Franklin Lodge No. 151 100th Anniversary History

February 13, 2026

Franklin Lodge, No. 151, A. F. and A. M.

Yesterday and Today

By James Noah Hillman,
Grand Secretary
of
The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient,
Free and Accepted Masons in the
Common Wealth of Virginia

Printed in U. S. A.

APPRECIATION

Franklin, Virginia
September 27, 1956

The members of Franklin Lodge wish to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Most Wor. Hillman for his untiring efforts in preparing this 100th Anniversary history. Without him, this book would not have been possible. We wish to thank him for his many suggestions in planning tis celebration.

John. I. Brenner Wor. Master

Attest: Jos. T. Stewart Secretary

100th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE

Wor. John I. Brenner, Chairman
All living Past Masters

The Present (1956) Lodge Officers

C. H. Jones
Melvin Sifen
Maxie R. Day
J. J. Magee
Harold S. Atkinson

LIVING FIFTY-YEAR MEMERS

John. F. Duke, Sr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . . . . .Raised in 1899
Grover T. Stevenson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raised in 1906
Thomas S. Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raised in 1902

[insert 1956 officers]
Caption: 1956 Officers Franklin Lodge 151: 1st Row (reading from left to right) Robert H. Stedham, Sr. Stewart, Walter Beale, III Jr. Steward, S. A. Carr, Jr. Chaplain, Robt. J. Houle, Tiler,
2nd Row: E. M. Bryant, Treas., PPD, R. H. Allen, Sr. Deacon, Sam Mitchell, Jr. Deacon, J. T. Stewart, Secy, PPD,
3rd Row: R. H. Rawles, Jr., Sr. Warden, John I. Brenner, Master, Wm I Heath, III, Jr. Warden

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Southampton county, Virginia was created by an Act of the General Assembly of Virginia about the year 1848. The exact date is somewhat in doubt. It was formed principally out of Isle of Wight county, and is bounded by Sussex and Surry counties in Virginia, by Hertford and Northampton counties in North Carolina, and the Blackwater and Meherrin Rivers, lt is forty (40) miles long and fifteen (15) miles wide, and contains six hundred (600) square miles in area. “Martin’s Gazetteer” makes no mention of a place called Franklin, even as late as 1836. This county was in the trek of the early pioneer settlers, and was named for a shire in England of the same name, and its very name, therefore, has a noble heritage. Space forbids a fuller discussion of its early history. Southeastern Virginia, more than any other section of the State, was settled by pure Anglo-Saxon Cavalier stock, though we are told that there were several Poles among the colonists who landed at Jamestown. One thing seems to be certain, Jamestown became the hub of the migrations of the lirst settlers as they made their explorations into the territory around them. They pushed out in all directions! The spirit of adventure may have accounted for some of the penetration into the interior areas, but no doubt motives of safety and independence also entered into their wanderings. The hardships of the colony at Jamestown are well knonm to history. Many times the survival of the colony was in the balance. Only the bulldog tenacity characteristic of the Anglo-Saxon was able to overcome massacre, Hre and even rebellion. As their numbers increased by the arrival of fortune seekers, largely from the Mother country, the confines of Iarnestown Island were altogether too limited, and some of the settlers began bo move across the James River and into new territory. In these early days, all the territory north of Albemarle Sound was con- sidered a part of Virginia, and was governed, first from Jamestown, and later from Williamsburg. Water courses provided the chief means of travel, consequently the earlest settlements were along the rivers. The pioneer would find an inviting spot, land his boat, build a cabin, clear some land, plant sorne tobacco, and thus establish himself as a citizen of the New World. The soil being particularly suited to growing vegetables, it was not dilncult to supplement the abundant supply of fish and wild game in such a manner as to have very little worry about something to eat.

THE TOWN OF FRANKLIN

The following quotation taken from the Golden Anniversary Edition of the Tidewater News will give some idea of the beginnings of the town of Franklin, Virginia:

“Sitting astride two low ridges immediately west of the Blackwater River, ann overHowing on to the plane beyond, is Franklin, largest of the incorporated towns in Southampton county. With a population shown by a police census in 1952 as slightly in excess of 5000 Franklin is entitled to assume the status of a city of the second class; but for a number of reasons all practical the move to become a city has been deferred.

What year marks the beginning of the community which is now Franklin is a matter of conjecture nor is it possible to come more than fairly close to the date. Unfortunately there is no documentary evidence enabling one to say with absolute assurance, This is the year the month and the day!

According to hearsay reports the first merchant to occupy a residence and operate a busi_ness in what Was afterwards to become Franklin Was a man named Booth, who had established a business as early as 1825. He did not long remain at this location but moved to Sudolk. It seems reasonable to suppose that there were other residents in the community of what is now Franklin or Mr. Booth would not have set up a store there in the first place. The Blackwater River was navigable as far as Franklin and there was much traiiic bound from Petersburg and Norfolk to North Carolina What is now Franklin was lirst known as Franklin Depot it being one of the stations on the Portsmouth and Roanoke Railroad which probably extended as far West as Franklin about the year 1835 On this basis Franklin is about one hundred twenty-five 125 years old as an established community or neighborhood.

SOME DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS

Joseph E. Gillette

Institutions and organizations are said to be but the lengthened shadows as of individuals. The type of men who establish who promote, and who lead will determine the success or the failure of the enterprise, as a rule. Masonry history in the quality and the leadership of those who have not deemed it derogatory to their dignity to level themselves with the Fraternity, extend their privileges and patronize their assemblies.

Franklin Lodge, No. 151 A.F.& A. M. has been particularly blessed in this respect. Space will permit mentioning only a few of the early leaders as well as some of the later ones and all will be takes from the membership of the Lodge. We mention hrst of Master, Major Ioseph E. Gillette, who was born at “Cedar Lawn”, some‘three miles West of Franklin on the Courtland high- way on June 26 1827. He vs as a courageous and fearless officer in the Confederate Army and was so seriously wounded in the battle of Brandy Station June 9 1663, just eighteen (18) days before his thirty-sixth (36th) birthday that he was invalided home and died shortly thereafter as a result of his injury, He is buried at “Cedar Lawn.”

Dr. J. F. Bryant

Dr. James Fenton Bryant was a member of the Southampton Cavalry (Later Co. A. 13th Virginia Regiment, W, H. F. Lee’s Brigade) His father Hon. James D. Bryant, one oi the presiding justices of the county, and 2. Captain of the Southampton militia, He 3 took part in the battle of Parker’s Field on August 22, 1831, which was the beginning of the end of the Nat Turner insurrection.

Dr. James F. Bryant joined the Southampton Cavalry in April, 1861, and helped to raise the iirst Confederate flag over the courthouse in Jerusalem.

He took part in the’ campaigns under J.. E. B. Stuart and saw much active duty, He was wounded at Brandy Station and at Five Forks. His Wound at Five Forks on April 1, 1865, just E days before the surrender at Appomattox, was the only thing which prevented his being with the Army until the end.

He received the M. D. degree from New York University in 186? and began the practice of his profession in Franklin in June of that year He served as a member of the Board of Visitors of the Medical Collegc of Virginia Fellow of the Medical Society of Virginia and health oiiicel of Southampton County.

Dr. Bryant became the first superintendent of public schools in Southampton County in which capacity he served for 31 years. His interest in the welfare oi the community and not the $300.00 annual salary was the motivating force i_n his long service. He was one of the founders and chief promoters of Franklin Male Academy. He was also a trustee of Franklin Female Seminary.

He became the first Mayor of the town of Franklin after its incorporation in 1876

Mr. Cecil C. Vaughan, Sr.

One of the leading families of the town of Franklin is that of V aughan. Mr. C. C. Vaughan Sr., was born in Southampton county April 19, 1839. At the beginning of the War Between the States, he joined a local volunteer company known as the Nansemond Rangers, Soon there. after, became a member of Co. A. 13th Va. Cavalry. He served througout out the walr, seeing service in the Army of Northern Virginia, in Virginia Maryland and Pennsylvania, After the surrender at Appomattox, he returned to Southampton where he spent the remainder of his long and useful llfe. Mr Vaughan was twlce marrled hls first wife being Miss Antlonette Gay, daughter of William E. and Ann Gay She dled August 1 1914 A son and a daughter were born to this unlon Gen C C Vaughan, ]r, and Mrs Robert Judson Camp The town of Franklin was chartered March 15 1876, and Mr C. C. Vaughan, Sr., was one of the first councllrnen He was mayor for several terms ln 1896 he was elected supervisor for Franklin Districe, and served for 28 years He was the Chairman for 20 years His second marriage was to the widow of Dr ]. Fenton Bryant. She was the former Miss Margaret Gunter, of Hallfax county, North Carolina

With the ald of his son, General C. C. Vaughan, Jr., he launched the carnpalgn for good roads in Southampton county Through his efforts the first concrete highway poured in the State of Virgmia was in Southampton. It was from Speight’s corner, about five miles west of Franklin, to Courtland. He was an enthusiastic churchrnan and fraternalist. He was actrve ln High Street Methodist Church. Master of Fanklin Lodge No 151 A F & A M, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knlghts ol Pythias, and Urquhart-Gillette Camp United Confederate Veterans. He died July 27 1924, at the ripe old age of elghty-five (85) years lt would be difficult to exagerate the value of his contrrhutlon to his natrve county. Hist is a legacy which ‘the county will long en]oy and from whlch generatlon yet unborn will proflt.

C. C. Vaughan, Jr.

General Cecil C. Vaughan Jr., born July 8, 1868, was educated in public and private schools including Suffolk Military Academy and Randolph Macon College. He had a notable three-fold career—business, military and public He was Captain of a Southampton company during the Spanish American War. In 1900 he was made Lieutenant Colonel, and on Feb 6, 1907 he was appointed by Governor Swanson as Brigadier General. He served during World War I, and finally, disqualified physically, returned with the rank of Major General in the Army of the United States.

General Vaughan’s most conspicuous service to his State, perhaps, was in the field of good roads. He has been referred to, very fittingly, as the father of improved highways in Virginia. In 1907, he mapped the highway from Norfolk to Petersburg. From that date until his death, the building of better roads for Virginia was a “hobby” with him. He served as President of the Good Roads Association, Vice-President of the Tidewater Automobile Association, and Worked tirelessly for permanent hard surfaced roads. He was elected to the State Senate in the Fall of 1921, which position he held without opposition until his death on March 21, 1929. General Vaughan was Grand Master of Virginia Odd Fellows in 1908, served on the Board of Trustees of the Odd Fellows Home in Lynchburg, which he helped to found, and last but not least, found time to be an active member of the Masonic Fraternity, being a member and Past Master of Franklin Lodge, No. 151. Prior to coming of improved roads, the old “Plank Road” from Jerusalem (now Courtland) to Petersburg was the commercial connection between Southampton county and that city. In keeping with practice of that day, the farmers had gates across the road, and it would be necessary to stop and open gates in order to get through. One would call that a far cry from the super highways of to-day.

William Walter White

William Walter White was the son of Rev. John W. White, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He was an ex-Confederate soldier, and the third (3rd) Superintendent of public schools in Southampton county. He succeeded the second term of Dr. James F. Bryant whose service of thirty-five (35) years was interrupted for a four (4) year period during the Re-adjuster era in Virginia politics. During that time, namely, from 1882 to 1886, Dr. R. M. Doles, of Ivor, Virginia, held the office. Aside from this period, Dr. Bryant served from 1870, the date of the beginning of the public school system in Virginia, until 1905.

Mr. White was a graduate of Randolph Macon College at Boydton in 1861, and almost immediately joined the Confederate Army. He participated in many of the great battles during the four years of the War Between the States. He was slightly wounded at Gettysburg when he went over the stone fence to the high water mark of that bloody field. He began teaching in 1865, and for twenty-seven (27) years taught in the little schoolhouse which is still standing at his home place of Silverton. Al together, he taught for forty-seven (47) years. He is best remembered, however, as one of the finest types of the old fashioned Virginia gentle men. He served as Worshipful Master of Door to Truth Lodge, No. 128, located at Barn Tavern, Southampton county. He later affiliated with Franklin Lodge, No. 151. He first appears in the records of Franklin Lodge in 1887, probably immediately after his service as Master of Door to Truth Lodge. This Lodge surrendered its Charter some years later, and is probably the predecessor of Ivor Lodge, No. 291, of to-day. Mr. White left his mark as a man and as a Mason.

Colgate W. Darden, Jr.

There is a tendency, even among Masons, to express a certain degree pessimism about the appeal which leaders in government, business, and professions. There are numerous examples to refute the idea. Not all the great and good men belonged to the 19th century. There we equally as great in our very midst to-day. The trouble is that we are so close to the situation that we cannot see the forrst for the trees.

Any Lodge in Virginia would count it a very high honor to have in its roll of members the name of Colgate W. Darden, Jr. This great leader of his day and generation and even for generations to come, because of his connection with Virginias great University as its honored and capable President is not only a member of Franklin Lodge No. 151 but he was made a Mason in that Lodge. The official record shows that he petitioned the Lodge for initiation into the mysteries of Freemasonry on April 8, 1920. He was elected on May 13, 1920, and was made an Entered Apprentice at a Special Communication on May 25, 1920. He was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft at a Special Communication on June 22, 1920 and raised o the Sublime degree of Mason at a Special Communication held on December 21, 1920.

Brother Darden has been an ardent supporter of every good cause in the town of Franklin, and has business interests there which provide an indissoluble tie with the town and its people.

The late Governor Price, who was succeeded in that office by Brother was a Past Grand Master of Masons in the Commonwealth of Brother Darden served his State as Governor, and he served the Nation in the United States Congress for a number of years. He could be United States Senator to-day, but he deliberately chose to spend his great talents in the field of Education. Virginia is the richer because of his choice.

SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY LODGES

Southampton county has been fertile soil for Masonry since the late 1700’s. The Grand Lodge of Virginia, A. F. & A. M., has issued fourteen (14) Charters for Lodges within the county. Their names and locations are:

Benevolent Lodge, No. 34, Jerusalem (now Courtland) chartered October 29, 1791
Centre Lodge, No. 76, at C. B. Nicholsou’s, chartered December 11, 1805
Berlin Lodge, No. 42, at Berlin, chartered October 10, 1850
Franklin Lodge, No. 151, chartered at Franklin Depot, December 10, 1856
rechartered at Franklin, December 15, 1869
Boykins Lodge, No. 64, at Boykins, chartered Dec. 11, 1877
Boykins Lodge, No. 287, at Boykins, chartered February 16, 1905
Newsoms Lodge, No. 128, at Newsoms. chartered December 12, 1883
Courtland Lodge, No. 85, at Courtland, chartered December 11, 1889
Capron Lodge, U.D., at Capron, chartered February 16, 1911
Ivor Lodge, No. 291, at lvor, chartered February 11, 1925
Door to Truth Lodge, No. 128, at Barn Tavern, chartered December 13, 1810
Boykins Lodge No. 287, Boykins, chartered February 11, 1953
Acacia Lodge No. 83 Newsome chartered December 13, 1854

Since Lodges in both Isle of Wight and Nansemond counties participated in the formation of Franklin Lodge No, 151, the names and dates of charters of Lodges in those counties are listed here as a matter of historical record.

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY

Temperance Lodge No. 164 at Woodville chartered December 15, 1857
Temperance Lodge, No. 164 at Windsor surrendered its charter December 12,
1866
Mt. Olivet Lodge No. 25, at Carrsville chartered December 13, 1842
Maysfield Lodge No. 134 at Maysfield chartered December 12, 1855
Name changed to Blackwater December 15, 1863
Jordan Lodge No. 131 at Mill Swamp chartered December 14, 1881
Perdie Lodge No. 170 at Windsor chartered December 10, 1873
Burwells Bay Lodge No. 295 at Ferguson s Wharf, chartered February 14, 1907
Solomon Lodge, No. 30 at Suffolk, chartered October 29, 1790
Changed to Suffolk Lodge No. 30 at Suffolk, December 16, 1835
Solomon Lodge No. 34 Suffolk chartered December 13, 1365
Somerton Lodge No. 99 at Somerton chartered December 14, 1853
Chuckatuck Lodge No. 53 at Chuckatuck chartered November 29, 1797
Chuckatuck Lodge No. 77 at Chuckatuck chartered January 20, 1852
Harmony Lodge No. 149 at Yates School, chartered December 9, 1856
Hiram Lodge No. 340 at Suffolk chartered February 14, 1923

Members from Mt. Olivet Lodge No. 25 at Carrsville, lsle of Wight county and Somerton Lodge No. 99 at Somerton in Nansemond county, were among the brethren who petitioned the Grand Lodge of Virginia A. F. &: A. M., for a Dispensation to establish a Lodge at Franklin. Benevolent Lodge No. 34 the first Lodge e to be established in Southampton county was chartered October 29 1791, as reported in the Grand Lodge Proceedings for that year as follows:

“ORDERED-~That (in pursuance of their petition) a Charter be issued to to Joseph Holmes, as Master; Richard P. Clements, as Senior Warden and Joseph Fort as Junior Warden authorizing and empowering them to hold a Lodge at Southampton Courthouse, to be designated the Benevolent LodgeNo. 34”

Benevolent Lodge was represented in the Grand Lodge of Virginia at the Grand Annual Communication of 1792 by John Andrews in 1793 by Joshua Fort and Robert Goodwyn in 1794 by John D. Houseman, in 1799 by Joshua F ort and in 1802 by Henry Blow. There was no further representation at Grand Lodge, so far as the records show and the Lodge became DORMANT in 1816.

SOME NEIGHBOR LODGES

Acacia Lodge No. 84 was located at Newsome Depot Southampton county and was chartered on December 13, 1854. The stationed officers named for the Charter were William M, Blow Worshipful Master Thomas M Urquhart Senior Warden, and John R. Rochelle Junior Warden.

The first report to the Grand Lodge of Virginia was in 1855, and it included the following officers and members:


OFFICERS		MASTER MASON
Thomas H Urquhart, Worshipful Master		Edward W. Massenburg
Thomas Vaughan, Senior Warden		Robert J. Fitch
William Urquhart, Junior Warden		William R. Parker
W. F. Barham, Secretary		John T. Kindred
James Majett, Treasurer		Thomas N. Briggs
John H. Stith, Senior Deacon		Harrison D. Moore
William N. Drumgoole, Junior Deason		John I. Thorp
Cuthbert D. Barham, Chaplain		*Joshua Pretlow
James J. Darden, Steward		*John Pretlow
S. A. Darden, Tyler		*Richard H. Blyhe
		George Applewhite
PAST MEMBERS		*George W. Lawrence
Thomas H. Uruhart		*John Pretlow
Cuthbert D. Barham		*James N. Bell
Total members – 27		William C. Jordan
* Later member Franklin Lodge		William W. Cobb

The Charter of Franklin Lodge, No. 151, at Franklin Southampton county by Grand Lodge on December 10 1856. The Dispensation appears to have been issued on October 26 1856. The petition for the Dispensation which was the first step in the establishment of the Lodge was signed by the following Brethren: E. B. Howell, a Past Master of Sornerton Lodge No. 99~ A. W. Noriiett Wiley Councill Jamw T. Williams Dixon H. Holland Richard Barrett T. A. Scroggins, and Thomas Harcum, of Mt. Olivet Lodge No. 25’ 1. C. Wills and William Murfee of Berlin Lodge Nc. 42 and Joshua Pretlow of Acacia Lodge No. 84. in the petition for the Dispensation for Franklin Lodge Worshipful A. W. Norfleet left the proposed name of the Lodge blank and with the statement: I send you two names-Franklin and Seaboard. You can put either one in. Therefore the Grand Lodge of Virginia really selected Ehe name- Franklin _ The petition for a Dispensation was dated December 15 1855 and the Chapter was granted on December 10 1856. The first report to the Grand Lodge of Virginia from Berlin Lodge . 42 was for 1851 and included the following oliicers and members:

OFFICERS MASTER MASONS

Officer	Office	Master Mason
Wor. Thomas J. Drumwright	Master	A. S. H. Burgess
Irvin Gridin	Senior Warden	Robert Branch
Giles S. Whitney	Junior Warden	*L C~ Wil-15
M. J. Davis
*James Hundley
A. J. Stephenson
*James A. Gillette
Milton D. Butler	Secretary
erit J. Davis	Treasurer
Robert M. Doles	Senior Deacon
A. A. Drewry	Chaplain	Samuel Kellv
Samuel Kello,	Steward
Murdock M. Clopton	Stewards
Arrington Gardner	Tyler

“Later member of Franklin Lodge. Total Membership-19

The Grand Master of Masons in Virginia who granted the Charter for Berlin Lodge No. 42 was Most Worshipful James Points and the Grand Secretary was again Rt. Worshipful John Dove. Somerton Lodge No. 99 was located at Somerton, Nansernond county. lt was Chartered on December 14 1853. The Brethren who petitioned for the Dispensation were: Wor. Samuel Harris, Master J. R. Elliott Senior Warden William R. Ellis Junior Warden, William H. Lee Richard Darden Robert Rawls and George K. Moore. The petition was dated February 23 1853 and the Charter was granted at the Grand Lodge Communication in December, 1953. The first report of Somerton Lodge to the Grand Lodge of Virginia was made in 1854 and showed 34 officers and members as follows:

OFFICERS MASTER M/rsozvs (c@77»d.)

Abram Pruden

Fred H. Cobb

Edward W. Burruss

Lee Secrets J- Richard

Joseph Norfleet

J. Mch. Lee Junior Deacon J0l1D Rawls

E. D. B. Howell, Worshipful Master

*George A. Moore Senior Warden

achery E. Holland Junior Warden

William Henry TY

James E. Stith Senior Deacon

county, and was chartered on December 13, 1854. The stationed officers William Atkinson, Jlwivr DGHCOH -

Robert Rawls, Chaplain

William J . Smith, Steward

` B. R. Smith, Tyler

MASTER MASONS

James Sears

William J. Spicer

Jethro D. Goodman

*Richard H. Lee

Jeremiah NorHeet

Later member oi Franklin Lodge.

Thomas B. Sangstun

Barnes Goodman

Edmond J. Parker

John Ritreal

William T. Goodman

Jeremiah D. Pinner

J. D. H. Darden

P. Henry Lee

James B. Baker

Blake Baker

Herring M. Smith

George V. Odom

LODGES NAMED FRANKLIN

The Grand Lodge of Virginia has chartered three (3) different Lodges named Franklin _ The first one was in Greenborough Mecklenburg county Virginia. The petition for the Dispensation used the name Hiram s , but it was chartered as Franklin. The number was 77. The Brethren Who signed the petition for Dispensation were mostly from Dinwiddie Union Lodge No. 23 and were as follows: Henry Patillo Francis Gregory, Roger Gregory Hubert Gregory Richard Gregory Robert Chapman, James Wilson, Neverson Nolley and Morris Floyd This Lodge later met at Boydtown, which 15 supposed to be the same as Boydton. The second Franklin Lodge was numbered 20, and was located at Buchannon Lewis county, Virginia (now West Virginia) and was chartered in 1849 This Lodge never had more than fifteen (15) members and made rather intermittent reports to the Grand Lodge of Virginia until 1868 The presumption is that it then became a Lodge in the newly organized State of West Virginia

FRANKLIN LODGE, NO 151, AF &AM

Franklin Lodge No 151 A F & A M, ofFrankl1n Southampton county Virginia, is the offspring oi at least four nearby Lodges, namely, Mt Olivet Lodge No 25, which was located at Carrsville, Isle of Wight 1 unty Berlin Lodge No 412, located at Berlin Southampton county, Som4 1; In Lodge No 99 located at Sornerton Nansemond county, and Acacia No 84: located at Newsoms, Southampton county Not a single e :four Lo es which had a part in the establishment of Franklin existence today 1956 There is a Lodge at Newsoms. And Courtland, the former Jerusalem, but each one is of more s M Boykin Worshipful Master Josiah M Jordan, i athaniel P Young Junior Warden The Charter

iz 13 4.2 Ui Oliver Lodge No 25 to the Grand Lodge of M, year 1843 It included oiiicetrs and members efwr

OFFICERS
Francis M. Boykin	Worshipful Master
Nathaniel P. Young	Senior Warden
Wiley Roberts	Junior Warden
Monroe Clements	Secretary
Jacob H. Duck	Treasurer
A. Vallines	Senior Deacon
A. A. Whitehead	Junior Deacon
Edward Rawls	Steward
Isham Layman	Tyler

MASTER MASONS
David Roberts
William Bridges
Jesse Whitehead
Elisha Rawls
Andrew Lester
James Holland
William W. Wright
James Council
Jacob E. T. Daughtrey and
William McClung

The Grand Master of Masons in Virginia who issued the Charter to Mt. Olivet Lodge, No. 25, was Most Worshipful Oscar M. Crutchfield, and the Grand Secretary was the beloved Dr. John Dove. The stationed officers mentioned in the Charter of Berlin Lodge No. 4-2 which was granted on December 10, 1850, were: Wor_ Thomas J.

Drumwright Worshipful Master Samuel Kello, Senior Warden and Giles

S. Whitney Junior Warden.

PETITION FOR DISPENSATION FOR FRANKLIN LODGE

To the Most Worshipful Grand Master oi the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Virginia-We the undersigned being Master Masons of good standing, and having the prosperity oi the Craft at heart are anxious to exert our best endeavors to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of Freemasonry; and for the convenience of our respective dwellings, and other good reasons We are desirous of forming a new Lodge at FRANKLIN in the County oi Southampton to be named We there- fore respectfully pray for a Dispensation empowering us to open and hold a regular Lodge at F ranklin, and therein to discharge the duties of Ancient York Masonry in a constitutional manner, according to the forms of the Order and the Laws of the Grand Lodge’ and We have nominated and do recommend Brother Joseph E. Gillette to be the first Master, Brother J, C. Edwards to be the first Senior Warden and Brother Joshua Pretlow to be the first Junior Warden of the said Lodge. Should the prayer of the petitioners be granted, We promise a strict conformity to all the regulations of Masonry, and the Laws resolutions and edicts of die Grand Lodge.

Franklin Virginia December 15 1855

SIGNED

E. D. B. Howell, P. M. Somerton Lodge No. 99

A. W. Noriieet Mt. Olivet Lodge No. 25

I. C. Wills Berlin Lodge No. 42

Wiley Councill, Mt. Olivet Lodge No. 25

James T. Williams Mt. Olivet Lod e No. 25

The first report to the Grand Lodge of Virginia was made in 1857, Jushua PIe_10W_’ACasia L0d;e_ N6 84 and as a matter of record is copied in full as follows Richard Barrett Mt Olivet Lodge No 2a T. A. Scro gms Mt. Olivet Lodge, No. 25 Franklin Lodge NO 151

Lodge N0 25 Meets rn Franklin Southampton county on the thlrd Wednesday rn We the olfmcers and members of Mt Oliver Lo e No 25 do hereby cheerfully vouch for the Masonic and Moral quallficatlons of the petitloners for 9. Charter of a Lodge at Franklin, in the County of Southampton and their petrtron to the favorable conslderatlon of the Most Worshlpful Grand Lodge

Stephen G Darden, Secretary of

Mt Olivet Lodge N0 25

Franklin Depot, Va

Feby 13 1856

Most Worshipful Grand Master

Enclosed I send you petition for a DISPENSATION to work at this place The srgners cant attend the Lodges on account of the distance You will favor us wrth materials to work on as early as you can, by so doing you will greatly benefit the Order rn l§ll1S section The name 15 left l have no mrnutes by me, consequently do not know which name to select I send you two names F ranklln and Seahoard You can put either rn

Very truly yours

Fraternally

A W Norfleet”

Of the eleven (11) brethren who signed the petition for a Dispensation, all became members of Franklin Lodge with the exception of James T Williams His name seemingly is not in the subsequent records

FIRST CHARTER GRANTED FRANKLIN LODGE NO 151

Whereas a Dispensation was issued by the Most Wor Grand Master to authorize the opening of a Lodge at Franklin in the county of Southampton by the name of Franklin Lodge No and appointing Wor Joseph E Gillette as Master, J C Edwards as Senior Warden, and Joshua Pretlow as Junior Warden and Said Dispensation being returned, With the necessary documents-

RESOLVED That a Charter do issue for the permanent establishment of said Lodge by the name title and designation of Franklin Lodge, No 151 and appointing the officers named

This 18 the record of the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Virginia as reported on Wednesday December 10 1856

(1856 Proceedings page 35)

*2{18}‘3*

each month

LIST OF OFFICERS

Joseph E Gillette Master

J C Edwards S Warden

Joshua Pretlow Junior Warden

Willram Murfee Secretary

John Pretlow Treasurer

Richard H Lee S Deacon

Wiley Councill J Deacon

Jarnes A Gillette Chaplain

Thomas Harcum Tiler

A W Norfleet Steward

PAST MASTER

Joseph E Gillette

MASTER MASONS

Theron A Scroggms

Joshua Crumpter

Allen Baccus

John A Hundley

George H Gardner

Leonard C Cobb

Warren Edwards

Robert W Screws

Willram A Bell

Dixon H Holland

Wm H Stephenson

Matthew Moore

Arnngtou Gardner

James W Dillard

Merrt J Davis

Robert J Stephenson

1 C Wllls

Richard Darden 28 members

The D1Slll"1Ct Deputy Grand Master for 1857 was James M Jordan, f

Smrthfteld Virginia, and the district at that time was No 6 Including the following Lodges Smithfield No 18 Mt Ollvet No 25 Solomon No 30 Berlln No 4-2 Chuckatuck No 7/ Acacia, No 84 Somerton, No 99 Blackwater, No 134 Harmony No 14,9 Franklin No 151

and Temperance No 164-

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP FROM 1856 to and

including the year 1883

(All minutes for this period destroyed by fire and the following list of members is taken from the Returns to the Grand Lodge of Virginia no returns from

1861 to 1869 inclusive)

Alley S B

Baccus Allen

Burden James H

Barham Joseph L

Barnes H

Barrett Thomas O

Beale Carr

Beale William

Beaton John W

Bell James N

Bell William A

Bxggs Asa T

Blythe Richard H

Bogart John H

Bordenave F

Briggs William W

Brownley Alex M

Bryant A D

Bryant Dr James

Burbage T J

Butts, J tunes T

Cobb H V

Cobb Leonard C

Counclll Neverson

Councill Wrl

Cross T H

Crumpter Joshua

Cutchen J M

Darden Eugene M

Darden, Richard

Davrs Merit J

Dillard James W

Drllon John R

Duke J W

Dyer John C

Edwards, Icabod C. Jester, C. W. Rifbks, R0b€1"i A~

Moore, Matthew Johnson, George Russell, John S.

Edwards, J. C. Jones, John N~

Edwards, Warren Joyner, Lemuel T. Screws, R. W.

Eley, E_ S_ Scroggins, Theron A.

Kello, James R. Sebrell, J. E.

Fires, Richmond T. Kitchen, John T. Smith, Charles

Freaman, Hiram Stephenson, Robert J.

Lawrence, Geo. W. Stephenson, W. H,

Gardner, Arrington Lee, Richard H.

Gardner, George H. Little, Thomas G, Turner, John J.

gay’ Josiah P_ ’ Turner, George W.

Gay, L, A, McClenny, William S. Tyler, James R.

Gillette, James A. Moore, John E. _

Gillette, Joseph E. Wythe, Charles Vaugham C601 C-

Gumey, Thomas Murfee, William Vaughan, Matthew W.

Harcurn, Jesse T. Neeley, R. .1 » Webb, D. T.

Harcum, Thomas Norfleet, A. W. Wells, R, C.

Hays, Timothy Norlieet, Isaac W. White, W. W.

Houma, A. c. Nolieet, J. W. _

Holland, D. H. Wh1\`l€Y, W»

Holland, R. T. Parker, Charles Wills, Irvin C.

Holland, W. B. Pretlow, John Wills, J. C.

Holland, Z, E. Pretlow, Joshua Wilms, H. A.

Woodard, Jefferson

Woodard, John P.

Whitehead, Robert E.

Handley, John A. Prince, Joseph B.

GLEANINGS FROM MINUTES SINCE 1883

The first meeting of the Lodge following the tragic fire which destroyed all the records up to that date, namely, November 11 1883 was held on November 15 1883 with Wor Brother J E Sebrell as Master Brother L A Gay acted as Secretary pro tempore The following minute was entered The record book of this Lodge together with the Secretary (Bro A T Biggs) was reported as having been destroyed by fire and the reading of the minutes of the last Stated Communication was unavoidably passed over Subsequently the Committee on Resolutions for Brother Asa T Biggs reported as follows Whereas the Supreme Architect of the Universe has removed from our midst our Brother Asa T Biggs late Secretary of tlns Lodge-

THEREFORE BE IT

solved That in the death of our B1otl1e1 which occuited on the morning of Q, l the 11th of November 1883 this Lodge has lost a. punctual member and an Ulent odicer

4 1 I pd That we emulate the virtues of our deceased brother and over *RT That we tender our sympathy to the family of the deceased -tlll on them the blessings of Him who 1s too wise to err and too go 1, | tl-\my e members of this Lodge wear the usual badge of mourn opy of these resolutions he sent to the widow of the lat 20 is haulin g the veil of charity- _ p ceased; that a copy be sent to the Franklin Gazette for publication, and they be spread upon our record book.

Respectfully submitted

Irvin C. Wills

J . P. Gay

R. A. Hicks

At the Communication held on December 20, 1883, Brother L. A. Gay was elected Secretary, and the following minute was entered:

“Whereas the records of this Lodge, from its organization to the 15th day of

November A. L. 5885, A. D. 1883, have been destroyed by fire, Resolved-That a Committee of four, consisting of Brothers L. A. Gay, Joshua Pretlow, A. W. Norfleet, and G. C. Wills, be appointed to collect and gather, such matters of record, as may be in their power, and that they be requested to have at least one meeting each mouth, and report such facts as they have been able to gather, to each monthly Communication. Resolved-That this Committee shall be appointed for the period of one year, or as long as may he necessary to complete the work for which it was created. Resoluecl-That the records thus gathered, shall be subject to the approval of the Lodge, and when so approved, shall be recorded in the record books of this Lodge.” There is nothing in the records to show that Brother Asa T. Biggs, the Secretary who lost his life in the fire which destroyed all the records prior to 1883, Was buried with Masonic honors. What is more, there is no record of his having been a member of the Lodge prior to the year he was the Secretary, namely 1883. He is not reported in any of the reports to the Grand Lodge prior to the report of his death in 1883. It seems, then, that he was made a Mason in the early part of the year 1883, for the review of all the Virginia Lodges prior to that date dow not show him as a member, and since the election of officers was in, June of the year 1883, he was elected during this first year’s connection with the Lodge, and because he died before the Annual Report in December, 1883, his name nowhere is to be found among the members of Franklin Lodge, No. 151, except that Brother L. A. Gay, the acting Secretary for die meeting following Brother Biggs’ death, and who made the Annual Report to the Grand Lodge, listed Brother Biggs as having died during the year, which list was separate from the membership. The first Communication to conduct a funeral, after the death of Brother Biggs, was held on Friday, January 25, 18841, for the purpose of paying the last respects to Brother Theophilus Gilliam Little, who died on January 241, 1884. Rev. M. S. Colonna conducted the church service, and the Lodge had charge of the Masonic service at the grave.

At the Stated Communication in February 1884, the Lodge voted to

continue DINNERS for which they agreed to pay 35c per plate. The Master reported at the December meeting of 1884 that no meeting had been held during October and November, “being interrupted by political meetings and Franklin Fair.”

‘Farmer’s Grove".

At the Stated Communication of August 19, 1886, the Committee

which had been appointed to collect missing records, made the following

report:

We have to record for this year the untimely death of Brother Asa T Biggs which occurred on the morning of November 11 1883 under the following sad circumstances On the fatal night Brother B1ggs had retired as usual when about 1 301 oclock, h1s wife was aroused by the smell of smoke She immediately went to arouse her husband who occupied an adjoining room On opening the door she was horrified to find the room enveloped 1n flames and her husband in an insensihle condition In her effort to drag him from the burning hullding was herself badly burned All edorts to save the old family mansion were unavfuling and the next day the charred remains of Bro Biggs were taken from the rubish of the burnt h ld mB1i§gBxggs was elected Secretary of this Lodge soon after be was made a Mason and filled the position rn a very creditable manner untll h1s death With him was destroyed the record book of our Lodge and hence the necessity for this Committee Bro Biggs had been with us but a short time but by his kind aifable Manners had won many friends

All of which rs respectfully submitted

L A Gay

A W Norlleet

Irvin C Wills

Joshua Pretlow

COMMITTEE

The Biggs mansion stood on what is known today (1956) as the

Mrs Jams B Young farm

The following minute appears for the Stated Communication of March

17 1887

A certain widow set forth the fact of her inability to pay for a sewing machine whereupon on motion and unanimously adopted the Treas was ordered to assist her to the amount of $15 00 out of the Lodge funds

On April 21 1887 Brother J E Gillette a former member of vw to Tluth Lodge No 128 petitioned for membership Was this Brothelq son of the first Master of Franklm Lodge? He has the same 1l’l1l1&lS, he could not be the lirst Master, because the Brother J E Gillette, W is named Master in the first Charter of Franklin Lodge died in 186 the result of wounds recelved in the Battle of Brandy Station It to sumed that this brother 1S J 12 Gillette, Jr He was elected to membé 1 w at the Stated Communication in May, 1887

In 1889, a Past Master of Franklin Lodge preferred charges 9, wthe Judge of the Court of Southampton county The case was settle ‘S{22l3°

cably and without the necessity for a trial. The Judge, however, withdrew from the Lodge at a later date.

On April 30, 1890, Franklin Lodge laid the corner-stone of the Franklin Methodist Church, at which time Dr. R. N. Sledd was the orator of the occasion. One of the Past Masters was charged with excessive drunkenness, but after the brother had made suitable apologies, the charges were withdrawn. A preacher member of the Lodge was reported to have publicly denounced Masonry whereupon a Committee was appointed to prepare charges against him ln the meantime, Perdie Lodge No 170, expelled hun, and this action made lt unnecessary for further action by Franklin Lodge lgti June 1898 a public mstallatron of officers was held in Delaware Park It is reported to have been a very colorful occasion

MASONIC CHARITY SHOWN A STRANGER

In the Spring of 1899, a translent Brother Master Mason became ill in the town of Franklin, and the Brethren of Franklin Lodge, learning of the plight of a Brother, who, although a stranger, needed help allotted generously of thelr funds to provide assistance The Brother dled in their midst away from friends and loved ones, and the following record was included in the Stated Communication of May 11 1899 Behold what havoc the scythe of ume makes among the human race Louis E King came into our midst a stranger, but we afterwards found him to be a Brother

Though he was destitute and penniless he did not want for in every clune a Mason may be found Brother King was a member of Temple Lodge No 55 Westport Connecticut He was a sick man when he came to our town and in a short time he was confined to his bed He suffered much for six weeks from the fearful disease called Consumption He bore his afflictions patiently until the Angel of Death came and carried him unto the land where our fathers have gone that land May that of him which is immortal be resting in that Divine Ark which can safely waft us over this tempestlous sea of trouble and anchored safely in that harbor where the wicked cease from troubling and where the weary shall find rest Let tlus short obituzuy be spread upon our records and a copy be sent to his only child in far ofl Connecticut to perpetuate the memory of Brother King whose body lies in Poplar Spring Cemetery quietly awaiting the Resurrection

morn

R H Cobb

J R Knight

.J P Holland

COMMITTEE

On September 10 1903, it was moved and carried that a vote of thanks be tendered Brother W H Arthur for the presentation to the Lodge of a nice silk hat for the use of the Worshipful Master

which she had purchased, and asked the Lodge to assist her in paying for samg, W ence’ no Have ‘ir remdns ‘_ _ . . . . .

The death of the District Deputy Grand Master, Bt. Wor. W. P. Sebrell, was ,reported at the Stated Communication of April 10, 1885. Brother Sebrell was a Past Master of Door to Truth Lodge, No. 128, located at Barn Tavern, Southampton county, and the post office was “F`armer’s Grove”. At the Stated Communication of August 19, 1886, the Committee which had been appointed to collect missing records, made the following report:

We have to record for this year the untimely death of Brother Asa T Biggs whlch occurred on the morning of November 11 1883 under the following sad circumstances On the fatal night Brother B1ggs had retired as usual when about 1 301 oclock, h1s wife was aroused by the smell of smoke She immediately went to arouse her husband who occupied an adjoining room On opening the door she was horrified to find the room enveloped 1n flames and her husband in an insensihle condition In her effort to drag him from the burning hullding was herself badly burned All edorts to save the old family mansion were unavfuling and the next day the charred remains of Bro Biggs were taken from the rubish of the burnt h ld mB1i§gBxggs was elected Secretary of this Lodge soon after be was made a Mason and filled the position rn a very creditable manner untll h1s death With him was destroyed the record book of our Lodge and hence the necessity for this Committee Bro Biggs had been with us but a short time but by his kind affable manners had won many friends

All of which is respectfully submitted

L A Gay

A W Norlleet

Irvin C Wills

Joshua Pretlow

COMMITTEE

The Biggs mansion stood on what is known today (1956) as the

Mrs Jams B Young farm

The following minute appears for the Stated Communication of March

17 1887

A certain widow set forth the fact of her 1nab1l1ty to pay for a sewing machine

whereupon on motion and unanimously adopted the Treas was ordered to

assist her to the amount of $15 00 out of the Lodge funds

On April 21 1887 Brother J E Gillette a former member of vw

to Tluth Lodge No 128 petitioned for membership Was this Brothelq

son of the first Master of Franklm Lodge? He has the same 1l’l1l1&lS,

he could not be the lirst Master, because the Brother J E Gillette, W

is named Master in the first Charter of Franklin Lodge died in 186

the result of wounds recelved in the Battle of Brandy Station It to

sumed that this brother 1S J 12 Gillette, Jr He was elected to membé 1 w

at the Stated Communication in May, 1887

In 1889, a Past Master of Franklin Lodge preferred charges 9, w

the Judge of the Court of Southampton county The case was settle

‘S{22l3°

cably and without the necessity for a trial. The Judge, however, withdrew

from the Lodge at a later date.

On April 30, 1890, Franklin Lodge laid the corner-stone of the

Franklin Methodist Church, at which time Dr. R. N. Sledd was the orator

of the occasion.

One of the Past Masters was charged with excessive drunkenness, but

after the brother had made suitable apologies, the charges were with-

drawn.

A preacher member of the Lodge was reported to have publicly de

nounced Masonry whereupon a Committee was appointed to prepare

charges against him ln the meantime, Perdie Lodge No 170, expelled

hun, and this action made lt unnecessary for further action by Franklin

Lod e

lgti June 1898 a public mstallatron of officers was held in Delaware

Park It is reported to have been a very colorful occasion

MASONIC CHARITY SHOWN A STRANGER

ln the Spring of 1899, a translent Brother Master Mason became ill

in the town of Franklin, and the Brethren of Franklin Lodge, learning of

the plight of a Brother, who, although a stranger, needed help allotted

generously of thelr funds to provide assistance The Brother dled in their

midst away from friends and loved ones, and the following record was

included in the Stated Communication of May 11 1899

Behold what havoc the scythe of ume makes among the human race Louis E

King came into our midst a stranger, but we afterwards found him to be a

Brother

Though he was destitute and penniless he did not want for in every clune

a Mason may be found

Brother King was a member of Temple Lodge No 55 Westport Connectl

cut He was a sick man when he came to our town and ln a short t1me he was

confined to his bed He suffered much for six weeks from the fearful disease

called Consumption He bore his alilxctions patiently until the Angel of Death

came and carrled him unto the land where our fathers ha\e gone that land

May that of him which is immortal be resting in that Divine Ark which can

safely waft us over this tempestlous sea of trouble and anchored safely in that

harbor where the wicked cease from troubling and where the weary shall find

rest

Let tlus short obituzuy be spread upon our records and a copy be sent to his

only child in far ofl Connecticut to perpetuate the memory of Brother King

whose body lies in Poplar Spring Cemetery quietly awaiting the Resurrection

morn

R H Cobb

J R Knight

.J P Holland

COMMITTEE

On September 10 1903, it was moved and carried that a vote of

thanks be tendered Brother W H Arthur for the presentation to the

Lodge of a nice silk hat for the use of the Worshipful Master

which she had purchased, and asked the Lodge to assist her in paying for samg, W ence’ no Have ‘ir remdns