Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1921-05-04
.MASONS HONOR
A. N. SHERWOOD
LOCAL ORDER ASSISTS In CELE.
BRATING HIS FIFTY-FIFTH
MASONIC ANNIVERSARY
OTHER MAsONs ARE GUESTS ,
Col J. H. Peters. Only Surviving Mem
ber, Who Signed Constitution Of
Iowa, . Guest.


ter held the most profitable and en-
joyable meetings of the season at their
temple last Friday night which was
attended by over 100 Masons from
this and adjoining towns, and at which
time was celebrated the fifty-fifty
Masonic anniversary of one OF its
oldest and most highly honored mem
bers, Mr.. A. M. Sherwood. Mr.. Sher-
wood joined the order away back in
1866 and since that time has assisted
with the development of the local
order until today it stands we'll up.
among those Of the state. He has also
the distinction OF being the earliest
settler In Manchester living, today and
the incidents and stories that he can
relate of things happening during
these years would fill a good sized
book, and which at the same time
would be Of great value to the present
and younger generations. Mr. Sher-
wood has been resident Of Manches-
ter since then, and whenever away
from the old home town for any
length Of time, was glad to be back
home once more among the friends
and people he loved best. He Is one Of
those good old fashioned, straight-for-
ward kind Of folks that one likes to
meet and whose word is as good as
gold.
The first part Of the session was
taken up with initiatory work at which
time FIR. Fred Haug took the degree
OF an Entered Apprentice, after which
Worshipful Master p. F. Madden an
nounced Judge G. w. Dunham as the
principal speaker of the evening.
Judge Dunham took advantage OF this
opportunity to give brief history OF
Mr.. Sherwood's Inc, and being well
acquainted with him, spoke eloquently
of his loyal friendship during all the
intervening years; Of the time when
Mr.. Sherwood held the position as
chorister, OF the First Congregational
church, leader of the village band,
travelling salesman, Captain Of the only
steam vessel that ever graced the
waters of the Maquoketa at Manchester
and OF many other kinds of good work
that he was associated with more or
less during his residence among us.
In closing his remarks Judge Dunham
said that it made him feel like a
youngster again to be present with
men who had been members OF the
order for SO many years and expressed
his gntitude at being given the honor
OF addressing so distinguished body
of Masons.
There were alsoN present other men
who had been members Of the Ma
sonic fraternity for nearly as long
period as had Brother Sherwood,
among whom were Hon. r. w. Thrill,
Col. ]. H. Peters, Mr.. Steadman, Mr..
Hockaday and Mr.. McCloud, most of
whom added few "reminiscences to
the program of the evening. We wond-
er if many OF our readers realize that
Col John H. Peters Of this city Is the
only living member Of those noble
men who signed the original con-
stitutional OF the State Of Iowa. He
is living among us today. and although
in very poor health, is still the same
old true American gentleman of form
er years.
AS a bit OF history we might add
here that Manchester Lodge No. 16o
A. F. & A. M. was organized in 1853
and 80 far as we are informed the
only charter member living is Mr..
William C. Cawley, one Of the highly
esteemed pioneer citizens of Man
chester. Owning to illness it was I'M
possible for Mr.. Cawley to be present
at this meeting, which was regretted
by all. Another worthy member of
the order who was unable to be pres
ent on account OF sickness, was Mr..
A. H. Blake, who passed away Mon
day, May End.
In addition to the old gentlemen
who were guests of honor at this
meeting, there were also present Past
Masters Norris, Yoran, Munson, Nye,
Matthews, Hinsdale, Wright, and
Cruise, all Of whom had seats on the
platform with the present Master,
p. F. Madden. These men were pre-
vailed upon to respond in short speech
es as their names were called and en-
lived the evenings program with their
wit and humor.
At the close of the session a light
luncheon was served in the dining
room and the remainder of the eve
ming spent in "reminiscences of the
early pioneer days Of the town and
surrounding country. 1t was meet
ing long to be remembered among
hose in attendance.
Another meeting will be held Friday,
May 13, commencing at 1880 p. M, for
third degree work. There are four
candidates to be given the work and
dinner served at $50. All members
and visiting Masons are asked to at