THE BUILDER FEBRUARY 1926

Freemasonry in Kentucky

By BRO. HENRY BAER, Ohio

PART I

INTRODUCED in the last quarter of the eighteenth century by sturdy
pioneer settlers to a wilderness country, the territorial part of
Virginia long the favorite hunting grounds of northern Indian
tribes, the story of Freemasonry in Kentucky forms what is probably
the most interesting and colorful account of any Grand Lodge
Jurisdiction in the United States. Beginning with first settlement,
virtually every step of the early history and progress of the State
seems linked with the Fraternity. While much has been written of
general historical nature, but little, strangely enough with such
a fertile field in which to labor, has ever appeared in the latter
connection, and nothing at all of its Masonic story during years of
settlement preceding the formation of its Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge. This last is due, case of so many other Grand Jurisdictions,
to the loss of early records, where any were kept, and adherence to
"Ancient" Constitutions which imposed the utmost secrecy upon the
Craft, and forbade any secret code or written record of whatever
nature under penalty of expulsion. To this latter provision the
Masons in Kentucky have steadily seemed to cling. It was not until
more than a half century after a Grand Lodge had been established
that the first, and last, extensive account of Freemasonry in the
State was compiled and published by Rob. Morris when he served as
Grand Master in 1858. This was a monumental work of facts carefully
gathered and authenticated through years of laborious research, and
much of the following was drawn from this source. Inasmuch as in
pioneer days there was a necessary relation between civil and
political conditions of a country and its Masonic history (and none
more so than in Kentucky) it is thought proper to first set forth
certain facts relative to the early settlement and progress of the
State.

In the middle of the eighteenth century Christopher Gist, intrepid
backwoodsman and pathfinder, was sent out by a group of Virginians
who had formed a land buying enterprise known as the Ohio Company,
to explore the country west of the Allegheny Mountains. Descending
the Ohio River in the face of great dangers he made examination of
this wild but beautiful region as far as the Falls, where later
Louisville was built. Then swinging southward he returned by
circuitous route through the wonderful Blue Grass country and
virgin forests of Kentucky. Moved by his wondrous tales of
discovery several other adventurous spirits made trips westward
during the next two decades and explored the territory to the east,
north and south. Chief among them were Daniel Boone and Simon
Kenton, the most celebrated Indian fighters and pioneers of the
eighteenth century. From the year 1775 settlement of the country
began and by 1779 the little hamlets of Harrodsburg, Boonesboro,
Limestone (Maysville), Louisville and Lexington had been
established as well as several scattered trading stations.

All through these and subsequent years there was much fighting of
a desperate character with the Indians of the north, who, angered
at the invasion of their "happy hunting grounds" by the whites,
watched every cabin and conducted numerous raids upon the
settlements and stations, killing and scalping men, women and
children, driving off stock and burning their cabins until the
territory became known as the "dark and bloody ground." History
records that between the years 1777 and 1782 many fierce an d
bloody battles were fought, in which members of the Craft
participated; the Kentuckians in every instance being
overwhelmingly outnumbered, but often inflicting severe punishment
upon their savage foe. The greatest disaster occurring to the
settlers was in 1782, when after a force of 500 Canadians and
Indians led by Simon Girty, a renegade white, had unsuccessfully
laid siege to Bryan's Stations, a force of one hundred and
eighty-two Kentuckians who had set out in pursuit was ambushed and
badly defeated at the Blue Licks with a loss of a third killed and
several taken prisoners. For some time, however, General George
Rogers Clark, Kentucky's most noted hero, had in retaliation been
conducting raids against the tribes to the north destroying crops
and laying waste their towns. After a final expedition to the Miami
towns of the Ohio country in 1782, following the Battle of the Blue
Licks, no large body of Indians ever again invaded Kentucky. Many
minor but bloody conflicts were fought in the territory from 1788
to 1793, when roving bands of savages again swooped down upon
isolated stations and cabins and took further toll of settlers'
lives. History estimates that in the nearly twenty years of terror
and bloodshed at least 1,000 were slain and many carried away into
captivity. Undoubtedly the greatest dangers, hardships and
vicissitudes ever known to pioneer existence were undergone by
these early emigrants in the "dark and bloody ground," who could
look for no assistance from the colonies, engaged as they were in
the War of Independence, and perforce fought a lone fight.

With the close of the Revolution in the spring of 1783 ensued a
rush of emigration from beyond the Alleghenies and the eastern half
of the territory soon became quite settled. Plans were laid as
early as the following year for a separation from Virginia, the
Mother country, and the formation of a state. For various reasons
it was not until June 1, 1792, however, that the independence of
Kentucky was won and a state born, the first in the Mississippi
Valley, with Colonel Isaac Shelby, hero of King's Mountain in the
Revolutionary War, as Governor.

At the beginning of this decade furious fighting had again broken
out with the Indians who, driven from Kentucky, conducted similar
warfare against the settlers in the Ohio and Indian Territories.
With the scenes of battle now shifted northward large forces of
Kentuckians led by General Charles Scott, a hard two-fisted fighter
of the Revolution, participated with militia and regular troops in
the several ensuing engagements. A crushing defeat administered to
the enemy at Fallen Timbers, Toledo, Ohio, in 1794 by the army of
General "Mad Anthony" Wayne, assisted by 2,600 mounted volunteers
from Kentucky under Scott, finally brought an end to savage warfare
in this century.

Just what part Freemasonry played throughout these trying times has
never become known but it is believed not to have been a negligible
one. No records from those early days in Kentucky have ever come to
light nor is it thought any were kept in a period when "Silence and
circumspection" were Masonic virtues practiced much more literally
than now. Whether Daniel Boone was a Mason has often been debated.
From the fact that in 1845 there was a turnout of Masons in full
regalia who participated in the ceremonies attending the
re-interment of his remains at Frankfort; that the Grand Lodge of
Kentucky later contributed $50 toward the erection of a monument in
that city; and further, that several lodges in the state have been
named in his honor; conclusions might be drawn that he most
probably was a member of the Craft, but like so many of the
old-time brethren never stated or left record of his affiliation.
Unofficial information is at hand that General George Rogers Clark
held membership in the Order. A Virginian by birth he came to
Kentucky with the first settlers in 1775, moved there a year later
and became famous in the Indian wars which followed. He was a
brother of William Clark, a noted explorer, who with Merriweather
Lewis in 1803 set out to cross the Rockies and became the first
American to view the Pacific Ocean. Both William Clark and
Merriweather Lewis were Masons. That General Wayne held membership
in the Fraternity is recorded in Masonic history. General Scott was
born in Virginia and coming to the Blue Grass country in 1785 soon
became prominently identified with its history and affairs, serving
as Governor of the state from 1808 to 1812. In Peters' Masons as
Makers of America Scott is listed with the many others of
Washington's generals who were enrolled in the Craft. It is also
believed that Colonel Isaac Shelby first Governor of Kentucky, was
a Mason like so many of the early pioneers of the West; but as in
case of Clark this has not been definitely established.

When and by whom Freemason was first brought to Kentucky will
likely never become known. Even such an indefatigable student as
Rob. Morris was unable to unearth anything of a definite nature in
years of research. Assuredly, however, it had its introduction with
earliest settlement and was thereafter no longer to be confined in
scope to the long strip of land east of the Alleghenies. In the
beautiful language of Morris:

"Every emigrant whose slow moving wagon surmounted those barriers
brought some knowledge of Masonry from the east to the west, some
family tradition, some incident of a charitable character to relate
to his children when they should arrive at their wildwood home; and
this was the germ which was to expand into a great stock. Many came
from Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Connecticut
possessed of light and knowledge of the Institution. Among their
scanty books were to be found the 'Ahiman Rezon' of Pennsylvania or
one of the various editions of Dermott or Anderson; and when they
were set down amid the cheerlessness of the forests far from the
pleasant influences of schools and churches and the social
gatherings of their former homes, what wonder that thoughts of
their old Masonic homes, of fraternal circles at labor and at
refreshment possessed their minds with the keenest desire! What
wonder that the faintest suggestion of the establishment of a lodge
within ten, or twenty or thirty miles of the log cabins was hailed
with ardor, or that signature and influence and open purse were
offered unreservedly to perfect the idea! Such elongations of the
Masonic cable-tow were rarely witnessed as those displayed by the
emigrant Masons in the 'dark and bloody ground,' thirsting for the
'social joy' connected with the 'great design'.'

Among the pioneer brethren who felt the need of that fraternal
society and friendship to which they had been accustomed and was
not to be afforded by their isolated position in the wilderness
were those residing in or near Lexington Town. As early as 1785 a
little band of eight settlers from this vicinity began planning the
erection of Masonic Lodge. In consequence a petition was later
forthcoming to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Virginia praying
that a charter be granted to organize a lodge. This in due time was
favorably acted upon and a warrant issued these brethren under date
of Nov. 17, 1788, to form Lexington Lodge, No. 25, naming Colonel
Richard Clough Anderson as first Worshipful Master. Colonel
Anderson, a Virginian and distinguished soldier of the Revolution,
was a brother-in-law of General George Rogers Clark, having married
the latter's sister. With the arrival of this charter candles were
set aglow in a little log structure and sent their flickering rays
into the gloom of the wilderness, the first Great Lights of Masonry
to be erected in the western country. The next lodge to become
established was at Paris by virtue of an authority emanating from
the same source under date of Nov. 25, 1791, which was styled Paris
Lodge, No. 35. Then after a lapse of several years came the
constitution of Georgetown Lodge, No. 46, on Nov. 29, 1796, at
Georgetown; Hiram Lodge, No. 57, on Dec. 11, 1799, at Frankfort,
and Ahraham's Lodge at Shelbyville, under dispensation in the year
1800 and later known as Solomon's Lodge, No. 5. The warrants or
other authority for the formation of these last three lodges
likewise were of Virginia register.

As in other pioneer states of the early West the first legislators
and principal public officers of Kentucky were nearly all of the
Craft. Indeed, the first appointments of Governor Shelby for
Fayette County, wherein was erected Lexington Town, were
exclusively of Masons. Silent testimonial of the influence of
Masonry in those days is perhaps to be noted in the Seal of the
State. This shows within a circle two figures' standing with hands
clasped in an attitude of Brotherly Love. Further, what appears to
be the letter "G" is to be seen in the inscription at either end of
the words "United We Stand--Divided We Fall," a most appropriate
and fitting motto for this state.

With the close of the eighteenth century in view of the long and
tedious journey entailing attendance upon the Grand Lodge meetings
in the Mother Jurisdiction, the seats of the Kentucky lodges and
that of the Grand Lodge of Virginia being more than 700 miles apart
and the fact that the Grand Charity Fund could not be extended to
any brother or Mason's family in the State nor could the work of
the lodges be inspected by the Grand Master for this reason, it was
deemed expedient by the brethren of Lexington Lodge that in order
to promote the welfare of the Craft a Grand Lodge be formed in
Kentucky. Invitations were accordingly sent the other four lodges
and a meeting arranged to take place on Sept. 8, 1800, in Masons'
Hall Lexington, each lodge to be represented by its delegates.
These assembled on this date and an organization was effected with
John Hawkins as Chairman of the Convention and Thomas Bodley,
Clerk. Resolutions were then passed by the fifteen brethren present
that a Grand Lodge be established in the State and that a
respectful address to the parent body in Virginia be drafted
setting forth the several reasons actuating the lodges in seeking
separation from its jurisdiction.

On 16, 1800, representatives from the five lodges met in the same
place for the purpose of opening a Grand Lodge and holding its
First Grand Communication; James Morrison of Lexington Lodge, as
the oldest Past Master present, taking the chair and appointing
temporary officers. After charters or dispensations had been
surrendered and the credentials of all approved, an election of
officers was held. As a result the following were chosen as the
first Grand Officers of the newly-formed governing body and
installed in due and ancient form: William Murray, Master of Hiram
Lodge, Grand Master; Alex. Macgregor, Master of Lexington Lodge,
Deputy Grand Master; Simon Adams, Master of Abraham's Lodge, Grand
Senior Warden; Carey L. Clark, Past Master of Georgetown Lodge,
Grand Junior Warden; James Russell, Grand Secretary; John A. Seitz,
Grand Treasurer; Thomas Hughes, Grand Senior Deacon; Nathaniel
Williams, Grand Junior Deacon; Samuel Shepard, Grand Pursuivant,
and John Bobbs, Grand Tyler. Next the "Ancient" Constitutions and
By-Laws of Virginia were adopted for use until such time as
regulations for the government of Kentucky lodges could be
prepared. These Constitutions had been used by the Virginia
brethren since 1792 and were virtually the "Ahiman Rezon" of
Lawrence Dermott, the celebrated Irish Mason and leader of the
group which seceded from the Grand Lodge of England after its
organization and formed the so-called Ancient Grand Lodge. (1) The
five lodges were then numbered according to the dates on their
respective authorities ranking thereafter in the order named:
Lexington Lodge, No. 1, Paris Lodge, No. 2, Georgetown Lodge, No.
3, Hiram Lodge, No. 4, and Solomon's Lodge, No. 5. Until one of its
own could be designed, the seal of Lexington Lodge was adopted as
the official seal of the newly-formed Grand Body. In the absence of
parchment or vellum for the proper execution of new charters it was
directed that written forms of authority be prepared on paper, to
remain in effect until more formal charters could be issued. To
cite an instance of the delay and inconvenience to which the
pioneers of those early days were subjected it was ten years before
the parchment warrant of Lexington Lodge was received. A committee
was then appointed to address each Grand Lodge in the country and
inform them of the organization of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky and
the reasons therefor. With the confirming of these proceedings by
those present they were subscribed by the newly-elected Grand
Officers and this epoch-making session came to a close. The Grand
Lodge of Virginia later approved the action of the Craft in
Kentucky in withdrawing from its jurisdiction, her reply being
received some time in the year following and read in Grand Lodge at
the session of October, 1801.

William Murray, first Grand Master, was Attorney General of
Kentucky when elected to this exalted station and has been followed
in that office by many men who were prominent in affairs of State
and Nation. It was William Murray who generously donated to
Lexington Lodge the lot whereon to build "Masons' Hall."

Thus under the circumstances and in manner related was born the
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of the State
of Kentucky, formed at a time when but half of the state was
settled, and that still little better than a wilderness; while all
that territory lying west and north of the Green River was yet an
unbroken forest. Though all the five lodges within the confines of
the state shared in its inception, yet upon Lexington Lodge, No. 1,
devolves the credit and honor of having suggested and taken the
initiative in the establishment of a ruling body of the Craft; the
first in the country west of the Allegheny Mountains. From its very
beginning some of the most distinguished citizens of the Blue Grass
state were included in its personnel. These lent their able
assistance in the development of the new Grand Lodge and in the
safe guidance of its destinies throughout later troublous years.

While each constituent lodge contributed its share of intellect
none had a larger representation, or a more conspicuous part in its
affairs, than Lexington Lodge. Especially was this so in earlier
years, for of the thirteen Grand Masters who served for varying
terms from 1800 to 1820 eight were numbered among its members,
comprising some of the brightest stars in the Masonic firmament of
Kentucky: James Morrison, John Jordan, Jr., George W. Bibb, Joseph
Hamilton Daviess, Daniel Bradford, Thomas Bodley, Samuel H. Woodson
and Henry Clay. This old lodge has enjoyed an uninterrupted
existence for nearly 140 years and is today one of the most
thriving bodies in the state, its membership from the little
handful which began labor in 1788 having grown to approximately
700. Of the other four lodges all are still upon the Grand Lodge
Roster with the exception of Georgetown Lodge, No. 3, whose charter
was forfeited in 1804.

(1) It is only fair to say that many competent scholars have come
to the conclusion that the "Ancient" Grand Lodge was not formed by
seceders from the Grand Lodge of 1717, but by independent or "St.
John's" lodges which had never been connected with it. [Ed.]
