THE GREAT COUNCIL OF KENTUCKY, 1854-1884.
Pursuant to a notice given, the Past Sachems of Chicasaw Tribe, No. 1,
of Newport, Blackhawk Tribe, No. 2, of Covington, and Pocahontas Tribe,
No. 3, of Newport, of the Improved Order of Red Men, assembled in
Newport on the 9th of Sturgeon Moon, G. S. 5614, for the purpose of
organizing a Great Council in the Reservation of Kentucky.
The following named Past Sachems were present:
From Chicasaw Tribe, No. 1--Geo. W. Ford, P. A. C. Kemper, J. H. Barlow,
G. D. Allen, Wm. Ostler, D. H. B. Coffin and C. J. Murdock.
From Black Hawk Tribe, No. 2--V. Schinkle, E. Reese, Uriah Schinkle, and
A. J. Francis.
From Pocahontas Tribe, No. 3--Geo. W. Schmidt.
It is worthy of note that of the foregoing, [2]Geo. W. Ford afterwards
became the 9th Great Incohonee of the Great Council of the United
States, and [3]A. J. Francis the 16th.
The Great Council Fire was kindled in due form by the Worthy Great
Incohonee George A. Peter, and the following named chiefs were elected
or appointed and raised up:
George W. Ford Most Worthy Great Sachem
E. Reese Most Worthy Great Senior Sagamore
Uriah Schinkle Most Worthy Great Junior Sagamore
P. A. C. Kemper Most Worthy Great Prophet
A. J. Francis Most Worthy Great Chief of Records
V. Schinkle Most Worthy Great Keeper of Wampum
D. H. B. Coffin Great Sannap
Wm. Ostler Great Guard of Wigwam
G. W. Schmidt Great Guard of Forest
It was ordered that Kentucky Tribe, No. 4, be notified of the
institution of this Great Council and that it is now under its
jurisdiction.
Kentucky Tribe was located in Louisville and it is probable that it did
not join in the call for the institution of the Great Council.
It was agreed that the annual sessions of the Great Council be held in
the hunting grounds of Newport, and the quarterly sessions in such place
as a majority of the members present may determine from time to time.
Various committees were appointed, including one on Constitution and
Laws, and the council fire was quenched, to be rekindled on the 19th
sleep of Sturgeon Moon, on which date the Great Council met pursuant to
adjournment, and the council fire was kindled with due solemnity.
No important business was transacted at this council other than the
adoption of a code of Rules and By-Laws, and the council fire was
quenched to be rekindled on the 26th sleep of Sturgeon Moon.
At this adjourned council Representatives to the Great Council of the
United States were elected as follows: E. Reese, G. W. Ford, and U.
Schinkle, and the council fire was quenched to be rekindled on the 2nd
sleep of Traveling Moon, but did not meet until the 16th sun, when the
council fire was kindled and routine business transacted.
At this session it was ordered that all Tribes in the jurisdiction be
requested to surrender the charters they had received from the G. C. U.
S., and apply to the Great Council of Kentucky for charters.
The next session was held in Covington, on the 15th of Cold Moon, 5615,
when several Past Sachems presented credentials and were admitted.
A petition was received from pale faces residing in Alexandria praying
for the institution of Choctaw Tribe, No. 5, in those hunting grounds,
and a dispensation was granted to kindle the council fire.
The next session was held in the hunting grounds of Louisville, on the
16th sun of Plant Moon, 5615.
Worthy Great Sachem Geo. W. Ford stated that he had been appointed Vice
Great Incohonee for the Southern States, and was soon to visit New
Orleans for the purpose of instituting a Tribe there.
It was decided that a Brother elected Prophet of a Tribe at its
institution was entitled to the honors of a Past Sachem without passing
through the chairs.
The council fire was then quenched in due form.
[2] "The Great Council of Kentucky was instituted at Newport on the 9th
sleep of Sturgeon Moon, G. S. 5614, (August 9, 1854). Great Sachem
George W. Ford, elected at this time, afterwards became the ninth Great
Incohonee of the G. C. U. S."--Records G. C. U. S., 5614.
[3] "Among those admitted for the first time was Past Great Sachem
A. J. Francis, who afterwards became Great Incohonee of the G. C. U.
S."--Records G. C. U. S., 5617.
=1855.=
SECOND GRAND SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council fire was kindled in ample form at Newport on the 16th
sun of Buck Moon, G. S. 5615.
Past Sachems and representatives were admitted from Chickasaw Tribe, No.
1; Black Hawk Tribe, No. 2; Pocahontas Tribe, No. 3; Kentucky Tribe, No.
4; Choctaw Tribe, No. 5, and Tecumseh Tribe, No. 6, of Louisville. The
records fail to show the date of the institution of this Tribe, but it
must have been during the Great Sun 5614-5615, and was authorized to
work in the German language.
Great Chiefs for the ensuing Great Sun were elected and raised up as
follows:
Elias Reese, of No. 2 Worthy Great Sachem
S. I. B Badgley, of No. 4 Worthy Great Senior Sagamore
Chas. Amann, of No. 3 Worthy Great Junior Sagamore
J. B. Monder, of No. 1 Worthy Great Prophet
A. J. Francis, of No. 2 Worthy Great Chief of Records
V. Schinkle, of No. 2 Worthy Great Keeper of Wampum
G. W. Ford, Great Representative to G. C. U. S. for two great suns
Bros. Brown and Coffin, for one great sun each.
Great Sachem Geo. W. Ford read the first long talk, an able and
comprehensive document. He said: "The Grand Sun just past is the
first of this Great Body. It has been one of great trial. The Great
Manitou's face has been under a cloud, our corn patches have been
barren and our vines brought forth no fruit; yet has not the faith of
the Red Man faltered. The cloud is being lifted, our hearts are made
glad, the corn and vine promise much, our squaws and pappooses shall
not go hungry, and the wampum belt shall again be full. During the
past Grand Sun two more Tribes have been added to our number--Choctaw
Tribe, No. 5, at Alexandria, and Tecumseh Tribe, No. 6, at Louisville.
In the absence of written law I have been governed by this alone,
our motto, "Freedom, Friendship, and Charity. Freedom of thought in
discussion; Friendship in our intercourse with the brotherhood, and
Charity towards our brothers' faults, frailties and the foibles of
human nature." Speaking as he was to Past Sachems only, the following
was not only timely then, but is still pertinent and should be heeded:
"We would earnestly recommend that you attend regularly the councils
of your respective Tribes, for to you it is natural to look for
countenance and advice. It is a too common failing that when a brother
has attained the highest post of honor for him to become remiss in
his duties to his Tribe, for it is his duty to attend the kindling of
his council fire upon every occasion, when health and private duties
permit. It is essentially the province of all past officers to guide
their respective Tribes in the right path, that they go not astray and
follow the path of the evil spirit. Let this advice sink deeply into
your hearts and penetrate fruitfully your understanding."
The following was adopted:
"Resolved: That this Great Council instruct its Representatives to the
G. C. U. S. to call the attention of that body to the subject of
establishing a chief's degree to be conferred upon the squaws of Red
Men."
The Great Council fire was quenched, to be rekindled in the hunting
grounds of Alexandria, on the 15th sun of Traveling Moon, G. S. 5616.
On the above date the council fire was rekindled. Since the quenching of
the last council fire the Great Council of the United States had
convened, and Past Great Sachem Geo. W. Ford had been elected Great
Incohonee of that body, and he presided at this session of the Great
Council of Kentucky.
Several Past Sachems presented credentials and were admitted, routine
business was transacted and the council fire was quenched, to be
rekindled in the hunting grounds of Covington, on the 21st sun of Cold
Moon, G. S. 5616, on which date the Great Council reconvened, but
transacted no important business other than a resolution to fine all
Great Chiefs for non-attendance, and the council fire was quenched, to
be rekindled in the hunting grounds of Louisville, on the 14th sun of
Plant Moon, 5616.
At this adjourned session much business of only local interest, however,
was transacted.
A resolution was adopted to kindle the Great Council fire semi-annually
instead of quarterly, once in Louisville and once in Newport or
Covington.
The council fire was then quenched.
=1856.=
THIRD GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The council fire was kindled with due solemnities in the hunting grounds
of Newport, on the 21st sun of Buck Moon, G. S. 5616.
Representatives were present from Chickasaw Tribe, No. 1; Black Hawk
Tribe, No. 2; Pocahontas Tribe, No. 3, and Tecumseh Tribe, No. 6.
Great Sachem Elias Reese presented his long talk, regretting that he had
not been able to institute any new Tribes, but reported the Order in a
very healthy condition.
The election of Great Chiefs for the Grand Sun ensuing resulted as
follows:
A. J. Francis M. W. Great Sachem
John Hughes M. W. Great Senior Sagamore
John Amann M. W. Great Junior Sagamore
Wm. Schmidt M. W. Great Prophet
Peter Ruhl M. W. Great Chief of Records
Vincent Schinkle M. W. Keeper of Wampum
Elias Reese Great Representative to G. C. U. S.
The finance committee reported total receipts for the Grand Sun,
$374.40; expenses, $324.50; balance in the wampum belt, $49.90.
No business was transacted at this session worthy of being recorded on
these pages, and after the Past Great Sachem had instructed the brethren
in the secret work the Great Council fire was quenched, to be rekindled
in the hunting grounds of Louisville, on the 13th sun of Cold Moon, G.
S. 5617.
On the above date the Great Council reconvened, and representatives were
admitted from Kentucky Tribe, No. 4; Tecumseh, No. 6, and Delaware, No.
7.
The Great Sachem reported that he had granted a dispensation for a new
Tribe at Louisville, to be known as Delaware Tribe, No. 7, and that its
first council fire had been kindled on the 2nd sun, Traveling Moon, G.
S. 5617.
Reports were received in correct form from all Tribes except Chickasaw
Tribe, No. 1, and Choctaw, No. 5, and as no further mention is made of
No. 5 in subsequent records, it is probable that it was at this time
defunct.
Past Great Sachem Elias Reese, Great Representative to G. C. U. S.,
made a lengthy report, stating at that time there were nine States
having Great Councils, viz.: Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, District
of Columbia, New Jersey, Ohio, Kentucky, Delaware, and New York,
and that hereafter the Great Council of the United States would be a
representative body, exclusively. He also reported that P. G. I. Geo. W.
Ford had been appointed Vice Great Incohonee for Louisiana, Tennessee
and Texas.
A committee was appointed to have the Great Council of Kentucky
incorporated.
The council fire was then quenched.
=1857.=
FOURTH GRAND SUN COUNCIL.
The council fire was kindled in the wigwam of Black Hawk Tribe, No. 2,
Covington, on the 13th of Buck Moon, G. S. 5617.
Representatives were admitted from Tribes Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7.
The long talks of the Great Chiefs were not copied in the proceedings,
therefore no excerpts can be made from them.
A committee of three was appointed to draft a constitution for the
government of Tribes under the jurisdiction of this Great Council.
Previous to this time each Tribe had prepared its own constitution as
well as by-laws, subject, however, to approval by the Great Council.
Chiefs for the ensuing Grand Sun were elected and raised up as follows:
John Hughes M. W. Great Sachem
Gregory B. Kiteley M. W. Great Senior Sagamore
John B. Davies M. W. Great Junior Sagamore
W. D. Turner M. W. Great Prophet
Peter Ruhl M. W. Great Chief of Records
A. J. Francis M. W. Great Keeper of Wampum
A. J. Francis Representative to G. C. U. S.
After transacting the usual routine business, the council fire was
quenched, to be rekindled in the wigwam of Kentucky Tribe, No. 4,
hunting grounds of Louisville, on the 11th of Cold Moon, G. S. 5618.
The Great Council reconvened, pursuant to adjournment, with all Great
Chiefs present.
Representatives were admitted from Tribes Nos. 2, 4, 6 and 7.
No business was transacted other than the payment of current bills and
acting upon a new code of by-laws for the Great Council, and the council
fire was quenched in due form.
=1858.=
FIFTH GRAND SUN COUNCIL.
The council fire was kindled in the hunting grounds of Newport, on the
12th of Buck Moon, G. S. 5618, all Great Chiefs being present.
Representatives were present from Tribes Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 6.
Past Sachems were present from Kentucky Tribe, No. 4, and Delaware, No.
7, but without credentials as representatives, and they were refused
admission, whereupon they gave notice of an appeal to the G. C. U. S.
Great Sachem John Hughes, in his long talk, stated that the Order was in
good condition and that efforts were being made to establish Tribes in
Frankfort and Lexington. He complimented the Louisville brethren for
their zeal. Among his rulings was one that a paleface being admitted
under lawful age, by mistake, should remain a member of the Tribe which
had adopted him.
Reports of the G. C. of R. and G. K. of W. showed the Great Council to
be in debt to the Great Keeper of Wampum for 7 fathoms 1 foot and 9
inches.
The election for Great Chiefs for the ensuing Grand Sun resulted as
follows:
John B. Davies M. W. Great Sachem
A. C. Harig M. W. Great Senior Sagamore
Jacob Schenk M. W. Great Junior Sagamore
C. Rice M. W. Great Prophet
Jas. N. Tyrack M. W. Great Chief of Records
A. J. Francis M. W. Great Keeper of Wampum
Bros. Ruhl, Harig and Tyrack were elected Great Representatives to the
G. C. U. S., and were instructed that if they desired to attend that
Grand Body at their own expense they would be furnished with
credentials.
After passing an order to borrow 50 fathoms from Tecumseh Tribe, No. 6,
the Great Council fire was quenched, to be rekindled in the hunting
grounds of Louisville, on the 12th of Cold Moon, G. S. 5619.
At the semi-grand sun session, Great Sachem John B. Davies was not
present, owing to afflictions in his family, and Past Great Sachem A. J.
Francis occupied his stump.
Representatives were present from Tribes Nos. 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7.
It was announced that Chickasaw Tribe, No. 1, of Newport, had become
defunct and its members were desirous of uniting with some other Tribe,
taking with them the property of former Chickasaw Tribe in lieu of
admission fee, and requested of the Great Council permission so to do.
Acting Great Sachem ruled the request out of order, on the ground that
the property of defunct Chickasaw Tribe did not belong to the members,
but to the Great Council.
It was ordered that no Tribe shall be entitled to the pass-word, nor
shall its chiefs be raised up until its reports and percentage have been
placed in the hands of its Deputy Great Sachem.
The constitution was amended so as to provide for annual sessions only,
to alternate between the cities of Louisville and Covington.
After levying an assessment of ten fathoms upon each Tribe under its
jurisdiction, the council fire was quenched.
=1859.=
SIXTH GRAND SUN COUNCIL.
The Grand Sun Council fire was kindled in the wigwam of Black Hawk
Tribe, No. 2, hunting grounds of Covington, on the 11th of Buck Moon, G.
S. 5619, Great Sachem John B. Davies presiding.
Representatives were admitted from Tribes Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 6.
The Great Sachem, in a very brief talk, reported that Black Hawk,
Pocahontas, Kentucky, Tecumseh, and Delaware Tribes were in a nourishing
condition, a spirit of emulation pervading their wigwams.
Great Chief of Records J. N. Tyrack presented a very complete report,
from which the following is gleaned: Amount in Great Council wampum
belt, 142 fathoms; number of working Tribes, 6; members in good
standing, 267; withdrawn by card, 9; adopted, 52; admitted by card, 3;
rejected, 3; expulsions and suspensions, 40; deaths, 3; widows and
orphans, 14; amount paid for relief of brothers, $258.50; for relief of
widows and orphans, $53.75.
Election for Great Chiefs resulted as follows:
A. C. Herig M. W. Great Sachem
Jacob Schenk M. W. Great Senior Sagamore
W. H. Patton M. W. Great Junior Sagamore
John B. Haltimus M. W. Great Prophet
Jas. N. Tyrack M. W. Great Chief of Records
A. J. Francis M. W. Great Keeper of Wampum
Bros. Tyrack, Davis and Herig Representatives to G. C. U. S.
Trustees--Bros. Kiteley, Davis and Haltimus.
A constitution for the government of all Tribes in this reservation was
adopted.
The Great Keeper of Wampum reported that all bills and claims had been
paid and that there was a balance in the wampum belt of 18 inches.
The council fire was then quenched with due solemnity.
=1860.=
SEVENTH GRAND SUN COUNCIL.
The Most Worthy Great Council of Kentucky kindled its seventh Grand Sun
Council fire in the wigwam of Delaware Tribe, No. 7, hunting ground of
Louisville, on the 9th sun of Buck Moon, G. S. 5620, Great Sachem A. C.
Herig on his stump.
Representatives were admitted from Black Hawk Tribe, No. 2; Pocahontas,
No. 3; Kentucky, No. 4; Tecumseh, No. 6, and Delaware, No. 7.
The Great Sachem's long talk reviewed the progress of the Order for the
Grand Sun. He regretted that he had been unable to institute any new
Tribes, and called the attention of the Great Council to the fact that
there were in the possession of the Great Chief of Records the effects
of defunct Tribes Chickasaw, No. 1, and Choctaw, No. 5, and urged that
some action be taken to dispose of the same.
The election resulted as follows:
Chas. Amann M. W. Great Sachem
C. Rice M. W. Great Senior Sagamore
John B. Haltimus M. W. Great Junior Sagamore
Richard W. Elsey M. W. Great Prophet
Jas. N. Tyrack M. W. Great Chief of Records
W. D. Turner M. W. Great Keeper of Wampum
John Hughes, Chas. Amann, and Martin Borntraeger, Great Representatives
to G. C. U. S.
The Great Chief of Records reported as follows: Amount on hand in wampum
belt, 140 fathoms; number of working tribes, 5; adoptions, 37;
rejections, 1; suspensions, 57; admitted by card, 7; withdrawn by card,
4; expulsions, 3; deceased, 4; members, 299; Past Sachems, 113; Tribes
defunct, Chickasaw, No. 1.
Bros. Kiteley, Fresher and Strube were elected Great Trustees.
The council fire was then quenched.
Bro. Jas. N. Tyrack, Great Chief of Records, having resigned his
chieftaincy, a special council was called to meet in the wigwam of
Pocahontas Tribe, No. 3, at Newport, on the 18th of Worm Moon, G. S.
5621, at which Past Sachem Bernard Strube was elected and raised up to
the stump of Great Chief of Records.
=1861.=
EIGHTH GRAND SUN COUNCIL.
The eighth Grand Sun Council fire of the Most Worthy Great Council of
Kentucky was kindled in the hunting grounds of Newport, on the 9th of
Buck Moon, G. S. 5621, M. W. Great Sachem Chas. Amann presiding.
Past Sachems from Tribes Nos. 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 were in attendance.
In his long talk the Great Sachem said: "As all earthly joys are tinged
with sorrow, these hunting grounds of our fathers are now clamorous with
the wild and frantic war whoop. The pleasure of this meeting is alloyed
with pain. Oh, how different is the scene presented from that of one
Grand Sun ago. Everything then was bright and prosperous, and bid fair
to be the golden harvest of ages. The fruits of the earth were abundant
and our forest replete with game. * * * I cannot report that all the
Tribes in this jurisdiction are in healthy condition, or that the most
friendly relations exist around their council fires. There have been
some grievances and misunderstandings between Tribes and our former
Great Chief of Records which caused that Great Chief to resign. I
visited all Tribes during my chieftaincy."
The Great Chief of Records, B. Strobe, reported as follows: Amount in
wampum belt, 138 fathoms; number of working Tribes, 5; adoptions, 9;
suspensions, 15; expulsions, 3; withdrawn by card, 4; admitted by card,
2; deceased, 4; number of members, 303; paid for relief of brothers,
$341; for widows and orphans, $89.
The election for Great Chiefs resulted as follows:
W. D. Turner M. W. Great Sachem
J. B. Haltimus M. W. Great Senior Sagamore
Isaac Sulton M. W. Great Junior Sagamore
Chas. Hebel M. W. Great Prophet
Bernard Strube M. W. Great Chief of Records
A. J. Francis M. W. Great Keeper of Wampum
A. J. Francis, E. Merkley and St. A. Gray, Representatives to G. C. U.
S.
J. B. Heltimus, Chas. Hebel and Bro. Weichert, Trustees.
The Great Council passed upon several appeal cases, ordered current
bills paid, and the council fire was quenched.
=1862.=
NINTH GRAND SUN COUNCIL.
The council fire was kindled in the wigwam of Kentucky Tribe. No. 4,
hunting grounds of Louisville, at the 9th run, rising of the 14th sun
of Buck Moon, G. S. 5633, with Great Sachem W. D. Turner on his stump.
Past Sachems were admitted from Black Hawk Tribe, No. 2; Kentucky, No.
4; Tecumseh, No. 6, and Delaware, No. 7.
The following extract from the Great Sachem's long talk reveals the
condition of the Order at this time: "The events of the past year, so
fatal to the political and financial prosperity of the country, has
not been without its influence upon the prosperity of our Order. It
has prevented a great number of our chiefs from attending the meetings
of this Great Council, also from attending their respective Tribes.
* * * It is, however, our duty by all means in our power, to make every
exertion to maintain the Order and to keep constantly in view of our
respective Tribes the beautiful motto of our Order, and the necessity
of being united."
The following is from the report of the Great Chief of Records:
Number of working Tribes, 5; members, 259; deceased, 3; rejected, 1;
suspended, 23; expulsions, 2: withdrawn by card, 3; paid for relief of
brothers, $227.50; paid for relief of widows and orphans, $99.00.
The Great Keeper of Wampum reported 86 fathoms in the wampum belt.
The election resulted as follows:
Gregory B. Kiteley M. W. Great Sachem
M. Borntraeger M. W. Great Senior Sagamore
W. T. Clark M. W. Great Junior Sagamore
F. Frische M. W. Great Prophet
Bernard Strube M. W. Great Chief of Records
A. J. Francis M. W. Great Keeper of Wampum
E. Reese, M. Borntraeger, and R. McCracken, Representatives to G. C. U.
S.
Bros. Turner, Frische and Clark, Trustees.
After passing bills and a resolution not to pay mileage for the ensuing
two Grand Suns, the council fire was quenched.
=1863.=
TENTH GRAND SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council assembled and the council fire was kindled in the
wigwam of Black Hawk Tribe, No. 2, hunting grounds of Covington, on the
17th sun of Sturgeon Moon, G. S. 5623, Great Sachem G. B. Kiteley
presiding.
Past Sachems were admitted from Tribes Nos. 2, 4 and 6.
The Great Sachem said: "I am sorry that we were not able to meet at the
appointed time, according to law, but owing to the declaring of martial
law in Louisville, and the stoppage of all travel, it was utterly
impossible for the brothers from any of the Tribes in Louisville to come
here; hence the necessity of postponing the meeting until the present
time. I instituted in Kentucky and Delaware Tribes a degree council, and
would suggest the propriety of its being done by all the Tribes, as by
so doing the brothers will get to know the unwritten work of the Order
much better than they do at present. It affords me much pleasure to
state that the Tribes are in much more flourishing condition than they
have been for some time past."
The Great Chief of Records reported:
Number of working Tribes, 5; adoptions, 21; rejections, 1; suspensions,
22; expulsions, 1; admitted by card, 3; deceased, 3; whole number of
members, 245; paid for relief of brothers, $158; for relief of widows
and orphans, $61.25.
Past Great Sachem A. J. Francis, in a feeling and appropriate manner,
announced the death of Past Great Chief of Records, Jas. N. Tyrack, who
died on July 16, 1862, in the city of Nashville, Tenn. Appropriate
resolutions were passed.
The election resulted as follows:
M. Borntraeger M. W. Great Sachem
B. B. Wilder M. W. Great Senior Sagamore
R. B. McCracken M. W. Great Junior Sagamore
A. Schneider M. W. Great Prophet
Bernard Strube M. W. Great Chief of Records
A. J. Francis M. W. Great Keeper of Wampum
A. J. Francis, W. D. Turner and E. Merkley, Great Representatives
of G. C. U. S.
Past Great Incohonee Geo. S. Peters and the Great Chiefs of the Great
Council of Ohio being present, they were invited to raise up the Great
Chiefs-elect, which they did.
After routine business the Great Council fire was quenched.
=1864.=
ELEVENTH GRAND SUN COUNCIL.
The eleventh Grand Sun Council of the Right Worthy Great Council of
Kentucky, Imp'd O. R. M., was kindled in the wigwam of Kentucky Tribe,
No. 4, hunting grounds of Louisville, at the 10th run, rising of the
11th sun of Buck Moon, G. S. 5624, Great Sachem Borntraeger presiding,
and all the elective Great Chiefs being present.
Past Sachems were admitted from Tribes Nos. 4, 6 and 7.
The Great Sachem said: "Though it has not been our good fortune to add
another to the number of Tribes already established in this State, I am
happy to state that the initiations in some of the Tribes have been
right numerous, and the receipts of wampum quite large. I hope that the
bloody strife now raging in this our beautiful land may soon be ended
and that the Great Spirit may spare you all for many a meeting of this
Great Council."
The following is gleaned from the report of the Great Chief of Records:
Number of working Tribes, 5; initiations, 33; rejections, 7;
suspensions, 11; expulsions, 1; withdrawn by card, 3; deceased, 4; whole
number of members, 260; paid for relief of brothers, 499 fathoms; for
widows and orphans, 132 fathoms; amount in the Great Council wampum
belt, $220.66.
The election of Chiefs resulted as follows:
B. B. Wilder Worthy Great Sachem
R. B. McCracken Worthy Great Senior Sagamore
A. Schneider Worthy Great Junior Sagamore
G. B. Kiteley Worthy Great Prophet
W. Bridgemann Worthy Great Chief of Records
A. J. Francis Worthy Great Keeper of Wampum
B. B. McCracken and Chas. Hebel Representatives to G. C. U. S.
A communication was received from the Great Council of the United States
warning the Great Council not to print odes, diplomas, cards, or other
supplies, in violation of the laws of the Great Council of the United
States.
The Great Council at this session liquidated its debt to Black Hawk
Tribe, No. 2.
After passing a resolution instructing the Great Representatives to
invite the Great Council of the United States to kindle its next Great
Sun Council fire in the hunting grounds of Louisville, the council fire
was quenched with due solemnity.
=1865.=
TWELFTH GRAND SUN COUNCIL.
The twelfth Grand Sun Council fire of the Right Worthy Great Council of
Kentucky, Improved Order of Red Men, was kindled in the wigwam of
Pocahontas Tribe, No. 3, in the hunting grounds of Newport, on the 10th
sun of Buck Moon, G. S. 5625, Great Sachem B. B. Wilder presiding.
Past Sachems were admitted from Tribes 3, 4 and 6.
The Great Sachem said: "The Order has not advanced as much as we fondly
hoped it would when the administration was placed in our hands, yet,
considering the disturbed condition of the public mind and the
distracted affairs of our beloved country, which has alike kept the
loyal and disloyal citizens in a constant fever of excitement, we can
congratulate the Great Chiefs that the Order has not lost ground, but is
steadily and surely advancing, and by the will and assistance of the
Great Spirit of the Universe the civil strife and rebellion that has
been raging for more than four Grand Suns has at last come to a close
and we are once more to have the happiness and pleasure of peace."
The Great Chief of Records reported as follows:
Number of working Tribes, 5; initiations, 61; rejections, 6;
suspensions, 7; expulsions, 3; withdrawn by card, 1; deceased, 5;
reinstated, 16; whole number of members, 318; paid for relief of
brothers, $510.50; for relief of widows and orphans, $84.00.
The election for Great Chiefs for the ensuing Grand Sun resulted as
follows:
Jacob Schenk Worthy Great Sachem
R. B. McCracken Worthy Great Senior Sagamore
George J. Fry Worthy Great Junior Sagamore
B. B. Wilder Worthy Great Prophet
Wm. Brigmann Worthy Great Chief of Records
A. J. Francis Worthy Great Keeper of Wampum
A. J. Francis, R. B. McCracken and A. Reese, Great Representatives to
G. C. U. S.
Notice was received from the Great Council of the United States of
the proposed change in the mode of dating, to substitute Grand Sun
of Discovery, 1492, as the base, computing from that date as G.
S. D. 1, instead of the Jewish method then in use, and the Great
Representatives were instructed to vote against the proposed change.
The Great Chief of Records was instructed to devise and have printed a
new form of Tribal Reports.
In secret session, Past Great Incohonee A. J. Francis exemplified the
unwritten work.
It was resolved that the Representatives to the G. C. U. S.
be requested to offer a resolution in that body by which the
Representatives may in future be elected for two years instead of one.
Resolutions of respect were adopted on the death of Past Sachem John
B. Emig, of Tecumseh Tribe, No. 6, of Louisville.
The Great Council fire was then quenched in due form.
=1866.=
THIRTEENTH GRAND SUN COUNCIL.
The thirteenth Grand Sun Council fire of the Right Worthy Great Council
of Kentucky, Imp'd O. R. M., was kindled in the wigwam of Kentucky
Tribe, No. 4, hunting grounds of Louisville, at the 9th run, rising of
the 9th sun of Buck Moon, G. S. D. 375, Great Sachem Jacob Schenk
presiding, and all the elective Great Chiefs present.
Past Sachems were admitted from Tribes Nos. 4, 6 and 7.
The Great Sachem in his admirable long talk said: "The mingling together
of the honored brothers of the Order, the kind interchange of opinions
upon the various topics introduced for consideration, the animated yet
decorous discussion of various subjects, indicate too plainly for any
doubt that our beloved Order is not only firmly established, but that a
strong desire exists, not only to keep it in its present position, but
if possible to advance it to one yet more deserving of respect. The law
now is that no Tribe is entitled to the semi-annual pass-word, nor their
chiefs-elect to installation until their reports are placed in the hands
of the D. G. S. or the Great Chief of Records. I have been instructed by
the Great Council of the United States of the change in the mode of
dating, from Grand Sun 5626 to Grand Sun of Discovery 375. Also the law
of representations in the G. C. U. S. has been changed as follows: State
Great Councils shall have two Representatives for 500 members or less,
and one for every additional 500 or fraction exceeding 300, who are to
serve for two years, but at the first election one-half of the number
are to be elected for one year, so that their terms expire alternately.
Also the mode of taxation has been changed from a percentage basis to a
per capita tax of 5 inches."
From the report of the Great Chief of Records the following is gleaned:
Number of working Tribes, 5; initiations, 55; rejections, 7;
suspensions, 4; expulsions, 5; reinstatements, 6; deceased, 8; withdrawn
by card, 8; admitted by card, 2; whole number of members, 350; Past
Sachems, 97; Past Great Sachems, 10; paid for relief of brothers, $686;
for relief of widows and orphans, $116; total Tribal receipts, $2212.75.
The Great Keeper of Wampum reported $338.69 as balance in wampum belt.
The election for Great Chiefs resulted as follows:
R. B. McCracken Worthy Great Sachem
Geo. A. Fry Worthy Great Senior Sagamore
Edw. Merkley Worthy Great Junior Sagamore
Jacob Schenk Worthy Great Prophet
Wm. Brigmann Worthy Great Chief of Records
A. J. Francis Worthy Great Keeper of Wampum
Representatives to G. C. U. S.--For two years, Chas. Hebel; for one
year, A. J. Francis.
The constitution was amended so as to bring the Grand Sun Council fire
"on the second sun of the fourth seven suns of Buck Moon."
A charter was granted to Toronto Degree Council, No. 1, of Louisville,
which was instituted on the 8th of Flower Moon, G. S 5625.
A committee was appointed to draw up new constitutions for both Great
Council and for Tribes.
The council fire was then quenched in due form.
=1867.=
FOURTEENTH GRAND SUN COUNCIL.
The fourteenth Grand Sun Council fire of the Right Worthy Great Council
of Kentucky was kindled in the wigwam of Black Hawk Tribe, No. 2,
hunting grounds of Covington, at the rising of the 22nd sun of Buck
Moon, G. S. D. 376, Great Sachem R. B. McCracken presiding.
Past Sachems were admitted from Black Hawk Tribe, No. 2; Pocahontas, No.
3; Tecumseh, No. 6, and Seneca, No. 9.
The Great Sachem in his long talk said: "I have the pleasure of
informing you that two more Tribes have been added to our number. On the
15th sun of Sturgeon Moon I received a petition from a number of
palefaces residing in Lexington asking for a dispensation to establish a
Tribe in that city, and on the 29th of the same moon I visited Lexington
in company with Past Great Sachem Chas. Amann, Past Great Incohonee A.
J. Francis, and Great Sachem Chas. Reed, of Ohio, and established
Osceola Tribe, No. 8. The following Chiefs were elected and raised up:
James Crystal, Sachem; Thos. A. Hornsey, Sr. Sag.; B. P. Watkins, Jr.
Sag.; A. W. Trebien, C. of R.; V. N. Gardner, K. of W.; D. A. King,
Prophet.
On the 25th of Traveling Moon I received a petition from a number of
Past Sachems and a few other brothers for a dispensation to establish a
new Tribe in the city of Louisville, to be known as Seneca Tribe, No. 9.
I requested Past Great Sachem Chas. Amann to institute the Tribe, which
he did, and installed the following chiefs: P. S. Conrad Koch, Sachem;
P. S. Christ Mayflor, Sr. Sag.; P. S. Jacob Lezinski, Jr. Sag.; P. S.
Tebel, C. of R.; P. S. Ph. Leonhard, K. of W.; P. S. Isaac Lieber,
Prophet.
The regalia and implements of the defunct Chickasaw Tribe, No. 1, I
sold to the Tribe at Lexington."
Great Chief of Records Wm. Brigmann, not being present, sent his books
and a partial report, which did not contain the statistics to date.
The following named Great Chiefs were elected and raised up for the
ensuing Grand Sun:
Andrew Schneider Worthy Great Sachem
Joseph Havlin Worthy Great Senior Sagamore
John Wohlfardt Worthy Great Junior Sagamore
Thomas W. Giedeon Worthy Great Prophet
Chas. Hebel Worthy Great Chief of Records
A. J. Francis Worthy Great Keeper of Wampum
Great Representatives to G. C. U. S.--Thos. W. Giedeon, two grand
suns; Charles Amann, one grand sun.
It appeared from the report of the finance committee that certain
wampum was in the hands of Great Chief of Records Brigmann not
reported by him, and a committee was appointed to investigate the
matter and get possession of the funds.
The death of Past Great Sachem A. C. Herig was announced and
appropriate resolutions of respect were adopted.
Toronto Degree Council, No. 1, of Louisville, having outlived its
usefulness, surrendered its dispensation to the Great Council and
ceased to exist.
Charters were granted to Osceola Tribe, No. 8, and Seneca Tribe, No. 9.
The council fire was then quenched.
=1868.=
FIFTEENTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The fifteenth Great Sun Council fire of the Great Council of Kentucky
was kindled in the wigwam of Osceola Tribe, No. 8, hunting grounds of
Lexington, at the first run, setting of the 27th sun of Buck Moon, G.
S. D. 377, Great Sachem Andrew Schneider presiding. All the elective
Great Chiefs were present.
Past Sachems were admitted from Tribes Nos. 2, 4, 7, 8 and 9.
The Great Sachem in his long talk said: "On the 12th sun, Plant Moon,
I received an application from several palefaces for a charter for
a new Tribe at Newport, to be known as Minnehaha Tribe, No. 10. The
Tribe was instituted on the 19th sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 377,
and I would recommend that a charter be granted. On the 16th sun of
Hunting Moon I received notice of the death of our beloved Past Great
Sachem R. B. McCracken. He died on the 29th of Beaver Moon. The Great
Spirit has taken him to his better forest and the Great Council has
lost a good member. I would recommend that a certain fund be placed at
the disposal of the Great Sachem so that he may be enabled to travel,
visit Tribes and attend properly to the business of the Order."
The Great Chief of Records reported as follows: Number of Tribes, 8;
members, 402; adopted, 64; rejected, 4; suspended, 13; expelled, 6;
reinstated, 3; admitted by card, 2; withdrawn by card, 11; deceased,
5; Past Great Sachems, 12; Past Sachems, 114; Tribes instituted past
great sun, 1.
A charter was granted Minnehaha Tribe, No. 10.
Suitable resolutions were adopted on the death of Past Great Sachem R.
B. McCracken.
An appropriation of 50 fathoms was made for the use of the Great Sachem.
A new constitution and code of by-laws was adopted for the Great
Council.
The election resulted as follows:
Thomas W. Giedeon Great Sachem
John Steinhauer Great Senior Sagamore
James Crystal Great Junior Sagamore
M. Betz Great Prophet
Ch. Hebel Great Chief of Records
A. J. Francis Great Keeper of Wampum
Great Representative to G. C. U. S.--Chas. Hebel, two great suns.
The committee appointed to settle with former Great Chief of Records
Brigmann reported having settled by accepting a secured note.
The council fire was then quenched.
=1869.=
SIXTEENTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The sixteenth Great Sun Council fire was kindled in the wigwam of
Delaware and Seneca Tribes, in the hunting grounds of Louisville, on the
25th Buck Moon, G. S. D. 378, Great Sachem Thomas W. Giedeon and Great
Chief of Records Chas. Hebel being the only Great Chiefs present.
Representatives were admitted from Tribes Nos. 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
The Great Sachem said: "During the past great sun I have granted
dispensations to open two new Tribes. One in Bowling Green, hailing as
Oswego Tribe, No. 11, on the 12th sun, Traveling Moon, G. S. D. 377.
Past Great Sachems G. B. Kiteley and W. D. Turner, of Louisville,
instituted the Tribe, to whom I am under many obligations for their kind
services; also to Past Sachem Lezinski, Bro. Thos. Carnet, of Bowling
Green, and Deputy Great Incohonee of Tennessee, in opening Matamora
Tribe, No. 12, at Hopkinsville, on the 19th sun of Cold Moon, G. S. D.
378, and I now ask that charters be granted to them." The Great Sachem
also made many valuable recommendations to the Great Council.
The Great Chief of Records reported: Number of Tribes, 10; members, 548;
adoptions, 139; rejections, 4; suspensions, 34; admitted by card, 3;
withdrawn, 7; deceased, 4; Past Great Sachems, 9; Tribes instituted, 2.
For the first time bonds were required of the Great Chief of Records and
the Great Keeper of Wampum.
The finance committee reported $356.74 in the hands of G. K. of W. A.
J. Francis, and $165.86 in the hands of G. C. of R. Charles Hebel.
The election resulted as follows:
Edmund Merkley Great Sachem
Fred Braum Great Senior Sagamore
D. A. King Great Junior Sagamore
Geo. W. Reese Great Prophet
G. B. Kiteley Great Chief of Records
W. D. Turner Great Keeper of Wampum
G. B. Kiteley Great Representative to G. C. U. S.
Trustees--Thos. Giedeon, G. W. Reese and J. B. Davis, who were
instructed to take steps to recover the wampum in the hands of former G.
K. of W. A. J. Francis.
The council fire was then quenched in due form.
=1870.=
SEVENTEENTH GRAND SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council fire was kindled in the wigwam of Pocahontas and
Minnehaha Tribes, hunting grounds of Newport, on the 25th sun of Buck
Moon, G. S. D. 379, Great Sachem Edmund Merkley presiding.
Representatives were present from the following Tribes, which was
probably the largest representation in the history of this Great
Council: Blackhawk, No. 2, Covington; Pocahontas, No. 3, Newport;
Kentucky, No. 4, Louisville; Tecumseh, No. 6, Louisville; Delaware, No.
7, Louisville; Osceola, No. 8, Lexington; Seneca, No. 9, Louisville;
Minnehaha, No. 10, Newport; Oswego, No. 11, Bowling Green; Matamora, No.
12, Hopkinsville; and Hiawatha, No. 13, Covington.
The Great Sachem said: "The Improved Order of Red Men has become
one of the most important among the benevolent institutions of the
age. I believe without exception the utmost harmony and brotherly
feeling prevails throughout the entire jurisdiction. I have granted
dispensations for two new Tribes--Hiawatha, No. 13, of Covington,
instituted on the 12th sun of Sturgeon Moon, G. S. D. 378, and Cherokee
Tribe, No. 14, at Paris, on the 8th sun of Hot Moon, G. S. D. 379, and I
would ask that charters be granted to both Tribes."
Great Chief of Records C. S. Betts, of Ohio, was a visitor and was
welcomed to a seat by the Great Sachem.
A constitution governing Tribes under the jurisdiction of the G. C. was
adopted, also uniform by-laws.
The election resulted as follows:
John Steinhauer Great Sachem
Geo. W. Reese Great Senior Sagamore
Samuel Spaeth Great Junior Sagamore
J. Lezinsky Great Prophet
G. B. Kiteley Great Chief of Records
W. D. Turner Great Keeper of Wampum
Chas. Amann Great Representative to G. C. U. S.
The Great Chief of Records reported as follows: Number of Tribes, 12;
members, 611; adopted, 171; rejected, 8; suspended, 24; expelled, 16;
admitted by card, 6; withdrawn, 14; deceased, 3; new Tribes, 2; Past
Great Sachems, 10; Past Sachems, 118.
It was decided that the first Prophet of a Tribe is entitled to the
honors of a Past Sachem.
It was agreed that former Great Keeper of Wampum A. J. Francis be given
until the 15th of Corn Moon to pay his indebtedness to this Great
Council.
The Great Prophet, at the request of the Great Sachem, said a prayer and
the council fire was quenched.
=1871.=
EIGHTEENTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council of Kentucky assembled in the wigwam of Oswego Tribe,
No. 11, at Bowling Green, on the 25th sun of Buck Moon, G. S. D. 380,
and the council fire was kindled in ample form at the 9th run, Great
Sachem John Steinhauer presiding.
Representatives were present from Tribes Nos. 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
and 13.
From the Great Sachem's long talk: "The Order of Improved Red Men, as
far as I can judge, is progressing, notwithstanding the desertion of
two Tribes in Louisville, namely, Tecumseh, No. 6, and Delaware, No. 7.
On the 16th sun of Cold Moon I visited Tecumseh, and on the 17th of the
same moon I visited Delaware, which Tribes afterwards deserted, and as
I understand joined the Independent Order. I received a communication
from Deputy Great Sachem Alex Knapp stating their reasons for doing
so, but it does not prove that they acted like honest men. I sent a
communication to the Great Incohonee of the United States asking how to
proceed, but I did not receive an answer. I now leave the matter in the
hands of the Great Council of Kentucky. On the 8th sun of Flower Moon
I granted a dispensation for a Tribe to be instituted at King's Lodge,
Calloway County, under the title of Minneola Tribe, No. 15. I deputized
John T. Irion, of West Tennessee, to institute, which he did on the 6th
sun, Hot Moon, G. S. D. 380, and raised up the following chiefs: W. M.
P. Pool, Sachem; H. B. Landon, Sr. Sagamore; W. H. Clarke, Jr. Sagamore;
J. C. Shelton, Prophet; S. F. Kirkeley, C. of R.; T. A. Hughes, Asst. C.
of R.; D. G. Reed, K. of W. I would recommend that a charter be granted
them."
The Great Chief of Records reported as follows: Tribes, 11; members,
550; adopted, 145; rejected, 7; suspended, 28; expelled, 17; admitted by
card, 18; withdrawn by card, 4; deceased, 9; new Tribes, 1; Past Great
Sachems, 6; Past Sachems, 85.
Various amendments to the constitution were offered and laid over one
great sun for action.
Election resulted as follows:
Jacob Lezinski Great Sachem
S. F. Schell Great Senior Sagamore
D. A. King Great Junior Sagamore
W. H. Glore Great Prophet
G. B. Kiteley Great Chief of Records
W. D. Turner Great Keeper of Wampum
G. B. Kiteley Representative to G. C. U. S.
The committee on state of the Order recommended that legal action be
taken to recover the effects of Tecumseh Tribe, No. 6, and Delaware
Tribe, No. 7, of Louisville.
The Great Chief of Records read an application for a charter for a Tribe
in Maysville, and a charter was granted.
The Great Council went into committee of the whole and decided to
prosecute the two deserting Tribes to the full extent of the law.
The Francis case was brought up and Brothers Glore and Kannard were
appointed to assist the trustees in effecting a settlement.
The Great Prophet, at the request of the Great Sachem, repeated a prayer
and the Great Council fire was quenched.
=1872.=
NINETEENTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council assembled in the wigwam of Kentucky and Seneca Tribes,
hunting grounds of Louisville, and the council fire was kindled in ample
form at the 9th run, rising of the 23d sun of Buck Moon, G. S. D. 381,
Great Sachem Jacob Lezinski presiding, all the elective Great Chiefs
being present.
Representatives were present from Tribes Nos. 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 and
16.
The Great Sachem said: "The Order in this jurisdiction is not making as
rapid strides as it would if the beauties of it were more fully known.
Some hunting grounds are extending their influence, while others are
languishing for the want of some fraternal care. I most respectfully
recommend to your earnest consideration the appointment of a suitable
chief, one who has time and ability to visit all the Tribes in this
reservation. It is impossible for any Great Chief without great
pecuniary loss on his part to give that attention to the visiting of
Tribes, which is almost absolutely necessary in what might be called the
infancy of our Order in this jurisdiction. I am satisfied if this system
of visiting was faithfully carried out it would increase our membership
threefold and the Tribes in general gain by it. I appointed Bro. Kiteley
a special deputy to institute Wyandotte Tribe, No. 16, at Maysville,
which he did on the 10th of Sturgeon Moon, 380, and raised up the
following chiefs: M. C. Russell, Sachem; E. A. Robinson, Sr. Sagamore;
J. H. Hall, Jr. Sagamore; A. Brillstein, Prophet; Thomas A. Davis, C. of
R.; A. B. Cochran, K. of W."
The Great Chief of Records reported that some mode should be adopted to
compel Tribes to be more prompt in making their reports.
The death of Past Great Sachem Charles Amann was reported and suitable
resolutions were passed.
The election resulted as follows:
W. H. Glore Great Sachem
John Vogle Great Senior Sagamore
J. J. Hillburb Great Junior Sagamore
Thos. A. Hornsey Great Prophet
G. B. Kiteley Great Chief of Records
W. D. Turner Great Keeper of Wampum
Isaac Leiber Great Representative to G. C. U. S.
After an exemplification of the secret work and a prayer by the Great
Prophet the council fire was quenched.
=1873.=
TWENTIETH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council assembled in regular session in the wigwam of Hiawatha
Tribe, No. 13, hunting grounds of Covington, on the 22nd sun of Buck
Moon, G. S. D. 382, and the council fire was kindled in ample form at
the 9th run, rising of the sun, Great Sachem W. H. Glore presiding. All
the elective Great Chiefs were present.
Representatives were admitted from the following Tribes: Nos. 2, 3, 4,
8, 10, 11, 13 and 16.
The Great Sachem said: "Our Order has not been as progressive for the
past great sun as it might or ought to have been. We have not instituted
a new Tribe, and the brothers have to a certain degree been very
negligent, as well as myself, in the working and interest of the Order.
I would suggest that some active brother be appointed by this Great
Council, and make it his duty to visit every Tribe in the State at least
once in every four moons, to build them up and give the secret work as
laid down by the Great Council of the United States. At present Matamora
Tribe, No. 12, at Hopkinsville, is suspended, and has been for some time
back. I am sorry to say that Seneca Tribe, No. 9, at Louisville, has
suspended."
The committee appointed at the lest session to wait upon A. J. Francis,
late Great Keeper of Wampum, reported unable to make a settlement with
him, and asked that another committee be appointed, which was done.
Resolved: That the Great Chief of Records be instructed to summons
Brother A. J. Francis to appear before the Great Council at its next
session, 1874, and show cause why he should not make proper settlement
to this Great Council, or be expelled from all rights and privileges of
the Great Council of Kentucky.
The election resulted as follows:
Thomas A. Hornsey Great Sachem
C. H. Conn Great Senior Sagamore
Thomas A. Davis Great Junior Sagamore
E. H. Mottley Great Prophet
G. B. Kiteley Great Chief of Records
W. D. Turner Great Keeper of Wampum
The Great Chief of Records reported as follows: Number of Tribes, 8;
members, 540; adoptions, 109; reinstated, 3; admitted by card, 1;
withdrawn by card, 10; expelled, 7; rejected, 8; deceased, 5; Past
Sachems, 94.
The council fire was then quenched.
=1874.=
TWENTY-FIRST GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council of Kentucky assembled in regular session in the wigwam
of Wyandotte Tribe, No. 16, on the 28th sun of Buck Moon, G. S. D. 383,
and the council fire was kindled in due form, Great Sachem Thos. A.
Hornsey presiding.
Representatives were admitted from the following Tribes: Nos. 2, 3, 4,
8, 10, 13 and 16.
The Great Sachem said: "Though we have been visited by pestilence since
we last met together in council, we should return heartfelt thanks to
the Great Spirit that so many of us are permitted to meet this sun
around our council fire. I visited every Tribe in our reservation and I
found them in good working condition, and my visitations have fully
persuaded me that the frequent visits of the Great Sachem of the State
to the various Tribes is of the very greatest importance. I deputized
Great Prophet E. H. Mottley to visit Hopkinsville in endeavor to
resuscitate Matamora Tribe, No. 12, but without success, and he took
into his keeping the charge books and jewels of the Tribe."
The committee on the A. J. Francis matter reported that they had
accepted his note for the amount, which would be due on the 20th of Corn
Moon, 383, and the Great Sachem was instructed to sue in case the note
was not paid.
A petition was received from various palefaces, colored citizens of
Newport, praying for a charter to establish a Tribe. The petition was
laid on the table.
The Great Chief of Records reported as follows: Number of Tribes, 8;
members, 480; adoptions, 57; reinstated, 2; admitted by card, 4;
withdrawn by card, 10; expelled, 28; suspended, 72; rejected, 4;
deceased, 8; Past Sachems, 8.
The number of expulsions reported, not only at this, but at other
councils, indicates that but little care was taken in the selection of
the material of which the Tribes were composed.
The finance committee reported that there was $132 in the hands of the
Great Chief of Records not accounted for, and the Great Keeper of Wampum
not being present, nor his books, an adjustment could not be reached.
The election resulted as follows:
Thomas A. Davis Great Sachem
J. T. Follett Great Senior Sagamore
John P. Phister Great Junior Sagamore
C. H. Conn Great Prophet
E. H. Meyers Great Chief of Records
W. G. Stone Great Keeper of Wampum
The council fire was then quenched.
=1875.=
TWENTY-SECOND GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council met in the wigwam of Minnehaha Tribe, No. 10, hunting
grounds of Newport, on the 27th sun of Buck Moon, G. S. D. 384, the
council fire being kindled in due form, Great Senior Sagamore J. F.
Follett presiding, the Great Sachem being absent.
Representatives were admitted from Tribes Nos. 2, 3, 4, 10 and 13.
The Great Senior Sagamore in his long talk said: "By the surrender of
the charter of Wyandotte Tribe, the Great Sachem, Thos. A. Davis, is an
absentee from our council today, and I am illy prepared to entertain you
with an account of the workings of our Order in the State during the
past great sun. I can confidently, though with regret, say that the
Order has retrograded to a considerable extent. Osceola Tribe, No. 8, of
Lexington, surrendered shortly after our last Great Council, and
Wyandotte Tribe, on the 8th sleep of Buck Moon, last past, and to the
best of my knowledge none of those in existence can boast of doing deeds
to add additional feathers in their crests. In the absence of facts
whereupon to base an opinion, I am unable to offer any suggestion,
except to recommend an effort individually to carry out the tenets of
our Order, especially in the wigwam, and when the lessons of Freedom,
Friendship and Charity shall have been thoroughly learned there, our
associations with the outer world will certainly be more pleasant, and
we can give our brothers in the forest as well as in the wigwam the warm
grasp of friendship and another knot to the cord that binds us as
brothers." The Great Senior Sagamore, continuing, called the attention
of the Great Council to laxity of Tribes and individuals in obeying the
laws, and recommended their revision. He cited several decisions made by
him and dispensations granted. "On the sleep of the 27th sun of Plant
Moon, G. S. D. 384, I granted a dispensation to Minnehaha Tribe to turn
out in procession to assist in laving of the corner stone of a new
market house in Newport. I did this at the earnest request of some of
the members of the Tribe, believing at the time that whenever the fact
of our existence was brought to the public notice it would be to the
good of the Order. I have since been cured of the delusion. Finally, let
it be borne in mind that the one thing needful in the Order and to
maintain our organization is to elect chiefs who can and will do their
duty, and see that the several Tribes of this jurisdiction maintain a
proper discipline, and that ignorance, coupled with incompetency, shall
not be the means of destroying our Order in the State of Kentucky. I
thank you for listening to an ill excuse for what should be the journal
of your Great Sachem."
The Great Chief of Records reported: "Cash in hands of Great Keeper of
Wampum, $233.19; number of Tribes, 6; members, 415; adoptions, 14;
suspensions, 57; expulsions, 26; reinstatements, 2; admitted by card,
5; deceased, 5; Past Great Sachems, 7; Past Sachems, 79."
The election resulted as follows:
G. W. Reese Great Sachem
J. J. Hetch Great Senior Sagamore
J. Reed Great Junior Sagamore
O. Senisheimer Great Prophet
E. H. Meyers Great Chief of Records
W. G. Stone Great Keeper of Wampum
Conrad Schmidt Great Representative to G. C. U. S.
The Great Council fire was quenched in due form.
* * * * *
An extra session was called in the wigwam of Minnehaha Tribe, No. 10, on
the 23d of Hunting Moon, G. S. D. 385, when charges were preferred
against Great Keeper of Wampum W. G. Stone for conduct unbecoming a
Great Chief. There is no records of a trial, and probably the charges
were not sustained, if there was one, for Bro. Stone was subsequently
twice elected Great Chief of Records.
The Great Chief of Records was instructed to notify Brother A. J.
Francis that he stood expelled from this Great Council, and that he also
notify Brother Francis' Tribe of the fact.
Thus ingloriously comes to end the career of a brilliant Red Man. He had
held every position of honor and trust that could have been conferred
upon him. A. J. Francis successively held the positions of Great Chief
of Records, Great Sachem, Great Incohonee of the G. C. U. S., Great
Representative to G. C. U. S. for many Great Suns, and Great Keeper of
Wampum of the Great Council of Kentucky for eleven Great Suns.
=1876.=
TWENTY-THIRD GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
We find no records of the session of this Great Sun, but from the
records of the ensuing Great Sun we learn that the following chiefs were
elected:
C. H. Conn Great Sachem
Geo. Knorr Great Senior Sagamore
G. A. Dempf Great Junior Sagamore
G. B. Kiteley Great Prophet
W. G. Stone Great Chief of Records
John Wolfhardt Great Keeper of Wampum
=1877.=
TWENTY-FOURTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council fire was kindled in the wigwam of Pocahontas Tribe,
No. 3, hunting grounds of Newport, on the 24th sun of Buck moon, G. S.
D. 386, Great Sachem C. H. Conn presiding.
Representatives were present from Tribes Nos. 3, 10 and 17.
The Great Sachem's Journal and the report of the Great Chief of Records
are missing and no business is recorded except the election, which
resulted as follows:
George Brunk Great Sachem
John N. Stauder Great Senior Sagamore
James Vickers Great Junior Sagamore
C. H. Conn Great Prophet
W. G. Stone Great Chief of Records
John Wolfhardt Great Keeper of Wampum
John Wolfhardt Great Representative to G. C. U. S.
The Great Prophet said a prayer and the council fire was quenched.
=1878.=
TWENTY-FIFTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council assembled in the hunting grounds of Newport on the 22d
sun of Buck Moon, G. S. D. 387, and the council fire was kindled in due
form, Great Sachem Geo. Brunk presiding.
Representatives were present from Tribes Nos. 3, 10 and 17.
Past Great Sachem C. H. Conn was refused admission on the grounds that
he was not a member of any Tribe at that time.
The long talk of the Great Sachem is not given, nor is the report of the
Great Chief of Records.
The finance committee reported amount in the wampum belt at $61.31.
The election resulted as follows:
John N. Stauder Great Sachem
F. Bismark Great Senior Sagamore
C. Maunder Great Junior Sagamore
S. F. Schell Great Chief of Records
John Wolfhardt Great Keeper of Wampum
Geo. Reese Great Representative to G. C. U. S.
The Great Prophet said a prayer and the council fire was quenched.
* * * * *
A special session was held on the 26th of the Corn Moon following for
the purpose of electing a Representative to the Great Council of the
United States, vice Geo. Reese, resigned, and the Great Sachem, John N.
Stauder, was elected.
=1879.=
TWENTY-SIXTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council assembled in Newport and the Great Council fire was
kindled in the wigwam of Minnehaha Tribe, on the 22d sun of Buck Moon,
G. S. D. 388, Great Sachem J. N. Stauder presiding.
Representatives were admitted from the three Newport Tribes, Nos. 3, 10
and 17.
The Great Chief of Records reported: Total number of Tribes, 3;
membership, 88; amount in the Great Council wampum belt, $48.51.
No business was transacted except the election of chiefs, which resulted
as follows:
Charles Maunder Great Sachem
F. Schorle Great Senior Sagamore
V. Wentworth Great Junior Sagamore
S. F. Schell Great Chief of Records
John Wolfhardt Great Keeper of Wampum
Geo. Brunk Great Representative to G. C. U. S.
The Great Prophet said a prayer and the Great Council adjourned.
=1880.=
TWENTY-SEVENTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council assembled in the hunting grounds of Newport and the
council fire was kindled in the wigwam of Miami Tribe, No. 17, on the
22d sun of Buck Moon, G. S. D., Great Sachem Chas. Maunder presiding.
Representatives were present from Tribes Nos. 3, 10 and 17.
No business is recorded except the election, which resulted as follows:
Val. Wendroth Great Sachem
Fred Must Great Senior Sagamore
John Lamb Great Junior Sagamore
Chas. Maunder Great Prophet
S. F. Schell Great Chief of Records
John Wolfhardt Great Keeper of Wampum
J. J. Hetch, Michael Grau Great Representatives to G. C. U. S.
The Great Council fire was then quenched.
=1881.=
TWENTY-EIGHTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council assembled in the wigwam of Miami Tribe, No. 17,
hunting grounds of Newport, and the council fire was kindled on the 22d
sun of Buck Moon, G. S. D. 390, Great Sachem Val. Wendroth presiding.
Representatives were present from Tribes Nos. 3, 10 and 17.
The Great Chief of Records reported: Number of Tribes, 3; Pocahontas,
No. 3, having 24 members; Minnehaha, No. 10, having 24 members, and
Miami, No. 17, having 37 members, a total membership of 85; amount in
Great Council wampum belt, $10.21.
The election resulted as follows:
John Reed Great Sachem
John Roth Great Senior Sagamore
Geo. Brunk Great Junior Sagamore
Ch. Clintworth Great Prophet
S. F. Schell Great Chief of Records
John Wolfhardt Great Keeper of Wampum
J. J. Hetch Great Representative to G. C. U. S.
The Great Council fire was then quenched.
* * * * *
A special session was held on the 17th of Plant Moon, G. S. D. 391, when
it was voted that a special committee be appointed to wait upon Blekly &
Hugle and to inform them that the Great Council demanded a new note from
A. J. Francis, with his wife as security.
=1882.=
TWENTY-NINTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council assembled in Newport on the 22d sun of Buck Moon, G.
S. D. 391, when Great Sachem John Reed announced that as there were
representatives present from but two Tribes, no business could be
transacted except to act upon credentials, and the Great Council
adjourned to meet on the 30th sun of Sturgeon Moon, G. S. D. 391, on
which date the Great Council met and the council fire was kindled in due
form, Great Sachem John Reed presiding.
The committee on state of the Order reported: "We find but two Tribes in
working order in this State and we hope the incoming Great Chiefs will
have better encouragement and show a better prospect in our future Great
Council than that in the past year."
The election resulted as follows:
G. W. Reese Great Sachem
John Roth Great Senior Sagamore
C. Switzer Great Junior Sagamore
S. F. Schell Great Chief of Records
J. Glick Great Keeper of Wampum
The council fire was then quenched.
=1883.=
THIRTIETH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council assembled in the wigwam of Minnehaha Tribe, No. 10, on
the 22d sun of Buck Moon, G. S. D. 392, Great Sachem G. W. Reese
presiding.
Representatives were present from Tribes Nos. 10 and 17.
The per capita tax was ordered paid to the G. C. U. S., amounting to
$16.80, and each Tribe was assessed $15.00.
The election resulted as follows:
G. W. Reese Great Sachem
John Roth Great Senior Sagamore
G. H. Meyers Great Junior Sagamore
Geo. Christman Great Prophet
S. F. Schell Great Chief of Records
J. Glick Great Keeper of Wampum
The council fire was then quenched.
=1884.=
THIRTY-FIRST GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Great Council assembled in the wigwam of Minnehaha Tribe, No. 10, on
the 22d sun of Buck Moon, G. S. D. 393, and the council fire was kindled
in regular form, Great Sachem G. W. Reese presiding.
Representatives present--Minnehaha Tribe, No. 10, Wm. Maunders; Miami
Tribe, No. 17, Wm. Berger, A. Gross, J. Glick.
On motion Past Sachem S. F. Schell was made a Past Great Sachem of this
Great Council.
The Great Chief of Records reported: Number of Tribes, 2; Minnehaha
Tribe, No. 10, having 15 members, and Miami Tribe, No. 17, having 40, a
total of 55 members; number of Past Sachems, 9.
An order was drawn to pay the per capita tax due the Great Council of
the United States, amounting to $5.50.
Past Great Sachem Bets, of Ohio, being present, raised up the following
named Great Chiefs:
G. W. Reese Great Sachem
John Roth Great Senior Sagamore
Wm. Maunders Great Junior Sagamore
Geo. Christman Great Prophet
E. H. Meyers Great Chief of Records
J. Glick Great Keeper of Wampum
Samuel F. Schell Great Representative to G. C. U. S.
No further business appearing before the Great Council, the council fire
was quenched in F., F. & Co.
Thus ends the record of the old Great Council of Kentucky.