BOOK OF MEMBERSHIP PETITIONS OF THE CHRISMAN LODGE, NO. 541, JANUARY 9, 1878 THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 1886.
Chrisman, IL: 1878-1886. Oblong 5.5" x 8.5". [90] pages printed on rectos only. [43] of those pages are completed in manuscript. Several pages have been purposely clipped to remove petitions which were started but not completed. Bound in original quarter leather with marbled boards [rubbed, front board nearly detached, spine ends chipped]. Scattered foxing. Good+.
The International Order of Odd Fellows granted a Charter to Chrisman Lodge #541 at Chrisman, Illinois, in October 1874. The first officers and members elected were: Noble Grand, C. T. Caraway; Vice Grand, E. W. Hartley; Secretary, A. B. Gibbs; Treasurer, William S. Cairnes; Left Supporter to Noble Grand, B. L. Basley; Right Supporter to Noble Grand, J. P. Crawford; Inside Guardian, Charles Mitchell; Conductor, F. M. Earhart; Warden, James B. John; Right Supporter to the Vice Grand, William Livett; Left Supporter to the Vice Grand, C. D. Crawford; Outside Guardian, Anthony Mark; and members William Kenton, Robert Minor, E.V. Stanfield, and J.P. Price. [Perrin: HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY, ILLINOIS...1879. Page 451; Yates, Ronald E: Reissue of the 1972 CHRISMAN AREA CENTENNIAL. 2012. Page 59.]
This petition book contains the dates of the membership petitions; the names, occupations, residences [all either Chrisman or Cherry Hill] and signatures of petitioners; and the dated signatures of the two or three men from the Investigating Committee who approved each petition, including several of the original officers of the lodge. Among the petitioners admitted: W.H. Roth, County Superintendent of Schools; Daniel Rogers, Justice of the Peace; J.M. Welch, physician; Cash M. Smick, druggist; J.D. Camerer, druggist; Ensign Mitchell, farmer; F.P. Green, teacher; N.B. Reed, teacher; James Earhart, blacksmith; S.J. Merrell, teacher; James Tucker, merchant; George W. Fair, Clerk; Joseph Stanfield, merchant; H.W. Coate, shoemaker; F.P. Legg, Clerk; and many others. Item #29157
Price: $350.00