The First Masonic Lodge was instituted Oct. 30, 1851. It was Cohutta Lodge, No. 145. David J. Johnson, W. M.; Wm. A. Lofton, S. W.; Dawson A. Walker, J. W. A second charter changed the name to Spring Place Lodge, No. 145, 1869. James McE.ntire, W. M.; Walter J. Johnson, S. W., and William Hassler, J. W. Sumach, No. 55, F. and A. M., Nov. 2, 1882; J. C. McEntire, W. M.; W. R. Hill, S. W.; W.H. Rickett, J. W. Eton, No. 509, F. & A. M., 1908; S. A. Brown, W. M.; C. C. Keith. S. W., and J. W. Clements, J. W.
There are about one hundred and fifty Masons in good standing in the county.
Royal Arch and Eastern Star Chapters have been installed at Eton, Ga.
The First Odd Fellow Lodge was instituted at Spring Place about 1898 with C. L. Henry, N.G. The following list of I.O. O. F. lodges of the county is furnished by R. N. Steed, D.G.G.M.: Spring Place 8l, Sumach 53, Cisco 95, Cohutta Springs 72, Fuller's 39, Chatsworth 71, Ramhurst 91, Prosperity 70. Total membership, 571,
An Encampment has been instituted at Chatsworth, and is in a flourishing condition. So far as I have learned there is no Rebecca lodge in the county at this date.
The Woodmen o( the World have thriving lodges at Chatsworth and Cohutta Springs.
The Junior Order United American Mechanics have lodges at Spring Place and Eton.
The Farmers' Union has locals in various parts of the county. This organization has exerted much influence for good in educating and uniting the farmers and laborers of Murray.
The Growth of Fraternalism has been remarkable. Good fellowship and confidence has taken the place of distrust, envy and malice. Murray has come to be a large family of friendly, prosperous, happy people.
Murray County History 1911