USA > Ohio > Muskingum County > Zanesville > A concise history of La Fayette Lodge, No. 79, Free and Accepted Masons of Zanesville, Ohio : including a brief history of Freemasonry > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21
The minutes state "that the first meeting of La Fayette Lodge was held in Masons' Hall, Wednesday, May 25, 1825, acting under the authority of a dispensation dated May 16, from William M. Irwin, Grand Master of Ohio. The Lodge was opened in the Entered Apprentice degree and the following Brethren were present: Bro. George James, Worshipful Master; Bro. Calvin Conant, Senior Warden; Bro. William Blocksom, Junior Warden; Bro. Leonidas L. Hamline, Senior Deacon ; Bro. Isaac Van Horne, Treasurer; Bro. John T. Fracker, Junior Deacon; and Bro. William Twaddle, Steward and Tyler." Brothers Fracker and Twaddle were visitors at this meeting, both being members of Amity Lodge.
The Worshipful Master appointed a committee consisting of Bros. Calvin Conant, Leonidas L. Hamline, and William Block- som to draft a set of By-laws and report at the following meeting, Friday, June 3, being the appointed day.
Bros. Isaac Van Horne and William Blocksom were appointed to confer with Amity Lodge and Zanesville Chapter regarding the use of their room and paraphernalia, and on May 27 pre- sented the following request to Amity Lodge:
TO THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER, WARDENS, AND BRETHREN OF AMITY LODGE, No. 5:
Pursuant to appointment by La Fayette Lodge, the under- signed respectfully apply to you in behalf of said La Fayette Lodge: First, for leave to meet at the hall in which you meet. Second, for the use of the furniture, jewels, clothing, etc., for a
1
OLD ZANESVILLE ACADEMY BUILDING WHERE LA FAYETTE LODGE WAS INSTITUTED
2I
Institution
few months. La Fayette Lodge will probably meet once a month on a day to be agreed upon, so as not to interfere with the meetings of other Lodges. The utmost care will be taken of the Hall and furniture committed to our care. The Tyler of your Lodge, it is presumed, may, without impropriety, be Tyler of La Fayette Lodge, and thus all will be under the care of your Tyler for greater security, exhibiting at once that harmony and cordiality so desirable among Masons. Be pleased to acquaint us, with as little delay as your convenience will admit, what compensation will be required for these privileges, either by the month or year.
I. VAN HORNE, WILLIAM BLOCKSOM.
In response to this request, an agreement was made with Amity Lodge and Zanesville Chapter for the use of their hall, clothing and jewels at an annual rental of twenty-four dollars. During the first eight months, while the Lodge was meeting under dispensation, no provision was made for the office of Sec- retary, the minutes of the meetings being written and signed by the presiding officer.
The By-laws of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, adopted at the Annual Communication of 1820, provided: that no Warrant or Dispensation for the institution of a new Lodge shall be granted except upon the petition of eight Master Masons, accompanied by a petition from the nearest Lodge vouching for the moral character and Masonic abilities of the petitioners; and they were further required to pay into the treasury of the Grand Lodge the sum of forty dollars. The Charter members of the Lodge were: George James, Calvin Conant, William Blocksom, Leonidas L. Hamline, John Hall, Samuel Herrick, Isaac Van Horne, Gordius A. Hall, and Harry Safford, and of this number two were Past Masters.
In reviewing the lives of these Brethren, who were the founders of La Fayette Lodge, the fact presents itself that they were, without exception, men of exceptional character and un- usual attainments and worthy of our respect and admiration.
Pre-eminent in this list of honored names is that of Gen- eral Van Horne, who can rightfully be called "The Father of Freemasonry in Zanesville."
22
History of La Fayette Lodge
BRO. ISAAC VAN HORNE
Was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, January 13, 1754. He served throughout the Revolutionary War, and was a per- sonal friend of both Washington and La Fayette, and on numer- ous occasions had sat in Lodge with them. He came to Zanes- ville in 1805 as receiver of money in the Government Land Office, and at once became one of the most prominent and in- fluential citizens of his day. Previous to his coming to Zanes- ville, Bro. Van Horne had engaged in farming, served as repre- sentative in the Pennsylvania Legislature and in the United States Congress, and was, without doubt, possessed of con- siderable wealth. Shortly after his arrival here he purchased ten acres of ground, extending from Pine Street to Luck Avenue, planted a large orchard, and erected a two-story building on Pine Street known as the "White House" from its color and con- spicuous location. In 1812 he purchased from Alexander Mc- Laughlin, the brick building (still standing) on the north side of Market Street, between Sixth Street and Seventh Street and adjoining the alley. This was the finest building in the city at that time, and became the residence of Bro. Van Horne in 1817, and here he continued to live the remainder of his life. He founded the Muskingum Bank, which was located at the corner of Putnam Avenue and Muskingum Avenue, and during his life was the owner of several hotels and business buildings. Brother Van Horne was a Past Master of Newtown Lodge, No. 57, of Pennsylvania, but on account of the early records of that Lodge having been accidently destroyed by fire, nothing of his Masonic record is known. During the first year of his residence in Zanes- ville, in company with William Smyth, also of Pennsylvania, and a few other Brethren, he began negotiations with the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania toward securing a Lodge of Freemasons in Zanesville. This action resulted in the organization of Amity Lodge in 1806, in the tavern owned by General Van Horne and conducted by Benoni Pierce. It stood on the northeast corner of Main and Fifth Streets, and the original structure was moved more than a century ago to a place near the southeast corner of Market and Fifth Streets, and was better known as the old "Abbott residence." This building was razed in 1924 to make
23
Calvin Conant
room for a garage. Brother Van Horne served for two years as Worshipful Master of Amity Lodge, withdrawing his member- ship on December 8, 1819. He was active in the forming of a Grand Lodge in this State and, after the organization was per- fected, was chosen as its first Junior Grand Warden. It is evident from the records of this Lodge that Brother Van Horne had been selected to serve as the first Master of La Fayette, but on ac- count of his advanced age, he declined the honor and served as its Treasurer instead.
He died on February 2, 1834, full of years and greatly hon- ored by all who knew him. His remains were laid to rest in the family lot on the eminence to the north side of Woodlawn Cemetery.
BRO. CALVIN CONANT
Was born in the State of Massachusetts, but the record of his early years is veiled in obscurity. He was among the earliest physicians who settled in Putnam, and was thoroughly experi- enced in pharmacy, chemistry, and surgery. Medical colleges were very scarce in those days, and Doctor Conant had one or more medical students under his tutelage most of the time. In 1820, salt was obtained in considerable quantities at the Chandler salt wells, near Chandlersville. On a trip from Marietta to Zanesville, Doctor Conant was forced to spend a night at the old Chandler tavern, and in conversation with the landlord he stated that he had heard of the salt rock and desired to obtain a piece of it for analysis.
A quantity of this was forthcoming on the following morning and, after being analyzed, was found to contain particles of silver. A company was immediately incorporated by the doctor and others to develop the territory and Doctor Conant was chosen as its President. During an accident which occurred while drilling a mine, Doctor Conant risked his life to save the lives of his men, and although he succeeded, he received serious injuries which eventually caused his demise.
When or where Doctor Conant received his Masonic degrees is unknown. He affiliated with Amity Lodge, August 18, 1815, and served the following year as its Worshipful Master, with- drawing his membership July 1, 1818.
24
History of La Fayette Lodge
He again affiliated with Amity Lodge December 15, 1820, and the same evening was elected Worshipful Master, in which capacity he served for two years, and after relinquishing the office he again withdrew from the Lodge, a dimit being granted January 1, 1823. He was one of the charter members of Zanes- ville Chapter, No. 9, Royal Arch Masons, and served as its first High Priest.
Brother Conant served as Worshipful Master of La Fayette Lodge during the first year under a charter, but owing to his physical condition was unable to attend the meetings with any regularity. He died January 25, 1827, and was buried in the old cemetery on Moxahala Avenue. For eighty-eight years his grave was unmarked, except by a mound eight feet in diameter and four in height. In 1915, a beautiful granite marker was placed over the grave, the expense being equally divided among Amity and La Fayette Lodges and Zanesville Chapter, Royal Arch Masons.
BRO. LEONIDAS L. HAMLINE
Was born at Burlington, Connecticut, in 1797, and came to Zanesville in 1824. He was one of the early attorneys of the city, but after a few years' practice renounced the profession and became a Methodist minister. The life of a minister of the gos- pel a century or more ago was anything but an easy one. The churches were scattered and the congregations, being small, were consequently in rather straitened circumstances. This necessi- tated the forming of circuits composed of four or more churches, presided over by one minister. Brother Hamline became a circuit preacher and was forced to ride through the wilderness on horseback in all kinds of weather, preparatory to preaching the Sunday sermon. In 1835 he removed to Cincinnati, where he became editor of The Christian Advocate and The Ladies' Repository.
He was ordained a Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1844, and during his career was instrumental in the founding of two universities, one of which, Hamline University, at St. Paul, Minnesota, bears his name. Bishop Hamline made contributions of $25,000 to each of these colleges. Brother Ham-
25
Samuel Herrick
line was twice married. His first wife was the only daughter of Jeffrey Price, who settled here in 1802, and was the owner of considerable land east of Underwood Street. This was known as "Price's Hill," and upon the death of his father-in-law became the property of Brother Hamline. It is highly probable that Brother Hamline received his Masonic degrees in Burlington, Connecticut. He was active in the organization of La Fayette Lodge and became its first Senior Deacon.
Owing to the requirements of his profession, he was unable to further participate in its progress, and withdrew his member- ship on January 15, 1827.
He died at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, February 22, 1865, and was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois.
BRO. SAMUEL HERRICK
Was born at Amenia, New York, April 14, 1779. He was among the earliest settlers in Zanesville, and as early as 1805 taught school in a little log schoolhouse on the site of the old Academy on Market Street. He was one of the first three attorneys to prac- tice in Muskingum County, and in 1810 was appointed Prose- cuting Attorney of Guernsey County. In 1812, he succeeded Lewis Case as Prosecuting Attorney of Muskingum County, also serving at the same time as United States District Attor- ney.
During the War of 1812, he served in the army of the United States with the rank of Brigadier-General. At the close of the war he was appointed Prosecuting Attorney of Licking County. He represented this district in Congress from 1817 to 1821, and upon his retirement was appointed by President Jackson as United States Attorney for Ohio, which position he held until 1830. Brother Herrick built the house on the southwest corner of Third Street and Fountain Alley, and resided there for many years. He later purchased a large farm in Wayne Township and, upon his retirement as a lawyer, moved to this farm. At the time of his death he resided at the corner of Orchard and Under- wood Streets.
Brother Herrick was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Amity Lodge, May 18, 1810; passed to the degree of Fellow
26
History of La Fayette Lodge
Craft, June 5, 1810; and raised to the degree of Master Mason, June 15, 1810.
At the beginning of the War of 1812 he withdrew his member- ship, and from that time until the organization of La Fayette Lodge remained unaffiliated.
He died March 1, 1852, and his remains were laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery.
BRO. WILLIAM BLOCKSOM
Was born at Milton, Delaware, September 17, 1785, and came to Zanesville in his early youth, making most of the journey on foot. After attaining his majority, he followed the trade of carpenter, and later entered the contracting business.
He was Postmaster of Zanesville from May 6, 1834, to April 1, 1840. In 1833, he was appointed by the Legislature as one of the three Associate Judges of Muskingum County, and continued in this capacity until 1840.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Amity Lodge, March 24, 1815; passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, April 11, 1815; and raised to the degree of Master Mason, May 26, 1815. He served as Junior Warden of Amity Lodge in 1818 and 1819, withdrawing his membership, July 15, 1821. He was an active member of La Fayette Lodge at its inception, and served as the first Junior Warden.
He died April 5, 1860, and was buried in Greenwood Ceme- tery.
BRO. HENRY SAFFORD
Was born April 9, 1787. The place of his birth is unknown, but was probably in Pennsylvania. He came to Zanesville while still a very young man and engaged in the jewelry business. He was the first Postmaster of Putnam, serving from January 30, 1817, to June 19, 1829.
He married Prudence, the daughter of General Isaac Van Horne, and for many years conducted a jewelry store at the corner of Muskingum Avenue and Adams Street. Harry Safford, as he was commonly called, was a zealous church worker, and is often called "The Father of the Sunday Schools." He opened the first Sunday-school ever held in this city, in 1815, on the site of
27
George James
the old academy building, on Market Street, and from this early beginning several of our present churches trace their origin.
Brother Safford received his Masonic degrees before coming to Zanesville. He affiliated with Amity Lodge on November 17, 1820, and continued as a member of that Lodge until the organi- zation of La Fayette Lodge.
He died July 23, 1867, and his remains were laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery near the grave of his father-in-law, General Van Horne.
BRO. GEORGE JAMES
Was born October 21, 1800, at Fredericksburg, Virginia. He was the son of Rev. William James, and came to Zanesville at an early age. He was among the earliest attorneys who practiced in this county, and his two-story office building on Fourth Street, in front of the present county jail, is still remembered by the oldest residents of the city.
Brother James did not receive his Masonic degrees in Zanes- ville, but the place of his former membership is unknown. He was the youngest of the charter members of La Fayette Lodge, being but twenty-five, and although he was selected as the first Worshipful Master, was entirely unfit for the honor. He seems to have been a man of ability and education, but possessed of a hasty and virulent temper.
Brother James occupied the East but three times, and his brief administration was worthy of little merit. In consequence of an altercation between him and Brother Hamline, which oc- curred in his office, he was tried by his members and suspended from membership during the remainder of the year. The record of the Lodge shows that he was granted a dimit on January 27, 1826, which is one of the many inconsistencies found in the early records. Although the name of Brother James does not again appear in our minutes of La Fayette Lodge, the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge show that he represented this Lodge in 1831, 1832, and 1833. He served one year as Junior Grand Warden and, in the absence of his superiors, presided over the Grand Lodge. The following year he was honored with the office of Deputy Grand Master, but, being absent from the Annual Communication, received no further honors. He affiliated with
28
History of La Fayette Lodge
Zanesville Chapter, No. 9, Royal Arch Masons, November 30, 1824, and at the meeting of the Grand Chapter the following January was elected Grand Royal Arch Captain. He was a charter member of Zanesville Council, No. 12, Royal and Select Master, but never served in any official capacity.
He died July 22, 1872, and was buried in Greenwood Ceme- tery.
BRO. GORDIUS A. HALL
Was born at Brookfield, Massachusetts, August 17, 1794. The year of his advent in Zanesville is unknown, but it was about 1819. On August 16, 1823, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Hampton, the daughter of Colonel James Hampton, who built the old 1809 courthouse.
He was connected with many of the early enterprises of Zanesville, and for many years prior to his death conducted a dry-goods store on Main Street.
Brother Hall was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Amity Lodge, August 23, 1820, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft September 26, 1820, and raised to the degree of Master Mason September 26, 1820, continuing as a member of that Lodge until the organization of La Fayette Lodge, when he became a charter member, and served for a time as its Secretary.
He died August 21, 1873, and was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery.
BRO. JOHN HALL
Colonel John Hall was a native of Massachusetts and was born February 7, 1781. The town of his nativity and the place where he received his Masonic degrees are alike unknown. It is presumed that he was a veteran of the War of 1812, and came to Zanesville at the close of hostilities, but this is partly con- jecture, and positive information to substantiate this theory is lacking.
He affiliated with Amity Lodge January 20, 1815, and con- tinued a member of that Lodge until the organization of La Fayette. Unlike the other charter members, he continued an active member of La Fayette Lodge from the time of its organiza- tion until the time of his death-thirty-seven years later.
29
Under Dispensation
He served the Lodge as Senior Deacon in 1826, and again in 1833; was Treasurer, 1830 and 1831; Junior Warden, 1827; Senior Warden, 1828, 1829, 1832, 1836, and 1837; Worshipful Master, 1834 and 1835.
For many years he resided on the south side of Market Street, between Seventh and Underwood Streets.
He died November 29, 1862, at the age of eighty-one, and his remains were laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery.
1825
The second meeting of the Lodge was held on June 3, and petitions for membership were presented by Rev. George C. Sedgwick and John T. Fracker. A Committee of Vigilance was appointed, consisting of Bro. Leonidas L. Hamline, Bro. William Blocksom, and Bro. Isaac Van Horne.
The duties of this Committee were to investigate the char- acter of each candidate for the degrees or for membership; to take cognizance of the conduct of the members, settle differences among them and, when necessary, to prefer charges.
During this first year, while the Lodge was meeting under dispensation, but two members were admitted to membership.
1826 BRO. CALVIN CONANT WORSHIPFUL MASTER
La Fayette Lodge is first mentioned in the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, held at Columbus, January 9, 1826, in the following statement: Petitions were handed in from La Fayette Lodge of Zanesville, from Temperance Lodge of Sidney, from La Fayette Lodge of Cincinnati, and La Fayette Lodge of Seneca, praying for charters.
For several years following the organization of the Grand Lodge, it was not the custom of the Grand Master to make an address at the Annual Communication or give any account of his official actions during the recess of the Grand Lodge-at least no record was made of such addresses having been made by the publication of same in the Annual Proceedings. The record
30
History of La Fayette Lodge
of the Grand Lodge is therefore silent regarding the dispensation issued to this Lodge by the Grand Master.
Embodied in the report of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, made at this meeting, is a resolution to the effect that a charter be granted to Isaac Van Horne and his associates for a Lodge to be called La Fayette Lodge, No. 79, in the town of Zanesville and county of Muskingum.
At this meeting, La Fayette Lodge of Seneca was chartered as No. 77, and La Fayette Lodge of Cincinnati was continued under dispensation for one more year, after which time it re- ceived the number 81.
La Fayette Lodge, No. 79, and La Fayette Lodge, No. 81, of Cincinnati, are the only existing Lodges by that name in Ohio, the one at Seneca having ceased operations many years ago. It was a fitting tribute to General La Fayette that these Lodges should have been named in his honor. During 1824 and 1825 he visited the United States by a special invitation from the Government, and during his tour of the country was scheduled to visit Zanesville, but owing to a change in plans was unable to do so. He was a personal friend of General Van Horne and it was no mere coincidence that the Lodge was given his name.
The original charter of La Fayette Lodge was issued by the Grand Lodge under date of January 11, 1826, and, through care- lessness or by accident, was lost or destroyed.
A certified copy of this charter was issued by B. F. Smith, Grand Secretary, under date of October 24, 1846. This copy is framed and is still in a fine state of preservation.
(Copy of Charter) TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
We, the GRAND LODGE of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Ohio, con- vened and assembled in the borough of Columbus, SEND GREET- ING:
WHEREAS, A petition has been presented to us from George James, Calvin Conant, William Blocksom, L. L. Hamline, John Hall, Samuel Herrick, I. Van Horne, G. A. Hall, and H. Safford, all Free and Accepted MASTER MASONS, stating that they have heretofore assembled together under a Warrant or Dispensation
31
Charter Granted
from the Most Worshipful Grand Master. They, therefore, pray for a CHARTER, extending and confirming unto them the rights and privileges of a regularly constituted Lodge of MASTER MASONS; and,
WHEREAS, The aforesaid petitioners, having passed a proper term of probation, and exhibited to this GRAND LODGE satis- factory evidence that they have conducted the business of MASONRY agreeably to the original design; now, therefore,
Be It Known, That we, the GRAND LODGE aforesaid, re- posing special trust and confidence in the integrity and well- known attachment of the aforesaid petitioners to the sublime principles of MASONRY, as originally taught; and earnestly believing that the true interest of the Institution will be pro- moted by granting the prayer of said petitioners, have consti- tuted and appointed, and do, by these presents, constitute and appoint them, the said George James, Calvin Conant, and Wil- liam Blocksom and their associates a regular and constitutional LODGE OF MASTER MASONS by the name, style, or title of La Fayette Lodge, No. 79.
And we do hereby appoint Bro. George James first Master; Bro. Calvin Conant, first Senior Warden, and Bro. William Blocksom, first Junior Warden, hereby giving and granting unto them and their successors full power and authority to assemble together, on all proper and lawful occasions, as a legal LODGE within the town of Zanesville and State aforesaid, to initiate good men and true, who may apply to be made acquainted with the sublime principles of the several degrees of ENTERED AP- PRENTICE, FELLOW CRAFT, AND MASTER MASON.
Also, to make choice annually of a MASTER, WARDENS, and such other officers as are necessary to the due organization of a regular LODGE agreeably to ancient usage; to admit members, to collect funds for the relief of poor and distressed Brethren, their widows and orphans; to make By-laws and ordinances for their own government, and to do, and transact all, and singular, such matters and things as are proper and lawful to be done in such an assembly.
And, furthermore, we do hereby declare the rank and prece- dence of the said La Fayette Lodge in the GRAND LODGE and elsewhere to be from the eleventh day of January, 1826.
And we do hereby require the aforesaid constituted Brethren to attend the GRAND LODGE, at their Annual Communication, by their MASTER and WARDENS, or by their PROXIES duly ap- pointed; also, to keep a fair and regular record of all their pro- ceedings, and to lay them before the GRAND LODGE when re-
32
History of La Fayette Lodge
quired; to be punctual in their annual returns, and in the pay- ment of such sums as may be assessed for the support of the GRAND LODGE.
And, furthermore, we do hereby enjoin it upon the said La Fayette Lodge to conform in all their doings to the Constitu- tion, Laws, and Edicts of the GRAND LODGE; and in failure thereof, this Charter, and the powers herein granted, are to cease, and be of no further validity.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.