Republican Congressional Convention Assemble (1876)
Republican Convention
Geo. M. DRAKE of Hamilton Nominated on Third Ballot. The Republican Congressional Convention of the third district assemble /sic/ in this city on Tuesday last at 1 o’clock p.m.
The Convention was called to order by Hon. W. S. MARSHAL Secretary of the congressional executive committee. Mr. MARSHAL in a few brief remarks stated the object of the convention. Hon W. N. HOGE of McMinn was elected permanent chairman, and W. S. TIPTON permanent Secretary of the convention.
A Committee on credentials was appointed consisting of J. P. WILKINSON, Joel I. PYOTT and R. B. McGAUGHEY.
A Committee on resolutions consisting of H. M. WILTSE, C. E. STANLEY, A. MCNABB, T. L. CATE and Smith RIGGS was appointed.
The Committee on credantials /sic/ reported the following vote, viz: McMinn 9, Hamilton 12, Bradley 5, James 2, Rhea 2, Warren 2, Polk 2, total – 34 necessary to a choice 18.
The Committee on resolutions then reported the following platform.
Resolved That we heartily endorse the platform of the national Republican party as enunciated at the late Cincinnati Convention, and we will give our unqualified and hearty support to its nominees.
Resolved that having full faith in the nominees and principles of our party, we the Republicans of the third congressional district of Tennessee will fight it out on that line if it takes all winter. The reports of both committees were adopted.
The names of Hons. J. W. JAMES, W. L. SHARP, J. T. WILDER, Geo. M. DRAKE and. E. M. WIGHT were put in nomination.
First ballot – JAMES 1, SHARP 8, WIGHT 7, WILDER 2, DRAKE 16.
Second ballot – SHARP and JAMES were withdrawn. Result WILDER 3, WIGHT 14, DRAKE 17.
On the fourth ballot WILDER was withdrawn and the vote stood – DRAKE 21, WIGHT 13.
On motion the nomination of George M. DRAKE was made unanimous. Mr. DRAKE then came forward and in a few pointed remarks accepted the nomination amid great applause.
Col. John W. RAMSEY was then nominated for elector by acclamation.
Hon. A. G. SHARP was elected chairman of the congressional committee. The chairman of the convention was authorized to appoint the executive committee. On motion the Convention then adjourned sine die.
Knights of Honor. This Lodge had a public demonstration at the Masonic Institute on Thursday night last.
The LODGE first formed in procession at their room on North street and headed by the silver cornet band marched to the Institute and were addressed by Hon. Arthur TRAYNOR and Rev. J. S. PORTER; they both made able speeches – setting forth the objects of the Order and its workings. After the speaking the Lodge and invited guests repaired to the school room where was found an abundance of chicken, turkey, pickles, cakes, and in fact everything else that was good to eat, which had been carefully prepared by the ladies.
In all, everybody enjoyed themselves hugely, and departed with a wish for the success of the Knights of Honor.
About the order. The first Lodge Knights of Honor was organized at Louisville, Ky., June 30, 1873, by J. A. DEMAREE of Louisville and Dr. D. WILSON of Boston, Mass. with 17 members – a large majority of which were under 21 years of age. The first Lodge was organized in Tennessee in November 1873, at Nashville.
Cleveland Lodge No. 157 was organized August 18, 1875 with 9 charter members. Having 50 members at present, and still growing. There are 375 Lodges in the U. S. There are Lodges in 23 different States. Tennessee has 55 Lodges, 1800 members. 12,000 members in the United States.
Source: Weekly Herald (Cleveland, TN); 8 September 1876. Available online at Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers.