William M. Ireland was one of the seven founders of the Grange.

Biography

He served much of his life as chief clerk in the offices of the U.S. Post Office Department

United States Post Office Department

The Post Office Department was the name of the United States Postal Service when it was a Cabinet department. It was headed by the Postmaster General....

. Also an avid Mason

Freemasonry

Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation that arose from obscure origins in the late 16th to early 17th century. Freemasonry now exists in various forms all over the world, with a membership estimated at around six million, including approximately 150,000 under the jurisdictions of the Grand Lodge...

, Ireland added valuable knowledge to organizational systems and methods in the formative period of the Grange movement. His ability to be a critic and adviser in setting up the work of the Grange created a balance of knowledge and inspiration. His accounting abilities also aided in the system of financial policy within the Grange. He died on December 24, 1891.

Legacy

The other founders of the Grange were: Oliver Hudson Kelley

Oliver Hudson Kelley

Oliver Hudson Kelley is considered the "Father" of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry.-Biography:In Boston, he moved to the Minnesota frontier in 1849, where he became a farmer...

, William Saunders, Francis M. McDowell, John Trimble

John Trimble

John Trimble was one of the seven founders of the Grange.-Biography:Born in New Jersey, he was a student of the Protestant Episcopal Church, receiving his Doctor of Divinity. Following the American Civil War, he served in the Treasurer Department as agent for the collection of war claims for...

, Aaron B. Grosh

Aaron B. Grosh

Reverend Aaron Burt Grosh , a Universalist minister, was one of the seven founders of the Grange. He had a major part in the design of the Grange ritual and was also responsible for the various songs used during various celebrations of the Grange...

, John R. Thompson

John R. Thompson

John Richardson Thompson was one of the seven founders of the The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry.-Biography:...

 and Caroline A. Hall

Caroline A. Hall

Caroline Arabella Hall was an early associate of the seven founders of the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry.-Biography:She was born in Boston in 1838 to Hepzibah and Nathanial Hall....

.

External links

• The Founders of the Grange