return to History
Free Masonry - The Independent Order of Odd Fellows - Knights of Pythias -Improved Order of Red Men - Knights of the Golden Eagle - Ancient Order of United Workmen - Brotherhood of the Union - Order of United American Mechanics -Independent Order of Mechanics -Miscellaneous Societies.
FREE MASONRY
THE early history of Free Masonry in New Jersey is involved in a shade of obscurity, yet there is evidence that it existed in the province nearly a century and a half ago, and was introduced but a few years after its revival in England. In 1729, Daniel Coxe, a large proprietor in West Jersey, and for many years a justice of the Supreme Court, was appointed Provincial Grand Master for New Jersey, under the seal of the Duke of Norfolk, Grand Master of England.
There is no evidence that the appointment resulted in the establishment of any lodges in the province, and it is presumable that in those times temporary lodges were convened, at irregular intervals, to give the craftsmen an opportunity of enjoying fraternal amenities, and promoting the cultivation of Masonic science among the scattered brethren. At these esoteric communications it is probable that candidates were initiated into the ancient mysteries of the craft under a dispensation from the Grand Master.
The first deputation for New York was granted in 1737, during the Grand Mastership of the Earl of Darnley, to Richard Riggs as Provincial Grand Master, and neither is there any record of his having established any lodges or doing anything towards organizing or extending the order.
By the deputation of Grand Master Coxe, therefore, whose jurisdiction included New York and several other provinces, it is safe to say that the history of Free Masonry on American soil had its starting-point in the province of New Jersey.
On December 18, 1786, a convention was held in New Brunswick, and a Grand Lodge was organized, the Hon. David Brearley, chief justice of the State, being elected Grand Master. From that time Masonry in New Jersey has a distinctive history, and the growth and prosperity of the institution in the century which nearly elapsed since the organization of that body, both at home and in other States, is a matter of pride and congratulation to the twelve thousand craftsmen now within the borders of the foster-mother of American Free Masonry.
The first regularly organized lodge of which we have any record, and which antedates the Grand Lodge by nearly a quarter of a century, is St. John’s Lodge, No. 1, F. and A.M., of Newark, which was instituted 13th day of May, 1761.
CAMDEN LODGE, No. 15, F. and A.M. - This lodge was originally organized and set to work November 21, A.L. 5821, and continued at work until the year 1842 as Camden Lodge, No. 45, F.A.M., holding its meetings at Vauxhall Garden, at the southwest corner of Fourth and Market Streets, and ceased work from lack of interest on the part of its members. The warrant was surrendered and the effects of the lodge were sold at constable’s sale to satisfy the landlord.
On March, 29, A.L. 5849, a petition signed by Richard W. Howell, John W. Mickle, Richard Fetters, Thomas W. Mulford, Joseph Taylor, Charles S. Garrett, George House, Waters B. Miller, Josiah Shivers, George W. Carpenter, Jesse Hall and Ezekiel Hall (all of whom are deceased except Waters B. Miller and Jesse Hall, neither of whom now hold membership with No. 15) was sent to the Grand Lodge, praying for a new charter. This petition was recommended by Mount Holly Lodge, No. 14, April 17, A.L. 5849, and on the 18th day of April, A.L. 5249, Worthy Brother John P. Lewis, Grand Master of the M.W.G. Lodge of New Jersey, set Camden Lodge to work by dispensation, in the third-story room of the southeast corner of Second and Plum, where the lodge continued to work for a short time, when they removed to the present hall, southeast corner of Fourth and Market Streets, and still continue. At the session of the M.W.G. Lodge of New Jersey, held at Trenton, January 9, A.L. 5850, the old warrant was restored to the petitioners, and the number changed to 15 on the recommendation of the committee to whom petition was referred. Camden Lodge, No. 15, is justly styled the mother lodge of Masonry in Camden and vicinity.
The following lodges were recommended to the Grand Lodge of New Jersey by Camden No. 15: Glassboro’, No. 85; ‘Ionic, No. 94, Florence; No. 87 ; and Trimble, No. 117. Other lodges have been instituted by recommendation from these lodges.
Since Camden Lodge, No. 15, has been working it has had a roll of membership of some 550; 403 persons have been made Master Masons, 10 persons Fellowcrafts, 30 Entered Apprentices and 99 have affiliated from other lodges. The roll of Past Masters shows 30 who have served as Master of this lodge, 9 of whom are deceased, 2 withdrawn, 1 affiliated, 20 still active members. This lodge has furnished the Most Worthy Grand Lodge of New Jersey with 2 Grand Masters, 2 Deputy Grand Masters and 1 Senior Grand Warden.
The finances of the lodge are carefully taken care of, and all the surplus invested for future use.
The present roll shows some two hundred active members, and the lodge is in a very healthy condition. The present corps of officers is as follows: John E. Fagen, Worthy Master; David M. Spence, Senior Warden; John Cherry, Junior Warden; Joseph P. Weatherby, Treasurer; James M. Cassady, P.M, Secretary; Edmund B. Leaming, Senior Deacon; Harry P. Paul, Junior Deacon; Byron Sharp, S.M.C.; E. Hitner Geise, J.M.C.; William Cline, Senior Steward; Howard Carrow, Junior Steward; Charles H. Gordon, Tiler; J.S.R. Cassady, P.M., Marshal; C. Henry Kain, P.M., Organist; Louis T. Derousse, G. Genge Browning, J.S.R. Cassady, Trustees; Representatives in the Masonic Board of Relief, David M. Spence, John N. West, James W. Ayers, S. Glover Rudderow and Joseph F.P. Reed. The present Secretary has held this position continuously since December, A.L. 5852.
IONIC LODGE, No. 94, F.A.M., was organized in the house of James W. Wroth, on Stevens Street, April 20, 1868. The following-named persons were the original members: W. Wallace Goodwin, J.H. Stone, Alexander Mecray, Thomas J. Francis, B.A. Pine, James A. Perry, Frederick P. Pfeiffer, Thomas McDowell, John W. Rogers, James W. Wroth, Isaac C. Githens, Christopher C. Smith, Samuel J. Fenner, Oliver W. Goodwin, George E. Wilson, George W. Watson, Richard Perks, Charles W. Sartori, John Goldthorpe, Albion Craven, James T. Robertshaw, D.W.J. Hutton, Seth Thomas, Charles H. Snyder, John R. Cunningham and Thomas Hinchman.
They decided upon the formation of a lodge to be called "Corinthian," and selected as temporary officers: W.M., W.W. Goodwin; S.W., Thomas McDowell; J.W., John W. Rogers. A petition recommended by Camden, No. 15, was presented May 12th and June 22d. A dispensation was granted by R.W.G.S.W. James H. Stevens, who appointed Isaac C. Githens Secretary, and James W. Wroth Treasurer, to act until relieved. They thus worked until February 23, 1869, when they received the charter as Ionic Lodge, No. 94, and in the Central Hall were constituted, and these officers installed: W.M., W.W. Goodwin; S.W., Thomas McDowell; J.W., J.W. Rogers; Treasurer, J.W. Wroth; Secretary, Isaac C. Githens; Chaplain, William H. Jefferys.
The lodge prospered and increased to over two hundred members, with a strong financial basis, under the following-named Worthy Masters: W. Wallace Goodwin, Thomas McDowell, John W. Rogers, Seth Thomas, Josiah Matlack, Isaac C. Githens, George Shattuck, William T. Brewer, Edward Furlong, James S. Smyth, John R. Grubb, William C. Goodrich, Charles H. Austin, William S. Casselman, J.B. Kelsey, George H. Hammond and George Van Benschoten. Three flourishing lodges are offshoots of Ionic, - Merchantville, No. 119; Mozart, No: 121; and Haddonfield Lodge, No. 130. The officers for 1886 are: W.M., John D. Leckner, M.D.; S.W., F.F. Hogate; J.W., Thaddeus P. Varney; Treasurer, Horace Sharp; Secretary, Frank F. Michellon. The latter has held the office since 1871, and Christopher C. Smith has been Tiler since the formation of the lodge.
TREMBLE LODGE, No. 117, F.A.M., was instituted under warrant bearing date January 19, 1871, and signed by G.M., William E. Pine; D.G.M., William Wallace Goodwin; S.G.W., Nathan Haines; J.G.W., James V. Bentley; and G.S., Joseph H. Rough. D.G.M. W.W. Goodwin instituted the lodge, assisted by members of the Grand Lodge, in Masonic Hall, and placed these officers in position: W.M., George H. Fairfield; S.W., George F. Fort; J.W., Marmaduke B. Taylor: S.D., Nathan F. Cowan; J.D., Frederick A. Rex; Treasurer, H. Genet Taylor; Secretary, J. Graham Milligan. The others named in the warrant were William S. Fort and Wilbur F. Rose. The following were the charter members: George H. Fairfield, George F. Fort, William S. Fort, Marmaduke B. Taylor, H. Genet Taylor, Wilbur F. Rose, J. Graham, E. Milligan, Nathan F. Cowan, Frederick A. Rex. The membership numbers ninety-four, and is increasing steadily. The meetings are held monthly, in Masonic Hall, Fourth and Market. The officers for 1886 are: W.M., Irving Turner; S.W., Charles H. Stiles; J.W., Charles O. Brown; Treasurer, Nathan F. Cowan, P.M.; Secretary, George H. Fairfield, P.M.; S.D., Jacob Thatcher; J.D., Elmer W. Murdock. This lodge has in its membership some of the most prominent citizens of Camden, including many professional gentlemen, whose names appear in other parts of this work. The meetings are held at Masonic Hall, on the first Friday evening in each month.
MOZART LODGE, No. 121, F. AND A.M., is a German lodge, and received its dispensation from the M.W. Grand Lodge of New Jersey, March 17, 1871. R.W.D.G.M. William Wallace Goodwin installed the following officers : W.M., Frederick P. Pfeiffer; S.W., D.G. Langendorf; J.W., Gustave Grossman; Treasurer, John Welsch; Secretary, Charles H. Riceman (deceased); S.D., August C. Riceman; J.D., George Sensfelder; M.’s of C., George Goetz (deceased) and Solomon Seybold; Tiler, C.C. Smith, of 94.
The present officers of Mozart Lodge are: W.M., John Heim; S.W., Frederick Roedel; J.W., Jacob Rettberg; Treasurer, William Stein; Secretary, Charles Engel, P.M.; S.D., August Weber; J.D., Jacob Vissel; M.’s of C., Christian Eckert and George Pfeiffer; Stewards, Levi Bachrach and Henry Schultz; Tiler, C.C. Smith, of 94. Past Masters: Daniel G. Langendorf Gustave Grossman, August C. Riceman, George Sensfelder, William Kraft, Charles Engel, George P. Stephany, William Moering, Andrew Kaemmerer, John Heileman, Frank Mester. Trustees for 1886 are George P. Stephany, P.M., William Moering, P.M., Levi Bachrach. There are forty members. The lodge meets every second Tuesday in the month, at Wildey Hall, corner of Fifth and Pine Streets, at half-past seven o’clock P.M.
SILOAM R. A. CHAPTER, No. 19, ROYAL ARCH MASONS, was consecrated and instituted on October 8, 1867, with Comp. Wm. Wallace Goodwin, M.E.H.P.; Comp. Seth Thomas, E.K.; Comp. J.L. De La Cour, E.S.; Comp. Jas. W. Wroth, Treasurer; Comp. Chas. I. Fuerig, Secretary. The presiding and subordinate officers, excepting the treasurer and secretary, were changed at the annual elections. Comp. Jas. W. Wroth remained treasurer until December, 1868, when he was succeeded by Comp. A.B. Frazee, who, however, served but one year, when Comp. Wroth was again elected treasurer in December, 1869, and served in that position until December, 1878, when he was succeeded by Comp. Nathan F. Cowan, who has been annually re-elected ever since, and holds the position at the present time. Comp. Chas. I. Frieng remained secretary until December, 1871, when he was succeeded by Comp. George Shattuck, who was succeeded in December, 1875, by Comp. A. Clifford Jackson, who was succeeded, in December, 1877, by Comp. Charles F. Hollingshead, who has been annually reelected since and holds the position at the present time. The chapter started in 1867 with a membership of fifteen, and now numbers two hundred and fifty, and comprises many of the prominent citizens in this part of the State.
VAN HOOK COUNCIL, No. 8, ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS, is the only council organized in the city of Camden, and, although starting off with but a small membership, has grown to be one of the largest in the State.
The meetings are held in the hall of Excelsior Consistory, corner of Third and Federal Streets, on the second Wednesday evening of each month.
The charter bears date of January 21, 1873. The following were the officers: Andrew B. Frazee, First Thrice Illustrious Master; John W. Rogers, First Deputy Illustrious Master; Frank A. Fenton, First Principal Conductor of the Work; Jacob H. Yocum, Jr., First Master of Exchequer; George Shattuck, First Recorder; Richard F. Smith, First Captain of Guard; W.T. Benner, First Conductor of Council; S.S. Edwards, First Steward; C.C. Smith, First Sentinel.
Following are the present officers of the council: Geo. W. Steed, Thrice Illustrious Master; John S.R. Cassady, Deputy Illustrious Master; John W. Johnson, Principal Conductor of Work; Andrew B. Frazee, Treasurer; F.F. Hogate, Recorder; N.F. Cowan, Captain of Guard; Geo. F. Hammond, Conductor of Council; Enos Dismant, Steward; C.C. Smith, Sentinel.
This council has thirty-one members. Since the organization death has removed eight members of the council, among the number Past Thrice Illustrious Grand Master Frank A. Fenton. Two members of this council have been elevated to the Grand East of this jurisdiction, - Frank A. Fenton, in 1880, and Edward Mills, in 1885.
CYRENE COMMANDERY, No. 7, MASONIC KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, was regularly consecrated and constituted under a warrant from the Grand Commandery of the State of New Jersey, on October 16, 1868, at the court-house in the city of Camden, Dr. Thos. J. Corson acting as Grand Commander. The five principal officers of the Commandery installed upon that occasion were, - Sir Wm. Wallace Goodwin, Eminent Commander; Sir Jas. H. Stevens, Generalissimo; Sir John W. Rogers, Captain-General; Sir James W. Wroth, Treasurer; Sir Chas. I. Fuerig, Recorder. The presiding and subordinate officers, excepting the treasurer and recorder, were changed, as is the usual custom at the annual elections. Sir James W. Wroth, treasurer, was annually re-elected until April 18, 1878, when he was succeeded by Sir Nathan F. Cowan, who has been annually reelected ever since and holds the position at the present time. Sir Chas. I. Fuerig, recorder, was annually re-elected until March 16, 1871, when he was succeeded by Sir George Shattuck, who was annually re-elected until May 10, 1878, when he was succeeded by Sir Chas. F. Holllngshead, who has been annually re-elected ever since and holds the position at this time.
The commandery started with a membership of nineteen, and its present membership is one hundred and fifty, and includes many of the prominent business and professional men of the city. The Past Commanders of Cyrene, or those who have filled the position of presiding officer, are as follows: Sirs Wm. Wallace Goodwin, Andrew B. Frazee, J. Layton Register, Geo. E. Wilson, Richard F. Smith, W.B.F. Wood, Jacob H. Yocum, Jr., Robert F.S. Heath, Seth Thomas, Isaac C. Githens, M.B. Taylor, Wm. H. Stansbury, Wm. Kraft, Jas. P. Weatherby, Wm. M. Davison, Francis Cookson and Edward Mills. The Past Commanders of Cyrene who have served as Grand Commanders of the Grand Commandery of New Jersey are Sirs Wm. Wallace Goodwin, Andrew B. Frazee and I. Layton Register. Past Commander, Isaac C. Githens is the present Grand Generalissimo of the Grand Commandery.
THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE. - This rite was first organized in the "Valley of Camden," in the early part of the year 1870, but owing to necessary delays in a correspondence with the officers and members of the bodies of the rite located at Mount Holly, the organization was not effected until August 4, 1870, when Excelsior Grand Lodge of Perfection, 14°, was set to work. The membership rapidly increased, and soon the organization of Excelsior Council of Princes of Jerusalem, 15° and 16°, and Excelsior Rose Croix Chapter, 17° and 18°, was completed. Meetings were regularly held until 1875, when, from financial troubles and other causes, the work in these bodies was almost suspended, but through the efforts of a few members it was not permitted to die out.
In 1882, a number of the brethren having died, it was thought proper to hold a "lodge of honor" (being the first ever held in this jurisdiction), at which a large number of Masonic brethren were present, and the beautiful ceremonies not only made a deep impression, but caused new life to be infused into the order. The oration upon this occasion was delivered by Past Thrice Potent Grand Master Marmaduke B. Taylor.
The new seed sown took deep root and the membership increased so rapidly that it was found necessary to make arrangements to organize a consistory in Camden, as the only one in the State, being located at Jersey City, was considered too remote for the brethren in Camden, many of whom had become members of the Philadelphia Consistory.
On the 16th day of November, 1883, Excelsior Consistory was set to work since which time the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite has been the most flourishing Masonic body in the city of Camden.
The first three bodies of the rite originally were installed in Mount Holly, and the same transferred to Camden, the Mount Holly brethren retaining their membership.
The present officers of the consistory are Edward Mills, 32° Illustrious Commander-in-Chief; Marmaduke B. Taylor, 32° Illustrious First Lieutenant Commander; C. Henry Austin, 32° Illustrious Second Lieutenant Commander; Frank L. Vinton, 32° Grand Master of State; David M. Spence, 32° Grand Chancellor; Joseph F.P. Reed, 32° Grand Treasurer; Isaac C. Githens, 32° Grand Keeper of the Seals and Archives; Genge F. Hammond, 32° Architect; George Van Benschoten, 32° Hospitaler; George Shattuck, 32° Master of Ceremonies; William H. Thompson, 32° Standard-Bearer; George W. Steed, 32° Captain of the Guard; Charles H. Gordon, 32° Grand Sentinel.
The present officers of Excelsior Chapter Rose Croix are Geo. W. Steed, 32° M. W. and P. Master; David M. Spence, 32° M.E.P. and Kt. S.W.; Geo. Van Benschoten, 32° M.E.P. and Kt. J.W.; Edward E. Read, Jr., 32° M.E. and P. Kt. G. Orator; Joseph F.P. Read, 32° Resp. and P. Kt. Treasurer; Edward Mills, 32° Resp. and P. Kt. Secretary; A.B. Frazee, 33° Redp. and P. Kt. Hospitaler; Thomas B. Woolston, 32° Resp. and P. Kt. M. of C.; F.F. Hogate, 32° Resp. and P. Kt. C. of G.; Charles H. Gordon, 32° Reap. Grand Tiler.
The present officers of Excelsior Council, P. of J., are Andrew B. Frazee, 33° M.E. Sov. P. G. Master; George W. Steed, 32° G.H.P. Deputy Gr. Master; C. Henry Austin, 32° M.E. Senior Gr. Warden; Frank B. Delaplaine, 32° M.E. Junior Gr. Warden; Joseph F.P. Read, 32° Val. Gr. Treasurer; Edward Mills, 32° Val. Gr. Secretary; Daniel H. Erdman, 32° Val. Gr. Almoner; Thomas McDowell, 32° Val. Gr. M. of C.; F.F. Hogate, 32° Val. Gr. M. of E.; C.H. Gordon, 32° Grand Tyler.
The present officers of Excelsior Lodge of Perfection are George F. Hammond, 32° T.P.G.M.; John S.R. Cassady, 32° Deputy G.M.; George Van Benschoten, 32° S.G.W.; Frank B. Delaplaine, 32° J.G.W.; J.F.P. Read, 32° Gr. Treasurer; Edward Mills, 32° Gr. Secretary; E.E. Read, Jr., 32° G.M.C.; F.F. Hogate, 32° Gr. C. of G.; George W. Steed, 32° G. Hospitaler; C.H. Gordon, 32° G. Tiler.
The Past Most Wise and Perfect Masters of Excelsior Chapel of Rose Croix are W. W. Goodwin, 33°; F.A. Fenton, 32°; A.B. Frazee, 38°; Edward Mills, 33°; J.S. Smith, 32°; Thomas McDowell, 32°; C. Henry Austin, 82°; George F. Hammond, 32°; George W. Steed, 32°.
The Past Sovereign Prince Grand Masters of Excelsior Council of Princes of Jerusalem are W.W. Goodwin, 33°; W.H. Jeffreys, 33°; J.P. Michellon, 32°; Marmaduke B. Taylor, 32°; Edwin Mills, 32°; A.B. Frazee, 33°.
The Past Thrice Potent Grand Masters of Excelsior Grand Lodge of Perfection are G.H. Pancoast, 32°; W.W. Goodwin, 33°; James H. Stevens, 82°; Marmaduke B. Taylor, 32°; A.B. Frazee, 38°; J.S. Smith, 32°; Thomas McDowell, 32°; Edwin Mills, 32°; C. Henry Austin, 32°; George F. Hammond, 32°.
MASONIC LADIES. - The Grand Lodge of Masonic Ladies of New Jersey was instituted September 12, 1867, in Mechanics’ Hall, Camden, by P.G.I.H.P. Elizabeth C. Cline and G.R. Secretary Elizabeth Craig, of Pennsylvania. The first officers were: G.I.H.P., Mercy Whippy, No. 1, Camden; G.H.P., Elizabeth Rocap, No. 3, Bridgeton; G.R. Secretary, Harriet Wright, No. 2, Burlington. There are fifteen lodges within its jurisdiction, with ten hundred and twenty-five members. Its officers are: G.I.H.P., Elizabeth Shamelia, No. 2, Burlington; G.H.P., Annie Elliott, No. 9, Bordentown: G.R. Secty., Annie M. Quick, No. 1, Camden.
Mount Zion Lodge, No. 1, MASONIC LADIES, was instituted in Mechanics’ Hall April 4, 1866, with thirty-five charter members, by G.I.H.P. Elizabeth P. Cline and G.R.S. Elizabeth Craig, of Pennsylvania. These officers were installed: P.I.H.P., Margaret Deith; I.H.P., Mercy Whippy; H.P., Coctle; S.C., Mary Burnett; R. Secretary, Susanna Quin; F.S., Margaretta Hampton; T., Sarah Gilbert; S.I., Ruth A. Ross; J.I., Mary M. Lindale; Tiler, Clara Muckleson.
The lodge has prospered and a membership of nearly one hundred has accumulated a reserve fund of three thousand dollars.
The officers at present are P.I.H.P., Elizabeth Long; I.H.P., Emily Weldey; H.P., Kate Tyler; R.S., Annie M. Quick; F.S., K.E. Sparks; T., Ruth A. Ross; S. of C., Ellen Biddle; S.I., Margaret Whittle; J.I., Elizabeth Kleaver; Tiler, Elizabeth Campbell.
The members of Mount Zion Lodge who are Past Great illustrious High Priestesses of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey are Mercy Whippy, Ruth A. Ross, Mary A. Moore and Eliza J. Leilback.
Lily of the Valley Lodge, No. 6, of Masonic Ladies was organized May 8, 1867, by Rebecca Thompson, I.G.H.P.; Emeline Williams, G.H.P.; Elizabeth Craig, G.S. Charter granted to Catherine Caldwell, May A. Merkle, Priscilla B. Ayers, Mary West, Isabella Stanbury, Elizabeth Gordon, Mary W. Saunders, Lizzie Anderson, Kate Cadwell, Sarah Rickard, Annie Ayers, Ann Porter, Elmira B. Wescott, Sarah P. List, Sarah Jackson, Rachel Litcherfelt, Mary A. Laning, Susan A. Vaugn. The following were the officers: G.I.H.P., Rebecca Thompson; G.H.P., Emeline Williams; G. Sec., Elizabeth Craig. Officers at that time: I.H.P., Priscilla B. Ayres; P.I.H.P., Mary A. Merkle; H.P., Mary West; S. of Cer., Catharine Cadwell; Rec. Sec., Isabella Stansbury; Fin. Sec., Elizabeth Gordon; Tress., Mary W. Saunders; S. Inspectress, Sarah Rickards; J. Inspectress, Rachel Litchenfelt; Tiler, Harriet Stiles; S.I., Mattie Randolph; J.I., Cecelia.
Hanley; Tiler, Anna Smick; Rec. Sec., Kate F. Cadwell; Fin. Sec., Mary M. Davis; Treas., Rebecca Eastlack.
COLORED MASONIC BODIES. - Rising Sun Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, composed of colored citizens, was formed at the house of Ishmael Locks, southeast corner of Fifth Street and Cherry, under a charter granted to Thomas Barns, W.M.; George Jackson, S.W.; and Wesley Armstrong, J.W., dated May 13, 1847. In 1849 the meetings were held in Butler’s Hall, built for the purpose, on Sycamore Street; east of Seventh. They afterwards met in a hall on Spruce Street, below Third; in 1874, at Fourth and Walnut, and in 1875 in Newton Hall, Broadway and Newton Avenue, which is now the general headquarters of the several Colored Masonic fraternities. The warrant was granted by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, which received its warrant from Princes Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, in its turn the recipient of a warrant from the Grand Lodge of England, dated September 29, 1784, granting authority to open and hold African Lodge, No. 459, in the city of Boston.
When the Grand Lodge of New Jersey was formed, June 12, 1848, Rising Sun became No. 4, and, on the union of Colored Masons of the State under one jurisdiction, became No. 1, which number it still holds. Rising Sun has furnished a number of Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, as follows: George Walton, Anthony Colding, George Jackson, Henry Mackey, Dempsey D. Butler, R.F. Lovett, Jacob F. Derrickson, William R. Shipley and Philip T. Colding. The officers elected in 1886 are - W.M., James H. Leatherberry; S.W., William O. Caster;. J.W., Gilbert Webb; Treasurer, Dempsey D. Butler; Secretary, Jacob T. Derrickson.
Aurora Lodge, No. 9, F. and A.M., also meets in Newton Hall, as do these co-fraternities, - St. Luke’s Chapter, No. 1, Royal Arch Masons; Demolley Commandery, Knights Templar, No. 1; Eureka Chapter, Lodge of Perfection, No. 2, Frank T. Webster, M.P.M.; Oriental Council, No. 2, Princes of Jerusalem, John H. Bean, I.M.E.; Union Chapter, Knights of Rose Croix, John W. Mays, M.W.; Dehoco Consistory, Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, Charles N. Robinson, I.S.C. Aurora Lodge, No. 9, Free and Accepted Masons (colored), was instituted, by dispensation, August 11, 1853, and was duly organized by warrant under the jurisdiction and authority of the M.W. Union Grand Lodge of New Jersey, and was granted to the following: Aaron Fisher, Enoch Little, Freeman Gould, Samuel Cleaver, Hezekiah Kinching, James Venning and Nicholas Boston. The lodge was organized, and met for many years, in the rear of the Macedonia Church, but now meets in Newton Hall. From its foundation all obligations have been met, and no one meeting has been omitted.
The present officers are: James Robinson, W.M.; Moses Stevens, S.W.; George Nixon, J.W.; James Martin, T.; Charles N. Robinson.
THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY, which meets in Camden, was organized June 12, 1848, by a convention comprising representatives from these lodges: St. John’s, No. 8, Trenton; Unity, No. 11, Burlington; Mount Moriah, No. 12, Salem, and Rising Sun, No. 19, Camden. The officers elected were M.W.G.M., George Shrive, No. 8; D.G.M., Benjamin Jackson, No. 11; S.G.W., Littleton Williams, No. 19; J.G.W., George Jackson, No. 19; G. Treasurer, Benjamin Steward; Grand Secretary, Joshua Woodlin.
This Grand Lodge was known as the Union Grand Lodge for the State of New Jersey. A question of sovereignty, in 1850, caused a split, but in 1875, at a convention representing all the lodges of both jurisdictions, when a union of the two bodies was effected, and the M.W. United Lodge for the State of New Jersey was formed, and the officers elected were M.W.G.M., Charles N. Robinson; D.G.M., Moses Wilcox; S.G.W., John H. Bean; J.G.W., Pierce Brown; G.T., I. Sample; G.S., Jacob T. Derrickson; Cor. G.S., J. Henry Hall.
The United Grand Lodge meets annually at their Grand East, Broadway and Newton Avenue, on the 27th of December, and controls all the lodges of Colored F. and A. Masons of the State, numbering thirty, with an aggregate membership of six hundred.
The Past M.W.G. Masters of United Grand Lodge are: 1876 -77, Charles N. Robinson; 1878, Joshua Gurney; 1879, Philip T. Colding; 1880, Wm. F. Powell; 1881, John W. Mays; 1882, Paul Hammond; 1883, Philip T. Colding; and 1885, George Bailey, Jr.
The officers for 1886 are M.W.G.M., Francis Farmer; D.G.W.M., John H. Bean; M.W.G.S.W., John H. Teebut; M.W.G.J.W., Frank H. Chapman; R.W.G.S., Charles N. Robinson; R.W.G.T., Jacob T. Derrickson; Deputy of the State of New Jersey for the Thirty-third Degree, P.M.W.G.M., Philip T. Colding.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS.
NEW JERSEY LODGE, No. 1. - Ten years after Thomas Wildey had formed the first lodge of Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, he came to Camden, March 30, 1829, with a charter from the Maryland Grand Lodge, the fountain-head of Odd-Fellowship, and founded New Jersey Lodge, No. 1. Thomas Wildey organized the lodge in person, in the room in Vauxhall Garden. The records have been lost and the names of the first New Jersey Odd-Fellows were lost with them.
New Jersey Lodge has had an honorable and prosperous career. There have been eight hundred initiated, seven hundred and sixty released, sixty-eight buried and thirty-six thousand dollars paid out for sickness and death. The members number three hundred and twenty, and the meetings are held in Central Hall. These have passed the Noble Grand chair: John B. Thompson, James R. Webb, Samuel Ewan, Webster Gill, Daniel J. Shriner, John H. Stiles, Reuben Holloway, John Stiles, Jacob P. Stone, Lewis R. Beckett, Wm. K. Burrough, Jonathan J. Sheppard, R.G. Parvin, Alva F. Stetes, Thomas T. Ellis, George W. Ewan, Richard Dillmore, Charles G. Mayhew, Wm. A. Drown, Westcott Campbell, Theodore A. Verlander, Wm. O. Lusk, Edward S. King, Joseph M. Bacon, Charles F. Adams, John Smedley, H.H. Pease, Mahlon F. Ivins, Virgil Willett, Harry Powell, Henry Grosskopf, Wm. Husted, Samuel Miles, Stephen Phillips, Samuel Ewen, Benjamin Carlin, Joseph L. Bright and George Fox.
The officers are, N.G., Wm. E. Rudolph; V.G., John Corson; P.S., Virgil Willett; R.S., Charles Stiles; T., Mahlon F. Ivins; W., David Phillips; C., John C. Seal; R.S.S., David Mundy; L.S.S., George H. Weibel; R.S. to N.G., P.G., Samuel Mills; L.S. to N.G., P.G. J.L. Bright; I.G., Albert Phillips; O.G., A.L. Rudolph; Chaplain, Wm. P. Partenheimer; R.S. to V.G., Samuel Mills, Jr.; L.S. to V.G., Joseph Ayers.
CHOSEN FRIENDS LODGE, No. 29, I.O. of O.F., of New Jersey, was constituted in Bontemps’ Hall, Monday evening, May 12, 1845, at which time a special session of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey was held, and the charter presented to the lodge, these Grand officers officiating: Samuel Read, D.D.G.M., presided, assisted by P.G.’s Wm. C. Mulford and C.W. Roberts, of Washington Lodge, No. 21; Joseph Carr, of Mount Holly Lodge, No. 19; G.M. John Perry and G.S. Wm. Curtis, of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; Grand Sire Howell Hopkins, of the Grand Lodge of U.S.; Horn R. Kneass and Smith Skinner, Rep. to G.L. of the U.S. from G.L. of Pennsylvania; and brothers from Chosen Friends Lodge, No. 100, of Pennsylvania, including P.G.S. James B. Nicholson, now G.S. of the G.L. of Pennsylvania.
Twenty-two were initiated, including Thomas W. Mulford, John F. Starr, Joseph C. De La Cour, Benjamin Scott, Jr., James W. Shroff, James M. Cassady, Matthew Miller and Michael Letts, and these officers were installed: N.G., John Morgan; Secretary, Manuel C. White; V.G., Charles Bontemps; Treasurer, Isaac Mickle. Chosen Friends has always had a leading influence in the counsels of the order in this State, owing to the men of mark among its members, and of them James M. Cassady and John C. Stratford have been Grand Masters. Its Past Grands number thirty-seven. During its forty years of existence not a meeting has been omitted nor benefits failed of payment when due.
In that time these sums have been paid for the objects named;
Relief of brothers
$17,660.60
Relief of widowed families
1,600,20
Education of orphans
237.00
Burying the dead
5,885.50
Total.
$25,383.32
The lodge, with two hundred and twelve members, meets in Morgan’s Hall, Thursday evenings, and is strong financially. The officers for 1886 are: N.G., Benjamin S. Lewis; R.S., Samuel P. Jones; V.G., Lewis Traunweiser; P.S., Robert W. Meves.
SENATUS LODGE, No. 76, was instituted in Bontemps Hall, February 9, 1848, with these officers in position: P.G., William. E. Lafferty; N.G., C.C. Sadler; V.G., John R. Graham; S., W.B. Miller; A.S., J.F. Cake; T., William Morrell. The lodge prospered for a time, but from various causes the charter was surrendered in 1857. In 1868 some of the old members, with others, decided to take up the surrendered charter and were duly instituted, with these charter members: E.P. Andrews, John R. Graham, Seth Thomas, J.M. Rodgers, J.M. Sickles, William H. Stansburg, William H. Jeffries, James H. Stevens, F.H. Shinn, Stephen Parsons, Andrew B. Frazee, Frank Skinner, J. Earl Atkinson, A.C. Jackson, William H. Allen. Since its reorganization Senatus Lodge has prospered. It numbers one hundred and sixty members, with three thousand dollars invested, and is well provided with costly and complete paraphernalia for the work of the order. The meetings are held Wednesday evenings in Central Hall. The officers are: N.G., Charles Schnitzler; R.S., John Cook; T., W.B. Stewart; V.G., Thomas Fitzgerald; P.S., Frank M. Tussey.
WILDEY LODGE, No. 91, was instituted February 20, 1849. The officers for 1886 are as follows: N.G., John Marshall; V.G., Joseph B. Armstrong; R.S., Stephen Robinson; P.S., A.G.M. Ashley; T., Robert H. Patton. The lodge meets at Wildey Hall every Tuesday evening. The total number of members is one hundred and forty.
KANE ARCTIC LODGE, No. 115, was organized by warrant dated August 12, 1857, at which time, in Odd-Fellows’ (Morgan’s) Hall, Hampton Williams, of New Jersey Lodge, No. 1., D.D. Grand Master, installed these officers: Levi Bachrach, N.G.; William Hage, V.G.; Emanuel Schneider, T.; and with them initiated these charter members: Julius Barth and John M. Hertlein.
The lodge meets in Central Hall and has a membership of one hundred and thirty-seven, including thirty-nine Past Grands. The assets amount to $3257, $3000 of which, invested in mortgages, realizes $180 per year. The present officers are: Noble Grand, Bernard Kohn; Vice-Grand, Fridolin Hanzy; Recording Secretary, Karl E. Trebing; Permanent Secretary, Henry Philipp; Treasurer, Levi Bachrach.
CAMDEN LODGE, No. 155, was organized February 17, 1871, with the following charter members: Thomas McDowell, Samuel M. Gaul, Christopher C. Smith, William Randall, Past Grands; Frederick G. Thoman, William W. Thoman, Josiah Matlack, Bowman Matlack, Horace Hammell, Andrew J. Cunningham and William T. Brewer. The organization took place in Wildey Hall, where the lodge has met since. It has had a full measure of prosperity, numbers one hundred and fifty-five members and has a reserve fund of five thousand dollars. The Past Grands number twenty-six, and P.G. William P. Brewer is a Past Grand Master.
The present officers are: N.G., Samuel M. Baker; V.G., Thomas R. Murphy; R.S.P.G., Frank P. Jackson; P.S.P.G., Edward G. Bagge; T.P.G., Josiah Matlack.
CAMDEN ENCAMPMENT, No. 12, instituted August 13, 1846, meets Fourth and Market, at Morgan’s Hall, second and fourth Friday nights. Number of members, seventy-five. The present officers are: Chief Patriarch, Lewis Traunweiser;
Senior Warden, Sewell H. Colley; Scribe, John Matlack; Treasurer, Benjamin D. Coley; High Priest, Samuel Mills, Sr.; Junior Warden, Robert R. Kates; O.S.C., Nathan A. Carter; I.S.C., Theo. W. Pimm; Guide, Henry Grosskopf.
FAME ENCAMPMENT, No. 26, was instituted August 14, 1851. The officers for 1886 are as follows: C.P., Sam. M. Baker; H.P.; James Houghton; S.W., Asa Kirby; J.W., H.J. House; T., Joseph B. Fox; S., A. George M. Ashley. This encampment meets at Wildey Hall the first and third Friday evenings of every month. The total number of members is forty-eight.
CANTON RIDGLEY, No. 5, PATRIARCH MILITANT, was instituted March 3, 1886. The present number of members is twenty. The present officers are: Captain, Jonathan J. Sheppard; Lieutenant, James Houghton; Recorder, John W. Matlack; Accountant, George Wailes; Ensign, Benjamin F. Fortiner. Meetings are held at the northwest corner of Second and Federal Streets on the first and second Wednesday evenings of each month.
MOUNT ZION LODGE, No. 7, DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH, was instituted November 17, 1868. Meetings are held at Fourth and Market Streets, in Morgan’s Hall, on the first and third Friday nights. The present officers are: Noble Grand, Robert R. Kates; Vice-Grand, Mrs. H. Strang; Secretary, John W. Matlack; Financial Secretary, Lucy Hubbs; Treasurer, Priscilla Johnson; R.S.N.G., Mary Campbell; L.S.N.G., Mary Corson; Warden, J.W. Johnson; Conductor, Mary Paul; I.S.S., Lewis Traunweiser; O.S.S. Nathan Carter; Chaplain, Althea Bond; R.S.V.G., Jane Hearn; L.S.V.G., Arietta Lewis. The lodge has two hundred members.
THE ODD-FELLOWS’ FUNERAL AID ASSOCIATION, of Camden, was instituted October 16, 1868. The number of members at present is two hundred and forty-five. The present officers are: President, W.C. Husted; Vice-President, A.G.M. Ashley; Secretary, John W. Matlack; Treasurer, Benjamin D. Coley; Directors, Samuel W. Stivers, Thomas W. Pimm, Benedict Youngman, Levi Bachrach, Harry Bennett, Conrad Austermuhl, Joseph Derhamer, Lewis C. Harris, James Maguire.
KNIGHTS OP PYTHIAS.
The Knights of Pythias, a secret benevolent order, was organized in the city of Washington, D.C., February 19, 1864, by J.H. Rathbone. On November 28, 1867, Honorable Stephen D. Young, William B. French, Robert F.S. Heath, Richard B. Wilmot, John Matlack, George W. Conrow, Charles Mayhew, Joseph Braddock and William Penn Repsher, all residents of Camden, were initiated into Damon Lodge, No. 8, in Philadelphia. On December 12th, of that year, the above-named Knights assembled in Odd-Fellows’ Hall, in Camden, and were instituted as Damon Lodge by several Grand Officers from Washington, D.C. Upon that occasion nearly fifty gentlemen were initiated, among the number Honorable Samuel Read, who subsequently became the first Supreme Chancellor. P.G.C. Young officiated that evening as Grand Junior Guard. At a later day charters were received for two lodges, New Jersey Lodge receiving the first number and Damon No. 2. Undoubtedly a mistake had been made, as the members who had been initiated in Philadelphia constituted Damon Lodge in Camden and were justly entitled to the first number.
The Grand Lodge was organized in Camden March 16, 1868. The first annual session was held in Camden April 20, 1868. The Grand Lodge meets annually at Trenton, in February; The following were the first Grand Officers: Robert F.S. Heath, No. 2, V.G.P.; Samuel Read, No. 1, W.G.C.; Robert Muffett, No. 5, V.G.C.; William B. French, No. 2, G.R.S.; Charles W. Heisler, No. 1, G.F.S.; Anthony Phillips, No. 1, G.B.; John T. Tompkins, No. 4, G.G.; John L. Sharp, No. 6, G.I.S.; Frederick L. Cobb, No. 3, G.O.S.
DAMON LODGE, No. 2, meets at the southeast corner of Fourth and Market Streets, Monday evenings. It was instituted December 12, 1867. The first officers were as follows: V.P., Richard B. Wilmot; W.C., Robert F.S. Heath; V.C., John W. Matlack; R.S., William B. French; F.S., Charles G. Mayhew; Banker, George W. Conrow; Guide, Samuel E. Radcliff; I.S., Stephen D. Young; O.S., Joseph B. Braddock. The present officers are: P.C., Jacob F. Voight; C.C., Charles J. Barr; V.C., John O. Zuschnitt; M. at A., Robert J. Roberts; M. of E., H.F. Chew; M. of F., Charles E. Fisher; K. of R. and S., Herman Rosade; Prelate, A.H. Clymer; I.G., N.A. Carter; O.G., John S. Clark. The present number of members is one hundred and twenty.
CORINTHIAN LODGE, No. 19, was instituted March 16, 1869, by the following Grand Lodge Officers: James A. Parsons, V.G.P.; William H. Barton, G.C.; Thomas G. Rowand, V.G.C.; Benjamin C. Tatem, G.B.; William R. Robinson, C.G.; J.W. Cochran, G.I.S.; Samuel I. Woodruff G.O.S.; William B. French, G.R.S. The officers for the term ending September 1, 1886, were: P.C., Frank B. Sweeten; C.C., Charles W. Leas; V.C., J.G. Howard; P., Benjamin D. Gardner; K. of R. and S., Harry Fifield; M. of F., Thomas A. Wood; M. of E., Benjamin F. Sweeten; M. at A., William W. Curry; I.G., Howard McCormick; O.G., C.C. Greeney. The number of members is eighty-seven; the amount paid for relief, eight thousand seven hundred and forty-two dollars. Place of meeting, Morgan’s Hall, Fourth and Market Streets, every Tuesday evening.
PALESTINE LODGE, No. 1, I.O. LADIES OP PYTHIAS, was organized April 1, 1874. The following were the first officers: P.W.C., Catharine Johnson; F.C., Rebecca Adams; Second C., Emma Johnson; Scribe of R., Annie M. Quick; Scribe of F., Sally Carty; Bankress, Ruth A. Ross; First Guide, Kate Hagerman; Second Guide, Lizzie E. Sparks; First M., Eliza J. Leibecke; Second M., Emily Kelley; Sentry of I.G., Mary L. Fields; Sentry of O.G., Margaret Doyle; Ex., Mattie Gibbs; Dv., Hannah Connelly. The present officers are: P.W.C;, Elizabeth Eames; F.C., Mary Winters; S.C., Ellen Biddle; S.R., Annie M. Quick; S.F., Kizzie Sparks; Bankress, Ruth A. Ross; F. Guide, Margaret Whittle; S. Guide, Elizabeth Casto; F.M., Rachel Piper; S.M., Elizabeth Lilly; S. of I.G., Lizzie Eames; S. of O.G., Lois Wrifford; Ex., Elizabeth Long; Dv., Elizabeth Cleaver; Guardsmen, first, Catharine Johnson; second, Isabella Dobleman; third, Mary E. Whirlow; fourth, Margaret Davis; fifth, Hannah Snyder; sixth, Emma Kessler. The number of members is sixty-five. The evening of meeting is Wednesday and the place the Hall of the Mechanics, Fourth and Spruce Streets.
IMPROVED ORDER OP RED MEN.
This order claims its origin as a patriotic association under the title of Society of Red Men, composed of volunteers who were in garrison at Fort Mifflin, on the Delaware River, opposite Red Bank, in 1813. It is a fraternal and benevolent organization, with its ritual based upon the customs of the North American Indians. The officers are known as Sachem, Sagamore and Prophet, and the members as warriors and braves, while the era dates from the landing of Columbus, and their time is divided into grand suns, moons, suns, runs and breaths. The subordinate body is called Tribe, that of the State, Great Council, and of the country, Great Council of the United States. The Great Council of New Jersey was instituted in Trenton, by Great Incohonee Robert Sullivan, there being at the time three tribes in the State - Arreseoh, No. 1; Lenni Lenape, No. 2; and Red Bird, No. 3. These were under its jurisdiction.
IROQUOIS DEGREE COUNCIL, No. 3, was instituted December 18, 1884, the Great Chiefs present being: G.P., Daniel M. Stevens; G.S., Reuben L. Bowen; G.J.S., Samuel L. Durand; G.C. of R., John T. Davies; G.K. of W.C.G. Zimmerman; D.G.S., Leonard L. Roray. The first Chiefs were: P., David B. Petersen; S., George W. Ewan; S.S., J.C. Mason; J.S., George Walters; C. of R., D.C. Vannote; K. of W., Tobias Altman. The present Chiefs are: P., J.C. Mason; Sachem, Frank Applegate; S.S., Lemuel Pike; J.S., Augustus Barto; C. of R., F.H. Drake; K. of W., Tobias Altman. The number of members is thirty-five. The council meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, at Broadway and Kaighn Avenue.
LENNI LENAPE TRIBE, No. 2, is the oldest existing tribe of the order in the State, and in numbers and wealth the strongest and richest in the United States. It was instituted May 10, 1850, by Great Incohonee William B. Davis, assisted by Francis Fullerton, of Lenni Lenape Tribe, No. 8, of Pennsylvania, and Great Chief of Records of the United States. These were the charter members: Nathaniel Chew, William F. Colbert, John T. Davis, Timothy C. Moore, Sylvester Rainhard, Joseph Shipley, Daniel S. Garwood, William Beckett, George Wood, E.D. Brister, John Wood, Joseph Myers, Albert Robertson, John W. Hoey, James B. Richardson, Robert Maguire, Joseph B. Hawkins, James O. Stillwell and Anthony Joline. The officers were as follows: P., Timothy C. Moore; S., Nathaniel Chew; S.S., John Wood; J.S., William F. Colbert; C. of R., Joseph Myers; K. of W., Albert Robertson.
Lenni Lenape has had an eventful career, at times flourishing and at other times so short of funds that a few faithful members paid expenses and benefits out of their private purses, but persistence won at last and a flood tide of prosperity set in, which has continued until the Lenni Lenapes number seven hundred and thirty-two and the wampum belt contains $21,370.89.
Among its members are these Past Great Sachems:’George W. Watson, John T. Davis, Charles H. Gordon, Thomas J. Francis and Daniel M. Stevens; and of its Past Sachems these are living: Timothy C. Moore, Henry A. Breyer, Lewis Zeigler, Samuel J. Fenner, Edward J. Steer, William F. Farr, Samuel D. Watson, George Horneff, George A. Cairole, Thomas J. Rowand, Samuel A. Owens, Benjamin M. Braker, Lambert Banes, George Pfeiffer, William Sheridan, Thomas F. Muckelson, Hope Sutton, James P. Moore, D.D. Worts, Leonard Raray, Benjamin J. Price, John A. Hall, B.S.M. Branning, Abraham Davis, Harry B. Garrison, Walter E. Garwood, George A. Rogers, William C. Davis, Frank P. Jackson, H. Frank
Pettit, John A. Harbeson, John Quick, Angus B. Cameron, Lewis Z. Noble, George Leathwhite, Conrad F. Austermuhl, John K. Seagrove, Charles L. Vansciver, Harry Hoffman, Harry B. Tyler, James H. Reeve and George W. Davis. The officers are: P., G.W. Davis; S., Edward Francis; S.S., Samuel Baker; J.S., Joseph Watson; C. of R., L.Z. Noble; K. of W., C.F. Austermuhl; Trustees, T.J. Francis, T.F. Muckelson, J.K. Reeve, L.L. Raray and H.F. Pettit.
OTTAWA TRIBE, No. 15, was instituted in Washington Hall, in the Wigwam of Lenni Lenape, June 2, 1868, by Great Sachem James A. Parsons, G.S.S.G. Charles H. Gordon; G.K. of W. Charles H. Chew and G.C. of R. John T. Davis, who initiated and installed the following: Samuel S. Radcliff, P.; George A. Driesback, S.; Andrew Snyder, S.S.; Richard Elwell, J.R.; Edward L. Duffell, C. of R.; Joseph L. Bright, K. of W.; James Smoker, Wm. Soper, Ristine Lippincott, Charles Watson, John Haverstick, Charles H. Jeffries, Charles H. Pugh, Thomas Platt, Leonard Smith, Isaac P. Stone, A.W. Hutchinson, Chas. A. Layer, E.W.N. Custus, Chas. Clendening, George W. Myers, Thos. J. Sparks, John Crookshanks, Josiah Matlack, Edward Renshaw. Of the thirty-six Past Sachems, these are still members: Joseph L. Bright, John W. Matlack, John Shelhorn, Thos. J. Sparks, Wm. H. Gill, Henry R. Snyder, George Roth, Edward C. Sparks, Frank H. Tice, Isaac Lippincott, George A. Saunders, Elisha Chew, Ernest D. Chafey, Frederick Wahl, Wm. A. Aikens, Clark Osler, John Fox, Jr;, Levi B. Randall, George W. Ewan, Wm. J. Titus. There have been adopted into the Tribe nine hundred and ten pale-faces and the membership numbers four hundred and forty-one. The aggregate income since the institution of the tribe has been $34,120.44, and the expenditures, $27,495.84; balance on hand and invested July 1, 1886, $6,624.62.
The officers are - Prophet, Wm. J. Titus; Sachem, Nelson Lyons; Senior Sagamore, John R. Gordon; Junior Sagamore, Frank H. Randall; Chief of Records, Joseph L. Bright; Keeper of Wampum, Levi B. Randall; Assistant Chief of Records, Harry Sharp. The meetings are now held in Central Hall on Thursday evenings.
WYOMING TRIBE, No. 55, was instituted July 8, 1880. The Great Chiefs present were Great Prophet, Wm. P. Hall; Great Sachem, James M. Smith; G.C. of R., John T. Davis. The first Chiefs of the tribe were Prophet, Joseph H. Minnett; Sachem, Alonzo Bicking; Senior Sagamore, Chas. G. Zimmerman; Junior Sagamore, Wm. F. Propert; C. of R., D.C. Vannote; K. of W., Jos. B. Fox. The present Chiefs - P., J.A. Dold; S., Henry C. Boddy; S.S., Wm. B. Bignell; J.S., Wm. J. Boddy; C. of R., D.C. Vannote; K. of W., J.B. Fox. The number of members is one hundred and fifty-eight. The lodge meets Wednesday evenings at Third and Market Streets.
METAMORA TRIBE, No. 71, was instituted June 4, 1884, with the following Great Chiefs present: G.P., Daniel M. Stevens; G.S., Reuben L. Bowen; G.J.S., Samuel L. Durand; G.C. of R., John T. Davis; G.K. of W., Charles G. Zimmerman. The first Chiefs were - P., Edgar Hardcastle; S., Richard T. Bender; S.S., Joseph Rubicon; J.S., Wm. B. Reeves; C. of R., Robert King, Jr.; K. of W., John H. Daniels. The present Chiefs are - P., Jos. C. Jeffries; S., Geo. Walters; S.S., Wm. H. Stone; J.S., Geo. W. James; C. of R., Robt. King, Jr.; K. of W., John H. Daniels. The number of members is one hundred and thirty-one.
Meetings are held Friday evenings at Broadway and Kaighn Avenue.
SIOUX TRIBE, No. 25, was instituted in Wildey Hall, March 28, 1871, by Great Sachem John E. Cheeseman, with members of Sioux Tribe, Philadelphia, who presented them with a set of tomahawks, still in use. The officers were: S., Silas Letchford; S.S., John A. Parker; J.S., John Fox; C. of N., F.W. Wilson; K. of W., David C. Vannote; Prophet, Theodore L. Parker. The Past Sachems are Silas Letchford, James Broughton, Aaron Hand, William T. Mears, William F. Mason, Samuel H. Deal, Sr., John H. Mason, W.E. Campbell, Charles H. Hagelman, Henry F. Snyder, George A. Fenner, Isaac King, Theodore L. Parker, David B. Peterson, John B. Wright, William Hagelman, James Barton, Edward B. Chew, George W. Kleaver, J.P.R. Carney, James C. Mason, Edward A. Martin and John Barrett.
The officers for 1886 are: S., James G. Smith; S.S., Franklin H. Drake; J.S., Daniel England; P., J.P.R. Carney; C. of R., John P. Wright; Assistant C. of R., David B. Peterson. The tribe has a membership of two hundred and ninety-three, and a reserve fund of $455.76.
DAUGHTERS OP THE FOREST.
GRAND COUNCIL IMPROVED DAUGHTERS OF THE FOREST. - The First Council Fire was on the Ninth Sun of the Traveling Moon, October, 1874. The officers for 1886 are: G.V.P., Mrs. Kate Tyler; G.N.I., Mrs. Mary A.F. Ward; G.W.I., Mrs. Mary M. Davis; G.G.W., Mrs. Mary Cline; G.C. of R., Mrs. Cornelia Cox; G.K. of W., Mrs. Hannah G. Ivins; G.G. of T., Mrs. Stratton; G. of F., Mrs. Mary E. Corcoran. Number of Grand Council members, one hundred and thirty.
The Grand Council meets four times yearly at Wildey Hall. The number, of subordinate tents is ten, as fellows: Cherokee Tent, No. 1; Lenni Lenape, No. 2; Morning Light, No. 3; Sioux, No. 4; Ottawa, No. 8; Manumuskin, No. 11; Wyoming, No. 12; Delaware, No. 13; Tippecanoe, No. 14; Osceola, No. 15. The total number of subordinate tent members is one thousand four hundred and twenty-four.
CHEROKEE TENT, No. 1, was organized January 18, 1858, at Fourth and Spruce Streets, the officers being: V.P., Rebecca Seagrave; N.I., Lena Leon; W.I., Alice Piper; G.W., Cecilia Hanley; First Squaw, Abbie Doughty; Second Squaw, Anna Smick; Third Squaw, Caroline Carregan; Fourth Squaw, Rosa Schregler; K. of T., Susan Weaver; K. of F., Julia Coleman. Meetings are held Tuesday evenings, at the northeast corner of Third and Federal Streets. The members number eighty-two.
LENNI LENAPE TENT, No. 2, was organized as Chippewa Tent, No. 3, February 21, 1868, by Great Noble Incas Elizabeth Strumpfer and Great Chief of Records Mary A. Furter, assisted by the Great Council of Pennsylvania. Fifty-three, constituting the charter members, were initiated, and these officers installed: Noble Incas, Sarah Y. Winner; Worthy Incas, Roselina E. Smith; Prophetess, Rebecca M. Thompson; Good Watcher, Hannah G. Ivans; Chieftess of Records, Susannah Poole; Wampum Scribe, Cordelia Matlack; Worthy Keeper of Wampum, Margaret W. Boyd; Squaws, Ruth A. Ross, Elizabeth North, Clara Muckelson, Mary M. Lindale; Keeper of the Tent, Margaretta Hampton; Keeper of the Forest, Camilla Sloan.
In September, 1868, the name was changed to Lenni Lenape Tent, No. 2, and the meeting-place afterwards changed to Wildey Hall. The tent has sixty-two past officers, three Past Grand Officers, and is working under the Great Council of New Jersey. The membership numbers eighty, and since 1869 one thousand eight hundred and ninety-six dollars has been paid for sickness, and five hundred and ninety-five dollars for funeral benefits; since the formation two hundred and eighty-eight have been initiated. The wampum on hand amounts to one thousand dollars. The officers are: W.P., Roselina E. Smith; N.I., Emma A. Pierson; W.I., Keturah Tenner; G.W., Susan Sweeten; C. of R., Rebecca M. Thompson; W.S., Cordelia Matlack; W. K. of W., Margaret W. Boyd; Squaws, Roxanna Severns, Ellen Walton, Maria Kerens and Elizabeth Campbell; K. of T., Leonora Flowers; K. of F., Rachel B. Stone.
SIOUX TENT, No. 4, was organized at Wildey Hall, the Twelfth Sun of Plant Moon, (April,) 1872. The officers for 1886 are as follows: P., Hannah Shettinger; N.I., Rebecca Davis; W.I., Mary J. Vannote; G.W., Sallie Thomas; G. of C., Lizzie Olden; G. of W., Sarah Wiatt; C. of R., Mary E. Corcoran; W.S., Katie Darnell; K. of W., Sarah Letchford; First S., Virginia Ploetz; Second S., Virginia Gonardo; Third S., H. Cavanal; Fourth S., Lizzie Banes. Meetings are held every Tuesday evening at Mechanics’ Hall, southwest corner of Fourth and Spruce Streets. The number of members is seventy-three.
OTTAWA TENT, No. 8, was organized January 12, 1874, in Yeager’s Hall. The Past Officers who are members of the Grand Tent of New Jersey number twenty-five, and among the members of Ottawa are two Past Grand Officers. The tent has prospered and has a membership of, one hundred and forty-five, with twelve hundred dollars in the treasury or invested. The officers are: G.P., Mary Sutton; A.I., Mattie Craig; W.I., Sarah Oehrle; G.W., Rose Prickett; C.R., Lizzie Lilly; W.S., Margaret Snyder; K.W., Anna J. Wright; Trustees, Levi B. Randall, William T. Mears, John Matlack.
WYOMING TENT, No. 12, was instituted the 28th Sun of Flower Moon (May), 1880. The officers for 1886 are: P., Cornelia Cox; N.I., H.F. Steward; W.I., Mary Houseman; G.W., Henrietta Silance; G. of F., ----- Trullender; G. of T., C.A. Knight; C. of R., Mary A.F. Ward; W.S. Anna Nulliner; K. of W., Annie Williams; 1st Sq., Mrs. L. Broadwater; 2d Sq., Annie Stearn; 3d Sq., Eliza Snow; 4th Sq., Maggie Stone. The number of members at present is fifty-five. Meetings are held every Wednesday evening at Mechanics’ Hall.
TIPPECANOE TENT, No. 14, was instituted 9th Sun, Plant Moon (April), 1886. The following are the officers for 1886; P., Fannie Williams; N.I., Emma Morris; W.I., Amanda Hoe; G.W., Minnie L. Wyle; C. of R., Lyda A. Cathcart; W.S., Susanna L. Rupert; K. of W., Susanna M. Ristine; G. of F., Sadie Marembeck; G. of T., Viola S.E. Marembeck; 1st Sq., Annie Wilkinson; 2d Sq., Ella M. Madison; 3d Sq., Minnie Madison; 4th Sq., Emma L. Hemmingway. Charter members; Jane Madison, M.E.D. Morris, Kate Hunt. The tent meets every Friday evening at Wright’s’ Hall, in Wrightsville. The number of members is thirty-two.
KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN EAGLE.
The Knights of the Golden Eagle is a secret benevolent institution, founded in Baltimore, Md., February 6, 1873, and is now in successful operation in the States of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Delaware, New Jersey, California, Ohio, New York, Iowa, Georgia, Connecticut, West Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Colorado, Virginia, Illinois, Alabama and the District of Columbia. It is based upon the most liberal principles consistent with future prosperity, and has for its motto, "Fidelity, Valor and Honor," a trinity of graces which are taught in its ritual.
The order has for its main object the promotion of the principles of true benevolence, associating its members together for purposes of mutual relief against the trials and difficulties which attach to sickness, distress and death, so far as they may be mitigated by sympathy and pecuniary assistance. It studiously avoids all sectarian and political controversy, and aims to cultivate the social, moral and intellectual feelings of its members, and to promote their welfare in all the walks of life.
The Order of the Knights of the Golden Eagle was introduced into the State of New Jersey in the summer of 1883, Camden Castle, No. 1, being instituted in August of that year with twenty-four members. During the year 1884 four new castles were instituted, at Millville, Camden, Mount Holly and Salem, respectively - the membership, at the close of the year, being five hundred and eighty-four. In 1885 the number of castles was increased to ten, with a membership of one thousand and one, and from January 1, 1886, to the present time thirteen new castles have been formed, and the membership increased to over two thousand.
THE GRAND CASTLE OF NEW JERSEY was instituted July 16, 1884, the officers at institution being: Past Grand Chief John P. Price; Grand Chief, Joseph H. Minnett; Grand Vice-Chief William A. Garrison; Grand Master of Records, Daniel M. Stevens; Grand Keeper of Exchequer, P.P. Achenbach; Grand Sir Herald, George S. Robertson; Grand High Priest, Henry F. Bacon; Grand First Guardsman, S. Luther Richmond; Grand Second Guardsman, George W. Stevens.
The present officers are: Past Grand Chief, William A. Garrison, Westville; Grand Chief, Henry F. Bacon, Salem (P.O. Box 200); Grand Vice-Chief, Irving W. Kelly, Perry and Montgomery Streets, Trenton; Grand Sir Herald, P.P. Achenbach, 712 Carman Street, Camden; Grand High Priest, John S. Broughton, Trenton; Grand Master of Records, E.D. Senseman, 580 Clinton Street, Camden; Grand Keeper of Exchequer, F.A. Buren, Merchantville; Grand First Guardsman, George Williams, Wrightsville; Grand Second Guardsman, William F. Perry, Quinton.
The next annual session will be held in Camden on the first Wednesday in March, 1887.
CAMDEN CASTLE, No. 1, was instituted August 9, 1883, with the following officers: P.C., Joseph T. Fortiner; N.C., Charles Brown; V.C., Joseph Rubicam; H.P., John C. Newhouse; V.H., Watson Stevens; K. of E., Charles Aston; C. of E., Herman Rosade; M. of R., E. D. Senseman; Sir H., Joseph C. Madara; W.B., William B. Vannaman; W.C., John J. Pierson, Jr.; Ens., George A. Bingham; Esq., William S. Caume; 1st G., John J. Pierson, Sr.; 2d G., Thomas T. Madara.
The present officers are: P.C., Robert F. Stockton; N.C., Birtus A. Wagner; V.C., Edwin F. Jones; H.P., William S. Carels; V.H., George Cook; M. of R., Howard M. Sexton; C. of E., Herman Rosade; K. of E., Charles Brown; S.H., William P. Fowler.
The lodge meets every Friday evening at Lincoln Hall, Third and Market Streets. The membership is three hundred and forty.
WASHINGTON CASTLE, No. 3, was instituted April 4, 1884. The officers at institution were: P.C., John N. Madara; N.C., Daniel M. Stevens; V.C., H. Frank Pettit; V.H., Andrew G. Vannaman; H.P., James H. Reeves; K. of E., Elmer E. Cox; C. of E., Samuel A. Barto; M. of R., George W. Stevens; Sir H., George S. Fox; W.B., C.O. Pedrick; W.C., James Hoagland; Ensign, Lemuel Pike; Esq., James Hartley; 1st G., John Allen; 2d G., W.B. Waters.
The present officers are: P.C., Joseph W. Jackson; N.C., James Spence; V.C., William B. Gibbs; H.P., H.W. Rowland; V.H., John P.R. Carney; M. of R., George W. Stevens; C. of E., Charles Sayre; K. of E., Elmer E. Cox; S.H., William B. Slocum.
The lodge meets every Friday night, at Wildey Hall, Fifth and Pine Streets. The number of members is two hundred and thirty-three.
RED CROSS CASTLE, No. 6, was instituted January 23, 1885, with the following officers: P.C., W.H. Tyler; N.C, F.T. Steinbach; H.P., Adam Hoffman; V.H., Hiram Walton; M. of R., Geo. S. Bundick; C. of E., Isaac Buzby.
The present officers are: P.C., Fred’k Fearn; N.C., Adam Hoffman; V.C., Joseph M. Taylor; H.P., E.O. Smith; M. of R., Walter Hart; C. of E., John Neff; K. of E., Moses Gour; S.H., D. Ewan.
The lodge meets every Monday night, at Gour’s Hall, 249 Kaighn Avenue. The number of members is seventy-five.
WHITE CROSS CASTLE, No. 19, was instituted August 20, 1886, with the following officers: P.C., William H. Snyder; N.C., Richard Twelves; V.C., W.D. Reel; H.P., Morris E. Michel; V.H., Joseph Engard; M. of R., W.H. Wagoner; C. of E., R.A. Outwater; K. of E., Frank Mester; Sir H., George W. Reese; W.B., E.W. Shallcross; W.C., Harry E. Homer; Ens., Morris Odell; Esq., C.E. Swaney; First Guard, W.H. Strang; Second Guard, C.E. Bowker.
The lodge meets every Monday night at the northwest corner of Second and Federal Streets, Camden. The present membership is ninety.
MONARCH CASTLE, No. 9, was instituted November 11, 1886, the officers at institution being: P.C., George L. Frazee; N.C., Charles E. Lane; V.C., Samuel R. Murray; H.P., N.N. Wentz, V.H., J.K. Hibbs; M. of R., Frank S. Fithian, C. of E., Abram H. Allen; K. of E, Thomas B. Woolston; S.H., James Rudolph; W.B., Horace J. Parks; W.C., C.P. Baker; Ens., William H. Smith, Jr.; Esq., George Ewan; First Guard, Charles H. Savidge; Second Guard, George Ewan.
The present officers are P.C., John W. Mickle; N.C., George C. Vankirk; V.C., Edwin S. Titus; H.P., R.M. Coffman; V.H., D.P. Steiner; M. of R., E.D. Senseman; C. of E., Abram H. Allen; K. of E., Washington Bucknell; Sir H.,
William M. Callingham; W.B., Charles Kain; W.C., Theo. Austermuhl; Ens., William M. Strohl; Esq., John F. Wilkins; First Guard, Jacob E. Miller; Second Guard, William P. Riker.
Meetings are held every Wednesday night at the northwest corner of Fourth and Federal Streets. The present. membership is one hundred and thirteen.
ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN.
The object of this order is to embrace and give equal protection to all classes and kinds of labor, mental and physical; to strive earnestly to improve the moral, intellectual and social condition of its members; to create a fund for the benefit of its members during sickness or other disability, and, in case of death, to pay a stipulated sum for each member, thus guaranteeing his family against want. Its jurisdictions are a Supreme Lodge, Grand and Subordinate Lodges. The Grand Lodge of Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware is thus officered: G.M.W., John J. Gallagher, of Wilmington, Del.; G.F., William H. Vermilye, Jersey City, N.J.; G.O., James A. Vansant, Camden, N.J.; G.G., John W. Diefendorf, Wilmington, Del.; G.R., A.F. Colbert, Baltimore; G. Receiver, Myer Hirsch, Baltimore; G.M.E., G.S. Wilkins, M.D., Baltimore.
CAMDEN LODGE, No. 1. was chartered January 27, 1879, with these officers: Master Workman, Joseph R. Leaming; Foreman, Charles Markley; Overseer, George W. Coles; Recorder, Harry Ladow; Financier, William Thegen; Receiver, Albert P. Brown; Guide, William P. Partenheimer; Inside Watchman, B.M. Denny; Outside Watchman, William Jones; Medical Examiner, H. Genet Taylor, M.D. These were also charter members, - Moore Beideman, Robert L. Barber, John F. Benner, De Witt C. France, Joel H. Evaul, Henry S. Fortiner, George B. Fortiner, Howard L. Gandy, Merritt Horner, William Struthers, Benjamin G. Smith, William H. Stansbury, Marmaduke B. Taylor, Frank S. Wells, John S. Wells. The lodge has one hundred and forty-eight members, with these officers: P.M.W., J.C. Prickett; M.W., Virgil Willetts; F., J.H. Le Chard; O., R.R. Lewellen; R., W.R. Lundrum; Fin. Sec., Charles Markley; Rec. Sec., John Woltjen; G., J.S. Pike; I.W., John W. Clopper, Jr.; O.W., J.H. Evaul; Medical Examiner, E.R. Smiley, M.D.
FIDELITY LODGE, No. 3, was instituted February 12, 1880, with forty-three charter members. At the end of first year it had sixty-five members, and it now has three hundred and thirty-eight. It is the largest lodge in the jurisdiction, which comprises the States of Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware and Virginia.
The first officers were: Master Workman, William T. Brewer; Foreman, Isaac Shivers; Overseer, David C. Brewer; Recorder, August F. Richter; Financier, James F. Davis; Receiver, Thomas I. Gifford; Guide, John E. Stratton; Inside Watchman, William H. Cattman; Outside Watchman, J. Alfred Allen; Trustees, Merritt Horner, George H. Amon, Richard D. Sheldon; Past Master Workman, Merritt Horner.
The present officers are Past Master Workman Jacob S. Jones; Master Workman, William C. Husted; Foreman, D.C. Vanote; Overseer, William H. Collins; Recorder, Merritt Horner; Financier, N.C. Stowell; Receiver, B.S.M. Branning; Guide, Joseph Ridgway; Inside Watchman, L.C. Harris; Outside Watchman, Robert D. Swain, Jr.; Trustees, John Harris, C.H. Sayre, Jacob S. Jones.
PROVIDENT LODGE, No. 4, was organized March 11, 1880, with these charter members: Officers - P.W.M., B.F. Browning; W.M., Richard F. Smith; F., Frank L. Vinton; O., George B. Sellers; Fin., Charles J. Rainey; R., Irvine C. Beatty; Rec., Goldson Test; G., Alvah Bushnell; I.W., C.S. Ball; O.W., Elwood Davis; M.E., Dr. Alexander Marcy; Trustees, Rufus Hill, J.C. Hires. Those officiating at the organization in Association Hall were Past Masters Marmaduke B. Taylor, Charles Markley, George W. Coles, William Thegen, Harry Ladow, and others of Camden Lodge, No. 1.
The Past Officers are: B.F. Browning, R.F. Smith, F.L. Vinton, G.B. Sellers, A. Bushnell, C.J. Ball, Frank W. Tussey, E. Clark Yardley, J.E. Lippincott, Joseph A. Porter, G. Test, C.J. Rainey, I.C. Beatty, E. Davis, Harris Graffen, Charles H. Schitzler.
The Present Officers are P.M.W., George C. Spooner; M.W., William J. Searle; Foreman, A.C. Smith; O., John M. Eldridge; Rec., G. Test; F., F.W. Tussey; G., C.A. Nicholson; I.W., K. McClung; O.W., G.W. Jackson; Trustees, H. Graffen, J.E. Lippincott, C.V.D. Joline.
The lodge has three hundred and nine members.
ENTERPRISE LODGE, No. 12, was organized in Odd-Fellows’ lodge-room, Morgan’s Hall, January 4, 1882, by George W. Coles and William Thegen, with these charter members: A.P. Brown, William Thegen, George W. Coles, George W. Doak, John T. Harker, Onan B. Gross, George C. Randall, John D. Kinsler, Frank P. Stoy, E.B. Slifer, Richard H. Brown, Jr., Lewis Simons, Thomas S. Hess, Jacob Schumacher, William T. Wentz, Henry E. Collins, Joseph Franklin, Alfred W. Test, Charles Hartzell, G.N. Busby, Theo. B. Sage, Charles S. Gilbert, Ambrose R. Fish, James Watts, William A. Hamilton, William H. Swindell, Nathan F. Shinn, John Nulty, Samuel Robbins, Charles Bosch, C. Stanley French, H.B. Fowler, William J. Street, Robert H. Patton.
The first officers were: P.M.W., William Thegen; M.W., A.P. Brown; Foreman, George W. Doak; Overseer, George C. Randall; Recorder, Franklin P. Stoy; Financier, G.N. Buzby, Receiver, Samuel Bobbins; Medical Examiner, O.B. Gross, M.D.
The Past Master Workmen are George W. Coles, William Thegen, A.P. Brown, George W. Doak, William J. Bradley, P.A. Fowler, C.H. Fowler, Charles H. Barnard, G.N. Buzby, Dr. Onan B. Gross, Samuel Robbins, William T. Wentz.
The officers for 1886 are. P.M.W., William T. Wentz; B., George W. Doak; M.W., George W. Steed; Fin., William Thegen; F., R.H. Brown, Jr.; Receiver, Samuel Robbins; Overseer, H.B. Fowler; Medical Examiner, O.B. Gross, M.D. The lodge has ninety members.
ORDER OF UNITED AMERICAN MECHANICS.
The objects of this organization are: "To preserve our free Constitutional Government upon the basis of justice and humanity toward every member of the community; to encourage honesty, industry and sobriety; and to establish a policy which will insure to the industrious mechanic and business men a fair remuneration for their toil, and a respectable position in society. The members of the Order are pledged: to assist each other in obtaining employment; to encourage each other in business; to establish a sick and funeral fund; to establish a fund for the relief of widows and orphans of deceased members; to aid members who may have become incapacitated from following their usual avocation in obtaining situations suitable to their condition."
THE STATE COUNCIL of the Order of United American Mechanics has had its office of secretary located in Camden since 1865. Joseph H. Shinn has been re-elected annually to the office of State Council secretary since that year. The State Council of New Jersey received its charter from the National Council, dated January 5, 1847, and was incorporated by special act of the Legislature of New Jersey, approved by the Governor March 7, 1871.
The State Council has had a continued existence since it was chartered, holding semi-annual meetings for a number of years; by a change made in the constitution in the year 1877, the semi-annual meeting was dispensed with, making the annual meeting held in September the only session during the year. There are quite a number of citizens of Camden who have taken an active part in this State organization; the following have filled the State Councilor’s position, or executive office of the order in the State: Joseph L. Bright, 1857; Jos. H. Shinn, 1863; Abner Sparks, 1865; Edward S. Andrews, 1866; Edward T. James 1867; John S. Read, 1869; John J. Kaighn, 1871; Wm. D Middleton, 1876; Wm. Wiatt, 1882; Chas. S. Cotting, 1884, and Frank W. Armstrong, 1886. The officers elected September, 1886, and now in office, are - S.C., Frank W. Armstrong, of Camden; S.V.C., Isaiah Van Horn, of Trenton; S.C. Sec., Joseph H. Shinn, Camden; S.C. Treas., Abner Sparks, of Camden; S.C.I., F.M. Hedden, East Orange; S.C.E., B.F. McPeek, of Newark; S.C.P., John Doremus, of Paterson.
The report of the order in the State made at the annual session in the year 1886 shows the number of councils in the State to be 39; number of members, 3604; amount of money received during the year, $18,914.53; amount of money paid for relief, $9,683.80; balance in treasury and invested, $42,669.82; balance in widows’ and orphans’ fund, $10,950.75.
There are five councils of the order located in Camden County, four in the city, to wit: Camden Council, No. 7; Morning Star Council, No. 11; Evening Star Council, No. 19; United Council, No. 20; Star of the Union Council, No. 72, at Gloucester City.
CAMDEN COUNCIL, No. 7, was instituted July 29, 1847, when John R. Thompson, William Rianhardt, Robert P. Smith, Shelbourne S. Kennedy, David Surran, William P. Murphy, William C. Monroe, Charles M. Thompson, John S. Long, William A. Davis, Charles S. Sturgis, Wesley P. Murray and Richard Jones met in Starr’s Hall, and were constituted as Camden Council, No. 7, by State Councilor James Cappuck and State Council Secretary George S. Willits. They soon removed to Bontemps’ Hall, and many years afterward to United Order of American Mechanics’ Hall, where they now meet. Camden is the oldest council of the order in the city, and has exercised large influence in the State, furnishing, among many others, these State Councilors, - John S. Read, William D. Middleton and Edwin T. James. These are the officers: Junior Ex-Councilor, Edwin A. Stone; Councilor, Thaddeus B. Andrews; Vice-Councilor, Joseph B. Elfreth; Recording Secretary, A. Benjamin Sparks; Financial Secretary, Joseph L. Bright; Treasurer, Abner Sparks; Inductor, F.W. Armstrong; Examiner, James H. Armington; Inside Protector, Merrit H. Pike; Outside Protector, Ballinger Smick.
MORNING STAR COUNCIL, No. 11, meets in American Mechanics’ Hall, Fourth and Spruce Streets, on Monday evening. It was instituted March 19, 1866. On June 30, 1886, the number of members was one hundred and five. The present officers are Councilor, H.M. Cox; Vice-Councilor, Milton Crowell; Recording Secretary, William H. Hutton; Assistant Recording Secretary, Wm. Early; Financial Secretary, George E. Hunsinger; Treasurer, Elmer Ford; Trustees, William H. Hutton, Martin D. Fisher, John W. Darnell.
EVENING STAR COUNCIL, No. 19, meets on Thursday evenings at the northeast corner of Broadway and Kaighn Avenue. It was instituted March 23, 1868, and reorganized September 15, 1883. The number of members is sixty-three. The present officers are C., George B. Rugens; V.C., Charles J. Brown; R.S., J.D. Dudley (residence, 227 Benson Street); F.S., Charles Tucker; Treas., Jacob V. Scudder; E., John F. Reed; I., Lewis H. Powell; I.P., Harry F. Bronnin; O.P., George W. Duncan.
UNITED COUNCIL, No. 20, was organized March 20, 1868. On the 13th a meeting was held in Test’s Hall, Second and Federal Streets, - William D. Middleton, chairman; Jacob B. Lipsett, secretary, and Joseph H. Shinn, treasurer, - at which it was resolved to form a council of the order, and, at an adjourned meeting, held on the 20th, these officers were elected, - Councilor, Thomas B. Painter; Vice-Councilor, Theodore Verlander; Recording Secretary, Jacob R. Lipsett; Assistant Recording Secretary, Joseph L. Mason; Inductor, Thomas Gladden, Jr.; Examiner, Belford Conover; Inside Inspector, Edward W. Githens; Outside Inspector, Jacob P. Stone; Treasurer, Daniel B. Shaw; Financial Secretary, Job Bishop; Trustees, T. Verlander, Richard W. Stiles and Daniel L. Pierson. Besides the above, these were charter members, - George W. Spence, B.H. Mathis, George L. Aikins, George W. Myers, William H. Bassett, John H. Lawrence, Michael Peterson, Jonathan High, H.W. Hill, Thomas Gladden, Sr., Matthew Miskelly, John Githens, Redman H. Pierson, Henry B. Cheeseman, J. Fredericks, Jacob M. Vannest, Benjamin A. Stone. On the 25th of March, John S. Read, assisted by William D. Middleton, Edward T. James and Joseph H. Shinn, secretary of the State Council, with members of No. 7, the applicants were initiated, the officers installed and the council organized for work. These have served as Councilors: Thomas B. Painter, Theodore Verlander, Joseph L. Mason, Thomas Gladden, Jr., Joseph H. Shinn, Jacob P. Stone, O.M. Cliver, Inman Laning, John M. Gladden, Edward S. Apgar, Charles S. Cotting, Richard W. Stiles, Emmor Applegate, Ellis H. Matlack, Edward Dalley, Nathan C. Stowell, Jacob Van Culin, Townsend Phiffer, George W. Myers, Hiram Green, Charles H. Cook, William H. Bassett, Isaac T. Woodrow, Jacob T. Fredericks, Stephen Sarish, Michael Peterson, Thomas Haines, Thomas Gladden, Sr., F.M. Wright, George W. Fox, Montroville Shinn, Frank O. Rogers, Horace L. Githens, Richard W. Sharp, John G. Corey. Charles S. Cotting and Joseph H. Shinn are Past State Councilors, and the latter has been State Council Secretary for many years. The council has paid for benefits and relief of widows and orphans $8736. The membership numbers sixty-six, and funds amount to $1936. The present officers are C., John W. Truax; V.C., A.S. Kille; R. Sec., Mont. Shinn; A.R. Sec., George Seeds; F. Sec., Frederick L. Smith; Treas., Joseph H. Shinn; Trustees, Richard W. Sharp, John G. Corey, H. McCormick.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF MECHANICS.
NEW JERSEY LODGE, No. 1, was organized May 2, 1882. The following are officers for 1886: W.M., Harry Pooley, J.M. Richard Heal; Conductor, ----- Ewing; Financial Secretary, Frank Steinback; Recording Secretary, Harry Bartling; and Treasurer, William J. Ross. The lodge meets every Thursday evening, at Wildey Hall. The number of members is three hundred and twenty.
ENTERPRISE LODGE, No. 3, was instituted January 1, 1883, in Lincoln Hall, with these officers: P.W.M., Ellis W. Woolverton; W.M., John R. Grubb; J.M., Charles L. Bennett; S., Solon R. Hankinson; F.S., Jacob F. Morton; T., George E. Boyer. The charter members were Ellis W. Woolverton, Charles L. Bennett, George E. Boyer, Edward S. Andrews, J. Harrison Lupton, Baxter Howe, H.C. Thoman, J.S. Casto, George W. Wood, J.P. Becket, Samuel Pine, J.L. Fields, O.K. Lockhart, Thomas Tannier, S.W. Gahan, C.T. Green, Jacob Garst, Charles W. Keen, A.D. Highfield, H.S. Casto, Charles Walton, William C. Reeves, John R. Grubb, Solon R. Hankinson, William A. Holland, Daniel Nelson, Jacob F. Morton, James M. Way, Joseph B. Wakeman, Charles Mason, E. Hayden, R.J. Long, William Thompson, Stacy Nevins, John Shelden, George Rianhard, Charles B. Fithian, John W. Garwood, William H. Sommers, Isaac Budd, Harris A. Glover, C.M. Limroth, Charles Reeves, Benjamin H. Connelly and Franklin Hewitt. The lodge meets Friday evenings, in Association Hall, Third and Market; has one hundred and ninety-seven members, with a reserve fund of nine hundred dollars. Its Past Masters are E.W. Woolverton, J.R. Grubb, C.L. Bennett, S.R. Hankinson, G.E. Boyer, W.A. Hallam, E.S. Andrews, J.H. Lupton, J.F. Morton, Baxter Howe, J.E. Way, S.C. Hankinson, W.J. Bruehl, E.M. West, H.L. Sanders, Frank Hewitt, G.W. Willits and William Dougherty. The present officers are: S.M., William Dougherty; W.M., Lewis McDowell; J.M., Frederick Bechtell; S., James M. Way; F.S., Daniel Whittecar; T., Thomas Hines.
GERMANIA LODGE, No. 7, meets in Independence Hall, where it was organized March 21, 1884, by Grand Architect Ellis W. Woolverton, assisted by Grand Secretary William A. Holland, who initiated these charter members: Louis Ballinger, Henry Yungling, John Pfeiffer, Frederick Roedel, Gottleib Hess, Alexander Schlesinger, John Pfeiffer, Jr., Charles Tietz, Christian Rehm, Lewis Yeager and Charles Schnabel, and installed these officers: S.M., Charles Ulbrich; W.M., Bernhart Boehm; J.M., August Tegmier; R.S., Frank Rehm; F.S., Emil Bruetsch; T., John G. Schram; Con., Henry Sand; Cap., Charles Peters. The Past Officers are Charles Ulbrich, Henry Sand, August Tegmier and Paul Ebner, and the officers for 1886: S.M., Gottleib Hess; W.M., Lewis Yeager; J.M., August Vogel; R.S., Henry Rothe; F.S., Paul Ebner; T., Charles Peters; Con., Christian Klein; Chap., Christopher Theilemann; Trustees, Lewis Yeager, August Vogel and Christian Klein. The lodge numbers three hundred and twenty members and its reserve funds amount to three hundred and twenty dollars.
EXCELSIOR LODGE, No. 9, was organized in Lincoln Hall, August 22, 1884, by Grand Officers Ellis W. Woolverton and Joseph Louder, assisted by members of Enterprise Lodge, No. 3, when these were initiated: Robert S. Bender; George M. Wolfe, William Shutt, John N. Noll, Edward Shuster, John Folwell, Sr., Amos Carrow, Albert Shinn, Jacob Green, Phineas Ash, William Fisher, Bowman Marshall, Edward L. Countiss, William S. Wolfe, Abraham Foust, Robert M. Laconey, Benjamin H. Thomas, Thomas Hickman, Edgar B. Slifer, Robert N. Bollevow, John Owens, Robert Gibberson, George Smith, Frank Marshall and Harry W. Sutton. The officers chosen were: S.M., Robert S. Bender; Treasurer, John N. Noll; W.M., William S. Wolfe; R.S., Abraham Foust; J.M., Edward Shuster; F.S., Robert M. Laconey. The lodge has prospered and now numbers three hundred and fifteen members, with assets amounting to seven hundred and twenty-three dollars. The meeting-place has been changed to Independence Hall, Fourth and Pine Streets. The Past Worthy Masters are Robert S. Bender, William S. Wolfe, George M. Wolfe, Leonhard Boehm, Thomas Locke, William Bell and David Ewan. The officers for 1886 are: W.M., Thomas Ainsley; F.S., George M. Wolfe; S.M., James Carnan; Treasurer, John N. Noll; J.M., David Ewan; Chap., Edgar Slifer; R.S., Abraham Foust; Con., Frank Seeds.
BROTHERHOOD OF THE UNION.
This order was organized in Philadelphia, by George Lippard, in 1846. The principles teach the paternity of God, the fraternity of man, that every man has a right to a home and to the full fruits of his toil; that monopoly in land should be prevented and the public domain given to landless settlers. It is patriotic in its aims, and pledges its members to uphold the American Union and the dignity of labor. The present Supreme Washington is James E. Russell, of New Jersey, and the Grand Chief Washington of New Jersey is John M. Clayton, of Camden.
The divisions are Circles, Grand Circles and a Supreme Circle, with similar divisions of the Home Communion, the women’s branch of the order. There are in Camden three Circles and two Home Communions.
WITHERSPOON CIRCLE, No. 1, which meets in Wildey Hall, was instituted April 23, 1849, George Lippard officiating, these being the initiates: George L. Toy, Joshua W. Roberts, Philip H. Mulford, Henry Belsterling, Edward N. Daugherty, Henry Copeland, Joseph L. Wright, William R. Maxwell, David Mills, Michael Seibenlist, Isaac Rawn and Ballenger Smith. These members of Witherspoon Circle have been Supreme Washington: George L. Toy, Henry L. Bonsall, William J. Maguire and James E. Russell. The G.E. W.’s are Edward N. Daugherty, Benjamin M. Braker, Henry Bradshaw, Larned Smith, Francis Warren, Isaac Warr and George W. Fenner. Exalted Washingtons: Andrew R. Ackley, Josiah Bozarth, A.E. Atkinson, Charles Deith, E.W. Jones, Albert V. Mills, Absalom Jordan, Benjamin Smith, E.O. Hoefflich, George W. Fenner, Jr., Elisha C. Smith, William S. McCabe and George L. Swyler. The officers for 1886 are: E.W., George L. Swyler; H.S.K., James E. Russell; C.W., William O. Engler; H.R., Frank Warren; C.J., William H. Harris; H.T., Harry Bradshaw; C.F., William McAllister; H.H., William B. Bergnell. The membership is one hundred and nineteen, with seven hundred dollars in funds.
WELCOME CIRCLE, No. 3, which meets in Central Hall, was instituted December 31, 1869, by D.S.W. Archibald Cochran, who installed these officers: E.W., Thomas Westphall; H.S.K., W. Frank Gaul; C.W., Benjamin H. Connolly; H.T., John Reynolds; C.J., Edward Furlong; W.D., James G. Hyatt; C.F., J.E. Atkinson; W.N., Edward Andrews. G.E. W.’s: James G. Hyatt, J. Harry Stiles, Joseph Dufour, Samuel W. Stivers, John McMichael and John H. Clayton. E. W.’s: Charles Wrifford, George S. West, William B. Jobes, Samuel McMichael, Benjamin Toy, John F. Harned, J.M. Adams, Samuel Dodd, Jr., Thomas Adams, John Dentist, John Hart, George Baghurst, Jr., George L. Knight and George A. Baghurst. The officers for 1886 are: E.W., George Wallison; H.S.K., George S. West; C.W., Samuel J. Cook; H.R., John F. Harned; C.J., Charles H. Beck; H.T., Joseph Dufour; H.K., Charles Christman. The membership is one hundred and ninety-seven and the assets thirty-eight hundred dollars.
CAMDEN CIRCLE, No. 13, meets in Wildey Hall and was instituted September 5, 1883, when G.C.W. E.F. Gilbert; assisted by G.C.J. Joseph Dufour, G.C.F. John H. Clayton and G.E.W. Frank Warren, installed these officers, - E.W., Wm. H. McFerran; H.S.K., Wm. T. Mears; C.W., Wm. Wiatt; H.R., Joseph Marple; C.J., Henry F. Armour; H.T., Josiah Jones.
The E. W.’s are - Wm. H. McFerran, Isaac L. Chew, Wm. Wiatt, Weaver Godfrey, L.E. Sheppard, Wesley J. Hawk, Wm. T. Mears.
The officers for 1886 are - E.W., Charles H. Jenness; C.F., Wm. D. Green; C.W., G.F.L. Mears; H.S.K., Wm. T. Mears; C.J., George M. Bacon; H.R., Wm. H. McFerran; H.T., Alex. Wood.
LYDIA DARRAH HOME COMMUNION, No. 1, meets in Mechanics’ Hall, Fourth and Spruce, and was instituted by S.W. George L. Toy, in Independence Hall, Fourth and Pine, May 12, 1867, when these officers were installed: G., Benj. M. Braker; H.S.K., Wm. J. Maguire; P., Hannah G. Ivins; H.R., Sarah T. Winner; H.T., Philip Beaber. The Past Grand Guardians are: Hannah G. Ivins, Susanna Quinn and Elizabeth Portz, and the Past Guardians: Margaret Boyd, Margaret Caperoon, Mary E. Sloan, Missouri Pierce, Ruth A. Ross, Josiah Bozarth, Emma Knipe, Margaret Deeth, Augusta Oeherle, Sarah Kirby, Rachel B. Stone, Elizabeth Eames, Annie Curtis, Lizzie Eames, Annie M. Quick, Mary M. Davis, Rachel Stephen, Benj. Smith, Isaac Warr, Emily Weldey, Elizabeth Cleaver, Elizabeth Stricker, Samuel W. Stivers, Keturah Tenner, Sarah Wiatt, Eliza J. Leibach, Elizabeth C. Butler, Margaret A. Davis, Mary Ore, Julia Coleman, Sallie Tracy, Emma J. Doyle.
The Home has had a useful life, and after assisting many has eight hundred dollars invested, with a membership of eighty-one. The officers for 1886 are: P.G., Mary Ore; G., Rachel Stephen; Pro., Benjamin Smith; Prophet, Maggie Caperoom; Prophetess, Emily Weldey; Priest, Mary J. Cooper; Priestess, Emma J. Doyle; H.S.K., Annie M. Quick; H.R., Rachel B. Stone; H.T., Elizabeth Cleaver; W.D., Clara Davis; W.N., Emma Horneff.
GOOD SAMARITAN HOME COMMUNION, No. 2, was instituted January 3, 1873, by Acting S.W. James W. Rusling, when these officers were installed; P.G., James G. Hyatt; G., Wm. C. Figner; P., Catharine Cadwell; Priestess, Patience A. Holt; Priest, James A. Paul; Prophetess, Mary A. Merkle; Prophet, James E. Russell; S.K., Edward Lewis; R., Hester A. Myers; T., Elizabeth Hyatt.
These are the Past Guardians: James G. Hyatt, Annie C. Stiles, Margaret C. Hall, Annie E. Smick, Mary West, Lydia Crane, Wm. Cadwell, Mary Baghurst, Joseph Dufour, Catharine Cadwell, J. Harry Stiles, Alice Piper, Clara Bowers, Matilda Jacobs, Annie Fries, Cecelia Reeves, Jas. E. Russell, George S. West, Mary A. Merkle, Mary Evans.
The officers for 1886 are: P.G., Annie Hilliker; G., Alice Piper; Pro., Annie Dedicate; Prophet, Wm. Cadwell; Prophetess, Annie C. Stiles; Priest, Mary Mowery; Priestess, Virginia Mowery; S.K., J. Harry Stiles; R., George S. West: T., Mary E. Merkle; W.D., Kate Green; W.N., Kate A. Lightcap.
The Past Grand Guardians are: James G. Hyatt, J.H. Stiles, James E. Russell, Annie C. Stiles, Annie E. Smick.
CAMDEN CIRCLE, No. 13, was instituted September 5, 1883, when Grand Chief Washington Charles Gilbert, assisted by G.C.J., Joseph Dufour; G.C.F., John H. Clayton, James E. Russell, William J. Maguire, Frank Warren and other members of Witherspoon Circle, initiated fifty-one charter members and installed these officers: E.W., William H. McFerran; C.F., Henry S. Armour; C.W., William Wiatt; H.S.K., Wm. T. Mars; C.J., Jacob B. West; H.R., Joseph Marple; H. Treasurer, Josiah Jones. The circle contains some earnest men and has had a vigorous growth. These are its Past Officers, or Exalted Washingtons: William H. McFerran, William Wiatt, Lucius E. Sheppard, Isaac L. Chew, Weaver Godfrey, Wesley I. Hawk, Charles H. Jenness.
The officers for 1886 are: E.W., Charles H. Jenness; C.F., William D. Green; C.W., George F.L. Mears; H.S.H., William T. Mears; C.J., George M. Bacon; H.R., William H. McFerran; H.T., Alexander Hill; Trustees, W.I. Hawk, Jacob Jordan, Joseph Marple, G.H. Spaulding, W. Godfrey, H.J. Rarer.
ORDER OF THE IRON HALL.
This order was organized in the city of Indianapolis in April, 1881. It is a mutual insurance organization, as well as beneficial, and has had a rapid increase. It consists of supreme and subordinate branches, the first of the latter organized in Camden County.
LOCAL BRANCH, No. 21, was instituted August 10, 1881, in Mann’s Hall, on North Second Street, by Past Justice A.L. Curtis, with twenty charter members, and these officers: Past Justice, A.L. Curtis; Justice, James E. Leadley; Vice-Justice, Joseph C. Lee; Accountant, Thomas B. Reeves; Cashier, A.L. Curtis; Medical Examiner, Dr. E.M. Howard; Adjuster, Joseph S. Campbell; Prelate, Lawrence Woodruff; Herald, Charles D. Bowyer; Watchman, Charles Reeves; Vidette, David Phillips; Trustees, Dr. E.M. Howard, Joseph C. Lee, Dr. S.G. Wallace. The branch has paid to thirty-six sick members and disabled members an aggregate of $3577.50, and has a membership of one hundred and two. The meetings are held in Association Hall.
The following have been Chief Justices of Branch 21: 1882, S.G. Wallace; 1883, Charles A. Hotchkiss; 1884, Lawrence Woodruff; 1885, Robert J. Hill.
The officers for 1886 are as follows: C.J., John Cook; V.J., Robert G. Hann; A., William M. Souden; C., Isaac R. Dukes; A., Ridgway Gaunt; P., S.B. French; W., G. Burkhardt; V., Joseph Springer; M.E., E.M. Howard, M.D.; Trustees, Laurence Woodruff; C.K. Middleton, Morris W. Hall.
LOCAL BRANCH, No. 145, meets in Wildey Hall, where it was organized, January 26, 1883, by Deputy Supreme Justice J.S. Dubois, who installed these officers: C.J., William K. Platt; V.J., Charles O. Pedrick; Acct., C.D. Ross; C., H.B. Phillips; A., George F. Archer; P., J.S. Bowen.
The charter members were: Charles H. Ellis, W.H. Branning, George A. Odling, James L. Bowen, J.S. Stone, E.A. Garrison, William K. Platt, C.O. Pedrick, C. D. Ross.
The Past Chief Justices are William K. Platt and George A. Aldrich. This branch has one hundred and eight members and has paid out one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five dollars, in sums ranging from ten dollars to two hundred dollars. The officers elected for 1886 were: C.J., J.M. Driver; V.J., William Y. Sloan; Acct., Frank H. Bond; C., W.P. Brown; A., G.W. Custard; P., Joseph E. Reed; H., Charles S. Hunter; Trustees, John H. Clayton, W.Y. Sloan, J.S. Mathis.
LOCAL BRANCH, No. 253, meets in Post 5 Hall and was instituted May 19, 1885. It has ninety-three members, and has paid to sick and disabled members, since its organization, eight hundred and eighty-five dollars, in sums ranging from fifteen dollars to two hundred dollars. The officers are: Branch Deputy, J. Henry Hayes; C.J., Job R. Cramer; V.J., A.J. Milliette; Acct., Nathan C. Stowell; C., Frank W. Tussey.
LOCAL BRANCH, No. 348, which meets in Gour’s Hall, was instituted April 20, 1886, with these officers: C.J., Benjamin H. Dillmore; V.J., Howard J. Norwood; Acct., George D. Dobbins; C., Frederick B. Smith. It has forty-three members.
BROTHERHOOD OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS.
CAMDEN DIVISION, No. 22, was organized October 19, 1865, and has at the present time (1886), eighty-four members in good standing. The division meets in Engineers’ Hall, No. 139 Federal Street, every second and fourth Sundays at 1.30 P.M. The following are the present officers: Lewis Elberson, C.E.; W. Mitchell, F.E.; T.W. Smith, F.A.E.; A.D. Reynolds, S.A.E.; T. Bodell, S.E.; G.W. Baxter, T.A.E.; J.D. Huston, Guide; J.S. Crispin, Chaplain; R. Gauntt, Sec’y Ins.; T.W. Smith, Cor. Sec’y.; T.W. Smith, Jour. Agt.
BROTHERHOOD OF LOCOMOTIVE FIREMEN OFNORTH AMERICA.
The local organization was instituted in 1873. The officers for 1886 are: Master, W. Higgins; Vice-Master, W. Fort; Corresponding Secretary, H. Harris; Treasurer, J. Gibbs. The number of members is one hundred and thirty. Meetings are held at Sinfelder’s Hall the first and third Sundays in each month.
LADIES OF FRIENDSHIP.
THE GRAND LODGE was organized in July, 1884. The officers for 1886 are as follows: P.G.C., Hannah G. Ivins; P.G.W.S., Mary A.F. Ward; G.W.S., Mary T. Ore; G.J.S., Emma Ivins; G.R.S., Mattie B. Garrison; G. Treas., Elizabeth Day; G.C., Mary Cline; G.A.C., Emeline Howe; G.W.R.S., Mollie McMullen; G.W.L.S., Ellen Walton; G.I.S., Beulah Murphy; G.O.S., Sarah Rickards. There are three subordinate lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, viz.: New Jersey Lodge, No. 1; Millville Lodge, No. 2; and Camden Lodge, No. 3.
NEW JERSEY LODGE, No. 1., was organized May 25, 1883. The present officers are: W.S., Hannah S. Steward; J.S., Georgiana Lane; C., Mary Jane Ball; A.C., Sarah B. McCloskey; R.C., Mattie B. Garrison; F.S., Mary T. Ore; Treasurer, Elizabeth Day; R.S. of W.S., Sarah O. Hearle; L.S. of W.S., Roxana Severn; R.S. of J.S., Anna R. Goodwin; L.S. of J.S., Ellen Gleason; I.S., Hannah Streeper; O.S., Anna J. Wright; Chaplain, Rebecca Noll; P.W.S., Rebecca Seagraves. The number of members is one hundred and thirty-one. The lodge meets in Mechanics’ Hall, southwest corner of Fourth and Spruce Streets, on Monday evenings.
CAMDEN LODGE, No. 3, was instituted July 10, 1884, at Jackson’s Hall. The officers for 1886 are: W.S., Sarah P. Bady; J.S., Drusilla Vincent; C., Mary Buzby; A.C., Ellen Reed; R.S., Cornelia Cox; F. Secretary, Judith Giberson; Treasurer, Sarah Rickards; W.R.A., Rose Shroegler; W.L.A, Sallie Mellville; J.R.A., Mary Thompson; J.L.A., Leonora Flowers; O.G., Elizabeth Butler; I.G., Mary Shannon. The lodge meets every Friday evening at Jackson’s Hall, corner Fourth and Federal Streets. The number of members is sixty-three.
SONS OF ST. GEORGE.
This order originated in the Pennsylvania coal regions, during the prevalence of the "Molly McGuires," and for the protection of Englishmen who were obnoxious to that organization. The order has spread, and numbers two hundred and fifty lodges and thirty thousand members, who are obligated to assist each other and become good citizens of their adopted country; to be a member, it is necessary to be an Englishman, or the son or grandson of one.
ALBION LODGE, No. 22, was organized November 25, 1880, in Broadway Hall, with these members: John B. Horsfall, James Wright, N.F. Tomlin, S.M. Lavitt, F. Bailey, H. Pearce, Thos. Mason, J. Savage, Joseph Crompton, Turner Berry, Edward Hand, Charles Drew, George Goldthorpe, William Saunders, William Easterbrook, Abraham Bradshaw, W. Goodhall, W. Metcalf, A.M. Lovitt, John W. Brooks, H.T. Williams, Charles Palmer, C.F. Simpson, J. Plant, John Taylor, N. Woodhead, E.J. Bolton, Joseph Pallitt, Thos. Mitchell, James W. Brooks, T. Adams, George Brain, Thos. Sothern and Albion Craven. The first officers were: President, Thomas Adams; vice-President, J.W. Brooks; Secretary, J. Claridge; Assistant Secretary, H.T. Williams; Treasurer, J.B. Horsfall. The ex-Presidents are John B. Horsfall, J.W. Brooks, N.T. Tomlin, Joseph Wright, Thomas Wright, Thomas Mason, C.F. Simpson, H.T. Williams, Edward Hand, J. Bowers, W. Saunders, Charles Reeves, Joseph Plant, Benjamin Allen, E.J. Bolton, Joseph Claridge, H. Pearce and Abel Battoms.
The lodge has prospered, has one hundred and seventy-five members and five thousand dollars invested. It meets in Independence Hall on Monday evenings, with these officers: P., George Goldthorpe; V.P., John Taylor;. S., E.J. Bolton; T., J.B. Horsfall; M., John Roberts; Chaplain, W. Saunders; Trustees, John W. Brooks, John Roberts and J. Bowers.
SEVEN WISE MEN.
KEARNEY CONCLAVE, No. 1, Heptasophs (or Seven Wise Men), was organized in Test’s Hall, October 15, 1869, when George P. Oliver, of Maryland, Supreme Chancellor; Dr. G. Jennings, Supreme Ephor, of Pennsylvania, and others, initiated and installed these members and officers: A., Harry H. Franks; C., S.C. Hankinson; Pro., Charles H. Cook; R.S., Theodore F. Higbee; F.S., Charles M. Baldwin; T., D.W. Neall; I.G., James E. Carter; H., Caleb H. Taylor; W., David B. Sparks; S., Wm. Acton; Wm. Higbee, Wm. Darby, Henry Hollis, Frank Rawlings, Samuel K. Batchelor, Isaiah Morton, John D. Mahoney, Samuel Pine, George Parson, Benjamin F. Richards, George W. Williams, Absalom Dougherty, Henry Rhinehart, Wm. H. McKee, S.R. Hankinson, John Laning, Richard Bozarth, Alexander Simpson; Nathan Jacobs and William Middleton. The Conclave has paid out for benefits about seven thousand dollars. The membership is ninety-seven, and the meetings are held in Independence Hall. The officers are: A., J.A. Ross; Pro., John W. Lamb; Pre., William A. Rudderow; I.G., J.S. Casto; H., Frederick Morschauser; W., Joel H. Stowe; R.S., Samuel C. Hankinson; F.S., George E. Boyer; T., Daniel W. Neall. George E. Boyer, of this Conclave, is now the Supreme Chancellor of the order.
TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.
CAMDEN DIVISION, No. 14, SONS OF TEMPERANCE, was organized February 12, 1869, with these charter members: Edward Andrews, Henry McFadden, Joseph B. Connelly, Benjamin H. Connelly, J.E. Atkinson, Barton Lowe, John S. McClintock, Joseph Sickler, Thomas Hillet, William Heisler, John B. Thompson, Silas H. Quint, Hampton Williams, John Reynolds, Louis Hendrickson, William Quinn. The division meets in Sensfelder’s Hall, with a membership of ninety-three, and a reserve fund of six hundred dollars. The present officers are: Worthy Patriarch, George Amer; Worthy Associate, Mary Burling; Recording Scribe, Emily Daugherty; Financial Scribe, Edward Daugherty; Treasurer, Charles Boddy; Chaplain, Eugene Turner; C., Julia Bartin; A.C., Mary Dodd; Trustees, E.N. Daugherty, David Surran and Charles Boddy. The Past Worthy Patriarchs are David Surran, Emma Schmitz, Wm. Cadwell, Etta Boddy, Julia Bartin, Charles Bartin, Charles Boddy, Lane Mills, E.N. Daugherty and Eugene Turner.
ARK OF SAFETY LODGE, No. 25, INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS, was organized in the Mission School-house, Chestnut and Ann, February 26, 1868, by G.W.E.T., Anthony J. Gould, D.D.G.W.E., Barton Low, Charles Reed, A.C. Jackson and other Grand Officers. It was the first colored lodge of the order, and these were the officers: Worthy Chief Templar, Philip T. Colding; W.V.T., Mary Ann Peterson; W.C., William H. Bell; W.S., John O.B. Harris; W.A.S., James E.B. Peterson; W.F.S., Jacob T. Derrickson; W.T., Jeremiah Watkins; W.M., Isaac Rogers; W.D.M., Eliza Fountain; W.I.G.; Mary Gray; W.O.G., Robert Pennington; W.N.H.S., Wm. H. Gumby; W.L.H.S., Anna J. Watkins.
THE REFORMED MEN’S HOME is on Chestnut above Second Street. In 1879 Isaac S. Peacock, Nathaniel P. Marvel, Benjamin M. Braker, Francis Hughes, John McKenna, Count D.G. Hogan and William R. Cory, members of the Men’s Christian Temperance Union, meeting in Dispensary Hall, conceived the project of establishing Sunday breakfasts at Kaighns Point, and endeavoring to lead the intemperate to habits of sobriety. B.M. Braker, M.P. Marvel and Francis Hughes were appointed a committee to make the arrangements, and on the first Sunday in June the first breakfast was served in a room about twelve feet square.
A permanent organization was effected and these officers elected: President, Benjamin M. Braker; Vice-President, Robert M. Bingham; Recording Secretary, Nathaniel P. Marvel; Financial Secretary and Treasurer, William B. Cory; Trustees, Samuel Sheer, John D. Leckner, Robert Magee, Francis Hughes, George Wilson. B.M. Braker, William B. Cory and F. Hughes were appointed a building committee, and leasing a lot on Kaighn Avenue above Second Street, appealed to the citizens of Camden, who responding liberally, a one-story frame, twenty by sixty feet, was built and furnished, and when it was dedicated, March 10, 1880, it was free from debt.
The lease expiring in 1885, ground was purchased on Chestnut Street above Second, and the Home moved upon it and renovated. It will seat two hundred and fifty persons. These have been the presidents of the society: Benjamin K Braker, Isaac S. Peacock, Edwin A. Allen, Robert M. Bingham, William Stout, John McKenna.
THE CAMDEN HOME FOR FRIENDLESS CHILDREN is an institution located on Haddon Avenue, above Mount Vernon, the object and design of which is to afford a home, food, clothing and schooling for destitute friendless children, and, at a suitable age, to place them with respectable families to learn some useful trade or occupation. The home was established and is conducted by a corporation. The charter, granted by the State Legislature, April 6, 1865, sets forth that "Whereas, a number of citizens of this State have formed an association for the laudable and benevolent purpose of educating and providing for friendless and destitute children; and whereas, the Legislature of this State is willing to encourage such purposes; therefore, Be it enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey, That Matthew Newkirk, Elijah G. Cattell, James H. Stevens, George W.N. Custis, J. Earl Atkinson, Joseph C. De La Cour, Joseph D. Reinboth, Robert B. Potts, Jesse W. Starr, Edmund E. Read, John B. Graham, Benjamin H. Browning, Solomon M. Stimson, Philander C. Brinck, John Aikman, Thomas P. Carpenter, Elisha V. Glover, Thomas B. Atkinson, Isaac L. Lowe, Peter L. Voorhees, and their associates, be and they are hereby incorporated and made a body politic in law and fact, by the name, style and title of ‘The Camden Home for Friendless Children.’"
The present officers and board of managers are Charles Rhoads, president; William Groves, treasurer; J.L. De La Cour, corresponding and recording secretary; H. Jeannette Taylor and Augustus Dobson, physicians; Samuel H. Grey, solicitor; Mrs. Butcher, matron.
Board of Managers.- Miss E.L. Few Smith, Mrs. Jefferson Lewis, Mrs. William Groves, Mrs. E.V. Glover, Mrs. William Curtiss, Miss A.M. Robeson, Mrs. J.F. Starr, Sr., Mrs. H.B. Wilson, Mrs. Charles J. String, Mrs. J. Hugil, Miss E.F.
Jennings, Mrs. E.H. Byran, Miss Kate Da Costa, Mrs. L.T. Derousse, Mrs. Joseph Elverson, Mrs. J.H. Townsend, Mrs. Joseph J. Read, Mrs. Joseph Watson, Mrs. William Davison, Mrs. Joseph M. Kaighn, Mrs. Charles Rhoads, Mrs. J.L. De La Cour, Mrs. E.E.F. Humphreys.
MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS.
THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY. - In the early part of May, 1883, the Mendelssohn Singing Society was organized in the lecture-room of the North Baptist Church, with Joshua Pfeiffer, president; Fred. J. Paxon, secretary and treasurer; and P.G. Fithian, musical director. The chorus numbered sixteen voices. They sang there until December 20, 1883, when they were requested to assist in an oratorio to be given by the choir of the First Presbyterian Church, entitled "Daniel." At the close of the oratorio the chorus repaired to the chapel of the First Church. A meeting was organized and presided over by Mr. Carlton M. Williams, and it was decided to incorporate the organization as a permanent society for the study of choral music. A committee of three, consisting of Professors Theo. T. Crane, P.G. Fithian and Dr. J.M. McGrath, were appointed to consider the advisability of such a plan, and to draft a constitution and by-laws. The committee called a meeting on January 29, 1884, which was held in North Baptist Church lecture-room, and Prof. P.G. Fithian was elected musical director, and Mrs. Abbie L. Price accompanist. At a directors’ meeting, held February 8, 1883, Mr. O.C. Molan was elected president and Mr. E.S. Titus secretary. On December 8, 1884, Mr. O.C. Molan resigned as president, and Mr. George W. Wentling, Jr., was elected in his place.
The first concert of the society was given Thursday, February 19, 1885; the second, Thursday, May 28, 1885; the third, Thursday, October 21, 1885; the fourth, Thursday, May 4, 1886. The musical selections of the society are entirely classic, principally from the oratorios of "Messiah," "Creation," and "Woman of Samaria," "Naaman," "Elijah" and "St. Paul." Among the members of the society who have taken prominent part in the concerts have been R. Zeckwer, piano; R. Herwig, celloist; M. Van Gelder, violin; Emma Suelke and M.H. Elliott, soprano; Max Friedman, tenor; William Stobbe, xylophonist; E.M. Zimmerman, basso; Frank Cauffman, baritone; Thomas A’Beckett and Mr. Diederichs, accompanists.
The officers at the meetings are George W. Wentling, Jr., president; C.K. Middleton, vice-president; Fred. J. Paxon, secretary; A.H. Marshall, treasurer; Alfred Fricke, Calvin Crowell, Dr. J.M. McGrath, William J. Boynton, E.D. Barto, board of directors; Prof, P.G. Fithian, musical director; Miss Schooley, accompanist. The chorus numbers sixty voices and meets every Monday evening at Post 37, G.A.R. Hall, Stevens Street, below Fifth Street. This is the only singing society of mixed voices that has ever existed longer than one year in Camden, and is now one of the best in New Jersey.
THE NATIONAL CORNET BAND was organized in 1868, with Joseph Jennings as leader. In 1871 the name was changed to the Sixth Regiment Band and it was mustered into the service of the National Guard, and was the only regimental band in the State for years. Their present band-room is at the Sixth Regiment Armory, southwest corner of West and Mickle Streets. The present members are, Joseph Jennings, John Roth, Augusta Buese, Gordon Phillips, Lewis Seal, Charles Landwehr, Charles Felcon, John Brown, D.C. Newman Collins, Alfred Colbins, Charles Bowyer, Isaac Heins, Joseph Young, Richard Richardson, Benjamin A. Woolman, Harry Carles, Wm. Stevenson, Frederick Klaproth, Henry Myers, G. Philip Stephany, Adam Markgraft, Charles Ellis, Emerson Ogborn, Charles Frost, Hiram Hirst.
THE CAMDEN CITY BRASS BAND of 1886 is the Reliance Band of Camden under a new name. The Reliance was organized in February, 1886, under the leadership of Joseph Conine. In March, by the resignation of Mr. Conine, W.J. Hopper became leader, and in October of the same year the name of the band was changed as above. The band has a membership of twenty, all of whom are Knights of the Golden Eagle, Camden Castle, No. 1. The band has regular engagements for all the Knight parades, also for Posts 37 and 5, G.A.R., of Camden. The band headquarters are at the corner of Fifth and Roydon Streets.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
WILLIAM AND ED. PRIEST (father and son) first started business as general riggers and house-movers in 1881, with a rigging and block-shop at No. 415 Taylor Avenue. The firm take contracts for moving frame and brick buildings and heavy hoisting, and moving of boilers, smoke-stacks, monuments, etc.
JESSE MIDDLETON, log pump-maker, started the manufacture of old-style log pumps in 1865, at No. 513 Mount Vernon Street. These pumps are still in demand in the country, while in the towns the cucumber and iron pumps are largely used. At the shops of Mr. Middleton, where various kinds of pumps are sold, a large business has been built up. He is also engaged in sinking tubular wells well-digging, etc.
BENJAMIN M. BRAKER was born October 24, 1826, in Bristol, England. His father, Benjamin Braker, was a minister in the Baptist Church and came to America in 1830, settling in Lambertville N.J., and subsequently moved to Pennsylvania, where he died in 1848. Benjamin M. Braker obtained his education in the district schools, but even in his youth and since he grew to manhood has been a diligent reader and has thus acquired a vast fund of information.
In 1861 he was engaged upon the Philadelphia inquirer and Sunday Transcript and has since made journalism his principal avocation. He edited the Gloucester City Reporter from 1882 to 1885.
In 1850 he married Miss Mary M. Wright and settled in Camden, where he has since remained, taking an active and influential part in public affairs. An advanced Liberal in politics, he was a delegate to and secretary of the State Free-Soil Convention held at Trenton in 1852. He was one of the promoters of and speakers at the formation of the first Republican Club organized in Camden, April 12, 1854, and in 1856 was one of the principal organizers of that party in West Jersey and is still one of its prominent speakers. In 1862 he was elected justice of the peace and has been re-elected four times since. In 1877 he was elected city recorder and re-elected 1880, ‘83 and ‘86. In 1884 he was elected to House of Assembly; was a leading member, taking part in important debates; was on the committee on education, municipal corporations and chairman of the committee on printing and on labor and industries. In the preparation of the history of the cities of Camden and Gloucester, as embraced in this volume, Mr. Braker rendered valuable assistance.
WILSON FITZGERALD, one of the notably successful business men of Camden, began life as a poor boy. He was a son of George K. and Elizabeth (Rees) Fitzgerald (married October 3, 1807, by Rev. Mr. Abercromby, at St. Peter’s Church, Philadelphia), and was born February 26, 1819, in the Northern Liberties, Philadelphia. When nine years of age his father died, and he, being obliged to make his own living, went upon a farm in Montgomery County, where he became inured to hard work and laid the foundation of a rugged constitution and those habits of industry and thrift which he has maintained throughout his life. He remained upon the farm until he was sixteen years old, and then, resolving to learn a trade, and choosing that which had been his father’s, he entered as an apprentice the cooper-shop of Titus & Edwards, on Commerce Street, above Fifth, Philadelphia. Here he worked for five years for his board and an allowance of twenty-five dollars per year for clothes. The youths of to-day would consider themselves very hardly used or abused had they to endure the rigid laws of labor which then prevailed. During the five years’ apprenticeship, which it was customary to serve in nearly all trades, the only holidays allowed were the Fourth of July and Christmas, and the apprentice boys were given on each of these occasions the sum of twenty-five cents for spending money. This was all the cash they received, and was prized accordingly. Their habits were of necessity frugal, and they were safe from many of the temptations to which the young men of to-day fall ready victims. After he had "served his time," young Fitzgerald went to work as a journeyman for John Edwards & Son, on Bank Street, working one year at six dollars per week, and then being made foreman of the shop, receiving seven dollars per week for the four subsequent years. He then determined to start in trade for himself; and opened a cooper-shop on Greenleaf Court (now Merchant Street), with a capital of two hundred dollars, which, by rigid economy, he had saved from his scanty earnings. After carrying on business, with a fair degree of success, for eleven years, he sold his shop to the man with whom he had learned his trade, and removed to Camden. This was in March, 1845, immediately after his marriage, to which we shall again advert. He bought property on Stevens Street, where he was in reality a pioneer, as that vicinity was then a common, showing no improvement except the little house which he built there for twelve hundred dollars. This became the home of Mr. Fitzgerald and his wife, and very proud indeed was the young man of the modest house which his labor and thrift had provided. He continued building in that neighborhood, as his means permitted, until no less than twenty-six houses had arisen in testimony to his enterprise, completely changing the aspect of that part of the town. When he first went to Camden he rented a house on Federal Street, above Second, and in it started what was probably the first green grocery and provision store in Camden. In 1856 he bought property at Beasley’s Point, Cape May County, N.J., and for five years followed farming there, also carrying on, in the summer, a boardinghouse. In 1861 he sold this property and, returning to Camden, established himself in the grain, flour and feed business on Front Street, below Market, in the old Hollinshead Hotel building. This store was subsequently extended through to Market Street. Here Mr. Fitzgerald probably carried on the first wholesale flour business which was transacted in Camden. About 1871 he moved to his present place of business, Nos. 10 and 12 Market Street, which building he erected. His son, John L., is associated with him, under the firm-name of Wilson Fitzgerald & Co., in the management of this house. They have a very extensive trade in flour, feed, seeds and fertilizers. In connection with this business, Mr. Fitzgerald brought to the city the first salt that ever came here in bulk - a ship’s cargo from Turk’s Island. He was also instrumental in bringing about the system of delivering in Camden unbroken carloads of produce and merchandise from the West, by which immense sums of money have been saved. He first, as an experiment, brought the cars from Trenton, and this led to, or rather forced, the adoption of the present plan of ferrying the cars across the river from Philadelphia, thus placing unbroken bulk freight at the doors of Camden’s warehouses, mills and stores; and that, too, when it is through billed, as cheaply as it can be delivered in Philadelphia. In addition to his mercantile business, our subject carries on a large farm on the Delaware River, about midway between Woodbury and Mantua Creek, and he has a house there as well as in the city. His has been a very active life; and his prosperity, well-deserved as it is, has followed as a logical result from his industry and integrity. Mr. Fitzgerald is a Republican, but not a politician. He has held a seat in the City Council for six years - three years representing the Middle and three years the North Ward.
On March 11, 1845, Mr. Fitzgerald was united in marriage with Joanna Colhouer. They have had seven children, five of whom are living. Elizabeth, born September 27, 1846, married Walker W. Chew; Anna, born September 9, 1849, is the wife of Louis T. Derousse; Mary Emma, born February 18, 1852; died in infancy; and Clara, born January 21, 1853, died in more advanced years; Fannie Bockius, born Nov. 26, 1856, married J.E. Stockham; John Lawrence, who is associated with his father in business, was born October 16, 1858, and married Miss Adele Annie Kite; Wilson, the youngest of the family, born November 14, 1860, married Miss Amanda A. Smith, and resides in Camden, as do also the other children of Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald.
FRANK P. MIDDLETON is the great-grandson of John and Sarah Middleton, and the grandson of Joseph Middleton, who married Anna, daughter of Levi and Elizabeth Ellis. To Joseph Middleton and his wife wire born twelve children, - eight sons and four daughters, - of whom but two survive. Bowman H., a native of Haddonfield, N.J., and the fifth son, was born on the 19th of July, 1814, and spent his life in the county of his birth. He early became proficient in the trade of a cabinetmaker, subsequently removed to Camden and carried on the business of an undertaker until his death, in 1866. Though interested in public affairs, he did not aspire to office, his ambition being satisfied with the position of coroner, which he filled for some years. He married Elizabeth Venable, of Camden, N.J., whose children are Frank P., Josiah V., Anna (Mrs. English), Charles K. and Emily. Frank P., the subject of this biographical sketch, was born May 6, 1837, in Marlton, Burlington County, N.J., and at an early age removed with his parents to Camden. His educational advantages were such as the country afforded, supplemented by more thorough training in Camden, after which he began his active career as assistant to his father in the undertaking business. He continued thus employed until the death of the latter, when, in connection with his brother, he managed the business in behalf of the estate. In 1869 Mr. Middleton established himself in Camden as an undertaker and speedily acquired an extended patronage. He was, on the 14th of February, 1864, married to Mary, daughter of Anthony and Martha Williams, of Philadelphia. Their children are Lizzie (deceased), Laura (deceased), Mattie and Harry (twins) and Mary and Frank (twins, deceased). Mr. Middleton is a Republican in his political affiliations, but has never allowed the allurements of the political arena to draw him from the routine of his legitimate business. He is a member of Chosen Friends Lodge, No. 29, of Independent Order of Odd-Fellows; of Provident Lodge, No. 4, of Ancient Order of United Workmen; and of Ionic Lodge, No. 12, of the Order of Sparta. Both Mr. and Mrs. Middleton are members of the North Baptist Church of Camden.
SOURCE: Page(s) 558-581, History of Camden County, New Jersey, by George R. Prowell, L.J. Richards & Co. 1886
Published 2010 by the Camden County Genealogy Project