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 2Q
 
 Semi-Centennial History 
 
 of the 
 
 Patrons of Husbandry 
 
 By 
 THOMAS CLARK ATKESON 
 
 Master of the West Virginia State Grange and 
 Past Overseer of the National Grange 
 
 
 
 NEW YORK 
 ORANGE JUDD COMPANY 
 
 1 9 1 6
 
 Copyright 1916 by 
 ORANGE JUDD COMPANY 
 
 All Rights Reserved 
 
 Printed in U. S. A.
 
 Ps A #7 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 At the close of the first half century of the existence 
 of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, it seems entirely 
 appropriate that someone should write a Semi-Cen- 
 tennial History of the Order. The author has but little 
 inclination to undertake such an important and re- 
 sponsible task, but having collected a mass of material 
 bearing upon the history of the Grange, and having 
 been urged by many members of the Order to do so, 
 I decided to go through this material and arrange it for 
 publication. 
 
 I do not feel that any apology is necessary for pre- 
 senting this book to the Grange and farmer public, not- 
 withstanding its many imperfections. Its preparation 
 has afforded me agreeable occupation, and I feel con- 
 fident those who may read it will not be unprofitably 
 engaged while doing so. 
 
 First and last, much has been written about the 
 Patrons of Husbandry, the Grange, and the "Granger 
 Movement"; but, aside from what has appeared in the 
 newspapers and magazines and in the state and na- 
 tional Journals of Proceedings, nearly all this writing 
 has been confined to the formative period and the 
 decade from 1870 to 1880, and many of these writers 
 seem to have reached the conclusion that the Patrons 
 of Husbandry disappeared about 1880. 
 
 A number of books have been published dealing with 
 the founding and early history of the Grange, and what 
 they called the "Granger Movement," all of which have 
 been more or less helpful in preparing this history. My 
 trouble has not been to find material, but to determine 
 what to use of the material at hand. 
 
 The last 35 or 40 years of Grange history has not 
 been written, and the only source of information has 
 
 iii 
 
 ■
 
 IV PREFACE 
 
 been a few Grange papers, an occasional article in the 
 magazines, a chapter on farm organizations in some 
 book or encyclopedia, and the Journals of Proceedings 
 of the State and National Granges. 
 
 On going through these thousands of printed pages 
 I have been gratified to find much richness of historical 
 data, and I regret my inability to use the whole of it. 
 Out of the great mass I have endeavored to select that 
 which would most clearly show the attitude of the 
 Grange upon the many social, political, educational and 
 economic questions that have come before it for 
 consideration. 
 
 In addition to these sources of information, I have 
 been an active member of the Order for more than 30 
 years and my memory covers the whole period of 
 Grange history, so upon it I have drawn, to some ex- 
 tent, for a correct interpretation of historical data and 
 events. The temptation has been to draw even more 
 heavily upon my memory, and give more of personal 
 recollections of the people with whom my Grange work 
 has thrown me in intimate contact ; but, realizing that 
 this is dangerous ground, I have indulged in this but 
 little. 
 
 The statistical matter printed in the appendix will 
 doubtless be found of interest to members of the Order 
 and others who may be seeking information about the 
 Grange. 
 
 I have included pictures and brief biographical 
 sketches of all of the seven "founders of the Order." 
 For the first time there are brought into one volume 
 pictures and short biographical sketches of all the 
 Masters of the National Grange. To secure these pic- 
 tures and such data as I have been able to secure, 
 required a good deal of correspondence, but as time 
 goes on this information will be more and more valu- 
 able. I only regret that I cannot include pictures and 
 sketches of all the men and women who for 50 years
 
 PREFACE V 
 
 have controlled and shaped the policy of the National 
 Grange. 
 
 In the lists of delegates to the National Grange 
 given in each chapter may be found the names of all 
 the Masters of each State Grange from the beginning. 
 
 I have generally given due credit in the proper place 
 in connection with the matter used, but I am under 
 special obligations to Mrs. Eva S. McDowell for the 
 data used in the sketches of the Founders of the Order, 
 and to Mr. W. N. Howard for the original pictures of 
 the seven Founders, as well as to a number of other 
 sisters and brothers who have kindly assisted me in 
 securing pictures and data for personal sketches and 
 other information, to all of whom I extend my sincere 
 thanks. 
 
 In the preparation of this history I have also had the 
 invaluable assistance of my daughter, Mary Meek 
 Atkeson, in collecting the data, revising the copy, and 
 reading the proof as it came from the printers ; and for 
 her discriminating co-operation I make this grateful 
 acknowledgment. 
 
 Trusting that this book may prove of interest and 
 value to members of the Grange and to all true friends 
 of agriculture, I bespeak for it a careful reading and in- 
 dulgent consideration. 
 
 T. C. ATKESON. 
 
 Buffalo, W. Va., September 1st, 1916.
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER PAGE 
 
 Introduction 1 
 
 I Conditions Following the War — Beginning of the 
 
 Order, 1865-1867 7 
 
 II Organization of the National Grange — Extension 
 of the Order, 1867-1869 — First and Second Ses- 
 sions of the National Grange 19 
 
 III Growth of the Order, 1869-1872 — Third and 
 
 Fourth Sessions of the National Grange ... 30 
 
 IV The Permanent Organization Effected, 1872-1873 
 
 — Fifth and Sixth Sessions of the National 
 Grange 43 
 
 V Dudley W. Adams's Administration, First Year 
 
 1873 — Seventh Session of the National Grange . 61 
 
 VI Dudley W. Adams's Administration, Last Two 
 Years, 1874-1875— Eighth and Ninth Sessions of 
 the National Grange 74 
 
 VII John T. Jones's Administration, Two Years, 1876- 
 1877 — Tenth and Eleventh Sessions of the Na- 
 tional Grange 83 
 
 VIII Samuel E. Adams's Administration, Two Years, 
 1878-1879— Twelfth and Thirteenth Sessions of 
 the National Grange 93 
 
 IX J. J. Woodman's Administration, First Term, Two 
 Years, 1880-1881 — Fourteenth and Fifteenth 
 Sessions of the National Grange 102 
 
 X J. J. Woodman's Administration, Second Term, 
 Two Years, 1882-1883 — Sixteenth and Seven- 
 teenth Session of the National Grange . . .115
 
 CHAPTER PAGE 
 
 XI J. J. Woodman's Administration, Third Term, 
 Two Years, 1884-1885— Eighteenth and Nine- 
 teenth Sessions of the National Grange . . . 125 
 
 XII Put. Darden's Administration, First Term, Two 
 Years, 1886-1887— Twentieth and Twenty-First 
 Sessions of the National Grange 135 
 
 Kill Put. Darden's, James Draper's and J. H. Brig- 
 ham's Administrations — Darden's Second Term 
 —Died, July 17th, 1888— Draper Served Five 
 Months — Brigham One Year — Two Years, 1888- 
 1889 — Twenty-Second and Twenty-Third Ses- 
 sions of the National Grange 146 
 
 XIV J. H. Brigham's Administration — Second Term, 
 Two Years, 1890-1891 — Twenty-Fourth and 
 Twenty-Fifth Sessions of the National Grange . 155 
 
 XV J. H. Brigham's Administration — Third Term, 
 Two Years, 1892-1893 — Twenty-Sixth and 
 Twenty-Seventh Sessions of the National 
 Grange 167 
 
 XVI J. H. Brigham's Administration — Fourth Term, 
 Two Years, 1894-1895 — Twenty-Eighth and 
 Twenty-Ninth Sessions of the National Grange 179 
 
 XVII J. H. Brigham's Administration — Fifth Term, 
 Two Years, 1896-1897— Thirtieth and Thirty- 
 First Sessions of the National Grange . . .191 
 
 XVIII Aaron Jones's Administration — First Term, Two 
 Years, 1898-1899— Thirty-Second and Thirty- 
 Third Sessions of the National Grange . . . 203 
 
 XIX Aaron Jones's Administration — Second Term, 
 Two Years, 1900-1901 — Thirty-Fourth and 
 Thirty-Fifth Sessions of the National Grange . 211 
 
 XX Aaron Jones's Administration — Third Term, Two 
 Years, 1902-1903 — Thirty-Sixth and Thirty- 
 Seventh Sessions of the National Grange . . 220 
 
 XXI Aaron Jones's Administration — Fourth Term, 
 Two Years, 1904-1905 — Thirty-Eighth and 
 Thirty-Ninth Sessions of the National Grange . 234
 
 CHAPTER PAGE 
 
 XXII N. J. Bachelder's Administration — First Term, 
 Two Years, 1906-1907 — Fortieth and Forty- 
 First Sessions of the National Grange . . . 245 
 
 XXIII N. J. Bachelder's Administration — Second Term, 
 
 Two Years, 1908-1909— Forty-Second and Forty- 
 Third Sessions of the National Grange . . . 255 
 
 XXIV N. J. Bachelder's Administration— Third Term, 
 
 Two Years, 1910-1911— Forty-Fourth and Forty- 
 Fifth Sessions of the National Grange . . . 266 
 
 XXV Oliver Wilson's Administration — First Term, Two 
 Years, 1912-1915 — Forty-Sixth and Forty- 
 Seventh Sessions of the National Grange . . 279 
 
 XXVI Oliver Wilson's Administration — Second Term, 
 Two Years, 1914-1915— Forty-Eighth and Forty- 
 Ninth Sessions of the National Grange . . . 291 
 
 XXVII What the Grange Has Achieved in Half a Cen- 
 tury 306 
 
 XXVIII Biographical Sketches 317 
 
 Appendix 352
 
 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 NAME PICTURE BIOGRAPHY 
 
 PAGE PAGE 
 
 Birth Place Frontispiece 
 
 Oliver H. Kelley 6 319 
 
 William Saunders 7 317 
 
 John Trimble 18 322 
 
 William M. Ireland 19 327 
 
 John R. Thompson 28 321 
 
 Aaron B. Grosh 29 328 
 
 Francis M. McDowell 42 324 
 
 Caroline A. Hall 43 349 
 
 Dudley W. Adams 82 330 
 
 John T. Jones 83 331 
 
 Jonathan J. Woodman 100 333 
 
 Samuel E. Adams 101 332 
 
 Israel Putnam Darden 134 335 
 
 James Draper 135 336 
 
 Joseph H. Brigham 202 337 
 
 Aaron Jones 203 339 
 
 Nahum J. Bachelder 278 340 
 
 Oliver Wilson 279 342 
 
 Eva S. McDowell 342 343 
 
 Sarah G. Baird 343 342 
 
 T. C. Atkeson 346 345 
 
 J. W. A. Wright 348 347 
 
 Charles M. Freeman 349 348
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 Early Co-operation and Organization Among Farmers 
 
 Writers on economic history are fond of referring to 
 the early colonial period as the golden age of American 
 democracy, because the pioneer age was remarkable 
 for its spirit of friendly co-operation and organization 
 of effort among the people. However, it is probable 
 that this co-operation was more a matter of necessity 
 than of choice. At first the danger from Indian raids 
 forced the pioneers to settle in groups and organize 
 their forces for mutual protection, and later these town- 
 ships became political units, in which there was much 
 neighborly assistance. All the neighborhood activities 
 became of social and educational importance. Log 
 rollings, husking bees, apple parings, stump pullings, 
 house raisings, etc., all the hardest labors of the pioneer 
 farms, both small and great matters, were taken care 
 of by neighborly friendliness. And at these meetings, 
 no doubt, amid the general gossip of the township, 
 they discussed the changing methods of farming in the 
 American wilderness as the pioneers adapted their 
 European practices to the new conditions of soil and 
 climate in America. 
 
 In the southern colonies, also, there was much co- 
 operation — at first between the settlers — then between 
 the country gentlemen on their great plantations. The 
 plantation in Virginia, instead of the township, was the 
 economic and co-operative unit. There the planter and 
 his negro slaves worked together for the common good 
 at the production of cotton and tobacco — the crops best 
 suited to unskilled negro labor. The neighborhood 
 meetings, however, were much less frequent than in 
 New England and were chiefly for social, political, or 
 religious purposes. Even when the Virginia gentle-
 
 2 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 man took part in sheep-shearing contests, like that at 
 "Arlington," it was not so much for helpfulness as a 
 "social gathering to promote the sheep-raising in- 
 dustry." 
 
 Social co-operation, however, was well developed, 
 and southern families were early noted for hospitality 
 to all comers, very different from the close corpora- 
 tions of the New England townships. A negro was 
 often stationed at the gate to extend a hearty invita- 
 tion to all passers-by to stop at the "big house" for 
 dinner, and the poorer people were no less generous 
 with their simple fare. There were occasional agricul- 
 tural fairs for general education, and gatherings at the 
 county seats on county court days when a public mar- 
 ket of live stock was held, horse trading was generally 
 carried on, and later the horse races became both a 
 social and an educational feature. There was also 
 frequent exchange of negro labor for the heavier tasks 
 of the plantation, and neighborly assistance in time of 
 need. 
 
 Yet this early age, though perhaps golden in neigh- 
 borly helpfulness, was far from ideal in general co- 
 operation. Each group lived largely to itself, each fam- 
 ily even was almost independent, except in times of 
 special difficulties. The vegetables and grains for the 
 family were grown upon the home farm, cotton or wool 
 was spun and woven into clothing and household 
 fabrics, various home trades were carried on and the 
 surrounding forests supplied game or pasture for the 
 settler's hogs. There was little visiting between town- 
 ships; indeed, a man was not allowed to entertain his 
 married daughter from another township without a 
 special permit, strangers were "warned out" imme- 
 diately, and all "foreigners" were prevented from buy- 
 ing land. 
 
 In the South likewise the food and clothing for the 
 family and slaves were either produced upon the plan- 
 tation or imported direct from England on the ships
 
 INTRODUCTION 3 
 
 which came over annually for the great crops of cot- 
 ton and tobacco. In the West, where cotton, flax and 
 wool were not generally grown, the skins of animals 
 were more largely used for clothing, and with the set- 
 tler's crops and forests full of game, rendered him inde- 
 pendent. Except in the shipping of cotton from the 
 South to New England, which began very early, there 
 was little commerce or intercourse between the states, 
 and no unified feeling in the country as a whole. 
 
 It was a period of contentment, however, for the new 
 lands to the west held chances even for all; practically 
 all the people were farmers, so there was no friction 
 between classes or lack of equality before the law. 
 Commerce was chiefly by barter or exchange between 
 neighbors or directly with the English ships, and there 
 was little competition between the products of different 
 sections of the country. If farming did not prove 
 profitable in one section the farmer could always sell 
 out and move westward to virgin lands which were 
 more productive. "No man," said Franklin, "who can 
 have a piece of land of his own, sufficient by his labor 
 to subsist his family in plenty, is poor enough to be a 
 manufacturer and work for a master." These condi- 
 tions all helped to establish the idea of the farmer as 
 "lord of creation," the independent individualist who 
 did things in his own way and "needed not to fear any 
 king," and, together with his isolation, brought forth 
 the self-sufficient type of American farmer who found 
 so much difficulty in fitting himself into the changed 
 conditions of a later period. 
 
 EARLY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES 
 
 Washington and Franklin were among the founders 
 of the first farmers' organizations in America. The 
 Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture was 
 established in 1785, and, patterned after it, there were 
 about a dozen such societies by 1800. President Wash-
 
 4 PATRONS' OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 ington, with his broad vision, regarded the organiza- 
 tion of the farmers of so much importance that he made 
 it the subject of his last message to Congress, calling 
 attention, especially, to the fundamental importance of 
 agriculture, advocating agricultural fairs, a national 
 agricultural society and government support of insti- 
 tutions making for rural progress. In 1858 there were 
 over 90 agricultural societies in this country, and by 
 i860 the number had increased to about 1300, most of 
 which were county organizations holding annual fairs.") 
 
 NATIONAL AID FOR AGRICULTURE 
 
 Washington had early recommended legislation to 
 aid and encourage the fundamental national industry 
 of agriculture. A bill was introduced in Congress cre- 
 ating a National Board of Agriculture, to be composed 
 of the Judges of the Supreme Court, Members of the 
 Cabinet and Members of Congress, but from some 
 cause the bill failed to pass. 
 
 In 1839 Congress passed the first act in the interest 
 of agriculture by appropriating the sum of $500 to be 
 expended by the Commissioner of Patents in collecting 
 agricultural statistics. This arrangement made the 
 patent office "the foster-father of agriculture," and 
 small annual appropriations were made for this pur- 
 pose until 1862. Each year the Patent Office annually 
 made a report on agriculture. In 1862 the Agricultural 
 Bureau was made an independent department, with a 
 Commissioner of Agriculture at its head. This was 
 the first really friendly act of Congress affecting agri- 
 culture, and, strange to say, was enacted in the midst 
 of the Civil War. 
 
 ORGANIZATION 
 
 The idea of organizing the farmers had occurred to 
 many agricultural leaders, and farmers' clubs of one
 
 INTRODUCTION 5 
 
 kind and another had been organized here and there 
 throughout the country. Mr. William Saunders, horti- 
 culturist of the Bureau of Agriculture, had been en- 
 gaged in organizing and conducting associations of 
 gardeners and fruit growers, both in this country and 
 Great Britain. As early as 1855 he published an article 
 in the American Farmer, in which he deplored the lack 
 of organization among the farmers, showing at length 
 some of the unjust burdens the farmers were compelled 
 to bear; "that, notwithstanding they were largely the 
 majority of the laboring classes and far more numerous 
 than all the professions combined, they were seldom 
 represented in legislative bodies or cabinets, and had 
 little if any influence in the government of the coun- 
 try." As a remedy for these conditions, he recom- 
 mended "the formation of a national organization to 
 embrace all persons interested in agricultural pursuits, 
 in which to combine their power and influence and 
 thus secure their full and proper share in the govern- 
 ment of the states and nation." 
 
 Just what kind of organization Mr. Saunders had in 
 mind at that time is not very clear, but that he felt and 
 realized the importance of farmers getting together 
 and doing things for themselves, there can be no doubt. 
 
 A FARMER FRATERNITY 
 
 Practically all the important events which make for 
 human betterment have developed from small begin- 
 nings and have been the result of more or less slow 
 growth rather than the outgrowth of some sudden in- 
 spiration or circumstance. Usually they are the result 
 of human aspiration for better things, slowly taking 
 shape through a long series of years culminating in the 
 sudden presentation of some great necessity. The 
 founding of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry was 
 no exception to this general rule. 
 
 Every movement for human liberty and the uplifting
 
 6 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 of mankind into higher civilization has been set in 
 motion by some individual whom God in the fullness 
 of time seems to have raised up for that particular pur- 
 pose. Every important movement since the begin- 
 ning of history, whether in politics, religion, or 
 economics, has brought to the surface some great 
 leader fully equipped for the occasion. Men do not 
 make the occasion, but the occasion develops men; 
 and in every great social upheaval natural leaders have 
 been developed, and more frequently from obscurity 
 than otherwise. 
 
 The man of destiny, so far as the Order of Patrons 
 of Husbandry is concerned, was Oliver Hudson Kelley, 
 and yet his conception was only that of applying the 
 principle of binding together in a fraternal order the 
 workers on the farms, as the builders of Solomon's 
 temple were bound together in the oldest of all secret 
 orders. Mr. Kelly's chief honor was not in conceiving 
 the idea, but in the zealous heroism with which he 
 made the conception a reality. With all this he could 
 not have done his work alone, and full credit must be 
 given all his associate founders and full meed of honor 
 and praise must be extended to all the splendid army 
 of men and women who rallied to the cause and con- 
 tributed so grandly to make the Order of Patrons of 
 Husbandry the greatest and most influential organiza- 
 tion of farmers the world has ever known.
 
 Oliver Hudson Kelley, one of the Founders and first Secre- 
 tary of the National Grange.
 
 William Saunders, one of the Founders and first Master of 
 
 the National Grange.
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 Conditions Following the War — Beginning of the 
 
 Order, 1865-1867 
 
 During the years while the struggle of the Civil War 
 was in progress the whole machinery of agriculture and 
 commerce was thrown out of gear. The drain into the 
 armies carried away the labor from the country behind. 
 Hundreds of thousands of the best men on each side of 
 Mason and Dixon's line were at the front, while at 
 home, in the factories and on the farms, were left the 
 less efficient class of the community. After four years 
 of strife the war between the states came to a close in 
 the spring of 1865 ; President Lincoln was assassinated 
 soon after, and the whole country was in political, social 
 and economic chaos. Much of the best blood of the 
 nation had been spilled upon the battlefield, and deep- 
 seated hatred existed between the people of the North 
 and the South. 
 
 However, the greatest factor in the restlessness and 
 discontent was in the general economic change. For 
 many years the tendency had been toward the factory 
 system, as distinct from domestic manufacture, espe- 
 cially in New England. During the war large factories 
 had been built to furnish clothing and other supplies 
 for the Union armies, and the building of railroads had 
 a further tendency to centralize the manufacturing 
 plants. The multiplication of labor-saving machinery 
 also greatly facilitated the concentration of the factory 
 system, with the beginning of a combination of fac- 
 tories and the formation of large corporations. The 
 improved labor-saving machines temporarily threw out 
 of employment the workers in many departments of 
 labor, which caused much dissatisfaction and restless- 
 ness among the labor classes. While these changes 
 
 7
 
 8 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 were inevitable, their immediate effect was to produce 
 a state of eg0JiQmic_jV5taxiare, which resulted in a great 
 activity among labor agitators and a large increase in 
 labor organizations. The power and necessity of organ- 
 ization were being realized by both capital and labor, 
 and both were organizing for defense and offense. 
 Only the scattered and leaderless farmers were the 
 helpless prey of all other classes and interests. 
 
 In addition to this the financial demands of the Civil 
 War had resulted in the establishment of an unsys- 
 tematic tariff law with high tariff rates. As a war 
 measure this may have been justifiable, but its con- 
 tinuance after the war was largely secured through the 
 influence of the protected manufacturers. "This tariff, 
 as all high protective tariffs in a country whose pro- 
 duction exceeds the demand for home consumption, 
 bore with especial severity upon the farmers, particu- 
 larly in the staple-producing sections of the South and 
 West. The price which the farmer received for his 
 cotton and grain was fixed by the sale of the surplus 
 in the unprotected markets of the world, while the 
 cost of nearly everything he consumed, whether im- 
 ported or of domestic production, was vastly enhanced 
 for the benefit of manufacturers. Even the home mar- 
 ket idea proved a delusion when the agricultural pro- 
 duction was continually in excess of the needs of the 
 market." Particularly in the North and East the 
 money of the country was largely concentrated in the 
 financial centers, and mainly dominated and con- 
 trolled by the protected manufacturing, transportation 
 and other corporations, and manipulated by capitalists 
 without much reference to the common welfare. 
 
 The extravagance growing out of and following the 
 Civil War was manifest everywhere, not only in indi- 
 viduals, but also in the national, state, county and 
 municipal governmental affairs, resulting in many in- 
 stances in corruption and waste. Demands for more 
 revenue became importunate and taxation was greatly
 
 CONDITIONS FOLLOWING THE WAR O, 
 
 increased. The farmer's property, being almost entirely 
 in land and tangible property, was taxed at its full value, 
 while much of the wealth of the cities was intangible, 
 and so almost entirely escaped taxation. The burden 
 of taxation upon the farmers became almost unbear- 
 able, and a demand for tax reform and economy in 
 the administration of government became insistent. 
 The financial condition of the whole country was very 
 unsatisfactory, and the farmers were beginning to feel 
 it most sorely. 
 
 In the North the thousands of returning soldiers 
 caused a sudden glut in the labor market. The farmers 
 found their lands much depleted by wasteful farming, 
 so that even with their nearby markets their scanty 
 produce was not profitable. Many set out at once for 
 the practically free land of the West, the most fertile 
 section of the world. The result was immediate. The 
 farm lands in the East began to depreciate, and a read- 
 justment of eastern agriculture became a necessity. 
 
 As the flood of migration spread over the Mississippi 
 valley and the vast fertile territory westward, the most 
 vital problem through that great agricultural empire 
 was how to send the products of the farm to the east- 
 ern consumer. The transportation problem in the 
 United States had come to be a railroad problem, and 
 with the close of the war the building of railroads was 
 begun upon a gigantic scale. A network of railroads 
 rapidly spread over the entire Mississippi valley, soon 
 crossing the plains and the mountains to the Pacific 
 coast. Railroads and railroad problems were upper- 
 most in the minds of the farmers, for they were vitally 
 associated with his life and material interests. A railroad 
 was looked upon as a great blessing, and all sorts of wild 
 inducements were offered to its promoters and builders. 
 
 After a few years under these conditions, however, 
 many things connected with railroad management be- 
 came far from just and equitable. Soon the railroads 
 were charged with all kinds of unfair discrimination
 
 10 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 in fixing traffic rates, and an arrogant and uncompro- 
 mising attitude toward the individual shipper. 
 
 The mercantile system then in vogue throughout 
 the West was conducted in such a conscienceless man- 
 ner as to create a deep-seated antagonism among the 
 farmers. A great cry went up for eliminating the 
 middleman and for co-operation in buying and selling. 
 The chief necessity of the pioneer farmer was for capi- 
 tal. This must be furnished by the eastern capitalist, 
 who established a high-rate mortgage system, which 
 spread widely over the farms of the Middle West. 
 Soon foreclosures were frequent and great distress 
 prevailed, causing much antagonism toward the east- 
 ern financier. 
 
 All these things were used by demagogues and poli- 
 ticians for the purpose of inflaming the farmers in par- 
 ticular, and the people of the West generally. One of 
 the natural results of the condition was the proposal 
 of a multitude of impractical remedies, which were 
 quite naturally combated by the more conservative 
 sentiment of the East. 
 
 In the South conditions were even more difficult. 
 With the close of the war the Confederate soldiers re- 
 turned with sad hearts to their devastated homes. 
 Their land was only half its former value, and fully 
 one-third of the male population had been killed or 
 incapacitated for work. The once productive cotton 
 fields were a desert waste, many of the homes had been 
 destroyed, along with the fences, barns and other 
 buildings. The freed negroes naturally gravitated 
 toward the towns, and worked only under the* compul- 
 sion of absolute want. The large landholder was un- 
 used to manual labor, and the lack of money made a 
 wage system absolutely impossible. Moreover, the 
 southern farmer was in general quite unacquainted 
 with the methods of general farming as practiced in 
 the East, which would have placed him upon a more 
 nearly independent basis. The result of these condi-
 
 CONDITIONS FOLLOWING THE WAR II 
 
 tions was the fastening of a ruinous credit system upon 
 the South. The credit system, based upon crop mort- 
 gages, fostered the growing of cotton until the market 
 was continually glutted, caused a general raising of 
 prices on mercantile wares, and often left the farmer 
 at the end of the year in debt to the merchant who had 
 advanced him credit. Not only must the farmer buy 
 "protected" articles, but he must sell his cotton crop 
 to the protected mills of the North at their own prices. 
 
 Unable as he was to control either capital or labor, 
 product or market, the bitterness caused by what he 
 deemed the unjust war brought on by "the Yankees" 
 was increased by the extravagant and arrogant "carpet- 
 baggers," government measures of reconstruction, and 
 the difficulties with the freed negroes, and the southern 
 farmer was prostrate under the conditions of his time. 
 Well-meaning, patriotic and humanity-loving people in 
 the North, as well as in the South, were giving their 
 best thought to some solution of the problem, and it 
 was much discussed in official circles in Washington. 
 
 The war had scarcely come to a close before the gov- 
 ernment authorities at Washington, and especially 
 President Johnson and Commissioner of Agriculture 
 Isaac Newton, were considering ways and means of 
 getting more accurate information concerning the agri- 
 cultural and economic situation in the South in order 
 to be of service in the solution of its problems. The 
 first move, however, in this direction was made in the 
 following brief letter, which is of importance to the 
 future history of agriculture, as well as of the Patrons 
 of Husbandry: 
 
 "Department of Agriculture, 
 "Washington, D. C, October 20th, 1865. 
 "O. H. Kelley, Esq., Itasca, Minn. 
 
 "Dear Sir — I am exceedingly anxious to have you come to this 
 city by the 1st proximo, if you can possibly arrange to be here by 
 that time. I wish to see you on special business requiring your 
 presence. I am, sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 "Isaac Newton, Commissioner."
 
 12 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Oliver Hudson Kelley, to whom this letter was 
 written, was a native of Boston, who had in 1849 taken 
 up a government claim at Itasca, Minn., and become 
 a farmer, in which occupation he worked until 
 1864, when he went to Washington to accept a clerk- 
 ship in the Department of Agriculture. Here he had 
 met Commissioner Newton, who was so favorably im- 
 pressed with his personality that he had selected him 
 as the representative of the department to visit the 
 southern states. In the spring of 1865 Mr. Kelley had 
 returned to Minnesota to oversee his farming opera- 
 tions, where he remained until his receipt of the letter 
 quoted above. 
 
 Mr. Kelley tells us in his "History of the Patrons of 
 Husbandry" that he reached Washington early in No- 
 vember, and was assured that he should have an ap- 
 pointment to go South for the winter for the purpose 
 of collecting information and reporting on agricultural 
 conditions. Mr. Kelley expected the appointment to 
 be made at once, but after waiting rather impatiently 
 for several weeks he found Mr. Newton wavering in 
 relation to the fulfillment of his promise. It is probable 
 that the Commissioner, because of the political condi- 
 tions then prevailing in the southern states, had become 
 somewhat doubtful concerning the wisdom or expe- 
 diency of sending a representative of the government 
 among the people who had so recently been at war, 
 and whose resentment toward northern men was still 
 very bitter. 
 
 Mr. Kelley, however, was not to be turned from his 
 purpose by any weakening on the part of his superior. 
 After consulting with Dr. John Trimble, with whom he 
 had become acquainted during his former stay in 
 Washington, he succeeded early in January in getting 
 an interview with President Johnson. He found the 
 President very much interested in the project, and 
 before the end of the interview had been assured that 
 he should be appointed. On that very day Mr. Kelley
 
 CONDITIONS FOLLOWING THE WAR 13 
 
 was given his commission, dated January I, 1866, as 
 agent of the Department of Agriculture "to proceed 
 immediately through the states lately in hostility 
 against the government, to procure such information, 
 and report the same to this department for publication." 
 
 Mr. Kelley left Washington January 13, 1866, on his 
 peaceful mission to the South. He visited Virginia 
 and North Carolina and arrived at Charleston, S. C, 
 January 29, where he remained for six weeks, visit- 
 ing rice and cotton plantations and securing valu- 
 able information from the planters as to conditions 
 in that section. Apparently he did not meet the 
 resentment which the Commissioner had feared, 
 although he says in his account : "In my intercourse 
 with the planters it was evidently no disadvantage to 
 be a member of the Masonic fraternity, and as such I 
 was cordially received." The hospitality accorded him 
 by virtue of his membership in the great Masonic fra- 
 ternity gave him the first suggestion of the thought 
 that culminated in the great farmers' organization. 
 
 In his contact with southern conditions he reached 
 the conclusion that the politicians would never restore 
 peace between the recently warring sections, and that 
 the only solution of the situation was that the people 
 of the North and South must know each other better, 
 feel their human brotherhood and thereby abolish 
 sectionalism in the nation. Wherever he went on his 
 journey through the South the ruin, desolation, bitter- 
 ness and disorder served to fix more and more firmly 
 in his mind the idea of an association of farmers. Even 
 the view of the Mississippi River served only to re- 
 mind him of a great national organization in which all 
 the tributary branches flowed into one great brother- 
 hood. 
 
 Mr. Kelley returned to Washington April 21 and made 
 his report to the department. Before returning to his 
 farm he went to Boston to visit his niece, Miss Carrie 
 A. Hall, a woman of very rare intelligence. While in
 
 14 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 the South he had written her of his idea for a farmers' 
 association and had been much encouraged by the 
 ready sympathy and understanding- of her reply. Now 
 he laid before her his general plan as it had come to 
 him from time to time, and asked for her criticism. 
 Miss Hall's enthusiasm over the plan was as great as 
 his own, and among other criticisms she suggested 
 that women should be given full membership in the 
 society. Mr. Kelley immediately realized the justice 
 of this suggestion and incorporated it in all his future 
 plans for the organization. 
 
 Mr. Kelley spent the succeeding summer on his farm 
 in Minnesota, but returned to Washington in Novem- 
 ber, and received an appointment in the Postoffice De- 
 partment. In May, 1867, he made the acquaintance of 
 W. M. Ireland, Chief Clerk of the Finance Office 
 of the Postomce Department, whom he found to be 
 not only a prominent Mason, but also a man after his 
 own heart in his enthusiasm for agriculture. Very 
 soon Mr. Kelley was telling him all his plans for a 
 great agricultural fraternity, and was so much encour- 
 aged by his sympathy that he even began penciling out 
 a plan for a Ritual. The Degree of Maid was first 
 written, read to Mr. Ireland, and then sent to Miss Hall 
 for her approval. 
 
 During the summer he met William Saunders of the 
 Department of Agriculture, a man who had had con- 
 siderable experience as an organizer of gardeners' so- 
 cieties and an authority on agricultural affairs, and Mr. 
 Kelley felt that on this account his indorsement of the 
 proposed organization was of the very highest impor- 
 tance. He introduced him to Mr. Ireland, and the 
 three talked over the proposed association in detail. 
 Mr. Saunders was not so sanguine as were Mr. Kelley 
 and Mr. Ireland concerning the success of the proposed 
 association, probably because he had had more practi- 
 cal experience in organizing country people. He told 
 them, however, that he was soon to visit St. Louis to
 
 CONDITIONS FOLLOWING THE WAR 15 
 
 attend a meeting- of the United States Pomological 
 Society, and that if they would give him an outline of 
 the proposed association he would submit it to some of 
 those he should meet and see how it would take with 
 them. 
 
 An outline of considerable length was prepared by 
 Mr. Kelley, setting forth the general lack of interest in 
 progressive agriculture — that the agricultural news- 
 papers were very little read, and that the agricultural 
 societies and fairs had failed to secure a real interest. 
 He also explained how the proposed organization was 
 to help these conditions by the teachings of the Ritual, 
 by lecturers from the Department of Agriculture, by 
 discussions among the farmers themselves and by bind- 
 ing the farmers together in a good organization. Mr. 
 Saunders took this outline with him and later wrote to 
 Mr. Kelley, "I have mentioned your Order to a good 
 many, and all agree in considering the thing a grand 
 idea." 
 
 His letter gave a very decided pleasure to the two 
 friends who had been anxiously waiting at Washing- 
 ton, for, as Mr. Kelley says, his disposition was such 
 that it took very few cheerful words to stimulate 
 him. He and Mr. Ireland, with happy hearts, met 
 every evening in Mr. Kelley's room at the hotel and 
 spent some time smoking and chatting over the plans 
 and prospects for the Order. 
 
 In these meetings they were usually joined by Dr. 
 John Trimble, whom Mr. Kelley had known since his 
 first year in Washington. Dr. Trimble had formerly 
 been a minister in the Protestant Episcopal Church, 
 but was at this time a clerk in the Treasury Depart- 
 ment, engaged in the settlement of war claims. His 
 former residence in the South, as well as his knowledge 
 of the general conditions following the war, gave him a 
 keen interest in the proposed Order, although he saw 
 the difficulties in its way.
 
 l6 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Mr. Kelley admitted no difficulties, however. A 
 letter of inquiry from Anson Bartlett of North Madi- 
 son, O., one of the men to whom Mr. Saunders had 
 talked, was answered immediately with a most glow- 
 ing description of the Order, which was in twelve 
 months to number its members "by the million." "I 
 long," Mr. Kelley wrote, "to see the great army of pro- 
 ducers in our country turn their eyes up from their 
 work; stir up those brains, now mere machines; get 
 them in motion in the right direction; make them dis- 
 card their old almanacs and signs of the moon ; and 
 just imagine what a volcanic eruption we can produce 
 in this age ! Everything is progressing. Why not the 
 farmers ?" Among other definite plans for the develop- 
 ment of the farmers, he said, "let the Department of 
 Agriculture send out the most capable and talented 
 men in the country to lecture before the lodges upon 
 horticulture, etc., giving illustrated lectures." This 
 statement is of especial interest because Mr. Kelley's 
 suggestion has since developed into the farmers' insti- 
 tutes, movable schools of agriculture and agricultural 
 extension work, which have become so widely popular. 
 
 Mr. Bartlett answered Mr. Kelley's letter promptly 
 with so much enthusiasm and so many good sugges- 
 tions that he was at once accepted as one of the coun- 
 cilors. Two other persons to whom Mr. Saunders had 
 spoken, William Muir of St. Louis. Mo., and A. S. 
 Moss of Fredonia, N. Y., wrote for information 
 concerning the new Order. These letters caused Mr. 
 Kelley to build "large air castles," much to the amuse- 
 ment of his friend, Dr. Trimble, who called himself 
 the "official wet blanket" on the too sanguine spirits of 
 his associates. 
 
 In order to interest the farmers in different parts of 
 the country a rough circular statement was printed on 
 cheap paper and sent broadcast to all the addresses 
 they could find. The circular set forth that : 
 
 "A number of gentlemen engaged in agriculture and
 
 CONDITIONS FOLLOWING THE WAR 1 7 
 
 its kindred branches in different states are now perfect- 
 ing a Ritual for an Order, to be composed wholly of 
 persons, male and female, directly interested in agricul- 
 tural pursuits. 
 
 "The Order will secure to its members all the advan- 
 tages of Masonry, but while it is speculative, this will 
 be operative — its main object being to encourage and 
 advance education in all branches of agriculture. . . . 
 
 "The whole, it is believed, will do much toward ele- 
 vating our occupation, as well as establishing a unity 
 of sentiment among the farmers of the country, and 
 materially increase the circulation of publications de- 
 voted to the interests of agriculture, and consequent 
 increase of knowledge. . . . 
 
 "Should such an organization meet your approval, 
 and you see fit to offer any suggestions to enable the 
 originators to make further improvements before it is 
 introduced to the public, the same will be most cor- 
 dially received and duly considered." 
 
 Many persons answered, and a lively correspondence 
 was begun with a number of farmers. 
 
 The proposed Order had not yet been named, al- 
 though so many titles had been suggested that the vo- 
 cabulary of agricultural terms was well-nigh ex- 
 hausted. Among the names suggested by various peo- 
 ple were: Independent Farmers; Independent Order 
 of Progressive Farmers ; Knights of the Plow ; Knights 
 of the Flail ; Knights of the Sickle ; Lords of the Soil ; 
 Sons of the Soil; Brethren of the Vine; Yeoman of 
 Columbia ; Order of Jacob — with a few facetious ones, 
 like Rustics, Mushrooms and Fungi. The councilors, 
 however, rejected each of these for various reasons. 
 On November i, 1867, Mr. Kelley wrote Mr. Bartlett 
 suggesting the name "League of Husbandry," and Mr. 
 Rartlett, replying, added "Patrons of Industry" to the 
 list. Mr. Kelley says in his history : "That will settle 
 the question as to where the name originated, for, on
 
 s 
 
 l8 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 the receipt, I substituted the word husbandry, making 
 it Patrons of Husbandry." 
 
 The name for the subordinate bodies was also the 
 subject of much discussion. It was agreed that it 
 should represent something about the farm, but what? 
 Various people suggested Vineyards, Gardens, Groves, 
 Fields, Farms, Bee Hives, Arbors, Temples and Home- 
 steads, of which the favorite seemed to be Homesteads. 
 About this time, however, the advertisement of a pop- 
 ular novel caught Mr. Kelley's attention, because it 
 used the unfamiliar old word "grange" in the sense of 
 "farmhouse." It appealed at once to his sense of fit- 
 ness, and a study of the history of the word showed it 
 so desirable that it was immediately accepted as the 
 best word for the local branches. Somewhat later the 
 motto of the organization, "Esto Perpetua" (Let it en- 
 dure forever) was chosen from a long list of suggested 
 phrases.
 
 John Trimble, one of the Founders and third Secretary of the 
 
 National Grange.
 
 William M. Ireland, one of the Founders and second Secre- 
 tary of the National Grange.
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 Organization of the National Grange — Extension of 
 
 the Order — 1 867-1 869 — First and Second 
 
 Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 When Mr. Saunders returned from St. Louis in the 
 fall of 1867 with his report that everyone he had 
 spoken to had been in favor of the project, the coun- 
 cilors were so much encouraged that they began to con- 
 sider a real organization. Although there were but 
 four of them in the city — Kelley, Ireland, Trimble and 
 Saunders — who had been conferring about the Order, 
 they considered that they could at least have the sat- 
 isfaction of telling correspondents that the Order had 
 been established. And, as Mr. Kelley said, "being a 
 secret society, we could be excused for keeping our 
 numbers to ourselves." 
 
 The meetings are said to have been "decidedly in- 
 formal"; in fact, for some time seem to have been no 
 more than the former gatherings for an evening smoke 
 and chat over prospects and plans. From time to time 
 they had mentioned their project to several others — 
 among them J. R. Thompson, a clerk in the Treasury 
 Department, said to be one of the first to whom Mr. 
 Kelley mentioned his idea of the Order. (A. B. Grosh, 
 "Mentor.") Mr. Thompson seems, however, to have 
 had little active participation in the plans until the first 
 formal session. 
 
 The first meeting at which formal business was 
 transacted was held at the office of William Saunders 
 in the Gardener's Lodge, November 15, 1867, "for the 
 purpose of organizing an Order of Agriculture in the 
 United States." According to their previous plan Mr. 
 Ireland was called to the chair, Mr. Kelley was chosen 
 secretary, and Mr. Saunders appointed a committee to 
 
 jo
 
 20 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 prepare a preamble setting forth the "objects for which 
 the Order was established." A formal report of the 
 work done since August 5 was made by Mr. Kelley, 
 and official sanction was given to the name of "Patrons 
 of Husbandry" for the national organization and of 
 "Granges" for the branches. The meeting was then 
 adjourned until December 4. 
 
 In the interim an important correspondence was 
 opened by Mr. Kelley with F. M. McDowell, an or- 
 chardist of Wayne, N. Y., to whom Mr. Saunders 
 had talked concerning the Order. Mr. McDowell had 
 impressed Mr. Saunders as being a man of high char- 
 acter, and now showed such a real interest in their 
 plans that he was soon admitted by correspondence to 
 all their councils. 
 
 A lively correspondence was going on also with Mr. 
 Moss, Mr. Bartlett, Miss Hall and others regarding the 
 dues of membership. Some were in favor of very high 
 dues, on the theory that the National Grange must 
 have considerable money to carry out its plans ; while 
 others were busily figuring the amount of even small 
 dues from the immense membership they expected. 
 For instance, Mr. Bartlett wrote : "Suppose the Order 
 should number one million members within one year 
 from its organization, the 10-cent arrangement would 
 give the National Grange quarterly $25;ooo." Another 
 question which came up in the discussion of dues was 
 the unjust difference in wages for men and women — 
 a question of inequality which has often appeared in 
 Grange discussions since. It was because of this 
 inequality of earning power that the fees for female 
 members were set at half those for male members of 
 the Order. 
 
 December 4, 1867, later fixed as the "birthday of the 
 Order," the second formal session was held, and the 
 National Grange officially organized. It had been Mr. 
 Kelley's plan to elect Mr. Ireland as Master, but Mr. 
 Ireland insisted upon withdrawing in favor of Mr.
 
 ORGANIZATION OF THE NATIONAL GRANGE 21 
 
 Saunders because of the greater prestige of his connec- 
 tion with the Agricultural Department. The officers 
 selected were as follows : 
 
 Master — William Saunders. 
 Overseer — Anson Bartlett. 
 Lecturer — J. R. Thompson. 
 Steward — William Muir. 
 Assistant Steward — A. S. Moss. 
 Treasurer — W. M. Ireland. 
 Secretary — O. H. Kelley. 
 
 The offices of Chaplain, Gatekeeper and the lady of- 
 fices were left vacant. From this time forward the 
 National Grange was to be presented as a reality and 
 1,000 copies of a new circular were printed to announce 
 it to the world. 
 
 On January J, 1868, a meeting, later recognized as 
 the first session of the National Grange, was held, at 
 which it was decided to organize a Subordinate Grange 
 for the purpose of trying out parts of the Ritual as they 
 were prepared. For this purpose Mr. Kelley and Mr. 
 Ireland had interested six of their fellow-clerks of the 
 Postoffice Department, who with their wives, were to 
 receive all the advantages of the Order for their assist- 
 ance with the demonstration of the Ritual. They were 
 organized January 8, 1868, as a "school of instruction." 
 
 Mr. McDowell had arrived in Washington in time to 
 attend this first Subordinate Grange meeting. The 
 next day he attended the meeting of the National 
 Grange, and, the Constitution coming up for discus- 
 sion, made suggestions which resulted in an entire reor- 
 ganization of their plans. At succeeding meetings the 
 new plan of seven degrees was worked out. The 
 Seventh (Demeter) was accepted as being the control- 
 ling degree of the Order, as founded on "an ancient 
 association once so flourishing in the East," and Mr. 
 McDowell was elected High Priest. 
 
 The reorganized plan was as follows :
 
 22 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Subordinate Granges 
 
 First Degree — Laborer (male), Maid (female). 
 Second Degree — Cultivator (male), Shepherdess (female). 
 Third Degree — Harvester (male), Gleaner (female). 
 Fourth Degree — Husbandman (male), Matron (female). 
 
 State Grange 
 
 Fifth Degree — Pomona (Hope). Composed of officers and Past 
 Masters of Subordinate Granges, who are entitled, ex-officio, 
 to the Fifth Degree. 
 
 National Grange (Council) 
 
 Sixth Degree — Charity. Composed of Masters and Past Masters 
 of State Granges, who are entitled, ex-officio, to the Sixth 
 Degree, and meet annually. They constitute the National 
 Council. 
 
 Senate 
 
 Seventh Degree — Ceres (Faith). Composed of the members of 
 the Council who have served one year therein, who, after 
 the expiration of their first year's service in the Council, are 
 entitled, ex-officio, to the Seventh Degree, to be conferred at 
 the next or any subsequent session of the National Grange. 
 All who have thus attained to this degree are thereafter mem- 
 bers of the Senate, and entitled to seats and votes therein. 
 All acts and resolutions originate in the Council (Sixth De- 
 gree), subject to the approval or rejection of the Senate (Seventh 
 Degree). 
 
 "The Subordinate Granges in the District of Columbia elect on 
 joint ballot, once in two years, a delegate to represent said 
 Granges in the National Grange. He must be either a Master or 
 a Past Master, and on receiving the degrees ranks the same as a 
 representative of a State Grange. 
 
 "The Senate of the National Grange, having the power, may 
 confer Degrees of the Order which they have received upon such 
 persons as they may deem worthy; and may delegate that power, 
 except as to the Seventh and last Degree, to one of their number, 
 to be used for the purpose of establishing the Order in such parts 
 of the United States where it does not now exist; but the degree 
 of Ceres or Demeter shall not be conferred, unless in open Sen- 
 ate, at an annual meeting." 
 
 Rev. A. B. Grosh, a clerk in the Department of Agri- 
 culture, was elected Chaplain at this time. He had 
 been approached concerning the Order some time be-
 
 ORGANIZATION OF THE NATIONAL GRANGE 23 
 
 fore, and as he says, "both head and heart responded to 
 the call." He at once signified his desire to be of 
 service, and from this time forth was prominent in the 
 work of the developing organization. 
 
 In February, 1868, Mr. Kelley, who could no longer 
 restrain his enthusiasm over the new Order, resigned 
 his position in the Postoffice Department so that he 
 might give his whole time to its establishment. During 
 February and March he devoted his time to perfecting 
 the Ritual, with the assistance of Mr. Thompson, and 
 he tells of an "exceedingly interesting meeting of Poto- 
 mac Grange, when the first man ever regularly initiated 
 in 'due form' received the first degree — Mr. Boardman 
 of New York." A full set of officers were in their 
 places and they worked from manuscript copies of the 
 Ritual. The first real Subordinate Grange, Harvest 
 Grange No. 2, had been organized, and much was 
 continually being done working out the first four de- 
 grees and developing the floor work. A number of 
 candidates were initiated, both men and women. 
 
 Late in March, when the first copies of the Manual 
 were off the press, Mr. Kelley decided to start out on 
 an organizing trip. "I shall start out," he said, "like 
 an itinerant preacher and trust to find friends." His 
 associates were inclined to think such an attempt rather 
 premature, but Mr. Kelley was not to be persuaded 
 from his purpose. 
 
 A special session of the National Grange was held 
 on March 28, 1868, to prepare for him a letter of credit 
 giving him power to establish Subordinate Granges, to 
 issue Dispensations, and to confer the degrees neces- 
 sary, "for the purpose of enabling him to visit the differ- 
 ent states to organize the Order," It was also decided 
 that Mr. Kelley, as Secretary, should receive a salary 
 of $2,000 per annum and traveling expenses — the 
 money, however, to be collected by him from receipts 
 from Subordinate Granges he should organize! 
 
 On the third of April, 1868, Mr. Kelley, with some
 
 24 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 funds furnished by the Subordinate Grange, bought a 
 ticket for Harrisburg, Pa., and with about $2.50 in 
 his pocket, set out upon his journey, determined to 
 pay his way as he went. 
 
 Mr. Kelley was not, he tells us, particularly fitted for 
 the work of organization — with no oratorical powers 
 and being in general such a person as he would later 
 have rejected as a deputy. He had, however, a great 
 enthusiasm, a sincere belief in the Order and an untir- 
 ing energy that, after a little experience, stood him in 
 good stead. He reached Harrisburg April 3, spent a 
 few days and then went on to Penn Yan, N. Y. At 
 both Harrisburg and Penn Yan he had had corre- 
 spondents who joined their efforts with his in the hope 
 of securing an organization, but both attempts were 
 unsuccessful. He left a dispensation with his corre- 
 spondent at Harrisburg and received the fee of $15, 
 which helped him with his expenses. After a visit at 
 Wayne, N. Y., with Mr. McDowell, from whom he 
 received not only encouraging words but also financial 
 help, he went on to Fredonia, N. Y. 
 
 There he was met by A. S. Moss, who had been one 
 of the most active correspondents since the beginning 
 Df the movement, and April 16 they organized Fredonia 
 Grange — the first regularly organized Subordinate 
 Grange where every member paid his fee. Mr. Kelley 
 says : "We may give Brother Moss credit for being the 
 father of the first genuine Grange which lived, breathed 
 and had a being." Fredonia Grange No. 1 has lived 
 to this day, and is in a flourishing and thriving con- 
 dition. 
 
 While at Fredonia Mr. Kelley decided to look into 
 the agricultural situation in Ohio and visit Mr. Bartlett 
 at Spencer. Although he did not succeed in organiz- 
 ing any Granges he found the sentiment of the farmers 
 well disposed toward the Order. Several recent issues 
 had shown the farmers that organization for protection 
 was becoming necessary — among them their difficulties
 
 ORGANIZATION OF THE NATIONAL GRANGE 25 
 
 with patent right swindlers. The loss from this one 
 cause was said to be $500,000 per annum. As Mr. 
 Kelley wrote at the time : "Every kind of monopoly is 
 now at work grinding the producer, and I find the peo- 
 ple encourage our work, hoping to find relief." He 
 instructed Mr. Bartlett in the method of organizing 
 granges, and asked him to undertake the work in Ohio. 
 
 Mr. Kelley left another dispensation at Columbus, 
 O., as he proceeded northward, and at Chicago in- 
 structed a few people who had been called together 
 by the editor of the Prairie Farmer, but he did 
 not effect an organization. Then he proceeded to 
 Madison, Wis., where he also failed. His expenses 
 had been paid up to this time by contributions and the 
 fees for dispensations he had left along the way, but 
 after this last failure he was compelled to borrow 
 $15 from the Master of the local lodge of Masons in 
 order to pay his way home to Itasca, Minn., where 
 he arrived May 1, 1868. 
 
 On his trip from Washington he had secured but 
 one live grange, had left several dispensations, and 
 though receiving several contributions for expenses, 
 had arrived in Minnesota $15 in debt — even Mr. 
 Kelley's spirits were dampened by the shower. Soon 
 after his arrival, however, a letter reached him from A. 
 Failor of Newton, la., stating that a Grange had been 
 organized there April 17. The draft for their dispensa- 
 tion liquidated Mr. Kelley's debt to his brother Mason 
 and left him once more with a clean slate. This fact 
 so raised his drooping spirits that he at once set about 
 new plans for the future of the Order. 
 
 Meanwhile at Washington the other members of the 
 National Grange were also having some experience 
 with the discouraging side of the founding of a Na- 
 tional Order. Mr. Kelley had taken with him for his 
 expenses all the funds in the treasury of Harvest 
 Grange, and no initiates presented themselves to re- 
 nlenish the treasury. The members of the National
 
 26 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Grange had already advanced more than seemed wise 
 on so doubtful a project and had given considerable 
 time to developing the plans for several months. The 
 printers were presenting bills for printing circulars and 
 refused to deliver the Manuals, for which Mr. Kelley 
 was writing urgently from the West, until they should 
 be paid for them. The rent for the hall in which they 
 held their meetings was long overdue, and the creditors 
 were dunning them every few days. They had hoped 
 that Mr. Kelley's trip would bring an increase in mem- 
 bership that would relieve the treasury, but instead he 
 was running behind and his "homespun"reports on his 
 financial affairs were unsatisfactory to his more busi- 
 nesslike associates. It is little wonder that a period of 
 depression and inertia ensued at headquarters, of which 
 Mr. Kelley complains in his letters of this darkest hour 
 in the history of the Order. As Mr. Kelley says : "If 
 great enterprises must start from small beginnings, 
 then our Order is all right, for its foundation was laid 
 on 'solid nothing' — the rock of poverty — and there is no 
 harder material." 
 
 About the first of August, 1868, however, the gloom 
 began to lighten. Miss Carrie A. Hall, Mr. Kelley's 
 niece, who had been an enthusiastic worker for the 
 Order from the first, joined him in Minnesota and be- 
 gan acting as his assistant, thus giving him the help 
 of her encouragement as well as relieving him from 
 the great burden of letter-writing. About this time the 
 friendly aid of five agricultural papers was announced, 
 viz : The Prairie Farmer, Chicago ; Farmer's Chronicle, 
 Columbus, O. ; Ohio Farmer, Cleveland ; Rural World, 
 St. Louis; Farmer's Union, Minneapolis; and a general 
 friendliness was shown by many of the county papers. 
 
 The National Grange, after several months' inertia, 
 held another special meeting October 5, and prepared 
 the following statement as a help to Mr. Kelley in his 
 work of organization :
 
 ORGANIZATION OF THE NATIONAL GRANGE 2/ 
 
 "Patrons of Husbandry, 
 "National Grange, Washington, D. C. 
 
 "At a special meeting of the National Grange, Patrons of Hus- 
 bandry, held on Saturday, October 3d, 1868, the following resolu- 
 tions were offered and unanimously adopted: 
 
 "Resolved, That our hearts are cheered by the hearty reception 
 given to our beloved Order by the farmers and friends of agri- 
 culture in Minnesota, and by their ready appreciation of the ad- 
 vantages which our institution must yield to the tillers of the soil 
 and the cultivation of its fruits, in co-operating with each other 
 all over our land in securing to them the highest rewards of their 
 labors, in elevating their position in society, and improving the 
 morals, minds and social position of themselves and their families. 
 
 "Resolved, That our thanks are due the various editors in the 
 West, who, with wise foresight, have pointed out the merits of 
 our new order, and commended it to the attention of the agricul- 
 tural public. 
 
 "Resolved, That we renewedly commend our beloved brother, 
 O. H. Kelley, Secretary of the National Grange, to the kindness 
 and confidence of our friends everywhere, as one of the earliest 
 advocates of our Order, the most laborious worker in organizing 
 it, and framing and harmonizing its Ritual, and now indefatigable 
 in extending its borders and strengthening its influence in the 
 western states, proving himself a workman in this new and im- 
 portant field that needeth not to be ashamed — the right man in 
 the right place. May his success be commensurate with his diligence 
 and perseverance, and the widespreading beneficence of the Order 
 be his abundant joy and reward ! 
 
 "Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, signed by the Mas- 
 ter and Secretary, pro tempore, be forwarded to Brother Kelley, 
 to be by him communicated to others interested therein, as he may 
 have opportunity. 
 
 "William Saunders, 
 "Attest: "Master of National Grange, P. of H. 
 
 "William M. Ireland, 
 
 "Acting Secretary." 
 
 While these resolutions were probably not of any 
 great benefit to Mr. Kelley in organizing- Granges, they 
 were at least encouraging as showing some signs of 
 life in the National Grange, and helped him in keeping 
 up the fiction of a powerful central organization at the 
 nation's Capitol
 
 28 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 After Mr. Kelley's return to Itasca he had granted 
 two dispensations in Minnesota, but in neither case 
 was there a permanent organization. On September 2, 
 North Star Grange, the first permanent Grange in 
 Minnesota, was organized at St. Paul and at once took 
 an active part in the development and spread of the 
 Order. Indeed, they took so much interest that Mr. 
 Kelley had much ado to keep them from finding out 
 the real state of affairs at Washington, and the fact 
 that he was frequently at a loss to answer their letters 
 because of the lack of postage stamps ! Yet somehow 
 the letters were answered, and the new impetus given 
 by this energetic Subordinate Grange and Mr. Kelley's 
 renewed zeal soon brought results. Two more active 
 Granges were organized in Minnesota before the end 
 of the year, three others in January, 1869, and three 
 in February. 
 
 On February 23, 1869, the Minnesota State Grange, 
 the first State Grange, was organized, with representa- 
 tives from 11 Subordinate Granges. Deputies were 
 appointed for the extension of the work throughout 
 the state and the spread of the Order in the West was 
 really begun. 
 
 Soon after the organization of the State Grange Mr. 
 Kelley went to Washington, visiting Fredonia Grange, 
 which now had grown to more than 100 members. He 
 arrived in Washington in time to attend the Second 
 Annual Session of the National Grange, April 13, 1869. 
 There were present at this meeting Brothers Saunders, 
 Grosh, Ireland, Trimble, Thompson and Kelley. Mr. 
 Kelley gave his report on organization, and was com- 
 plimented upon his diligence and asked to go on with 
 the same work. Miss Carrie A. Hall was officially rec- 
 ognized as his assistant and voted a salary of $600 per 
 annum. Some time before this she had been appointed 
 Ceres of the National Grange by Mr. McDowell, High 
 Priest of Demeter, so that she was the first woman to 
 hold office in the National Grange. Steps were taken
 
 John Richardson Thompson, one of the Founders and first 
 Lecturer of the National Grange.
 
 Aaron B. Grosh, one of the Founders and first Chaplain of 
 the National Grange.
 
 ORGANIZATION OF THE NATIONAL GRANGE 20, 
 
 toward providing suitable regalia and jewels for the 
 Granges — though the sentiment of the body seemed to 
 be that they needed members rather than decorations 
 at this time. After passing a number of regulations, 
 especially dealing with the relations of State Granges 
 to the National and Subordinate bodies, the session 
 was adjourned. 
 
 Mr. Kelley had brought with him sufficient Grange 
 funds to settle the more pressing of the outstanding 
 bills, and so to put the National Grange on a better foot- 
 ing at Washington, though after they were paid, as he 
 said, "it required an effort on my part to leave the city 
 in good order, without any aid from my associates."
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 Growth of the Order, 1869-1S72 — Third and Fourth 
 essions of the National Grange 
 
 The energetic, newly organized State Grange of 
 Minnesota was not long in developing new ideas con- 
 cerning the Order. The people of the West, chafing 
 under their wrongs against the railroads and retail 
 dealers, were beginning to see that the new Order was 
 the standard under which to lead their scattered, help- 
 less forces to victory, and felt that there was nothing 
 that they could not do through its agency. As one of 
 the correspondents wrote at the time, the Patrons of 
 Husbandry was to "make a blaze that will shine out on 
 the horizon which will equal a prairie on fire," and the 
 figure was not inappropriate to the later development 
 of the Order. 
 
 A circular printed in St. Paul in September, 1868, 
 had given among the advantages of the Order: "Sys- 
 tematic arrangements for procuring and disseminating, 
 in the most expeditious manner, information relative to 
 crops, demand and supply, prices, markets and trans- 
 portation throughout the country, and for the estab- 
 lishment of depots for the sale of special and general 
 products in the cities ; also for the purchase and ex- 
 change of stock, seeds and desired help at home or from 
 abroad, and situations for persons seeking employ- 
 ment; also for ascertaining and testing the merits of 
 newly invented farm implements, and those not in 
 general use, and for detecting and exposing those that 
 are unworthy; and for protecting, by all available 
 means, the farming interests from fraud and deception 
 of every kind." 
 
 Mr. Kelley had, in his organizing work, given them 
 a plan to prevent the farmers being swindled. "I tell 
 
 30
 
 GROWTH OF THE ORDER — 1 869- 1 872 3 1 
 
 them," he said, "that in every Grange there is to be 
 kept a Blue Book and a Red Book. In the former all 
 swindling concerns they come in contact with are to 
 be recorded, by vote of the Grange, and information 
 transmitted to other Granges, by which we become a 
 secret detective and protective organization. In the 
 Red Book we record reliable establishments, and any- 
 one receiving a letter of introduction by vote of a 
 Grange, stating he is 'duly recorded in the Red Book/ 
 is sure of a cordial reception. I also advocate a Busi- 
 ness Agent in each Grange, to be elected by ballot, who 
 shall keep a record of real estate, produce, stock, etc., 
 that members have for sale, and also a record of such 
 articles as outsiders wish to purchase, thereby saving 
 our members valuable time now consumed in hunting 
 up customers for their produce." 
 
 This plan seemed entirely too slow to the enthusias- 
 tic Patrons in the West, and on March i, 1869, Mr. 
 Kelley wrote to Mr. McDowell : "At the State Grange 
 it was suggested that the different Subordinate 
 Granges lease flouring mills in their respective local- 
 ities, and flour their own wheat, keeping the bran and 
 shorts for feed, and not send any raw material into the 
 eastern market, but, instead, appoint a business agent 
 at St. Paul, who should receive the flour and ship it to 
 the agent in New York City, who shall sell it on com- 
 mission." Mr. McDowell, however, was too wise and 
 cautious to sanction such a movement, and replied: 
 "This is a matter fraught with much good or evil — not 
 only for individual Patrons, but to the Order itself, and 
 for the present I should do nothing but discourage it, 
 or at least take it on thought." And later, concerning 
 some further plans from Minnesota: "If all who be- 
 come Patrons were born again when they took the 
 oath I should have some hope ; but not at present. 
 There is, I fear, too much human nature among us to 
 die so quietly." 
 
 The matter of the State Agent, brought up in the
 
 2,2 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 second annual session was tabled by general consent 
 as premature. Notwithstanding this discouragement, 
 the State Grange persisted in its course, and on April 
 26 Mr. Kelley wrote from St. Paul to Mr. McDowell : 
 "Some of them say if they can't do as they please, and 
 thus protect themselves against being swindled by the 
 middlemen, they will withdraw from the organization 
 in a body, and run it on their own hook. To quiet 
 them, I told them to go ahead, that the National 
 Grange considers it a local affair of their own, and not 
 sanctioned by the Order at large. If any trouble arises, 
 they must father it themselves." The appointment of 
 a State Agent for buying supplies and farm implements 
 was made and thus the first step was taken in what 
 became one of the most important as well as the most 
 dangerous of the activities of the Order. 
 
 The first Grange paper in the country was the Minne- 
 sota Monthly, issued at St. Paul, January 1, 1869, by 
 D. A. Robertson, who had been chiefly responsible for 
 the establishment of North Star Grange, and was Lec- 
 turer of the State Grange at this time. This paper at 
 once became an important aid in disseminating Grange 
 information throughout the West. The Secretary of 
 the Minnesota State Grange, Captain William Paist, 
 had opened an office in St. Paul, and nearly every mem- 
 ber of the Minnesota Grange was interesting himself in 
 spreading information concerning the aims and prin- 
 ciples of the Order. They attracted so much attention 
 that two or three northwestern church papers began to 
 attack the Order openly — much to Mr. Kelley's delight 
 because of the free advertising thus secured. 
 
 Meanwhile at the National Secretary's office Mr. 
 Kelley and Miss Hall were busy sending out circulars 
 and letters. He says : "Hardly a day but we send off 
 :irculars to some new quarter." Over 1,600 letters were 
 written to editors in the western states during the 
 year 1869. Although the returns from these letters 
 were extremely slow, especially in a financial way,
 
 GROWTH OF THE ORDER — 1869-1872 33 
 
 they were helping to prepare the ground of the West 
 for the later harvest of Granges. 
 
 Several deputies for organizing Granges had been 
 secured. Mr. Kelley made several trips, usually re- 
 turning to Itasca only when his supply of money ran 
 out, and succeeded in organizing a number of success- 
 ful Granges. In one month, November, 1869, 10 new 
 Granges were added, one of them being the first work- 
 ing Grange in Illinois. This was organized at Nunda, 
 111., November 27, 1869. Waukon Grange of Wau- 
 <kon, la., was organized in December, with Dudley 
 W. Adams, later Master of the National Grange, 
 as Secretary. It is claimed for Waukon Grange 
 that it has held more meetings than any other in 
 the country. Just at the close of the year Mr. Kelley 
 organized the first Grange in Indiana, at Honey Creek, 
 and a second soon after at Terre Haute. Thus the year 
 1869 closed with 38 new Granges and with several good 
 Deputies enlisted in the work of organizing the farmers 
 of the West. Besides this the Order was gradually 
 developing in its plans and purposes as well as in num- 
 bers, and though still in financial straits, had secured 
 a good foothold in the West. 
 
 A meeting of the National Grange had been called 
 at Washington for December 8, 1869, and Brothers 
 -Saunders, Thompson, Grosh, Ireland and Trimble 
 had assembled. Mr. Kelley was so much engaged with 
 organization work that he found it impossible to be 
 present at that time, and as the Secretary's report was 
 practically the only purpose of the meeting, they ad- 
 journed until January, 1870, without transacting any 
 business. 
 
 On January 25, 1870, the third (then called the second) 
 annual session of the National Grange convened, with 
 Brothers Saunders, Kelley, Grosh, Trimble, McDowell, 
 Thompson and Ireland all present. These men 
 were later recognized as the "seven founders" of the 
 Order. Secretary Kelley made his "second annual re-
 
 34 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 port." Concerning the growth of the Order, he re- 
 ported that dispensations had been issued as follows : 
 "Minnesota, 40; Illinois, three; Iowa, three; Pennsyl- 
 vania, one ; New York, one ; Ohio, one. Of this num- 
 ber 39 were issued the past year, against 10 the pre- 
 vious year. Added to this is one State Grange — that of 
 Minnesota." 
 
 In regard to future prospects, he continued : "From 
 all whom I have met during the past 11 weeks the most 
 encouraging words of cheer have been spoken. I have 
 commissioned several to act as deputies, in hope of 
 speedily extending the Order." He urged each mem- 
 ber of the National Grange to give more attention to 
 the work. As to the finances of the Order, he said: 
 "While endeavoring to make my office self-supporting 
 I have been under the necessity of incurring personal 
 debts to the amount of $300, mostly for printing, hav- 
 ing confidence in the future prosperity of the Order." 
 He also recommended the establishment of a news- 
 paper as the "organ of the Order." 
 
 The Honorary and Associate members of the Na- 
 tional Grange approved at the last session were: Col. 
 D. A. Robertson, St. Paul, Minn. ; Hon. Eugene 
 Underwood, Louisville, Ky. ; and H. D. Emery, 
 Chicago, 111. Now, on the motion of the Secre- 
 tary, Geo. D. Hinckley, Fredonia, N. Y., Harvey 
 D. Scott, Terre Haute, Ind., and William Paist, St. 
 Paul, Minn., were made honorary members. After 
 accepting officially the designs for jewels prepared by 
 Mr. Kelley, and congratulating Mr. Kelley on his suc- 
 cess in organization, the session adjourned. 
 
 No Master's address was delivered at this meeting, 
 but as it seemed injudicious to publish a report of the 
 proceedings for the general public, and yet important 
 to advertise the Order, it was decided to have Mr. 
 Saunders write a short "speech" for publication. This 
 was prepared about a week after the close of the ses- 
 sion and printed in the Washington Republican. Mr.
 
 GROWTH OF THE ORDER — 1 869- 1 872 35 
 
 Saunders set forth in a very forceful manner the prin- 
 ciples of the Order, and urged the establishment of 
 libraries, supplied with books on agricultural and hor- 
 ticultural subjects. He then called attention to the 
 necessity for social intercourse among farmers and 
 their families, and stated that the admission of women 
 to full membership was proving of incalculable value. 
 "The time was auspicious," he continues, "for the in- 
 troduction of this Order. The change of events which 
 allowed the minds of the people to subside from the 
 bustle and all-absorbing interest of the war to the calm 
 and prosperity of peace called for new organizations, 
 based upon the industrial arts rather than upon politi- 
 cal theories — a basis that appeals to the patriotism and 
 sensibilities of every cultivated and high-minded indi- 
 vidual." The benefits that flow from such an associa- 
 tion were enumerated, and he closed with an expres- 
 sion of hope for the usefulness of the Order and a belief 
 in its growing prosperity. 
 
 This "speech" of Mr. Saunders was the beginning 
 of what has since been the practice of the Master of 
 the National Grange of delivering at the opening of 
 each session of the National Grange the "Master's An- 
 nual Address." 
 
 After leaving Washington Mr. Kelley visited Mr. 
 Bartlett in Ohio, and, with his help, organized the first 
 Grange in Ohio at East Cleveland, March 2, 1870. 
 Mr. Kelley had hoped to organize several granges on 
 this trip, but a series of disappointments and delays on 
 account of bad weather rendered his work unsuccess- 
 ful. He arrived at Itasca March 19, much discouraged 
 over the prospects. During his absence, however, a 
 number of letters had accumulated which immediately 
 raised his spirits with glowing reports of social pleas- 
 ures of Granges in Minnesota, Indiana and Iowa and 
 the growing interest in the Order among the farmers of 
 the West. Many of the Subordinate Granges were 
 taking up the work of advertising the Order by cir-
 
 36 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 culars and newspaper articles, and inquiries were com- 
 ing in from all parts of the country. 
 
 It was evident that the western Granges were find- 
 ing the educational and social program, as given by the 
 founders, rather tame. With the western farmer, they 
 said, it was not so much a matter of raising crops as 
 it was to market them. Why, they asked, should they 
 study books on scientific agriculture and documents 
 from the Department of Agriculture when corn was 
 practically worthless in Indiana and Iowa because of 
 middlemen's profits and exorbitant prices of transpor- 
 tation? As Mr. Kelley wrote to Mr. Saunders: "The 
 idea of discussions upon how to raise crops is stale. 
 They all want some plan of work to oppose the infernal 
 monopolies. This seems to be uppermost in the mind 
 of every member I have conversed with. The 'how to 
 do it' is the rub. I think we can, by and by, introduce 
 some system of insurance, so as to insure at cost." 
 
 About this time W. W. Corbett, editor of the Prairie 
 Farmer, wrote to Mr. Kelley concerning a Producers' 
 Convention to be held at Bloomington, 111., brought 
 about by the feeling of antagonism to the rail- 
 roads. He hoped to make the permanent organization 
 growing out of this meeting a part of the Patrons 
 of Husbandry. He said of the Order: "It seems to 
 me that we, as an Order, have a work to perform in the 
 war that is to be waged in this country at no distant 
 day, by the people against the monstrous monopolies 
 that are overshadowing us. Railroads, insurance 
 companies, warehouse and telegraph companies, are 
 crushing the life out of the producing classes." 
 
 The farmers themselves were aroused over the sit- 
 uation. One of them said in a speech in a farmers' 
 meeting: "Like rabbits, we are the prey of hawks by 
 day, and owls and foxes by night. Is there no remedy 
 for this? Is there anything in the occupation of agri- 
 culture that makes man a legitimate prey for all the 
 human vampires that infest the earth? . . . The
 
 GROWTH OF THE ORDER — 1869-1872 2)7 
 
 railroad companies fix the price at which they will 
 carry the grain to Chicago ; elevators fix the price of 
 handling it; and buyers finally agree how much they 
 will give for it ; and each one of these middlemen takes 
 such a slice as he pleases ; and the farmer timidly sub- 
 mits." Mr. Kelley agreed to add the fight against 
 monopolies to the Grange program, and when the tem- 
 porary State Grange was organized Henry C. Wheeler, 
 advocate of the Farmers' League, the permanent or- 
 ganization of the Producers' Convention, was elected 
 Secretary. As Mr. Kelley says : "This was boldly 
 striking out in a direction that would find us an able 
 adversary. I had some misgivings as to the result of 
 such a war." Yet, as subsequent events showed, it was 
 just such an issue and such an adversary that the 
 Grange needed, as the times were ripe for it and the 
 public mind ready for aggressive leadership, which the 
 Grange proceeded to furnish. 
 
 On July 11, 1870, Mr. Kelley organized a temporary 
 State Grange at Chicago, although it was necessarily 
 made up largely of deputies. The first Grange in 
 Tennessee was organized by letter at Stockton, June 
 10, and the first Grange in California, also by letter, at 
 Pilot Hill, August 17, 1870. 
 
 Some time before, Mr. Kelley had begun, through 
 Mr. Saunders, a lively correspondence with Thos. B. 
 Bryan, a wealthy man of Chicago and "a thorough 
 gentleman in every respect." When Mr. Kelley was in 
 Chicago he expressed his sympathy with the move- 
 ment, was initiated and became Treasurer of the tem- 
 porary State Grange. He made many suggestions for 
 the good of the Order, among them that the sending 
 out of circulars should be kept up as the best means of 
 getting its aims and principles before the people. For 
 this purpose he placed from time to time considerable 
 sums at Mr. Kelley's disposal — which resulted in the 
 issuance of what were known as the "Bryan Fund 
 Publications."
 
 38 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Through the invitation of N. J. Colman, editor of the 
 Rural World of St. Louis, Mr. Kelley made a trip to 
 Missouri, organizing the first Grange in the state at 
 Glencoe, August 25, 1870. A second Grange was or- 
 ganized at St. Louis, and a temporary State Grange 
 was effected. This brought into the Order Thomas R. 
 Allen and William Muir, who later were instrumental 
 in the spread of the Order in that state. On his way 
 back to Minnesota Mr. Kelley met Gen. William Duane 
 Wilson, formerly a member of Harvest Grange at 
 Washington and then editor of the Iowa Homestead 
 and Farm Journal, who had been appointed a general 
 Deputy in Iowa, and together they organized two 
 Granges in the neighborhood of Des Moines. 
 
 Thus at the close of the year 1870 there were 71 
 Granges in existence. During the year 19 new Granges 
 had been organized in Minnesota, making 47 in all ; and 
 nine in Iowa, making 11 in all. Indiana had one new 
 Grange, a total of three ; Illinois the same ; and New 
 York one new Grange, with a total of two. Missouri 
 had been added, with two Granges, and Ohio, Tennes- 
 see and California with one each. Temporary State 
 Granges had been organized in Illinois and Missouri, 
 giving a total of three State Granges. For a year's 
 earnest work the spread of the Order would not seem 
 particularly encouraging, but a wide correspondence 
 with interested persons all over the country gave 
 promise of better results in the future. 
 
 It had been Mr. Kelley's purpose from the beginning, 
 as soon as the prospects of the Order would warrant 
 it, to move the Secretary's office to Washington, D. C., 
 because information emanating from the Capitol city 
 had more prestige and would give the Order a better 
 standing. The time would scarcely have seemed ripe 
 to anyone else,, for the funds from the Granges were 
 still insufficient to pay the necessary bills for printing 
 and postage, and Mr. Kelley was forced to borrow 
 money in order to move his family. As usual, he was
 
 GROWTH OF THE ORDER — 1869-I872 39 
 
 building upon the future and seemed to have scarcely 
 realized the wild venture he was making. The family- 
 reached Washington January 5, 1871, leased an unpre- 
 tentious house on Sixth Street, and the Secretary and 
 his assistant began sending out letters and circulars 
 from the new home. 
 
 Circulars were sent to every Grange and to everyone 
 who had written concerning the Order, stating that 
 the Secretary's office had been moved to Washington. 
 They also announced that the National Grange had 
 adopted a new plan for organizing by letter, and that 
 necessary information would be sent to anyone desir- 
 ing to take an active part in the work. This arrange- 
 ment had been accepted by Mr. Kelley because it 
 seemed a necessity, as he had always believed that per- 
 sonal work and "talk" were necessary to the organiza- 
 tion of good Granges. But now with inquiries coming 
 in from all parts of the country it was an impossibility 
 to have Deputies enough for the work. 
 
 The National Grange met for its fourth annual ses- 
 sion at the office of National Master Saunders, January 
 4, 1871, with Brothers Saunders, Trimble, Grosh, 
 Thompson and Kelley present. The Secretary made 
 an informal report, but suggested that most of the 
 business be postponed until he was located in the city 
 and had opened his office. He read a number of com- 
 munications from Granges. The Minnesota Granges 
 suggested that County Granges be organized in coun- 
 ties with more than 10 Subordinate Granges, chiefly 
 "to create a local corporation to buy machinery or 
 goods and shipping produce." In consideration of the 
 aid extended by Hon. Thomas B. Bryan of Chicago, 
 he was invited to become a member of the Executive 
 Committee of the National Grange. Then the meeting 
 adjourned until the Secretary should have his complete 
 report and his plans for the future to lay before them. 
 
 At the adjourned meeting, held at the Secretary's 
 office January 25, little business was transacted, the
 
 40 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 other members of the National Grange failing to agree 
 with Mr. Kelley on his plan for organizing Granges by 
 letter. They also objected to the "homespun" manner 
 of his reports, and Mr. Ireland resigned his position as 
 Treasurer. 
 
 After this the National Grange relapsed into inac- 
 tivity for several months. Mr. Kelley and his assistant 
 kept on according to their own plans and strove to 
 maintain the confidence of distant Grangers in a strong 
 national body back of them. In his history Mr. Kelley 
 frankly admits his harmless fiction, but states that it 
 was necessary for the good of the Order : "Everyone 
 who wrote us expected a cheering answer ; every appli- 
 cation for a new Grange was supposed to be a com- 
 panion to 20 others ; and there could be nothing more 
 discouraging than to write a Deputy he had sent in 
 the only application received for the past week." There 
 were even criticisms from the distant Granges concern- 
 ing what was done with the "immense amount of 
 money" which must be pouring into the National 
 Treasury — when the whole support of the national 
 branch depended from day to day upon the receipts. 
 
 The first co-operative purchasing was done by 
 Master Hinckley of Fredonia Grange, New York, Jan- 
 uary 7, 1871, and on January 18, the first circular deal- 
 ing with co-operative selling was prepared by National 
 Master Saunders. This explained a plan for an adver- 
 tising circular, for which firms recommended by the 
 Granges were to be asked for advertisements of their 
 wares. It was a good, conservative plan, but so far as 
 is known was not tried by any of the Granges. 
 
 On January 12, 1871, the State Grange of Iowa was 
 organized at Des Moines, with Dudley W. Adams as 
 Master and General William Duane Wilson as Secre- 
 tary. The first Grange in Wisconsin was organized 
 January 5 at Plainville, and the first in Pennsylvania 
 at Montgomery Station, February 22. New Granges 
 were being added in the West — particularly under
 
 GROWTH OF THE ORDER — 1869-1872 41 
 
 General Wilson in Iowa, where the Order was doing 
 much to develop an independent spirit among the 
 farmers, "to bring out men who had never before taken 
 an active part in any societies, and place them in the 
 first rank." Thus leaders were being trained for the 
 farmer's battles of a few years later. 
 
 About this time Rufus Hatch was publishing in the 
 New York Independent some wide-awake articles upon 
 the railroads watering their stock, and Mr. Kelley sent 
 a few copies to the western Granges. They were re- 
 ceived with such great interest that he later secured a 
 considerable number of these articles and distributed 
 them widely in the West, where the railroad question 
 was rapidly becoming acute. He found these circulars 
 "excellent 'fuel' for Deputies to circulate," for they 
 showed clearly the necessity of organization among 
 the farmers. ; 'Co-operation' and 'down w^th monopo- 
 lies'," Mr. Kelley says, "were proving popular watch- 
 words." 
 
 On May 25 the first Grange organized in the South 
 was reported from Charleston, S. C, and a short 
 time after (June 3) another in Rienzi, Miss., where 
 it very soon became a powerful organization among 
 the southern planters. Col. R. D. Powell of Colum- 
 bus, Miss., became interested and proved an in- 
 defatigable worker and one of the most earnest friends 
 of the Order in its spread through the South. The 
 people of the South, though at first inclined to be sus- 
 picious of anything that came from Washington, were 
 beginning to wake up to the fact that the Grange could 
 be made of service to them in restoring peace and 
 harmony between the sections which had been so re- 
 cently at war. Col. Powell wrote to Mr. Kelley: "I 
 am fully satisfied in my mind that this movement is 
 the only thing to save the South, and bring it together 
 in friendship and love." 
 
 Kentucky was placed on the list of Grange states 
 August II, and New Jersey December 26, 187 1. On
 
 42 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 July 4 the first Grange in Vermont, also the first in 
 New England, was organized and seemed to give 
 promise of a large growth in that section. But, al- 
 though both J. R. Thompson and later Mr. Kelley 
 visited the state they failed to organize any more 
 Granges. Mr. Kelley also visited Boston, and, with 
 the assistance of George Noyes of the Massachusetts 
 Ploughman, attempted an organization, but was un- 
 successful. Many of the Granges throughout the coun- 
 try held Fourth of July picnics and other demonstra- 
 tions, and the newspapers, great and small, were talk- 
 ing of the Order — some of them favoring it and others 
 criticizing and opposing it, but the publicity they gave 
 did much to spread its influence and increase its mem- 
 bership. 
 
 During October, 1871, an effort was made to dis- 
 seminate among the Subordinate Granges information 
 relative to crops, machines, etc. Grange agencies were 
 established in some of the leading cities, and a 
 movement for opening local Grange stores was 
 spreading over the country. This was the first great 
 co-operative movement in this country, but in most 
 cases it proved disastrous and much money was lost, 
 which in some localities has done much to discredit 
 the Grange to this day. 
 
 During the year T. A. Thompson, Master of the 
 Minnesota State Grange, had much improved the 
 secret work of the Order, and was asked to exemplify 
 the work before the Subordinate Granges of his state. 
 
 The year closed with 130 new Granges, against 38 
 the previous year, and with a much more efficient force 
 of Deputies at work. Seven new states had been added 
 to the Grange list — Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, South 
 « Carolina, Mississippi, Vermont, Kentucky, and New 
 Jersey, making a total of 16. Two State Granges had 
 been organized, Iowa and Wisconsin, and many ener- 
 getic 'men in the West were working for the cause of 
 the Patrons of Husbandry.
 
 Francis Marion McDowell, one of the Founders and third 
 Treasurer of the National Grange.
 
 Caroline Arabelk Hall, "equal to a Founder" and first Ceres 
 of the National Grange.
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 The Permanent Organization Effected, 1872-1873 — 
 Fifth and Sixth Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 The year 1872 opened with glowing prospects for 
 the Patrons of Husbandry. On January 3 the National 
 Grange held its fifth annual session at Washington, 
 D. C, and for the first time the master of a State 
 Grange was present — Master Dudley W. Adams of the 
 Iowa State Grange. Although for several years an- 
 nouncements of the annual meeting had been sent out 
 to all the Granges, the long, expensive journey from 
 the West had prevented the attendance of delegates. 
 The lack~of attendance had, however, not been much 
 regretted by the national officers, since the weakness 
 of the organization would have been painfully ap- 
 parent. There were present at the meetings, also, 
 Master Wm. Saunders, J. R. Thompson, D. S. Curtiss, 
 ,0. H. Kelley and A. B. Grosh. 
 
 Secretary Kelley made a written report in which he 
 stated that everywhere Grange enthusiasm was spread- 
 ing. "In examining the work that has been done by 
 subordinate Granges," he reported, "we find that many 
 of them have reaped large benefits in their dealings, in 
 many cases the members receiving discounts in a 
 single season, amounting to ten or even twenty times 
 the cost of membership, while equally as large benefits 
 are attainable in the future. The pecuniary benefit 
 is a consideration in joining the order, and should be 
 one inducement to promptness in the payment of dues. 
 
 "The educational and social features of the Order 
 offer inducement to some to join, but the majority 
 desire pecuniary benefits — advantages in purchase of 
 machinery and sales of produce. To bring all the 
 
 43
 
 44 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Granges into direct communication, and to devise a 
 system of co-operation, devolves upon the National 
 Grange." 
 
 The legislation of the session was chiefly to put the 
 relations of Subordinate Granges to the State and Na- 
 tional Granges on a better basis for greater regularity 
 and punctuality in making reports — the greatest dif- 
 ficulty in all new Orders. The Executive Committee 
 was asked to prepare a simple form of by-laws for Sub- 
 ordinate Granges and many perplexing questions of 
 local management were discussed. 
 
 The treasurer, W. M. Ireland, having resigned at 
 the last meeting, J. R. Thompson was elected to fill 
 the unexpired term. This made a vacancy in the 
 office of Lecturer, which was filled by the election of 
 D. W. Adams, who, in spite of his disillusionment con- 
 cerning the size of the National body, had shown great 
 interest and enthusiasm in the plans for the good of 
 the Order. The roll of National officers was now as 
 follows : 
 
 Master — William Saunders, Washington, D. C. 
 Overseer — Anson Bartlett, North Madison, Ohio. 
 Lecturer — D. W. Adams, Waukon, Iowa. 
 Steward — William Muir, St. Louis, Missouri. 
 Assistant Steward — A. S. Moss, Fredonia, New York. 
 Chaplain — A. B. Grosh, Washington, D. C. 
 Treasurer — J. R. Thompson, Washington, D. C. 
 Secretary — O. H. Kelley, Washington, D. C. 
 Gatekeeper — E. P. Farris, Henry, Illinois. 
 Ceres — Miss Carrie A. Hall, Washington, D. C. 
 
 The other lady offices were not filled. 
 
 Soon after the close of the session Col. D. Wyatt 
 Aiken of South Carolina arrived in Washington to 
 attend an agricultural convention called by Commis- 
 sioner Watts of the Department of Agriculture. He 
 had been previously appointed a Deputy in the Order, 
 so he immediately visited the office of Secretary Kelley
 
 PERMANENT ORGANIZATION EFFECTED, 1872-1873 45 
 
 and discussed with him the plans for organization. 
 When he reached the convention he found the chair- 
 man and delegates smugly discussing vague general 
 problems of education without any reference to the 
 needs of farmers and the country life. He stood it as 
 long as he could, then jumped to his feet and exclaimed: 
 
 "Mr. Chairman — This is ostensibly an Agricultural Convention, 
 but I have not heard the word agriculture spoken since it con- 
 vened. We seem to be gathered here in the interest of education. 
 The wants of the farmer appear to be ignored entirely. This will 
 not be the case always, however, for there is now springing up 
 amongst the farmers of our country an organization that will 
 teach them their rights, and knowing them they will dare maintain 
 them. I mean the organization known as the Patrons of Hus- 
 bandry." 
 
 This was too much for the convention of pseudo- 
 farmers. The chairman tried to call him to order, 
 and, failing this, the entire speech was left out of the 
 published proceedings. It was almost the first in- 
 stance of the farmer speaking for himself and was a 
 prophecy of the future work of the Order. 
 
 When Colonel Aiken returned to South Carolina from 
 his trip to Washington he lost no time in getting his 
 state into line with the new movement. Ten Granges 
 were organized in the month of April, 1872, and on 
 October 9 the State Grange was organized by Mr. 
 Kelley at Columbia with Thomas Taylor as Master 
 and Colonel Aiken as Secretary. By the end of the 
 year there were 101 Granges in South Carolina, placing 
 it next after Iowa in numbers. Mr. Kelley had also 
 organized the Mississippi State Grange on March 15 
 with A. J. Vaughan as Master, and 55 Granges were 
 organized in this state during the year. Kentucky 
 organized one new Grange and Tennessee four. The 
 first Granges were organized in other southern states 
 as follows: Virginia, February 16; Louisiana, March
 
 46 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 15; Alabama, July 15; Arkansas, August 3; and 
 Georgia, October 2. 
 
 In the country as a whole the month of January, 
 1872, brought in 54 new Granges and by the close of 
 the year 1,105 had been organized. Truly, the prairie 
 fire was beginning to spread ! More than half of these 
 (652) were in Iowa, under the general direction of 
 D. W. Adams, and 46 in Minnesota. The Illinois State 
 Grange was reorganized permanently at Dixon, March 
 5, 1872, with Alonzo Golder as Master. The Order 
 immediately became very popular in the state, and 65 
 new Granges were in existence before the close of the 
 year. Indiana State Grange was organized February 
 22, 1872, at Terre Haute, with John Weir as Master, 
 and 38 new Granges were established in that state in 
 the year. 
 
 Since the organization of the State Grange in Wis- 
 consin in 1871 difficulties had arisen between the of- 
 ficers of the State Grange and Deputy Burnham which 
 for a time threatened the life of the Order in that state. 
 Letters, both for and against the Deputy, were con- 
 tinually coming to the Secretary's office, and at last 
 the complaints became so numerous that action seemed 
 necessary. Mr. Kelley appointed J. C. Abbott of Iowa 
 to investigate the matter, with the result that Deputy 
 Burnham handed in his resignation. Then Mr. Abbott 
 was asked to take up the work in Wisconsin, and, 
 though the Order was for a time in bad repute, suc- 
 ceeded in increasing the number of Granges in that 
 state very greatly before the end of the year. 
 
 The first Grange was organized in Michigan, Jan- 
 uary 10, 1872, under E. M. Jones, and, with Mr. 
 Abbott's assistance, several others were soon added. 
 The first Nebraska Grange was organized by letter in 
 January, and on August 2 General Wilson of Iowa or- 
 ganized the Nebraska State Grange, with William B. 
 Porter as Master. He also organized the Kansas State 
 Grange, with F. H. Dumbauld as Master.
 
 PERMANENT ORGANIZATION EFFECTED, 1872-1873 47 
 
 Very little headway was made in the eastern states, 
 except in Vermont, where Deputy Eben Thompson 
 had organized 13 Granges by July 4, when Mr. Kelley 
 established the State Grange — the first in New Eng- 
 land — at St. Johnsbury, with E. P. Colton as Master. 
 Deputy Thompson also organized the first Grange in 
 Canada August 16, 1872, and two more were added 
 before the close of the year. 
 
 The following quotation summarizes well the or- 
 ganization accomplished during the year: (Buck, "The 
 Granger Movement.") 
 
 "State Granges were organized in six states— Indiana, Ver- 
 mont, South Carolina, Nebraska, Mississippi and Kansas — and 
 reorganized in Illinois and Wisconsin, thus making, in all 10 
 state granges in operation. In nine states — Nebraska, Oregon, 
 Michigan, Virginia, Louisiana, Kansas, Alabama, Arkansas and 
 Georgia— the Order found lodgment during 1872, so that, at the 
 close of the year 25 states had active Subordinate Granges within 
 their limits. Although the strength of the Order was, at this 
 time, concentrated mainly in Iowa and Minnesota in the North- 
 west and South Carolina and Mississippi in the South, still its 
 spread was so general and its centers so far apart, that it must 
 be looked upon, even thus early, as distinctly national in char- 
 acter. In the North Central group, every state had now been en- 
 tered, and the territory of Dakota alone remained untouched by 
 the Order; while of the southern states, all had Granges except 
 Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Florida and Texas. In the 
 eastern or North Atlantic States little progress had been made, 
 except in Vermont; while on the Pacific coast the Order had 
 been introduced into both California and Oregon, though as yet 
 these states had but one Grange apiece." 
 
 For the first time the funds of the National Grange 
 were comfortably plentiful. As Mr. Kelley says, he 
 was now able to "adopt the cash system in all dealings, 
 and so carry out one of the great principles of our 
 Order." The money advanced by Mr. Bryan and 
 others was returned, all claims against the Order were 
 settled, and it was at last upon a prosperous business 
 basis. Early in October Miss Hall published a Grange 
 song book, "Grange Melodies," with words set to
 
 48 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 music for general Grange occasions, as well as special 
 songs for the various degrees. This book, with many- 
 changes and additions, is still the official song book, 
 and is used by many thousands of Patrons throughout 
 the country. 
 
 Although the emphasis in all the Subordinate 
 Granges was on the pecuniary side of the organization, 
 much good was resulting from its social and educa- 
 tional principles. For the first time farmers every- 
 where were assembling with a common purpose, and 
 the social pleasures of their meetings did much to 
 lighten the dull routine and isolation of farm life. On 
 special occasions they held celebrations and picnics, 
 with processions miles in length and gatherings of 
 thousands — ten thousand was reported from one place. 
 The discussions in the Grange meetings were bringing 
 to light the fact that the average farmer was quite 
 ignorant of the scientific principles underlying his 
 operations, and there was an insistent demand for 
 information in this line. 
 
 The farmer and his family were beginning to realize 
 their importance and power as never before in the 
 history of the country. Indeed, before the end of the 
 year even the politicians were beginning to realize the 
 strength of the Patrons of Husbandry as a political 
 force, and the dealers in farm supplies its importance 
 as a selling agency. Everywhere there was frantic 
 wire-pulling to secure initiation into the now power- 
 ful Order. 
 
 On January 8-1 1, 1873, the first regular delegate 
 session of the National Grange was held in George- 
 town, D. C., in the parlors of Mr. Kelley's home, just 
 five years one month and four days after the recog- 
 nized "birthday of the Order," December 4, 1867. 
 Twenty-three men and four women, representing 11 
 states, came together for consultation for the good of 
 the Order. The day of the fulfillment of the founders'
 
 PERMANENT ORGANIZATION EFFECTED, I872-1873 49 
 
 dreams was at hand, and the organization passed into 
 the control of real farmers. 
 
 The Committee on Credentials at the opening of the 
 session reported the following delegates present and 
 their standing in the Order is given as indicated by 
 Mr. Kelley in his "History" : 
 
 William Saunders, Washington, D.C., Master National Grange. 
 J. R. Thompson, Washington, D.C., Treasurer National Grange. 
 O. H. Kelley, Washington, D. C., Secretary National Grange. 
 Rev. A. B. Grosh, Washington, D.C., Chaplain National Grange. 
 J. C. Abbott, Clarkesville, Iowa, General Deputy. 
 Dudley W. Adams, Waukon, Iowa, Master Iowa State Grange. 
 D. Wyatt Aiken, Cokesbury, South Carolina, General Deputy. 
 T. R. Allen, Allenton, Missouri, Deputy and State Master. 
 John Cochrane, Waupun, Wisconsin, Master State Grange. 
 D. S. Curtiss, Washington, D. C, General Deputy. 
 O. Dinwiddie, Orchard Grove, Indiana, General Deputy. 
 A. Golder, Rock Falls, Illinois, Master State Grange. 
 
 F. M. McDowell, Corning, New York, General Deputy. 
 
 Win. B. Porter, Plattsmouth, Nebraska, Master State Grange. 
 
 D. A. Robertson, Saint Paul, Minnesota, General Deputy. 
 
 E. R. Shankland, Dubuque, Iowa, Associate. 
 
 Joseph Seymour, Syracuse, New York, General Deputy. 
 Thomas Taylor, Columbia, South Carolina, Master State 
 Grange. 
 T. A. Thompson, Plainview, Minnesota, Master State Grange. 
 
 G. W. Thompson, New Brunswick, New Jersey, Deputy and 
 State Master. 
 
 John Trimble, Jr., Washington, D. C, Associate. 
 
 A. J. Vaughan, Early Grove, Mississippi, Master State Grange. 
 
 W. Duane Wilson, Des Moines, Iowa, General Deputy. 
 
 Although they were not mentioned in the com- 
 mittee's report, four women were also present at this 
 session : Mrs. J. C. Abbott, Mrs. D. W. Adams, Miss 
 Carrie A. Hall, and Mrs. O. H. Kelley. 
 
 At the opening of the session Worthy Master Wil- 
 liam Saunders delivered the first "Master's Annual 
 Address" ever actually delivered to the National 
 Grange. In this he made a brief review of the history 
 of the Order and set forth as its chief duties for the 
 future: 1st, to collect information; 2d, to dissemi-
 
 50 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 nate it, as well as to judge the value of measures af- 
 fecting the Order as a whole. To facilitate prompt 
 action in times of emergency he suggested that an 
 executive board be appointed to represent the Na- 
 tional Grange. 
 
 The Secretary's report contained an itemized state- 
 ment of expenses and showed all bills paid except a 
 balance of $3,321.74 due him on salary. In his "His- 
 tory" the Secretary says: "With this meeting the 
 work of my assistant (Miss Carrie A. Hall) and my- 
 self virtually closed. We passed the temporary organi- 
 zation over to the incorporated body, and in so doing 
 had the satisfaction of knowing it was free of debt, ex- 
 cept what was owing to ourselves, and cash enough on 
 hand to defray the general expenses of the session." 
 One thousand one hundred and five dispensations had 
 been issued during the year. 
 
 The salary of the Secretary up to this time had been 
 $2,000 per year, and of his assistant $600. Now, how- 
 ever, the Secretary's salary was fixed at $3,500 per year, 
 which was to include the payment for all assistance and 
 all work in and connected with the office. The Treas- 
 urer's salary was fixed at $1,000, and he was required to 
 give a bond of $10,000. No other reference to salaries 
 is made in the Journal. 
 
 To give the organization a legal recognition a 
 Charter was obtained in the names of all the old of- 
 ficers and members present — William Saunders, O. H. 
 Kelley, John R. Thompson, A. B. Grosh, John Trimble, 
 Jr., F. M. McDowell, and Dudley W. Adams, and of 
 D. A. Robertson of Minnesota and D. Wyatt of South 
 Carolina, new members. It stated that the object of 
 the "National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry" 
 should be "to act as the governing body of the Order 
 known as the 'Patrons of Husbandry,' which Order is 
 an organization among farmers and those engaged in 
 kindred pursuits in the United States, to secure to 
 them the advantages of co-operation in all things af-
 
 PERMANENT ORGANIZATION EFFECTED, 1872-1873 5 1 
 
 fecting their interests, and of mutual improvement." 
 
 Up to this session the orders, rules and laws formu- 
 lated by the "founders" had undergone many changes, 
 and even yet were wholly inadequate to the needs of 
 the rapidly growing Order. After much discussion 
 and working over in committees the following Consti- 
 tution and By-Laws were accepted and have been the 
 basis for all legislation for the good of the Order ever 
 since. The preamble was written by Wm. Saunders : 
 
 PREAMBLE 
 
 Human happiness is the acme of earthly ambition. Individual 
 happiness depends upon general prosperity. 
 
 The prosperity of a nation is in proportion to the value of its 
 productions. 
 
 The soil is the source from which we derive all that constitutes 
 wealth; without it we would have no agriculture, no manufac- 
 tures, no commerce. Of all the material gifts of the Creator, the 
 various productions of the vegetable world are of the first im- 
 portance. The art of agriculture is the parent and precursor of 
 all arts, and its products the foundation of all wealth. 
 
 The productions of the earth are subject to the influence of 
 natural laws, invariable and indisputable; the amount produced 
 will consequently be in proportion to the intelligence of the pro- 
 ducer, and success will depend upon his knowledge of the action 
 of these laws, and the proper application of their principles. 
 
 Hence, knowledge is the foundation of happiness. 
 
 The ultimate object of this organization is for mutual instruc- 
 tion and protection, to lighten labor by diffusing a knowledge of 
 its aims and purposes, expand the mind by tracing the beautiful 
 laws the Great Creator has established in the Universe, and to 
 enlarge our views of Creative wisdom and power. 
 
 To those who read aright, history proves that in all ages so- 
 ciety is fragmentary, and successful results of general welfare can 
 be secured only by general effort. Unity of action cannot be 
 acquired without discipline, and discipline cannot be enforced 
 without significant organization ; hence we have a ceremony of 
 initiation which binds us in mutual fraternity as with a band of 
 iron ; but although its influence is so powerful, its application 
 is as gentle as that of the silken thread that binds a wreath of 
 flowers.
 
 52 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 ORGANIZATION 
 
 Subordinate Granges 
 
 First Degree — Laborer (man), Maid (woman). 
 Second Degree — Cultivator (man), Shepherdess (woman). 
 Third Degree — Harvester (man), Gleaner (woman). 
 Fourth Degree — Husbandman (man), Matron (woman). 
 
 State Grange 
 
 Fifth Degree — Pomona (Hope). Composed of Masters of Sub- 
 ordinate Granges and their wives who are Matrons. Past 
 Masters and their wives who are Matrons shall be Honorary 
 members and eligible to office, but not entitled to vote. 
 
 National Grange 
 
 Sixth Degree — Flora (Charity). Composed of Masters of State 
 Granges and their wives who have taken the degree of 
 Pomona. Past Masters of State Granges, and their wives 
 who have taken said degree, shall be Honorary members and 
 eligible to office, but not entitled to vote. 
 
 Seventh Degree. Ceres (Faith). Members of the National 
 Grange who have served one year therein may become mem- 
 bers of this degree upon application and election. It shall 
 have charge of the secret work of the Order, and shall be a 
 court of impeachment of all officers of the National Grange. 
 Members of the degree are Honorary members of the National 
 
 Grange, and are eligible to office therein, but not entitled to vote. 
 
 CONSTITUTION 
 Article I. — Officers 
 
 Section 1. The officers of a Grange, either National, State, or 
 Subordinate, consist of and rank as follows: Master, Overseer, 
 Lecturer, Steward, Assistant Steward, Chaplain, Treasurer, Secre- 
 tary, Gatekeeper, Ceres, Pomona, Flora, and Lady Assistant 
 Steward. It is their duty to see that the laws of the Order are 
 carried out. 
 
 Sec. 2. How Chosen. — In the Subordinate Granges they shall 
 be chosen annually; in the State Granges once in two years; and 
 in the National Grange once in three years. All elections to be 
 by ballot. 
 
 Vacancies by death or resignation to be filled at a special 
 election at the next regular meeting thereof — officers so chosen 
 to serve until the annual meeting. 
 
 Sec. 3. The Master of the National Grange may appoint mem-
 
 PERMANENT ORGANIZATION EFFECTED, 1872-1873 53 
 
 bers of the Order as deputies to organize Granges where no State 
 Grange exists. 
 
 Sec. 4. There shall be an Executive Committee of the Na- 
 tional Grange, consisting of three members, whose terms of office 
 shall be three years, one of whom shall be elected each year. 
 
 Sec. 5. The officers of the respective Granges shall be ad- 
 dressed as "WORTHY." 
 
 Article II. — Meetings 
 
 Section 1. Subordinate Granges shall meet once each month, 
 and may hold intermediate meetings as may be deemed necessary 
 for the good of the Order. All business meetings are confined to 
 the Fourth Degree. 
 
 Sec. 2. State Granges shall meet annually at such time and 
 place as the Grange shall from year to year determine. 
 
 Sec. 3. The National Grange shall meet annually on the first 
 Wednesday in February, at such place as the Grange may from 
 year to year determine. Should the National Grange adjourn 
 without selecting the place of meeting, the Executive Committee 
 shall appoint the place and notify the Secretary of the National 
 Grange and the Masters of State Granges, at least thirty days 
 before the day appointed. 
 
 Article III. — Laws 
 
 The National Grange, at its annual session, shall frame, amend, 
 or repeal such laws as the good of the Order may require. All 
 laws of State and Subordinate Granges must conform to this 
 Constitution and the laws adopted by the National Grange. 
 
 Article IV. — Ritual 
 
 The Ritual adopted by the National Grange shall be used in all 
 Subordinate Granges, and any desired alteration in the same must 
 be submitted to, and receive the sanction of, the National Grange. 
 
 Article V. — Membership 
 
 Any person interested in agricultural pursuits, of the age of 
 sixteen years, female, and eighteen years, male, duly proposed, 
 elected, and complying with the rules and regulations of the 
 Order, is entitled to membership and the benefit of the degrees 
 taken. Every application must be accompanied by a fee of mem- 
 bership. If rejected, the money will be refunded. Applications 
 must be certified by members, and balloted for at a subsequent 
 meeting. It shall require three negative votes to reject an applicant.
 
 54 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Article VI. — Fees for Membership 
 
 The minimum fee for membership in a Subordinate Grange 
 shall be, for men five dollars, and for women two dollars, for the 
 four degrees, except charter members, who shall pay — men, three 
 dollars, and women fifty cents. 
 
 Article VII. — Dues 
 
 Section 1. The minimum of regular monthly dues shall be ten 
 cents from each member, and each Grange may otherwise regu- 
 late its own dues. 
 
 Sec. 2. The Secretary of each Subordinate Grange shall report 
 quarterly to the Secretary of the State Grange the names of all 
 persons initiated or passed to higher degrees. 
 
 Sec. 3. The Treasurer of each Subordinate Grange shall re- 
 port quarterly, and pay to the Treasurer of his State Grange the 
 sum of one dollar for each man and fifty cents for each woman 
 initiated during that quarter; also a quarterly due of six cents 
 for each member. 
 
 Sec. 4. The Secretary of each State Grange shall report 
 quarterly to the Secretary of the National Grange the membership 
 in his state, and the degrees conferred during the quarter. 
 
 Sec. 5. The Treasurer of each State Grange shall deposit to 
 the credit of the National Grange of Patrons of Husbandry with 
 some banking or trust company in New York (to be selected by 
 the Executive Committee), in quarterly instalments, the annual 
 due of ten cents for each member in his state, and forward the 
 receipts for the same to the Treasurer of the National Grange. 
 
 Sec. 6. All moneys deposited with said company shall be paid 
 out only upon the drafts of the Treasurer, signed by the Master 
 and countersigned by the Secretary. 
 
 Sec. 7. No State Grange shall be entitled to representation in 
 the National Grange whose dues are unpaid for more than one 
 quarter. 
 
 Article VIII. — Requirements 
 
 Section 1. Reports from Subordinate Granges relative to crops, 
 implements, stock, or any other matters called for by the Na- 
 tional Grange, must be certified to by the Master and Secretary, 
 and under seal of the Grange giving the same. 
 
 Sec. 2. All printed matter on whatever subject, and all informa- 
 tion issued by the National or State to Subordinate Granges, 
 shall be made known to the members without unnecessary delay. 
 Sec. 3. If any brothers or sisters of the Order are sick it shall 
 be the duty of the Patrons to visit them, and see that they are 
 well provided with all things needful.
 
 PERMANENT ORGANIZATION EFFECTED, 1872-1873 55 
 
 Sec. 4. Any member found guilty of wanton cruelty to animals 
 shall be expelled from the Order. 
 
 Sec. 5. The officers of Subordinate Granges shall be on the 
 alert in devising means by which the interests of the whole Order 
 may be advanced ; but no plan of work shall be adopted by State 
 or Subordinate Granges without first submitting it to, and receiv- 
 ing the sanction of, the National Grange. 
 
 Article IX. — Charters and Dispensations 
 
 Section 1. All charters and dispensations issue directly from 
 the National Grange. 
 
 Sec. 2. Nine men and four women having received the four 
 Subordinate Degrees, may receive a dispensation to organize a 
 Subordinate Grange. 
 
 Sec. 3. Applications for dispensations shall be made to the 
 Secretary of the National Grange, and be signed by the persons 
 applying for the same, and be accompanied by a fee of fifteen 
 dollars. 
 
 Sec. 4. Charter members are those persons only whose names 
 are upon the application, and whose fees were paid at the time of 
 organization. Their number shall not be less than nine men and 
 four women, nor more than twenty men and ten women. 
 
 Sec. 5. Fifteen Subordinate Granges working in a State can 
 apply for authority to organize a State Grange. 
 
 Sec. 6. When State Granges are organized, dispensations will 
 be replaced by charters, issued without further fee. 
 
 Sec. 7. All charters must pass through the State Granges for 
 record, and receive the seal and official signatures of the same. 
 
 Sec. 8. No Grange shall confer more than one degree (either 
 First, Second, Third, or Fourth) at the same meeting. 
 
 Sec. 9. After a State Grange is organized, all applications for 
 charters must pass through the same and be approved by the 
 Master and Secretary. 
 
 Article X. — Duties of Officers 
 
 The duties of the officers of the National, State and Subor- 
 dinate Granges shall be prescribed by the laws of the same. 
 
 Article XI. — Treasurers 
 
 Section 1. The Treasurers of the National, State and Subor- 
 dinate Granges shall give bonds, to be approved by the officers 
 of their respective Granges. 
 
 Sec. 2. In all the Granges bills must be approved by the 
 Master, and countersigned by the Secretary, before the Treasurer 
 can pay the same.
 
 56 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Article XII. — Restrictions 
 
 Religious and political questions will not be tolerated as sub- 
 jects of discussion in the work of the Order, and no political or 
 religious tests for membership shall be applied. 
 
 Article XIII. — Amendments 
 
 This Constitution can be altered or amended by a two-thirds 
 vote of the National Grange at any Annual meeting, and when 
 such alteration or amendment shall have been ratified by three- 
 fourths of the State Granges, and the same reported to the Sec- 
 retary of the National Grange, it shall be of full force. 
 
 BY-LAWS 
 
 Article I. 
 
 The fourth day of December, the birthday of the Patrons of 
 Husbandry, shall be celebrated as the anniversary of the Order. 
 
 Article II. 
 
 Not less than the representation of ten States present at any 
 meeting of the National Grange shall constitute a quorum for the 
 transaction of business. 
 
 Article III. 
 At the annual meeting of each State Grange it may elect a 
 proxy to represent the State Grange in the National Grange in 
 case of the inability of the Master to attend, but such proxy shall 
 not thereby be entitled to the Sixth Degree. 
 
 Article IV. 
 
 Questions of administration and jurisprudence arising in and 
 between State Granges, and appeals from the action and decision 
 thereof, shall be referred to the Master and Executive Committee 
 of the National Grange, whose decision shall be respected and 
 obeyed until overruled by action of the National Grange. 
 
 Article V. 
 It shall be the duty of the Master to preside at meetings of 
 the National Grange ; to see that all officers and members of com- 
 mittees properly perform their respective duties; to see that the 
 Constitution, By-Laws, and resolutions of the National Grange 
 and the usages of the Order are observed and obeyed ; to sign all
 
 PERMANENT ORGANIZATION EFFECTED, 1872-1873 57 
 
 drafts drawn upon the Treasury; and generally to perform all 
 duties pertaining to such office. 
 
 Article VI. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep a record of all 
 proceedings of the National Grange, to keep a just and true 
 account of all moneys received and paid out by him, to counter- 
 sign all drafts upon the Treasury, to conduct the correspondence 
 of the National Grange, and generally to act as the administrative 
 officer of the National Grange, under the direction of the Master 
 and the Executive Committee. 
 
 It shall be his duty, at least once each month, to deposit with 
 the Fiscal Agency holding the funds of the National Grange 
 all moneys that may have come into his hands, and forward a 
 duplicate receipt therefor to the Treasurer, and to make a full 
 report of all transactions to the National Grange at each annual 
 session. 
 
 It shall be his further duty to procure a monthly report from 
 the Fiscal Agency with whom the funds of the National Grange 
 are deposited of all moneys received and paid out by them dur- 
 ing each month, and send a copy of such report to the Executive 
 Committee and the Master of the National Grange. 
 
 Article VII. 
 
 Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to issue all 
 drafts upon the Fiscal Agency of the Order, said drafts having 
 been previously signed by the Master and countersigned by the 
 Secretary of the National Grange. 
 
 Sec. 2. He shall report monthly to the Master of the National 
 Grange, through the office of the Secretary, a statement of re- 
 ceipt of deposits made by him during the previous month. 
 
 Sec. 3. He shall report to the National Grange at each annual 
 session a statement of all receipts of deposits made by him and of 
 all drafts or checks signed by him since his last annual report. 
 
 Article VIII. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the Lecturer to visit, for the good of 
 the Order, such portions of the United States as the Executive 
 Committee may direct, for which services he shall receive com- 
 pensation. 
 
 Article IX. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to exercise a 
 general supervision of the affairs of the Order during the recess
 
 58 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 of the National Grange; to instruct the Secretary in regard to 
 printing and disbursements, and to place in his hands a contingent 
 fund; to decide all questions and appeals referred to them by the 
 officers and members of State Granges; and to lay before the 
 National Grange at each session a report of all such questions and 
 appeals, and their decisions thereon. 
 
 Article X. 
 
 Section 1. Such compensation for time and services shall be 
 given the Master, Lecturer, Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive 
 Committee as the National Grange may, from time to time, 
 determine. 
 
 Sec. 2. Whenever General Deputies are appointed by the 
 Master of the National Grange, said Deputies shall receive such 
 compensation for time and service as may be determined by the 
 Executive Committee: Provided, In no case shall pay from the 
 National Grange be given General Deputies in any state after the 
 formation of its State Grange. 
 
 Article XL 
 
 Section 1. The financial existence of Subordinate Granges 
 shall date from the first day of January, first day of April, first 
 day of July, and first day of October subsequent to the day of 
 their organization, from which date their first quarter shall 
 commence. 
 
 Sec. 2. State Granges shall date their financial existence three 
 months after the first day of January, first of April, first of July, 
 and first of October immediately following their organization. 
 
 Article XII. 
 Each State Grange shall be entitled to send one representative, 
 who shall be a Master thereof, or his proxy, to all meetings of the 
 National Grange. He shall receive mileage at the rate of five 
 cents per mile both ways, computed by the nearest practicable 
 route, to be paid as follows: The Master and Secretary of the 
 National Grange shall give such representative an order for the 
 amount on the Treasurer of the State Grange which he repre- 
 sents, and this order shall be receivable by the National Grange 
 in payment of State dues. 
 
 Article XIII. 
 Special meetings of the National Grange shall be called by the 
 Master upon the application of the Masters of ten State Granges,
 
 PERMANENT ORGANIZATION EFFECTED, 1872-1873 59 
 
 one month's notice of such meeting being given to all members 
 of the National Grange. No alterations or amendments to the 
 By-Laws or Ritual shall be made at any special meeting. 
 
 Article XIV. 
 
 These By-Laws may be altered or amended at any annual 
 meeting of the National Grange by a two-thirds vote of the 
 members present. 
 
 The changes made in the laws of the Order in this 
 new Constitution and By-Laws, although numerous, 
 were by no means in opposition to the plan as laid 
 down by the founders originally. There was no change 
 in the principles, aims or leading measures, nor in the 
 order and rank of degrees, officers or Granges. It was 
 simply a matter of getting the general plan of the 
 founders upon a working basis in the growing or- 
 ganization. 
 
 For the first time all the offices in the National 
 Grange were filled for the term of three years, as pro- 
 vided by the Constitution, by electing the following: 
 
 Master — Dudley W. Adams, Iowa. 
 Overseer — Thos. Taylor, South Carolina. 
 Lecturer — T. A. Thompson, Minnesota. 
 Steward — A. J. Vaughan, Mississippi. 
 Assistant Steward — G. W. Thompson, New Jersey. 
 Chaplain — A. B. Grosh, District of Columbia. 
 Treasurer — F. M. McDowell, New York. 
 Secretary — O. H. Kelley, District of Columbia. 
 Gatekeeper — O. Dinwiddie, Indiana. 
 Ceres — Mrs. D. W. Adams, Iowa. 
 Pomona — Mrs. O. H. Kelley, District of Columbia. 
 Flora — Mrs. J. C. Abbott, Iowa. 
 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Miss C. A. Hall, District of Columbia. 
 Executive Committee — Wm. Saunders of D. C, D. W. Aiken of 
 South Carolina, and E. R. Shankland of Iowa. 
 
 The session adjourned to meet at St. Louis, Mo., in 
 February, 1874. 
 
 Up to this time no journal of proceedings of the ses- 
 sions of the National Grange had been published, so no
 
 60 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 record has come down to us except the references made 
 to the sessions by Mr. Kelley in his "History." His 
 references are often confusing, and we are left in doubt 
 as to which of the various meetings he considered 
 "annual sessions" of the National Grange. The journal 
 of this session, however, was published as the "Pro- 
 ceedings of the Sixth Session of the National Grange 
 of the Patrons of Husbandry" in a small pamphlet of 
 34 pages. Only a few copies were printed, and these 
 became so rare that in 1898 a reprint was made by 
 order of the National Grange, so that the record of this 
 first delegate session would not become lost forever.
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 Dudley W. Adams' Administration, First Year 1873 — 
 Seventh Session of the National Grange 
 
 When the National Grange closed the labors of the 
 day on the evening of January 11, 1873, it was fully 
 equipped as a great national farmers' organization, 
 with a full set of officers, including an executive com- 
 mittee, who were duly authorized to execute the laws 
 of the Order until the next annual session. Dudley W. 
 Adams of Iowa had been elected Worthy Master for 
 a term of three years, as provided in the constitution 
 just adopted, and he immediately began the work 
 made incumbent upon him thereby. 
 
 The three years of the D. W. Adams' administration 
 covered one of the most active periods in the his- 
 tory of the Order. The work of organization was go- 
 ing forward very rapidly, and many important eco- 
 nomic, social and educational problems affecting the 
 interests of agriculture were demanding solution and 
 requiring the most far-seeing statesmanship. 
 
 The most important question which demanded at- 
 tention at this time was that of transportation. Rail- 
 roads were being extended in every direction, and be- 
 ing by nature a monopoly, they controlled the com- 
 merce of the country, with power to levy taxes and 
 collect tribute from every individual who bought or sold. 
 All sorts of evils had crept into the railroad business 
 of the country, such as over-capitalization, "watered 
 stock," discrimination against individuals and places, 
 influencing courts and legislatures by free passes and 
 otherwise, and many others. They assumed the pre- 
 rogatives of sovereignty with a good deal of offensive 
 arrogance, which was widely resented. 
 
 61
 
 62 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 From 1871 to 1875 came the Granger revolt against 
 railroad discrimination, extortion and favoritism. Up 
 to the time of the enactment of the so-called "Granger 
 laws," the railway corporations had boldly asserted 
 their rights as owners and managers of the railroads to 
 manage them arbitrarily. The Grange challenged the 
 assumption that railways were private property and 
 subject only to the arbitrary control of the managers 
 and officers. The government had favored the railway 
 theory, and in the beginning of the contest there was 
 arrayed against the farmer nearly the whole legal and 
 newspaper talent of the country, as well as the hos- 
 tility of the political leaders of whom many had been 
 seduced by the corruption of railway favors in the way 
 of passes and other courtesies. 
 
 The result of the "Granger Agitation" was the estab- 
 lishment of the principle of state and national control 
 of railways, and this principle has been the foundation 
 of all subsequent legislation respecting the control of 
 railways. It is manifestly inexpedient to discuss the 
 great transportation problems here, but the Grange 
 has won no more notable and far-reaching victory than 
 the one cited above, and in his "address" to the seventh 
 annual session of the National Grange, Worthy Master 
 Adams suggested state and national control of rail- 
 roads and railroad rates by means of state and inter- 
 state railway commissions. "It seems clear to me," 
 he said, "that the same government which can take my 
 land for the public good and fix the price thereof, can 
 say to the railroads, 'The public good demands that 
 you carry freight and persons at reasonable rates, 
 which you henceforth must do, and we will decide 
 what those rates shall be.' " 
 
 Throughout the year, the executive committee had 
 taken an active part in the railroad agitation, and it is 
 now recognized everywhere that the outcome of this 
 early Grange victory was sound in principle and of
 
 D. W. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION, FIRST YEAR 1873 63 
 
 tremendous value to the whole country and every in- 
 terest in it, as well as that of agriculture. 
 
 The work of the year closed with the meeting of the 
 National Grange in its seventh annual session at St. 
 Louis, Mo., February 4, 1874. In his address, the 
 Worthy Master said: "The work of the National 
 Grange has been almost exclusively one of organiza- 
 tion. In this direction its success has been such as to 
 excite the constant wonder of even its own members, 
 while those outside the gates have beheld our growth 
 with undisguised amazement." At the last session 
 there were nine State Granges represented, but at this 
 session there were 32 State Granges duly represented by 
 the following delegates: Alabama, W. H. Chambers; 
 Arkansas, John T. Jones ; California, J. M. Hamilton ; 
 Colorado, R. O. Tenney; Dakota, E. B. Crew; Florida, 
 B. F. Wardlaw; Georgia, T. J. and Mrs. Smith; Iowa, 
 A. B. and Mrs. Smedley; Indiana, H. James; Illinois, 
 A. Colder; Kansas, M. E. Hudson; Kentucky, M. D. 
 Davie; Louisiana, H. W. L. Lewis; Maryland, J. T. 
 and Mrs. Moore; Massachusetts, T. L. Allis; Michi- 
 gan, S. F. Brown; Missouri, T. R. Allen; Minnesota; 
 G. J. and Mrs. Parsons; Mississippi, A. J. and Mrs. 
 Vaughan; New Jersey, E. and Mrs. Howland; New 
 Hampshire, D. T. and Mrs. Chase; New York, G. D. 
 Hinckley; North Carolina, Columbus and Mrs. Mills; 
 Nebraska, W. B. and Mrs. Porter; Ohio, S. H. Ellis; 
 Oregon, Daniel Clark; Pennsylvania, D. B. Mauger; 
 South Carolina, Thos. and Mrs. Taylor; Tennessee, 
 William and Mrs. Maxwell; Virginia, J. W. White; 
 West Virginia, B. M. Kitchen; Wisconsin, John 
 Cochrane. 
 
 "When the first Subordinate Granges had been or- 
 ganized," says Master Adams, "one of the first and 
 most important subjects for discussion was how to 
 make two blades of grass grow where one grew be- 
 fore." During these discussions the fact soon became 
 prominent that how to sell crops was fully as knotty a
 
 64 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 question as how to grow them. The Master empha- 
 sized the importance of admitting no one to member- 
 ship except bona fide farmers, and called attention 
 to the fact that a Grange was organized the last sum- 
 mer in the city of Boston composed of a class com- 
 monly known as "middlemen." This was a class of 
 members never contemplated by the Constitution, and 
 the Charter to this Grange was canceled. It is gener- 
 ally believed that the Grange would have been stronger 
 if it had drawn the plumb line of agriculture a little 
 more closely upon those admitted to the Order. On 
 the whole, the Worthy Master's address was a strong, 
 statesmanlike analysis of the general situation and the 
 needs of the Order. 
 
 The Secretary's report showed the total receipts for 
 the year $132,151.20, with a total balance of $52,818.05 
 on hand. 
 
 The Executive Committee declared in its report 
 that "the high purposes and aims of the Order, the 
 grand objects it seeks to promote and secure, and the 
 modes by which they are to be advanced and retained 
 are all founded upon a deep, studied philosophy and not 
 upon temporary or indefinite expedients." In this 
 same report it is proposed that agricultural statistics 
 be gathered and that a national bureau of marketing 
 be established. Congress may have gone back to this 
 suggestion made in 1874 for the idea of a Market 
 Bureau, which was established in the Department of 
 Agriculture in 191 3. 
 
 The salaries of officers for the year 1874 were fixed 
 as follows : Master $1,500 for the year 1873 ( no salary 
 fixed for Master for 1874); Treasurer, $1,000; Secre- 
 tary, $2,500 ; Lecturer, $5 a day and traveling expenses ; 
 Executive Committee, $5 a day and expenses when on 
 business for the Grange. 
 
 The term of E. R. Shankland as member of the Ex- 
 ecutive Committee having expired, he was re-elected 
 for a term of three years. Mrs. O. H. Kelley having
 
 D. W. ADAMS* ADMINISTRATION, FIRST YEAR 1873 65 
 
 resigned as Pomona, Mrs. Thos. Taylor of South Caro- 
 lina was elected for the unexpired term. The office of 
 Flora having been declared vacant, Mrs. Joseph T. 
 Moore of Maryland was duly elected. 
 
 Among the numerous proposed amendments to 
 the Constitution was one, which was later adopted, 
 naming the following seven "founders of the Order" : 
 William Saunders, O. H. Kelley, J. R. Thomp- 
 son, A. B. Grosh, W. M. Ireland, John Trimble 
 and F. M. McDowell. Just why these men and no 
 others should be recognized as "founders" and Miss 
 Carrie A. Hall excluded has never been made very 
 clear. Provision was made for the organization of 
 county and district Granges. Important resolutions 
 adopted favored the improvement of the Mississippi 
 river with a permanent outlet to the Gulf; that Con- 
 gress regulate commerce between the states; that laws 
 be enacted restoring our foreign commerce to its 
 former condition and efficiency. 
 
 The subject of business co-operation was given 
 much prominence, and the declaration made that "it 
 should be our purpose to arrange a business system by 
 which an exchange of products may be made direct 
 between the producer and the consumer without the 
 intervention of an unnecessary number of middlemen." 
 As we follow the records of the National Grange and 
 see the advanced position taken by it upon economic 
 questions, the more we are impressed with the value 
 of its wise leadership. 
 
 The most important work done by the seventh ses- 
 sion of the National Grange was the adoption of its 
 splendid "Declaration of Purposes." In Oliver R. 
 Ingersoll's story of the writing of this historic produc- 
 tion, which we have somewhat abbreviated, he says : 
 "The Declaration of Purposes is a document which has 
 excited the admiration of the world, and has never 
 been even compared with any less document than the
 
 66 patrons of husbandry; 
 
 Declaration of Independence by the Fathers of this 
 Republic, written by Thomas Jefferson. 
 
 "This document is held by many competent judges 
 to excel the older Declaration in the grandeur of its 
 declarations, in the poetic beauty of its diction, the 
 rhythm and cadence of sentences, the balancing of its 
 parts, and its noble enunciation of purposes, firm and 
 resolute, yet not dogmatic, and marked by a complete 
 absence of everything bordering on braggadocio. 
 
 "It is a declaration of the enormous agricultural class 
 of this great nation, who for the first time after so 
 many long years of silence and separation from 
 each other, came together 'in Congress assembled' 
 from the North, South, East and West, and as one 
 man solemnly, silently and unanimously adopted thus 
 their Declaration of Purposes. It instantly challenged 
 the respect of the world, and its influence is increasing, 
 while its grand beauties become more and more appre- 
 ciated as time rolls by. 
 
 "The idea of such a document, and even the name 
 'Declaration of Purposes,' instead of Principles, was 
 that of Brother J. W. A. Wright, then Past Master of 
 the State Grange of California, being its first Master. 
 Brother Wright had no idea of doing such a work until 
 the 9th day of February, 1874. The National Grange 
 was in session at St. Louis, Mo., when Brother 
 Hamilton, his successor as Master of the State Grange 
 of California, requested him as Master of the State 
 Grange to act in the Committee on Resolutions in his 
 stead. Brother Dudley W. Adams, the Master of the 
 National Grange, spoke of placing him there, and he 
 had requested Brother Adams to appoint Brother 
 Wright for the work. Brother Wright immediately 
 took the matter in charge and spent upon it the greater 
 part of two days and nights, it being between two and 
 three o'clock in the morning before he sought rest. 
 
 "In preparing the document, he availed himself of the 
 friendly suggestions of four, and only four, other mem-
 
 D. W. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION, FIRST YEAR 1873 6? 
 
 bers of the Order. These were the Hon. D. Wyatt 
 Aiken, M. C, of South Carolina, Past Master State 
 Grange of South Carolina, and for so many years chair- 
 man of the Executive Committee of the National 
 Grange; Brother N. W. Garretson of Iowa, who or- 
 ganized the State Granges of California and Oregon; 
 Brother Ezra S. Carr, agricultural professor of the 
 University of California ; and Brother Jno. T. Jones of 
 Arkansas, who with Brother Aiken was on the Com- 
 mittee on Resolutions at St. Louis. With Brother 
 Garretson's consent (who was present) Brother 
 Wright inserted words which he had given him in 
 rough pencil notes in California, for that part under 
 'Specific Objects,' which read as follows: 
 
 " 'To develop a better and higher manhood and womanhood 
 among ourselves. To enhance the comforts and attractions of 
 our homes, and strengthen our attachment to our pursuits. To 
 foster mutual understanding and co-operation. To maintain in- 
 violate our laws, and to emulate each other in labor, to hasten the 
 good time coming. To reduce our expenses, both individual and 
 corporate. To buy less and produce more, in order to make our 
 farms self-sustaining. To diversify our crops, and crop no more 
 than we can cultivate. To condense the weight of our exports, 
 selling less in the bushel, and more on hoof and in fleece; less in 
 lint, and more in warp and woof. To systematize our work, and 
 calculate intelligently on probabilities. To discountenance the 
 credit system, the mortgage system, the fashion system, and every 
 other system tending to prodigality and bankruptcy. 
 
 " 'We propose meeting together, talking together, working to- 
 gether, buying together, selling together.' 
 
 "He slightly changed the forms of expression while 
 engrafting the principles to make it all fit in symmetri- 
 cally. Brother Jones of Arkansas (afterwards Worthy 
 Master of the National Grange) asked Brother Wright 
 to insert the following words, which he had written on 
 a slip of paper: 
 
 'Hence we hold that transportation companies of 
 every kind are necessary to our success, that their in- 
 terests are intimately connected with our interests,
 
 68 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 and harmonious action is mutually advantageous, keep- 
 ing in view the first sentence in our Declaration of 
 Principles of Action, that 'individual happiness de- 
 pends upon general prosperity/ 
 
 "Brother Wright fitted this in under 'Business Rela- 
 tions,' changing the introduction slightly. Under 
 'Education,' the following words were suggested in a 
 letter which Brother Wright received from Brother 
 Carr of California a day or two before he drafted the 
 'Declaration of Purposes': 'Advocate for our agricul- 
 tural and industrial colleges that practical agriculture, 
 domestic science and all the arts which adorn the home, 
 be taught in their courses of study.' 
 
 "Under 'Business Relations' Brother Wright had 
 written : 'We are opposed to high salaries, high rates 
 of interest and high per cent profits in trade.' Brother 
 Aiken suggested that it be changed to read: 'We are 
 opposed to excessive salaries, high rates of interest, and 
 exorbitant per cent profits in trade.' The change was at 
 once accepted and appreciated as an improvement. 
 This is the plain, unvarnished record of the inception and 
 completion of a document that reads as if inspired by a 
 higher power. 
 
 "The next day, February n, 1874, Brother Wright 
 was requested to read the Declaration before the Na- 
 tional Grange. 
 
 "While it was being read the silence was oppressive, 
 every ear was strained to catch each word as it fell from 
 his eloquent lips. He read them in such an impassioned 
 manner that all realized that he spoke from his heart 
 and soul. That the Declaration voiced the longings 
 and desires for "the good time coming" of all present, 
 was apparent. For several minutes after Brother 
 Wright resumed his seat the dead silence was con- 
 tinued. It was almost painful, too deep for expression, 
 too solemn for applause. As soon as the spell which 
 bound the assembly could be lifted the document was 
 adopted unanimously by a full vote. These Declare
 
 D. W. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION, FIRST YEAR 1873 69 
 
 tions have been read to thousands of Granges since 
 that memorable day with similar effect. Time seems 
 to add to their beauty and attraction. Not a word can 
 be added to or taken from them, without detracting 
 from their beauty and harmony." 
 
 At the session of the National Grange in Boston, 
 November, 1885, a change was adopted substituting 
 the word "all" for "the greatest number." In the ses- 
 sion at Harrisburg, Pa., November, 1897, the orig- 
 inal words were restored by unanimous vote. The 
 words, "political or religious," which appear in the 
 original form were later changed to "partisan or sec- 
 tarian." No other change was ever made. 
 
 Below is the "Declaration of Purposes" in its orig- 
 inal form : 
 
 DECLARATION OF PURPOSES 
 
 of the 
 
 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Adopted by the National Grange at its Seventh An- 
 nual Session, held at St. Louis, Mo., 
 February, 1874. 
 
 PREAMBLE 
 
 Profoundly impressed with the truth that the National Grange 
 of the United States should definitely proclaim to the world its 
 general objects, we hereby unanimously make this Declaration of 
 Purposes of the Patrons of Husbandry : 
 
 GENERAL OBJECTS 
 
 1. United by the strong and faithful tie of Agriculture, we 
 mutually resolve to labor for the good of our Order, our country 
 and mankind. 
 
 2. We heartily indorse the motto, "Tn essentials, unity; in non- 
 essentials, liberty; in all things, charity."
 
 JO PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY, 
 
 SPECIFIC OBJECTS 
 
 3. We shall endeavor to advance our cause by laboring to 
 accomplish the following objects: 
 
 To develop a better and higher manhood and womanhood 
 among ourselves. To enhance the comforts and attractions of 
 our homes, and strengthen our attachments to our pursuits. To 
 foster mutual understanding and co-operation. To maintain in- 
 violate our laws, and to emulate each other in labor, to hasten the 
 good time coming. To reduce our expenses, both individual and 
 corporate. To buy less and produce more, in order to make 
 our farms self-sustaining. To diversify our crops, and crop no 
 more than we can cultivate. To condense the weight of our ex- 
 ports, selling less in the bushel, and more on hoof and in fleece ; 
 less in lint, and more in warp and woof. To systematize our work 
 and calculate intelligently on probabilities. To discountenance 
 the credit system, the mortgage system, the fashion system, and 
 every other system tending to prodigality and bankruptcy. 
 
 We propose meeting together, talking together, working to- 
 gether, buying together, selling together, and, in general, acting 
 together for our mutual protection, and advancement, as occa- 
 sion may require. 
 
 We shall avoid litigation as much as possible, by arbitration 
 in the Grange. We shall constantly strive to secure entire har- 
 mony, good-will, vital brotherhood among ourselves, and to make 
 our Order perpetual. We shall earnestly endeavor to suppress 
 personal, local, sectional, and national prejudices, all unhealthy 
 rivalry, all selfish ambition. Faithful adherence to these prin- 
 ciples will insure our mental, moral, social and material ad- 
 vancement. 
 
 BUSINESS RELATIONS 
 
 4. For our business interests, we desire to bring producers 
 and consumers, farmers and manufacturers, into the most direct 
 and friendly relations possible. Hence we must dispense with 
 a surplus of middlemen, not that we are unfriendly to them, but 
 we do not need them. Their surplus and their exactions diminish 
 our profits. 
 
 We wage no aggressive warfare against any other interests 
 whatever. On the contrary, all our acts, and all our efforts, so 
 far as business is concerned, are not only for the benefit of the 
 producer and consumer, but also for all other interests that tend 
 to bring these two parties into speedy and economical contact. 
 Hence we hold that transportation companies of every kind are 
 necessary to our success, that their interests are intimately con- 
 nected with our interests, and harmonious action is mutually ad-
 
 D. W. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION, FIRST YEAR 1873 7 1 
 
 vantageous, keeping in view the first sentence in our Declaration 
 of Principles of Action, that "individual happiness depends upon 
 general prosperity." 
 
 We shall therefore advocate for every State the increase in 
 every practicable way of all facilities for transporting cheaply 
 to the sea-board, or between home producers and consumers, all 
 the productions of our country. We adopt it as our fixed pur- 
 pose "to open out the channels in nature's great arteries, that the 
 life blood of commerce may flow freely." 
 
 We are not enemies of railroads, navigable and irrigating 
 canals, or of any corporation that will advance our industrial 
 interests, nor of any laboring classes. 
 
 In our noble Order there is no communism, no agrarianism. 
 
 We are opposed to such spirit and management of any cor- 
 poration or enterprise as tends to oppress the people, and rob 
 them of their just profits. We are not enemies to capital, but 
 we oppose the tyranny of monopolies. We long to see the an- 
 tagonism between capital and labor removed by common consent, 
 and by an enlightened statesmanship worthy of the nineteenth 
 century. We are opposed to excessive salaries, high rates of 
 interest, and exorbitant per cent profits in trade. They greatly 
 increase our burdens, and do not bear a proper proportion to the 
 profits of producers. We desire only self-protection, and the 
 protection of every true interest of our land by legitimate trans- 
 actions, legitimate trade and legitimate profits. 
 
 EDUCATION 
 
 We shall advance the cause of education among ourselves, 
 and for our children, by all just means within our power. We 
 especially advocate for our agricultural and industrial colleges 
 that practical agriculture, domestic science, and all the arts which 
 adorn the home, be taught in their courses of study. 
 
 THE GRANGE NOT PARTISAN 
 
 5. V/e emphatically and sincerely assert the oft-repeated truth 
 taught in our organic laws that the Grange — National, State or 
 Subordinate — is not a political or party organization. No Grange, 
 if true to its obligations, can discuss political or religious ques- 
 tions, nor call political conventions, nor nominate candidates, nor 
 even discuss their merits in its meetings. 
 
 Yet the principles we teach underlie all true politics, all true 
 statesmanship, and if properly carried out, will tend to purify 
 the whole political atmosphere of our country, for we seek the 
 greatest good to the greatest number.
 
 72 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 We always bear in mind that no one by becoming a Patron of 
 Husbandry gives up that inalienable right and duty which belongs 
 to every American citizen, to take a proper interest in the politics 
 of his country. 
 
 On the contrary, it is right for every member to do all in his 
 power legitimately to influence for good the action of any politi- 
 cal party to which he belongs. It is his duty to do all he can in his 
 own party to put down bribery, corruption and trickery; to see 
 that none but competent, faithful and honest men, who will un- 
 flinchingly stand by our industrial interests, are nominated for 
 all positions of trust; and to have carried out the principle which 
 should characterize every Patron, that the office slwuld seek the 
 man and not the man the office. 
 
 We acknowledge the broad principle that difference of opinion 
 is no crime, and hold that "progress toward truth is made by 
 differences of opinion," while the fault lies in bitterness of con- 
 troversy. 
 
 We desire a proper equality, equity and fairness; protection 
 for the weak, restraint upon the strong; in short, justly dis- 
 tributed burdens, and justly distributed power. These are 
 American ideas, the very essence of American independence, and 
 to advocate the contrary is unworthy of the sons and daughters 
 of an American republic. 
 
 We cherish the belief that sectionalism is, and of right should 
 be, dead and buried with the past. Our work is for the present 
 and the future. In our agricultural brotherhood and its purposes, 
 we shall recognize no North, no South, no East, no West. 
 
 It is reserved by every Patron, as the right of a freeman, to 
 affiliate with any party that will best carry out his principles. 
 
 OUTSIDE CO-OPERATION 
 
 6. Ours being peculiarly a farmers' institution, we cannot 
 admit all to our ranks. 
 
 Many are excluded by the nature of our organization, not 
 because they are professional men, or artisans, or laborers, but 
 because they have not a sufficient direct interest in tilling the 
 soil, or may have some interest in conflict with our purposes. 
 But we appeal to all good citizens for their cordial co-operation 
 to assist in our efforts toward reform, that we may eventually 
 remove from our midst the last vestige of tyranny and cor- 
 ruption. 
 
 We hail the general desire for fraternal harmony, equitable 
 compromises and earnest co-operation, as an omen of our future 
 success.
 
 D. W. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION, FIRST YEAR 1873 73 
 
 CONCLUSION 
 
 7. It shall be an abiding principle with us to relieve any of our 
 oppressed and suffering brotherhood by any means at our com- 
 mand. 
 
 Last, but not least, we proclaim it among our purposes to 
 inculcate a proper appreciation of the abilities and sphere of 
 woman, as is indicated by admitting her to membership and 
 position in our Order. 
 
 Imploring the continued assistance of our Divine Master to 
 guide us in our work, we here pledge ourselves to faithful and 
 harmonious labor for all future time, to return by our united 
 efforts to the wisdom, justice, fraternity and political purity of 
 our forefathers.
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 D. W. Adams' Administration, Last Two Years, 1874- 
 
 1875 — Eighth and Ninth Sessions of the 
 
 National Grange 
 
 February, 1874, the month in which the National 
 Grange met in seventh annual session, was the banner 
 month in all Grange history in the number of new 
 Granges organized, with a total of 2,239. The whole 
 number organized during the year 1874 was 11,941, 
 and no year before or since has shown so large an in- 
 crease. "All through the land Granges were springing 
 up like mushrooms." 
 
 During that year the membership in the Grange had 
 been more than doubled. The question of eligibility 
 to membership had become a pressing question. Ac- 
 cording to the Constitution any person "interested" 
 in agricultural pursuits was eligible. But that clause 
 was susceptible of such varied interpretation that much 
 confusion and misunderstanding resulted. Worthy 
 Master Adams uttered a word of caution when he said : 
 "To be a Patron of Husbandry is no longer of doubtful 
 propriety, but the proudest in the land are knocking at 
 our door. The Order has become recognized as one 
 of the great powers in the land, and the gates are being 
 besieged from ocean to ocean by hordes of speculators, 
 demagogues, small politicians, grain buyers, cotton 
 factors and lawyers, who suddenly discover that they 
 are 'interested in agricultural pursuits' ; but only as the 
 hawk is interested in the sparrow. You would do well 
 to give this matter a most careful review, and by law 
 determine the proper construction of the Constitution 
 so we may be able to keep our gates closed against 
 those whose only interest is what they can make out 
 of us. To have such admitted to our counsels can only 
 result in evil and sow seeds of internal strife." 
 
 74
 
 D. W. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION, LAST TWO YEARS 75 
 
 We are told by Mr. Aiken that "one Grange was or- 
 ganized on Broadway, New York, with a membership 
 of 45, representing a capital of perhaps as many mil- 
 lions, and composed of bank presidents, wholesale 
 dealers, sewing machine manufacturers, and Wall 
 Street speculators, the only member who could lay 
 the least claim to having an interest in agriculture 
 being a merchant who owned a house and lot in the 
 White Mountains where he usually spent his sum- 
 mers." In addition to a similar experience in Boston, 
 in New Jersey near New York City, a Grange had a 
 general of the army as Master, a stone mason as Secre- 
 tary and the owner of a grain elevator as Chaplain. 
 "These wily men," says Mr. Aiken, "of course sapped 
 the very foundation of the Order and rendered it al- 
 most lifeless in more states than one." 
 
 Even to this day too many men are admitted to the 
 Grange who have no substantial interest in agriculture 
 and in more than one instance men have reached the 
 office of Master of a State Grange who can lay little or 
 no claim to being farmers. The Constitution has been 
 made somewhat more stringent on this matter, but it 
 is still variously interpreted, and in many Granges it is 
 so liberally interpreted that a large part of the mem- 
 bership has little or no real "interest in agricultural 
 pursuits." 
 
 Throughout the year 1874 much of the time and 
 energy of the National Grange officers was given to 
 the work of organization, and the many complications 
 that naturally arose out of their efforts to discipline 
 such an army of raw recruits. 
 
 The eighth annual session of the National Grange 
 met at Charleston, S. C, February 3 to 16, 1875. All 
 the officers were present : 
 
 Master — Dudley W. Adams, Iowa. 
 Overseer — Thomas Taylor, South Carolina. 
 Lecturer — T. A. Thompson, Minnesota. 
 Steward— A. J. Vaughan, Mississippi.
 
 j6 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Assistant Steward — G. W. Thompson, New Jersey. 
 Chaplain — Rev. A. B. Grosh, Washington, D. C. 
 Treasurer — F. M. McDowell, New York. 
 Secretary — O. H. Kelley, Washington, D. C. 
 Gatekeeper — O. Dinwiddie, Indiana. 
 Ceres — Mrs. D. W. Adams, Iowa. 
 Pomona — Mrs. Thomas Taylor, South Carolina. 
 Flora — Mrs. J. T. Moore, Maryland. 
 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Miss Carrie A. Hall, Washington, D. C. 
 Executive Committee — William Saunders, E. R. Shankland, and 
 D. Wyatt Aiken. 
 
 Thirty-three states were represented by the follow- 
 ing delegates : Alabama, W. H. Chambers ; Arkansas, 
 John T. and Mrs. Jones; California, J. M. Hamilton; 
 Colorado, R. Q. and Mrs. Tenney; Dakota, E. B. and 
 Mrs. Crew; Florida, B. F. Wardlaw; Georgia, J. T. 
 and Mrs. Smith; Illinois, Alonzo Golder; Iowa, A. B. 
 and Mrs. Smedley; Kansas, M. E. Hudson; Kentucky, 
 M. D. Davie; Mississippi, W. L. Hemingway; Louis- 
 iana, H. W. L. Lewis; Maine, Nelson Ham; Maryland, 
 John T. and Mrs. Moore; Massachusetts, J. P. and 
 Mrs. Felton; Michigan, J. J. and Mrs. Woodman; 
 Minnesota, S. E. and Mrs. Adams; Missouri, T. R. and 
 Mrs. Allen; Nebraska, W. B. and Mrs. Porter; New 
 Hampshire, D. T. and Mrs. Chase ; New Jersey, Morti- 
 mer and Mrs. Whitehead; New York, G. D. Hinckley; 
 North Carolina, Columbus and Mrs. Mills ; Ohio, S. H. 
 and Mrs. Ellis; Oregon, Daniel and Mrs. Clark; Penn- 
 sylvania, D. B. Mauger; Tennessee, William and Mrs. 
 Maxwell ; Texas, W. W. Lang; Vermont, E. P. Colton ; 
 Virginia, J. W. White ; West Virginia, B. M. Kitchen ; 
 Wisconsin, John and Mrs. Cochrane. 
 
 The financial statements made by the Secretary and 
 Treasurer showed the receipts for the fiscal year from 
 all sources, $229,533.72, with a balance of $53,054.02 re- 
 maining in the treasury, besides $99,962.50 in govern- 
 ment bonds. 
 
 That this large income was to continue was hardly 
 to be expected. Thereafter the individual members
 
 D. W. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION, LAST TWO YEARS 77 
 
 were to contribute but 5 cents a year each to the in- 
 come of the National Grange, and most of its income 
 at this time came from the $15 charter fees paid by 
 new Granges. That there must sooner or later be a 
 reaction was inevitable, for everything indicated 
 that the "wildfire" of organization that had been 
 spreading over the country the last two years was 
 already burning itself out in many places. Finding 
 itself in possession of such a large income, the 
 Grange passed an order authorizing the Executive 
 Committee to lend each State Grange a sum equal 
 to $2.50 for each Subordinate Grange in the state. 
 This required a total sum of $54,825, which in addition 
 to $18,614.33, which had already been donated to cer- 
 tain State Granges, made a total of $73,439-33- In the 
 light of subsequent experience this action was worse 
 than folly, as is shown by the following quotation 
 from Mr. Aiken : "Scarcely had we grown to 
 these huge proportions as an Order before mutter- 
 ings were occasionally heard like the rumbling of 
 distant thunder, and anon a storm cloud burst upon 
 us which tested the elasticity and strength of our fra- 
 ternal bands. Lack of discipline was everywhere 
 manifest, jealousy and envy began to crop out among 
 the rank and file of the Order, and rising like a gaunt 
 and bloody specter, shook their gory locks in the faces 
 of the leaders and demanded a distribution of the 
 funds then in the treasury of the National Grange. To ap- 
 pease this unreasonable demand the faint-hearted, 
 constituting a majority of the voting members of the 
 National Grange at its eighth session held in Charles- 
 ton, S. C, in February, 1875, yielded to the clamor and 
 voted to disburse gratuitously $54,825 among the 
 Subordinate Granges throughout the Union. . . . The 
 aggregate expenditure of that large amount in this 
 manner was an extravagant squandering of the funds 
 of the National Grange."
 
 78 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 The Worthy Master was allowed $2,000 salary for 
 1874, and his salary for 1875 was fixed at the same 
 amount. The Executive Committee were allowed 
 a salary for 1875 as follows: William Saunders, 
 $1,000; E. R. Shankland and D. Wyatt Aiken, 
 $1,500 each and actual traveling expenses when on 
 business of the Grange. Salary of Lecturer and Treas- 
 urer, $1,000 each and traveling expenses. Salary of 
 Secretary was fixed at $2,500 a year and ordered "that 
 the Worthy Secretary have such assistance in his office 
 as the Executive Committee may deem necessary and 
 their compensation to be fixed by the committee." 
 
 The much-amended Constitution provided for a 
 "Court of Appeals," to be composed of the Worthy 
 Master and two members of the Executive Committee. 
 It also provided for the enlargement of the Executive 
 Committee from three to five members. The term of 
 
 D. Wyatt Aiken as member of the Executive Com- 
 mittee having expired, three members were elected as 
 follows, for a term of three years : D. Wyatt Aiken of 
 South Carolina, Dudley T. Chase of New Hampshire, 
 and John T. Jones of Arkansas, William Saunders and 
 
 E. R. Shankland holding over. 
 
 The amended Constitution also changed the date of 
 meeting from the first Wednesday in February to 
 the third Wednesday in November. 
 
 In studying the Journal of Proceedings of this most 
 remarkable session of the National Grange one is im- 
 pressed with the tremendous amount of work it was 
 cutting out for itself. No session before or since has 
 seen such a great number of motions and resolutions 
 offered for consideration, covering almost the entire 
 range of human affairs. Evidently the farmers were 
 alive, and the Grange had become a militant force 
 which must forever leave its impress upon eco- 
 nomic policies. The Grange was making history, and 
 some of it was sad enough ; but its ideals were high 
 and purposes exalted. Full of zeal and heroic courage,
 
 D. W. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION, LAST TWO YEARS 79 
 
 the members of the National Grange returned to their 
 homes with their faces to the future. Farmers are slow 
 to move, but the social, political and economic wrongs 
 to which they had been subjected from time imme- 
 morial had developed a spirit of self-preservation 
 among them, and through the Order of Patrons of 
 Husbandry they were developing a leadership. 
 
 The ninth session of the National Grange met at 
 Louisville, Ky., November 17 to December 2, 1875. 
 All the officers were present but G. W. Thompson, 
 Assistant Steward, and Mortimer Whitehead was ap- 
 pointed in his place. Thirty-one states were repre- 
 sented, Alabama, Arkansas, Maryland, New York, 
 Nebraska and Oregon were not represented, and the 
 following changes were made: Connecticut, Harvey 
 and Mrs. Godard ; Indiana, H. and Mrs. James; Cali- 
 fornia, J. V. and Mrs. Webster; Montana, B. and Mrs. 
 Reed; Delaware, J. J. and Mrs. Rosa. 
 
 Worthy Master D. W. Adams, in his "annual ad- 
 dress," called attention to the fact that "in some locali- 
 ties Granges have from various causes languished and 
 died," the high tide of Grange prosperity, at least in 
 point of new Granges, was passed, and from that day 
 forward the problem of dormant Granges was to 
 remain with the Order, notwithstanding more than 
 2,000 new Granges had been organized during the 
 past year. 
 
 At the last session of the National Grange the office 
 of Secretary had been moved from Washington to 
 Louisville, Ky., and the Worthy Master recommended 
 the building or purchase of a permanent home for the 
 Order in Louisville. This change of location did not 
 become as permanent as it was then believed. The 
 exact date of the removal of the Secretary's office from 
 Washington to Louisville is not available, but the 
 final decision was rendered "at the July meeting 
 of the Executive Committee, 1875."
 
 80 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 In their lengthy report, the Executive Committee 
 had a good deal to say upon the subject of co-operation 
 in buying, selling and manufacturing. In a large 
 measure the Grange was breaking away from its orig- 
 inal purpose and magnifying the co-operative and 
 money-making features. 
 
 The total receipts for the year were $102,143.07, and 
 the total expenditures $95,960.54, leaving a balance of 
 but $6,182.53. The National Grange was beginning to 
 realize that it could not afford the extravagance of the 
 last two or three years, for although the paid-up mem- 
 bership had more than trebled since the last report, 
 the annual dues were now but 5 cents a member, as 
 against the previous 10 cents, and the number of dis- 
 pensations granted had decreased more than three- 
 fourths. 
 
 A new set of officers was about to be elected, and 
 the Finance Committee, to whom the matter of salaries 
 had been referred, made a comprehensive report fixing 
 salaries as follows: Master, $1,200 and expenses; 
 Lecturer, $5 a day and expenses ; Treasurer, $600 a year 
 and expenses ; Secretary, $2,000 a year and expenses ; 
 members of the Executive Committee, $5 a day when 
 on business for the Grange. It will be noticed that 
 this was a decided cutting down of all salaries. 
 
 The terms of all the officers had expired, and by 
 amendment to the Constitution the term of office had 
 been changed from three to two years. The officers 
 were duly elected for the term of two years. 
 
 Up to this time the National Grange had donated 
 to the State Granges the sum of $86,218.67. There is 
 no evidence that the State Granges ever received any 
 benefit from this money, and the folly of this procedure 
 soon became apparent. What became of the money 
 no one ever seemed to know. 
 
 The subject of co-operation had received a good deal 
 of attention, and much time and labor had been given 
 to an effort to develop some workable plan. This sub-
 
 D. W. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION, LAST TWO YEARS 8l 
 
 ject is not a new one, but has attracted more or less 
 attention since the beginning of history, and about 
 once in a generation it flares up into new prominence 
 because of some condition of "hard times," some gen- 
 eral depression in business, or some oppressive con- 
 ditions which develop a community of interest. 
 
 The Grange made its greatest growth during the 
 panic years from 1873 to 1876, which drove it into a 
 nation-wide attempt to counteract the cruel wrongs 
 and oppression that agriculture was then laboring 
 under, by co-operative protection of the farmers' com- 
 munity interests. Up to this time co-operation had 
 been successful only under special conditions, when 
 some community interest held the co-operators to- 
 gether. The Grange made the most gigantic effort at 
 rural co-operation ever attempted and a detailed ac- 
 count of its experience would do much to illustrate the 
 literature of the subject. 
 
 What is known as the "Rochdale" plan of co-opera- 
 tion was finally adopted. This complicated system 
 seemed to work fairly well at first, but it was not long 
 before it was discovered that for some reason it was 
 breaking down, and that in a great many cases the ef- 
 forts proved to be calamitous failures, while the losses, 
 discouragements and bickerings that followed proved 
 to be the utter undoing of many Subordinate Granges 
 and many State Granges went down under the pres- 
 sure, which threatened the life of the Order itself. 
 
 The subject of monopolies received much attention 
 by this session, and the fight put up by "the embattled 
 farmers" left a legacy to the nation that is worth many 
 times what the Grange has cost. 
 
 The money question was becoming important 
 at this time, for the demonetization of silver in 1873 
 was largely believed to be responsible for the existing 
 hard times. The subject was much discussed, but no 
 definite action was taken.
 
 82 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 A new "Court of Appeals" was created, to be com- 
 posed of D. W. Adams, J. R. Thompson and John 
 Trimble. 
 
 This was the longest session of the National Grange 
 ever held, covering a period of full 16 days.
 
 Dudley \Y. Adams, Iowa, second Master National Grange.
 
 John Thompson Jones, Arkansas, third Master of the Na- 
 
 tional Grange.
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 John T. Jones' Administration, Two Years, 1876-187 7 
 
 — Tenth and Eleventh Sessions of the 
 
 National Grange 
 
 With a new Master and a new set of officers, the 
 work of the year was entered upon with renewed zeal 
 and energy. Much attention was given to the subject 
 of co-operation. Major J. W. A. Wright was sent by 
 the Worthy Master as a "Commissioner to Europe" 
 with a dual mission to organize and establish Granges 
 in foreign countries and to investigate the English 
 Co-operative Association and to negotiate some plan 
 of international co-operation. On his return from 
 Europe Major Wright prepared a report covering 
 many pages, which he submitted to the next meeting 
 of the National Grange. Nothing substantial ever 
 came of this "mission" across the sea. Mr. David 
 Lubin, who was at one time an active member of the 
 Grange, may have gotten his idea of the commission to 
 study rural credit and co-operation in European coun- 
 tries from Major Wright's "mission." 
 
 At the close of this year of great Grange activity the 
 tenth session of the National Grange met at Chicago, 
 111., November 15 to 29, 1876. All the officers were 
 present: 
 
 Master — John T. Jones, Arkansas 
 
 Overseer — J. J. Woodman, Michigan 
 
 Lecturer — A. B. Smedley, Iowa 
 
 Stezvard — A. J. Vaughan, Mississippi 
 
 Assistant Steward — M. Whitehead, New Jersey 
 
 Chaplain— S. H. Ellis, Ohio 
 
 Treasurer — F. M. McDowell, New York 
 
 Secretary, O. H. Kelley, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Gatekeeper — O. Dinwiddie, Indiana 
 
 Ceres — Mrs. J. T. Jones, Arkansas 
 
 83
 
 84 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Pomona — Mrs. H. Godard, Connecticut 
 Flora — Mrs. S. E. Adams, Minnesota 
 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Miss Carrie A. Hall, Washington, D. C. 
 Executive Committee — D. Wyatt Aiken, Dudley T. Chase, E. R. 
 Shankland, Alonzo Golder and W. H. Chambers. 
 
 Thirty states were represented by the following dele- 
 gates: Arkansas, John T. and Mrs. Jones; California, 
 J. V. Webster; Colorado, J. E. and Mrs. Washburn; 
 Connecticut, H. and Mrs. Godard; Delaware, J. J. 
 Rosa; Georgia, T. J. Smith; Indiana, H. and Mrs. 
 James; Illinois, A. P. and Mrs. Forsyth; Iowa, O. H. P. 
 Buchanon; Kentucky, M. D. and Mrs. Davie; Louis- 
 iana, R. H. and Mrs. Ryland; Maine, Nelson Ham; 
 Maryland, J. T. and Mrs. Moore; Michigan, J. J. and 
 Mrs. Woodman; Minnesota, S. E. and Mrs. Adams; 
 Massachusetts, T. and Mrs. Graves; Mississippi, W. L. 
 and Mrs. Hemingway; Missouri, T. R. and Mrs. Allen; 
 Nebraska, — Howe; New Hampshire, D. T. and Mrs. 
 Chase; New Jersey, M. and Mrs. Whitehead; New 
 York, G. D. and Mrs. Hinckley; Ohio, S. H. and Mrs. 
 Ellis; Pennsylvania, D. B. Mauger; South Carolina, 
 D. W. and Mrs. Aiken; Tennessee, A. B. Haynes; 
 Texas, W. W. and Mrs. Lang; Virginia, J. M. and Mrs. 
 Blanton; West Virginia, B. M. and Mrs. Kitchen; 
 Wisconsin, J. H. and Mrs. Osborn. 
 
 This was the first session over which John T. Jones 
 presided as Master, and considerable interest was 
 manifested in the new Master. Previous to this time 
 honorary members, Past Masters and officers had been 
 entitled to vote, but the law had been changed so as 
 to limit the voting members to Masters of State 
 Granges and their wives. 
 
 The Worthy Master's address was unusually short 
 and largely devoted to the discussion of co-operative 
 problems. By way of justification he said: 
 
 "It may be thought by some who take a wholly sentimental 
 view of our organization, that I am giving an undue prominence 
 to its material objects. If so, I cannot think they have studied
 
 JOHN T. JONES' ADMINISTRATION, 1876-1877 85 
 
 the deep philosophy, pure morality, lofty virtue and genuine reli- 
 gion that underlie co-operative life. Rightly understood, it is the 
 poetical realization of Christian ethics. The silent virtues of 
 temperance, forethought, just dealing, and fellowship in work, 
 will do more to correct the moral disorders which darken our 
 land and have tainted our government, as well as trade and com- 
 merce, than all the penal statutes, that have been or can be de- 
 vised. The material, social, moral and intellectual influences are 
 in near connection with each other. The most material things 
 have great influence on mental subjects, a sentiment that ages 
 ago the poet Homer gave vent to in saying that 'when man be- 
 comes slave he loses half his virtue.' " 
 
 The Worthy Master urged immediate action in se- 
 curing a building in Louisville for permanent head- 
 quarters, stating that the funds available for such pur- 
 pose are being "rapidly diminished by donations," 
 which was followed by some pertinent remarks upon 
 the subject of "donations" which had proved an unfortu- 
 nate and demoralizing policy. From this time for- 
 ward the policy of "donations" was discontinued, but 
 not until more than $100,000 had been dissipated in one 
 way and another. The Worthy Master said : "While 
 we have any considerable sum on hand urgent appeals 
 will be made for donations." Evidently the Master 
 thought that the "gray ghost of avariciousness" could 
 not stand the sight of any surplus funds. If the funds 
 dissipated in "donations" had been invested in a head- 
 quarters building in Washington, D. C, as was many 
 times suggested, the property would now be worth 
 many times what it cost and stand a monument to 
 Grange foresight and frugality. 
 
 The report of the Treasurer shows the total receipts 
 for the year from all sources, including the sale of 
 United States bonds to the amount of $6,298.75 and 
 $1,500 borrowed money paid back by E. R. Shankland, 
 were $69,735.65, and $66,028.25 was expended, an ex- 
 penditure of $4,091.35 more than the regular receipts 
 for the year. 
 
 The Secretary's report is full of interesting data
 
 86 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 showing the condition of the Order at this time. 
 He says: "Eight hundred and eighty-five new 
 Granges have been organized during the past 
 fiscal year and 24,800 since the origin of the Order. 
 Of this number 650 have surrendered their Charters, 
 550 have had their Charters revoked at the Na- 
 tional office, 7,000 are known to be delinquent in 
 payment of dues to their respective State Granges, 
 800 have consolidated with other Granges, leaving 
 15,000 paying Subordinate Granges, and a total paying 
 membership of 550,000 in the United States." 
 
 "This shows an apparent diminution of numbers 
 since last year; but it must be remembered we then 
 counted all, whether active or dormant, paying or de- 
 linquent." "The Order is without doubt stronger than 
 it was twelve months ago." Whether Mr. Kelley's 
 conclusion is correct or not is at least subject to some 
 doubt, but we give his figures for what they are worth. 
 
 The question of establishing a "central wool and 
 tobacco house" had received a good deal of considera- 
 tion, and it was recommended that such "houses" be 
 established in localities where demanded. Later such 
 "houses" were established at several points, but ulti- 
 mately all of them failed and in some cases, like the 
 Steubenville, O., "Wool House," a good deal of money 
 was lost and much harm was done the Grange by such 
 failures. 
 
 Strong resolutions were adopted at this session de- 
 manding the establishment of a national "Bureau of 
 Commerce." The outcome of the agitation begun at 
 this time was the creation of the Interstate Commerce 
 Commission by Congress and the creation of public 
 service commissions, of one kind and another, in nearly 
 all the states. 
 
 For several years the National Grange had de- 
 manded the creation of the office of Secretary of Agri- 
 culture, with the idea of placing a farmer in the Presi- 
 dent's Cabinet, but at this session the matter was more
 
 JOHN T. JONES' ADMINISTRATION, 1876-1877 87 
 
 strongly urged than ever before in a vigorous set of 
 resolutions offered by Mr. Davie of Kentucky. 
 
 The Executive Committee reported that they had 
 "obtained from the General Assembly of the state of 
 Kentucky an act to incorporate the National Grange 
 of the Patrons of Husbandry." The National Grange 
 has ever since done business under this Charter. 
 
 The only election at this session was that of one 
 member of the Executive Committee, and Henley 
 James of Indiana was duly elected. 
 
 The "Land Grant" or agricultural colleges had here- 
 tofore received much attention, and the Committee on 
 Education recommended the appointment of "a Stand- 
 ing Committee of three members, to be composed of 
 the Worthy Master and two members, to be called a 
 Committee on Education, whose duty it shall be to in- 
 quire into the use made of donations by Congress to 
 the several states, to inquire what colleges have been 
 established under the said act, etc., etc., and report to 
 the next session of this body." This was the begin- 
 ning of a thorough investigation of our agricultural 
 colleges, which turned much needed light upon those 
 institutions. 
 
 The following "essentials" were indorsed : "A De- 
 partment of Agriculture in the National Government, 
 the head of which should be a member of the Cabinet; 
 the enactment of laws providing for a reduction of the 
 legal rate of interest on money; the enactment of laws 
 providing for the improvement of natural water chan- 
 nels; for the improvement of our patent laws; for the 
 security of depositors in banks ; for equal taxation ; for 
 equitable regulations controlling railroads." 
 
 All these subjects were to be presented to Con- 
 gress, and later, in one form and another, they have 
 been enacted into law. The salaries of all officers were 
 fixed the same as the last year. 
 
 The year 1876 was noted for one of the most 
 strenuous presidential elections ever held in this coun-
 
 88 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 try. The minds of the farmers, as well as of other 
 citizens, were distracted by the excitement of the cam- 
 paign, which had closed only a few days before the 
 assembling of the tenth session of the National Grange, 
 and this, no doubt, had much to do with the falling off 
 of Grange interest and growth. The result of the elec- 
 tion was claimed by both sides, and final settlement 
 was reached by the famous eight to seven compromise 
 commission which decided in favor of Hayes, only a 
 day or two before inauguration. Because of the un- 
 settled condition existing up to the inauguration of 
 President Hayes the first half of 1877 saw a great 
 demoralization of the Grange, with disintegration 
 manifest on every side. The political issues were 
 acute, and the campaign had been waged with such 
 vigor that the minds of the people were diverted from 
 the great social and economic questions that had been 
 occupying the thoughts of the farmers in their splendid 
 efforts to settle them right. The fact that the Grange 
 passed safely through this crisis demonstrated its right 
 to live. 
 
 At the close of this eventful year the National 
 Grange met in eleventh annual session at Cincinnati, O., 
 November 21 to 30, 1877. All the officers were 
 present. Twenty-nine states were represented. 
 Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, South 
 Carolina and Tennessee were not represented. The 
 following changes were made : Alabama, W. H. Cham- 
 bers; New Jersey, W. S. Taylor; California, Mr. and 
 Mrs. Steele; North Carolina, S. B. Alexander; Dakota, 
 P. and Mrs. Chandler; Oregon, Wm. and Mrs. Cyrus; 
 Kansas, Wm. and Mrs. Sims; Pennsylvania, V. E. 
 Piolett; Mississippi, P. and Mrs. Darden; Vermont, 
 A. B. and Mrs. Franklin ; Missouri, H. and Mrs. Esh- 
 baugh ; Wisconsin, H. C. and Mrs. Sherwin. 
 
 Worthy Master John T. Jones delivered a compre- 
 hensive annual address, from which but two sentences 
 are quoted : "At these annual meetings," said he, "we
 
 JOHN T. JONES' ADMINISTRATION, 1876-1877 89 
 
 look back to see what progress we have made, and 
 carefully examine all parts of our vessel to see that she 
 is well-found in every respect, and fit to ride any storm 
 without loss of rope or spar. The retrospect is full of 
 encouragement to us in advancing the mighty reforms 
 we have initiated." The tone of the whole address is 
 hopeful and most of it is devoted to the discussion of 
 co-operative enterprises which had been undertaken 
 by the Grange. The co-operative store system, which 
 was widely in use at that time, was dwelt upon at some 
 length. Already the rumblings of the coming disaster 
 were plainly discernible. The effects of the panic of 
 1873 were beginning to wear off and the business of 
 the country was assuming normal conditions. 
 
 The Executive Committee reported an unfortunate 
 contract for the purchase of a cultivator patent, which 
 cost the National Grange $2,000. Several manufactur- 
 ing enterprises were begun, but all of them failed. The 
 Worthy Lecturer raised these questions : "Are the 
 farmers of this nation capable of self-government and 
 self-protection? Do they possess the requisite wisdom 
 to enable them to carry forward an organization whose 
 only aim and purpose is to unite together the men and 
 women of like calling, of like interest, of like sympa- 
 thies, in one great fraternity laboring together for the 
 common good?" A complete answer to these questions 
 is the fact that the Grange has continued to live and 
 perform its splendid work for half a century. It has 
 had its discouragements and failures, but so has every 
 other human institution. In concluding, the Worthy 
 Lecturer made a heroic appeal to the National Grange 
 to lay aside nonessentials and devote itself to the prac- 
 tical questions so apparent, and especially to get in real 
 sympathy with the real farmers who earn their bread 
 by the sweat of their brow. The inference is that the 
 National Grange had not at all times kept close enough 
 to the people who till the soil and feed the nation. 
 
 The report of the Treasurer developed some porten-
 
 90 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 tous facts. Receipts from all sources, $46,901.16, 
 which included the sale of United States bonds to the 
 amount of $12,337.50 and $3,500 received from the 
 Nebraska State Grange, borrowed money repaid. 
 These two items total $15,837.50, which, deducted from 
 the total receipts, leaves $31,063.66, while the total ex- 
 penditures were $43,430.48. 
 
 The necessity for retrenchment was becoming 
 somewhat urgent, and this fact was recognized in 
 fixing the officers' salaries for the next year as 
 follows: Master, $1,000; Treasurer, $500; Secre- 
 tary, $1,500; and ordered "that the Secretary be 
 made responsible for the archives of the National 
 Grange, and that he locate the office at such place as 
 will be most convenient for him." This action aban- 
 doned the "permanent" headquarters at Louisville, 
 Ky., and the office was immediately moved to Appa- 
 lachicola, Fla. 
 
 The Lecturer was allowed $4 a day when employed 
 under the direction of the Master and Executive Com- 
 mittee. The per diem of the Executive Committee was 
 reduced from $5 to $4, and the per diem of delegates to 
 the National Grange was reduced from $5 to $3. 
 
 As usual the Secretary had something of interest to 
 say in his report: "In 1873 we began to attract much 
 prophetic attention, and even today some of our news- 
 paper friends assure us that unless we adopt their 
 views this will be the last session of the National 
 Grange. Let me say to you, 'Be not afraid.' The 
 Order is not built upon whims and fancies. I have 
 faith to believe it is already a fixed institution, bound 
 to exert a strong and lasting influence." The cheerful 
 optimism of Secretary Kelley is inspiring, but by this 
 time he had reached the conclusion that "the American 
 farmer is a peculiar individual." 
 
 While Secretary Kelley was re-elected at this ses- 
 sion, he resigned in the middle of his term at the next 
 session, and this was his last report to the National
 
 JOHN T. JONES' ADMINISTRATION, 1876-1877 9I 
 
 Grange. It contained many things worthy of consid- 
 eration by every friend of the Order, a few of which 
 we summarize : Congratulates the National Grange 
 on its escape from "any of the serious failures that 
 have taken place among Grange agents and Grange 
 enterprises"; keep the Order and build it up as an 
 association of agriculturists; let the education of the 
 masses be the great object; discourage the frequent 
 changes in the Constitution ; encourage industrial 
 schools; recommend the teaching of agriculture in the 
 public schools (this is notable for being the first 
 known recommendation of this subject) ; recommend 
 school gardens; give girls same opportunities as the 
 boys; strongly advocate "back to the farm" move- 
 ment; the establishment of courses of dime lec- 
 tures in the country (same idea as present "agricul- 
 tural extension") ; make the educational and social 
 features of the Grange paramount to all other consid- 
 erations; make it the aim of every Grange to dignify 
 agriculture and the farmers. 
 
 The history of the Grange demonstrates the wis- 
 dom of what he advised. It was manifest that 
 the Grange ship was sinking from the weight of 
 its own sordid materialism, and that it could only 
 be saved from shipwreck by returning to the high 
 idealism of its founders. "The keel of the Grange ship 
 was well laid," says Mr. Aiken; "its majestic sides 
 were ribbed by the mechanism of profound thought. 
 Its spars, braced by fraternal cords, have never been 
 shattered by the fury of the storm. Its sails are still 
 whole, and have been whitened by the friction of pop- 
 ular criticism. Often has it buoyed in turbid waters. 
 Still oftener has it glided gracefully and triumphantly 
 over the billows of prejudice that lashed so furiously 
 under its bow. Today it floats in placid waters. Its 
 haven has not yet been reached, nor will it be until 
 every farmer in the land shall have received some of 
 the benefits of its launching."
 
 92 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 A resolution was adopted asking Congress to modify 
 "the treaty with China so as to prevent the further 
 importation of Chinamen into the country." The 
 Constitution was amended, reducing the initiation fees 
 from $5 for men and $3 for women to $3 for men and 
 $1 for women. The officers for the next biennial were 
 elected. 
 
 The Constitution had been amended, reducing the 
 Executive Committee from five to three and making 
 the Master an ex-officio member. D. Wyatt Aiken, 
 South Carolina, and S. H. Ellis, Ohio, were elected for 
 two years, and Henley James, Indiana, holding over. 
 The officers were duly installed and a new adminis- 
 tration began with the close of this session.
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 Samuel E. Adams' Administration, Two Years, 1878- 
 
 1879 — Twelfth and Thirteenth Sessions of the 
 
 National Grange 
 
 Samuel E. Adams was the fourth Master of the 
 National Grange. Immediately upon the adjourn- 
 ment of the eleventh session he began the work 
 of his administration. He was confronted with a 
 critical condition in the history of the Grange, but he 
 bravely took up the responsibility of tiding the good 
 ship over the shoals of a depleted treasury and the 
 period of reaction that had set in. Much careful plan- 
 ning and conservative good judgment were required. 
 
 The summing up of the year's work may be found 
 in the Journal of the twelfth annual session of the 
 National Grange which met in Richmond, Va., Novem- 
 ber 20 to 30, 1878, the first session over which Worthy 
 Master Adams presided. More officers were absent 
 from this session than ever before. The following 
 officers and appointees were present: 
 
 Master — Samuel E. Adams, Minnesota. 
 Overseer — J. J. Woodman, Michigan. 
 Lecturer — Mortimer Whitehead, New Jersey. 
 Steward — Wm. Sims, pro tern, Kansas. 
 
 Assistant Steward — S. B. Alexander, pro tern, North Carolina. 
 Chaplain — Henry Eshbaugh, pro tern, Missouri. 
 Treasurer — F. M. McDowell, New York. 
 Secretary — W. M. Ireland, pro tern, Washington, D. C. 
 Gatekeeper — Isaac Williams, pro tern, Ohio. 
 Ceres — Mrs. S. E. Adams, Minnesota. 
 Pomona — Mrs. J. J. Woodman, Michigan. 
 Flora — Mrs. J. T. Moore, Maryland. 
 
 Lady Assistant Steivard — Miss C. D. Palmer, pro tern, Maryland. 
 Executive Committee — D. Wyatt Aiken, South Carolina; Henley 
 James, Indiana; S. H. Ellis, Ohio. 
 
 93
 
 94 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Twenty-eight State Granges were represented by 
 the following delegates : Colorado, Levi and Mrs. 
 Booth; Delaware, J. J. and Mrs. Rosa; Florida, W. H. 
 Wilson; Georgia, T. J. Smith; Illinois, A. P. Forsyth; 
 Indiana, H. and Mrs. James ; Kansas, William and Mrs. 
 Sims; Maine, D. Ff. and Mrs. Thing; Maryland, J. T. 
 and Mrs. Moore; Massachusetts, B. P. and Mrs. Ware; 
 Michigan, J. J. and Mrs. Woodman; Minnesota, S. E. 
 and Mrs. Adams; Missouri, Henry Eshbaugh ; Missis- 
 sippi, P. Darden; New Jersey, J. W. and Mrs. Nichol- 
 son ; New York, W. G. and Mrs. Wayne ; New Hamp- 
 shire, D. T. and Mrs. Chase ; North Carolina, S. B. 
 Alexander; Ohio, S. H. and Mrs. Ellis; Oregon, A. R. 
 and Mrs. Shipley; Pennsylvania, V. E. and Mrs. 
 Piolett; South Carolina, J. N. and Mrs. Lipscomb; 
 Texas, W. W. Lang; Tennessee, T. B. Harwell; Ver- 
 mont, A. B. and Mrs. Franklin; Virginia, J. M. and 
 Mrs. Blanton; West Virginia, R. W. and Mrs. Baylor; 
 Wisconsin, H. C. and Mrs. Sherwin. 
 
 Secretary Kelley, although he was in the city, was 
 absent from the session. Some friction had grown up 
 between Secretary Kelley and the National Grange 
 authorities, involving chiefly the permanent office of 
 the Secretary. In his first annual address Worthy 
 Master Samuel E. Adams said : 
 
 "The adoption of the recommendation of the Executive Com- 
 mittee by the National Grange at the last session, simply making 
 the Secretary responsible for the archives of the National Grange 
 and allowing him to locate his office 'at such place as will be most 
 convenient for him,' was in my judgment a grave error." 
 
 He then says: 
 
 "Today we have an incubus binding and weighing upon the 
 National Grange till January 1, 1882, in the shape of a lease of a 
 building in Louisville, and we have contracted to pay rent accord- 
 ing to the terms of the agreement amounting to nearly $3,000, for 
 which no benefit is received, but yet we have no headquarters — 
 no home." He calls attention to the fact that the Secretary's 
 office should be located at some central point so as to be acces- 
 sible to the officers of the National Grange, then asks:
 
 SAMUEL E. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION 1878-1879 95 
 
 "Why should we vacate a sheltering tenement and subject our- 
 selves to the howling winds and pelting storms of the open air? 
 Wisdom demands that our steps be retraced, the present condition 
 of affairs be rectified, and such legislation be had in this respect 
 as shall tend to solidify and perpetuate the organization." As a 
 climax to what the Worthy Master had to say on this subject, we 
 quote this sentence: "If the Order is dead, it would be fitting to 
 dig its grave, deposit its remains, and permit some kind friend 
 to erect a suitable monument to mark its resting place; if living, 
 then it should certainly have a local habitation and a home, be it 
 ever so homely." 
 
 Agreeing with the Worthy Master, the Executive 
 Committee said : 
 
 "It is our opinion that the migratory character of our head- 
 quarters, and the final leaving of the location of the Secretary's 
 office to the whims of any brother whom we may elect Secretary, 
 has proven to be a grand error, which should be corrected at this 
 session." 
 
 After some controversy Secretary Kelley tendered 
 his resignation which read as follows : 
 
 Richmond, Va., Nov. 21, 1878. 
 To the Worthy Master and Members of the National Grange: 
 
 On account of the demands on my time by my private business, 
 I hereby respectfully tender my resignation as Secretary of the 
 National Grange. 
 
 O. H. Kelley. 
 
 This resignation was later accepted. The Execu- 
 tive Committee went over the Secretary's books 
 and reported a settlement. Secretary Kelley was 
 at this time, and had been for a year or two, en- 
 gaged in a large development enterprise at Carrabelle, 
 Fla., which place took its name from the name of 
 Carrie Arabelle Hall, his niece, who was so intimately 
 identified with him in all his relations to the Grange. 
 While Carrabelle, Fla., has grown to be a place of 
 considerable importance, it is understood that Mr. 
 Kelley lost considerable money in the enterprise. 
 
 The Grange will never cease to honor Oliver Hudson 
 Kelley as its originator and most active founder, but
 
 g6 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 it will not undervalue the splendid work of his six 
 associates, who helped him "hew the shaft and lay the 
 architrave" of the Order. 
 
 W. M. Ireland, one of the "founders" of the Order, 
 was elected Secretary to succeed Mr. Kelley, and a res- 
 olution was adopted "that the office of Secretary shall 
 be located within the District of Columbia," which 
 suited Secretary Ireland very well, as he lived in 
 Washington. Henley James of Indiana was re-elected 
 a member of the Executive Committee. 
 
 The Worthy Master said in his address: 
 
 "Much has been said, from time to time, relative to the dis- 
 position made of the funds of the National Grange. Curiosity 
 has prompted me to examine somewhat into this matter, and I 
 find there has been paid back to the several states about $55,000, 
 in the form of loan-donations, and for the adjustment of dues 
 and charitable purposes about $45,000, making in all $100,000 
 which has been returned to the states from the treasury of the 
 National Grange. 
 
 "In past years the expenditures may not in every single in- 
 stance appear warranted by prudence and wisdom, still I appre- 
 hend the closest scrutiny will fail to discover any serious wrong 
 or misappropriation of funds. It is, indeed, fortunate that the 
 financial history will bear investigation, and not suffer from the 
 inquest." 
 
 The report of Treasurer F. M. McDowell shows the 
 total receipts for the year ending September 30, 1878, 
 $24,806.94, and the total expenditure $20,188.61, show- 
 ing a balance of $4,618.33. With a view to the further 
 reduction of expenses, the salaries for the ensuing year 
 were fixed as follows : Master, $500 and $4 a day when 
 away from his office on business of the Grange ; Lec- 
 turer, $4 a day when on duty for the Grange; Treas- 
 urer, $500; Secretary, $800. Necessary expenses of 
 all these officers when on business for the Grange was 
 allowed. 
 
 A resolution was adopted demanding more humane 
 treatment of live stock in transit over the railroads. 
 The outcome of this agitation was the adoption of such 
 laws. Also, requesting that it be made the duty of
 
 SAMUEL E. ADAMS* ADMINISTRATION — 1878-1879 97 
 
 teachers in our public schools to instruct the children 
 under their care to protect insect-eating birds and their 
 nests, and to treat the lower animals kindly. 
 
 It was also demanded that the patent laws be so 
 amended "as to protect innocent purchasers in the use 
 of any article or implement manufactured and sold in 
 the market, making the manufacturers and sellers 
 alone responsible for infringement of patent rights." 
 This was the beginning of the famous Grange contests 
 in the courts, which resulted in a notable victory. 
 
 There has been some controversy over the question 
 of the beginning of the agitation for teaching agricul- 
 ture in the public schools, which is now so generally 
 adopted. Secretary Kelley had recommended this idea 
 one year before, but the first specific action taken by the 
 National Grange was the adoption of a resolution on 
 November 29, 1878, offered by Mr. Harwell of Tennes- 
 see, demanding the teaching of elementary agriculture 
 in the public schools. We have no record of any public 
 action upon this subject previous to this time, thus 
 once more vindicating the Grange's claim to leadership. 
 
 The Committee on Education declared "that agricul- 
 ture is a science, and we had as well expect a correct 
 English composition without a knowledge of the rules 
 of grammar or a skillful physician without even a 
 smattering knowledge of the principles of medical 
 science, as a successful agriculturist who is equally 
 ignorant of the principles which underlie his vocation." 
 
 The first record of the appointment of a National 
 Grange Legislative Committee was the appointment at 
 this session of D. Wyatt Aiken of South Carolina and 
 A. P. Forsyth of Illinois, both of whom were members 
 of Congress. 
 
 The National Grange had now brought its expenses 
 within its income, and the future looked encouraging 
 and the permanency of the Grange seemed assured. 
 
 The thirteenth session of the National Grange met
 
 98 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 in Canandaigua, N. Y., November 19 to 28, 1879, with 
 all the officers except the Lady Assistant Steward 
 present. 
 
 Twenty-nine states were represented by the same 
 delegates as at last session, except that Virginia was 
 not represented, while California and Kentucky were, 
 and changes in North Carolina and Ohio as follows: 
 California, B. R. Spillman ; Ohio, J. H. and Mrs. Brig- 
 ham ; Kentucky, W. J. Stone ; North Carolina, W. H. 
 and Mrs. Cheek. 
 
 Worthy Master Samuel E. Adams, in his "annual 
 address," discussed the history of Grange attempts at 
 co-operation very fully and thoughtfully, reviewing the 
 action of the National Grange upon that subject from 
 the first up to that time. He reached the conclusion 
 that "one mistake has been that too many have 
 supposed the material or business plan of the work was 
 the end and aim of the Order. The Grange is not in 
 itself a business organization, but a school of instruc- 
 tion. Pecuniary advantages derived from co-opera- 
 tion in making purchases and sales are the incidents 
 resulting from our organisation." 
 
 After devoting pages to the general discussion, he 
 epitomizes the whole subject as it then seemed to him, 
 in this way : 
 
 "Local stores organized in the interests of the Order are in 
 successful operation all over the country, saving money in pur- 
 chases and in sales, because the members 'buy together and sell to- 
 gether.' State agencies are established, where the services of 
 the ubiquitous middlemen are chiefly dispensed with, orders for 
 merchandise aggregated, produce disposed of in bulk, and effi- 
 cient aid and support are rendered to tributary associations. By 
 co-operation the products of a state are conveyed to market 
 without suffering from excessive rates. By co-operation the 
 decision of the supreme tribunal of our country has been ob- 
 tained affirming the right of the people to regulate through their 
 Legislatures, to a healthful extent, the tariff imposed by trans- 
 porting corporations. By co-operation oppressive local exac- 
 tions have been subdued and the burdens of general government 
 more equitably distributed. By co-operation Aid Societies have
 
 SAMUEL E. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION — 1878-1879 99 
 
 been formed in various parts of the country, so that families of 
 deceased members reap the benefits resulting from real insur- 
 ance, and are no longer subjected to the losses and robbery of 
 bankrupt societies and defrauding officials. By co-operation the 
 Grange press is sustained, its subscription list is increased, its 
 usefulness extended, information pertaining to our organization 
 imparted, the editorial corps encouraged and paid, and the pro- 
 prietors made jubilant. By co-operation the Order of Patrons 
 of Husbandry was instituted, its aim and purpose promulgated, 
 its members strengthened, enlightened and united, and by clear, 
 rational and comprehensive views of its principles, and by stern 
 adherence to its teachings, will success and perpetuity be 
 assured." 
 
 These were large claims for co-operation, and yet it 
 is only a fair statement of what the Grange was trying 
 to do, and was accomplishing in some measure at least. 
 
 From year to year we have included in this history 
 the amount of receipts and disbursements, because 
 there is no surer way to illustrate the true condition of 
 the Order, as would be the case with a business 
 house or corporation. The falling off in income 
 does not indicate an equal falling off in membership 
 by any means. In the early years of the Order the 
 bulk of the income was from the Charter fees paid by 
 new Granges. During the year 1874 there were organ- 
 ized 11,941 Subordinate Granges, while during the year 
 1879 there were but 17 organized. 
 
 The Treasurer's report for the fiscal year ending 
 September 30, 1879, g ave the tota * receipts as $20,249.04 
 and the total expenditures as $18,899.82, leaving a 
 balance of $1,349.22. Of the earlier accumulations 
 there was still $45,000 invested in United States bonds. 
 
 The Executive Committee said : "One year ago your 
 Executive Committee reported our organization lan- 
 guishing in many of the states. Today they feel appre- 
 hensive that unless the tide be turned the requiem of 
 our Order will have been sung in more states than one 
 before this body shall again assemble." 
 
 In order to bring the expenditures within the income, 
 the salaries of the officers were still further scaled down,
 
 100 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 as follows : Master, $500 and necessary expenses ; Treas- 
 urer, $300 and expenses ; Secretary, $600 ; Lecturer, $4 a 
 day when employed under direction of the National 
 Grange or Executive Committee. Compensation of 
 Executive Committee $3 a day and expenses ; the 
 per diem of members of the National Grange was re- 
 duced to $3. 
 
 A resolution was adopted providing "that a special 
 committee of five be raised who shall take into con- 
 sideration the state and condition of American agri- 
 culture, and to report such measures and policies as, 
 in their judgment, will tend to afford relief from the 
 weights, hindrances and difficulties that now beset it, 
 and to suggest such methods as will restore to Ameri- 
 can farmers greater prosperity and promote their polit- 
 ical and material welfare." This resolution involves 
 the whole idea of the "Rural Life Commission" later 
 appointed by President Roosevelt, once more dem- 
 onstrating the leadership of the Grange. 
 
 Resolutions were adopted "asking Congress to enact 
 a law creating a National Board of Control, invested 
 with full power to fix and regulate the freight rates 
 which may be charged by railroad companies and other 
 corporations engaged in interstate commerce." This 
 was the beginning of the agitation that finally resulted 
 in the creation of the "Interstate Commerce Commis- 
 sion," which has always been classed as a Grange vic- 
 tory. The teaching of agriculture in the public schools 
 was again indorsed, and the compulsory attendance of 
 children recommended, a pioneer action on the last 
 proposition. 
 
 The following Grange platform was promulgated : 
 "Stirred with a just sense of right and supported by 
 the integrity of our purpose, the National Grange of 
 the Patrons of Husbandry, in the name and interest 
 of the farmers of the United States, strongly demands : 
 
 1. That the Department of Agriculture shall be made an 
 Executive Department, and the Commissioner a Cabinet officer,
 
 Jonathan J. Woodman, Michigan, fifth Master of the Na- 
 tional Grange.
 
 Samuel Emory Adams, Minnesota, fourth Master of the 
 
 National Grange.
 
 SAMUEL E. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION — 1878-1879 IOI 
 
 2. That the agricultural department shall be sustained and sup- 
 ported by annual appropriations commensurate with the im- 
 portance of the great and permanent industry it represents. 
 
 3. That commercial treaties shall be made with all foreign 
 countries, giving to American products equal and unrestricted 
 intercourse with the markets of the world. 
 
 4. That governments be administered in a cheaper and simpler 
 manner, consonant with the conditions of the people. 
 
 5. That a more rigid economy in the expenditures of public 
 moneys be established. 
 
 6. That the laws shall be plain and simple to the end that jus- 
 tice shall be speedy, crime punished and good government main- 
 tained. 
 
 7. That the creation or allowing of monopolies to exist is in 
 violation of the spirit and genius of free republican government. 
 
 8. That the tariffs of freights and fare over railroads and all 
 transportation companies shall be regulated, and all unjust dis- 
 criminations inhibited by law. 
 
 9. That taxation shall be equal and uniform and all values 
 made to contribute their just proportion of the support of the 
 government. 
 
 10. That the revenue laws of the United States shall be so ad- 
 justed as to bear equally upon all classes of property to the end 
 that agriculture shall be relieved of the disproportion of burdens 
 it bears. 
 
 11. That the patent laws of the United States be so revised 
 that innocent purchasers shall be protected and fraudulent ven- 
 dors alone held responsible for infringements of rights and in- 
 fringements of law. 
 
 12. That a system of elementary agricultural education shall be 
 adopted in the common schools of the country. 
 
 13. That we are entitled to and should have a fair representa- 
 tion in the legislative halls of the country chosen from the ranks 
 of the farmers.
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 J. J. Woodman's Administration, First Term, Two 
 
 Years, 1 880-1881 — Fourteenth and Fifteenth 
 
 Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 Immediately upon the close of the thirteenth session 
 of the National Grange Worthy Master Woodman took 
 up the discouraging work before him with great 
 energy. The growing impression was that the Grange 
 was going the way of all other efforts to organize the 
 farmers. About this time the statement was made in 
 "The Story of Labor" that "agricultural guilds have 
 never in the history of the world scored a continuous 
 success. We have seen one of the most promising 
 experiments in this direction flourish and fall in the 
 Granger organizations. There cannot, in our condi- 
 tion of society, be formed successful trade unions of 
 farm workers. All of the circumstances are against 
 them." That would probably have been true had not 
 the Grange been more than a trade union. Discour- 
 agement confronted the new Master and his official 
 associates in every direction. Many Subordinate 
 Granges were becoming dormant, and here and there 
 a State Grange was dropping out. The most rigid 
 economy was necessary to keep the National Grange 
 above the financial flood. 
 
 Notwithstanding all this the work of the year was 
 courageously entered upon, and every effort centered 
 upon a determined purpose to stem the tide of disinte- 
 gation and reach solid ground where a new foundation 
 could be laid upon which to build a more enduring 
 structure. Some progress had been made when the 
 fourteenth annual session of the National Grange met 
 at Washington, D. C., November 17 to 27, 1880. 
 
 The officers elected at the preceding session were all 
 present : 
 
 102
 
 j. j. woodman's administration — 1880-1881 103 
 
 Master—]. J. Woodman, Michigan. 
 Overseer— Put Darden, Mississippi. 
 Lecturer — Henry Eshbaugh, Missouri. 
 Steward— A. J. Vaughan, Tennessee. 
 Assistant Steward — Wm. Sims, Kansas. 
 Chaplain— S. H. Ellis, Ohio. 
 Treasurer— ¥. M. McDowell, New York. 
 Secretary — W. M. Ireland, Washington, D. C. 
 Gatekeeper — Oscar Dinwiddie, Indiana. 
 Ceres— Mrs. H. H. Woodman, Michigan. 
 Pomona— Mrs. Mary L. Darden, Mississippi. 
 Flora — Mrs. E. M. Nicholson, New Jersey. 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Mrs. H. A. Sims, Kansas. 
 Executive Committee — D. Wyatt Aiken, Henley James and W. G. 
 Wayne. 
 
 Thirty states were represented by the following dele- 
 gates : California, B. R. and Mrs. Spillman ; Colorado, 
 Levi and Mrs. Booth; Delaware, J. J. and Mrs. Rosa; 
 Florida, W. H. and Mrs. Wilson; Georgia, T. J. and 
 Mrs. Smith; Illinois, A. P. and Mrs. Forsyth; Indiana, 
 Aaron and Mrs. Jones; Iowa, D. W. Jones; Kansas, 
 William Sims; Kentucky, A. B. and Mrs. Smith ; Mary- 
 land, H. O. Devries; Massachusetts, J. and Mrs. 
 Draper; Maine, D. H. and Mrs. Thing; Michigan, J.J. 
 and Mrs. Woodman; Minnesota, S. E. and Mrs. 
 Adams; Mississippi, P. and Mrs. Darden; Missouri, 
 H. and Mrs. Eshbaugh; New Hampshire, G. A. and 
 Mrs. Wason; New Jersey, J. W. and Mrs. Nicholson; 
 New York, W. A. Armstrong; North Carolina, W. Ff. 
 and Mrs. Cheek; Ohio, J. H. and Mrs. Brigham; Ore- 
 gon, R. P. and Mrs. Boise; Pennsylvania, V. E. Piolett; 
 South Carolina, J. N. Lipscomb ; Tennessee, T. B. 
 Harwell ; Vermont, A. B. and Mrs. Franklin ; Virginia, 
 J. M. and Mrs. Blanton ; West Virginia, R. W. and 
 Mrs. Baylor; Wisconsin, C. D. and Mrs. Parker. 
 
 All the "founders of the Order" except Mr. 
 Kelley were present. Following the opening cere- 
 monies the Worthy Master introduced Hon. William 
 Saunders, first Master of the National Grange, and one 
 of the "seven founders," who delivered a long and
 
 104 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 interesting address dealing mainly with the early 
 history of the Order. The whole address is bristling 
 with points of historic interest. 
 
 It has been said without sufficient authority that Mr. 
 Saunders severed all active connection with the 
 Grange when it moved the headquarters to Louisville, 
 Ky. In this notable address, he said: "We have 
 waited patiently the course of events which would 
 enable us once more to greet the National Grange at 
 the home of its childhood. We regretted its departure 
 and have refused to be comforted. Our staying hope 
 has been that it would sooner or later see the error 
 of its way and endeavor to regain the prestige it had 
 lost by the action. We do not know whether or not 
 that time has come, but we do know that if ever the 
 Order of Patrons of Husbandry fulfills the objects of 
 its originally proposed missions the National Grange 
 must again assert its original position in the frame- 
 work of the organization. 
 
 "The Founders of the Order never entertained the 
 idea of a probability that the National Grange would, 
 at any time, consider it necessary to change its original 
 location. The very nature of the organization seemed 
 to them to preclude the possibility of any change in 
 that respect. It appeared to them that the National 
 Grange would always be found at the National Capitol, 
 and I can assure you that all impediments and draw- 
 backs which we have encountered seemed trivial and 
 inconsiderable in comparison with the shock which 
 startled me when I first learned, at the seventh session 
 in St. Louis, that the removal of the headquarters of 
 the National Grange was a matter under consideration. 
 As a member of a committee appointed to consider 
 and report on the question I did not hesitate to state 
 my opinion that such removal would greatly impair 
 the usefulness of the National Grange and prove to be 
 injurious, if not disastrous, to the best interests of the 
 Order, and I had reason to believe that my earnest ap-
 
 j. j. woodman's administration — 1880-1881 105 
 
 peals in behalf of the Order prevented further action 
 on the matter at that time. But all appeals were ulti- 
 mately of no avail, and the Grange, at the following 
 session, consummated action which led to the removal 
 of the National Grange, a proceeding which has not, 
 on the whole, benefited the Order." 
 
 Worthy Overseer P. Darden of Mississippi replied 
 to the address of Past Master Saunders in a happy 
 manner. Said he : "No higher compliment can be paid 
 you, the founders of this Order, than to point to the 
 splendid results already accomplished by your follow- 
 ers. You have done much to liberate the minds of the 
 farmers from the shackles of party spirit and to fix 
 them upon the good of the country and the develop- 
 ment of its national prosperity. While much has been 
 done, much still remains undone. Having passed the 
 dangerous period of organization, we feel that we can 
 safely say that henceforth our course will be onward 
 and upward to the accomplishment of still greater 
 victories. With the significant words of education, 
 agitation and co-operation emblazoned on our banners 
 we will never cease the struggle until justice and 
 equality are secured to our class, and the husbandmen 
 become the 'true nobility of the land.' " 
 
 These were brave words, but the battle has been 
 longer than the orator probably imagined it would be. 
 It is still on and the conflict is irrepressible. J. R. 
 Thompson, also one of the founders of the Order, 
 speaking on this occasion said: "It will always be 
 with me, and I doubt not that the sentiment is shared 
 by my associates in the work, a cheering and sustain- 
 ing reflection that, however short our other aspirations 
 may have fallen of fulfillment, and however fruitless 
 our other efforts through life have been, our work in 
 giving the Grange to the world has conferred benefits 
 upon humanity which warrant the belief that we have 
 not lived in vain." Referring to the founding of the 
 Order he said :
 
 106 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 "The founders wrought for nearly five years with slight en- 
 couragement of success, but against indifference, opposition and 
 discouragement, with a faith that never faltered and a patience 
 that never tired, contributing oftentimes of their ill-spared means, 
 they worked on, believing that the necessities of American agri- 
 culture demanded the existence of the Order, and that the times 
 were propitious for its introduction. They were not discouraged 
 for want of progress, for they realized that 
 
 " 'Heaven is not reached by a single bound, 
 
 We must build the ladder by which we rise 
 From the lowly earth to the vaulted skies 
 And mount to its summit round by round.' " 
 
 With a happy reference to the parable of the sower 
 and the seed and a reference to the seen and unseen 
 difficulties, he goes on to say : 
 
 "As a mountain climber with every step of upward and onward 
 progress sees the horizon expanding around him, so may the 
 Order in its onward progress discover new fields and spheres of 
 usefulness. I trust it may be so, and whatever they may be, I 
 believe that it will be ever equal to its occasion. I have an un- 
 shaken faith, an undoubting hope and an abiding confidence in 
 its future. It has come into the world to brighten, to bless, and 
 to stay. Though we grow faint or faithless, weak or weary, the 
 principles upon which it is founded can never die. When the 
 memorial tree shall cast its grateful shade upon our resting place, 
 other heads and hearts and hands will continue our work until the 
 final harvest. I believe the Grange will outlast and outlive us all — 
 
 " 'Knowing this that never yet 
 Share of truth in vain was set 
 
 In the world's wide fallow. 
 Other hands may sow the seed 
 Other hands o'er hill and mead 
 
 Will reap the harvest yellow.' " 
 
 Some have said : "They builded better than they 
 knew," but one is inclined to agree with Mr. Saunders 
 when he says : "The facts were that we were 'building 
 better than they knew.' " 
 
 Following these general exercises Worthy Master 
 J. J. Woodman delivered his first "annual address." 
 After dealing at some length with the history of the 
 Order and its past rapid growth he said:
 
 j. j. woodman's administration — 1880- 188 1 107 
 
 "A reaction was inevitable. A great brotherhood organized for 
 the education and elevation of a class could not live and accom- 
 plish its mission without system, discipline and united action. 
 The Order must pass through an ordeal, in reorganizing and con- 
 solidating Granges, enforcing discipline and systematizing its 
 work, that would reveal its weakness and inefficiency or demon- 
 strate the correctness of its principles and establish its strength 
 and perpetuity. Through that crisis we have passed, though some- 
 what depleted in numbers, yet better organized, better disciplined, 
 and better prepared to make the principles of our Order under- 
 stood and appreciated. There can be no better evidence of the 
 vitality of our organization and the value of its principles than is 
 to be found in the fact that under such circumstances so many 
 Granges have lived and prospered and that so many intelligent 
 and high-minded men and women all over our land are still labor- 
 ing in its ranks, and advocating its principles." 
 
 He went on to say : "For this great work of educat- 
 ing and elevating the agricultural classes of this coun- 
 try, and to save them from the impending fate that has 
 befallen the agricultural classes of the old world, was 
 our Order created ; and its future prosperity will de- 
 pend largely upon the legislation of this body in con- 
 nection with that of the several State Granges." 
 
 After discussing a number of topics of interest to 
 the Order only he had this to say of a subject upon 
 which the Grange was taking a lively interest at that 
 time : "The recent establishment of experiment sta- 
 tions and agricultural colleges in some of the states, 
 and the growing popularity of the agricultural colleges, 
 heretofore established, is another sign of progress, and 
 indicates that the good seed which has been sown is 
 becoming fruit. Let us continue to sow the seed, in 
 full faith that we may hereafter reap an abundant 
 harvest." 
 
 Like Banquo's ghost, the subject of monopolies, cor- 
 porations and transportation companies, would not 
 down. Quoting the "Declaration of Purposes," the 
 Worthy Master said : "We are not enemies of rail- 
 roads or of any corporation that will advance our in- 
 dustrial interests. . . . We are not enemies to capital, 
 but we oppose the tyranny of monopolies, and such
 
 108 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 spirit and management of any corporation or enter- 
 prise as tends to oppress the people and rob them of 
 their just profits." 
 
 "This is the most important question of public 
 policy," said he, "that now agitates the minds of the 
 people. That our efforts to enlighten public sentiment 
 upon the unjust discrimination made by transportation 
 companies, and to induce Congress to regulate inter- 
 state commerce by National Legislation, so as to pro- 
 tect the industrial interest from unjust extortions, 
 were based upon well-grounded causes," he cited a 
 number of specific cases. Quoting from Horace Gree- 
 ley, he said : "I can see no reason for doubt that the 
 same power which sufficed to give the farmers' houses 
 and lands to a company at a price virtually fixed by 
 the state will insure the farmers the right to use that 
 railroad at prices likewise fixed by the state." The doctrine 
 was surely sound. Following a lengthy and enlightening 
 discussion of railroad problems he declared : "We 
 have assumed the aggressive, and let no backward step 
 be taken" ; and in concluding this discussion, he said : 
 "The conflict is upon us, and every member is expected 
 to do his whole duty. It remains to be seen whether 
 this country is to be controlled by the rapacious rail- 
 road transportation companies, managed by a few men 
 'who recognize no responsibility except to their stock- 
 holders, and no principle of action except personal and 
 corporate aggrandizement,' or by the sovereign people." 
 
 The Worthy Lecturer brought the encouraging word 
 that : "The effort made by the National Grange at its 
 session last year to secure legislation on the subject of 
 transportation and patent rights has been a great stim- 
 ulus to the Order in many sections of the country, the 
 members realizing the fact that it was in the direction 
 that carried with it a hope for relief. It has inspired 
 new courage, more perseverance and greater co- 
 operative effort in the good work so well begun." 
 
 Bearing upon this same, and at that time all-
 
 j. j. woodman's administration — 1880-1881 109 
 
 important subject, it was resolved "that we demand 
 that the Congress of the United States investigate our 
 grievances, and so legislate in the interest of interstate 
 commerce that transportation companies shall be 
 placed under the control of the government, and the 
 tariff on freight be so regulated by law that positive 
 protection to the producers may be furnished in the 
 future, and they be exempted from the extortion so 
 long and so patiently borne." All this demonstrates 
 the persistency with which the Grange stuck to what 
 it believed to be right. 
 
 Much of the time of this session was taken up with 
 the consideration of proposed Constitutional amend- 
 ments and plans for strengthening the Order. The re- 
 port of the Treasurer showed the total receipts to be 
 $15,200.78, which included a sale of government bonds 
 to the amount of $3,701.35, with total expenditures of 
 $13,736.47, leaving a balance of $1,464.31. The Secre- 
 tary reported that "during the previous year but 17 
 new Granges were organized, while during the year 
 just closed the number reached 44." And during the 
 same time it is fair to assume that a good many dor- 
 mant Granges had been reorganized. The indications 
 were that the wheels of disintegration were having the 
 brakes thrown on them hard. 
 
 A "Committee on Memorializing Congress on the 
 Subject of the Cattle Plague" was appointed. This 
 was the beginning of what has grown to be the large 
 and important "Bureau of Animal Husbandry" in the 
 Department of Agriculture. 
 
 Again it was demanded that the Commissioner of 
 Agriculture be made a Secretary of Agriculture and 
 be made a member of the President's Cabinet. The 
 Reagan Interstate Commerce Bill was indorsed. Able 
 and vigorous committee reports were made covering 
 the whole field of agricultural and Grange activities, 
 indicating that the Grange had, indeed, become a 
 school of economics and sociology and that its
 
 110 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 thoughtful membership was rising to a far-seeing and 
 wholesome statesmanship. 
 
 The only election at this session was that of Henley 
 James of Indiana to succeed himself on the Executive 
 Committee. For the first time the National Grange 
 declared in favor of a graduated income tax, and that 
 "we cannot urge with too much force the supreme 
 importance of suitable representation for agriculture 
 in the law-making bodies wherein its interests are 
 necessarily involved. Such representation cannot be 
 had through the selection of men ignorant of its neces- 
 sities. They must be in fair proportion, at least, se- 
 lected from the body whose interests are committed 
 to their keeping." This reasoning is clearly just, but 
 the "proportion" has steadily grown less and less, until 
 it has almost entirely disappeared from the National 
 Congress and is a disappearing quantity in most State 
 Legislatures. 
 
 The salaries for the ensuing year were fixed at the 
 same amount as the preceding year, except that the 
 Secretary was given $800 instead of $600. 
 
 The fourteenth session came to a close with a spirit 
 of hopefulness pervading the members, and the work 
 of the next year was taken up with renewed vigor and 
 prosecuted with constructive discretion. 
 
 The fifteenth session met in the city of Washington 
 November 16 to 26, 1881, this being the first time the 
 National Grange had held two consecutive sessions in 
 the same city. All the officers were present. All the 
 Founders but Mr. Kelley were again present. 
 
 Twenty-nine states were represented, by the same 
 delegates as at the last session, except that Colorado, 
 Georgia, Indiana and Oregon were not represented, 
 and the following changes were made: Alabama, B. 
 C. Harrison ; Minnesota, T. T. and Mrs. Smith ; Arkan- 
 sas, J. C. Scott; Pennsylvania, L. and Mrs. Rhone; 
 California, D. and Mrs. Flint; Texas, A. J. and Mrs. 
 Rose; Michigan, C. G. Luce.
 
 j. j. woodman's administration — 1880-1881 III 
 
 Worthy Master Woodman delivered a strong ad- 
 dress dealing with many matters of passing interest 
 to the Grange and the farmers of the country. 
 As we have seen, the National Grange had re- 
 peatedly demanded the elevation of the head of the 
 Department of Agriculture to a Cabinet position. 
 A bill to that effect had been pending in Congress for 
 some time. Worthy Master Woodman said that the 
 bill had met with serious opposition from the chair- 
 man of the committee on agriculture, yet a majority 
 of the committee reported it favorably, and placed it 
 in charge of Mr. Aiken, who was a member of the 
 committee. 
 
 By his perseverance he succeeded in pressing it to a 
 final vote, and 162 members voted for it and 84 against 
 it, lacking but two votes of the necessary two-thirds 
 required to pass it. Many of those who opposed it 
 did so on the ground that the new department should 
 include commerce, labor, railroads and other things. 
 "With that done," said Mr. Reagan, "its great agricul- 
 tural interests, its commercial interests, its great man- 
 ufacturing interests, its great mining interests, would 
 receive the supervision and direction of a first-class 
 man and undoubtedly they deserve the services of such 
 a man." 
 
 The Worthy Master saw in this "the policy 
 which we may expect to incorporate into a bill to 
 answer the demands of the agricultural interests 
 of the country, as indicated by the resolution adopted 
 by this body. Would not such a course be in harmony 
 with much of the previous legislation of the country, 
 ostensibly to benefit agriculture, but really to aid and 
 build up other interests at the expense of agriculture, 
 and fasten upon the country some of the most oppres- 
 sive monopolies that ever cursed any people? 
 
 "Passing over the inference that an agricultural 
 department could not stand upon its own bottom, 
 could not 'be presided over by a first-class man,' and
 
 112 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 admitting that a department for the further protection 
 of the combined and incorporated interests with agri- 
 culture attached as a 'side show' could be, is anyone 
 credulous enough to believe, in view of the history of 
 the past and the influences which generally control 
 such appointments, that such a department would ever 
 be presided over by one either qualified or disposed to 
 give agriculture the consideration which its importance 
 demands? Might we not rather expect a repetition of 
 that policy which ignores the representatives of the 
 farming interests in Congress and selects a chairman 
 of the Committee on Agriculture from the legal pro- 
 fession of a large city where agriculture is not supposed 
 to be extensively practiced or well understood?" It 
 may be remarked here that this is not the only time the 
 same thing has occurred, nor have the real farmers 
 been always represented in the Department of 
 Agriculture. 
 
 Mr. Covert, the chairman referred to above, strongly 
 opposed the bill. His remarks are hardly worthy of 
 the head of the Congressional Committee on Agricul- 
 ture ; but upon the Constitutional question he declared 
 that "there was simply no warrant in the Constitution 
 for the so-called elevation of the Department of Agri- 
 culture, or even for the establishment or existence of 
 the department as it stands today," and that "the de- 
 partment as it stands today is an illegitimate child of 
 the government," deserving support only "during its 
 infancy" or while the act creating it "remains unre- 
 pealed." 
 
 To this Congressman Hatch of Missouri, author of 
 the Hatch Experiment Station Law, replied : "If this 
 department is an illegitimate child, then, in the name 
 of the great agricultural interests of the country, let 
 the forty-sixth Congress of the United States do today 
 the greatest act of its official life, and legitimatize this 
 child of agriculture. Illegitimate ! If it be so, it has 
 done more for the country than any other child that
 
 j. j. woodman's administration — 1880-1881 113 
 
 has been born to it since the Declaration of Independ- 
 ence. It is the foundation of our wealth, the corner- 
 stone of our prosperity and the fruitful source from 
 which we derive our richest and surest revenue." 
 
 Worthy Master Woodman concluded that, "the 
 favorable consideration and large support which this 
 measure received should encourage us to again press 
 the matter in its original form before the next Con- 
 gress, and to oppose and resist every effort made by 
 friend or foe of the measure, to consolidate the agricul- 
 tural department with the incorporated interests of the 
 country." 
 
 At this time Dr. Loring was Commissioner of Agri- 
 culture, and in an address before the National Grange 
 took issue with that body on the question of consoli- 
 dation with other interests. With a view to harmoniz- 
 ing the ideas of the Commissioner and the National 
 Grange, a committee of ten was appointed to confer 
 with the Commissioner. This committee called upon 
 the Commissioner, but received scant Courtesy at his 
 hands. 
 
 At this time the National Grange was giving much 
 attention to the agricultural colleges, and in the report 
 of the Committee on Education it says : "We must be 
 allowed to express our regret that the agricultural 
 interests are too frequently merged, in these colleges, 
 into the ordinary college course. The usefulness of 
 the agricultural college is too often dwarfed, perhaps, 
 however, by no fault of its own, and yet these colleges 
 are too often agricultural only in name." This was 
 certainly a just complaint at that time, and the course 
 subsequently pursued by the Grange had much to do 
 with curing the condition. At this session the 
 Masters of State Granges made their first re- 
 ports to the National Grange, by order of the pre- 
 vious session. These reports were from twelve to 
 twenty lines in length and limited entirely to report- 
 ing the condition of the Order in the several states.
 
 114 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 The report of the Treasurer, which was always an 
 interesting feature, shows the total receipts to be 
 $17,658.14, including a United States bond sale to the 
 amount of $2,627.50, leaving a balance of $40,000 in- 
 vested in United States bonds. Total expenditures 
 were $15,403.59. 
 
 The Secretary reported 57 new Granges organized 
 during the last year, against 44 organized the year 
 before.
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 J. J. Woodman's Administration, Second Term, Two 
 
 Years, 1 882-1 883 — Sixteenth and Seventeenth 
 
 Annual Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 Worthy Master J. J. Woodman was the first man to 
 be elected to that office for a second term. With an 
 experience of two years he entered zealously upon the 
 work before him. 
 
 The Grange was now confronted with active rivals 
 in the National Farmers' Alliance in the North- 
 west and the National Farmers' Alliance and In- 
 dustrial Union in the South. These organizations 
 were making sensational appeals to the farmers, which 
 were interfering, more or less, with the progress in 
 rebuilding the Grange along conservative and safer lines. 
 Safe and sane leadership was always necessary to keep 
 the Grange off the rocks on which other farmers' or- 
 ganizations have gone to wreck. The destiny of the 
 Grange was in safe hands, and it went about its ap- 
 pointed business in a spirit of co-operation, but shun- 
 ning all possible entangling alliances. 
 
 Agricultural colleges were beginning to prosper and 
 the science of agriculture was becoming better under- 
 stood through their teaching and the educational policy 
 of the National Grange. 
 
 The press generally had become more friendly to 
 the Grange, the interests of agriculture were re- 
 ceiving more attention and favor at the hands of Con- 
 gress and the State Legislatures than ever before, and 
 the good work of the Grange was manifesting itself 
 in many departments of government. Prejudices 
 against the Order were giving way, and confidence in 
 the Grange as a permanent institution was being 
 
 115
 
 Il6 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 restored, while the great purposes which it was seek- 
 ing to establish were becoming better understood. 
 
 One of the paramount Grange measures, the placing 
 of a Secretary of Agriculture in the President's Cab- 
 inet, had passed the House of Representatives and was 
 pending in the Senate, and a satisfactory amendment 
 of the patent laws had also passed the House and gone 
 to the Senate when the sixteenth session of the Na- 
 tional Grange met in Indianapolis, Ind., November 
 15 to 23, 1882. 
 
 Master — J. J. Woodman, Michigan. 
 Overseer — Put Darden, Mississippi. 
 Lecturer — Henry Eshbaugh, Missouri. 
 Steward — William Sims, Kansas. 
 Assistant Steivard — J. J. Rosa, Delaware. 
 Chaplain — H. O. Devries, Maryland. 
 Treasurer — F. M. McDowell, New York. 
 Secretary — W. M. Ireland, District of Columbia. 
 Gatekeeper — James Draper, Massachusetts. 
 Ceres — Mrs. H. H. Woodman, Michigan. 
 Pomona — Mrs Mary L. Darden, Mississippi. 
 Flora — Mrs. E. M. Nicholson, New Jersey. 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Mrs. H. A. Sims, Kansas. 
 Executive Committee— D. Wyatt Aiken, Chairman, South Caro- 
 lina; J. M. Blanton, Virginia; J. H. Brigham, Ohio. 
 
 Thirty-two states were represented by the following 
 delegates: Alabama, B. C. Harrison; Arkansas, J. V. 
 Scott; California, D. and Mrs. Flint; Delaware, J. J. 
 Rosa; Georgia, H. R. Deadwyler; Illinois, E. A. and 
 Mrs. Giller; Indiana, Aaron Jones ; Iowa, D. W. Jones; 
 Kansas, Wm. and Mrs. Sims ; Kentucky, J. L. and Mrs. 
 Neal ; Louisiana, Daniel Morgan; Maine, F. and Mrs. 
 Robie ; Maryland, H. O. and Mrs. Devries ; Massachu- 
 setts, J. and Mrs. Draper; Michigan, C. G. Luce; 
 Minnesota, T. T. Smith ; Mississippi, P. and Mrs. 
 Darden; Missouri, H. and Mrs. Eshbaugh; New 
 Hampshire, G. A. and Mrs. Wason ; New Jersey, J. W. 
 and Mrs. Nicholson; New York, W. A. Armstrong; 
 North Carolina, W. H. and Mrs. Cheek; Ohio, J. H. 
 Brigham; Oregon, R. P. and Mrs. Boise; Pennsyl-
 
 j. j. woodman's administration — 1882-1883 117 
 
 vania, L. and Mrs. Rhone; South Carolina, J. N. Lips- 
 comb ; Tennessee, T. B. Harwell ; Texas, A. J. and 
 Mrs. Rose; Vermont, A. B. and Mrs. Franklin; Vir- 
 ginia, J. M. and Mrs. Blanton; West Virginia, R. W. 
 and Mrs. Baylor; Wisconsin, S. C. and Mrs. Carr. 
 
 The thoughtful "address" of the Worthy Master 
 dealt exclusively with routine matters, with a hopeful 
 spirit pervading it from start to finish. The real con- 
 dition of the Order is shown more fully in the Treas- 
 urer's report than anywhere else. It does not show the 
 sale of any United States bonds this year, and there- 
 fore shows a falling off in the receipts which total for 
 the year $14,144.50, with a total expenditure of 
 $11,948.47. The Secretary reported "a steady increase 
 of new Granges, with a total of yj for the year." 
 
 The reports of Masters of State Granges made to 
 this session of the National Grange were somewhat 
 longer than those of the year before, and in the main 
 were hopeful and indicated a strengthening of Grange 
 support. Gradually the Grange was adjusting itself to 
 the new conditions which were now confronting it and 
 the economic changes that time had wrought in agri- 
 culture and the country's affairs. The policy of regu- 
 larly appointing a National Grange Legislative Com- 
 mittee, to present Grange measures to Congress had 
 not yet come into practice, but in a few instances indi- 
 viduals had been selected for that purpose. During 
 the last session of Congress the Worthy Master had 
 appointed W. G. Wayne and J. G. Shepard of New 
 York to appear before the Commerce Committee of 
 the House of Representatives and urge upon that body 
 the necessity of regulating by law transportation 
 through and between the several states. In their re- 
 port they say: "But all arguments and appeals fell 
 upon 'leaden ears.' The committee was nearly solid 
 in the railroad interest, a maioritv of whom were 
 stockholders in, or attornevs for, these corporations. 
 But we do not despair of ultimate success in railroad
 
 Il8 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 transportation reform. The sense of public justice will 
 not always slumber, and when fully aroused the people 
 will surely provide a remedy for public wrongs, and a 
 protection for popular rights." 
 
 In some measure, at least, this prophecy has 
 come to pass and the railroad magnates do not 
 assume the arrogant attitude toward the public they 
 once did. The appointment of the above committee 
 by the Worthy Master was indorsed and a large dis- 
 cretion given him in the appointment of persons to 
 give similar service during the intervals between the 
 annual sessions, much liberty and discretion being es- 
 sential to guard the interests of the Order. The ex- 
 penses of this committee were paid by the National 
 Grange. The only election at this session was one 
 member of the Executive Committee — J. H. Brigham 
 of Ohio was elected to succeed Henley James of 
 Indiana. 
 
 After a year of constructive work the seventeenth 
 session of the National Grange met at Washington, 
 D. C, November 21 to 30, 1883. All the officers were 
 present, with the exception of Pomona and Flora. 
 
 Thirty states were represented by the same dele- 
 gates as at the last session. Arkansas and Georgia 
 were not represented. The following changes were 
 made : California, S. T. and Mrs. Coulter ; North Caro- 
 lina, W. R. Williams ; Delaware, H. and Mrs. Thomp- 
 son ; West Virginia, J. E. Hall. 
 
 Five of the founders attended this session, A. B. 
 Grosh and O. H. Kelley being the two absent. Wil- 
 liam Saunders, one of the founders, delivered an ad- 
 dress of welcome, replete with sound advice and 
 patriotism, in which is this significant paragraph: 
 "I am aware of the sensitiveness of the members 
 of the Order with regard to entering upon ques- 
 tions seemingly of political significance, but there 
 is no possible reason for ignoring questions of 
 purely political economy. And in this connection I
 
 j. j. woodman's administration — 1882-1883 119 
 
 would say that it cannot but be a source of gratifica- 
 tion to the membership of the Order, as well as to all 
 who feel interested in its success, that it has so effectu- 
 ally maintained its integrity with regard to the strictly 
 partisan political questions of the times. In this respect 
 it has greatly disappointed those prophets who fore- 
 told the early dissolution of the Order which was to 
 follow the political wranglings in which, in their 
 opinion, it was sure to engage. But the Order has 
 bravely withstood all enticements to enter into what is 
 called the 'political arena,' and for this it deserves the 
 highest praise." 
 
 J. R. Thompson, another of the Founders, closed 
 his address with this related statement: "My friends 
 and brothers from the North, South, East and West, 
 we meet as members of a common brotherhood ; we 
 come together under no restraints of any political 
 party; we are wedded to no sectarian belief, but we 
 place 'faith in God,' the 'great Patron of Husbandry.' 
 We are citizens of one great Republic, loyal to the 
 same flag and Constitution ; let us endeavor to exem- 
 plify the Divine command, 'Love thy neighbor as 
 thyself.' " 
 
 The Worthy Master said many excellent things in 
 his "address." After giving the history of the intro- 
 duction of business co-operation into the Grange he 
 has this to say : 
 
 "Hence it appears that the system of co-operation, which 
 proved such a signal failure and operated so disastrously to the 
 Order in some of the Western and Southern States, did not 
 originate with the National Grange, but practically with the or- 
 ganizing deputies. Members of the Subordinate Granges had be- 
 come such by promises of great financial benefits. Money flowed 
 into the State Grange treasuries which they had paid in fees and 
 dues, and the demands went up to the State Granges to use it in 
 business enterprises. Some State Granges yielded to the demand 
 and engaged in milling and manufacturing enterprises with the 
 funds in their treasuries and upon their own responsibility. 
 
 "It was not until the National Grange became a 'representative 
 body' that business co-operation received its sanction and encour-
 
 120 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 agement. State agents, under bonds for faithful work, were 
 recommended at the ninth annual session, and at the same meet- 
 ing a resolution for the establishment of 'National Business 
 Agencies' was defeated by the decisive vote of 35 to 8. I call 
 attention to these facts to show that the National Grange has ever 
 been conservative on this question of co-operation, and that all 
 systems recommended or indorsed by it have been thoroughly 
 matured and well guarded. Had the advice of a majority of the 
 founders of the Order and the recommendations of the National 
 Grange been heeded and practiced, these business failures and 
 calamities would have been avoided. The principal cause of fail- 
 ure was in placing business enterprises backed by the funds of 
 the State Grange into the hands of agents who were wanting in 
 business experience and qualifications necessary to manage them. 
 
 "Correct business habits and real co-operation among the mem- 
 bers of our Order are as essential to its prosperity and perpetuity 
 as breath is to physical life, and as indissolubly connected with its 
 educational system as household economy, the production of 
 crops, care and management of domestic animals or beautifying 
 and adorning our homes. It cannot reasonably be expected that 
 persons who have had no practical experience or special training 
 in mercantile business, milling or manufacturing, can be qualified 
 to successfully manage such enterprises. Business men do not 
 spring up like mushrooms, but grow like the stately oak, which 
 gradually rises and spreads its branches under the genial and 
 vivifying influence of the sunshine and the rain, and strikes its 
 root deeper and more firmly into the earth when beat upon and 
 swayed by the wind and the storm. So men must be educated 
 for any business avocation in life, and be made strong and well 
 grounded by experience derived from successes and losses. 
 
 "Business co-operation should have a place in every Sub- 
 ordinate Grange, however small the beginning and limited the 
 means, and if well managed and patronized, it cannot fail to pros- 
 per, and not only benefit the members financially, but educate 
 them into correct and practical business habits." 
 
 In view of the numerous failures of so-called Grange 
 co-operative stores and other business enterprises 
 throughout the country, this was an important statement, 
 which would indicate that many of the failures which 
 proved so disastrous to the Grange itself should not 
 have been charged to the Grange. 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer reported the receipts for the 
 year $15,412.25, which included the proceeds of United
 
 j. j. woodman's administration — 1882-1883 I21 
 
 States bond sales to the amount of $2,577.50, leaving 
 a balance invested in United States bonds of $38,000. 
 The total expenditures for the year were $12,704.89. 
 The interest on the United States bonds owned by the 
 National Grange for a number of years had been be- 
 tween $2,000 and $3,000, and in addition to this it had 
 been necessary to sell $2,000 or more of the bonds 
 themselves annually to pay current expenses. It is 
 easy to see what would have happened to the National 
 Grange if this source of income had not been available 
 during these trying years. In spite of this, however, 
 the outlook was encouraging for the future. The 
 Worthy Secretary reported 97 new Granges organized 
 during the year, an increase of about 26 per cent. 
 
 The political unrest in the country was beginning to 
 manifest itself in the Grange and among the farmers 
 generally. It came up in this session of the National 
 Grange, and a "Special Committee on Political Econ- 
 omy" was appointed, which made a report that after 
 much discussion and more or less amendment was 
 adopted. Because of its significance, and because it 
 clearly defines the present position of the Grange upon 
 the subject, the report adopted is reproduced. 
 
 "While we firmly adhere to the cardinal principles enunciated 
 in our Declaration of Purposes that in the Grange there is, and 
 can be no partisan politics, yet as the Church teaches pure morals, 
 and, without partisan bias, seeks to advance Christianity for the 
 good of us all, so we, to better conserve those great interests of 
 our class, which, if properly guarded and fostered, will bless all 
 mankind, must give heed to those public questions and laws 
 which affect our calling; and we may, without just cause of 
 criticism from any other class or party, seek such political re- 
 forms as will promote our interests, and relieve our industries 
 from unjust burdens. In heeding the admonition of our Ritual to 
 promote the welfare of our country and mankind, we do not do 
 our duty as patrons and citizens if we neglect to call public atten- 
 tion to political abuses or cease to strive to correct them. The 
 political reforms we ask for and the laws we seek to amend or 
 enact are in no wise partisan. 
 
 "The innocent purchaser and user of patented articles, who has 
 to pay an unjust royalty, suffers in the same degree, whatever
 
 122 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 may be his political affiliations. The establishment of a Depart- 
 ment of Agriculture, now so necessary to aid in the proper de- 
 velopment of our industry, and raise it up to a higher level of 
 respectability, and increase our influence in the affairs of the 
 nation, has no partisan taint. So, also, is the transportation ques- 
 tion — the railroad monopolies levying their unjust exactions alike 
 on citizens of all parties. As they are said to be without souls, 
 so they are without partisan affiliation, except to accomplish their 
 own selfish purposes. In this regard they are most aptly de- 
 scribed by Jay Gould, in his testimony before the Hepburn Com- 
 mittee, when he declared that, when seeking to get his friends 
 elected to office in a Republican district, he was a Republican ; in 
 a Democratic district, he was a Democrat. As Patrons, it is our 
 duty to discuss all questions of political economy; to become 
 acquainted with questions of revenue and taxation; to learn the 
 extent and necessity of public burdens, and look into the efficiency 
 of every public service; to seek to regulate, by proper laws, all 
 corporations who do business for the public; to look after the 
 general welfare of agriculture and endeavor to have all unjust 
 burdens imposed on it removed, and, when necessary, by legal en- 
 actment, to strive to have our principles and measures adopted by 
 all political parties; to strive to secure the election of men to 
 office and places of trust who believe in our principles, and will 
 endeavor to maintain and make them practical ; to carefully 
 scrutinize the characters of all men who are candidates for office, 
 and pledge them, as far as may be, to support the measures recom- 
 mended by the Grange; to insist that those engaged in agricul- 
 tural pursuits be elected to political offices and places of trust in a 
 ratio commensurate with the interests they represent. To create 
 and maintain a public sentiment that shall ostracize and make 
 infamous, as guilty of moral treason, any legislator who shall 
 refuse or neglect to subserve the known interests of the whole 
 people, or other officer who shall betray a public trust. 
 
 "Therefore, Resolved, That, because of the burdens, resulting 
 from subsidies in land grants, transportation, patent laws, un- 
 equal taxation, boards of trade, and for the want of a properly 
 equalized tariff system, the farmers of America, in self-defense, 
 and for the protection of the wealth-producing classes, should 
 take a positive stand against all monopolies. 
 
 "Resolved, That the National Grange doth most earnestly 
 recommend that, in all State and Subordinate Granges, those 
 questions of public policy and national import, as they relate to 
 agriculture, be discussed, making them prominent both in and out 
 of the Grange, and thus aid in arresting the evils which threaten 
 the agricultural interests of our country.
 
 j. j. woodman's administration — 1882-1883 123 
 
 "Resolved, That the National Grange, at this, its seventeenth 
 annual session, places itself upon record in vindication of the 
 aforegoing policies ; and through its representatives from 30 
 states of this Union, now assembled, declares its devotion to 
 questions of public policy rather than partisanship, and its future 
 purpose to be adherence to principle. That we will, by our influ- 
 ence and vote, support measures and men for office who will labor 
 to subserve the best interests of the whole people. 
 
 "Resolved, We urge that farmers always take an active part, 
 and thus make their power felt in all primary meetings, looking 
 to the selection of delegates or candidates to represent the people 
 in town, township, county, state or national councils. And that our 
 efforts be further directed to the suppression of buying and sell- 
 ing votes at any and all elections." 
 
 The agricultural colleges were receiving marked at- 
 tention from the Grange, and, in pursuance of a deter- 
 mined policy, the following resolutions were adopted : 
 
 "1. That we favor the introduction into our public schools of 
 primary instruction in agriculture and of the natural sciences, this 
 being alike, in our judgment, for the best interests and advantage 
 of the children of all classes. 
 
 "2. That we hold it should be in fact, and is in accordance with 
 the spirit of the organic art, that it should be the leading object 
 of all agricultural colleges established under act of 1862, to teach 
 such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the 
 mechanic arts ; and that the obligation is equally binding upon all 
 state students to study these branches, which either relate to 
 agriculture or the mechanic arts, whilst claiming the benefits of 
 the endowment fund by which the colleges are supported. 
 
 "3. That we favor, further, such a reorganization of these 
 colleges as will furnish the youth of the country with good com- 
 mon school education, as is the case in medical, law and other 
 schools, to enter them and begin at once the study of practical 
 agriculture as taught in them, and who shall continue the study as 
 long as they remain in the college, or until the course is com- 
 pleted." 
 
 For a number of years thoughtful members of the 
 Grange had realized the mistake the Order made, in the 
 early years of its prosperity and plethoric treasury, in 
 not erecting a permanent headquarters in Washington. 
 Repeated efforts had been made to secure a lease or a 
 donation from Congress of the land on which the build-
 
 124 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 ing stood where the Grange was organized. This 
 effort failed. At this session a special committee was 
 appointed to report a plan of raising money to erect 
 a "Temple to Ceres" in the city of Washington for 
 Grange headquarters. Voluntary contributions were 
 asked for from individuals and Subordinate Granges, 
 but only about $700 was ever contributed, which 
 amount was afterwards carried as a "Temple Fund." 
 
 No change was made in officers' salaries. The date 
 of meeting of the National Grange was changed by 
 constitutional amendment from the "third Wednes- 
 day" to the "Wednesday after the second Monday" 
 in November.
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 
 J. J. Woodman's Administration, Third Term, Two 
 
 Years, 1 884-1 885 — Eighteenth and Nineteenth 
 
 Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 Elected to his third term as Worthy Master of the 
 National Grange, J. J. Woodman continued the policy 
 of his two previous terms, the chief work of which 
 was the establishment of the Grange upon a solid 
 financial and economic basis, thereby securing the 
 support and confidence of thoughtful people. 
 
 The eighteenth session of the National Grange met 
 at Nashville, Tenn., November 12 to 19, 1884. Officers 
 elected at the preceding session were : 
 
 Master — J. J. Woodman, Michigan. 
 
 Overseer — Put Darden, Mississippi. 
 
 Lecturer — Henry Eshbaugh, Missouri. 
 
 Steward — William Sims, Kansas. 
 
 Assistant Steward — John J. Rosa, Delaware. 
 
 Chaplain — Henry O. Devries, Maryland. 
 
 Treasurer — F. M. McDowell, New York. 
 
 Secretary — William M. Ireland, District of Columbia. 
 
 Gatekeeper — James Draper, Massachusetts. 
 
 Pomona — Mrs. Mary L. Darden, Mississippi. 
 
 Flora — Mrs. E. M. Nicholson, New Jersey. 
 
 Ceres — Mrs. H. H. Woodman, Michigan. 
 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Mrs. H. A. Sims, Kansas. 
 
 Executive Committee — D. Wyatt Aiken, Chairman, South Caro- 
 lina, and J. M. Blanton, Virginia, re-elected; J. H. Brigham 
 holding over. 
 
 Thirty states were entitled to representation and 
 twenty-eight were represented by the following dele- 
 gates : Alabama, B. C. Harrison ; California, S. T. and 
 Mrs. Coulter; Delaware, Henry Thompson; Georgia, 
 Daniel Gillis ; Illinois, E. A. and Mrs. Giller ; Iowa, J. E. 
 Blackford; Indiana, Aaron Jones; Kansas, William 
 and Mrs. Sims; Kentucky, J. L. and Mrs. Neal; Louis- 
 
 125
 
 126 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 iana, Daniel Morgan; Maryland, H. O. and Mrs. 
 Devries; Massachusetts, J. and Mrs. Draper; Michi- 
 gan; C. G. and Mrs. Luce; Minnesota, S. E. and Mrs. 
 Adams; Mississippi, Put. Darden ; Missouri, J. M. 
 Sneed ; New Hampshire, W. H. Stinson ; New Jersey, 
 I. W. and Mrs. Nicholson; New York, W. A. Arm- 
 strong; North Carolina, W. R. Williams; Ohio, J. H. 
 Brigham; Pennsylvania, L. and Mrs. Rhone; South 
 Carolina, J. N. and Mrs. Lipscomb ; Tennessee, W. H. 
 Nelson; Texas, A. J. Rose; Virginia, J. M. and Mrs. 
 Blanton; West Virginia, J. E. Hall; Wisconsin, S. C. 
 and Mrs. Carr. Maine and Vermont not represented. 
 
 The Worthy Master delivered a long and carefully 
 prepared address dealing with current Grange and 
 other matters in a thoughtful manner. He said about 
 the condition of the Order : 
 
 "As far as I am able to judge, we have no cause for discourage- 
 ment in the general condition and work of the Order. While it 
 is true that in some sections it seems to languish, in others it is 
 strong and prosperous. The financial condition of our treasury 
 seems to indicate a general increasing prosperity. The presiden- 
 tial campaign just closed has so engaged the attention of all 
 classes of our people that it would be strange if it had not de- 
 tracted from the interest of Grange work. But no instance has 
 come to my knowledge where the Order has departed from its 
 wise and well-defined non-partisan policy and lent its influence to 
 aid the special interest of partisanship. There have been encour- 
 aging indications of an increasing interest among Patrons in the 
 general politics of the country ; but the Order has held its course 
 steadily onward, battling for the right and for men and principles 
 rather than party." 
 
 The report of the Treasurer showed total receipts of 
 $15,584.74, and total expenditures of $10,205.52, leaving 
 a balance of $5,379.22. 
 
 No change was made in the compensation of the 
 officers for the next year. The following legislative 
 committee was appointed to present matters which had 
 been considered and recommended to Congress : E. F. 
 Jones, New York; J. M. Blanton, Virginia; H. O.
 
 j. j. woodman's administration — 1884-1885 127 
 
 Devries, Maryland; Leonard Rhone, Pennsylvania; 
 and John Trimble, District of Columbia. 
 
 The nineteenth session of the National Grange met at 
 Boston, Mass., November 11 to 20, 1885. Twenty-nine 
 states were represented ; Louisiana, Maryland and Vir- 
 ginia were not represented, and the following addi- 
 tions and changes were made : California, Wm. and 
 Mrs. Johnson; Minnesota, W. S. Chowen; Connecticut, 
 S. and Mrs. Kimberly ; New Jersey, R. and Mrs. Coles; 
 Indiana, M. and Mrs. Trusler; Oregon, R. P. and Mrs. 
 Boice; Kansas, W. H. Toothaker; Vermont, A. B. and 
 Mrs. Franklin; Maine, F. and Mrs. Robie. Secretary 
 W. M. Ireland had resigned March 28, 1885, to take 
 effect April 15. In a letter accompanying his resigna- 
 tion, he said : 
 
 "My other business engagements, which, by the way, are of a 
 life tenure, require so much of my time, and are constantly in- 
 creasing, and so frequently require my absence from the city for 
 indefinite periods, that I cannot now give the attention to Grange 
 matters that I would like to do, or that they require. Therefore, 
 I feel that justice to the Order, as well as to myself, requires that 
 I no longer continue to hold the office of Secretary. Feeling in 
 this way, I have today sent to the Executive Committee my 
 resignation and inclose to you a copy. I have been connected 
 with the Order since its earliest inception, and with the exception 
 of two years, have attended every session of the National Grange, 
 and at all of them but one have prepared the journal of proceed- 
 ings. Since 1878 I have filled the office of Secretary. During 
 these many years I have seen the Order grow from a puny infant 
 to the stature of a giant; have seen its strength and power almost 
 gone, and again brought from the verge of the grave until it 
 stands today in the full vigor and strength of manhood. During 
 all the years of existence my faith in the ultimate triumph of its 
 noble objects and principles has never for a moment wavered. I 
 have ever endeavored to serve it faithfully wherever and when- 
 ever my services were needed, and now that its dark days have 
 passed and it seems to be prosperous in every way, I feel that I 
 can lay aside my official robes with a consciousness that my duty 
 has been done. But in thus asking to be relieved of the duties of 
 Secretary, I only sever my official connection with the Order. 
 Personally, I shall always be one of you, and in every way in my 
 power will aid in advancing the interests of the Order."
 
 128 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 The Executive Committee accepted the resignation 
 and appointed John Trimble, Washington, D. C, to fill 
 the unexpired term. 
 
 This session closed the third and last term of J. J. 
 Woodman's administration, and the thirteenth year 
 since the first delegate session in January, 1873. The 
 Grange had made a good deal of important history, and 
 had impressed its influence upon public questions in 
 such a way that it could never be erased, whatever 
 might be the future fate of the Order. In his last 
 address to the National Grange Worthy Master Wood- 
 man, after briefly citing the history of the Order and 
 the conditions which brought it into existence, fittingly 
 summarized some of its achievements, as follows: 
 
 "The true mission of the Order is indicated by the necessities 
 and events which brought it into existence, and is clearly ex- 
 pressed in its Declaration of Purposes; that document has been 
 before the world for more than a decade, eliciting admiration 
 and challenging criticism. It will, therefore, be seen that our 
 organization was founded upon the necessities of agriculture, and 
 the principles which underlie it, if carried out, comprehend all 
 that is required to place our interests and our class on a plane of 
 prosperity approximating to that enjoyed by other great interests. 
 It was never intended that its work should be to tear down but to 
 build up; not to level the palace, but to change the hovel to a 
 pleasant and comfortable home; not to deprive the favored ones 
 of a single advantage they now enjoy for literary acquirements, 
 but to bring the means of obtaining a higher education, more 
 suited to the farmer's calling, within the reach of all the children 
 of rural homes; not to take from any class or interest a privilege 
 or right which legitimately belongs to them, but to secure for our- 
 selves and our posterity the social, moral and intellectual 
 privileges which rightfully belong to us, and to enjoy without 
 hindrance the fruit of our labor; not by the power of numbers 
 to assume political control and arbitrarily attempt to shape the 
 policy of the nation, but to bring farmers to the front, that their 
 voices may be heard and their influence felt in the councils of the 
 nation. 
 
 "For the accomplishment of these objects have its officers and 
 members labored, and the result must be apparent to every observ- 
 ing mind. 
 
 "In 1S73, when farmers were moving in the work of organiza-
 
 j. j. woodman's administration — 1884-1885 129 
 
 tion, and the Order had obtained a foothold in nearly every state, 
 the agitation of the question of correcting by legislation the 
 abuses which railroad corporations were practicing in freight 
 charges, began. The farmers of the great Northwest had voted 
 taxes upon themselves, subscribed to stock, and mortgaged their 
 farms to build the roads, in the vain hope that they would realize 
 not only interest and dividends upon stock subscribed, but better 
 prices for their farm products. But in all this they were doomed 
 to disappointment. The money was used, stock absorbed, and 
 farms sold under the mortgages, and a system of spoliation in 
 freight charges established by the companies which would have 
 disgraced the feudal ages; and the managers of the corporations 
 were raised, as if by magic, from gentlemen in comfortable cir- 
 cumstances to millionaires. No wonder farmers organized to 
 resist these encroachments upon their rights. No wonder that, 
 for once at least, they tore themselves from party ties, held con- 
 ventions and nominated and elected men pledged to represent 
 their interests. And it was not strange that legislative bodies 
 thus elected should pass laws for correcting, as far as possible, 
 these abuses, and giving relief to a wronged and oppressed peo- 
 ple. Laws thus enacted were resisted by the companies, under 
 the plea that they were operating under general laws and 
 special charters, and were therefore above and beyond legislative 
 control. There was scarcely a statesman or lawyer in all the 
 land that did not coincide in this theory. The companies were 
 prosecuted, however, and the cases went into the courts. The 
 parties to the suit were, practically, the farmers of the country, 
 in their newly organized capacity, versus the great railroad cor- 
 porations. These cases elicited great interest among all classes. 
 Statesmen, attorneys and journalists gave thought and study to 
 the questions involved. Horace Greeley was the first man of 
 national reputation who espoused the farmers' cause, followed 
 by Senator Carpenter of Wisconsin, Senator Windom of Minne- 
 sota, Judge Black of Pennsylvania and others. 
 
 "The National Grange met in St. Louis in February, 1884, 
 and the first appeal to Congress to regulate interstate commerce 
 was made at that session by the Order through its national or- 
 ganization. The Senate appointed a committee, of which Senator 
 Windom of Minnesota was chairman, to investigate the com- 
 plaints against the railroad companies and report to that body. 
 The report was made, and more than sustained all the charges 
 and complaints made. The report has passed into history, and 
 every member who signed it, save one, has been retired from his 
 scat in the Senate, and most of them, it is alleged, through the 
 influence of railroad managers. The cases in court finally reached
 
 130 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 the Supreme Court of the United States, and from that high 
 tribunal came the decision, which was hailed with joy by the 
 people everywhere, that 'when private property is taken for pub- 
 lic use it is subject to public regulation'; and 'that the power to 
 regulate the same is in the legislative department of the gov- 
 ernment.' 
 
 "The Board of Railroad Commissioners of Massachusetts, in 
 their first annual report after the decision was made, paid a 
 very high compliment to our Order, in declaring that the action 
 of the farmers of the West, in prosecuting the railroad com- 
 panies and obtaining this decision, is worth more to the coun- 
 try than their organization had cost. On the other hand, the 
 president of the Central Pacific railroad of California denounces 
 the decision as 'a most flagrant violation of the principles of free 
 government, and entirely in harmony with the theory of gov- 
 ernment which rests its foundation on might and asserts the 
 divine right of kings.' He further declares that 'the communists 
 and the agitator Kearney advocated no doctrine in regard to 
 property more atrocious than the principles embodied in the 
 Granger cases and the laws they sustain.' 
 
 "This was our first triumph over the 'tyranny of monopolies,' 
 and if the advantages gained have not been followed up and 
 maintained by the necessary legislation to remove all the evils 
 complained of, the fault has not been with the Order, but with 
 the farmers themselves in failing to use it as a medium for ac- 
 complishing that object; for every National Grange, and almost 
 every State Grange that has met since that time, have memo- 
 rialized Congress and State Legislatures, and thousands of earnest 
 petitioners from the Subordinate Granges have added their sup- 
 plications for relief. 
 
 "The work of our Order, in this contest with the railroads, 
 has not been confined wholly to efforts to secure friendly national 
 legislation for farmers and the public interest. Through its 
 direct influence most of the states have already enacted whole- 
 some laws regulating railroad traffic within their borders, and a 
 most wonderful change has been wrought in public sentiment. 
 We have now many public men who dare to stand by the people 
 in this contest with monopolies, and the people stand by them at 
 the ballot box. 
 
 "Political parties no longer hesitate to declare in favor of 
 regulating both state and interstate commerce, and to recognize 
 the importance of agriculture to national prosperity. President 
 Arthur, in his message to the forty-eighth Congress, says: 'No 
 individual and no corporation ought to be invested with absolute 
 power over the interests of any other citizen or class of citizens;
 
 j. j. woodman's administration — 1 884- 1885 131 
 
 and it seems but just that, so far as its constitutional authority will 
 permit, Congress should protect the people at large in their inter- 
 state traffic against acts of injustice which the state governments 
 are powerless to prevent' This recommendation embodies all 
 that we have ever asked at the hands of Congress. 
 
 "Our greatest achievements are not, however, to be found in 
 our efforts to secure favorable and friendly legislation for our 
 interests, but in the great work of educating and elevating our 
 class. When our Patron's ship was first launched upon the great 
 ocean of public turmoil and strife in 1873, farmers and their fam- 
 ilies were, to a very great extent, isolated from each other in 
 their social and business relations, plodding single-handed and 
 alone in their work of cultivating their farms and endeavors to 
 support their families from the products of the same. They 
 were unaccustomed to the discipline of close organizations, ritual- 
 istic work or parliamentary usage. Farmers were seldom found 
 in places of public trust, or taking part in public meetings and 
 discussions, or occupying the rostrum. The agricultural literature 
 of the country was confined to a few volumes, containing only 
 the cogitations of theorists in agricultural science, and a very 
 limited number of poorly patronized journals, to which few prac- 
 tical farmers furnished contributions. But few could be found 
 who favored a higher education for farmers' sons and daugh- 
 ters, and agricultural and industrial schools and colleges had but 
 few advocates. Well-developed muscles and a disposition to use 
 them were considered to be the surest means of success in 
 farming. 
 
 "When Congress made an appropriation to endow agricultural 
 colleges many farmers were either too indifferent to their own 
 interests or prejudiced against such schools to appreciate the 
 favor, and in several states allowed other institutions to seize 
 upon and appropriate the funds to their own use and benefit, 
 satisfying farmers with a department of agriculture, and that 
 in name only, but sufficient to answer the requirements of the law. 
 
 "He who fails to see and acknowledge the great change that 
 has been wrought and the influence which our Order has exerted 
 in producing the same, certainly cannot be credited with any 
 great amount of discernment. 
 
 "Farmers, with their wives and children, have come together 
 in the Grange, cultivated sociability, friendship and confidence in 
 each other, submitted to useful discipline, learned parliamentary 
 usage, accustomed themselves to read and recite in public, write 
 and read essays, and speak in debate and on the rostrum. Com- 
 ing together as a band of brothers and sisters, under pledges of 
 fidelity to each other, and a firm resolve to cultivate a higher
 
 I32 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 manhood and womanhood for themselves, they have been inspired 
 to labor with diligence in their efforts to excel, to emulate worthy 
 examples and conduct themselves with circumspection. By cul- 
 tivating respect and esteem for each other, the ties of fraternity 
 have been strengthened. By taking an active part in the literary 
 work of the Grange a greater desire for useful knowledge has 
 been created, and the shelves and center tables better supplied 
 with books and journals. Under the direct influence and teach- 
 ings of the Grange thousands of rural homes have been beauti- 
 fied and their surroundings made more cheerful and attractive ; 
 and many sad and despondent hearts have been made to rejoice 
 in happier homes and more endearing family ties. The early 
 care and training of children have received attention, and many 
 parents have been made happier in realizing its salutary influence 
 upon the lives of their sons and daughters and their growing 
 attachment for home, and in being able to keep the loved ones 
 upon the farm. 
 
 "Work and business operations upon the farm have been sys- 
 tematized, and the burden of labor lightened. Farms have been 
 better cultivated and made more productive. Live stock has been 
 improved, more humanely treated and better cared for. Farmers 
 have been made to read and think and investigate and act for 
 themselves, consequently have become more self-reliant and inde- 
 pendent. They have been induced to take more interest in public 
 affairs, and, being better qualified to do so, are often called to 
 fill public offices, to preside over conventions and deliberative 
 bodies and to address public assemblies. It is a fundamental 
 principle of the Order to provide for our children the means 
 for obtaining a higher and more practical education, and better 
 suited to the farmer's calling. Hence, we have advocated for 
 every state an independent agricultural and industrial college, with 
 an experimental farm attached. The fruits of our labors in this 
 direction are to be found in the great and growing prosperity 
 which has attended these institutions during the past few years 
 and in the establishment of experiment stations in several states, 
 also in the introduction into Congress of a bill providing for a 
 national agricultural experiment station in each of the several 
 states of the Union. Congress should be memorialized for the 
 passage of this measure. 
 
 "In addition to all this it has been well and truthfully said: 
 'The Order of Patrons of Husbandry has enabled farmers to put 
 their impress upon the government of many states; it has pro- 
 vided ways by which great savings have been realized; it has 
 taught farmers the strength of numbers and the potency of or- 
 ganized effort to accomplish useful purposes. Above all, and be-
 
 j. j. woodman's administration — 1884-1885 133 
 
 yond all these material advantages, it has elevated the standard 
 of manhood and womanhood in the representatives of a great 
 industry, where muscle, before, was regarded as superior to mind ; 
 it has made farmers more worthy citizens and has given their 
 families higher consideration. Its principles are in accord with 
 the strictest rules of morality, and its teachings have tended to 
 refine and elevate all its members.' 
 
 "Truly, our Order is fulfilling its mission, and has already ac- 
 complished a great work, which no careful observer can fail to see 
 and acknowledge. And yet there are broad and unfinished fields 
 of labor before us, and new ones constantly opening up to our 
 view." 
 
 The Treasurer's report showed total receipts 
 $15,936.81, total expenditures $9,282.70, leaving a bal- 
 ance of $6,654.11. This was the least ever ex- 
 pended in any one year since 1873. Ninety new 
 Granges were organized during the year, scattered over 
 twenty-three states. The selling of the $38,000 United 
 States bonds and the reinvestment was recommended 
 by the Grange. As a further effort to economize, the 
 per diem of the Master and Lecturer was reduced from 
 $5 to $3. Otherwise the salaries remained as before. 
 
 An amendment to the Constitution was adopted 
 granting State Granges the privilege to reduce the ini- 
 tiation fee from $3 for men and $1 for women to $1 for 
 men and 50 cents for women. Some of the states made 
 the reduction. 
 
 It was ordered "that there be a committee appointed 
 by the Executive Committee whose duty it shall be to 
 attend the present session of Congress for the purpose 
 of securing legislation in the interest of agriculture 
 under such regulations as may be provided by the Ex- 
 ecutive Committee." In their report the next year, the 
 Executive Committee says : "In obedience to this in- 
 struction, the committee appointed two distinguished 
 brothers of the Order, with discretionary powers, who 
 went to Washington and presented to the Committees 
 of Congress facts, statistics and arguments relating to 
 the necessity of legislation to protect and foster the
 
 134 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 interests of agriculture." But they fail to name the 
 "two distinguished brothers." 
 
 Previous to this time special committees and persons 
 had been designated by the Master or the National 
 Grange itself to go to Washington and look after some 
 particular matters of legislation, but this seems to have 
 been the first action of the National Grange providing 
 for the appointment of a committee for the general 
 purpose of securing legislation in the interest of agri- 
 culture. 
 
 Much important work was done at this session, 
 which is recalled in the carefully prepared committee 
 reports and the great number of resolutions adopted. 
 The retiring officers were thanked, and it was resolved : 
 "That when we recall the grand objects for which the 
 Grange was founded, and that the retiring officers have 
 merited the 'Well done, good and faithful servant,' it is 
 indeed from the promptings of our hearts that we enter 
 in our Journal this testimonial of worth and service 
 that time can never obliterate."
 
 Israel Putnam Darden, Mississippi, sixth Master of the Na- 
 tional Grange.
 
 James Draper, Massachusetts, seventh Master of the National 
 
 Grange.
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 
 Put Darden's Administration, First Term, Two Years, 
 
 1 886-1 887 — Twentieth and Twenty-First Sessions 
 
 of the National Grange 
 
 Grange history divides itself into periods, more or 
 less related to social, economic or political periods as 
 they manifested themselves in the state or nation, and 
 was largely influenced directly or indirectly by them. 
 Other things more closely related to the Grange itself 
 have tended to focalize attention upon certain periods, 
 some of them economic, while others were the outcome 
 of personal ambition or the natural human rivalry that 
 separated the voting membership into factions or 
 parties in the National Grange itself. The same thing 
 was also discoverable in many of the State Granges, 
 and even the Subordinate Granges were not entirely 
 free from it. It was not always true in the National 
 Grange that the office was left to seek the man, for it 
 has frequently been the case that the man quite vigor- 
 ously sought the office. To expect otherwise was ex- 
 pecting too much of unregenerate humanity; but 
 it must be said to the credit of the Grange that for 
 half a century it seems to have been able to keep parti- 
 san, political and sectarian questions out of its affairs. 
 
 In a general way the history of the National Grange 
 divides itself into periods covered by the administra- 
 tions of its Masters, and these subdivide into terms of 
 two years each, from the fact that while the Master 
 may have been elected for two or more terms there is 
 usually more or less change in the official list at each 
 biennial election. To illustrate: At the third re- 
 election of Master Woodman every one of the thirteen 
 officers but the Gatekeeper was re-elected, but when 
 
 135
 
 I36 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Put Darden was elected Master two years later the 
 only re-election was that of F. M. McDowell as Treas- 
 urer. Just what causes brought this about it would be 
 impossible to say from anything that appears in the 
 Journal of that session. 
 
 Mr. Darden was a Mississippian, and the second of 
 the two men from the southern states who have 
 held the office of Master of the National Grange, John 
 T. Jones of Arkansas being the other. The new 
 Master took hold of the work of the Order like a vet- 
 eran, and the Patrons of Husbandry kept off the rocks 
 throughout the year 1886. 
 
 The twentieth session of the National Grange met 
 at Philadelphia, Pa., November 10 to 18, 1886. The 
 following officers had been elected at the preceding 
 session : 
 
 Master — Put Darden, Mississippi. 
 Overseer — James Draper, Massachusetts. 
 Lecturer — Mortimer Whitehead, New Jersey. 
 Steward — J. E. Hall, West Virginia. 
 
 Assistant Steward — William H. Stinson, New Hampshire. 
 Chaplain — A. J. Rose, Texas. 
 Treasurer — F. M. McDowell, New York. 
 Secretary — John Trimble, District of Columbia. 
 Gatekeeper — Henry Thompson, Delaware. 
 Ceres — Mrs. Kate Aby Darden, Mississippi. 
 Pomona — Mrs. S. H. Neal, Kentucky. 
 Flora — Mrs. J. C. Draper, Massachusetts. 
 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Mrs. E. M. Lipscomb, South Carolina. 
 Executive Committee — J. J. Woodman, J. M. Blanton and J. H. 
 Brigham. 
 
 At the previous session Mortimer Whitehead of New 
 Jersey had been elected Lecturer to succeed Henry Esh- 
 baugh, whose poor health prevented him from desiring 
 a re-election, but not being present for installation, 
 under the following ruling of Worthy Master Darden : 
 "No officer can be installed except by the Grange that 
 elects him," Mr. Eshbaugh was continued in office. 
 He died early in the year, and as his successor 
 could not be installed the office remained practically
 
 put darden's administration, 1886-1887 137 
 
 vacant during the year. That the ruling was an error 
 will be readily seen from this circumstance. It prac- 
 tically prevents any member from being elected to 
 office in the National Grange unless present to be in- 
 stalled, and it still remains the law of the Order. It does 
 seem that the Master of the National Grange, or of a State 
 Grange should have authority, either personally or by 
 his duly authorized Deputy, to install an officer who 
 might chance to be elected in his absence or unavoid- 
 able prevention from being present for installation 
 before the close of the session. Mr. Whitehead was 
 immediately installed as Lecturer on the opening of 
 the Grange. 
 
 Thirty states were duly represented : Alabama, B. C. 
 Harrison ; California, Wm. and Mrs. Johnson ; Connec- 
 ticut, J. H. and Mrs. Hale; Delaware, Henry Thomp- 
 son ; Georgia, T. H. Kimbrough ; Illinois, E. A. and 
 Mrs. Giller; Indiana, M. and Mrs. Trusler; Iowa, J. E. 
 and Mrs. Blackford; Kansas, W. H. and Mrs. Tooth- 
 aker; Kentucky, J. D. and Mrs. Clardy; Maine, F. and 
 Mrs. Robie; Maryland, H. M. and Mrs. Murray; 
 Massachusetts, James Draper; Michigan, C. G. and 
 Mrs. Luce; Minnesota, W. S. Chowen; Mississippi, 
 P. and Mrs. Darden ; Missouri, J. M. Sneed; New 
 Hampshire, W. H. and Mrs. Stinson; New Jersey, R. 
 and Mrs. Coles; New York, W. A. Armstrong; North 
 Carolina, W. R. Williams ; Ohio, J. H. Brigham ; Ore- 
 gon, R. P. and Mrs. Boise ; Pennsylvania, L. and Mrs. 
 Rhone ; South Carolina, J. N. Lipscomb ; Texas, A. J. 
 Rose; Vermont, Alpha Messer; Virginia, X. X. and 
 Mrs. Chartters ; West Virginia, J. E. Hall ; Wisconsin, 
 S. C. and Mrs. Carr. 
 
 Worthy Master Darden presided over the twentieth 
 session of the National Grange, and being a new man 
 at the helm of the Grange ship, his first "address" was 
 listened to with especial interest. He makes the 
 declaration that "prior to the establishment of the 
 Grange the farmers were without organization. In-
 
 I38 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 deed, the Grange was the first organization established 
 in the history of civilization for the protection and 
 advancement of farmers' rights." The full sweep of 
 these statements must be attributed somewhat to 
 his enthusiasm. His zeal leads him into a more 
 serious error in the statement that "prior to the 
 establishment of the Grange there was no co-operation 
 among farmers." And then, after claiming a good 
 many things for the Grange, he asks: "But why enu- 
 merate what has been accomplished by the Grange? It 
 has done more than all other agencies combined to 
 'develop a higher manhood and womanhood' among 
 agriculturists, to elevate our calling and place us in a 
 position to secure the rights to which we are justly 
 entitled under the Constitution of this government." 
 
 The Grange, in the West and South in particular, 
 had passed through some strenuous political expe- 
 riences involving all sorts of independent political 
 parties, and at this period was beginning the unrest 
 that culminated in the great "free silver campaign of 
 1896." The farmers were beginning to feel the ground 
 swell of new issues, and incidentally it was beginning 
 to manifest itself in the Grange, just as other move- 
 ments of the people had done. Recognizing the situa- 
 tion, the Worthy Master had a good deal to say about 
 the relation of the Grange to politics. He quoted at 
 some length from the "Declaration of Purposes," and 
 called particular attention to this : 
 
 "We emphatically and sincerely assert the oft-repeated truth, 
 taught in our organic law, that the Grange, National, State or 
 Subordinate, is not a political party organization. No Grange, 
 if true to its obligations, can discuss political or religious ques- 
 tions, nor call political conventions, nor nominate candidates, nor 
 even discuss their merits in its meetings. 
 
 "The improper construction placed upon this paragraph," said 
 the Worthy Master, "has retarded to some extent the work of 
 our Order. The National Grange, in order to make this so plain 
 that no mistake would be likely to be made, struck out the words 
 'political and religious' where they occur in the 'Declaration of
 
 put darden's administration, 1886-1887 139 
 
 Purposes' and inserted in their stead the words 'partisan or 
 sectarian.' 
 
 "By formal resolution it also made the protective tariff ques- 
 tion, which has always been a party political question, a legitimate 
 subject for discussion in the Grange; thereby clearly showing 
 that it does not propose to prevent members of the Order from 
 investigating any and all questions." He concludes, however, 
 that "the restriction intended by this paragraph is to prevent the 
 Grange from becoming a political party. This was surely a very 
 wise provision, and should always be strictly adhered to." After 
 which he adds: "A National farmers' organization without the 
 power to discuss the political rights of its members would be a 
 farce beneath the dignity of intelligent men. The farmers want 
 an organization that will use its influence upon the legislatures, 
 state and national, to protect their interests, just as other class 
 organizations protect the rights of their members; and no organ- 
 ization can long maintain standing with them if it does not render 
 such assistance." 
 
 After making a number of quotations from the pro- 
 ceedings of the National Grange, he said : 
 
 "Many other quotations from the proceedings might be made 
 to show that the remedy proposed by the National Grange for 
 our relief is to use the ballot in order that our class may be fairly 
 and fully represented in the state and national legislatures." 
 
 After considerable further discussion of the ability 
 of the people to govern themselves, he made this mil- 
 itant declaration to call the "embattled farmers" 
 to action : 
 
 "We have been trying resolutions and petitions long enough, 
 and to little effect. Let us try the remedy that has been sug- 
 gested at nearly every session of the National Grange; let us, 
 with our ballots, send men to the legislatures, state and national, 
 who will equalize and reduce taxation, restrain corporations from 
 oppressing the people; have the finances managed in the in- 
 terest of the people; keep our public domain for actual settlers; 
 prevent gamblers from pricing our productions and extend the 
 same protection to the farmer and the manufacturer. For this 
 great work the Grange was organized, and it was not born to die, 
 nor will it fail in the accomplishment of its purposes." 
 
 This seems to have been the position of the Grange 
 membership at the time these declarations were so 
 boldly made.
 
 140 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 In the very next paragraph the Worthy Master said : 
 "Several times since our last meeting I have been of- 
 ficially consulted relative to the propriety of forming 
 alliances between the Grange and other orders and 
 associations." He discreetly declined any "entangling 
 alliances," for just at this time several rival farmers' 
 organizations were actively in the field and more or less 
 committed to political methods of righting the farmers' 
 wrongs, and there was general "pulse-feeling" among 
 them with a view to getting together for political pur- 
 poses. Whatever else may be said, judging from what 
 has happened to other farmers' organizations, the 
 Grange has managed to save its life by keeping off the 
 thin ice of political expediency. 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer reported total receipts from 
 all sources $66,482.78, including the sale of United 
 States bonds which brought $50,937.50. Total ex- 
 penditures, $55,333.44, including "Mortgage Invest- 
 ment" of $42,050, leaving a balance of $11,149.34. 
 
 Ninety-one new Granges were organized during the 
 year, one more than the year before. 
 
 The only change made in salaries for the next year 
 was the increase in the salary of the Secretary from 
 $800 to $1,000 a year. 
 
 J. H. Brigham was re-elected a member of the Ex- 
 ecutive Committee. 
 
 Resolutions were adopted condemning "speculation 
 in futures"; favoring election of United States Sena- 
 tors by direct vote of the people ; commending to work- 
 ing people this sentiment of Lincoln : "There are those 
 who think that monarchy will be our final destiny, and 
 that after the example of Europe we will have a gov- 
 erning class and a working class ; let all working men 
 be warned that in such a state of society there is little 
 hope of advancement for such as they"; demanding 
 the punishment of bribery; declaring that no United 
 States Senator "is entitled to the confidence or support 
 of the people" who votes to confirm as Judge of the
 
 put darden's administration, 1886-1887 141 
 
 Supreme Court anyone who owns stock in, or is in any 
 way, interested pecuniarily in any railroad corporation 
 or is an attorney for the same ; demanding the rebuild- 
 ing of our merchant marine; asking Congress to pass 
 such laws as shall furnish the benefits of the signal 
 service to the farmers of the country ; declaring that it 
 is the duty of Congress to establish and maintain a 
 national telegraph system that shall be available to all 
 citizens on like terms and charges and indorsing the 
 Hatch Agricultural Experiment Station Bill. 
 
 The Executive Committee also reported that the 
 Ritual work and instructions of the higher degrees of 
 the Order had been completed and printed, as directed 
 by the National Grange. Also that a very beautiful 
 and appropriate certificate of membership for the 
 Sixth Degree had been prepared and that the lithographs 
 would be ready to be delivered to all members who had 
 taken that degree at the price fixed by the National 
 Grange. 
 
 The Seventh Degree had never been conferred in full 
 form, and the Sixth only once. The practice had been 
 to obligate the candidates, explain briefly the Ritual 
 work, and instruct in the esoteric work; and no 
 certificate of membership had been given and no fee 
 charged. On the third day of the session the Sixth 
 Degree was conferred by Past Master Woodman on 
 502 candidates in due form, and the fee of $1 each paid 
 into the National Treasury. A constitutional amend- 
 ment was submitted to the State Granges for ratifica- 
 tion to authorize State Granges to confer the Sixth 
 Degree, also an amendment to permit Pomona Granges 
 to be represented in the State Granges. 
 
 A summary of the work of the next year under 
 the direction of the same official leaders must de- 
 pend upon the Journal of the twenty-first session of 
 the National Grange, which met at Lansing, Mich., 
 November 16-24, 1887.
 
 I4 2 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 All the officers but the Steward, Pomona and Lady- 
 Assistant Steward were present. 
 
 Thirty-two states were represented by the same 
 delegates as at the last session, except as follows : Ala- 
 bama, Hiram Hawkins; California, W. L. and Mrs. 
 Overhiser; Delaware, A. N. and Mrs. Brown; Kansas, 
 Wm. and Mrs. Sims; Missouri, D. N. and Mrs. Thomp- 
 son ; Nebraska, O. E. and Mrs. Hall ; New Hampshire, 
 
 C. and Mrs. McDaniel; Tennessee, W. H. Nelson. 
 Rhode Island was represented at this session for the 
 
 first time. West Virginia and Oregon were not repre- 
 sented, though entitled to representation. 
 
 The Master's address was delivered in open session to a 
 large audience on the evening of the first day. He spoke 
 of the necessity of farmers' organizations ; of the Order 
 of Patrons of Husbandry as the pioneer organization ; 
 influence of the Grange press ; the good results from the 
 lecture work ; condition of American farmers ; neces- 
 sity for an interstate commerce law; encouraging 
 prospects of the final passage of the bill then pending 
 before Congress to elevate the agricultural department 
 for which the Order had so long and persistently 
 labored; of the "iniquitous and tyrannical" patent 
 law; the success of the Order in testing the valid- 
 ity of the "driven well fraud" in the courts, and a re- 
 cent decision of the United States Supreme Court, 
 annulling that patent, thereby guaranteeing the right 
 of every person in the United States to use driven wells 
 without molestation from "patent right sharks." He 
 also spoke of the achievements of the Grange ; and in 
 solemn and pathetic words announced the death of 
 
 D. Wyatt Aiken of South Carolina, who, after a 
 long and painful sickness, died April 6, 1887, at his home 
 in Cokesburg, S. C. At the close of his address, he read 
 a tribute to the memory, services, moral worth and 
 exalted Christian character of the deceased, from the 
 pen of Dr. John Trimble, Secretary of the National 
 Grange, and one of the Founders of the Order.
 
 put darden's administration, 1886-1887 143 
 
 The Treasurer's report showed total receipts for the 
 year, $22,858.90, and total expenditures $14,805.15, 
 leaving a balance of $8,053.75. The Grange had mani- 
 festly struck the up grade. Secretary Trimble in his 
 report said: "The official year which closed on the 
 30th of September was a grand and prosperous year 
 for the Order. During the year 143 new Granges were 
 organized." 
 
 Commissioner of Agriculture Norman J. Colman, 
 who was an active Patron and Master of Potomac 
 Grange, Washington, D. C., attended the session, and 
 was invited to address the body. Among other things 
 he said: "I have no policy to present to you. I am 
 your servant. I recognize you as a representative 
 body of farmers, that, permit me to say, without flat- 
 tery, is the equal of any body I have ever met, and com- 
 pares favorably with Congress itself. It is for you to 
 indicate what the farmers of this country desire." 
 
 After telling what the department was doing and 
 planning to do, in a very interesting manner, he con- 
 cluded by saying: "If the Department of Agriculture 
 could be kept for agriculture alone, I would favor the 
 measure of having its head a member of the President's 
 Cabinet, but if the Labor Bureau, the Bureau of Edu- 
 cation and several other Bureaus be attached to it, I 
 feel we will be better served and better satisfied under 
 existing laws." 
 
 When the office of Secretary of Agriculture was 
 created in 1889, Mr. Colman was for a short term the 
 first secretary. Throughout his career Mr. Colman 
 was always in hearty sympathy with the farmers. 
 
 Resolutions were adopted favoring legislation on 
 pure food ; favoring settlement of national difficulties 
 by arbitration ; denouncing gambling in "futures" ; de- 
 manding that taxation be equalized ; favoring the better 
 protection of raw materials raised by the American 
 farmers ; favoring adequate appropriations for agricul-
 
 144 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY, 
 
 tural colleges; and strengthening of the Interstate 
 Commerce Law. 
 
 As a beginning of the great battle for parcels post, 
 "the National Grange favors further reduction of the 
 rate of postage on articles of the fourth class, which 
 covers agricultural seeds and productions, and asks 
 that there shall be such changes in reductions as will 
 give the farmers of the country the same cheap service 
 as is employed by Canada and other nations." 
 
 The committee reports made at this session showed 
 that the members of the Grange had a wide grasp of 
 public and economic questions. 
 
 The practice of holding memorial services on Sun- 
 day afternoon during the National Grange session was 
 begun at this session. 
 
 The Sixth Degree was conferred on 423 candidates, 
 and the Seventh on 17 candidates. The Executive 
 Committee was instructed to make a contract with 
 J. R. Thompson for preparing a complete manual 
 of the ritualism of the Seventh Degree; and the 
 High Priest was instructed to provide the neces- 
 sary paraphernalia for conferring that degree in full 
 form at the next session. It was also ordered that a 
 fee of $1 be charged each candidate receiving the de- 
 gree, to be paid into the National Grange treasury, and 
 that a suitable lithographic certificate be prepared and 
 delivered to each candidate. It was decided that the 
 National Grange should continue to confer the Sixth 
 Degree upon all candidates desiring it, and the fees 
 be paid into the national treasury ; but when conferred 
 by a State Grange, the fees were to be equally divided 
 between the State and National Granges, the latter 
 to provide and issue the certificates. The policy of 
 conferring the higher degrees in due form has done 
 much to popularize the Order, and added somewhat to 
 the receipts of the National Grange. The delibera- 
 tions of the session were harmonious throughout. Al- 
 though differences of opinion existed, they were har-
 
 put darden's administration, 1886-1887 145 
 
 monized in the true spirit of fraternity, thereby 
 demonstrating that broad principle laid down in the 
 Declaration of Purposes of the Order, that "difference 
 of opinion is no crime, and that progress toward truth 
 is made by differences of opinion, while the fault lies 
 in the bitterness of controversy."
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 Put Darden's, James Draper's and J. H. Brigham's 
 
 Administrations — Darden's Second Term — Died July 
 
 17, 1888 — Draper Served Five Months — Brigham 
 
 One Year — Two Years, 1 888-1 889— Twenty-Second 
 
 and Twenty-Third Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 Officers elected at the twenty-first session, Novem- 
 ber, 1887: 
 
 Master — Put Darden, Mississippi. 
 Overseer — James Draper, Massachusetts. 
 Lecturer — Mortimer Whitehead, New Jersey. 
 Steward — X. X. Chartters, Virginia. 
 Assistant Steward — J. H. Hale, Connecticut. 
 Chaplain — A. J. Rose, Texas. 
 Treasurer — F. M. McDowell, New York. 
 Secretary — John Trimble, Washington, D. C. 
 Gatekeeper — A. N. Brown, Delaware. 
 Ceres — Mrs. K. A. Darden, Mississippi. 
 Pomona — Mrs. J. C. Draper, Massachusetts. 
 Flora — Mrs. M. E. Luce, Michigan. 
 Lady Assistant Steward— Mrs. H. A. Sims, Kansas. 
 Members of the Executive Committee — J. J. Woodman, Michi- 
 gan; J. M. Blanton, Virginia; J. H. Brigham, Ohio. 
 
 The Worthy Master began the year's work with zeal 
 and determination to make 1888 a great year in Grange 
 history, but on the 17th day of July of that year he 
 was called from the labors of this life to the life be- 
 yond. This is the only time in the 50 years of Grange 
 history that a Master of the National Grange has died 
 during his term of office. His entire service as Master 
 of the National Grange covered a little less than two 
 years and seven months. By the death of the Worthy 
 Master, Worthy Overseer James Draper of Massa- 
 chusetts became Master and served until the close of 
 the next annual session, a period of about five months. 
 The death of the Master did much to disorganize the 
 
 146
 
 darden's, draper's, brigham's administrations 147 
 
 plans for the year, but the new Master promptly took 
 up the work with energy and ability. It became his 
 duty to preside over the twenty-second session of the 
 National Grange, which met at Topeka, Kan., Novem- 
 ber 14-21, 1888. 
 
 Thirty-three states were represented by the follow- 
 ing delegates : 
 
 Alabama, H. and Mrs. Hawkins; California, W. L. 
 and Mrs. Overhiser; Colorado, L. and Mrs. Booth; 
 Connecticut, J. H. and Mrs. Hale; Georgia, T. H. and 
 Mrs. Kimbrough; Illinois, J. M. and Mrs. Thompson; 
 Indiana, M. and Mrs. Trusler; Iowa, J. E. and Mrs. 
 Blackford; Kansas, Wm. and Mrs. Sims; Kentucky, 
 J. D. and Mrs. Clardy; Maine, F. and Mrs. Robie; 
 Maryland, H. M. and Mrs. Murray; Massachusetts, 
 H. A. and Mrs. Barton; Michigan, Thos. and Mrs. 
 Mars; Mississippi, J. B. and Mrs. Bailey; Minnesota, 
 W. S. Chowen; Missouri, A. E. and Mrs. Page; Ne- 
 braska, O. E. and Mrs. Hall; New Hampshire, C. and 
 Mrs. McDaniel; New Jersey, R. and Mrs. Coles; New 
 York, W. A. Armstrong; North Carolina, W. R. 
 Williams; Ohio, J. H. Brigham; Oregon, H. E. and 
 Mrs. Hayes; Pennsylvania, L. and Mrs. Rhone; 
 Rhode Island, J. G. and Mrs. Peckham; South Caro- 
 lina, W. K. and Mrs. Thompson; Texas, A. J. and 
 Mrs. Rose; Tennessee, W. H. and Mrs. Nelson; Ver- 
 mont, Alpha Messer; Virginia, X. X. and Mrs. Chart- 
 ters ; West Virginia, J. E. Hall ; Wisconsin, S. C. and 
 Mrs. Carr. 
 
 It was a somewhat embarrassing position that 
 Worthy Master Draper found himself in at the open- 
 ing of the National Grange when so suddenly called 
 upon to shoulder the responsibility which had been 
 delegated to another; but right ably did he shoulder 
 the responsibility. The Acting Master read his ad- 
 dress, prefacing it as follows : 
 
 "The sad event that compels me at this time to present to 
 you the Master's annual address is still so fresh in your minds
 
 I48 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 that it need not be recalled. That vacant chair, draped in the 
 emblems of mourning, proclaims in silent language, "The Master 
 of the National Grange is dead!' It is hard to realize that the 
 erect form that stood before us one year ago now lies in the silent 
 city of the dead, and that the clear, musical tones of that voice so 
 familiar to many of us in the councils of this body for the past 
 eleven years is now hushed in the stillness of death. With every 
 changing stage of our proceedings we shall awaken to a fuller 
 realization of the loss this National Grange has sustained in the 
 death of our tried and faithful brother and leader, Put Darden." 
 
 His address compared favorably with those that had 
 gone before, and if it is to be taken as a measure of the 
 man, no mistake would have been made if he had been 
 continued as Master; but it was not to be, and this was 
 the only session of the National Grange over which 
 he ever presided as Master. 
 
 He recited at some length a history of the efforts 
 that had been made to create the office of Secretary 
 of Agriculture and make it a Cabinet position, which 
 he said was furnished by Hon. W. H. Hatch of Mis- 
 souri. In a statesmanlike manner he discussed the 
 trusts, pure food, tariff, Hatch experiment stations, 
 agricultural colleges, and many matters of internal 
 interest to the order. 
 
 The Treasurer's report showed that the total receipts 
 were $22,473.67, with total expenditures of $19,803.52, 
 and a balance of $2,670.15. 
 
 In their report the Executive Committee had this to 
 say: "The funds of the National Grange consist of 
 the following: Invested in real estate mortgages, 
 $42,000; in personal security, call loans, $3,000; in 
 trust funds, $5,742.80, a total of $50,742.80. 
 
 "It will be seen that our permanent investment 
 amounts to $42,000, which is $8,887.50 less than the 
 amount realized from the sale of our government 
 bonds in 1886, and the available fund now on hand is 
 $8,742.80, against $12,179.07 for the corresponding date 
 of 1887. It is quite probable that this fund will be 
 increased by the receipts since October 31, yet it is
 
 DARDEN S, DRAPER S, BRIGHAM S ADMINISTRATIONS I49 
 
 clearly to be seen that our expenditures have largely 
 exceeded our income during the past two years ; and 
 that the fund set apart from the sale of bonds, in ex- 
 tending the Order, has been nearly exhausted. The 
 Committee, therefore, recommend that no appropria- 
 tions be made, or liabilities incurred, which will en- 
 trench upon our permanent investments, and that for 
 the future the expenditures of the National Grange 
 should be kept within its income." 
 
 Secretary Trimble reported "the official year which 
 ended September 30, 1888, was one of great prosperity 
 for and usefulness by the Order. During the year 
 197 new Granges were organized." This was de- 
 cidedly the largest number of new Granges organized 
 in one year for a good many years. The reports made 
 by the Masters of State Granges were nearly all hope- 
 ful and breathed a spirit of encouragement. Resolu- 
 tions were adopted favoring the Australian ballot sys- 
 tem ; condemning trusts ; asking Congress to protect 
 the people from the encroachments of combinations 
 and trusts ; asking the "passage of such laws as shall 
 forever prohibit gambling in the necessaries of life ;" 
 favoring the election of United States Senators by 
 direct vote ; still insisting that the head of the Agricul- 
 tural Department should be a member of the President's 
 Cabinet ; favoring the classification of the public lands ; 
 favoring the prevention of food adulterations ; issuing 
 postal money orders at reduced rates ; favoring further 
 reduction of postage on seeds, bulbs, etc. ; opposing allow- 
 ing aliens to acquire title to land ; favoring the ap- 
 pointment of a national forestry police. Many other 
 resolutions were adopted, and a great multitude touch- 
 ing upon a great variety of subjects were discussed 
 and defeated or laid away for another session. 
 
 As instructed at the preceding session, the Execu- 
 tive Committee had arranged with J. R. Thompson 
 for a new compilation of the Seventh Degree Ritual, 
 which had been completed and placed in the hands
 
 150 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 of the Worthy High Priest. The Sixth Degree 
 manual had also been printed in book form, and a full 
 set of the same sent to each State Grange Master. 
 The ritual work of the Fifth Degree had also 
 been revised, the Arcana incorporated into the 
 body of the work, with opening and closing ceremonies 
 and explanatory notes, and a neatly bound Fifth De- 
 gree manual was presented to the Order. There 
 seemed to be a general demand that the First, Second, 
 Third and Fourth Degrees of the Order be so combined 
 as to admit candidates of both sexes to be initiated 
 together, and the Executive Committee and National 
 Lecturer were constituted a commission to accomplish 
 that object. The commission assigned to Mortimer 
 Whitehead, National Lecturer, the duty of pre- 
 paring the work. The manuscript was critically 
 examined by each member of the commission and sug- 
 gestions made and noted. When completed, the work 
 was printed and proof examined by the commission 
 and unanimously approved. Plates were then cast, 
 and a full set of the work sent to each State Master, 
 with instructions to test the same in initiating can- 
 didates in Subordinate Granges; but strictly forbid- 
 ding the use of the work except under the supervision, 
 or by the request of the State Masters, until adopted 
 and the use authorized by the National Grange. The 
 work was adopted by the National Grange, and in 
 1889 the seventh edition of the Fourth Degree manual 
 was published with the combined degrees in ritual 
 work included. 
 
 Owing to the death of Worthy Master Darden the 
 election of a Master for the unexpired term of one 
 year was ordered. The balloting resulted in the elec- 
 tion of J. H. Brigham of Ohio, and he was duly in- 
 stalled. Leonard Rhone of Pennsylvania was elected 
 a member of the Executive Committee. 
 
 Worthy Master Brigham was a strong, forceful man, 
 and he at once threw energy into the year's work and
 
 darden's, draper's, brigham's administrations 151 
 
 to bringing the Grange into public confidence and 
 influence. 
 
 The twenty-third session of the National Grange 
 met at Sacramento, Cal., November 13-20, 1889. All 
 the officers were present but Ceres and Gatekeeper, 
 Worthy Master J. H. Brigham presiding. 
 
 Thirty-one states were represented by the same 
 delegates as at the last session except as follows : 
 
 California, E. W. Davis; Delaware, E. H. and Mrs. 
 Bancroft; Massachusetts, N. B. and Mrs. Douglas; 
 New Jersey, John Statesir; Ohio, S. H. and Mrs. Ellis; 
 Washington, D. L. and Mrs. Russell; West Virginia, 
 C. H. Knott. This was the first time Washington was 
 represented in the National Grange. Indiana, New 
 York, Maryland and Tennessee were not represented. 
 
 Worthy Master J. H. Brigham delivered his first 
 "annual address," in which he presented Grange meas- 
 ures and policies with force and vigor. He discussed 
 the condition of the Order, necessity for organization, 
 financial benefits of organization, direct taxation, in- 
 direct taxation, internal revenue tax, patent legislation, 
 agriculture, food adulteration, the press, woman's 
 work, intemperance, lecture work and other subjects. 
 
 On the subject of agricultural experiment stations 
 he said: 
 
 "The members of our Order have been active in securing the 
 establishment of agricultural experiment stations in the several 
 states and will insist that the money appropriated to sustain such 
 be wisely expended. To secure such results we are of the opinion 
 that the boards of control should be composed of progressive, 
 practical farmers. No one not thus connected directly with agri- 
 culture can thoroughly understand what problems need the most 
 urgent attention. In a majority of the states, men who are not 
 practical farmers have been appointed to control their stations. 
 This is an insult to the farmers and should be resented. The 
 executives who ignore the farmers in selecting men for such 
 positions should be ignored by the farmers in convention and at 
 the ballot box. In no other way can we secure a speedy reform 
 of this abuse. The argument of the ballot the most obtuse poli-
 
 152 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 tician can understand, and none are so high that they can afford 
 to disregard its plain admonitions." 
 
 That Worthy Master Brigham was right and sound 
 in the principle enunciated no fair-minded man will 
 dispute, but the "insult" continues to be offered to the 
 farmers in a majority of the states with increasing 
 ratio. In referring to the Department of Agriculture, 
 he said : 
 
 "It is my privilege at this session to report that our persever- 
 ance has been rewarded. The Chief of the Department of Agri- 
 culture will henceforth be a trusted adviser of the President, a 
 position from which he can at all times secure a recognition of the 
 chief industry of our country, and through the Executive make 
 such recommendations to Congress as the interests of agriculture 
 may demand." 
 
 Secretary of Agriculture Colman, who held the office 
 for a few weeks only, had gone out with the change of 
 administration on March 4, 1889, and a new Secretary 
 had just been appointed. After discussing the sub- 
 ject generally the Worthy Master goes on to say: 
 
 "It was the farmer that we desired to have recognized and not 
 any designated individual. 
 
 "It was sincerely hoped that the known wishes of this large body 
 of law-abiding, industrious citizens would have weight and influ- 
 ence with the President, and that he would seek out from among 
 the millions who till the soil one of his confidential advisers. We 
 thought we had good reason to expect this recognition in the per- 
 son of the man selected to watch over and advise, in regard to 
 the needs of agriculture. It did not seem unreasonable to ask, 
 inasmuch as in no other department was recognition expected. 
 We fully and cheerfully acknowledge the high character and 
 ability of the gentleman selected, and would have been gratified to 
 see him in any of the departments for which his public life has 
 fitted him. But for the Department of Agriculture we wanted a 
 man identified directly with that great interest. And we do not 
 hesitate to say that the selection of one who has never been con- 
 sidered a farmer was a great disappointment to those who for 
 years labored and waited for this opportunity to secure recogni- 
 tion for their class. 
 
 "Any pretense of acquiescence in a policy which thus ignores a 
 class representing 50 per cent of our people to serve some personal
 
 darden's, draper's, brigham's administrations 153 
 
 political purpose is cowardly in the extreme, and unworthy of a 
 true Patron. I have spoken thus plainly, knowing that my 
 motives may be misconstrued and that unfriendly criticism 
 may follow; not because I court either, but because of 
 the position which I temporarily occupy as the chief officer 
 of a great National Farmers' Organization. I am fully 
 determined that as such representative, no personal considera- 
 tion shall restrain me when the rights and interests of the farmers 
 are neglected. I have no apology to offer for the extended con- 
 sideration of this subject. We have, in my opinion, reached a 
 crisis in our history. Not to speak plainly now is to miss the 
 golden opportunity which comes but once. If we for personal or 
 political reasons hesitate or hold our peace now, let it be forever 
 so far as the selection of the head of the Department of Agricul- 
 ture is concerned." 
 
 The Treasurer reported receipts, $19,669.10; total 
 expenditures, $16,297.28, leaving a balance of $3,371.82. 
 
 The Secretary reported the number of new Granges 
 organized during the year as 204, the largest number 
 in any one year since 1876. The lowest mark ever 
 reached was 17 in 1879. The increase had been gradual 
 but continuous since that time. 
 
 Many resolutions were adopted, but we shall only 
 enumerate a few of them which tend to show the trend 
 of the farmer mind at the time : Urging Congress to 
 enact pure food laws ; favoring a system of voting simi- 
 lar to the method known as the Australian system; 
 holding firmly to the wholesome policy that it is the 
 duty of Congress and the legislatures of the several 
 States to restrain corporations created by law, in order 
 to secure justice and equality for all; that the public 
 lands are the heritage of the people and should be 
 reserved for actual settlers ; opposing trusts and the 
 imposition of taxes beyond the actual needs of govern- 
 ment. 
 
 At the last session the money question had come up, 
 but it had been sent over to this session. It was be- 
 coming more and more acute in the public mind.
 
 154 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 The following resolution was introduced at this session : 
 
 "Whereas, Contraction of the circulating medium of the 
 United States has depressed the prices of farm products to the 
 great injury of the agricultural classes; therefore, 
 
 "Resolved, That we favor the free coinage of silver, and also 
 favor the maintenance in circulation of the paper money of the 
 United States, independent of the national banks, in sufficient 
 volume to prevent any further contraction and consequent em- 
 barrassment to our prosperity." 
 
 On an aye and nay vote the above resolution was 
 adopted 29 to 9, the nine negative votes coming from 
 Connecticut, Maine, Michigan two votes, New Hamp- 
 shire two votes, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. 
 
 Many votes of thanks were extended to the people of 
 California who had helped to entertain the National 
 Grange on its first visit to the Pacific Coast, and the 
 entire membership returned to their homes greatly 
 pleased with their brief view of the "sunset west" and 
 the country that lies between, which Joaquin Miller 
 called "that far vast land that few behold and none 
 beholding understand."
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 J. H. Brigham's Administration — Second Term, Two 
 Years, 1 890-1 891 — Twenty-Fourth and Twenty- 
 Fifth Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 While J. H. Brigham had served as Master of the 
 National Grange for one year, with his re-election for 
 the full term at the twenty-third session he began more 
 definitely to shape the policy of his administration. 
 Once more the country was in the midst of an agitation 
 of the money question, and the reviving Grange found 
 itself in the midst of a great farmer uprising which 
 was manifesting itself through several farmers' organ- 
 izations leading to the "Farmers' Alliance Movement," 
 which ultimately culminated in the organization of the 
 "Populist Party." The conditions called for a level 
 head and loyal, capable leadership, if the Grange was 
 to be saved from shipwreck, for eventually all the other 
 farmers' organizations of that day did shipwreck on 
 the political breakers. 
 
 In the Grange press and in the State and Subordinate 
 Granges, the troublesome issues were beginning to 
 manifest themselves. The work of the year and the 
 policy pursued culminated in the twenty-fourth ses- 
 sion of the National Grange, which met at Atlanta, 
 Ga., November 12-19, 1890. All the officers but Flora 
 were present. 
 
 Master — J. H. Brigham, Ohio. 
 Overseer — Hiram Hawkins, Alabama. 
 Lecturer — Mortimer Whitehead, New Jersey. 
 Steward — E. W. Davis, California. 
 Assistant Steward — O. E. Hall, Nebraska. 
 Chaplain — A. J. Rose, Texas. 
 Treasurer — F. M. McDowell, New York. 
 Secretary — John Trimble, Washington, D. C. 
 
 155
 
 I56 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Gatekeeper — Ava E. Page, Missouri. 
 
 Ceres — Mrs. Edna Brigham, Ohio. 
 
 Pomona — Mrs. M. J. Thompson, Illinois. 
 
 Flora — Mrs. Joe Bailey, Mississippi. 
 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Mrs. L. C. Douglass, Massachusetts. 
 
 X. X. Chartters, Virginia, and J. J. Woodman, Michi- 
 gan, were elected members of the Executive Com- 
 mittee. 
 
 The following 32 states were represented: 
 Alabama, H. and Mrs. Hawkins; California, E. W. 
 Davis; Colorado, L. and Mrs. Booth; Connecticut, G. 
 A. and Mrs. Bowen ; Delaware, E. H. and Mrs. Ban- 
 croft; Georgia, T. H. and Mrs. Kimbraugh; Illinois, 
 J. M. and Mrs. Thompson; Indiana, M. and Mrs. Trus- 
 ler; Iowa, J. E. and Mrs. Blackford; Kansas, William 
 and Mrs. Sims; Maine, R. and Mrs. Prince; Michigan, 
 Thos. and Mrs. Mars; Mississippi, J. B. and Mrs. 
 Bailey; Maryland, H. M. and Mrs. Murray; Massa- 
 chusetts, N. B. and Mrs. Douglas; Missouri, Ava. E. 
 Page; North Carolina, W. R. Williams; Nebraska, O. 
 E. and Mrs. Hall; New Hampshire, C. and Mrs. Mc- 
 Daniel ; New Jersey, John Statesir ; New York, W. C. 
 and Mrs. Gifford; Ohio, S. H. and Mrs. Ellis; Oregon, 
 H. E. Hayes; Pennsylvania, L. and Mrs. Rhone; 
 Rhode Island, J. G. and Mrs. Peckham; Texas, A. J. 
 Rose; Tennessee, W. H. and Mrs. Nelson; Vermont, 
 Alpha Messer; Virginia, X. X. Chartters; Washing- 
 ton, D. L. and Mrs. Russell; West Virginia, C. H. and 
 Mrs. Knott; Wisconsin, S. C. and Mrs. Carr. 
 
 This was the fourth and last time the National 
 Grange ever met in the South, the other three meetings 
 being at Charleston. S. C, Richmond, Va., and Nash- 
 ville, Tenn. 
 
 The "address" of the Worthy Master was shorter 
 than usual and dealt almost entirely in generalities. 
 He outlined the work of the "Legislative Committee." 
 Among other claims made for the Grange was that in 
 "the restrictive clause requiring the annual appropria-
 
 j. h. brigham's second term, 1890-1891 157 
 
 tions to be made to the agricultural colleges to be 
 expended only in instruction in agriculture and the 
 mechanic arts, we may justly claim a fair share of 
 credit." 
 
 "The work being done by the experiment stations," 
 said the Worthy Master, "is an important one, and 
 every encouragement should be given them." 
 
 Major J. W. A. Wright, author of the Grange 
 "Declaration of Purposes," attended this session of 
 the National Grange, and it proved to be the last time 
 he ever attended. He was given a hearty welcome, 
 and in response he made a brief address, from which 
 this brief paragraph is quoted: 
 
 "But permit me to say there can be no doubt but that the 
 Grange has been the parent of all more recent movements, which 
 have finally made farmers freer, made their voices more heeded 
 in matters of law and statesmanship, and aided them in molding 
 more and more the policy of our Government." 
 
 Later, on leaving the session, Major Wright bade 
 the members a fraternal farewell, and one of the 
 dominating characters passed out of Grange life and 
 activities forever. 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer's report showed total receipts 
 to be $23,730.24, with total expenditures of $16,970.67, 
 leaving a balance of $6,759.57. It was manifest that 
 the National Grange was once more on a safe financial 
 basis and that the tide was slowly rising. 
 
 No change was made in the salaries and per diem of 
 officers, except that the salary of the Secretary was 
 raised from $1,000 to $1,200 per annum. 
 
 The Worthy Secretary reported that 377 new 
 Granges had been organized during the past year, 
 certainly an encouraging increase over 204 for the pre- 
 ceding year. 
 
 During the preceding session of Congress an ag- 
 gressive legislative committee, composed of J. H. 
 Brigham, Leonard Rhone and John Trimble, had 
 placed before Congress all the measures which had
 
 I58 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 been indorsed by the National Grange. The Grange 
 position upon the tariff question was declared to be 
 "Protection for all or free trade for all." The appoint- 
 ment of a legislative committee had now become a 
 fixed Grange policy, though the manner of its selection 
 had been variable. 
 
 Resolutions were adopted favoring "postal tele- 
 graph," favoring the unlimited coinage of silver, con- 
 demning the "single tax" theory, opposing the adul- 
 teration of food, favoring a law for the inspection of 
 cattle and hogs at all slaughtering and packing estab- 
 lishments, favoring "the increase of the circulating 
 medium up to $40 or $50 per capita, favoring the erec- 
 tion of a permanent headquarters building at Wash- 
 ington. Many other motions and resolutions were 
 adopted which pertain to the internal work of the 
 Order, and the usual grist of resolutions proposing 
 amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws was in 
 evidence, but none of these are of general interest. 
 From time to time a good many changes had been 
 made in the Constitution, but the fundamental laws 
 of the Order had not been greatly changed since 1873. 
 From year to year there was a good deal of repetition 
 in the resolutions offered, but at least they show the 
 development of Grange thought and action as great 
 economic problems have passed across the public 
 mind. 
 
 Past Master J. J. Woodman, in a newspaper article, 
 said of the conditions existing at the time of the At- 
 lanta meeting: 
 
 "Other farmers' organizations have sprung up all over the 
 country, and in some of the states sapping the very life blood of 
 the Order, as the following from a letter sent to the Master of 
 the National Grange by J. D. Clardy, Master of the Kentucky 
 State Grange, will show: 'On account of the rapid increase of 
 the alliance movement in Kentucky, now numbering about 100,- 
 000, Grange work is at a standstill.' 
 
 "The same conditions existed in some of the other southern 
 states, although seven of them were represented in the National
 
 j. h. brigham's second term, 1890-1891 159 
 
 Grange. In the North, the Patrons of Industry, an organization 
 modeled somewhat after the Grange, with a membership fee so 
 low as to admit anyone who desired to become a member for 
 mere curiosity, if no other motive to do so, and like the Alliance 
 having a strong, political bearing, was drawing seriously from the 
 membership of the Grange. Thomas Mars, Master of the Michi- 
 gan State Grange, in his report to the National Grange, said : 
 'About three years ago our state was invaded with a new organ- 
 ization called the Patrons of Industry, which passed over the state 
 rapidly, organizing in nearly every school district. The cheapness 
 of the fee, trade arrangements, etc., gave it a boom unprecedented 
 in the history of organizations.' He expressed the opinion that 
 its career would soon terminate, and that farmers and their wives 
 would return to the Grange, which proved to be true. 
 
 "Other farmers' organizations, too numerous to mention, were 
 gaining influence and members in other states, drawing from the 
 membership of the Granges, and in some instances whole Granges 
 surrendered their charters and affiliated with the new organiza- 
 tions. While not opposing the new organizations, State Grange 
 Masters and officers worked bravely to save the Grange member- 
 ship and organizations, and in some of the states succeeded well, 
 but in others the tide was too strong to stem. It will be under- 
 stood that the National Grange was in session in Georgia, a cen- 
 tral southern state, and the state legislature was in session at the 
 same time. A United States Senator was to be elected. The 
 Alliance had become so strong in the state, and had so many of its 
 members and sympathizers in the legislature, that it ventured to 
 put up a candidate against General Gordon, the regular political 
 candidate. The contest was waged with strife and bitterness 
 seldom if ever before witnessed in such an election. But the 
 politicians won, and General Gordon was elected. The effect of 
 that election and the influence of the Alliance in the state carried 
 the State Grange into dormancy, and it has not since been repre- 
 sented in the National Grange. 
 
 "Similar influences were at work in all of the southern states. 
 The Farmers' Alliance had been merged into a political party and 
 a platform of principles adopted. Some of the members of the 
 National Grange were in full sympathy with the Alliance and the 
 new political movement — and that influence permeated the de- 
 liberations of that body. The financial policy of the government, 
 which had become a partisan measure, was decided to be a proper 
 subject for discussion and action by the National Grange. It became 
 evident that no action of the National Grange could impede the 
 work and influence of the Alliance in the southern states, and that 
 it must be left to run its course and make its history, believing
 
 l60 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 that in time a reaction would take place, and that our mem- 
 bers would return to the Grange as the only hope for Amer- 
 ican farmers to secure and maintain their position and equal 
 rights in social life, educational advantages, business relations, 
 political influence, and proprietorship of the soil they cultivate. 
 The tillers of the soil must and will learn that in order to acquire 
 these natural and important rights through an organization, sec- 
 tarian and partisan questions must not be discussed in the delib- 
 erations of its assemblies. 
 
 "While the low condition of the Order in some of the southern 
 and western states is to be deplored, no one can say that it has 
 been caused through any neglect of the National Grange or its 
 officers; and I know of my own knowledge, that in most cases the 
 State Grange Masters and officers have done all in their power 
 to prevent the decline in their respective states. Influences be- 
 yond the control of the National and State Granges have done 
 the work. 
 
 "But these clouds have disappeared and a brighter day has 
 dawned. Our Order has a clear field and is stronger, better or- 
 ganized and more prosperous than ever before. It has kept 
 steadily on its course, surmounting every obstacle, and accom- 
 plishing great good for the American farmers. A reviving spirit 
 seems to be awakening in the weak and dormant states, and it is 
 confidently believed that the time is not far distant when every 
 state in the Union will be enrolled under the National Grange 
 banner, and be represented in its councils." 
 
 Leonard Rhone of Pennsylvania was elected a mem- 
 ber of the Executive Committee to succeed himself. 
 
 The twenty-fifth session of the National Grange met 
 at Springfield, O., November n to 19, 1891. All the 
 officers were present, and 31 states were represented 
 by the same delegates as at the last session, except as 
 follows : 
 
 Delaware, J. C. Higgins ; Kentucky, J. D. and Mrs. 
 Clardy; Maine, M. B. and Mrs. Hunt; Mississippi, S. 
 L. and Mrs. Wilson; Rhode Island, A. M. and Mrs. 
 Belcher; Texas, John B. Long. 
 
 Worthy Master Brigham delivered his annual ad- 
 dress. He declared a fundamental truth when he said : 
 "We believe an organization of farmers an absolute 
 necessity in this country. We also believe in leaders 
 who are thoroughly identified with agricultural inter-
 
 j. h. brigham's second term, 1890-1891 161 
 
 ests — none others are wanted." Then followed a 
 prophecy which came to pass: 
 
 "When the agitation now going on has brought all of the scum 
 to the surface to be brushed aside, as it will be, the determination 
 among farmers to have what is theirs by right will still remain, 
 and that organization which stands steadfastly for principles 
 which are eternal will be found riding serenely on smooth waters, 
 when organizations committed to impracticable propositions and 
 unwise methods in forcing their theories upon the public, will 
 have disappeared beneath the waves of popular displeasure." 
 
 "Upon matters and questions pertaining to our Order, its 
 laws, constitution and usages, the decision of the National Grange 
 is final," and those who do not wish to be thus governed can hon- 
 orably sever their connection with the Order." 
 
 Then followed what may be called a declaration of 
 
 independence : 
 
 "We should not lose sight of the cardinal principles of our 
 Order, viz., the absolute political and religious freedom of the 
 individual. No official, not even our National body, can place 
 restrictions upon this freedom. Officials may give expression to 
 individual views. A majority of the members of the National 
 Grange may indorse certain propositions involving questions of 
 political economy affecting the material interests of citizens, such 
 as tariff or finance, but in no case is a member of our Order 
 bound by such action or expression of opinion unless his own 
 judgment shall approve. 
 
 "The membership of the Grange can be committed to no party, 
 to no individual, to no religious creed, to no political theory or 
 policy, by any act of any official, or by any resolution adopted by 
 Subordinate, State or National Grange. Any other position upon 
 these propositions means disintegration and death. 
 
 "This need not hinder discussion nor expression of opinion 
 by members acting individually or collectively. All measures 
 which are of especial interest to farmers should be viewed from 
 all points. Give the people the benefit of any phase of opinion, 
 and then they can draw intelligent conclusions. 
 
 "Absolute freedom of opinion, upon all public questions, is a 
 right not restricted but rather guaranteed and protected by the 
 fundamental law of our Order." 
 
 This enunciation of the Worthy Master might De 
 considered an "individual opinion," but later in the 
 session it was specifically approved, and it has ever
 
 162 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 since been considered the position of the Grange as a 
 clear statement of what was embodied in the organic 
 law of the Order. That any other policy would have 
 meant anything but "disintegration and death" can 
 hardly be doubted. 
 
 Just at that time a good many theories and doctrines 
 on the money question were being promulgated by 
 some farmers' organizations and political parties, and 
 it seems to have been with these questions in mind 
 that the Worthy Master made the above statements. 
 He devoted considerable time to a discussion of "the 
 money question" in general and "the sub-treasury 
 proposition" and "the land loan proposition," which 
 were being urged by a large farmers' organization in 
 particular. Referring to these questions, he said: 
 
 "The discussion of all these propositions should not be dis- 
 couraged, as out of discussion may come light and help for the 
 needy. It is not, however, advisable for the National Grange to 
 lend its powerful indorsement to propositions which have not 
 been thoroughly digested by our members and which may lead to 
 dissension in our ranks." 
 
 The whole address was full of vigorous thought. He 
 briefly discussed taxation, and called attention to the 
 fact that "many of our officials seem to forget that low 
 prices for farm produce mean diminished ability to 
 meet the tax burden. They should be taught a needed 
 lesson. Every unnecessary expense should be lopped 
 off, and no new schemes for expending public funds 
 should be encouraged." 
 
 He indorsed "postal telegraph" and said "the farm- 
 ers are also asking to have the free delivery of mail 
 matter extended to rural neighborhoods. Much can 
 be urged in support of both these propositions, and I 
 commend them to your consideration." 
 
 That infallible test of Grange prosperity, the Worthy 
 Treasurer's report, showed the total receipts for the 
 year, $24,418.86; total expenditures, $17,677.14, leav- 
 ing a balance of $6,741.72.
 
 j. h. brigham's second term, 1890-1891 163 
 
 The Executive Committee's report showed that 
 the "Mortgage Investment" had been raised from 
 $42,000 to $43,200, and the sensible comment followed : 
 "The policy of the National Grange in maintaining 
 a permanent fund, amply secured, is to be commended ; 
 and the committee is unanimous in the opinion that 
 this reserved fund can and should be increased from 
 year to year. Such a policy would give character, 
 confidence and stability to the Order; for the pros- 
 perity and perpetuity of all organizations for benefit- 
 ing mankind depend largely upon their financial ability 
 and standing." 
 
 The Secretary reported the organization of 243 new 
 Granges during the year, a great many dormant 
 Granges reorganized and the membership generally 
 increased, as was shown by the largely increased 
 receipts from State Granges. 
 
 Among the many resolutions passed were these : 
 Asking the President not to appoint corporation 
 lawyers as judges of the United States courts, favor- 
 ing the extension of free mail delivery to the rural dis- 
 tricts, favoring Postal Savings banks, condemning 
 the liquor traffic, demanding an amendment to the Na- 
 tional Constitution providing for the election of United 
 States Senators by direct vote of the people, declaring 
 that all legal tender money should stand upon equal 
 footing in its capacity and power to pay debts, asking 
 for the separation of classical and agricultural colleges. 
 
 The reports of officers and numerous committee re- 
 ports brought out many phases of the questions and 
 problems that were at that time agitating the public 
 mind, and no question developed more difference of 
 opinion or more long-drawn-out discussion than "the 
 money question," which was to cut such a prominent 
 figure in the National political campaign five years 
 later. 
 
 This twenty-fifth session of the National Grange 
 was making history, and the State and Subordinate
 
 I64 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Granges throughout the country were alive and alert 
 on the drift of public affairs. 
 
 E. W. Davis of California offered the following 
 resolution, which was adopted: 
 
 "That the Worthy Master be, and he is hereby authorized to, 
 appoint a committee of three Brothers and two Sisters, whose duty 
 it shall be to prepare a Proclamation urging the membership 
 everywhere to join in a hearty and proper celebration of the 
 twenty-fifth anniversary (December 4, 1891) of the founding of 
 the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, etc." 
 
 In compliance with this resolution the Worthy Mas- 
 ter appointed the following committee : E. W. Davis, 
 M. B. Hunt, J. B. Long, Mrs. Isabel Trusler and Mrs. 
 Laura C. Douglas. On motion, the Worthy Master 
 and the Worthy Lecturer were added to this com- 
 mittee. 
 
 The next day the committee reported the following 
 Proclamation, which sums up in a comprehensive way 
 the achievements of the Grange during the quarter 
 century of its existence. 
 
 PROCLAMATION GREETING 
 
 Patrons of America: 
 
 The National Grange sends happy greeting. Our Order is 
 about to celebrate its silver wedding — twenty-fifth anniversary. 
 You are cordially invited to the wedding ceremony, which, it is 
 hoped, will be held in the hall of your own Grange on the 4th 
 of Dec, 1891, or at the regular meeting of your Grange held 
 nearest that date. Be sure to give due observance to this celebra- 
 tion. The National Grange requests every Subordinate under 
 its jurisdiction to observe this grand event. Let music, joy, 
 thanksgiving, and brotherly love prevail ; let all that is noble 
 in you come forth; hide no light beneath the bushel; stand like 
 a bold, free, sincere Patron and espouse the cause of an Order 
 that cares for its sick and distressed, buries its dead, educates 
 its orphans, plants milestones on the roadside of justice, de- 
 mands equity before the law for high and low, believes in arbi- 
 tration rather than litigation, knows no section and no sex, is 
 fearless but not overforward, is faithful in its devotion to the 
 pure principles of temperance, education, patriotism, and be- 
 lieves the calling of agriculture is the noblest of all vocations.
 
 j. h. brigham's second term, 18901891 165 
 
 The National Grange again greets you, and, for cause of re- 
 joicing, submits for your careful consideration as some of its 
 many accomplishments during the first quarter centennial of 
 its existence the following: 
 
 1. The Grange has organized the farmers of America who 
 never before were organized. 
 
 2. From a few scattered meetings held in valley, on moun- 
 tain or prairie, years ago, it has grown until now in a year at 
 least a million and a half meetings are held. 
 
 3. It has broadened the field of usefulness of woman and 
 has prepared her for her place in the true Republic the full 
 equal of man as a citizen. 
 
 4. It has brought light, recreation and good cheer to hun- 
 dreds of thousands of rural homes. 
 
 5. Prevented the renewal of patents on sewing machines, 
 thus saving the people 50 per cent of their cost, which amounts 
 to millions annually. 
 
 6. Transportation companies were taught that the creator 
 is greater than the creature. See Granger cases decided by the 
 Supreme Court of the United States. 
 
 7. Had passed and have enforced the oleomargarine law. 
 
 8. Have passed laws somewhat restricting alien landlords 
 and corporations from getting government land. 
 
 9. Had interstate commerce law passed. 
 
 10. Had Cabinet position created for agriculture, thus giv- 
 ing the President a representative of the parent of all vocations. 
 
 11. Has had agricultural colleges, experiment stations and 
 farms and farmers' institutes established in many states of the 
 Union. 
 
 12. Has had some effect on local and state tax levies and 
 established State Arbor Day. 
 
 13. Has caused the Reform Ballot Law to be passed in many 
 states. 
 
 14. Has increased state appropriations for public schools. 
 
 15. Has at all times fostered the cause of free education. 
 
 16. Local achievements, such as building halls, making roads, 
 planting trees and vines, establishing libraries, reading rooms, 
 banks, fire insurance companies, co-operative enterprises, trade 
 card systems, etc., too numerous to be mentioned, might be cited. 
 
 Writers, readers, speakers and parliamentarians without num- 
 ber owe their success to the Grange; but this ought to be enough 
 to convince you that the Grange is progressive, not retrogressive. 
 In politics the Grange is nonpartisan; in religion, nonsectarian ; 
 in essentials it is unified; in nonessentials it is liberal; in all things 
 it is charitable.
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 J. H. Brigham's Administration — Third Term, Two 
 Years, 1892-189 3 — Twenty-Sixth and Twenty- 
 Seventh Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 After a year of Grange prosperity the National 
 Grange met in 26th annual session at Concord, N. H., 
 November 16-25, 1892. All the officers but Ceres and 
 Flora were present. 
 
 Master— J. H. Brigham, Ohio. 
 Overseer — E. W. Davis, California. 
 Lecturer — Mortimer Whitehead, New Jersey. 
 Steward — Ava E. Page, Missouri. 
 Assistant Steward — O. E. Hall, Nebraska. 
 Chaplain — Chas. McDaniel, New Hampshire. 
 Treasurer — F. M. McDowell, New York. 
 Secretary — John Trimble, Washington, D. C. 
 Gatekeeper — W. H. Nelson, Tennessee. 
 Ceres — Mrs. Edna Brigham, Ohio. 
 Pomona — Mrs. C. E. Bowen, Connecticut. 
 Flora — Mrs. E. P. Wilson, Mississippi. 
 
 Lady Assistant Steward— Mrs. L. C. Douglas, Massachusetts. 
 Executive Committee — X. X. Chartters, Virginia; J. J. Wood- 
 man, Michigan; Leonard Rhone, Pennsylvania. 
 
 Twenty-nine states were represented by the follow- 
 ing delegates: California, E. W. and Mrs. Davis; 
 Colorado, D. W. and Mrs. Working; Connecticut, 
 G. A. and Mrs. Bowen; Delaware, J. C. and Mrs. Hig- 
 gins; Illinois, J. M. and Mrs. Thompson; Indiana, 
 Aaron and Mrs. Jones; Iowa, J. E. Blackford; Kansas, 
 A. B. and Mrs. Reardon ; Kentucky, J. D. and Mrs. 
 Clardy; Maine, M. B. and Mrs. Hunt; Massachusetts, 
 E. D. and Mrs. Howe ; Mississippi, S. L. and Mrs. Wil- 
 son; Missouri, A. E. and Mrs. Page; Nebraska, O. E. 
 and Mrs. Hall; Michigan, Thos. and Mrs. Mars; New 
 Hampshire, N. J. and Mrs. Bachelder; New Jersey, 
 John Statesir; New York, W. C. and Mrs. Gifford; 
 
 166
 
 j. h. brigham's third term, 1892-1893 167 
 
 North Carolina, W. R. Williams; Ohio, S. H. and 
 Mrs. Ellis; Oregon, R. P. and Mrs. Boise; Pennsyl- 
 vania, L. and Mrs. Rhone; Rhode Island, A. M. and 
 Mrs. Belcher; Texas, J. B. and Mrs. Long; Vermont, 
 A. and Mrs. Messer; Virginia, X. X. and Mrs. Chart- 
 ters; Washington, D. L. and Mrs. Russell; West Vir- 
 ginia, C. H. and Mrs. Knott; Wisconsin, Wash. 
 Churchill. 
 
 The Worthy Master in his address said: 
 
 "The financial standing of the National Grange is good. The 
 funds are safely invested, and we pay as we go." The pros- 
 perous condition of agriculture was presented, and the impor- 
 tance of organization and co-operation urged. Pure food, anti- 
 option bill, education, the press, woman's work, capital and 
 labor, the people rule, arid lands and other questions were dis- 
 cussed briefly and forcefully. 
 
 "The Grange has taken a decided stand," said he, "in favor 
 of the free delivery of mail to those who live outside of the 
 cities and villages." This decided stand was soon to be recorded 
 as another great Grange victory. 
 
 The money question was discussed at some length, 
 but his position on the "unlimited coinage of silver" 
 was not very manifest, though he seemed to be de- 
 cidedly against "fiat money" in the statement that 
 "the stamp of the government can never fix nor main- 
 tain the value of these notes." While the "annual 
 address" of the Worthy Master always carries great 
 weight with the members of the Order, much as the 
 President's message does with Congress and the 
 people, at best it is only an individual opinion when it 
 departs from a mere recitation of facts. In conclud- 
 ing he said : "We cannot afford to give to the public 
 any matter that has not been very thoroughly dis- 
 cussed and considered here. We have acquired some 
 distinction as a safe, conservative Order and we must 
 add to, rather than detract from, a well-earned reputa- 
 tion. I hope that all will participate in the discussions. 
 Modesty is sometimes to be commended, but here you 
 should feel that the Patrons who have elected you to
 
 l68 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 the responsible position of legislators in our Order 
 have a right to expect you to voice and vote their senti- 
 ments upon the important questions considered by the 
 National Grange." 
 
 Worthy Treasurer McDowell reported the total re- 
 ceipts $29,984.15, total expenditures $23,701.37, leaving 
 a balance of $6,282.78. The Executive Committee re- 
 ported that the "mortgage loan at this time amounted 
 to $45400. 
 
 New Granges reported by the Secretary, 113, a 
 falling off from 277 the year before. The reports 
 from Masters of State Granges showed a strengthen- 
 ing of the Order all along the line. Although not so 
 many new Granges were organized as the last two pre- 
 ceding years, many new members had been added 
 to the old Granges, and better discipline was manifest- 
 ing itself throughout the Order. 
 
 Hon. J. R. Dodge of the Department of Agriculture 
 and a member of the Order, who had been sent by the 
 Secretary of Agriculture to represent him and the 
 Department, was introduced to the Grange and made 
 a very pleasing address, outlining the purposes and 
 plans of the Department of Agriculture in promoting 
 the interest of the farmers. "The Secretary of Agri- 
 culture, Hon. J. M. Rusk," said he, "is in sympathy 
 with the high aims of our beneficent order, and wel- 
 comes its co-operation in the work of advancing the 
 interests of agriculture and elevating the condition of 
 the husbandman." The whole address was a forceful 
 presentation of the necessity for organization, with 
 much praise for the good work the Grange was doing. 
 The appointment of Secretary Rusk had been 
 a disappointment to many members of the Grange, 
 but after he became Secretary, he left nothing undone 
 to gain the goodwill of, and to manifest his sympathy 
 with, the real farmers of the country. He succeeded 
 so well that the members of the Grange and the farm- 
 ers generally learned to love "Uncle Jerry."
 
 j. h. brigham's third term, 1892-1893 169 
 
 The Grange status of Miss Carrie A. Hall, niece of 
 O. H. Kelley, had often been discussed, and with a 
 view to settling the matter a resolution was adopted 
 at this session as follows: 
 
 "Resolved, That the Worthy Secretary be and he is hereby in- 
 structed to inform Sister Carrie A. Hall that the National 
 Grange recognizes her as equal to a 'Founder of the Order' of 
 the Patrons of Husbandry." 
 
 Following this, W. C. GifTord of New York offered 
 a resolution which was adopted : 
 
 "That a committee of three members of the National Grange, 
 consisting of two Sisters and one Brother, be appointed to pre- 
 pare and submit a proper testimonial of the appreciation of all 
 Patrons of Husbandry of the services of Sister Carrie A. Hall 
 in the organization of our noble Order, and to have the same 
 suitably engrossed and presented to our beloved Sister." 
 
 The Committee appointed reported as follows: 
 
 The National Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, 
 To Sister Carrie A. Hall, Greeting. 
 
 Dear Sister : In recognition of your invaluable services in 
 the early work of the Grange by rendering important aid in 
 the preparation of the Ritual, and more especially in bringing 
 the women of the farm into the Order upon terms of perfect 
 equality, endowing them with the same rights and privileges 
 as the other sex, the twenty-sixth Annual Session, assembled at 
 Concord, N. H., has unanimously adopted the following resolu- 
 tion: 
 
 Resolved, That the Worthy Secretary be and is hereby in- 
 structed to inform Sister Carrie A. Hall that the National 
 Grange recognizes her as one of the founders of the Order. 
 
 The resolution first adopted is somewhat different 
 from the one reported by the Committee. In the 
 original resolution the words "equal to a Founder," 
 appear, but in the resolution reported by the Com- 
 mittee, which was supposed to be a copy of the 
 original one, the words "one of the Founders" 
 have been substituted. There would seem to be a 
 substantial difference between the two expressions. 
 If she is recognized as "one of the Founders," then
 
 17° PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 the Order of Patrons of Husbandry has "eight 
 Founders" instead of "seven," because the "seven 
 Founders" were "recognized" in the same somewhat 
 arbitrary way. 
 
 At the next annual session the Committee reported 
 that "this testimonial was carefully packed and for- 
 warded to its destination and was received in good 
 order by Sister Hall, and her letter of appreciation is 
 herewith appended as a part of this report." 
 
 James Draper, Past Master of Massachusetts State Grange. 
 
 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor, with the engrossed reso- 
 lutions, duly received. They are very beautiful, and I thank 
 you, the National Grange, and, most cordially, the Committee, 
 for this most beautiful remembrance. 
 
 Very sincerely yours, 
 
 Caroline A. Hall. 
 
 Resolutions were adopted favoring a graduated in- 
 come tax, the election of United States Senators by 
 direct vote of the people, free rural mail delivery, pre- 
 vention of the adulteration of food and lard, prevention 
 of gambling in futures, and the Australian ballot 
 system. 
 
 The death of William M. Ireland, the second one of 
 the "founders" to pass away, was reported at this 
 session. 
 
 No changes were made in the salaries of officers 
 except that the Treasurer's salary was raised from 
 $300 to $400 a year. 
 
 Leonard Rhone of Pennsylvania was re-elected a 
 member of the Executive Committee. 
 
 After a very pleasant, active and important session 
 the members bade adieu to old New England and scat- 
 tered over the country to their several homes and 
 states once more to take up the splendid work of the 
 Order. 
 
 Men and measures might come up and play their 
 part on the Grange stage, but the Order of Patrons 
 of Husbandry must "go on forever." The year 1892
 
 j. h. brigham's third term, 1892-1893 171 
 
 had been a great political campaign year, and political 
 revolution had swept one party out of power and an- 
 other in. The sequel of some of the political changes 
 manifested itself at the next meeting of the National 
 Grange. 
 
 The twenty-seventh session of the National Grange 
 met at Syracuse, N. Y., November 15-23. All the 
 officers but Gatekeeper, Ceres and Flora were present, 
 and the work of the session was promptly taken up. 
 
 Twenty-eight states were represented by the same 
 delegates as at the last session, except as follows : 
 California, A. P. and Mrs. Roach ; Kentucky, not repre- 
 sented; Maryland, H. M. and Mrs. Murray; Michigan, 
 G. B. and Mrs. Horton; Missouri, W. E. and Mrs. 
 Harbaugh ; New Jersey, J. T. and Mrs. Cox; Ohio, 
 T. R. and Mrs. Smith; Virginia, R. R. and Mrs. Hutch- 
 inson ; North Carolina and Texas not represented. 
 
 The Worthy Master discussed the subjects that usu- 
 ally found a place in the Master's "address" and then 
 turned his batteries on the Department of Agriculture. 
 A new Secretary of Agriculture had been appointed on 
 the fourth of the preceding March, and just then there 
 was no question of such vital importance as an ad- 
 dress delivered by J. Sterling Morton, Secretary of 
 Agriculture, at the opening of the Congress on Agri- 
 culture at Chicago, 111., October 16, 1893. It seemed 
 the Grange, in creating the United States Department 
 of Agriculture, had created a "Frankenstein." 
 
 The Worthy Master seemed to be overflowing with 
 
 sarcasm at the thought of that speech. Said he : 
 
 "The farmer is considered as a good citizen in his place, but 
 he is warned not to meddle with 'business' or 'politics.' Such 
 matters should be intrusted to his Brothers who live in towns 
 and cities, who are supposed to know something. He must not 
 criticize the management of railroads or banking institutions, 
 nor make any suggestions as to the financial policy of the gov- 
 ernment. Above all things he must avoid 'gregariousness.' 
 Listen to the words of wisdom that recently fell from the lips 
 of the Secretary of Agriculture.
 
 172 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 "'American farmers have foes to contend with; they are not 
 the natural foes — not the weevil in the wheat, nor the murrain 
 in cattle, nor the cholera in swine, nor the drouth, nor the 
 chinch-bug. The most insidious and destructive foe of the 
 farmer is the professional farmer, the promoter of Granges 
 and Alliances, who for political purposes farms the farmer. 
 
 " 'He will not succeed better by forming Granges and Alliances 
 which generally seek to attend to some other business than farm- 
 ing, and frequently propose to run railroads and banks, and 
 even propose to establish new systems of coinage for the gov- 
 ernment, than he will by individual investigation of economic 
 questions. 
 
 " 'The one book which I can recommend to the farmers for 
 their perusal is Adam Smith's "Wealth of Nations." I would 
 also have, if possible, a daily newspaper from a great city at 
 every fireside.' " 
 
 Altogether the Secretary's speech was a most re- 
 markable production. Commenting further upon it, 
 the Worthy Master said: 
 
 "What a great head we now have in charge of the De- 
 partment! Professors in agricultural colleges, directors and 
 officers of experiment stations and others have been diligently 
 searching out the foes of agriculture and experimenting on 
 methods of destruction with some degree of success, but it re- 
 mained for the railroad attorney and lobbyist, who is Secretary 
 of Agriculture, to discover 'the most insidious and destructive 
 foe of the farmer, viz., the promoter of Granges and Alliances.' " 
 
 A perfect storm of protest had developed in the coun- 
 try, and the Worthy Master in his righteous indigna- 
 tion was excusable for his caustic consideration of Mr. 
 Morton's unfortunate speech, for: 
 
 "Experience has demonstrated the fact that farmers will en- 
 dure much neglect, submit to being ignored, but it has not yet 
 been shown that they will not resent ridicule and insult from one 
 who should be their trusted adviser and friend." 
 
 On November 22, 1893, the National Grange unani- 
 mously adopted the following resolutions which had 
 been carefully considered by a committee: 
 
 "Your Committee on Good of the Order, to whom was 
 referred the resolutions of Enterprise Pomona Grange, Cali- 
 fornia, and the resolution of Hope Grange, in the State of New 
 York, in reference to the language used by J. Sterling Morton,
 
 j. h. brigham's third term, 1892-1893 173 
 
 Secretary of Agriculture, in his speech at Chicago, at the meet- 
 ing of the World's Congress, where he, in language unbecoming 
 a gentleman, much less a high official, no less than a member 
 of the President's Cabinet, condemns and censures all farmers' 
 organizations, specifically mentioning the Grange in the follow- 
 ing language, to wit : 
 
 " 'That the most insidious and destructive foe to farmers is 
 the professional farmer, the promoter of Granges and Alliances, 
 who, for political purposes, farms the farmer; that he will not 
 succeed better by forming Granges and Alliances which generally 
 seek to attend to some other business than farming.' 
 
 "Resolved, That so far as the Grange is concerned there is 
 not one word of truth in what the Secretary has said about it, 
 Dut, on the contrary, it is strictly nonpartisan and tends by all 
 its teachings and principles to educate and elevate the farmer 
 to higher and nobler citizenship, and does in a thousand ways 
 improve the farmer in his profession by teaching the most 
 approved methods of agriculture, and in the marketing of his 
 products of the farm, and in wisely using the money received 
 therefor in beautifying and making the home of the farmer 
 better and increasing the intelligence and happiness of the farmer 
 and his family. 
 
 "Resolved, That in giving utterance to this calumny, the fallacy 
 of which the Secretary must have known or could have known 
 had he taken the pains to inform himself, he has proven himself 
 unworthy of the high position he holds. 
 
 "Resolved, That the President of the United States owes it 
 to the farmers of America, the largest agricultural nation in the 
 world, and the largest single interest in the United States, that 
 they should have a Secretary of Agriculture in sympathy with 
 this great interest. We believe it to be the imperative duty of 
 the President to immediately take steps to secure a Secretary 
 of Agriculture who shall be in accord with that interest. 
 
 "Resolved, That the Master and Secretary of the National 
 Grange, over their official signatures, transmit to the President 
 of the United States, the action of the National Grange, rela- 
 tive to the contempt expressed by the Hon. J. Sterling Morton, 
 Secretary of Agriculture, for all farmers' organizations, especially 
 the Patrons of Husbandry." 
 
 Worthy Treasurer McDowell reported the total re- 
 ceipts $26,028.78, total expenditures of $21,932.27, leav- 
 ing a balance of $4,096.51. The Secretary's report 
 showed eighty new Granges organized. The Execu- 
 tive Committee's report showed the amount loaned on
 
 174 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 real estate security to be $46,333.32, and loaned on 
 demand, personal security, $2,000. 
 
 As the funds of the National Grange increased, there 
 was manifest a disposition to increase the salaries 
 of officers. The year before the Treasurer's salary 
 had been raised from $300 to $400, and at this session 
 the Lecturer, who had been receiving $3 a day when 
 on Grange work, was given "a salary of $400, and $3 
 per day, necessary stationery, postage, office and 
 traveling expenses when on duty for the Order." 
 Other salaries remained the same as the year before. 
 
 A resolution was adopted declaring "That the 
 Patrons of Husbandry of the United States of America 
 are opposed to gambling in all forms." Many other 
 resolutions on a variety of subjects were adopted, but 
 to get a full comprehension of the real breadth and 
 grasp of public questions it would be necessary to read the 
 well-prepared reports of committees which were made 
 to this and all other sessions of the National Grange. 
 The Grange in all its branches, Subordinate, State and 
 National, had become a school of economics, and em- 
 bodied in the reports of these Grange assemblies was 
 the result of the best farmer thinking in the country. 
 
 One of the most pleasing and noteworthy events of 
 the year 1893 was the "Silver Jubilee" or twenty-fifth 
 anniversary of the organization of the first farmers' 
 Grange in the world at Fredonia, Chautauqua County, 
 N. Y., April 20 and 21, 1893. The addresses delivered 
 on that occasion were collected, edited and published 
 in pamphlet form by Worthy Lecturer Mortimer 
 Whitehead, who said in his introduction : 
 
 "Twenty-five years have passed since then, and on April 
 20 and 21, 1893, the anniversary day was celebrated with a pro- 
 gram covering both days, and morning, afternoon and evening 
 sessions in a large opera house, filled with thousands of Patrons, 
 and on one evening with outside friends. Beautiful decorations 
 of fruits, flowers, grain, pictures, mottoes, mementos, and relics 
 of the early clays, with music and songs by choirs, quartettes, 
 glee clubs, solos, recitations, original poems, essays, speeches,
 
 j. h. brigham's third term, 1892-1893 175 
 
 presentations, receptions and bountiful meals served in two large 
 halls belonging to the old Grange, which now has 250 members, 
 together with the presence of officers of the National and State 
 Granges, all made up a picture and an occasion marking an im- 
 portant event in Grange history, and all revolving around the 
 honored guest who had come all the way from his distant home 
 in Florida to be present and meet and greet the old Grange he 
 had organized twenty-five years before — Brother O. H. Kelley, 
 the founder of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, the man 
 of faith and works, who carried it over all obstacles to success. 
 
 "None the less honored was Sister Caroline A. Hall, she who 
 first proposed the admission of women in our Order, and who 
 cheered and aided the early workers in their darkest hours. 
 Prevented from being present from her home in Minnesota by 
 the recent death of her mother, her letter of greeting not only 
 to the Grange in Fredonia, but to the Order at large, will be 
 welcomed by tens of thousands of sisters wherever the name 
 of Grange is known." 
 
 Many distinguished members of the Order were 
 present and made addresses, which, taken together, 
 made a feast of historic interest and good cheer rarely 
 surpassed. A part of "Father Kelley's" characteristic 
 address was as follows : 
 
 "Worthy Master and Patrons: Anniversaries are the occa- 
 sions when care is thrown aside and the participants unite for a 
 jollification ; good humor prevails, and if the occasion proves a suc- 
 cess we look back upon it as one of the pleasant features of life. 
 
 "When I received your invitation to be present and help cele- 
 brate the twenty-fifth anniversary of Fredonia Grange, I was 
 so much surprised I could hardly believe it a reality. 
 
 "A quarter of a century had elapsed, and though 1,500 miles 
 apart you 'had not forgotten the old man.' I determined to ac- 
 cept, and here I am. 
 
 "This fact you have — that no other Grange in the United 
 States ranks Fredonia in age. It is recorded as the first that 
 was regularly organized and at once commenced active work. 
 
 "In every state and territory of the Union, Granges have been 
 organized, and over 800,000 names of charter members are now 
 recorded in the National office. 
 
 "From the Grange have sprung the Alliance and numerous 
 other farmer organizations. What the outcome will be remains 
 for the future, but we may feel proud that the seed planted by 
 Fredonia Grange has spread over the whole country.
 
 176 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 "Our Order was the first secret society that ever admitted 
 woman to full membership; its growth shows what may be 
 accomplished with woman's influence. Its growth is also a les- 
 son to the young of both sexes, showing what pluck and per- 
 severance can bring about. 
 
 "No enterprise of any magnitude can well be established in 
 less than five years. Statistics show that out of every hundred 
 but five become eminently successful. Ten per cent more are 
 but moderately so, while the remaining 85 are failures. 
 
 "The failures may be attributed to three causes — lack of merit, 
 want of capital, and lack of vim and perseverance. 
 
 "If you will cling to a good, meritorious work for five years, 
 putting your whole energy in it, success will crown your efforts. 
 Too many give up in four years and a half. 
 
 "Let us see what five years did for our Order. In the first 
 year we issued only 10 dispensations, the second 36, the third 
 134. At the end of the fourth year we had in all 1,005. The ball 
 was then fairly rolling, and the years of '73 and '74 were marvels 
 of success in organization. 
 
 "During January, February and March of 1874 we averaged 
 over 2,000 each month, and two days are on record when 165 
 applications for new Granges were received on each day. 
 
 "The prosperity of our Order is due mostly to the female 
 membership ; it would not, it could not, exist without them. The 
 times have changed very materially in woman's favor in the 
 past 25 years. Socially she has always been the peer of man, 
 and the time is not far distant when she will be his equal po- 
 litically. That, however, depends wholly upon herself. 
 
 "When the women say they will vote they will, and no power 
 on earth can stop them. 
 
 "In business of all kinds woman is showing herself as capable 
 as man. In my office, while National Secretary, all my clerical 
 work was done by young women. During the 12 years while 
 I held the position over $400,000 was received. Miss Hall was 
 my assistant and cashier; every dollar of this passed through 
 her hands, and when our books were critically examined at the 
 end of 12 years, the committee published their report showing 
 the National Grange was in our debt $8.34. 
 
 "In the past 25 years there is no instance recorded of a female 
 bookkeeper or cashier going to Canada, while quite a number 
 of men have made temporary homes in that country. 
 
 "My convictions are that women are the most honorable and 
 reliable part of the human family, and, like all sensible men, 
 I have always been an ardent admirer of women."
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 J. H. Brigham's Administration — Fourth Term, Two 
 Years, 1894-1895 — Twenty-Eighth and Twenty- 
 Ninth Sessions of the National Grange. 
 
 The twenty-eighth session of the National Grange 
 met at Springfield, 111., November 14-22, 1894. All 
 the officers were in their places. 
 
 Master— J. H. Brigham, Ohio. 
 Overseer— E. W. Davis, California. 
 Lecturer — Alpha Messer, Vermont. 
 Stezvard—M. B. Hunt, Maine. 
 Assistant Steward — A. M. Belcher, Rhode Island. 
 Chaplain — S. L. Wilson, Mississippi. 
 Treasurer — Mrs. Eva S. McDowell, New York. 
 Secretary — John Trimble, Washington, D. C. 
 Gatekeeper — W. E. Harbaugh, Missouri. 
 Ceres — Mrs. M. S. Rhone, Pennsylvania. 
 Pomona — Mrs. Mary M. Reardon, Kansas. 
 Flora — Mrs. Annie Bull, Minnesota. 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Mrs. A. M. Horton, Michigan. 
 Members of Executive Committee — J. J. Woodman, Michigan; 
 R. R. Hutchinson, Virginia; Leonard Rhone, Pennsylvania. 
 
 Twenty-eight states were represented by the follow- 
 ing delegates: California, A. P. and Mrs. Roache; 
 Colorado, J. A. and Mrs. Newcombe; Connecticut, 
 G. A. and Mrs. Bowen; Delaware, J. C. and Mrs. Hig- 
 gins; Illinois, Oliver and Mrs. Wilson; Indiana, A. and 
 Mrs. Jones; Iowa, A. B. and Mrs. Judson ; Kansas, 
 A. P. and Mrs. Reardon; Maine, E. and Mrs. Wiggin; 
 Maryland, H. O. and Mrs. Devries ; Massachusetts, 
 E. D. and Mrs. Howe; Michigan, G. B. and Mrs. Hor- 
 ton; Mississippi, S L. and Mrs. Wilson; Missouri, 
 W. E. and Mrs. Harbaugh; Nebraska, O. E. and Mrs. 
 Hall; New Hampshire, N. J. and Mrs. Bachelder; New 
 Jersey, J. T. and Mrs. Cox ; New York, O. H. and Mrs. 
 Hale; Ohio, T. R. and Mrs. Smith; Oregon, J. and 
 
 177
 
 I78 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Mrs. Vorhees; Pennsylvania, L. and Mrs. Rhone; 
 Rhode Island, A. M. and Mrs. Belcher; Texas, John 
 B. Long; Vermont, A. and Mrs. Messer; Virginia, 
 A. J. and Mrs. Wedderburn; Washington, D. L. and 
 Mrs. Russell; West Virginia, C. H. and Mrs. Knott; 
 Wisconsin, W. and Mrs. Churchill. 
 
 The Worthy Master delivered a hopeful and en- 
 couraging address, showing progress and prosperity 
 during the past year. He dwelt at considerable length 
 upon the unequal burden of taxation the farmers had 
 to bear and strongly indorsed an income tax as being 
 just and equitable. He referred to "the dangerous 
 concentration of wealth in the hands of a few families. 
 We do not advocate any unnecessary interference in 
 the business of enterprising men, but a republic cannot 
 long survive this accumulation of wealth in the hands 
 of a few to the impoverishment of the masses. How 
 to distribute more equitably the profits of labor and 
 the burdens of taxation is a problem which should 
 occupy the thoughts of our wisest statesmen." 
 
 Advocating retrenchment, he said : "Let the Grange 
 lead the way in a general assault upon high fees and 
 salaries as well as public expenditures. Such evils 
 do not cure themselves. If farmers will not unite to 
 reduce the cost of government, they will deserve and 
 receive no sympathy for the burdens they bear." This 
 was in the "panic" year of 1894, when the farmers 
 everywhere found retrenchment necessary. 
 
 He condemned government irrigation schemes and 
 strongly advocated "free delivery of mails." "We be- 
 lieve," said he, "that the time has arrived when farmers 
 should emphatically demand that free delivery of mails 
 be extended to the rural districts." 
 
 Speaking of the "labor troubles," he said : 
 
 "The farmers are interested in the amicable settlement of the 
 differences between employer and employee. We will sustain 
 with all our influence the 'right of labor to organize.' Capital 
 is thoroughly organized; so is every profession. Organization
 
 j. h. brigham's fourth term, 1894-1895 179 
 
 increases power. Power may be abused. Corporations are said 
 to be soulless. They employ labor, and sometimes may attempt 
 to oppress their employees. Their means of defense is organiza- 
 tion. Wise, conservative leaders must be selected. Labor must 
 respect the rights of the employer and also of the public. They 
 will then be invincible in demanding what is clearly right. If 
 labor is to be employed at good wages, capital must be allowed 
 a fair per cent of profit, and the farmer fair prices for his prod- 
 uce. Conditions which do not permit both will react to the 
 injury of labor. Patience and mutual concessions in time of 
 depression will always prove wise. The law must be respected 
 and observed by capital and labor. If unjust to either, the 
 farmer will help to secure amendment. Let us have peace and 
 prosperity and an era of good will among all classes." 
 
 This was a fair and concise statement of the atti- 
 tude of the Grange and the farmers generally toward 
 capital and labor. 
 
 The Worthy Master covered a wide range of sub- 
 jects, but finally settled down to the "free coinage of 
 silver" question. Now, only about a year in advance 
 of the opening up of the celebrated "free silver" cam- 
 paign of 1896, the question was in the minds of 
 everybody, the sentiment for "free coinage at 16 
 to 1" had been accepted by most farmers, and the 
 Grange had previously indorsed it. In about five pages 
 of the journal the Worthy Master discussed the ques- 
 tion closely and clearly, but all his argument was 
 against "free coinage." He did not settle the question, 
 but closed by saying, "I know that radical differences 
 of opinion on these subjects exist in our Order, which 
 should not be a matter of surprise. Our members are 
 not like sheep, following the 'bellwether,' even if he 
 leads them to destruction. Each one is encouraged to 
 investigate, think and decide questions in accordance 
 with his own best judgment. We can agree in our 
 fraternal relations and co-operate in the Grange work, 
 but in matters of politics and religion we are perfectly 
 free to go our own way, and no member of the Order 
 has the right to demand of his brother the whys and 
 wherefores."
 
 l80 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 This seems to have been the last of this question in 
 the National Grange. 
 
 This year was notable for the death of F. M. Mc- 
 Dowell and J. R. Thompson, two of the Founders of 
 the Order, and J. W. A. Wright, author of the 
 "Declaration of Purposes." 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer, Eva S. McDowell, reported 
 the total receipts, $20,763.93; total disbursements, $14,- 
 435-77, leaving a balance of $6,328.16. The Secretary 
 reported ninety-two new Granges during the year. 
 
 The Executive Committee reported the total assets 
 of the National Grange on September 30, 1893, at 
 $52,429.83, a falling off for the current year of $1,935.02. 
 
 Leonard Rhone of Pennsylvania was re-elected a 
 member of the Executive Committee. 
 
 The Grange, like political parties, has nearly always 
 had before it one paramount issue at a time. The 
 "silver question" had kept the Grange busy for 
 several years. The tariff questions had been success- 
 fully disposed of, but these and some other questions 
 were hardly out of the way until Mr. David Lubin had 
 injected himself and his "Lubin Proposition" into the 
 Grange. This was the same David Lubin who "founded" 
 the International Institute of Agriculture, with head- 
 quarters at Rome, Italy, of which Mr. Lubin has been 
 the "delegate from the United States." Later he was 
 prominently before the public in advocacy of the Ger- 
 man system of rural credits. The Master of the Cali- 
 fornia State Grange brought the "Proposition" to the 
 National Grange at Springfield, 111., in 1894, with the 
 indorsement of the California State Grange. The pre- 
 amble contained eighteen whereases, but the "Proposi- 
 tion" itself was contained in the following brief 
 resolutions : 
 
 "Resolved, That just so long as the protective tariff system 
 is in operation for the protection of American industries, we 
 demand an equal measure of protection for agricultural staples.
 
 j. h. brigham's fourth term, 1894-1895 181 
 
 "Resolved, That this be done by government bounties on agri- 
 cultural exports from the United States to foreign seaports. 
 
 "Resolved, That we pledge our most earnest efforts and sup- 
 port to have this proposition become a law of our country." 
 
 The Committee on Agriculture, of which Aaron 
 Jones of Indiana was chairman, labored long over the 
 "Proposition," and closed by recommending that a 
 conference be called by the National Grange Legisla- 
 tive Committee at its convenience, and that the "Lubin 
 Proposition" be considered by it. 
 
 At the next session of the National Grange at Wor- 
 cester, Mass., the Proposition came up with redoubled 
 force. The "Conference," referred to above, was 
 not called until November 14th, the second day of the 
 National Grange session. The findings of this "Con- 
 ference" were introduced with this information : 
 "Your Committee on Legislation begs leave to report 
 that, in pursuance to instructions of this body, they 
 attended the National Conference of the Industrial In- 
 terests of the United States, called by them under in- 
 structions from the last National Grange, to meet in 
 this city November 14th instant. 
 
 "The following gentlemen, representing the various 
 interests named, were present in response to our in- 
 vitation : J. H. Brigham, Leonard Rhone, John Trim- 
 ble, H. C. Devries, Aaron Jones, representatives of the 
 National Grange ; David Lubin, of California ; R. G. F. 
 Candage, National Farmers' Congress ; Hugh Craig, 
 Vice-President Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco, 
 Cal. ; W. H. Llewellyn, representative Chamber 
 of Commerce, Seattle, Wash.; Oliver Wilson, Illinois; 
 J. L. Minton, Missouri National Farmers' Congress ; 
 W. W. Bates, ex-United States Commissioner Navi- 
 gation, representing the shipping interest ; W. F. 
 Leonard, New York, American Masters' and Pilots' 
 Association; G. C. Thayer, Pennsylvania, Cramp Ship- 
 building Company; Alfred E. Cos, Massachusetts, At- 
 lantic Iron Works, Boston; S. B. Ascher, Tariff Com-
 
 l82 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 mercial League, New Jersey ; A. R. Smith, New York, 
 representing the shipping interest (editor of the Sea- 
 board) ; E. P. Curtis, Worcester, National Association 
 Manufacturers' Implements and Vehicles." 
 
 In the findings of this "Conference," too long to re- 
 print here, the "Lubin Proposition" was unqualifiedly 
 indorsed. 
 
 On motion, the consideration of the Conference re- 
 port was postponed until after the Committee on Agri- 
 culture, of which Aaron Jones of Indiana was again 
 Chairman, made its report. 
 
 The matter was disposed of for this session by the 
 adoption of the following report of the Committee on 
 Agriculture : 
 
 "In regard to the above preamble and resolutions presented to 
 the National Grange by Brother W. W. Greer of California, and 
 referred to the Committee on Agriculture, which resolutions em- 
 body in substance what is known as the Lubin Proposition, your 
 committee begs leave to report that, having carefully considered 
 the same and having listened to able arguments in favor of the 
 resolutions by Brother W. W. Greer, Brother David Lubin and 
 Brother Wm. Johnston of California, and of other able advocates, 
 is unable to recommend their adoption as presented, but would 
 recommend the following as expressing the position of the Na- 
 tional Grange upon this subject: 
 
 " 'Resolved, That the National Grange of the Patrons of Hus- 
 bandry in twenty-ninth annual session assembled, having 
 considered the Lubin Proposition, so-called, without expressing 
 any opinion upon the merits of said proposition, or upon its 
 effect if enacted into law, but recognizing the truth of many of 
 the statements therein contained in regard to the depressed con- 
 dition of agriculture in our country at the present time, would 
 respectfully recommend said proposition to the careful considera- 
 tion of Congress and of the American people. And that we urge 
 upon Congress an early and thorough investigation of the 
 subject, and that the legislative committee be directed to present 
 the same to Congress.' " 
 
 The twenty-ninth session of the National Grange 
 was held at Worcester, Mass., November 13-21, and 
 was called to order by the Worthy Master, with all
 
 j. h. brigham's fourth term, 1894-1895 183 
 
 the officers but the Overseer and Lady Assistant 
 Steward present. 
 
 Twenty-six states were represented by the same 
 delegates, except the following five states, where 
 changes had been made : California, W. W. and Mrs. 
 Greer; Delaware, S. H. and Mrs. Messick; Minnesota, 
 Sarah G. and Mr. Baird; Vermont, C. J. and Mrs. Bell; 
 Washington, Augustus and Mrs. High. 
 
 The Grange had very decided views on the subject 
 of the Department of Agriculture and the type of man 
 who should be appointed Secretary. Worthy Mas- 
 ter Brigham had been asked to tell the National Farm- 
 ers' Congress what kind of man should be appointed 
 Secretary of Agriculture. He included what he told the 
 National Farmers' Congress in his "annual address," 
 which, because of its historic interest, is reprinted 
 here : 
 
 "In response to your invitation, received through the courtesy 
 of your Secretary, I have hastily prepared a few remarks upon 
 the subject assigned me : 'The Secretary of Agriculture — what 
 he should be, and what he should not be.' 
 
 "In 1876 a resolution was introduced into and adopted by the 
 National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, asking for the 
 elevation of the Department of Agriculture, and that the head 
 of the department be made a member of the President's Cabinet, 
 and be given the official title of Secretary of Agriculture. 
 
 "From the above-named date, the Order of Patrons of Hus- 
 bandry was unceasing in its efforts to accomplish this purpose, 
 and temporary defeats did not dampen its ardor. The subject 
 was continually forced upon the attention of Congress and the 
 people; the persistent efforts of the friends of the proposed 
 elevation of the department finally attracted attention, and it 
 found favor in the eyes of other agricultural societies and asso- 
 ciations, and at last the object sought was secured. 
 
 "It is hardly to be presumed that all this labor was performed 
 without some definite object in view, and it may be well to in- 
 quire into the motives of those who favored such elevation of the 
 department. 
 
 "First. It seemed to be the opinion of the farmers that the 
 Chief Executive was very likely to be selected from among those 
 who have made their homes and have their associations in the 
 great centers of trade and commerce, and would probably have
 
 I84 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 very little practical knowledge of the real wants and interests of 
 the nation's most important industry, namely, agriculture. This 
 being true, it was thought best to secure a place in the council 
 chamber of the Chief Executive for a representative of this all- 
 important industry, to the end that timely suggestions might be 
 made, and special attention directed to this interest, upon which 
 all are so dependent. The farmers were the more anxious to 
 secure this elevation of the department for the reason that the 
 feeling was, and is yet strong, that agriculture has not been fairly 
 treated by the lawmaking bodies and the Chief Executive of the 
 nation. 
 
 "Second. It was also believed that such recognition of the great 
 importance of agriculture would tend to dignify the profession or 
 calling, and popularize it among the ambitious young men and 
 women of our rural districts, and save to agriculture some of her 
 brightest jewels. 
 
 "It is not necessary to go into details to show how and in what 
 way the Secretary, by his increased influence and power, was to 
 advance the interests of agriculture. There is so much that 
 should be done that it is only a question of what should be done 
 first. 
 
 "Now to the subject assigned me — 'The Secretary of Agricul- 
 ture — what he should be, and what he should not be.' 
 
 "We will first discuss what he should be. It is hardly probable 
 that all the requirements will be found to perfection in any one 
 man, but there are qualifications which are indispensable. He 
 should be a practical agriculturist, one whose associations and 
 sympathies are with the real farmers of our country. He should 
 be a man of recognized ability and of unimpeachable integrity, 
 of broad and liberal views, ever ready to receive and profit by 
 suggestions coming from any source, no matter how humble. He 
 should be a good judge of human nature, that he may not be 
 easily imposed upon, and that he may be able to select as his 
 helpers those who will render the best service in the department 
 to which they are assigned. He should be a man of courage and 
 firmness, in order that he may weed out the inefficient employees 
 who have been pensioned upon the department by officials, un- 
 scrupulous place seekers and others having 'influence,' and be able 
 to introduce such reforms in the management of the department 
 as the real interests of agriculture require. It would be well if 
 he should possess sufficient independence of character to intro- 
 duce a little 'Jeffersonian simplicity' into one of the departments 
 at the seat of government. He should be ready at all times to 
 aid every movement or enterprise calculated to help the farmers. 
 He should maintain harmonious relations, and meet with every
 
 j. h. brigham's fourth term, 1894-1895 185 
 
 national organization of farmers which is honestly striving by 
 proper means to lighten the burdens and increase the social, 
 intellectual and financial advantages of the grand army engaged 
 in tilling the soil. 
 
 "He should have the tact that would enable him to draw to his 
 support rather than repel those whom he should serve. He 
 should be ever ready to give helpful suggestions and friendly 
 criticisms, but should never ridicule nor belittle even the uncouth 
 or illiterate among those he is expected to represent. 
 
 "He should search the world over for markets, and for in- 
 formation that will be of material advantage to the farmers; he 
 should promptly advise them of every fraud or deception which 
 is being practiced upon them in any section of the country. He 
 should strive in every way to make the department useful to the 
 farmers, and at all times and under all circumstances maintain 
 the dignity of the 'noblest calling of man.' 
 
 "He must of necessity be of the same political faith as his 
 chief, els: his counsel might be distrusted or unheeded. 
 
 "If he should have had the advantages of a broad and liberal 
 education, it would greatly increase his power for good, and in 
 many ways aid him in his work. 
 
 "What he should not be. He should not be a man selected 
 solely for political services rendered his party. He should not 
 be a man who would not feel a sense of great responsibility as 
 the representative of the most important of all industries. He 
 should not be a man who would feel called upon to apologize for 
 the existence of a department of agriculture nor feel it to be his 
 duty to repress every effort of the farmer to have 'his say' in the 
 affairs of government. He should not be a man who would dis- 
 courage efforts to form organizations among farmers for the cul- 
 tivation of a fraternal spirit that will enable them to brighten and 
 cheer each other in the routine labors incident to rural life — that 
 will enable them to profit by and enjoy a social culture and a 
 mental training absolutely necessary to their proper development 
 as good citizens and useful members of society. Neither should 
 he discourage organizations for the purpose of utilizing and mak- 
 ing available their power, to the end that they may be able to 
 protect themselves and families from the abuse of power, made 
 possible and probable by the unification and combination of all the 
 other great industries of our country. 
 
 "He should not be a man who would hesitate to expend money 
 appropriated for the department in efforts to protect and promote 
 the interest of farmers, even if it should conflict at times with 
 personal theories and views entertained by himself. 
 
 "He, most emphatically, should not be a man who would re-
 
 l86 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 main silent or acquiesce in any proposed legislation that would 
 be unjust to agriculture. He should not be a mere theorist with- 
 out practical knowledge of the industry which he is supposed to 
 represent; nor a man who will hesitate to demand rights, priv- 
 ileges and advantages for the farmers equal to those enjoyed by 
 other classes. He should not be a man whose business interests 
 or social relations are such that he cannot devote all his time and 
 energy to the work of the department, and all his sympathy and 
 aid to those whom he was especially selected to serve. 
 
 "In conclusion, allow me to say that I entertain the opinion 
 that our work as farmers and friends and co-workers in the field 
 of agriculture will not be complete in this line until the Chief 
 Executive selected by the people shall be thoroughly convinced 
 that it is not only right but politic to select for this department 
 some man who will be everywhere recognized as one having 
 special qualifications for the position, and one who will have the 
 confidence and hearty support of the farming classes." 
 
 The address of the Worthy Master to the Farmers' 
 Congress was later specifically indorsed by the Na- 
 tional Grange, and probably no better "specifications" 
 for a Secretary of Agriculture have ever been formu- 
 lated. 
 
 One other paragraph from the Worthy Master's 
 
 forceful address was as follows : 
 
 "The ballot in the hands of intelligent, courageous voters will 
 drive vice and corruption from public life and secure forever the 
 'jewel of liberty in the family of freedom.' No order or asso- 
 ciation of men in this broad land has done so much to enlighten 
 and instill a spirit of patriotism and independence into the masses 
 of the people as has the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry, 
 and while our Order, in its associate capacity, is and will be kept 
 free from any partisan entanglement, we wish to have it dis- 
 tinctly understood that the farmers are henceforth to be a very 
 important factor in this country. We shall seek to know our 
 rights, and the man or party neglecting or betraying the interests 
 of agriculture will speedily ascertain that the farmers have the 
 courage to administer an appropriate and effectual rebuke." 
 
 The Treasurer's report showed total receipts $25,- 
 172.74. Balance in Trust Company, $7,568.69. The re- 
 port of the Executive Committee showed an increase 
 in funds during the year of $573.81. The Secretary's 
 report showed ninety-two new Granges.
 
 j. h. brigham's fourth term, 1894-1895 187 
 
 An aggressive fight for free rural mail delivery, 
 was inaugurated. 
 
 A multitude of resolutions dealing with a wide 
 range of economic questions were offered, while an- 
 other group of resolutions, which sought to deal with 
 the internal machinery of the organization, were 
 urged, but few of them seem to have been seriously 
 considered. 
 
 This being the time for the semi-annual election of 
 officers, a good deal of interest, as usual, was mani- 
 fested in the outcome. The rivalries and frequent an- 
 tagonisms that were always more or less visible on 
 these occasions were never revealed in the records of 
 the balloting in the National Grange. 
 
 O. H. Kelley and Miss Carrie A. Hall attended 
 this session for the first time since Mr. Kelley resigned 
 the office of Secretary at Richmond in 1878.
 
 CHAPTER XVII 
 
 J. H. Brigham's Administration — Fifth Term, Two 
 
 Years, 1896-1897 — Thirtieth and Thirty-First 
 
 Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 The thirtieth session of the National Grange met at 
 Washington, D. C, November 11, 1896. All the 
 officers elected at the preceding session were present : 
 
 Master — J. H. Brigham, Ohio. 
 
 Overseer — Aaron Jones, Indiana. 
 
 Lecturer — Alpha Messer, Vermont. 
 
 Steward — John T. Cox, New Jersey. 
 
 Assistant Steward — J. A. Newcomb, Colorado. 
 
 Chaplain— O. H. Hale, New York. 
 
 Treasurer — Mrs. Eva S. McDowell, New York. 
 
 Secretary — John Trimble, District of Columbia. 
 
 Gatekeeper — W. E. Harbaugh, Missouri. 
 
 Ceres — Mrs. Lucy G. Smith, Ohio. 
 
 Pomona — Mrs. Sarah G. Baird, Minnesota. 
 
 Flora — Mrs. E. L. A. Wiggin, Maine. 
 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Mrs. S. G. Knott, West Virginia. 
 
 Members of Executive Committee — N. J. Bachelder, New Hamp- 
 shire; J. J. Woodman, Michigan; Leonard Rhone, Pennsyl- 
 vania. 
 
 Twenty-eight states were represented as follows : 
 California, W. W. and Mrs. Greer; Colorado, J. A. and 
 Mrs. Newcomb ; Connecticut, S. O. and Mrs. Bowen ; 
 Delaware, S. H. and Mrs. Messick; Illinois, Oliver and 
 Mrs. Wilson ; Indiana, Aaron and Mrs. Jones ; Iowa, A. 
 B. and Mrs. Judson; Kansas, A. P. and Mrs. Reardon ; 
 Maine, Edward and Mrs. Wiggin; Massachusetts, E. 
 D. and Mrs. Howe; Maryland, Henry O. and Mrs. 
 Devries; Michigan, G. B. and Mrs. Horton ; Minne- 
 sota; Sarah G. and Mr. Baird; Mississippi, S. L. and 
 Mrs. Wilson; Missouri, D. N. Thompson; New Hamp- 
 shire, N. J. and Mrs. Bachelder; New Jersey, John T. 
 and Mrs. Cox ; New York, O. H. and Mrs. Hale ; Ohio, 
 
 188
 
 j. h. brigham's fifth term, 1896-1897 189 
 
 T. R. and Mrs. Smith ; Oregon, W. M. and Mrs. Hil- 
 lary; Pennsylvania, L. and Mrs. Rhone; Rhode 
 Island, Thomas G. Hazard ; South Carolina, W. K. and 
 Mrs. Thompson; Vermont, C. J. and Mrs. Bell; Vir- 
 ginia, A. J. and Mrs. Wedderburn; Washington, Au- 
 gustus and Mrs. High; West Virginia, C. H. Knott; 
 Wisconsin, H. E. and Mrs. Huxley. 
 
 John Trimble and William Saunders, two of the 
 founders of the Order, addressed the meeting in a 
 pleasant, reminiscent manner. 
 
 In a statesmanlike "address" Worthy Master J. H. 
 Brigham discussed many questions of great interest 
 to American farmers. 
 
 The great "free silver" presidential contest had just 
 closed with the election only two weeks before. The 
 money question was once more settled, for the time 
 at least, and a revision of the tariff was certain to 
 follow. The country was just passing through 
 one of the most disastrous financial panics it had 
 ever known. The Worthy Master, in discussing the 
 agricultural conditions, said : 
 
 "The farmer who is receiving fair returns for his labor and 
 invested capital is now the exception. There has been no gen- 
 eral failure of crops, but the prices received for most of them 
 do not pay for the labor of production. Such conditions are very 
 discouraging and should receive the best thought of our wisest 
 men. The cause or causes should be diligently sought out and 
 the remedy applied. Some of the alleged causes have been so 
 thoroughly discussed in the recent campaign that I shall not at- 
 tempt their discussion in an address to a body where partisan 
 subjects are barred." 
 
 He called attention to the inequitable distribution 
 of the burden of taxation. He declared a well-estab- 
 lished truism when he said : 
 
 "The farmer is bearing far more than his proportion of the 
 cost of maintaining local self-government, and will obtain no 
 relief except through his own well-directed efforts."
 
 190 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 He spoke of the "single-tax" in these words : 
 
 "Occasionally we find a farmer who has become a convert to 
 the theory of those who advocate a tax solely upon land values 
 to defray all the expenses of government, but the masses of 
 farmers will be slow to accept this theory." 
 
 With the incoming of a new national administration, 
 and the outgoing of the "unfortunate" J. Sterling Mor- 
 ton, the Grange and the country turned with hope to 
 President-elect McKinley. With these conditions in 
 mind, the Worthy Master said of the Department of 
 Agriculture : 
 
 "The farmers labored long and earnestly to secure the eleva- 
 tion of the Department of Agriculture. They were inspired 
 with the hope that with a representative of agriculture in the 
 Cabinet this great industry, upon which all are so dependent, 
 would receive the attention which its importance demands at the 
 hands of the Chief Executive. They also believed that this de- 
 partment, with ample means at its command, could give much 
 important information to the farmers of the United States ; 
 information that would be not only valuable, but perfectly reli- 
 able. 
 
 "The farmers should be the first to know actual crop condi- 
 tions, not only in this country, but in the world, as without this 
 knowledge they are liable to incur great losses in marketing their 
 crops. The department should be in close touch with the farm- 
 ers; should invite suggestions and give patient and careful atten- 
 tion to the same. There are many men upon the farms of the 
 United States who are good thinkers and careful observers. The 
 department needs the help of all of them, but their confidence 
 must be secured before they will venture to offer suggestions. 
 The department should take a lively interest in every organized 
 effort to uplift agriculture and broaden and develop the farmers 
 of our country. Good, solid, sensible, practical work is what is 
 needed in this department. 
 
 "The farmers may have expected too much. There may be 
 some feeling of disappointment, but they are still hopeful, and 
 will be very loath to abandon the fond anticipation which fol- 
 lowed the elevation of this department." 
 
 Later in the session a special committee appointed 
 to deal with this question made the following report, 
 which was adopted :
 
 j. h. brigham's fifth term, 1896-1897 191 
 
 "For many years the farmers of the United States felt the 
 necessity of elevating the position of Commissioner of Agricul- 
 ture to a Cabinet office as Secretary of Agriculture, in order to 
 give due recognition to the foundation interest of all prosperity 
 in this country. To this end the Patrons of Husbandry, through 
 their Subordinate, State and National Granges, labored until the 
 object sought had been attained. The position of Secretary of 
 Agriculture is regarded by farmers as one which should be far- 
 thest removed from politics of any of the Cabinet positions, and 
 one that should at all times be filled by a practical farmer; there- 
 fore, be it 
 
 "Resolved, by the National Grange in thirtieth annual session, 
 in the city of Washington, D. C, that we respectfully request the 
 President-elect to appoint to the position of Secretary of Agricul- 
 ture a man actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, who has the 
 confidence and esteem of the farming population of the entire 
 country." 
 
 Following the above committee report this resolu- 
 tion was adopted : 
 
 "Whereas, This National Grange has placed itself on record 
 to favor the appointment of a competent and practical farmer at 
 the head of the Department of Agriculture; therefore, 
 
 "Resolved, That a committee of three be and is hereby ap- 
 pointed, consisting of Brothers Aaron Jones of Indiana, O. H. 
 Hale of New York, and G. B. Horton of Michigan, to wait upon 
 Hon. William McKinley, President-elect of the United States, to 
 urge that a practical farmer be honored with a seat in his 
 Cabinet, and that said member be a Patron of Husbandry, in 
 recognition of the wisdom and labor of our Order in the creation 
 of said Department of Agriculture." 
 
 The outcome of this call upon President-elect Mc- 
 Kinley was the appointment of Hon. James Wilson, 
 an Iowa farmer, as Secretary, and Hon. J. H. Brig- 
 ham, Master of the National Grange, as Assistant 
 Secretary. 
 
 The Grange was just winning the race for adequate 
 rural mail delivery. It was already in experimental 
 operation, and the Worthy Master urged to greater 
 efforts in these words :
 
 192 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 "There is no good reason why the benefits of free mail delivery- 
 should not be extended to the rural districts. The only objec- 
 tion offered is the cost of the service. The fact is, however, that 
 it will be a great saving of time. One man can deliver the mail 
 to a large number of families, each of which would send some 
 representative to the postoffice were not the necessity for so doing 
 removed. There are individuals in every community who are 
 unable to perform heavy work, who would gladly accept this 
 service for a very moderate compensation. I recommend that at 
 this session you give emphatic expression to your views upon this 
 subject, and that it be made the duty of some committee to 
 present the matter to Congress, and make a vigorous effort to 
 secure the legislation necessary to the accomplishment of this 
 object. I have no doubt of the fact that the experiments now 
 being made will demonstrate the feasibility of this service, and 
 we should not brook unnecessary delay in extending it through 
 the rural districts. It is a good time for the farmer to make 
 demands." 
 
 This session of the National Grange was notable for 
 the fact that no member or past member of the body 
 had passed away during the preceding year, which had 
 not been the case for many years before, and the like 
 has not happened since. 
 
 The report of the Worthy Treasurer showed the 
 total receipts for the year, $23,134.40; total expendi- 
 tures, $17,843.72, leaving a balance of $5,290.68. 
 
 The report of the Executive Committee showed the 
 invested capital of the National Grange now amounted 
 to $46,140. 
 
 The Secretary reported 169 new Granges organized 
 during the past year. 
 
 Hon. Wm. H. Hatch of Missouri, who for years had 
 championed every Grange measure in Congress, and 
 was the author of the "Hatch Agricultural Experiment 
 Station Law," was reported very ill, and the following 
 resolution was adopted and a copy sent to him : 
 
 "Resolved, That the National Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, 
 learns with deep regret of the illness of Hon. W. H. Hatch of 
 Missouri, who for nearly a lifetime has been the bold and able 
 champion of agriculture, and this Grange wishes to express to
 
 j. h. brigham's fifth term, 1896-1897 193 
 
 him our sympathy at his illness and our thanks for his work in 
 behalf of agriculture, which will remain as monuments more 
 lasting than bronze or granite through generations to come, and 
 we trust that a Divine Providence will soon restore him to health 
 and a long and prosperous career of usefulness." 
 
 Hon. M. A. Knapp, member of the Interstate Com- 
 merce Commission, on invitation, came before the 
 National Grange and delivered an address which was 
 printed in the journal of the session. That the Grange 
 had any considerable influence in creating the Inter- 
 state Commerce Commission has been disputed, and 
 even so good an authority as Dr. S. J. Buck, in his 
 "Granger Movement," says : "No student of national 
 railway legislation would be willing to accept the 
 claim of many members of the Order that it was 
 chiefly instrumental in securing the passage of the 
 Interstate Commerce Act." 
 
 In view of this statement it may be of interest to 
 note what Mr. Knapp said on that subject: 
 
 "It is well known that your organization, and the great num- 
 bers which it represents, were among the most active and potent 
 influences that secured from Congress the initial statute for the 
 regulation of interstate commerce, and it gives me special pleas- 
 ure to acknowledge the support and encouragement which your 
 membership has given the commission in its efforts to execute the 
 law. No class of persons has a greater interest in the subject of 
 railroad transportation than the farmers of this country, and none 
 have stronger reasons for advocating wise and useful legislation 
 for the control of public carriers." 
 
 The "Lubin Proposition," to pay an export bounty 
 on staple agricultural products, came up again and 
 was finally disposed of by this resolution : 
 
 "Resolved, That this National Grange does not, and never has, 
 indorsed what is known as the Lubin Proposition, to pay an ex- 
 port bounty on agricultural products." 
 
 While the National Grange usually considered a 
 good many questions at each session, it had long been 
 its policy to push hard upon one or two questions 
 which were at the time most prominent in the public
 
 194 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 mind and most likely to be soon disposed of by Con- 
 gress. For the last two or three years the legislation 
 most urgently demanded was "free rural mail delivery" 
 and "pure food," which were both soon to be realized. 
 At all times the Grange sought to speak out clearly 
 and boldly what the farmers needed in the way of state 
 and National legislation, and, rising above partisan 
 considerations, let all men and all parties know that 
 they were in earnest and determined and noted the 
 action of men and parties as to their course on the 
 questions and measures necessary to place agricul- 
 tural industries on equal footing with other interests 
 of the country. 
 
 Dr. Harvey W. Wiley of the agricultural depart- 
 ment, having been invited by the Grange, appeared 
 and delivered a lengthy and illuminating address on 
 the subject of "Adulteration of Foods." After show- 
 ing the alarming extent to which our food products 
 are adulterated, he closed his address with these words : 
 
 "As has before been intimated in this address, the remedy 
 against all these things lies clearly in the power of the people. 
 Wise laws wisely administered, a careful system of inspection, a 
 demand for pure food, will secure the people in their rights. It 
 is not the rich for whom we should work, but the poor; and they 
 should be protected against frauds in food — frauds not so danger- 
 ous on account of being deleterious to health, as because of their 
 pretensions to furnish to the poorer part of our people a food 
 ostensibly pure and nutritious, but in reality valueless. It is not 
 supposed for a moment that any system of legislation can en- 
 tirely prevent the perpetration of frauds upon the community, 
 but at least these crimes can be made punishable, and their per- 
 petrators may be compelled to endure the penalty of their mis- 
 deeds." 
 
 In a committee report Geo. B. Horton, Master of 
 the Michigan State Grange, set up the necessity for 
 the Grange and its work in these eloquent words : 
 
 "It reaches out in all directions, and includes everything per- 
 taining to the farmer, his family, his fields, stock and barns, his 
 social, political and influential standing. Yea, above all, and in- 
 cluding all of these, the maintenance of his class in that social
 
 j. h. brigham's fifth term, 1896-1897 195 
 
 position our form of government intends he should occupy for all 
 time, and that which the tillers of the soil under every known 
 government since the world began have allowed to gradually and 
 undeservedly, but surely, to pass from them. We know not what 
 may be the ideal of European enlightenment, but for our country 
 it should stand for that just equilibrium which guarantees and 
 protects our people, even the humblest toiler, in the full benefits 
 and enjoyment of his labors. How closely, and even critically 
 should the producing classes of this country study the many and 
 various propositions presented for our indorsement by political 
 parties, even our own, to be sure that there is not somewhere 
 concealed behind the more important features a principle which, 
 if indorsed, will, in its natural working, tend toward and assist 
 in establishing those class distinctions which exist across the 
 water in the east, and which we have been so often warned 
 against in this country by our most thoughtful men. 'Eternal 
 vigilance is the price of liberty,' and was never more applicable 
 than today. Trusts, combines and corporate greed are aggressive 
 and persistent. Frequently accomplishing good in the successful 
 execution and accomplishment of great enterprises, which are 
 past the power of individuals to perform, more commonly their 
 operations are a menace to the rights of the people. Those re- 
 fined sensibilities of the individual man which lead him to regard 
 his neighbor's landmark are absorbed and lost in the combine and 
 trust, and the spirit of conquest, regardless of the rights of 
 others, takes its place. 
 
 "How can we rest in quiet composure with the handwriting on 
 the wall, which reads to us : Your children and your children's 
 children will gradually settle to lower positions in the social 
 spheres of life, because of rights and privileges gone, and the 
 history of other worlds will have repeated itself here, unless you 
 are vigilant and watchful now? We say, 'Let us heed the warn- 
 ing and escape the doom.' 
 
 "The Order of the Patrons of Husbandry has come as the 
 savior of the farmers from these results. The good of the Order 
 demands that we use it for this protection, and that in our coun- 
 cils we take such action as will result in educating our members 
 to that point of independence so essential in bringing about a 
 more united action by farmers. To these ends the Order must 
 be perpetuated. 
 
 "As never before, we see people engaged in other pursuits 
 working in harmony for advantages to themselves, and the in- 
 clinations and tendencies are for the great combined interests of 
 the country to form closer unions. In all this what position is 
 the farmer to take? Will those engaged in other pursuits take
 
 196 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 care of us and see that justice is done? Or must we do this for 
 ourselves? The farmer's interests are in general the same. Are 
 we working harmoniously together? Or are we quarreling among 
 ourselves? These are important questions for every farmer to 
 consider. It is useless for the farmer to lament the condition of 
 combined and opposing forces as being wrong; for wrong as it 
 may be, it now exists, and we have to meet it and deal with it, 
 and we know of no better way than for the Grange to educate 
 farmers to stand closely by each other as farmers, and, if neces- 
 sary, regardless of party lines, as do people of other interests. 
 To do other than this makes our class and interests an easy prey 
 to unsympathetic and designing men." 
 
 At every session of the National Grange since the 
 first one, the subject of co-operation had often been 
 prominently before the body, but direct Grange co- 
 operation, in a commercial way, had not been much 
 attempted since the early eighties. No greater store 
 of literature on that subject may be found than that 
 in the Journal of Proceedings of that body. The 
 Grange was essentially co-operative in all its work 
 and methods, but for a number of years its efforts at 
 co-operation were mainly along social, educational 
 and legislative lines. The disastrous panic of 1893, 
 which nearly crushed the life out of agriculture as well 
 as other industries, and which had been dragging its 
 blighting length along for four years, compelled the 
 Grange and the farmers to renew their efforts at co- 
 operative buying and selling, but these efforts were 
 mainly limited to what was known as the "contract 
 system." The thirtieth session of the National Grange 
 found the farmers somewhat more hopeful than for 
 several years past. 
 
 The only election at this session was the re-election 
 of Leonard Rhone, of Pennsylvania, as member of the 
 Executive Committee. 
 
 The thirty-first session of the National Grange met 
 at Harrisburg, Pa., November 10 to 18, 1897. All the 
 officers except Ceres were in their places.
 
 j. h. brigham's fifth term, 1896-1897 197 
 
 Twenty-seven states were represented by the same 
 delegates as the previous session except that changes 
 had been made as follows : Kansas, H. and Mrs. 
 Rhoades; Ohio, S. H. and Mrs. Ellis; Rhode Island, 
 J. A. and Mrs. Tillinghast; West Virginia, T. C. and 
 Mrs. Atkeson. 
 
 This was the third time S. H. Ellis had been 
 elected Master of the Ohio State Grange. He was the 
 first Master, followed by J. H. Brigham, elected again 
 and followed by T. R. Smith, and now given the third 
 term. No other man has ever had this unique ex- 
 perience. 
 
 On the convening of this session of the National 
 Grange, the Credentials Committee reported only 19 
 states as entitled to representation. Later eight other 
 states were admitted. 
 
 Worthy Master Brigham had been made Assistant 
 Secretary of Agriculture soon after the inauguration 
 of President McKinley, and he was not a candidate 
 for re-election as Master of the National Grange, 
 having served four full terms and one year of Put 
 Darden's second term, or nine years in all. No other 
 Master before or since has served so long. His suc- 
 cessor, Aaron Jones, served eight years, but no other 
 Master has served more than six years. 
 
 The Worthy Master, in his last "annual address," 
 dealt mainly with routine matters and especially those 
 things that pertain to the safe guidance of the Grange. 
 He spoke of the improved conditions of agricul- 
 ture, and urged the diversification of crops as a remedy 
 for overproduction. 
 
 Speaking of the Department of Agriculture, he said : 
 "It has always been the desire of the farmers that the 
 head of this Department should be a practical farmer, 
 and the realization of our desires affords us great satis- 
 faction. The present Secretary of Agriculture is a 
 progressive western farmer from one of the foremost 
 agricultural states, and is doing everything in his
 
 198 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 power to promote the interests of agriculture in every 
 section of our country." 
 
 He recommended thorough inspection of meat 
 products, the utilization of the weather bureau for 
 agriculture, the rigid enforcement of the oleomargarine 
 law, pure food regulations and impartial tariff legislation. 
 
 "Rural free delivery has already been enforced by 
 the National Grange, and I am glad to say authorita- 
 tively that the Postoffice Department is making ex- 
 periments to test the feasibility of the system." He 
 also recommended the establishment of postal savings 
 banks, which from this time forward until established 
 became a fixed Grange measure. In the closing para- 
 graph, he virtually declined a re-election in these 
 words : "The relief that follows the transfer to an- 
 other of responsible duties will be very welcome, but 
 I shall lose none of my interest in the grand work of 
 the Order." 
 
 Thus passed from Grange activity one of its strong- 
 est characters. 
 
 The report of the Treasurer showed total receipts, 
 $20,120.30; total expenditures, $13,816.88; leaving a 
 balance of $6,303.42. 
 
 The report of the Executive Committee showed an 
 increase in funds for the year of $882.74. A hundred 
 and forty-one new Granges were organized and 74 re- 
 organized during the year. 
 
 David Lubin, later the founder of the Interna- 
 tional Institute of Agriculture at Rome, Italy, was 
 present and, on invitation of the Worthy Master, ad- 
 dressed the Grange on the subject of "Export Bounty 
 on Staple Farm Products." This was the last time Mr. 
 Lubin ever appeared before the National Grange in 
 advocacy of what was then known as the "Lubin 
 Proposition." 
 
 At this session Gatekeeper W. E. Harbaugh, in his 
 report, raised some pertinent questions:
 
 j. h. brigham's fifth term, 1896-1897 199 
 
 "One of the sound principles," he said, "with which the Grange 
 started was this, that no man should belong to it unless he had a 
 direct interest in tilling the soil. Everybody has some interest in 
 tilling the soil, because all must live by eating. But the Granger's 
 interest in tilling the soil is personal, professional and direct. 
 The lawyer's business is to practice law; the doctor's business is 
 to practice medicine; the manufacturer's business is manufactur- 
 ing his wares; and the farmer's business is to farm or till the 
 soil. When lawyers meet to consider their interests as a class, 
 they do not ask farmers to tell them what to do or where their 
 interest lies ; when doctors meet to consider their business as pro- 
 fessional men, they do not send for farmers to teach them where 
 their interest lies; manufacturers do not invite farmers to sit in 
 counsel with them while considering their interests. In like man- 
 ner the farmer should know his own affairs and look after them 
 himself and suffer no dictation from without. As Gatekeeper, per- 
 mit me to ask if we are confining our membership strictly to those 
 who have a direct, personal and professional interest in farming 
 or cultivating the soil? Are any admitted within our gates who 
 have not a sufficient direct interest in tilling the soil, or may have 
 some interest in conflict with our purposes? 
 
 "If a man can stand on his feet in a crowded room and talk 
 well, it multiplies his force as a man by ten, or possibly twenty. 
 A trained lawyer among plain farmers, unaccustomed to public 
 speaking, has every advantage in the world. He is like a lion 
 among sheep. The sheep are no doubt better than the lion, but 
 this does not keep them from being eaten up by the lion. 
 
 "A trained and gifted speaker may be on the wrong side of a 
 question and yet may win, notwithstanding the fact that he is 
 wrong all the time. A plain, honest farmer may be on the right 
 side of a question in debate and yet lose his side, notwithstand- 
 ing the fact he is right all the time. He may not have the gift of 
 language to present forcibly his side of the case, or he may have 
 sufficient language but not self-control while addressing large 
 audiences. It is unfair to pit a farmer against a lawyer in de- 
 bate, as it would be manifestly unfair to pit a lawyer against a 
 farmer in raising a crop. Farmers ought to know their own busi- 
 ness and they ought to know how to attend to it." 
 
 That last sentence is eminently true, and it was upon 
 that rock the Grange was founded. Evidently, one of 
 the weaknesses in the Grange was the liberality with 
 which it construed its own law of eligibility for mem- 
 bership in the Order. Just to the extent that the 
 Grange ceased to be an organization of bona fide farm-
 
 200 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 ers did its real usefulness to productive agriculture 
 disappear. The closer it held to the "Declaration 
 of Purposes" the better for the Grange and for the 
 farmers. 
 
 Secretary of Agriculture James Wilson ran up from 
 Washington to meet his fellow Grangers, and, after 
 being duly introduced, delivered a very pleasing 
 address, only the first paragraph of which follows : 
 
 "The National Grange represents the farming classes of our 
 people, the half of the nation, the conservative half, the quiet, 
 thinking half, the people who act as referees when there is com- 
 motion and settle things rightly. I congratulate you on the im- 
 portant position you occupy, and the dignified manner in which 
 you discharge the responsibilities resting upon you, that are not 
 circumscribed by state lines, but grasp the entire country within 
 their span. You do not enact statutes, but your counsel is sought 
 by the lawmaker, and when he is heedless in exercising power, 
 you are sure to be judicious in further extension of it." 
 
 This was a noticeable contrast to the attitude of his 
 predecessor. Secretary Wilson was a man of the peo- 
 ple and in hearty sympathy with the toilers who live 
 in the open country and feed the nation. 
 
 The National Grange demanded the election of 
 United States Senators by direct vote of the people, 
 the enactment of an adequate free rural mail delivery 
 law, the establishment of a general system of postal 
 savings banks, the appointment of a nonpartisan 
 tariff commission, and many other important matters. 
 
 This was the time of the biennial election, and prob- 
 ably no election in the National Grange has ever been 
 so hotly contested.
 
 CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 Aaron Jones' Administration — First Term, Two Years, 
 
 i8g8-i8g9— Thirty-Second and Thirty-Third 
 
 Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 At the close of the thirty-first session of the Na- 
 tional Grange, which marked the beginning of Aaron 
 Jones' administration, there was a good deal of fac- 
 tionalism existing, resulting largely from rivalry of 
 leadership, but more fundamentally from differences 
 of opinion that had developed over economic questions 
 which had recently attracted the attention of the Na- 
 tional Grange. 
 
 For the first year at least the best work of the new 
 Master was the diplomatic effort he made to heal these 
 differences and antagonisms, which he was very suc- 
 cessful in doing. By the time of the next annual 
 meeting entire harmony prevailed. 
 
 The thirty-second session of the National Grange 
 met at Concord, N. H., November 16-23, 1898. All 
 the officers were present: 
 
 Master — Aaron Jones, Indiana. 
 Overseer — O. H. Hale, New York. 
 Lecturer — Alpha Messer, Vermont. 
 Steward — John T. Cox, New Jersey. 
 Assistant Steward — J. A. Newcomb, Colorado. 
 Chaplain — S. O. Bowen, Connecticnt. 
 Treasurer — Mrs. Eva S. McDowell, Ohio. 
 Secretary — John Trimble, Washington, D. C. 
 Gatekeeper — A. B. Judson, Iowa. 
 Ceres — Mrs. Lena M. Messick, Delaware. 
 Pomona — Mrs. Sarah G. Baird, Minnesota. 
 Flora— Mrs. E. L. A. Wiggin, Maine. 
 Lady Assistant Steward— Mrs. A. M. Horton, Michigan. 
 Members of Executive Committee— N. J. Bachelder, J. J. Wood- 
 man, Leonard Rhone. 
 
 201
 
 202 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Twenty-six states were represented as follows: 
 California, W. W. and Mrs. Greer; Colorado, J. A. and 
 Mrs. Newcomb; Connecticut, S. O. and Mrs. Bowen; 
 Delaware, S. H. and Mrs. Messick; Illinois, O. and 
 Mrs. Wilson; Indiana, A. and Mrs. Jones; Iowa, A. B. 
 and Mrs. Judson; Kansas, H. and Mrs. Rhoades; 
 Maine, O. and Mrs. Gardner; Maryland, J. B. and Mrs. 
 Ager; Massachusetts, W. C. and Mrs. Jewett; Mich- 
 igan, G. B. and Mrs. Horton; Minnesota, Sarah G. 
 and Mr. Baird; Missouri, C. O. and Mrs. Raine; 
 New Hampshire, N. J. and Mrs. Bachelder; New 
 Jersey, J. T. and Mrs. Cox; New York, E. B. 
 and Mrs. Norris; Ohio, S. H. and Mrs. Ellis; Ore- 
 gon, W. M. and Mrs. Hillary; Pennsylvania, L. 
 and Mrs. Rhone; Rhode Island, J. A. and Mrs. Tilling- 
 hast; South Carolina, W. K. and Mrs. Thompson; 
 Vermont; C. J. and Mrs. Bell; Washington, A. and 
 Mrs. High; West Virginia, T. C. and Mrs. Atkeson; 
 Wisconsin, H. E. and Mrs. Huxley. 
 
 This was the first session over which Aaron Jones 
 had presided as Master, and, quite naturally, there 
 was a good deal of interest manifested in what he 
 was to say in his "annual address." He probably 
 never delivered a more conservative, diplomatic and 
 carefully prepared address during the whole time 
 of his service as Master. "The Order is grow- 
 ing," said he, "in harmony and unity of purpose 
 to focus thought along lines that will advance 
 the general good, harmonize and unify our people, 
 and lead the farming population to think for them- 
 selves and act on what to them seems right and 
 to their best interest." 
 
 He discussed the work of the last year, the growing 
 condition of the Order, the reviving prosperity of agri- 
 culture, the accomplishment of co-operation, and the 
 war with Spain, which had just terminated, and the 
 peace commission which was then in session at Paris. 
 
 He congratulated the Grange upon another victory
 
 Joseph H. Brigham, Ohio, eighth Master of the National 
 
 Grange
 
 Aaron Jones, Indiana, ninth Master of the National Grange.
 
 AARON JONES' FIRST TERM — 1 898- 1 899 203 
 
 in a decision of the United States Supreme Court, "in 
 an opinion handed down in October last, which up- 
 holds and sustains and declares constitutional the 
 Sherman Anti-Trust Law." 
 
 On the whole the address was forceful and states- 
 manlike, and every word of it breathed a spirit of 
 optimism and co-operation in Grange work and poli- 
 cies. 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer, Mrs. Eva S. McDowell, 
 reported the total receipts for the year, $25,065.21; 
 total disbursements, $15,230.38, leaving a balance of 
 $9,834.83. 
 
 The Executive Committee reported the total funds 
 for the year $53,134.83, a gain of $821.41. In com- 
 menting upon the sound financial condition of the 
 Order, the Executive Committee said : 
 
 "The excess of $821.41 of receipts over expenditures for the 
 past year has been saved by careful and judicious expenditures of 
 the special appropriations made at the last session, and that 
 amount is not too large a margin to rely upon in making future 
 estimates. Had the special appropriations made at the last ses- 
 sion all been used the surplus would have been exhausted and a 
 deficiency of over $900 created. 
 
 "It is a well-known principle in all business matters, whether 
 national, co-operative, or individual, that the income must be 
 sufficient to cover all expenditures or financial ruin is, sooner or 
 later, the result; and the success of business enterprises is meas- 
 ured by the surplus over disbursements. 
 
 "No fraternal order or association can maintain a useful ex- 
 istence for any considerable length of time that fails to provide 
 a safe and well-devised financial system which will furnish not 
 only means for current expenses, but sufficient to accumulate 
 and maintain a balance in its treasury, or, invested, sufficient 
 to meet any emergency which may be likely to arise. When that 
 point is reached the association is prepared to enter upon its 
 mission of usefulness. Our Order has reached that condition in 
 its history, and its prosperity, perpetuity and the fulfillment of its 
 glorious mission, depend upon maintaining it. Since the organ- 
 ization of the Order, a score or more of other farmers' organiza- 
 tions have sprung into existence, contesting the field with the 
 Grange, and some of them claiming superiority over it, on ac-
 
 204 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 count of their low fees and dues, and little expense to the mem- 
 bership. In some states, they nearly or quite supplanted the 
 Grange, but as national organizations they have passed away, 
 and one of the main causes of their failure was empty treasuries." 
 
 The absolute soundness of the foregoing is manifest, 
 and much of the financial stability of the National 
 Grange in its most trying years depended upon the 
 business acumen of its Executive Committee. Like 
 all popular or representative bodies the National 
 Grange was prone to make poorly considered appro- 
 priations of other people's money. Fortunately for the 
 Order it always kept some of its sanest, safest 
 men on guard on the Executive Committee, and 
 the above quotation is made to show the rational view 
 it took of Grange finances at that time. 
 
 The Secretary reported that 130 new Granges had 
 been organized during the year and 95 reorganized. 
 
 For the fourth time the National Grange adopted a 
 resolution favoring "the enactment by Congress of 
 such legislation as will insure the building and owner- 
 ship of the Nicaragua Canal by the United States." 
 
 The only election at this session was that of S. H. 
 Messick of Delaware as a member of the Executive 
 Committee. 
 
 This was the shortest session of the National Grange 
 ever held, being in session only eight days, including 
 Sunday, meeting on Wednesday and closing the fol- 
 lowing Wednesday. Though there has been consider- 
 able demand for shorter sessions, it has rarely been 
 practicable to close before Friday after a ten-day 
 session. 
 
 The thirty-third session of the National Grange met 
 at Springfield, Ohio, November 15-23, 1899. All the 
 officers were present. 
 
 Twenty-six states were represented by the same 
 delegates as at last session, with the following excep- 
 tions: California, G. W. and Mrs. Worthen; Dela-
 
 AARON JONES' FIRST TERM — 1898-1899 205 
 
 ware, A and Mrs. Naudain; New Jersey, E. and Mrs. 
 Braddock; Pennsylvania, W. F. and Mrs. Hill. 
 
 Worthy Master Jones opened his "address" with 
 these words : 
 
 "I congratulate the National Grange on the harmony, good 
 will and fraternal spirit that actuate the Order throughout the 
 country, and of the restoration of confidence of farmers in each 
 other — confidence in the sincerity of purposes and honesty and 
 integrity in business matters, confidence in their ability to main- 
 tain significant organization." 
 
 Undoubtedly the Grange was to be congratulated 
 upon the restoration of harmony, and the wise policy 
 pursued by the Worthy Master was largely respon- 
 sible for it. But that alone was not responsible. Con- 
 ditions in the country were improving and the reaction 
 was beginning to be felt along all lines of industry, 
 the general revival of business conditions had 
 done much to eliminate all subjects of controversy 
 and the Grange was beginning to respond to the re- 
 turn of more prosperous times. 
 
 The whole address was sound in philosophy, giving 
 evidence of mature thought and careful preparation. 
 He congratulated the Order on the progress of ''free 
 rural mail delivery," advocated national aid to 
 "good road" building and introduced the most excel- 
 lent practice of summarizing the things that the Na- 
 tional Grange stood for at that time. 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer reported total receipts, $30,- 
 818.07; total expenditures, $21,695.74; leaving a bal- 
 ance of $9,122.33. 
 
 The Executive Committee reported total funds, 
 $55,832.33. Increase of funds during the year 
 $2,697.50. The committee also reported that at the 
 last session it was adopted, "that the Temple Fund, 
 paid to the National Grange by several parties, be re- 
 turned on application to the donors, and that the 
 Executive Committee is hereby instructed to carry into 
 effect the foregoing resolution." For failure to com- 
 ply with this order the committee said:
 
 206 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 "Applications for refunding the money were received and the 
 questions of carrying out the intention of the resolution carefully 
 considered by the committee. As it appeared that the 'Temple 
 Fund' had been raised, principally by collections, small donations, 
 receipts of entertainments and festivals, from the sale of flowers 
 and fancywork by sisters of the Order, and sometimes sent to the 
 Secretary of the National Grange by the Subordinate or County 
 Granges, and in other cases by the chairman of the State Grange 
 Committee on Woman's Work in the Grange, and as the appli- 
 cants for the money did not appear to be the actual donors, the 
 conclusion was reached that the money could not be rightfully 
 and legally refunded under the resolution. The subject is there- 
 fore referred back to the National Grange for further and more 
 definite action." 
 
 This "fund," which was contributed for the purpose 
 of building a "Temple to Ceres" or "Agriculture" at 
 Washington amounted to a little over $700, and no 
 further action was taken in the matter until the forty- 
 ninth session, when an order was made requiring the 
 Executive Committee to "loan the fund on real estate 
 security." 
 
 The Secretary reported that 146 new Granges had 
 been organized and 74 reorganized. 
 
 The National Grange expressed its satisfaction by 
 resolving : 
 
 "That we heartily indorse the efforts now being made by the 
 National Department of Agriculture under the wise and judicious 
 management and direction of Secretary Wilson and Assistant 
 Secretary Brigham to open foreign markets for the surplus grain, 
 meat and other agricultural products of this country." 
 
 Evidently an entente cordiale had been established 
 between the Department of Agriculture and the 
 Grange. 
 
 The subject of "ship subsidy" was brought before 
 this session of the National Grange, but it was flatly 
 turned down, and the Grange has many times since 
 gone on record against any kind of "subsidy," much to 
 the discomfort of the subsidy seekers. 
 
 Resolutions were adopted demanding legislation for 
 the protection of the dairy industry, against food adul- 
 teration, favoring the examination and survey of the
 
 AARON JONES' FIRST TERM — 1898-1899 207 
 
 forests of our mountains, favoring the enactment of a 
 law governing the use and manufacture of shoddy, and 
 favoring the settlement of difficulties by arbitration. 
 
 The trust question was receiving much attention be- 
 cause of the increase of trusts following the revival of 
 business. Previous to this time the Grange had had 
 much to say about corporations and monopolies, but 
 now found some new problems being forced upon it. 
 A special committee composed of fourteen members 
 was selected to consider and report upon the subject of 
 "Trusts." This report was of importance at the time : 
 
 "We, your special Committee on Trusts, submit the following 
 report: The National Grange expresses its approval of the ad- 
 dress of our Worthy Master Aaron Jones, regarding trusts, and 
 demands the enactment by Congress of such laws as will protect 
 the people against all combinations of men and capital inimical to 
 public policy. We are not opposed to association of interests 
 which merely lessen the cost of production, but we are decidedly 
 opposed to the misuse of the power which large combinations of 
 capital give for the purpose of destroying competition, controlling 
 production and arbitrarily dictating prices of commodities. Asso- 
 ciation, as opposed to isolation, is one thing; combination, as op- 
 posed to competition, is another. 
 
 "We are opposed to all corporations or 'trusts' which control 
 the source of supply, and, like the Standard Oil Company, reach 
 out their arms and embrace all competition. Special favors are 
 granted them by railroads, thus enabling them to undersell and 
 force to the wall smaller dealers who might otherwise compete 
 with them. 
 
 "We encourage the investment of capital in every branch of 
 legitimate industry and demand fair play. 
 
 "The construction of the Erie Canal benefited the farmer. 
 Competition has reduced the price of transportation in New 
 York 80 per cent during the past 25 years. Expansion of our 
 territory and commerce tends to increase the number of capital- 
 ized associations. The greed and selfishness which too often 
 actuate men have become an element of danger and must be con- 
 trolled. 
 
 "It must be made impossible for so-called trusts to accumulate 
 millions by selling watered stock without adding to the wealth of 
 the country. Therefore, we recommend : 
 
 "First. Official inspection of all corporations, as in the case of
 
 208 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 national banks. No corporation should be tolerated whose books 
 cannot bear such inspection. 
 
 "Second. Prohibition of all rebates or discrimination by pub- 
 lic carriers. 
 
 "Third. Taxation of all capital stock. 
 
 "Fourth. All capital stock should be paid up in full. 
 
 "Fifth. Severe penalties for violation of law. (1) By for- 
 feiture of charter, fine and imprisonment. (2) By impeachment, 
 fine and imprisonment of all public officials whose duty it may be 
 to enforce the law and who fail to perform that duty." 
 
 Some general remarks on the subject of trusts fol- 
 lowed, but the above includes the "findings" of the 
 committee. The statement is somewhat illogical, and 
 in the light of subsequent events that same committee 
 would doubtless modify its views somewhat. 
 
 It was manifest the Grange was reaching out into the 
 future in an effort to throttle a gigantic menace to the 
 old idea of competition being a cure for all commercial 
 and trade evils. 
 
 An amendment to the Constitution was adopted in- 
 creasing the term of a member of the Executive Com- 
 mittee from two to three years and providing for the 
 election of one member each year. E. B. Norris, New 
 York, was elected a member of the Executive Com- 
 mittee.
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 
 Aaron Jones' Administration — Second Term, Two 
 Years, igoo-igoi — Thirty-Fourth and Thirty- 
 Fifth Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 The year 1900 was a presidential year, which did 
 much to distract the minds of farmers as well as of 
 other people from the ordinary concerns of life. The 
 campaign which terminated in the re-election of Presi- 
 dent McKinley had closed only a few days before the 
 assembling of the National Grange in the thirty-fourth 
 annual session in the city of Washington, D. C, No- 
 vember 14 to 22, 1900. 
 
 All the officers elected at the preceding session were 
 in their places when the Grange was called to order by 
 the Worthy Master. 
 
 Master — Aaron Jones, Indiana. 
 Overseer — Obadiah Gardner, Maine. 
 Lecturer — N. J. Bachelder, New Hampshire. 
 Steward — J. A. Newcomb, Colorado. 
 Assistant Steward — W. C. Jewett, Massachusetts. 
 Chaplain — S. O. Bo wen, Connecticut. 
 Treasurer — Mrs. Eva S. McDowell, Ohio. 
 Secretary — John Trimble, Washington, D. C. 
 Gatekeeper — H. E. Huxley, Wisconsin. 
 Ceres — Mrs. Cordelia Atkeson, West Virginia. 
 Pomona — Mrs. M. M. Wilson, Illinois. 
 Flora — Mrs. Ida V. High, Washington. 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Mrs. A. M. Horton, Michigan. 
 Members of the Executive Committee — J. J. Woodman, Michi- 
 gan; E. B. Norris, New York; S. H. Messick, Delaware. 
 
 Twenty-four states were represented as follows : 
 California, G. W. and Mrs. Worthen; Colorado, J. A. 
 and Mrs. Newcomb ; Connecticut, B. C. Patterson ; 
 Delaware, A. and Mrs. Naudain ; Illinois, Oliver and 
 Mrs. Wilson; Indiana, Aaron and Mrs. Jones; Kansas, 
 
 209
 
 210 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Henry and Mrs. Rhoades; Maine, Obadiah and Mrs 
 Gardner; Massachusetts, W. C. and Mrs. Jewett; 
 Michigan, G. B. and Mrs. Horton; Minnesota, Sarah 
 G. and Mr. Baird ; Missouri, C. O. and Mrs. Raine ; New 
 Hampshire, N. J. Bachelder; New Jersey, E. and Mrs. 
 Braddock; New York, E. B. and Mrs. Norris; Ohio, 
 S. H. and Mrs. Ellis; Oregon, B. G. and Mrs. Leedy; 
 Pennsylvania, W. F. and Mrs. Hill ; Rhode Island, J. 
 A. and Mrs. Tillinghast; South Carolina, W. K. and 
 Mrs. Thompson ; Vermont, C. J. and Mrs. Bell ; Wash- 
 ington, A. and Mrs. High; West Virginia, T. C. and 
 Mrs. Atkeson ; Wisconsin, H. E. and Mrs. Huxley. 
 
 This was the smallest number of states ever repre- 
 sented at a session of the National Grange since 1873, 
 the states of Iowa and Maryland having dropped out 
 during the last year. 
 
 Williams Saunders, one of the "founders" and first 
 Master of the National Grange, had died during the 
 year. Oliver Hudson Kelley and John Trimble, the 
 only living "founders of the Order," were present. 
 
 The address of welcome was delivered by Mr. Kelley, 
 which was responded to on behalf of the National 
 Grange by Past Master J. J. Woodman. The Worthy 
 Master's address was rich in suggestions for building 
 up the Order, and many matters of vital importance to 
 the welfare of agriculture were discussed in an able 
 manner, followed by the declaration : "The time has 
 come when farmers must do as other business inter- 
 ests do — continue to press their claims from year to 
 year, until the legislation is secured, and at all times 
 hold their representatives in state legislatures and in 
 Congress, officially and personally, responsible for 
 their action on measures affecting agricultural inter- 
 ests. Farmers should learn the lesson that they should 
 stand by and support those friendly to them, as other 
 business interests do. Business men, manufacturers 
 and others act upon this rule."
 
 AARON JONES' SECOND TERM — I9OO-I90I 211 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer reported the total receipts, 
 $31,456.30; total expenditures, $21,786.14; leaving total 
 balance in Trust Company of $9,670.16. 
 
 The Executive Committee reported "total funds" 
 $57,082.06. Increase of funds during the year $1,249.73. 
 
 The Worthy Secretary reported the organization of 
 182 new Granges and the reorganization of 70 dor- 
 mant Granges during the year. 
 
 On invitation of President McKinley the National 
 Grange as a body was received by the President at the 
 White House. They also visited the Agricultural De- 
 partment on invitation of the Secretary and were re- 
 ceived one evening at the home of Assistant Secretary 
 of Agriculture J. H. Brigham. 
 
 Secretary Wilson attended the Grange one day, and 
 the journal says : "Mr. Wilson was received by the 
 Grange in open session, and introduced by the Worthy 
 Master; whereupon he delivered a most interesting 
 and instructive address on "What the Department of 
 Agriculture Is Doing to Benefit the Farmers of the 
 Nation." Evidently the Secretary did not consider the 
 Grange "the most insidious and destructive foe to the 
 farmer." 
 
 The National Grange showed its appreciation by re- 
 solving, "That this National Grange of the Patrons of 
 Husbandry now assembled thank President McKinley 
 for the appointment of a Secretary and Assistant Sec- 
 retary of Agriculture who so nearly answer our idea of 
 what the Secretary and Assistant Secretary should be, 
 when we asked that the Department of Agriculture 
 should be created." 
 
 C. J. Bell of Vermont was elected a member of the 
 Executive Committee for three years. 
 
 Probably no session of the National Grange has been 
 more harmonious in all its work and relations than 
 this thirty-fourth session. All the factionalism of a 
 few years before seemed to have passed away and en- 
 tire good-fellowship to be restored. The Grange was
 
 212 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 adjusting itself to changing conditions and assuming 
 new responsibilities. 
 
 After a year of prosperity the thirty-fifth annual 
 session of the National Grange met in the city of 
 Lewiston, Me., November 13 to 21, 1901. All the 
 officers were present. Twenty-five states were repre- 
 sented by the same delegates as at last session, except 
 the following eight states, where changes had been 
 made : 
 
 California, C. W. and Mrs. Emery; Delaware, S. H. 
 and Mrs. Derby; Kansas, E. W. Westgate; Kentucky, 
 F. P. and Mrs. Wolcott; New Jersey, G. W. F. and 
 Mrs. Gaunt; Ohio, F. A. and Mrs. Derthick; Rhode 
 Island, A. A. Smith; Washington, J. O. and Mrs. 
 Wing. 
 
 The Worthy Master's "address" was full of hope 
 and inspiration. Of the agricultural colleges he said : 
 
 "Agriculture was to become profitable and farmers prosperous 
 and happy as a result of teaching in these colleges those branches 
 of learning related to that important industry. Have these antici- 
 pations been fully realized? If not, why not? Have farmers 
 done their full duty toward these colleges? Have the agricul- 
 tural colleges done all they could and should have done to make 
 them of the greatest value to the agricultural interests of the 
 country? Have the boards of trustees of agricultural colleges 
 been in full sympathy with the spirit and purpose of the act 
 donating the public lands for these schools? Have the presidents 
 and professors been in all cases in full sympathy with practical 
 agriculture and in close touch with farmers? 
 
 "Many farmers feel that in these schools in many cases an 
 influence has been exerted on the minds of their children away 
 from the farm rather than toward it. On this account many 
 farmers who desire their children to follow farming do not send 
 them to the so-called agricultural colleges. Whether this be true 
 or not the feeling exists, the damage is done, and our agricul- 
 tural colleges and their influence are injured, and the farmers 
 have lost the golden opportunity of securing to agriculture the 
 advantages contemplated by the wise statesmen who enacted the 
 law in 1862. Most of the legislatures in the several states have 
 been liberal in their appropriations to aid these schools. I desire 
 to call attention to these schools and ask the Order in the several
 
 AARON JONES' SECOND TERM — I90O-I9OI 213 
 
 states to investigate their agricultural college and its management, 
 and see whether it is conducted along the lines contemplated by 
 the act creating it, and to the best interest of agriculture in their 
 respective states. If not, then insist and take such action as will 
 cause such changes to be made as will make their agricultural 
 school in practice as well as in name an agricultural college. 
 Urge your legislature to make such appropriations as will provide 
 for all the needs of the school in lands, buildings and equipment, 
 as well as make it a first-class agricultural college. Insist that 
 the boards of trustees shall be practical men who have faith in 
 agriculture, who will appoint a president and professors who are 
 in full sympathy with agriculture, men who believe that farming 
 is as honorable as any other business or profession, and by proper 
 management can be made profitable, who will use all their in- 
 fluence in securing the teaching of scientific agriculture in our 
 public schools, and assist in all honorable methods in advancing 
 the agricultural interests. Anyone not willing to do that, in our 
 opinion, should not occupy the position of trustee, president, or 
 teacher in our agricultural colleges." 
 
 The expressions of the Worthy Master were almost 
 the universal opinion of the farmers of the country at 
 that time, but, largely through the influence of the 
 Grange a better understanding between the farmers 
 and the colleges has later developed. 
 
 That infallible index of Grange prosperity, the re- 
 port of the Worthy Treasurer, showed the total re- 
 ceipts, $31,606.95; total expenditures, $17,572.38; 
 leaving a balance in the Trust Company of $14,034.57. 
 
 The report of the Executive Committee showed, 
 "Total money and investments, $62,361.90," showing 
 an increase of funds during the last fiscal year of 
 $5,358.89. 
 
 Secretary John Trimble reported that during the 
 year 193 new Granges were organized and 62 dormant 
 Granges reorganized. These reports amply justify 
 the declaration of the Worthy Master: "I am pleased 
 to state the Order is prosperous. More new Granges 
 have been organized this year than in any other year 
 for the past quarter of a century. Harmony and good 
 will prevail throughout our vast membership. Our
 
 214 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 members are enthusiastic, hopeful, earnest, and deter- 
 mined in their efforts to make the Grange still more 
 helpful and better in all its work, to broaden its scope 
 and extend its membership and influence." 
 
 In concluding their report, the Executive Committee 
 said: 
 
 "Our agricultural people, by well-directed and intelligent co- 
 operation, are fast removing the isolation that has been the 
 greatest barrier against organization among the farming class, 
 and the Grange stands today pre-eminently in the lead of all 
 other agricultural associations, and shows its power to the great- 
 est advantage in its genial sociability and educational advantages 
 where it wields the most influence. 
 
 "If the farmer of today hopes to keep pace with the progress 
 of the twentieth century, he must become a factor in elevating 
 his occupation. Life in this world is but a school of observation 
 and experience. The Grange is exerting an influence in public 
 affairs, and is valuable to every member, morally, socially, and 
 financially. 
 
 "From all parts of the country comes the cheering report from 
 our Grange workers that the great army of husbandmen are fall- 
 ing into line. Organization and co-operation are watchwords of 
 the hour, and they insist on an equal distribution of the burdens 
 and an equitable share of the many blessings accruing from an 
 advancing civilization. The magnitude of the agricultural indus- 
 try requires a thoughtful provision to secure an adequate con- 
 sideration for its products in the markets of the world." 
 
 The Grange took a decided stand upon the subject 
 of free passes : 
 
 "We recommend that in all states that have not already taken 
 action they insist on the enactment of laws making it a penal 
 offense to offer, or for a public officer to accept, a pass on any 
 railroad or transportation company, believing that the custom 
 not only inflicts a higher rate of transportation on others, but is 
 frequently used by transportation companies in the hope of in- 
 fluencing court decisions and legislation. 
 
 "And Resolved, That this body favor and demand the enact- 
 ment of just and equitable tax laws by our state and national 
 legislators which shall relieve agriculture from an unfair pro- 
 portion of the necessary burdens of government." 
 
 The following was announced as the legislative 
 program for the year :
 
 Aaron jones' second term — 1900-1901 215 
 
 1. Free delivery of mails in the rural districts, and that the 
 service be placed on the same permanent footing as the delivery 
 of mail in the cities, and the appropriations be commensurate 
 with the demands and the benefits of the service. 
 
 2. Provide for postal savings banks. 
 
 3. Submit an amendment to the Constitution providing for the 
 election of United States Senators by direct vote of the people. 
 
 4. Submit an amendment to the Constitution granting the 
 power to Congress to regulate and control all corporations and 
 combinations, preventing monopoly and the use of their corporate 
 power to restrain trade or arbitrarily establish prices. 
 
 5. Enlarge the powers and duties of the Interstate Commerce 
 Commission. 
 
 6. Regulate the use of shoddy. 
 
 7. Enact pure food laws. 
 
 8. Provide for the extension of the markets for farm products 
 equally with manufactured articles. 
 
 9. The enactment of the anti-trust law, clearly defining what 
 acts on the part of any corporation would be detrimental to pub- 
 lic welfare. 
 
 10. Speedy construction of the Nicaragua Canal by the United 
 States. 
 
 11. The speedy construction of a ship canal connecting the 
 Mississippi river with the Great Lakes and the Great Lakes with 
 the Atlantic Ocean. 
 
 12. Revising the fees and salaries of all federal officers, and 
 placing them on a basis of similar service in private business. 
 
 In a broad sense the Grange was an agricul- 
 tural "clearing house." It was made up of people 
 engaged in all branches of farming, members of all 
 political parties, members of all the State Agricultural 
 Associations, of the State Boards of Agriculture, of the 
 Experiment Station staff, and the College of Agricul- 
 ture faculty, of both sexes. It was in the Grange 
 that all these different interests received fair and 
 impartial consideration, and that such differences as 
 existed were adjusted. It was through Grange 
 legislative committees that all the varied interests 
 were presented to Congress or the Legislature. The 
 Grange was surrounded by checks and balances that did 
 not exist elsewhere in the organized agricultural insti-
 
 2l6 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 tutions. It heartily indorsed the motto, "In essentials, 
 unity ; in non-essentials, liberty ; in all things, charity." 
 
 The Order declared that "we shall constantly strive 
 to secure harmony, good will, vital brotherhood among 
 ourselves, and we hail the general desire for fraternal 
 harmony, equitable compromises, and earnest co- 
 operation, as an omen of our future success." Every 
 thought and policy of the Grange was for peace, 
 harmony, good will and genuine co-operation among 
 agricultural people. All controversies were settled 
 within the Order and a united front presented at 
 all times. 
 
 The farmers of this country were naturally and nor- 
 mally law-abiding, loyal and patriotic. In times of 
 panic it was the farmers who saved the financial institu- 
 tions of the country, and when the nation was at war 
 the great burden fell upon the farmers, and it was upon 
 the conservative farmers that the preservation of the 
 governmental institutions mainly depended. 
 
 When the political campaign, with all its uncer- 
 tainty and turmoil, was over the farmers cheerfully ac- 
 cepted the result, and yielded a loyal support to the new 
 state and national administrations without regard to 
 whether the men they voted for were elected or not. 
 All they asked at the hands of the government was a 
 square deal. 
 
 There has always been a good deal of maudlin senti- 
 mentality wasted on the farmers to little purpose. 
 The only true friends of the farmers must be the farm- 
 ers themselves. And the Grange seeks to equip them 
 for such leadership as will enable them to demand and 
 secure that equitable deal to which the basic industry 
 of agriculture is entitled. The improvement of the 
 business of farming must come out of its own leader- 
 ship. In all the efforts made for the betterment of 
 agricultural conditions the farmer has been considered 
 simply as a producer. In other occupations it is dif- 
 ferent. The manufacturer carefully counts the cost
 
 AARON JONES' SECOND TERM — 19OO-I9OI 21J 
 
 of production and proceeds to control the price by 
 reducing the quantity and also through the means of 
 tariffs and other special legislation. The professional 
 men fix a schedule of remunerative prices. The mer- 
 chant marks up his wares to a profitable price. The 
 money lender demands his usury, and the transporta- 
 tion companies charge what the traffic will bear. The 
 farmer is told to work harder and raise bigger crops 
 so that others may live more economically, without re- 
 gard to whether he receives a profit on what he pro- 
 duces or not. 
 
 These conditions have come about because the 
 farmers have largely let other people do their think- 
 ing, and the laws of the state and nation are al- 
 most wholly made by people opposed to agriculture or 
 controlled by special and selfish interests. 
 
 Give the farmers a fair and larger share of what they 
 produce, with an equitable profit upon their toil, and 
 all else will be given unto them. Anything short of 
 this leaves increasing need of the Grange and its tire- 
 less efforts to secure for agriculture and the farmers 
 of the country some of the comforts and luxuries of 
 life which they so richly deserve. More justice and 
 less sentiment would be more to the liking of most 
 farmers.
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 Aaron Jones's Administration — Third Term, Two 
 Years, 1902-1903 — Thirty-Sixth and Thirty- 
 Seventh Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 The thirty-sixth session of the National Grange met 
 in the State Capitol at Lansing, Mich., November 12 
 to 21, 1902. All the officers were present: 
 
 Master — Aaron Jones, Indiana. 
 Overseer — Obadiah Gardner, Maine. 
 Lecturer — N. J. Bachelder, New Hampshire. 
 Steward — W. C. Jewett, Massachusetts. 
 Assistant Steward — C. O. Raine, Missouri. 
 Chaplain — W. K. Thompson, South Carolina. 
 Treasurer — Mrs. Eva S. McDowell, Ohio. 
 Secretary — John Trimble, District of Columbia. 
 Gatekeeper — George W. Baird, Minnesota. 
 Ceres — Mrs. Martha M. Wilson, Illinois. 
 Pomona — Mrs. Cordelia Atkeson, West Virginia. 
 Flora — Mrs. S. B. Wolcott, Kentucky. 
 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Mrs. Marie A. Hill, Pennsylvania. 
 Executive Committee — E. B. Norris, New York; J. J. Woodman, 
 Michigan; C. J. Bell, Vermont. 
 
 Twenty-seven states were represented by delegates 
 as follows: California, C. W. and Mrs. Emery; Col- 
 orado, J. A. and Mrs. Newcomb ; Connecticut, B. C. 
 Patterson; Delaware, S. H. and Mrs. Derby; Illinois, 
 Oliver and Mrs. Wilson ; Indiana, Aaron and Mrs. 
 Jones; Iowa, A. B. and Mrs. Judson ; Kansas, E. W. 
 Westgate; Kentucky, F. P. and Mrs. Wolcott; Maine, 
 O. and Mrs. Gardner; Massachusetts, G. S. and Mrs. 
 Ladd; Maryland, J. B. and Mrs. Ager; Michigan, G. 
 B. and Mrs. Horton ; Minnesota, Sarah G. and Mr. 
 Baird; Missouri, C. O. and Mrs. Raine; New Hamp- 
 shire, N. J. and Mrs. Bachelder; New Jersey, G. W. F. 
 and Mrs. Gaunt; New York, E. B. and Mrs. Norris; 
 Ohio, F. A. and Mrs. Derthick; Oregon, B. G. and Mrs. 
 
 218
 
 AARON JONES' THIRD TERM — I902-I903 219 
 
 Leedy; Pennsylvania, W. F. and Mrs. Hill; Rhode 
 Island, A. A. Smith; South Carolina, W. K. and Mrs. 
 Thompson; Vermont, C. J. and Mrs. Bell; Washing- 
 ton, J. O. and Mrs. Wing; West Virginia, T. C. and 
 Mrs. Atkeson ; Wisconsin, A. C. and Mrs. Powers. 
 
 The Worthy Master called upon J. H. Brigham, 
 Past Master of the National Grange, and Assis- 
 tant Secretary of the United States Department 
 of Agriculture for remarks. Mr. Brigham stated 
 that he had been authorized by the Secretary of Agri- 
 culture to attend the thirty-sixth session of the Na- 
 tional Grange as a representative of the department. 
 
 The Worthy Master's address was up to the standard 
 of the best ; only a few paragraphs, culled somewhat at 
 random, can be included here : 
 
 "Our purpose is to consider measures that will advance the 
 interests of our Order, promote a more profitable agriculture, 
 and advance the cause of good government; to urge upon state 
 and national governments the enactment and enforcement of just 
 laws that will secure to agriculture, to labor and capital, a fair 
 and just distribution of the earnings of labor and capital in the 
 varied industrial pursuits of our matchless country. 
 
 "The Order has enjoyed a wonderful degree of prosperity 
 during the past year. This is true from whatever view you 
 take of it. More new Granges organized, more Granges reor- 
 ganized, more members initiated in existing Granges, better ritual 
 and literary work done, meetings held oftener and better at- 
 tended, and greater interest taken and more inquiry by those 
 outside our gates. The financial condition solvent and satis- 
 factory; more Grange halls have been built and tastefully fur- 
 nished and equipped for the uses and purposes of the Order. In 
 securing legislation, state and national, the Order has been 
 measurably successful; the work of the Order more generally 
 commended by all the people of our country. 
 
 "The most important question before the American people is 
 that of trusts. These combinations are growing stronger and 
 more and more exacting and oppressive every year. The farms, 
 homes, crops, stock and other property of the five million eight 
 hundred thousand farmers, and also the awards for the labor 
 of the thirty million men, women and children who live upon and 
 cultivate these farms, are at the mercy of those vast combinations. 
 They direct and fix the price of what the people buy or sell.
 
 220 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 "The Grange was among the first great organizations to defend 
 the rights of the people against the crimes of organized greed. 
 Day by day, and year by year, the Grange has pointed out the 
 disastrous results that would follow the allowing of combinations 
 of capital and conspiracies intended to restrict trade, create 
 monopoly, limit production, prevent competition, or to control 
 prices. The earnest and determined efforts of the Patrons of 
 Husbandry have aroused the people to the dangers incident to 
 trust methods. 
 
 "The Patrons of Husbandry's position is right, and has always 
 been right. The people of the country are with us. Patrons, the 
 time has come when promises will not suffice ! Action, decisive 
 action, is demanded. Any public official whose duty it is to act, 
 and he does not perform his entire duty in the enactment and 
 enforcement of laws to suppress the evils of trusts, whatever 
 political faith he may profess, with whatever political party he 
 may affiliate, should be defeated for renomination and election. 
 All politicians and political parties should understand that the 
 rights of the people must be respected, and that special privileges 
 will not be tolerated, and any law or laws now in force which 
 enable manufacturers to sell, and they do sell, in foreign coun- 
 tries, any manufactured article at a less price than they sell to 
 American citizens, thus using the laws of our country to dis- 
 criminate against our citizens, said law or laws should at once 
 be revised, amended or repealed, and all such practices made 
 impossible. 
 
 "The laws of our country must express the will and maintain 
 the rights of the majority of the people, and said laws must be 
 enforced and obeyed, by all individuals and corporations." 
 
 Of rural mail delivery, he said : 
 
 "We are gratified to note that this branch of the public service 
 is receiving the attention that its importance and merit demands, 
 and that the Postmaster-General will recommend that the appro- 
 priation for this service be increased to $12,650,000 to continue 
 and further extend rural delivery of mail. Our Order should not 
 relax its efforts in this matter until free mail delivery comes to 
 every farm home in the United States. 
 
 "The passage of the bill so long and so earnestly demanded 
 by our Order, to have our government construct, manage, control 
 and own a ship canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans 
 at Nicaragua or Panama, has passed and is now a law, and this 
 great canal will shortly be constructed to the great advantage of 
 all the people of our country."
 
 AARON JONES THIRD TERM — I902-I903 221 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer reported total receipts, $39,- 
 886.42; total expenditures, $32,914.76; leaving a bal- 
 ance of $6,971.66. 
 
 The Executive Committee said in their report : "The 
 revenues of the National Grange are derived from the 
 following sources : State Grange dues, dispensation 
 fees, sale of supplies to Subordinate Granges, fees of 
 higher degrees, and interest on investments and de- 
 posits. At the close of the fiscal year ending Sep- 
 tember 30, 1902, the account stood as follows : Loaned 
 on twenty-seven farm mortgages, $44,710; two farm 
 contracts, $6,800; one farm valued at $2,526.90; de- 
 posited in savings bank, $4,000; balance in trust fund, 
 $6,891.66; total of $64,928.56. At the close of the pre- 
 ceding fiscal year, 1901, the investments and deposits 
 amounted to $62,440.95 ; showing an increase of funds 
 during the fiscal year of $2,487.61. 
 
 Commenting upon the increasing accumulation of 
 funds, the committee said : 
 
 "The Executive Committee congratulates the National Grange 
 upon its sound and safe financial system, and the present highly 
 prosperous condition of its finances. 
 
 "The question is often asked, What is the necessity of carrying 
 so large a surplus of funds by the National Grange? 
 
 "The answer is, that no order or organization can live and 
 prosper without a sound financial backing, and the standing of 
 an organization is largely measured by its ability to promptly 
 meet all of its obligations. It is not the policy of the National 
 Grange to accumulate and hold a large, idle surplus, but to 
 create a permanent capital large enough to meet any emergency 
 w"hich may arise, and give it character, standing, reliability and 
 perpetuity, and use the interest on the same, together with other 
 incomes which remain over and above current expenses, in the 
 main, for extending the Order. It shows a gradual increase of 
 receipts above expenditures from year to year, as has been the 
 case since 1S82, gives more confidence and permanency to the 
 Order than a constant decrease which took place during the pre- 
 ceding eight years. Twenty years of continuous growth and 
 prosperity overcoming obstacles which appeared almost insur- 
 mountable would seem to be sufficient to establish the fact that 
 the Order of Patrons of Husbandry has become one of the per-
 
 222 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 manent institutions of the country, and that it will go on in its 
 glorious work of education and elevating American farmers and 
 bringing all within its influence nearer to the good, the beautiful, 
 the true." 
 
 The Worthy Secretary reported 256 new Granges 
 organized and 86 dormant Granges reorganized. This 
 was the first time in many years when the number of 
 new Granges organized in one year had been above 200. 
 
 The National Grange was taken to Grand Rapids to 
 visit the great furniture factories of that city. They 
 were banqueted at the Michigan Agricultural College, 
 received by the Governor, by the Board of Trade and 
 the city authorities ; they were invited to attend the 
 Industrial School and several manufacturing plants. 
 For Sunday they were invited to attend all the 
 churches, and the following unique invitation was re- 
 ceived from the pastor of the Central M. E. Church: 
 "If it would be agreeable I would like to have a general 
 service Sunday night, the meeting to be addressed by 
 one or more prominent members of the Grange. I 
 place the church at your disposal for your memorial 
 or other services." This invitation was accepted. 
 
 The Legislative Committee reported that they had 
 urged upon Congress: 
 
 1. Further extension of rural mail delivery. 
 
 2. Constitutional amendment granting power to Congress to 
 control corporations and trusts. 
 
 3. Establishment of postal savings banks. 
 
 4. Pure food law. 
 
 5. Completion of the Nicaragua Canal by the United States. 
 
 6. Additional power to the Interstate Commerce Commission. 
 
 7. Election of United States Senators by the people. 
 
 8. Opposition to ship-subsidy. 
 
 9. Prohibit the fraud of colored oleomargarine. 
 
 On one of its visits to Washington the Legislative 
 Committee says: 
 
 "The Agricultural Department was visited and Secretary Wil- 
 son and Assistant Secretary Brigham greeted us with the state- 
 ment, 'Tell us what the Grange wants in this department and its
 
 AARON JONES THIRD TERM I902-I903 223 
 
 desires will be granted.' Secretary Wilson recalls the fact that 
 he was one of the earliest members of the Order in the great 
 state of Iowa, and Assistant Secretary Brigham retains the deep 
 interest developed by nine years' service as its National leader. 
 We were consulted upon various lines of work now carried on 
 by this great department of the national government, and upon 
 its effect in various sections of the country, which it is not nec- 
 essary to mention in detail. The cordial relations existing be- 
 tween the Department of Agriculture and the Grange are of 
 mutual advantage in the great work of advancing the interests of 
 American agriculture." 
 
 The Grange indorsed governmental improvement of 
 the Ohio river from Pittsburgh to Cairo. Congress 
 was urged to increase the appropriation for agricultural 
 experiment stations. The teaching of agriculture in 
 state normal schools was indorsed. The giving of 
 free passes by railroads was condemned. A literary 
 test for immigrants was indorsed. The establishment 
 of a "parcels post" was demanded. 
 
 When the time came for electing a member of the 
 Executive Committee to succeed J. J. Woodman, the 
 following brief letter from him was read : "Having 
 been honored by the National Grange with official re- 
 sponsibilities for a number of years, and having en- 
 deavored to discharge every duty imposed upon me 
 with fidelity, and guard every interest of the Order 
 according to the best of my ability, I thank the Na- 
 tional Grange for the confidence reposed in me, and am 
 now ready to retire from official responsibilities." 
 
 Frank A. Derthick of Ohio was elected a member of 
 the Committee. 
 
 F. P. Wolcott of Kentucky offered the following, 
 which was unanimously adopted : 
 
 "For six years beginning with 1875, Brother J. J. Woodman 
 represented the state of Michigan in the National Grange. His 
 ability as a parliamentarian and his substantial character as a man 
 earned for him in 1877 the honorable and responsible position of 
 Overseer of this body, an office he was permitted to fill for only 
 two years. At the session of 1879, having proved his ability in 
 other stations, he was advanced to the chair of the Worthy Mas-
 
 224 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 ter, which he occupied with honor to himself and the Order of 
 Patrons of Husbandry for a period of six years. 
 
 "Though his term as Master of Michigan State Grange had 
 expired in 1881, Brother Woodman could not be spared by the 
 National Grange, and when his period of service as Master of the 
 National Grange ended in 1885 he was promptly elected a mem- 
 ber of the Executive Committee and made Secretary of that 
 body. For seventeen years he has continued to hold that im- 
 portant position, all the while having almost entire charge of the 
 finances of the Grange and handling the money with strict fidelity 
 and rare business ability. 
 
 "Now our honored brother has voluntarily declined a position 
 that had come to be regarded as his as long as he should be will- 
 ing to accept it. His record is without a parallel in our history. 
 For twenty-nine successive sessions he has been an active and 
 influential member of this body, at every session presenting an 
 important address or report. He has been our Hamilton as a 
 financier, our Jefferson as a parliamentarian, and our Marshall 
 as an expounder of our fundamental law." 
 
 The National Grange presented Mr. Woodman with 
 a gold-headed cane, and Secretary Trimble made the 
 presentation speech. Mr. Trimble said : 
 
 "Dear and esteemed Brother Woodman, when I gave it a 
 second thought I saw that it was right and seemly that you and 
 I should meet face to face here tonight in presence of the Na- 
 tional Grange, the true spirit of our fraternity. Many, many 
 years have we labored together in the interests of the dear old 
 Grange, which no one loves nor can love more sincerely than 
 you have loved and will love it. 
 
 "My associations with you, my Brother, have been more inti- 
 mate and continuous, I am sure, than with any other member 
 of the Order — on official business, in which they hold you for 
 your high sense of honor, for the signally successful administra- 
 tion of the finances of the Order and for your never-failing love 
 and devotion to it. 
 
 "The Grange has honored you in the past, and you have con- 
 ferred equal honor on the Grange. The members of the Order 
 have and will love and honor you in the future, and we invoke 
 God's richest blessing on you and yours, and we wish that you 
 may live a long and happy life. 
 
 "I found you, when I took the office of Secretary, a true friend 
 and faithful adviser— and I needed such; always willing, always 
 patient in aiding and abetting me. If I have succeeded, even
 
 AARON JONES THIRD TERM — I902-I903 225 
 
 partially, in fulfilling the duties of my office, I am largely in- 
 debted to Brother Woodman." 
 
 Mr. Woodman said in reply: 
 
 "Brothers and sisters, almost from the beginning I have 
 worked over this, our beloved Order. I have seen it grow from 
 nothing until 2,400 Subordinate Granges had been organized, 
 with a membership of hundreds of thousands. I have seen the 
 Order when its receipts for State Grange dues amounted to 
 $40,000 to $50,000, and I have known it when the receipts from 
 that source were less than $500. I have known it when it had 
 $60,000 in government bonds, and I have known it when it had 
 to sell its bonds year after year to pay the annual expenses. 
 That we had to do until 1882, when the change for the better had 
 come to stay. I have known the National Grange when but 
 fourteen Subordinate Granges were organized during the year. 
 But the Grange has always some money in its treasury. 
 
 "There was a time when all the farmers' organizations in the 
 country were called together in order to form a great farmers' 
 association. The proposition was made to us that we change 
 our name and join forces with these other organizations to form 
 one grand farmers' fraternity that should cover the whole coun- 
 try; that we should no more be called the Patrons of Husbandry. 
 It was found that the Patrons were the only organization that 
 had any money in their treasury, and that the other organizations 
 had nothing to offer us in exchange for our glorious principles 
 and $50,000 in our treasury. We said to them that all the seeds of 
 dissolution had never been planted in our organic law, and that 
 we had no desire to abandon the cause we loved so well. Other 
 societies have sprung up, flourished and gone down, while today 
 our organization is the only farmers' organization that has a 
 national existence; and it will live and continue to grow and 
 spread until all over this land of ours the beneficent influences 
 of our principles shall be felt for the uplifting of man. There is 
 a bright future for us if we are true to our Order and true to 
 our God." 
 
 This proved to be the last session of the National 
 Grange that either Woodman or Trimble ever attended. 
 Mr. Woodman lived for several years, but Mr. Trimble 
 died in about six weeks after this pleasant event. 
 
 The thirty-seventh session of the National Grange 
 met in Rochester, N. Y., November n to 20, 1903.
 
 226 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 All the officers were present. Twenty-six states 
 were represented by the same delegates as at the last 
 session, with the following exceptions: California, 
 Harry C. and Mrs. Raap; Rhode Island, F. E. and 
 Mrs. Marchant. This was the smallest number of 
 changes ever made in the delegates from State Granges 
 to a session of the National Grange. 
 
 Worthy Master Jones, in his broad-minded way, in 
 his "address" dwelt upon such subjects as extension of 
 the Order, the press, field meetings, co-operation, agri- 
 culture, rural mail delivery, postal savings banks, 
 postal telegraph and telephone service, and forestry. 
 After giving some statistics showing the great value 
 of good roads, he said : "There is no more profitable 
 investment of money, nor a more just one, than that 
 government and state aid should be rendered to de- 
 velop a complete and perfect system of country roads, 
 and stop the useless waste of labor and money annu- 
 ally in filling mud holes and grading undrained coun- 
 try roads, and the waste of energy in hauling over 
 unnecessarily steep grades. The time is here when 
 farmers, for all they have done in building railroads, 
 improving rivers and harbors, in the interest of com- 
 merce, in fostering manufacturing, and making pos- 
 sible our great towns and cities, should receive liberal 
 aid in building good roads, enhancing the value of all 
 real estate, and adding to the attractions of our match- 
 less country." 
 
 On the subject of education he said: 
 
 "It has been repeatedly urged by the National, State and Sub- 
 ordinate Granges that nature studies and the elementary prin- 
 ciples of agriculture should be taught in our public schools. We 
 note that public opinion is becoming more and more pronounced 
 each year in this matter, and believe in the near future this 
 feature will become a part of our public school system, to the 
 very great advantage of agriculture and the entire community. 
 Every Grange in the United States should, in fact and in prac- 
 tice, be a school for the practical demonstration of the possibili- 
 ties of the farms of its members — should be a farmers' institute,
 
 AARON JONES THIRD TERM I902-I903 227 
 
 a literary society teaching practical agriculture and developing 
 trained minds. And, in addition, each Grange should be a school 
 where grace and ease of manner and all the forms of polite 
 society be exemplified. What higher commendation could be 
 asked than that all the members should, in their Grange, in their 
 homes and in their lives teach the great lessons of gentility, in- 
 dustry, frugality, and characterize all their acts with fidelity?" 
 
 The report of the Treasurer showed total receipts, 
 $47,172.05; total expenditures, $27,891.27; leaving a 
 balance in Trust Company of $19,280.78. 
 
 The Executive .Committee said in its report : 
 
 "The Committee met on the first day of January, 1903, in the 
 city of Washington, called there by Worthy Master Aaron Jones 
 to pay our tribute of respect and fraternal admiration for our Sec- 
 retary John Trimble, who died on the Tuesday morning previous 
 at his home in that city. 
 
 "January 3, at 10 A. M., he was quietly laid to rest under the 
 auspices of the Order he loved so well, Assistant Secretary of 
 Department of Agriculture, Brother J. H. Brigham, Master of 
 Maryland State Grange Joseph B. Ager, and your Committee, 
 being honorary pall bearers. 
 
 The committee had appointed as Secretary C. M. 
 Freeman of Ohio, to fill the unexpired term of John 
 Trimble. 
 
 The property of the National Grange consisted of 
 twenty-nine farm mortgages, amounting to $44,322.50; 
 deposits in savings banks, $7,793.15; total investments 
 October 1, 1903, $52,115.65; amount in fiscal agency, 
 $19,280.78; or total available funds of $71,396.43; 
 showing an increase of funds during the fiscal year of 
 $6,467.87. 
 
 Secretary C. M. Freeman reported three hundred 
 and twenty-nine dispensations were issued in the year. 
 
 O. H. Kelley, the only surviving member of the 
 honored seven Founders of the Order, was intro- 
 duced by Worthy Lecturer Bachelder and Worthy 
 Chaplain Thompson. He was greeted by Worthy 
 Master Jones with a few feeling and touching remarks,
 
 228 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 and presented to the National Grange, which re- 
 sponded with a hearty ovation. Mr. Kelley responded 
 as follows : 
 
 "Worthy Master and Patrons: I thank you for the many 
 compliments which I have received. The general who plans the 
 battle becomes the hero if successful, but do not forget the men 
 behind the guns, for they are the ones who win the victory. 
 Great credit is due the Deputies and Masters of Subordinate 
 Granges. 
 
 "The magnificent Order of today is far different from the raw 
 recruits that I drummed up. You have systematized the work and 
 made it the marvel of all agricultural organizations. 
 
 "But remember this, the magnet that holds the Order together 
 is the female membership — where you find noble women, there 
 you will find noble men. Again I thank you." 
 
 Worthy Master Jones announced a reception to 
 Mr. Kelley immediately after the close of morning- 
 session. 
 
 The Worthy Master, in a few well-chosen remarks, 
 introduced Worthy Past Master J. H. Brigham, and 
 present Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, who, after 
 receiving a hearty ovation from the National Grange, 
 spoke pleasantly and acceptably for half an hour, both 
 as a member of the Order and a representative of the 
 National Department of Agriculture, which depart- 
 ment he came to represent by direction of Secretary 
 James Wilson. 
 
 Prof. L. H. Bailey of Cornell University, and Geo. 
 M. Whittaker, Inspector of the Dairy Division of the 
 Department of Agriculture, addressed the body. On 
 invitation of the National Grange Susan B. Anthony 
 came before the Grange and delivered what is said to 
 have been her last public address. 
 
 An unusual event was the golden wedding, the fol- 
 lowing account of which is taken from the Journal : 
 
 "On Tuesday evening, November 17, 1903, from 8 to 12 
 o'clock, a golden opportunity was afforded the officers and mem- 
 bers of the National Grange by Brother Joseph B. and Sister 
 Jane B. Ager of Maryland, who celebrated their fiftieth wed-
 
 AARON JONES' THIRD TERM — I9O2-I903 229 
 
 iding anniversary in the parlors of the famous caterer Tael, of 
 Rochester. An elaborate dinner was served, and mingling with 
 the sweet strains of music rendered by the orchestra were the 
 merry voices of 100 guests. With Brother Gardner as toast- 
 master and Brothers Jones, Bachelder, Horton, Norris, Wilson 
 and Atkeson and Sisters Martha M. Wilson and B. B. Lord as 
 after-dinner speakers, aided by the genial host and hostess, a 
 rich fraternal program was rendered." 
 
 The National Grange favored arbitration and con- 
 demned the war spirit, as follows : 
 
 "From the earliest history of the Order the Grange has advo- 
 cated arbitration, and we believe that in the enlightenment of this 
 the twentieth century all international differences should be set- 
 tled by arbitration instead of resorting to arms and the shedding 
 of blood. 
 
 "We deplore the continued prevalence of the military spirit, 
 and feel the fallacy of the claim that extensive preparation for 
 war is the best means of preserving peace, for nations thus pre- 
 pared are like pugilists in the ring, watching for an opportunity 
 to strike an effective blow. It must be remembered that war does 
 not settle disputes, but after nations engage in it, frequently 
 sacrificing thousands of lives and millions of money, a commis- 
 sion is appointed to make satisfactory articles of agreement. 
 
 "The war spirit is encouraged and fostered by the training of 
 boys in military tactics as practiced in many schools. We believe 
 that such training should cease, and in its stead the principles of 
 virtue and peace implanted, and they should be taught that a 
 nation's greatness and power do not lie in its arsenals and great 
 naval fleets, but in the honesty, sobriety, integrity, morality and 
 intelligence of the great mass of her people." 
 
 On Memorial Sunday Worthy Lecturer N. J. Bach- 
 elder said of Mr. Trimble : 
 
 "I first met Brother Trimble at the session of the National 
 Grange in Boston in 1884, when I assisted him in the Secretary's 
 office, and in the same capacity at several succeeding sessions. 
 You knew him so well that no words of mine can add to your 
 respect for his memory and regard for his principles of honesty 
 and integrity. No person of greater culture and refinement or of 
 more liberal education ever honored an office in this National 
 Grange, and a more true and loyal friend never was found any- 
 where. Whether in the performance of his duties as Secretary 
 of this organization, in his obligations to his church, or in the 
 sacred duties of home caring for an invalid wife, he was the
 
 23O PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 same embodiment of promptness, loyalty and devotion. The sin- 
 cerity of any statement made by Brother Trimble was never 
 questioned, and his intense desire to wrong no one was well 
 known by all who knew him. 
 
 "In paying this loving tribute to the memory of good Brother 
 Trimble I am moved to speak of the eminent success of his life. 
 This success was not marked by the accumulation of riches or 
 the attainment of high official distinction, but by the conscious- 
 ness of having lived a pure, honest, Christian life for the good 
 of those with whom he associated, which at the last moment 
 was worth more to him than all the wealth and all the honor the 
 world could bestow. The influence of such a life for good is 
 greater than any profession of goodness and intensifies the sad- 
 ness at the final parting. The memory of such a life is a greater 
 legacy than wealth or renown. 
 
 "It is eminently fitting that the members of the National 
 Grange express their deep sorrow at the death of a brother and 
 associate who has participated with them in similar exercises 
 on so many Sunday afternoons. We miss his inspiring presence 
 and noble example, and will never forget his characteristic, 'Good- 
 by, God bless you,' at the close of the session of the National 
 Grange at Lansing, Mich. 
 
 "With softened hearts and tearful eyes we pay this tribute to 
 his memory. Similar services will be held on Sunday of the 
 National Grange session year after year. Some of us may 
 participate and some of us may be called to the eternal home even 
 before another session. It will be well if it can be said of us, as 
 we truly say of our departed brother, he did what he could to 
 make the world better, and those with whom he associated hap- 
 pier by kind words, good deeds and exemplary character. The 
 example of such a life will count for m^re in the betterment of 
 the world and the uplift of humanity than can be measured or 
 stated. We mourn the loss of a true, noble, loving brother and 
 associate." 
 
 It was ordered "that hereafter at National Grange 
 sessions all standing committees shall consist of six 
 members, one-half of whom shall be of either sex." 
 
 The Grange went on record in support of govern- 
 ment aid for roads in this form : 
 
 "Whereas, the United States government has expended vast 
 amounts of money in the improvement of transportation facilities 
 by river and harbor appropriations and the donation of vast 
 tracts of valuable land in aid of the construction of railroads; 
 therefore be it
 
 AARON JONES' THIRD TERM — I902-I903 23I 
 
 "Resolved, That the National Grange favors the inauguration 
 of a national policy for the improvement of highways, and the 
 appropriation by Congress of a liberal amount to establish a 
 comprehensive system of road improvements through the co- 
 operation of the federal and state governments, suggesting that 
 the general features of what is termed the 'Brownlow bill' embody 
 with some modifications the essential features of such a policy." 
 
 It also indorsed this : 
 
 "Whereas the National Grange favors every means for the 
 education of the farmers' sons and daughters, and 
 
 "Whereas but a small per cent of farmers' children are enabled 
 to attend our state agricultural colleges; therefore be it 
 
 "Resolved, That the National Grange favors the plan of agri- 
 cultural district or county high schools." 
 
 C. J. Bell, Vermont, was re-elected a member of the 
 Executive Committee. After the election Secretary 
 Freeman asked the privilege of moving the Secretary's 
 office from Washington, D. C, to his home at Tippe- 
 canoe City, O. After a warm discussion, by a rather 
 close vote the privilege was granted. The expediency 
 of this move was decidedly doubtful, overriding as it 
 did a strong sentiment which has always existed in 
 favor of maintaining Grange headquarters at the Na- 
 tional Capital.
 
 CHAPTER XXI 
 
 Aaron Jones' Administration — Fourth and Last Term 
 Two Years, 1904-1905 — Thirty-Eighth and Thirty- 
 Ninth Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 Meeting for the second time on the Pacific coast, 
 the thirty-eighth session of the National Grange as- 
 sembled at Portland, Ore., November 16 to 25, 1904. 
 All the officers elected at the last session were present. 
 
 Master — Aaron Jones, Indiana. 
 Overseer — T. C. Atkeson, West Virginia. 
 Lecturer — N. J. Bachelder, New Hampshire. 
 Steward — J. A. Newcomb, Colorado. 
 Assistant Steward — Geo. W. F. Gaunt, New Jersey. 
 Chaplain — W. K. Thompson, South Carolina. 
 Treasurer — Mrs. Eva S. McDowell, New York. 
 Secretary — C. M. Freeman, Ohio 
 Gatekeeper — B. C. Patterson, Connecticut. 
 Ceres — Mrs. Martha M. Wilson, Illinois. 
 Flora — Mrs. Pauline S. Raine, Missouri. 
 Pomona — Mrs. E. M. Derby, Delaware. 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Mrs. Laura T. Raap, California. 
 Executive Committee — E. B. Norris, Chairman, New York; 
 C. J. Bell, Secretary, Vermont; F. A. Derthick, Ohio. 
 
 Twenty-five states were represented as follows : Cal- 
 ifornia, Mrs. Laura T. Raap; Colorado, J. A. and Mrs. 
 Newcomb; Connecticut, Orson and Mrs. Wood; Dela- 
 ware, S. H. and Mrs. Derby; Illinois, Oliver and Mrs. 
 Wilson; Indiana, Aaron and Mrs. Jones; Kansas, E. 
 W. Westgate; Maine, O. and Mrs. Gardner; Massa- 
 chusetts, Geo. S. and Mrs. Ladd; Maryland, J. B. and 
 Mrs. Ager; Michigan, Geo. B. and Mrs. Horton; 
 Minnesota, Sarah G. and Mr. Baird; Missouri, C. O. 
 and Mrs. Raine; New Hampshire, H. O. and Mrs. 
 Hadley; New Jersey, G. W. F. and Mrs. Gaunt; New 
 York, E. B. and Mrs. Norris; Ohio, F. A. and Mrs. 
 
 232
 
 AARON JONES' FOURTH TERM — I904-I905 233 
 
 Derthick; Oregon, B. G. and Mrs. Leedy; Pennsyl- 
 vania, W. F. and Mrs. Hill; Rhode Island, F. E. and 
 Mrs. Marchant; South Carolina, W. K. and Mrs. 
 Thompson ; Vermont, C. J. and Mrs. Bell ; Washing- 
 ton, J. O. Wing; West Virginia, T. C. and Mrs. Atke- 
 son ; Wisconsin, A. C. and Mrs. Powers. 
 
 Worthy Master Jones delivered his seventh "annual 
 address," which eloquently set forth the achievement 
 and policies of the Grange. He declared : 
 
 "Our Order is a national one, national in all its work, knowing 
 no north, no south, no east, no west. United by the silken cord 
 of fraternity, it is laboring to make happier and more prosperous 
 homes on the hills and in the valleys of New England, amid the 
 sugar, rice and cotton fields of the South, the corn, wheat and 
 pastural lands of the central states, as well as to increase the sun- 
 shine and prosperity of the farm homes of our brothers and 
 sisters who live in the fertile valleys fanned by the breezes of 
 the Pacific Ocean. It is the purpose of this great fraternity to 
 increase happiness in the 5,800,000 farm homes, and make agri- 
 culture more prosperous in all parts of our glorious country. It 
 has still higher and grander objects, among which are to elevate 
 the standard of intelligence among the farming population and to 
 inspire in them more exalted ideas of citizenship. 
 
 "This organization is one of the great educational forces that 
 teaches, among other things, that honesty, fair dealing, giving 
 value received in all exchanges, industry, frugality and thrift, 
 and observing the Golden Rule, are essential characteristics of 
 good citizenship, setting its seal of condemnation on all forms of 
 fraudulent practices, extortion or robbery, whether done under 
 the forms of law, by combination, monopoly, or trust methods, 
 or by the more vulgar practice of common stealing, thus build- 
 ing up a public sentiment that will ostracize the man or corpora- 
 tion that amasses millions of dollars in any other way than hon- 
 orable methods, based on the principle of giving value received 
 for all labor or articles of value. 
 
 "In the matter of the distribution and sale of the products of 
 the farm, we confront the most difficult problem connected with 
 the successful management of the farm. The members of the 
 Grange must courageously grapple with this problem. Condi- 
 tions will never become better until the farmers devise better 
 and more economic methods than now in use. 
 
 "A generation has passed, crowded with greater advance- 
 ment than any similar period in the world's history, since
 
 234 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 our organization was founded to meet conditions essential to 
 public welfare. It was consecrated to develop the best social 
 conditions, to foster and promote good citizenship, to develop 
 agriculture, to secure equity in the business relations of the 
 agricultural classes with the industrial and commercial interests 
 of our country. It has gone steadily forward on its mission, its 
 standard has been held high by clean hands and honest hearts of 
 good men and women devoted to principle above sordid and 
 selfish ambitions." 
 
 Overseer T. C. Atkeson in his report used the fol- 
 lowing language, which undoubtedly expressed the 
 Grange sentiment on the subject of war: 
 
 "The ambitious policies of two nations have clashed and 
 thousands of human beings are being sacrificed. More powerful 
 than all the arguments of peace congresses, this frightful war is 
 creating sentiment for peace. Their hearts hardened by ambi- 
 tion and their ears stopped by selfish jealousies, the nations of 
 the world have been indifferent to the appeals of humanity and 
 common sense. It may be that sheer horror will accomplish what 
 reason has failed to do. 
 
 "The war between Russia and Japan is giving a picture of war 
 as seen in General Sherman's characterization, and the whole 
 world now realizes the butchery of modern warfare. Already 
 tens of thousands of human beings have been slain, tens of thou- 
 sands more have been maimed by wounds or stricken by dis- 
 ease, and the titanic struggle goes on. It has become simply 
 and solely a test of brute strength and savagery. No one with a 
 spark of humanity can read the stories without revulsion. 
 
 "At the last session of the general conference of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, a Committee on International and Industrial 
 Peace said in its report: 'History is the record of human 
 slaughter. Ambition, greed and despotic power of the ruler 
 have armed nation against nation in exterminating wars. It has 
 been the business of one-third of the human race to mutilate and 
 kill their fellow-men. The making of deadly engines of war has 
 absorbed the time and talents of some of the ablest of men. In 
 all the leading nations of the Old World great standing armies 
 are intolerable burdens upon the people. It is estimated that 
 one-eighth of the human race have been killed in war, and that 
 it has left another eighth maimed and mangled wrecks of 
 humanity. Widows and orphans have been left desolate and 
 unprotected. Hosts of physical and moral cripples have been 
 scattered over the land. Pension lists have grown to enormous
 
 AARON JONES' FOURTH TERM — I904-I905 235 
 
 proportions under the tap of the drum and the blare of bands. 
 These physical wrecks are only half the story. War demoralizes 
 a country and turns in upon half the nations streams of impurity, 
 intemperance, gambling, ruffianism, and all other vices generated 
 in its cruel sweep.' How true is this horrible picture ! 
 
 "Agriculture is an occupation of peace and thrives only under 
 peaceful conditions. The Grange stands for peace, equity and 
 justice, and has always advocated arbitration as the best means 
 of settling industrial or international disputes. The true spirit 
 of the Grange can but deprecate any and everything that tends 
 to develop the war spirit in our own country. 
 
 "I fully agree with the sentiment Wayne MacVeigh expressed 
 before the Boston Peace Conference : 'For a hundred and twenty 
 years the Republic prospered beyond any poet's dream. It was 
 then a world-power in a true sense, because it represented to all 
 nations the strength and glory of liberty and peace. Surely even 
 the most militant person cannot doubt that our present army and 
 navy are more than ample for our defense, as no country in the 
 world is in the least danger of provoking war with us. It is 
 therefore not unreasonable to ask that the preparations for wars 
 which can never happen, except by our own fault, should cease, 
 and that we should devote ourselves again to our true mission, 
 that of commending by our example free institutions to other 
 nations ; and if we have any surplus treasure let us expend it in 
 lightening the expenses and burdens of those whose days are 
 given to toil, and into whose lives enters far too little of bright- 
 ness and joy.' Alas, how far have we wandered from the idea 
 here expressed ! 
 
 "No observant citizen can doubt but that the spirit of mili- 
 tarism is greatly on the increase in our own country; and between 
 the growth of colossal fortunes on the one side and militarism 
 on the other, the great mass of our citizenship may well look 
 to the future with some degree of solicitude. The liberties of a 
 free people have never been overthrown except by one or the 
 other of these influences or the two combined. 
 
 "The Grange should give forth no uncertain sound in its 
 demands for peace, and its influence should always be found sup- 
 porting all things that make for peace, love, justice and mercy, 
 among our great citizenship. One of the nation's greatest war- 
 riors said : 'Let us have peace,' and I reiterate the sentiment. 
 
 "That we may have peace let us have less of the getting ready 
 for war, and just why the science of war should be yoked up with 
 the science of agriculture in our agricultural colleges has never 
 been clear to me, and has always seemed like an effort to con- 
 vert the implements of peace into the implements of war. The
 
 236 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 two things do not mix well together in the schools or in the coun- 
 try. May the Grange ever teach the Christian doctrine, 'Peace 
 on earth, good will to man!'" 
 
 The Treasurer's report showed the total receipts, 
 $52,716.85; total expenditures, $32,225.93; leaving a 
 balance in Trust Company of $20,490.92. 
 
 The Secretary reported that 281 new Granges had 
 been organized and 82 dormant Granges reorganized 
 during the year. 
 
 The Grange went on record against the sale of 
 cigarettes; strongly favoring a parcels post; against 
 free passes; favoring a standardized, galvanized fence 
 wire; against congressional seed distribution; and on 
 many other public questions. 
 
 For the first time since 1873 no proposition to change 
 the Constitution was proposed, indicating that the 
 Order was at last becoming satisfied with the form of 
 its organic law. 
 
 Past Master J. H. Brigham had died during the year, 
 and impressive services were held on Sunday in mem- 
 ory of members of the National Grange who had 
 passed away. In opening these services Worthy Mas- 
 ter Jones said : 
 
 "Among those who have been called away was my honored 
 and loved predecessor, Col. J. H. Brigham. And well do I 
 remember the last time he presided on a similar occasion. His 
 stalwart form and strong, deep voice was tender and full of 
 feeling. I deem it fitting and appropriate to address you in the 
 language used by him seven years ago in the city of Harrisburg, 
 Pa. He said in part : 'We have stood by the bed of sickness 
 and death with outstretched hands, with earnest prayer, to save, 
 but all in vain. Our friends go hence and we know nothing of 
 the mysteries of death. Is it a dreamless, eternal sleep, or but 
 the gateway to another broader and higher life beyond the mists 
 and clouds that still veil from mortal eye the Great Beyond? 
 Are the friends who have left us clothed in bright raiment not 
 made with hands? Truly the brightness of the eternal morning 
 transfigures them. They sing sweet songs in a land of light and 
 love we do not know. The keenest vision cannot penetrate the 
 darkness that engulfs our loved at the portals of death. No mor-
 
 AARON JONES' FOURTH TERM — I904-I905 237 
 
 tal ear can catch the strain of music from that far-off land. We 
 cannot hear the rustle of the glorious raiment of the redeemed. 
 All this is hidden from mortal eyes. So far as absolute knowledge 
 extends, all is darkness and doubt, but we are not without hope. 
 Our faith reaches beyond the night of death, and takes hold of 
 the promises of the Great Father of all. When we annually look 
 upon the wondrous transformation of the material universe; 
 when we see the grass turn brown and die, the flowers fade away, 
 and the trees deprived of their foliage, the whole earth locked 
 in the icy arms of what seems to be actual death, we would be 
 in despair had not experience taught us that life follows closely 
 upon the track of death and decay. Spring comes again, with its 
 warm, life-giving power, and the earth is once more clothed in an 
 "emerald carpet." The flowers bloom again, fresh and fair. The 
 trees unfurl their banner of green and all nature pulsates with 
 new and vigorous life. May we not hope, then, and believe with 
 an unshaken faith that what we call death is but the change from 
 a lower life of toil and sorrow to a higher, broader and grander 
 life in that land where no sorrow is, where death cannot sep- 
 arate us from loved ones?'" 
 
 Many other members gave expression of the high 
 esteem in which Past Master Brigham and the other 
 deceased brothers and sisters were held by the mem- 
 bership of the Order. 
 
 The thirty-ninth session of the National Grange 
 assembled in Casino Hall, on one of the piers jutting 
 out over the Atlantic Ocean at Atlantic City, N. J., 
 November 15 to 23, 1905. All the officers were present 
 and twenty-six states were represented by the same dele- 
 gates as at the last session, except as follows : Califor- 
 nia, W. V. and Mrs. Griffith ; Kentucky, F. P. and Mrs. 
 Wolcott; Delaware, Henry and Mrs. Walker; Wash- 
 ington, C. B. and Mrs. Kegley. 
 
 Worthy Master Jones had publicly announced at 
 the time of his last election that he would not be a 
 candidate for re-election. He delivered at this session 
 his eighth and last "annual address," of which the con- 
 cluding paragraphs follow : 
 
 "Eight years ago I was elected Master of the National Grange 
 —an honor, I assure you, I have always appreciated most highly.
 
 238 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 During this time I have tried to be loyal to agriculture and to 
 discharge the duties imposed by this Order, faithfully. These 
 duties were easy and pleasant, made so by the fraternal courtesy 
 and loyal support given to me by the members. 
 
 "The Order has prospered during this period, having made a 
 net gain of membership of 78 per cent and a net increase of the 
 funds of the National Grange of 68 per cent. This gratifying 
 success and prosperity came to the Order, not from any merit 
 of mine, but on account of the united efforts of its members. 
 No factional, sectional or partisan prejudices obtain in the Order 
 to weaken its influence and power. It has been the pleasure of 
 our members to contribute what they could to increase the pros- 
 perity and happiness of each other, to elevate agriculture, pro- 
 mote general prosperity, improve society, make brighter, happier 
 and more sunny farm homes in all parts of our country. 
 
 "This session closes my official term. I return to you the gavel 
 and other insignia of office and shall take my place as a humble 
 member with the great army of Patrons of Husbandry. I need 
 not bespeak for my successor the same loyal and cordial support 
 and courtesy you have extended to me. Your devotion to the 
 Order will inspire you to continue in the future as in the past 
 to loyally support the officers chosen to preside over your deliber- 
 ation, make more effective their efforts to extend, improve and 
 strengthen the Order, that its helpful influence may be felt in 
 every farm home in our land. 
 
 "As the years come and go industries of our country will 
 prosper and decline, fortunes will be made and lost. Even gov- 
 ernment may change its form, but so long as the world stands 
 agriculture will be the foundation of national wealth and pros- 
 perity." 
 
 Below is given Treasurer Eva S. McDowell's com- 
 plete report: 
 
 Balance in the fiscal agency, October 1, 1904 $20,490.92 
 
 Secretary, as receipts in Secretary's office 7,893.98 
 
 Deposited by Farmers' Loan and Trust Co., interest 
 
 on account 461.01 
 
 Deposited by E. S. McDowell, Treasurer, int. on 
 
 notes 2,469.77 
 
 Deposited by E. S. McDowell, Treasurer, pay- 
 ment on notes 6,066.25 
 
 Deposited by Treasurers of State Granges for dues— 14,932.28 
 
 Total $52,314.21
 
 AARON JONES FOURTH TERM, 1904-1905 239 
 
 CONTRA 
 
 Drawn for mileage and per diem, 38th session $11,134.77 
 
 Drawn by order of the Executive Committee 14,561.51 
 
 Balance with the Farmers' Loan and Trust Co., Sep- 
 tember 30, 1905 26,617.93 
 
 Total $52,314.21 
 
 Total Resources of the National Grange on October 1, 1905 
 
 Balance in Farmers' Loan and Trust Co. $26,617.93 
 
 Deposits in savings banks with accrued interest 13,336.33 
 
 Loans on real estate, with accrued interest 47,458.20 
 
 Unexpended Deputy fee fund 375.80 
 
 Total $87,788.26 
 
 Total resources, 1904 $79,510.00 
 
 This shows an increase during the year of $8,278.26. 
 
 The Secretary reported 209 new Granges organized 
 and 65 dormant Granges reorganized. The only change 
 made in officers' salaries was to increase the Treas- 
 urer's salary from $400 to $500 per year. 
 
 F. P. Wolcott of Kentucky introduced the following, 
 which speaks for itself : 
 
 "Whereas, It is known to members of our Order everywhere 
 that all but one of the seven founders of the Grange organization 
 have passed to their rest and their reward, and that, in the 
 changes and vicissitudes of life, our dearly beloved and hon- 
 ored brother, O. H. Kelley, to whom, beyond all others, we owe 
 a debt of gratitude which can never be fully measured or repaid 
 by this or succeeding generations, and over whose head more 
 than four score years have passed, is, with his dependent family, 
 in need of the fraternal care of this organization; and 
 " "Whereas, We as individuals and as an organization, are 
 bound by our obligation, re-affirmed at every Grange meeting, 
 that we will 'exemplify in our lives, our principles,' 'in faith, in 
 hope, in charity and with fidelity,' therefore be it 
 
 "Resolved, By the National Grange, in thirty-ninth annual 
 session assembled, that, as a partial token of our appreciation 
 as an organization of the great work done for agriculture and 
 humanity by Brother O. H. Kelley, the sum of $100 be paid to 
 Brother Kelley from the funds of the National Grange on the 
 first day of each month during the remainder of his natural life." 
 
 After an amendment, providing for the payment of
 
 24O PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 $50 semi-monthly, the resolution was unanimously 
 adopted. 
 
 Later the Worthy Gatekeeper announced the arrival 
 of Mr. Kelley, and the Worthy Master welcomed him to 
 the National Grange. Mr. Wolcott most earnestly and 
 eloquently presented to Mr. Kelley a tribute for his life 
 work in building the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry, 
 and assured him of the love and esteem with which he was 
 held by the members of the National Grange and the 
 Granges of America, notified him of the action of the 
 National Grange in his behalf and expressed the wish 
 that his remaining years would be full of good cheer 
 and comfort. 
 
 Mr. Kelley expressed his appreciation of the 
 warm welcome given him and the interest manifested 
 for his welfare. He wished the Order continued suc- 
 cess for the remainder of time. 
 
 The denatured alcohol question was taken up, and 
 the National Grange earnestly requested Congress to 
 remove the revenue tax from alcohol rendered unfit 
 for use as a beverage. It was believed that this would 
 open up an immense industry and afford a cheap and 
 safe means of light, heat and power. The Grange 
 stuck to this proposition until Congress enacted the 
 desired legislation, but for some reason it has not 
 brought the marvelous blessings which were claimed. 
 The future may redeem the promise made for it. 
 
 The Committee on Education reported that: 
 
 "Through the influence of the Grange and other educational 
 influences among the farmers themselves, the agricultural col- 
 leges and the farmers are beginning to understand each other 
 better. Just as the colleges realize the conditions as they exist, 
 and the farmers appreciate the need of better preparation for the 
 profession of agriculture, will the attendance continue to increase. 
 There should be a medium somewhere in educational ethics where 
 the colleges and the farmers can meet on equal and harmonious 
 ground. The true philosopher will seek to find the means of 
 bringing the benefactors and the beneficiaries together. Any other 
 policy works injury to both."
 
 AARON JONES' FOURTH TERM, I904-I905 24I 
 
 All subsequent experience has shown that this con- 
 clusion was correct, and the agricultural colleges 
 throughout the country have learned a wholesome 
 lesson of co-operation. The Grange indorsed the 
 Adams bill giving additional financial support to the 
 agricultural experiment stations. The policy of utiliz- 
 ing convict labor on the public roads was heartily in- 
 dorsed, and many states have since adopted the policy. 
 
 An amendment to the By-Laws was adopted "de- 
 barring from further fellowship any member of the 
 Order who engages in the manufacture of intoxicating 
 liquors." From the beginning the Grange has been 
 strongly committed against the liquor traffic, and it 
 has many times gone on record on the side of prohi- 
 bition. 
 
 Once more the Grange declared in favor of a "par- 
 cels post." 
 
 "Whereas, The Postoffice Department of the United States 
 government is admirably organized and equipped to perform at 
 reasonable rates the services so expensively performed by the 
 express companies, being particularly well prepared to deliver 
 packages of considerable size (as well as the matter now car- 
 ried) to people who live along the rural mail routes; be it 
 
 "Resolved, That for the purpose of serving the people more 
 cheaply, more efficiently and without discrimination, the Post- 
 office Department should be authorized and directed by Congress 
 to provide for the carrying of parcels at a reasonable rate to 
 any and all people in the United States." 
 
 Worthy Master Jones having declared his purpose 
 to retire, the election of his successor excited more 
 interest than usual. The officers were elected and in- 
 stalled. 
 
 In behalf of the National Grange, and as a token of 
 love and esteem from the entire membership of the 
 Order, Mr. Gaunt presented to Mr. and Mrs. Jones a 
 silver tea service. 
 
 "Eight years have passed since you were elected 
 Worthy Master of the National Grange. During this 
 period you have won the confidence and love, not only
 
 242 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 of the members of the National Grange, but of all the 
 Patrons of Husbandry throughout our land. 
 
 "Whatever prosperity may be in store for our Order 
 in the future, the administration of Aaron Jones must 
 ever stand pre-eminent, and now, Worthy Master, as 
 a slight token of our appreciation of your loyalty to 
 the Order, and your friendship to ourselves, allow me 
 to present you this tea service ; and as you drink of its 
 good cheer may it remind you of the love and the sin- 
 cere respect of the members of the National Grange for 
 you and your good wife."
 
 CHAPTER XXII 
 
 N. J. Bachelder's Administration — First Term, Two 
 Years, 1906-1907 — Fortieth and Forty-First Ses- 
 sions of the National Grange 
 
 Following a year of active work and Grange pros- 
 perity under the new administration, the National 
 Grange met in fortieth annual session in the Chamber 
 of Commerce, Denver, Col., November 14 to 23, 1906. 
 The officers, elected for 1906-1907, were all present: 
 
 Master — N. J. Bachelder, New Hampshire. 
 Overseer — T. C. Atkeson, West Virginia. 
 Lecturer — Geo. W. F. Gaunt, New Jersey. 
 Steward — J. A. Newcomb, Colorado. 
 Assistant Steward — F. E. Marchant, Rhode Island. 
 Chaplain — W. K. Thompson, South Carolina. 
 Treasurer — Mrs. Eva S. McDowell, New York. 
 Secretary — C. M. Freeman, Ohio. 
 Gatekeeper — A. C. Powers, Wisconsin. 
 Ceres — Mrs. C. R. F. Ladd, Massachusetts. 
 Flora — Mrs. Amanda M. Horton, Michigan. 
 Pomona — Mrs. Sarah G. Baird, Minnesota. 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Mrs. Joanna Walker, Delaware. 
 Executive Committee — E. B. Norris, chairman, New York; C. J. 
 Bell, Secretary, Vermont; F. A. Derthick, Ohio. 
 
 The following twenty-four states were represented: 
 California, W. V. and Mrs. Griffith; Colorado, J. A. 
 and Mrs. Newcomb; Connecticut, O. S. and Mrs. 
 Wood; Delaware, Hervey and Mrs. Walker; Illinois, 
 Oliver and Mrs. Wilson ; Indiana, Aaron and Mrs. 
 Jones; Kansas, E. W. and Mrs. Westgate; Maine, O. 
 and Mrs. Gardner; Massachusetts, C. D. and Mrs. 
 Richardson; Maryland, J. B. and Mrs. Ager; Michi- 
 gan, Geo. B. and Mrs. Horton ; Minnesota, Sarah G. 
 and Mr. Baird; Missouri, C. O. and Mrs. Raine; New 
 Hampshire, H. O. and Mrs. Hadley; New Jersey, Geo. 
 
 243
 
 244 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 W. F. and Mrs. Gaunt; New York, Geo. A. and Mrs. 
 Fuller; Ohio, F. A. Derthick; Oregon, A. T. and Mrs. 
 Buxton; Pennsylvania, W. F. and Mrs. Hill; Rhode 
 Island, F. E. and Mrs. Marchant; Vermont, C. J. and 
 Mrs. Bell; Washington, C. B. and Mrs. Kegley; West 
 Virginia, T. C. and Mrs. Atkeson ; Wisconsin, A. C. 
 and Mrs. Powers. 
 
 This was the first session over which N. J. Bachelder 
 presided as Worthy Master, and, as usual with a new 
 Master, the membership felt some solicitude as to what 
 he would say in his first "annual address." In a large 
 measure these "addresses" have presented the correct 
 history of the Order and furnished the inspiration and 
 impulse of the membership. Few "annual addresses" 
 have shown a wider comprehension of the work and 
 policies of the Order than this. 
 
 "The condition of the Grange throughout the country is pros- 
 perous. The constantly expanding influence of the Grange and 
 the greater publicity thereby given to its action renders the con- 
 ditions more favorable for the extension of the Order. A sound 
 financial condition is as essential to the welfare of organizations 
 as individuals. Agriculture is the most important industry in 
 the country today, because it is a productive industry. The pres- 
 ent seems to be the opportune time for the extension of a popu- 
 lar life insurance movement throughout the United States. A 
 bill embodying the principles of national aid for public highways 
 as approved by the Grange was introduced into Congress. A 
 denatured alcohol law has passed Congress providing for the 
 use, entirely free from tax, of domestic alcohol rendered unsuit- 
 able for internal use. The evidence submitted to Congress dur- 
 ing the past year has been amply sufficient to convince every 
 member of that body that the farmers of the entire country are 
 a unit in their desire for the early establishment of a parcels 
 post. The Grange was enabled to perform last winter a most 
 important service in preventing the enactment of the notorious 
 'ship subsidy' bill. Transportation should be made to serve the 
 people, and not the people made to serve the interests of trans- 
 portation. The Grange has received much assistance from the 
 friendly attitude of the press in all sections of the country. The 
 rural mail delivery service, largely promoted by the Grange, has 
 been well established throughout the United States. The free 
 distribution of seeds by the government may have been defensible
 
 N. j. bachelder's administration, 1906-1907 245 
 
 at the time it was established, but changed conditions now make 
 it little less than farcical. Along the line of legislation the in- 
 fluence of the Grange has been exerted for many years, molding 
 public opinion and crystallizing it into laws, for the benefit of 
 agriculture, the farmers and the people in general." 
 
 He concluded with many suggestions for the general 
 welfare of the Order. Because of its relation to Grange 
 principles, the following extract from the Worthy- 
 Overseer's report is included: 
 
 "Early in its history the Grange declared that 'we propose 
 meeting together, talking together, buying together, selling to- 
 gether, and in general, acting together for our mutual protection 
 and advancement as occasion may require.' These sound eco- 
 nomic propositions, and broader principles of education and 
 co-operation, as laid down in our 'Declaration of Purposes,' 
 have stood the test of time, and, founded upon them, the Grange 
 has withstood the assaults of opposing forces for forty years. 
 
 "First one and then another of the fundamental propositions 
 laid down by the Grange have been exploited as a 'cure all' for 
 all the ills that assail the tillers of the soil. Just now the good old 
 Grange doctrine of 'selling together' seems to be attracting special 
 attention, and I am sure every true Patron will rejoice at the 
 accomplishment of this wholesome doctrine, whatever the means 
 used to bring it about. 
 
 "The Grange is a builder, and would rather place one brick in 
 the temple of genuine usefulness than to destroy a castle of 
 errors. From the farmer's standpoint it is a safer doctrine to 
 oppose all monopolies than it is to seek to create one. 
 
 "We are proud of the Grange, of its principles, of the record 
 it has made, and of its deliberate conservatism. But, my brethren, 
 someone has said: 'A conservative is a wallflower specimen of 
 humanity too cowardly to be in the firing line.' And again it has 
 been said, 'There is altogether too much restfulness in respecta- 
 bility,' both of which statements possess some elements of truth. 
 
 "The Grange should remember its respectability, but keep 
 wide awake at all times, and it should be guided by the safe 
 conservatism of sound thinking; but eminent respectability and 
 sound thinking alone will not do if we are 'too cowardly to be 
 in the firing line.' The Grange will cease to be what it was 
 designed to be whenever it ceases to be a progressive and aggres- 
 sive leader in everything that makes for the betterment of coun- 
 try life and rural conditions.
 
 246 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 "We are living in strenuous times, and many new sociological 
 and economic problems are crowding upon us and demanding 
 solution and settlement at the hands of this generation of Ameri- 
 can people. As the representative of more than one-third of our 
 population this National Grange must decide how much re- 
 sponsibility it will take in the settlement of these questions aright. 
 "With the law-ignoring rich on one side of us, and the gov- 
 ernment-destroying anarchists on the other, it is manifest that the 
 perpetuity of American liberty depends largely upon the sober 
 thinking, loyalty and patriotism of our rural people, for whom 
 and to whom the Grange speaks in its effort to create a whole- 
 some public sentiment. The responsibility upon this body of 
 farmers is greater than many good people seem to appreciate. 
 . With that responsibility resting upon us as farmers and as 
 citizens, nothing should be done lightly or carelessly, but with 
 seriousness and mature deliberation." 
 
 Worthy Treasurer Eva S. McDowell reported the 
 total resources of the National Grange, October 1, 1906, 
 as follows : Balance with Farmers' Loan & Trust Co, 
 $20,896.30 ; deposits in savings banks, with accrued in- 
 terest, $13,877.33; railway and other bonds, with ac- 
 crued interest, $20,233.31; loans on real estate, with 
 accrued interest, $39,437-5°; unexpended deputy fee 
 fund, $227.50; a total of $94,671.94; giving an increase 
 of $6,883.68 for the year. 
 
 The Secretary reported 249 new Granges and 66 dor- 
 mant Granges reorganized. The Grange favored gov- 
 ernment aid in the construction of public roads; op- 
 posed increase of postage on second-class matter; rec- 
 ommended for careful consideration upon well-matured 
 and carefully guarded plans, the inauguration of co- 
 operative enterprises, such as co-operative creameries, 
 elevators, savings banks, trust companies, building and 
 loan associations, warehouses, Grange fire insurance, 
 co-operative marketing of farm products — but that the 
 Grange as an organization should not become responsible 
 for their management or obligations ; favored the enact- 
 ment of state and national laws restricting the amount of 
 land that may be owned or leased by a single individual 
 or corporation, and that the taxing power be used to
 
 n. j. bachelder's administration, 1906-1907 247 
 
 restrict and break up the holding of excessively large 
 quantities of land ; favored the placing of a progressive 
 tax upon all fortunes beyond a certain amount, either 
 given in life or devised or bequeathed upon death to 
 any individual — a tax so framed as to put it out of the 
 power of the owner of one of these enormous fortunes 
 to hand more than a certain amount to any one indi- 
 vidual ; urged Congress to abolish the franking and 
 penalty privileges and require all mail matter to be 
 prepaid at the regular postage rates, as was formerly 
 the law ; required the compensation of all officers of the 
 National Grange to be fixed at the session of the biennial 
 election, and prior to the election of said officers — com- 
 pensation not to be reduced or increased during 
 their term of office ; and passed many other resolutions of 
 more or less public interest. 
 
 C. J. Bell of Vermont was re-elected a member of 
 the Executive Committee for the term of three years. 
 
 The forty-first annual session of the National Grange 
 met at Hartford, Ct., November 13-22, 1907. All the 
 officers were present and twenty-six states were rep- 
 resented, with the following changes since the last 
 session: Kansas, Geo. and Mrs. Black; Maryland, 
 H. J. and Mrs. Patterson ; New York, F. N. and Mrs. 
 Godfrey ; Vermont, G. W. and Mrs. Pierce ; Kentucky, 
 F. P. and Mrs. Wolcott. 
 
 The annual address of Worthy Master Bachelder 
 was fully up to the highest standard, discussing in a 
 substantial way the usual Grange topics. On the sub- 
 ject of "Grange Participation in Public Affairs," he 
 said : 
 
 "The development of manufacturing, transportation and com- 
 mercial interests is not only an advantage but a necessity to agri- 
 culture, but those interests have no claim for public recognition 
 that take precedence over the claim of agriculture. This state- 
 ment holds true in regard to the establishment of policies and 
 the enactment of laws. If conditions exist under which the 
 manufacturer, the railroad manager and the merchant can pay
 
 248 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 prices for labor in the transaction of their business that the 
 farmer cannot afford to pay there is reason to investigate the 
 cause of such conditions. The advice of those who would limit 
 the work of this great farmers' organization to a study of crop 
 production and stock feeding, important and necessary as these 
 may be, is not suggestive of a deep sincerity for the farmers' 
 interests. It is not wise to leave the management of public af- 
 fairs affecting agriculture to others, inasmuch as ours is the 
 basic undustry upon the prosperity of which prosperity in all 
 other industries depends. The field of study and investigation 
 open to the farmers through this organization is as broad as the 
 field open to any other class of people without infringing in the 
 least upon partisan or sectarian ground. It is not only the farm- 
 er's right, but his duty, to engage in a discussion of public 
 matters." 
 
 He discussed the "Grange and Trusts" at some 
 length, and said that : 
 
 "The National Grange was invited to send delegates to the 
 so-called Trust Conference held under the auspices of the Na- 
 tional Civic Federation at Chicago, and were given a place upon 
 the program. As Master of the National Grange, I delivered the 
 address, and at its close introduced the following resolution : 
 
 "Resolved, That we recommend to the Congress of the United 
 States the appointment of a permanent, nonpartisan tariff com- 
 mission, composed of representatives of the agricultural, labor, 
 manufacturing, transportation and commercial interests of the 
 country, whose duty it shall be to examine into all phases of the 
 subject and secure exact information concerning all disputed 
 points and report their findings to Congress at the earliest pos- 
 sible date." 
 
 The Grange, in one form and another, had declared 
 in favor of a tariff commission, and it was among the 
 first to advocate such a policy, but always demanded 
 that agriculture and labor should be adequately repre- 
 sented on such "commissions." A tariff commission, 
 dominated by the protected interests, would prove a 
 calamity. 
 
 Parcels post and postal savings banks were heartily 
 indorsed by the Worthy Master. In conclusion he 
 gave this account of his activities :
 
 n. j. bachelder's administration, 1906- 1907 249 
 
 "During the year we have had the honor of accepting an invi- 
 tation to represent the Grange at the Peace Congress in New- 
 York, at the dedication of the Agricultural Building at Cornell 
 University, at a Rural Progress meeting in Massachusetts, at the 
 one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of a town in 
 Maine, at the National Tax Conference in Ohio, and at the Anti- 
 Trust Conference in Chicago. We have attended the annual 
 sessions of the State Grange in five states and have attended field 
 and other meetings on invitation of the State Master in seven- 
 teen states. We have, as a member of the Legislative Com- 
 mittee, represented the Grange at the White House, before de- 
 partments of the government, and before committees in both 
 branches of Congress. We have neglected no opportunity to 
 enable the Grange to represent the farmers in the great depart- 
 ments of the government as well as in state affairs, those with 
 whom we have been associated in this work being entitled to a 
 large share of credit for the results." 
 
 The closing paragraph in the Worthy Overseer's re- 
 port said : 
 
 "The Grange has upon it a tremendous responsibility in these 
 modern days, which it can meet only by the radicalism of sound 
 thinking and the conservatism of deliberate action. Superficial 
 thinking and ill-advised action will not discharge our responsi- 
 bility or accomplish the ends sought. Into every action of the 
 Grange must be put the most virile brains that can be found upon 
 American farms if it would discharge the obligations it owes to 
 the country and posterity. The responsibility that is upon the 
 Grange as an organization is also upon each one of us as indi- 
 viduals." 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer reported the total resources 
 of the National Grange, October 1, 1907, as $102,921.44, 
 a gain of $8,249.50. For the first time since the 
 Charleston, S. C, meeting in 1875 the total resources of 
 the National Grange exceeded $100,000. 
 
 The Worthy Secretary reported 252 new Granges 
 organized and 41 dormant Granges reorganized. 
 
 At a public meeting the President of the New York, 
 New Haven and Maine railroad was invited to address 
 the meeting, and the following action of the National 
 Grange is of some interest :
 
 250 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 "Under reports of standing committees, Brother 
 Jones, chairman of the Committee on Resolutions, 
 made the following report, which was adopted : 
 
 "Resolved, That the members of the National Grange do not 
 wish the impression to go abroad that the statements made by- 
 all the speakers at the public reception last evening are a portion 
 of the Grange creed. A railroad president was invited to speak, 
 and the members courteously listened to his prepared address, 
 with many innuendoes susceptible of varied construction, some of 
 which would place our Order before the world in a false posi- 
 tion. The National Grange, at its first session after said public 
 meeting, desires to publicly declare it is not responsible for the 
 sentiments or expressions in said address above referred to. 
 
 "Resolved, That the National Grange firmly and unflinchingly 
 stands on its declaration of principles in opposition to all trusts 
 or combinations that use unfair methods to exploit the people. 
 
 "Resolved, That we wage no warfare against railways or any 
 other corporations that conduct their business along lines of 
 fairness, and we further declare it to be the fixed and deter- 
 mined principle of our Order that all men or corporations, rich 
 or poor, great or small, shall obey the laws of our country." 
 
 F. A. Derthick of Ohio offered the following, which 
 was adopted : 
 
 "Whereas, Publicity is recognized as the most potent power 
 at the command of the people for the elimination of graft from 
 all public business and for the development of a high degree of 
 economic efficiency in the administration of all public affairs of 
 the school district, village, city, county and state and of the fed- 
 eral government; and 
 
 "Whereas, Publicity is one of the means of ascertaining some 
 of the evils with which public service corporations stand charged ; 
 and to the end that the people may know the truth and be thus 
 equipped to act wisely upon all questions of public policy, and 
 especially upon questions regarding the regulation of public 
 service corporations; be it 
 
 "Resolved, First, that all states and the federal government 
 should enact a uniform public accounting law, requiring all pub- 
 lic accounts of every kind to be kept by a uniform system pre- 
 scribed and audited by state or by federal authority; and, sec- 
 ond, that all accounts of every person, firm or corporation who 
 are beneficiaries of any special privilege in whatever form 
 granted, whether by a state or by the federal government, shall 
 be required to keep all the books, accounts, papers and records
 
 n. j. bachelder's administration, 1906-1907 251 
 
 in the manner and form prescribed by the state or federal gov- 
 ernment by which such special privilege is granted, and all such 
 books, accounts, papers and records shall be subject to inspection 
 and audit at the pleasure of the authority prescribing the same." 
 
 For many years, in one form and another, the ques- 
 tion of establishing a Grange official newspaper had 
 been considered, and at the session in 1907 the matter 
 was referred to the Executive Committee. In their 
 report was this statement : 
 
 "The earnest desire of the members of the Order, so often 
 expressed by the Masters of National and State Granges, for a 
 national organ, took definite shape at the last annual meeting. 
 By resolution at the Denver session the Executive Committee 
 was instructed to plan for the publication of a first-class weekly 
 paper as soon as suitable arrangements could be made, provided 
 that the plan be referred to the State Masters and receive a 
 majority of votes before any contract was made. In compliance 
 with their instructions the Executive Committee entered vigor- 
 ously upon the task assigned to it, with the result that arrange- 
 ments were completed which met the almost unanimous approval 
 of the State Masters. 
 
 "Regular publication began on the sixth of November, and 
 the paper speaks for itself. The editorial policy is absolutely 
 controlled by the Executive Committee. Worthy Master Bach- 
 elder was appointed editor-in-chief. His ability as a writer and 
 knowledge of Grange requirements and of the right method of 
 handling the great public questions from the Grange standpoint 
 is unquestioned. The staff of associated editors is composed of 
 able writers and loyal leaders of the Order, well known, and we 
 feel sure that their selection will meet with your approval. For 
 the business staff we have the highest admiration for their busi- 
 ness standing and ability and commend them as justly entitled 
 to your full confidence and support. 
 
 "We feel sure our organ is certain of the success we all hope 
 for, but, like all other business ventures, it must be pushed and 
 loyally sustained by every friend of the Order if it is to achieve 
 the most perfect results. Every Patron should feel this is his 
 paper and one whose columns will be devoted entirely to the 
 interests and advancement of the Grange." 
 
 The following resolutions were adopted : 
 
 "Resolved, That no alien shall be allowed to hold title to lands 
 
 in the United States before declaring his intention of becoming 
 
 a citizen.
 
 252 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 "Resolved, That the National Grange sympathizes with labor 
 and will assist in putting it in the highest condition of life and 
 living of any labor class in any nation ; but we have no sympathy 
 for any class resorting to lawlessness or criminality. Such should 
 be without hesitation or delay suppressed and punished ; we 
 cannot have a stable government unless on these conditions. No 
 good can come to the nation or to the people thereof where law- 
 lessness or criminality is allowed or tolerated." 
 
 The National Grange unanimously decided that: 
 
 "The forests of the United States, the title to which has not 
 passed from the people, should be reserved for all time to them, 
 and their care and management should be with the Department 
 of Agriculture. Their preservation is of vital importance. No 
 title to any portion of the forests of the United States should 
 pass from the people thereof." 
 
 The third Sunday in June was adopted as Grange 
 Memorial Day. 
 
 To get a true estimate of the scope and quality of 
 the work done at a session of the National Grange, one 
 must read the carefully prepared reports of committees 
 and the reports of officers ; and to get some idea of the 
 work done in the several states one should read the 
 reports of Masters of State Granges made to the Na- 
 tional Grange.
 
 CHAPTER XXIII 
 
 N. J. Bachelder's Administration — Second Term, Two 
 
 Years, 1908-1909 — Forty-Second and Forty-Third 
 
 Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 The forty-second session of the National Grange 
 met in the National Hotel Hall, Washington, D. C, 
 November 11 to 19, 1908. The officers were all present 
 and in their places when the Grange opened : 
 
 Master — N. J. Bachelder, New Hampshire. 
 Overseer — T. C. Atkeson, West Virginia. 
 Lecturer — Geo. W. F. Gaunt, New Jersey. 
 Steward — J. A. Newcomb, Colorado. 
 Assistant Steward — C. D. Richardson, Massachusetts. 
 Chaplain — O. S. Wood, Connecticut. 
 Treasurer — Mrs. Eva S. McDowell, New York. 
 Secretary — C. M. Freeman, Ohio. 
 Gatekeeper — A. C. Powers, Wisconsin. 
 Ceres — Mrs. Elizabeth H. Patterson, Maryland. 
 Pomona — Mrs. Sarah G. Baird, Minnesota. 
 Flora — Mrs. Ida Judson, Iowa. 
 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Mrs. Joanna M. Walker, Delaware. 
 Executive Committee — F. N. Godfrey, Chairman, New York; 
 C. J. Bell, Secretary, Vermont; C. O. Raine, Missouri. 
 
 Twenty-six states were duly represented: Cali- 
 fornia, W. V. and Mrs. Griffith ; Colorado, John and 
 Mrs. Morris ; Connecticut, L. H. Healey ; Delaware, 
 Hervey and Mrs. Walker; Idaho, D. C. Mullen; Il- 
 linois, Oliver and Mrs. Wilson ; Indiana, Aaron and 
 Mrs. Jones; Iowa, A. B. and Mrs. Judson; Kansas, 
 George and Mrs. Black; Kentucky, F. P. and Mrs. 
 Wolcott ; Maine, C. S. and Mrs. Stetson ; Maryland, 
 H. J. and Mrs. Patterson ; Massachusetts, C. D. and 
 Mrs. Richardson ; Michigan, George B. and Mrs. Hor- 
 ton; Missouri, C. O. and Mrs. Raine; New Hampshire, 
 H. O. and Mrs. Hadley; New Jersey, Geo. W. F. and 
 
 263
 
 254 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Mrs. Gaunt; New York, F. N. and Mrs. Godfrey ; Ohio, 
 F. A. Derthick; Oregon, Austin T. and Mrs. Buxton; 
 Pennsylvania, Mrs. Marie A. Hill ; Rhode Island, F. E. 
 and Mrs. Marchant; Vermont, Geo. W. Pierce; Wash- 
 ington, C. B. and Mrs. Kegley; West Virginia, T. C. 
 and Mrs. Atkeson; Wisconsin, H. M. Culbertson. 
 The Worthy Master reported: 
 
 "The organization of a State Grange in Idaho has been accom- 
 plished, and the state is represented at this session of the Na- 
 tional Grange for the first time." 
 
 Of the condition of the Order, he said : 
 
 "Through the efforts of the officers of the National and State 
 Granges, supplemented by the efforts of an active and harmonious 
 membership, a larger number of Subordinate Granges has been 
 organized in the country than in any year since 1878, with one 
 year excepted, representing every state entitled to representation 
 in the National Grange. The increase in membership is about 
 ten per cent, which is a remarkable showing, in view of the fact 
 that the organization has passed the period of experimentation 
 and is building upon the well-established basis of recognized 
 merit and substantial achievement. Great encouragement exists 
 among the members throughout the country, unprecedented in 
 the past, and abiding faith in the principles of the organization 
 for promoting the interests of the American farmer. With the 
 words in our Declaration of Purposes, 'We pledge ourselves to 
 faithful and harmonious labor for all future time,' ringing in our 
 ears, we can view with complacency the record of the forty-first 
 year, just closed, in all that tends to perpetuate this great Order." 
 
 _ Discussing the Roosevelt "Country Life Commis- 
 sion," he said : 
 
 "Further evidence of the increasing interest that is being taken 
 in all matters pertaining to agriculture is shown in the appoint- 
 ment by the President of a "Commission on Country Life," for 
 the purpose of making a thorough investigation into the condition 
 of the American farmers, and reporting as to the reforms which 
 will contribute toward making life on the farm more agreeable, 
 and the vocation of agriculture more desirable. The Commis- 
 sion, of which Prof. L. H. Bailey of Cornell University is chair- 
 man, is now engaged in collecting the opinions and recommenda- 
 tions of representative farmers in all sections of the country, 
 through circular letters asking for information on various phases
 
 n. J. bachelder's administration, 1908-1909 255 
 
 of farm life. It is expected that as the result of these inquiries 
 sufficient data will be secured on which to base recommendations 
 for action by Congress that will provide a remedy for the evils in 
 existing conditions that can be cured or ameliorated by Federal 
 legislation." 
 
 The Worthy Overseer, in discussing the "Country 
 Life Commission," gives the subject from the farmei 
 viewpoint : 
 
 "I feel sure that if some people were better acquainted with 
 the ladies and gentlemen who compose this body, and the mem- 
 bership of the Grange generally, there would be less inclination 
 to 'go slumming' among the farmers of this country. Agricul- 
 ture is largely the most important industry in America, whether 
 measured in the dollars of commercial wealth or in its funda- 
 mental importance to human life and civilization. And that is 
 not all; measured by any standard of citizenship, the farmers of 
 the United States are the peers of any other class of our entire 
 population. They represent the steady, loyal and patriotic ele- 
 ment of American society upon which the government can safely 
 rely in any emergency. 
 
 "This being the fact, I confess that so much talk about 'bet- 
 terment' and 'uplift' in connection with the farmer class makes 
 me just a little bit weary. All such talk implies a whole lot that 
 is not true, but I try not to resent it unkindly because of the 
 evident good intentions of the people who talk it. Suppose we 
 try a little of the 'uplift' business upon our senators, congress- 
 men and legislators, governors, trust magnates, stock gamblers, 
 railroad wreckers and rich malefactors. Some of them certainly 
 need it, if we are to believe the accumulated evidence of the last 
 few years. It might be well for the National Grange to appoint 
 a 'Commission on City Life,' and ask the farmers, teachers, min- 
 isters, business men and others to report on the conditions of 
 city life, and 'what needs to be done.' Now, I am not sure that 
 I know what needs to be done in the city, but I am sure there 
 is more evil and more ignorance there than in the country, and 
 while I may not know what should be done to 'uplift' our city 
 people, I am convinced that I know as much about it as the city 
 men know what needs to be done to 'uplift' country life. As a 
 matter of fact, and in all seriousness, the farmers of the United 
 States are all right, and the only thing that 'needs to be done' is 
 to give them a square deal before the laws of the land, and they 
 will work out their own salvation in their own healthy and manly 
 way. The farmers of this country ask no special privileges. 
 They do not desire to be patronized or coddled. They are not
 
 256 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 'mollycoddles,' but strong and vigorous types of American 
 manhood. 
 
 "Abolish the special privileges certain individuals and certain 
 intdests have been enjoying, and guarantee to every man, whether 
 rich or poor, and every interest, whether great or small, equal 
 rights and privileges before the laws of the land, and the great 
 wealth-producing farmer class will take care of itself, and come 
 as near giving themselves an 'uplift' by their own boot straps as 
 any class of people in the world. I have no doubt their report 
 will contain much valuable information bearing upon economic 
 questions in which the farmers are largely interested. The best 
 and most valuable of such information must come from the 
 farmers themselves, and not from the 'teachers, ministers, busi- 
 ness men and others,' whose assistance is to be sought. The 
 Grange, in its organized capacity and through its individual mem- 
 bers, should do all that it can to assist the Commission in under- 
 standing the true situation, and as a starting point it might be 
 well for it to read the Grange 'Declaration of Purposes,' which 
 was adopted thirty-four years ago. 
 
 "On the whole, we are rather glad the 'Commission on Rural 
 Life' has been appointed, but why prolong this discussion? Let's 
 wait and see what comes out of it. If it were not for the intima- 
 tion that there is something the matter with that mighty army 
 of stalwart citizens, who dig from the earth annually $8,000,000,- 
 000 worth of wealth, and feed our own one hundred millions of 
 people and the other nations of the earth, I should feel inclined 
 to smile. But what is the use? Give them a square deal and a 
 fair share of the wealth they produce, and see what a mighty 
 'uplift' the American farmer and American agriculture will get. 
 "A leading agricultural paper asks the pertinent quesi in: 'By 
 what authority are farmers declared, both directly and by impli- 
 cation, to be behind other great classes of people and in need of 
 investigation to provide a basis for their uplift?' To which I 
 would like to add that from my viewpoint the only 'uplift' that 
 is needed is to 'uplift' from the back of agriculture the trusts, 
 combinations and special privilege interests that uniformly op- 
 pose and defeat the equitable, reasonable and just demands of 
 the Grange. If anybody really wants to give the farmers an 
 'uplift,' let him get his shoulder under the National Grange de- 
 mands and give a mighty 'h'ist.' 
 
 "Our agriculture is progressing and uplifting, but the inspira- 
 tion has come from within rather than from without, and the 
 Order of Patrons of Husbandry has had a glorious part in every 
 movement for agricultural progress during the last forty-two 
 years. The Grange, in all its branches, is a Country Life Com-
 
 n. j. bachelder's administration, 1908- 1909 257 
 
 mission that carries its authority under its own hat, and reahzes 
 the actual conditions that exist more £u!!y than anyone else. If 
 wrongs exist and injustice is done the farmers, no one knows it 
 any better than they do, and no one has a more direct or correct 
 viewpoint." 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer reported the total resources 
 of the National Grange as $111,677.47, a net gain for 
 the year of $8,756.03. 
 
 The Worthy Secretary reported 302 new Granges 
 organized and 51 dormant Granges reorganized. 
 The Worthy Master declared the Grange in open ses- 
 sion to hear Hon. Gifford Pinchot, chief of the United 
 States forest service. The Worthy Master introduced 
 Mr. Pinchot, who complimented the Grange and gave 
 a brief yet comprehensive address on the conservation 
 of our natural resources, and pointed out the work 
 which the conservation commission, of which he was 
 chairman, was trying to do, and the reasons why it 
 was needed. At 2 130 President Roosevelt received 
 the National Grange and all visiting members in the 
 East Room of the White House. 
 
 At 10 A. M., November 13, O. H. Kelley and 
 Miss Carrie A. Hall were escorted to the hall. The 
 Worthy Master then introduced Mr. Kelley to the Na- 
 tional Grange. He was enthusiastically greeted and 
 spoke briefly, congratulating the Grange on the high 
 position it held, saying: "The glory is yours; the 
 pleasure mine." Miss Hall was then introduced and 
 gracefully acknowledged the introduction. 
 
 The Grange then took a recess, when all present had 
 the pleasure and honor of meeting these two dis- 
 tinguished persons. This was the last time either Mr. 
 Kelley or Miss Hall ever attended a session of the 
 National Grange. 
 
 After the recess delegates from the Agricultural Col- 
 leges and Experiment Stations Association were pres- 
 ent. The Worthy Master introduced President J. L.
 
 258 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Snyder of the Michigan Agricultural College, who ad- 
 dressed the Grange and brought greetings from their 
 association. 
 
 Later in the day the Commission on Country Life was 
 called to the stage. The National Master then introduced 
 Dr. L. H. Bailey, chairman of the commission, who ad- 
 dressed the Grange, explained the object of the commis- 
 sion, and asked for suggestions from the representatives of 
 the different states, and many valuable ideas were ad- 
 vanced. 
 
 C. O. Raine of Missouri was elected a member of 
 the Executive Committee for the term of three years. 
 
 The forty-third annual session of the National Grange 
 met in Des Moines, la., November 10 to 18, 1909. 
 All the officers except the Lady Assistant Steward 
 were present, and twenty-seven states were represented 
 by the same delegates as at last session, except the 
 following: California, E. T. Pettit; Delaware, S. H. 
 and Mrs. Messick; Michigan, N. P. and Mrs. Hull; 
 Minnesota, Sarah G. and Mr. Baird ; Ohio, T. C. and 
 Mrs. Laylin; Pennsylvania, W. T. and Mrs. Creasy; 
 South Dakota, C. B. and Mrs. Hoyt; Vermont, C. F. 
 and Mrs. Smith. South Dakota was represented at 
 this session for the first time. 
 
 The Worthy Master, in his "annual address," dis- 
 cussed a wide range of subjects, all of which were sub- 
 sequently indorsed by the body. On "Condition of 
 the Order," he said : 
 
 "The condition of the Order in the country is better than at 
 any time since its establishment. A larger number of Granges 
 has been organized than in any year for thirty-five years, and 
 a larger increase of membership made during the past year than 
 in any year since 1878. The influence of the organization in pub- 
 lic affairs can only be estimated, but there is evidence that it was 
 never greater than today. The net increase in membership dur- 
 ing the year has been about eight per cent, showing a net gain 
 in every state except two, and laws have been enacted in all the 
 Grange states through its influence."
 
 n. j. bachelder's administration. 1908-1909 259 
 
 Of the National Grange Official Organ he said: 
 
 "The Executive Committee of the National Grange was not 
 satisfied with the management of the National Grange Official 
 Organ, and May 1 canceled the agreement with the publishing 
 company in Philadelphia and transferred the publication of the 
 paper to Concord, N. H. It has been issued from Concord, regu- 
 larly and promptly, since May 1, and seems to meet the approval 
 of the members throughout the country. I have taken the 
 authority to appoint a committee upon the paper that will present 
 facts in regard to the paper and make recommendations in regard 
 to its future. I urge careful consideration of the report made by 
 this committee." 
 
 He announced the platform of the Grange upon Na- 
 tional legislation as follows: 
 
 "Federal appropriation for highway improvement; establish- 
 ment of rural and general parcel post; establishment of 
 postal savings banks; election of United States Senators 
 by direct vote; appointment of a permanent non-partisan tariff 
 commission; defeat of ship-subsidy legislation; retaining or 
 strengthening the present oleomargarine law; liberal appropria- 
 tions for farm schools; opposing agreements between organized 
 capital and organized labor in legislative matters to the detri- 
 ment of the farmers." 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer reported the total resources 
 of the Grange as $115,821.29. 
 
 The Secretary reported 431 new Granges organized 
 and 56 dormant Granges reorganized. This was the 
 largest number organized in any one year since 1878. 
 
 The Right Hon. Sir Horace Plunkett, First Commis- 
 sioner of Agriculture for Ireland, addressed the 
 Grange. The whole of his splendid address was pub- 
 lished in the Journal of the session. He said in part: 
 
 "I have been honored with an invitation to contribute to your 
 discussion some account of an Irish movement, resembling in its 
 scope, and to some degree also in its methods, the economic, 
 social and (using the term in a nonpartisan sense) political 
 movement known as the National Grange. While my subject is 
 Irish, I shall not forget that my audience is American, and that 
 the occasion is one for the discussion of questions affecting the 
 agricultural population of the United States. . . .
 
 26o PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 "I have now put before you to the best of my ability a com- 
 prehensive statement of the origin and scope, aim and achieve- 
 ments up to the present time of what I have called Ireland's 
 National Grange, a movement, you will have observed, with prac- 
 tically the same aims as its American counterpart. You will also 
 have noted one marked difference in the Order in which the 
 various aims are pursued in the two bodies. We, in Ireland, 
 believe that the reorganization of the business methods of farm- 
 ers is by far the best foundation upon which to build up a better 
 husbandry and a better social and domestic life on our farm lands. 
 And as a sympathetic foreign observer, I am convinced that a 
 similar procedure would give to your great organization the 
 influence over the agricultural class of the United States, lo 
 which, by your principles, by your aims and by your achievements, 
 you have every right to aspire. Your movement is led by ideal- 
 ists. So also is ours. But whatever your ultimate aims may be, 
 the economic factor will predominate. And I am convinced that 
 the reason why the National Grange has failed to embrace the 
 most progressive farmers in every state in the Union is that in 
 the pursuit of its higher aims it has failed to meet the needs of 
 an industry which has fallen behind in its competition with other 
 interests. Hence, in the old, settled communities, where an im- 
 proved social life was the main requirement, you seem to be 
 permanently established, while in the newer states, where of 
 necessity the economic factor must predominate, you do not seem 
 to have the same hold upon the rural community. It may be that, 
 like many another institution founded in other days, you may 
 have to reshape your policy. If this be so, I hope you will not 
 hesitate to move with the times, for in my judgment there is no 
 agency better fitted to restore to its former place of dignity in 
 the people's life the primary, indeed the only necessary industry, 
 the oldest, the most honorable of human occupations." 
 
 Hon. John Hamilton, Institute Specialist, represent- 
 ing the Department of Agriculture, in a pleasing and 
 thoughtful address, presented the subject of "Agricul- 
 tural Extension." In his opening paragraph he said : 
 
 "Just one year ago, the Overseer of the National Grange, T. C. 
 Atkeson, in an address before a joint meeting of the Grange and 
 the Association of American Agricultural Colleges and Experi- 
 ment Stations, in referring to the distinctive purposes of the 
 organizations, spoke of the colleges as having stood specifically 
 for higher education in agriculture, and that the body that he 
 represented, the Patrons of Husbandry, was organized for the
 
 n. j. bachelder's administration, 1908- 1909 261 
 
 purpose of aiding the common, everyday farmer. It is because 
 of your attitude in this respect that I am here today as the rep- 
 resentative of the Department of Agriculture, which has been 
 organized for a purpose similar to yours. That department stands, 
 first, for securing the latest and most reliable information of 
 value in the operations of the farm ; next to this for the dissemi- 
 nation of this information to the millions of agricultural people 
 who need it, and then for the incorporation of the truths discov- 
 ered into the practice of their everyday life. No higher service 
 to mankind can be rendered by any man or organization of men 
 than to extend a helping hand to those who are toiling for daily 
 bread, who are struggling for a place for themselves and their 
 children in the civilization of their time. You as individuals and 
 as an organization have stood for this in the past, and there is 
 every assurance that you will continue to stand for aiding the 
 common man in all time to come." 
 
 Later in the session the following resolution was 
 adopted : 
 
 "That Congress should provide by liberal appropriations for 
 the support of agricultural extension departments in the several 
 colleges of agriculture of the several states, by giving to each 
 state for the use of the agricultural extension department of its 
 College of Agriculture annually a liberal sum and an additional 
 sum equal to the amount appropriated by the State Legislature 
 for the same purpose, and to be expended under the same 
 authority, not to exceed one cent per capita of population as 
 given in the preceding census of the United States." 
 
 The Grange declared "that we are unalterably op- 
 posed to any legislation by Congress looking to the 
 establishment of a great centralized bank." The Grange 
 also condemned intercollegiate football and baseball in 
 agricultural colleges ; favored the passage of an income 
 tax law; favored the enactment of a law prohibiting 
 any railroad company from acquiring stock in a com- 
 peting line ; favored government supervision of express 
 companies; stated that it was the positive conviction of 
 the National Grange that inheritance taxes should be re- 
 served wholly for the use of the several states; and 
 adopted many other resolutions relating to the Grange 
 purposes and policies. 
 
 The Committee on Taxation made the fullest and 
 most exhaustive report ever made upon that subject,
 
 262 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 and after discussing many phases of the intricate ques- 
 tion of taxation, historically and economically, it laid 
 down the following summary, which was approved as 
 the Grange position upon taxation at that time : 
 
 "1. Since taxation is necessary for the enforcement of laws 
 for the protection of property, individual or corporate, therefore 
 no property, either real or personal, which is protected by law, 
 should be exempt from taxation, except such property as is 
 specifically exempt by the state Constitution. 
 
 "2. In order to secure equality in the distribution of the burdens 
 of government, if personal property is to be exempt from taxa- 
 tion on account of the indebtedness of the owner thereof, then 
 real estate should be entitled to the same exemption. 
 
 "3. In the case of mortgages, 'by far the wisest system is to 
 tax the mortgages on the amount of the mortgage and the mort- 
 gagor on the value of the property minus the mortgage,' the 
 mortgage to be considered as real estate and not as personal 
 property and taxed in the locality where the mortgaged property 
 lies. 
 
 "4. There should be no exemption of any species of property, 
 either real or personal, from taxation for local purposes, except 
 such as is exempt by the Constitution. 
 
 "5. If state and local revenues are to be raised from separate 
 sources, the state revenues should be raised from corporation 
 charter fees, licenses, inheritance taxes and other indirect taxes. 
 
 "6. All corporation real estate and personal property to be 
 taxed for local purposes, same as the same kind of property is 
 taxed when owned by individuals. 
 
 "7. The local tax of transportation property to be levied on a 
 valuation equal to the market value of the capital stock plus the 
 market value of the bonded debt. Each taxation unit to receive 
 such part of the tax as the mileage of the corporation in said 
 unit is to the total mileage. 
 
 "8. Every possible precaution should be taken to secure 
 equality of assessment between the individuals and between 
 assessment districts. 
 
 "9. We favor the denial of the right of action to the holders 
 of notes, bonds, etc., which have not been listed for taxation. 
 
 "10. No city shall be permitted to make a separate assessment 
 and all property everywhere shall be uniformly assessed at its 
 fair cash value. 
 
 "11. We favor the enactment of a law that will secure a fair 
 and equitable taxation of all bank property, whether personal or 
 real, upon the basis that other property is taxed, and we believe
 
 n. j. bachelder's administration, 1908- 1909 263 
 
 the market value of the capital stock, plus the real estate, would 
 be the fairest and most easily ascertained method of valuation." 
 
 With renewed zeal for the Grange and its great 
 humanitarian work and purposes, the National Grange 
 closed in form and the membership returned to their 
 respective states to take up more aggressively than 
 ever the work of another year.
 
 CHAPTER XXIV 
 
 N. J. Bachelder's Administration — Third Term, Two 
 
 Years, 1910-1911 — Forty-Fourth and Forty-Fifth 
 
 Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 The forty-fourth annual session of the National 
 Grange met in the Casino Hall, Atlantic City, New Jer- 
 sey, November 16 to 25, 1910. All the officers elected 
 the year before were present : 
 
 Master — N. J. Bachelder, New Hampshire. 
 Overseer — T. C. Atkeson, West Virginia. 
 Lecturer — Oliver Wilson, Illinois. 
 Steward — C. D. Richardson, Massachusetts. 
 Assistant Steward — L. H. Healey, Connecticut. 
 Chaplain — C. F. Smith, Vermont. 
 Treasurer — Mrs. E. S. McDowell, Massachusetts. 
 Secretary — C. M. Freeman, Ohio. 
 Gatekeeper — D. C. Mullen, Idaho. 
 Ceres — Mrs. Elizabeth H. Paterson, Maryland. 
 Pomona — Mrs. Grace Hull, Michigan. 
 Flora — Mrs. Ida Judson, Iowa. 
 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Mrs. Mary A. Smith, Vermont. 
 Executive Committee — F. N. Godfrey, New York; C. O. Raine, 
 Missouri; S. H. Messick, Delaware. 
 
 The following 28 states were represented: Cali- 
 fornia, E. T. Pettit; Colorado, Jno. and Mrs. Morris; 
 Connecticut, L. H. and Mrs. Healey; Delaware, S. H. 
 and Mrs. Messick; Idaho, D. C. Mullen; Illinois, 
 Robert and Mrs. Eaton; Indiana, Aaron and Mrs. 
 Jones ; Iowa, A. B. and Mrs. Judson ; Kansas, George 
 and Mrs. Black; Kentucky, F. P. and Mrs. Wolcott; 
 Maine, C. S. and Mrs. Stetson; Maryland, H. J. and 
 Mrs. Patterson; Massachusetts, C. M. and Mrs. Gard- 
 ner; Michigan, N. P. and Mrs. Hull; Minnesota, Sarah 
 G. and Mr. Baird; Missouri, C. O. and Mrs. Raine; 
 New Hampshire, Richard and Mrs. Pattee; New Jer- 
 
 264
 
 n. j. bachelder's administration, 1910-1911 265 
 
 sey, Geo. W. F. and Mrs. Gaunt; New York, F. N. and 
 Mrs. Godfrey; Ohio, T. C. and Mrs. Laylin; Oregon, 
 C. E. and Mrs. Spence; Pennsylvania, W. T. and Mrs. 
 Creasy; Rhode Island, F. E. and Mrs. Marchant; 
 South Dakota, Charles and Mrs. Hoyt; Vermont, C. F. 
 and Mrs. Smith; Washington, C. B. and Mrs. Kegley; 
 Wisconsin, Geo. R. and Mrs. Schaefer; West Virginia, 
 T. C. and Mrs. Atkeson. 
 
 The Worthy Master discussed many subjects of 
 general interest. On the subject of the tariff, he said : 
 
 "The position taken by the National Grange at its forty-third 
 annual session in regard to the tariff act of 1909, which was de- 
 clared to be unjust and unfair to the farmers, has been indorsed 
 by a large majority of the people, as shown by the primary elec- 
 tions in all sections of the country. The defeat or retirement of 
 more than fifty Senators and Representatives who were largely 
 responsible for the enactment of the unsatisfactory Payne- Aldrich 
 law is proof that public sentiment demands a genuine revision of 
 the tariff, based on a careful investigation by a nonpartisan com- 
 mission, and that the people will refuse to return to Congress 
 the men who fail to carry out the wishes of their constituents. 
 
 "An encouraging feature of the movement for a more equitable 
 tariff is that it is no longer purely a party question, as loyal 
 Republicans are advocating tariff revision, while some of those 
 classed as Democrats favor the present law. At no time in our 
 history has there been greater independence of party lines, par- 
 ticularly among the farmers, and this condition should make it 
 easier to secure tariff legislation in the interest of the people. 
 
 "In obedience to the demand of the country, Congress at its 
 recent session enacted a law providing for the establishment of a 
 postal savings bank system, and plans are now being made for 
 opening these banks in various sections of the country. The 
 enactment of this legislation was brought about largely through 
 the efforts of the Grange, and is another proof of the ability of 
 the organized farmers to secure favorable action by Congress 
 on any wise measure that they may advocate, and is an encour- 
 agement to us in our work for the other important legislative 
 policies indorsed by the Grange. 
 
 "The movement for a general parcels post law has been vig- 
 orously urged during the past year, and the influence of the 
 members of the Grange has been brought to bear on the mem- 
 bers of Congress in favor of action on bills for this purpose. 
 At hearings on these bills the National Grange was represented
 
 266 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 by the Legislative Committee, Brother T. C. Atkeson making the 
 principal address, in which he stated the attitude of the Grange, 
 and replied to objections made by the opponents of the parcels 
 post. His address made it clear that the farmers of the country 
 are unanimously in favor of this legislation, and that they regard 
 opposition to it as evidence of hostility to the public interests. 
 Action was taken several months before election to have all the 
 local Granges advise the various candidates for Congress from 
 their districts as to their position on this and other Grange 
 policies, and I am confident that the members of the newly elected 
 house will have more regard for the wishes of their constituents 
 and will carry out the people's will in this matter. 
 
 "The action of the National Grange recording its opposition 
 to the scheme for a great central bank should not be construed 
 as meaning that the farmers of the country are entirely satisfied 
 with our present bank and currency laws. These laws are un- 
 doubtedly in need of amendments that will tend to do away with 
 the periodical financial panics, which injure the legitimate indus- 
 tries of the country. In such countries as France, Germany, 
 Great Britain and Canada money stringencies, under which pre- 
 miums are paid for the use of currency, are unknown, even in 
 times of business depression. It should be possible for this great 
 and wealthy country to have a banking and currency system equal 
 to the best in the world, and I am sure that the farmers will give 
 their support to legislation creating a system, provided it is free 
 from all taint of monopoly." 
 
 Other important matters reviewed were agricultural 
 extension, election of United States Senators by the 
 people, the high cost of living, and the income tax 
 amendment. 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer reported total resources as 
 $118,825.83. 
 
 The Worthy Secretary reported that 409 new 
 Granges had been organized and 45 dormant ones re- 
 organized during the year. 
 
 The Committee on "Good of the Order" made the 
 following report, which was adopted : 
 
 "New questions and problems affecting the interests and rights 
 of farmers are constantly arising, and the Grange thought and 
 thinkers should not hesitate to tackle them as they rise, in a broad, 
 statesmanlike manner. The founders of the Grange built upon 
 the solid rock, and the superstructure since reared upon that
 
 n. j. bachelder's administration, 1910-1911 267 
 
 foundation by great and wise leaders is fortunately broad enough 
 to cover our entire nation and to meet every kind of problem or 
 condition that may confront us. The National Grange is the 
 highest law-making body of the Order, and its grasp of agricul- 
 tural and economic problems should be nation-wide. It cannot 
 deal with local or sectional questions. 
 
 "State Granges must deal with state-wide problems. In New 
 Hampshire it may be summer boarders, and in Florida it may be 
 winter resorts. In the South it is cotton; in New York it may 
 be fruit growing or dairying ; in the Mississippi Valley one thing, 
 and on the Pacific slope another; in Kansas grasshoppers, and 
 in Texas cotton boll weevil. Each state must deal with its own 
 problems in its own way. But that is not all; the counties, as 
 units in the several states, have problems peculiar to themselves, 
 and with these the Pomona Granges must grapple, and, within 
 still smaller limits, the Subordinate Grange becomes the unit of 
 influence. It is the business of the National Grange to build up 
 and strengthen all these units of activity. 
 
 "If the Grange is to prosper in New England it must do the 
 things the farmers there want done. If the states of the far 
 West are to continue to grow, they must be active in solving the 
 economic problems that are vital to the Pacific slope. If the 
 Grange is ever to recover its lost power, influence and leadership 
 in the central West, it must put its hand to the plow and its brain 
 to work upon the things that are nearest to the heart of the 
 dwellers among the fertile fields of the greatest agricultural 
 valley in the world. Among the many things the Grange needs 
 to impress upon its membership everywhere, we name the fol- 
 lowing: 
 
 "1. Regular attendance upon all meetings of the Grange and 
 the cheerful performance of every duty, and a wholesome re- 
 spect for all officers and decisions of the Grange of which they 
 are legal members. 
 
 "2. Whether in office or in the ranks, a sincere respect for the 
 rights of others, and a ready recognition of the truism that dif- 
 ference of opinion is no crime. 
 
 "3. The Grange in the past has accomplished much through 
 hard work and untiring efforts of those who have been chosen 
 our leaders, and the silent work of the faithful few to be found 
 in every Subordinate Grange. If this work is to be continued 
 and carried to still greater and grander results it will only be by 
 the united efforts of those who are faithful to their obligations, 
 under whatever circumstances they are placed. 
 
 "4. Any member of the Order who tries to delittle or discredit 
 the work of another, or tries in any way to injure the good name
 
 268 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 or reputation of a brother or sister, violates the obligations they 
 have taken and are not worthy the name of Patron of Husbandry. 
 
 "5. The most vital need of the farmers in this country is bet- 
 ter business methods, and if the Grange is to lead the farmers, it 
 must devise and promulgate some workable plan for the applica- 
 tion of better business methods to agriculture. 
 
 "6. The Grange should devise some plan of making the farm- 
 ers more potential in the political affairs of the country. Con- 
 sidering their numbers and the importance of their occupation 
 to the welfare of mankind, the farmers are woefully impotent in 
 directing the affairs of government. The trend of legislation 
 since the founding of the nation has been toward the building 
 of cities and to the detriment of the country, which now should 
 be remedied. 
 
 "7. The Grange should become more active in promoting edu- 
 cational facilities adapted to country conditions, as distinct from 
 the town and city-made systems of education. 
 
 "8. It must get into the lives of rural people, grasp the real 
 problems of the open country and demonstrate its capacity for 
 efficient service if it would deserve and secure the support of 
 the farmers of the country. 
 
 "9. It cannot win by becoming a social club or a literary so- 
 ciety, but must get into virile sympathy with the real producing 
 farmers, who earn their bread by the sweat of their faces. Pass- 
 ing resolutions only will not satisfy the people, who feel that there 
 is a great robber horde between the slaving producers and the 
 hungry consumers. 
 
 "10. The Grange must work out the great principle of co- 
 operation and present it to the farmers in some workable form 
 by which they may secure for themselves and their families a 
 larger share of what the harvest yields. 
 
 "11. The Grange should be a bureau of rural economic re- 
 search, and thereby assume its rightful place as leader in rural 
 economics. 
 
 "12. The Grange should avail itself of the best thought of the 
 age in solving the production and distribution problems, which 
 this wonderful commercial age is bringing upon us, and exert a 
 wholesome influence upon the development of social country life. 
 
 "13. The relation between the cost of production of food and 
 its cost to the consumer should be accurately determined by the 
 Grange and truthfully placed before the producers and consumers. 
 
 "14. The changes in the standard and cost of living, and in 
 the economy, solvency and stability of rural communities should 
 receive careful attention.
 
 n. J. bachelder's administration, 1910-1911 269 
 
 "15. The economic interdependence of the agricultural pro- 
 ducer and the urban consumer, and the extent and incidence of 
 middle profits in the distribution of agricultural produce, should 
 receive illumination. 
 
 "16. How far agricultural and rural employment can relieve 
 the problems of city unemployment and assist the work of social 
 reclamation needs to be determined. 
 
 "The greatest good of the Order must result from making the 
 Grange of the greatest possible service to the real, living, work- 
 ing farmers of the country. It has been a motor force in many 
 helpful movements, and in many ways has organized and incor- 
 porated the best thought of the most intelligent farmers about 
 means for rural advancement. It has been an integral part of, 
 and a most potent factor in, the expansion of American farm 
 life; and to continue to meet its great responsibilities, it must 
 continue to vitalize and energize the best farmer thinking of 
 the country. It must be conservatively progressive, with sound 
 thinking safely guiding every progressive step it takes. It should 
 seek rather than shun responsibility, and invite the whole world 
 to witness how sanely and firmly it meets those responsibilities. 
 In work well done must forever be the greatest good of the 
 Order." 
 
 One of the most important matters that came before 
 this session was the situation confronting the 
 "Official Organ." The Worthy Master said in regard 
 to it: 
 
 "The National Grange Official Organ, which began publica- 
 tion November 1, 1907, was financed by private parties to May 1, 
 1910, involving the National Grange in no expense beyond the 
 payment of a small price for preparing the Lecturer's page and 
 sending the paper to charter members of the new Granges. On 
 the above mentioned date the publishers of the paper, having 
 completed their contract with the Executive Committee, did not 
 wish to renew under the proposition made by the National 
 Grange, and paid over to the Executive Committee the entire 
 amount received for unfilled subscriptions. An arrangement was 
 made with a publishing house to continue the paper, financed by 
 the National Grange, and you will be called upon at this session 
 to determine what course shall be taken in the future in regard 
 to the paper." 
 
 A special committee was appointed to consider this 
 matter, which made the following report, which was 
 adopted :
 
 2JO PATRONS OF lll'SHANDRY 
 
 "The Committee on National Grange Official Organ has inves- 
 tigated and considered the subject submitted to US very carefully, 
 has given hearing to parties interested, and reports the following 
 recommendations to the National Grange: 
 
 "First. We recommend that the National Grange Official Organ 
 be discontinued with the last issue of December, L910. 
 
 "Second. That the National Grange establish The National 
 Grange Bulletin, to be owned, controlled and published by the 
 National Grange, 
 
 "Third. We recommend that the administration of the paper 
 shall be vested in a board of management consisting of the 
 National Lecturer, National Overseer, and Chairman of the 
 Executive Committee of the National Grange. 
 
 "Fourth. That the paper shall be conducted as an exclusively 
 Grange publication solely for extending the policies of the Na- 
 tional Change as widely as possible, and it shall not enter the 
 held of agricultural or news publications, nor be permitted to 
 depart from its sphere as a National Grange publication. It 
 shall especially promote the educational phases of OUT Order, shall 
 disseminate information relative to legislation in which the 
 Grange is interested, and shall seek in every way to aid in 
 extending Grange information and influence. 
 
 "Fifth. That the paper shall be issued monthly, beginning 
 with the month of January, 1911. 
 
 "Sixth. That the net expense to the National Grange for 
 issuing such a publication for twelve months shall not exceed 
 three thousand dollars." 
 
 With only slight modification of this plan the paper 
 has ever since boon successfully conducted. 
 
 A new and more liberal policy of Grange extension 
 was adopted, providing" for the expenditure of all the 
 funds and all the income above $100,000. 
 
 The Grange position on railway freight rate increase 
 was stated as follows: 
 
 "Whereas, The farmers are the largest shippers of freight over 
 our railways, and any increase in freight rates is in the last 
 analysis chiefly paid by them; and 
 
 "Whereas, The railroads are now demanding the right to 
 charge higher freight and passenger rates, for which we believe 
 there is no justification; therefore 
 
 "Resolved, That the National Grange favors the strict regu- 
 lation by the federal government of all railroads engaged in 
 interstate commerce, and urge that the Interstate Commerce Com-
 
 I 271 
 
 .essary in order to pay 
 
 toed, 7? at we f - 
 
 : ♦.hi 
 
 F. .\". Gc - . re-elected a 11 
 
 The 
 met at Cc er 15-24, 191 :. 
 
 the ' 
 
 Same 
 
 a I Mi llalcne, 
 
 1 
 
 annual 
 jeen 
 ! 
 states after- lancy. He 
 
 "The f k conditior - : o-opera* 
 
 - to utilize the desire .:' die farmers :.- 
 
 '/.-■.-y---,'-'- v\ ■-. -":■-.'-. -. :';-*'--- r- ■-/"':■ \-':.t~.':\ 'J-. ;- 
 should be exercised by the members of the Grange in giv- 
 
 : these associations, and the char- 
 nancial standir.: 
 
 :'u!"y ' - -• 
 
 farm tc the cily ar. / to the farm, bttt 
 
 oubtless be many :' unless great c< - sJcen 
 
 ... .- . ■ . . 
 
 e merr.' Fa few promoters. 
 
 an by a Grant 
 
 "The popular demand for the en- 
 
 *he pec- .ocated by the 
 
 bill pr- methc
 
 272 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Currency and banking reform was discussed as fol- 
 lows: 
 
 "The question of so amending our banking and currency laws 
 as to do away with the defects and dangers of our present sys- 
 tem is one of vital importance to the farmers, since the financial 
 panics to which the country is constantly liable, so long as con- 
 ditions remain unchanged, injure the farmers more than any 
 other class. I appreciate the fact that there are wide differences 
 of opinion among the members of the Grange as to the lines 
 along which currency reform legislation should be enacted, but 
 this only serves to emphasize the necessity for a thorough study 
 and discussion of all phases of the question, so that an agree- 
 ment may be reached as to the policy which should be favored 
 by the farmers. 
 
 "While we are unanimously agreed in opposing the creation 
 of a great central bank, and should use our influence to prevent 
 the enactment of financial legislation that would tend to give 
 certain individuals or classes special privileges, we favor a bank- 
 ing system that provides for the effective co-operation of all the 
 banks of the country, so as to make it possible for the stronger 
 banks to aid the weaker institutions in event of a widespread 
 financial crisis. We should also be ready to give our cordial 
 assistance to an honest, practical plan for remedying present 
 currency conditions, which are universally admitted to be danger- 
 ous to the continued prosperity of the country. The subject 
 should be studied and discussed from an impartial, nonpolitical 
 standpoint, and action should be taken to impress on our Senators 
 and Representatives the importance of considering the farmers' 
 interests when the question comes up for action by Congress." 
 
 In view of subsequent legislation on this subject, 
 the position taken by the Grange is of especial sig- 
 nificance. 
 
 Probably no more comprehensive and thoughtful 
 address has ever been delivered to a National Grange 
 session. The Worthy Master had determined not to 
 stand for re-election and in conclusion he said : 
 
 "My term of office as Master of the National Grange, with 
 which position you honored me six years ago, expires at this 
 session. This closes a period of twenty-eight years of continu- 
 ous service as an official of the New Hampshire State Grange 
 and National Grange. During this entire period I have ear- 
 nestly endeavored to advocate the principles, promote the in-
 
 N. j. bachelder's administration, 1910-1911 273 
 
 terests and protect the good name of this the greatest and 
 grandest farmer's organization that ever existed in the world. 
 I need not weary you with a recital of its victories and achieve- 
 ments, for their record is a matter of history. The time has 
 now arrived when I must be relieved from further official 
 service in the Grange. It is with feelings of personal sadness 
 that I make this decision, for it necessarily severs many associa- 
 tions with those whom I have labored and to whose loyal efforts 
 should be given credit for the great success of the organization. 
 With the same co-operation in the future, the person whom you 
 choose as my successor will lead the Grange to greater and 
 grander achievements and still further advance its influence in 
 the promotion of all the interests of the American farmer and his 
 family." 
 
 After a service of eight years in that office, the 
 Worthy Overseer, T. C. Atkeson, also declined to stand 
 for re-election. In concluding his report, he said : 
 
 "A host of new issues are coming upon us which the farmers 
 of the country, as well as every other class of our citizenship, 
 must help to solve. We must decide whether we shall serve man 
 or mammon ; whether we shall elevate the dollar and debase 
 democracy; whether the government shall control the corpora- 
 tions, or the corporations control the government; whether the 
 cost of distribution shall take two-thirds of the consumer's dol- 
 lar; whether agriculture shall secure a square deal in the mad 
 rush to appropriate the earnings of the other fellow; and, above 
 all, whether the Grange shall develop and discipline a safe and 
 sane leadership for the agricultural masses in this country of 
 ours. In the face of the gigantic, economic, social and political 
 problems that are now demanding our thoughtful attention, it is 
 little short of criminal for the Grange to stop to wrangle over 
 non-essential differences of opinion or policy, thereby committing 
 an unpardonable sin against human welfare. All differences must 
 be settled by the majority. In a democracy there is no other 
 way. A wrangle among ourselves must weaken our effectiveness 
 as certainly as the overthrow of discipline and order would de- 
 stroy the effectiveness of an advancing army in front of a power- 
 ful enemy. No army without discipline, and disloyal to its 
 leaders, has ever won a great victory and never will. 
 
 "The Grange has nothing to fear from the outside; but sedi- 
 tion, disloyalty and treachery on the inside mean ignominious 
 failure and death. United by the strong and faithful tie of agri- 
 culture, the future of the Grange must be crowned with still 
 greater achievement for the people who dwell in the open coun-
 
 274 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 try. May God give us strength and wisdom to discharge our full 
 duty to those people ! 
 
 Worthy Treasurer Eva S. McDowell reported total 
 resources of the National Grange, October i, 191 1, as 
 $113,003.04. 
 
 It will be noticed that this total is $4,922.79 less than 
 the total one year before. This came about as the 
 result of a more liberal extension policy which had 
 absorbed the entire income of the National Grange 
 above current expenses and nearly $5,000 of the assets. 
 
 The Secretary reported 453 new Granges organized 
 and 60 dormant Granges reorganized. The increase of 
 42 new Granges over the previous year hardly justified 
 the increased expense. 
 
 The Board of Managers of the National Grange 
 Monthly made a full report of the financial condition 
 of the paper under their management for the first year, 
 showing "the present condition of the paper altogether 
 promising," with the conclusion that: 
 
 "What the future of The National Grange Monthly may be ex- 
 pected to be, can to some extent be judged by the year herein re- 
 ported ; though the fact must not escape attention that in getting a 
 new paper of this sort going there were obstacles to overcome, 
 starting expenses to be borne and a standing to be made for the 
 paper. We believe The National Grange Monthly today has the 
 respect of all the members of the Order who are familiar with it; 
 that it is recognized as exactly what the instructions of this body 
 one year ago directed it should be — a genuine Grange paper; and it 
 has adhered strictly to that field, believing that to be its legitimate 
 place and the one where all its efforts could be most wisely con- 
 centrated. 
 
 "We recommend that the future management of The National 
 Grange Monthly be vested in a Board of Managers, consisting 
 of three members of the Order, who shall be elected annually by 
 ballot of this body, by the following method : At the present ses- 
 sion one member of said Board shall be elected for a term of 
 three years, one for two years, and one for one year. And each 
 year thereafter one member for a term of three years." 
 
 In compliance with this recommendation later in the 
 session, Oliver Wilson, N. P. Hull and T. C. Atkeson
 
 N. J. BACHELDER'S ADMINISTRATION, I9IO-I9II 275 
 
 were elected a Board of Managers, for three, two and 
 one year, respectively. 
 
 The report of the Committee on Finance, as it was 
 finally adopted, was as follows: 
 
 "We recommend that the voting members and officers receive 
 $4 a day for the time necessary to reach the place of session, at- 
 tendance during session, and return therefrom; and 3 cents a 
 mile for distance traveled by the nearest practical route in com- 
 ing to and returning therefrom. 
 
 "We recommend that the Worthy Master receive $2000 per 
 annum and traveling expenses while away from home in the dis- 
 charge of his official duties, also his necessary office expenses. 
 
 "We recommend that the Worthy Lecturer be paid $400 per 
 annum and $4 a day and necessary traveling expenses while 
 away from home in the discharge of his duties by direction of 
 the Executive Committee, also his necessary office expenses. 
 
 "We recommend that the Worthy Treasurer be paid $500 per 
 annum and $4 a day and necessary traveling expenses while 
 away from home by direction of the Executive Committee, also 
 office expenses. 
 
 "We recommend that the Worthy Secretary be paid $1,200 per 
 annum and $4 a day and necessary traveling expenses while 
 on duty by direction of the Executive Committee, also his neces- 
 sary office expenses. 
 
 "We recommend that each member of the Executive Com- 
 mittee be paid $4 a day when engaged in the work of the Na- 
 tional Grange and necessary office and traveling expenses." 
 
 The Grange reiterated its former position on many 
 questions of public importance and renewed its pledges 
 to press forward in the cause of agriculture. 
 
 One of the features of the session was the presenta- 
 tion of a silver tea service to the retiring Master and 
 wife as a token of appreciation of faithful service fo* 
 the Grange. 
 
 The six years of Worthy Master Bachelder's service 
 had been ably conducted, and especially notable 
 for their brilliant legislative record. He left the Order 
 greatly strengthened in numbers and sound in its 
 treasury and financial management. The new adminis- 
 tration had a fair field for accomplishment, and the
 
 276 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 work of the year was taken up with zeal and energy. 
 The Worthy Master had the Grange field spread out 
 before him ready for cultivation.
 
 CHAPTER XXV 
 
 Oliver Wilson's Administration — First Term, Two 
 
 Years, 1912-1913 — Forty-Sixth and Forty-Seventh 
 
 Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 The forty-sixth session of the National Grange met 
 at Spokane, Wash., November 13 to 22, 1912. All the 
 officers were present: 
 
 Master — Oliver Wilson, Illinois. 
 Overseer — L. H. Healey, Connecticut. 
 Lecturer — N. P. Hull, Michigan. 
 Steward — D. C. Mullen, Idaho. 
 Assistant Steward — Geo. R. Schaefer, Wisconsin. 
 Chaplain — C. F. Smith, Vermont. 
 Treasurer — Mrs. E. S. McDowell, Massachusetts. 
 Secretary — C. M. Freeman, Ohio. 
 Gatekeeper — A. B. Judson, Iowa. 
 Ceres — Mrs. Esther E. Pattee, New Hampshire. 
 Pomona — Mrs. Cordelia Atkeson, West Virginia. 
 Flora — Mrs. Ida Judson, Iowa. 
 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Mrs. Mary A. Smith, Vermont. 
 Executive Committee — F. N. Godfrey, Chairman, New York; 
 C. O. Raine, Secretary, Missouri; S. H. Messick, Delaware. 
 
 The following 29 states were represented : Califor- 
 nia, E. T. Pettit; Colorado, John and Mrs. Morris; 
 Connecticut, J. A. and Mrs. Sherwood; Delaware, 
 S. H. and Mrs. Messick; Idaho, H. and Mrs. Har- 
 land ; Illinois, Robert and Mrs. Eaton ; Indiana, Aaron 
 and Mrs. Jones; Iowa, A. B. and Mrs. Judson; Kan- 
 sas, Geo. and Mrs. Black; Kentucky, F. P. and Mrs. 
 Wolcott; Maine, C. S. and Mrs. Stetson; Maryland, 
 H. J. and Mrs. Patterson ; Massachusetts, C. M. and 
 Mrs. Gardner; Michigan, N. P. and Mrs. Hull; Min- 
 nesota, Sarah G. and Mr. Baird ; Missouri, C. O. and 
 Mrs. Raine; Montana, O. E. and Mrs. Young; New 
 Hampshire, Richard and Mrs. Pattee; New Jersey, 
 
 277
 
 278 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 G. W. F. and Mrs. Gaunt; New York, W. H. and Mrs. 
 Vary; Ohio, T. C. and Mrs. Laylin; Oregon, C. E. and 
 Mrs. Spence; Pennsylvania, W. T. and Mrs. Creasey; 
 Rhode Island, F. E. and Mrs. Marchant; South Da- 
 kota, G. R. and Mrs. Malone; Vermont, C. F. and 
 Mrs. Smith; Washington, C. B. and Mrs. Kegley; 
 West Virginia, T. C. and Mrs. Atkeson; Wisconsin, 
 H. M. and Mrs. Culbertson. 
 
 Like the first message of a new governor or a new 
 president, the first annual address of a new Worthy 
 Master is looked for with more than ordinary interest. 
 Worthy Master Wilson measured up to this respon- 
 sibility with credit and ability. He stated that : 
 
 "The condition of the Order has been gradually improving 
 throughout the year, both in growth and efficiency of work. There 
 have been organized from October 1, 1911, to October 1, 1912, 
 472 new Granges, besides the number reorganized, exceeding by 
 19 the proud record of new organizations which was made last 
 year." 
 
 One new State Grange was organized in Montana. 
 He declared: 
 
 "The time has come for active and aggressive work in extend- 
 ing the Order in new states, where there is a demand for the 
 Grange and evidence given that a live, active State Grange will 
 be maintained. Important and desirable as this part of the work 
 may be, it is of far greater importance to build up the Grange 
 states which are now weak, for if all states which are not repre- 
 sented in the National Grange were well and thoroughly organ- 
 ized, alive and active in all departments of Grange work, their 
 influence would be irresistible and the organization would spread 
 through other states. 
 
 "By and through the united effort of our membership, coupled 
 with other agencies at work for the same end, the zone system of 
 parcels post was adopted, and will go into effect January 1. Al- 
 though I fully realize that this law is not all that the Grange 
 has asked for, I believe that we should give it our loyal support ; 
 but we should, instead of relinquishing our efforts, redouble our 
 energy to secure a general parcels post system that will be 
 equitable and just, and which will best serve all our people. 
 
 "The Grange stands for and advocates Federal aid for road 
 improvement. There can be no good reason given why the Gov-
 
 Nahum J. Bachelder, New Hampshire, tenth Master of the 
 
 National Grange.
 
 Oliver Wilson, Illinois, eleventh Master of the National 
 
 Grange.
 
 OLIVER WILSON'S ADMINISTRATION, I9I2-I913 279 
 
 ernment should not appropriate money for the maintaining and 
 the improving of the public highway the same as for our public 
 waterways. Seventy-five per cent of the product of our country 
 must pass over the public highway before it can be transported 
 over our railway or water systems. While the Government has 
 spent millions of dollars for highway improvement in our foreign 
 possessions, it has never appropriated one dollar to be used on the 
 highways in continental United States. 
 
 "Two years ago the National Grange authorized the publication 
 of The National Grange Monthly, a paper owned and controlled 
 by the National Grange, the object being to furnish information 
 to our members from every section of the country, showing to 
 them, as can be done in no other way, what this organization of 
 ours is accomplishing, and how we are knit and bound together 
 for common good. This paper is not expected to, and should not, 
 interfere with any state publications, because they occupy entirely 
 different fields and one cannot take the place of the other." 
 
 His interpretation of the Grange and politics was as 
 
 follows : 
 
 "Having received during the past few months many inquiries, 
 especially from our newer members, in regard to the Grange and 
 politics, I feel called upon to clearly set forth, as I understand it, 
 the Grange position on this question. The Declaration of Pur- 
 poses, adopted at the seventh session of the National Grange, 
 makes clear the position, wherein it says : 'We emphatically and 
 sincerely assert the oft-repeated truth taught in our organic law, 
 that the Grange — National, State or Subordinate — is not a poli- 
 tical or party organization.' On page 42 of the Digest we find 
 the following: 'The word political in the Constitution means 
 partisan politics, and does not include or refer to general ques- 
 tions of political economy. Political circulars dated at the 
 Grange, or in any way bearing the impress of the Order, such as 
 using official letterheads, envelopes, or in any way that shall 
 'create the impression that the Order is political, or lends itself to 
 partisan political action, is a violation of the fundamental laws of 
 our Order, and should in all instances be disapproved !' 
 The Grange from its earliest organization has adhered to this 
 high standard and must continue so to do. The National Grange 
 should be a leader in public thought and public action, and should 
 advocate measures because they are in the interest of the agricul- 
 tural class. I am always pleased to see our members elected to 
 offices of trust, and believe thereby our organization is strength- 
 ened and enabled to do more effective work, but no officer or past 
 officer has a right to use his official position or allow himself, dur-
 
 280 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 ing these political campaigns, on any political platform, to be 
 introduced as an officer of the Grange, nor has any officer or mem- 
 ber the right, according to our organic law, to write partisan let- 
 ters or addresses for publication and allow his name to be signed 
 thereto as an official or past official of the Grange." 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer reported the total resources 
 
 of the National Grange, October I, 1912, to be $99,- 
 
 390-35- 
 
 The Worthy Secretary reported 472 new Granges 
 
 organized and 33 dormant Granges reorganized. 
 
 A surplus of more than $1 18,000 two years before had 
 been reduced to $99,390.35, besides using the entire 
 income of the National Grange. Increased salaries, 
 and per diem, and expansion, and extension in other 
 directions, had helped to do this. The Committee on 
 Finance made the usual recommendations, with the 
 proviso "that the amount used shall not be so great as 
 to reduce the funds of the National Grange below 
 $100,000, at the end of the year." A motion to amend 
 was made that the funds were not to be reduced below 
 $90,000. 
 
 Looking back across the years of Grange history to 
 the time when the National Grange had become bank- 
 rupt after having dissipated hundreds of thousands of 
 dollars worse than uselessly, the writer opposed the 
 motion to amend with all the force he could command, 
 but the motion to amend prevailed by two majority. 
 
 The following resolution was adopted: 
 
 "Whereas, The telegraph and telephone are universally con- 
 ceded to be one of the best means of transmitting news, informa- 
 tion, etc.; and 
 
 "Whereas, The present system of privately owned and con- 
 trolled telegraph and telephone lines is so complicated and exten- 
 sive that these valuable additions to our business and social life 
 are beyond the reach of the common people ; therefore, be it 
 
 "Resolved, That we recommend that a vigorous campaign of 
 education be instituted by this body looking toward the establish- 
 ment of a modern, nation-wide system of telegraph and telephone 
 lines owned and operated by the National Government as a part 
 of the postal service."
 
 OLIVER WILSON'S ADMINISTRATION, I912-I913 28l 
 
 Many other resolutions were adopted concerning a 
 wide range of economic subjects, and calculated to 
 emphasize the work of the Grange and magnify the 
 dignity and importance of agriculture. To fully ap- 
 preciate the splendid work done and the broadminded- 
 ness of this militant organization of farmers, one must 
 read the carefully prepared reports of committees, the 
 reports of officers and reports of masters of State 
 Granges. The latter gave quite a clear insight into the 
 activities of the Order in the several states. 
 
 C. S. Stetson of Maine was elected a member of the 
 Executive Committee for three years. 
 
 In a spirit of hearty fraternal good fellowship, the 
 Grange closed in form, and once more the members, 
 endowed with a new inspiration of humanitarianism, 
 departed for their homes to take up again the work in 
 their several states. 
 
 The forty-seventh session of the National Grange 
 met at Manchester, N. H., November 12 to 21, 1913. All 
 the officers were present and in their places when the 
 Grange opened. Thirty states were represented by the 
 same delegates as at the last session, except Maryland 
 was not represented and the following changes were 
 made: 
 
 California, Jos. and Mrs. Holmes; Delaware, F. C. 
 and Mrs. Bancroft; Illinois, T. A. and Mrs. Denney; 
 Kansas, A. P. Reardon; Kentucky, D. A. and Mrs. 
 Lafferty; Michigan, J. C. and Mrs. Ketcham ; Minne- 
 sota, C. L. and Mrs. Rice; Nebraska, J. D. and Mrs. 
 Ream; Rhode Island, J. A. and Mrs. Peckham; Ver- 
 mont, W. N. and Mrs. Cady. 
 
 The Worthy Master reported the State of Wyoming 
 as having been duly organized, and the State Grange 
 was represented at this session by A. F. and Mrs. Hart. 
 
 "The question of extending the Order is of vital importance. 
 New states should be added, but it is of far greater importance
 
 282 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 to strengthen the states which are now weak, thereby enabling 
 them to accomplish more effective work and exert a greater in- 
 fluence than can be done in their present condition. 
 
 "I merely desire to call attention to the fact that, after a quar- 
 ter of a century of agitation and education, another victory has 
 been secured for the Grange— United States Senators are now 
 directly amenable to the people. 
 
 "It must be remembered that the Grange was in the forefront 
 of this battle and practically stood alone for years during the 
 time when this measure was most unpopular. 
 
 "Another Grange victory was secured by the enactment of the 
 parcels post law, which for more than twenty years was advocated 
 by the Grange. Since establishing the parcels post system, the 
 Postmaster-General has added to its efficiency by increasing the 
 parcel weight limit and decreasing the rate." 
 
 Oleomargarine amendment, federal aid for highway 
 improvement, agricultural credit, peace, The National 
 Grange Monthly, and National Grange legislative policies, 
 were interestingly discussed by the Worthy Master. 
 
 Attention was called to the fact that during the past 
 year O. H. Kelley, the last one of the "seven founders 
 of the Order," had passed away. 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer reported total resources of 
 the National Grange, October 1, 1913, to be $95,923.04. 
 
 The Secretary reported 411 new Granges organized 
 and 20 dormant Granges reorganized. 
 
 The Committee on Finance at this session, recog- 
 nizing the soundness of the contention not to reduce 
 the funds below $100,000, made the following report, 
 which was adopted : 
 
 "We recommend that $100,000 be retained in the Treasury for 
 permanent investment or pressing emergency, and that such sur- 
 plus over said amount as may accrue after payment of running 
 expenses and salaries be placed at the disposal of the Executive 
 Committee to be used for extension work." 
 
 Nothing but the most dire necessity should ever 
 tempt the National Grange to reduce this "reserve 
 fund." It should be increased rather than reduced. 
 
 The Committee on Resolutions said among many 
 other things:
 
 Oliver wilson's administration, 1912-1913 283 
 
 "We shall name some of the things yet unaccomplished which 
 now demand our attention, as follows : 
 
 "A greatly extended and improved parcel post, more extensive 
 and simplified postal savings banks and the loaning of their ac- 
 cumulated funds to farmers, is demanded. 
 
 "Better, more scientific and more effective protection for our 
 dairy interests against fraudulent and unfair competition is im- 
 peratively necessary. 
 
 "In our opinion the time has come when the Government 
 should own and operate the telegraph and telephone systems of 
 the country in the interest of the people. 
 
 "We believe in the policy of the Federal aid to road improve- 
 ment, but insist that such improvement must be primarily for the 
 purpose of connecting the farms of the country with the railroads 
 and shipping centers and not for cross-country speedways. 
 
 "We demand that the natural resources of our country shall be 
 conserved to the greatest extent possible consistent with a rea- 
 sonable and economic use of the same. 
 
 "We indorse the physical valuation of railroads now under- 
 taken by the national government and demand a more effective 
 railroad and express regulation. 
 
 "We indorse a national plan for vocational education and agri- 
 cultural extension, but we regard the improvement of country 
 elementary schools and of the rural high schools of greater and 
 paramount importance. 
 
 "We believe the time has come when the National Grange 
 should develop and inaugurate some general plan of mutual or 
 co-operative life insurance. 
 
 "In most of our states the burden 01 government bears most 
 heavily and unequally upon agricultural property, and the Grange 
 should everywhere exert its full force in bringing about more 
 equitable tax laws." 
 
 The session approved a group picture of "the seven 
 founders" of the Order, prepared by W. N. Howard of 
 Massachusetts ; favored an amendment to the U. S. 
 Constitution prohibiting the manufacture and sale of 
 intoxicating liquors ; favored loaning money deposited 
 in postal savings banks directly to farmers and home 
 builders at a low rate of interest sufficient to pay the 
 cost of the business, under necessary restrictions to 
 insure safety ; favored government ownership of tele- 
 graph and telephone systems ; they viewed with ap-
 
 284 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 prehension the growing tendency toward monopoliz- 
 ing the water power of this country, and urged 
 upon Congress and the several state legislatures the 
 early enactment of laws to prevent water power 
 monopoly and to preserve as far as possible that most 
 inexhaustible source of power for the welfare of all 
 the people ; indorsed the activities of alert cham- 
 pions of pure food throughout the country to the 
 end that producers receive justice and that consumers 
 are protected; asked and demanded of Congress the 
 enactment of a law that would prevent such counterfeit- 
 ing and fraud by prohibiting the manufacture and sale 
 of oleomargarine, for interstate shipment, of a 
 color imitating that of butter or any shade of yel- 
 low; opposed all forms of franchises for the 
 enrichment of the few at the expense of the peo- 
 ple, the elimination of the public lands, except to 
 bona fide settlers, the wholesale grabbing of the 
 mineral wealth of the nation by syndicates; fa- 
 vored conservation generally of all the natural re- 
 sources, the public lands, water power, coal lands and 
 mineral deposits by the Federal Government, not alone 
 for the interest of this generation, but for the genera- 
 tions to come. 
 
 Many other resolutions of importance were adopted, 
 but these few indicate the scope of action of the body 
 at this time. 
 
 At the preceding session of the National Grange 
 a committee had been appointed to confer with President- 
 elect Wilson about the appointment of a Secretary of 
 Agriculture. This committee, composed of T. C. Atke- 
 son, Richard Pattee, and C. O. Raine, called upon Gov- 
 ernor Wilson at the Governor's office in the State 
 House at Trenton, N. J., January 27, 1913. After a 
 conference of considerable time he remarked that as he 
 could not remember all that had been told him, he 
 would ask the committee to file with him a memo-
 
 Oliver Wilson's administration, 1912-1913 285 
 
 randum. In compliance with this request, the follow- 
 ing letter was later mailed to him : 
 
 "Hon. Woodrow Wilson, Trenton, N. J. 
 "Dear Sir: 
 
 "When the undersigned committee of the National Grange con- 
 ferred with you on January 27 with reference to your Secretary 
 of Agriculture, you did us the honor to suggest that we file with 
 you a memorandum of our views upon the subject. You will 
 remember that we did not urge any particular candidate, but 
 confined what we had to say to the character and qualifications 
 of the man we desired. The great agricultural class are intensely 
 interested in the selection you may make. 
 
 "1. We trust that the office of Secretary of Agriculture may 
 never be awarded as a political favor, but because of fitness for 
 office only. 
 
 "2. We believe that the Secretary of Agriculture should have 
 broad scholarship, far-seeing statesmanship, and splendid execu- 
 tive ability, but he must have something more than these. 
 
 "3. The position of Secretary of Agriculture is a professional 
 one, and he should be a farmer to the same extent and for the 
 same reasons that the attorney-general should be a lawyer. 
 
 "4. He should stand for the American farmer, and should 
 not only be in sympathy with farmers, but so identified with 
 them in vocation, ideas and effort that farmers recognize him as 
 one of themselves. 
 
 "5. A man reared on the farm and whose life has been spent in 
 a study of its problems would be best qualified to deal with them. 
 
 "6. He should have made a study of the agricultural conditions 
 and possibilities, and know the agricultural resources of the 
 country and the possibilities and probabilities of their develop- 
 ment with the material at hand. 
 
 "7. It is most essential that the head of this department shall 
 be a man identified in the public mind with agricultural matters, 
 around whom agricultural interests and workers will rally with 
 confidence in his leadership. 
 
 "8. We believe that two or three of the men who have been 
 suggested would have the confidence of the farmers, and other- 
 wise measure up to the requirements of the office, and we trust 
 that after mature deliberation you will select the man who most 
 nearly fills the specifications enumerated above. 
 
 "9. His location, his training, his early life on the farm, and 
 his known sympathy with the farmer people of the country, as 
 well as his demonstrated executive ability, should indicate his 
 fitness for large usefulness to American agriculture.
 
 286 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 "10. We have no personal interest in any candidate, and will 
 pledge the Grange to support heartily anyone you may select who 
 possesses the above qualifications, and will do our best to promote 
 his work. 
 
 "In conclusion, we want to thank you on behalf of the Na- 
 tional Grange and of ourselves for the courteous treatment ac- 
 corded to us upon the occasion of our conference, and we venture 
 to express the hope that you may select a man for the important 
 office who may fill the large measure of service expected of him 
 by farmers of America who eat and sleep and labor in the open 
 country." 
 
 The Board of Managers of the National Grange 
 Monthly made a very encouraging report, in which 
 they said : 
 
 "Summarized concisely, our financial record of the nearly 
 three years that The National Grange Monthly has been issued in 
 its present form and under the present management, means that, 
 starting with nothing three years ago January, the paper has 
 been carefully conducted during that period; has been enlarged 
 from sixteen to twenty pages; greatly improved in contents, 
 illustration and general appearance; and comes to this session 
 with a balance on hand, of cash and bills receivable, of almost 
 $1,000, while nothing from the emergency appropriation that has 
 been available from the National Grange Treasury, had it been 
 needed to carry on the paper, has been drawn. 
 
 "Steadily and surely the paper has been established on a sound, 
 permanent basis, and today it must be reckoned as one of the 
 distinct assets of the Order." 
 
 Several sets of resolutions on "rural credits" had 
 been referred to the Committee on Resolutions, which 
 reported as follows : 
 
 "All the above resolutions have been carefully considered, 
 and, realizing the importance of the subject of rural credits at 
 this time, your committee has digested as best it could all the 
 above whereases and resolutions, and, after a full discussion of 
 the many phases of the subject, has decided to present to the 
 National Grange the following resolutions with recommendation 
 that they be adopted : 
 
 "1. Resolved, That it is the opinion of the National Grange 
 that any legislation for the purpose of bettering farm credits is 
 a part of the great national policy of conservation of food supply, 
 and as such the government of the nation should carry out this
 
 Oliver wilson's administration, 1912-1913 287 
 
 policy, and it cannot properly be delegated to private capital for 
 general exploitation and profit. 
 
 "2. Resolved, That any farm credit association which shall 
 receive any privileges by or under federal or state law should 
 be composed of farmers and not by capitalists of high finance 
 who have, heretofore, dominated agricultural credit and created 
 conditions which now demand relief. 
 
 "3. Resolved, That any farm credit plan which does not include 
 a direct reduction of the 'prevailing rates' of interest, as well as 
 a long term of small annual payment upon farm mortgages, will 
 not meet agricultural requirements. 
 
 "4. Resolved, That the government of the United States should 
 borrow money at a rate of interest not to exceed 3^2 per cent 
 and lend the money at a rate not to exceed 414 per cent to the 
 farmers upon long time farm land mortgages, with such restric- 
 tions as may be necessary to make the government perfectly 
 secure, and the profit to the government to be expended in road 
 improvement or for some other object that will benefit the whole 
 people." 
 
 After considerable discussion all the resolutions were 
 
 adopted. 
 
 This was the most largely attended session of the 
 National Grange ever held. The Seventh Degree class 
 numbered 5,459, and there were probably not fewer 
 than 10,000 members of the Order in attendance. 
 
 The Master of the Wisconsin State Grange reported 
 the following : 
 
 "For several years the University of Wisconsin has conferred 
 an honorary degree of appreciation of service rendered the pub- 
 lic upon some persons of meritorious achievement, and, appre- 
 ciative of the work of the Grange and its Founder, decided to 
 confer such degree of honor upon our Most Worthy Brother 
 Oliver II. Kelley. The plans were formulated and executed at 
 the annual farmers' course of two weeks in February, but the 
 event of his death became known just prior to the presentation ; 
 but the exercises of presentation were performed and the certifi- 
 cate of honor forwarded to his family as an honorary memento 
 from the great agricultural state of Wisconsin. The following 
 is the wording : 
 
 "THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN 
 "Recognizing the eminent service of Oliver H. Kelley in the 
 development of agricultural thought and practice and in appre-
 
 288 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 ciation of his efforts for the improvement of agricultural condi- 
 tions this 
 
 "TESTIMONIAL 
 
 is presented upon the recommendation of the Faculty of the Col- 
 lege of Agriculture, with the approval of the Regents of the Uni- 
 versity. 
 
 "In Witness Whereof, It is sealed and signed by the President 
 of the Regents, the President of the University, and the Dean 
 of the College of Agriculture." 
 
 This recognition by a great university of the chief 
 Founder of the Order was appreciated by every mem- 
 ber, and the honor could not have been more worthily 
 bestowed.
 
 CHAPTER XXVI 
 
 Oliver Wilson's Administration — Second Term, Two 
 
 Years, 1914-1915 — Forty-Eighth and Forty-Ninth 
 
 Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 The forty-eighth annual session of the National 
 Grange met at Wilmington, Del., November 11-20. 
 1914. 
 
 All the officers were present but the steward, as fol- 
 lows: 
 
 Master — Oliver Wilson, Illinois. 
 Overseer — W. H. Vary, New York. 
 Lecturer — G. W. F. Gaunt, New Jersey. 
 Steward — F. C. Bancroft, Delaware. 
 Assistant Steward — J. Arthur Sherwood, Connecticut. 
 Chaplain — A. P. Reardon, Kansas. 
 Treasurer — Mrs. Eva S. McDowell, Massachusetts. 
 Secretary — C. M. Freeman, Ohio. 
 Gatekeeper — C. L. Rice, Minnesota. 
 Ceres — Mrs. Esther E. Pattee, New Hampshire. 
 Pomona — Mrs. Cora E. Ketcham, Michigan. 
 Flora — Mrs. Ella Peckham, Rhode Island. 
 Lady Assistant Steward — Mrs. Mabel H. Harland, Idaho. 
 Executive Committee — C. S. Stetson, Maine; A. B. Judson, Iowa; 
 W. N. Cady, Vermont. 
 
 Thirty states were represented as follows : Califor- 
 nia, Joseph and Mrs. Holmes; Colorado, John and Mrs. 
 Morris; Connecticut, J. A. and Mrs. Sherwood; Idaho, 
 H. and Mrs. Harland; Illinois, T. A. and Mrs. Denny; 
 Indiana, L. H. and Mrs. Wright; Iowa, A. B. and Mrs. 
 Judson ; Kansas, A. P. Reardon ; Kentucky, D. N. and 
 Mrs. Lafferty; Maine, C. S. and Mrs. Stetson; Mary- 
 land, B. John and Mrs. Black; Massachusetts, Edward 
 E. and Mrs. Chapman; Michigan, J. C. and Mrs. 
 Ketcham ; Minnesota, C. L. and Mrs. Rice ; Montana, 
 O. E. and Mrs. Young; Missouri, C. O. and Mrs. 
 Raine; Nebraska, J. D. and Mrs. Ream; New Hamp- 
 
 289
 
 29O PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 shire, Wesley and Mrs. Adams ; New Jersey, G. W. F. 
 and Mrs. Gaunt; New York, W. H. and Mrs. Vary; 
 Ohio, T. C. and Mrs. Laylin; Oregon, C. E. and Mrs. 
 Spence; Pennsylvania, W. T. and Mrs. Creasy; Rhode 
 Island, J. A. and Mrs. Peckham ; South Dakota, G. W. 
 Dixon; Vermont, W. N. and Mrs. Cady; Washington, 
 C. B. and Mrs. Kegley; West Virginia, T. C. and Mrs. 
 Atkeson; Wisconsin, H. M. and Mrs. Culbertson; 
 Wyoming, A. F. and Mrs. Hart. 
 
 In regard to the condition of the Order, the Worthy 
 Master said : 
 
 "Grange influence is being felt in every department of life; 
 it has become a strong factor in shaping legislation, both state 
 and national, that is, in the interest of the masses. The Grange 
 today occupies an enviable position; its action is being watched 
 by every interest, for they fully realize that the organized 
 farmer is a force that must hereafter be reckoned with. 
 
 "As time goes on and our Order grows in numbers and in- 
 fluence, there is more expected, more responsibility placed upon 
 it, so that we are compelled to assume greater burdens of respon- 
 sibility and reach out into broader fields of work. I am glad 
 to be able to state that the Grange is measuring up to this new 
 responsibility, and that more and better work is being done and 
 broader fields of activity are being entered than ever before. 
 Thus it must continue if we expect to hold the confidence of the 
 people. 
 
 "The Grange holds a proud record in the past for things 
 undertaken and accomplished, but we must remember that we 
 must live for the present and for the future. 
 
 "Our membership, taken as a whole, is a united and har- 
 monious body that has but one object in view, and that is what is 
 best for the people and our great institutions. With this general 
 harmony and unity of purpose it is no wonder that there have 
 been more Granges organized during the fiscal year than there 
 has been in any one year for almost half a century." 
 
 North Dakota was reported as a new Grange state, 
 but it was not represented. The Worthy Master in- 
 dorsed a sound financial policy as follows: 
 
 "The total resources of the National Grange October 1, 1913, 
 were $95,923.04. During the year this has been increased, and 
 October 1, 1914, we had to the credit of the National Grange 
 $99,992.34. In my opinion it will be good business policy to stead-
 
 OLIVER WILSON'S ADMINISTRATION, I9I4-I915 29 1 
 
 ily increase this fund, in a ratio that will not hamper progress 
 or extension work, until we have $100,000 for a permanent in- 
 vestment." 
 
 The Worthy Master condemned free distribution of 
 seeds; favored federal aid for highway improvement; 
 discussed foreign immigration ; farm credit ; peace ; 
 the fiftieth anniversary of the Grange ; The National 
 Grange Monthly, of which he said : "It is no longer an 
 experiment, but has proven that a strictly Grange 
 paper can be maintained by the Order. It is exerting 
 a wonderful influence ; for, through its columns, our 
 members are kept informed as to the real and true con- 
 dition of the Order. It enables them to more fully 
 understand and appreciate the full scope of Grange 
 work." 
 
 Of the Grange legislative policies, he said : 
 
 "In reviewing the records of the National Grange it is inter- 
 esting to note the number of legislative questions that have been 
 prominently before the Grange. In later years many of these 
 have been enacted into law and have consequently been dropped 
 from our consideration. It cannot be estimated exactly how 
 much influence the Grange has had in bringing about a change of 
 sentiment as well as the enactment of many good, wholesome and 
 just laws, but it is a fact that the Grange has exerted a power- 
 ful influence on legislation, and it stands today with an unsullied 
 record, recognized as a true and conservative organization — one 
 that asks not for special favors, but demands equity and justice 
 to all." 
 
 Supplementing this, Worthy Overseer W. H. Vary 
 said in his report: 
 
 "We cannot afford to be satisfied with the conquests already 
 won, and the advancements that have been made through the 
 influence of our noble Order in making farm life more worth 
 the living, but we must work for still further advancement until 
 we can demonstrate to the world at large that we are what we 
 claim to be — the greatest organization known that has for its 
 object, not only the betterment of agricultural conditions, not 
 only the creation of a beter manhood and womanhood among 
 ourselves, but the uplift and benefit of humanity in the world at 
 large.
 
 292 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 "Perplexing problems are continually arising that not only vi- 
 tally affect the interests of agriculture, but the happiness and con- 
 tentment of our fellow-citizens engaged in other occupations, and 
 it is for the grand Order of Patrons of Husbandry to do its 
 share in the settlement of these important questions, to the end 
 that agriculture may not only receive its just reward, but that 
 we regard the rights and interests of others. To do this will 
 require our best thought and earnest effort. 
 
 "The splendid achievements of the Order during the short 
 space of less than half a century is a monument to the wisdom 
 and foresight of the founders of our Order who builded better 
 than they knew. The founders of our Order have passed away ; 
 but their works still live in the hearts and homes of all true 
 Patrons of Husbandry, and to you and me has fallen the price- 
 less heritage of their energy and faithful labor in the cause of 
 agriculture. When our task is finished, and our labors are over, 
 and we have surrendered our places of responsibility and trust, 
 and have given account of our stewardship, may it be said of us, 
 as we can and do say of them, 'Well done, good and faithful 
 Stewards !' " 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer reported the total resources 
 of the National Grange October 1, 1914 : Balance with 
 the Farmers' Loan and Trust Co., $22,751.92; deposits 
 in savings banks, $10,443.62; railway and other bonds, 
 $55414-12; loans on real estate, $10,852.34; unex- 
 pended Grange extension fund, 244.90; unexpended 
 deputy fee fund, $285.44; a total of $99,992.34. 
 
 Secretary Freeman reported 490 new Granges or- 
 ganized and 28 dormant Granges reorganized during 
 the year. 
 
 The Board of Managers of The National Grange 
 Monthly made a full report, in which it said: 
 
 "The past twelve months in the work of The National Grange 
 Monthly has been the most successful in the history of the pub- 
 lication, and the annual report now about to be made must bring 
 distinct satisfaction to this body, as well as to the Patrons every- 
 where, inasmuch as the paper has made itself such a positive and 
 helpful factor in the Grange work of the country. 
 
 "Wholly aside from the financial report, there are ample evi- 
 dences of the success of The National Grange Monthly and of 
 the certainty that it has now been placed upon a basis of per- 
 manence that leaves no doubt of its future. The increase of its
 
 Oliver wilson's administration, 1914-1915 293 
 
 subscription list to nearly three times its size at the start; a 
 steady gain in advertising patronage and the recognition of the 
 paper by the leading advertising agencies in the country; the 
 growing extent to which The National Grange Monthly is ac- 
 cept -d as the official spokesman of the Grange and the quota- 
 tion of its statement of Grange policies and plans by the press 
 of the United States, agricultural and otherwise; and, best of 
 all, the growing confidence in the paper, expressed by the 
 Patrons everywhere, and backed up by their increasing subscrip- 
 tions and more frequent contributions — these are the proof of 
 success in The National Grange Monthly to which first impor- 
 tance may be attached." 
 
 The following resolutions, introduced by T. C. Atke- 
 son, were unanimously adopted : 
 
 "Whereas, The National Grange has accumulated a consider- 
 able surplus fund, and, recognizing the influence and prestige 
 resulting from a sound financial condition, therefore 
 
 "Resolved, That the National Grange, in forty-eighth annual 
 session assembled, does hereby create a permanent endowment 
 fund of $100,000, and the Executive Committee is hereby in- 
 structed to make the best possible investment of said fund in 
 government, state, municipal or other bonds or first mortgages 
 upon fai.n lands, not to exceed one-half the value thereof, out 
 of any funds that are now or may hereafter be in the treasury of 
 the National Grange and available for that purpose, until the full 
 amount of $100,000 is invested. As such investments mature 
 they shall be reinvested and the amount maintained at not less 
 than $100,000, and the interest only shall be available for current 
 use." 
 
 This would seem to fix the policy of the National 
 Grange on that subject. "Position on Conservation" : 
 
 "We recommend that the National Grange, in reaffirming its 
 "position on conservation, insist that no national resource now 
 owned by the Government, either federal or state, shall be sold, 
 but shall be developed, either by the Government or under a sys- 
 tem of short term leases, and that all forest lands, water powers, 
 mines and similar natural resources that have passed into private 
 ownership shall be taxed at a fair rate on their full franchise 
 valuation. The operating capitalists are entitled to a fair return 
 on the capital invested, but they are not entitled to a monopoly 
 tribute for the natural resources which God, in his infinite wis- 
 dom, gave for the equal benefit of all the people of this and suc- 
 ceeding generations."
 
 294 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 The Grange, throughout its past history, had in one 
 way and another, had much to say on the subject of 
 "road improvement." At this session a special com- 
 mittee was appointed to formulate what may be said 
 to be the Grange road improvement platform. Be- 
 cause of the importance of the subject, the complete 
 report is reproduced here : 
 
 "Whereas, The Grange has been the pioneer in the good roads 
 movement and national aid for same, and as the sentiment for 
 good roads is practically universal; and 
 
 "Whereas, There is a great danger of this sentiment being 
 diverted toward the construction of scenic highways and boule- 
 vards for the benefit of tourists and pleasure seekers, rather than 
 for the business interests of the general public; and 
 
 "Whereas, The roads needed first are those which put the 
 farmers in close touch with the trading centers and enable the 
 producer and consumer to reach each other quickly, inexpensively 
 and easily, and save the farmer much money in the cost of haul- 
 age and which enable the consumer to receive a share of the 
 benefits; and 
 
 "Whereas, The more economical and more expeditious trans- 
 portation of the products of the farm to the consumer would 
 reduce the cost of living and be of equal benefit to both consumer 
 and producer; and 
 
 "Whereas, While the scenic road advertises the state, the in- 
 terior highway develops its resources, the former are desirable 
 when they can be afforded, but the latter are indispensable; and 
 
 "Whereas, Business roads are the chief concern of the Grange, 
 and we insist that their construction, maintenance and control 
 shall be k^pt within the smallest possible unit of population or 
 area consistent with the highest efficiency of administration, in 
 order that the money appropriated shall be spent close to the 
 people most directly concerned ; therefore, be it 
 
 "Resolved, By the National Grange in this the forty-eighth 
 annual session, that the old adage, 'Business before pleasure,' is 
 especially true in regard to the location and construction of pub- 
 lic highways; and be it 
 
 "Resolved, That we are opposed to the many bonding schemes 
 advocated by those seeking touring roads, believing that the pay- 
 as-you-go policy is far more businesslike in road building, what- 
 ever may be the unit of administration; and be it 
 
 "Resolved, That roads are local affairs and their control should 
 remain with the people in whose midst they are located; and
 
 Oliver Wilson's administration, 1914-1915 295 
 
 "Resolved, That the National and State governments may pro- 
 vide general standards for construction and maintenance of roads 
 and may protect themselves by inspection; and 
 
 "Resolved, That we call the attention of all our people to the 
 grave dangers in top-heavy bureaucratic control of road admin- 
 istration and to the fact that much of the support for the good 
 roads comes from those who are more anxious to build roads for 
 bonds than to sell bonds for roads; and be it 
 
 "Resolved, That the legislative committees of the Grange, both 
 National and State, are urged to use every honorable endeavor 
 to secure, first, business roads that will serve the best interests 
 of both producer and consumer." 
 
 The following resolution was adopted: 
 
 "Whereas, The year 1866 is the real beginning of the order of 
 Patrons of Husbandry, the appointment of Brother O. H. Kelley, 
 by Commissioner of Agriculture Isaac Newton as an agent of the 
 the Department, to visit the southern states, was dated January 
 1, 1866; he started on his visit January 13, 1866, and he tells us 
 'from January to May, 1866, the idea of an association was fast 
 getting fixed in my mind.' In April of the same year he first 
 gave an outline of his plan to a friend in Georgia, and the last of 
 the same month Miss Carrie A. Hall suggested that ladies be 
 given full membership, many other incidents indicate that the 
 year 1866 was the formative year; and 
 
 "Whereas, The meeting of the National Grange in November, 
 1916, will be the fiftieth annual session; therefore, be it 
 
 "Resolved, That a suitable celebration commemorative of the 
 founding of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry be ordered for 
 some date during the 1916 session of the National Grange, and 
 in furtherance of this idea that a committee of three be ap- 
 pointed at this session, with instructions to report to the 1915 
 session, a plan for a suitable semi-centennial celebration of the 
 founding of the Order, with such recommendations as the com- 
 mittee may think proper for the carrying out of such plan." 
 
 W. N. Cady, Vermont, was elected a member of the 
 Executive Committee for three years. 
 
 With a record of much business well done, the members 
 of the National Grange left Wilmington in fine spirits 
 and scattered to their several states to take up the work 
 nearer home.
 
 296 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 The forty-ninth annual session of the National 
 Grange met at Oakland, Cal., November 10-19, 1915. 
 All the officers were present and thirty-one states were 
 represented as at the last session, except as follows: 
 Delaware, F. C. and Mrs. Bancroft; Ohio, L. J. and 
 Mrs. Taber; Pennsylvania, J. A. and Mrs. McSparran; 
 Wyoming, Thos. E. Gunson. 
 
 North Dakota was entitled to representation, but 
 her delegates were not present. 
 
 On the condition of the Order, the Worthy Master 
 said: 
 
 "It is a pleasure to report that the Order is in a very healthy 
 and prosperous condition in all sections of our Grange territory. 
 Newly awakened interests are being shown by thousands of Sub- 
 ordinate Granges in taking up, discussing and solving those per- 
 plexing problems which must be solved and overcome in every 
 neighborhood if the conditions of the rural community are im- 
 proved as they should and must be; thus the Grange is being 
 recognized as a power for bettering conditions of the home, the 
 community, the state and the nation. The Grange is recognized 
 by all as one of the greatest factors for the betterment of com- 
 munity life. It is this recognition for service that makes the 
 action of the Grange on all questions watched with greater inter- 
 est year by year. In our prosperous condition more is expected 
 than ever before." 
 
 The Worthy Master discussed co-operation, free dis- 
 tribution of seed, federal aid to highway improvement, 
 farm credit, non-partisan tariff commission, peace, na- 
 tional prohibition, setting out the oft-repeated posi- 
 tion of the Grange upon these and other subjects. 
 
 Worthy Overseer W. H. Vary asserted that : 
 
 "When men high in political life and those in executive author- 
 ity really understand what this Order stands for and its aims and 
 purposes, they will readily give greater consideration to what is 
 said when our leaders speak. We, as farmers and leaders of this 
 great organization, have a right to be and are justly proud of our 
 profession, for agriculture is really and truly a profession equal, 
 if not superior, to any other profession or calling, and one on 
 which success in many other lines of business depends. It has 
 been truly said that when agriculture languishes all other busi- 
 ness declines."
 
 OLIVER WILSOX'S A;- TBATION, 1914-1915 297 
 
 The Worthy Treasurer reported the total resour< 
 of the National Grange October 1, 1915, to be $104,- 
 
 233-79- 
 
 The Secretary reported 542 new Granges organized 
 
 and twenty dormant Granges reor d during the 
 
 year. 
 
 When the official program of the sessions of the 
 National Grange- wras issued, it coi d the an- 
 
 nouncement that November 13 would be Patrons' Day 
 at the Panama-Pacific J . Ltion. In accordance with 
 
 this program, the Gran; v to the Exposition 
 
 ground in a body, where the tnembei ' by 
 
 some of the representatives of the Board of Managers 
 and escorted to the California building, Com- 
 
 missioner Vogelsang, who ited the president of 
 
 the Board of Man; led a hearty welcome 
 
 and pre d to the National Grange a bronze plaque, 
 
 suitably engraved. Worthy Master Oliver 1 re- 
 
 ed it, and in well-e" led his 
 
 thanks and the thanks of the National Gran the 
 
 courtesy extended. 
 
 The Patrons then ted different >ns of the 
 
 California building, where many court' 
 them. The remain 
 the great cm. 
 
 The usual memorial servi 
 
 in the magnificent chapel 1 I Stan- 
 
 \ Jr., Uni : y at Palo All hole 
 
 tnbership went for t: se. 
 
 The Committee on the Fiftieth Anniv 
 as foil 
 
 -nmittee 
 which we may properly •' the 
 
 ubmit * 
 "Whereas, The it 
 will be the fiftieth 
 
 "Wher has made a recoi 
 
 it may well be proud it
 
 298 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 "Resolved, That the first Saturday, or such part of it as may 
 be needed, after the opening of our session at our next annual 
 meeting, be set aside as celebration day, and that our Worthy 
 Master be authorized to appoint a committee of five whose duty 
 shall be to prepare a program suitable to the celebration of this 
 great day. 
 
 "We further recommend that this program committee select 
 some one to write an address containing a short but true history 
 of the organization, growth and achievements of our Order; that 
 this address be printed in pamphlet form and placed in the Sec- 
 retary's hands for distribution as Grange literature. 
 
 "We would further recommend that each State Grange cele- 
 brate in some appropriate manner the fiftieth anniversary of the 
 organization of the Patrons of Husbandry; also that each sub- 
 ordinate Grange in the United States of America, on December 
 4, 1916, or at its regular stated meeting in December, give a pro- 
 gram fitting the occasion. 
 
 "We would further recommend that these meetings be open to 
 the public and that as much publicity be given to our achievement 
 and to the principles of our Order as possible." 
 
 The Committee on Woman's Suffrage made a com- 
 prehensive report with these comments and recom- 
 mendations: 
 
 "On behalf of the National Grange, your committee views 
 with keen satisfaction the present encouraging position of the 
 woman's suffrage movement. We are proud of the fact that the 
 Grange was the first great body in this nation to adopt woman's 
 suffrage, and to safeguard it by providing for the equality of 
 women with men in the exercise of all rights, privileges and 
 governing powers in its organic laws. Thus, the Grange, having 
 both by precept and example, been the pioneers of this 'New Free- 
 dom,' it is eminently fitting it should take a foremost stand in 
 the movement to give to all women their right of suffrage. There- 
 fore, we recommend 
 
 "1. That the National Grange reaffirm its unqualified indorse- 
 ment of woman's suffrage and urge all State Granges to take 
 similar action. 
 
 "2. That the National Grange indorse and support the move- 
 ment to secure equal suffrage by amendment of the Federal Con- 
 stitution." 
 
 While the National Grange had many times indorsed 
 woman's suffrage as a principle and recommended its
 
 Oliver Wilson's administration, 1914-1915 299 
 
 adoption by states, this is the first time it had ever 
 indorsed "equal suffrage by amendment of the federal 
 constitution." 
 
 In lieu of several resolutions on peace, which were 
 referred to the Committee on Peace, it made the fol- 
 lowing report, which is given in full because of the 
 world-wide interest in the subject at this time. 
 
 "Whereas, There is a widespread agitation for the increase of 
 the army and navy, involving a high expenditure of money, upon 
 the pretext and supposition that they may be needed to defend 
 this nation against attack from other nations, and this urgent 
 plea — under the name of preparedness — is being advocated by 
 special interests that will be financially benefited thereby; by 
 those who, not directly benefited, but who, through special priv- 
 ilege have rmassed great wealth and who wish to increase the 
 army for their protection; by those who, from training, have a 
 taste for militarism ; and by metropolitan newspapers influenced 
 by the foregoing classes and by their advertising patronage; and 
 
 "Whereas, The reply to it all is: (1) All the large nations of 
 the world from whom the United States has any reason whatever 
 to fear in its present state of preparedness are slaughtering each 
 other and daily growing weaker physically and financially; one- 
 half their fighting force is already killed or maimed and crippled, 
 and, within the probable duration of the war, in the end will be 
 in a pitiable and helpless condition. And it is against these help- 
 less nations that selfishness and men who have lost their heads 
 and been carried off their feet are crying out for preparedness. 
 This world's war will close with public sentiment against war as a 
 means of settling disputes. 
 
 "(2) A nation on the eastern continent surrounded by other 
 nations may be forced to arm, so long as neighboring nations 
 continue to do so. But the United States is separated from them 
 "by wide oceans far from their base of supplies, and the reason 
 for a nation in Europe or Asia arming does not apply to us. 
 
 "(3) Preparedness that will make us efficient and strong in 
 time of peace as well as war, is a wise, economic, industrial and 
 educational policy that will increase opportunity, encourage thrift 
 and industry, increasing the number of home owners and tending 
 to make a prosperous, happy and contented people. Instead of 
 following a military policy that ruined the civilizations of Rome 
 and Spain, and is now destroying that of the other nations of 
 Europe, we should learn wisdom and that the victories of peace 
 are greater than the victories of war.
 
 300 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 "The five billion dollars contemplated to be spent on army and 
 navy, at $5,000 per mile, would build one million miles of macad- 
 amized pikes in the United States, crossing it five hundred times 
 from ocean to ocean, or from its northern to its southern boun- 
 dary, putting the money among the people, tending to make them 
 prosperous, happy and contented, to love their nation and ready 
 to defend it. With such a road system an unlimited number of 
 men could be transferred in motor cars and concentrated quickly 
 where needed. 
 
 "We call attention to the fact that the regular soldier has no 
 wife, is not allowed to marry, has nothing to defend, and the 
 volunteer soldier in times of war has ever excelled him — the 
 regular soldier, in time of war, permanently dropping out of 
 sight. They were whipped at the first battle of Manassas, in 
 our late war, by volunteers, and were never heard of afterwards. 
 
 "Whereas, We hope the time will soon come when democratic 
 ideals will prevail over all the world; when kings, kaisers and 
 czars shall be no more, and their crimes shall be memories of a 
 past age; when the dove of peace, like a winged messenger of 
 heaven, shall hover over all the earth. 
 
 "Whereas, Should all profit be taken away from the manu- 
 facture of armor plate and munitions of war, and supplied by 
 government manufacture or control of profits, we believe that 
 much of this clamor for "preparedness" would soon cease; there- 
 fore, be it 
 
 "Resolved, Until universal peace is established, we favor the 
 manufacture of its own munitions of war by the federal govern- 
 ment. 
 
 "Resolved, That we are opposed to any increase in the stand- 
 ing army or any material increase in the navy. 
 
 "Resolved, That we approve the stand the President has taken 
 to maintain peaceful relations with all nations. 
 
 ''Resolved, While we recognize the right of the government to 
 draft men to protect the nation, we believe property rights in- 
 ferior to human rights, and that in event of war to repel invasion 
 or to protect our rights on a foreign soil, we demand the federal 
 government shall assume control of all transportation lines, and 
 all plants that may be used for the manufacture of the munitions 
 of war. 
 
 "Resolved, That until such time as the confidence in human 
 integrity and human righteousness enables the people of the 
 earth to maintain world-wide peace without the intervention of 
 military and naval police forces, we favor the formation of an
 
 Oliver Wilson's administration, 1914-1915 301 
 
 international police force to be contributed to by all adhering 
 nations and to be under the direction and control of such inter- 
 national Court of Control as the adhering nations may decide." 
 
 The Committee on Resolutions, to which had been 
 referred several resolutions indorsing a nonpartisan 
 tariff commission, made the following report, which 
 was unanimously adopted : 
 
 "Your committee has carefully considered all the above resolu- 
 tions, and we recommend the following briefer statement as a 
 substitute therefor: 
 
 " hereas, The tariff legislation of the country for many years 
 has been unfair to agriculture, and productive of great economic 
 waste, and is a handicap to real progress ; and 
 
 "Whereas, The time has come to demand that the juggling of 
 the tariff for political advantage or in the interest of favored in- 
 dustries shall cease, and that future tariff legislation shall be based 
 on ascertained facts and be in the interest of all people. There- 
 fore, be it 
 
 "Resolved, That it is the sense of this convention that Congress 
 shall at once create and permanently maintain a strictly nonpar- 
 tisan tariff commission to make a full and impartial investigation 
 that shall bring out the facts, and report the same to Congress 
 from time to time, and that in the makeup of said commission 
 agriculture shall be fully and fairly represented thereon. And, 
 
 "Resolved, further, That the Legislative Committee be and is 
 hereby instructed to do all it can to bring about the necessary 
 legislation at the ensuing session of Congress." 
 
 Several resolutions dealing with "farm credits" were 
 referred to the Committee on Resolutions, and after 
 the matter had been extensively discussed it was re- 
 ferred back to the Committee with instructions to 
 ■ formulate the policy of the National Grange upon that 
 subject. 
 
 The Committee reported the following, which was 
 adopted : 
 
 "Resolved, (1) That after years of investigation and a nation- 
 wide discussion of the subject of farm credit, we see no reason 
 for materially changing the position taken by the National Grange 
 at the Manchester and Wilmington sessions, and we reaffirm 
 the same ; 
 
 "Resolved, (2) That it is the opinion of the National Grange
 
 302 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 that ary legislation for the purpose of bettering farm credits is a 
 part of the great national policy of conservation of the food sup- 
 ply, and as such the government of the Nation should itself carry 
 out the policy, and it cannot safely be delegated to private capital 
 for exploitation and profit; 
 
 "Resolved, (3) That any farm credit association, which shall 
 receive any privilege of or under federal or state law, should be 
 composed of farmers and not of capitalists of high finance, who 
 have heretofore dominated agricultural credit and created con- 
 ditions which now demand relief ; 
 
 "Resolved, (4) That any farm credit plan which does not in- 
 clude a direct reduction of the 'prevailing rates' of interest, as 
 well as a long term of small annual payment upon farm mort- 
 gages, will not meet agricultural requirements or materially benefit 
 our farmers; 
 
 "Resohed, (5) That no farm credit law, which places in the 
 hands of private capital the power to make interest rates on mort- 
 gage bonds, without limitation by federal lav/, will meet either 
 the needs of agriculture or the just demands of the National 
 Grange ; 
 
 "Resolved, (6) That the government of the United States shall 
 lend money at a rate not to exceed 4]/ 2 % to the farmers, upon 30- 
 year farmland mortgages, with such provisions as may be neces- 
 sary to make the government perfectly safe, with the addition of 
 an amortization charge that will pay the principal in that time, 
 provided that not more than $10,000 shall be loaned to any one 
 person and that no person owning more than $20,000 worth of 
 land shall be entitled to these privileges; 
 
 "Resolved, (7) That the Legislative Committee and officers of 
 the Grange throughout the country are instructed to insist, on 
 behalf of this body, that more substantial government aid to 
 steady interest rates and uphold the market for farm mortgage 
 bonds shall be included in the bill finally passed by Congress." 
 
 The following officers were elected for the next bi- 
 ennial term : 
 
 Master — Oliver Wilson, Illinois. 
 
 Overseer — W. H. Vary, New York. 
 
 Lecturer — E. E. Chapman, Massachusetts. 
 
 Steward — F. C. Bancroft, Delaware. 
 
 Assistant Steward — John Morris, Colorado. 
 
 Chaplain — A. P. Reardon, Kansas. 
 
 Treasurer— Mrs. E. S. McDowell, Massachusetts. 
 
 Secretary — C. M. Freeman, Ohio. 
 
 Gatekeeper — C. L. Rice, Minnesota. 
 
 Ceres — Mrs. Eva Sherwood, Connecticut.
 
 Oliver Wilson's administration, 1914-1915 303 
 
 Pomona — Mrs. Cora E. Ketcham, Michigan. 
 Flora — Mrs. Ella R. F. Peckham, Rhode Island. 
 Assistant Steward — Mrs. Mabel H. Harland, Idaho. 
 Members of the Executive Committee — C. S. Stetson, W. N. Cady 
 and A. B. Judson. 
 
 This closes the story of the National Grange up to 
 the present. The fiftieth annual session of the Na- 
 tional Grange will be held at Washington, D. C., No- 
 vember, 1916, when the semi-centennial anniversary 
 of the Order will be celebrated at the place of its 
 founding.
 
 CHAPTER XXVII 
 What the Grange Has Achieved in Half a Century- 
 After following the thread of Grange history for half 
 a century, it seems appropriate in this closing chapter 
 to summarize to some extent its aspirations and 
 achievements. The fact that the Grange has been 
 able to perpetuate itself and its machinery of or- 
 ganization among the farmers of this country for half 
 a century is alone no mean achievement, and is a com- 
 plete refutation of the oft-told story that the farmers 
 will not stick together. It is true that all of them will 
 not stick, but the Grange is a demonstration that some 
 of them will. 
 
 It has been said that "the Grange claims everything 
 from the Interstate Commerce Act to the Anti-Sher- 
 man law." That specific charge is not true; but we 
 do claim even more than that. For fifty years the 
 Grange has indorsed, urged and supported every 
 proposition for the educational, social and economic 
 betterment of farm conditions and agricultural 
 people. Many progressive things have been accom- 
 plished, and agriculture is, in some measure at least, 
 keeping pace with the up-to-now-ness of the world. 
 
 No well-informed person would claim that the 
 Grange is wholly responsible for any of these agricul- 
 tural achievements, but that it has been an important, 
 and, in many instances, the dominating factor in bring- 
 ing them about, no one but the uninformed will deny. 
 In a democratic government the only irresistible force 
 is the power of well-directed public opinion. Upon 
 all movements for rural betterment, the Grange, 
 through its perfect and well-disciplined machinery, has 
 been a leader in creating that public opinion which has 
 
 304
 
 WHAT THE GRANGE HAS ACHIEVED 305 
 
 influenced Congress, legislatures and courts, and has 
 shaken to its foundations the old, circumscribed, aristo- 
 cratic idea of education, and broadened our social and 
 economic views. 
 
 We have no desire to claim for the Grange more than 
 it is fairly entitled to, nor is it possible for us to follow 
 its benign influence through the work of all the thou- 
 sands of Subordinate and Pomona Granges, or through 
 the splendid achievements of the several State Granges, 
 every one of which has its own story and its own 
 meed of accomplishments to its credit, each dealing 
 with the problems of its local environment and its local 
 political, social, economic and educational require- 
 ments. With all this the National Grange has been in 
 harmony and sympathy, and as the head of this splen- 
 did machinery of organization the State, Pomona and 
 Subordinate Granges have always been in substantial 
 accord. 
 
 While the preceding chapters of this story have 
 mainly followed the story of the National Grange as a 
 means of narrowing the field, it covers, in a general 
 way, the entire activities of the Order. In the 
 language of Dr. S. J. Buck, "The Grange Move- 
 ment was national in its scope, and some of the condi- 
 tions which it sought to remedy were prevalent 
 throughout the country ; still, the characteristics of the 
 movement differed in the various sections and were 
 conditioned in part on differences in the agricultural 
 situation." 
 
 Dr. Buck's excellent book on the "Granger Move- 
 ment" covers only the decade from 1870 to 1880, which 
 was the sensational and undisciplined decade of the 
 movement; but the organization did not succumb to the 
 reaction which he seems to consider the end of the 
 movement. The fact is it cleared its decks for action; 
 and has since been in better condition for real service 
 than during the period Avhen it had not yet "found
 
 306 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 itself." During that period the Grange found it 
 impossible to keep entirely out of politics, and in the 
 public mind the Granger Movement was largely, if 
 not wholly, a political movement, which collapsed 
 along with the Farmers' Alliance and some other farm- 
 ers' organizations which went up in the political smoke 
 of the Populist Party. With this political movement 
 the Grange as an organization had nothing to do, al- 
 though the excitement growing out of it and the issues 
 presented by it had much to do with demoralizing the 
 Grange membership in many localities. That the 
 Grange did not collapse utterly under the conditions of 
 the times may certainly be classed among its achievements. 
 
 It was a widespread opinion among the farmers in 
 the early years of the Grange movement that the farm- 
 ers were not represented in our law-making bodies as 
 they should be and that their interests were neglected 
 or discriminated against. That was largely true then, 
 and it is even more prevalent now, for farmer 
 representatives in Congress and our state legis- 
 latures are becoming as extinct as the fabled dodo. 
 A real working farmer in Congress is a thing of the 
 past, and he is a rare specimen in some of our state 
 legislatures. For instance, in West Virginia, in 1914, 
 there were eighteen candidates for Congress representing 
 the three political parties, and the farmers of the 
 state had seventeen lawyers and the president of a 
 university to choose from to elect six congressmen, 
 with the last census showing eighty per cent of the 
 population as rural. The outcome was the election of 
 three Republican and three Democratic lawyers. This 
 is not the only state with that kind of record, and 
 this is one of the discouraging features of the 
 so-called rural betterment movement of the present 
 day. The Grange has done what it could without 
 breaking into partisan politics to stem the tide that has
 
 WHAT THE GRANGE HAS ACHIEVED 2°7 
 
 been setting against the farmers as an important factor 
 in our governing citizenship. 
 
 The Grange has also done all it could to hold back 
 the "landlord and tenant" simoon from swallowing up 
 our independent landowning citizenship. The situa- 
 tion is surely serious enough when the best informed 
 authorities agree that by 1920 more than half the farms 
 — and largely the best farms — will be operated by 
 tenants and owned by nonresident landlords. 
 
 In the early days of the Grange, as might have been 
 expected, it attempted many impractical things, it 
 realized that conditions were wrong, and in its inex- 
 perienced efforts to right them it made mistakes. 
 But all the experience, cunning and unscrupulous 
 chicanery of the country was brought to bear by those 
 who feared the uprising of the farmers to secure their 
 embarrassment and downfall. The Grange ship dragged 
 her anchor, but she did not lose her moorings, and while 
 she has not yet, and probably never will, reach the 
 shore with all her self-assumed cargo of human better- 
 ment, she is still afloat on the ocean of human hopes 
 and aspirations and likely to remain there. 
 
 The Grange did not set out to be a co-operative as- 
 sociation, but because of the conditions existing in the 
 country along in the early seventies that issue was 
 forced upon the Order, and it attempted to solve it. 
 While it failed in a measure, the lessons taught 
 and experience gained have been important factors in 
 • every co-operative enterprise since, and the doctors 
 and professors who are having so much to say nowa- 
 days upon the subject of agricultural co-operation may 
 find every thought or suggestion they make in the 
 Grange literature of forty years ago. 
 
 We are told of the farmers that, "just as they 
 had lost political power, so their social position 
 had been lowered until the tilling of the soil, formerly 
 considered one of the highest of occupations, has
 
 308 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 come to be looked upon as a pursuit suitable only 
 to those who were not equipped for anything else." 
 There are many causes for this condition, and one of 
 the fundamental purposes of the Grange was to elimi- 
 nate the causes and cure this condition. Just bow far 
 it has succeeded may be a matter of doubt, but that the 
 Grange threw itself into the breach with considerable 
 effect cannot be doubted. 
 
 The whole tendency of our educational system was 
 calculated to aggravate and intensify the situation, 
 which the Grange sought at least to modify, through 
 a reform of our educational system. 
 
 Provision had been made for the establishment of agri- 
 cultural colleges in 1862 ; but, until the Grange came on 
 the scene in the early seventies, what a miserable farce 
 they were ! And even after the Grange began its heroic 
 fight for a decent compliance with the national law 
 appropriating the funds for such colleges, in many of 
 the states they did as little for agriculture as they could 
 and be able to obtain the funds. We now see agricul- 
 ture coming into its own in all the "land grant" 
 colleges. 
 
 The transportation problem, involving all the 
 abuses of the railroad development, was brought into 
 the limelight and a fight put up by the Grange in the 
 State Legislatures, in the courts and in Congress, 
 which culminated in the decision of the courts that the 
 creature could not be greater than the creator, the 
 creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission, and 
 the establishment of the principle of the right of the 
 government to control public utilities. Of course, the 
 Grange was not the only influence that brought this 
 about, but that it had a tremendous influence upon it 
 no student of the subject can deny. 
 
 The farmers found themselves confronted with or- 
 ganizations of capital in every department of business 
 with which, as individuals, they were helpless to cope, 
 and counter organization held out the only hope of
 
 WHAT THE GRANGE HAS ACHIEVED 309 
 
 relief. All the tariff, currency and taxation legislation 
 was influenced in the interest of others and against the 
 farmers. That the farmers should attempt to counter- 
 act all this by organization is not to be wondered at. 
 
 The existing conditions put the farmers in a frame 
 of mind to grasp at any straw, and the wonderful 
 growth of the Grange in the seventies was the result. 
 Self-seeking demagogues wormed their way into the 
 Order, and when they could not use it they sought to 
 kill it, and in many places succeeded entirely. That 
 the Grange did not perish, but held fast to the princi- 
 ples of right and eternal justice must not be put down 
 as one of the least of the Grange achievements. 
 
 As Mr. Aiken tells us, "Everybody wanted to join 
 the Grange then — lawyers to get clients, doctors to 
 get patients, merchants to get customers, Shylocks to 
 get their pound of flesh, and sharpers to catch the babes 
 in the woods." The Grange has never been able to 
 entirely absolve itself from that kind of membership, 
 and even now, at the end of half a century, it needs 
 to beware. A little more of the real farmer and a little 
 less of anyone else would be wholesome. 
 
 The Grange grew entirely too rapidly for its own 
 good in the early days, and a reaction must come to 
 squeeze out the flood of undesirables. The full effects 
 of this was seen during the eighties, when bankruptcy 
 and final dissolution stared the National Grange in the 
 face, and many State Granges and thousands of 
 Subordinate Granges dropped out. It was then that 
 the hyena laugh of the "kept press'"' and the cohorts of 
 special privilege, was heard in the land. "The Grange 
 is dead — long live Special Privilege," was the sub- 
 conscious wail. 
 
 At the head of the Grange and all along down 
 through the ranks of the Order were far-seeing, patri- 
 otic, loyal Patrons of Husbandry, who set themselves 
 to work to save the Order from the attacks of its
 
 310 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 enemies and from the dissensions within the ranks of 
 its misguided friends. With a steady hand and a con- 
 structive statesmanship the work of rebuilding the 
 Order was persisted in. 
 
 While the Grange succeeded in keeping out of any 
 serious political entanglements, it had a wonderful 
 influence in freeing its members from partisan prej- 
 udice until President Grant, in his Message to Con- 
 gress in December, 1873, made the statement that 
 "Political partisanship has almost ceased to exist, 
 especially in the agricultural regions." 
 
 Among the important accomplishments of the 
 Grange was its patriotic effort to allay the sectional 
 strife and bitter animosities growing out of the Civil 
 War. Although it did not bring them all into one great 
 brotherhood, as Mr. Kelley had hoped, it certainly did 
 much to allay this bitterness among the farmers of the 
 two sections. 
 
 Many of the state legislatures enacted reform laws 
 which were advocated by the Grange and other farm- 
 ers' organizations, and which were considered very 
 radical at the time, but most of them have been sus- 
 tained by the courts, and have become the basis 
 of much subsequent legislation in the interest of the 
 people. It is impossible even to name all these sub- 
 jects of legislation here, but the statutes of many of 
 the states are full of them. The Granger railroad leg- 
 islation alone in some of the central western states 
 would fill volumes, and the same influence spread into 
 all the states from Maine to Oregon. 
 
 The Grange was organized primarily as a social and 
 educational order, and while it ultimately covered a 
 much wider field, as we have seen, it certainly did 
 much to break up the isolation of farm life, and having 
 provided for the admission of women and children down 
 to fourteen years of age on a full equality, it partook 
 largely of the character of an enlarged family. It was
 
 WHAT THE GRANGE HAS ACHIEVED 3II 
 
 the first secret order to admit women on an equality 
 with men, and while it has never been a woman suf- 
 frage propaganda, there can be but little doubt but the 
 teaching and practices of the Grange have done much 
 to promote that cause. Undoubtedly the Order offered 
 to women even more than men an opportunity for 
 broader service and the cultivation of the social graces. 
 This alone is no mean achievement. 
 
 The Grange was not intended as a "benefit" or 
 "charitable institution," but it inculcated the principle 
 of charity throughout its membership, and, first and 
 last, large sums have been expended by Subordinate, 
 State and National Granges for charity. On the part 
 of the National Grange at least its liberality in that 
 direction was greatly abused. County fairs were 
 established in many places, agricultural and Grange 
 newspapers were established, and in practically all the 
 states some form of state department of agriculture 
 was created and farmers' institute work begun through 
 Grange influence. 
 
 The Grange led in the fight against the extension of 
 patents on sewing machines and farm machinery, 
 thereby very much reducing their price to consumers. 
 Tt also, through the courts and legislatures, established 
 the protection of innocent purchasers of patented 
 articles. 
 
 "The Granger Movement," says Dr. Buck, "was 
 primarily a movement for agricultural organization for 
 the advancement of the welfare of farmers in every 
 possible way — socially, intellectually, politically and 
 economically — by concerted effort. It was, moreover, 
 the first attempt at agricultural organization on a large 
 scale, but it was far from being the last, and the ideas 
 and ideals, if not the direct influence, of the Patrons of 
 Husbandry can be traced in every one of the later or- 
 ganizations," and it may be added that the Grange 
 still remains the balance wheel of all of them, and as
 
 312 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 a rule they weaken themselves just in proportion as 
 they depart from Grange ideals. The Grange has al- 
 ways extended the hand of fellowship to other farmers' 
 organizations, but has consistently avoided "entangling 
 alliances" with any of them. 
 
 The Grange early began agitation for the elevation 
 of the Department of Agriculture to a cabinet posi- 
 tion, and insisted upon it in the face of bitter opposition 
 until it was secured. Perhaps this would have come 
 about in the course of time if there had been no Grange 
 agitation, but it is just as easy and just as fair to say 
 the colonies would have gained their independence 
 at some time if there had been no "Boston Tea Party," 
 and that someone else would have been the "father 
 of his country" if Washington had never been born. 
 All we have ever claimed for the Grange is that it was 
 a leader of agricultural thought, which it crystallized 
 and made potent through organized influences. 
 
 As early as 1880 the Grange began the agitation for 
 the teaching of agriculture in the public schools, and 
 the idea was laughed at by so-called educators every- 
 where, but the Grange persisted, until now it has be- 
 come popular and the educators are claiming to be the dis- 
 coverers of the idea. Educators sometimes blind them- 
 selves kicking up the dust about the catacombs of 
 Rome instead of the dust of the field, and the 
 world is fast coming to realize that some knowl- 
 edge of the milky way of the Jersey cow is more 
 important than knowledge of the milky way that spans 
 the heavens ; and the Grange is largely responsible for 
 this change. 
 
 The Grange is not a temperance society, but it has 
 always taught and enforced temperance among its own 
 members, and has gone on record scores of times in 
 favor of prohibition, local, state-wide and nation-wide ; 
 and that it has had considerable influence in creating 
 sentiment in favor of prohibition, it would be ridiculous
 
 WHAT THE GRANGE HAS ACHIEVED 313 
 
 to deny. The Grange has always opposed fraud and 
 adulteration in human foods, and took an active part in 
 securing oleomargarine legislation to prevent that manu- 
 factured commodity from being sold as butter. 
 
 The Grange took an active part in securing the law 
 creating agricultural experiment stations, and later 
 was active in securing federal appropriations for agri- 
 cultural extension and demonstration work. 
 
 Ballot reform was advocated by the Grange in all 
 the states, and it has everywhere advocated "corrupt 
 practice" laws and the greatest possible protection to 
 our ballot system. It supported with all its might the 
 passage of the anti-trust law, and has ever since sought 
 to improve and strengthen it. It favored the creation 
 of the Department of Commerce and the Department 
 of Labor, with their heads as members of the Presi- 
 dent's Cabinet. 
 
 Among the most important achievements of the 
 Grange should be placed the establishment of free 
 rural mail delivery, and like it, though of less im- 
 portance to rural people, postal savings banks ; and 
 one of the most splendid victories of all was the 
 securing of a parcels post. We cannot go into these 
 matters in detail, but that the influence of the Grange 
 was a dominant factor in securing them no well-informed 
 person will doubt. All these measures have abun- 
 dantly vindicated themselves. A government-owned- 
 and-operated telegraph and telephone service is being 
 strongly urged upon Congress now. 
 
 The election of United States senators by the people 
 was early advocated by the Grange ; and the securing 
 of fairer treatment at the hands of money lenders, and 
 a lower rate of interest for farmers have been advo- 
 cated by the Grange from the first, which culminated 
 in the "rural credit" agitation, which has been enacted 
 into law. All these things and many more, as we have
 
 314 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 seen, have had the powerful support and influence 
 of the Grange. 
 
 With this we close the record of the past, with all 
 its heroism, loyalty, and unselfish devotion to ideals. 
 Commemorating the splendid achievements of half a 
 century, the Grange has planned a semi-centennial cele- 
 bration of the founding of the Order at Washington, 
 the place of the birth of the Order of Patrons of Hus- 
 bandry, at the fiftieth annual meeting of the National 
 Grange in November, 1916. All the Founders and 
 practically all the early leaders of the movement 
 have passed away, leaving behind them to the farmers 
 of the country this goodly heritage — The Order of 
 Patrons of Husbandry — which shall live after us, if we 
 do our duty as they did theirs, to bless generations of 
 farmers and their families who live amid the fields, in 
 the valleys and on the hills of our country. 
 
 A contemplation of the achievements of the past, 
 however great and important, would be sad indeed if 
 it did not furnish inspiration and hope for the future. 
 Standing at the top of this half century of Grange his- 
 tory, we look across the next half century to the 
 hundredth anniversary of the founding of this 
 Order, and see emblazoned upon a banner the long 
 list of Grange achievements in a hundred years. 
 We will not be there — only those who are children now 
 or those who are yet unborn will be there then, but if 
 we do our work well, it will be there to shout back 
 across the years and the times and places : "Well done, 
 good and faithful servants !" God bless the Grange for 
 all its splendid work of the past, and guide it in its 
 work of human righteousness, and keep it a champion 
 of better life and better living in the open country !
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 OLIVER HUDSON KELLEY 
 
 One of the Founders and Secretary of the National 
 
 Grange 
 
 Oliver Hudson Kelley was born in Boston, January 
 7, 1826. He received his education in the public schools 
 of that city, finishing with a course in Chauncey Hall 
 School. At the age of twenty-one years he went to 
 Chicago and took a position as a clerk in a drug store, 
 at the same time acting as a reporter for the Chicago 
 Tribune. He remained in Chicago only about six months, 
 going from there to Peoria, where he obained employ- 
 ment in a telegraph office. He was present in the office 
 when Rufus Chadwick installed the relay magnet, and, 
 not having received a register, took messages from 
 St. Louis by sound — a wonderful thing in those days, 
 and probably the first instance of the kind. 
 
 In August, 1848, Mr. Kelley was transferred to 
 Bloomington, la., but about a year after that he gave 
 up the business of telegraphy and went to Itasca, in 
 the northern part of Minnesota. There he took up a 
 claim of government land and established a trade with 
 the Indians. The trade was continued until the mak- 
 ing of a new treaty removed the Indians from the 
 vicinity. He was the second person in the state to be 
 initiated into the Order of Free Masonry, and was the 
 oldest living member present at the jubilee celebration 
 held in Minnesota in 1899. 
 
 He was married in 1852 to Miss Temperance Lane of 
 Boston, who had gone from her native city to Minne- 
 sota to teach. They had four daughters. Mrs. Kelley 
 passed away in May, 1912. 
 
 315
 
 316 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Mr. Kelley continued on his farm until 1864, when 
 he went to Washington and obtained a clerkship in 
 the Department of Agriculture. In 1866 he was hon- 
 ored by a commission which took him through the 
 southern states to inquire into agricultural conditions 
 and needs. From this trip he returned profoundly im- 
 pressed with the particular need of organized action 
 on the part of the farmers of the country. 
 
 The story of his life for the five years following the 
 return from the South is interwoven with the history 
 of the Grange. He has partly told the story in his 
 "History of the Patrons of Husbandry," printed in 
 
 1875. 
 
 Mr. Kelley was made Secretary of the National 
 Grange when it consisted solely of the Founders, their 
 families, and a few friends, and started out to organize 
 Granges with his "railroad ticket to Harrisburg and 
 $2.50 of Grange funds in his pocket," against the pro- 
 tests of his associates. Handicapped as he was by lack 
 of funds, his success was extraordinary, and Granges 
 soon sprang up as by magic. 
 
 At the first representative meeting of the National 
 Grange, held in Mr. Kelley's home, in February, 1873, 
 he was elected Secretary for a term of three years, and 
 was re-elected twice, at Louisville, Ky., in Novem- 
 ber, 1875, and in Cincinnati, O., in 1877, tne official 
 term having been changed from three to two years. 
 
 In 1875, he removed the office and his family from 
 Washington to Louisville. Later he became tempted by 
 dazzling offers of land in Florida and invested in a 
 large tract of land in the northern portion of that state 
 near the Gulf of Mexico. He removed the Secretary's 
 office to Carrabelle, Fla., and went there to live with his 
 family. In the new work of developing the country he 
 had not the time to give to the Grange that the work 
 demanded, and at the twelfth annual session, held in 
 Richmond, Va., he resigned his office. He returned
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 3I7 
 
 to Washington to spend his last years. He died in 
 1913, in his eighty-seventh year. 
 
 In founding and promoting the great farmers' fra- 
 ternity, which has been a blessing to millions of coun- 
 try people, he made his name immorcal. 
 
 WILLIAM SAUNDERS 
 
 One of the Founders and First Master of the 
 National Grange 
 
 William Saunders was born in St. Andrews, Scot- 
 land, where he received the greater part of his educa- 
 tion. His paternal ancestors for at least three genera- 
 tions had been noted gardeners. His father was gar- 
 dener for Sir David Baird, and William, when a boy, 
 lived and worked in the beautiful gardens belonging to 
 the estate. 
 
 It was the family ambition to make him a minister, 
 and after a preliminary education at Madras he was 
 sent to the St. Mary's Divinity School, but the instinct 
 of the gardener was too strong to overcome and he 
 left the school before finishing the course to become 
 a journeyman to an expert gardener. Later he took 
 a course in horticulture at the College of Edinburgh. 
 
 In 1848, he married Miss Martha Mildwaters, and 
 together they came to America. His first position in 
 this country was with Mr. Bostwick at New Haven, 
 Conn., as gardener. He soon became an authority on 
 horticulture and a contributor to the horticultural pub- 
 lications of the country, and was assistant editor of the 
 Horticulturist for many years. 
 
 In 1854, Mr. Saunders formed a partnership with 
 Thomas Mehan at Germantown, Pa., in the business 
 of landscape gardening and horticulture. 
 
 In 1862, he accepted an appointment in the United 
 States Department of Agriculture, where he continued 
 to the end of his life. The value of his services to the
 
 3 1 ** PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Department of Agriculture cannot be estimated, and 
 it is to be regretted that the limits of this sketch pre- 
 clude a full account of those services. 
 
 It was Mr. Saunders who gave to the country the 
 complete and beautiful design of the National Ceme- 
 tery at Gettysburg, and he also designed the cemetery 
 at Springfield, 111., the grounds about the Lincoln 
 Monument, and many other parks and public grounds. 
 
 In the American Farmer, Mr. Saunders, in 1855, out- 
 lined his idea of an organization of farmers very sim- 
 ilar to that adopted by the founders of the Grange, ex- 
 cept the secret work and ritual service. When O. H. 
 Kelley returned from his southern trip with the idea 
 of a secret farmers' fraternity, he was advised by some 
 of his friends to see Mr. Saunders, which he did, and 
 found him about to start on a tour of investigation in 
 agricultural communities, where he expected to meet 
 many prominent agriculturists. Mr. Saunders became 
 interested and persuaded Mr. Kelley to draw up an 
 outline of his plan, which he took with him, and suc- 
 ceeded in interesting some of his friends in the pro- 
 posed organization. 
 
 On December 4, 1867, a meeting was held in Mr. 
 Saunders' office in Washington, where the National 
 Grange was organized. Mr. Saunders was elected 
 Master and Mr. Kelley was made Secretary. It 
 was decided to prepare and to send out an 
 official circular stating the objects of the Order, 
 and to Mr. Saunders fell the task of preparing it. Mr. 
 Saunders was from the beginning an advocate of wom- 
 an's admission to the Grange on an equal footing with 
 men. 
 
 When Mr. Kelley started out on his first effort to 
 organize Granges he found Mr. Saunders' name a 
 "tower of strength" in Minnesota and elsewhere where 
 Mr. Saunders was known. 
 
 He served six years as Master during the creative 
 period of the Order, and many of the most beautiful
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 319 
 
 thoughts of the ritual are from his pen. A large por- 
 tion of the first four degrees was written by him and the 
 preamble to the Constitution. The Order is under lasting 
 obligations to him for his worK in its behalf. 
 
 At the first representative meeting in January, 1873, 
 which has been designated the sixth annual meeting, 
 Mr. Saunders retired from the office of Master, but 
 served as a member of the Executive Committee for 
 several years. 
 
 He died in September, 1900, being the fifth of the 
 seven Founders of the Order to pass away. 
 
 JOHN RICHARDSON THOMPSON 
 One of the Founders of the Grange 
 
 John Richardson Thompson was born in Littleton, 
 N. H., in 1833. His boyhood and early manhood were 
 spent on the farm in New Hampshire and Vermont, 
 where the family made their home. 
 
 At the beginning of the Civil War he enlisted in Com- 
 pany K, 15th Vermont Volunteers. He was made 
 lieutenant and promoted from time to time until he 
 was transferred to the staff of Gen. Stannard with the 
 rank of colonel. Soon after the war he obtained an 
 appointment in the Treasury Department, which he 
 held for many years. 
 
 He was probably the first man with whom Mr. Kelley 
 talked about his idea of a farmers' organization, and 
 he was the first person who became actively interested 
 in the plan. He was an active participant in the or- 
 ganization from the beginning. 
 
 At the first formal meeting of the Founders of the 
 Order, November 15, 1867, Mr. Thompson was pres- 
 ent, and on his motion they adjourned to December 4 
 to elect officers and establish the Order. At this meet- 
 ing, which was later recognized as the birthday of the 
 Order, Mr. Thompson was made Lecturer, and later,
 
 320 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 when Mr. Ireland resigned the office of Treasurer, he 
 was appointed to fill the vacancy. 
 
 Mr. Thompson was married twice. His first wife 
 died in Vermont, leaving one daughter, his only child. 
 After the close of the Civil War he married Miss Mary 
 Herendon of Onondaga, N. Y., who died in 1881. Mr. 
 Thompson died in December, 1893, loved by his friends 
 and honored by members of the Grange everywhere. 
 
 Mrs. McDowell, who knew him well, says: "Mr. 
 Thompson was an enthusiastic ritualist, a brilliant 
 writer and a talented originator. It is to him that we 
 owe the beautiful work of the Sixth and Seventh De- 
 gree Rituals and much of their plan." Mr. Thompson 
 received a vote of thanks for the Ritual of the Sixth 
 Degree from the National Grange. He also wrote a 
 part of the Ritual of the lower degrees, and re- 
 vised and corrected them all. He was a Mason of high 
 degree and well informed as to rites and ceremonies. 
 He was a man of strong friendships and loved by all 
 his friends. 
 
 JOHN TRIMBLE 
 
 One of the Founders and Secretary of the National 
 
 Grange 
 
 John Trimble was born in New Jersey, in 183 1. His 
 father was also named John, and was for many years 
 a professor in Kenyon College, Gambier, O., where 
 the subject of this sketch lived for much of his youth. 
 He received his education in New Jersey, and studied 
 for the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal church, 
 receiving at some time during his active ministry the 
 degree of Doctor of Divinity. He was actively engaged 
 in church work until the partial failure of his health 
 compelled him to relinquish it. He then devoted his
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 321 
 
 time and energies to educational work, and was for 
 several years in charge of a large school in Kentucky. 
 That school was broken up by the outbreak of the Civil 
 War, and he then returned with his family to the 
 North, and subsequently made his home in Washing- 
 ton, D. C. 
 
 For some years he filled the position of clerk in the 
 Treasury Department, in the division devoted to the 
 settlement of war claims. Later he resigned that posi- 
 tion and acted as agent for the collection of war claims 
 for several of the states. 
 
 He became acquainted with O. H. Kelley, and very 
 early in the movement became interested in the pro- 
 posed farmers' organization. During the early years 
 of the Order he refused to accept any office, but he was 
 a wise and trusted adviser during the formative period 
 of the Grange. 
 
 Some time after the election of Mr. Ireland as Sec- 
 retary of the National Grange Dr. Trimble became his 
 assistant, thus giving Mr. Ireland time for his personal 
 affairs. He then had charge of the Secretary's office 
 in Washington, and cared for the correspondence, kept 
 the books, etc. When the National Grange met in 
 Nashville, Tenn., in 1884, in its eighteenth annual ses- 
 sion, Mr. Ireland did not appear, giving as the reason 
 urgent business matters which could not be postponed. 
 It therefore devolved upon Dr. Trimble to report the 
 proceedings, which he did ably and correctly. On the 
 28th of the following March Mr. Ireland tendered his 
 resignation to the Executive Committee of the Na- 
 tional Grange, and the committee accepted it and ap- 
 pointed Dr. Trimble to fill the vacancy. The action of 
 the committee was confirmed at the next regular meet- 
 ing of the National Grange by the almost unanimous 
 election of Dr. Trimble. He held the office until his 
 death, which occurred December 30, 1902, having filled 
 the position for nearly eighteen years.
 
 322 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Dr. Trimble was married in 1855 to Miss Emily J. 
 Trimble of Kentucky. Although she had the same 
 family name they were not related. They had two 
 children, a son and a daughter. He had no enemies in 
 the Order ; brothers and sisters might dispute so hotly 
 over various questions that their fraternal relations 
 became rather strained, but all united in love and rev- 
 erence for the Secretary. At the last meeting which 
 he attended, which closed about six weeks before his 
 death, there were many sad hearts, because of his 
 growing feebleness. None who were present will for- 
 get the touching scenes of the last days of the session, 
 nor fail to remember his cheerful and cordial farewell. 
 He was the sixth of the Founders to pass away. 
 
 FRANCIS MARION McDOWELL 
 
 One of the Founders and Treasurer of the National 
 
 Grange 
 
 Francis Marion McDowell was born in Wayne 
 County, N. Y., in 1831. His education was received 
 in the common schools of his native town, and in the 
 old institution in Alfred, N. Y., which has since become 
 known as Alfred University. After leaving Alfred, he 
 taught for a short time in the common schools in his 
 home town, but, not finding teaching his natural voca- 
 tion, he went, at about the age of twenty, to New 
 York, where he became a partner in the banking and 
 brokerage firm of Hallett & Co. He continued with 
 the firm for some years, and during his connection 
 with it he was sent several times to Europe for the 
 purpose of interesting European capitalists in the con- 
 struction of the Kansas Pacific Railway, his firm being 
 responsible for the building of a large portion of that 
 road. While in London he met Miss Josephine Spang 
 of Philadelphia, and they were married there. She 
 died not many years later.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 323 
 
 In the early sixties Mr. McDowell had a severe ill— 
 nes, from which he did not make a good recovery, and 
 it soon became evident that he must seek health in out- 
 of-door occupations. He therefore returned to his 
 native home and became engaged in grape growing on 
 the shores of Lake Keuka. The industry was then in 
 its infancy, but he lived to see it grow to immense pro- 
 portions, the region being especially adapted by nature 
 to the growing of this delicious fruit. 
 
 It was at a fruit fair, in Hammondsport, N. Y., that 
 he met Mr. William Saunders, who had been sent out 
 by the Bureau of Agriculture in Washington to inves- 
 tigate the grape industry in behalf of the government. 
 The two men became friends at once, and he invited 
 Mr. Saunders to his home over Sunday. During the 
 visit Mr. Saunders spoke to him of the Grange move- 
 ment, just beginning, and it was characteristic of Mr. 
 McDowell's disposition that he should wish to help. 
 He expressed the wish to Mr. Saunders, with the result 
 that he went to Washington in the following winter, 
 became very actively interested in the work and asso- 
 ciated with the other six as one of the Founders. 
 
 It was Mr. McDowell who suggested that the or- 
 ganization should have a central division to protect the 
 work from being broken up, and varying with different 
 localities, and he therefore proposed the Seventh De- 
 gree, to be modeled somewhat after the ancient Old 
 World ceremonies in honor of the goddess of agricul- 
 ture. The suggestion was accepted, and, later, Mr. 
 Thompson, consulting with Mr. McDowell, wrote the 
 Ritual as it stands today. 
 
 He was elected Treasurer at the first representative 
 session of the National Grange, held in Georgetown, in 
 February, 1873. He was the third Treasurer of the 
 National Grange, although generally spoken of as the 
 first. 
 
 In December, 1874, he married Miss Eva Sherwood 
 of Woodhull, N. Y. Immediately after the marriage
 
 324 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Mrs. McDowell became a member of the Grange and 
 has been actively interested in the Order ever since. 
 There is one child, a daughter. 
 
 Mr. McDowell held the office of Treasurer for twenty 
 years, until his health, which had never been robust, 
 showed indications of complete failure. At the twenty- 
 seventh session of the National Grange, held in Syra- 
 cuse, N. Y., in November, 1893, he gave up the posi- 
 tion for that reason. 
 
 Mrs. McDowell was elected as his successor, and 
 has held the office ever since. Up to the time Mrs. 
 McDowell was re-elected in November, 191 5, she and 
 her husband had held the office of Treasurer for forty- 
 two years, and her present term makes forty-four years. 
 
 Mr. McDowell's share in the construction of the 
 Order was the building up of a sound, financial system 
 and the conservation of the ideals of its Founders, two 
 things which he had very much at heart. He depre- 
 cated the idea, which had a considerable following in 
 the beginning, that the Order should keep itself poor 
 and discourage the accumulation of money. "Do not 
 be fearful," he would say, "of having a little money to 
 work with. The possession of a bank account will 
 bring you a patient hearing and give you the respect 
 of those with whom your business brings you in con- 
 tact, and it will enable you to do something toward 
 eliminating the disadvantages under which the farmer 
 has always labored." He never missed attending a 
 National Grange session from the beginning until the 
 time of his death in March, 1894, when he passed to the 
 Great Beyond. 
 
 WILLIAM M. IRELAND 
 
 One of the Founders and Secretary of the National 
 
 Grange 
 
 William M. Ireland was a native of Pennsylvania, 
 but lived for many years in Washington, D. C, where
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 325 
 
 he held for several years the office of chief clerk in one 
 of the offices in the Postoffice Department. It was 
 there Mr. Kelley became acquainted with him and 
 enlisted his services in the proposed Order for farmers 
 and their families. 
 
 Mr. Ireland was an active member of the Masonic 
 Order, and his knowledge of systems and methods in 
 fraternal Orders was of great value in the formative 
 period of the Grange organization. 
 
 At the organization of Potomac Grange No. 1, which 
 was organized at Washington for the purpose of prac- 
 ticing the degree work, Mr. Ireland was made Master, 
 and on the organization of the National Grange he was 
 offered the same office, but declined and suggested Mr. 
 Saunders. 
 
 He was the first Treasurer of the National Grange, 
 which office he held for about three years, resigning 
 in T870. 
 
 Mr. Ireland's greatest work for the Order was as 
 journalist. The Journals of Proceedings of ten annual 
 sessions from 1875 to I 883, inclusive, were compiled by 
 him. 
 
 At the twelfth session of the National Grange, held 
 at Richmond, Va., Mr. Kelley resigned as Secretary, 
 and Mr. Ireland was elected for the unexpired term, 
 and was subsequently re-elected three times, holding 
 the office till April, 1885, when he resigned to accept a 
 position with General Albert Pike, head of the Order 
 of Freemasons in this country. This position required 
 all his time, and he never afterward met with the 
 National Grange. 
 
 He died on Christmas Eve, 180,1, after a long illness, 
 being the second one of the Founders to pass away. 
 Mrs. Ireland's death had occurred several years before. 
 She was a member of Potomac Grange No. 1. Mrs. 
 Eva S. McDowell writes of him : 
 
 "Mr. Ireland was a model of promptness and efficiency. His 
 records as Secretary were clear and complete, and nothing was
 
 326 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 left undone that should have been done. He was an indefatigable 
 worker, and seemed to possess an elasticity of muscle and nerve 
 that enabled him to get through with an incredible amount of 
 work, not only at the annual sessions, but every day. He saw 
 the work of a quarter century in his beloved Order and knew 
 that his portion of it was well done. When he realized his days 
 were numbered he wasted no time in complaint, but set his 
 worldly and spiritual affairs in order, with his usual regard for 
 method, and, with loving thoughts for the membership at large, 
 and brotherly messages to his associates, he went out into the 
 unknown hereafter with the same genial smile on his face and 
 the same gallant wave of the hand that we, who knew him, hold 
 in fond recollection today. His last days were cheered by per- 
 sonal letters from his co-workers and loving expressions of 
 sympathy from the National Grange and many State Granges. 
 These letters and messages he kept under his hand, filing them all 
 carefully and systematically away and referring to them often 
 with tender gratification." 
 
 AARON B. GROSH 
 
 One of the Founders and Chaplain of the National 
 
 Grange 
 
 Aaron B. Grosh claimed Pennsylvania for his home, 
 and at one time was a minister in the Universalist 
 church. Owing to ill health he gave up the ministry 
 and became a clerk in the United States Department 
 of Agriculture. 
 
 He was a friend of William Saunders, and was asked 
 by Mr. Saunders to take an active part in the prepara- 
 tion of the Ritual for the First Degree of the Order. 
 In his painstaking work, "Mentor in the Granges and 
 Homes of Patrons of Husbandry," he has given us a 
 few facts in regard to himself, but with characteristic 
 modesty he has omitted much that we should now like 
 to know. 
 
 He was the first Chaplain of the National Grange, 
 and held that office for eight years, being one of the 
 two officers re-elected at the sixth annual session of 
 that body.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 327 
 
 The Ritual of the first four degrees owes much of 
 its beauty to the pen of Mr. Grosh, and he gath- 
 ered together the first songs of the Grange, culling 
 appropriate ones from one source and another at a cost 
 of infinite pains and trouble. Later, he turned these 
 songs over to Miss Hall, who added others, obtaining 
 such copyrights as were necessary, and published 
 them, finally selling them to the National Grange. 
 
 It is, however, as the author of a clear and compre- 
 hensive book of instruction to Granges that Mr. 
 Grosh is best known. In the preface of his "Mentor" he 
 has this to say of himself, and it may serve to answer 
 the doubt expressed by several members of the Order 
 as to whether he was eligible, under the Constitution, 
 to membership : 
 
 "From childhood many of my associates have been tillers of 
 the soil. My dearest kindred and friends were and are farmers. 
 Portions of each year of my boyhood were spent among them, 
 sharing their labors. When I became a teacher it was in the 
 country schools. When I entered the ministry my parishioners 
 were principally farmers, farm laborers, and their families. 
 When failing health and increasing years required a milder cli- 
 mate, I accepted a clerkship offered me in the Department of 
 Agriculture, then lately organized in Washington, D. C. And 
 when asked to aid in founding an Order for the benefit of the 
 farming interest, both heart and head responded to the call." 
 
 Mr. Grosh was an Odd Fellow of high repute, 
 and author of "Odd Fellows Improved Manual." His 
 experience as an Odd Fellow and as a writer on "fra- 
 ternity" subjects made it possible for him to produce 
 the "Mentor in the Grange," which must forever re- 
 main a classic of Grange literature. With some 
 revision and bringing up to date, it would be well if 
 a new edition of the "Mentor" could be printed and 
 given a wide circulation among the present-day mem- 
 bers of the Order. 
 
 Mr. Grosh died at Towson, Baltimore County, Md., 
 March 27, 1884, in the eighty-first year of his age.
 
 328 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 DUDLEY W. ADAMS 
 
 Second Master of the National Grange 
 
 Dudley W. Adams was born in Winchendon, Mass., 
 in 1831. His father was a sawmill operator and farmer, 
 and the subject of this sketch led the life of an ordi- 
 nary New England boy — working on the farm in the 
 summer and attending the district school in the winter. 
 Later he became the teacher in the same school where 
 he gained his education. 
 
 At the age of twenty-one he went to Waukon, la., 
 where he took up a piece of government land. He 
 immediately became active in local agricultural affairs, 
 and was made President of the County Agricultural 
 Society when but twenty-two years of age, and in 1868 
 was elected Secretary of the State Horticultural So- 
 ciety, which office he held for many years. 
 
 Upon the organization of the Patrons of Husbandry 
 he immediately identified himself with it, and upon the 
 organization of the Iowa State Grange, January 12, 
 187 1, was elected Master. January, 1872, he was 
 made Lecturer of the National Grange, and in Jan- 
 uary, 1873, he was elected Master of the National 
 Grange for a term of three years. His wife was elected 
 Ceres of the National Grange in 1873, at the time he 
 was elected Master. 
 
 Soon after the expiration of his term as Master of 
 the National Grange he moved to Florida. A letter 
 from Oscar Dunwiddie, second Gatekeeper of the Na- 
 tional Grange, says : "In January, 1885, my brother 
 and I were in Florida and called to see Brother Adams. 
 He and his good wife gave us the 'glad hand.' They 
 had a small grove of bearing orange trees and a large 
 grove of young trees just beginning to bear and appar- 
 ently one or more trees of nearly every kind of fruit 
 adapted to that part of Florida."
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 329 
 
 Whether in Massachusetts, Iowa or Florida, he was 
 found devoting himself to horticultural and agricul- 
 tural pursuits. He was a loyal and capable leader in 
 the Grange and faithful to the farmers' interests. 
 
 Whether he died in Florida we have been unable to 
 learn. He died some time in 1899. 
 
 JOHN THOMPSON JONES 
 Third Master of the National Grange 
 
 John Thompson Jones was born at Retreat, Essex 
 County, Va., October 11, 1813. He was educated at 
 Rumford Academy and the University of Virginia, 
 from which institution he graduated in 1833. He emi- 
 grated to Arkansas in 1836, bought and opened up 
 large plantations, and was a "cotton planter." 
 
 He was never active in politics, never sought office, 
 but in his early life was twice elected District Judge 
 and served with the greatest distinction. After the war 
 between the states he was elected by the Arkansas leg- 
 islature, with Hon. A. H. Garland, who afterward was 
 Attorney-General in President Cleveland's cabinet, but 
 neither of them ever took their seats in the Senate, 
 because the state was not then "reconstructed." 
 
 We are told by Judge Wright of Virginia that "what 
 he esteemed as the highest honor ever conferred upon 
 him was his election as Master of the National Grange 
 when that organization was in its highest prosperity 
 and exercised a potent influence for good in the nation 
 under his administration." 
 
 On August 3 the first Grange in Arkansas was or- 
 ganized by John T. Jones with 14 members, with Mr. 
 Jones as Master. When the Arkansas State Grange 
 was organized Mr. Jones was elected the first Master. 
 He and Mrs. Jones represented their State Grange 
 in the National Grange at the St. Louis session
 
 330 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 in February, 1874, at which time he was elected a 
 member of the Executive Committee. 
 
 He was elected Master of the National Grange at 
 Louisville, Ky., November, 1875, and served one term 
 of two years. His term expired with the Cincinnati, O. 
 session in November, 1877. 
 
 Mr. Jones presided at the session of the National 
 Grange held at Chicago, November 15, 1876, and at 
 Cincinnati, November 21, 1877. His Master's ad- 
 dresses on these occasions were endowed with strong, 
 vigorous and far-seeing statesmanship, which marks 
 him as a man of fine ability. 
 
 Mrs. Jones was elected Ceres of the National Grange 
 when he was elected Master and served two years. She 
 died in 1891. 
 
 Mr. Jones moved to Memphis, Tenn., in 1907, 
 where he died the same year at the advanced age of 94, 
 still vigorous in mind. 
 
 SAMUEL EMORY ADAMS 
 Fourth Master of the National Grange 
 
 Samuel Emory Adams, fourth Master of the Na- 
 tional Grange, was born at Reading, Windsor County, 
 Vt., December 1, 1828. He was educated at Chester, 
 Springfield and Thedford academies, and graduated 
 from Dartmouth College. 
 
 He moved to Monticello, Minn., in 1856, and engaged 
 in merchandising. 
 
 July 21, 1859, he married Miss Augusta J. Smith of 
 Pittsford, Vt., and took her to his home in Minnesota. 
 He was twice elected to the State Senate, and was ap- 
 pointed receiver at the St. Cloud land office before the 
 Civil War. In the latter strife he served as paymaster 
 and was breveted Lieutenant-Colonel in 1865. He was 
 a member of the Geo. N. Morgan G. A. R. Post of 
 Minneapolis.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES (33I 
 
 He was President of the Agricultural Society, mem- 
 ber of the State Horticultural Society and a member of 
 the World's Industrial Exposition at New Orleans. 
 For twelve years he was an Alderman in Minneapolis. 
 He was a prominent Freemason. In 1901 he was 
 elected Lieutenant Grand Commander of the Ancient 
 and Accepted Scottish Rite Supreme, mother council 
 of the world, which made him second ranking Masonic 
 officer in the world, a position he held at the time of his 
 death. 
 
 He joined the Grange in 1869 and helped establish 
 the Order in Minnesota. He was Master of the Na- 
 tional Grange for two years, Master of the State 
 Grange for eight years and Master of Minneapolis 
 Grange No. S3 2 for twenty years, which position he 
 held at the time of his death. His sound judgment 
 and wise counsel were constantly sought. 
 ^ He died March 29, 1912, at his beautiful home at 55 
 Cedar Lake Road, Minneapolis, Minn. Funeral services 
 were held April 1, conducted with Masonic honors, as- 
 sisted by members of the Grand Army and of the State 
 Grange. He enriched life with his kind thoughts, his 
 worthy deeds, and his exemplary character — a legacy 
 greater than wealth or renown. 
 
 JONATHAN J. WOODMAN 
 
 Fifth Master of the National Grange 
 
 Jonathan J. Woodman was born at Sutton, Cale- 
 donia County, Vt., May 25, 1825. His father was a 
 minister and farmer and when 3'oung Jonathan was ten 
 years of age the family moved to Michigan, where 
 they settled on a farm. His early life was spent in 
 teaching during the winter months and working on his 
 father's farm during the summer, completing his school 
 education at a private academy before he was twenty- 
 one years of age. In 1852 he resigned the principal- 
 ship of the Paw-Paw Union School to go to California
 
 33 2 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 to engage in gold mining. He saved enough out of 
 the venture to enlarge his farm, to which he returned 
 in about three years. 
 
 He married Miss Harty H. Hunt March 30, 1856. 
 As a result of this union one son was born. Mrs. 
 Woodman died in 1894. In 1896 Mr. Woodman was 
 again married, to Miss Olivia J. Carpenter, who was at 
 that time pastor of the Universalist church at Farm- 
 ington, Mich., who together with the only child, L. K. 
 Woodman of Paw Paw, remain to mourn his death, 
 which occurred on July 13, 1907. 
 
 From boyhood he had taken an active part in public 
 affairs. In i860 he was elected to the Legislature, of 
 which he was a member continuously for twelve years. 
 He was elected Speaker of the House in 1869 and 1871, 
 where he became a recognized authority on parlia- 
 mentary law. A "History of Michigan," published in 
 the seventies, referred to him as "unquestionably the 
 most profound parliamentarian and the ablest presid- 
 ing officer Michigan had ever produced." 
 
 In the fall of 1872 Paw Paw Grange was organized, 
 and he became a charter member. In 1874 he was 
 elected Master of the State Grange and served six 
 years. 
 
 In 1878 President Hayes appointed him one of the 
 United States Commissioners to the International Ex- 
 position held in Paris. 
 
 In November, 1879, ne was elected Master of the 
 National Grange, which office he held for six years. 
 On retirement from the mastership he was elected a 
 member of the Executive Committee, of which he re- 
 mained a member until November, 1902, when he de- 
 clined a re-election. 
 
 No man in the United States had a more intimate 
 knowledge of those public questions which affect the 
 interests of the farmer than Mr. Woodman. United
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 333 
 
 to all this was a dignity of bearing and a command- 
 ing personal presence that marked him as a leader of 
 men. 
 
 ISRAEL PUTNAM DARDEN 
 Sixth Master of the National Grange 
 
 Israel Putnam Darden, better known as "Put" 
 Darden, was born near Fayette, Jefferson County, 
 Miss., March 10, 1836. He was descended from Irish 
 pioneers. His father, John P. Darden, was one of the 
 earliest and wealthiest citizens of Jefferson County. 
 He was educated in the local schools and graduated 
 from the State University at Oxford, in June, 1856. 
 He joined the Christian Church when quite a young 
 man and was a deacon and consistent member until 
 his death. 
 
 He served in the State Legislature and was largely 
 responsible for the establishment of the Agricultural 
 College at Starksville and the Girls' Industrial Col- 
 lege at Columbus. The monument erected to his mem- 
 ory by the Patrons of the state stands on the campus 
 at Starksville — the college itself is a monument to him. 
 
 At the opening of the Civil War he joined the Confed- 
 erate army, and served the four years of the Civil War 
 with the rank of Captain. 
 
 He was a charter member of Phoenix Grange at 
 Fayette. Pie attended the National Grange as Master 
 of the Mississippi State Grange at the Cincinnati ses- 
 sion in 1877. He was elected Master of the National 
 Grange in November, 1885, and served until his death, 
 July 17, 18S8, two years and about seven months. 
 
 It has been said : "Brother Darden was no ordinary 
 man ; his was no common life. In every sphere, in 
 every position, he was the same upright, honest, pa- 
 triotic citizen. Love of country, love of home, love of 
 friends, all had a place in his manly breast. He was a
 
 334 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY, 
 
 man of high culture ; his advice was respected and his 
 counsels followed." He was a brilliant, safe leader of 
 southern farmers and his untimely death was a sad 
 blow to the National Grange, over which he had presided 
 with such signal success. His community honored him 
 as a true Christian, a patriot and a man without re- 
 proach or fear in his public life. 
 
 JAMES DRAPER 
 Seventh Master of the National Grange 
 
 James Draper was born at Worcester, Mass., August 
 31, 1842. 
 
 He was Secretary of the Worcester Parks Commis- 
 sion and prominent in the activities of the city, espe- 
 cially in matters pertaining to horticulture and agri- 
 culture. 
 
 Mr. Draper was an extensive market gardener. The 
 quality of his products soon attracted attention, and 
 a demand for plants of the varieties which he found 
 best suited to that locality and climate became so great 
 that he decided to start a nursery business, which soon 
 grew to large proportions and became famous through- 
 out New England. In 1874 the manufacture of cement 
 drain and sewer pipe was added to his business. 
 
 He had a long record in public service, and was 
 prominent in the Worcester County Horticultural and 
 Agricultural Societies. He was Vice-President of the 
 Worcester Five Cents Savings Bank and a prominent 
 Freemason. 
 
 He was one of the original members of the Plymouth 
 Congregational Church and among the founders of the 
 Young Men's Christian Association. 
 
 He joined the Grange in 1872 and was always a very 
 earnest and enthusiastic worker. He was the first 
 Master of Worcester Grange and ever after held some 
 prominent office in the Order.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 335 
 
 He studied and brought out for the first time in full 
 form the Sixth Degree. It was presented in Faneuil 
 Hall, Boston, before a large and enthusiastic audience 
 in 1885 at the time of the National Grange meeting in 
 that city. He also gave a great deal of time and study- 
 to bringing out the details of the Seventh Degree, 
 which was given for the first time at Topeka, Kan., in 
 1887. He served one term as Gatekeeper of the Na- 
 tional Grange and was elected Overseer at the Boston 
 session in 1885, an( ^ served four years. About the mid- 
 dle of the first year of his second term in 1888 Worthy 
 Master Put Darden died, and Mr. Draper became 
 Master of the National Grange until the next annual 
 meeting. 
 
 He was High Priest for several terms, and he intro- 
 duced the inspection service in the Grange and in many 
 other ways contributed to the improvement and sue-* 
 cess of the Order which he loved so well. He con- 
 tinued his work with unabated interest to the end of his 
 life. He died March 13, 1907. 
 
 Mrs. Draper was also active in Grange work. She 
 served one term as Flora and one term as Pomona of 
 the National Grange. She is still living. 
 
 JOSEPH H. BRIGHAM 
 
 Eighth Master of the National Grange 
 
 Joseph H. Brigham was born at Lodi, Medina 
 County, O., December 12, 1838, and moved to a farm in 
 the same county with his parents at the age of six 
 years. In 1853 his family removed to the then sparsely 
 settled county of Fulton, which became his lifelong 
 home and from which he was suddenly called to his 
 reward, June 30, 1904. 
 
 His life, except when he was engaged in important 
 public duties away from the farm, was spent in active ag-
 
 336 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 riculture. He joined the Union army as a private at the 
 beginning of the Civil War and retired from the army 
 in 1865 as Colonel of his regiment. It was during his 
 service in the army, while at home on leave of absence 
 in 1863, that he met and loved the gentle and lovable 
 woman who soon afterward became his wife and with 
 whom he founded a home that became the synonym 
 for hospitality, comfort and good cheer. To that 
 happy home there came to gladden the hearts of their 
 parents seven children. Death was kind to Mrs. 
 Brigham and called for her seven months before 
 Colonel Brigham passed away, so that they were not 
 long separated. 
 
 Colonel Brigham served his county four years as 
 sheriff, was two years a member of the State Senate, six 
 years a member of the Ohio State Board of Trustees 
 of Ohio State University, seven years a member of the 
 Board of Control of the Ohio Agricultural Experiment 
 Station, seven years Assistant Secretary of Agricul- 
 ture, and three years President of the Wool Growers' 
 and Sheep Breeders' Association. 
 
 Colonel Brigham joined the Grange in its early days, 
 and served nine years as Master of the State Grange. 
 He was elected Master of the National Grange in No- 
 vember, 1888, for the last year of the unexpired term of 
 Put. Darden, deceased. He was re-elected for four full 
 terms, making a total service of nine years. 
 
 Following his inauguration, March 4, 1897, President 
 McKinley appointed Colonel Brigham Assistant Sec- 
 retary of Agriculture, in the National Department, 
 which position he held at the time of his death. 
 
 There is little need to say more of the life and 
 work of Colonel Joseph H. Brigham. They were an 
 open book for all to read. He was large minded, large 
 hearted and large bodied ; there were truly "giants on 
 earth" when he lived among us.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 337 
 
 AARON JONES 
 Ninth Master of the National Grange 
 
 Aaron Jones was born in St. Joseph County, Ind., 
 September 9, 1838. He was educated in the common 
 schools, the high school at South Bend, and Antioch 
 College, Ohio. 
 
 At the age of 22 he married Miss Margaret W. Wiley 
 of Lancaster County, Pa., and at once moved to his 
 farm in St. Joseph County, Ind., which at that time was 
 covered with heavy forest timber. Since then 
 he has been engaged in farming and still owns 
 the farm he reclaimed from the forest. His industry, 
 energy and economy have given him marked success 
 as a farmer. 
 
 In 1873 he joined Pennsylvania Township Grange 
 No. 584 as a charter member and was elected its first 
 Master. This Grange is now, and all these years has 
 been, active in Grange Work, and now has 260 mem- 
 bers. He was a delegate to Indiana State Grange in 
 1873, and has attended every meeting since but three, 
 which were missed on account of illness. 
 
 He was elected Master of the State Grange in 1891, 
 and was re-elected for eleven consecutive terms, when 
 he declined to accept the office longer. 
 
 In 1897, at the Harrisburg, Pa., session, he was 
 elected Master of the National Grange, which posi- 
 tion he held for eight years, when he declined a re- 
 election. He also served one term as Overseer of the 
 National Grange, and many years as an efficient mem- 
 ber of the Legislative Committee. 
 
 In 1877 Mr. Jones and others secured the enactment 
 of a law in Indiana enabling farmers to organize mu- 
 tual fire insurance companies, to be confined to one 
 county. A company was organized at once, and he 
 was elected the first Secretary, and has held that office 
 ever since. The company has been very successful,
 
 338 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 and now has over $4,000,000 of insurance on the farm- 
 ers' property of St. Joseph County. This company has 
 paid all losses, amounting to over $195,000, and saved 
 to the farmers $150,000 from the cost of insurance in 
 stock companies. 
 
 In 1882 Mr. Jones was elected Auditor of St. Joseph 
 County, serving eight years, two terms. He was also 
 twenty-four years on the County Board of Equaliza- 
 tion of the County Assessments. He served ten years 
 as a member of the State Board of Agriculture, was 
 Chairman of the Executive Committee four 3^ears, and 
 President two years. Some of the largest fairs ever 
 held in the state were during his administration. 
 
 Throughout their long married life Mrs. Jones has 
 ever been a loyal participant in his success and wide 
 usefulness, and as wife and mother her devotion and 
 life of service have been a benediction to her husband 
 and her children. 
 
 Mr. Jones has been a strong, vigorous friend of agri- 
 culture and public-spirited citizen, and even now, as 
 he nears four score years of age, he is intensely alert 
 and interested in the Grange and country life problems. 
 
 NAHUM J. BACHELDER 
 Tenth Master of the National Grange 
 
 Nahum J. Bachelder was born at Andover, N. H., 
 September 3, 1854. He was reared on his father's 
 farm, and early initiated into all the various labors of 
 a thrifty New England farmer. 
 
 He was educated in the best New Hampshire schools 
 and received the degree of A. B. from the State Agri- 
 cultural College at Durham, and A. M. from Dart- 
 mouth College. He is a scholarly and impressive writer 
 on many subjects, showing a high degree of culture 
 and refinement.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 339 
 
 He was Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture 
 twenty-six years, and published many books and bulle- 
 tins describing- the agricultural possibilities of the state 
 and inviting summer tourists to her magnificent scen- 
 ery and invigorating climate. 
 
 He was elected Governor in 1902 and served one 
 term of two years with credit to himself and value to 
 the state. 
 
 He joined the Grange when quite young, and for 
 more than thirty years has been an active Grange 
 worker, holding many offices in his Subordinate and 
 Pomona Granges. He was eight years Secretary and 
 twelve years Master of the New Hampshire State 
 Grange. He served as Chairman of the National 
 Grange Executive Committee, was Lecturer six years, 
 and Master of the National Grange six years, from 
 1905 to 1911. 
 
 Everywhere, in the Grange and in public office, he 
 rendered a conspicuous service to the farmers of the 
 state and nation. 
 
 He retired from public service in 1913, and is now 
 developing his 700-acre farm at Andover, said to be one 
 of the best in the state, where he is much attached to 
 his country home and family. 
 
 Mrs. Bachelder is an active member of the Grange, 
 and in all his Grange work has been a sympathetic 
 helper. While he was Governor she fully measured 
 up to the responsible position as "first lady of the 
 state." Her life has been one of devotion to her hus- 
 band and children, and she has largely contributed to 
 his success and usefulness. 
 
 The farmers of America have had few more loyal 
 and well-equipped champions, and his retirement from 
 public service is a distinct loss to agriculture. He is 
 capable of many more years of work, and it is not likely 
 the farmers of his state will leave him long in his re- 
 tirement.
 
 34° PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY' 
 
 OLIVER WILSON 
 Eleventh Master of the National Grange 
 
 Oliver Wilson, eleventh Master of the National 
 Grange, was born in Belmont County, O., and removed 
 with his parents when a year and a half old to Putnam 
 County, 111., where they settled on an unimproved 
 prairie farm. His boyhood life was that of the average 
 farm boy in a new country, being expected at an early 
 age to do a man's work upon the farm in summer and 
 attend the district school during the winter months. 
 In early manhood he took a course at the Normal 
 School at Normal, 111., after which he taught school 
 for four years during fall and winter months, but 
 worked on the farm in summer. In 1873 ne became a 
 charter member of Magnolia Grange No. 179, and has 
 continued his membership for forty-three years, hold- 
 ing various offices in the Subordinate Grange. In 1885 
 he was elected Lecturer of the State Grange of Illinois, 
 which position he held for eight years. He was then 
 elected Master of the State Grange and served for six- 
 teen consecutive years, at which time he was elected 
 Lecturer of the National Grange, serving two years, 
 and then was promoted to the highest office in the gift 
 of the Patrons of Husbandry — Master of the National 
 Grange. Mr. Wilson has always been interested in 
 advanced agriculture. Besides his Grange work, he 
 was one of the originators of the farmers' institute 
 system of Illinois, and was its first State Superin- 
 tendent. 
 
 SARAH GATES BAIRD 
 Past Master Minnesota State Grange 
 
 Mrs. Sarah Gates Baird has the unique distinction of 
 being the only woman who has ever held the office of 
 Master of a State Grange. She has also held the offices 
 of Ceres and Pomona in the National Grange.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 34I 
 
 She was born in Albany, Vt., in 1843, an d in 1857 
 went with her parents to Minneapolis, Minn., and was 
 educated in the city schools, where she afterward 
 taught until 1865, when she was married to Geo. W. 
 Baird of Edina Mills, and located on a farm five miles 
 from Minneapolis. This has since been her residence, 
 where she and her husband for many years enjoyed the 
 fruits of a life of industry, occupying a fine modern, 
 steam-heated house, with all the conveniences that make 
 rural life ideal, and the honors that her ability, genial- 
 ity and unselfishness had brought her. Mr. Baird, who 
 was also prominent in Grange work, died July 22, 1916. 
 Mrs. Baird has been closely identified with Grange work 
 ever since she became a charter member of her home 
 Grange, December 9, 1873. She was continuously in office 
 from the time her membership began. She was Master of 
 her Subordinate Grange four consecutive years ; State 
 Grange Treasurer from 1882 to 1895 ; Master of the State 
 Grange from 1895 to December, 1912, when she volun- 
 tarily retired. Her long career as an officer and 
 worker in the Grange was marked by distinguished 
 ability, loyalty and unselfishness, which did much to 
 keep Minnesota in the Grange ranks during the darkest 
 and most discouraging days of the Order in that state. 
 
 EVA SHERWOOD McDOWELL 
 Treasurer of the National Grange 
 
 Eva Sherwood was born in Woodhull, N. Y., De- 
 cember 17, 185 1. When she was about five years of 
 age her father moved from the village where she was 
 born to a farm in the vicinity, and thus her early life 
 was surrounded with farm associations. She was edu- 
 cated in the old academy in Woodhull. 
 
 Her ambition was for a college course, but serious 
 illness in her family made that impossible.
 
 342 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 At the age of fourteen she began assisting her father 
 at his desk, keeping his accounts, writing letters, etc. 
 Her father was at that time commissioner of schools 
 for a portion of her native county, and she assisted him 
 in his quarterly reports. The practical business in- 
 struction she received from him in those early days 
 has been of inestimable value during her life. 
 
 In December, 1874, she was married to Francis M. 
 McDowell of Wayne, N. Y., a vineyardist, one of the 
 Founders of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. She 
 immediately became interested in the work of the 
 Grange, and was a charter member of the first Grange 
 organized in Wayne. Mr. McDowell was at that time, and 
 for many years after, Treasurer of the National Grange, 
 and Mrs. McDowell began keeping the Treasurer's ac- 
 count books very soon after her marriage. She also 
 acted as bookkeeper for the Keuka Vineyard Company, 
 Mr. McDowell being its president. The books of the 
 Grange she has kept from that time to the present, 
 nearly forty-three years of continuous service. It is 
 needless to say that she loves the Grange with all her 
 heart and takes great pride in her books. 
 
 Mr. McDowell's health failed in 1893, and in the 
 autumn of that year, at the twenty-seventh annual 
 session of the National Grange held in Syracuse, N Y., 
 Mrs. McDowell was elected to succeed him. He died 
 in the spring of 1894. Since that time Mrs. McDowell 
 has been re-elected twelve times. 
 
 Soon after the death of Mr. McDowell she sought 
 and obtained a position in the Department of Agricul- 
 ture of the state of Ohio. She lived in Columbus for 
 six years, filling the position of statistician acceptably 
 and keeping up her Grange work at the same time. 
 
 In 1902, on the death of her sister, she removed to 
 Rome, N. Y., to be with her sister's children until they 
 should be of an age to carry on their home unaided. 
 In 1909 she removed, with her daughter, to Wellesley, 
 Mass., where she now resides. Her daughter, who is
 
 Mrs. Eva Sherwood McDowell, present Treasurer of the Na- 
 tional Grange.
 
 Mrs. Sarah Gates Baird, Minnesota, only woman who ever 
 held the office of Master of a State Grange.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 343 
 
 her only child, is a graduate of Wellesley College, 
 has been a successful teacher for some years, and now 
 is at the head of the physics department in Wellesley. 
 Mrs. McDowell was from early years a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church, a connection which she sev- 
 ered in 1909 to become a member of the Wellesley Con- 
 gregational Church. She is also a member of the 
 Daughters of the American Revolution and of Welles- 
 ley Grange, No. 166. She is fond of travel and of 
 books. Having partially lost her hearing, she has been 
 thrown more and more upon these resources for com- 
 panionship, as much of the daily conversation of her 
 associates necessarily passes her by, but she is fond 
 of society in a quiet way. Within the borders of the 
 Grange she has many friends who have made sunny 
 places for her in a life that has had much of shadow; 
 and she does not hesitate to say that for the social side 
 alone the Grange is wholly worth while. She looks to 
 see it spread over the entire land and become a great 
 power for good in the world, making for peace, pros- 
 perity and Christianity. 
 
 THOMAS CLARK ATKESON 
 
 Master of the West Virginia State Grange and Past 
 
 Overseer of the National Grange 
 
 Thomas Clark Atkeson was born on a farm in the 
 Great Kanawha Valley, near the town of Buffalo, Put- 
 nam County, W. Va., February 15, 1852. His father 
 was a successful, progressive farmer, who taught all 
 his sons farm work and management in all its depart- 
 ments. The subject of this sketch grew to young man- 
 hood on the farm with the usual experiences of a coun- 
 try boy, working on the farm in summer and going to 
 school in the winter. He was educated in the country 
 schools, Buffalo Academy, West Virginia University
 
 344 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 and Kentucky University, from which he graduated in 
 1874. On leaving school he returned to the farm. 
 
 In 1878 he married Miss Cordelia Meek, daughter 
 of Rev. Zephaniah Meek, D. D., editor of the Central 
 Methodist, Catlettsburg, Ky., at once taking charge of 
 the home farm at Buffalo, W. Va., which he now owns 
 and operates in connection with his son. 
 
 In 1891 the Board of Regents tendered him the Pro- 
 fessorship of Agriculture in West Virginia University 
 at Morgantown, which position he accepted and re- 
 mained with the university twenty-three years, with 
 the exception of a short time while he was President 
 of Morris Harvey College, Barboursville, W. Va. On 
 returning to the university he was made Dean of the 
 College of Agriculture, which position he held for 
 seventeen years, until his voluntary retirement in 1913 
 to accept a position in the State Department of Agri- 
 culture at the Capitol. During the time he was en- 
 gaged in college work, in addition to his degree from 
 Kentucky University, other institutions conferred upon 
 him the degrees of M. S. and Ph D. 
 
 He was on the State Farmers' Institute force for 
 many years, served on the State Board of Agriculture 
 fourteen years — ten years of the time as its President. 
 He also served on the University Board of Regents, 
 on the State Geological Survey Commission and in 
 other positions of honor and trust. 
 
 He joined the Grange in 1880, and has been an active 
 member ever since. In addition to holding many 
 Subordinate Grange offices, he held the offices of As- 
 sistant Steward, Secretary and Lecturer of the State 
 Grange, one term each; Overseer, eight years; and his 
 present term completes twenty years as Master of the 
 West Virginia State Grange. He also served eight years 
 as Overseer of the National Grange and as a member of 
 the Legislative Committee. 
 
 Except while engaged in agricultural college work 
 he has always been engaged in practical agriculture,
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 345 
 
 and he now resides on his "Lawnvale Farm" near 
 Buffalo. 
 
 Mrs. Atkeson has been a devoted wife and mother, 
 and has been very largely responsible for her hus- 
 band's success by her helpful encouragement. She 
 served one term as Ceres and two terms as Pomona in 
 the National Grange, and has held the same offices in the 
 State Grange. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Atkeson have been devoted to their 
 home life, but they are much interested in public af- 
 fairs and actively engaged in Grange work. Fond of 
 the farm and the country, they are deeply interested in 
 all rural life problems. 
 
 JAMES WILLIAM ABERT WRIGHT 
 
 Author of the Grange Declaration of Purposes 
 
 James William Abert Wright, author of the 
 Grange "Declaration of Purposes," was born at Colum- 
 bus, Miss., July 28, 1834. He was the son of Rev. 
 David Wright, a Presbyterian minister and Eliza Abert 
 Wright, daughter of John Abert. Mr. Wright was 
 educated in private schools at Columbus, Miss., Green 
 Springs (Ala.) High School and Princeton University, 
 from which institution he graduated with the highest 
 honors in 1857. He returned to Green Springs, Ala., 
 and taught in the high school until 1862. He married 
 Margaret Tutwiller, daughter of the Principal of the 
 Green Springs High School, in August, 1859. In May, 
 1862, he enlisted in the Confederate army and served 
 three years as Captain and Major. At the battle of 
 Missionary Ridge he was wounded in the hip and cap- 
 tured. He remained a prisoner of war until March 27, 
 1864, when he escaped. After the war he resumed 
 teaching at Green Springs. In the spring of 1868 he 
 removed to California. From 1868 to 1876 he farmed 
 on a large scale, having at one time 4,000 acres planted 
 to wheat. July 15, 1873, he was elected as first Mas-
 
 34^ PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 ter of the California State Grange. It was at the St. 
 Louis session of the National Grange, February, 1874, 
 that he wrote the "Declaration of Purposes" of the 
 Patrons of Husbandry, which has made the Order and 
 himself famous the world over. With his wife and 
 three sons he returned to Alabama in 1883, where he 
 continued to reside until his death in 1894. 
 
 CHARLES M. FREEMAN 
 Secretary of the National Grange 
 
 Charles M. Freeman, Secretary of the National 
 Grange, was born in Miami County, O., March 7, 1862. 
 His father, Isaac Freeman, was a farmer and extensive 
 nurseryman, and an active member of the Grange for 
 many years, holding many offices in his local and Po- 
 mona Granges and the offices of Steward and Overseer 
 in the Ohio State Grange. 
 
 Mr. Freeman was educated in the common schools 
 of the neighborhood, at the Lebanon Normal School, 
 and the Western Ohio University, from which 
 he graduated. He returned to the university later 
 and completed a commercial course. 
 
 He engaged in the nursery business in partnership 
 with his father for several years, until he began farm- 
 ing for himself, and he now resides on a farm of 152 
 acres, where he is engaged in up-to-date farming and 
 stock raising. 
 
 He joined the Grange when fourteen years of age 
 and has held almost every office in the Subordinate 
 and Pomona Grange ; was Steward, Lecturer and Sec- 
 retary of the Ohio State Grange. He also served on the 
 State Grange Executive and Legislative Committees 
 for several years. 
 
 January 3, 1903, he was appointed Secretary of the 
 National Grange by the Executive Committee for the 
 unexpired term of Dr. John Trimble, who died Decem- 
 ber 30, 1902. He went immediately to Washington,
 
 Thomas Clark Atkeson, Master of the West Virginia State 
 Grange and Author of the Semi-Centennial History 
 of the Patrons of Husbandry.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 347 
 
 D. C, to take up his duties and remained there until 
 November, 1903, when, by action of the National 
 Grange after his election for a full term, he was per- 
 mitted to move the office to his home near Tippecanoe 
 City, O. He has been re-elected at every National 
 Grange election since. 
 
 He is recognized as one of the best Grange speakers 
 in the country, and is in demand on all sorts of occa- 
 sions. He was Institute Lecturer and Grange Editor 
 of the National Stockman and Farmer for ten years, and 
 while Lecturer of the Ohio State Grange he instituted 
 the first State Lecturer's Quarterly Bulletin. 
 
 In 1866 he married Miss Fannie B. Stafford of Clarke 
 County, O., whose capability, devotion and accom- 
 plishments have largely contributed to his success. 
 They have one child, a daughter, Frances, who 
 is now head of the Department of Home Economics 
 in the University of Maine. 
 
 As a Grange worker and speaker he has always 
 placed special emphasis upon education for the farm- 
 ers, and he i>acks up his exhortations with actual, 
 earnest work, which helps bring fruition to the desire. 
 The cause of education of farm boys and girls has en- 
 listed Mr. Freeman's sympathies and most earnest 
 effort for many years. Largely through his efforts as 
 a member of his township board of education a well- 
 equipped and handsome township high school building 
 was erected on his farm and his home Grange built its 
 hall on a lot donated by him. 
 
 CAROLINE ARABELLE HALL 
 
 Equal to a Founder and First Ceres of the National 
 
 Grange 
 
 But little is known of Miss Caroline Arabelle Hall 
 beyond the fact that she was a niece of Mr. Kelley, and 
 for the following information we are indebted to Mrs. 
 Eva S. McDowell :
 
 34§ PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY, 
 
 "Miss Caroline A. Hall was born in Boston, within sight of 
 the Common. She received her education in the public schools 
 and at "The Wells." About the time of her graduation her 
 mother's sister went from Boston to Minnesota in search of a 
 more favorable climate and to teach school. Mr. Hall had been 
 suffering from "western fever" for some time, and it is likely 
 that the letters of his sister-in-law fostered the desire to migrate. 
 In any event, he decided to seek a home in the West, and started 
 for Minnesota with his family. Meantime the sister-in-law had 
 married Mr. O. H. Kelley, and was living with him near Itasca, 
 about twenty miles above Minneapolis and near the Mississippi 
 river, so the Halls naturally wished to found a home in their 
 vicinity where the families could see much of one another. 
 
 "Soon after becoming settled in the new home Miss Hall took 
 up the vocation of teaching, and was thus engaged when Mr. 
 Kelley laid before her the Grange proposition. Always eager 
 to do something to make the world happier and better, she 
 wished to help, and went into the work with hands, heart and 
 soul. Perhaps she had seen much since leaving Boston of the 
 loneliness and isolation of the lives led by the wives of the 
 farmers in those sparsely settled lands, and welcomed an order 
 that might make more sunshine in their uneventful days. Be 
 that as it may, she was an early and earnest advocate of the 
 admittance of women to the Grange on an equal footing with 
 men. 
 
 "How to get people acquainted with and interested in the new 
 movement was the question. To that end Miss Hall collected 
 as many agricultural papers and periodicals as she could lay her 
 hands upon, looked them carefully through for names and ad- 
 dresses of correspondents, and to such as she found sent circu- 
 lars describing the contemplated organization and asking their 
 co-operation. Many replies came, giving the names of others, 
 and so the list of correspondents kept growing longer and longer, 
 until finally she gave up teaching to assist Mr. Kelley in the 
 work of the Secretary's office. For a long time she had entire 
 charge of the office, as Mr. Kelley was away organizing Granges. 
 Answering every call as he did, or tried to do, the distances 
 traveled were long and much time was consumed, leaving him 
 little at home. Without Miss Hall's work there would have been 
 much delay and confusion in answering letters. 
 
 "In November, 1868, Mr. Kelley wrote to Mr. McDowell, High 
 Priest of Demeter of the provisional organization, asking him 
 to appoint Miss Hall as Ceres in the Seventh Degree, saying that 
 she was the first woman to see the outline of the degrees. Mr. 
 McDowell replied at once, sending the appointment and con-
 
 James William Abert Wright, Author of the Grange Declara- 
 tion of Purposes.
 
 Charles M. Freeman, present Secretary of the National 
 
 Grange.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 349 
 
 eluding his letter with these words : 'I have conferred this honor 
 upon her * * * in recognition of her services to our Order and 
 as the first woman who has taken an active interest in it.' Thus 
 Miss Hall became the first Ceres of the National Grange." 
 
 When Mr. Kelley's family removed to Washington, 
 D. C., in 1871, Miss Hall went with them and took 
 charge of the Secretary's office there. 
 
 At the sixth annual session (the first representative 
 session) of the National Grange, held in Georgetown, 
 in Mr. Kelley's parlors, in January, 1873, Miss Hall 
 was elected Lady Assistant Steward, and held that 
 office for about six years. Although the Ritual was 
 new and comparatively untried at the time of her elec- 
 tion, she took the position and made the work a thing 
 of beauty, especially in the degree work. 
 
 Miss Hall compiled the first song book used in the 
 Grange, taking the few that Mr. Grosh had collected 
 and added to them until she had a fair variety of suit- 
 able songs. At that time there was a great call for suitable 
 songs for opening and closing exercises, and for degree 
 work, and the little book she sent out in response to the 
 demand was gladly received. 
 
 When the Kelley family decided to invest in Florida 
 land and to go there to live, Miss Hall went with them 
 and remained for some years. She is now living at 
 her farm home in Wisconsin, always as ready to re- 
 spond to calls for help and to aid others in any pos- 
 sible way as of old.
 
 350 
 
 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 Number of Members of the Grange as Shown by the 
 Amount Paid to the National Grange Annually 
 
 (No figures are available previous to 1874) 
 
 1874 268,368 
 
 1875 858,050 
 
 1876 728,313 
 
 1877 411,244 
 
 1878 334,782 
 
 1879 246,383 
 
 1880 124,420 
 
 1881 151,040 
 
 1882 137,165 
 
 1883 122,960 
 
 1884 111,472 
 
 1885 117,620 
 
 1886 109,763 
 
 1887 118,341 
 
 1888 109,526 
 
 1889 106,782 
 
 1890 135,461 
 
 1891 139,920 
 
 1892 145,331 
 
 1893 205,740 
 
 1894 127,160 
 
 1895 179,247 
 
 1896 131,942 
 
 1897 167,206 
 
 1898 178,187 
 
 1899 179,522 
 
 1900 187,482 
 
 1901 196,580 
 
 1902 218,022 
 
 1903 250,169 
 
 1904 260,813 
 
 1905 284,646 
 
 1906 289,580 
 
 1907 410,622 
 
 1908 338,180 
 
 1909 339,470 
 
 1910 425,033 
 
 1911 502,322 
 
 1912 415,143 
 
 1913 539,426 
 
 1914 515,280 
 
 1915 540,085 
 
 These figures have been obtained from the actual 
 amount of dues paid for each year. It is impossible to 
 ascertain the number of persons living at any definite 
 time, but it is fair to assume that the living member- 
 ship at any time is more than double the number that 
 pay dues to the National Grange. The above figures 
 will prove interesting, as they show the annual varia- 
 tion in membership.
 
 NATIONAL GRANGE OFFICERS 
 From the Founding of the Order to the Present (191 6) 
 
 WORTHY MASTER 
 
 Wm. Saunders, Washington, D. C, Dec. 4, 1867, to Jan. 10, 1873. 
 
 D. W. Adams, Iowa, Jan. 10, 1873, to Nov. 23, 1875. 
 
 J. T. Jones, Arkansas, Nov. 23, 1875, to Nov. 27, 1877. 
 
 S. E. Adams, Minnesota, Nov, 27, 1877, to Nov. 22, 1879. 
 
 T. J. Woodman, Michigan, Nov. 22, 1879, to Nov. 18, 1885. 
 
 Put Darden, Mississippi, Nov. 18, 1885, to death, July 17, 1888. 
 
 Jas. Draper, Massachusetts, July 17, 1888, to Nov. 19, 1888. 
 
 J. H. Brigham, Ohio, Nov. 14, 1888, to Nov. 18, 1897. 
 
 Aaron Jones, Indiana, Nov. 18, 1897, to Nov. 22, 1905. 
 
 N. J. Bachelder, New Hampshire, Nov. 22, 1905, to Nov. 21, 1911. 
 
 Oliver Wilson, Illinois, Nov. 21, 1911, to present (1916). 
 
 WORTHY OVERSEER 
 
 Anson Bartlett, Ohio, Dec, 1867, to Jan., 1873. 
 
 Thos. Taylor, South Carolina, Jan., 1873, to Nov., 1875. 
 
 J. J. Woodman, Nov., 1875, to Nov., 1879. 
 
 Put Darden, Mississippi, Nov., 1879, to Nov., 1885. 
 
 Jas. Draper, Massachusetts, Nov, 1885, to Nov., 1889. 
 
 Hiram Hawkins, Alabama, Nov., 1889, to Nov., 1891. 
 
 E. W. Davis, California, Nov., 1891, to Nov., 1895. 
 Aaron Jones, Indiana, Nov., 1895, to Nov., 1897. 
 
 O. H. Hale, New York, Nov., 1897, to Nov., 1899. 
 
 O. Gardner, Maine, Nov., 1899, to Nov., 1903. 
 
 T. C. Atkeson, West Virginia, Nov., 1903, to Nov., 1911. 
 
 L. H. Healey, Connecticut, Nov., 1911, to Nov., 1913. 
 
 W. H. Vary, New York, Nov., 1913, to present (1916). 
 
 WORTHY LECTURER 
 
 J. R. Thompson, Washington, D. C, Dec, 1867, to Jan., 1872. 
 
 D. W. Adams, Iowa, Jan., 1872, to Jan., 1873. 
 
 T. A. Thompson, Minnesota, Jan., 1873, to Nov., 1875. 
 
 A. B. Smedley, Iowa, Nov., 1875, to Nov., 1877. 
 
 M. Whitehead, New Jersey, Nov., 1877, to Nov., 1879. 
 
 H. Eshbaugh, Missouri, Nov., 1879, to Nov., 1886. 
 
 M. Whitehead, New Jersey, Nov., 1886, to Nov., 1893. 
 
 351
 
 352 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 A. Messer, Vermont, Nov., 1893, to Nov., 1899. 
 
 N. J. Bachelder, New Hampshire, Nov., 1899, to Nov., 1905. 
 
 G. W. F. Gaunt, New Jersey, Nov., 1905, to Nov., 1909. 
 
 Oliver Wilson, Illinois, Nov., 1909, to Nov., 1911. 
 
 N. P. Hull, Michigan, Nov., 1911, to Nov., 1913. 
 
 G. W. F. Gaunt, New Jersey, Nov., 1913, to Nov., 1915. 
 
 E. E. Chapman, Massachusetts, Nov., 1915, to present (1916). 
 
 WORTHY STEWARD 
 
 Wm. Muir, Missouri, Dec, 1867, to Jan., 1873. 
 
 A. J. Vaughn, Mississippi, Jan., 1873, to Nov., 1881. 
 
 Wm. Sims, Kansas, Nov., 1881, to Nov., 1885. 
 
 J. E. Hall, West Virginia, Nov., 1885, to Nov., 1887. 
 
 X. X. Chartters, Virginia, Nov., 1887, to Nov., 1889. 
 
 E. W. Davis, California, Nov., 1889, to Nov., 1891. 
 A. E. Page, Missouri, Nov., 1891, to Nov., 1893. 
 M. B. Hunt, Maine, Nov., 1893, to Nov., 1895. 
 
 J. T. Cox, New Jersey, Nov., 1895, to Nov., 1899. 
 J. A. Newcomb, Colorado, Nov., 1899, to Nov., 1901. 
 W. C. Jewett, Massachusetts, Nov., 1901, to Nov., 1903. 
 J. A. Newcomb, Colorado, Nov., 1903, to Nov., 1909. 
 
 C. D. Richardson, Massachusetts, Nov., 1909, to Nov., 1911. 
 
 D. C. Mullen, Idaho, Nov., 1911, to Nov., 1913. 
 
 F. C. Bancroft, Delaware, Nov., 1913, to present (1916). 
 
 WORTHY ASSISTANT STEWARD 
 
 A. S. Moss, New York, Dec, 1867, to Jan., 1873. 
 
 G. W. Thompson, New Jersey, Jan., 1873, to Nov., 1875. 
 
 M. Whitehead, New Jersey, Nov., 1875, to Nov., 1877. 
 
 Wm. Sims, Kansas, Nov., 1877, to Nov., 1881. 
 
 J. J. Rosa, Delaware, Nov., 1881, to Nov., 1885. 
 
 W. H. Stinson, New Hampshire, Nov., 1885, to Nov., 1887. 
 
 J. H. Hale, Connecticut, Nov., 1887, to Nov., 1889. 
 
 O. E. Hall, Nebraska, Nov., 1889, to Nov., 1893. 
 
 A. M. Belcher, Rhode Island, Nov., 1893, to Nov., 1895. 
 
 J. A. Newcomb, Colorado, Nov., 1895, to Nov., 1899. 
 
 W. C. Jewett, Massachusetts, Nov., 1899, to Nov., 1901. 
 
 C. O. Raine, Missouri, Nov., 1901, to Nov., 1903. 
 
 G. W. F. Gaunt, New Jersey, Nov., 1903, to Nov., 1905. 
 
 F. E. Marchant, Rhode Island, Nov., 1905, to Nov., 1907. 
 
 i C. D. Richardson, Massachusetts, Nov., 1907, to Nov., 1909. 
 L. H. Healey, Connecticut, Nov., 1909, to Nov., 1911. 
 
 G. R. Shaefer, Wisconsin, Nov., 1911, to Nov., 1913. 
 
 J. A. Sherwood, Connecticut, Nov., 1913, to Nov., 1915. 
 John Morris, Colorado, Nov., 1915, to present (1916).
 
 NATIONAL GRANGE OFFICERS 353 
 
 WORTHY CHAPLAIN 
 
 A. B. Grosh, Washington, Dec, 1867, to Nov., 1875. 
 
 S. H. Ellis, Ohio, Nov., 1875, to Nov., 1877. 
 
 A. P. Forsythe, Illinois, Nov., 1877, to Nov., 1879. 
 
 S. H. Ellis, Ohio, Nov., 1879, to Nov., 1881. 
 
 H. O. Devries, Maryland, Nov., 1881, to Nov., 1885. 
 
 A. J. Rose, Texas, Nov., 1885, to Nov., 1891. 
 
 Chas. McDaniel, New Hampshire, Nov., 1891, to Nov., 1893. 
 
 S. L. Wilson, Mississippi, Nov., 1893, to Nov., 1895. 
 
 O. H. Hale, New York, Nov., 1S95, to Nov., 1897. 
 
 S. O. Bowen, Connecticut, Nov., 1897, to Nov., 1901. 
 
 W. K. Thompson, South Carolina, Nov., 1901, to Nov., 1907. 
 
 O. S. Wood, Connecticut, Nov., 1907, to Nov., 1909. 
 
 C. F. Smith, Vermont, Nov., 1909, to Nov., 1913. 
 
 A. P. Reardon, Kansas., Nov., 1913, to present (1916). 
 
 WORTHY TREASURER 
 
 W. M. Ireland, Washington, D. C, Dec, 1867, to Jan., 1872. 
 J. R. Thompson, Washington, D. C, Jan., 1872, to Jan., 1873. 
 
 F. M. McDowell, New York, Jan., 1873, to Nov., 1893. 
 
 Mrs. E. S. McDowell, New York, Nov., 1893, to present (1916). 
 
 WORTHY SECRETARY 
 
 O. H. Kelley, Minnesota, Dec, 1867, to Nov., 1878. 
 
 W. M. Ireland, Washington, D. C, Nov., 1878, to Nov., 1885. 
 
 John Trimble, Washington, D. C, Nov., 1885, to death, Dec 
 
 30, 1902. 
 C. M. Freeman, Ohio, Jan. 3 ,1903, to present (1916). 
 
 WORTHY GATEKEEPER 
 
 E. P. Farris, Illinois, Dec, 1867, to Jan., 1873. 
 O. Dinwiddie, Indiana, Jan., 1873, to Nov., 1881. 
 J. V. Scott, Arkansas, Nov., 1881, to Nov., 1883. 
 Jas. Draper, Massachusetts, Nov., 1883, to Nov., 1885. 
 H. Thompson, Delaware, Nov., 1885, to Nov., 1887. 
 A. N. Brown, Delaware, Nov., 1887, to Nov., 1889. 
 A. E. Page, Missouri, Nov., 1889, to Nov., 1891. 
 W. H. Nelson, Tennessee, Nov., 1891, to Nov, 1893. 
 W. E. Harbaugh, Missouri, Nov., 1893, to Nov., 1897. 
 
 A. B Judson, Towa, Nov., 1897, to Nov., 1899. 
 
 H. E. Huxley, Wisconsin, Nov., 1899, to Nov., 1901. 
 
 G. W. Baird, Minnesota, Nov., 1901, to Nov., 1903. 
 
 B. C. Patterson, Connecticut, Nov., 1903, to Nov., 1905.
 
 354 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 A. C. Powers, Wisconsin, Nov., 1905, to Nov., 1909. 
 
 D. C. Mullen, Idaho, Nov., 1909, to Nov., 1911. 
 
 A. B. Judson, Iowa, Nov., 1911, to Nov., 1913. 
 
 C. L. Rice, Minnesota, Nov., 1913, to present (1916). 
 
 WORTHY CERES 
 
 Miss Carrie A. Hall, Minnesota, Nov. 6, 1868, to Jan., 1873. 
 
 Mrs. D. W. Adams, Iowa, Jan., 1873, to Nov., 1875. 
 
 Mrs. J. T. Jones, Arkansas, Nov., 1875, to Nov., 1877. 
 
 Mrs. S. E. Adams, Minnesota, Nov., 1877, to Nov., 1879. 
 
 Mrs. J. J. Woodman, Michigan, Nov., 1879, to Nov., 1885. 
 
 Mrs. K. A. Darden, Mississippi, Nov., 1885, to Nov., 1889. 
 
 Mrs. J. H. Brigham, Ohio, Nov., 1889, to Nov., 1893. 
 
 Mrs. M. S. Rhone, Pennsylvania, Nov., 1893, to Nov., 1895. 
 
 Mrs. L. G. Smith, Ohio, Nov., 1895, to Nov., 1897. 
 
 Mrs. L. M. Messick, Delaware, Nov., 1897, to Nov., 1899 
 
 Mrs. Cordelia Atkeson, West Virginia, Nov., 1899, to Nov., 1901. 
 
 Mrs. M. M. Wilson, Illinois, Nov., 1901, to Nov., 1905. 
 
 Mrs. C. R. F. Ladd, Massachusetts, Nov., 1905, to Nov., 1907. 
 
 Mrs. E. H. Patterson, Maryland, Nov., 1907, to Nov., 1911. 
 
 Mrs. E. E. Pattee, New Hampshire, Nov., 1911, to Nov., 1915. 
 
 Mrs. Eva Sherwood, Connecticut, Nov., 1915, to present (1916). 
 
 WORTHY POMONA 
 
 Mrs. O. H. Kelley, Washington, D. C, Jan., 1873, to Feb., 1874. 
 
 Mrs. Thos. Taylor, South Carolina, Feb., 1874, to Nov., 1875. 
 
 Mrs. H. Godard, Connecticut, Nov., 1875, to Nov., 1877. 
 
 Mrs. J. J. Woodman, Michigan, Nov., 1877, to Nov., 1879. 
 
 Mrs. M. L. Darden, Mississippi, Nov., 1879, to Nov., 1884. 
 
 Mrs. S. J. Blanton, Virginia, Nov., 1884, to Nov., 1885. 
 
 Mrs. S. H. Neal, Kentucky, Nov., 1885, to Nov., 1887. 
 
 Mrs. J. C. Draper, Massachusetts, Nov., 1887, to Nov., 1889. 
 
 Mrs. M. J. Thompson, Nov., 1889, to Nov., 1891. 
 
 Mrs. C. E. Bowen, Connecticut, Nov., 1891, to Nov., 1893. 
 
 Mrs. M. M. Reardon, Kansas, Nov., 1893, to Nov., 1895. 
 
 Mrs. S. G. Baird, Minnesota, Nov., 1895, to Nov., 1899. 
 
 Mrs. M. M. Wilson, Illinois, Nov., 1899, to Nov., 1901. 
 
 Mrs. Cordelia Atkeson, West Virginia, Nov., 1901, to Nov., 1903. 
 
 Mrs. E. M. Derbey, Delaware, Nov., 1903, to Nov., 1905. 
 
 Mrs. S. G. Baird, Minnesota, Nov., 1905, to Nov., 1909. 
 
 Mrs. Grace Hull, Michigan, Nov., 1909, to Nov., 1911. 
 
 Mrs. Cordelia Atkeson, West Virginia, Nov., 1911, to Nov., 1913. 
 
 Mrs. Cora E. Ketcham, Michigan, Nov., 1913, to present (1916). 
 
 WORTHY FLORA 
 
 Mrs. J. C. Abbott, Iowa, Jan., 1873, to Feb., 1874. 
 Mrs. J. T. Moore, Maryland, Feb., 1874, to Nov., 1875.
 
 NATIONAL GRANGE OFFICERS 355 
 
 Mrs. S. E. Adams, Minnesota, Nov., 1875, to Nov., 1877. 
 
 Mrs. J. T. Moore, Maryland, Nov., 1877, to Nov., 1879. 
 
 Mrs. E. M. Nicholson, New Jersey, Nov., 1879, to Nov., 1885. 
 
 Mrs. J. C. Draper, Massachusetts, Nov., 1885, to Nov., 1887. 
 
 Mrs. M. E. Luce, Michigan, Nov., 1887, to Nov., 1889. 
 
 Mrs. Jos. Bailey, Mississippi, Nov., 1889, to Nov., 1891. 
 
 Mrs. E. P. Wilson, Mississippi, Nov., 1891, to Nov., 1893. 
 
 Mrs. A. L. Bull, Minnesota, Nov., 1893, to Nov., 1895. 
 
 Mrs. E. L. A. Wiggin, Maine, Nov., 1895, to Nov., 1899. 
 
 Mrs. Ida V. High, Washington, Nov., 1899, to Nov., 1901. 
 
 Mrs. S. B. Wolcott, Kentucky, Nov., 1901, to Nov., 1903. 
 
 Mrs. P. S. Raine, Missouri, Nov., 1903, to Nov., 1905. 
 
 Mrs. A. M. Horton, Michigan, Nov., 1905, to Nov., 1907. 
 
 Mrs. Ida Judson, Iowa, Nov., 1907, to Nov., 1913. 
 
 Mrs. Ella Peckham, Rhode Island, Nov., 1913 to present (1916). 
 
 WORTHY LADY ASSISTANT STEWARD 
 
 Miss Carrie A. Hall, Washington, D. C, Jan., 1873, to Nov., 1879. 
 Mrs. H. A. Sims, Kansas, Nov., 1879, to Nov., 1885. 
 Mrs. E. M. Lipscomb, South Carolina, Nov., 1885, to Nov., 1887. 
 Mrs. H. A. Sims, Kansas, Nov., 1887, to Nov., 1889. 
 Mrs. L. C. Douglas, Massachusetts, Nov., 1889, to Nov., 1893. 
 Mrs. A. M. Horton, Michigan, Nov., 1893, to Nov., 1895. 
 Mrs. S. G. Knott, West Virginia, Nov., 1895, to Nov., 1897. 
 Mrs. A. M. Horton, Michigan, Nov., 1897, to Nov., 1901. 
 Mrs. W. F. Hill, Pennsylvania, Nov., 1901, to Nov., 1903. 
 Mrs. H. C. Raap, California, Nov., 1903, to Nov., 1905. 
 Mrs. Joanna M. Walker, Delaware, Nov., 1905, to Nov., 1909. 
 Mrs. Mary H. Smith, Vermont, Nov., 1909, to Nov., 1913. 
 Mrs. Mable A. Harland, Idaho, Nov., 1913, to present (1916). 
 
 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 
 
 Wm. Saunders, Washington, D. C, Jan., 1873, to Nov., 1875. 
 
 D. W. Aiken, South Carolina, Jan., 1873, to Nov., 1885. 
 
 E. R. Shankland, Iowa, Jan., 1873, to Nov., 1876. 
 
 D. T. Chase, New Hampshire, Feb., 1875, to Nov., 1877. 
 
 J. T. Jones, Arkansas, Feb., 1875, to Nov., 1875. 
 
 A. Golder, Illinois, Nov., 1875, to Nov., 1877. 
 
 W. H. Chambers, Alabama, Nov., 1875, to Nov., 1877. 
 
 H. James, Indiana, Nov., 1876, to Nov., 1882. 
 
 S. E. Adams, Minnesota, Nov., 1877, to Nov., 1879. 
 
 S. H. Ellis, Ohio, Nov., 1877, to Nov., 1879. 
 
 W. G. Wayne, New York, Nov., 1879, to Nov., 1881. 
 
 J. M. Blanton, Virginia, Nov., 1881, to Nov., 1889. 
 
 J. H. Brigham, Ohio, Nov., 1882, to Nov., 1888. 
 
 J. J. Woodman, Michigan, Nov., 1885, to Nov., 1902. 
 
 L. Rhone, Pennsylvania, Nov., 1888, to Nov., 1898.
 
 356 PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY 
 
 X. X. Chartters, Virginia, Nov., 1889, to Nov., 1893. 
 
 R. R. Hutchinson, Virginia, Nov., 1893, to Nov., 1895. 
 
 N. J. Bachelder, New Hampshire, Nov., 1895, to Nov., 1899. 
 
 S. H. Messick, Delaware, Nov., 1898 to Nov., 1900. 
 
 E. B. Norris, New York, Nov., 1899, to Nov., 1907. 
 C. J. Bell, Vermont, Nov., 1900, to Nov., 1909. 
 
 F. A. Derthick, Ohio, Nov., 1902, to Nov., 1908. 
 
 F. N. Godfrey, New York, Nov., 1907, to Nov., 1913. 
 C. O. Raine, Missouri, Nov., 1908, to Nov., 1914. 
 S. H. Messick, Delaware, Nov., 1909, to Nov., 1912. 
 C. S. Stetson, Maine, Nov., 1912, to present (1916). 
 A. B. Judson, Iowa, Nov., 1913, to present (1916). 
 W. N. Cady, Vermont, Nov., 1914, to present (1916).
 
 APPENDIX 
 Annual Sessions of the National Grange 
 
 DATE 
 
 PLACE 
 
 MASTER 
 
 1867, 
 
 December 
 
 4... 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 Birthday. 
 
 1868 
 
 January 
 
 7... 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 William Saunders. 
 
 1869, 
 
 April 
 
 13... 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 William Saunders. 
 
 1870, 
 
 January 
 
 25... 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 William Saunders. 
 
 1871, 
 
 January 
 
 4... 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 William Saunders. 
 
 1872 
 
 January 
 
 3... 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 William Saunders. 
 
 1873 
 
 January 
 
 8... 
 
 Georgetown, D. C. 
 
 William Saunders. 
 
 1874 
 
 February 
 
 4... 
 
 St. Louis, Mo. 
 
 D. W. Adams. 
 
 1875 
 
 February 
 
 3... 
 
 Charleston, S. C. 
 
 D. W. Adams. 
 
 1875, 
 
 November 
 
 17... 
 
 Louisville, Ky. 
 
 D. W. Adams. 
 
 1876 
 
 November 
 
 15... 
 
 Chicago, 111. 
 
 John T. Jones. 
 
 1877 
 
 November 
 
 21... 
 
 Cincinnati, O. 
 
 John T. Jones. 
 
 1S78 
 
 November 
 
 20... 
 
 Richmond, Va,. 
 
 S. E. Adams. 
 
 1879 
 
 November 
 
 19... 
 
 Canandaigua, N. Y. 
 
 S. E. Adams. 
 
 1880 
 
 November 
 
 17... 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 J. J. Woodman. 
 
 1881 
 
 November 
 
 16... 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 J. J. Woodman. 
 
 1882 
 
 November 
 
 15... 
 
 Indianapolis, Ind. 
 
 J. J. Woodman. 
 
 1883 
 
 November 
 
 21... 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 J. J. Woodman. 
 
 1884 
 
 November 
 
 25 . . . 
 
 Nashville, Tenn. 
 
 J. J. Woodman. 
 
 1885 
 
 November 
 
 11... 
 
 Boston, Mass. 
 
 J. J. Woodman. 
 
 1886 
 
 November 
 
 10... 
 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 Put Darden. 
 
 1887 
 
 November 
 
 16... 
 
 Lansing, Mich. 
 
 Put Darden. 
 
 1888 
 
 November 
 
 14... 
 
 Topeka, Kan. 
 
 James Draper. 
 
 1889 
 
 November 
 
 13... 
 
 Sacramento, Cal. 
 
 J. H. Brigham. 
 
 1890 
 
 November 
 
 12... 
 
 Atlanta, Ga. 
 
 J. H. Brigham. 
 
 1891 
 
 November 
 
 11... 
 
 Springfield, O. 
 
 J. H. Brigham. 
 
 1892 
 
 November 
 
 16... 
 
 Concord, N. H. 
 
 J. H. Brigham. 
 
 1893 
 
 November 
 
 15... 
 
 Syracuse, N. Y. 
 
 J. H. Brigham. 
 
 1894 
 
 November 
 
 14... 
 
 Springfield, 111. 
 
 J. H. Brigham. 
 
 1895 
 
 November 
 
 13... 
 
 Worcester, Mass. 
 
 J. H. Brigham. 
 
 1 896 
 
 November 
 
 11... 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 J. H. Brigham. 
 
 1897 
 
 November 
 
 10... 
 
 Harrisburg, Pa. 
 
 J. H. Brigham. 
 
 1898 
 
 November 
 
 16... 
 
 Concord, N. H. 
 
 Aaron Jones. 
 
 1899 
 
 November 
 
 15... 
 
 Springfield, O. 
 
 Aaron Jones. 
 
 1900 
 
 November 
 
 14... 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 Aaron Jones. 
 
 1901 
 
 November 
 
 13... 
 
 Lewiston, Me. 
 
 Aaron Jones. 
 
 1902 
 
 November 
 
 12... 
 
 Lansing, Mich. 
 
 Aaron Jones. 
 
 1903 
 
 November 
 
 11... 
 
 Rochester, N. Y. 
 
 Aaron Jones. 
 
 1904 
 
 November 
 
 16... 
 
 Portland, Ore. 
 
 Aaron Jones. 
 
 1 905 
 
 November 
 
 15... 
 
 Atlantic City, N. J. 
 
 Aaron Jones. 
 
 L906 
 
 November 
 
 14... 
 
 Denver, Col. 
 
 N.J. Bachelder. 
 
 1907 
 
 November 
 
 13... 
 
 Hartford, Conn. 
 
 N.J. Bachelder. 
 
 L908 
 
 November 
 
 11... 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 N.J. Bachelder. 
 
 1909 
 
 November 
 
 10... 
 
 Des Moines, Iowa. 
 
 N.J. Bachelder. 
 
 1910 
 
 November 
 
 16. .. 
 
 Atlantic City, N. J. 
 
 N.J. Bachelder. 
 
 1911 
 
 , November 
 
 15... 
 
 Columbus, O. 
 
 N.J. Bachelder. 
 
 L912 
 
 , November 
 
 13... 
 
 Spokane, Wash. 
 
 Oliver Wilson. 
 
 1913 
 
 , November 
 
 12... 
 
 Manchester, N. II. 
 
 Oliver Wilson. 
 
 1914 
 
 , November 
 
 11. .. 
 
 Wilmington, Del. 
 
 Oliver Wilson. 
 
 1915 
 
 , November 
 
 10... 
 
 Oakland, Cal. 
 
 Oliver Wilson. 
 
 1916 
 
 , Novemb' r 
 
 15... 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 Oliver Wilson.
 
 BIBLIOGRAPHY 
 
 Covering a period of fifty years, an immense quan- 
 tity of material has accumulated which, more or less, 
 deals with the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. Those 
 desiring to study this material may find practically all 
 of it which is now available listed and located in the 
 Bibliography printed in "The Granger Movement" by 
 Dr. S. J. Buck, published in 1913. 
 
 Under the head of "Public Documents" will be 
 found many official reports of Committees of Congress 
 and Commissions of various kinds. 
 
 Under the "State Documents" will be found reference 
 to a mass of state publications dealing with legislatures, 
 courts and commissions. 
 
 Documents of agricultural organizations under the 
 headings "National" and "State" include National and 
 State Grange Journals and miscellaneous matter. 
 
 Under "Newspapers" is listed nearly 200 agricultural 
 and Grange newspapers. About 175 of these papers 
 that were devoted to the Grange movement started 
 after 1870 and suspended by 1880. Not a single one 
 of the papers which started, all over the country, in 
 support of the Grange in the early days of the Order, 
 has continued publication to the present. 
 
 Under the head of "Miscellaneous Material" may 
 be found a long list of books, pamphlets and other pub- 
 lications dealing with the Grange. 
 
 Another list deals with publications on Organization. 
 
 Another class of publications is found under the 
 heading "Co-operation." 
 
 Everything dealing with railroads and the Grange is 
 listed together. 
 
 The libraries and other places where all this mass of 
 historical material may be found is indicated, and every 
 student of the Grange and Grange history must remain 
 
 358
 
 BIBLIOGRAPHY 359 
 
 under obligation to Dr. Buck for the immense amount 
 
 of work he has done in compiling his Grange "Bibli- 
 ography." It is too long for republication here. 
 
 Below we give a brief list of the books in most per- 
 manent form, which deal entirely or largely with the 
 
 Grange Movement : 
 
 National Grange Journal of Proceedings, from the 6th 
 to the 49th Session. 
 
 State Grange Journals of Proceedings. 
 
 National Grange Digest of Law, etc., 1915 edition. 
 
 iCyclopedia of American Agriculture 1909; L. H. 
 Bailey. 
 
 Chapters on Rural Progress, 1908; K. L. Butterfield. 
 
 Monopolies and the People, 1873 > D. C. Cloud. 
 
 Industrial History of the United States, 1905 ; Kath- 
 erine Coman. 
 
 Historical Sketch of the United States Department of 
 Agriculture, 1898; C. H. Greathouse. 
 
 The Riddle of the Sphinx, 1890 ; N. B. Ashby. 
 
 Early History of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, 
 1904; J. W. Darrow. 
 
 The Grange, A Study in the Science of Society, 1874; 
 Gracchus Americanus. 
 
 Mentor in the Granges, and Homes of Patrons of Hus- 
 bandry, 1876; Aaron B. Grosh. 
 
 The Patrons' Handbook, 1874; J. K. Hudson. 
 
 Origin and Progress of the Order of Patrons of Hus- 
 bandry in the United States, 1875 ; O. H. Kelley. 
 
 History of the Grange Movement, 1874; E. W. Martin. 
 
 The Groundswell, 1874; Jonathan Periam. 
 
 The Grange Illustrated, 1874; John G. Wells. 
 
 The Granger Movement, 1913; Dr. S. J. Buck.
 
 INDEX 
 
 A PAGE 
 
 Accomplishments of Grange 130 
 
 Achievements of Grange 130 
 
 Adams, Dudley W., administration 61 
 Adams, Dudley W., biographical 
 
 sketch 328 
 
 Adams, Samuel E 93 
 
 Adams, Samuel E., biographical 
 
 sketch 330 
 
 Agriculture, Bureau of 4 
 
 colleges 87, 212 
 
 college endowed 123 
 
 credit 282 
 
 extension 260 
 
 following war 7 
 
 in schools 101 
 
 National aid 4 
 
 National Board of 4 
 
 Philadelphia Society for 3 
 
 Secretary of 86, 183 
 
 societies 3 
 
 Anti-Trust Law 215 
 
 Arbitration 143, 229 
 
 Army increased 299 
 
 Atkeson on war sentiment 234 
 
 Atkeson, Thomas Clark, biograph- 
 ical sketch 343 
 
 B 
 
 Bachelder, administration 243 
 
 Bachelder, Nahum J., biographical 
 
 sketch 338 
 
 Baird, Sarah G., biographical 
 
 sketch 340 
 
 Ballot, reform 313 
 
 Ballot, use of 139 
 
 Bank, Central 272 
 
 Banking reform 272 
 
 Bartlett, Anson 21 
 
 Beginning of Grange 7 
 
 Brigham, J. H., administration... 146 
 Brigham, J. H., biographical 
 
 sketch 335 
 
 Brigham, J. H., described 150 
 
 Brigham, J. H., praised 236 
 
 Bulletin National Grange 270 
 
 Burden of taxation 189 
 
 Bureau of animal husbandry 109 
 
 Business activities in Grange 31 
 
 C 
 
 Central Bank 272 
 
 Central Bank system 266 
 
 Coinage of silver 167 
 
 Colleges, agricultural, demand of 87 
 
 Conservation 293 
 
 Constitution of Grange 52 
 
 361 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Co-operation 196, 268 
 
 among farmers 1 
 
 business 119 
 
 social 2 
 
 Co-operative association 307 
 
 life insurance 283 
 
 purchasing 40 
 
 systems 271 
 
 Country life commission 254 
 
 Country high schools 231 
 
 Credit, agricultural 282 
 
 Currency 272 
 
 D 
 Darden, Israel P., biographical 
 
 sketch 333 
 
 Darden, Put, administration 135 
 
 Declaration of purposes 69 
 
 Department of agriculture.. 152, 197 
 
 Deputies for Grange 33 
 
 Direct vote for senators 140 
 
 Distribution problems 268 
 
 Draper, James, biographical sketch 334 
 
 Draper, James, National master.. 146 
 
 E 
 
 Early agricultural societies 3 
 
 Education 226 
 
 Eighteenth session 125 
 
 Eighth session 74 
 
 Eleventh session 88 
 
 Endowment fund of Grange 293 
 
 Equalization of taxation 143 
 
 Establishing the Grange 25 
 
 Experiment station bill indorsed. 141 
 
 Experiment stations 151,313 
 
 Extension of Grange 278 
 
 F 
 
 Farmers' Alliance 115 
 
 Farm Credit Association 287 
 
 Farm credits 30 1 
 
 Farmer for Secretary of Agricul- 
 ture 191 
 
 Farmer fraternity 5 
 
 Farmers, co-operation among. ... 1 
 
 Farmers in politics 171,268 
 
 Farmers, organization of. . 4, 160, 225 
 
 Farm school 259 
 
 Fifteenth session 110 
 
 Fiftieth anniversary 295 
 
 Fifth session 43 
 
 Financial system of Grange 221 
 
 First Grange paper 32 
 
 First master's address 35 
 
 First session 19 
 
 First State Grange 28
 
 362 
 
 INDEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Food adulteration 194, 206 
 
 Fortieth session 243 
 
 Forty-eighth session 289 
 
 Forty-fifth session 271 
 
 Forty-first session 247 
 
 Forty-fourth session 264 
 
 Forty-ninth session 296 
 
 Forty-second session 253 
 
 Forty-seventh session 281 
 
 Forty-sixth session 277 
 
 Founders of order 65 
 
 Fourteenth session 102 
 
 Fourth session 40 
 
 Fraternity for farmers 5 
 
 Fredonia Grange 40 
 
 Fredonia Grange No. 1 24 
 
 Free delivery of mails 162, 215 
 
 Freeman, Charles M., biographical 
 
 sketch 346 
 
 Free passes 214 
 
 Free rural delivery 194, 313 
 
 Freight rates 270 
 
 G 
 
 Government ownerships of tele- 
 graph 283 
 
 Government ownerships of tele- 
 phones 280 
 
 Grange, a builder 245 
 
 achievements 233, 292, 304 
 
 agricultural clearing house.. 215 
 
 and politics 279 
 
 as a social order 310 
 
 beginning 17 
 
 birthday of 20 
 
 blue book 31 
 
 bulletin 270 
 
 constitution of 52 
 
 dangers 273 
 
 endowment fund 293 
 
 establishing of 25 
 
 fifth session 43 
 
 first delegate session 48 
 
 first meeting of 19 
 
 for service 269 
 
 founders 106 
 
 funds donated 80 
 
 greatest growth of 81 
 
 influence 290 
 
 in south 41 
 
 manufacturing enterprises . . 89 
 
 many names for 17 
 
 materialism 91 
 
 membership 309 
 
 members, total 350 
 
 National Grange monthly. . . 274 
 
 No. 1 24 
 
 office, Kentucky 79 
 
 officers, National 351 
 
 organizing work 30 
 
 paper 32 
 
 permanent organization .... 43 
 
 plan of organization 22 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Grange, policy 244 
 
 preamble of 51 
 
 publication 251 
 
 silver jubilee 174 
 
 what it stands for 128 
 
 work 194 
 
 Granger movement 305, 311 
 
 Granger revolt 62 
 
 Grosh, Aaron B., biographical 
 
 sketch 326 
 
 Grosh, A. B 22 
 
 H 
 
 Hall, Carrie A., biographical 
 
 sketch 347 
 
 Hall, Carrie A., first woman officer 28 
 
 Hall, Carrie A., recognized 169 
 
 Hall, Miss Carrie A 28 
 
 Harmony in Grange 205 
 
 Highway improvement 259, 282 
 
 I 
 
 Income tax 266 
 
 Industrial union 119 
 
 Interstate Commerce Commission, 100 
 144, 193, 270 
 
 Intoxicating liquors 283 
 
 Iowa State Grange 40 
 
 Ireland, W. M 14, 21 
 
 Ireland, W. M., biographical sketch, 324 
 
 J 
 Jones, Aarcn, administration .... 201 
 Jones, Aaron, biographical sketch, 337 
 Jones, John T., administration... 83 
 Jones, John T., biographical 
 
 sketch 329 
 
 Justice in agriculture 217 
 
 K 
 
 Kelley, at silver jubilee 175 
 
 Kelley, enthusiasm of 24 
 
 Kelley, in the south 13 
 
 Kelley goes to Washington 11 
 
 Kelley, Oliver H 6, 21 
 
 Kelley, Oliver H., biographical 
 
 sketch 315 
 
 Kelley, O. H., given annuity 239 
 
 Kelley, Secretary, resigns 95 
 
 Kentucky in Grange list 41 
 
 L 
 
 Labor troubles 178 
 
 Land grant colleges 87 
 
 Landlord and tenant. 307 
 
 Legislative Committee 133 
 
 Legislative policies 291 
 
 Life insurance, co-operative 283 
 
 Loans of postal savings banks . 283 
 
 Local stores 98 
 
 Louisville objected to as head- 
 quarters 94 
 
 Lubin proposition 182, 19§
 
 INDEX 
 
 363 
 
 M PAGE 
 
 Manufacturing enterprise of 
 
 Grange 89 
 
 Many names for Grange 17 
 
 Master's address, first 35 
 
 McDowell, Eva S., biographical 
 
 sketch 341 
 
 McDowell, Francis M., biographi- 
 cal sketch 322 
 
 McDowell, F. M., 20 
 
 Membership of Grange 350 
 
 Memorial services 144 
 
 Michigan organized 46 
 
 Minnesota Monthly 32 
 
 Monopolies discussed 36 
 
 Monopolizing water power 284 
 
 Monthly, National Grange 274 
 
 More equitable tax laws 283 
 
 Moss, A. S 21 
 
 Muir, William 21 
 
 N 
 
 National farmers' alliance 115 
 
 National Grange, beginning of. . . 7 
 
 bulletin 270 
 
 extension of 19 
 
 first and second sessions 19 
 
 fourth session 36 
 
 monthly .: 279 
 
 officers 351 
 
 organization of 19 
 
 third session 30 
 
 Navy increased 299 
 
 New England first organized 47 
 
 Nineteenth session 127 
 
 Ninth session 79 
 
 O 
 
 Officers, National Grange 351 
 
 Official organ of Grange 259, 269 
 
 Oleomargarine 282 
 
 Order, beginning of 7 
 
 Order, Founders of 65 
 
 Organization among farmers.. 1, 4 
 
 P 
 
 Panama Canal 204 
 
 Parcels Post 241,265 
 
 Patent laws 97 
 
 Patrons day 297 
 
 Patrons of husbandry 6 
 
 Political methods 122 
 
 Political significance 118 
 
 Political unrest 121 
 
 Politics and the Grange 279 
 
 Populist party 155 
 
 Postal savings banks 200, 215 
 
 Postal telegraph 162 
 
 Preamble of Grange 51 
 
 Preparedness 299 
 
 Press friendly to Grange 115 
 
 Proclamation greeting 164 
 
 Producers' convention 36 
 
 Programs, educational 36 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Promoting agriculture 3 
 
 Protective tariff system 180 
 
 Public accounting law 250 
 
 Publicity for corporation evils.... 250 
 
 Pure food 143 
 
 Pure food law 215 
 
 R 
 
 Railroads, true value of 271 
 
 Railroads, value of 283 
 
 Resolution not effective 139 
 
 Resolution on humane treatment 
 
 of live stock 96 
 
 Road improvement 283,294 
 
 Rochdale, plan of co-operation... 81 
 
 Rural communities 268 
 
 Rural credits 282, 286, 313 
 
 Rural free delivery 198 
 
 Rural mail delivery 220 
 
 S 
 
 Salaries, early Grange 50 
 
 Saunders, William 14, 21 
 
 Saunders, William, biographical 
 
 sketch 317 
 
 Second session 19 
 
 Secretary Morton condemned.... 172 
 
 Secretary of Agriculture 86, 109, 183 
 
 190, 285 
 
 Secretary's office 38 
 
 Senators by direct vote 271 
 
 Senators, direct vote of 140 
 
 Seventeenth session 115 
 
 Seventh session of National 
 
 Grange 61 
 
 Sherman anti-trust law 203 
 
 Ship subsidies 206 
 
 Silver jubilee of Grange 174 
 
 Single tax 190 
 
 Sixteenth session 115 
 
 Sixth session 43 
 
 Social co-operation 2 
 
 Societies, early agricultural 3 
 
 Speculation in futures condemned, 140 
 
 State agents for Granges 31 
 
 Subordinate Granges, names for, 18 
 
 T 
 
 Tariff 265 
 
 Tariff commission 200, 248 
 
 Tariff legislation 301 
 
 Tariff question 158 
 
 Taxation 262 
 
 Tax laws 283 
 
 Temperance 313 
 
 Temple to Ceres 124, 206 
 
 Tenth session 83 
 
 Third session 30 
 
 Thirteenth session 93 
 
 Thirtieth session 188 
 
 Thirty-eighth session 232 
 
 Thirty-fifth session 209 
 
 Thirty-first session 196
 
 364 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Thirty- fourth session 209 
 
 Thirty-ninth session 237 
 
 Thirty-second session ...., 201 
 
 Thirty-seventh session 225 
 
 Thirty-sixth session 218 
 
 Thirty-third session 204 
 
 Thomas, J. T 19 
 
 Thompson, John R., biographical 
 
 sketch 319 
 
 Transportation problems 308 
 
 Trimble, John 12, 213 
 
 Trimble, John, biographical 
 
 sketch 320 
 
 Trimble, John, honored 229 
 
 Trusts 207, 248, 250 
 
 Twelfth session 93 
 
 Twentieth session 135 
 
 Twenty-eighth session 177 
 
 Twenty-fifth anniversary 174 
 
 Twenty-fifth session 160 
 
 Twenty-first session 135 
 
 Twenty- fourth session 155 
 
 Twenty-ninth session 182 
 
 Twenty-second session 146 
 
 Twenty-seventh session 171 
 
 Twenty-sixth session 166 
 
 Twenty-third session 151 
 
 U 
 United States Senators 271,282, 313 
 
 V 
 
 Value of railroads 271, 283 
 
 Vote for Senators 200 
 
 W 
 
 Warehouses established 86 
 
 Wilson, Oliver 277 
 
 Wilson, Oliver, biographical 
 
 sketch 340 
 
 Woman suffrage 298 
 
 Woodman, J. J., administration.. 102 
 Woodman, J. J., biographical 
 
 sketch 331 
 
 Woodman, J. J., honored 223 
 
 Work of Grange 312 
 
 Wright, James W. A., biographi- 
 cal sketch 345
 
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