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Shelby County |
Home 1889 History Index |
Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon Counties
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SOCIETIES.The first secret societies to occupy our attention would naturally be the order of Free and Accepted Masons. The traditions of Freemasonry form a precious heritage. Rightly interpreted, they are as benficent as they are authoritative. This ancient and honorable order rests on a foundation of broad human sympathies. Its objects are by precept and practice to foster virtue, to inculcate charity, and to bind the members together in enduring bonds of brotherly love. It is a professor and teacher of every moral and social virtue. This institution has its foundation deeply laid in the hopes, aspirations and affections of man, or it never could have come down to us through the ages, evolving and developing with the lapse of time, adapting itself through revolving centuries to the changes of religion, civilization and enlightenment, ever retaining its hold upon the human heart. All political agitation is excluded from its action and consideration. The very character of its membership is a guarantee not only of its freedom from aught that is harmful, but of its possession of much that is laudable and desirable. Members of the order are to be found in every land and clime; it is not confined to sect, station, people or tongue -- neither does it show preference for members on account of wealth or high social standing. Rich and poor, statesman and warrior, scholar and laborer, men from every honest class and honorable profession, meet upon one common level and clasp each other's hands in fraternal grasp. Masonry has grown and flourished to a wonderful extent in Shelby County; it has a very large and active membership, embracing within its fold many of the very best citizens, who are enthusiastic and zealous workers in its glorious cause. Parian Lodge, No. 321, of F. & A. M., worked under a dispensation from November 30, 1872, having twelve charter members. Upon July 8, 1873, the lodge was duly instituted, and the following officers elected: John Fritz, W. M.; W. J. Davis, S. W.; J. H. Louis, J. W.; H. S. Burke, Treasurer; William Wyland, Secretary; T. W. Chatburn, S. D.; James Lambert, J. D.; F. A. Barger, S. S.; Alexander Barr, J. S.; William H. Griffith, Tyler. The officers at the present time are Joseph I. Myerly, W. M.; Cyrus Beard, S. W.; Wesley Scott, J. W.; D. M. Wyland, Treasurer; O. P. Wyland, Secretary; W. C. Campbell, S. D.; Fred Eidenmiller, J. D.; J. V. Brazie, S. S.; L. M. Kerr, J. S.; W. P. Stone, Tyler. The total membership in December, 1888, was 115, at which time the lodge was in a flourishing condition. Olivet Chapter, No. 107, Royal Arch Masons, worked under dispensation, from July 6, 1885, with a charter membership of twelve. The first elective officers were: P. B. Hunt, H. P.; P. F. Murray, K.,; F. Dunham, S.; J. W. Latta, Sec. and Treas.; W. H. Axline, C. H.; Rev. P. V. D. Vedder, P. S.; William Wyland, R. A. C.; Neil Carmichel, G. M. 3 V.; L. H. Lasall, G. M. 2 V.; H. S. Burke, G. M. 1 V.; William Stone, Guard. The present officers are: W. H. Axline, H. P.; D. B. Sheller, K.; W. Scutt, S.; D. W. Wyland, Treas.; O. P. Wyland, Sec.; J. I. Myerly, C. H.; S. R. Pratt, P. S.; D. B. Sheller, R. A. C.; John Fritz, G. M. 3 V.; Cyrus Beard, G. M. 2 B.; W. J. Davis, G. M. 1 V.; T. B. Burr, Guard. Total membership, eighty-two. Mount Zion Commandery, K. T., No. 49, of Harlan, worked under dispensation from July 6, 1886, with a charter membership of ten. The first officers were: Sir William Fiske Cleveland, E. C.; Sir Josiah True, G.; Sir Daniel Crawford Cooper, O. G.; Sir Paroan Brown Hunt, P.; Sir William Henry Axline, S. W.; Sir Patrick Francis Murray, J. W.; Sir David Madison Wyland, Treas.; Sir Omar Pacha Wyland, Rec.; Sir Fred. Eidemiller, Sta. B.; Sir William Colin Campbell, I. R.; Sir Joseph Irving Myerly, W.; Sir Ephraim Douglas, S. W. The officers serving December 1, 1888, were: Sir William Fiske Cleveland, E. C.; Sir David Madison Wyland, G.; Sir Joseph Irving Myerly, C. G.; Sir Cyrus Beard, P.; Sir William Henry Axline, S. W.; Sir George Sabin Gibbs, J. W.; Sir William John Davis, Treas.; SirLorenze H. LaSall, Sta. B.; Sir Asher Sage Riley, S. B.; Sir Wesley Scutt, Warden; Sir Edward D. Bergstresser, S. W.; Sir Herman John Garland, 1 G.; Sir Franklin Moore Bowtin, 2 G.; Sir David Byron Sheller, 3 G. Present total membership, sixty-seven. Lebanon Chapter, No. 8, of Eastern Star Order, was instituted at Harlan in March, 1887, with thirty-seven charter members. The first officers were: Mrs. H. G. Garland, Matron; D. B. Sheller, Patron; Mrs. F. M. Bowlin, Treas.; Mrs. D. B. Sheller, Sec. The present membership is some in advance of the charter number. The officers for 1888 were: Mrs. H. J. Garland, Matron; D. B. Sheller, Patron; Mrs. F. M. Bowlin, Treas.; Mamie Fritz, Sec. The various degrees of the Masonic order meet at Masonic Hall, on the north side of the public square. Their place of meeting is indeed an elegant one. Both the lodge room proper and the banquet hall are furnished in an excellent style. No expense has been spared to provide these rooms with everything for the convenience of the fraternity, and all of the furnishings have been selected with the best taste. They have rich and costly regalia, each suit having its proper place within a finely finished wood and glass-faced case. The carpets and seats are of an attractive pattern, and the charts, emblems and pictures add much to the appearance of the rooms. The unusual amount of interest that each individual member manifests for the order, the large and increasing membership, and the class of men who are so closely identified with these several bodies, speak highly for the intense zeal that permeates the entire Masonic fraternity, and has marked the city of Harlan as one of the leading Masonic cities in the State. The Knights of Pythias, Carthage Lodge, No. 65, was instituted June 30, 1885, with thirty-four charter members, the present membership being sixty-one. The first officers were: Joseph Stiles, P. C.; H. M. Neumeyer, C. C.; C. H. Evans, V. C.; E. B. Ward, P.; B. F. Eshelman, M. of F.; J. W. Harrod, M. of V.; D. B. Sheller, K. R. S.; J. F. Huntzinter, M. at A.; J. H. Ramsey, I. G.; J. Walton, O. G. The present officers are: H. L. Scofield, P. C.; J. F. Brock, C. C.; J. S. Miller, D. C.; G. K. Patterson, P.; M. Headley, M. at A.; J. K. Ramsey, K. of R. and S.; J. F. Pexton, M. of F.; H. L.Scofield, M. of V.; Gus Dasbach, I. G.; T. U. Hathaway, O. G. They have an excellent lodge room in Wheeler's Block, which they have leased for permanent quarters. The same is well carpeted and furnished, and the members work in a harmonious manner, so that it may be said the "K. of P." at Harlan is in a growing, prosperous condition, fully carrying into practical effect the object of its order. The Odd Fellows Order. -- Harlan Lodge, No. 267, was instituted December 26, 1873, with a charter membership of fifteen. The first officers of this brotherhood were: Samuel Potter, N. G.; N. Booth, V. G.; D. M. Wyland, Sec.; W. S. Stutsman, Treas. In 1888 the officers were: W. T. Shepherd, N. G.; D. Z. Ganzer, V. G.; J. W. Jones, R. S.; L. R. Hertert, P. S.; E. D. Bergstresser, Treas. The total membership at this date is forty-six. The lodge is in good working condition, and has among its members the best business men in Harlan. Other societies have sprung up and existed for a time and then gone down. Among such defunct societies may be mentioned the Ancient Order of United Workmen, which flourished for a time, but at present most of the members have severed their connection with the order, while a few still pay their assessments to the Grand Lodge, but do not meet in a body. The Legion of Honor at one time was represented here, but finally merged into other mutual benevolent societies. HARLAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.This concern was organized May 28, 1888, by the leading business men of the town, for the purpose of "protecting and fostering the commercial interests of Harlan." By-laws and constitution were adopted, to which twenty-six names were signed as charter members, each paying $1 as a membership fee. The following are the officers of the association: W. J. Davis, President; D. M. Wyland and W. W. Wheeler, Vice-Presidents; D. B. Sheller, Secretary, and John T. Jack, Treasurer. Committees were appointed on Improvements, Railways, Manufactories, etc. The business men who formed this association saw the need of organized effort in order to accomplish anything of much value in way of public enterprises. HARLAN GRAND ARMY POST, NO. 197.This is one of Harlan's flourishing societies, and comes to be more highly appreciated as the years roll away and the frosts of age begin to whiten the heads of the comrades brave who side by side in the great civil war. This post was mustered June 29, 1883, by Comrade Henry Fry, of "Sam Rice Post," Atlantic, Iowa. The charter members and first officers were as follows: T. J. Robinson, Commander; J. H. Louis, Vice-Commander; M. K. Campbell, Quarter-master; George E. Bennett, M. Headley, George D. Ross, Senior Vice-Commander; H. D. Lacy, Officer of the Day; Samuel Potter, Thomas A. Long, Quartermaster-Sergeant; B. I. Kinsey, Officer of the Guard; F. Dunham, Sergeant-Major; J. H. Weeks, John M. Rodgers, C. L. Drake, Surgeon; D. F. Paul, Adjutant; George Chase, R. L. Tompkins, C. L. Wilder, Thomas Ledwich, Chaplain; T. E. Somers, G. H. Shoemaker. At the time this post was mustered, twenty-two comrades joined. At one time eighty-six were enrolled. At this writing there are about forty in good standing. The present officers are: J. H. Reynolds, Commander; M. White, Senior Vice-Commander; A. J. Corbin, Junior Vice-Commander; J. H. Weeks, Surgeon; S. W. Swarts, Chaplain; T. J. Robinson, Officer of the Day; M. Headley, Officer of the Guard; G. D. Ross, Adjutant and Quartermaster; W. H. Erret, Sergeant-Major; John Mead, Quartermaster-Sergeant. In January, 1885, a hall on the west side of the public square was fitted up, which provides a fine headquarters. The post is out of debt and owns forty stands of regulation arms, and a beautiful silk flag costing upward of $70, the finest in Shelby County. Upon Decoration day the post forget not the graves of fallen comrades, but conduct memorial services in an impressive and appropriate manner. Perhaps no man is more entitled to credit for the success of this post than Comrade George D. Ross, who has been an ardent, persistent worker. SONS OF VETERANS.This order, a branch of the Grand Army of the Republic, was organized November 17, 1888, as "Gen. Schofield Camp, No. 162," with a charter of membership of thirteen. Its officers are: H. L. Scofield, Captain; B. B. Griffith, Jr., First Lieutenant; Colfax Smith, Second Lieutenant. They meet at the G. A. R. Hall. AVOCA, HARLAN & NORTHERN RAILWAY.In 1878 a company was organized at Harlan for the purpose of grading and bridging a road bed from Avoca to Harlan, a distance of about thirteen miles. This company succeeded in getting a tax voted in the following townships: Harlan, Lincoln, Westphalia, Douglas and Greeley, at different precincts, owing to the advantage to be derived from the building and operation of such a line of railroad, the per cent in Harlan Township being four cents on a dollar of taxable property, while in Greeley it was only one per cent. The officers of such company (formed really for the work of construction) were as follows: Thomas McDonald, President; Platt Wicks, Secretary; C. J. Wyland, Treasurer; J. M. Long and D. M. Wyland, Directors. The road was to be completed to Harlan on or before December 1, 1878, and by hurrying the work of track-laying the work was accomplished in time to insure the collection of the taxes voted in its aid. There had been an agreement between this home company and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific company to the effect that the latter named would iron and tie the road bed, providing the former company would do the other work of construction. When finally finished the Rock Island company leased the same for a term of ninety-nine years. It was in this manner that the towns of Harlan and Avoca were united by a line of railway, which gives Harlan an outlet, east and west, over the "great Rock Island route," giving the people nearly all the advantages to be derived from living on the main line. Too much cannot be said in praise of the far-sighted men who organized and carried on this plan for securing a railroad outlet to markets. Upon the advent of the first regular train which ran to Harlan, there was great rejoicing among the people in general, as it virtually opened up a highway to the great commercial center of the country, and marked a new era in the history of Shelby County. From both Harlan and the midway station of Corley there are large shipments of grain and live stock out, as well as vast amounts of merchandise shipped in. It has proven not only a benefit to the people of Harlan, but also to all the surrounding farming community which hitherto had been obliged to go a long distance to market. INCORPORATION.May 2, 1879, Harlan was incorporated in answer to a petition signed by 123 voters. The first mayor elected was William Wyland, who was succeeded by mayors elected at the April annual election of each year, as follows: William Closson, 1881; R. M. Jameson, 1882-'83-'84; O. F. Graves, 1885; E. J. Smith, 1886; P. H. Hunt, 1887; B. F. Eshelman, 1888. The latter named, owing to other business calling him away, resigned, and F. M. Bowlan was elected in his place October 1, 1888. The incorporation has alway had the best of government; the expenditures for the most part have been only such as the property and safety of the place demanded. Among the city improvements made may be mentioned THE WATERWORKS,which surpass those of any other town of its population in Iowa. A contract was let and carried out in the spring of 1880 to sink a well for the purpose of supplying water for fire and other purposes, the same being fifty feet deep and six feet (in the clear) in diameter. The price paid was $880. The supply is inexhaustible, never yet having been pumped lower than its average water mark, which has always left thirty feet of water in the well. Pipes have been laid to the public square, where six cisterns or reservoirs were constructed beneath the ground, with two additional ones in the south and eastern part of the place. The total capacity of these several cisterns amounts to 4,000 barrels. A stationary engine within the city building, fired up once a month, pumps the water into these reservoirs at a nominal expense. At first a hand fire engine was employed, but in June, 1885, a fine, large steamer was purchased in New York, valued at $4,500. The same weighs over three tons, without its coal and water, and has a capacity of throwing 700 gallons of water per minute, it being the second largest fire engine in Iowa. It was named "James M. Long," in honor of one of the proprietors of Harlan. It is what is known as the Silsby, the best now manufactured. There are three distinct fire companies -- all combined in one -- the engine company, the hose company and the hook and ladder company. The city owns 1,000 feet of hose and about 100 feet of the most improved ladders. These three companies number sixty men, in whose hands the town has always felt perfectly safe. No disastrous fires have ever occurred since the organization of the fire company. With the inexhaustible flow of water at hand it remains for the incorporation to lay pipes or purchase more hose in order to protect the entire place from the ravages of flames. |
| Previous <=== Continue Reading ===> Next Transcribed by Cheryl Siebrass, August, 2015 from "Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon Counties", Chicago: W. S. Dunbar & Co., 1889, pg. 265-269. |
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