LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

The Wapello Republican, Feb. 5, 1891
Submitted by a Louisa Co. Volunteer, February 18, 2023

Blackhawk Lodge No. 281, Knights of Pythias Organized in Wapello

Thursday night of last week a number of gentlemen from surrounding towns met here to assist in the organization of a lodge of Knights Pythias. Grand Chancellor W. M. Narris, of Muscatine, was master of ceremonies and was assisted by the following gentlemen: E. H. Baldwin, B. F. Vandyke, J. Lamberson, W. G. Mercer, C. A. Carpenter, O. S. Todd, C. Getts, H. T. Jones.

The charter members 28 in number, composing the new organization are as follows: A. M. M. Dornon, S. P. Newell, W. A. Lester, E. K. Hurley, J. W. Illingsworth, W. C. Morgan, J. C. Byram, W. E. Fieldman, J. E. Goodrich, W. A. Colip, David Kirkpatrick, H. M. Holler, R. G. Hawkins, R. D. Jamison, J. E. Ware, G. A. Freeland, W. R. Copeland, W. S. Grimes, E. M. Edwards, T. Black, Fred Keck, R. M. Garrett, J. E. Garrett, Ed Hicklin, J. S. Kelly, C. W. Loper, E. R. Tillman, H. T. Fish.

The officers for the new lodge are: P C, W. A. Lester; C C, A. M. M. Dornon; V C, David Kirkpatrick; M of E, J. W. Illingsworth; M of F, J. C. Byram; O G, R. D. Jamison; O G, S. P. Newell; M at A, E. K. Hurley.

The visiting guests were banquetted at Dave's Hotel, after the work of the lodge room had been completed and it was well toward morning before . festivities had ended. Blackhawk Lodge No. 281, is now one of the strong lodges of the state.