This town was laid out, as stated elsewhere, by Adam Tool, in the Spring of 1851, and the first plat is recorded under the name of Tool's Point. A year or two afterward, the name was changed to Monroe.

The first house built on the town plat was by James A. Tool, and the other buildings put up during that year were by Mrs. Mary S. Fleener, William Delong, Daniel Hiskey, Dr. J.E. Teter, Hugh Patterson, William Peg and J. Kipp. Mr. Hiskey's building was used by him for a store. Peg was the first blacksmith.

These buildings were all frame. Hosea Matthews had built a saw-mill on Mikesell Creek, just north of Red Rock, and lumber could be had at moderate rates. Most of the new buildings were framed after the old pattern, heavy timbers being used and mortised together. Two or three were built on the "balloon" pattern. The timbers were hewed out, studding and all. The siding was black oak, the floors of oak, and the doors, door and window casings were of walnut. Long shingles were used, being split and dressed by hand.

A school house was built in the town, late in the year 1851.

The first child born within the village limits was a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Hill. She was named Anna, and is now the wife of Stephen Shellady, Esq. The oldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Hill was born at Fort Des Moines in 1846, and was the second birth at the Fort, the date being either the 7th or 9th of January. Hill was a Jackson Democrat, and always regretted that the little girl did not appear on January 8th, in which event, he intended to name her Andrew Jackson.

A Sabbath school was started in Monroe in 1852, and it is now believed that J. Kipp, Esq., was the first Superintendent.

S.N. Lindley, Esq., was the first lawyer to hang out a shingle in Monroe. He did not remain long, however, but removed to Newton, where he still remains, bearing an honorable reputation as an able practitioner and upright Judge.

In 1860, the political situation was close, the vote for President being 98 to 99.

The town grew slowly and steadily until 1857, at which time it had about 400 population and a fair business.

In 1865, November 24th, the first freight was received - a car load of lumber - over the Des Moines Valley Road, which had been slowly making its way northward. From that time forward, the improvement of the town has been uniform and satisfactory.

The history of the town has been comparatively quiet and uneventful. In 1861, the war spirit was fully aroused, and from that time forward, as long as men were needed, Monroe was always ready to do its part.

The population of the town has increased much more rapidly since the coming of the Valley Road than the average towns, having doubled prior to the completion of the Newton & Monroe Railroad, in 1871. The latter line has enabled the business men of the town to secure a considerable abatement in freights shipped to or from Chicago. And, indeed, there is justice in this, for several business men were losers in 1871, to the extent of hundreds of dollars by the depreciation of the paper given by the I., M. & N. P. Company in payment of work on the grade of that line. The paper was taken in good faith and to assist the company, but at present it is regarded as practically worthless - at least, for some time to come.

POISONED WITH CARBOLIC ACID.

Two men, named James White and Peter Bicklehaupt drank carbolic acid for whisky July 22, 1876. White had gone into a drug store kept by Scott Garrison, and ordered a bottle of whiskey. The druggist being busy toward the moment, White went out. When he returned, Garrison nodded his head at the rear of the store, whither White proceeded, and picked one of the two bottles standing close together. Soon after, meeting Ricklehaupt, he invited him to take a drink, which he did, swallowing quite a dram. White then took a swallow, but detected something was wrong. Bicklehaupt died in a few minutes in terrible agony, but White, after being in critical condition for two days, recovered. The Odd Fellows took charge of the burial of Bicklehaupt, who left a wife and three children.

Charles Chamberlain was thrown from his wagon and killed in December, 1876. His team became frightened at a train moving on the Newton Road. He was picked up, quite dead, within a few minutes after he fell.

FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP.

The first recorded business now to be found in the township record, bears date March 7, 1853, when William Delong and Newton Wright met and divided the township into two road districts. The third district was not created till 1857.

October 4, 1853, John E. Teters had his stock mark recorded, which was a "swallow fork in the point of each ear."

In April, 1854, Daniel Harcourt and Jacob Kipp were elected Justices; Ezra Woody and Jesse Seay, Constables; Theophilus Bethel, Assessor; William Highland, Nimrod Cope and William Delong, Trustees; Jacob Kipp, Clerk.

In 1855, Manly Gifford was chosen Assessor; S.B. Shellady, G.C. Bachelder and Jesse Reinhart, Trustees; Martin Rodgers, Clerk.

In 1858, the Trustees elected were Chancey Howard, N.H. Johnson, John Taylor; R.C. Anderson, Clerk; William Howard and James A. Tool, Justices.

At the October election in this year, 148 votes were polled. The following year, the vote cast was 186 - a very rapid increase.

The items of interest in the first record are very scanty.

MUNICIPAL.

The petition for incorporation of the town of Monroe and accompanying plat were filed with the County Judge in December, 1867, but for some reason the incorporation was not completed till November or December, 1868, nor do the records show when the first election was held. The first council met December 31, 1868, and was made up as follows: W.L. Le Fever, Mayor; M.K. Campbell, Recorder; L.M. Shaw, Seth Dixon, J.B. Bennington, John Morrison, A.S. Elwood, Trustees; William Johnson, Treasurer; John I. Nichols, Marshal.

The first ordinance passed was to restrain persons from hitching teams to the fence around the public square.

J. Kipp became Mayor in 1870, and Willett Howard, Recorder, in 1871; John R. Hall, Recorder, 1872. H. Green was elected Mayor in 1872. In 1873, J.C. McDill succeeded as Mayor, and S.A. Bond as Recorder. In 1874, J.B. Bennington became Mayor. In 1875, L.M. Shaw was elected Mayor, and John Ehrhardt, Recorder. In 1876, Melvin Nichols, Mayor; L.W. Allum, Recorder. William Kelso became Recorder in 1877.

The present officers are G.W. Hertzog, Mayor; William Kelso, Recorder; H. Salmon, H. Morrison, H. Townsend, I.W. Fisher, A.J. Ferguson, Trustees; G.M. Cowles, Treasurer; William Young, Marshal; H. Morrison, H. Townsend, A.J. Ferguson, Street Committee; Jacob Hankins, Assessor.

Prior to the election of 1878, the sentiment of the town was favorable to the licensing of ale, wine and beer; but the present Council were elected with a view to suppress the sale of all intoxicating beverages, and the ordinance passed by the present Council is said to be well enforced.

Fire limits have been established, within which no wooden building can hereafter be constructed, and an ordinance provides for the inspection of flues and chimneys. Scaling ladders have been provided, to be used in case of fire breaking out. It would seem that the town needs a hook and ladder company, with full equipments. Such an organization and its furnishing would not be burdensome, and might be the means of preserving thousand of dollars' worth of property.

BANKING.

The Bank of Monroe is the successor of the Monroe Savings Bank, which was organized several years ago. This institution was converted into the First National Bank of Monroe in March, 1875, with Julius Schenck, President; W.H. Chipps, Vice President; R.C. Anderson, Cashier; T. Chadwick, Assistant Cashier; William White, James H. Lounsbury, Manly Gifford, George J. Dix, Directors. Finding the business unremunerative under the nation charter, it was resolved, January 1, 1878, to retire the circulation and re organize under the State law, which was accomplished soon after. The officers remain as before stated. The paid-up capital is $55,400.

MUSICAL.

Monroe Cornet Band. - The first organization of this band dates from August 15, 1870, at which time the following persons were members: Prof. J.R. Hall, Leader and First E Flat; A.L. Lindley, Second E Flat; James Bain, First B Flat; G.M. Cowles, Second B Flat; B.W. Brown, First Alto; W.W. Fisher, Second Alto; Seth Dixon, Tenor; G.D. Frost, Baritone; L.M. Shaw, Tuba; William Jackson, Tenor Drum; George Robinson, Base Drum.

The Band is now composed as follows: Prof. J.R. Hall, Leader and First E Flat; C. Vickers, Second E Flat; James Bain, First B Flat; G.M. Cowles, Second B Flat; Frank Hiskey, Solo Alto; Ose Hutt, Tenor; Seth Dixon, Baritone; Amos Tefft, Tuba; Frank Hunter, Tenor Drum; D. McKee, Base Drum.

The first outfit consisted of a set Schruber brass instruments, which have now been all disposed of for a set of costly silver instruments, one being a Helicom. The band is suitably uniformed and owns a wagon. Much of the present high efficiency of the band is due to the leader, Prof. Hall, who has spent much time and money from his own pocket, since it was first organized. He now leads, a band that is hardly surpassed in proficiency in the State.

CHURCHES.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - Early in the Spring of 1844, Adam M. Tool, while on his way to mill at Brighton, met a young Methodist minister who asked him if he thought the people in his neighborhood would like to have some one preach among them. Mr. Tool said he thought they would. The young man was Rev. J.W. Johnson, who soon after appeared and preached at Mr. Tool's house. Soon afterward, a class was formed, composed of Mrs. Susan A. Tool, Washington Fleenor and wife, and David Worth and wife.

The following Spring, a two-days meeting was held, and about that time, James A. Tool and his sister, Mrs. Hill, joined the class. The membership remained stationary till the Winter of 1849-50, during which a revival effort was made, probably by R.Q. Hammond, when the membership was increased to sixteen, part of the accessions being by letter. Rev. Messrs. Gibson and Hanson had preached during 1846-7, and Rev. Messrs. Raynor and Kirkpatrick during 1848. The revival alluded to above conducted at the school house.

The ministration of this little flock was by Rev. Michael Seay, in 1850, and Rev. Mr. Pierce in 1851.

A school house, having been built in Tool's Point in 1852, a revival was undertaken by Rev. Mr. Parker, by means of which effort the class roll was swelled to about fifty names.

The Church was served by Rev. Joseph Hall in 1853, by Rev. J.B. Allender 1854-55, and by Rev. Messrs. E.M.H. Fleming and ____ Gardner in 1856. During the latter year, the society erected a house of worship, which was a frame structure, 30x40 feet in size, and cost about $1,700. There were now seventy-five members.

A. Coleman was Pastor in 1857, ____ Bussey in 1858, and E. Wood in 1859. A. Lauback succeeded in 1860, at which time the membership was about 100. C.W. Shaw followed in 1862-63; B. Holland, in 1864-65; ____ Early in 1866; F.M. Slusser, in 1867-69; George Clammer in 1870; T. McKay Stuart, in 1870-73; and D. McIntyre, in 1874.

During the latter year, the present church building was undertaken and completed. It is a frame edifice, 40x60 feet in size, with vestibule and bell tower. The cost was about $5,000.

The Pastors since 1874 have been P. St. Clair in 1875, ____ Brown in 1876, and ____ ____ in 1878.

The present officers are: Stewards, William Hutt, D. Hiskey; for District, P. Reinmuth, Robert Nordim, Joshua Chipps, W.G. Romans, T. Chadwick, Treasurer and Recorder; Trustees - J. Kipp, William Hutt, D. Hiskey, J. Hankins, W.G. Romans, S.M.O. Huddlesdon, A.J. Ferguson, J.G. Long, B.E. Corwin.

There are about 320 members, including probationers.

J. Kipp is Superintendent of the Sabbath school; Frank Hunter, Secretary; Charles Cunningham, Librarian; Amos Tefft, Chorister, Huldah Hiskey, Organist. There are fifteen teachers, and average attendance of pupils 150.

The Trustees of Belleview Church are J. Chipps, A.J. Scarborough, James Jackson, Smith Chipps, M. Murphy, C. Lyons, J.B. Andrew, J. Jones and C.J. Wright.

First Baptist Church. - This society was formed May 5, 1855, at which date the following persons assembled: Rev. E.H. Scarff, E.O. Town, E. Bockenoogan, I. Talbot, A. Udell, J.J. Haven and W.Q. Ellis, from Pella; and Rev. A.B. Leavitt, of Indiana. The council was organized by choosing E. Bookenoogan as Chairman, and W.J. Ellis, Clerk. The following were present and expressed their desire to be formed into a church: Isaac Goakum and wife Caroline, Peter Bayott and wife, Tarleton P. Duncan and wife, Dennis Allen, Simion B. Tefft, Abigail Tefft, Persis Tefft, Mary Tefft, Martin Rogers, Clementine Rogers, Eliza Worth, Bennett Putman, Mrs. Putman, Jacob Seifried, Mrs. Seifried, and after examination they were recognized as an independent ecclesiastical body.

The following day (Sunday), a sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Scarff, the charge of the Church given by Rev. B.F. Leavitt and the hand of fellowship given by E. Bookenoogan.

March 15, 1856, the society made preparation for building, and Messrs. Goakum, Tefft and Russell were chosen as a Building Committee, with instructions to procure specifications for materials. Soon afterward, Messrs. Williamson and Worth were added to the Committee, and on the same date (July), they were directed to commence the building. In August, the society decided to build with brick instead of lumber. In October, $135.50 was received from the Bottskill Church, Washington County, New York.

In March, 1857, Rev. A.W. Russell resigned the pastorate, and in June, Rev. J. Currier succeeded him, who remained in charge until 1868. In that year, a call was extended to Rev. G.W. Hertzog, who did not accept until the Spring of 1869. He was Pastor until 1875, when he was succeeded Rev. J.A. Abbott, who remained until January, 1877, since which time the Church has been without a settled Pastor.

The membership (resident) is about eighty. The Deacons are Isaac Goakum, C.M. Livingston, Johnson Elrod and T.P. Burchinal, the latter being Clerk. The Trustees are Isaac Goakum, A.J. Mitchell, S. Zerley and S.B. Tefft. The fifth place is vacant, owing to the recent death of T.C. Livingston.

T.P. Burchinal is Superintendent of the Sabbath school, and W.M. Livingston, Secretary; Alice Zerley, Organist; A.T. Tefft, Chorister. There are nine teachers. The usual number of students is about sixty-five.

It should be added, in connection with the above, that a Baptist Church was organized in the neighborhood March 3, 1850. At the meeting on that day, Elder George Bond presided, and Warren D. Everett acted as Secretary. Those uniting were Hartwell and Rebecca Hayes, John and Polly Woody, James D. and Diadema Putman, Tarlton P. Duncan, Lucy Horton and Polly Mangrum. It was named Harmony Church. Elder Evans preached in 1854. In 1855, the Church had largely increased in membership, but the Republican party having arisen, dissensions of a political nature arose, coupled with other minor differences. The newer members asked to withdraw, but this was refused. A meeting was then called, at which the latter accessions voted to dissolve the Church, and under that action took letters of withdrawal, and established the Church in Monroe. Those named in this paragraph immediately revived the old Church and transferred the place of holding services to the Woody neighborhood, where the society still exists. Time and change have practically removed the bitterness that caused the above action, and many citizens of Newton are unaware that such a church trouble as this ever existed in their town.

First Congregational Church. - This society was formed in 1866, with about twenty-five members, under the ministration of Rev. Thomas Merrill, of Newton, who remained as Pastor during the first year of its existence. Among the first members were Theodore Bethel and wife, Mr. Holdridge and wife, and W.H. Langan and wife.

The church, which is 28x40 feet in size, with tower and bell was built the same year. It is on Monroe street, east side of the square.

Rev. S.N. Crout was Pastor for two years, succeeded by Rev. C.C. Harrah for one year. Rev. C.N. Bingham followed, and remained for four years. Rev. C.C. Harrah returned in 1876 and still remains.

The officers of the Church are as follows: Deacons - John Langan, Thomas Hawkins, Theo. Bethel, James Groves. Trustees - G.F. Knight, G.C. Farmer, Theo. Bethel; William Kelso, Clerk; G.J. Dix, Treasurer.

William Kelso is Superintendent of the Sabbath school; George Farmer, Secretary; Ashley Patch, Treasurer. There are nine teachers and the usual attendance of pupils is about sixty-five.

Mrs. Knight is President of the Ladies' Society; Mrs. Farmer, Vice President, and Mrs. Walker, Treasurer.

Catholic. - Father McCabe, of Oskaloosa, was the first priest to hold services at Monroe, which was some time in 1865. He found here the families of Edward Mead, Patrick Mulkahey, Michael Cragin and Daniel Holland, whom he organized into a church.

The successors to Father McCabe have been the Reverends Cogan, Lewisman, J.P. Clabby, Minahan and Malone. Rev. Mr. Fogarty, of Newton, now officiates.

The church was built in 1875, under the pastorate of Father Malone. It is 30x50 feet in size, and cast about $2,000. The building has been for several months free from debt.

There are about twenty families in the society. A Sabbath school is held part of the time.

Seventh-Day Advent. - A small body of this faith was organized here in 1871, by Elder Canright. The first members were Rebecca and Sarah A. Stemm, John Johnson and wife, Joseph Bennington and wife, George Marshall and wife. Soon after, the number was increased by the accession of Mrs. Reed and Mr. and Mrs. Mortimore.

Those who have preached to the society since its formation have been Elders George I. Butler, Farnsworth and Kilgore.

Monroe Cemetery. - This was a private enterprise on the part of Daniel Hiskey, Esq., who in 1871, purchased twenty-two acres of land, at a cost of $2,750, within half a mile of the public square. This was immediately fitted up for the burial of the dead, and the old cemetery, situated within the limits of Newton, was soon vacated, the friends of those buried therein removing the remains to the new grounds. In 1878, Mr. Hiskey sold the grounds to F.M. Slusser, Esq., who continues its management on the same public-spirited plan inaugurated by his predecessor.

MASONIC.

Monroe Lodge, No. 88, A., F. & A. M. - This lodge holds a very respectable place in age upon the roll of the Grand Lodge, the disposition for its formation having been issued March 5th, 1856, by Aylett R. Cotton, then Grand Master. B. Putman was named as W.M., D.C. Smoke, S.W., and John Taylor, J.W.

At Oskaloosa, in the following June, the committee slashed the minute-book of the new Lodge in the following fashion: "On the 22d of March, on motion and by unanimous consent of all the members present, brothers Charles Call and Oliver Cowles were admitted members of the Lodge. This is wrong, being done without any recommendation or petition. This method of picking up all men who pretend to be Masons, and admitting members of Lodges into the bosom of fraternity without their petitioning, or even being recommended, is a wide departure from ancient landmarks, a gross violation of Masonic laws, and a very injurious practice," etc. "With the exception of the above, the work is good."

Probably on account of the above report, the disposition was continued till the meeting of the Grand Lodge in 1857, the officers of the Lodge during the time being: B. Putman, W.M.; D.C. Smoke, S.W.; John Taylor, J.W.; Thomas Dowbar, Treasurer; Theodore Bethel, Secretary; E.V. Kelly, S.D.; J. Buckhalter, J.D.; T.B. Kelly, Tiler. The members were Oliver Cowles, Charles Call, John Horine and Josiah Armstrong.

In 1858, John Taylor became W.M. Three had been initiated, three passed and three raised, four had demitted and the membership was 21.

The Lodge was chartered in 1857, but, from internal causes, the charter was surrendered in June, 1859, and the body ceased to exist.

The fraternity resolved to relight the extinguished fire in 1866, and a dispensation was issued them in June of that year, under which authority the door was tiled once more. G.R. Ledyard was W.M.; G.W. Richards, S.W.; John Taylor, J.W. The other members were J. Dowler, J.S. Johnson, O.Cowles, John Childers, F.A. Chaplier, George Marshall, William Wilson, Moses Adamson, O. Fuller, A.G. Barnes. It was chartered as No. 194, in the following year.

Since that date the Lodge has had a peaceful, prosperous record. The present officers are as follows: L.M. Shaw, W.M.; S. Buckley, S.W.; G.M. Cowles, J.W.; R.C. Anderson, Treasurer; T. Chadwick, Secretary; C.H. Hook, S.D.; W.H. Taylor, J.D.; R. Morrison, S.S.; T.N. Worth, J.S.; A.H. Shafer, Chaplain; H. Salman, Tiler.

The Lodge has about ninety members. Meets on Saturday evening before full _____. The fraternity owns the hall in which they meet which is over brick drug store.

Gerber Chapter, U. D., Royal Arch Masons. - This body was instituted June 20, 1878 by A.W. Dougherty, G.H.P. of Iowa, who appointed G.M. Bethel as M.E.H.P.; Seth Dixon, E.K.; F.M. Slusser, E.S. The first meeting was held July 11th at which time, three persons received the R.A. degree. At this meeting L.P. McCroskey was chosen Treasurer; T. Chadwick, Secretary; L.M. Shaw, C.H.; H. Salmon, P.S.; J.A. Witted, R.A.C.; B.F. Thomas, G.M. 3d V.; J.H. Loundsbery, G.M. 2d V.; Thomas Simpson, G.M. 1st V; F. Hunter, Guard.

The increase of membership has been very rapid, fifteen having been exalted up to October 1st. Chapter meets on Thursday evening before full moon at Masonic Hall.

ODD FELLOWSHIP.

Jasper Lodge, No. 168, I. O. of O. F. - The first inception of this Lodge may be said to date from September, 1868, during which month a preliminary meeting was held and the brethren decided to petition for a charter. The dispensation was granted by William P. Sharp, their Grand Master, who offered, if the petitioner would wait three or four weeks, to come and establish the lodge in person, which auspicious event was consummated December 10, 1868. The Grand Master was accompanied by Chauncey Howard and J. Coom, of Prairie City. Those recognized as charter members were William Howard, L.G. Zerley, J.W. Johnson, W.F. Hill, Josiah Turner, Jacob Kipp, Nimrod Cable and T.P. Burchinal. The officers installed at this meeting were, T.P. Burchinal, N.G.; Thomas Hawkins, V.G.; J.W. Johnson, Secretary; Wm. Howard, Treasurer; J. Kipp, Warden, T.J. Hendershott, Conductor; N. Caple, I.G.; W.A.J. Seals, R.S.; Josiah Turner, L.S.; J.I. Nichols, R.S. to V.G.; L.G. Zerley, L.S. to V.G.; W.H. Shaw, R.S.S.; N.R. Mills, L.S.S.

During this meeting Thomas Hawkins, J.T. Hendershott, W.A.J. Seals, Thomas Clark, E.H. Amos and John I. Nichols were admitted by card, and Thomas Simpson, W.H. Shaw, M.W. Bateman, N.R. Mills and J.C. McCown were initiated. Soon after, W.V. Griffith, A.H. Barnes and Louis Hummel joined by card.

In the first half of 1871, the Lodge purchased a set of jewels at a cost of $100, an din the latter half of 1870, the society removed to its present hall.

July 27, 1871, the Lodge had a public procession, ovation and free dinner, members of the Order being in attendance from Newton, Prairie City, Knoxville and Pella.

The presiding officers have been A.H. Barnes, J. Kipp, W.H. Shaw, J.H. Kerr, J.R. Hall, H.R. Foehlinger, D.O. Stuart, Jacob Hawkins, J.A. Ehrhardt and H.C. Barhtolomew.

The Lodge, some time in June, 1875, purchased the lot on the northeast corner of the public square, paying $1,000 therefor. The lot is 70x132 feet in size, and a hall will be erected as soon as the society's finances warrant.

A notable social event in the history of the Lodge was a grand banquet at their hall, Dec. 12, 1868, at which time an address was given by Dr. Shaw, and a history of the Lodge read by T.P. Burchinal.

The officers for the latter half of 1878 are: J.C. McDonald, N.G.; G.W. Flick, V.G.; H.C. Bartholomew, Secretary and Permanent Secretary; W.H. Shaw, Treasurer, D.N. Hamilton, Warden; H.C. Williams, Conductor; J.H. Kerr, R.S. to N.G.; J. Hawkins, L.S. to N.G.; Daniel Price, R.S. to V.G.; Wm. Lutz, L.S. to V.G.; Benj. McEwen, R.S.S.; Frank Hunter, L.S.S.; A. Garrett, I.G.; Wm. Kelso, O.G.

The Lodge has seventy-one members and meets every Tuesday evening.

Monroe Encampment, No. 60, I. O. O. F. - This body of Odd Fellowship was instituted May 20, 1873, by E.W. Hartman, Esq., of Indianola, the dispensation having been issued by S.S. Winall, G.P. of Iowa. The first officers were: T.B. Burchinal, C.P.; T. Mc. R. Stewart, H.P.; J. Hawkins, S.W.; J.R. Hall, J.W.; R.R. Foehlinger, Scribe; N. Caple, Treasurer.

The present officers are: Theo. Hockings, C.P.; J.R. Hall, H.P.; J.H. Kerr, S.W.; G.W. Flick, J.W.; Wm. Kelso, Scribe; W.H. Shaw, Treasurer.

There are about thirty members. The encampment meets on the first and third Friday of each month.

Eureka Rebekah Degree Lodge, No. 52. - This order was established at Monroe January 17, 1874, by T.P. Burchinal, Special Deputy. The first officers were: Mrs. Bergsma, V.G.; Mary Bicklehaupt, Secretary; Mrs. M.J. Burchinal, Secretary.

The officers now are: Thomas Hockings, N.G.; Mary Bicklehaupt, V.G.; T.P. Burchinal, Secretary; Mrs. Maggie Hawkins, Treasurer.

The lady members are Sally Bain, Mary Bicklehaupt, Margaret J. Burchinal, M.M. Bergsma, Mrs. Frank Clark, Ella Foehlinger, Mrs. C.E. Garrett, Sarah Hall, Maggie Hawkins, Mrs. Hugh Morrison, Sarah Seals, Mrs. R.E. Walker.

The Lodge meets on the second and fourth Fridays of each month.

UNITED WORKMEN.

Monroe Lodge, No. 77, A. O. U. W. - This body was instituted July 17, 1876, by O.J. Noble, P.G.M.W. of Iowa, and the following were the first officers chosen: Melvin Nichols, P.M.W.; William Kelso, M.W.; W.H. Langan, F.; M.C. Israel, O.; Joseph Cunningham, Recorder; G.M. Cowles, Financier; E.D. Martin, Receiver; H. Salmon, G.; P.M. Worth, J.W.; R.C. Moore, O.W.; James G. Lang, Robert Morrison, C.H. Hook, Treasurer. The other charter members were: L.W. Allum, R.N. Roach, Henry Worth, A.J. Mitchell, S.M. Mowatt, R.C. Anderson, W.H. Chipps, William Young, M.L. Card, Samuel McKee, W.F. Weidner, George Vickers, W.M. Ferry, Thomas Chadwick, George Simpson, John Fox, S.E. Guthrie, John C. Livingston, John A. Deihl and John E. Ogle.

The present officers are: G.M.Cowles, P.M.W.; John Ogle, M.W.; J. Cunningham, F.; George Simpson, O.; William Kelso, Recorder; G.J. Dix, Financier; John L. Scharf, Receiver,; C.H. Hook, G.; William Young, I.W.; George Vickers, O.W.; M.C. Israel, W.H. Lang, and A.J. Mitchell, Trustees.

William Kelso was Representative to the Grand Lodge in 1878.

The Lodge now has about thirty-five members, meets Thursday evenings at their hall over Scharf's store.

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