Masons in the Line

[KentuckyReb]

Re: Masons in the Line

Samuel Clemens from Missouri? The Sam Clemens? He was in the Confederate Congress?

[BrianHicks]

Re: Masons in the Line

Samuel Clemens from Missouri? The Sam Clemens? He was in the Confederate Congress?

No. Not the Samuel Clemens aka Mark Twain. (Although he too was a Masoinic Brother)

The Samuel Clemens of Mark Twain Fame, briefly enlisted in the Conf. Army in 1861, but soon deserterd to move West to work with his brother, Orion, whose abolitionist views had won him appointment as territorial secretary in Nevada. By mid-August, the brothers were in Carson City, where Clemens tried his luck with timber, then mining, then finally found a measure of success in 1862 as a feature writer for the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise. It was as this paper's reporter at the Nevada constitutional convention that Clemens began to sign his work "Mark Twain."

From there he went on to San Francisco and eventually to Hawaii, not returning to the mainland until after the war ended.

Find below a list of other prominent men from the 19th Century whom were also fellow Masons:

Notable Freemasons of the 19th Century.

Armistead, Lewis A. - Confederate General
Austin, Stephen F. - Father of Texas.
Baldwin, Henry - Supreme Court Justice
Berzelius, Jöns Jakob, Baron - Swedish chemist, considered one of the founders of modern chemistry.
Bingham, Henry H. - Union Captian.
Bolivar, Simon - "Liberator" of South America.
Bowie, James - American pioneer who was killed while defending the Alamo.
Buchanan, James - 15th President of the U.S.
Burbank, Luther - American horticulturist, botanist, and pioneer plant breeder.
Burke, Edmund - Irish-born British politician and writer.
Burnett, David G. - 1st President of the Republic of Texas.
Burns, Robert - The National Poet of Scotland.
Burton, Sir Richard - English Explorer.
Calvo, Father Francisco - Catholic Priest who started Freemasonry in Costa Rica (1865).
Canning, George - British Prime Minister (1827).
Carson, Christopher "Kit" - Frontiersman, scout and explorer.
Catron, John - Supreme Court Justice.
Clark, William - Explorer (Lewis and Clark Fame).
Clemens, Samuel L. (aka "Mark Twain") - writer/humorist.
Clinton, DeWitt - Governor and founder of Public School System (New York).
Cody, "Buffalo Bill" William - Indian fighter, Wild West Show
Colt, Samuel - Firearms inventor.
Crockett, Davy - American Frontiersman and Alamo fame.
Cushing, William - Supreme Court Justice.
Doyle, Sir Author Conan - Writer ("Sherlock Holmes").
Dunant, Jean Henri - Founder of the Red Cross.
Eiffel, Gustave Alexandre - French engineer and builder (Eiffel Tower).
Field, Stephen J. - Supreme Court Justice.
Garibaldi, Giuseppe - Italian nationalist revolutionary and leader in the struggle for Italian unification and independence.
Gatling, Richard J. - Built the "Gatling Gun".
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von - German poet, dramatist, novelist, and scientist.
Harlan, John M. - Supreme Court Justice.
Hedges, Cornelius - "Father" of Yellowstone National Park.
Heine, Heinrich - German poet.
Henson, Reverend Josiah - Inspired the novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin".
Hoban, James - Architect for the U.S. Captial.
Hoe, Richard M. - Invented the rotory press, revolutinizing newspaper printing.
Houston, Sam - 2nd & 4th President of the Republic of Texas
Jackson, Andrew - 7th President of the U.S.
Johnson, Andrew - 17th President of the U.S.
Jones, Anson - 5th President of the Republic of Texas.
Juarez, Benito - President of Mexico (1861-63 and 1867-72).
Kalakaua, David - King of the Hawaiian Islands.
King, Rufus - American political leader, whose policies resulted in the prohibition of slavery in the Northwest Territory.
Kipling, Rudyard - Writer ("The Jungle Books").
Kossuth, Lajos - Hungarian patriot and statesman.
Lake, Simon - Built first submarine successfull in open sea.
Lewis, Meriwether - Explorer (Lewis and Clark Fame).
Lipton, Sir Thomas - Tea.
Livingston, Robert - Co-Negotiator for purchase of Louisiana Territory.
MacDonald, Sir John A. - Prime Minister of Canada (1867-73 & 1878-91).
Marshall, James W. - Discovered Gold at Sutter's Mill California (1848).
Marshall, John - Chief Justice U.S. Supreme Court (1801 - 1835).
Marshall, Thurgood - Supreme Court Justice.
Mathews, Stanley - Supreme Court Justice.
Mazzini, Giuseppe - Italian revolutionary and political theorist.
Mayo, Dr. William (father) and Charles (son) - Began Mayo Clinic.
McKinley, William - 25th President of the U.S.
Menninger, Charles F. (father) and Karl A. (son) - Psychiatrists famous for treating mental illness.
Michelson, Albert Abraham - Successfully measured the speed of light in 1882.
Monge, Gaspard, Comte de Péluse - French mathematician, recognized as the inventor of descriptive geometry.
Monroe, James - 5th President of the U.S.
Naismith, James - Inventor of Basketball.
Nelson, Samuel - Supreme Court Justice.
O'Higgins, Bernardo - Chilean leader, who helped win independence for his country and served as supreme dictator.
Peale, Charles Willson - American painter (late 18th century to early 19th century).
Pike, Albert - Confederate General and Author of "Morals and Dogma".
Poinsett, Joel R. - U.S. Minister to Mexico who developed the flower: Poinsettia.
Polk, James Knox - 11th President of the U.S.
Pullman, George - Built first sleeping car on train.
Pushkin, Aleksander - Russian Poet
Ringling Brothers - All 7 brothers and their father were Masons.
San Martin, José de - Organized an expedition to liberate Peru from Spanish rule.
Sax, Antoine Joseph - Invented the Saxophone (1846).
Scott, Sir Walter - Writer.
Scott, General Winfield - American army officer, who played a major role in the Mexican War (1846-1848).
Smith, Joseph, Jr - Founded The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Smith, John Stafford - Wrote the music that became the US National Anthem.
Smithson, James - British mineralogist and chemist, whose legacy provided for the foundation of the Smithsonian Institution.
Sousa, John Philip - Composer who led the U.S. Marine Band from 1880 to 1892.
Stanford, Leland - Drove the gold spike linking the intercontinental railroad & Founded Stanford University.
Still, Andrew T. - American Physician who devised treatment of Osteopathy.
Stratton, Charles "Tom Thumb" - Entertainer.
Swayne, Noah H. - Supreme Court Justice.
Todd, Thomas - Supreme Court Justice.
Travis, Colonel William B. - Alamo.
Trimble, Robert - Supreme Court Justice.
Wallace, Lewis - Union General - Wrote "Ben Hur".
Wanamaker, John - 19th century American merchant.
Washington, Booker T - Educator and author.

[Spinster]

Re: Masons in the Line

Mr. Hicks and other have provided exhaustive listings and references which only add to the weight of my Grandfather's often voiced statement:

"Not all Masons are good men, but all Good men are Masons"

And, in these days of diminished ranks in many service organizations, and in a society that frequently forgets the obligation to protect the helpless, its a source of comfort to know that y'all are still out there. I was greatly moved last year to see a number of gentlemen quietly depart an event one evening, gone to a traveling meeting.......this quiet presence, and the period appropriate small, but noticeable insignia, have added to my comfort and safety on more than one occassion.

[Andrew Fraize]

Re: Masons in the Line

Here's a thought, and correct me if I am wrong. Masonry and lodges, IOOF, Elks, G.A.R. etc. had their heyday in the late 19th century, post Civil War. Membership in lodges swelled, and became more open to the rank and file, working men, middle and lower middle class. Before that national and international lodges were mostly elite organizations, for the rich and aristocrats etc. So during the ACW we might have seen a Mason among the officers here and there, but probably none in the ranks.

Brothers;
I would have to disagree with you on that point. I have did a little research on the subject and many common men and "Middle Class" men were members of the Masons. Masonry was also big with the Civil Service such as Firemen and Policemen of the time - ordinary working men.

S!
Dewitt Lodge #157 F & A. M.
POTS /G\

[Andrew Fraize]

Re: Masons in the Line

Brothers;

On that subject, I have a Masonic story during the Civil War of how one member of the Brotherhood came to the aid of another on the other side.

After the Naval Engagement of St.Charles, Arkansas on June 17th, 1862 (Noted for the Single most destructive shot during the Civil War) when the Yankee's had occupied the town the leading citizen, one Col. Charles W. Belknap, was taken with the Confederate troops in the fort.

(From the Official History of the Town)
Col. Belknap taken before Fireing Squad

Col. Belknap was not a member of the Confederate Military forces yet he was in the Fort and was captured along with Capt. Fry C.S.N. and other Confederat soldiers at the Battle of St. Charles. He was tried by a court marshall for taking part in the battle in civilian clothes and not being a member of the military forces was sentenced to be shot.
When put before the firing squad he gave a Masonic sign of distress. The Commander of the squad happened to be a Mason also and sent for Col. G.N. Fitch (46th Indiana Vol Inf.), who was also a Mason. This resulted in a confrence between Col. Fitch & Col. Belknap. As a result of this confrence Col. Belknap turned his residence over to Col. Fitch for hospital purposes. Col. Fitch released Col. Belknap and put a guard of 20 men around the residence and ordered that nothing belonging to Belknap be molested.
Nothing is said of this incident in the reports of the Battle but the writer was born at St. Charles 15 years after the war and heard this story repeated many times by old citizens that were eye whitnesses and was common knowlege in the St. Charles Masonic Lodge.

Interesting story about the St. Charles Masonic Lodge During the Civil War

Col. Charles W. Belknap had become a member of the Masons prior to his coming to Arkansas County. As soon as St. Charles became a growing town with sufficient population a Masonic Lodge was organized at the insistance of Col. Belknap about 1855. He was elected the first Worshipful Master.
When the Battle occured a boy named Sam Parker whose father was away in the Confederate Army (1st ARK. Inf.), for fear that the Lodge Bible and working tools of the Lodge might be stolen by the Yankees, he broke into the Lodge and took the instruments and hid and preserved them throughout the war.


Some great history and interesting stories. You find out some interesting things going over old records of your lodge.

/G\ POTS
Dewitt Lodge #157 F & A.M.

[Lone_Rebel87]

Re: Masons in the Line

I must ask how old do you have to be to become a mason... My grandfather is a mason and I think his dad was a mason but I'm not sure how far back it goes...

Thinking on joining the brotherhood when old enough...(currently 16 yrs. of age)

Jordan Davis

[K Bartsch]

Re: Masons in the Line

I must ask how old do you have to be to become a mason... My grandfather is a mason and I think his dad was a mason but I'm not sure how far back it goes...

Thinking on joining the brotherhood when old enough...(currently 16 yrs. of age)

Jordan Davis

Jordan,

21 is the generally accepted age for petitioning for membership in US jurisdictions.

Cordially,

[1stMaine]

Re: Masons in the Line

I must ask how old do you have to be to become a mason... My grandfather is a mason and I think his dad was a mason but I'm not sure how far back it goes...

Thinking on joining the brotherhood when old enough...(currently 16 yrs. of age)

Jordan Davis

Comrade,

You might consider contacting your local Lodge, or the Grand Lodge of your state (both should be listed in the yellow pages under "Fraternal Organisations". Enquire as to whether they have a "Demolay" program in their area. The Demolay is a Masonic Youth program for young men ages 13-21 that is mentored by Master Masons from various local Lodges. It is designed to instill Masonic ideals within our young men, in order to provide them with leadership abilities and an appreciation of their fellow citizens. It also provides an excellent alternative to just hanging out with your friends. Demolay members are active in their community doing volunteer work in many areas. Demolay is open to all young men, regardless of religion, ethnicity, etc.
I would encourage you to investigate it.
Respects,

[Lone_Rebel87]

Re: Masons in the Line

Thank you...I'll look it up :)


Much obliged,
Jordan Davis

[markj]

Re: Masons in the Line

You might enjoy this:

Lafayette IN "Daily Journal," 26 February 1862:

ODD FELLOWS AND MASONS.—We learn that all of the [Fort Donelson rebel] prisoners in the city [of Indianapolis], whether officers or privates, who are members of the Masonic Order or the Order of Independent Odd Fellows will be carefully looked after by their brethren. Nor will the charity and kindness of the magnanimous and noble men belonging to these, the most efficient of our benevolent associations, stop here. Their attention will be freely, and as brothers, bestowed upon all who need it. "One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."—[Indianapolis] State Sentinel.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[Andrew Fraize]

Re: Masons in the Line

A Question to Brother Masons out there:

I have read many instances of where Masons got together in camp and actually held lodge - I take it this was among the members of a single Company or even a Regiment.

Do any of you reenactors out there who are Masons ever get together and have Lodge during an event? Was just curious.

/G\ POTS
Dewitt Lodge #157 F & A.M.

[Barry Smithson]

Re: Masons in the Line

A Question to Brother Masons out there:

I have read many instances of where Masons got together in camp and actually held lodge - I take it this was among the members of a single Company or even a Regiment.

Do any of you reenactors out there who are Masons ever get together and have Lodge during an event? Was just curious.

/G\ POTS
Dewitt Lodge #157 F & A.M.

We have quite a few Masons in our unit but we do not hold a Lodge meeting in the field. We do not have a charter so we cannot. We have gone to a local Lodge that was holding a meeting and have done it in uniform but never in the field.

[Bushrod Carter]

Re: Masons in the Line

Bro. Hicks,

Let's get this thread jump started again.

How 'bout posting the photo of the Widows & Orphans table from Shaker Village. Maybe we could even talk Runyon or some other Brother proficient with a pen to write a short note about our Masonic Brotherhood at the event.

[BrianHicks]

Re: Masons in the Line

[Bushrod Carter]

Re: Masons in the Line

EXCELLENT!

Now, do others have Msonic stories to share from any recently past events?

I'm sure Bro. Runyon (cough, cough) will be posting a short blurb about our (pictured above) W&O Table at Shaker Village (cough, cough) soon!