishment of a separate Grand Lodge for Tennessee. Accordingly, on December 11, 1811, a convention met at Knoxville, composed of representatives from all the Masonic lodges in Tennessee, at which convention resolutions were passed favoring a Grand Lodge for the state, these resolutions being adopted and forwarded, together with an address, to the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. These resolutions and address were received in December, 1812. and a petition asking for a separate Grand Lodge was granted. A convention was thereupon called by Grand Master Robert Williams, to meet at Knoxville on December 27, 1813, at which time a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of North Carolina to the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. This charter is on file in the Grand Lodge, and is said to be unlike any other charter in the United States. The officers installed at the first meeting were as follows: Thomas Claiborne, G. M.; George Wilson, D. G. M.; John Hall S. G. W.; Abraham K. Shaifer, J. G. W.; Thomas McCorry, Grand Treasurer and Senior Grand Warden, and Edward Scott, Grand Secretary and Junior Grand Warden. As originally adopted the constitution provided that the meetings of the Grand Lodge should be held at the capital of the state, but in 1815 this provision was so changed as to provide that they should be held at Nashville permanently thereafter. Previous to the establishment of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee there were eight lodges in the state, one of which was constituted at Knoxville, November 30, 1800, or very soon afterward, and it is interesting to note that on that very day, according to the records of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, it was on motion: "Resolved, That a charter issue to the brothers heretofore working by dispensation in the town of Knoxville, in the state of Tennessee; that they be incorporated into a just and perfect lodge by the name of Tennessee, No. 41; that his Excellency, John Sevier, Esq., governor of the state of Tennessee, be appointed Master, James Grant, Senior Warden, and George Washington Campbell, Junior Warden of said lodge—the Grand Lodge having heretofore investigated and approbated their proceedings." This was the first lodge organized in East Tennessee. But it appears that after the organization of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee the name thereof was changed to Tennessee, No. 2: but on November 27, 1813, the Grand Master reporting to the Grand Lodge of North Carolina said: "In consequence of a resolution of this Grand Lodge, passed on December 5, 1812, I have caused to be made and signed a Great Charter constituting a Grand Lodge of the State of Tennessee." and in naming the lodges then in the state he mentioned "Tennessee, No. 41." And on December 2, 1811, at a convention of ancient York Masons held at Knoxville, "Tennessee Lodge, No. 2," was represented by George Wilson and William Kelly. At this convention it was resolved that in order to constitute a Grand Lodge it would be necessary for the Masters, Past Masters and Wardens of the different lodges represented in the same, to meet at Knoxville on the second Monday in August next" (August 10) "for the purpose of forming a constitution and by-laws," etc. Then, on December 27, 1813, the Masonic lodges of the state assembled at Knoxville to constitute the Grand Lodge, "Tennessee Lodge, No. 41," was one of the eight lodges named in the charter. However, in the proceedings of the convention, this lodge is referred to as "Tennessee Lodge, No. 2, Knoxville," and was represented in the convention by "Brothers Geo. Wilson, Thos. McCorry, Jno. Bright, Jno. Anthony and Wm. Kelly." Thomas Claiborne, who was unanimously chosen Grand Master, appointed George Wilson of Knoxville Deputy Grand Master, and Thomas McCorry Grand Treasurer. A constitution and by-laws were then adopted, which was signed for Tennessee Lodge, No. 2, by the five gentlemen named above as representing the lodge in the convention. Of these five John Bright of Knoxville was the first Grand Tyler of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. The meetings of the Grand Lodge having been transferred to Nashville, following the capital of the state, they were not attended for some years by any representative from Knoxville, and "Tennessee Lodge, No. 2." appears to have gone into a decline. George Wilson was present at the meeting held October 4, 1819, though it does not appear from what lodge. He was elected Senior Grand Warden in 1819, 1820 and 1821, and upon the election of Andrew Jackson, Grand Master, in 1822 and 1823, he appointed George Wilson his Deputy. Mount Libanus Lodge. No. 59, Knoxville, was working under a dispensation in 1825, and in 1826 William B. Reese received the charter of this lodge, which named him as Master: George W. Churchwell, Senior Warden, and James Mc-Bath, Junior Warden. In 1827 George W. Churchwell was elected Junior Grand Warden, and in 1828, chairman of the committee on appeals, in which capacity he brought in a report sustaining the action of Lodge No. 8, in suspending Sam. Houston for fighting a duel with Brother White, the committee, however, saying that they found many extenuating circumstances—a sufficiency, perhaps, for the justification of Brother Houston among men—"but as Masons we do not think him justifiable, and recommend that the sentence of the lodge be confirmed." October 3, 1826, a charter was granted to Libanus Lodge, No. 59. William B. Reese was appointed first Master: George W. Churchwell, first Senior Warden, and James McBath, first Junior Warden. George W. Churchwell was a prominent Mason for many years. In 1828 the name of Libanus Lodge was changed to Mount Libanus Lodge, this name being still retained. Among the most prominent of those connected with Mount Libanus Lodge, No. 59, whose names appear in the records of the Grand Lodge of the state between 1830 and 1860 may be mentioned John L. Moses, Grand Senior Warden in 1849, and R. R. Bearden, Grand Junior Warden in 1856. This lodge ceased to work soon after this date. Masters Lodge, No. 244, F. & A. M., was organized by John W. Paxton, about 1856, but its records have been destroyed. It is now the oldest lodge in Knoxville. Dr. Paxton was the first master, serving as such for twelve years. He was a most devoted Mason and under his fostering care this lodge grew to a membership of 250, and was the largest in Tennessee. Dr. Paxton also served as Deputy Grand Master and Grand Master in 1870. Maxwell Lodge, No. 433, was organized in 1872 by L. H. Rogan and others. Oriental Lodge, No. 453, was organized in 1873, with N. S. Woodward, Master; J. V. Fulkerson, Senior Warden, and Alfred Caldwell, Junior Warden. Of this lodge N. S. Woodward has served as Senior Grand Warden, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Master and Grand Treasurer (five years) of the Grand Lodge. He has also served as Grand Treasurer of the Grand Chapter and Grand Council for twenty-five years. Henry H. Ingersoll of this lodge has served in the Grand Lodge on many important committees, and has filled the offices of Senior Grand Warden, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Master. Judge Ingersoll is a recognized leader by all grand Masonic bodies. H. M. Aiken of Master's Lodge, No. 244, has been greatly honored in Masonry in Tennessee, having served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, and Grand Commander of Knights Templar. Pearl Chapter, No. 24, Royal Arch Masons, was organized in 1841 with W. G. E. Cunningham, D. D., as first High Priest. Coeur De Leon Commandery, No. 9, Knights Templar, was organized May 5, 1868, with John W. Paxton as Commander. This commandery has furnished three Grand Commanders of the state in the persons of H. M. Aiken, N. S. Woodward and S. B. Dow. Knoxville Consistory. No. 10, S. P. R. S., was instituted July 7, 1884, and Knoxville Council, No. 75. R. & S. M., was organized September 28, 1891. Tennessee Lodge, No. 1. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted at Nashville, June 1, 1839, and was. as its name implies, the first lodge of its order in the state, though it had existed for a short time previously to the date given above, under another name. A second lodge was organized in Nashville in 1840. The Grand Lodge of Tennessee was instituted under a charter issued by the Grand Lodge of the United States, August 10, 1841, and on August 24 following the constitution and by-laws of the Grand Lodge of Ohio were adopted. New charters were granted to the two lodges mentioned above, and in October of the same year a charter was granted to Columbia Lodge, No. 3, the first granted under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. East Tennessee Lodge, No. 34, of Knoxville, was organized March 20, 1848, with A. A. Barnes, A. R. Crozier, P. M. McClung, William M. Churchwell, and Dr. James Rodgers as charter members. The officers at the present time are: A. R. Miller, N. G.; D. A. Smith, Treasurer, and E. A. Reed, representative to Grand Lodge. Knoxville Lodge, No. 138, was instituted October 29, 1869, with James M. McAffry, L. C. Shepard, E. G. McClanahan, S. D. J. Lewis, W. H. Parker, and J. C. Ristine as charter members. The officers elected January 1, 1899, were as follows: B. M. Carr. N. G.; J. C. Bearden, V. G.; Samuel Brown, Secretary; J. B. Carty, Treasurer, and W. A. Gage, representative to Grand Lodge. Golden Rule Lodge, No. 177, was instituted November 21, 1873, with R. Y. Hayes, G. B. Burleson, J. B. Campbell, J. E. Newman, W. R. Stephenson. W. C. Putnam, George W. Roth, P. F. Jenkins, and E. B. Mann as charter members. The officers at the present time are: J. F. Carman, N. G.: J. N. Poe, V. G.: A. G. Mann, R. S.: B. F. Conger, F. S.: E. B. Mann, Treasurer, and J. W. Kirby, representative to Grand Lodge. Chilhowee Lodge. No. 247, was instituted June 2, 1897, with sixteen charter members. On January 1, 1899, it had 540 members. Its first officers were: S. P. Armstrong. N. G.: G. W. Dunn, V. G.: B. R. McBath, Secretary, and W. C. Frazier, Treasurer. The present officers are: G. T. Fowler, N. G.; W. E. Moses, V. G.; W. C. Frazer, Treasurer; W. F. Hinton, R. S.; Dr. B. R. McBath, Financial Secretary, and N. N. Osborne, representative to the Grand Lodge. The Grand Encampment of Tennessee was instituted at Nashville July 21, 1847, the constitution and by-laws of the state of Maine being adopted. At that time there were five subordinate encampments in the state of Tennessee, the first of which was Ridgely Encampment, No. 1, of Nashville. The first encampment organized in Knoxville was Knoxville Encampment, No. 11, about 1850, with James A. Deery, A. A. Barnes, William M. Churchwell, William Hunt, Daniel Lyons, William Lyons and M. D. Bearden as charter members. This encampment is not now in existence, being succeeded by John Sevier Encampment, No. 54, instituted December 17, 1889. Marble City Canton, No. 5, Patriarch Militant, was mustered September 12, 1894, and has forty-four members. Colfax Rebekah Lodge, No. 43, was organized in 1895, and now has 155 members. Triumph Rebekah Lodge, No. 59, was instituted September 30, 1896, and has eighty-seven members. The East Tennessee Mutual Benefit Association of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was incorporated May 30, 1884, the incorporators being S. D. Bowman, W. M. Householder, R. J. Stephenson, L. W. Scheuermann, E. B. Mann, J. L. Miller, F. A. Dobson, E. Mynderse, W. S. Hilton. C. Kohlhase, A. Todtenhausen, A. Kelly, J. H. Keeling, J. C. Hudgings, G. C. Robertson, D. C. Robinson, Y. K. Robinson, Mrs. R. J. Kelly, Mrs. A. E. McIntire, Mrs. M. A. Bomar, Samuel Redden, S. W. Sheppard and W. H. Dawn. The object for which this incorporation was effected was the meeting more permanently with Odd Fellows who had obtained the third degree and were in good standing in their respective lodges, who were of sound bodily health and between the ages of twenty-one and sixty years, and the establishment of a benefit fund from which to satisfactorily pay out money on the death of members of the association when such members had complied with all the legal requirements of the association, the sum so paid out not to exceed $2,000 in any case. The Order of Knights of Honor was introduced into Tennessee May 6, 1874, by the organization of Tennessee Lodge, No. 20, at Nashville, and the Grand Lodge of Tennessee was organized at Nashville, July 3, 1875. The constitution and by-laws of the Supreme Lodge were adopted and remained in effect until October, 1875, when a permanent constitution was adopted for the government of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. Teutonia Lodge. No. 141, of Knoxville, was organized August 20, 1875, and holds its meetings every Monday night. The other two lodges in Knoxville are Relief Lodge, No. 163, and Eureka Lodge, No. 3.640. The Order of Knights of Pythias was instituted during or soon after the close of the Civil war. It was introduced into Tennessee in March, 1872, in the establishment of Holston, No. 1, at Knoxville. The Grand Lodge was organized at Nashville, April 2, 1872, at which time there were present representatives from six lodges in the state. Calvin McCorkle of Knoxville was the first Grand Chancellor. Since that time Knoxville has had another Grand Chancellor in the person of Alexander Allison. At the present time there are in Knoxville the following lodges of this order: Corona Lodge, which meets every Tuesday: Orient Lodge, No. 68, which meets every Monday, and Queen City Lodge. The Ancient Order of United Workmen was organized in Meadville, Pa., in October, 1868, and the Grand Lodge of this order was organized February 22, 1877, in Nashville. Tennessee Lodge, No. 2, the first lodge of the order organized in the state, was organized at Nashville, November 26, 1876. No Lodge No. 1 was ever organized. Fidelity Lodge. No. 9, was organized in Knoxville, in August, 1876. Phoenix Lodge, No. 14, was instituted soon afterward, and meets every second and fourth Friday in each month. Peabody Lodge, No. _, was organized soon afterward, but was united with Phoenix Lodge, No. 14, in December, 1886. Knoxville Lodge, No. 100, was organized March 1, 1894, and meets every first and third Friday nights in each month. The Grand Council of the American Legion of Honor was organized at Nashville, August 3, 1882, Frank A. Moses of Knoxville being elected Grand Treasurer. Pioneer Council, No. 34, of this order was organized at Knoxville, September 10, 1879, and meets every third Thursday night of each month. The Royal Arcanum originated in Massachusetts, the Supreme Council being incorporated there November 5, 1877. Nashville Council, No. , R. A., was organized May 22, 1878 the first council in Tennessee Knoxville Council. No. 110, R. A., was organized in June, 1878, with L. A. Gratz, Past Regent; A. L. Maxwell, Regent, and Julius Ochs, Secretary. This council meets ever second and fourth Thursday in each month. The other councils of this order in Knoxville are Chilhowee Council, John Sevier Council, Marble City Council, and Unaka Council, No. 1.620, the latter meeting every second and fourth Wednesday in each month. The United Order of the Golden Cross is peculiarly a Knoxville organization, originating in the following; manner: On May 9, 1876, eleven ladies and gentlemen met in the city of Knoxville and resolved to make application for a charter under the laws of Tennessee, under which such an organization might be effected. The names of these eleven persons were as follows: J. H. Morgan, Maggie P. Morgan, J. F. Goldman, C. F. Gschwend, M. H. Emory, E. W. Adkins, R. A. Brown, A. M. Emory, O. T. Roberts, William Wood and D. H. Weaver. On May 16 ten others united with the above, as follows: P. H. Cardwell, W. F. Cummings, Isaac Emory, A. S. Marriner, H. W. Clark, P. A. Marriner, C. L. Marriner, J. A. Weaver, G. W. Weaver, and Mary F. Adkins. May 23 there were added four additional names—H. Clark, Addie Wood, W. R. Cooper, and Florence Clark. During the month of June there were added seventeen other persons, the membership on the 27th of the month reaching forty-three. On June 22, 1876, the following-named fourteen persons made application for a charter of incorporation under the laws of the state, and on July 4, 1876, the Supreme Commandery of the United Order of the Golden Cross was organized. The fourteen persons above referred to as making this application were as follows: J. H. Morgan, Maggie P. Morgan, E. W. Adkins, Mary F. Adkins, William Wood, Addie Wood, Isaac Emory, A. M. Emory, D. H. Weaver, M. E. Weaver, R. A. Brown, Charles F. Gschwend, J. F. Goldman, and W. R. Cooper. The first subordinate commandery of this order was instituted at Knoxville, July 11, 1876, and named Peace Commandery. No. 1, and on August 1, 1876, the charter of this commandery was closed with forty-six members. Hope Commandery, No. 2, United Order of the Golden Cross, was instituted August 16, 1876. with the following officers: J. C. Flanders, Noble Commander; Mrs. Kate Dallas, Vice-Noble Commander; George E. Williams, Past Noble Commander; S. P. Angel, Worthy Prelate; W. H. Agnew, Worthy Herald; J. A. Porter, Keeper of Records; F. C. Richmond, Financial Keeper of Records; William De Groat, Treasurer; Mrs. S. C. George, Warder of the Inner Gate, and T. D. George, Warder of the Outer Gate. During the months that followed the growth in commanderies and membership so increased that by May 1, 1877, it was deemed advisable to organize a Grand Commandery for Tennessee, there being at that time no membership outside of this state. A convention was therefore called, which met in Knights of Honor Hall in Knoxville, May 10, 1877, this convention being composed of representatives from nine subordinate commanderies, representing 307 third degree members, those present being J. H. Morgan, Supreme Commander; Addie A. Wood, Supreme Vice-Commander; Isaac Emory, Supreme Prelate; D. H. Weaver, Supreme Keeper of Records; William Wood, Supreme Treasurer; R. A. Brown, Supreme Herald; C. F. Gschwend, Supreme Warden of the Inner Gate; E. W. Adkins, Supreme Warden of the Outer Gate; Harvey Clark, Supreme Past Commander; W. R. Cooper, Mary F. Adkins, Maggie P. Morgan, M. E. Weaver, and A. M. Emory. An election for officers was held, resulting as follows: E. E. Young, Past Grand Commander; A. J. Baird, Grand Commander; A. M. Emory, Grand Vice-Commander; S. H. Day, Grand Prelate; George W. Henderson, Grand Keeper of Records; E. W. Adkins, Grand Treasurer; J. A. Ruble, Grand Herald; Addie Wood, Grand Warden of the Inner Gate, and W. J. Fagan, Grand Warden of the Outer Gate. The first annual session of the Supreme Commandery was held at Knoxville, May 15, 1877, performing its work in one day. The second annual session was held at Knoxville, May 21, 1878, remaining in session four days, and the third annual session of the Supreme Commandery was held at Washington, D. C., in 1879. The first annual meeting of the Grand Commandery was held at Cleveland, Tenn., April 16, 1878, all succeeding meetings, which were annual until 1880, and bi-ennial since that time, have been held in Nashville. No person is permitted to join this order unless pledged to total abstinence from all kinds of intoxicating liquors. Central Commandery, No. 5, was organized at Knoxville, Tenn., April 5. 1877, and Bethlehem Commandery, No. 6, was instituted at Knoxville, Tenn., July 21, 1877. The first commandery instituted outside of Tennessee was at Huntsville, Ala., and named Eureka Comtnandery, No. 10. The officers of Peace Commandery, No. 1, at the present time are as follows: F. C. Keep, Noble Commander: E. B. Ziegler, Vice-Noble Commander; Mary E. Weaver, Worthy Prelate; J. W. Ward, Keeper of Records: E. W. Adkins, Financial Keeper of Records; James B. Brown, Worthy Treasurer; Ellis B. Zeigler, Worthy Herald: Mary L. Reed, Warder of Inner Gate, and John A. Miller, Warder of Outer Gate. The membership of this commandery, January 1, 1899, was 107. There are of this order 607 sub-organizations in twenty-three states, with an aggregate membership of upward of 32,000. The officers of Hope Commandery, No. 2, at the present time are: J. S. Miller, Past Noble Commander: B. R. McBath, Noble Commander; Mrs. M. E. Crawford, Vice-Noble Commander: Mrs. S. J. Osborne, Keeper of Records: Charles F. Trent, Financial Keeper of Records: R. G. Osborne, Treasurer: Mrs. A. M. Griffin, Worthy Prelate: F. C. Richmond, Worthy Herald: D. A. Giffin, Warder of the Inner Gate, and Frank Attix, Warder of the Outer Gate. The membership of this commandery at this time is sixty-eight. It may be added with reference to the general order that in a period of twenty-two years, ending November 25, 1898, the average number of assessments per annum was thirteen and three-elevenths, and that the order disbursed in the payment of 3,197 death claims, $5,101,760.83. Fort Sanders Council, No. 576, of the National Union was organized in August, 1891, with about thirty members, and in the same month Cherokee Council. No. 601, of the same Union was organized with about the same membership. Of the latter council C. M. Baumann was President: J. A. Armstrong, Secretary: W. L. McSpadden, Financial Secretary, and John N. Blair, Treasurer. In the early part of 1893 the two councils were consolidated under the former name, and there has been but one council in Knoxville since that time. The National Union is a beneficiary order, established in 1881 at Toledo, Ohio, and it is now very strong, especially in the Northwest. Of the local council the membership on January 1, 1899, was sixty-six, and the officers at the present time are: C. H. Ogden, President; E. W. Adkins, Vice-President; J. A. Armstrong, Secretary; W. L. McSpadden, Financial Secretary, and M. M. Harris, Treasurer. The amount of insurance that may be carried by one member varies from $1,000 to $5,000. Other beneficiary associations which have one or more branches in Knoxville are the following: The American Guild of Richmond, Va., of which Knoxville Lodge, No. 485, was organized October 30, 1897, with forty-nine charter members. The Governor of this lodge is Fred R. Purple, and Secretary and Treasurer, John M. Currier. John Sevier Forum, No. 936, of the Home Forum Benefit Order of Chicago, organized July 2, 1896, with sixty-four charter members. Of this Forum William L. Murphy is President; Orin C. Beaman, Secretary, and John M. Currier, Treasurer. Knox Lodge. No. 153, of the Fraternal Union of America was organized July 30, 1897, with 159 charter members. Of this lodge William L. Murphy is Fraternal Master; John M. Currier, Secretary, and Orin C. Beaman, Treasurer. Alhambra Lodge, No. 66, of the National Legion, New York City, was organized September 16, 1898, with forty-one charter members. William L. Murphy is President; Orin C. Beaman, Secretary, and John M. Currier, Treasurer. Knoxville Lodge, No. 87, of the National Fraternity, Philadelphia, Pa., was organized November 1, 1898, with seventy-three charter members, and with Herbert C. San-ford. Guardian, and John M. Currier, Cashier. This fraternity claims to combine all the leading features of fraternal protection, viz.: death benefits, total disability benefits and surplus benefits. It has a fixed monthly assessment, according to age and class or amount of benefits, and after a period of five years of continuous membership, each member is entitled to an equitable proportion of the surplus remaining in the benefit fund, after the payment of all sick, disability and death claims. George H. Thomas Post, No. 1. G. A. R., was organized at Nashville, February 27, 1882, with sixteen charter members. The Provisional Department of Tennessee and Georgia was formed May 1, 1883, with four posts and 136 members. Ed. Maynard Post, No. 14, was organized at Knoxville, December 23, 1883, with the following members: A. S. Prosser, L. A. Gratz, W. R. Carter, W. J. Ramage, W. W. Dunn, W. C. Brandon, Ignaz Fanz, C. H. Brown, W. R. Tuttle, P. D. Roady, S. J. Todd, B. Goodhart, and George L. Maloney, L. A. Gratz was the first commander, and A. S. Prosser was the second. This lodge meets every first and third Tuesday nights in each month. The Woman's Relief Corps, a most worthy organization, meets every first and third Tuesday afternoon in each month. W. P. Sanders Camp, Sons of Veterans, meets every second and fourth Tuesday in each month. Felix K. Zollicoffer Camp, Confederate Veterans, was organized with 135 members, December 10, 1885. The object for which this camp was formed was to perpetuate the memories of those who fell in the Civil war in the Confederate armies, to aid those who had been permanently disabled in the service, and to preserve that sentiment of fraternity born of hardship and danger shared alike by all in the march, the battle, and the bivouac. Alexander Allison was the first commander and P. B. Sheperd the first lieutenant commander. This camp meets every second and fourth Thursday in each month. The Daughters of the Confederacy meet on the first Tuesday afternoon of each month. Fred. Ault Camp, No. 5, United Confederate Veterans, meets every second Tuesday in each month, and Fred. Ault Bivouac, No. 17, United Confederate Veterans, meets also on the second Tuesday in each month. Sycamore Camp, No. 3, Woodmen of the World, was organized February 1, 1893, and meets every Monday night in the Southern Building and Loan Association building. Woodcraft came in 1882, soon met with favor, rapidly developed, until June 6, 1890, on which day the Woodmen of the World were promulgated. Both orders were founded by Joseph Cullen Root of Omaha, Neb., the new order, unlike the older one, which limited its operations to a few of the states, extended its limits over the entire continent with the view of disseminating its principles throughout the whole civilized world. By February 1, 1898, there had been enrolled more than 110,000 members, giving this order the fifth place in numbers among the 200 fraternal orders in the United States. Mr. Root, who at that time came to Knoxville, delivered an address on the 2d of February, in which he said that fraternalism would in time become so extended and powerful as to establish fraternal arbitration between governments, and war would be thus banished from the earth. The beneficiary feature of each camp was the payment of $3,000 at the death of a member, and in addition the order erected a monument over the grave of each deceased member, which would cost $100. The officers of Sycamore Camp, No. 3, at the present time are as follows: William L. Murphy, Consul Commander; Edward L. Dearing, Adviser Lieutenant; John M. Currier, Clerk: George K. Preston, Banker; W. A. Trotter, Escort; George W. Turner, Watchman; Henry Hays, Sentry; A. M. King, W. F. Newton and R. A. Keller, Managers, and Drs. J. D. Henderson and C. C. D'Armond, Physicians. During the eight years of its history more than 3,000 camps have been instituted and upward of 140,000 certificates have been issued to members: three millions of dollars have been paid to beneficiaries, and more than 1,600 monuments have been erected at the graves of deceased members. Every death loss has been paid in full, and in ninety-six months only eighty-seven assessments were called, a trifle more than ten each year. And it may be added that this association is one of the few beneficiary societies that has a reserve fund, established for the purpose of limiting the number of annual assessments, the limit in this case being sixteen. Post "C," Travelers' Protective Association, was organized March 10, 1894, by W. E. Gibbins, Wylie Brownlee, Joseph H. Broyles, L. M. Ewing, J. E. Chapman, and William Dick. A permanent organization was effected March 17, 1894, by the election of the following officers: President, M. L. Shields; First Vice-President, William Dick; Second Vice-President, L. M. Ewing; Third Vice-President, David A. Giffin; Fourth Vice-President, Robert H. Gate; Fifth Vice-President, Albert A. DuRocher, and Secretary and Treasurer, Wylie Brownlee. November 29, 1894, this post gave a banquet at Schubert's, now Flanders' Hotel, and since then there have been entertainments in the form of lectures, etc., in 1896 securing the attendance of the third annual state convention of the Tennessee division of the association. This convention lasted three days, April 16, 17 and 18. the officers of this association at the time being William R. Johnson, President; G. J. Ashe, First Vice-President; Reuben N. Payne, Second Vice-President; Wood G. Haynes, Third Vice-President; Joseph T. Brownlee, Fourth Vice-president; Edwin R. Wade, Fifth Vice-President; Joseph H. Broyles, Secretary and Treasurer; L. M. Ewing, M. L. Shields, W. E. Gibbins, W. C. Perry and Harry Levy, board of directors. The national organization was brought into existence as a result of a movement on the part of representatives of the commercial and industrial institutions of the country and was organized at Denver, Colo., June 3, 1890, and was immediately incorporated under the name of the Travelers' Protective Association of America. This organization established its chief office and place of business in St. Louis, Mo., the principal object of the association being a better acquaintance and a more fraternal feeling among traveling men. By 1896 the number of members of the national association had reached 10,538. The officers of Post "C" at the present time (January, 1899) are as follows: President, Hazen House; First Vice-President, Herbert W. Hall; Second Vice-President, H. Rogan Briscoe; Third Vice-President, R. H. Gate; Fourth Vice-President, John Bane; Fifth Vice-President, Simpson Little; Secretary and Treasurer, James A. Hensley; Chaplain, Rev. C. W. Duncan, and Surgeon, Dr. L. W. Davis. On February 1, 1899, the membership of this order was 275, and increasing rapidly. The post meets regularly every Saturday night in the third story of the Branner building, on the southeast corner of Gay and Vine streets, the rooms being well fitted up with desks, writing materials, pool and billiard tables, everything being free to members. The benefits under the constitution of this order are as follows: In case of death by accident, $5,000; in case of injury by accident, $25 weekly, not to exceed fifty-two weeks; loss of both arms or both legs, $2,500; loss of one arm and one leg, $2,500; loss of one hand or one foot, $1,000; loss of one arm or one leg, $1,000; loss of both eyes, $5,000, and loss of one eye, $1,000. To join the organization cost $2 membership fee, and $10 dues per year. The amount paid to members and their beneficiaries up to January 1, 1899. was $364,649.60. Knox Council, No. 91, United Commercial Travelers, was organized in October, 1897, with ten members. The number at this time (February, 1899) is forty-four. The officers of this council at the present time are F. M. Hambright, Senior Counsellor; C. W. Duncan, Junior Counsellor: Charles Murphy, Conductor; Frank Preston, Secretary and Treasurer, and G. W. Murphy, Past Counsellor. This order was established at Columbus, Ohio, in 1888, under the laws of that state. It is exclusively for the benefit of commercial travelers, and none but active travelers who have been so engaged for at least a year. Its insurance benefits are as follows: For accidental death, $6,300: loss of both eyes, $5,000: loss of hands, $5,000: loss of both feet, $5,000; loss of one hand and one foot, $2,500: loss of one hand, $1,250: loss of one foot, $1,000, and loss of one eye, $650. In cases of accidental injury resulting in total disability, $25 per week is paid. There is also a widows' and orphans' fund, out of which, if a traveler's family is left without means, the widow draws $250 per year, and each child the same. Knoxville Senate, No. 1068, Knights of the Ancient Essenic Order, was organized May 8, 1895. As is well known to readers of Jewish history the Essenes were one of the three principal sects of the Jews, they being first mentioned about the middle of the second century before Christ, at which time they were classed with the Sadduces and Pharisees. They were remarkable for their strictness and abstinence. The mission of the Essenes was to restore a man's soul to that state whence it had fallen, as from its native seat of perfection. The order became very popular, even kings and princes being anxious to identify themselves therewith. So much for its nature before the beginning of the Christian era. Of this Knoxville order there were eighty-five charter members, of whom sixty-four were present at the time of organization, at which time the following officers were elected: Dr. William Bowen. Excellent Senator: Dr. G. C. Childress, Senior Senaschal; J. C. Ford, Jr., Junior Senaschal: Rev. M. D. Jeffries, Sarcedras; L. S. Hull, Treasurer: and A. Y. Burrows, Secretary. Company A. First Regiment of the Essenic Army, was organized March 31, 1896, with the following officers: Captain, A. Y. Burrows: First Lieutenant, Albert M. Ross: Second Lieutenant, Joe E. Borches, and by appointment. First Sergeant, W. P. Chandler, and Second Sergeant, P. J. Williams. This company meets every first and third Friday night in each month. The Essenes observed Sunday, June 28, 1896. as the 2906th anniversary of their ancient order, that being the first Sunday following St. John's day, which that year came on the 24th of June. The Essenes were taught to honor and revere the memory of the holy St. John as the forerunner of Christ, remembering also that St. John the Baptist was a member of the ancient Essenic order. The Young Men's Christian Association was first organized in 1854 by a few earnest gentlemen and a constitution was adopted April 7, 1855. One year later this constitution was revised and under it anyone was permitted to become a member who was in good standing in any one of the evangelical churches. The association was helpful to young men living in Knoxville and also to strangers visiting the city. But it remained in existence only a portion of two years. From November, 1854, to April, 1856, it had two presidents, viz.: J. B. G. Kensloe and M. C. Butler. In June, 1865, a new organization was effected, but it continued in existence only until March 27, 1866, L. C. Trowbridge being president during this period. On August 16, 1874 the present organization was effected, and under the present constitution any young man or other man is eligible to membership, without regard to religious opinions. A steady growth and development have been manifest and it has had a successful and useful career. From one small rented room it has come to occupy in the third story of the Borches building a large suite of rooms, and the association now owns a fine lot, on which it will in due time erect a building. Since 1874 the presidents of this association have been as follows: Samuel McKinney, 1874-76; J. A. Rayl, 1876-78; James Somerville, 1878-80: Charles Armstrong, 1880-81; James H. Cowan, 1881-82; R. W. McBryde, 1882-83; James Cowan, 1883-84: W. E. Gibbins, 1884-89: John M. Allen, 1889-91: Frank Barker, 1891-93; John M. Allen, 1893 to date. Secretaries—A. S. Bixby. 1880-83: C. H. Mills, 1883; P. A. Walling, 1883-84: E. M. Cook, 1884-87; W. E. Henderson, 1887-88; J. J. Frater, 1888-90; A. K. Perkins, 1890-93; H. A. Baldwin, 1893 to date. The Young Men's Christian Association of Knoxville was incorporated April 7, 1884, the incorporators being James H. Cowan, W. E. Gibbins, John M. Allen, John B. Clothworthy, W. P. Washburn, J. A. Rayl, Joseph A. Porter, B. A. Jenkins, John T. Roundtree, Alfred L. Young, Charles Armstrong, Samuel B. Boyd, William Rule, William C. Everett and P. Augustus Weiting. The object of this association was and is to improve the spiritual, social, mental and physical condition of the young men of Knoxville, by the support and maintenance of lectures and such other means and services as might conduce to the accomplishment of the object and to support public worship, the building of churches and chapels, and the maintenance of missionary undertakings. The Ladies' Auxiliary to the Y. M. C. A. was organized in 1883, for the purpose of aiding that association in their work and to render the social side of it more attractive to the members. The first president of the auxiliary was Miss Cinnie Boyd, 1883-91, and since then Mrs. John M. Allen and Mrs. I. E. Barry have been presidents, and since 1893 the president has been Mrs. S. C. Roney. In 1897 a constitution and by-laws were adopted and since May, 1898, Mrs. Ainsworth has been secretary. The auxiliary meets in the rooms of the Y. M. C. A. on the first Tuesday of each month. The Knoxville Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized in 1883 by Miss Frances E. Willard, who, during that year and the year previous made a tour of the United States, speaking in every city of ten thousand population and upward, and in many smaller places. Miss Willard was introduced to her first Knoxville audience by William Rule, the present mayor of Knoxville, as she had been previously introduced to her first Southern audience by Bishop Stevens, who, as Colonel Stevens, commanded the battery that fired the first shot on Fort Sumter in 1861. Among the many good works this Union has done to help the city of Knoxville and the state of Tennessee was its work in attempting to secure a prohibition amendment to the constitution of the state, and it is stated to be an historical fact that wherever the womanhood of the state was at the polls, there there was a majority in favor of said amendment. This Union was instrumental in creating and in keeping in existence the office of police matron for the city of Knoxville. When it discovered that the law of the state did not protect the girls as long as it protected her inherited property this Union immediately began to add its influence to that of other unions to get the age of protection raised, and succeeded in getting the age of consent raised from ten years to sixteen and a half years. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union, under the leadership of Mrs. Alary Hunt of Boston, had introduced into all territories and into nearly all the states, legislation requiring the study of the natural effect of alcoholic drinks on the human system in all schools supported in whole or in part by public money. The women of Tennessee had labored long with their legislators to get them to see the necessity of this kind of instruction, but they would not, because they could not, or they could not because they would not, understand it. And after ten long years of failure the women of the state still had faith in their ultimate ability to make it apparent to their law-makers that the laws of the state should be changed in this respect, the real difficulty being discovered by the Knoxville W. C. T. U., and in the Woman's edition of the Knoxville Tribune, issued March 15, 1895, appeared a map of the United States, on which those states which had passed scientific temperance laws were shown in white, while those which had not yet enacted such laws were shown in black! Immediately afterward the woman's edition of the Clarksville Chronicle published the same map, and then came the woman's edition of the Nashville American, showing to the readers thereof how black Tennessee appeared amid her white sister states: and when the law-making body of the state were thus made to see how "black" their state looked among the states of the Union, with reference to this matter of temperance, they immediately changed the laws of the state in such a manner as to make scientific temperance instruction in the public schools compulsory. This organization has also directed the thought of many ministers and church officials to the question of using unfermented wine at the communion table, noting the fact that the Scriptures mention two kinds of wine, condemning one and commending the other. In the mothers' meetings of this Union mothers have learned that it is easier to form character than to reform it, and they have also learned much about the laws of heredity. The Knoxville Union also lends its influence in trying to reclaim fallen men as well as fallen women, believing that the greatest good can be done by beginning at the root of the difficulty, and that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. For the past three years this Union has conducted a free kindergarten, the good done by which can not be estimated, much less computed. The Union has done much in aiding congress to see the evils of the "army canteen." and in many other ways that can not in this short history thereof be even mentioned. The members of this Union, together with the other W. C. T. U.'s in Knoxville, are doing all they can to hasten the day which they hope will soon come, when it can not be truthfully said: "Out from the hearthstone The children fair, Go forth from the breath of a mother's prayer, And the father's vote on the crowded street, Consent to the snares for their thoughtless feet." The Mary T. Lathrop Branch of the W. C. T. U of Knoxville was organized January 2, 1895, by Mrs. L. Lauritzen, who was chosen President: Miss Nannie McCormick, First Vice-President: Miss Hannah Price, Second Vice-President, and Mrs. M. Kiser, Treasurer. Miss McCormick being also Secretary. At the time of organization there were fifteen members. One of the conditions of membership is that every one uniting with the organization must sign the temperance pledge. On January 1, 1899, there were forty-four members, and the officers were: Mrs. L. Lauritzen, President; Miss Mary Vance, First Vice-President; Miss J. L. Kinzel, Second Vice-President; Mrs. M. Skillman, Third Vice-President; Miss Nannie McCormick, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. Hannah Price, Recording Secretary, and Mrs. M. Skillman, Treasurer. This branch of the W. C. T. U. works in eleven departments. The Frances E. Willard Branch of the W. C. T. U. was organized in the spring of 1898, with Mrs. J. Baker, President; Mrs. Mary Bowers, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. L. Lauritzen, Recording Secretary, and Mrs. Lucy E. Gray, Treasurer. The Union meets at the residence of Mrs. Lucy E. Gray, who is the President now, has a large membership, and works in twelve departments. The three branches of the Union work in twenty-four departments. The Corresponding Secretary at the present time is Mrs. L. Lauritzen. Ossoli Circle, named in honor of Margaret Fuller Ossoli, was founded in 1885 by Mrs. L. C. French, for the mutual benefit of women of literary taste and ability. Its object was to stimulate intellectual growth and moral development and it has been of great usefulness along these lines. The number of members at first was thirteen and at the first meeting of the general federation held in New York in April, 1890, the only ladies present from the Southern states were Miss Mary B. Temple and Mrs. Samuel McKinney, Miss Temple being made Corresponding Secretary. By 1893 the membership had increased to seventy-five and there were then numerous other clubs of the kind in the state. On February 14, 1896, an important meeting was held in the parlors of the Young Men's Christian Association in Knoxville, for the purpose of forming a state federation, sixteen women's clubs, located in various parts of the state, being present by representation. Of this meeting Mrs. J. M. Greer of Memphis was elected President; Mrs. Charles A. Perkins of Ossoli Circle, Secretary, and an enrollment committee appointed, consisting of Mrs. Thorndike of Harriman, Mrs. Burger of Maryville, and Mrs. A. P. White of Knoxville. This committee having reported to the meeting the names of those present, several speeches were made by the women from several of the clubs represented, and a committee was appointed to frame a constitution and by-laws for the proposed federation, consisting of Mrs. C. E. McTeer of Knoxville: Mrs. J. G. Richardson of Chattanooga: Mrs. J. Wilkes of Pulaski: Mrs. J. H. Kirkland of Nashville: Mrs. Grace H. Watkins of Memphis, and Mrs. L. C. French. In this constitution the organization was named the "Tennessee State Federation of Women's Clubs." the object being to bring the women's clubs in the state into communication for acquaintance and mutual help and to develop and strengthen interest along ail lines of growth. Under this constitution Mrs. William D. Beard of Memphis was elected President: Mrs. J. G. Richardson of Chattanooga, Vice-President; Mrs. Charles A. Perkins of Knoxville, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Thorndike of Harriman. Corresponding Secretary, and Mrs. Joseph Burger of Marvville, Treasurer, and Mrs. Romine of Pulaski, Auditor. The Presidents of Ossoli Circle have been as follows: Miss Mary B. Temple, 1885-90: Mrs. W. G. McAdoo, 1890-91; Miss C. M. Woodbury, 1891-92; Mrs. Henry R. Gibson, 1892-94: Mrs. Charles E. McTeer, 1894-95: Mrs. C. J. McClung, 1895-96; Mrs. Charles A. Perkins, 1896-97: Mrs. Samuel McKinney. 1897-98; Mrs. A. P. White, 1898-99. Under the auspices of Ossoli Circle the Woman's Council of Knoxville was formed in 1895, for the purpose of awakening a greater interest in all kinds of good work. This council is composed of representatives from all women's clubs in the city, and there are now about twenty-one of these different clubs belonging to it. The Presidents have been Mrs. Frank L. Fisher and Miss Alida Rule. The Woman's Educational and Industrial Union was organized January 1, 1890, by Mrs. L. C. French, who was its first President, the other Presidents having been Mrs. C. S. Frazee and Mrs. C. J. McClung. The object of this organization, as its name implies, is both educational and industrial. Its charity is of the broadest kind, believing in the principle of helping others to help themselves. Largely through its influence the office of police matron in Knoxville was established, the first instance of a woman being placed in such an office in the Southern states. Through the Woman's Exchange, the first in East Tennessee, established through the influence of this Union, much good has been done to the poor and needy, work having been supplied to many women in need who were of the best character, perfectly willing to work, but often without the aid of this exchange, unable to find anything to do. It was also through the influence of this Union that women have become eligible to a position on the school board of Knoxville, though up to the present time no woman has been elected to the board. It was through the suggestion of this Union that the Knox county industrial school was established in 1896 or 1897, and the first strong stand taken in this city in the social purity movement was by this Union through the influence of Mrs. C. M. McClung, by whose death, which occurred September 1, 1898, Knoxville lost one of the noblest women who ever lived here. It was she who brought to Knoxville Mr. Aaron M. Powell of New York city, to speak to the young men of this city and others on the subject of social purity, and through whose labors much good has been accomplished. The Union holds regular monthly meetings and has in all probability accomplished as much good as any other one organization in Knoxville. Its officers at the present time are Mrs. C. J. McClung, President: Mrs. David Ross, Vice-President; Mrs. A. M. Pitman, Secretary; Mrs. J. W. Slocum, Treasurer, and Miss Mabel Mitchell, Corresponding Secretary. The Knoxville Lyceum was organized November 4, 1898, in the directors' room of the Holston National Bank, for the purpose of bringing to Knoxville the leading authors and lecturers of the United States and of England. Those present were J. W. Caldwell, Dr. J. B. Henneman, Joseph Gaut, William Rule, Rev. J. A. Duncan, George F. Milton, Hugh L. McClung, Prof. W. T. White, Junius Parker, Miss Lucy Crozier, and Miss Laura McAdoo. The following officers were elected: Hugh L. McClung, President; Miss Lida Rule, Vice-President; Prof. W. T. White, Secretary, and Joseph Gaut, Treasurer. Directors were elected as follows: J. W. Caldwell, George F. Milton, James Park, Junius Parker, J. B. Henneman, J. H. McCallie, R. R. Acree, William Rule, H. H. Ingersoll, James Maynard, J. A. Duncan, Mrs. J. Y. Johnston, Mrs. William Lockett, Mrs. S. McKinney and Miss Lucy Crozier. An executive and lecture committee was elected, consisting of the officers and J. B. Henneman, Mrs. S. McKinney, and George F. Milton. The membership fee was fixed at $5, to be paid when three hundred names were enrolled, and on this basis each member was to be given two season tickets for ten entertainments. Should four hundred names be enrolled, then two season tickets for twelve entertainments were to be given, and if five hundred names should be enrolled, then two season tickets for fifteen entertainments. The requisite number of subscriptions, three hundred, was secured by December 2, 1898, and the first entertainment of the series for that winter was given Wednesday evening, December 21, by the Mozart Symphony Club, in the Woman's building, Market Hall, the second being a lecture by Henry Watterson, January 4, 1899; the third by Dr. James Hedley, January 17: the fourth by Harry Stillwell Edwards, January 23: the fifth by Alexander Black, January 30: the sixth by Hamilton W. Mabie, February 11: the seventh by Frank Beard, February 15, the eighth being by the Pasquali Opera Company, February 21: the ninth by George Kennan. February 28. Additional Comments: From: STANDARD HISTORY OF KNOXVILLE TENNESSEE WITH FULL OUTLINE OF THE NATURAL ADVANTAGES, EARLY SETTLEMENT, TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT, INDIAN TROUBLES, AND GENERAL AND PARTICULAR HISTORY OF THE CITY DOWN TO THE PRESENT TIME EDITED BY WILLIAM RULE GEORGE F. MELLEN, PH. D., AND J. WOOLDRIDGE COLLABORATORS PUBLISHED BY THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY CHICAGO 1900 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/tn/knox/history/1900/standard/societie7gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/tnfiles/ File size: 51.5 Kb