Georgia - History - Masonic Biography and Dictionary ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Linda Barton http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00003.html#0000645 May 1, 2003 Masonic Biography and Dictionary comprising The History of Ancient Masonry, Antiquity of Masonry, Written and Unwritten Law, Derivation and Definition of Masonic Terms, Biographies of Eminent Masons, Statistics, List of All Lodges in the United States, Etc. Compiled by Augustus Row, K. T. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co. 1868 Anti-Masonry - In 1826 a great cry was raised by the political tricksters of the country against Freemasonry. To insure success, the party had recourse to every stratagem, and amongst the most popular was the story hatched out of the so-called and supposed abduction of an individual named Morgan, at Batavia, New York, in 1826, for exposing the secrets of the order. This fellow, finding no doubt his enterprise a failure, secreted himself, and circulated the story in order to meet a ready sale of his work, which was but a republication of "Jachin and Boaz," published in Albany, in 1790, from an English work. The frenzy with which politicians hashed and rehashed this story, obtained for them about 100,000 supporters in New York. In Pennsylvania, where the Hon. Judge Giullis was arrested for complicity in the affair, the party succeeded in dividing the vote. In Vermont, the party, fired with unceasing efforts, succeeded for a time. But this was not to last. The party had grown so rapidly, swollen so hugely with broken-down politicians, and presented such an empty hollowness of principle, that it exploded with the contempt of all good citizens. In Pennsylvania, the Legislature inaugurated a series of persecutions, and the hero Thaddeus Stevens, Esq., of Lancaster, a rejected applicant of Good Samaritan Lodge, Gettysburg, Pa., was not able to force the secrets from the order. The principles of the order having become known and found their way to the people, the sentiment was soon changed, and the ill-shaped Anti-Masonic party, having no other aim than power and corruption, came to an end. But the power behind the throne has again shown its huge-footed plans and the resurrection of its skeleton is now proposed. Whether the new effort will succeed, remains for the future to disclose, but it matters little, as the truths of a genuine Christian system of charity and benevolence, as produced by Freemasonry, are engrafted in the minds of the people, not to be rooted out by persecution. (See U.S. "Anti-Masonic Convention.") Georgia – Freemasonry was introduced into this state about 1730-1734. In 1735, the Grand Lodge of England granted a Charter for a Lodge at Savannah. In December 16th, 1786, the Grand Lodge was organized. Grand Lodge – The body that has exclusive jurisdiction in a State or kingdom over the Subordinate Lodges, and all Masons within its bounds. It empowers subordinate bodies to practice all the rights of Masonry. Originally the order was not governed by Grand Lodges, but the right existed inherently to act as individuals. However, the ancient brethren met annually, to consult upon Masonry and select a Grand Master. But as the order increased in power and numbers, it became necessary to establish Grand Lodges, for the interest of the order. The first charter granted was to St. Alban's, for a General Assembly, and subsequently Prince Edwin obtained a charter to assemble all Masons at York. It was thus the order obtained and has ever since recognized the necessity of a Grand Lodge. Grand Lodges and their Jurisdiction – A Grand Lodge has jurisdiction over the territory of the State in which it is organized, and no other Grand Body can exercise any authority or charter Lodges therein. It is governed by the ancient usages and landmarks of the order, and acknowledges no superior authority than these. Jackson, James, Maj.-Gen. – Born in Devonshire, England, 21st Sept. 1757, died at Washington, D. C., 15th March, 1806. He came to America in 1772, and read law in Savannah, Ga. In July, 1782, Gen. Wayne selected him to receive the keys of Savannah from the British upon their evacuation. In 1778, he was appointed a brig.-general of Georgia militia, and was wounded in the engagement of Ogeechee. He was at the siege of Savannah in Oct. 1779, and at the battle of Blackwater in 1780. Gen. Andrew Pickens made him his brigade-major in 1781. He participated in the siege of Augusta in June, 1781. He filled an important post in the Southern revolutionary struggle. In 1778, he was elected Governor of Georgia, but declined to serve. He was one of the first representatives of Georgia in Congress after the organization of the Federal Government, and from 1792 to 1795, a member of U.S. Senate. About this time he was made a major-general. He assisted in framing the Constitution of Georgia, and from 1798 to 1801, was their Governor, when he was again chosen U. S. Senator. In 1785, in King Solomon's Lodge, at Savannah, which had commenced its work under an old oak-tree in 1733, and belonged to the Modern, we find his first Masonic Records. In July, 1785, he proposed that they form themselves into the Ancients, which was done. In 1786, when the Independent Grand Lodge was formed, he was elected Dep. G. Master, and the following year elected Grand master, which he held until 1789. Statistics – Number of Lodges in the various States, from 1816. In 1816, many of the Grand Lodges were not formed, and hence no returns. Georgia – 1816, No. of Lodges – 14; 1822, No. of Lodges – 20; 1859, No. of Lodges – 320; 1866, Members – 10,023 ( with returns from 162 out of 250 Lodges) and Initiated – 2,373. United States Anti-Masonic Convention. – This convention assembled at Philadelphia, 11th September, 1830. It was the first formidable attempt of a national combination in opposition to Freemasonry. There were 96 members, representing Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Rhode Island, Ohio, New jersey, Michigan, Maryland, and Delaware. At that time but few persons of eminence were among the delegates, but several of them, attaching themselves to other "issues," and abandoning political anti-masonry, subsequently became known. Among them were Francis Granger, Henry Dana Ward, Frederick Whittlesey, Wm. H. Seward, N. Y., and Pliny Merrick, Mass. The cement that bound such minds to men like David Bernard, Moses Thatcher, Thaddeus Stevens, and Joseph Ritner, must have possessed powerful magnetism. Francis Granger was made Prest., seconded by six Vice-Presidents. A remarkable fact is, that no State west of Ohio or south of Maryland had a delegate. Maine and New Hampshire refused the part assigned them, and sent no delegate. Fourteen committees were appointed, and the questions relative to Masonic rituals, history, and jurisprudence were divided among them. Mr. Seward was to report resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the Convention. A proposition to inquire into the pecuniary circumstances of the widow and children of William Morgan was rejected, as "that was not the purpose for which they had assembled." Three gentlemen of North Carolina took their seats as honorary members. The committee "on the effects of Masonic ties and obligations on commerce and revenue of the U.S.," were discharged without a report. In the report of the influence of Masonry upon the public press, it was reported that between 1826 and 1830 there had been 124 anti-masonic papers established, to wit: Pennsylvania, 53; New York, 46; Connecticut, 2; Rhode Island, 1; Massachusetts, 5; Vermont, 4; New Jersey, 2; Ohio, 9; Indiana, 1; Michigan,1. A number of these journals simply kept quiet to see what the mountain would bring forth, and when they found it to be a mouse, tacked about and retired from the sinking anti-masonic vessel. The summing up of these profound deliberations were: 1. That the expositions of Masonic secrets are true. 2. That Freemasonry originated early in the 18th century. 3. That its oath are not obligatory. 4. That adhering Masons are disqualified for public officers. 5. Masonry and its principles are inconsistent with the genius of American Institutions. 6. That Masonry should be extinguished at the ballot –box. 7. That the public Press are evil. The Convention adjourned to meet at Baltimore, Sept. 26th, 1831, to nominate candidates for President and Vice-President. The Convention nominated Wm. Wirt and Amos Ellmaker for their standard-bearers. These renowned champions went forth to battle, and brought as trophies from the field the electoral vote of Vermont. But the dog was now dead; and the leading fanatical spirits discarded it, as it ever was a worthless hotchpotch of the villainies of broken-down political tricksters. American Military Lodges. - The following are the military lodges that were instituted in the American army during the revolutionary war. 1. St. John's Regimental Lodge, in the U. S. Battalion, warranted by the G. L. of New York, Feb. 24th, 1775. 2. American Union Lodge, in the Connecticut Line, warranted by the G. L. of Massachusetts, Feb. 15th, 1776. 3. No. 19, in the 1st Regiment, Pennsylvania Artillery, warranted by G. L. of Pennsylvania, May 18th, 1779. 4. Washington Lodge, in the Massachusetts Line, warranted by the Massachusetts G. L., Oct. 6th, 1779. 5. No. 20, in North Carolina Regiment, warranted by the G. L. of Pennsylvania, _____1779. 6. No. 27, in Maryland Line, warranted by G.,L. of Pennsylvania, April 4th, 1780. 7. No. 28, in Pennsylvania Line, warranted by G. L. of Pennsylvania, _______1780. 8. No. 29, in Pennsylvania Line, warranted by G. L. of Pennsylvania, July 27th, 1780. 9. No. 31, in New Jersey Line, warranted by G. L. of Pennsylvania, March 26th, 1781. 10. No. 36, in New Jersey Line, warranted by G. L. of Pennsylvania, Sept. 2d, 1782. LIST OF LODGES. (The numbers below that are blank did not have a lodge assigned to them, it was just easier to let it auto number itself instead of leaving these numbers out as they are in the book. This is a list of Lodges as of 1859, not 1868 the date of publication of the book) GEORGIA Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Georgia 0. Solomon's, Savannah 1. Social, Augusta 2. Stith, Sparta 3. 4. Rising Sun 5. Macon, Macon 6. Golden Fleece, Covington 7. Columbia, Columbia 8. Orion, Bainbridge 9. Mt. Hope, Hawkinsville 10. Olive, Talbolton 11. Franklin, Warrenton 12. Cross, Lumpkin 13. Americus, Americus 14. Marion, Tazewell 15. Zerubbabel, Savannah 16. Hamilton, Hamilton 17. Darley, Ft. Gaines 18. Monroe, Forsythe 19. Washington, Cuthbert 20. Rising Sun, Reidsville 21. Hiram, Florence 22. Mt. Vernon, Athens 23. Lafayette, Washington 24. General Warren, Monroe. Albany, Albany 25. Philomathean, Elberton 26. Meridian Sun, Griffin 27. Morning Star, Thomaston 28. Union, La Grange 29. Madison, Madison 30. Amity, Walkinsville 31. Montgomery, Zebulon 32. St. Patrick, Danville 33. Keneson, Marietta 34. San Marino, Greensboro' 35. Houston, Perry 36. Unity, Jefferson 37. Fraternal, McDonough 38. Blue Mountain, Dahlonega 39. Newborn, Newborn 40. Ebenezer, Ebenezer 41. Pythagoras, Decolin 42. Concord, Concord 43. West Point, West Point 44. Lafayette, Cumming 45. St. John's, Jackson 46. Washington, Pondtown 47. Oglethorpe, Columbus 48. Jackson, Hickory Grove 49. St. Thomas, Thomsonville 50. Jasper, Monticello 51. Hiram, Danbury 52. St. Patrick, Louisville 53. Mt. Moriah, Fayetteville 54. Clinton, Savannah 55. Knoxville, Knoxville 56. Burns, Lamir 57. Greeneville, Greeneville 58. Hamilton, Soudersville 59. Atlanta, Atlanta 60. Coweta, Newnan 61. Chatahootche, Franklin 62. Randolph, Pumpkintown 63. Georgetown, Georgetown 64. Mt. Moriah, Woodstock 65. Traveler's Rest, Traveler's Rest 66. Coosa, Rome 67. Dawson, Crawfordville 68. Dawson, Social Circle 69. Carroll, Carrollton 70. Erin, Erin 71. Oxford, Oxford 72. Villa Rica, Villa Rica 73. Aleova, Newton Factory 74. Unity, Palmetto 75. Laurens, Dublin 76. Campbellton, Campbellton 77. Canton, Canton 78. Lincoln, Lincolnton 79. Tien, Buena Vista 80. Weston, Weston x Roads 81. Oak Brewery, Elizor (as listed in the book, but should be Oak Bowery, Ellijay) 82. W. P. Arnold, Wrightsboro' 83. Zaradotha, Lexington 84. Lithoma, Lithoma 85. Daniel, Island Creek 86. Magnolia, Blakely 87. Jonesboro', Jonesboro' 88. Pinta, Barnesville 89. Eldorado, Plattsburg 90. Ringold, Colbert's Mills 91. Western, La Fayette 92. Carten, Pleasant Hill 93. St. Mark's, Gold Hill 94. New River, Corinth 95. Eureka, Starkville 96. Liberty Union, Taylor's Creek 97. Euharlee, Van Wert 98. Houston, Houston 99. Siloam, Snapping Shoals 100. St. John, Raysville 101. Cartersville, Cartersville 102. Rose, Whitesville 103. Pleasant Ridge, Pleasant Ridge 104. Montpelier, Montpelier 105. Dalton, Dalton 106. Quitman, Ringgold 107. Thurmond, Hillsboro' 108. Chapel, Lumpkin 109. Summerville, Summerville 110. Ft. Valley, Ft. Valley 111. Stone Mountain, Stone Mountain 112. Walton, Shady Dale 113. Tallapoosa, Buchanan 114. Allegheny, Blairsville 115. Troup Factory, Troup Factory 116. Wornam, Clinton 117. Farmer's, Vienna 118. Kinbrough, Columbus 119. McIntosh, Indian Springs 120. Mackey, Cove Spring 121. Caedonia, Cedartown 122. Williamsville, Williamsville 123. Baker, White Plains 124. Furlon, Bobtsville 125. Jabon Burr, Mountville 126. St. Mary's, St. Mary's 127. Ancient York, Sandy Ridge 128. Union, Quito 129. Fickling, Butler 130. Salem, Cudoden 131. Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville 132. Long Cone, Long Cone 133. Mt. Hickory, Easterling 134. 135. Fergus, Buncombe 136. Cassville, Cassville 137. Malloryville, Malloryville 138. Howard, Maxey's Depot 139. King David, King's Chapel 140. Claremont, Liberty Hill 141. Charity, Petersburgh 142. Haralson, Haralson 143. South Western, Oglethorpe 144. Ellerslie, Ellerslie 145. Cohultah, Spring Place 146. Kirlin, Mulberry Grove 147. Sulphur Springs, White Sulphur Springs 148. Phi Delta, Phi Delta 149. Woodbury, Woodbury 150. Carmel, Irwington 151. Wellington, Wellington 152. Sharon Grove, White Water 153. Springville, Powder Springs 154. Otheologa, Calhoun 155. Chandler, Jamestown 156. Harmony, McLendon's Store 157. Oakland, Ferris Bridge 158. Irving, Chickasawahatchee 159. Bowenville, Bowenville 160. Harmony, Appling 161. Tallulah, Clarksville 162. Joppa, Pt. Peter 163. Star in the East, Millhaven 164. Triggs, Marion 165. Rosswell, Rosswell 166. Webbs', Augusta 167. Floyd Springs 168. Adairsville, Adairsville 169. Mt. Ebal, Fayettsville 170. Emory, St. Cloud 171. Philadelphus, Penfield 172. Ocopilco, Ocopilco 173. Patrick Henry, Drayton 174. Holt, Quebec 175. Zabud, New-market 176. Acworth, Acworth 177. Pine Grove, Pine Grove 178. 179. Trenton, Trenton 180. Fairburn, Fairburn 181. Milford, Milford 182. Dallas, Dallas 183. High Falls, Cross Ridge 184. St. John Baptist, Troupville 185. Cool Spring, Cool Springs 186. Carnersville, Carnersville 187. Centre, Union 188. Marshal, Preston 189. Herman, Hartwell 190. Baker, Newton 191. Rockwell, Mulberry 192. Rehoboth, Nockway 193. Coffee, Jacksonville 194. Worth, Isabella 195. Holmesville, Holmesville 196. Trader's Hill, Trader's Hill 197. Wells, Calaparchee 198. Milwood, Milwood 199. Lumber City, Lumber City 200. Eastern Light, Copeland 201. Ococee, Morganton 202. Tunnel Hill, Tunnel Hill 203. Ashler, Concord 204. Miller, Thomson 205. Hickory Flat, Hickory Flat 206. Bowden, Bowden 207. Armonia, Duncansville 208. Hudson, Glades x Road 209. Alopaha, Troublesome 210. Brookline, Brookline 211. Butler, Alopaha 212. Irwin, Irwinville 213. Ogechee, Ogechee 214. Ocean, Brunswick 215. Goulding, Dublin 216. Fulton, Atlanta 217. Waresborough, Waresborough 218. Halt, Colginth 219. Gainesville, Gainesville 220. Picken's Star, Jasper 221. Sonora, Sonora 222. Etowah, Dawsonville 223. Smith, Red Hill 224. Magnolia, Magnolia 225. Attapulgus, Attapulgus 226. Ft. Early, Warwick 227. Altamaha, Johnson 228. Yellow River, Gwinnett 229. Schley, Dawson 230. Mineral Spring, Plains of Dura LIST OF GRAND CHAPTERS GEORGIA Organized Feb 23d. 1821, Louisville and Augusta represented; Subsequently approval and vote of officers forwarded by Chapters at Lexington, Eastonton and Milledgeville – files in my possession imperfect. Grand High Priests – 1822, Gov. William Schley, Louisville (died Nov. 20th, 1858) 1848, Wm. T. Gould, Augusta 1854-9, Philip T. Schley, Savannah Grand Secretaries – 1823, Daniel Hook, Louisville 1848, W. H. Kitchen, Augusta 1854 to 1860, Benjamin B. Russell, Augusta Subordinates – No. 1 – Athens 2 - Augusta 3 - Savannah 4 – Macon 5 – Forsyth 6 – Milledgeville 7 - Columbus 8 - Talbolton 9 – Washington 10 – Griffin 11 – LaGrange 12 – Ft. Gaines 13 – Marietta 14 – Newbern 15 – Albany 16 – Atlanta 17 – Lumpkin 18 – Fort Valley 20 – Eatonton 21 – Warrenton 22 – Carrollton 23 - Ellaville 24 – Dalton 25 – Elberton 26 – Rome 27 – Greensboro 28 – McDonough 30 – Hamilton 31 – Cuthbert 32 – Lithonia 33 – Sandersville 34 – Newnan 35 – Zebulon; Cartersville 37 – Fayetteville 38 – Franklin 39 – Lawrenceville 40 – Monroe 41 – Cedar Town 42 – Americus 43 – Covington 44 – Thomasville 45 – Blakely SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS Organized under Authority of the Grand Encampment of the U.S., or recognized by it, since its formation, on first day of June 1816. GEORGIA Georgia, at Augusta, May 5th, 1823 St. Omer at Macon, 26th July, and September, 1848. St. Aldemar, at Columbus, December, 1857; Jan. 24th, 1860. Comy. Coeur de Lion, at Atlanta, May 14th, 1859; September 17th, 1859. Grand Encampment formed, April 25th, 1860.