Early Records of the Sacarissa Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) is an altruistic and benevolent fraternal society organized in England during the 1600s to improve and elevate the character of mankind. The IOOF was founded on the North American continent in 1819 and membership continues at the present time. The main duties of a member include visiting the sick, relieving the distressed, burying the dead, and educating the orphan. The logo is a three-link chain representing Friendship, Love and Truth; a symbol which is often found on deceased IOOF members' tombstones.
Sacarissa Lodge, No. 256, IOOF, was organized in Lewiston, New York, on November 19, 1846. Many of the early founders were local professional and civic leaders. Some were born in Lewiston, but many were native to the New England states. The founding members included: Reuben Boughton, Sherbourne Piper, S.P. Babcock, Oliver Grace, J.E. Ways, Milton Randall, Leander Scovell, J.D. Byrne, and Elias Ettenheimer. Mortimer Bacon was the first to sign the membership book. The earliest members came from all areas of the work force. They were booksellers, carpenters, farmers, inn-keepers, soldiers, painters, tinsmiths, clerks, lawyers, stonecutters, tailors, railroad workers, and tanners and curriers. One early member filled out his application as a daugarian artist (an early photographer).
Collection owner: Lewiston Public Library; Nioga Library System