Resolved, That we pledge our hearty support to our present Chief
Magistrate, Andrew Johnson-, in all his efforts to promote the
welfare of aur common coiintry.
Jno. R. Hofpmaster, "i
A. Frees, > Committee.
Wm. Kbllek, j
George Feather, C.
Attest, Chas. B. Wells, R. S.
69
ENCOURAGEMENT COUNCIL,
No. 89, 0. U. A. M,
At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, held on
Monday Evening, May 22, 1865, the following Preamble and
Resolutions were adopted :
Whereas, In the untimely death of the late Chief Magistrate of
the United States, Abraham Lincoln, we have been deprived of a
pure patriot, an able statesman, and the noblest work of God, an
honest man ; and, whereas, under the blessings of Providence, we
recognize in Abraham Lincoln, the redeemer of his country, in the
hour of its extremest need ; Therefore, be it —
Resolved, That the murder of Abraham Lincoln has placed on
the roll of the noble army of martyrs to freedom, a name, than
which, none is more honored, a firm patriot, a wise counselor, a just
ruler, a kind j udge, ' ' an honest man, the noblest work of God. ' '
Resolved, That, while we bow to the mandate of Almighty God,
who doeth all things well, yet we deeply mourn the loss of him, who
by his simplicity of manner, and loving kindness, had endeared
himself to every true American heart ; and who, after he had guided
the Ship of State through four long years of terrible storm, and
when about to enter the haven of peace, was suddenly stricken
down, before he could enjoy the fruits of his enduring patience, and
lasting fidelity to the truest interests of human liberty.
A. C. Sellers, ')
Isaac Walp, > Committee.
F. J. Haus, )
Attest, Isaac Walp, R. S.
John P. Walp, O.
70
ANGELICA COUNCIL,
No. 91, 0. U. A. M.
At a regular stated meeting of tlie above Council, held May 24,
18G5, tte following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted:
Whereas, Our Chief Magistrate, Abeaham Lincoln, was basely
murdered by a cowardly assassin; and, whereas, it becomes all loyal
citizens to express their utter abhorrence of a deed so fiendish, and
so malignant, committed upon our illustrious President, and at an
hour when the nation was rejoicing over succesive victories, and the
prospect of an early peace; Therefore, be it,
Resolved, That while we, the members of Angelica Council, No.
91, 0. U. A. M., in common with otiiers, sincerely lament this
fearful deed, a deed unknown in the history of this country, a deed
without a name, which in an unexpected moment, struck down our
President, Abraham Lincoln, and which has thrown gloom and
sadness over every loyal heart. While we sympathize with our
fellow- citizens, in the loss this country has sustained by his death,
we bow submissively to the will and wisdom of that Divine Power,
knowing that His decrees are righteous and kind.
Resolved, That in respect to the memory of our deceased President,
our charter shall be draped in mourning, until the fourth day of
July, 1865..
Wivi. Knadee, "^
A. E. Weitzel, > Committee.
Reuben T. Geing. }
71
UNION COUNCIL,
No. 102, 0. U. A, M.
At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, the following
Preamble and Resolutions were adopted :
Whereas, It pleased God on the eve of our national triumph, to
permit Abkaham Lincoln to be assassinated at the commencement
of his second Presidential ^;erm ; and, whereas, it is proper that all
American organizations should express the deep sympathy and
sorrow which pervades the land ; Therefore, be it —
Resolved, That the members of Union Council, No. 102, of the
Order of United American Mechanics, deeply deplore the loss of our
honored President, Abraham Lincoln, and sincerely condole with
his weeping widow, orphaned children, and bereaved countrymen.
Resolved,. That as patriots loving our country, and desiring the
promotion of the greatest good for the greatest number, we feel
that the loss of that great and good man is irreparable, but trust
that his martyred blood may prove to be the seed of a mighty
power in the land, which shall make liberty and union, one and
inseparable, now and forever. "
Jos. H. NUNGESSER, ^
JosiAH BoLTEN, > Committee.
Isaac Markley. S
Wm. Custer, C.
Attest, Andrew B. Yerger, R. S.
LYKENSTdWN COUNCIL,
No. 112, 0. U. A. M.
At a stated meetiBg of the above Council, held April 25, 1865,
the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Whereas, The traitorous assassination of our beloved President,
Abraham LiifCOLN, at an hour when the nation was jubilant over
successive victories, the prospect of an early and lasting peace, and
the bright hope of a great and glorious future for our country, has
filled the hearts of all true and loyal men with horror at the
depravity of man, as shown forth in the character of the assassin,
and grief at the only too successful issue of the hell-born plots of a
traitorous clique ; and, whereas, it becomes us as loyal citizens
whether individually or collectively, to express abhorrence at a deed,
so dark and so malignant ; Therefore, be it—
Resolved, That while we sincerely lament this fearful atrocity, a
deed unknown in the past history of our beloved country, that in an
unexpected moment, while surrounded by friends, and all seemed
propitious for a glorious and long future of peace and prosperity,
struck down our venerated Chief Magistrate, Abraham Lixcoln,
and has thrown gloom and sadness broadcast over the land : and
while we sympathize with his bereaved family, and our fellow
suiferers in this our country's loss, we bow in humble submission
to the wisdom of Him who doeth all things well, though his
dispensations seem to us severe.
Resolved, That we place the foregoing preamble and resolutions
on the records of this Council, and that we forward a copy to the
State Council of Pennsylvania, for publication, a copy of the same
to be sent to the bereaved family of our late President; and that
the charter of this Council be draped in mourning for one year.
Daniel Miller, "i
James L. Yoder V Committee.
Jonas Gakmon. j
73
NEVERSINK COUNCIL,
No. 127, 0. U. A. M.
At a stated meeting of tlie above Council, lield June 12, 1865, the
following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted :
Whereas, Tlie Chief Magistrate of the United States has been
stricken down by the hands of a cowardly and infamous assassin,
in the hour of the nation's triumph and national goodwill; at a
moment when he had attained the highest pinnacle of renown, when
he had crushed the unholy rebellion, that for a time threatened to
destroy this great and glorious Republic ; at a time when peace
seemed about to crown his work with success, after years of anxious
eifort, toil, and labor ; Therefore, be it —
Resolved, That the nation, by the death of our late President,
Abraham Lincoln, has lost a noble patriot, a wise statesman, a
friend of humanity, a glorious leader, and a true citizen, whose loss
we most deeply mourn.
Resolved, That the great principle of the unity of the Republic,
which has been defended and maintained by the offering of so much
suffering and blood, is rendered forever sacred by this sacrifice of the
chosen head of the nation, at the moment of its permanent triumph.
Resolved, That we feel the full force of the blow that has fallen on
the nation, and have unswerving faith that the same Divine Power
which blessed the birth of this " great Republic, and has guided it
through paths of peril and carnage to its latest triumph, will conduct
it through its present gloom, to the enjoyment, in the future, of
unclouded glory and greatness
74
Resolved, That as a leader in a revolution, (wliicli lie had not
made, J he adhered as closely to the law, as that revolution permitted.
In disaster, he was undismayed; in success, soher ; in the presence
of provocation, moderate ; and in the hour of victory, merciful.
Resolved, That we have the fullest confidence in the character and
ability of our new President, and pledge ourselves to support him
to the fuU extent of our power and influence so that the guilty may
be brought to justice, with all the majesty and severity of the law.
Resolved, That we tender to the family of the deceased, our
heartfelt sympathy in their deep affliction.
Resolved, That in commemoration of the deceased, our flag be
draped in mourntag for the space of six months.
John H. Sell, "i
Jno. M. Schonouk, > Committee.
Charles P. Motee. j
C. B. FiSHEE, 0.
Attest, J. T. Stam, R. S.
75
QUAKERTOWN COUNCIL,
No. 149, 0. U. A. M.
At a regular stated meeting of the above Council, the following
Preamble and Resolutions were adopted:
Whereas, Our late President, Abraham Lincoln, has fallen
beneath the blow of a cowardly assassin, stricken down at a period
when his magnanimity and exalted statesmanship had raised the
country from the depression caused by four years of bloody war, to
a period when the smiling path of peace and plenty was clearly
brought to view. He has fallen, and the tears of millions of free
born Americans water his grave ; Therefore, be it —
Resolved, That in the death of Abraham Lincoln, the country
has lost a great and good man, one prompted by the purest and best
motives, ever solicitous for the best interests of the whole American
people, and whose life has been enlisted in the cause of liberty and
union.
Resolved, That while words but feebly express our deep sorrow,
we tender to the American nation, and his grief stricken family, our
sympathy in this their hour of great bereavement, and we pray
Almighty God to avert further calamity from this nation, and to
sustain and comfort the sorrowing widow and fatherless children.
P. L. Bennek, 1
C. S. Wolff, > Committee.
John Wolff, j
Enos p. Neese, (7.
Attest, Milton G. Reitee, R. S. •
76
NOKTHEEN LIBERTIES DEGREE COUNCU.,
No. 1, 0. U. A. M.
At a regular stated meeting of the above Degree Coiincil, lield
May 12, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted:
Whereas, The Almighty Ruler, in His inscrutable wisdom, has
permitted our nation to be afflicted by the death of Abraham Liscoln,
President of the United States, who was foully murdered by the bullet
of the stealthy assassin at his back, in a moment of unsuspecting
leisure and relaxation from his protracted duties, under circumstances
of peculiar and aggravated atrocity ; Therefore, be it —
Resolved, That we feel it a duty, as Americans and as men, to
express and put upon record our abhorrence of the deed, so new and
unimagined in our history, and so foul a blot upon the age and
human nature.
Resolved, That in the death of President Lixcoi>', the nation mourns
a patriotic leader, a wise counsellor, and a kind hearted friend and
father, whose many virtues, public and private, had commanded
the esteem and confidence of his fellow men in a degree rarely
equalled : the friend of mankind, he fell, a martyr to his honest and
enlightened convictions of right.
Resolved, That though never mortal had so many and such sincere
mourners, we are consoled by the knowledge that he died in the
hour of victory: a kind Providence had permitted him to witness the
triumj)h of the wondrous old Flag he revered, and the Union he
K>ved.
77
Resolved, That an injury aimed at tlie President is a deadly blow
struck at the majority of the people, making it the personal duty of
every one to do whatsoever h^ can to hunt down the miscreants and
.bring them to justice, as far as human justice is commensurate with
such a ci-ime.
Resolved, That we view the act of his assassination, coupled with
the murderous attempt upon the life of the Hon. Secretary of State,
William H. Sewakd, in his own house and sick room, and the
undoubted design to include the Vice President and other high
officers of the government in a general massacre, as part and parcel
of the accursed rebellion, now happily suppressed; and giving the
finishing seal of infamy- to it through all time.
Resolved, That we tender our condolence and sympathy to the
afflicted widow and her children : we claim them as the wards of the
people, and may God afford them that consolation which none_ other
can.
Resolved, That we tender our sympathy to tne Hon. William H.
Sewakd, onr great statesman, in his personal and family affliction.
Resolved, That we have full confidence in the ability and patriotism
.oi President Johnson, and regard him as a man, tr|ied and true, who
had the esteem and confidence of his great and lam.ented xjredecessdr.
Resolved, That the charter frame be draped in mourning for the
space of six montlie.
James N. Calely,
Wm. FeA:3TES, I
Wm. Young, 5- Committee.
Chas. S. Oberteuffee,
Thos. C. Robbins.
Attest, Wm. M. Weckeely, R. S.
78
UNITED STATES DEGREE COUNCIL,
No. 3, 0. U. A. M.
At a stated meeting of the above Degree Council, held this Friday
Evening, April 28, 1865, the following Preamble and Resolutions
were read and unanimously adopted:
Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, in his all-wise Providence,
to summon hence, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States,
and while we bow with reverence and humility to this manifestation
of the will of Almighty God, we deem it our duty to join in the
general expression of the sorrow all feel in the loss the nation sustains
at the hands of the dastard assassin; and, whereas, the deplorable
manner of his death, occurring as it did at a juncture, when victory
had everywhere crowned our arms, and the fruition of his hopes so
near at hand, adds to the poignancy of our grief, more especially
when we remember how much of all that was accomplished was due
to him alone, whom earth will see no more. During four long years,
through g«K)d and evil report, he was the pilot whose steady hand
controlled the helm of State ; by his sterling honesty of purpose,
and genuine kindness of nature, all soon learned to respect him, an d
many to love him, as one whose whole soul was aglow with the one
pervading object, namely, the union of these States ;
Therefore, be it — !
Resolved, That in Abraham Lincoln, as displayed in his public as
well as his private life, we recognize a noble exemplar of the principles
of our affiliations. As an apostle to freedom, he sealed his devotion
with his blood, and weeping millions bless his name ; to friendship
he was firm and true, and held out mercy to his enemies.
"79
Resolved, That we promise our cordial and hearty support to the
new incumbent of the Presidential Chair, and uncompromising
loyalty to the Government which still exists.
Resolved, That the widow and orphan children of our lamented
President have our warmest sympathy, and we would commend
them to the tender care of Him, who doeth all things well, and
whose ways are inscrutable.
Resolved, That the charter frame of this Degree Council be draped
in mourning for the space of ninety days, in memory of the honored
dead,
John Maesh, 'J
Sam. Gt. Mactague, v Committee.
James Plummek. y
Jonathan W. Meaes, Jk., D. C.
Attest, Edw. a. Phillips, R, S.
80
IWDEPENDEITCE DEGEEE COUNCIL,
No. 7, 0. U. A. M.
At a stated meeting of the above Degree Council, tlie following
Preamble and Eesolutions were adox^ted:
Whereas, By tlie inscrutable decree of an all-wise Providence,
our beloved Ckief Magistrate was removed in the midst of the nation's
triumph, by the dastardly hand of an hired assassin ; and, whereas,
he wa.s stricken down by the same power which had ineffectually
attempted the life of the nation ; Therefore, be it —
Resolved, That we will ever hold in abhorrence and detestation,
that principle which seeks to degrade labor, by making merchandize
of human beings.
Resolved, That as he was sacrificed for his devotion and efforts to
pron\ote the dignity, liberty, and equality of labor, we will ever
revere liis memory as the world's apostle of freedom.
Resolved, That we will emulate the virtues he displayed as an
American Mechanic, that we will strive to practice his honesty of
purpose, his industrious habits, and his zeal, and earnestness in
promoting the welfare of his race. â–
-F. S. Mellen, ) p, .,,
Bexj. Babb. '[Committee.
Attest, Fkancis Mellex, R, S.
81
LEXINGTON DEGREE COUNCIL,
No. 16, 0. U. A. M.
At a stated meeting of the above Degree Council, held May 8, 1865,
the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Whereas, Almighty God in his wise Providence has permitted
Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, to be slain by
the hand of an assassin, at a time when the nation was rejoicing in
the success that had been granted to the armies of the United States
over the forces of rebellion ; Therefore, be it —
Resolved, That this Council has heard with feelings of unutterable
horror and grief of the assassination of our beloved Chief Magistrate,
Abraham Lincoln, who was stricken down in the midst of a career
of usefulness and honor, a sacrifice to the malignant passions of a
wicked rebellion ; we have recognized in him a ch&sen leader, by
Divine Providence, to lead the nation safely through the storms and
tumult of civil war and bitter strife, and now, when we are about
to reach the long wished-for haven of peace, union, and freedom, it
is M'ith anguish no words can describe that we hear that our good
and noble President has been taken away by the hand of brutal
violence, the martyred patriot of the Republic.
Resolved, That whilst the hero, the patriot, has thus been taken
away, we will cherish his name as the emblem of all that is pure and
honest in human character, of all that is godlike in man : and as
the ages roll by, the name of Abraham Lincoln will stand side
by side with Washington, the represeiitative man of American
institutions.
Resolved, That we feel profoundly thankful to an all-wise Providence
that has overruled the murderous designs of the assassin in his
attempts on the life of the Hon. William H. Seward, and that this
government and people will continue as heretofore to receive the
benefit of his wise, prudent, and patriol^jc counsels.
Resolved, That in the hour of national calamity and grief, we rely
with confidence on the integrity, ability, and patriotism of Andrew
Johnson, of Tennessee, and hope and believe that he will prove a
worthy successor of the immortal Abraham Lincoln.
Engelbert Geiger, "i
Wm. Stteks, D. G. H. E. Hein, V Committee.
H. E. Hein. R. S. Jeremiah Kline. 1
82
BISING SPRING DEGREE COUNCIL.
No. 19, 0. U. A. M.
At a regular stated meeting of the above Degree Council, the
following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted:
Whekeas, God in his wise but mysterious Providence has permitted
a traitor and assassin to take the life of Abraham Lincoln, President
of the United States, when in the height of his glory, when the
hearts of his people were turned towards him in love, gratitude, and
confidence, when to all appearance the continuance of his existence
to the nation was most necessary, as he seemed to be on the eve of
accomplishing his glorious work of reuniting the states for ever.
Whereas, It is becoming and right that Rising Spring Degree
Council, No. 19, 0. of U. A. M.. should in a public manner express
their sentiments in regard to this great national calamity and to
manifest, in such a manner as may be deemed proper, their sense of
the loss which the whole country has suffered ; Therefore, be it —
Resolved, That great and apparently irreparable as has been the
loss of the people of the United States by the death of our late Chief
Magistrate, we bow in submission to the will of the Lord of Lords
and King of Kings, and desire that we may be enabled ever to bear
in mind that God is all -wise as well as all-merciful ; that if He has
now grievously afflicted this nation, He has also greatly blessed it in
the times of our fathers as well as in these latter days ; that it was
He who raised the great and wise and good Lincoln to be our
President, and that it was He also who removed him from his high
and responsible position ; that it was the Lord who gave and the
Lord who has taken away.
George N. Peifer, \
Henry M. Heffnek, > Committee.
C. N. Hoffman. y
83
CONESTOGA DEGREE COUNCIL,
No. 20, 0. U. A. M.
At a stated meetiug of the above Degree Council, lield May 1, 1865,
the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Whereas, It has been permitted by an inscrutable and overruling
Providence, that our lamented President should fall by the hand of
an assassin, a martyr t© the upholding and preservation of our
beloved Union, and proclaiming universal liberty throughout the
land ; Therefore, be it —
Resolved, That while we bow in humble submission to the Divine
will of Him who judgeth all things aright, we, with every true and.
loyal lover of our common country, feel the mournful privilege of
sorrowing for the loss of so" great and good a man.
Resolved, That in the death of so humane and patriotic a President,
our nation is deprived of one of its brightest and purest ornaments,
inasmuch as he was so eminently led and guided by the golden rule
of justice and mercy to all.
Resolved, That we iuimison with the sentiments of the community
in which we live, do hereby tender our heartfelt sympathy to his
bereaved family, with a trustful assurance that he has received the
reward of the righteous man.
Resolved, That the charter of this Council be draped in mourning
for the space of ninety days, and that the above resolutions be
entered upon the journal of the Council.
Jacob Weitzel, "^
Wm. p. 0. Beton, > Committee.
E. E. SifYDEB. )
W. T. Clakk, D. C.
Attest, Edwin E. Sntdek, R. S.
84
UNION DEGREE COUNCIL,
No. 22, 0. U. A. M.
At a stated meeting of the ahove Degree Council, held May 5, 1865,
the following Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Whereas. We have learned with profound regret the dastardly
and traitorous assassination of our beloved Chief Magistrate, Abraham
Lincoln, at an hour when the nation was rejoicing over successive
victories of an early peace, and the hope of a glorious future for the
Union ; and when, after four years of mild and gentle governing, he
had gained the love and confidence of all true and loyal people
. Wh'ereas, By his death we are deprived of the services of a great
and good man, who by his clear judgment, simplicity, kindness,
patriotism, honesty of purpose, goodness of heart, and statesmanship,
combined with other purposes, which eminently fitted him to
administer the affairs of the nation; it therefore becomes us as
American citizens to express our admiration of his virtues, our deep
sorrow for his death, and our sympathy with his bereaved family ;
Therefore, be it —
Resolved, That though called from among us ere he had witnessed
the full consummation of his hope 5 and labors, yet we rejoice to
know that he was permitted to. see the dawn of a new era of liberty
and union for his country, after a long night of darkness, oppression,
and gloom.
Resolved, That with the lifeless remains of this noblest martyr to
liberty and humanity still fresh to our view, we soleinnly declare it
to be our belief, that treason having defied the laws of God and
man, until even the mercy and clemency shown to the traitors has
ctaaed to be virtue, henceforward, every patriot of his country
85
should call for justice on the miscreants who, with the vilest
ingratitude, have so long ignored, insulted, and defied the Union,
to whose blood and treasure they owe all of prosperity they have
ever attained ; and who, with the arms and means unblushingly
stolen from the power to whose indulgence they were indebted, have
so often vaunted their ability to dissolve the Union, in the blood of
its bravest defenders.
Resolved, That we deem the assassination of Abraham Lincoln
the legitimate fruit of the secession sympathies of disloyal men and
women in our midst, and we believe " the time has come" when all
such base ingrates should be held to a strict accountability for their
sentiments.
Resolved, That we will ever cherish his memory with grateful and
lasting remembrance ; having always regarded him as the father of
the people, and the true representative of all that was noble and
manly in the American character, and one of God's noblest works—
an honest man.
Resolved, That we greatly sympathize with the family of our much
beloved and now deceased President, in their afiliction-; prayerfully
commending them to the God of all grace and comfort.
Resolved, That our Council Chamber be shrouded in mourning for