USA > Indiana > Biographical and historical sketches of early Indiana > Part 41
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JOHN D. DEFREES.
elective Mr. Defrees appealed to Mr. Colfax to use his influ- ence against it, and was refused. This caused an estrange- ment between these gentlemen which lasted until about the time of the scandal of the Credit Mobilier. As is known, Mr. Col- fax was sought to be implicated in that matter, but Mr. Defrees believed him innocent, and publicly defended him. This com- ing to the knowledge of Mr. Colfax he sought Mr. Defrees and offered him his hand, which was taken, and ever afterward they were friends.
In 1872 Mr. Defrees supported Horace Greeley for the presi- dency. He was originally a Whig and afterward a Republican, and had nothing in common with the Democracy. It is no won- der, then, that when the Liberal Republican party disbanded, Mr. Defrees should have resumed his former party affiliations. In 1876 Mr. Defrees supported General Hayes for President, and soon after that gentleman was inducted into office was ap- pointed to his old post as Government Printer, Congress having in the meantime repealed the law making the office elective. He continued to discharge the duties of Government Printer until the Ist of April, 1882, when he resigned the office, and again became a private citizen.
For many years Mr. Defrees was one of the most influential politicians in Indiana. In 1852 he was chairman of the Whig State Central Committee, and in 1856 he filled the same posi- tion for the Republicans. His conduct of the canvass of 1856 was pretty freely criticised at the time, and in the light of future events it was faulty, but at the time it had the approbation of the leading Republicans of the State. Southern Indiana was not actively canvassed for Fremont, and many of the border coun- ties gave him but a meager vote. Had Republican speakers gone into these Democratic strongholds and discussed the ques- tions at issue, it is quite certain that the anti-Democratic vote would have been cast for Fremont and not been thrown away on Fillmore, as a large portion of it was. But it is much easier to know a thing after it has transpired than when it is pending. Mr. Defrees's mistake in managing the canvass of 1856 was one the most astute politician might have made.
Since March, 1861, Mr. Defrees did not reside in Indiana. His home was at Washington and Berkeley Springs, Virginia.
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When in practice Mr. Defrees was a good lawyer. He was not a strong speaker, but he could talk sensibly and well. He was a writer of very considerable power, and he will be best remem- bered by the work he did with his pen. In his day he was one of the prominent men of the State, and as the conductor of a leading public journal he exercised great influence in shaping public sentiment.
Mr. Defrees died at his home in Berkeley Springs, Virginia, October 19, 1882. The next day S. P. Rounds, Mr. Defrees's successor in the office of Public Printer, issued an order, that on account of Mr. Defrees's death, "The flag will be placed at half-mast, and the office and all its branches will be closed on the day of the funeral."
On the 21st of October the remains of Mr. Defrees reached Indianapolis, and on the afternoon of that day were taken to Crown Hill and buried. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. S. T. Gillette, and Messrs. John Lee Mothershead, John, Milton and David Morris and Morris Ross, all nephews of the deceased, acted as pall bearers. The grave was lined with twigs of cedar, and the fresh earth from the grave was cov- ered with the same material. In such a receptacle was placed all that was mortal of one who made a deep impress upon the politics and legislation of Indiana.
FREEMASONRY IN INDIANA.
HISTORICAL SKETCH FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF THE GRAND LODGE TO THE BUILDING OF THE SECOND GRAND TEMPLE.
MASONRY is one of the oldest if not the very oldest organized body of men existing in the world. Its history is found in the earliest records. It dates away back to the cradle of the race and the morning of recorded time. Its legends extend beyond the historic age. It has raked up in its ashes the essence of all sciences and of all human history. It is common to all nations and to all religions. Its altars now extend around the world. Its light shines in all lands. Its brotherhood is the most com- plete of any in the world. It unites in one body men of all countries, sects and opinions. It contains in its archives the condensed wisdom of all time. The intelligent Mason stands upon the highest eminence of human observation. He finds in his cosmos the histories of all nations, ages and religions. He finds the teachings of the order in the Vedas of Hindostan, in the sacred books of Confucius and Boodah, in the Avesta of Zoroaster, in the ancient scrolls and hieroglyphics of Egypt, in the writings of the prophets and sages of Judea, in the beauti- ful and enduring philosophies of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, in the teachings of Jesus and Mohammed, in the laws and religion of Rome, and in the myths and legends of the Scandinavian and Teutonic races. He traces the footsteps of our ancient brethren from the cradle of the seven great races in Bactriana. in Central Asia, among the Judean hills about Jerusalem, among the fallen columns and broken arches of ruined cities and deso- lated empires, around the pyramids and the Sphinx, throughout
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the marble wilderness of Greece, and among the mouldering tem- ples of Roman power. Wherever man has wandered, suffered and died there he finds the footprints of Masonry and the grave of a brother. From all these sources he culls lessons of wis- dom. While Masonry embraces in its tenets the fundamental teachings of the Christian religion, as well as of all other great religions, it does not profess to be a religious institution. It re- gards the whole human species as one family, the children of one Great Parent, and strives to do good to all men without dis- tinction. It visits the sick and the afflicted. It buries the dead with the honors of the order. It protects and provides for the widows and the orphans, and spreads the broad mantle of its charity over the weaknesses, frailties and errors of mankind. Its mission is love and good works. It seeks to do good to all and harm to none. Many of the greatest and best of men whose names brighten the pages of history, and whose good deeds have rendered them immortal, were members of the order. It numbers more than half a million men in the United States, and over 27,000 in the State of Indiana. Many of the best men in every town or city in this State are proud to say that they are members of this ancient and honorable order.
The early settlers of Indiana organized Masonic lodges and held their meetings in the log cabins of the wilderness. The first lodges were organized at Vincennes, Lawrenceburg, Ve- vay, Rising Sun, Madison, Charlestown, Brookville, Salem and Corydon. These lodges received their dispensations or charters from Ohio or Kentucky. On the 3d day of December, A. D. 1817, delegates from these various lodges met at the old town of Corydon to make arrangements for organizing a Grand Lodge for the Territory of Indiana. Brother William Hacker, who compiled the proceedings of this meeting and many others that followed it, wisely says :
"The opinions and acts of the far-seeing and true-hearted men of the past, who had but the good of Masonry at heart, constitute landmarks for the present generation ; and the vol- ume which contains their transactions should be the study of those who are guiding the destinies of the order now."
But eleven Masons were present at this meeting. They laid
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the foundation of the Grand Lodge and what has indeed become a grand body in Indiana. They have all passed to the Grand Lodge above, but their names will ever be commemorated as the founders of Masonry in Indiana. Some of them have chil- dren and grandchildren now prominent members of the frater- nity. The eleven were General W. Johnston, S. C. Stevens, Abel C. Pepper, Christopher Harrison, Henry P. Thornton, Jo- seph Bartholomew, John Miller, Davis Floyd, Hezekiah B. Hull, James Dill and A. Buckner. These delegates addressed a communication to the Grand Lodges of Ohio and Kentucky, expressing their desire to sever their connection with their mother lodges as soon as a Grand Lodge could be organized in Indiana. This body adjourned to meet at Madison on the 12th day of January, 1818. Delegates from the various lodges of the State met pursuant to this adjournment, and were in session four days. The Grand Lodge of Indiana was duly organized, and the fol- lowing officers were elected : M. W. Alexander Buckner, Grand Master; R. W. Alexander A. Meek, Deputy Grand Warden ; W. John Tipton, Senior Grand Warden ; W. Marston G. Clark, Junior Grand Warden ; W. Samuel C. Tate, Grand Treasurer ; W. Henry P. Thornton, Grand Secretary ; W. Jere- miah Sullivan, Grand Orator; W. Isaac Howk, Grand Senior Deacon ; W. Jonathan Woodbury, Grand Junior Deacon ; W. Nicholas D. Grover, Grand Pursuivant ; W. Alexander Mc- Crosky, Grand Steward and Tyler. A constitution was then adopted for the government of the Grand Lodge, most of which still remains in force. The account of expenses of this Grand Lodge shows the spirit of economy that prevailed in those early days. The aggregate expenses were $52.623. It appears by the bill of expenses that the one-half cent was for "refresh- ments. etc." The following resolution was adopted :
" Resolved, That a committee be appointed, whose duty it shall be to prepare and forward an address to the several Grand Lodges within the United States, from this Grand Lodge, ex- planatory of their reasons for forming a Grand Lodge in the State of Indiana, and requesting of them a reciprocation of cor- respondence and communications."
The Grand Lodge was now fairly organized. Sixty-six years
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have elapsed since that time. This long period must be briefly sketched. September 14, 1818, the Grand Lodge met at Charlestown. The ordinary business was transacted, and Al- exander A. Meek was elected Grand Master. In 1819 the Grand Lodge met at Madison; the same Grand Master was re-elected. The expenses of the communication amounted to $16.00, and the Grand Lodge had in the possession of its vari- ous officers $316.50.
During the next five years the Grand Lodge met at Jeffer- sonville, Corydon, Madison and Salem. John Tipton, John Sheets, Jonathan Jennings and Marston G. Clark served during this period as Grand Masters. The largest number of lodges represented at the annual communications during this period . was twenty-eight. At the communication held at Corydon in 1822 a communication was presented of peculiar interest. It was from the Hon. Henry Clay, of Kentucky, John Marshall, of Virginia, and other prominent Masons and statesmen. The following appears in the records of the Grand Lodge proceed- ings of that year :
" The Grand Secretary presented the following communica- tions on the subject of organizing a General Grand Lodge of the United States : ‘Masonic Notice-Those members of Congress who belong to the Masonic fraternity, and those visitors of the city who are or have been members of any State Grand Lodge, are respectfully invited to attend a meeting to be held in the Senate chamber this evening, at 7 o'clock, to take into consid- eration matters of general interest to the Masonic institution." " March 9, 1822."
Pursuant to the above notice published in the National Intel- ligencer (printed in the city of Washington), a number of mem- bers of the Society of Free Masons from various parts of the United States, composed of members of Congress and strangers. assembled at the capitol in the city of Washington, March 9. 1822. Brother Thomas R. Ross, a member of Congress from the State of Ohio, was appointed chairman : and Brother Wil- liam Darlington, member of Congress from Pennsylvania, Sec- retary. Much conversation took place on the expediency of the general objects of this meeting ; various propositions were
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submitted ; and several brethren offered their views at large. Finally, the following resolutions, offered by Brother Henry Clay, of Kentucky, were adopted unanimously :
" Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting it is expedient for the general interests of Free Masonry to constitute a General Grand Lodge of the United States.
"Resolved, That it be proposed to the several Grand Lodges in the United States to take the subject into their serious con- sideration at their next annual communications ; and that if they approve of the formation of a General Grand Lodge, it be recommended to them to appoint one or more delegates, to as- semble in the city of Washington on the second Monday of February next, to agree on the organization of such a Grand Lodge."
Other resolutions follow and a long address written by Henry Clay, the eloquent orator and classical scholar, who so often thrilled the hearts of his countrymen in later years. It is a powerful argument in favor of a General Grand Lodge of the United States. The following paragraph quoted from it shows its spirit :
" These reflections, drawn from the external circumstances of Masonry, are strengthened by the consideration of its intrinsic nature. Its foundation is fixed in the social feelings of the best principles of the human mind. Its maxims are the lessons of virtue reduced to their practical application. It stands op- posed to sordidness, to jealousy or revengeful temper ; to all the selfish and malevolent passions ; it coincides with the highest motives of patriotism, the most expanded philanthropy ; and concentrates all its precepts in reverence to a Divine Creator and good will to man."
In another part of this address Mr. Clay says : " The United States are supposed to contain 80,000 Free Masons. They are generally in the vigor of manhood, and capable of much active usefulness." It is needless to say the suggestions of Clay and his associates were not adopted by the various Grand Lodges, and no General Grand Lodge of Masons for the United States
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has yet been formed. More than fifty years ago the " Mill-boy of the Slashes " had left his old home at Hanover, Virginia, and had become "Harry of the West." His clarion voice rang out through the Western forests, rousing his countrymen as no one before had done. In the halls of Congress he spoke for the rights of man with a power that thrilled the nation. If his wise suggestions regarding Masonry had been adopted it is reason- able to suppose the fraternity would have been strengthened and benefited. His remains have long rested in his tomb at Lexing- ton, but his eloquent words have not yet faded from the mem- ory of his friends and his brethren. In 1826 the Grand Lodge met at Salem, a little town nestled among the hills of Washing- ton county. Thirty-two lodges were represented, covering a territory extending from the Ohio river to the Wabash. Then there was not a railroad in the State, and no public conveyance between the towns where lodges were located. Some of the delegates rode more than a hundred miles on horseback. We can see in imagination the sturdy yeomen assembled in a log cabin, the grand old primeval forest about them, and the wolves for sentinels. Less than four hundred Masons were then repre- sented by all the lodges of the State. The records show that the Grand Lodge met at Corydon in 1817, 1821 and 1822 ; at Madison in 1818, 1819, 1823 and 1824 ; at Salem in 1825, 1826, 1827 and 1832; at Vincennes in 1831, and there was an ad- journed meeting at Charlestown in 1818. During the first ten years of the existence of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, Indiana- polis was too insignificant a town to be recognized by the Grand Lodge. The first meeting of the Grand Lodge in that city was on the 28th day of November, 1828. The record does not show the number of lodges represented. From the best information accessible it appears that there were about thirty lodges and about four hundred Masons in the State. Indianapolis was in the midst of a dense wilderness, with less than a thousand in- habitants. Fifty-four years have passed ; a great change has taken place. It has become a city of nearly one hundred thou- sand inhabitants, with a system of railroads binding it to all parts of the country, bringing to and carrying from it the pro- ducts of all lands. In place of the rude hovel, where the dele- gates of a few feeble lodges assembled, is the Grand Masonic
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Temple. Where four or five hundred Masons were represented then, more than twenty-eight thousand are represented now. The city alone contains more than twice as many Masons as were in the State when the first Grand Lodge met at Indiana- polis. For the next twenty years the Grand Lodge met at In- dianapolis. It had a steady and prosperous growth. During this period we find nothing of especial interest except what is shown in the biographical notices in this article, with the excep- tion of the preliminary steps which were taken for the erection of the Grand Lodge Hall, now known as
"THE OLD MASONIC HALL."
At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge of the most ancient and honorable fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Indiana, begun and held at Indianapolis, on Monday, the 24th day of May, Anno Lucis, five thousand eight hundred and forty-seven, Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven, the following proceedings were had in relation to the purchase of a site and the erection of a Grand Lodge Hall, to-wit: On motion of Brother William Sheets, of Indianapolis, Resolved, That a committee of five on the part of this Grand Lodge, and five to be appointed on the part of the Grand Chapter of Indiana, now in session, report at their earliest convenience, as to the expediency of procuring a site in this city for a Grand Masonic Hall. Resolved, That the Grand Sec- retary furnish a copy of the foregoing resolution to the Grand Chapter. The M. W. Grand Master laid before the Grand Lodge the following communication :
" HALL OF GRAND CHAPTER OF " STATE OF INDIANA, May 27, A. L. 5847.
"To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Indiana :
" I am instructed to inform you that the Grand Chapter con- cur in the resolution providing for the appointment of a com- mittee to confer with a similar committee appointed by your body on the expediency of procuring a site in this city for a Grand Masonic Hall, and have appointed Companions Taylor. Colestock, Deming, Sopris and King the committee on the part of this Grand Chapter. Respectfully,
" WILLIAM SULLIVAN, G. S."
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Brother Sheets, from the committee on that subject, made the following report :
" The committee to which was referred the resolution directing them, in conjunction with a committee from the Grand Chapter, to inquire into the expediency of procuring a site for a Grand Masonic Hall in this city, and if, in their opinion, such a site should be secured, to recommend such location as in their judg- ment promises the most revenue to the institution in the way of rent, respectfully report that they have met the committee of the Grand Chapter, and, after a full investigation of the first branch of the resolution, are unanimously of the opinion that the Grand Lodge ought no longer to delay the procuring of a site for the erection of a hall. The committee, after coming to this conclu- sion, then took into consideration the second branch of the reso- lution, the selection of a site. The committee weighed the sub- ject in all its bearings, as connected with the present and pros- pective business of this city, are alike unanimously of the opinion that such site should be located on Washington street, as the only one that promises a fair interest upon the investment in the way of rent. They are also clearly of the opinion, from the past history of the city, as well as facts intimately and inseparably connected with its future growth, that the increase and spread of business will greatly preponderate in the direction west from the present center of business. This opinion is based partially upon the fact that a large majority of the produce business of the country will flow into the city from that direction, and from the fact that all the manufacturing power is on the western bor- der of the city, no small element, as they conceive, in the future growth of the place. For these reasons the committee directed their attention in the selection of a site to that part of the city, and recommended, without a dissenting voice, the purchase at once of lots Nos. 7 and 8, in square 67, fronting 63 feet on Wash- ington street, running south on Tennessee street 350 feet to Kentucky avenue, thence on said avenue 121 feet. This prop- erty can be had now on very advantageous terms, the whole for $4,200, one thousand in hand and the balance in four equal an- nual instalments with 6 per centum interest. The committee believe this is as good an investment of the surplus funds of the lodge as could be made.
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" The committee have learned that there will be, at the close of the present meeting, a surplus of funds on hand amounting to over a thousand dollars, nearly or quite enough to make the first payment, as it is likely the payment of one-fourth in hand will be received. The committee recommend that funds be raised by stock subscription for the payment of the remainder of the purchase money and for the erection of a hall, the cost of which shall not exceed $10,000, with the right reserved to the Grand Lodge of sinking or purchasing at pleasure the individual stock at par, and they recommend that the Grand Lodge sub- scribe for stock equal to the advanced payment on the lot, and for the probable annual net revenue of the lodge, and the sub- ordinate lodges such amount as their means might warrant ; the Grand Chapter and subordinate chapters such amount, in like manner, as they may think fit, and individual brethren in the same way ; and that so soon as a sufficient amount has been thus realized to erect and enclose the building, to have it done, so as to bring the store-rooms on the first floor into use. They recom- mend that the second story be prepared for a hall suitable for celebrations, concerts, town meetings, etc., and the third story for two halls, one for the Grand Lodge and the other for the Grand Chapter. If this plan should be adopted, a house can be erected without involving the Grand Lodge or any subordi- nate lodge in a dollar of debt. We therefore recommend the adoption of the following resolutions, viz :
" Resolved, That three commissioners be appointed to make the purchase for the Grand Lodge of the lots named in said re- port ; that they procure subscriptions of stock upon the plan proposed ; that they invite the presentation of plans for an edi- fice not to cost exceeding $10,000 ; that they procure materials, to the extent that the stock subscription will warrant, so as to commence the building early in the spring of 1848, and that said commissioners adopt such plans as, in their judgment, combine in the greatest degree neatness of exterior, cheapness of con- struction and internal convenience.
"Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be directed to subscribe stock to the amount of the funds on hand at the close of the
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present meeting, and for such additional sum as the annual re- ceipts will meet.
"Resolved, That the Grand Treasurer pay to the said com- missioners, when called upon, any funds in his hands in the way of bank stock, ready money or otherwise.
"All of which is respectfully submitted.
" GEO. W. WHITMAN,
" WM. SHEETS,
" JOHN TAYLOR,
" JOSEPH ROSEMAN,
"J. S. FREEMAN,
" Committee on part of Grand Lodge.
" R. SOPRIS,
" ISAAC BARTLETT,
" FRANCIS KING,
" HENRY COLESTOCK,
" E. DEMING,
" Committee on part of Grand Chapter."
The hall was commenced during the year of Masonry 5848, and was constructed in conformity to plans furnished by Brother Joseph Willis, architect, Indianapolis. The corner-stone was laid on the 25th day of October, Anno Lucis, 5848, A. D. 1848, in the presence of the Grand Lodge and before the assembled craft of the State, a large body of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Indianapolis, the Grand Division of the Sons of Temperance of Indiana, all in their appropriate jewels and regalia, and a numerous concourse of citizens, by the Most Worshipful Elizur Deming, Grand Master of Masons in In- diana.
There were present: Officers of the Grand Lodge of In- diana-Most Worshipful Elizur Deming, Grand Master ; Right Worshipful G. W. Whitman, Deputy Grand Master; Right Worshipful John W. Spencer, Senior Grand Warden ; Right Worshipful S. P. Anthony, Junior Grand Warden ; Right Wor- shipful Rev. John W. Sullivan, Grand Chaplain ; Right Wor- shipful Austin W. Morris, Grand Secretary ; Right Worshipful Charles Fisher, Grand Treasurer; Brother William Fogg, Senior Grand Deacon ; Brother William N. Doughty, Junior
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