SECRET AND FRATERNAL SOCIETIES.

The Masonic lodge now located at Cameron was first organized at Greenbush under dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Illinois. The first communication of which any record can be found now was dated December 12, 1867, and the officers were: J. A. J. Atkinson, Worshipful Master; Marion Jones, Senior Warden; and Andrew Clayton, Junior Warden;

On October 5, 1869, a charter was granted to the Berwick Lodge No. 619, A. F. & A. M., at Berwick, the lodge organizing with twenty-six members. They were: J. J. Huton, A. Clayton, James Carr, J. A. J. Smith, Marion Jones, R. A. Beck, Arnon Wooden, J. M. Norris, John P. Short, William Jones, Henry Goddard, Redmond Carr, G. Gunter, G. B. Ray, J. Landxm, N. Carr, Wm. Thatcher, Wm. J. Watson, E. W. Allen, Thos. Pearce, M. D. Mattison, Burr Sheldon, J. N. Porter, J. V. Lewis, James Clayton, and Elijah Eggers. June 28, 1878, the lodge was removed to Cameron without a change of name, where it occupies and owns a commodious hall worth $400 or $500. The present officers are: W. M. Fair, Worshipful Master: D. R. Bradley, Senior Warden; Wm. Mills, Junior Warden; P, H. Shelton, secretary; George Bruington, treasurer; S. W. Shelton, Senior Deacon: C. W. Graham, Junior Deacon; A. Bowers, Tyler.

Cameron Lodge No. 786, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 16, 1890. The charter members, who also made up the first list of officers, were.: William Mills, Noble Grand; D. D. Robinson, Vice Grand; E. J. Burch, secretary; Aaron Bowers, treasurer; A. W. Riggle, Conductor; L. C. Graham, Warden; William O'Riley, Right Supporter; W. A. Fox, L. M. Bradley, Chester Graham, trustees. On the evening of installa­ tion eight new members were initiated. The present membership is 58 and the officers are: J. L. Welsh, Noble Grand; C. B. Murphy, Vice Grand; William Mills, secretary; R. Atkinson, treasurer.

Cameron Camp No. 589, Modern Woodmen of America, was organized April 22, 1889. It has a present membership of sixty-one, representing $140,000 insurance. H.B. Wright is Venerable Consul; Fred A. Fair, Worthy Adviser; O. H. Kelly, Banker; and O. M. Lane, Escort.

Schley Post No. 106, Fraternal Army of America, was organized April 2, 1900. It has a present membership of nineteen, and Dr. J. R. Burr is Captain; C. H. Haley, Lieutenant; and O. M. Lane, Adjutant.

 

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