USA > Illinois > The rise and progress of Freemasonry in Illinois, 1783-1952 > Part 23
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The procession of ten divisions was composed of civic and military societies, United States troops, United States Senators, Representa- tives, Judges, Councilmen, members of the bar and citizens.
Around the grave was placed a guard of honor composed of stu- dents of Chicago University, of which Douglas was the founder. No religious services were held at the grave, but a eulogy was pronounced by the Rt. Rev. James Duggan, Catholic Bishop of Chicago, one of the dead senator's warmest friends.
The minutes of Springfield Lodge No. 4, July 15, 1861 read:
Regular Communication.
Officers
Bros. Wm. Lavely W.M. R. C. McQuestion S.W. W. D. Richardson J.W. D. M. Bronson Secy. W. Elkins J.D. J. W. Watson Tyler
Lodge opened on 3rd degree.
The W.M. informed the Brethren that an invitation had been ex- tended to all the Clergymen and Brethren from a distance to participate on the dinner of our esteemed Bro. S. A. Douglas.
Bro. Brayman made a motion that a Committee of 7 be appointed from the brethren present and form a board to draft Resolutions. W.M. appointed the following Bros.
M. Brayman
I. A. W. Buck, G.M.
C. Fisher
H. G. Reynolds - Bauker W. M. Miner A. Hickox
After an absence of a short space of time the following Resolu- tions were read:
The foundation of all good government is in the virtue and intelli- gence of the people.
Their voice finds expression in a generous Constitution and just laws.
In forming these, they speak through the great leading men whom they choose to represent them, who rise from the body of the people whenever fit occasion calls them.
In such men, the spirit, the temper, the intelligent decision and noble resolves of a whole nation are concentrated and individualized.
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Funeral of Stephen A. Douglas
And when the solemn records of impartial history are made up these great men stand out like milestones by the highway of progress and civilization.
A nation that thus commemorates the services of its benefactors ennobles itself, for it is thus that genius and eloquence sanctified by virtue and patriotism are drawn from the humblest, as well as from the higher walks of life and consecrated to the defense of liberty and the happiness of mankind.
Illinois during a brief career has given to American History many illustrious names, but none more honored in life and mourned in death than that of our late departed Masonic Brother S. A. Douglas, Senator in Congress from this state and who departed this life in the city of Chicago on the third day of June.
Conceding that he at one period of his political life was a resident amongst us, during which time he received the degrees of Masonry within this lodge, that he remained until his death an honored and worthy Mason, that he lived and died in the highest service of this country; devoting his last days to the vindication of the Constitution and defense of the Union; we, the Grand Master of this Grand Lodge of Illinois, Master, Wardens and members of Springfield Lodge No. 4 and visiting brethren attending recognize the duty and the privilege on our part of solemnly uniting with our countrymen and brethren in placing upon the enduring records a fit testimony of our estimation of his charac- ter and services and our profound sorrow in view of the great loss which his family, his Masonic brethren, his beloved state and more than all his unhappy country have sustained and do therefore
Resolved, That in the death of Stephen A. Douglas, the American people are called to mourn one of the ablest and most patriotic states- men; the Senate, an eloquent, devoted and useful member, a man who loved his country and her fine institutions with a devotion which was the ruling passion of his life - who, when he saw the overwhelming danger now besetting the Union, flew to the rescue and gave his dying efforts to its preservation.
Resolved, That the State of Illinois, in honoring him brought double honor to herself, again reflected from his many valuable services in her behalf, his jealousy of her honor, his defense of her right and his glorious fame, won as her representative in the council of the Nation;
Resolved, That Masonry will add S. A. Douglas to her list of ven- erated names, proudly cherishing the memory of his Masonic virtues and claiming a share in that enviable fame which makes his name a household word wherever patriotism is honored or liberty finds a home;
Resolved, That officially and as personal friends of our brother, we would offer to his mourning wife, children and family our most heartfelt sympathy, being assured that he whom all the world besides praised and honored was in all the most sacred relations of life, all the world to them.
Resolved, That in token of respect for the memory of our deceased brother, the usual badge of mourning be worn;
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Freemasonry in Illinois
Resolved, That copies of these proceedings signed by the Master and bearing the seal of the lodge, duly attested, be transmitted to the family of our late Masonic brother.
No further business appearing Lodge closed.
D. M. Bronson.
On June 19, 1861 Quincy Chapter No. 5 adopted the following resolutions:
A nation this day mourns the loss of a noble patriot and illustrious statesman, and we as Masons mourn the loss of a beloved brother and Companion. Stephen A. Douglas here received the Chapter Degrees and 'twas our pleasure for many years to greet him around the Sacred Altar of this Lodge. The Supreme Architect of the Universe, our Great Grand Master on High, hath summoned him to his Celestial Lodge eternal in the heavens, and he has vanished from our sight forever. The statesman whose eloquence has so often thrilled our hearts, and whose manly devotion to every trust has bound us to him in strongest ties of love, now rests in the cold embrace of death.
As a slight testimony of our grief and sorrow, we do
Resolve, That we will emulate his noble example and manly virtues, and renewedly pledge to each our fraternal love, do vow so to improve this afflicting Dispensation of Providence, as that when the embers of our mortal life shall feebly glimmer in the socket of existence, we may be soothed and maintained by the joyful hope that beyond the silent tomb the bright light of a resurrection morn shall break on the opened scenes of eternity, wherein under the immutable love of our Divine Master, all faithful Masons shall meet to part no more, and there shall we be again joined with our beloved brother whose loss we mourn.
Resolved, That words can but feebly express the deep and tender sympathy which we would offer to the noble woman and true wife of our deceased Brother and Companion in her great bereavement.
Resolved, That in token of our sorrow we will wear the usual badge of mourning for 30 days, and that our Masonic Hall be draped in mourn- ing.
Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the records of our Chapter and several lodges; that a copy be sent to his family, and that they be published in our city papers.
James Love
Secretary
A. W. Blakesley High Priest
These resolutions show the esteem and respect held by those who were well acquainted with Brother Douglas. If he had remained in Springfield he would undoubtedly have been given the highest honors in Masonry and been invested with the purple of the fraternity.
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Petition of Stephen A. Douglas for degrees in Springfield Lodge No. 26.
Chapter 27 FUNERAL OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN
History has preserved the record of the progress of the funeral car which bore the remains of the dead President from the scene of his tragic death to their final resting place at his old home; but of the part sustained by the Masonic Fraternity in this sad pagent but little has been said. Yet no class of our citizens was more conspicuous than the ancient craft, and here, as elsewhere, it gave a most unequivocal public demonstration of one of its fundamental traits of character- loyalty.
From the columns of the Masonic Trowel ( Harmon G. Reynolds, editor ) we glean the following facts concerning the action of the frater- nity before and at the interment.
At the time of the assassination it would seem that the Grand Master, Brother Turner, was absent from the jurisdiction, being then in Washington. With some difficulty his whereabouts was at length as- certained and a request was forwarded for a dispensation for the Craft to appear as Lodges and in Masonic clothing. To this request he telegraphed the Grand Secretary as follows:
The Free Masons of Illinois will attend the funeral of the late President A. Lincoln clothed as Masons.
Thomas J. Turner
This statement was sent by wire to all parts of the state.
On the Friday following (April 28) Brother Bromwell, Deputy Grand Master, arrived in Springfield, and, in the absence of the Grand Master, assumed direction of affairs, the first step being the issuance of the following proclamation:
To the Glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe. From the East of the Grand Lodge of Illinois.
To all Masters, Wardens, and Brethren of the State of Illinois, Health, Union and Peace:
Brethren: The funeral of Abraham Lincoln late President of the United States, gives occasion to all citizens, particularly to those of Illi- nois to express, by the most solemn public declarations, their own grief and that of the Nation. Stricken down by an assassination, which for awk-
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Freemasonry in Illinois
wardness and brutality has had no parallel since the days of Cain, the noble hearted and merciful Chief Magistrate of our Nation, at the hour when the sun of his glory was at its meridian height, and just before completing the glorious work of his life, is left a lifeless corpse, to be cared for by all who loved him and his country.
As the principles of free government, and the laws of the land, no less than the precepts of true religion, are part of Ancient Craft Ma- sonry, this is a most fitting time and occasion for all true Masons to remember the honor of the country, the dignity of the craft, and the duty of good men, by assembling in full regalia, according to rank and degree, to take part in the funeral ceremonies.
Accordingly, in the absence of the Most Worthy Grand Master, I hereby invoke a general meeting of the craft in Grand Lodge, at Masonic Hall, in Springfield, on Thursday, May 4th, 5865, to attend the funeral of the late President, at which time and place all Masons, of every de- gree are invited to be present.
"The will of God is accomplished." So mote it be.
H. P. H. Bromwell, Acting Grand Master.
In response, a large number of the Craft from every part of the state repaired to Springfield to participate in the obsequies. What followed cannot be better told than in the language of Brother Rey- nolds. He says:
The three lodges, chapter and council of this city immediately appropriated the sum of one hundred dollars each, (being five hundred dollars) to provide such shelter and food for the weary and hungry Mason as propriety and necessity might justify. It proved, in the hands of Bro. Hickox and the several committees, to be both timely and suffi- cient. Bro. Bromwell devoted all his time and energies to the work before us. He assisted Bro. George F. Wright, the chairman of the committee on catafalque, canopy, decorations etc., by his mechanical genius and handy taste and application, and, like St. Paul, labored day and night with his hands. He also assisted us materially by his counsel and labor in preparing for the last sad rites.
On Wednesday morning, May 3, the State House and enclosure, under the general direction of Bro. Wright - the canopy and interior arrangements of the Representative Hall and rotunda under his special direction, the catafalque under the direction of Col. A. Schwartz, the exterior decorations of the State House and grounds under the direction of Bro. E. E. Myers. - were completed and ready to receive the honored remains of the illustrious dead.
A large platform had been erected on the west side and in the center of the hall. The catafalque was placed upon this, with the head to the west, with steps leading to the north-east corner of the platform, so that in passing around the head of the coffin the beholder had a full side and head view without stopping, and, passing around had a last glimpse while about to descend the steps at the south-east corner.
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Funeral of Lincoln
Over the whole were the following mottoes: On the south side Washington's portrait, "Washington the Father"; on the north side, "Lincoln the Savior"; on the circle of the gallery on the east side of the hall, and extending from the north to the south end, "Sooner Then Sur- render These Principles I Would Be Assassinated On The Spot."
At nine o'clock, May 3rd, a large concourse had gathered together at the Chicago & Alton Depot. Soon the train arrived. Delegations from Chicago and other cities, Governors, dignitaries, foreign representatives, came forward and were decorously formed in lines. The beautiful car containing the remains stopped on the south line of Jefferson street, and the bearers, amid the weeping and tears of the people, such as we never witnessed before, amid profound silence, interrupted only by audible sobbings here and there, deposited the body in the hearse, and with mournful and touching music, the body was conveyed to the Representa- tives Hall and placed upon the catafalque, with a Major General at the head and another at the foot, and a line of double guards leading from the north gate to the body, and another from the body to the south gate. In the evening we went with our children to see him. Then we saw only Mr. Lincoln. We were unsatisfied. In the morning early we looked at him again. Silence reigned. Washington seemed to look upon his son. The dead seemed to be resting peacefully where he has so often con- vulsed his hearers by his drollness and wit, where he had enchanted them by his eloquence, where he had subdued them to tears by his pathos and tenderness. We went from that presence a better man. From ten o'clock in the morning of May 3, thousands thronged that guarded pass- way to the scene of death. It is estimated that not less than 75,000 viewed his remains, while nearly as many came too late for admittance, and the placid, pleasant and wellknown features were closed from mortal vision.
Acting Grand Master Bromwell opened an Emergent Grand Lodge or General Assembly of Masons in the first degree as follows:
H. P. H. Bromwell as Grand Master
A. J. VanDeren, Grand Master, Colorado.
J. R. Gorin, (8) Dep. Gr. Master P.T.
E. F. Babcock, Sen. Gr. Warden,
N. W. Huntley, Jun. Gr. Warden,
B. F. Bristow (3) Grand Treasurer, P.T.
J. J. Cook (333) Grand Secretary P.T.
Rev. A. Bowers (3-44) Gr. Chaplain P.T.
H. C. Dawson Gr. Senior Deacon P.T.
William Nash (40) Gr. Jun. Deacon P.T.
Wm. F. Elkin (71) Grand Steward
D. H. Porter ( 110) Grand Steward P.T.
H. C. Chockley (8) Grand Marshal P.T.
Joseph Gage (312) Gr. Standard Bearer P.T.
Daniel Wadsworth (154) Gr. Sword Bearer P.T.
S. H. Claspil (333) Grand Tyler P.T.
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Freemasonry in Illinois
Comp. L. L. Munn D. Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, being present, improvised and clothed a Grand Chapter on the spot, as follows:
L. L. Munn as Grand High Priest
T. D. Sewell (62) D.G.H.P. PT
W. R. Phillips (16) G.K. pt
W. H. Taylor (59) G.S. pt.
F. P. Rose (1) G.C. of H. pt
D. M. Van Deren (1) G. Chap. pt
J. A. Brown (50) G. Treas pt
R. W. Hawley (1) G. Secy pt
L. T. Hewins --- G.P.S. pt
W. Elstun (44) G.R.A.C. pt John Quijlan (21) G.M. 3V pt
L. W. Faulkner (50) G.M. 2V pt
R. M. Epstein G.M. 1V pt. (50)
A. D. Wysong (50) G. Steward pt
James Mann (8) G. Tyler pt.
Elwood Commandery No. 6, and guests, in full dress, to the number of about 40 under the command of Past Commander Dorwin, assisted by Capt. George W. Hill, of the Regular Army. The Templars were the most attractive feature of the procession, and were just numerous enough to maneuver well and perform escort duty.
Then followed:
Grand Tyler with drawn sword,
Stewards with white rods,
Tylers of Lodges
Entered Apprentices eight abreast,
Fellow Crafts eight abreast,
Master Masons eight abreast,
Junior and Senior Deacons of Lodges,
Secretaries and Treasurers of Lodges,
Junior Wardens of Lodges,
Senior Wardens of Lodges,
Past Masters of Lodges, Royal Arch Masons,
The Grand Chapter, formed as above,
Senior and Junior Grand Deacons,
Grand Sword and Standard Bearers,
Grand Marshal,
Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary,
Past Grand Senior and Grand Junior Wardens,
Past Deputy Grand Masters,
Deputy Grand Master and Grand Chaplain,
Grand Master,
Stewards with white rods.
This portion of the procession numbered between four and five hun- dred, and composed section one of the Seventh Division of the main column.
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Funeral of Lincoln
This section was under the immediate command of Grand Lecturer Fisher, assisted by Bro. Thos. C. Jewell, as aid, and Bro. W. H. Broad- well of Jacksonville; John W. Campion of Lincoln, John M. Pearson of Alton, E. Bergman, William F. Elkin, and C. H. Philbrick of Springfield, as Assistant Marshals. It constituted the right of the Division.
Of course there were no Masonic ceremonies of any kind, the dem- onstration being simply an overt manifestation of sympathy by a loyal and patriotic brotherhood, and for the exercises at the grave the reader is referred to general history.
Resolutions Adopted by Tyrian Lodge No. 333 Springfield, Illinois
In Tyrian Lodge No. 333, A.F. & A.M. Springfield, Illinois, April 17, A.D. 1863, A.L. 5863.
The first thought of a Mason should be, as his duty is, to trust in God. This thought leads the true Mason to desire His aid and guid- ance. From this comes Faith; and then follows Hope, inciting to action, Trust and Hope inspire confidence in government and respect for law.
The true Mason never despairs; whatever may be his fortune, his faith remains.
The tragical and barbarous assassination of President Lincoln, our National head and representative, is well calculated to try our faith, to shake our hope, and prostrate our spirit. Governments are or- dained of God, and are the ministers of His will. The administrators of government may change, but the government remains.
All good Masons are peaceable subjects to the powers that be, and never suffer themselves to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against the peace and welfare of the nation, to behave undutifully to the lawful authorities, or countenance a brother in his rebellion, though he may be pitied as an unhappy man.
Masonry has flourished in these United States, with but rare excep- tions at short intervals, as it has never flourished since the days of Solo- mon and Hiram.
Masonry has flourished under the protection of our Government, and Masons have supported, upheld, and maintained the Government. Washington founded the nation; Jefferson drew its declaration of princi- ples, and Jackson brought its second war of independence to a success- ful termination.
The blood of Masons and patriots shed upon the battlefields of this Republic has cemented our Government with bonds and cords which no human arm can sever.
One whom we all loved, in the glory of his manhood, and in the zenith of his fame, has been cruelly and murderously slain. But shall we despair? Shall we cease to hope? Shall we basely cower and shrink and sulk because the assassin is at work; because the murderer seeks our life; because traitors seek to overthrow our Government? Never, no, never before God.
Let our faith be firmer and our hope brighter, for, as we trust in
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Freemasonry in Illinois
God, so we hope by His favor to make a just and imperishable Govern- ment.
The members of Tyrian Lodge No. 333 A.F. & A.M., in regular communication convened, with Members of Springfield Lodge No. 4, Central Lodge No. 71, and other worthy visiting brethren, deem this a suitable occasion to express their opinions as Masons and citizens in this momentous crisis: therefore,
Resolved, That as the immediate friends and neighbors of our late beloved and now revered President Lincoln, we deeply and sorrow- fully deplore his death.
Resolved, That the scrupulous honor and honesty of President Lin- coln in all his private relations, his faithfulness and kindness as a hus- band and father, his fairness and ability as a lawyer, his wisdom and public spirit as citizen, and his patient, humane and honest career as a magistrate and statesman, furnish examples worthy of all praise and imitation.
Resolved, That we sincerely condole with the bereaved widow and fatherless children, in their terrible and irreparable loss.
Resolved, That the decision of President Lincoln to postpone his application for the honors of Masonry, lest his motives be misconstrued, is in the highest degree, honorable to his memory.
Resolved, That the murderer of President Lincoln, and the assassin of Secretary Seward, should be hunted with unceasing viligance and vigor until found, and be brought to trial, judgment and punishment.
Resolved, That Masons should in all cases be subject to the law, abide by the law, be ready to assist in enforcing it, and should never connive at, tolerate or encourage disrespect for law, or any disobedience or infraction of it; for Masons hold themselves subject to rules; and the law of God, and of the land, should in all cases be the paramount rule of action.
Resolved, That we have an unshaken faith in the principles of free government, and while we tolerate the utmost freedom of opinion, and choice, we hold it to be our duty, and we hereby solemnly pledge our- selves to stand by the Government in all its lawful measures to preserve its vigor and maintain its integrity.
Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and these resolutions be forwarded to every lodge in this State, with a request that the same be concurred in, and that the action of each lodge be communicated to the Grand Secretary.
Resolved, That the editor of the Masonic Trowel, and of the several papers published in this State, be requested to publish this preamble and these resolutions.
O. H. Miner, W.M. H. G. Reynolds Jesse K. Dubois J. R. Tyson T. R. King Pierson Roll Committee John C. Reynolds, Secretary.
Chapter 28 JOHN F. BURRILL DEFALCATION
In 1878 there appeared to be a shortage in the account of the Grand Secretary. In 1881 Brother Burrill resigned as Grand Secre- tary. L. L. Munn was elected to succeed him and, being unable to satisfy himself as to the correctness of the books, asked the finance committee to make a thorough investigation. This developed the fact that there was a shortage of $533.50 in 1878; in 1879 $2,995; in 1880 $4,101.75. It was the custom of several lodges to pay their dues dur- ing the session of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Secretary presented his financial record to the finance committee before the annual session and the money that was collected at Grand Lodge was that which was not accounted for. The finance committee reported:
We desire to say we have recently learned that it was the practice of Bro. Burrill to take the reports passed upon by the finance committee (after the close of the Grand Lodge and before sending it to the printer insert other accounts, and thus increase the collections from lodges, but not foot the columns, and this against the protest of the brother engaged in reading the proof for him.
After a long and tedious investigation of the returns of every lodge a book was found with several entries that had never been pre- sented for examination by the finance committee. This contained some missing accounts that had been received from the lodges during the session of the Grand Lodge. The committee was convinced:
that this defalcation was the result of deliberate intention, there can be no doubt - made in such a manner as to defy detection for a time. Entries of receipts from lodges for the current year were made in the cash book up to the session of this Grand Lodge; a large number were made at the session, a part of which Grand Secretary Burrill would enter in his cash book, a part in the printed proceedings and of the re- mainder no entry whatever.
Burrill resigned as Grand Secretary on September 1, 1SS1.
Brother John C. Smith, chairman of the finance committee reported to the Grand Master:
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