THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN (1833-1847).
In a pamphlet prepared by Bro. John F. Weishampel, Sr., containing a
long talk delivered by him on Saint Tammany's Day, May 12, 1837, in the
city of Baltimore, Md., he says:
"For some length of time prior to organizing the present Improved Order
of Red Men, there existed in Baltimore, Md., a lodge, or society, called
Red Men. They had their wigwam, or place of meeting, in the garret of a
tavern. They met once a week, paid their dues, and initiated new members
if any were on hand. After the business was over, the rest of the
evening was spent in singing, telling yarns, making speeches, and
convivial enjoyment, in which the decanter largely figured. The object
of the society appeared to be only convivial entertainment. Several
gentlemen who had been induced to join the lodge, but who did not favor
such a course, withdrew as soon as they discovered the nature and object
of the society, and it soon afterwards broke up."
Among those who had become members of the Red Men, though ignorant of
its pernicious customs, were Geo. A. Peter and William T. Jones, as well
as a number whose names it is unnecessary to record, yet admiring the
beauties of its aboriginal ceremonies, determined to revive the society
upon a basis of sobriety, virtue and mutual assistance in time of need.
Several preliminary meetings were held, at which plans, rules and
regulations for its government were discussed and adopted, and the Tribe
was duly organized under the title of Logan Tribe, No. 1, Order of
Improved Red Men, having for their motto, "FREEDOM, FRIENDSHIP AND
CHARITY."
The presiding chief was styled the Sachem, and the others graded as
Sagamores, Prophet, Chief of Records, Keeper of Wampum, Guards of the
Forest and Wigwam, Sanaps, Warriors and Braves. They also later prefixed
the word "Worthy" to the titles of the chiefs.
Dates were computed according to the Jewish method, using the year of
the world, or, as it was called, the "Grand Sun of the world." A year
was a "grand sun," and continued to be so styled until 1868, when it was
changed to "great sun."
A calendar or table of nomenclature was established, practically the
same as that now in use. The chiefs of the Tribes were elected every
three moons, which continued to be the custom for many "grand suns."
After Logan Tribe had been in existence for about one great sun, and
there had also been instituted Metamora Tribe, No. 2, it was deemed
advisable to apply to the Maryland Legislature for a charter, so that
the Tribe could be recognized as an important body. Brother John F.
Weishampel, Sr., was appointed to draw up the petition, and in so doing
prepared the papers in the name of the "Improved Order of Red Men," thus
transposing the original title, "Order of Improved Red Men." None of
members seemed to notice the alteration in the name and it therefore
remained so.
Soon after the organization of Metamora Tribe, No. 2, it was deemed best
to form a higher body, and therefore on the 20th sun of Flower Moon, G.
S. 5595, the Grand Council of Maryland was organized.
Pocahontas Tribe, No. 3, was instituted three great suns later, and the
Order was now firmly established and seemed on the high road to success
and prosperity.
In September, 1841, a new Tribe was instituted under the name of
Metamora Tribe, No. 4, the old Tribe, Metamora, No. 2, having forfeited
its charter and become defunct. Metamora, No. 4, did not last long for a
difficulty arose between the Tribe and the Great Council of Maryland,
and the membership withdrew and formed the nucleus of the organization
known as the Independent Order of Red Men, composed entirely of Germans.
Several additional Tribes were established by the Great Council of
Maryland, and on November 4, 1845, there having previously been
established three Tribes in the District of Columbia, the Great Council
of Maryland granted a charter to the Great Council of the District of
Columbia, and it was established on that day.
From this time on the Order spread, until there were Tribes in several
Reservations, and on the 1st sleep of the 5th seven suns of Cold Moon,
5607, which in the common era corresponds to Monday, January 30, 1847,
was instituted and organized the Great Council of the United States,
which was and is recognized as the Supreme Body of the Improved Order of
Red Men.