USA > Illinois > The rise and progress of Freemasonry in Illinois, 1783-1952 > Part 4
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Freemasonry in Illinois
It is evident from the books of the Lodge that a much larger sum is due to it from its members than is sufficient to pay the balance due the Grand Lodge, but no authority is now vested to collect it, and unless it be soon attended to, the dues will be in all probability lost, some of which, I am satisfied, has already become so. I am fully pursuaded that considerable collections can be effected if authorized either by agency or the restoration of the charter. I wish it to be fully understood that I feel no disposition to dictate a course for the Grand Lodge, but my solicitude for the adjustment of the affairs, in the present deranged and embarrased condition, induces me to offer for the consideration of the Grand Lodge and its officers, such projects as seem to me best cal- culated to bring about the accomplishment of the desired object. The subject is an unfortunate and unpleasant one, and I heartily desire its termination in the most cordial and satisfactory manner, believing as I do that it has not been wantonly sought or intended, but growing solely out of circumstances misunderstood.
Fraternally yours, Wm C. Greenup.
Nov. 21, 1825
Two letters to the Grand Secretary from C. C. Conway, late W.M. of late Lodge No. 107, Kaskaskia, dated at that place on 28th August and 20, October last respectively were read, explaining the peculiar diffi- culties under which the members of that Lodge laboured in consequence of the vacation of their Warrant and requesting that such measures might be adopted by the Grand Lodge as will secure the collection of the sums due by the members of the Lodge individually, and the dis- charge of such as have paid or may pay their arrearages.
Whereupon, On Motion and seconded:
Resolved, That the Warrant of Lodge No. 107, Kaskaskia, be and it is hereby revived in favour of the officers elected in December 1823. Resolved, That as soon as it shall satisfactorily appear to the R.W. Grand Master that the debts of Lodge No. 107 are collected and remit- tances thereof are made to the Grand Treasurer as far as practicable, he shall be and he is hereby authorized to grant permission to said Lodge to surrender its Warrant, retain its Jewels and Furniture and apply for a new Warrant to the Grand Lodge of Illinois.
Grand Lodge of Illinois, January 3, 1826 a petition was received for a new lodge at Kaskaskia. The committee to which this petition was referred
have had under consideration a communication from the Worship- ful Master of Western Star Lodge No. 107, together with a petition from a number of Master Masons residing in and near the town of Kaskaskia, praying for letters of dispensation; and beg leave to make the following report:
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Western Star Lodge
The object of the communication is, to ask from this Grand Lodge a charter of constitution. It appears from documents in possession of your committee, that T. J. V. Owen, is an officer of Western Star Lodge No. 107; and that he is also recommended as one of the officers of the proposed Lodge. Conceiving it incompatible with the general regulations of our institution, and contrary to the principles inculcated in the book of constitutions, that a Mason should be a member of more than one Lodge at the same time; your committee beg leave to offer the following resolution :
"Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners from Kaskaskia pray- ing for a dispensation or charter, ought not to be granted."
At the time this petition was filed Western Star Lodge No. 107 was under sentence of suspension by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and this was evidently an attempt to preserve their Masonic life by working under a new charter. However, the sentence had been re- moved but the long time required to receive mail (35 days Philadelphia to Kaskaskia) was the reason the information had not been received. Nov. 30, 1826:
In pursuance of the power vested in us, by virture of a resolution of the R.W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, adopted on the 2Ist day of November A.D. 1825, A.L. 5825, we do hereby authorize and empower the W.M. and brethren of Lodge No. 107 to surrender the warrant thereof to us and to apply to the R.W. Grand Lodge of Illinois to hold a Lodge under warrant from that Grand Lodge.
At a communication of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, December 3, 1826 a resolution was introduced by Thomas Reynolds:
Resolved, That the M.W. Grand Master, when he shall be satisfied that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has consented for Western Star Lodge to surrender its warrant, and become a subordinate of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, shall direct a warrant to be issued authorizing such brethren as shall be recommended by Western Star Lodge to be in- stalled as officers and open and hold a Lodge under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Illinois; and that such warrant be issued gratis, except the G. Secretary's fee for making out the same.
The resolution was adopted.
The next record is:
Extra meeting of the Western Star Lodge No. 107.
Kaskaskia, Saturday, Jan. 27th, A.D. 1827, A.L. 5827.
Present: C. C. Conway, W.M .; L. W. Cooper, S.W .; Th. J. V. Owen, J.W .; and Tyler p.t., and J.D., p.t .; Wm. C. Greenup, Secretary; P. Fouke, Tr. p.t .; Jacob Feaman, S.D .; Shadrach Bond P. Master. John
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Freemasonry in Illinois
Atkins, visiting brother M.M. The Lodge was solemnly opened in the first step of Masonry, according to ancient form.
No business appearing in the first (degree) of Masonry, it was closed, and a Fellow Crafts Lodge was opened, and no business appear- ing before the Lodge in the Fellow Crafts Lodge, it was closed, and a Master Masons Lodge was opened.
The Worshipful Master laid before the Lodge a copy of the resolu- tions of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, adopted on the 21st, Novem- ber, A.D. 1825, authorizing the Right Worshipful Grand Master to grant permission to this Lodge to surrender its warrant and procure another under the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Illinois, when he shall be satisfied that all practicable collections and payments shall be made, accompanied by the assent of the R.W. Grand Master, bearing date the 30th November last, and a letter from the Grand Secretary of the 10th of December last, which were severally read.
On motion of Bro. Wm. C. Greenup, and seconded by Bro. Bond, it was unanimously
Resolved, That application be immediately made by the Worshipful Master of this Lodge, to the Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, for a warrant or charter under that Grand Lodge, and that when attained, that the present warrant of this Lodge, under the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania be surrendered to the Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, with a request that he transmit the same to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and inform that Grand Lodge of the new installation this Lodge.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, that the name of this Lodge be called in the new warrant "The Western Star Lodge."
Resolved, As the opinion of this Lodge that the warrant now asked from the Grand Lodge of Illinois, ought to be given gratis, except the Grand Secretaries fees for making out the warrant, which this Lodge will cause to be paid at the time of installation.
Resolved, That this Lodge will state by ballot at the present meet- ing, suitable members to be named in the new warrant, and recom- mends them to be named as Master and Wardens.
Resolved, That a copy of the proceedings of this meeting be made out and certified by the Secretary and transmitted by the Worshipful Master, together with copies of the last communication from the Secre- tary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, to the Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois.
The Lodge then proceeded to the election of officers under the fourth resolution which resulted in the election of Shadrach Bond, Worshipful Master; William C. Greenup, Senior Warden; and Thomas J. V. Owen, Junior Warden. Accompanying these resolutions was the following letter:
٠٠٠/١٠
---
. ....
...
٦,٠٠.٠
:
د .ك جوه خر
Sword and 1828 minute book of Western Star Lodge. Now owned by Kaskaskia Lodge No. 86.
33
Western Star Lodge
Kaskaskia, Feb. 5th, 1827.
Right Worshipful Sir and Brother:
You will perceive by the preceeding copies of the minutes of the late special meeting of the Western Star Lodge No. 107, and the copies of the resolutions of the R.W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the declara- tion of the R.W. Grand Master of that Grand Lodge, and the letter of the Grand Secretary, I am directed to transmit them to you and apply for a new warrant from the R.W. Grand Lodge of Illinois.
In November a memorial was transmitted by the Master and Wardens of this Lodge and laid before the R.W. Grand Lodge of Illinois, at the last Grand Communication, requesting a resolution to be passed authorizing the issue of a warrant to this Lodge gratis, Secretaries fees excepted, which resolution was passed as I am informed by a member (by letter) authorizing you to grant the same upon being satisfied that the R.W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania consented thereto. That consent we now have, and the foregoing is a true copy.
The resolutions of this Lodge contain, as far as occurs to me, the views and desires of the Lodge, except a request of the members ex- pressed to me of having an early installation, and if consistent, as public a manner as the case will permit. It would afford us particular pleasure if you could find it convenient to be personally present, and that we could have certain previous information of the time, so that some prepa- rations may be made to afford time to invite as many of the craft to be present as circumstances may permit.
I shall esteem it a particular favor to receive from you as early as you can find it convenient, an answer containing your determinations.
I am with due respect, your obedient servant and brother, R.W. Bro. H. H. Snow.
Wmn. C. Greenup.
The Lodge was consecrated June 24th, 1828.
Pursuant to a previous notice to the members to The Western Star Lodge No. 107, by the Rt. Worshipful Thomas Reynolds, Deputy Grand Master of the Rt. Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, assigning this day for the consecration of the Western Star Lodge, No. -- , and installing of the officers under a warrant obtained from the said Rt. Worshipful Grand Lodge, bearing date the 14th day of February, A.L. 5827, A.D. 1827.
The following named members and visiting brethren assembled at the Lodge Room at 9 A.M .:
Members :-
Shadrach Bond P.M. Wm. C. Greenup P.M. Thos. J. V. Owens, M.M. Jesse W. Cooper M.M. Saml, Walker P.M.
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Freemasonry in Illinois
Visiting brethren-
Rich'd S. Dorsey M.M. Ed. Roberts P.M. Ferdinand Onger M.M. Hypolite Menard M.M.
John Atkins M.M. C. C. Conway P.M. Tho. Reynolds P.M. Jacob Feaman M.M.
Wherupon the Lodge was opened in due form, according to ancient custom, in the first step in Masonry. Officed as follows, to-wit:
Shadrach Bond W.M.
Wm. C. Greenup S.W.
Tho. J. V. Owens, J.W.
Sam'l Walker, Secretary, Tho. Reynolds, Treasurer,
Jacob Feaman, S.D.
Ed. Roberts J.D.
C. C. Conway, Tyler.
No business appearing in this step, a Fellow Crafts Lodge was opened in due form, and, no business in this step, a Master Mason's Lodge was opened in due form. No business appearing in this step of Masonry, after those who were not Past Masters having retired, a Past Masters' Lodge was opened in due form. Officered as follows, to-wit:
William C. Greenup, W.M. pro tem,
Edmund Roberts S.W. pro tem,
Samuel Walker J.W. pro tem, Shadrach Bond Secy. pro tem,
Thomas Reynolds, Treas. pro tem,
Clement C. Conway, Tyler pro tem.
Whereupon Shadrach Bond, W.M., named in the warrant aforesaid, was duly installed by the Rt. Worshipful Deputy Grand Master as Master of this Lodge, in due form, according to ancient usage. No further busi- ness appearing in the Past Masters Lodge, the Past Masters Lodge was closed and a Master Masons Lodge was opened, when the brethren above named who were not Past Masters were again admitted and whereupon William C. Greenup was duly installed Senior Warden, and Thomas J. V. Owens, Junior Warden, of this Lodge in due form.
The Worshipful Master was pleased to appoint Jesse W. Cooper, Secretary, and Samuel Walker, Treasurer, and Clement C. Conway, Tyler, of this Lodge, and Jacob Feaman, Senior Deacon pro tem, and Hypolite Menard, Junior Deacon pro tem, who severally took their places and stations accordingly. Whereupon the Lodge walked in procession from the Lodge Room to Brother Fredrick Holden's and partook of some refreshment, and at High meridian returned again in like order to the COURT HOUSE AND LODGE, when they were joined by the following named visiting brethren:
35
Western Star Lodge
Joseph Grafton P.M. Richard M. Young, P.M. Samuel Smith, P.M., John Oaklass M.M., James Clark, M.M. Geo. E. Jackson, M.M.
The Lodge was then consecrated and the officers installed by the Rt. Worshipful Grand Master in due form.
An appropriate address was delivered by Brother Richard M. Young, in presence of the Lodge and a respectable audience of citizens, after which the Lodge walked in procession to Brother Fredrick Holden's and partook of a dinner and other refreshments, and then returned in like order to the Lodge Room. The Lodge was then closed in due order and harmony at 4 p.m.
Jesse W. Cooper Secretary.
Shadrach Bond
W.M.
The last reference to this lodge is in a letter dated at
Kaskaskia April 10, 1829.
Sir:
The Grand Lodge of Illinois having granted a warrant to the mem- bers of Western Star Lodge No. 107 formerly held under the Grand Lodge of Pa., and the Lodge having been installed on the 24th June last, I herewith enclose you the warrant for Lodge No. 107. There is due to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania from No. 107 the sum of $25.00. The funds to meet it are notes of the State Bank of Illinois which are at a discount of 37, 1/3 per cent. Should the Grand Lodge agree to take that kind of funds ( for there is no other) I can transmit it, if not I cannot say when the paper will be at par.
The Right W.G.M. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Fraternally,
Your Obd Servant C. C. Conway WVM Western Star Lodge No. 107.
Thus ended an existence of nearly a quarter of a century by the pioneer lodge of Illinois. The records of organization are complete with the exception of where the meetings were held. It is commonly believed that the lodge held its first meeting in the two story brick building erected in 1792. Brother John C. Smith, Past Grand Master, whose wife was a native of Kaskaskia, said it was the first brick build- ing in the Mississippi valley. The bricks were 9 by 4 by 31/2 inches in size. Some writers claim this building was stone but Brother Smith said he had one of the bricks which he took from the ruins of the building. This building was the meeting place of the Territory and
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Freemasonry in Illinois
afterwards of the State Legislature. The Supreme Court also used it and after the state capitol was removed to Vandalia it was the court house of Randolph County until 1848. During its last years there was a grocery and dry goods store in the first floor while the second story was a residence.
The lodge met at the houses of some of the members. In 1812 it was at the stone house of W. C. Greenup, for a time with Michael Jones and in 1816 with Enoch Paine.
In 1826 the return showed fifty-five members, however, many of these members had moved away and their addresses were unknown. The faithful few upheld the banner of Masonry until the last. St. John's Day was always celebrated with the installation of officers, a dinner and an oration. From the primitive conditions under which the lodge labored it is evident that the rule of seven to constitute a lodge was either unknown or ignored. There are many records where meetings were held by four or five, business transacted and candidates raised. Local rules were neglected but the fundamental principles of Ma- sonry prevailed; the destitute brother was helped and the appeal of the widow was not unheard.
The history of Western Star Lodge is, in a measure, the history of the state. On the roll of membership were the names of the first Gov- ernor, two United States Senators, one Secretary of State, two Supreme Court Justices, four state senators, twelve representatives besides several state and national appointive officers. One member was Terri- torial Delegate from Missouri and the second Attorney General of that state. Another was Territorial Governor and afterwards United States Senator from Wisconsin.
The removal of the state capitol to Vandalia and the encroachments of the river brought the lodge to its end. With its light extinguished, its altar overturned and its doors closed it yet remains the bright ex- ample to encourage us of today to continue under all conditions and carry aloft the torch of Masonry that fell so many years ago from other hands.
The faithful few continued to hold meetings but the end was in sight.
December 20, 1828. Only three were present. A resolution was introduced by Brother Greenup which reads:
Whereas, The Grand Lodge of Illinois has not convened in the years A.D. 1827 and 1828 A.L. 5827 and 5828, And that Western Star Lodge No. 1, held at Kaskaskia, under a warrant from said Grand Lodge, was
.
Desk of Shadrach Bond and gavel used by Western Star Lodge. Both now used by Chester Lodge No. 72.
37
Western Star Lodge
duly installed on the 24th day of June last, and no intelligence having reached the Western Star Lodge that any report of that installation has been made according to usual custom, and approved or disapproved by said Grand Lodge and therefore
Resolved, By the Western Star Lodge No. (1) in this their ad- journed stated meeting, until a report of their installation and approba- tion of the same shall be communicated to them by the Grand Lodge aforesaid, that all meetings of the same after the 27th inst, be and the same are hereby postponed.
However, no action was taken on the date specified in the resolu- tion but on February 7, 1829 another resolution was adopted, reading:
Resolved, That the resolution proposed for adoption at an adjourned meeting of this Lodge, on the 20th of December last, be now adopted to take effect from and after this meeting.
This was the last meeting of Western Star Lodge. Other lodges continued to exist for a time in a feeble way, but the life was gone from Masonry for several years.
During its existence up to December, 1820 the lodge had 125 mem- bers registered; also 100 visitors attended one or more meetings.
MASTERS OF WESTERN STAR LODGE No. 107
Name
Installed
Name
Installed
James Edgar
U.D. Sept. 24, 1805
Shadrach Bond
June 24, 1815
James Edgar
June 24, 1806
Shadrach Bond
Dec. 24, 1815
Michael Jones
June 24, 1807
Phillip Fouke
June 24, 1816
Michael Jones
Dec. 27, 1807
Michael Jones
Dec. 27, 1816
Robert Robinson June 24, 1808
No election in 1817 June
James Gilbreath
Dec. 27, 1808
Samuel Walker
Dec. 27, 1817
James Gilbreath
June 24, 1809
Shadrach Bond
Dec. 27, 1818
George Fisher
Dec. 27, 1809
Edmund Roberts
Dec. 27, 1819
William C. Greenup
June 24, 1810
Phillip Fouke
Dec. 27, 1820
James Kinney
Dec. 27, 1810
W. C. Greenup
Dec. 27, 1821
W. C. Greenup
June 24, 1811
W. C. Greenup
Dec. 27, 1822
Phillip Fouke
Dec. 27, 1811
C. C. Conway
Dec. 27, 1823
Michael Jones
June 24, 1812
C. C. Conway
Dec. 27, 1824
Michael Jones
Dec. 27, 1812
C. C. Conway
Dec. 27, 1825
W. C. Greenup
June 24, 1813
Shadrach Bond
Dec. 27, 1826
W. C. Greenup
Dec. 27, 1813
Shadrach Bond
Dec. 27, 1827
Michael Jones
June 24, 1814
Shadrach Bond
Dec. 27, 1828
Michael Jones
Dec. 27, 1814
The early masters were elected for a six months' term; beginning with 1817 the term was extended to twelve months.
Chapter 4 OTHER EARLY LODGES
Lawrence Lodge No. 34
The Kentucky record reads:
Sep. 2, 1815 :-
A petition from a number of brethren, residing in or near Shawnee- town, Illinois Territory, principally members of Jerusalem Lodge No. 9, praying that a charter or letters of Dispensation be granted them, author- izing them to work together as a regular lodge of Masons was received and read; whereupon, Ordered, that a dispensation issue for a lodge to be held in Shawneetown, Illinois Territory, to be known by the name and title of Lawrence Lodge, and that Meredith W. Fisher be the master, William C. Vaught, Senior Warden and Benjamin Talbot, Junior Warden.
Aug. 28, 1816 :-
Ordered, that a charter issue, authorizing a lodge to be held at Shawnee Town, Territory of Illinois, to be known by the name of Law- rence Lodge No. 34; and that John Caldwell be the first Master, Wm. C. Vaught, first Senior Warden and William E. Ashby, first Junior Warden.
Return of Lawrence Lodge, held under Dispensation at Shawnee Town, Illinois Territory, from May 1816 to August 1816,
Officers
Meredith W. Fisher, Master, William C. Vaught, Senior Warden Benjamin Talbot, Junior Warden John Hull, Secretary John Caldwell, Treasurer James Latham, Senior Deacon Thomas Shannon, Junior Deacon James Blue, Steward Leonard White, Tyler
Master Masons
David Apperson Nathan Sloe Josiah Ramsey Henry Oldham John Marshall
Leonard White Harrison Wilson Thomas C. Brown James Ratcliffe William R. Ashby
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Other Early Lodges
Entered Apprentices
Walter White
William Harding
Initiated
Nathan Sloe May 13th, 5816
Walter White May 16th 5816
James Blue
Josiah Ramsey
David Apperson
Henry Oldham
John Marshall
William Harding
Passed
David Apperson
Nathan Sloe
May 16th, 5816
James Blue May 20th, 5816
Josiah Ramsey
Henry Oldham
John Marshall
June 1st,
Raised
David Apperson
May 16th, 5816
Nathan Sloe
Josiah Ramsey
James Blue
June Ist, 5816
Henry Oldham
John Marshall
June 17th, 5816
Admitted
John Caldwell Leonard White Thomas Shannon Harrison Wilson
Thomas C. Browne
M. M's. May 16th, 5816
Ephraim Sellers
Rejected July 26th, 5816
There were no returns for the years 1818, 1819, 1820. The return for Aug. 1816 to Aug. 1821 show stated meetings - 1st Monday.
James Hall, Master Harrison Wilson, Senior Warden
James Marshall, Junior Warden William T. Shepard, Secretary Russel F. Wilson, treasurer
William Hardin, Senior Deacon Thomas C. Browne, Junior Deacon
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Freemasonry in Illinois
Past Masters
James Hall Meredith W. Fisher Wm. C. Vaught
Thomas Shannon John Caldwell Sergeant Hall.
The 1822, Aug. return shows the same officers except Robert Martin, Senior Deacon and Morrison D. Wilcox, Junior Deacon. It also shows "No steward or tyler."
Aug 1824 past masters Meredith W. Fisher and William C. Vaught are not listed.
Aug. 1824 :-
Your committee on the Examination of Returns, have also had before them a letter from W.M. of Lawrence Lodge No. 34, to the Grand Secre- tary. enclosing the dues for the years 1823 and 1824, Stating the reasons why the returns for those years have not been made, which letter we beg leave to lay before the Grand Lodge, as part of our report.
On motion of brother Daniel Radford:
Resolved, that the explanation of Lawrence Lodge No. 34, for its delinquincy last year, is satisfactory to this Grand Lodge, and the said Lodge stands fully acquitted of neglect of duty.
The return for 1824 shows several different officers :-
Thomas L. Pasey, Master
William Siddall, Senior Warden
Robert Enders, Junior Warden
Calvin Gold, Secretary
John Marshall, Treasurer
William Hardin, Sr. Deacon
Arnold B. Dake, Jr. Deacon
Harrison Wilson, Tyler.
(no return of past masters, members or initiations. )
No further record is found in the Kentucky proceedings, as this lodge became a member of the Grand Lodge of Illinois in 1824.
Libanus Lodge No. 29
Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Tennessee, 1819.
The M.W. Grand Master reported that since the last Grand Annual Communication he had issued a dispensation to sundry brethren residing at or near Edwardsville, Illinois, by the name of Libanus Lodge No. 29.
Ordered that a charter issue to Libanus Lodge No. 29, upon receipt of their proceedings. provided it shall appear to the satisfaction of the M.W. Grand Master that their work has been in conformity with the principles of Masonry. The charter was issued Oct. 6, 1820.
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Other Early Lodges
Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Missouri, 1822, page 59.
Whereas, It has been made known to some members of this Grand Lodge, that a member of Mount Libanus Lodge No. 29, at Edwards- ville, State of Illinois, has been guilty of conduct grossly immoral and unmasonic, and whereas, it is believed, the proceedings had in his case, have been irregular, and whereas, it is understood, that said lodge is not in the habit of corresponding with the Grand Lodge under which it works,
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire into the facts and proceedings aforesaid, and report to the Grand Lodge, at its next Semi-Annual Communication.
The proceedings of the semi-annual mentioned above contain no reference to this resolution.
In the Illinois proceedings for December 7, 1824 appears the fol- lowing:
Resolved, That Jacob C. Brunner, who has been expelled by Libanus Lodge, be restored to his membership in the same, and to the privileges of Masonry, but that nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to prevent the said Lodge from again proceeding to the trial of the charges exhibited against him.
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