THE GRANGE 139 



tion. On this tour he became impressed with 

 the fact that politicians would never restore 

 peace to the country; that if it came at all, it 

 would have to come through fraternity. As his 

 thought ripened he broached to friends the idea of 

 a "secret society of agriculturists, as an element 

 to restore kindly feelings among the people." 



Thus the Grange was born of two needs, one 

 fundamental and the other immediate. The 

 fundamental need of agriculture was that 

 farmers should be better educated for their busi 

 ness; and the immediate need was that of cul 

 tivating the spirit of brotherhood between the 

 North and the South. The latter need no 

 longer exists; but the fundamental need still 

 remains and is sufficient excuse for the Grange's 

 existence today. Mr. Kelley interested six other 

 men in the new idea; and in December, 1867, 

 these "seven founders of the order" organized 

 the National Grange of Patrons of Husbandry. 

 Mr. Kelley is the only one of these seven men 

 now living. 



Thus was begun a movement for organization 

 that had resulted by 1873 in the formation of 

 over 20,000 Granges in 28 states, comprising 

 not less than 750,000 members; and in that year 

 the National Grange, as a representative body, 



