Hartford Lodge, No. 193 A., F.& A. M. was organized under a charter, February 17, 1881, with twenty-two charter members. First officers: G. D. MAXSON, W. M.; I. A. TAYLOR, S. W.; G. W. LULTON, J. W.; M. WEEKS, Sec'y; I. SAMUELSON, Treas. Officers for 1882 are the same, with the exception of secretary, which office is filled by W. J. Combs. Regular meetings are held on Saturday evening, on or before the full moon, at Masonic and Odd Fellow' Hall. Present membership thirty-six.

WILLIAM J. COMBS, builder, was born in Coles County, Ill., November 14 1842. Resided in Illinois until he came to Kansas in June, 1857, with his step-father, M. L. ASHMORE, who took a claim about a mile from Eureka. Wm. J. also took a claim, which he held by land warrant and afterwards entered. He helped to survey the town site of Eureka, and was one of the organizers of the town, the leading business being done in his brother's name. Remained in Eureka until March, 1863, when he enlisted as private in Company M, Fifteenth Kansas Cavalry. Participated in all the engagements in which the regiment took part. Was mustered out in October, 1865, and in November settled in Hartford, where he bought twenty acres of land, and for two years tried farming. Not finding that congenial he went into the carpenter business, in 1859, which business he has since followed. He has done a good proportion of the building up of the town. In addition to his business as a builder he now does an undertaking business. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; also a member of Hartford Lodge No. 193, A., F. & A. M., of which he is secretary, and of Hartford Lodge No. 8, A. O. U. W. He has held the office of Township Trustee five years, that of Township Clerk two years, and for six years was Justice of the Peace; has been Notary Public in Lyon County for ten years. Married, July 5, 1866, Miss Nancy E. PERRY, of Elmantaro Township, by which marriage he has had six children, of whom Emery E., John P., and Ora M. are living.