USA > Illinois > The rise and progress of Freemasonry in Illinois, 1783-1952 > Part 15
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That we respectfully request all the subordinate Lodges (at Peoria) to send one delegate, to meet on the first Tuesday in April, 1846, to determine what course it would be most proper to pursue, so that we may be purged from this great evil, and again hold a place in the affections of the Masonic bosom.
Friendship No. 7 approved the resolution by St. Clair for a con- vention with the proviso, "if the information received by us is correct."
Macon No. 8 expressed itself forcibly on the subject but qualified action by the little word "IF." Only two letters but it stayed action until a fair and complete investigation could be had. The investigation brought forth the following:
Resolved, That we deeply regret that Harmony Lodge No. 3 should have taken so hasty action upon a matter so highly important to the Masonic world, without the highest and most unquestionable authority. While we are happy to find that the charges made by said Lodge are unfounded in fact, and that the Lodge at Chicago and the W.G.M. stand exculpated before the Masonic world.
Several other lodges passed resolutions, all opposed to the admis- sion of negroes but all waiting for the facts before committing them- selves further.
The report of the Chicago lodges gave the facts which are:
A. B. Lewis, a well bred mulatto man, musician by profession, re- putedly of Cherokee aboriginal blood maternally, and paternally of African blood, now, and for a year or two past, a resident of Chicago, is un- doubtedly the individual alluded to. Hailing, as a Master Mason, from within the jurisdiction of another Grand Lodge, whose diploma, duly signed, he exhibited, he has been admitted a few times, as a visitor, to the Lodges in this city, but is not a member of either. That this indi- vidual, then, half Indian and half negro, has visited Lodges in Chicago and been admitted to the privileges of a visiting brother, is true; that he is an undoubted brother Mason, a modest, worthy man, and "of good report" is equally true. And how his exclusion from any Lodge where he might apply and exhibit his credentials, would comport with the respect due to the Grand Lodge whose diploma he presented here, one of the most intelligent and respectable bodies of Masons in the
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United States, is a question left to Harmony Lodge, and others adopt- ing her action, to answer, should the brother in question seek admission among them.
To the charge that the lodge over which the Grand Master presided as Master received petitions from negroes, the reply was:
that the Lodge over which the Grand Master was for a time Master, never received a petition from any negro or negroes; but that Apollo Lodge No. 32 of this city, over which the M.W.G. Master may have oc- casionally presided, as over any other Lodge, but of which he never was Master, did, at a regular communication on the 2d day of May last, W.M. Wm. Stuart presiding, receive and refer the petitions of two men, resi- dents of this city, by name Johnson and Davidson, by trade barbers, of mixed Anglo Saxon and African blood, though the proportion of African blood is evidently small, reputed "freeborn," certainly of good report, and one or both entitled to vote by the laws of this State.
On the 5th day of May, at a special meeting of said Lodge, a reso- lution was adopted, instructing the committee on said petitions, not to report until after the next meeting of the Grand Lodge in October then following; in order, as was stated, previously to procure an expression of the Grand Lodge on the subject.
The committee on the petitions reported favorably but the peti- tioners were asked to withdraw the petitions. So the tempest in a tea- pot, caused by unfounded rumors, ended after stirring up much excit- ment. Grand Master Walker stated:
I have never either in any one of your Lodges, or in any other, either urged, recommended, or said one word, in favor of the admission of negroes into our ancient and honorable Fraternity.
That statement cleared the Grand Master completely. Harmony Lodge received much unfavorable comment upon its precipitancy of action without first securing the facts.
The report of the Grand Lodge investigating committee said:
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge have the utmost confidence in the Rev. W. F. Walker, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, be- lieving him a true brother at heart, alone actuated by a desire to advance the prosperity of the Craft.
However, to make sure there was no doubt as to their attitude, the Grand Lodge, in 1852, adopted resolution No. 44, which later became Sections 81 and 82 of the By-laws:
Resolved, That all subordinate Lodges under this jurisdiction be in-
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The Negro Question
structed to admit no negro or mulatto, as visitor or otherwise, under any circumstances whatever.
2 - That if any Lodges under this jurisdiction hereafter violate this expressed will of this Grand Lodge, it shall be the duty of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of this State at once to arrest their charter.
In 1865 a motion was made to repeal these sections. No report was made but in the constitution and by-laws printed in 1871 both sections were marked "repealed."
Chapter 15 THE MEXICAN WAR YEARS
1847. A petition was presented to the Grand Master:
Your petitioners, George C. Lanphere, George W. Palmer, John H. Mitchell, Daniel T. Denman, Wyatt B. Stapp, Ezekiel Kent and James Townsley, would respectfully represent that they are all Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, and belong to a company of mounted volunteers received into the service of the United States and known as Company B; that they are about to depart for Vera Cruz, in Mexico, to operate against the enemy there; that they are desirous of being authorized by dispensation to work under the authority of said Grand Lodge, and do respectfully recommend George C. Lanphere to be Worshipful Master, George W. Palmer to be Senior Warden, and John H. Mitchell to be Junior Warden; and they will, as in duty bound, ever pray, &c.
George C. Lanphere
George W. Palmer John H. Mitchell Ezekiel Kent Jr. D. T. Denman
Wyatt B. Stapp James Townsley
(Vouched for and recommended by Hiram Lodge No. 26.)
This was referred to a special committee which reported:
Resolved, That it is inexpedient to grant the prayer of Bro. Lan- phere and others praying for a dispensation to a company of mounted volunteers.
The next day another resolution was presented and adopted:
Resolved, That the Most Worshipful Grand Master be authorized to grant dispensations for travelling lodges attached to Illinois regiments in Mexico, to work in the territory thereof, to any brethren qualified, who may be engaged in the service of the United States in that country; provided they shall not initiate, pass or raise, any persons but residents of the State of Illinois; that such lodge shall in all cases comply with the requisitions of the constitution and by-laws of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, and shall return such dispensations at the expiration of their term of service.
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The Mexican War Years
The vote on the report was 17 for; 11 against. There is no record showing that this dispensation was ever issued.
Another resolution was adopted:
Whereas, This Grand Lodge has been satisfactorily informed that Equality Lodge No. 2, has been unable to enjoy Masonic privileges dur- ing the past year, from the absence of her officers and most of her members in Mexico and elsewhere; therefore;
Resolved, That the dues of Equality Lodge No. 2, be remitted for the past year.
In the return of Piasa Lodge No. 27 appears the name of John J. Hardin, raised. In March 27, 1847:
The Lodge having received news of the battle fought in Mexico, near Saltillo, ( Buena Vista), and that many worthy brethren had fallen therein, closed the Lodge without transacting business.
April 2- The Lodge having received news of the death of John J. Hardin - Col. of the First Regiment --- passed resolutions appro- priate to the occasion.
The Grand Lodge also adopted a preamble and resolutions re- garding the loss of Brother Hardin and it was
Resolved, That the members of this Grand Lodge will wear the usual badge of mourning during the present session as a mark of respect for their lamented Brother John J. Hardin.
Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be instructed to transmit a copy of this resolution to the family of our late brother.
While the Grand Lodge of Illinois did not grant any dispensations for military lodges during the Mexican War, there was a lodge in the First Illinois Regiment while it was stationed at Santa Fe, New Mexico. John Ralls, Colonel of the Third Missouri Volunteer Militia was also Grand Master of Masons. There being a number of Masons in his regi- ment he issued a dispensation for Missouri Military Lodge No. 86. The first meeting was held at Independence, Missouri, but no more were held until the 900 miles march to Santa Fe was completed. When the Masons in the First Illinois Regiment learned of this lodge they be- came regular attendants. The first meeting of the lodge in Santa Fe was in the quarters of the Grand Master. Lieutenant Colonel Hender- son P. Boyakins acted as Senior Deacon. Colonel Boyakins was raised in Clinton Lodge U.D. at Carlyle, Illinois, on August 9, 1842. The following year, August 14, he was elected and installed Master of Marion Lodge at Salem, Illinois. At least once he presided over
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Missouri Military Lodge and at other times filled different stations. About October 1 it became known that the Third Missouri Regiment had been ordered to Mexico. As the lodge had several petitions for action and degrees to be conferred, a meeting was held every night from the third to the nineteenth, inclusive. The Illinois members peti- tioned for a dispensation for a military lodge under the name of Hardin Military Lodge. It was named for Colonel John J. Hardin of the First Illinois Regiment who was killed at the battle of Buena Vista some months previous. The moving spirit in securing the dispensation was Vantrump Turner, Captain of Co. C., First Illinois Regiment. Turner was raised in Clinton Lodge U.D. at Carlyle on August 5, 1843 and was Treasurer of Marion Lodge at Salem in 1844.
The Dispensation.
THE MOST WORSHIPFUL JOHN RALLS
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Ma- sons of the State of Missouri.
Whereas, a petition has been presented to me by Vantrump Turner, George W. Hook, James R. Hugunin, Simon Lundry, D. Turner, Henry J. Reed, I. B. Donalson, Joseph Wham, all Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, praying that they, with such others as shall hereafter join them, may be erected and constituted into a regular lodge of Free and Ac- cepted Masons, which petition appearing to me as tending to the ad- vancement of Masonry and the good of the Craft ;-
Know Ye, therefore, that I, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge aforesaid, reposing special trust and confidence in the prudence and fidelity of our beloved brethren above named, presents the said Van- trump Turner, George W. Hook, James R. Hugunin, Simon Lundry, D. Turner, Henry J. Reed, I. B. Donalson, Joseph Wham, a regular lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, under the title and distinction of
THE HARDIN LODGE NO. 87
hereby giving and granting unto them and their successors full power and authority to convene as Masons and as a regular travelling lodge at such time and places as may be suitable for the transaction of business in Masonry, within the Regiment of Volunteers from the State of Illi- nois, known as the First Regiment, now lying at Santa Fe in New Mexico, formed under the requisition of the War Department of the State of Illinois of the 19th April A.D. 1847, and to receive and enter Apprentices, pass Fellow Crafts and raise Master Masons, upon the pay- ment of such moderate sums for the same as may be determined by the said Lodge, also to make choice of a Master, Wardens, and other office bearers, annually or otherwise as they shall see cause, to receive and
-
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collect funds for relief of the poor and distressed brethren, their widows and children, and in general to transact all matters relating to Masonry which may to them appear to be for the good of the Craft according to ancient usages and customs of Masonry.
And we do hereby require the said constituted brethren to keep a fair and regular record of all their proceedings and to lay them before the Grand Lodge when required, and that they in all respects conduct themselves as good Masons.
And it is hereby declared that said lodge take precedence in the Grand Lodge and elsewhere to commence on the 9th day of October A.L. 5847, A.D. 1847, and this charter and all the power and authority under the same shall cease and determine within six months after the close of the present war with Mexico, unless the regiment is sooner discharged.
In testimony whereof, I, John Ralls, Grand Master aforesaid, by virtue of the power and authority to me committed, have hereunto set my hand and caused a scroll to hereunto be affixed, in place of the seal of the Grand Lodge of the State, the said seal of the Grand Lodge being with the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge in his offce in the City of St. Louis.
Given at the City of Santa Fe, in the State of New Mexico, this 9th day of October, A.L. 5847, A.D. 1847.
[SEAL]
JOHN RALLS, Grd, Master, Grand Lodge of Missouri.
Attest JAMES R. HUGUNIN
Grand Secretary P.T.
The term of the Grand Master expired on October 11.
In separating the lodges unfinished business relating to Hardin Lodge was transferred to that lodge. There were three petitions for degrees, one of which was from E. W. B. Newby, Colonel, First Ill- inois Regiment, also five Entered Apprentices. The minutes of this lodge were never turned in so it is impossible to tell how many candi- dates were raised. Neither is there anything to tell how long the lodge functioned.
Partial list of members of Hardin Lodge No. 87.
Colonel E. W. B. Newby Lieutenant Colonel Henderson P. Boyakins
Major Israel B. Donalson Surgeon Daniel Turner
Captains
Vantrump Turner Co. C George W. Hook Co. F Henry J. Reed Co. G
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Lieutenants
Isham N. Haynie Co. C Levi Wright Co. C Simon Lundry Co. G Sergeant Joseph Wham
Privates B. Wham Co. C James R. Hugunin, Co. F.
Chapter 16 CALIFORNIA LODGES
In 1849 Grand Master William Lavely granted dispensations for two lodges in California:
To Bro. N. D. Morse as Master, Bro. Alexander Ewing as Senior Warden, Bro. L. D. Montgomery as Junior Warden, and other brethren to form and open a Travelling Lodge in the Territory of California by the name of "Pacific Lodge."
To Bro. John R. Crandall as Master, Bro. A. O. Garrett as Senior Warden, Bro. J. W. Moffit as Junior Warden, and other brethren to form and open a Travelling Lodge in the Territory of California by the name of "Lavely Lodge."
The Grand Master said:
In granting dispensations to the two lodges in California, as the pe- titioners could not designate any particular place in the territory where they might remain while there, I gave them authority to open their lodge and hold their meetings at any place they might sojourn where no G. Lodge was established. And in view of the great distance they would be from us, and the impossibility of their being enabled to make returns of their work, &C, to our present communication, as required in ordinary cases, the dispensations were so granted as to continue in full force until the return of the respective Masters named therein, unless sooner revoked by the Grand Lodge. This act may be considered an assumption of power on my part, as in ordinary cases it is understood that the Grand Master cannot in recess of the Grand Lodge, grant a dispensation for a new lodge to extend beyond the next annual communication. But all the circumstances in connection with these two lodges and their destina- tion, seemed to justify some deviation from the general rule, and as the dispensations were intrusted to such brethren and members of our Grand Lodge as P.G.M. Morse, and P.D.G.M. Crandall, I could not hesitate in drafting their dispensations to give them such powers as the emer- gency of their cases actually required, being well assured that the trust would not be abused in their hands, wherever their lots might be cast. It is with you, however, to ratify or annul my proceedings in the matter, and take such further action as may seem right and proper, as to the continuation of those two lodges.
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Pacific Lodge
Pacific Lodge was located at Long's Bar, Butte County, about two and one-half miles north of Oroville, and was organized in 1850. Among the distinguished gentlemen who were initiated into the mysteries of Masonry in that Lodge were Charles F. Lott and John Bidwell. Brother Lott, who died on September 4, 1918 at the ripe age of 94, described the Lodge room as being a log house rising about four feet above the ground, with a dirt floor excavated sufficiently to permit one to stand in the room. The altar and pedestals were stumps of trees, the lights were candles, and the jewels cut from tin cans. Primitive, yes, but the "work" was impressive and much good for the community came forth from that rude cabin. Judge Lott received his third degree in Pacific Lodge on December 15, 1850.
John Bidwell, in a letter written August 11, 1897, gave a side light on early-day procedure that is interesting. He wrote that
You ask me to send the name of the Lodge where I took the degrees. In the winter of 1850-51 a friend persuaded me to take the first degree in San Jose - the name I do not remember. A few years later at Hamil- ton, which was then the county seat of Butte County, the two follow- ing degrees. There was no lodge there - no lodge room - but the man who acted as Master had authority, as I understand to confer such degrees. Think his name was Morse or Moss. It might have been Butte Lodge. The exact years I do not recall.
The returns of San Jose Lodge No. 10 for November 1, 1851, report the name of John Bidwell as an Entered Apprentice. The Master re- ferred to was Nelson D. Morse, Past Grand Master of Illinois, who had authority to form a Lodge under the dispensation (dated March, 1849) for Pacific Lodge. In Grand Lodge, (California) November 6, 1851, "a communication from Brother J. R. Crandall in reference to Pacific Lodge U.D. was received and referred to a committee of three." And on May 5, 1852, "the committee on the affairs of Pacific Lodge, at Long's Bar, reported that said Lodge had closed and dissolved before the committee had time to communicate with it."
It was
Resolved, That all Masons made in Pacific Lodge, under dispensa- tion from Illinois, be received and acknowledged by the Lodges under this jurisdiction.
Brother Morse was a member of the legislature in 1852 represent- ing Butte County. He died in 1854 and the resolutions of respect said:
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California Lodges
That as agent of this Grand Lodge ( Illinois) Brother Morse did much to exemplify the principles of our time-honored institution in California, and was able to contribute much material aid and comfort to many distressed and suffering brethren.
Lavely Lodge
Lavely Lodge was organized by Brother Crandall at Marysville in the early months of 1850, with about thirty members, and con- tinued in operation until the formation of Grand Lodge of California in April, when the brethren petitioned for and, in November, 1850, received a charter as Marysville Lodge No. 9. Brother Crandall, who had removed to Trinity River in May 1850, left the Lodge in charge of Brother Garrett, the Senior Warden. For quite a while the Lodge held its meetings in a tent located near the corner of Fourth and East Streets.
Brother Crandall was very active in Masonic work. In addition to his labors in establishing the first Lodge at Marysville, he assisted in organizing LaFayette Lodge at Nevada, and was the first Master of Nevada Lodge No. 13. He was Senior Grand Warden in 1853.
The above information is from the history of Masonry in California by John Whicher, one time Grand Secretary. The title is "Masonic Beginnings in California and Hawaii."
In "Fifty Years of Masonry in California," by Edwin A. Sherman we find:
In the spring of 1850, Bro. Crandall, being in Marysville, was de- sirous of locating a lodge there under the Illinois dispensation, and issued a general notice to all Master Masons who were in town, stating his intentions. In pursuance of this notice about thirty Master Masons as- sembled and organized ( Laville) Lavely ? Lodge, with J. R. Crandall, as W.M., A. O. Garrett, S.W., and W. Moffett, J.W. On May 1, 1850, Bro. Crandall having moved to Trinity River, the Lodge was left in charge of the Senior Warden, and for some time was held in a tent near the corner of Fourth and E. Streets. The Grand Lodge of California hav- ing been organized, this Lodge reported its proceedings under the Illinois dispensation, and petitioned for a charter, which was granted November 27, 1850, but it reported its work and transmitted its dues to the Grand Lodge of Illinois, under whose jurisdiction it had acted up to that time.
Dr. John R. Crandall, the father of Masonry in Yuba county, re- ceived the degrees in 1836 in Pekin Lodge No. 29. In 1842 he was a charter member of Temple Lodge No. 46 at Peoria, Ill. Besides estab- lishing Marysville Lodge U.D., he assisted in organizing Lafayette Lodge, afterward Nevada Lodge No. 13, at Nevada City, and was its first master in 1851, and in 1852 he became a charter member and subsequent
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Master of Eureka Lodge No. 15 at Auburn, Placer County, and Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of California in 1853.
In discussing the difficulty of uniformity in work in the lodges, and naming the persons who gave their versions of the true work he said
Every Master Mason and Past Master who came from every other Grand Lodge Jurisdiction claimed to have been made under and to have the only true and perfect work, no matter how much they might differ. Worshipful Brother John R. Crandall taught the Illinois work in California Lodge No. 1, in 1850, and exemplified it as he received it, giving it to the Lodges at Marysville and Nevada City, as well as elsewhere in California.
The California history quoted has made a serious mistake in dates when Brother Crandall took his degrees. Pekin Lodge was not chart- ered until 1845 and Brother Crandall's name is shown as Master in 1845 and Junior Grand Warden. He was Senior Deacon in Temple Lodge No. 46 but that lodge was not chartered until 1847. He was Deputy Grand Master of Illinois in 1847.
Chapter 17 LODGES OUTSIDE OF THE STATE
On June 12, 1843 Grand Master Meredith Helm granted a dispen- sation to Lemuel B. Hull, Worshipful Master; Abram D. Smith, Senior Warden; and David Merrill, Junior Warden, to form and open Mil- waukee Lodge at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The report from this lodge in 1843 showed fifteen members. When the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin was organized the lodge was transferred to that jurisdiction.
On February 8, 1852 a dispensation was issued by Grand Master Pickett for Cataract Lodge at St. Anthony's Falls, Minnesota with Dr. Alfred E. Ames as Master. This lodge was instrumental in forming the Grand Lodge of Minnesota and its Master, A. E. Ames, was elected first Grand Master.
On April 3, 1855 a petition was filed with the Deputy Grand Master, T. O. Wilson, for a dispensation to open and hold a lodge at Bellvue, Nebraska. The Deputy Grand Master issued the dispensation and, in a letter to Grand Master Anderson admitted his doubt as to his action. The reply of the Grand Master was
I know of no authority for your granting them either by law or precedent in our Grand Lodge, nor in any other where the power is not expressly delegated.
The committee on Lodges U.D. reported:
They are of opinion that in granting a dispensation for a Lodge to be called "Nebraska Lodge," the R.W. Dep. Gr. Master transcended his rights and powers.
However the charter was granted to "Nebraska Lodge" No. 184 with I. B. Kinney as Worshipful Master; P. J. McMahon, as Senior Warden; and George Hepner as Junior Warden.
Grand Master Hibbard reported in 1857:
Last July I received a letter from Bro. Ira A. W. Buck, from Omaha City, N.T., informing me that Nebraska Lodge at Bellvue chartered by this Grand Lodge in 1855, had never been constituted, nor their officers installed. They had done no work, but were anxious to be constituted,
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and set to work properly. He suggested the propriety of sending my proxy in the matter to him, as he expected to remain there long enough to receive it, and perform the duty. I acted upon his suggestion, and a few days since I received a letter from Robert C. Jordan, enclosing my proxy sent to Bro. Buck, informing me that he (Bro. Buck) not being able to perform the duty, had deputized him in his place, and that on the 22nd of August last, he performed the duty set forth in said proxy. He also enclosed the return of Nebraska Lodge, and the sum of ten ($10) dollars, as Grand Lodge dues, notifying me that in a few days from that time, the Lodges there anticipated forming a Grand Lodge for the Territory of Nebraska.
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