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Biographical and Historical Record
1887
  Towns and Villages

Greene County has  several villages and trading points, for the accommodation of the farmers, and there are nine postoffices within its borders, viz.: Cluirdan, Cooper, Dana, Grand Junction, Jefferson, Paton, llippey, Scranton C'ity and Surry. Angus, a village in Booue County on the border of Greene, is the postoffice of many of its citizens and is closely connected with the history of the county. The most important town aside from the county seat is: GRAND JUNCTION  Two years after the Cedar Rapids & Missouri Riiver Railroad (now Chicago & Northwestern) came through this county, a north and south railroad was built from Keokuk to Fort Dodge, via Des Moines. At the crossing of the two roads it was evident there was a desirable location for a town. Previous to that time the land was almost valueless. There was eager competition among the several owners of the land adjoining the two railroads. " Central Gand Junction" was laid out by Hager & Sons, and Percival & Hatton, of Des Moines. Howe, division superintendent, and Estabrook, roadmaster, laid out " Grand Junction;" Herron & Kelly, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, laid out " South  Grand Junction;" and Seward Smith, of Des Moines, followed with 'West Grand Junction." As laid out, the town includes parts of sections 32 and 33, township 84, and sections 4 and 5, township 83. Hager & Sons gave the railroad company twenty acres of land, on condition that the shops be located here. Dr. C. P. Park and O. B. Miller imported lumber and placed it on sale, about the same time. Among the first buildings erected were Dr. Park's residence, a store by G. C. Ilillman, a hardware store by Dr. Park (now occupied by Parmcnter& Son) and a bank and several other Innldings by Hagcr & Sons. The Headlight, started January 1, 1870, did much to encourage immigration and the growth of the town, and the year 1870 was a very prosperous one tor the new place. The census of that year gave Grand Junction 444 inhabitants. Since then the growth has been more gradual and stable. The population in 1875 was 479; in 1880, 752; and in 1885, 949. About 300 of the population are dependent upon the Des Moines & Fort Dodge Railroad Company. The road has been leased to the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacilic Railroad Company, but possession has not yet been given. It is hoped that a branch will be built by the Rock Island from Sioux City to this place, in which event the shops will give employment to many more men, and Grand Junction's importance greatly increased. INCOKPORATION. The town was incorporated early in 1873, the first meeting of the council being held March 13 of that year. The officers for that and subsequent years have been: 1873.—Mayor, S. A. Eckerson; Trustees, E. J. Penrose, Daniel Albert, I. N. Ford, Z. T. Funk and E. O. Carleton ; Recorder, W. M. Baker. 1874.—Mayor, James Park; Trustees, P. W. Miller, E. O. Carleton, W. R. Park, C. C. Metzger, J. W. Harvey and F. F. Ford ; Recorder, P. W. Miller; Marshal, John Adams. 1875.—Mayor, J. W. Harvey; Trustees, J. A. Sheffer, A. Marquart, R. Townsend and S. Thompson; Recorder, O. W. Lowry; Treasurer, P. Parker; Assessor, G. J. Kimball. 1876.—Mayor, A. M. Brinkerhoff; Trustees, E. O. Carleton, J. A. Sheffer, Andrew Pettit, G. J. Kimball and Thomas Lynch; Recorder, Henry Hasf^uin; Treasurer, P. Parker. 1877.—Mayor, J. W. Brown; Trustees, John McGravel, N. N. Friend, C. C. Metzger, Z. T. Funk and Thomas Swift; Recorder, O. W. Lowry; Treasurer. P. Parker; Marshal and Street Commissioner, Henry Infield. 1878.—Mayor, S. A. Eckerson; Trustees, John McGravel, Robert McEachran, E. X. Lapenotiere, Daniel Embree, and P. W. Miller; Recorder, F. H. Parmenter; Assessor, John D. Getz; Treasurer, P. Parker; Street Commissioner, A. Hutson; Marshal, Warren Beard. 1879.—Mayor, John D. Getz; Trustees, Z. T. Funk, C. C. Metzger, Charles Smittle, S. T. Butner, A. Marquart and S. W. Eckerson; Recorder, R. B. Hazletine; Treasurer, P. Parker; Assessor, William Zellhoefer; Marshal and Street Commissioner, Pat. Casey. 1880.—Mayor, John D. Getz; Trustees, C. C. Metzger, £. O. Carleton, Z. T. Funk, S. A. Eckerson, Charles Smittle and A. Marquart; Recorder, R. B. Hazeltine; Treasurer, P. Parker; Assessor, W. F. Zellhoefer; Marshal and Street Commissioner, Pat. Casey. 1881.—Mayor, John M. Culley; Trustees, J. H. Powers, Charles Bowen, S. A. Eckerson, Charles Smittle, Z. T. Funk and C. C. Metzger; Recorder, R. B. Hazeltine; Treasurer, P. Powers: Assessor, W. R. Park; Marshal and Street Commissioner, R. B. Lockwood. 1882.—Mayor, H. L. Childs; Trustees, C. C. Metzger, Thomas Swift, John D. Getz, J. H. Powers, Charles Bowen and E. O. Carleton; Recorder, R. B. Hazeltine; Treasurer, P. Powers; Marshal, E. O. Carleton. 1883.—Mayor, E. A. Avery; Trustees, F. H. Parmenter, Thomas Swift, John D. Getz, Charles Bowen, J. H. Powers and J. P. Baker; Recorder, W. S. Wood; Treasurer, W. F. Zellhoefer; Assessor, J. B. Johnson; Marshal and Street Commissioner, E. O. Carleton. 1884.—Mayor, E. A. Avery; Trustees, J. H. Powers, F. H. Parmenter, Thomas Swift, Charles Smittle, J. P. Baker and John D. Getz; Recorder, W. S. Wood; Treasurer, W. F. Zellhoefer; Assessor, J. B. Johnson; Marshal and Street Commissioner, E. O. Carleton. 1885.—Major, J. E. Pettit; Trustees, J. P. Baker, J.H. Powers, Charles Smittle, F.H. Parmenter, J. H. Perry and John Cameron; Recorder, F. F. Luther; Treasurer, W. F. Zellhoet'er; Assessor, John D. Getz; Marshal and Street Commissioner, E. O. Carleton. 1886.—Mayor, J. E. I'ettit; Trustees, .J. H. Perry, H. M. Smith, F. W. Binger, John Cameron, J. H. Powers and J. P. Baker; Recorder, F. F. Luther; Assessor, J. P. Davis; Marshal, D. I. Pettit; Street Commissioner, E. O. Carleton; Treasurer, F. H. Parmenter. FIRE DEPARTMENT. The town bought a thirty-man power engine in 18S8, which, with 650 feet of hose, cost $1,100. The volunteer company to which is entrusted the use of this apparatus has forty members. Thomas Pierce is chief; John Cameron, assistant chief. Meetings are held the tirst Tuesday evening in each month. Grand Junction has had few fires, the most serious being one on Main street several years ago, when three or four buildings were burned. The Headlight was established January 1, 1870, by Mills & Co., of Des Moines, and since January 1, 1872, has been the property of S. C. Maynard, the present postmaster of Grand Junction. The first attorney at this place was Thomas H. Grove, of Hagerstown, Maryland. He came here in 1870, and nine years later moved to Colorado. L. K. Alder was here from 1881 to 1884, and then moved to Ainsworth, Nebraska. He is an able young man, and did well at Grand Junction. W. W. Turner and E. C. Clark are the present attorneys of this place. The first practicing physician here was O. W. Lowry, a graduate of the medical college at Keokuk. He is still here. C. B. Park was also here at the beginning of the town's history, but has not practiced much here. He has been an eminent physician, being a brigade surgeon during tlie war and winning merited recognition from the authorities in Washington. J. D. Xirby, the second physician here, came but little later than Dr. Lowry, and is here yet. L. D. Scarborough was the third physician, and is still in practice at Grand Junction. Lochrey Brothers prospected and found coal in 1878. They leased the coal right on a quantity of land and sold the same to Hon. John F. Duncombe, of Fort Dodge, who worked the vein for a time. It is excellent coal, but the vein is not very thick, varying from twenty to thirty inches. Mr. Duncombe  suspended operations and removed his machinery to Angus. After several years a citizens' company was formed, a new shaft sunk, and in 1883 the same was leased to Dale, Goodwin & Co. Underneath the coal lies eight or nine feet of excellent potter's clay, which is utilized in the manufacture of tile and fire-brick. The business is said to be a very profitable one. R. P. Brown has the largest egg and butter establishment in the United States. The eggs are preserved for winter use by a private process and shipped East. Many are sent to England. Three banks have been conducted, in succession, at Grand Junction, Hager & Sons, the town proprietors, started the first, where Park & Co.'s jewelry store is now. It suspended, liabilities being paid in full. Daniel Strite, the cashier of this bank, then began business under the name of Strite & Co. He committed suicide, and his bank was found to be a paper concern. The school district suffered quite a loss. Dr. C. B. Park then began banking, and for seven years Grand Junction has had a stable financial institution. BUSINESS DIRECTOKY. The following are the business firms of Grand Junction in November, 1886: Daniel Albert, lumber Hiram Allen, barber M. M. Baker, groceries H. M. Benson, hotel John Boyden, groceries R. P. Brown, butter and eggs H. L. Childs, plow factory E. C. Clark, attorney Comley & Tazewell, millinery Lewis Coon, furniture and undertaking; W. M. Crow, drugs Dale, Goodwin & Co., coal, tile and fire brick Thomas Dobhin, meat market J. C. Edinborough, shoemaker Daniel Embree, lumber and coal J. C. Marker, general store J. C. Marker, foundry and machine shop J. W. Harvey, opera house P. C. Hillman, general store Johnson & Co., marble J. D. Kirby, physician Sol. Kuh, broom-maker E. M. Lapenotiere, drugs T. Leisure, barber O. W. Lowry, physician Theodore Lyons, Ashley House S. C. Maynard, editor Headlight R. A. McEachran, feed and grain S. S. McFadden, hotel C. C. Metzger, meat Mrs. P.W. Miller, millinery Mish & Co., general store Park & Co., jewelers C. B. Park, bank W. R. Park, tinner Parmenter & Son, hardware J. E. Pettit, real estate, insurance and collections W. H. Pierce, livery and sale stable J. H. Powers, general store William Reineman, hotel William Reineman, shoe shop W. G. Roby, wagon shop J. Sanders, restaurant L. D. Scarborough, physician E. A. Sherman, jewelry Miss L. M. Simmons, dress-making C. W. Smittle, grain W. W. Turner, attorney W. B. Waite, marble W. F. Zellhoefer, hardware. SCHOOL. In 1870 a brick school-house, 40 x 60, containing four rooms, was built at a cost of s7,000. in 1883 an addition, 34 x 36, was built at an expense of $3,500. The building is centrally located, and has six well-filled rooms. Commencement exercises were first held in 1885, five taking diplomas that year. Three more finished the course in 1886. Latin is a part of the high-school course. A new course of study is in preparation. Six teachers arc employed. The corps for 1886-'87 includes Professor C. E. Moore, Principal; Gates Albert, Grammar Department; Cora Weatherington, First Intermediate; Emma Bard, Second Intermediate; Carrie Fessler, First Primary; Florence Reynolds, Second Primary. The annual expenditures for school purposes amount to about $2,600. The district has a bonded debt of $1,500. The board for the current year is: W. M. Crow (President), E. A. Avery, M. Baker, W. F. Zellhoefer, Thomas McMahon and Daniel Embree. T. J. Harned is Secretary; O. W. Lowry, Treasurer. CHURCHES. Muthodist Episcopal Church.—The first class at Grand Junction was organized in 1870 by Rev. J. Manning. In 1871 Rev. W. C. Martin was assigned to this charge; in 1872, Rev. Sherin; in 1873, Rev. D. U. Mallory; in 1874, Rev. W. B. Bennett. At that time there were twelve members. During Mr. Bennett's time, in 1875, the church was built, at a cost, including lot, etc., of $3,100. It is a frame structure, two blocks south and two east from the station. The pastors since have been: 1875-'76, Rev. Charles Leach; 1876-77, Rev. B. F. Shetterly; 1877-78, Rev. C. II. Newell; 1879-'80, Rev. A. B. Shipman; 1880-'81, Rev. Martin; 1881-83, Rev. L. W. Archer; 1883-'85, Rev. E. Kendall; 1885-'86, Rev. J. D. Moore; 1886-'87. Rev. R. R. C. Grantham. The membership is now about seventy. The trustees are: Dr. D. L. Scarborough, J. G. Haun, J. P. Davis, Sam. Thompson and Lewis Coon; Stewards, D. L. Scarborough, Mrs. Scarborough, Mrs. A. Marquart and J. C. Haun. Mr. Ilaun is superintendent of the Sunday-school. Attendance, seventy-five. The Bnptlst Church was organized in the Presbyterian House of worship June 8, 1878, with Rev. F. W. Jasinsky as moderator, and Rev. E. G. O. Groat as clerk. The constituent members were: E. G. O. (iroat, F. W. Jasinsky, Isaac W. Ford, W. E. Ames, W. Mack, Delia Grant, Elizabeth Jasinsky, A. M. Ford and Alice F. Mack. The first pastor was Mr. Groat, who remained until April, 1880. Rev. J. F. Childs preached as supply until September 25, 1880, when he was called as the pastor, serving until November, 1882. Rev. F. Hill was then pastor until April, 1884; then Rev. D. L. Clouse until January, 1885, but preached until March. The present pastor. Rev. .lohn C. Carter, accepted the charge in January, 1886. Services were held in private houses and in the Presbyterian cluirch for a time, then in Gulick's Hall, and in 1880 and 1881 the society built a house of its own. Ehenezer Church of the Evangelical Association was organized September 7, 1874, by Rev. George Zellhoefer, with sixteen charter members. The pastors and time of service have been as follows: George Zellhoefer, three years; _____ Methfessel, one year; L. Scheurer, two years; J. J. Miller, two years; F. Erase, two years; P. Belzer, two years, and still serving. The church was built in 1880, at a cost of .$1,700. Services are held every Sunday morning and every alternate Sunday evening, and prayer-meeting Wednesday evening. The services and Sunday-school are conducted in the German language. The membership now numbers twenty-six. The society is on a sound financial basis, their church and parsonage being entirely free of debt. SOCIETIES. Junction Lodge, No. 357, A. F. & A. M., was instituted August 12, 1875, and chartered June 6, 1876. The officers for 1886 are: J. H. Berry, Worshipful Master; .lohn Eaton, Senior Warden; L. D. Brown, J unior Warden; D. L. Scarborough, Secretary; Daniel Embree, Treasurer. The membership is forty-two. Meetings are held Tuesday evening on or before each full moon. Grand Junction Lodge, No. 308, I. O. O. F., was organized in 1872. The officers at this writing are: Frank Congdon, Noble Grand; B. F. Steward, Vice Grand; W. B. Waite, Recording Secretary; R. M. Oongdon, Permanent Secretary; August Marquart, Treasurer. The lodge has thirty-eight members, and meets every Monday evening in its own hall, which is in the upper story of a frame building. It is valued at .$2,000. The lower story is rented out as a dwelling. Rebekah Degree Dora Lodge, No. 93, I.O.O.F., meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at Odd Fellows Hall. David Blanshan is Noble Grand; Mrs. Steward, Vice-Grand; Mrs. T. Shuler, Secretary; Mrs. Werty, Financial Secretary; Mrs. Jacob Boos, Treasurer. Grand Junction Lodge. No. 235, A. O. U.W., was organized February 10, 1883, with twenty-two members, which number has been since increased to thirty-seven. The present officers are: C. J. Edinborough, Master Workman; B. F. Steward, Foreman; W. J. Fitch, Overseer; C. E. Francisco, Recorder; .1. P. Baker, Financier; L. D. Brown, Receiver; John Copeland, Guide; O. V. Blaylock, Inside Warden; Reuben Smith, Outside Warden. The lodge meets every Tuesday evening at Odd Fellows Hall. Grand Junction Lodge, No. 87, I. O. G. T., was organized in 1886, with over lifty members. The membership is now forty-live. The lodge meets every Friday evening at Odd Fellows Hall. The officers for the last quarter of 1886 are: R. B. Hazeltine, Chief Templar; Mrs. O. W. Lowry, Vice Templar; Mrs. Scarborough, Secretary; .1. H. Berry, Financial Secretary; Mrs. R. B. Ilazeltine, Treasurer; Rev. J. C. Carter, Chaplain. H. O. Johnaon Post, No. 152, G. A. R., has in good standing thirty-five members. Sixty-four altogether have been enrolled. It meets the first and third Saturdays of each month at Odd Fellows Hall. The officers for 1886 are: H. C. Joy, Commander; John Berry, Senior Vice-Commander; John Peterson, Junior Vice-Commander; C. J. Edinborough, Adjutant; Sam. Shadle, Quartermaster; L. D. Marsh, Surgeon; L. N. Ford, Chaplain; L. D. Brown, Officer of the Day; John Newberry, Officer of the Guard; Daniel Gray, Sergeant-Major; H. W. Smith, Quartermaster-Sergeant. Local Assembly, No. 2,244, K. of L., was organized November 28, 1882, with about forty members. It has now fifty, and meets Thursday evenings at Gulick's Hall. The officers are: F. P. White, Master Workman; C. E. Francisco, Foreman; T. F. Callahan, Recording Secretary; T. J. Morrison, Financial Secretary; A. Green, Treasurer; H. W. Smith, V. S.; C. M. Lentz, U. K.; C. W. Welch, Ins.; F. F. Luther, Stat.; Peter Somburg, I. E.; G. W. Welch, O. E. SCRANTON During 1866 the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad (built as the Cedar Rapids & Missouri River Railroad) was completed through this county westward, and in January, 1867, the first train reached the site of what is now Scranton, in Scranton Township, nine miles west of Jefferson. The station-house was built in the early part of 1868. The town was platted in the summer of 1869 by the Blair Town Lot Company, and named in honor of Mr. Scranton, the proprietor of extensive iron-works and rolling-mills at Scranton, Pennsylvania, who furnished the iron rails for a large portion of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. The first lot was sold January 31, 1870, to Charles H. Dowd, upon which he and H. C. Smith built a store. R. P. and D. R. Amsden built a dwelling, and then C. J. Quinn and D. J. Sheldon built on the west side of Main street, and soon after started a lumber yard. The first freight received at the station was in March, 1868. The postoffice was established in the summer of the same year, with M. O. Robertson as postmaster. In 1870, also, a boarding-house and hotel by Daniel and Lydia Vader, a blacksmith-shop by John Shimer, and a school-house, were built. About the first residents of the town may be said to have been John Bolan, M. O. Robertson, C. H. Dowd, H. C. Smith, the Amsdens, Vaders, C. J. Quinn, D. J. Sheldon and Dr. James Pressnell, up to the beginning of 1871. In the autumn of 1869 I. H. Adams built a grain warehouse and shipped the first grain brought to this market. Until 1874 Scranton grew very slowly, when the outside world suddenly discovered the merits of its location, and new enterprises sprang into existence. In the year mentioned the United Brethren church, the Hunter House, two or three stores and several dwellings were built, and a newspaper and printing office [Gazette) established. During 1875 the town progressed rapidly, and some forty buildings were erected at an aggregate cost of not less than $40,000. The two elevators, school-house, four large stores and a large livery barn were among those built this year. The population of Scranton in June, 1875, was 234. The State census of 1885 shows the population to be 714, an increase in ten years of more than 200 per cent. Few towns of its size have finer prospects than Scranton. INCOKPORATION. Scranton was incorporated as a town early in July, 1880, the first meeting of the council being held July 6. The officers elected each year have been: : 1880.—Mayor, Henry Phelps; Trustees, I. H. Adams, James Park, H. Coleman, E. P. Phelps, J. J. Allen and John Osborne; Recorder, M. L. Lewis; Treasurer, B. F. Roberts; Marshal, Frank Gibson; Street Commissioner, George Allen. 1881.—Mayor, Henry Phelps; Trustees, I. H. Adams, James Park, J. J. Allen, E. P. Phelps, H. Coleman and John Osborne; Recorder, M. L. Lewis; Treasurer, B. F. Roberts; Marshal and Street Commissioner, George Allen. 1882.—Mayor, F. Ball; Trustees, James Pressnell, J. J. Allen, John Osborne, James Park, I. H. Adams and H. Coleman; Recorder, T. J. Wilhite; Assessor, T. Andrews; Marshal and Street Commissioner, George Allen. 1883. — Mayor, F. Ball; Trustees, John Osborne, H. Anderson, P. F. Willoughby, J. J. Allen, I. H. Adams and James Park; Recorder, J. W. Vader; Treasurer, B. F. Roberts; Marshal and Street Commissioner, George Allen. 1884.—Mayor, Perry D. Rose; Trustees, A. L. Syphers, T. P. LaRue, H. Anderson, James Park, I. H. Adams aud John Osborne; Recorder, J. W. Vader; Treasurer, F. E. Fuller; Marshal, P. A. Smith; Street Commissioner, B. Brader. 1885.—Mayor, F. E. Fuller; Trustees, P. F. Willoughby, S. E. Shaw, John Osborne, A. L. Syphers, H. Anderson and T. P. LaRue; Recorder, J. W. Vader; Assessor, Scott Barber; Treasurer, F. E. Fuller; Marshal,. P. A. Smith; Street Commissioner, R. Brader. 1886.—Mayor, E. P. Phelps; Trustees, B. F. Roberts, A. T. Cox, A. F. Young, P. F. Willoughby, Allen Glenn and S. E. Shaw; Recorder, J. W. Vader; Treasurer, Charles Ensign; Marshal, W. W. Richards; Street Commissioner, R. Brader. POSTMASTERS. As before stated, M. O. Robertson was the first postmaster of Scranton. He carried the office—or at least the mail—in his pocket, and would be stopped on the street by those wanting their letters. He was succeeded by H. C. Smith; he by Miss C. A. Vader, and the present incumbent is I. H. Jones. FIRE PROTECTION. Scranton has no organized fire company, but owns a force pump, hooks and ladders, hose cart and 350 feet of hose. This apparatus was mostly purchased in 1883. The town has had but one serious fire. It occurred April 3, 1884, when the Scranton House, a furniture store, drug store and two unoccupied buildings were destroyed. The total damage was $10,000, partially covered by $3,900 insurance. PAPERS. The Scranton Gazette was started in January, 1875, by W. W. Yarman. It was a six-column folio. It passed into the hands of one Brown, who made it a Greenback organ. After four years in all of continuous publication, it suspended. The Journal was established in 1879, by H. O. Beatty, who sold in October, 1882, to H. G. McCulloch & Son. In the autumn of 1883 F. H. McCulloch bought his father's interest, and February 8, 1884, the paper became the property of P. A. Smith, who has since conducted it. It has been from the start a Republican five-column quarto. It is issued on Thursdays, at $1.50 per year, and circulates principally in Greene and Carroll counties. The Free Press was started September 1, 1886, by M. M. Mahoney. It is a six-column quarto, independent in politics. It is issued on Wednesdays, at $1 per year. PROFESSIONAL. The only lawyer now here is T. B. Moore. In the past there have been William M. Langley, Lucius Barnes and Perry D. Rose. The first physician here was Dr. James Pressnell. W. C. Davis, B. H. Hoover and E. A. Gleason were here varying periods. Dr. R. Olive has been in practice twenty years here, and has kept a drug store since 1872. BUSINESS. The Bank of Scranton was established in 1877, by T. P. La Rue. He sold in November, 1885, to Robert Eason, who is now president. W. M. Eason is cashier. The advertised capital is $40,000. The Scranton Tile, Brick and Stoneware Company commenced business in 1885 and makes tile and brick, southeast of the station. The stock is $6,000, all owned by seven residents of Scranton. From six to ten men are employed the year round. S. L. Eason is president; B. F. Roberts, secretary; A. H. Carey, treasurer; W. J. Kinnett, foreman. The Scranton Norman Horse Company was incorporated December 24, 1883, with sixteen members and stockholders. The stock, $4,000, is all paid up. J. A. Moss is president; John Osborne, treasurer; and B. F, Roberts, secretary. The purpose of the company is to breed superior animals for farm work. They own three horses now and expect to enlarge their business in time. The business firms of Scranton in November, 1886, were: Adams & Saunders, millinery J. J. Allen, harness A. Arkwright, restaurant Mrs. O. S. Baldwin, millinery J. Brader, carpenter and house builder H. O. Brock, billiard hall M. Butler, shoe shop A. H. Carey, general merchandise, grain, lumber, coal and lime Arthur Carney, restaurant H. Coleman, livery C. W. Cressler & Co., general merchandise D. G. Cromwell, notary public and insurance J. Dorcas, musical instruments and sewing machines J. Dowling, general merchandise F. D. Dunbar, livery D. D. Dunning, carpenter and house builder R. Eason, Bank of Scranton T. W. Egbert, painter Charles Ensign, drugs Fuller & Carey, hardware E. Hansel, jeweler M. Johnson, jeweler H. P. Jones, carpenter and house builder I. H. Jones, postmaster Lewis, Stiegerwalt & Co., general merchandise Lewis, Theodore & Co., hardware J. Lucraft, Scranton House M. M. Mahoney, editor Free Press R. McNeil, billiard hall T. B. Moore, attorney R. Olive, druggist and physician John Osborne, grain, lumber, coal and lime M. S. Patten, carpenter and house builder  Park & Dawson, agricultural implements Henry Phelps, grain, lumber and hardware S. Randall, carpenter and house builder W. W. Richards, wagon maker B. F. Roberts, drugs Schoonover & Frost, blacksmiths S. Sease, meat market W. L. Sexton, blacksmith P. A. Smith, editor Journal J. Stribling, painter A. L. Syphers, meat market Vroman & Willoughby, furniture W. M. Warner, general merchandise T. J. Wilhite, barber A. J. Wood, general merchandise. SCHOOL. Previous to 1885 an ungraded school was all that was open to the children of Scranton. In that year a two-story frame school-house was built at a cost of $8,000. It contains four rooms. Four teachers are employed, the corps for 1886-'87 being: E. S. Bell, principal (second year) Miss Mamie Coleman, grammar Mrs. Josie McCowin, intermediate Miss Elsie Lncraft, primary. School is taught for nine months. The enrollment reaches 200 annually, and the average attendance 180. The present school board includes E. P. Phelps (president), A. F. Young, L. H. Vroman, Samuel Sease, C. W. Cressler and Jacob Brader. A. Strong is secretary and Robert Eason, treasurer. CHUBCHES. The United Brethren Church, —The first religious society organized in Scranton was the United Brethren, by Rev. John Chase, in 1871. This society, assisted by others, built the first church in town in 1874, dedicating it December 27 of that year. It is a neat and substantial house, 26 x 44 feet, and cost $1,700. Among the pastors have been Revs. Roberts, Bufkin, Crawford, Buxton, Young, Curtis, Snyder, Cronk and Talbott. The membership is about fifty. Samuel Frantz is class-leader and I. K. Frost, Steward. The Sunday-school has about one hundred pupils, in charge of Alonzo Dixon. Methodist Episcopal Church,—In April, 1871, the Scranton Circuit was set off. The pastors of the charge since have been: 1871-'72, Rev. L. Boran; 1872-'73, Rev. L. McK. Campbell; 1873-'74, Rev. G. W. Selby; 1874-'75, Rev. E. P. Vail; 1875-'77, Rev. B. T. Durfee; 1877-'78, Rev. W. C. Smith; 1878-'80, Rev. J. D. Moore; 188L-'82, Rev. A. B. Shipman; 1881-'83, Rev. A. G. Foreman; 1883-'85, Rev. D. O. Stewart; 1885-'87, Rev. W. Abraham. The church was built in 1878, during Rev. J. D. Moore's time, at a cost of $2,400. The parsonage was built earlier, in Mr. Vail's time, and cost $600. The stewards of the church are: John Osborne, Mrs. Osborne, S. E. Shaw, N. B. Sheldon, J. E. Moss, Mrs. Moss, Robert Cain, A. Hagey, William Dunning, Mrs. Jaques and Mrs. Gaunt. The trustees are: John Osborne, N. B. Sheldon, J. E. Moss, William M. Kimmey, L. Sease, T. Davis and Dexter Moss. There are under one hundred pupils in the Sunday-school, which is in charge of William M. Kimmey. The Christian Church was organized in the spring of 1886, with twenty-seven members. There are now 127. They bought for $1,250 a church which had been built, but not long used, by the Presbyterians in 1879, at an expenditure of $2,500. Rev. John A. Lindeer, from Coon Rapids, was invited to become pastor. The elders are: W. J. Kinnett, Gordon McDonald and Benjamin Loomis; Deacons, A. T. Cox, George McCoy and S. E. Loomis; Trustees, W. J. Kinnett, Benjamin Loomis and A. T. Cox. S. E. Loomis is superintendent of the Sunday-school, which has abont one hundred on its rolls. SOCIETIES. Golden Gate Lodge, No. 402, A. F. & A. M., was instituted June 18, 1880, and chartered June 7, 1881. The officers for 1886 are: D. B. Haight, Worshipful Master; P. D. Rose, Senior Warden; A. Strong, Junior Warden; Robert Eason, Treasurer; I. H. Adams, Secretary. The lodge has about forty members, and meets on Monday evening, on or before each full moon, at Masonic Hall. Scranton Lodge, No. 357, I. 0. O. F., was chartered September 30, 1876. The officers at this writing are: R. Olive, Noble Grand; W. S. Allen, Vice-Grand ; B. F. Roberts, Secretary. The lodge has thirty-five members, and meets every Wednesday evening at its own hall. This is also used as an opera hall. It is 30 x 74 feet and cost $3,000. Scranton Lodge, No. 207, A. O. U. W., was organized in December, 1879, and chartered in January following. At this writing Henry Hensen is Master Workman; I. H. Adams, Recorder; Scott Barber, Financier, and D. R. Amsden, Receiver. The lodge has twenty-one members, and meets every Thursday evening at Hensen's Hall. N. H. Powers Post, No. 111, G. A. R., was organized November 16, 1882. The officers for the current year are: J. E. Moss, Commander; W. H. Garland, Senior Vice-Commander; G. W. Brader, Junior Vice-Commander; J. W. Fletcher, Adjutant; P. A. Smith, Quartermaster; Ed. Hall, Officer of the Day; Joseph Frease, Officer of the Guard; Hugh Pound, Chaplain; J. L. Lukens, Surgeon; W. H. Perkins, Sergeant-Major; W. L. Fry, Quartermaster-Sergeant. The post has eighty-one members and meets the first and third Saturdays of each month at Union Hall. Woman's Relief Corps, No. 50, auxiliary to the post, was organized in February, 1886, with thirty-six charter members. There are now thirty-eight members, and meetings are held the first and third Saturdays of each month at Hensen's Hall. At this writing Mrs. E. C. Brown is President; Mrs. Susan Moss, Senior Vice-President; Mrs. Eveline Fletcher, Junior Vice-President; Mrs. Melissa Garland, Treasurer; Mrs. Helen Moss, Secretary; Mrs. Alice Perkins, Conductress; Mrs. Margaret Anderson, Guard. CHURDAN. The village of Churdan is situated in Highland Township, on the Des Moines & Fonda branch of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad, twelve miles north of Jefferson, and seventy-eight miles northwest of Des Moines. The present population is estimated at 278. The railroad was completed in 1882, and March 1 of that year J. H. Hunter opened the first store in Churdan. This store was conducted for six months by J. H. Hunter & W. S. Livingston, and then the firm became Hunter, Livingston & Livingston, the junior partner being W. B. Livingston. The second building was erected by A. J. Dudley, for a hardware and agricultural implement house, and the next by A. B. Capps, for general merchandise. J. M. Fitz next erected a drug store. At present writing Churdan has two general stores, one hardware store, postoffice (F. D. Odell, postmaster), one agricultural implement store (of J. C. Hill), two notion stores, one drug store (owned by Dr. F. D. Carr), one furniture store (owned by J. R. English), two millinery shops, three dress-making establishments, one restaurant, one hotel (kept by F. H. Hutchins), one flouring and feed mill, two grain firms, three coal firms, one lumber yard, one harness shop, one boot and shoe store, one blacksmith shop, two wagon shops, one livery stable and one barber shop. There are two physicians residing here—Drs. Morgan and Carr. The one church building is owned by the Presbyterians, but is used by both them and the Methodists. It was built during the summer of 1885, and dedicated August 31. The trustees were James White, H. G. McBirney and R. A. White, for the Presbyterians, and E. W. Bates, W. S. Livingston, F. D. Carr, A. S. Fonts and C. A. English, for the Methodists. There is also a Free Methodist society, led by H. D. Rogers. A large and commodious school-house was built during the season of 1885. The directors are: C. E. Woodworth, William Hillis and J. M. Fitz. The first postmaster was Joseph Churdan, Sr., and the present incumbent is Frank D. Odell. The town site was first bought by the Union Town Company, of Des Moines. They first purchased 160 acres, laying out forty into town lots. About eighteen months later seven more blocks were laid out, as Captain Head's addition. Churdan was incorporated April 29, 1884, the first council comprising J. C. Hill, E. M. Fowler, J. H. Hunter, E. Harding and F. M. Stotts. The first mayor was E. M. Westbrook; recorder, W. E. Dickinson. The present mayor is E. Harding. RIPPEY. The village of Rippey was laid out in June, 1870, on section 11, township 82 north, range 29 west. It is in Washington Township, and is a station on the Des Moines & Fort Dodge Railroad, the building of which, indeed, suggested the starting of a village at this point. The first building was erected by John Hampenstall. It was a one-story frame, and was moved from "Old Rippey" to be used as a dwelling by Mr. Hampenstall. The first store was established by C. H. Suydam, and the first blacksmith shop was built and run by Dwight Thorp. A wagon and blacksmith shop was started about the same time, by Isaac Worthington. This was in 1871. There was but one store in the place until 1876, in which year Rippey began to improve. At one time since then there were four general stores and several other business establishments. It now contains two general stores, two groceries, three restaurants, one bakery, one drug store, one hardware store, one harness shop, one hotel, two doctors, one insurance and loan agent, one elevator, three blacksmith shops, three wagon shops, one meat market, one livery stable, one millinery shop, and a coal mine. The coal shaft was sunk in 1884 by W. N. Cartwright, prospecting having been first begun in 1874. Coal was first found in 1883 by the Rippey Coal Mining Association. The shaft extends downward 120 feet, and the vein is four feet thick. A hundred miners can be employed at one time. Rippey Lodge, No. 466, I. O. O. F., was organized June 26, 1883, with these eight charter members: J. Bullock, E. L. Frizelle, G. J. Griffith, G. N. Phillips, R. B. Cook, J. P. Law, F. E. Harmon and S. Q. Free. The first officers were: F. E. Harmon, Noble Grand ; R. B. Cook, Vice-Grand; S. Q. Free, Secretary; J. Bullock, Permanent Secretary. The lodge owns its hall, which is in a two-story frame building 22 x 50 feet in size. It was built in 1884. The lodge has forty-two members in good standing, and is in excellent condition. The officers at this writing are: D. A. Bennett, Noble Grand; I. W. Frymeier, Vice-Grand; J. W. Cree, Secretary; J. S. Jones, Permanent Secretary; W. L. McCrary, Treasurer. CHURCHES. The Rippey Methodist Episcopal Church was first organized at what is now called "Old Rippey"  - four miles west of Rippey - by Rev. John Anderson, in 1855, and added to the Panora Circuit. The Rippey Circuit was organized in the autumn of 1873, and Rev. D. M. Mallory appointed to preach. The pastors since then have been: 1876-'77, Rev. C. Hover; 1877-'78, Rev. B. F. Shutterly; 1878-'79, Rev. S. W. Milligan; 1879-'80, Rev. C. W. Stewart; 1880-'82, Rev. G. W. Hall; 1882-'83, Rev. A. W. Armstrong; 1883-'85, Rev. William Abraham; 1885-'87, Rev. John Elliott. The house of worship was built in the summer of 1881. The present membership is sixty-five. The Presbyterian Church was organized May 18, 1880, by the following committee, appointed by the Presbytery of Fort Dodge: Rev. W. G. Hillman, Rev. A. K. Baird and Elder C. Metzger. The original members were Samuel Rhodes, Mrs. E. B. Lovejoy, Mrs. Hannah Keller, Mrs. Margaret Holines, W. A. Shormley and wife, E. A. Porter and wife, Robert Fleming and wife, J. R. Derry, Miss Mary Aylet, George H. Bennett and wife. The following have served as ruling elders, the last three being at present active: Robert Fleming, E. A. Porter, W. A. Shormley, C. A. Garvin, A. L. Grow, A. C. Lovejoy and William McCrary. This church has never had a regular pastor, its pulpit being supplied by the pastor of the Grand Junction church. The present membership is thirty. Rev. W. G. Hillman served the church as stated supply from its organization until his death in 1883. During his ministry the house of worship was built. Rev. S. W. Pollock was their supply from June, 1883, to April, 1884. Since then Rev. G. N. Luccock has been serving them. PATON. The village of Paton was laid out in the autumn of 1874 by J. H. Tallman, who built the first house here prior to the laying out of the little town. The first store was built by Griffith & Thompson in the spring of 1875. They kept a general stock for one year, and then failed. J. A. Rowles now sells all kinds of merchandise in the same building. The second business house was built by Dr. J. M. Sherman in the summer of 1875. He has conducted a drug business ever since. Paton had eighty-four inhabitants in 1880, and by the census in 1885, 236. It was incorporated in 1883. The officers for each year have been: 1883.—Mayor, J. A. Rowles; Trustees, H. H. Smith, A. W. Kelsey, W. R. Garritt, H. A. Gilliland, J. W. Hill and Oscar White; Recorder, C. H. Townsend; Marshal, A. C. Curtis. 1884.—Mayor, T. M. Hall; Trustees, H. H. Smith, O. W. White, W. R. Garritt, J. W. Hill, A. W. Kelsey and A. W. Gilliland; Recorder, C. H. Townsend; Treasurer, J. A. Rowles; Marshal, A. C. Curtis. 1885.—Mayor, T. M. Hall; Trustees, W. R. Garritt, George Herwig, J. M. Sherman, H. H. Smith, A. W. Kelsey and A. H. Gilliland; Recorder, S. S. Rutter; Treasurer, J. A. Rowles; Marshal, A. C. Curtis. 1886.—Mayor, T. M. Hall; Trustees, A. H. Gilliland, A. W. Kelsey, George Herwig, W. R. Garritt, H. H. Smith and J. M. Sherman; Recorder, S. S. Rutter; Treasurer, J. A. Rowles; Marshal, J. P. Meredith. Paton now has three general stores, one drug store, one hardware store, two millinery shops, two blacksmith shops, one agricultural implement store, one hotel, one tin shop, one lumber and grain office, one barber shop, one creamery, one elevator, one harness shop, one meat market, one wagon shop, one boot and shoe store and one furniture store. Gem Lodge, No. 429, A. F. & A. M., was organized June 24, 1882, and chartered June 6, 1883, with six members. T. M. Hall was the first master. The present officers are: E. P. French, W. M.; A. C. Harris, S. W.; A. C. Curtis, J. W.; T. M. Hall, Treasurer; L. L. Palmer, Sec. The lodge has twenty-three members, and meets Thursday evening on or before each full moon. The first Methodist preaching in Paton was by Rev. Charles Leach in January, 1875. The church has always been connected with the Grand Junction charge. The pastors have been: 1876-'77, Rev. B. F. Shetterley; 1877-'78, Rev. C. H. Newell; 1878-'80, Rev. A. B. Shipman; 1880-'81, Rev. C. V. Martin; 1881-'83, Rev. L. W. Archer; 1883-'85, Rev. E. Kendall; 1885-'86, Rev. J. D. Moore; 1886-'87, Rev. R. R Grantham. The class at Paton was organized in 1876 and consisted of eleven members. It now numbers fifty members. The church building was begun in 1881 and completed in 1882, the total expenditure being $2,000. Albert Jester is superintendent of the Sunday-school, which is in a flourishing condition. The officers of the church are: Local Preacher, Joshua Jester; Class Leader, J. L. Hunt; Stewards, J. L. Hunt and Albert Jester; Trustees, J. A. Rowles, George F. Rider, J. M. Sherman, J. L. Hunt, J. Jester, J. H. Tallman, H. H. Smith, A. Jester and J. P. Meredith. There is a Friends church near Paton deserving particular attention. In the spring of 1879 the first family of Friends settled here. It consisted of Clayton and Phebe R. Brown and their four children. In August, 1880, Rev. William Roberts and Elizabeth, his wife, with two married sons and their wives, and three minor children, arrived here. About the 1st of October in that year the school-house (No. 6) was completed. The second Sabbath thereafter the first Friends' meeting was held in it, being the first meeting of the society ever held in the county. Services have been maintained regularly since, except when severe storms prevented. Other members soon after joined the little community, and early in 1882 the Friends were numerous enough to establish a monthly meeting. The first one was held March 25, 1882, and meetings have since occurred on the last Seventh Day of each month. DANA. This little village was laid out in 1881, by Mr. Eckstein, on section 9, township 84 north, range 29 west. It is in Junction Township, and is a station on the Des Moines & Fort Dodge Railroad. The first house was built in the spring of 1882, by Mr. Garrett, and used by him for a dwelling. The first store was built by Ed. Hutchins in 1882. He kept a general stock of merchandise, and was the first postmaster. He sold in 1883 to William C. Barth, who still owns it. The village now comprises two general stores, a postoffice, a harness shop, a blacksmith shop, hotel and restaurant, and a grain and stock buyer. The population is about fifty. The prosperity of the place is largely due to the enterprise of William C. Barth, the leading business man of the place. Much credit is also due William H. Vest, the proprietor of the hotel. The Presbyterian church of Dana was organized at the Oxley school-house August 16, 1885, by Rev. G. N. Luccock and Elder H. A. Parmenter, members of the Presbytery at Fort Dodge. The original membership was thirty. R. Paterson, T. B. Martin and J. A. Adrly were elected elders, and are now serving  in that relation. Their new house of worship was dedicated the 6th of December, 1885. A very successful revival in the winter following resulted in a large increase of membership, which is now seventy-one. The pulpit is supplied by Rev. G. N. Luccock, pastor at Grand Junction. COOPER. The village of Cooper is in Franklin Tdwnship, and is a station on the narrow-gauge railroad. The principal merchant is S. W. Higgins. There are two stores, a grain elevator, blacksmith shop, and perhaps seventy-five people. ANGUS. Although this village is situated mostly in Boone County, so much of it lies in Greene that we are justified in giving it a description proportionately as full as that of any other village. It is situated mainly on section 31, Union Township, Boone County, and partly on section 36, Washington Township, Greene County. It has but recently sprung into existence, like a mushroom. Up to 1881 it was known as "Coal Town," containing scarcely more than a coal shaft and a few shanties. Here coal was first discovered by Henry Utler on section 35, Washington Township, in 1866. The following year he opened a mine on his own farm, on section 36. In 1870 a Mr. Carpenter opened a bank on Snake Creek, two miles west of Angus, where Surry now is, and in 1877 Timmons & Lochray opened a mine on section 31. The first steam shaft was erected by John F. Duncomb, of Fort Dodge, in 1878, after having purchased the mine of Timmons & Lochray, and the temporary residences erected around it by employees formed the nucleus of Angus. In 1880 the Climax Coal Company purchased the property of Mr. Duncomb, and laid out the original plat of the village in 1881. The year previous the Standard Coal Company added a plat to the original, and since then no less than eight additions have been made. The village is pleasantly located, on a fine undulating prairie, in a prosperous community of farmers. The Climax Company own 960 acres of coal land, and have under lease 280 acres more, and operate two large steam shafts, the total capacity of which is the elevation of 1,400 tons daily. In 1885 the company mined 200,000 tons. They now employ 400 to 500 miners. The Eagle Coal Company, belonging to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Company, own and operate one steam shaft, employ 100 miners, and bring up 250 tons daily. They own 550 acres of coal land. The Keystone Company put in their first shaft on section 36 in the fall of 1881, and in September, 1882, sold to the Standard Coal Company, the present proprietors. The latter erected a steam hoisting apparatus, laid a switch, and began hoisting coal November 15 following. They now own about 500 acres of coal land, and elevate on an average about 50,000 tons annually, employing from 250 to 300 men altogether. E. W. Gaylord, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is superintendent, and John McKay mine superintendent. Besides the above there are a number of smaller shafts, having a large local patronage, among which are the Bell & Dalley shafts, the Buckeye, Simons & Co.'s, and the Dawson Company's. The business houses of Angus are: L. B. Thomas, W. J. Semmons, Swan Nelson, S. G. Johnson, W. H. Perkins, M. A. Olds, Watson & Co., Bobert Muir, W. C. Shepard and J. R. Thomas, general merchandise Swiler Bros, and Richard Stevens, hardware T. H. Warner and Morris & West, drugs John M. W. Bay, Henry McNair and James Mills, restaurants W. L. Chauvet, flour and feed Mr. Williamson and D. J. Morris, boots and shoes J. A. Gwinn, L. S. McKee, jewelry, etc. John Martin Lumber Co., lumber and brick J. D. Williams and David Spencer, livery Bradley & Peterson, Wm. Utter and Nelson Phinney, meat market Huldah Petersen, Mrs. A. M. Neal and M. A. Williamson, millinery Lewis Linquist, blacksmith Miss Coomins, dressmaking Levi McKean, photographer Matt Johns, pool and billiard hall R. A. Lowry and J. C. Meredith, attorneys C. E. Paige, J. B. Muir, T. S. Kirby, and W. P. Mower, physicians Philip Riley, the St. Nicholas Hotel J. R. McNaughton, the Angus House A. Powell, second-hand store Robert A. Lowry, editor of the Black Diamond A. T. Pearson, banker E. B. Berrien, contractor and builder. In the village of Angus are also a fine opera house, with a seating capacity of 800; a school-house, frame, two stories, four rooms, seating capacity 350, situated on section 33, and was built in 1882-'83 at a cost of $5,000; besides several churches described further on. The present population of Angus is about 2,700. Official board: 1883—Mayor, David J. Morris; Recorder, T. A. Bay; Treasurer, A. T. Pearson; Marshal, E. Lewis; Councilmen, B. F. West, Thos. Pratt, W. A. Swiler, J. H. Sherry and ¥m. J. Davis. 1884—Mayor, D. J. Morris; Recorder, W. H. Thomas; Treasurer, J. W. Webster; Marshal, E. Lewis; Councilmen, B. L. West, T. Pratt, John A. Allen, George Vandewalker, M. H. King and W. H. Perkins. 1885—Mayor, C. P. Ludden; Recorder, W. H. Thomas; Treasurer, L. B. Thomas; Marshal, E. Lewis; Councilmen, James Sherry, John Sampson, George Watson, B. L. West and Thomas Pratt. 1886—Mayor, E. B. Berrien; Recorder, Thomas Pratt; Treasurer, W. H. Perkins; Marshal, E. Lewis; Councilmen, Geo. Cook, Jon. Sampson, W. H. Thomas, George Watson, Robert Muir and Ralph Johnson, Sr. ANGUS BLACK DIAMOND. This is a spicy six-column quarto, owned and edited by Robert A. Lowry. It was established in 1883, by Mr. Lowry and C. M. Carr, and in 1884 Mr. Lowry purchased Mr. Carr's interest. It is devoted to mining and local news and general literature. In politics it is neutral. Circulation, about 1,000. THE ANGUS TENDER-FOOT. This was established in May, 1884, by Brocket & Clark, but, for want of patronage, it was discontinued at the end of a year. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. The first school taught in the independent district of Angus was conducted by John L. Curran, commencing in June, 1883, assisted by Miss Maria Sickle, of Ogden, and Mr. Curran has had charge of the schools here ever since then. He now has four assistants and 358 pupils. The main or high-school building is situated on section 36, Washington Township, Greene County. CHURCHES. The First Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at Maple Grove, several years ago, about a half mile west of the county line, on section 36, Washington Township. A new edifice was built in the fall of 1884, in Angus, to which the society moved the next spring, when they re-organized under their present name, their former name being the Maple Grove Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Abraham was then pastor, who was succeeded by Rev. John Elliott, the present incumbent. Their house of worship, which was a frame 40 x 60 feet, and twenty feet from floor to ceiling, cost about $1,800. It was burned down in May, 1886, by the "whisky element," and the society now worship in the Welch church. Services every Sunday morning and evening; prayer-meeting each Thursday evening, and class-meeting Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. The Primitive Methodist Church of Angus held a long series of protracted meetings in the Welch church, in January and February, 1887, during which time they organized with about ninety members. These meetings were conducted by Rev. Mrs. Watson, assisted by Rev. Mr. Baker. The Welsh Congregational Church was organized in 1883, by Rev. T. D. Thomas, with twenty members. Rev. B. I. Evans was pastor from the spring of 1884 to the fall of 1885, when an attack of paralysis disabled him, since which time the society has had no regular pastor. They have services every Sunday morning and evening, Sunday-school at 2 p. m. Sunday, and prayer-meeting each Wednesday evening. The church building is 30 x 40 feet in dimensions, besides a vestry 8 x 18 feet. Number of communicants about fifteen. The Swedish Lutheran Church was organized as a mission as early as the spring of 1882. They built their house in 1883; it is a frame. There are but few communicants; have no settled pastor, but hold religious services every Sunday and prayer-meeting every Thursday and Saturday evenings. SOCIETIES. Elmo Lodge, No. ^65, A. F. & A. M.—In the latter part of September, 1884, steps were taken to organize a Masonic lodge in Angus. On the 23d of October, 1884, a dispensation was granted to L. B. Thomas, George C. Lunt, Robert Spence, John F. Curran, J. H. Webster, A. Y. Swayne, W. J. Semmons, Robert Timmons, George Vanderwalker, A. L. Grossman, David Zeigler, Morgan Jenkins, Henry Mcintosh, John A. Guinn and Seth Stiles. The lodge was styled Elmo Lodge, No. 465. The first officers of the lodge were as follows: L. B. Thomas, Worshipful Master; George C. Lunt, Senior Warden; Robert Spence, Junior Warden ; J. H. Webster, Treasurer; O. E. Blackwell, Secretary; W. J. Semmons, Senior Deacon; Robert Timmons, Junior Deacon, and A. Y. Swayne, Tyler. The first regular meeting was held December 31, 1884. At a regular meeting held February 25, 1885, John F. Curran was elected secretary, which position he has held to the present time, March 1, 1887. At the Grand Lodge session in June, 1885, a charter was issued to Elmo Lodge, up to which time the lodge had been working under a dispensation. When we take into consideration that the business prosperity of Angus depends principally on the development of its coal interests, which are liable to depression and consequent fluctuation of population, we feel justified in stating that Elmo Lodge has been comparatively prosperous, as several new members have been added by initiation and affiliation. Perhaps at no time since the organization of the lodge have the prospects been more flattering than at present; and with faith in the return, in the near future, of the former excellent business status of the town, they expect to build up a membership that will not only be a power in promulgating the principles of Masonry, but will reflect much credit on the labors of those who were instrumental in organizing a lodge in Angus. The present officers of the lodge are: L. B. Thomas, Worshipful Master; Robert Spence, Senior Warden; W. J. Semmons, Junior Warden; John A. Guinn, Treasurer; John F. Curran, Secretary; James Dalby, Senior Deacon; J. D.Williams, Junior Deacon, and James Orman, Tyler. Angus Lodge, No. 461, I. O. O. F., was organized January 26, 1883, with about thirty charter members. There are now sixty members, and the lodge is in a prosperous condition. The present officers are: Thomas Pratt, Noble Grand; Charles Dore, Vice-Grand; W. H. Thomas, Secretary; Edward Stone, Treasurer; T. A. Ray, George Cook and Thomas Ray, Trustees. Prairie Lodge, No. 123, K. of P., was organized February 12, 1884, with forty-three charter members. They now have fifty-nine members, and the officers are: Enoch Lewis, Past Chancellor; H. L. Thomas, Chancellor Commander; Richard Berry, Vice-Chancellor; John Berry, Prelate; L. B. Thomas, Master of the Exchequer; Samuel Grylls, Master of Finance; I. B. Thomas, Keeper of Record and Seals; Ralph Johnson, Master at Arms; David McBurnie, Inner Guard; Richard Cooper, Outer Guard. Hawkeye Lodge, No. 30, K. of H., was organized July 30, 1884, with twenty-three charter members. There are now but thirteen members in good standing. The officers are: D. J. Morris, Past D.; H. V. Griffin, W. D.; Thomas Pratt, Vice D.; E. M. McDowell, Chaplain; J. W. Davis, Reporter; B. F. West, Financial Reporter; David Bryant, Treasurer. Angus Assembly, No. 1596, K. of L., organized in 1880, is a strong order of about 250 members. Olive Branch Lodge, No. 84, I. O. G. T., was organized in December, 1880, with about twenty-five members. It was prosperous for about two years, and at one time was the banner lodge of the State. At the time of the strikes in the fall of 1885, interest began to die out, and finally in February, 1887, its charter was surrendered. Hope Lodge, No. 236, A. O. U. W., was instituted May 12, 1883, with twenty charter members. There are now fifteen members, and the meetings are kept up with unabating interest.