William M. Ireland
William M. Ireland (died December 24, 1891) was one of the eight founders of the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, a fraternal organization in the United States.
Biography
He served much of his life as chief clerk in the offices of the U.S. Post Office Department. An avid Freemason, 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.
The other founders of the Grange were Oliver Hudson Kelley, William Saunders, Francis M. McDowell, John Trimble, Aaron B. Grosh, John R. Thompson and Caroline A. Hall.
Further reading
- Atkeson, Thomas Clark (1916). Semi-Centennial History of the Patrons of Husbandry. Orange Judd Company. - See especially pages 324 – 326.