History of the city of Omaha, Nebraska, Part 57

Author: Savage, James Woodruff, 1826-1890; Bell, John T. (John Thomas), b. 1842, joint author; Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Munsell & Company
Number of Pages: 1020

USA > Nebraska > Douglas County > Omaha > History of the city of Omaha, Nebraska > Part 57

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This order is composed of three classes of members: the first being those who served as officers during the war of the rebellion, in the union army; the second are members by inheritance; and the third is composed of those who distingushed themselves in civil life by services rendered the government during the war. Of the latter class, but one is admitted for each thirty-three first class members. Thus far only four have been ad- mitted members of Nebraska Commandery.

CHAPTER XLIII.

MASONIC HISTORY - INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS - KNIGHTS OF PYTIIIAS.

[The following chapter of the history of Masonry in Omaha, is contributed by Wil- liam R. Bowen. John Evans is the author of the article on Odd Fellows, and Egbert E. French of the one on Knights of Pythias.]

FREEMASONRY.

The first record of this society in Nebraska bears the date of 1854.

It is asserted by men competent to deter- mine, and of unquestioned veracity, that Freemasonry existed among the Indians when white men first crossed the plains of Nebraska; that the mysteries of this society were known to the " medicine men " of sev- eral Indian tribes, and were by them handed down from generation to generation. In the early sixties Major Frank North found Masonry among the Sioux; a party en route to California in 1849, wintered in the Black Hills, and preserved their cattle by branding them with the square and compasses, an em- blem so respected by the red men that the cattle were neither disturbed nor permitted to stray far from the camp. The sun dance, modernized as it is, has characteristics famil- iar to every Masonic student. The Mor- mons carried a pseudo-masonry to Utah from their lodge at Nauvoo, which lodge was organized for sinister purposes under authority obtained from the Grand Lodge of Illinois in 1841.

Coming down to matters of record, we find that the first lodge of Freemasons in Ne- braska was created by the Deputy Grand Master of Illinois, the authority being dated early in February, 1855, permitting the es- tablishment of a lodge at Bellevue, Douglas (now Sarpy) County. This lodge still exists as Nebraska Lodge, No. 1, having been

moved from Bellevue to Omaha in 1888. While at Bellevue there were connected with it: Ansel Briggs, ex-governor of Iowa; James M. Gatewood and George Hepner, Indian agents; the pioneer, Peter A. Sarpy, Leavit L. Bowen, Addison R. Gillmore, Henry T. Clarke. Silas A. Strickland, Angus- tus Ilall, Thomas Clifton, Louis F. Bartels, Charles D. Keller, Joseph M. Whitted, Ste- phen D. Bangs, and others who took promi- nent parts in the early days of Nebraska. Here, as elsewhere, the Freemasons lodge was the very first social organization wherein men could safely lay aside their " armed neutrality " and with confidence enjoy fel- lowship with one another.

The second lodge in Nebraska was created May 10, 1855, by the Deputy Grand Master of Missouri, and took his name, "Giddings" lodge. It was located at Nebraska City, Otoe County, and remains there, bearing upon its rolls the names of the leading citi- zens of that locality.

Capitol Lodge, No. 3, at Omaha, was ere- ated January 9, 1857, by the Grand Master of Iowa. Its meetings were first held in the east third of Pioneer Block, now No. 1108 Farnam Street, then in the third story of No. 1313 Farnam Street, and May 10, 1877, it moved to Freemasons HIall, at the northwest corner of Capitol Avenue and Sixteenth Street.

Among the early members of this lodge were: Robert Shields, William II. Demorest, Samuel E. Rogers, Charles W. Ilamilton, John R. Porter, John M. Chivington, Mark W. Izard, Addison R. Gillmore, Aaron Cahn, Charles Turner. George Armstrong, Alfred D. Jones, John Reck, Joel T. Griffen, Elias 383

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HISTORY OF THE CITY OF OMAIL.

Ilicks Clark. Oscar P. Ingalls, Joseph P. Manning, Jolm M. Thayer, William Cle- burne, Lorin Miller, John Logan, Robert C. Jordan, Philip (" Peter") Windheim, Meyer Ilellman, Henry II. Visseher, George L. Mil- jer, Alfred Sayre, William N. Byers, James E. Boyd, Dr. Augustus Roeder, Augustus A. Egbert, John Il. Green, James G. Megeath, Rev. Henry W. Kuhns, Dr. William McClel- land, Charles Bremer, William Ruth, James K. Ish, Harry P. Deuel, Byron Reed, Phin- eas W. Iliteheoek, Matthew C. Wilbur and llenry Grebe. The first petitioners were Alfred D. Jones, John Reek and Joel T. Griffen, and the first Master Mason was made by Robert C. Jordan. This lodge has held a leading position in Nebraska Freemasonry.

These three lodges, in 1857, formed the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, which now has about two hundred lodges and about ten thousand members.

The first Royal Arch Chapter in Nebraska was organized under the leadership of Rob- ert C. Jordan, November 21, 1859, and is known as Omaha Chapter, No. 1. In 1867 the Grand Chapter of Nebraska was organ- ized. It now has over fifty subordinate chapters in Nebraska, with a membership of upwards of three thousand.

In 1867, Omaha Council No. 1, of Royal and Select Masters was organized by A. T. (. Pierson. The Grand Council of Nebraska has ten subordinate councils.

In 1865 Robert C. Jordan, Dr. George B. Graff, llerman Kountze and Robert W. Fur- nas, formed Mount Calvary Commandery, No. 1, Knights Templar, an organization that has flourished until the Grand Com- mandery of Nebraska has twenty-two subor- dinate commanderies, with a membership in the State of about twelve hundred.

In 1867 the Ancient and Accepted Seot- tish Rite of Freemasonry was established in Nebraska, four bodies of which exist in Omaha.

In addition to these pioneer bodies, there have since been established in Omaha, Cov-

ert Lodge, No. 11, created July 24, 1865; and Saint Johns Lodge, No. 25, created May 28, 1869. Nebraska Lodge, No. 1, has been moved from Bellevue to Omaha; Bellevue Chapter, No. 7, Royal Areh Masons, has been removed to Omaha.

All the Masonic bodies of Omaha meet in Freemasons Hall, Omaha, a valuable prop- erty owned entirely by the bodies above mentioned. There are about eight hundred Freemasons in Omaha who are members of these bodies, and as many more who retain membership in eastern lodges. The Omaha bodies are wealthy and contented, having as much or more work than is desirable.

In this brief sketch only those individuals have been named who were connected with Nebraska Freemasonry during or prior to 1862.

ODD FELLOWS.

On Friday, February 1, 1856, there assem- bled at the old Capitol building, situated on the west side of Ninth Street, between Far- nam and Douglas, Brothers Alfred D. Jones, Taylor G. Goodwill, Hadley D. Johnson, George Armstrong and A. S. Bishop, who had solemnly pledged themselves to unite their energies in the organization and main- tenance of a lodge of Odd Fellows and to bring other good men within their fold, and, by union of effort, increase their power for good, and the promotion of the general welfare within the sacred preeinets of their lodge room, and as good and useful mem- bers of the community.

Upon their petition, the Grand Lodge of the United States granted a charter by the authority of which these brothers were con- stituted a lodge to be known and hailed as Omaha Lodge No. 2, I. O. O. F. The first lodge in Nebraska was instituted at Nebras- ka City, but it has since been merged with another lodge at that place, so that No. 2 now stands at the head of the list. The following officers were elected and duly installed by D. D. Grand Sire, J. P. Cassidy, of Council Bluffs; N. G., Alfred D. Jones;

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INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.

V. C., Taylor G. Goodwill; R. secretary, A. S. Bishop; P. secretary, George Armstrong; treasurer, Hadley D. Johnson.

These brothers were thus entrusted with the responsibility of a great and sacred trust, and from the subsequent events they and we may feel proud of their work. There were present on the occasion, partiei- pating in the ceremony, the following named visiting brothers: C. C. Van, of Ft. Des Moines Lodge, No. 25; Godfrey Hattenback, of Franklin Lodge, No. 25; Abram Hecht. of Cincinnati, Ohio; - - Murh, of Green Mountain Lodge, No. 7, and Brothers Milton Rogers, J. D. Test, M. W. Robinson, John A. Lafferty, George Daugherty, J. J. Martin, J. S. Hootun and E. R. Robinson. of Ilawkeye Lodge. No. 49, of Council Bluffs, Iowa.

This lodge was called into being con- temporarily with the founding of this beautiful city, whose name it bears. The five noble brothers whose names are graven in the charter, and those who joined them in their grand work, met with the many dis- couraging difficulties and trials incident to the establishing of civil societies in all new countries; but they successfully maintained their purpose, and their lodge became an acknowledged factor in the influenees for good during the formative period of society in this city. Hence, I deem it of peculiar interest to the present membership to know who were the immediate recruits of our founders, and the material of which they were made. I will therefore recall the names of those admitted during the first two years of the life of the lodge, and relate some of the incidents which transpired dur- ing that period.

The records show that at the second meet- ing, February 8, 1856, the N. G., Brother 1. D. Jones, made the remarkable announce- ment that, owing to want of members, he would postpone the appointment of his sup- porters and other subordinate officers; and the V. G. made a similar announcement as 25

to his supporters. At this meeting, the lodge adopted the constitution of Council Bluffs Lodge, No. 49, for the temporary government of the lodge. At the third session, February 15, Mr. 11. C. Anderson was initiated (the first new member) and was then appointed warden. At the fifth session, February 29, the Rev. Wm. Leach and the Rev. J. F. Collins were initiated, the former being appointed chaplain, and the latter, conductor. In consideration of their prospective valuable services as elergymen, the admission fees of these brothers were remitted. At the sixth session, March 7, the first absentees were noted, being Jones, Johnson, Armstrong and Leach. This must have been an election night. At the fifteenth session, four applications for mem- bership were presented; and at the twentieth session, June 13, 1856, Brothers John Ricks, J. W. Richardson and G. W. Hepburn, were admitted to membership on card, and, at the following session, Brother D. D. Carr was admitted in the same way. July 4, 1856, officers were elected as follows: N. G., Taylor G. Goodwill; V. G., John Ricks; secretary, George Armstrong; treasurer, .1. F. Collins; and at the meeting of July 18, they were installed by D. D. Grand Sire Holley, assisted by Brothers Decker and Brown, of Nebraska City, with the follow- ing additional officers: Warden, Hadley D. Johnson; conductor, George Armstrong; O. S. G., A. D. Jones; I. S. G., A. D. Jones; R. S. to N. G., II. C. Anderson; L. S. to N. G., II. C. Anderson; R.S. S., A. D. Jones; L. S. S., G. W. Hepburn; R. S. to V. G., William Leach; L. S. to V. G., D. D. Carr. We have frequently heard of persons making them- selves searce when wanted, but here is a remarkable instance of a person making himself very numerous when wanted, as the foregoing record shows Brother Jones to have been installed into three offices. On motion of Brother Jones, the fees for the five degrees conferred upon Brothers Leach and Collins were remitted, which would

386

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF OMAHA.

indicate that the clerical services and good influences of these brothers were fully appreciated by Brother Jones and the lodge. The degree of Rebekah was conferred on the wife of Brother Collins.

For several months following but few meetings were held. During this time, low- ever, Dr. George L. Miller, Il. W. Tuttle, John Y. Clopper and J. B. Allen were initiated, and Jeremiah Cassidy, Asa Hunt, John R. Porter and G. W. Crowell were ad- mitted to membership by card. November 1, the acquisition of new members enabling a revision of the appointive officers, appoint- ments were made as follows: Warden, John R. Porter; conductor, D. D. Carr; O. S. G., J. Cassidy; I. S. G., II. C. Anderson; R. S. to N. G., Asa Hunt; L. S. to N. G., G. W, Crowell; R. S. S., George L. Miller; L. S. S .. George Armstrong; R. S. to V. G., 11. W. Tuttle; L. S. to V. G., G. W. Ilepburn. November 21, I. E. Allen was initiated, and on the 28th II. B. Porter elected on card. At this meeting the lodge resolved to lease the upper story room of J. M. Thayer's building for one year, at three hundred dol- lars per annum. which action displayed great nerve and faith in success of their enter- prise on the part of this plucky little band. In January, 1857. Jolm Logan, George W. Crowell and James L. Wheeler were admitted to membership; in February, Byron Reed, George A. Graves and Oscar Wolcott; in March, E. F. Cook and John M. Thayer; in April, J. D. Kellogg; in May, John McCormick and Silas E. Ilall were admitted. June 26th. the following officers were elected: N. (., Asa Hunt; V. G., W. Leach; secretary, G. W. Crowell; treasurer, Byron Reed. From this date for- ward initiations were quite frequent. At the meeting of December 11, the proposition was made that, in view of the hard times resulting from the panie of the previous september, city serip be received for dues, and the matter was left to the discretion of t'ie secretary; but at the following meeting

he was relieved of that discretion and instructed to receive scrip. Jannary 5. 1858, at a special meeting of the lodge, arrangements were made for a public ball, the price of the tickets being placed at four dollars each, and later on it is discovered that a net profit of $60.35 was realized from this ball. At this date, the membership has reached a total of thirty-nine, with a loss of one member by death and another by with- drawal.

The membership roll of the lodge shows that from its organization to the present time 671 have been admitted, of which num- ber the lodge has lost by death thirty-three, and by withdrawal 412, leaving the men- bership July 1, 1890, 226. During this period 1,142 degrees have been conferred by this lodge upon its members, which has en- tailed a vast amount of labor upon its offi- cers. The amount of revenue received by the lodge has been $46,362.69, and the amount paid for the relief of its members and families, and burying the dead, is $11,144.90. The lodge now possesses avail- able assets to the amount of $29.579. This lodge has also aided in vitalizing and fos- tering other subordinate lodges in this city, having an aggregate membership of 674, making the total number of active member- ship in this city of not less than 900. Its moral influences have not been confined to this city, but apply to every portion of the state, which now has within its bounds 180 lodges with 8,000 active members. This lodge has furnished to the order at large four grand masters-Asa Hunt, Alfred D. Jones, Alvin Saunders and St. John Good- rich; three deputy grand masters-Asa llunt, Alvin Saunders and John Evans; three grand secretaries-Byron Reed, St. John Goodrich and John Evans (furnishing the grand secretary for fifteen years) ; seven grand treasurers-John R. Porter, Alfred D. Jones, Asa HTunt, D. C. Sutphen, A. J. Simpson, Martin Dunham and Alvin Saunders; five grand representatives to

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KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.

the Sovereign Grand Lodge-St. John Good- rich, Alf. D. Jones, John Evans, C. C. Hlou- sel and F. B. Bryant. It has also furnished two United States Senators-John M. Thayer and Alvin Saunders, both of whom have also served Nebraska as Governor.

The lodge inet for some time in the old C'apitol building, and then moved to a small wooden building at the corner of Eleventh and Dodge, where the Third Ward School building now stands. Its next meeting place was in a house occupied by Reverend Leach, on Dodge Street, near Twelfth, where it is said that in the winter water would freeze beside a red-hot stove. The old Western Exchange building, Farnam and Twelfth, was next occupied for lodge pur- poses, at which time the entire effects of the lodge were kept and carried back and forth from his residence in Park Wilde, by Alf. D. Jones. Next, a lodge room was found in the residence of George Armstrong, and then in a brick building on the North side of Dodge just east of Fifteenth. The old Pioneer Block next afforded quarters for the Lodge, and then a removal was made to the third story of a building on Farnam Street, occupied by G. Il. and J. S. Collins, and here the lodge remained until 1874, when it was removed to its present quarters, the building erected by the Odd Fellows at the northwest corner of Dodge and Fourteenth, which was erected at a cost of $27,000.00. the lot having been donated to the order by the Town Site Company. To Alf. D. Jones belongs the credit of retaining this lot, as he kept the taxes paid for many years when the Lodge was short of funds.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAN.

The order of the Knights of Pythias was introduced into Nebraska by Col. George H. Crager. a member of Rising Sun Lodge, No. 26, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who, after an honorable service of four years in the army, during the war of the rebellion. removed with his family to Omaha, and en-

tered the service of the Union Pacific Rail- way Company, where he has held positions of responsibility and trust for twenty-four years. Feeling a deep interest in the order of the Knights of Pythias, and finding no lodge organization in his adopted city, he enlisted the co-operation of friends, and, after securing a commission as deputy grand chancellor, entered upon the work of organ- izing the first lodge west of Pennsylvania. Conspicuous among those who rendered as- sistance, were John Taylor, Dr. L. F. Bab- cock, J. E. Neal, Edwin Davis, Edwin Stan- ton. George S. Markham and Charles Skinner. Several preliminary meetings were held, appropriate paraphernalia secured and on the 23d of November. 1868, the dep- uty grand chancellor instituted Nebraska Lodge, No. 1, at Omaha, and installed as first officers the following: George II. Cra- ger, venerable patriarch; Edwin Davis, wor- thy chancellor (presiding officer); Charles Skinner, vice chancellor; L. F. Babcock, re- cording seribe; Edwin Stanton, financial seribe; Thomas C. Brunner, banker; J. E. Neal, guide; 1I. A. Monier, inner steward; John Taylor, outer steward.

The meetings of the lodge were held in a rear room in the third story at No. 1319 Douglas Street. The new order was deserv- edly popular, and the lodge increased in membership rapidly. In the course of a few months some of its active members, among whom were E. E. French, Rev. E. V. Glover, Henry Fulton, E. S. Seymour. George E. Powell, W. II. Jackson, E. W. Caldwell and John J. Curtis, conceived the idea of organ- izing another lodge. A petition was circu- lated and numerously signed by well-known citizens, and witli the approval of the Su- preme Chancellor, Damon Lodge, No. 2, was instituted at Omaha, by Deputy Grand Chancellor Crager, on the 20th of April, 1869.

Following this, on the 25th of August, 1869, Planet Lodge, No. 4, composed exelu- sively of Germans, and working in the Ger-

388

HISTORY OF THE CITY OF OMAHA.

man language, was instituted by the deputy grand chancellor. Prominent and active in the organization of this lodge were And- rew Zimmerman, A. B. Huberman, Charles E. Bruner, J. F. Kuhn, Joseph Rosenstein, llenry Leisge, Emil Faust, Charles Hollo.

On the 19th of September, 1869. after the fifth lodge had been instituted in the State. a meeting of past chancellors was held at Pythian Hall, southeast corner of Fourteenth and Douglas Streets, in Omaha, for the pur- pose of arranging for the organization of a Grand Lodge of the Knights of Pythias for Nebraska. At this meeting David Carter acted as chairman, and E. E. French, secre- tary. The sum of $105 was subscribed to- ward defraying the expenses incident to the organization of a grand lodge, and the meet- ing adjourned to October Ist. At the second preliminary meeting, held October 1st, ofli- cers for the proposed grand lodge were chosen as follows: Grand venerable patriarch, George Il. Crager; grand chancellor, David Carter; grand vice chancellor. John Q. Goss; grand recording and corresponding seribe, E. E. French; grand banker, T. C. Brunner; grand guide. William L. Wells: grand inner steward, John F. Kuhn; grand outer stew- ard, John Taylor.

On the 13th day of October. 1869. agree- able to previous notice, the past chancellors and representatives of the subordinate lodges, assembled at Pythian Hall, No. 515 Fourteenth Street, in the City of Omaha. Samuel Read, of Mount Holly, New Jersey, the supreme chancellor of the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias of the World, be- ing present. accompanied by Henry Simons. deputy grand chancellor for the Territory of Wyoming, and George II. Crager, deputy grand chancellor for the State of Nebraska, the Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias of Nebraska was formally instituted, and the officers selected at the preliminary meeting of October 1st duly installed.

Damon Lodge, No. 2, after one year of prosperity, began to decline; many of its

members who were railroad employes were transferred to other localities, and the gen- eral stagnation of business which followed the completion of the Union Pacific Railway interfered with the growth of the order to such an extent that in the spring of 1871 the lodge found its membership reduced to barely a quorum. Becoming discouraged and disheartened, the few members remain- ing surrendered the charter to the grand lodge at its session in July of that year, and the lodge became extinct. For ten years following the demise of Damon Lodge. the order made little if any progress in Omaha. The result of the election of officers in Planet Lodge, No. 4, in December, 1880, being un- satisfactory to a portion of its membership. fourteen withdrew and petitioned the grand chancellor for a charter to organize a new German lodge. The petition receiving the approval of that officer, Omaha Lodge, No. 26, was instituted by district deputy grand chancellor John F. Kuhn. on February 8, 1881, with thirty charter members.

April 3, 1884, Myrtle Lodge, No. 2. was instituted at Omaha by Grand Chancellor .J. G. Jones. assisted by JJ. S. Shropshire, E. E. French. S. M. Willox and A. F. Borden. This lodge ( which received the number for- merly held by the extinct Damon) started with a charter membership of sixty and in- creased rapidly.

April 8, 1886, Triangle Lodge, No. 54. was instituted by District Deputy Grand Chancellor Alfred D. Jones, with a charter membership of fifty-four. This lodge, being the first one located remote from the busi- ness center of the city, has enjoyed unusual prosperity. Its meetings were held in the Toft Block, corner of Saunders and Charles Streets for a time, and subsequently moved to Wolff's Hall, on Cuming Street, where it is now located. Its membership exceeds that of any other lodge in the city.

June 1. 1886, Pythagoras Lodge. No. 59. organized by Kt. Charles L. Connors. was instituted in Cosmopolitan Ilall. on South

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KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.

Thirteenth Street, by District Deputy Grand Chancellor Alf. D. Jones, assisted by mem- bers of the various city lodges, with a char- ter membership of twenty.

March 9, 1887, Park Lodge, No. 69, with thirty-four charter members, was instituted by District Deputy Grand Chancellor John E. Smith.

March 16, 1887, Mt. Shasta Lodge, No. 71, was instituted by District Deputy Grand Chancellor John E. Smith, assisted by offi- vers and members of the various sister lodges of the city, with a charter membership of 58.

April 20, 1887. Oriole Lodge, No. 76, or- gamzed by Kt. Harry Merriam, of Nebraska Lodge, No. 1, was instituted by District Deputy Grand Chancellor John E. Smith. with a charter membership of 107.

June 8, 1887, Viola Lodge, No. 80, or- ganized by Capt. J. C. Laing, of Nebraska Lodge, No. 1, was instituted by District Deputy Grand Chancellor John E. Smith, with a charter membership of thirty-two.

June 9, 1887, Marathon Lodge, No. 82, organized by Kt. J. E. Smith, Jr., of Park Lodge. No. 69, was instituted at the Castle IIall of Triangle Lodge, with a membership of twenty-nine. The work of instituting . Lodge, No. 97, consolidated with Nebraska was done under the direction of Gen. John E. Smith, D. D. G. C., assisted by members of Triangle Lodge.

.June 28, 1887, Forest Lodge, No, 84, was instituted at Madson's Ilall. corner of Sixth and Pierce Streets, by John W. Lounsbury, special district deputy, with a charter mem- bership of thirty.

March 7, 1888, Virginius Lodge, No. 95, was instituted at Goodrich Ilall, on Saun- ders Street, by District Deputy Grand Chan- cellor II. C. Cole, with a eharter member- ship of thirty-eight.

February 23, 1888,Good Samaritan Lodge, No. 97, organized by N. J. Edholm, of Ne- braska Lodge, No. 1, was duly instituted by District Deputy Grand Chancellor H. C. Cole, with a charter membership of thirty.

On the 17th of November. 1888, Jan Ilus

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History of the city of Omaha, Nebraska, Part 57

Author: Savage, James Woodruff, 1826-1890; Bell, John T. (John Thomas), b. 1842, joint author; Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899 Publication date: 1894 Publisher: New York, Chicago, Munsell & Company Number of Pages: 1020

Author: Savage, James Woodruff, 1826-1890; Bell, John T. (John Thomas), b. 1842, joint author; Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: New York, Chicago, Munsell & Company
Number of Pages: 1020