200 HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL. 



names and deeds, and point to them as worthy efforts for emu- 

 lation. 



There has been considerable speculation as to the real cause 

 for the selection of such a peculiar name for the organization. It 

 is said that several other names were presented, but through some 

 means and for some purpose now unknown, the name " Agri- 

 cultural Wheel " was selected. It has served its purpose well, 

 and no one who has ever been connected with the order need 

 disown it. The officers of the parent Wheel were : W. W. Ted- 

 ford, President ; J. W. Walls and B. F. Slater, Vice-Presidents ; 

 W. C. Hammond, Secretary ; W. T. McBee, Treasurer ; H. B. 

 Lakey and J. B. Thrasher, Sentinels ; N. B. Massey, Chaplain. 



Other Wheels were soon formed, and the idea of such organ- 

 izations found ready converts among the farmers. Articles of 

 incorporation were drawn up and numerously signed, and a 

 charter, or certificate of incorporation, was granted from the 

 State, in August, 1882. In April, 1883, or within about one 

 year from the first meeting, a State organization was formed, 

 with over 500 members. This State Wheel was perfected at 

 the home of W. T. McBee, one of the original founders, with 

 E. R. McPherson, President, and W. C. Hammond, Secretary. 



The success of the movement was apparent to all who attended 

 this meeting, and a common desire was manifested to push the 

 work of organization in other parts of the State. This deter- 

 mination was carried out with vigor and success. The State 

 Wheel met semi-annually for a time, or until it became so large 

 that such frequent meetings were considered impracticable. In 

 July, 1883, the State Wheel met at Goff's Cove, with a little 

 over forty sub-organizations. The old officers were re-elected. 

 At this meeting a move was made in the right direction, and 

 the membership taken from the villages and cities, and relegated 

 strictly to the country. 



The next meeting was held at Stony Point, January 9, 1884. 

 The order still showed a rapid increase, there being at this 

 meeting representatives from about 1 14 sub-organizations, with 

 a membership of fully 5000. At this meeting provision was 

 made for the formation of County Wheels, and the meeting of 

 the State Wheel was changed from semi-annual to annual. 

 A National Wheel was also the subject of some discussion, 



