Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1846-04-07
| o. OF o. F.

The society called the 81. o. OF o. F.
VIII CHI ex sis in this country, has excited
considerable degree of attention from
many who are not aware Of the charac en-
and object Of such an Association and Gu
! rIosity has been active to discover what
| facts il could in relation to them For
the benefit Of such. therefore we propose
to enter into brief detail Of their history.
and the objects which induced and which
still preserves~their organization.
In the year So, and during the reign Of
| Ne 70, the Roman sold ers formed society
in their camp which they distinguished
by the name of the "Odd Fellows Society,"
aud they were called among themselves
and by others, "Fellow Citizens" The
title was given to them by Titus Cesar. in
the year 10. as il so well corresponded
with their singular notions and manners,
| from their being able to know each her
in the night, and for their attachment to
him and their country. He not only gave
them name. but manifested his regard
for them by presenting them with .'dis-
pensation engraved on plate Of gold.leav-
ing different emblems, such as the sun,
moon, stars, the lion, the lamb, the dove
and the emblems Of morality" The or
der continued to increase in Italy, ard by
the 18th century it had spread over the
Spanish dominions. reached Portugal. and
become established in France and England
And at the same Grand Lodge Of Honor
was formed at Londan, which was pre-
served until the reign of George Sd, when
a portion of them formed themselves into
a distinci union, The relics Of which remain
to this day, having increased 10 vast num-
bers throughout the world and are known
as the Loyal Ancient Odd Fellows.
The present Order Of Odd Fellows, was
instituted in Manchester. England, about
the year 1910. The members had be-
longed to the Ancient Order, but becoming
dissatisfied they seeded, and formed
themselves into body under the title Of
"Idependent Odd Fellows" to distn-
guish themselves from the other fraternity
and which title is still preserved by them
Soon after their formation in Manchester
he Order began to spread. and in the course
Of very brief period. reached this coun-
Try. Here we believe the first osganiza-
ton took place at Philadelphia, or Bali
more, and now almost every town of any
size N the Union has to acknowledge the
existence Of a Society Of id Fellows.
The primary objects which led TO the
formation OF the first institution has ever
been preserved, and now marks the char
acter of,he oder. 1t consists it acts of
bcnevoleLce mutually exercised to-
wards ech other when either party
is IN distress. in sickness suffering or in
case of death The only secret which
the society enjoins is that of mutual recog.
nizance nnter any circumstances and a.
d part of The ,rorid and which is highly
proper and right that they should pre-.
serve.
Thus we have given. so FAR we are able
a gene al outI re OF The history, character
and purposes of the soci,ty OF y c Eel
lows, and we trust they Will ever cherish
he sacred ohJect which unlies them iogelh-
e. IN IA band OF Love, Friendship ana Char
ty, and like, their Roman Fathers. prove
an honor 10 themselves, their cause and
heir country.