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 6
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
Plans were now going steadily forward, several sites having been offered, and on May 6, Bros. William Galigher, Charles W. Potwin, Mark Lowdan, Thomas Bell, John C. Hazlett, and Wil- liam Schultz organized the Masonic Hall Association. The following day, articles of incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State, the capital stock being fixed at twenty-five thousand dollars, divided into one thousand shares, with a par value of twenty-five dollars.
The site selected was at the northwest corner of Market and Fourth Street, immediately adjoining the old Academy and upon the lot already owned by La Fayette Lodge.
The contract was awarded to Bro. William Hall and Bro. Daniel Hattan, both members of La Fayette Lodge.
It was decided to appoint two members to represent the Lodge, one to act as trustee and one to serve upon the Building Committee.
The corner-stone was laid July 4, and marks an epoch in Zanesville Masonry. The ceremonies are vividly described in an article written by Bro. James S. Reeves, who acted as Grand Secretary on this occasion, and printed in the Masonic Review as follows:
71
72
History of La Fayette Lodge
On the anniversary of our National Independence, A. D. 1857, A. L. 5857, the corner-stone of a new Masonic Temple was laid, with imposing and solemn ceremonies, in the city of Zanes- ville. At an early hour the cannon pealed from the heights of Putnam, and busy feet began to tread the streets of the city. Every mode of conveyance was put into requisition, and dele- gation after delegation of the Craft continued to arrive. The railroad trains were plethoric of human freight, and the beautiful steamer, "Charley Bowen," commanded by Sir Knight Dexter, crammed to her full capacity with the Brethren of the Mus- kingum Valley, arrived in due time. From when the dawn ap- peared until the sun arose in the East, no cloud appeared to in- tercept its cheering beam; the air was pure and balmy, and all things conspired to promise a glorious day. And a glorious day it was, for patriotism and philanthropy went hand in hand. By nine o'clock the city was thronged by a multitude of radiant and happy faces. The various Bodies of Freemasons assembled as follows: The Master Masons at Odd Fellows Hall; Royal Arch Masons at Amity Lodge; Knights Templar at La Fayette Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Ohio assembled at Odd Fellows Hall as follows: Meredith D. Brock as Grand Master; S. H. Harbaugh as Deputy Grand Master; M. Gaston as Senior Grand Warden; M. Smalley as Junior Grand Warden; Thomas Bell as Grand Treasurer; James S. Reeves as Grand Secretary; William B. Thrall as Grand Orator; Robert H. Sedgwick, Grand Chaplain; George Webster as Grand Marshal; - Warfield as Grand Senior Deacon; John McNutt as Grand Junior Deacon, and Campbell as Grand Tyler.
The Grand Lodge was opened in Ample Form. At half- past one o'clock precisely, a procession was formed under the direction of Bro. A. C. Ross, Chief Marshal, assisted by Bros. T. C. Hopkins, James D. Sturges, and E. B. Duvall. The Grand Officers and the Architect were then received, and repaired to the spot in procession, the Zanesville band playing a grand march, The joists had been laid for the basement floor of the new hall. and these were securely boarded over for the accommodation of the Craft and other spectators of the exercises. A spacious and comfortable platform was thus formed. On the east side a plat- form was erected for the accommodation of the Grand Officers, and to the west of it was placed the music. On arriving at the ground the escort halted, and opening right and left, faced in- ward, and moved to the platform in inverted order, passing under a magnificent arch of evergreen, which had been erected and adorned with appropriate emblems and beautiful flowers. Silence having been proclaimed, an eloquent prayer was offered
73
Laying Cornerstone
by Rev. Bro. Robert H. Sedgwick, Grand Chaplain. The Breth- ren then sang, "Round the Spot, Moriah's Hill," accompanied by the entire orchestra.
The Right Worshipful Meredith D. Brock, as Grand Master, then proclaimed to the Craft the contents about to be placed in the corner-stone, as follows: Different coins of the United States; Zanesville Daily Courier; Zanesville Weekly Gazette; Zanesville Aurora and Weekly Times; Scientific American for July; Freemasons Magazine for July (C. W. Moore); Masonic Review for July (Cornelius Moore); Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, from 1808 to 1847, inclusive; By-laws and list of officers of Amity Lodge, No. 5; By-laws and list of officers of La Fayette Lodge, No. 79; also of Zanesville Royal Arch Chapter, No. 9, and Cyprus Encampment, No. 10; a small piece of stone from Solomon's Temple; Constitution, By-laws, and list of officers of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio. The Right Worshipful Grand Master then left his seat and, ac- companied by the Brethren who carried the Square, Level, and Plumb, descended from the platform and approached the corner-stone.
The Right Worshipful Grand Master, assisted by the opera- tive workmen, laid the corner-stone in its bed. The Architect presented a trowel to the Grand Master, who spread cement upon the stone, applied successively the Square, Level, and Plumb in their proper position and pronounced it to be "well formed, true, and trusty."
The gold and silver vessels having been duly presented to the Grand Master, he poured the Corn, Wine, and Oil, which they contained, upon the stone and delivered an impressive prayer. He then struck the stone three times with the mallet, and the public Grand Honors were given.
The various implements of architecture were then delivered to the Architect, and he was intrusted with the superintend- ence and direction of the work. The Grand Master then re- ascended the platform and resumed his station, after which an oration was delivered by Past Grand Master William B. Thrall, Grand Orator, replete with history and Masonic truth and beauty, which was listened to by the assembled multitude with the most profound attention. This was followed by a Masonic song, after which the benediction was pronounced by the Grand Chaplain and the procession was again formed and proceeded to Main Street. The Grand Lodge, Knights Templar, Royal Arch Masons, and Master Masons were then conducted to their respective places of meeting by the Marshals and the Grand Lodge closed in Ample Form. Thus closed a bright day in the annals of Masonry.
74
History of La Fayette Lodge
Five received the degree of Master Mason during the year, and on November 5 the thirty-third election was held, resulting in the election of Bro. Daniel Hattan as Worshipful Master; Bro. Lewis Moore, Senior Warden; Bro. James D. Wilbur, Junior Warden; Bro. Austin Berry, Treasurer; Bro. William Shaffer, Secretary; Bro. Thomas Halpin, Senior Deacon; Bro. John J. Kemmerer, Junior Deacon, and Bro. Theodore Schwabe, Steward and Tyler.
These officers were installed on December 17, with the ex- ception of Bro. Theodore Schwabe, Tyler- and Steward-elect, who refused to be installed owing to charges having been pre- ferred against him, and Bro. William Wright held over.
1858 BRO. DANIEL HATTAN WORSHIPFUL MASTER
Bro. Theodore Schwabe was acquitted of all charges at the meeting of February 18.
The first meeting in the new Temple was the Stated Com- munication of La Fayette Lodge, April 1, 1858. Only stated meetings were held during April, May, and June, and not until July 8 was any degree exemplified in the new hall by this Lodge. On that date, the Master Mason degree was conferred upon Bro. Mark C. Bowlby, a Fellow Craft of Lewistown Lodge, No. 203, of Lewistown, Pennsylvania.
Bro. Theodore Schwabe died August 5, and was buried by the Lodge with Masonic honors.
Twenty-seven meetings were held; five were raised to the Master Mason degree, and one admitted to membership.
The thirty-fourth election was held November 4, and Bro. Daniel Hattan was again chosen Worshipful Master. Others elected were: Bro. Thomas C. Hopkins, Senior Warden; Bro. Archibald M. Huston, Junior Warden; Bro. Austin Berry, Treasurer; Bro. William Shaffer, Secretary; Bro. Thomas Halpin, Senior Deacon; Bro. William H. Hattan, Junior Deacon, and Bro. William Wright, Steward and Tyler.
The installation of these officers was held November 18, the ceremonies being performed by Bro. William M. Shinnick and Bro. Imri Richards.
-
75
Financial Difficulties
1859 BRO. DANIEL HATTAN WORSHIPFUL MASTER
The Secretary, up to this time, had received as compensation for his manifold duties the sum of twelve dollars a year. On February 17, the By-laws were amended to increase the salary of the Secretary to one dollar per meeting.
On March 29, the Lodge conducted the funeral ceremonies of Bro. John Redmond, a Past Master of the Lodge.
These were trying times throughout the entire country. The shadow of impending war had already cast its gloom over the city. Fraternal affairs were weighed down by other matters more vital to the community. Twice during the year, the Lodge was compelled to borrow money to meet its liabilities, and the rate of interest had increased to ten per cent.
Only eighteen meetings were held during the year, and but four names were added to the roster.
The report of the Finance Committee showed a deficit of five dollars and forty-two cents.
The thirty-fifth election was held November 3, and Bro. Daniel Hattan was elected Worshipful Master, but refused to serve, and Bro. Robert H. Sedgwick was the second choice of the Brethren. Bro. Lewis Moore was elected Senior Warden; Bro. Samuel Elliott, Junior Warden; Bro. Austin Berry, Treas- urer; Bro. William Shaffer, Secretary; Bro. William H. Hattan, Senior Deacon; Bro. Thomas Bassett, Junior Deacon, and Bro. William Wright, Steward and Tyler.
These officers were installed, November 9, by Bro. William M. Shinnick, assisted by Bro. Daniel Hattan.
1860
BRO. ROBERT H. SEDGWICK WORSHIPFUL MASTER
On April 12, the Lodge conducted the funeral of Bro. Heze- kiah Allison, a former officer of the Lodge, but at the time of his death was unaffiliated. He requested a Masonic funeral and, after considerable debate, the Lodge decided to grant this last request.
76
History of La Fayette Lodge
Considerable business was transacted during this year, but practically nothing of importance taken from a historical stand- point. Ten received the Master Mason degree and one was admitted to membership.
On November 1, the thirty-sixth election was held, resulting in the choice of the following officers: Bro. Imri Richards, Wor- shipful Master; Bro. John Dixon, Senior Warden; Bro. Archi- bald M. Huston, Junior Warden; Bro. Austin Berry, Treasurer; Bro. William Shaffer, Secretary; Bro. William H. Hattan, Senior Deacon; Bro. Lewis Moore, Junior Deacon, and Bro. William Wright, Steward and Tyler.
At this meeting the By-laws were revised, changing the annual meeting and election of officers from the stated meeting in November until the stated meeting of December.
These officers were installed, November 15, by Bro. Robert H. Sedgwick, assisted by Bro. J. B. H. Bratshaw.
1861 BRO. IMRI RICHARDS WORSHIPFUL MASTER
Brother Richards was born at Winchester, Virginia, in 1811, and, like many of his predecessors, came to Zanesville while still a boy. He was a printer by trade, learning the rudiments of the business in the composing room of the Zanesville Gazette, where he was later employed for several years. In partnership with Hon. Edward Ball, he published the Zanesville Courier until January 1, 1853, retiring to become Deputy Auditor of Mus- kingum County. He had already served as Auditor in 1841, filling the unexpired term of a former Auditor, who died in office. After serving two years as Deputy Auditor, he was elected Auditor, which position he filled at various times until 1872.
Brother Richards was made a Mason in La Fayette Lodge, receiving the degree of Entered Apprentice April 5, 1844; Fellow Craft, May 3, 1844, and Master Mason, June 7, 1844.
He served as Secretary of the Lodge eight years, from 1845
77
Imri· Richards
to 1849 inclusive, and from 1865 to 1867 inclusive; and Wor- shipful Master in 1861.
He was a member of Zanesville Chapter, No. 9, Royal Arch Masons, receiving the Mark Master degree August 8, 1856; Past Master, August 12, 1856; Most Excellent Master, August 20, 1856, and Royal Arch, August 27, 1856; serving as Grand Master of the First Veil, 1861; Scribe, 1860 and 1864, and Secretary, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, and 1869.
He received the degrees of Royal and Select Master in Zanes- ville Council, No. 12, Royal and Select Masters, October 17, 1856, and served as Principal Conductor of Work, 1860 to 1864 inclusive; and Recorder, 1865 to 1869 inclusive.
He received his chivalric degrees in Cyprus Commandery, No. 10, Knights Templar, receiving the Red Cross degree Oc- tober 15, 1856; Knight Templar and Knight of Malta, December 9, 1856.
He died May 9, 1879, and his funeral was conducted by La Fayette Lodge and Cyprus Commandery; burial in Greenwood Cemetery.
The returns made to the Grand Lodge this year show that the Lodge had a membership of eighty in good standing. The dues of all soldiers in the Civil War were remitted.
Five received the Master Mason degree, and twenty-six meetings were held this year. On December 5, the thirty-sev- enth election was held, and resulted in the election of Bro. Archibald M. Huston as Worshipful Master; Bro. James Van Winkle, Senior Warden; Bro. Thomas Halpin, Junior Warden; Bro. John P. Ford, Treasurer; Bro. William Shaffer, Secretary; Bro. Howard Culbertson, Senior Deacon; Bro. John E. Evans, Junior Deacon, and William Wright, Steward and Tyler.
The installation was held December 12, the officers being installed by Bro. Imri Richards and Bro. Thomas Webb. During this month the petition of Col. Clement F. Steele, of the Sixty- second Regiment, O. V. I., was received, declared a case of emergency, balloted upon, and one degree conferred the same evening.
78
History of La Fayette Lodge
1862
BRO. ARCHIBALD MARSHALL HUSTON WORSHIPFUL MASTER
Brother Huston was born April 10, 1824. The place of his birth is not definitely known, but was probably in this city. During his early life he was engaged in various occupations, in- cluding cabinet work and chair making, his place of business being on the west side of Fourth Street, between Market and North Streets. ; He later engaged in the insurance business, continuing in this for many years. In 1875, he became President of the Union Bank.
He received the Entered Apprentice degree in La Fayette Lodge June 11, 1855; Fellow Craft, June 21, 1855, and Master Mason, July 5, 1855. He served as Senior Deacon, 1857; Junior Warden, 1859 and 1861; Worshipful Master, 1862.
He was a member of Zanesville Chapter, No. 9, Royal Arch Masons, receiving the Mark Master degree August 26, 1867; Past and Most Excellent Masters' degrees, November 11, 1867, and Royal Arch degree, November 18, 1867.
He received the cryptic degrees in Zanesville Council, No. 12, Royal and Select Masters, February 17, 1868. He later with- drew his membership, reaffiliating December 11, 1879. He served the Council as Recorder in 1880, 1881, and 1882.
He received the chivalric degrees in Cyprus Commandery, No. 10, Knights Templar, as follows: Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, April 14, 1868; Knight Templar and Knight of Malta, April 28, 1868.
He served the Commandery as Recorder, 1878 to 1881 in- clusive.
He died July 19, 1898, and his remains were laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery.
A new Ritual was adopted this year and during the week of June 19, meetings were held each night for the purpose of re- ceiving instruction.
On July 3, Bros. James Hattan and John Hobbs presented the Lodge with an engraving of General La Fayette, which is still in its possession.
79
John Dixon
Nineteen meetings were held. Seven received the Master Mason degree and two were admitted to membership during this year. The Annual Report of the year shows an increase of eight members, making a total of eighty-eight in good standing.
On December 3, the Lodge conducted the funeral services of its oldest member, Bro. John Hall, a Past Master and charter member, who had held continuous membership for thirty-seven years.
The thirty-eighth election was held December 4, resulting in the election of Bro. John Dixon as Worshipful Master; Bro. James Beardsley, Senior Warden; Bro. William Pringle, Junior Warden; Bro. John P. Ford, Treasurer; Bro. William Shaffer, Secretary; Bro. Joshua Butler, Senior Deacon; Bro. Thomas Bassett, Junior Deacon, and Bro. William Wright, Steward and Tyler.
On December 18, these officers were installed by Bro. Imri Richards, assisted by Bro. Daniel Hattan.
1863 BRO. JOHN DIXON WORSHIFPUL MASTER
Brother Dixon was one of the early constables of Zanesville, and for a few months during 1866 was Postmaster of Putnam. Nothing is known regarding his life.
He was initiated an Entered Apprentice in this Lodge June 16, 1857; passed to the degree of Fellow Craft June 25, 1857; and raised a Master Mason July 1, 1857.
He served the Lodge as Senior Warden. 1861. and Worshipful Master, 1863 and 1864. He withdrew his membership August 2, 1866.
Eighteen meetings were held in 1863, and four received the Master Mason degree. Eighty-six names comprise the roster of that year. The thirty-ninth election was held November 6, regardless of the fact that the By-laws were revised in 1860, changing the annual election from November to December. At this election Bro. John Dixon was again selected as Worshipful Master; Bro. Thomas Bassett was elected Senior Warden; Bro. James Van Winkle, Junior Warden; Bro. John P. Ford, Treas-
80
History of La Fayette Lodge
urer; Bro. William Shaffer, Secretary; Bro. Joshua Butler, Senior Deacon; Bro. John Hobbs, Junior Deacon, and Bro. William Wright, Steward and Tyler.
The installation was held December 17, Bro. Daniel Hattan performing the ceremonies.
1864 BRO. JOHN DIXON WORSHIPFUL MASTER
On August 11, the Worshipful Master appointed Bro. Imri Richards to fill the unexpired term of Bro. William Shaffer, the efficient Secretary, who was preparing to make his future home in the West.
Twenty-eight meetings were held during the year, and eleven were raised to the degree of Master Mason, but owing to the losses sustained from the war, the annual return showed a loss of one member over the preceding year.
December 8, the fortieth election was held and Bro. Daniel Hattan was again induced to accept the office of Worshipful Master. Bro. Richard Monkhouse was elected Senior Warden; Bro. Joshua Butler, Junior Warden; Bro. John P. Ford, Treas- urer; Bro. Imri Richards, Secretary; Bro. D. C. Hall, Senior Deacon; Bro. John Hobbs, Junior Deacon, and Bro. William Wright, Steward and Tyler.
These officers were installed, December 22, by Bro. William M. Shinnick, assisted by Bro. Thomas Webb. The principal speaker for the evening was Bro. John G. F. Holston.
1865 BRO. DANIEL HATTAN WORSHIPFUL MASTER
Zanesville was plunged into deepest mourning when, on April 15, the news was received that President Abraham Lincoln had been assassinated during the preceding night. The entire community was apprised of the fact by the constant tolling of the bell in the old courthouse tower, and all factories, stores, and business places immediately suspended operations.
81
Lincoln Memorial
A joint meeting of Amity and La Fayette Lodges was called for April 18, and at this meeting fifty-seven Brethren were pres- ent, including twenty-six from Amity, twenty-seven from La Fayette, and four members of other Lodges.
The meeting was presided over by Bro. William M. Shin- nick, of Amity Lodge, and was called to consider the advisa- bility of these Lodges participating in a public demonstration in honor of the martyred President. After considerable debate, the following resolution was presented by Bro. George W. Thompson, which was adopted:
WHEREAS, The Masonic Bodies of this city are invited to unite with their fellow citizens in the observance of certain funeral obsequies, applicable to the occasion, called for by the death of the Chief Magistrate of the United States; therefore, be it
Resolved, That Amity and La Fayette Lodges, as jointly convened, respectfully decline the invitation of the Committee of the citizens to participate as Lodges in the proposed funeral obsequies.
The ceremonies mentioned upon this occasion were per- formed on the following day. A procession, consisting of Cyprus Commandery, No. 10, Knights Templar, a number of other or- ganizations, and a large assemblage of citizens, marched over the principal streets of the city and across the Y bridge to West Zanesville, where a platform had been erected on Lee Street, near the Baltimore and Ohio railroad shops, where appropriate services were held. Taken from every standpoint, this was a very busy year. The report of the year shows a membership of one hundred and six, fourteen having received the Master Mason degree, three admitted to membership, while degrees were conferred upon four other candidates.
During the year, the Lodge voted to change the annual meeting back to November, but this action was rescinded at the meeting of the Grand Lodge.
The forty-first election was held December 7, and resulted in the choice of the following officers: Bro. Daniel Hattan, Worshipful Master; Bro. Richard Monkhouse, Senior Warden; Bro. George Cockburn, Junior Warden; Bro. David Drew,
82
History of La Fayette Lodge
Treasurer; Bro. Imri Richards, Secretary; Bro. Josiah Burgess, Senior Deacon; Bro. John Hobbs, Junior Deacon, and Bro. William Wright, Steward and Tyler.
The installation was held December 21, and the officers were installed by Bro. Asa R. Cassady, assisted by Bro. T. A. Reamy. At the conclusion of these ceremonies, a supper was served at "The American House."
1866 BRO. DANIEL HATTAN WORSHIPFUL MASTER
Practically nothing of interest occurred during this year. Bro. Samuel R. Moore is mentioned in the minutes of May 17 as being a visitor from Urbana Lodge. He became a member of La Fayette Lodge, November 1, 1866.
Twenty-eight meetings were held and eight received the Master Mason degree during the year. The forty-second elec- tion was held December 6, and the following were selected to serve for the ensuing year: Bro. Richard Monkhouse, Worshipful Master; Bro. George Cockburn, Senior Warden; Bro. Josiah Burgess, Junior Warden; Bro. David Drew, Treasurer; Bro. Imri Richards, Secretary; Bro. John R. Price, Senior Deacon; Bro. John Brooks, Junior Deacon, and Bro. William Wright, Steward and Tyler.
These officers were installed, December 27, by Bro. James S. Reeves, assisted by Bro. William M. Shinnick. A Masonic address was delivered by Bro. John G. F. Holston.
1867
BRO. RICHARD MONKHOUSE WORSHIPFUL MASTER
Brother Monkhouse was born in England in 1814, emi- grating to America when twenty-six years of age. He was a machinist by trade, and after coming to this country located at New Castle, Delaware, where he secured employment in the locomotive works. In 1852, the H. and F. Blandy Company, machinists of this city, began the manufacture of locomotive
83
Richard Monkhouse
engines; being impressed with the New Castle type of engine, imported a number of workmen from the Delaware shops. Brother Monkhouse came to Zanesville at this time, remaining with the Blandy Company until 1857, when he entered the employ of the Central Ohio Railroad Company, in the capacity of master blacksmith, which position he ably filled until the time of his death.
Brother Monkhouse received his Masonic degrees before coming to this city. He affiliated with La Fayette Lodge No- vember 10, 1864, serving as Senior Warden, 1865 and 1866, and Worshipful Master, 1867 and 1869.
He received the capitular degrees in Zanesville Chapter, No. 9, Royal Arch Masons, as follows: Mark Master degree, August 24, 1853; Past Master, September 15, 1853; Most Ex- cellent Master, November 23, 1853, and Royal Arch, November 30, 1853.
He served as Grand Master of the First Veil, 1859; Scribe, 1861, and High Priest, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866, and 1867.
He received the cryptic degrees in Zanesville Council, No. 12, Royal and Select Masters, August 31, 1865, serving as Principal Conductor of Work, 1867 to 1871 inclusive; Deputy Illustrious Master, 1872, and Thrice Illustrious Master, 1873 and 1874.
He was a member of Cyprus Commandery, No. 10, Knights Templar, receiving the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross De- cember 17, 1867; degrees of Knight Templar and Knight of Malta January 14, 1868.
He died June 10, 1875, and was buried in Woodlawn Ceme- tery, the ceremonies being performed by La Fayette Lodge, with Cyprus Commandery acting as escort.
Twenty-nine meetings were held by the Lodge during the year 1867, but the entire year was devoid of anything of his- torical value. On June 6, the Lodge appropriated two hundred dollars for the refurnishing of the hall. Six were raised to the degree of Master Mason, and three more Brethren became members of the Lodge by affiliation. One hundred and seventeen names were returned in the report made to the Grand Lodge, which was a gain of three over the preceding one.
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.