St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1907-12-11

gave brief history of the origin of the
Grange. He said that the order OF
Patrons of Husbandry originated in the
mind of o. H. Kelley, a man of New
England birth, who went to Minnesota
in his early manhood, and became a
farmer in that section of the country.
In 1864 he was appointed a clerk in the
| Department of Agriculture at Washing
ton. Two years later, in January 1866,
| Mr.. Kelley was commissioned by Hon.
| Isaac Newton, Commissioner of Agri-
culture to visit the southern states late
ly in hostility to the government, for the
purpose of obtaining statistical and
other information in regard to the con-
dition of the south, and report the same
to the department at Washington. 1t
was while travelling in the south in
obedience to these instructions, that the
thought of secret society of agricul-
turists, for the protection and advance
ment of their interests, and as an ele-
ment to restore kindly feelings among
the people, first occurred to Mr.. Kelley.
With the aid of six other men he organic
ed the first Grange at Washington Dec
ember 4, 1867, with William Saunders
as Master.
The first to consider the establishment
of the Grange in Vermont was Jonathan
Lawrence, father of A. F. Lawrence.
Through his efforts the first Vermont
Grange was established at st. Johnsbury,
July 4, 1871, under the name of Green
Mountain Grange, No. 1. eOn November
of the same year O, H. Kelley of Wash
ington, secretary of the national Grange,
came and instructed the Grange in the
secret work of the order There are only
two charter members who are still living
and they are Mr.. and Mrs. A. F.
Lawrence.
Jonathan Lawrence, to whom so much
is due for his great difficulties which
arose in connection with the establish
ment of the Grange in Vermont, was
born in Danville, December 7, 1903, and
was the son of David and Deborah
Lawrence, both formerly of Massachu-
setts, and of sterling Puritan stock.
He was married to Miss Julia Wood Of
St. Johusbury in 1884 He held many
public offices and was respected and
universally trusted. At the age of 83 in
1892 he passed away.
Mr.. Lawrence, called on Mrs. Curtis
McCrillis to give short sketch of what
fraternity stood for in the Grange. She
spoke as follows: To those who are look
ing for the bright side, to those who are
seeking the roses among the thorns
there are many signs and omens show
ing that the sunlight of brighter and
better day is coming to the people of
earth The many societies, lodges, and
organizations that have Fraternity"
inscribed on their banner all tell of this
longing in the human heart, this touch
of nature, which makes the whole world
kin. She said in all of#he hundreds OF
thousands of Grange meetings which are
held each year the question is regularly
asked, Are any members sick or in dis
tress?" and all throughout ritualism the
spirit and lesson of true fraternity pre-
walls, and who can estimate the volume
and the iar-reaching results of this great
work, this storing up of loves oil and
wine, and pouring it on bruised hearts.
The kind word spoken in season,
on the ear of brother or sister, will
fall like choicest music. Other members
of the Grange were called upon, and all
responded in pleasing manner
The members were then ushered to the
dining hall, where achicken pie supper
was served. The covers were laid for
over 100. Much credit should be given
to Mrs. Rosa Prescott, who had the
supper in charge, for it was an excellent
repast, A social time was spent, which
was enjoyed by every one.