A History of Capitol Lodge No. 3
A.F. & A. M.
Among other things Webster’s Dictionary defines “History” as meaning “any narrative or story; a historical drama.’ It is exactly what the writers of this History of Capitol Lodge No. 3, A..F..&A..M.., had in mind when they wrote the material contained in this Web site. Considerable research went into the preparation of the material contained in these pages and free use was made of the material contained in the History of Capitol Lodge pre pared by Brother Theodore W. McCullough for the 75th Anniversary of the Lodge in 1932. The assistance of material prepared by W\Charles Showalter is also grate fully acknowledged; this being of great value in bringing to light the close connection between the Lodge at its beginning with that of this great community in which we live and its civil and business life.
It is to the great men who were instrumental in the formation of Capitol Lodge No. 3, and in the founding of the City of Omaha and many of its business firms this history is dedicated.
The history of Capitol Lodge No. 3, A\F\& A\M\ is a part of the history of the early years of Nebraska and Omaha.
Omaha in 1857 bore little resemblance to the Omaha of today. It was a city of scattered frame houses whose 800 inhabitants were proud of the fact that they were residents of the territorial capital of Nebraska.
For many years, Nebraska was known only to the men who trapped and hunted along the streams from the Missouri to the mountains and beyond.
The first settlement of whites was at a trading post, which is now the site of Bellevue. Here was the fitting out point for early expeditions and explorations into the unsettled lands to the west. In 1815, a detachment of soldiers came up the river and established the first military post in the region at Fort Atkinson, which later became Fort Calhoun.
About 1845 the beginning of the great movement to Oregon, the trek of the Mormons and the discovery of gold in California opened up the Great Overland Trail, and made Omaha the gateway to the vast wilder ness to the west. It was natural that, of the travelers, many would see the opportunities offered by the gateway city, and through them the City of Omaha began its growth to its present position as the dominant community in its area.
September 23, 1857, saw the formation of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, Capitol Lodge forming the pivot around which it was formed. It was made up of three lodges:
Nebraska Lodge No. I , Bellevue
Western Star Lodge No. 2, Nebraska City
Capitol Lodge No. 3, Omaha
Most Worshipful Robert Carrol Jordan, a member of Capitol Lodge, served as the first Grand Master for three successive years, 1857, 1858 and 1859.
Masonry came to Nebraska with the first settlers. At Bellevue, Nebraska Lodge No. I under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Illinois, set up the first Masonic altar in the Nebraska Territory. At Nebraska City, Western Star Lodge No. 2 began work under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Both of these Lodges had been duly chartered and were working when the Masons among the early settlers of Omaha felt impelled to form a Lodge. How many Masons were included in the frontier village of Omaha in 1856, will never be known. But from their ranks a group of brethren were drawn together and met in the home of Brother George Armstrong with the purpose of forming a Masonic Lodge. This meeting was followed by others which culminated in the signing of a petition to the Grand Lodge of Masons in Iowa for a dispensation to form and conduct a Masonic Lodge in Omaha. The petition was signed by the Following Brethren, all of whom became charter members of Capital Lodge No. 101:
George Armstrong Addison R. Gilmore
George C. Bovey Charles W. Hamilton
Aaron Cahn Mark W. Izard
John McA. Campbell Richard F. Lintlemen
D. D. Carr John R. Porter
M. Carr Samuel E. Rogers
J. L. Cass John H. Sahler
John M. Chivington Robert Shields
Albert 0. Clark N. T. Shields
Isaac E. Collins Charles Turner
William R. Demarest George W. Wood
On January 9, 1857, the Grand Lodge of Masons in Iowa, acting favorably on the petition, granted a dispensation to Capital Lodge No. 101 A\F\&A\M\ The officers of Capital Lodge, Under Dispensation, were:
Worship Master--------------------------- John H. Sahler
Senior Warden.---------------------------- Robert Shields
Junior Warden.-------------------- William R. Demarest
Treasurer------------------------------ Samuel E. Rogers
Secretary--------------------------- Charles W. Hamilton
Junior Deacon------------------------- George C. Bovey
Omaha, with its 1800 inhabitants, became a city a short time later under a bill passed in February, 1857 by the Territorial Legislature and signed by Governor Mark W. Izard, a charter member of Capital Lodge. The first election held by the newly chartered city brought into office other members of Capital Lodge:
Mayor Jesse Lowe
Councilman A. D. Jones
Councilman 0. C. Bovey
After the first meeting of Capital Lodge events followed in rapid succession. On February 11 1957, the first By-Laws of the Lodge were adopted. On February 16, 1857, the Entered Apprentice Degree was conferred for the first time in the city of Omaha, there being four candidates. On the following day, February 7, two more candidates were initiated. On April 7, 1857, two Brethren were passed to the Fellowcraft Degree, another brother receiving this degree on May 4, 1857. The date of May 11 1857 is of particular significance, as on this date Brother Hiram C. Anderson was honored by being the first man to be raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason in the city of Omaha. Another Brother, Alfred D. Jones, was Raised the following week, on May 18, 1857.
On June 27, 1857, Capital Lodge No. 101 A\F\& A\M\received its first Charter at the hands of Deputy Grand Master Ira A. W. Rusk of Illinois who had been assigned this duty by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Iowa. This event was followed on July 6, 1857 by the election of officers for Capital Lodge No. 101. Chosen were:
Worshipful Master............................... George Armstrong
Senior Warden.................................... Charles W. Hamilton
Junior Warden..................................... Theodore H. Dodd
Treasurer............................................. Alfred D. Jones
Secretary............................................. Hiram C. Anderson
Senior Deacon..................................... William H. Hamilton
Junior Deacon..................................... Joseph P. Manning
Tyler . ................................................ James F. Taylor
The Pioneer Block located on Farnam Street, between Twelfth and Thirteenth Streets was the first home of our Lodge. In the early I 870’s fire destroyed this building and most of the property of the Lodge. However, work continued uninterruptedly at temporary quarters and on October 21 1876, the cornerstone was laid for Omaha’s first distinctly Masonic building at Sixteenth and Capitol Avenue. Capitol Lodge was a leader in this work.
The growth of Masonry in Omaha compelled the Lodges to build again, and on October 4, 1916, the cornerstone of our present building was aid at Nineteenth and Douglas Streets.
When the name Capitol Lodge No. 3 came into being, at the time the Grand Lodge of Nebraska was formed, the name was changed from Capital Lodge. It would be interesting to know by what process the founders of our Lodge decided upon the name. Whatever guided them in their decision, the choice was a happy one. Omaha was the capital of the Territory of Nebraska, and the first Capitol building was being completed about the time that Capitol Lodge was formed. This building stood at the summit of Capitol Hill, and the broad avenue that led to it was called Capitol Avenue.
Doubtlessly, the founders recalled that in ancient Rome, the precinct and temple of Jupitor Optimus Maximus, the best, noblest and greatest god of the Romans was given the name Capitol and stood at the summit of Capitoline Hill. In that temple, the Roman Senate then assembled. Thus we may believe that the name chosen for our Lodge was with the purpose that Capitol Lodge should serve as a inspiration and a source of guidance in the affairs of the men of Omaha, and be reflected in the civic and religious life of our community.
The men who were active in bringing Capitol Lodge into being in 1857, and those who did so much for it in the years which followed were very busy men. They took a big part in the business, civic and religious life of the community as well as a very active part in the work of Masonry. A complete outline covering the activities of those Brethren who did so much would result in a very thick volume. All we can hope to do in this history is to give a brief sketch of some of them. Many were giants in their day, and from the example they have set us we can measure the task which is ours today — to carry forward the work they began, and to pass on the principles of Brotherhood which is our heritage from them.
As stated above, to give a complete history of the activities of the Brethren listed below would make a very thick volume. And, if the names of some Brethren were inadvertently left out, it was because our source of information was incomplete. Suffice to say that those who are listed were great men.
HIRAM C. ANDERSON
This Brother had the great honor and distinction of being the first man to be Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason in the City of Omaha, the event taking place on May 11 1857. He was elected the first Secretary of Capital Lodge No. 101 on July 6, 1857.
GEORGE ARMSTRONG
The first Masonic meeting of any kind held in Omaha took place in his home during the fall of 1856. This and subsequent meetings resulted in the signing of a Petition to the Grand Lodge of Iowa and the ultimate formation of Capitol Lodge. In the civic life of Omaha he was a Probate Judge of Douglas County; the fifth Mayor of Omaha, also acting as the Police Judge during this same period; and during the Civil War was a Major in the Union Army. In the business life of the community he was active with Brother George C. Bovey as a contractor and builder, constructing among other things the first Territorial Capitol of Nebraska and the first Douglas County Court House. He was also very active with Brothers A. D. Gilmore, Alfred D. Jones and Mark W. Izard in stirring up interest towards the building of what later became the Union Pacific Railroad. As a Mason he was the first Worshipful Master of Capital Lodge No. 101 being elected on July 6, 1857; the first Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska; and Grand Master of Masons in Nebraska during 1860, 1861 and 1862.
GEORGE C. BOVEY
As a Mason he acted as the Junior Deacon of Capital Lodge No. 101 U.D.; in the civic life of the community he was elected with two other Brethren to the city Council at the first election held after Omaha received its City Charter; and as a business man he was active in the building and construction field.
WILLIAM R. BOWEN
To this Brother came the distinction of holding the office of Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Nebraska for 27 years, June 21 1872 to May 6, 1899.
JAMES E. BOYD
Brother James E. Boyd was a member of the first State Legislature, a member of the Nebraska State Constitutional Convention, Mayor of Omaha, and Governor of Nebraska. Several business buildings in early Omaha were constructed by him, among which was an Opera House built in 1881; this was later replaced by the Boyd Theatre which stood at 17th and Harney Streets for many years.
CLEMENT S. CHASE
He was an early Mayor of Omaha and the publisher of a newspaper which went out of existence in 922 at the time of his death.
WILLIAM R. DEMAREST
Although living a very active life in the business and civic circles of Omaha and Nebraska in the early days, he found time to act as Junior Warden of Capital Lodge No. 101, U.D., in 1857.
THEODORE H. DODD
Brother Dodd was elected on July 6, 1857 as the first Junior Warden of Capital Lodge No. 101.
ROBERT W. FURNAS
During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 2nd Nebraska Volunteer Infantry. He also had the honor, with three other members of the Lodge, of serving as Governor of Nebraska. In the Grand Lodge of Nebraska he was Grand Secretary from June 2, 1858 to June 4, 1862, and Grand Master during the years 1865 and 1866.
ADDISON R. GILMORE
He arrived in Omaha on May 24, 1854, and from that time on took a very active part in all matters pertaining to the business, civic and Masonic life of the community, being closely allied in these activities with George Armstrong and Alfred D. Jones. He was the first man to hold the office of United States Land Officer in Nebraska. Because of his activity and interest in the United State Congress in the building of a railroad to the Pacific coast he has been referred to as the first Railroad Lobbyist.’
JOEL 1. GRIFFEN
Brother Griffen was in the first Entered Apprentice class to receive that Degree in Omaha, and followed Brother Alfred D. Jones to become the second Postmaster in the city.
CHARLES W. HAMILTON
The Brethren of Capitol Lodge during the early days followed a variety of business activities, Brother Hamilton being active in banking. The present United States National Bank of Omaha stands as a memorial to his work. He acted as the Senior Deacon of the Lodge while it worked Under Dispensation, and became its first Senior Warden on July 6, 1857. In that same year he was the Grand Senior Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, and its Grand Senior Warden in 1863.
WILLIAM H. HAMILTON
This Brother had the honor of becoming the first Senior Deacon of Capital Lodge No. 101.
PHINEAS W. HITCHCOCK
Brother Hitchcock, the father of Gilbert M. Hitchcock, United States Senator and active in newspaper circles of which the present Omaha World- Herald resulted, was active in the political Field. In 1861 he was appointed United States Marshall: in 1864 he was elected delegate to Congress: upon the admission of Nebraska to statehood he was appointed Surveyor Gen eral: and in 1871 was elected to the United States Senate, defeating John M. Thayer, another Brother who had served in that capacity for four years.
MARK W. IZARD
With George Armstrong, A. R. Gilmore and Alfred D. Jones, he took an active part in the interests of building the railroad to the Pacific coast. He was active in the political field and held, among other offices, that of United States Marshal and Territorial Governor of Nebraska Territory.
ALFRED D. JONES
A short biographical sketch of this Brother is impossible unless a great deal of this mans life is left out. Before listing only the high spots of his life if should be pointed out that Brother Jones was in Omaha from ifs very beginning and that very little took place in which he didn’t have a hand. During November 1853 he and two others crossed the Missouri River from Council Bluffs to begin an active life in what is now Omaha. Without trying to follow any chronological order in the events which took place Brother Jones was the first Postmaster in Omaha, a member of the first Territorial Legislature, considered by many to be the first settler in Omaha, surveyed and made the first plat of Omaha, a member of the first School Board, the first Judge of the Claims Court arranged the first religious service to be held in Omaha, and with George O. Bovey built the Pioneer Building, which was among the first of the more prominent buildings in Omaha. He was the second Brother to receive the Master Mason’s Degree in the City of Omaha, and on July 9, 1856 was elected the first Treasurer of Capital Lodge No. 101. With Brother A. R. Gilmore, and as a member of the Citizens Committee, he helped prepare a memorial to the United States Congress to enact a law to build a railroad west from Omaha. In 1866 he was Secretary and Treasurer of the Old Settlers Association.
ROBERT C. JORDAN
It would be impossible to write about Masonry in the State of Nebraska without devoting considerable space to Robert Carrol Jordan. In many ways his activities in the Fraternity substantiate the reference made that he was the “father of Masonry” in Nebraska. He came to Omaha in 1857, and brought with him a vast knowledge of Masonry which proved of great value to the Brethren of the newly formed Capital Lodge No. 101. On May 1, 1857, he had the distinction and honor to Raise the first Brother to become a Master Mason in Omaha; he was elected the second Worshipful Master of Capitol Lodge No. 3, holding this office in 1858, and again in the years 1862 and 1869. When the Grand Lodge of Nebraska was formed in 1857 he became its first Grand Master, holding this high office during 1857, 1858 and 1859. He established the first Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Nebraska, and during the years that followed took a very active part in the formation and the furthering of work in both York and Scottish Rite Bodies. In 1870 he was coroneted an Inspector General of the Thirty- third Degree, and made Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Nebraska. The Jordan Medals, so highly prized by Masons in Nebraska, which are awarded by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Nebraska are so named in his honor.
HENRY WELTY KUHNS
Pastor Kuhns was the first Lutheran minister west of the Missouri River and the first minister of his faith to settle in Nebraska. He arrived in Omaha on November 19, 1858 and his name appears on Capitol Lodge roster in 1859. His place in the Lodge was taken by his son, Reverend Luther M. Kuhns, who served the Lodge as Chaplain in 1932.
GEORGE W. LININGER
The life and activities of this Brother parallel, to a great extent, those of Robert C. Jordan. He was active in the business life of the community and yet found time to take an active part in the work of Masonry. Brother Lininger took a leading part in the establishment of the Masonic Home in Plattsmouth, and held the highest offices in the York Rite Bodies in Nebraska. He held the office of Worshipful Master of Capitol Lodge No. 3, on six occasions, in 1875, 1876, 1881 1891 1892 and 1893. During the year 1877 he was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska.
ENNOS LOWE
Brother Ennos Lowe was an early settler in Omaha. By profession he was a doctor and surgeon, serving in this capacity with the Union Army during the Civil War. He was the founder and president of the first Ferry Company to cross the Missouri River at Omaha, and during his life was very active in the civic life of the community, and to further the interests of Omaha.
JESSE LOWE
To Jesse Lowe goes the distinction of being the first Mayor of Omaha after it was chartered in 1857. He is also given credit for naming the city. With his brother Ennos Lowe and other Brethren he did a lot towards the building of the railroad to the west. He was a member of the first School Board in Omaha, and has been credited with building one of its first hotels.
GEORGE L MILLER
Dr. George L. Miller was the first doctor in Omaha. His early day activities included running a newspaper and the construction of several buildings. In 1866 he became Vice-President of the Old Settlers Association.
ALGERNON S. PADDOCK
This Brother was a politician of note and one who was always active in the interest of Omaha and Nebraska. The establishment of the first military district in Nebraska and the building of Fort Omaha came as the result of his work while serving as United States Senator in 1875. He was one of the principal projectors of the Omaha and Southwestern Railroad, now a part of the Burlington system, and one of the original and largest investors in the Omaha Street Railway.
HOMER E. RACE
Brother Homer E. Race, who served Capitol Lodge No. 3 as its Master in 1912, took a very active part with Brother A. Sherman Pinto, president of the Building Committee, when the present Masonic Temple at Nineteenth and Douglas Streets was constructed. Although employed by the Union Pacific Railroad at the time, he took on the task of serving as Secretary of the Building Committee, handling the funds collected and expended in connection with the building and keeping the records so vital to it.
BYRON REED
A early real estate dealer and builder, he founded a company which still bears his name. During his life he held the offices of City Clerk, County Clerk and City Councilman; and during the years 1864 and 1865 was Worshipful Master of Capitol Lodge. The land on which the Omaha Public Library stands, and the collection of rare coins, valuable papers and books in the present Library are the result of his generosity.
SAMUEL E. ROGERS
Although he was a practicing lawyer when he first came to Omaha, Brother Rogers became interested in merchandising, real estate and banking. With his brother, William, he erected the sixth house to be built in Omaha, the house being built on the south side of Douglas Street between 10th and 11th Street. When Capital Lodge No. 101, U.D., was formed he acted as Treasurer.
JOHN H. SAHLER
To this Brother goes the distinction of becoming the Worshipful Master of Capital Lodge No. 101 while it was working Under Dispensation in 1857.
ROBERT SHIELDS
Brother Robert Shields acted as Senior Warden of Capital Lodge No. 101, U.D., during 1857.
SILAS A. STRICKLAND
The name of Silas A. Strickland appears at an early date in the history of Omaha and Nebraska. He was active in real estate, newspaper circles, and in politics. At one time he was a member of the State Legislature, and in 1867 was appointed District Attorney for Nebraska. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted as a private; when the War ended he was a Brigadier General. In 1871 he served as president of the State Constitutional Convention. With seven other lawyers, including Brothers Alfred D. Jones and Samuel E. Rogers, he formed the first Bar Association in Omaha.
JAMES F. TAYLOR
At the time the first election of officers was held by Capital Lodge No. 101 he received his appointment as the first Tyler of the Lodge.
JOHN M. THAYER
John M. Thayer has a name which appears quite frequently in the early history of Omaha and Nebraska. In I 854, and for many years after that, he was active in the State Militia. When the Civil War broke out he was commissioned as a Colonel of the First Nebraska Regiment, returning to Omaha after the War with the rank of Major General. As a member of the State Legislature prior to the Civil War he was a leader in the fight to abolish slavery and all involuntary servitude in the Territory of Nebraska. In 1867 he was elected to the United States Senate, and in 1886, and again in 1888, was elected Governor of Nebraska.
W. R. THRALL
Dr. Thrall was an early-day physician and surgeon in Omaha, also taking part in the political affairs of the day as a member of the Territorial Legislature when Omaha was fighting to retain the State Capitol of Nebraska.
J. NEWTON WISE
The office of Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska was held by Brother Wise from June 24, 1865 to October 27, 1869.
GEORGE W. WOOD
Brother George W. Wood served as Secretary of Capital Lodge No. 101 while it was working Under Dispensation in 1857.