Women's Societies and Unions

Woman's Christian Temperance Union

The first organization of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in Harrison County was organized in the fall of 1883. Mrs. Clardy, the state president, came to Bethany to get the women interested, going from one church to another, before she could get any interest at all. She called on Mrs. Elizabeth Allen Roberts, who had become a member of the organization in Colorado under the leadership of Frances Willard in 1882, and has the distinction of being; the first W. C. T. U. woman in Harrison County.

The first local union was organized in Bethany on Monday morning in October, 1883, at the old Methodist Church, there being only the scriptural numbers present, seven women. Mrs. Z. P. Hamilton was elected president, Mrs. J. M. Roberts recording secretary and Mrs. J. C. M. McGeorge treasurer. From this nucleus of women grew the great Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Harrison County.

Local Unions were soon organized in other towns in the county and speakers of note came, such as Colonel George Bain, of Kentucky, Sobieski, Colonel C. J. Holt, Luther Benson, Ainsley Grey, Joe Critchfield, Clara Hoffman, Callie Howe, Carrie Lee Carter, Nelle Burges, Eliza Ingalls, and a host of others too numerous to mention.

Harrison County was in the old fourth district, which comprised five counties, Worth, Gentry, DeKalb, Daviess and Harrison, and was presided over by Mrs. Maud Allen as district president, and one of the untiring workers. In 1896 under the leadership of Mrs. Ella Wren the Bethany Union entertained the state convention and many were the praises of Bethany sung by the women attending the convention.

In 1911 Harrison with the other counties of the state was made a district by itself, thereby making the county president a member of the state executive and. one of the vice-presidents of the state.

Mrs. Martha Miner, of Ridgeway, was the first woman in the county to fill this difficult place in a most acceptable manner, for it was a difficult office to fill when the districts were under reconstruction. In 1912 Mrs. Melissa Platz, of Blue Ridge, became president and Mrs. Martha Miner vice-president, and later Mrs. J. C. Ruby treasurer. To these three untiring workers belongs the credit of bringing the Harrison County district up to one of the leading districts in the state. Twice has Harrison County won distinction for the best press work in the state, once through Mrs. Alice Blackburn, state press superintendent, who presented the Alice Blackburn Star, and once by Mrs. Sarah German, who won back the star for the best press work in the state. Mrs. Ruby has been acknowledged by the state officers as one of the best treasurers in the state.

In 1916 Harrison County gave the greatest number of votes per capita for prohibition of any county in the state. To Harrison County belongs one of the illustrious workers for the prohibition cause in northwest Missouri, Judge Burrows, of Cainsville, whose wife has been local president of the Cainsville Union for many years and whose daughters, Mrs. Minnie B. Oden, became the third president for Harrison district October 1, 1920, at the annual convention held in Ridgeway.

There have been so many loyal workers in the temperance work in this county that a history of the work is not complete without mention of them, such as Grandma Ruby, Mother Crossan, Julia Towns, Sadie Alden, Nellie Nevill and others. Space forbids mention of them all, but this we know, that in the other world every one will receive the credit due them for the blessing they have brought to humanity.-Elizabeth Roberts, Melissa Platz.

The Military Sisterhood of the World War

The Military Sisterhood of the World War was the first organization of relatives of soldiers, sailors and marines of the Great War, founded after it became a certainty that the United States would enter the war.

The organization was conceived and organized by Mrs. C. L. Martin, of Topeka, Kansas (wife of General C. I. Martin, who had command of the Seventieth United States Infantry Brigade in which our own Company G of the One Hundred Thirty-ninth United States Infantry was a part, and he accompanied them overseas and commanded them in their trench warfare in the Vosges Mountains), and by her the by-laws and constitution and name of the organization were copyrighted.

The first chapter was organized June 14th, 1917, at Topeka, Kansas, by charter under the laws of the state of Kansas with power to organize in the other states.

Our motto is "Justice," not charity, "for our Soldier Boys." The object of our organization as said by Bethany's worthy Mayor Roleke, during the war ,"Is to maintain the military spirit among our people, to assist the soldier and his family; to encourage his family and help maintain his home until he returns from his service for Uncle Sam; and in case of their sickness to assist in furnishing them necessary care and attention; to assist in furnishing to the soldier in camps and trenches as well as on the battle field any and all aid and encouragement that will relieve their suffering and lessen the burdens which they will have to bear; and many other good motives too numerous to mention; to this I might add the purpose of our organization during the war was, also, to specially interest and promote fellowship, sisterly love and mutual helpfulness in keeping the men in military service up to the highest standard of efficiency, to stimulate and encourage loyalty and patriotism among our citizens and to encourage our men to enlist and serve their country; to maintain a helpful co-operation with their families, to unite in actions conducive to the welfare of all men and their families engaged in military and naval service; to bring together the women related to the American soldier, sailor and marine engaged in the international struggle for democracy and lastly, to create and maintain in our membership that spirit of sacrificial loyalty and devotion to our country that is becoming in those from whose ranks and; homes marched the defenders of the American principles."

And now that the war is over, the object of our order is to aid the veterans of the war, those that were spared to return, in re-establishing themselves in civil life; to help them and their families in again maintaining their homes and good citizenship ; to continue in maintaining the high standard of patriotism aroused during the war; to keep alive the purposes for which they fought ; and to perpetuate the memory of our loved ones, their comrades who made the supreme sacrifice; and finally to bring us all together in a common bond of love and sympathy and understanding.

Any loyal American woman who is the wife of or related by blood to a soldier, sailor or marine, who has honorably served in the World War or has an honorable discharge therefrom, can become an active member of this organization.

We have held three national conventions, the first in June, 1918, at Topeka, Kansas, at which convention the following officers were elected: Mrs. Lou Ida Martin, Topeka, Kansas, president; Mrs. Alice E. Wilson, Bethany, Missouri, first vice-president; Mrs. Maud C. Benedict, Des Moines, Iowa, second vice-president; Mrs. Daisy M. Roberts, Oskaloosa, Kansas, recording secretary; Miss Nell Sutton, Bethany, Missouri, treasurer; Mrs. Grant Hibarger, Wichita, Kansas, registrar; Mrs. Addie Brown, Lawrence, Kansas, historian; Mrs. E. C. Fable, Topeka, Kansas, auditor.

Our last National Convention was held at Des Moines, Iowa, in April, 1920, and the following officers were elected: Mrs. Lou Ida Martin, Topeka, Kansas, president; Mrs. Alice E. Wilson, Bethany, Missouri, first vice-president; Mrs. J. A. Benedict, Des Moines, Iowa, second vice-president; Miss Helen K. Ostertag, Atchison, Kansas, patriotic instructor; Mrs. Aaron Blanke, Downs, Kansas, registrar; Mrs. Albert Linxwiler, Jefferson City, Missouri, recording secretary; Mrs. Glenwood McLain, Beaver, Wyoming, treasurer; Miss Thelma Shawhan, Los Angeles, California, historian; Mrs. T. C. Wilson, Victor, Colorado, chaplain; Mrs. T. Robuck, Moberly, Missouri, auditor; Mrs. I. S. Lewis, Topeka, Kansas, corresponding secretary.

Bethany, Harrison County Chapter, has the honor of the first chapter of the Military Sisterhood organized in Missouri. This chapter was organized January 24, 1918, at the home of Mrs. J. C. Wilson, with seventy-six charter members and the following officers elected: Mrs. J. C. Wilson, president; Mrs. F. H. Broyles, first vice-president; Mrs. A. C. Logsdon, second vice-president; Miss Nell Sutton, recording secretary; Mrs. Lewis Omer, treasurer; Mrs. F. W. Sawyer, historian; Mrs. Jake Noll, auditor; Mrs. E. S. Miner, parliamentarian; Mrs. Bert S. Allen, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Glen Broyles, registrar.

These officers served three years with the exception of Miss Nell Sutton, Mrs. Glen Broyles, who served two years, and Mrs. Robert Stockwell served the third year in Miss Sutton's place, as her school work took her out of the county. Mrs. Ed Skinner served the third year in Mrs. Broyles' place. At our last election the following officers were elected: Mrs. A. C. Logsdon, president; Mrs. F. H. Broyles, first vice-president; Mrs. H. N. Burgin, second vice-president; Mrs. M. C. Cole, recording secretary; Mrs. E. F. Harding, treasurer; Mrs. F. L. Sawyers, historian; Miss Mamie Buis, registrar; Mrs. Jake Noll, auditor.

During the war we did all kinds of war work, such as sending substantial supplies and delicacies as well as flowers, books and magazines to the soldiers in the hospitals and the camps throughout the United States as well as in France and other foreign countries. Our members were among the most active Red Cross workers and wherever there was work to do the members of the Military Sisterhood were always willing and anxious to do their part.

We made it possible for our country to have the beautiful service flag which was dedicated July 4, 1918. This flag was demobilized July 4, 1920, and a beautiful gold glory flag was presented to the county by the Military Sisterhood at the time, this being our "welcome home" day for all those who were fortunate enough to return.

We have a chapter at Moberly known as the "Wilson Chapter," in honor of Mrs. J. C. Wilson. We organized a chapter at Des Moines, Iowa, and Mrs. J. A. Benedict, a former Bethany girl and sister of the lamented Lieutenant Arthur A. Axline, was elected president. This chapter is known as the "Arthur A. Axline Chapter" in honor of the late Lieutenant Axline, of our city, who was killed in the battle of the Argonne.

Our organization has representatives working from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border.

The constitution provides that the legislative body of the organization shall hold a national convention annually, to be held in April of each year, composed of two delegates from each local chapter and alternates from each state, the District of Columbia, and from each territorial possession of the United States.

We have $1,000.00 in our memorial fund with which he hope to help build a memorial building in the city of Bethany in the near future in honor and in memory of all those who so willingly gave their all that we might continue to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

We hope within the next ten years to be become one of the strongest patriotic organizations in the United States.

Daughters of the American Revolution

The Elizabeth Harrison Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, an organization devoted exclusively to patriotic and historical interests, was formed in Bethany, Missouri, October 23, 1913, receiving from the national society the chapter number 1161.

In choosing a name the charter members honored the memory of Elizabeth Harrison, the wife of Benjamin Harrison, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the mother of President William Henry Harrison.

Working along patriotic lines the chapter has been active in inspiring celebrations of special days in our national history. Washington's Birthday and Flag Day have always been observed in some befitting manner; sometimes with patriotic addresses and parades, at other times with receptions with patriotic programs.

The chapter has also given prizes in gold to pupils in the grammar school, writing the best essays on patriotic subjects, and has presented the High School with a handsome portrait of General George Washington.

Historical interest and love of their native heath caused the daughters to conduct a column of local history in one of the county newspapers. They compiled and published much valuable history, beginning with early days before the organization of Harrison County. To aid in this work pioneer settlers were persuaded to write articles dealing with life and conditions in early days in the county, and these articles were printed in the Bethany Republican with pictures of the pioneers and views of early scenes in and near Bethany.

During the great World War the daughters of Bethany participated in all war activities and gave leaders to many departments of work. They made the first surgical dressings in the county in 1917 under the direction of Dr. Frances Burgess and sent the first relief to the Belgians the same year. In addition to the regular Red Cross work the members joined with other women of the town in providing boxes and barrels of food for Harrison County soldiers; in sending pillows, books, magazines; in writing letters, preparing Christmas packages and doing everything possible that would help sustain the morale of our fighting men. The daughters had a beautiful service flag containing twelve blue stars and not one of them was turned to gold. They also made the service flag of the county for the county superintendent of schools, which he presented to the state at Jefferson City, where it is kept on display.

During the entire period of the war the daughters were foremost in Red Cross work. Council of Defense, Liberty Loans and other war activities, and furnished the following department chairmen:

Mrs. E. W. Prentiss, director of Women's Work in American Red Cross; chairman Woman's Committee of National Council of Defense; district chairman Liberty Loan campaign; district chairman Young Women's Christian Association campaign.

Mrs. William Roleke, chairman Patriotic Education; chairman of Conservation.

Mrs. A. S. Cumming, assistant chairman of Surgical Dressings for American Red Cross.

Mrs. T. E. Stone, treasurer of American Red Cross Chapter, chairman of Publicity of National Council of Defense; chairman of Publicity for American Red Cross.

The roster of the Daughters of the American Revolution comprises over forty names, Americans all, proud of their heritage which has come through generations of loyal ancestors, who have formed the warp and woof of our nation's glory and whose work it is their duty and privilege to carry on.

The twelve Charter Members: Hazel Wanamaker Allen, Elizabeth Hockridge Barlow, Miss Charline Crossan, Lillie Skinner Freusham, Mabel Barlow Kautz, Lillian Neville Prentiss, Stella Skinner Joyce, Mary Fuller Weber, Bessie Templeman Wanamaker, Harriett Templeman Stone, Miss Bess Agnes Vandivert, Marian Templeman Yates.

Non-resident members: Mrs. Ruth Teas, Mrs. Elizabeth Everett, Miss Effie Hart, Mrs. Marie Webb, Miss Ivan Long, Mrs. Emma Arney, Mrs. Florence Sanders, Mrs. Bertha Fells, Miss Kathleen White, Mrs. Acklyn Edson.

Deceased members: Miss Charline Crossan, Mrs. Edith Roleke.

Transferred members: Miss Bess Agnes Vandivert to Seattle, Washington; Mrs. Clare Darr Webb to Springfield, Missouri.

Honor Roll

 Harrison County| AHGP Missouri

Source: History of Harrison County, Missouri, by Geo. W. Wanamaker, Historical Publishing Company, Topeka, 1921