Birthplace of Odd Fellowship in Kansas

Item

Identifier: MS 014- series MS 014-2- item 182

Staff Only

Dates

1870-1900

Extent

From the Class: 10 Cubic Feet

Additional Description

General

Front: Compliments of Western Odd Fellow, Topeka the paper for Progressive Odd Fellows Subscription: $1 for two years. Birthplace of Odd Fellowship in Kansas At Tecumseh, March 2, 1857.

Back: Rear view of log cabin in which Shawnee Lodge No. 1, I.O.O.F. was organized at Tecumseh, March 2, 1857, It was impossible to get front view on account of grape side midway between door and ends. Up stairs there were two windows similar to one shown above door. There was formerly large fire place and chimney at end of cabin passing to and above roof, where break in cornice is shown, Shawnee No.1 was organized here with Benjamin D. Castleman. Henry W. Martin, Caleb B. Clements, Francis Grassmack, and Joseph K. Bartleson as charter members. The last taking the place of Charles Millican, one of the original petitioners, but who on the night of institution had left the country, still standing, where the Grand Lodge was organized. No. 1 was removed to Topeka in January, 1861, where it is now located. This cabin was built and owned by Thomas N. Stinson. Governor Reeder once passed part of a day and night in the cabin when fleeing from the state to escape border ruffians. Read about Odd Fellowship in the Western Odd Fellow.