DIVISION II. 



HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL. 



CHAPTER I. 



KINDRED ORGANIZATIONS. 



The Agricultural Wheel. The origin of the Wheel is a 

 matter of plain record, and has been written many times. It 

 was founded in the distress of the people and made rapid growth, 

 both in numbers and importance, because the farmers believed 

 that its teachings were wise and just. The date of its organ- 

 ization, in 1882, was simultaneous with that of the Brothers of 

 Freedom, with which it consolidated a few years later. 



The Wheel was purely an agricultural organization, with defi- 

 nite aims and a proper conception of the rights and privileges 

 of that class of American citizens. On the I5th day of Febru- 

 ary, 1882, at McBee's School-house, in the town of Des Arc, 

 Prairie County, Arkansas, was held the preliminary meeting that 

 led to its formation. The following persons were present : 

 W. A. Suit, W. T. McBee, J. W. McBee, H. B. Lakey, J. T. 

 Thrasher, J. W. Walls, and W. W. Tedford. These men were 

 all farmers, unused to anything save hard labor ; but all united 

 in the belief that their condition might be improved through 

 some sort of concerted action. A determination was soon 

 formed to make an attempt in that direction. A secret organi- 

 zation was decided upon, and a committee was appointed to 

 draft the constitution, by-laws, and secret work. Their report 

 was presented and adopted at the next meeting. 



THE ORIGINAL CONSTITUTION. 



1. This organization shall be known as the Wattensas Farmers' Club. 



2. Its objects shall be the improvement of its members in the theory 



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