an Temperance
Union of Fredonia_.

Two hundred and eight members were enrolled, sixty-four of whom were
young women. The first officers were: Mrs. George Barker, President;
Mrs. D. R. Barker, Vice-President; Mrs. L. A. Barmore, Secretary; Mrs.
L. L. Riggs, Treasurer.

Thus was the wonderful movement called "The Crusade" begun, and the
first local Woman's Christian Temperance Union organized.

That the local paper was keeping a keen watch on the movements of the
women is evidenced by the following headlines in the _Censor_ of
December 24, 1873:

_TEMPERANCE REVIVAL._

* * * * *

_One Less Bar to Practice At--A Permanent Temperance Union Formed--Over
Two Hundred Women Pledged "Until this Work is Accomplished."_

CHAPTER I.

"THE SOBER SECOND THOUGHT OF THE CRUSADE."

It soon became apparent that the methods of the crusade could not be
continued indefinitely; that in order to strengthen and perpetuate the
work already begun organization was necessary. This sentiment prevailed
in the State of New York, and many local societies, bearing various
names, had already been formed.

The initiatory for a state organization was taken by the Woman's
Temperance Union of Syracuse, which, at a meeting held September 10,
1874, decided to call a state convention of all women's temperance
organizations, to be held at Syracuse in October, preparatory to the
great national convention which was to be held in November. A central
committee of five was appointed to make all necessary arrangements, and
on September 19th was issued the following:

CALL.

The Syracuse Woman's Temperance Union respectfully invite the
working temperance women throughout the state to meet in convention
in this city on the 14th day of October, at nine o'clock A. M., at
the First Methodist Church, for the purpose of organizing a state
temperance league, and to appoint delegates to the national
convention to be held in Cleveland, Ohio, November next.

It is hoped that every town and city in the state will be represented.
All newspapers are requested to give the above an insertion and a local
notice, and all ministers are desired to read it from their desks.

Delegates are requested to notify the secretary of their intention
to be present by the both of October, and places of entertainment
will be provided. A committee of reception will be in waiting at the
rooms of the Y