1845-46.-J. T. Haynes, Moderator; A. Chandler, Director; J. D. Wood, Assessor.

1846-47.-H. Warner, Moderator; A. Parish, Director; A. Chandler, Assessor.

1847-48.-T. Daugherty, Moderator; F. D. Crippen, Director; G. A. More, Assessor.

1848-49.-G. A. Coe, Moderator; A. T. Groendycke, Director; J. D. Wood, Assessor.

1849-50.-D. Waterman, Moderator; J. T. Haynes, Director; H. M. Wright, Assessor.

1850-51.-G. A. Coe, Moderator; A. Chandler, Director; J. O. Pelton, Assessor.

1851-52.--G. A. Coe, Moderator; A. Chandler, Director; R. Root, Assessor.

1852-53.--G. A. Coe, Moderator; A. Chandler, Director; H. Dickson, Assessor.

1853-54.-J. Chandler, Moderator; E. B. Pond, Director; J. D. Wood, Assessor.

1854-55.-W. H. Beach, Moderator; J. G. Parkhurst, Director; J. O. Pelton, Assessor.

In 1855 the number of the board was increased by adding four trustees.

1855-56.-G. Willard, Moderator; J. H. Beech, Director; D. Thompson, Assessor; A. Chandler, G. A. Coe, S. P. Noyes, A. L. Porter, Trustees.

1856-57.-D. B. Dennis, Moderator; T. N. Wilson, Director; J. O. Pelton, Assessor; A. Chandler, G. A Coe, J. Chandler, A. L. Porter, Trustees.

1857-58.-A. Allen, Moderator; C. S. Tucker, Director; C. Pratt, Assessor; A. Chandler, I. P. Alger, J. Chandler, A. L. Porter, Trustees.

1858-59.-D. Smith, Moderator; C. P. Benton, Director; L. D. Brewer, Assessor; A. Chandler, C. B. Fisk, J. Chandler, I. P. Alger, Trustees.

1859-60.-C. S. Tucker, Moderator; A. Allen, Director; J. A. Brookins, Assessor; J. Chandler, D. C. Morehouse, I. P. Alger, C. B. Fisk, Trustees.

1860-61.-S. S. Cutter, Moderator; D. B. Dennis, Director; C. D. Randall, Assessor; D. C. Powers, C. Upson, C. P. Benton.

1861-62.-S. S. Cutter, Moderator; D. B. Dennis, Director; C. D. Randall, Assessor; D. C. Powers, A. Allen, J. O. Pelton.

1862-63.-A. Allen, Moderator; S. S. Cutter, Director; J. O. Pelton, Assessor; C. D. Randall, D. B. Dennis, C. S. Tucker.

1863-64.-A. Allen, Moderator; S. S. Cutter, Director; J. O. Pelton, Assessor; J. B. Crippen, D. B. Dennis, C. S. Tucker.

1864-65.-J. B. Crippen, Moderator; S. S. Cutter, Director; F. T. Eddy, J. Murphy, D. B. Dennis, C. S. Tucker.

1865-66.-F. T. Eddy, Moderator; J. H. McGowan, Director; J. B. Crippen, J. Murphy, E. Eaton, S. S. Cutter. 1866-67.-F. T. Eddy, Moderator; J. H. McGowan, Director; J. Murphy, D. H. Davis, A. Allen, E. Eaton. 1867-68.—A. Allen, Moderator; J. H. McGowan, Director; F. T. Eddy, D. H. Davis, J. H. Beech, A. Chandler.

1868-69.-A. Allen, Moderator; F. T. Eddy, Director;

A. Chandler, N. P. Loveridge, D. H. Davis, T. C. Etheridge.

1869-70.-T. C. Etheridge, Moderator; N. P. Loveridge, Director; J. H. Beech, J. H. McGowan, D. Thompson, A. Chandler.

1870-71.-J. H. Beech, Moderator; N. P. Loveridge, Director; H. C. Lewis, R. F. Mockridge, Justin Lawyer, D. Thompson.

1871-72.-J. H. Beech, Moderator; N. P. Loveridge, Director; H. C. Lewis, R. F. Mockridge, Justin Lawyer, D. Thompson.

1872-73.-J. H. Beech, Moderator; N. P. Loveridge, Director; R. F. Mockridge, T. C. Etheridge, D. Thompson, George Starr.

1873-74.-J. H. Beech, Moderator; T. C. Etheridge, Director; R. F. Mockridge, D. Thompson, George Starr, H. B. Townsend.

1874-75.-R. F. Mockridge, Moderator; T. C. Etheridge, Director; George Starr, D. Thompson, H. B. Townsend, A. A. Dorrance.

1875-76.-D. Thompson, Moderator; A. A. Dorrance, Director; R. F. Mockridge, D. Cook, J. Murphy, D. C. Powers.

1876-77.-R. F. Mockridge, Moderator; J. Murphy, Director; A. A. Dorrance, D. C. Powers, M. Mansfield, J. F. Pratt.

1877-78.-F. V. Smith, President; Justin Lawyer, Clerk; D. W. Tinkham, H. D. Robinson,, G. S. Foster, O. B. Moore, G. W. Stevens, J. R. Champion.

LADIES' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.

During the year 1865 a number of ladies instituted a movement to secure the presence of some of the most eminent names in the lecture field in Coldwater, and to insure the success of their undertaking, they determined to first raise a fund which could be drawn upon to make up any deficit that might be occasioned by adverse circumstances. This was done with a series of entertainments, the whole netting the sum of about five hundred dollars. The following year a course of lectures was duly furnished, but the eagerness for platform eloquence had somewhat abated, and no regular course was given thereafter, but the money put at interest until the amount aggregated six hundred dollars. The establishment of a library with the money was a favorite idea with the ladies, and on the evening of Dec. 13, 1869, the members of the Lecture Association, and those more particularly interested in having raised the funds in their hands, met at the residence of F. V. Smith, Esq., to consult about the formation of a Ladies' Library Association, to which, if formed, they would turn over the money in their possession. Several gentlemen present also advocated the plan. It was decided to form such an association, and articles drawn up by a committee appointed at a preliminary meeting were signed by twenty-two ladies. The Legislature was petitioned for a charter, by-laws framed, and the association duly organized with the following charter members: Margaret L. Powers, Marietta K. Loveridge, Georgiana L. Cutter, Emeline Barber, Mary A. Wade, Mariet Smith, Harriet D. Morgan, Mary C. Champion, Mary Shipman, Alma Lewis, Alice C. Randall, Lizzie P.

Woodward, Ardessa Crippen, Helen L. Lanphere, Harriet L. Mockridge, Olivia Safford, Josephine P. McGowen, Addie Wing, Sallie G. Nichols, Mary A. Rose, Ann Van Valkenburg.

By an article of the constitution, any lady of legal age paying one dollar into the treasury becomes a member of the association, and is entitled to a vote at the usual meeting. No gentleman is permitted to vote or is eligible to office, but the annual payment of one dollar affords any gentleman the privileges of the library. The payment of thirty dollars constitutes the individual a life member, who, together with wife or husband, is entitled to the privileges of the library during the existence of the corporation.

December 20, the first board of directors was elected by the association. They are fifteen in number, and remain in office three years, and the arrangement is such that onethird of them retire from office each year, to give place to new members. The institution now had a being and a name, and the board set about furnishing the objects which had called for the existence of the organization, viz., the establishment and maintenance of a library for affording and encouraging useful and entertaining reading, and the furnishing literary and scientific lectures, and other means for intellectual improvement in the city of Coldwater.

The city was patiently canvassed to procure memberships, and over three hundred annual memberships were sold, and twenty-three life memberships. As the result of their persistent efforts, the ladies at the beginning of 1870 found themselves possessed of twelve hundred and fifty dollars.

The selection of a suitable room was a matter of much solicitude, which Dr. Beech promptly set at rest, by offering the parlors in his own house for the use of the library, rent free. This offer was gladly accepted, and books to the value of one thousand dollars were immediately ordered, Messrs. Upson and Lewis kindly transacting the necessary business in Detroit.

Five hundred dollars more were expended the same year for books. At the end of the first year the library numbered twelve hundred volumes, around which nucleus the succeeding years have deposited their contributions.

The officers of the board for the first year were: President, Mrs. Alma. Lewis; Vice-President, Mrs. Georgia Cutter; Treasurer, Mrs. N. Harrington; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Z. P. McGowen; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. G. L. Cutter.

At the beginning of its career, the library was most fortunate in receiving liberal support. Beside the material aid furnished by those gentlemen who purchased life memberships, the city papers did all the necessary printing the first year gratuitously, Mr. F. V. Smith furnishing tickets, catalogues, etc. Dr. Beech more especially earned the lasting gratitude of the association by both his early and longcontinued generosity.

The library occupied his parlors until the summer of 1874, when he further evinced his good-will by presenting the association with a building in the rear of his dwelling, and a lease for five years of the ground upon which it stands.

The board repaired and furnished it at a cost of about three hundred and fifty dollars, and the library has since

The money for

occupied its pleasant and accessible rooms. repairs was all obtained by donations or entertainments. Thus it has come to pass that, while other like associations have had to pay out a large percentage of their income for rent, and depend upon volunteered services in the office of librarian, the Coldwater Library has always had a home without charge, and the board have been enabled after the first year to pay a regular salary to a librarian, who not only attends to the circulation, sale of tickets, collection of fines, etc., but has such a personal supervision of the books as tends in no small degree to their preservation. The "stitch in time," etc., needs frequent illustration in a circulating library. The board have also been enabled to keep the price of tickets at the nominal sum of one dollar, and so bring the advantages of the library within the reach of all. Present officers: Mrs. G. H. Turner, President; Mrs. R. Coe, Treasurer; Mrs. G. Van Valkenberg, Recording Secretary; Miss Kittie Cutter, Corresponding Secretary.

THE LEWIS ART GALLERY.

Coldwater derives much importance in the southern portion of the State from its extensive collection of works of art, known generally as the Lewis Art Gallery. The building is very centrally located on Chicago Street, and adjoining the residence of its founder, Mr. H. C. Lewis.

It is unnecessary to indulge in fulsome praise of the munificence which inspired the establishment of this gallery, or to discuss the public spirit and generosity displayed by its projector. It is sufficient to say that it has given great pleasure not only to the citizens, but to those who are enabled by close proximity to the city to visit it frequently, and its influence upon the taste of the community is even more apparent here than in larger cities, where a love of art is fostered and encouraged by the presence of good pictures. The collection is thrown open to the public on Saturday of each week, and during the winter the apartments are comfortably heated, and no restrictions are placed upon visitors other than are demanded by the observance of the rules which govern good breeding.

The gallery is divided into two compartments, the first being principally hung with foreign pictures, and copies of the famous pictures of artists of repute abroad. The farther compartment embraces a collection of portraits of much merit, many of them originals, others excellent copies,— the subjects being celebrated English, French, and American characters. These portraits, together with a large proportion of the pictures, are from the Thompson collection, very well known to Bostonians, and which were originally intended to form the nucleus of a gallery to be ultimately donated to the city of Boston. Some slight circumstance diverted the collector from his original purpose and consigned them to the auction-room, from whence many of them came to Coldwater. The remainder of the collection adorned the palatial halls of the late Le Grand Lockwood's residence at Norwalk, Conn.

We regret that it is not possible to obtain from Mr. Lewis, who is abroad, a history of the pictures and many incidents relating to their purchase, which would be of much interest to the reader. A brief review of some of the most interesting works is all that we are able to offer

under the circumstances.

Among the copies of the old masters in the first gallery, and perhaps the chef d'œuvre of the collection, is a superb copy of Murillo's "Conception," displaying not only the individuality of this great master, but his remarkable grace of outline and harmony of color. There is also a fine copy of Raphael's "Transfiguration," and three copies of Correggio, an "Adoration," "Christ and Mary Magdalene," and "Christ and the Woman of Samaria at the Well,"-all indicating the abso ute mastery of this artist in the wonderful effects produced by the skillful handling of light and shadow. There is an excellent copy of the "Aurora" of Guido, and another of Claude Lorraine's "Harbor of Civita Vecchia." In this gallery is also a charming little interior of modest proportions, "The First Attempt to teach a Child how to Walk," full of the cheerful life and warm color of the Dutch school.

Among the pictures which we are informed belonged to the Lockwood collection are Eastman Johnson's "Boyhood of Lincoln," a work which considerably enhanced the already wide reputation of the artist, and which may be regarded, perhaps, as second to none in the gallery in point of merit. "A Roman Beauty" is one of the most superb bits of coloring, and near it hang Kaufman's picture of "Admiral Farragut in the Shrouds of his Vessel at the Battle of Mobile," a work of considerable repute, and a "Chimney Sweep Making his Toilet," remarkable for its spirit and conscientious drawing.

Among the portraits are an excellent copy of Gilbert Stuart's "Washington," the original of which adds to the fame of the Lennox Gallery, New York; a strong drawing of Benjamin Franklin, and another of President Wayland, and many admirable portraits of female celebrities. Indeed, the whole collection of portraits is so excellent as to add greatly to the interest of the gallery.

Among the larger pictures are an "Emigrant Train Attacked by Indians," by Charles Winsor, a work of considerable reputation, remarkable for its vigorous handling and its truth to nature. It is regarded as one of the most valuable in the collection. Near it hangs "Mary Queen of Scots Accusing John Knox of Treason," a work of much historical interest, and "The Angel Appearing to Hagar in the Wilderness," said to have been pronounced almost faultless as an anatomical study.

"The Sleeping Beauty," by Wight, the subject taken from one of Tennyson's poems,-attracts attention not only from its size, but from its fine coloring and its happy effect of drapery. One of the most conspicuous gems of the whole. collection is a picture of the Dusseldorf school, “Luther taken Prisoner to the Castle of Wartburg." The mediaval tone of the picture, the fine drawing, and its suggestive character all combine to make it one of the choicest works upon the walls of the Lewis Gallery. There are also many choice bits of statuary both in bronze aud marble, but our limited space does not admit of so extended a notice of this very pleasant and instructive place of resort as its merits deserve.

MASONIC LODGES.

Freemasonry first had a permanent foothold in Coldwater in 1847, there having been many Masons in the village prior to that time, but no organized lodge. From

that period to the present the institution has grown and prospered until it has become an established power in the city. No special events have marked its progress, however, other than participation in occasional public ceremonies to which the various lodges were invited..

Tyre Lodge, No. 18.-This lodge, which ranks as the oldest in the city, holds a charter bearing date April 1, 1847, its first officers having been John T. Haynes, W. M.; Henry Buell, S. W.; Amos Bacon, J. W.; Samuel P. Noyes, Treas.; Andrain Abbott, Sec. Its early members were Ichabod Davis, James Shoecraft, Myral Comstock, Elisha Warner, Bradley Crippen, William Keyes, Samuel Etheridge. Its officers have been from that date, successively:

1848.-George W. Davis, W. M.; E. G. Parsons, S. W.; D. Haynes, J. W.; Dorset J. Goff, Treas.; Henry C. Gilbert, Sec.; J. S. Davidson, S. D.; L. D. Halsted, J. D.; S. C. Hanchett, Tyler.

1849.-George W. Davidson, W. M.; Harvey Warner, S. W.; Elisha Warren, J. W.; D. J. Goff, Treas.; Henry C. Gilbert, Sec.; Lucius E. Mills, S. D.; L. D. Halsted, J. D.; E. Lawrence, Tyler.

1850.-John T. Haynes, W. M.; Albert L. Porter, S. W.; L. E. Mills, J. W.; Daniel Mills, Treas.; N. T. Waterman, Sec.; John H. Stevens, S. D.; L. D. Halsted, J. D.; D. Haynes, Tyler.

1851. Lucius E. Mills, W. M.; Elijah C. Sternes, S. W.; A. T. Macary, J. W.; D. J. Goff, Treas.; N. T. Waterman, Sec.; M. Mansfield, S. D.; L. D. Halsted, J. D.; B. H. Cutler, Tyler.

1852.-A. T. Macary, W. M.; Mortimer Mansfield, S. W.; Louis T. N. Wilson, J. W.; Harvey Warner, Treas. ; Corydon P. Benton, Sec.; S. P. Noyes, S. D.; D. J. Goff, J. D.; B. H. Cutler, Tyler.

1853. Wales Adams, W. M.; Albert L. Porter, S. W.; C. P. Benton, J. W.; Daniel Mills, Treas.; Seaman L. Dart, Sec.; D. Littlefield, S. D.; E. C. Sternes, J. D.; B. H. Cutler, Tyler.

1854. Mortimer Mansfield, W M.; C. P. Benton, S. W.; A. F. Bidwell, J. W.; Elihu Mather, Treas.; Franc. B. Way, Sec.; S. L. Dart, S. D.; G. H. White, J. D.; E. C. Sternes, Tyler.

1855.-Corydon P. Benton, W. M.; S. L Dart, S. W.; Origen Bingham, J. W.; Elihu Mather, Treas.; J. C. Montgomery, Sec.; R. H. Drake, S. D.; A. Pierce, J. D.; J. G. Buffham, Tyler.

1856.-Corydon P. Benton, W. M.; S. L. Dart, S. W.; Wm. J. Jones, J. W.; A. McCrea, Treas.; J. F. Pratt, Sec.; J. B. Stevenson, S. D.; B. M. Bordine, J. D.; B. H. Cutler, Tyler.

1857. Seaman L. Dart, W. D.; W. J. Jones, S. W.; R. H. Drake, J. W.; A. McCrea, Treas.; David Bovee, Sec.; J. B. Stevenson, S. D.; H. W. White, J. D.; B. M. Bordine, Tyler.

1858. Seaman L. Dart, W. M.; John H. Beech, S. W.; Almon L. Lytle, J. W.; A. Allen, Treas.; D. Bovee, Sec.; E. W. Markham, S. D.; John G. Buffham, J. D.; Ariel Pierce, Tyler.

1859. Seaman L. Dart, W. M.; A. L. Lytle, S. W.; David Bovee, J. W.; C. P. Benton, Treas.; P. P. Nichols,

Sec.; Frank Plogart, S. D.; M. Mansfield, J. D.; J. G. Buffham, Tyler.

1860. Seaman L. Dart, W. M.; A. L. Lytle, S. W.; D. Bovee, J. W.; A. Allen, Treas.; John Murphey, Sec.; F. Plogart, S. D.; Wm. H. Abbot, J. D.; R. H. Drake, Tyler.

1861. Seaman L. Dart, W. M.; A. L. Lytle, S. W.; D. Bovee, J. W.; A. Allen, Treas.; John Murphey, Sec.; F. Plogart, S. D.; O. C. Graham, J. D.; R. H. Drake, Tyler; Rev. H. Safford, Chaplain.

1862. Seaman L. Dart, W. M.; A. L. Lytle, S. W.; D. Bovee, J. W.; A. Allen, Treas.; John Murphey, Sec.; O. C. Graham, S. D.; N. Rosenbaum, J. D.; R. H. Drake, Tyler; Rev. H. Safford, Chaplain.

1863. Seaman L. Dart, W. M.; A. L. Lytle, S. W.; D. Bovee, J. W.; A. Allen, Treas.; George Ferguson, Sec.; O. C. Graham, S. D.; N. Rosenbaum, J. D.; George Mansel, Tyler.

1864.-D. Bovee, W. M.; O. C. Graham, S. W.; Geo. Ferguson, J. W.; A. Allen, Treas.; C. J. Manvel, Sec.; D. Cooley, S. D.; J. L. Hill, J. D.; Geo. Mansell, Tyler. 1865.-D. Bovee, W. M.; O. C. Graham, S. W.; N. Rosenbaum, J. W.; R. H. Drake, Treas.; C. J. Manvel, Sec.; M. G. Townsend, S. D.; J. L. Hill, J. D.; Geo. Mansell, Tyler.

1866.-D. Bovee, W. M.; John Murphey, S. W.; Nathan Rosenbaum, J. W.; R. H. Drake, Treas.; Geo. M. Dumon, Sec.; H. J. Woodward, S. D.; Wm. Anderson, J. D.; H. Toland, Tyler.

1867.-David Bovee, W. M.; O. C. Graham, S. W.; N. Rosenbaum, J. W.; A. McCrea, Treas.; R. A. Hall, Sec.; H. E. Macary, S. D.; Z. C. Cheeny, J. D.; S. Darrow, Tyler.

1868.-D. Bovee, W. M.; D. B. Purinton, S. W.; R. A. Hall, J. W.; R. H. Drake, Treas.; Geo. M. Dumon, Sec.; Z. C. Cheeny, S. D.; J. L. Hill, J. D.; Geo. Firth, Tyler.

1869.-D. Bovee, W. M.; Wm. C. Burns, S. W.; R. A. Hall, J. W.; R. H. Drake, Treas.; Geo. M. Dumon, Sec.; J. A. Ashbaugh, S. D.; A. Smith, J. D.; D. Fox, Tyler.

1870.-D. Bovee, W. M.; W. C. Burns, S. W.; R. A. Hall, J. W.; George Starr, Treas.; G. M. Dumond, Sec.; J. A. Ashbaugh, S. D.; A. Smith, J. D.; G. H. Taylor, Tyler.

1871.-D. Bovee, W. M.; J. A. Ashbaugh, S. W.; G. H. Taylor, J. W.; R. A. Hall, Treas.; C. F. Stygles, Sec.; H. A. Wolcott, S. D.; Wm. Draubaugh, J. D.; G. Firth, Tyler.

1872.-D. Bovee, W. M.; J. Ashbaugh, S. W.; G. H. Taylor, J. W.; R. A. Hall, Treas.; D. B. Purinton, Sec.; H. A. Wolcott, S. D.; A. J. Foster, J. D.; Geo. Firth, Tyler.

1873.-The same.

1874.-D. Bovee, W. M.; A. J. Foster, S. W.; G. H., Taylor, J. W.; R. A. Hall, Treas.; D. B. Purinton, Sec.; D. S. Phinney, S. D.; Geo. Firth, Tyler.

1875.-D. Bovee, W. M.; A. J. Foster, S. W.; Wm. C. Burns, J. W.; R. A. Hall, Treas.; D. B. Purinton Sec.; D. S. Phinney, S. D.; Wm. Draubaugh, J. D.; Geo. Firth, Tyler.

1876.-D. Bovee, W. M.; A. J. Foster, S. W.; E. W. Holmes, J. W.; R. A. Hall, Treas.; D. B. Purinton, Sec.; D. S. Phinney, S. D.; J. W. Brown, J. D.; Daniel Fox, Tyler.

1877.-D. Bovee, W. M.; A. J. Foster, J. W.; E. W. Holmes, J. W.; R. A. Hall, Treas.; D. B. Purinton, Sec.; L. A. Peckham, S. D.; J. W. Brown, J. D.; D. Fox, Tyler.

The following statistics give an idea of the working of the lodge since its organization:

It will be seen by the foregoing table that the total membership the first year of its organization was 24, showing a decided growth from that time to the present.

Its officers are D. Bovee, W. M.; A. J. Foster, S. W.; E. W. Holmes, J. W.; R. A. Hall, Treas.; D. B. Purinton, Sec.; Charles E. Fanning, S. D.; G. W. Fox, J. D.; Daniel Fox, Tyler.

The following impressive dirge is used by the lodge in ceremonies attending the burial of its members:

"Solemn strikes the funeral chime,
Notes of our departing time:
As we journey here below,
Through a pilgrimage of woe!

"Mortals, now indulge a tear,
For mortality is near!
See how wide her trophies wave
O'er the slumbers of the grave!
"Here another guest we bring,
Seraphs of celestial wing,
To our funeral altar come,
Waft this Friend and Brother home.

"Lord of all! below-above

Fill our hearts with Truth and Love;
When dissolves this earthly tie,
Take us to thy Lodge on high."

Coldwater Lodge, No. 260.-This lodge was organized from Tyre Lodge, No. 18. Several members being desirous to establish another lodge in Coldwater, made application

to the officers of the Grand Lodge of the State for a dispensation, which was granted Feb. 10, 1869, with the following gentlemen as its first officers: Thomas S. Dorsey, W. M.; Nathan Rosenbaum, S. W.; George Ferguson, J. W.; H. J. Woodward, Sec.; S. S. Scovill, Treas.

Its present officers are N. Rosenbaum, W. M.; A. E. Thompson, S. W.; E. S. Taylor, J. W.; S. H. Egabrood, Sec.; John P. Fiske, Treas.

The regular communications are held the first Monday evening of each month. The lodge has a hall, spacious and well appointed, in which the meetings are held.

Jacob's Commandery, No. 10.-The following gentlemen first applied for a dispensation to organize a commandery in Coldwater: Franklin T. Eddy, Wales Adams, Norman L. Southworth, Asa G. Rose, Joseph A. Rose, Charles H. Putnam, Richard H. Drake, Artemus Allen, Leaman L. Dart, Lyman Sleeper. The application bore date March 3, 1860, and the charter was granted June 6 of the same year, with its first officers as follows: Franklin T. Eddy, E. C.; N. L. Southworth, Gen.; Artemus Allen, Capt.Gen. ; S. L. Dart, Recorder. Its present officers are R. A. Hall, E. C.; S. S. Scovill, Gen.; R. G. Chandler, Capt.Gen.; D. B. Purinton, Recorder. Its present membership numbers seventy.

Temple Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M.-The charter of this chapter bears date Jan. 13, 1859, the following gentlemen having applied for a dispensation: Edwin Perry, John H. Beach, N. L. Southworth, David Burns, E. Mather, Samuel Etheridge, Wales Adams, Abram McCrea, S. L. Dart, Levi Daggett. Its first officers were Edwin Perry, High-Priest; John A. Beach, King; N. L. Southworth, Scribe.

Its present officers are A. J. Foster, High-Priest; Wm. C. Barnes, King; Sylvanus S. Scovill, Scribe; J. Wesley Brown, Treas.; David B. Purinton, Sec.

This chapter has been prosperous since its organization, and increased its list of members until it now numbers one hundred and twenty-seven on its rolls. The regular meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month.

Mount Moriah Council, No. 6, R. and S. M.—This organization was formed November, 1859, under a dispensation granted by the T. I. G. P. of the State of Michigan. Its first officers were S. L. Dart, T. I. G. M.; M. Mansfield, D. I. G. M.; R. H. Drake, P. C. of W.; J. B. Stevenson, C. of G.; D. Bovec, G. S.; F. T. Eddy, Recorder; A. Allen, Treas.

Its present officers are D. B. Purinton, T. I. M.; John P. Fisk, D. I. M.; J. A. Ashbaugh, P. C. of W.; W. C. Barnes, C. of G.; M. H. Parker, Treas.; S. B. Kitchel, Recorder; A. A. Unangst, S. and S.; D. Fox, Sentinel. Its regular meetings are held the first Thursday of every month.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS.

Coldwater Lodge, No. 31.-The Order had its first organization in the city as early as the year 1848, Coldwater Lodge, No. 31, having been formed in February of that year. No authentic record of the transactions of the body can be obtained, but from one of the oldest members we learn that it was for a time prosperous, but the harmony which at first characterized its sessions unhappily termi

nated in discord, and the lodge surrendered its charter in 1855, and for a time was practically defunct. It at this time owned some property, which was scattered among its members, and four cemetery lots which had been deeded to it by the corporation reverted again to the donors. Dec. 17, 1871, the lodge was resuscitated with the following officers: Gilbert Sherman, D. D. G. M.; H. D. Warren, N. G.; J. A. Brookins, V. G.; A. Halstead, Recording Sec.; H. N. Moore, Treas.; Hiram Baker, Permanent Sec.

The lodge having been again established on a flourishing basis, an effort was made to redeem the lots which had been awarded to the original body by the corporation. These it was learned had been sold and were already in use, but a compromise was effected by which other lots of equal value were given the new organization.

The present officers of the Coldwater Lodge are Alfred Milnes, D. D. G. M.; L. A. Peterson, N. G.; J. S. Conover, V. G.; C. W. Johnson, Recording Sec.; W. H. Allen, Permanent Sec.; Alfred Milnes, Treas.

The present membership is seventy-five.

Bethesda Lodge, No. 268.-This lodge was organized November 5, 1875, by George Dean as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State.

Its first officers were Theodore Lyman, N. G.; James Anderson, V. G.; Charles D. Wright, Recording Sec.; James A. Brookins, Permanent Sec.; Thomas Smith, Treas. Trustees: James Anderson, Thomas Smith, J. H. D. Warren.

Its present officers are S. Egerbroad, N. G.; David Bartlett, V. G.; J. H. D. Warren, Recording Sec.; M. H. Parker, Permanent Sec.; James Anderson, Treas. Trustees: Gilbert Sherman, Charles Chapman, James Anderson.

OAK GROVE CEMETERY.

The original plat comprised in this cemetery was owned by individual parties, and embraced about eighteen acres. The deed conveying it to the Oak Grove Cemetery Association bears date July 15, 1854, and the party making the conveyance is George A. Coe.

In the year 1869 it was deemed best to enlarge the dimensions of the inclosure, and about one hundred acres more were added, the deed of conveyance having been given by C. V. L. Kibbe to the city of Coldwater in that year.

The original association included the following list among its first officers: Orsamus B. Clark, President; George A. Coe, Clerk; James Pierson, Collector; George A. Coe, Treasurer; John Luck, Sexton.

The following description of the ground embraced in the original plat is found in the records: "All that certain piece or parcel of land situate, lying, and being in the town of Coldwater, in the county of Branch and State of Michigan, described as follows, to wit: Beginning at a point on the north line of the Chicago Road, on the west bank of Coldwater River, at a cedar stake; northwardly, westwardly, and southerly, along the centre of the ditch at the base of the hill, and around the same until it intersects the north line of the Chicago Road, and from thence eastwardly, along the north line of the Chicago Road, about one hun