The courthouse, while very nice, artistic and convenient, was constructed at small cost as compared with the present costs of such structures. The county debt is small.

Fraternal Organizations

On the 30th of July, 1887, Amity Lodge No. 169, A. F. & A. M., was given a dispensation under authority of the Grand Lodge of the state. The charter members were : James M. Baker, Orren W. Boston. Albert M. Clyborne, Samuel S. Cornell, James D. Corder, James R. C. Davis. Casper C. Fransom, Francis M. Godfrey, Benj. W. Harnish, John H. Jones, Elijah Kendall, Ornestine Meservey, Geo. T. Morey, Michael P. Musser, Cornealus Patterson, Robert O. Pugh, Edward A. Pyne, Edward Jj Robinson, Charles E. Sanford, Frank W. Sprague, Arthur D. Slowills, John E. Veach, Newton H. Wier, Nathan A. Shepherd and George Spense.

The officers under dispensation were: J. R. C. Davis, master; E. J. Robinson, senior warden; John Jones, junior warden; M. P. Musser, treasurer; F. M. Godfrey, secretary. E. J. Robinson was a minister, and before the charter was granted, which occurred June 21, 1888, he was in the Kimball and Banner county country. John H. Jones was advanced to senior warden, and F. W. Sprague was junior warden under the charter as granted.

The lodge now has seventy-two members, is a verv live institution, and lives up to its traditions and purposes. The present officers are; .Frank H. Black, master; Clarence O. Sawyer, senior warden ; John C. Dullaghan, junior warden ; Horace C. Dale, treasurer ; and Zadok T. Daniel secretary. Dr. Daniel is a patriarch of the order. Born at Eufala. Alabama, he is a Tangier life member Omaha Temple V A. ( ). N. M. S., is a past master, ex-scribe Podge of Perfection Scottish Rite, and lias for twelve years been the secretary of Amity Lodge.