Ellerkamp in behalf of the Past Sachem's Association of Louisville.
Past Great Sachem W. C. Diederich, senior Past Great Sachem present
raised the Great Chiefs elect as follows:--
W. C. Pelham, of No. 3 Great Sachem.
H. J. McFarlan, of No. 33 Great Senior Sagamore.
H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11 Great Junior Sagamore.
Gustav A. Ellerkamp, of No. 8 Great Prophet.
C. E. Lyddane, of No. 2 Great Chief of Records.
S. C. Moore, of No. 7 Great Keeper of Wampum.
John Hafendorfer, of No. 14 Great Sannap.
J. H. Richardson, of No. 3 Great Mishinewa.
J. Robin Garr, of No. 7 Great Guard of Wigwam.
J. K. Moore, of No. 32 Great Guard of Forest.
[Illustration: GREAT COUNCIL OF KENTUCKY--EIGHTH SESSION, OWENSBORO, MAY
13-14, 1902.]
The Great Sachem announced the following as members of Standing
Committees for the ensuing great sun:--
Finance--Henry W. Ray, of No. 3; O. R. King, of No. 1; W. M. Evans, of
No. 8.
Law and Usage--Frank L. Smith, of No. 1; W. A. Crader, of No. 8; Geo. C.
Wolf, of No. 77.
Returns and Reports--Robert Lee Page, of No. 80; N. G. Mothershead, of
No. 57; Forsee D. Lee, of No. 71.
Appeals--Louis Vissman, of No. 8; C. H. Bateman, of No. 50; Sebastian
Stone, of No. 56.
State of the Order--L. L. Bebout, of No. 60; J. H. Kemper, of No. 18; L.
E. Herrell, of No. 54.
After Past Sachem Frank L. Smith, of No. 1 had exemplified the unwritten
work of the Order, the Council Fire was quenched to be rekindled in the
wigwam of Wyandotte Tribe, No. 3, hunting grounds of Maysville, G. S. D.
412.
=1903.=
NINTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
Previous to the kindling of the council fire an excellent program of
welcome was rendered, including musical selections by the Red Men's
Band, and addresses by Past Great Sachem John I. Winter, Past Great
Incohonee Thomas K. Donnalley, of Pennsylvania, and Great Sachem Pelham.
At the 10th run, rising of the 12th sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 412,
the ninth Great sun council fire was kindled in ample form, all elective
and appointed Great Chiefs being present, as well as 78 Past Sachems.
D. N. Zimmerman, of No. 4 and Thomas M. Russell, of No. 3, were
appointed to assist Great Junior Sagamore Denhardt in the examination of
credentials, which committee soon reported the presence of fifty-six
Past Sachems in the forest for the first time, and they were admitted to
seats in the Great Council, making the total attendance 134.
The roll call of representatives disclosed the presence of the
representatives of fifty-seven Tribes out of sixty-three.
An election for Assistant Great Chief of Records was then entered into,
and Past Sachem Frank L. Smith was chosen, the opposing candidate being
P. P. Doll, of No. 8.
Great Sachem Pelham presented his long talk in print, the first time it
had been done, which met with the approval of all.
The following quotations are from that document:--
"I am proud to say the condition of the Order in this Reservation is
prosperous and progressive. Probably fifteen hundred names have been
added to the roster of membership during the past great sun, and with
few exceptions the Tribes and Councils are on the hunt for palefaces
with that enthusiasm and energy that knows no such word as fail."
In regard to Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas he said:--"This branch
of the Order appears to have been almost entirely neglected by former
Great Councils of this Reservation. The tax formerly assessed against
members of Councils was repealed by this Great Council at its fifth
session, and I find no mention of them in the Records since.
Experience has shown that the Tribe and Council are each benefited by
the presence of the other, and the membership of both are alike
interested in the upbuilding of their local branches and in the
advancement of the interests of the Order generally.
Under the care of this Great Council are five Councils who are entirely
at sea in the matter of laws for their government; and it would surely
be wise in this body to formulate a code for their benefit.
Diligent inquiry failing to furnish me with the name of any person who
would undertake the business of organizing Tribes in this Reservation, I
therefore tried to find some one in each locality who would undertake to
organize a Tribe nearby. As a direct result, ten new Tribes were
instituted, the organizers being in each case persons living in the near
locality of the new Tribes."
The method thus inaugurated by Great Sachem Pelham has been pursued by
his successors to the present, with results never equaled by any
Reservation in the history of the Order.
As usual he recounts the dispensations granted, decisions made, and
announces the inauguration by the Great Council of the United States of
the Orphan's Guardian Fund.
"I appointed Past Sachem Frank L. Smith Exemplifier for the Reservation
at large, and sent him on an extended trail, and he visited and
exemplified the work to forty-one tribes in two moons. It is to be
regretted that the amount of the appropriation for this purpose would
not permit the visitation of every Tribe in the Reservation. That the
visits and instructions were highly appreciated is attested by numerous
letters from the Tribes, and they clearly remonstrate the great
importance of following up the institution of a Tribe by proper
instruction and encouragement, either by a neighboring Tribe or by a
Great Chief or Exemplifier."
He reported the following tribes as being defunct:--Delaware, No. 23,
Lebanon; Seneca, No. 27, Stanford; Narragansett, No. 43, Middlesboro;
Shabbona, No. 46, Somerset; Sagamore, No. 66, Hickman; Nokomis, No. 74,
Franklin.
Among the recommendations offered were the following:--
"That a code of laws be prepared for the government of Councils of the
Degree of Pocahontas of this Reservation."
"That the horse be adopted as the Totem of this Reservation as
recommended by our Great Representatives at Norfolk last Corn Moon."
The following appointments were made to fill vacancies:--
On Laws and Usage--C. P. Harding, of No. 5.
On State of the Order--Thos. O. Long, of No. 57.
On Charters--John H. Ropke, of No. 8; Chas. Wheeler, of No. 48; G. W.
Griffith, of No. 11.
The Great Council then went into the election of Great Chiefs.
Horace J. McFarlan, of No. 33, was elected Great Sachem by acclamation.
H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11 was elected Great Senior Sagamore without
opposition.
Lewis L. Bebout, of No. 60 was elected Great Junior Sagamore on the
second ballot, O. R. King, of No. 1, L. D. Owen, of No. 8, and D. H.
Russell, of No. 10 being also in nomination.
Henry W. Ray, of No. 3 was unanimously elected Great Chief of Records,
Henry Schwieters, of No. 8 being also nominated but declined to make the
race. C. E. Lyddane, who had held the chieftaincy for five consecutive
great suns was not a candidate for re-election, and he was awarded the
honors of a Past Great Sachem.
S. C. Moore, of No. 7 was re-elected Great Keeper of Wampum without
opposition.
W. C. Pelham, of No. 3, Chas. A. Hess, of No. 10 and John H.
Buschemeyer, of No. 8 were elected Great Representatives for two Great
Suns each, other candidates in nomination being Lawrence S. Leopold, of
No. 8; W. C. Diederich, of No. 19; Willie Walker, of No. 1; J. Robin
Garr, of No. 7; John H. Ropke, of No. 8.
Great Keeper of Wampum S. C. Moore reported balance in the Great Council
wampum belt as being $2,853.10.
It was agreed by unanimous vote to kindle the next Great Sun Council
fire in the wigwam of Otego Tribe, No. 60, hunting grounds of Paducah.
An amendment to the laws was adopted fixing the minimum fee for adoption
at four fathoms. It had been fixed at eight fathoms by the previous
Great Council, and it was proposed at this time to increase it to
fifteen fathoms, but with the result of fixing it at the first named
figure where it has remained to the present. Much confusion was caused
by the misunderstanding of the term "adoption fee" many supposing it to
be the total fee for membership, including all three degrees. It was
here defined as meaning the fee for the "adoption" or first degree of
Redmanship.
The Great Chief of Records presented his long talk from which the
following data is obtained:--Adopted, 2158; admitted by card, 133;
reinstated, 44; suspended, 467; expelled, 16; withdrawn by card, 61;
deceased, 40; present membership, 5,053; disbursed by Tribes for relief,
$6,633.94; for burial of the dead, $1,604.00; for other purposes,
$18,085.74; invested by Tribes, $6,705.10. total worth of Tribes,
$28,280.65.
The Finance Committee reported having found the books and accounts of
the Great Chief of Records and Great Keeper of Wampum in correct form,
and made the following recommendations, which were concurred in:--
That Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas be assessed five in. per Great
Sun for each female member, for the benefit of the Orphans' Guardian
Fund of the Great Council of the United States.
That the Great Sachem and Exemplifier be allowed the sum of $1,000 for
the ensuing great sun.
That the printing of the Record be awarded to the Louisville Anzeiger
Co. at $1.10 per page.
That the Assistant Great Chief of Records be allowed fifty fathoms for
services rendered.
Past Great Incohonee Thos. K. Donnalley, of Pennsylvania, representing
the Great Incohonee of the Great Council of the United States, Thomas G.
Harrison, of Indiana, addressed the Great Council and exemplified the
unwritten work of the Order.
The Committee on State of the Order expressed the sentiments of all in
the following:--"Throughout the entire reservation there is universal
complaint at the carelessness and delay in getting the proceedings of
the last Great Council in hands of the various Tribes." Although the
copy had been furnished promptly to the printer, the book in question
had not been delivered until just prior to the present session.
The Committee on Returns and Reports, of which Robert Lee Page was
chairman paid the following tribute to Great Sachem Pelham:--"Under his
guidance and administration the Order has prospered and grown in
strength. His advice and decisions have been fair and impartial and his
conduct such as to meet with the approbation of the entire membership.
His administration is one that will ever be remembered, and we feel that
we cannot give him the praise he so richly deserves. We could with
greater ease add beauty to the lily or fragrance to the rose than we
could adequately express our appreciation of Bro. Pelham."
The following resolution was adopted:--That the Horse's Head on an
Indian Shield as recommended by the Great Council of the United States
be adopted as the totem of this Great Council, and that this Great
Council reserve unto itself the right to control the manufacture and
disposal of the said Totem or jewel.
The Committee on Charters recommended that charters be granted to the
following new Tribes, which was agreed to:--Kabo, No. 78, Petra; Eyota,
No. 87, Ball's Landing; Swift Foot, No. 88, Campbellsburg; Tallalu, No.
89, Callaway; War Eagle, No. 90, Bedford; Idaho, No. 91, Four Mile;
Tallapoosa, No. 92, Milton; Mingo, No. 93, Newport; Sago, No. 94,
Germantown; Wissahickon, No. 95, Lockport; Iona Council, No. 6, D. of
P., Pittsburg.
Great Prophet Ellerkamp offered the following suggestions, which were
adopted:--
That memorial page or pages be printed in each great sun's record
containing the names of all brothers deceased during the previous great
sun.
That at the opening of each Great Council every representative be handed
a copy of the last record and a copy of the manual.
That the Asst. Great Chief of Records prepare a page or pages containing
all new laws and resolutions enacted and also all unfinished business.
It was ordered that the Great Chief of Records prepare and have printed
a suitable form upon which Deputy Great Sachems shall hereafter make
their reports.
That matter of deferred business, consisting of the report of the
special Committee on Widow's and Orphan's Home Fund was taken up, and on
motion of Past Sachem H. C. Yunker, of No. 7 was laid on the table.
An amendment to the laws was offered to lay over one great sun providing
a penalty for electioneering.
Another to take the same course was offered providing for holding the
Great Sun Council in Hot Moon instead of Flower Moon.
The Finance Committee recommended the payment of mileage to 78
Representatives, Great Chiefs and members of Committees, amounting to
$753.53, being an average of $9.66 per member.
Past Great Incohonee Thomas K. Donalley proceeded to raise the Great
Chiefs elect, appointing as Great Tocakon Past Great Sachem Willie
Walker.
Horace J. McFarlan, of No. 33 Great Sachem.
H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11 Great Senior Sagamore.
Lewis L. Bebout, of No. 60 Great Junior Sagamore.
W. C. Pelham, of No. 3 Great Prophet.
Henry Wood Ray, of No. 3 Great Chief of Records.
S. C. Moore, of No. 7 Great Keeper of Wampum.
A. C. Prewitt, of No. 33 Great Sannap.
Geo. W. Griffith, of No. 11 Great Mishinewa.
J. H. Kemper, of No. 18 Great Guard of Wigwam.
J. K. Moore, of No. 32 Great Guard of Forest.
The following Standing Committees were announced for the ensuing Great
Sun:--
Finance--W. M. Evans, of No. 8; Henry Schwieters, of No. 8; O. R. King,
of No. 1.
Law and Usage--L. D. Owen, of No. 8; W. C. Morgan, of No. 90; H. J.
Northcutt, of No. 37.
Returns and Reports--Robert Lee Page, of No. 80; Forsee D. Lee, of No.
71; N. G. Mothershead, of No. 57.
State of the Order--Thos. M. Russell, of No. 3; C. H. Bateman, of No.
50; Louis Vissman, of No. 8.
Appeals--J. Robin Garr, of No. 7; C. A. Melone, of No. 8; John
Hafendorfer, of No. 14.
Thanks of the Great Council were tendered Wyandotte Tribe, No. 3 for its
hospitality, and after the Great Prophet had said a prayer, the Council
Fire quenched in ample form.
=1904.=
TENTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Tenth Great Sun Council Fire of the Great Council of Kentucky was
kindled in the wigwam of Otego Tribe, No. 60, at Owensboro, at the 11th
run rising of the 10th sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 413.
Prior to the kindling, introductory exercises were held as
follows:--Addresses by Mayor Yeiser, and Judge R. V. Lightfoot, with
responses by Bros. R. L. Page, S. C. Moore, and Great Minewa, Thos. J.
Smith, representing the Great Incohonee.
At the kindling of the council fire there were present all the Great
Chiefs, except Great Prophet, three Past Great Sachems and 75 Past
Sachems.
Lee W. Zweydorf, of No. 7 and Ben H. Schrader, of No. 5 were appointed
to assist the Great Junior Sagamore in the examination of Credentials.
Past Great Sachem Willie Walker of No. 1 was appointed Great Prophet for
the session, Great Prophet Pelham being unable to be present.
Upon the recommendation of the Credential Committee fifty-seven
Past Sachems were admitted to seats in the Great Council, and the
representatives of sixty-two Tribes were recognized. The attendance this
session was 136.
It was agreed that Representatives of Tribes instituted so recently as
not to be legally entitled to representation be allowed mileage.
The Great Sachem announced the following appointments on committees to
fill vacancies:--
State of the Order--C. P. Harding, of No. 5; L. H. Roberts, of No. 10.
Charters--Claude B. Terrell, of No. 90; J. M. Clifford, of No. 10; Hugh
Johnson, of No. 81.
A communication was read from Great Incohonee Thomas G. Harrison,
expressing his regret at not being able to be present and appointing
Great Minewa, Thomas J. Smith as his representative.
The Deputy or Acting Great Incohonee was announced in the Forest and
Past Great Sachems Willie Walker, Ellerkamp and John D. Walker were
appointed as escorts, when he was admitted with the usual honors.
Great Sachem McFarlan presented his long talk in print, from which the
following extracts are made:--
"We have much for which to extend thanks to the Great Spirit who has so
kindly 'blessed us with plenty' and 'rewarded our labors two-fold'; at
least have we not to be content with present conditions which everywhere
indicate that the affairs of the Order are in splendid condition; that
the affairs of the Great Council are in safe hands and that the rank and
file is made up of indefatigable and competent workers, who are filled
with enthusiasm and an earnest desire to advance the Order to that high
and prominent position which it must eventually occupy and which every
Red Man wishes it to attain. From every source comes to me good tidings
of noble work being carried on; of palefaces being adopted; of a search
for a better understanding of the fundamental principles and laws of the
Order; Peace and harmony; good fellowship and brotherhood. I believe we
can safely say that during the next Great Sun our membership will be
increased to the extent that we shall have a larger representation in
the Great Council of the United States. I wish that I could say my
administration was one of perfection.
'It surely was my profit had I known,
It would have been my pleasure had I seen.
"There have been sent to me words of encouragement; words of
discouragement; words of hope; words of despair; words of praise; words
of censure; but through all, gathering to himself the flowers of love,
patience, kindness and sympathy, he has pressed on, giving to you his
sincerest and best efforts, and now, extending to his brothers his
thanks for these flowers, he greets you in truth, in Freedom, Friendship
and Charity."
The Great Sachem recounted the institution of ten new Tribes and two new
Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas, as well as the relighting of the
council brand of Sagwa Tribe, No. 69, at Lawrenceburg.
He recited a long list of decisions, nearly all of which met with
approval.
Concerning the Degree of Pocahontas he said:--"My report would be both
inadequate and insufficient, indeed, should I fail to make some mention
of the Degree of Pocahontas, now an important factor in our great
American Order, and whose members are actuated and inspired to noble
work by those cardinal principles we as Red Men hold so dear, Freedom,
Friendship and Charity. The auxiliary is certainly becoming popular, and
is now in a prosperous condition, and from information I can advisedly
say that wherever it is established properly will prove a valuable
adjunct to our work. I might add by way of suggestion or recommendation
that it would be a wise move to establish as soon as practicable in this
Reservation a Great Council of the Degree of Pocahontas, believing it
is due them, and that much more good can come from this branch of the
Order if they have the right and privilege extended them to counsel and
legislate. * * * I note that the Great Incohonee in his report very
pertinently remarks: 'This Degree deserves from the Great Council its
wisest consideration, and no pains should be spared in any matters which
may effect the interests and increase the usefulness of our Councils.'"
Cherokee Tribe, No. 8 and Hiawatha Tribe, No. 7, both of Louisville met
with the misfortune to lose their charters and effects in the burning
of the Masonic Temple on the 20th of Beaver Moon, G. S. D. 412, and the
Great Sachem granted both Tribes dispensations to work without a charter
until the Great Council should grant then new Charters.
On the 18th of Worm Moon, G. S. D. 413, by invitation of Great Sachem
McFarlan, Great Incohonee Thos. G, Harrison made a visit to Kentucky,
and a reception and banquet was given in his honor at the Louisville
Hotel. More than two hundred guests were entertained, and the occasion
was one of particular moment to Redmanship in this Reservation. In his
Long Talk, the Great Sachem records extracts from many of the addresses,
words of wisdom, encouragement and commendation.
From the Long Talk of Great Chief of Records Ray, the following
statistics of the Order are taken:--Adopted since last report, 1152;
admitted by card, 60; reinstated, 11; suspended, 594; expelled, 19;
withdrawn, 50; deceased, 41; disbursed for relief, $9,015.29; for burial
of the dead, $1,969.89; for other purposes, $14,396.12; invested by
Tribes, $17,895.60; Total fund of Tribes, $35,589.28; number of working
tribes, 73; number of Councils Degree of Pocahontas, 7.
The Great Keeper of Wampum reported the cash balance on hand as being
$2,191.95.
An election for Assistant Great Chief of Records was then entered
into with the result that Past Sachem Frank L. Smith, of No. 1 was
re-elected, Past Sachem J. Robin Garr, of No. 99 being also in
nomination.
A committee was appointed, Acting Great Incohonee Thos. J. Smith,
presiding, to draft resolutions of sympathy and condolence on account
of the recent death of the infant son of Great Sachem McFarlan, the
following serving in that capacity:--N. G. Mothershead, of No. 57; C. P.
Harding, of No. 5 and Claude B. Terrell, of No. 90.
The Great Council then went into the election of Great Chiefs with the
following results:--
Horace J. McFarlan, of No. 33, was unanimously elected Great Prophet.
H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11 was elected Great Sachem without opposition.
Lewis L. Bebout, of No. 60 was elected Great Senior Sagamore, there
being no other nominations.
Dan H. Russell, of No. 10 was elected Great Junior Sagamore, other
nominees being Robert Lee Page, of No. 80, and Ben C. Nunn, of No. 14,
the latter asking that his name be withdrawn.
Henry W. Ray, of No. 3 was elected Great Chief of Records for the
second time, without opposition.
S. C. Moore, of No. 7 was unanimously elected Great Keeper of Wampum
for the third time. Dr. Harry J. Phillips was nominated for this
position, but he refused to become a candidate.
Horace J. McFarlan, Robert Lee Page and Lawrence S. Leopold were
elected Great Representatives for two great suns each, the other
candidates in nomination being G. A. Ellerkamp, of No. 8; Ben H.
Shrader, of No. 5; John D. Walker, and Willie Walker, of No. 1.
At the request of Acting Great Incohonee Thos. J. Smith, State
Exemplifier, Frank L. Smith, the recognized custodian of the work in
Kentucky exemplified the unwritten work of the Order.
Frankfort was unanimously accepted as the hunting grounds in which the
next Great Sun Council fire should be kindled.
The Great Council of the United States having adopted a new Code of
laws embracing a new Constitution governing State Great Councils, it
was ordered that the incoming committee on Law and Usage be augmented
by the addition of two members, and they to prepare a new code of
laws governing the Great Council of Kentucky and the Tribes under its
jurisdiction, to report in print to the various Tribes, and their report
to be reviewed at the next Great Sun Council.
The contract for the printing for the ensuing Great Sun was let to the
Louisville Anzeiger Co. at $1.10 per page.
The amendment to the law laid over from last Great Council making
electioneering a penal act was adopted.
The Great Council refused to change the time for holding the Great Sun
Council from Flower Moon to Hot Moon.
It was ordered that each Past Great Sachem of the Great Council be
presented with Past Great Sachem's Jewel, to cost no more than 25
fathoms each.
The Committee which had been previously appointed to prepare new
Articles of Incorporation not having reported, the Great Sachem was
authorized to appoint another Committee.
The Finance Committee recommended the payment of mileage to Great
Chiefs, Representatives and members of standing committees, 82 in
number, amounting to $1,403.19, averaging $17.11 each.
The Great Council then went into the Committee of the Whole for the
consideration of amendments to the laws.
Upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee the following
appropriations were made:--
To the Tribe entertaining the Great Council each Great sun, $150.00.
To the Assistant Great Chief of Records for services, $75.00.
To the Great Sachem for the use of himself and State Exemplifier,
$1,250.
A new code of laws governing the organization and institution of
Tribes was adopted. Up to this time the matter of organization had
been conducted much upon the "go as you please" plan, each Great
Sachem using his own judgment in the matter. The adoption of definite
laws governing this matter was a boon to following Great Sachems.
A regulation was adopted requiring financial chiefs of the Great
Council and Tribes and Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas to be
bonded in such indemnity company as might be selected by the Finance
Committee from time to time.
An amendment was offered to be considered at the next Great Sun
Council providing for the nomination and election of Great Chiefs on
the second sun of the session instead of the first.
An amendment was offered defining the bounds of Deputy Great Sachems,
providing for districts, and for the holding of district meetings for
the purpose of exemplification, but same was laid over for one great
sun.
Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Charters the following
named Tribes and Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas were granted
charters:--Niagara, No. 96, Orangeburg; Kenawha, No. 97, Vanceburg;
Pontiac, No. 98, Louisville; Wauneeka, No. 99, Louisville; Buffalo,
No. 100, Sardis; Raritan, No. 101, Worthville; Modoc, No. 102,
Louisville; Ute, No. 103, Torrent; Lackawanna, No. 4, Salt Lick;
Catawba, No. 105, Prestonville; Tamina, No. 106, Jennings; Ramona
Council, No. 7, Augusta; Hiawatha Council, No. 8, Fourmile; Mojave
Council, No. 9, Maysville; Charters were also ordered issued to
Cherokee, No. 8, and Hiawatha, No. 7, both of Louisville, both having
been lost by fire.
It was ordered that a special committee be appointed to take charge
of any orphan matters, to investigate, and take the proper steps to
secure them the benefits of the Orphans' Guardian Fund. The Great
Sachem appointed Ben C. Nunn, of No. 14; O. R. King, of No. 1; A. C.
Fahrenberg, of No. 10.
Acting Great Incohonee Thomas J. Smith proceeded to raise the elective
and appointive Great Chiefs, with the assistance of Past Great Sachem
Willie Walker, of No. 1, Acting Great Tocakon.
H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11 Great Sachem.
L. L. Bebout, of No. 60 Great Senior Sagamore.
Dan. H. Russell, of No. 10 Great Junior Sagamore.
H. J. McFarlan, of No. 33 Great Prophet.
Henry Wood Ray, of No. 3 Great Chief of Records.
S. C. Moore, of No. 7 Great Keeper of Wampum.
Harry J. Phillips, of No. 10 Great Sannap.
Lee W. Zweydorf, of No. 7 Great Mishinewa.
J. K. Moore, of No. 32 Great Guard of Wigwam.
J. Robin Garr, of No. 99 Great Guard of Forest.
The special committee on Orphans reported they had performed the
duties intrusted to them and asked to be discharged, which was done,
and it was ordered that the Great Sachem appoint another committee to
continue the work ad interim.
The following committees were announced to serve the ensuing Great
Sun:--
Finance--H. J. Northcutt, of No. 37; Henry Schwieters, of No. 8; J. H.
Kemper, of No. 18.
Law and Usage--George W. Hinesley, of No. 8; John W. Riley, of No. 11;
Gustav A. Ellerkamp, of No. 8; O. R. King, of No. 1; J. W. Matthews,
of No. 67.
Returns and Reports--T. J. Tierney, of No. 80; J. H. Adams, of No. 83;
Hugh Johnson, of No. 81.
State of the Order--J. J. Freundlich, of No. 60; N. G. Mothershead, of
No. 57; J. M. Clifford, of No. 10.
Appeals--C. H. Morris, of No. 33; C. P. Harding, of No. 5; John
Hafendorfer, of No. 14.
After tendering a rising vote of thanks to Otego Tribe No. 60 for
their more than hospitable treatment of the Great Council and its
members while in their hunting grounds, and when the Great Prophet had
said a prayer, the council fire was quenched.
=1905.=
ELEVENTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The eleventh Great Sun Council fire of the Great Council of Kentucky
was kindled in the Council Chamber of Blackfoot Tribe, No. 67, Hunting
Grounds of Frankfort, at the 11th run, 30th breath, rising of the 9th
Sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 414. Previous to the kindling of the
Council Fire addresses of welcome, with responses, interspersed with
music, were delivered by Hon. James Darnell, Mayor; Great Sachem H. H.
Denhardt; Bro. T. H. Crockett, of No. 67; Great Senior Sagamore L. L.
Bebout. When the friends and guests had departed, the regular session
began, all the elective Great Chiefs being present, and 90 Past
Sachems.
The Great Sachem appointed the following to fill vacancies for the
session:--
Ben. C. Nunn, of No. 14, Great Sannap.
M. M. Harbeson, of No. 7, Great Mishinewa.
Chintz Royalty, of No. 38, Great Guard of Wigwam.
To assist the Great Junior Sagamore in the examination of credentials
the Great Sachem appointed W. M. Toomey, of No. 83; and Frank Wagner,
of No. 14.
A communication was received from Great Incohonee J. W. Cherry,
announcing that Great Guard of the Forest Jas. H. Cook had been
commissioned to represent him at this session, and he being announced
as being in the forest, Great Representatives Louis Vissman, John H.
Buschemeyer and Robt. Lee Page were appointed to escort him into the
Council Chamber.
Acting Great Incohonee James H. Cook was formally introduced and
greeted with the honors of the Order.
It was agreed that the representatives of Tribes so recently
instituted as not to be legally entitled to representation be admitted
and allowed mileage.
Upon the recommendation of Great Junior Sagamore D. H. Russell, 66
Past Sachems in waiting were introduced and received the Great Council
Degree.
Upon the recommendation of the same Great Chief, the credentials of
the representatives of 67 Tribes, and they being present were accorded
seats as such in the Great Council.
The total attendance at this session was 145.
The following were appointed to fill vacancies on Committees:--
Judiciary--M. B. Wallerstein, of No. 60.
Orphans--E. M. Wallace, of No. 5 and J. G. Renaker, of No. 37.
Charters--J. C. Lykins, of No. 113; M. M. Redding, of No. 64; W. H.
McDonald, of No. 111.
Great Sachem H. H. Denhardt, as was now the custom, presented his Long
Talk in print, and the following extracts will be of interest:--
"As the members of the Great Council of Kentucky assemble in peace
and harmony around this Great Sun's Council fire, we can congratulate
ourselves upon the close of the most prosperous year in the history
of the Order in Kentucky. From Paducah our runners swiftly to their
Tribes returned spreading the spirit of true fraternity there
engendered into every wigwam in our Reservation, and as a result
the council fires of the various Tribes have been kept brightly
burning; discord has been banished from their midst; and the braves
and warriors have become accustomed to assemble not for the purpose
of wrangling among themselves, of gaining some petty advantage over
another brother or over another Tribe, but plans for the capturing
of palefaces were discussed and as a result at least two thousand
palefaces' scalps are dangling at the belts of our warriors and braves.
This Great Sun has been one fraught with many blessings and pleasures.
The propitious sky has occasionally been obscured by a fleeting cloud,
but the passing shadow only intensified the brightness that followed.
Through the sunshine and the shadows, the pleasures and trials, our
beloved Order has grown until now it has taken rank as one of the most
prosperous fraternal societies in Kentucky.
I have brought to the performance of the duties devolving upon me
my best energies, my untiring efforts and all the zeal and industry
I could command. It, no doubt, is true that I have not measured up
to the full requirements of the high and important Chieftaincy to
which your over-kindness has elevated me; I have, however, labored
with an eye single to the advancement of our Order. I have tried to
be diligent, sought to be impartial and endeavored to be zealous and
faithful."
Concerning Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas he said:--"I have done
what I could to promote the welfare of this most excellent branch of
our order. Some progress has been made, but still there is need of
encouragement being given those who are striving to push forward the
cause of this Degree."
He reported the institution of twenty-one new Tribes and two Councils
of the Degree of Pocahontas, as well as the resuscitation of four
Tribes and one Council D. of P.
Concerning the Widows' and Orphans' Home Fund he said:--"It seemed to
be almost the unanimous opinion of those to whom I talked concerning
this matter that the time for the creation of this fund had arrived
even at the last Great Council; however, no action was taken. I
believe that the movement to establish a Home for the Widows and
Orphans of Kentucky Red Men is the greatest work ever undertaken by
our beloved Order in Kentucky. When we establish a Home of this sort
we are doing some real good in the world and that is what our Order
exists for, and that is, or should be, the aim of every member of the
Order."
After publishing a list of subscriptions to the Home Fund amounting to
$438.30, and having recounted a long list of visitations, he said--
"The Angel of Death has laid his hand heavily on our Order during
the past Great Sun. Mary McFarlan, wife of Horace J. McFarlan, Great
Prophet of the Great Council of Kentucky, died on the 15th Sun of Buck
Moon, G. S. D. 413.
Thomas Alden Hornsey, Past Great Sachem of the Great Council of
Kentucky died on the 12th Sleep of Beaver Moon, G. S. D. 413.
Thomas H. Watts, Great Incohonee of the Great Council of the United
States, died on the 29th Sun of Worm Moon, G. S. D. 414.
Past Sachem M. J. Madden, member of the Widows' and Orphans' Committee
of this Great Council died on the 17th Sun of Worm Moon, G. S. D. 414."
After an account of dispensations granted, decisions made, and details
of minor transactions, the Great Sachem closes with thanks to his
associates and to the Great Council.
The Great Chief of Record's Long Talk affords the following
information:--Adopted since last report, 1,994; admitted by card, 118;
reinstated, 13; suspended, 643; expelled, 14; withdrawn, 81; deceased,
72; present membership, 6,993; disbursed for relief, $10,958.09;
for burials, $3,436.31; for other purposes, $25,326.71; invested,
$24,107.60; total fund of Tribes, $46,302.86; Tribes instituted since
last report, 21; number of working Tribes 91.
The Great Keeper of Wampum reported the cash balance in the Great
Council wampum belt as being $1,886.30; in the Widows' and Orphans' Home
Fund, $438.30.
The election for Great Chiefs resulted as follows:--
Lewis L. Bebout, of No. 60 was elected Great Sachem unanimously.
Dan. H. Russell, of No. 10 was elected Great Senior Sagamore without
opposition.
H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11 was elected Great Prophet, by acclamation,
there being no other nominees.
Robert Lee Page, of No. 80 was elected Great Junior Sagamore, Past
Sachem J. W. Matthews, of No. 67 being also in nomination. J. H.
Kemper of No. 18 had been nominated, but desired his name to be
withdrawn.
Henry Wood Ray, of No. 3 was unanimously elected Great Chief of
Records for the third consecutive term.
S. C. Moore, of No. 7 was, upon motion of O. R. King, of No. 1, who
had been placed in nomination against him, unanimously re-elected
Great Keeper of Wampum for the fourth consecutive term. Past Sachem
King declined to be a candidate.
Gustav A. Ellerkamp, of No. 8; John H. Buschemeyer, of No. 8; W.
A. Crader, of No. 8, and M. B. Wallerstein, of No. 60 were elected
Great Representatives to the Great Council of the United States for
two Great Suns each. Other candidates in nomination were Lawrence S.
Leopold, of No. 8; Frank L. Smith, of No. 1 and C. P. Harding of No. 5.
The Great Council agreed unanimously to return to Frankfort one Great
Sun hence and again kindle its Great Sun Council fire in the Capitol
City.
Past Sachem Albert Miller of No. 1 presented the Great Council with
a magnificent Great Sachem's Stump, carved from the solid wood in
representation of a Chieftain's bust, decorated with feathers and
emblems of the Order.
The Committee on Revision of the Laws, which had been appointed
at the previous Great Council, now presented its report in print.
Shortly after the adjournment one great sun ago, the committee had
met, and realizing the magnitude of the work before them, expressed
its belief that one brother could accomplish the desired result with
less difficulty and in a shorter time than a number, and agreed to
employ Past Sachem Frank L. Smith, of No. 1, to do the work, if he
would undertake it. That chief accepting the commission, submitted his
report to the full committee in Sturgeon Moon, G. S. D. 413, and with
slight changes was adopted by the committee.
This report, embracing an entirely new code of law, founded upon the
general plan outlined by the Great Council of the United States,
making an entire separation of the legislative, executive and judicial
departments, was now before the Great Council, which went into the
Committee of the Whole for its consideration. Upon the rising of the
committee, the laws as presented by the Revision Committee were adopted,
with the exception of that article relating to the establishment of the
Widows' and Orphans' Home Fund. This article was made a special order of
business, and was the subject of earnest debate.
Those opposing the adoption of the law were not adverse to the
principle, but to the method of applying relief to the needy, their
plan, which they wished to substitute for a Widows' and Orphans' Home,
was the establishment of an Endowment Fund, the income from which should
be used to defray the expenses of its beneficiaries in private homes
rather than in an institution. After protracted debate, the law as
presented by the Committee on Revision, establishing the Widows' and
Orphans' Home Fund, with some slight technical alterations, was adopted
by an almost unanimous vote. The law as finally adopted was almost
identical with that presented at the previous Great Council and which
was then tabled.
The Committee on Incorporation of the Great Council presented a verbal
report, stating that articles had been prepared and would be submitted
when properly recorded. The articles prepared by this committee, while
published as preface to the new code of laws, were never recorded, and
consequently never were in operation.
Upon the recommendation of the Committee, charters were ordered issued
to the following named Tribes: Juanita, No. 107, Ghent; Kenton,
No. 108, Artemus; Wautauga, No. 109, Bosworth; Wabash, No. 110,
Nicholasville; Tchoupitoulas, No. 111, Barbourville; Winnebago, No.
112, Henderson; Ocono, No. 113, Campton; Tonawanda, No. 114, Grayson;
Minnehaha, No. 115, Cropper; Saco, No. 116, West Liberty; Neponset,
No. 117, Jackson; Akkeewassa, No. 118, Cannel City; Ganoga, No. 119,
Gratz; Navajo, No. 120, Sandy Hook; Tacoma, No. 121, Hazel Green;
Oseetah, No. 122, Redwine; Kinniconick, No. 125, Bowen; Seminole, No.
126, Denniston; Apache, No. 127, Robbins; Indianola Council, No. 10,
D. of P., Carrollton. A new charter was also granted Calumet Tribe,
No. 18, theirs having been destroyed by fire.
The Committee on Appeals rendered several decisions, which were
approved, but it is not thought best to here record them, they being
of a personal nature.
The Finance Committee recommended the payment of mileage to 100 Great
Chiefs, Representatives and members of Standing Committees, amounting
to $661.32, being an average of $6.6123 per member paid.
That committee recommended a Bonding Company; that the printing be
awarded to the Louisville Anzeiger Co.; that the salary of the
Assistant Great Chief of Records be increased to $150.00; all of which
were approved.
The Assistant Great Chief of Records now being an appointee of the
Great Chief of Records, G. C. of R. Ray appointed Frank L. Smith, of
No. 1, to that position.
The Great Chief of Records presented to the Great Council the set of
jewels said to have been in use by the old Great Council of Kentucky
at the time of its demise, they having been secured through the
efforts of the members of Miami Tribe, No. 17, and Mingo Tribe, No.
93, both of Newport, and it was agreed they should be worn by the
Chiefs of the present Great Council. The jewels, however, proved not
to be Great Council Jewels, being of silver, but the regulation Tribal
Jewels.
Acting Great Incohonee Jas. H. Cook, having appointed Past Great
Sachem G. A. Ellerkamp as Great Tocakon, raised the following elective
and appointive Great Chiefs:
Lewis L. Bebout, of No. 60 Great Sachem
Dan H. Russell, of No. 10 Great Senior Sagamore
Robert Lee Page, of No. 80 Great Junior Sagamore
H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11 Great Prophet
Henry Wood Ray, of No. 3 Great Chief of Records
S. C. Moore, of No. 7 Great Keeper of Wampum
C. P. Harding, of No. 5 Great Sannap
W. E. Buck, of No. 60 Great Mishinewa
Val. J. Baader, of No. 17 Great Guard of Wigwam
G. Michael, of No. 22 Great Guard of Forest
The Great Sachem announced the following appointments:
Board of Appeals--Geo. W. Hinesley, of No. 8, three great suns; J. J.
Freundlich, of No. 60, two great suns; O. R. King, of No. 1, one great
sun.
Trustees of Widows' and Orphans' Home Fund--Henry C. Yunker, of No. 7,
three great suns; G. W. Griffith, of No. 11, two great suns; C. Royalty,
of No. 38, one great sun.
Finance--H. J. Northcutt, of No. 37; J. H. Kemper, of No. 18; T. J.
Tierney, of No. 80.
Judiciary--J. W. Mathews, of No. 67; Jos. C. Lykins, of No. 113; N. G.
Mothershead, of No. 57.
State of the Order--Sebastian Stone, of No. 56; W. H. McDonald, of No.
111; Ben C. Nunn, of No. 14.
Returns and Reports--J. M. Clifford, of No. 10; Duke White, of No. 3; C.
F. Melton, of No. 70.
State Exemplifier--Frank L. Smith, of No. 1.
Past Great Sachem's Jewels were presented to the following Past Great
Sachems: Thos. A. Davis, of No. 3; John I. Winter, of No. 3; W. C.
Diederich, of No. 19; Willie Walker, of No. 1; Gustav A. Ellerkamp, of
No. 8; John D. Walker, of No. 1; W. C. Pelham, of No. 3; C. E. Lyddane,
of No. 2; H. J. McFarlan, of No. 33; H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11.
After appropriate resolutions of thanks, and when the Great Prophet had
invoked the Great Spirit, the council fire was quenched.
* * * * *
The Code of Laws as adopted at the Eleventh Great Sun Council was
approved by the Judiciary Committee of the Great Council of the United
States, entire, yet when that Great Council met in Great Sun Council
in Corn Moon, G. S. D. 414, the committee recommended that its action
be reversed in approving that part of the Laws of the Great Council
of Kentucky relating to the establishment of the Widows' and Orphans'
Home Fund. Appeal was taken to the Great Board of Appeals of the Great
Council of the United States, and that Great Board ruled the whole
matter in conflict with the Constitution of the Great Council of the
United States, which Great Council reserved unto itself the exclusive
right to legislate concerning the maintenance of orphans.
The effect of this ruling was to make nul and void all legislation
by the Great Council of Kentucky concerning the Widows' and Orphans'
Home Fund. The laws as enacted at the eleventh Great Council were
again submitted to the Judiciary Committee of the Great Council of
the United States, minus any reference to a Widows' and Orphans' Home
Fund, and were then approved and published.
=1906.=
TWELFTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Twelfth Great Sun Council fire of the Great Council of Kentucky
was kindled in the Legislative Hall of the State Capitol, hunting
grounds of Frankfort, by courtesy of Blackfoot Tribe, No. 67, at the
11th run, 40th breath, rising of the 8th sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D.
415.
Prior to the kindling of the council fire, addresses of welcome and
responses were delivered by Gov. J. C. W. Beckham, Mayor E. E. Hume,
Col. G. B. Harper, Great Sachem L. L. Bebout, Great Senior Sagamore D.
H. Russell, Representative T. Hiter Crockett, Great Junior Sagamore
Robert L. Page, Past Great Sachem H. H. Denhardt, and Wilson Brooks,
Great Chief of Records of the Great Council of the United States.
After the visitors had retired, the council fire was kindled in
ample form, all elective Great Chiefs being present, seven Great
Representatives, five Past Great Sachems and 112 Past Sachems.
Great Chief of Records Ray appointed F. L. Smith as Assistant Great
Chief of Records.
Great Sachem Bebout appointed Claude B. Terrell, of No. 90, and
Con. Trauth, of No. 7, to assist the Great Junior Sagamore in the
examination of credentials. He also appointed Harry J. Richardson,
of No. 3, to fill a vacancy on Committee on Returns and Reports, all
other members of Standing Committees being present.
Upon the recommendation of the Credential Committee, 102 Past Sachems
were admitted for the first time. The total attendance at this session
was 204.
The roll call of representatives revealed the presence of a
representative from each of 83 Tribes out of 109 entitled to
representation.
Great Sachem Bebout presented his long talk in print, as usual, and
the following extracts reveal the general condition of the Order at
that time:
"Our runners have been busy in paying visitations to the various
hunting grounds in this reservation, and from each hunting ground
where a Tribe of our Order exists comes the glad tidings that our
brothers are dwelling in peace and harmony.
No longer does the pale face nation look with distrust upon our
warriors, but truly the "tomahawk has been buried" and the Red Men and
pale face meet as friends.
I desire first of all to recall to your minds the motto of our beloved
"Old Kentucky", "United we stand, divided we fall," and trust this may
be adopted in our deliberations. The Improved Order of Red Men has a
mission to perform among our fellow men that we alone can perform.
We are now permited to report the establishment and institution of
more tribes within our borders, since the quenching of our last Great
Sun Council fire than during any Great Sun since our Order has been in
existence."
Great Sachem Bebout is in error. He reports the institution of 29 new
Tribes, while during Willie Walkers administration (G. S. D. 409-410)
32 new Tribes were organized.
"Our representatives at our last Great Sun's Council placed upon the
pages of our speaking book a law, in accordance with the fundamental
teachings of our Order, which provided for the creation of a fund
to be used in the establishment of a Home within our borders, which
should be a shelter for the unfortunates of our Tribes, who may not
be able to withstand the trials and hardships which attend the
unprotected in this busy, hustling commercial age in which we live.
In the Great Book of Life we find this expression, 'And a little
child shall lead them.' How true this is in this instance. The little
children of the membership of Irondequoit Tribe, No. 38, located at
Hardinsburg, were the first contributors to this fund.
After the enactment of this law, with the other laws enacted by us,
the whole was presented to the Judiciary Committee of the Great
Council of the United States for their approval, and having received
the approval of that committee were promulgated to the Tribes."
The fate of this measure has already been recorded on these pages,
and the Great Council at this time found itself with an overwhelming
sentiment in favor of the law as previously passed or a similar one,
but without the power of enactment.
Continuing, the Great Sachem said: "Realizing that the desire of
our membership is as strong, nay stronger than ever before, for the
establishment of a Red Men's Widows' and Orphans' Home in our beloved
State, I beg to suggest that your Representatives to the Great
Council of the United States be instructed to request that Great
Council to pass an enabling act which will permit you to put your
desires into execution. This request, properly presented, will, in my
opinion, appeal to our brothers, members of our noble order in other
reservations, in such a way that your request will be unanimously
granted."
After recounting a list of appointments, visitations made, decisions
and opinions, the Great Sachem again speaks as follows:
"The members of the Great Council are perhaps aware of the
organization of the Great Chief of Records Association of the United
States. This organization meets annually at the same time and place of
the Great Council of the United States, and is composed of the Great
Chiefs of Records of the several reservations. It must be apparent to
all that such an organization will be of material advantage to the
Order, and I desire to recommend that the Great Council of Kentucky
make an allowance and request our Great Chief of Records to attend and
become a member of this organization.
Conforming to the organization of the Great Chief of Records
Association of the United States, I would recommend the organization
of a State Association of Chiefs of Records, to be composed of the
Chiefs of Records of all the Tribes in the Reservation, and urge upon
all Tribes the importance of such an organization, and to make proper
appropriation of wampum for the expense of their Chief of Records in
attending these meetings.
Regarding Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas, he said: "I feel that
this branch of our work is neglected, and that we should make more
effort to assist our sisters in their noble work. I would recommend
that a permanent committee to be known as the 'Committee on Degree
of Pocahontas' be appointed by the Great Sachem, and the matter of
organization and other duties relating to this branch of our order be
referred to this committee."
The following statistics are taken from the long talk of Great Chief
of Records Henry W. Ray: Adopted since last report, 2,440; admitted by
card, 62; reinstated, 45; suspended, 1,336; expelled, 11; withdrawn,
by card, 67; deceased, 79; present membership, 7,651; number of
Tribes instituted since last report, 29; number of working tribes,
109; disbursed by Tribes for relief, $13,508.73; for burial of dead,
$3,513.55; for other purposes, $48,095.02; amount invested by Tribes,
$35,472.24; total worth of Tribes $59,569.00.
The Great Council by a unanimous vote instructed its Great
Representatives to apply to the Great Council of the United States for
an "enabling act" or to so modify its laws as to permit State Great
Councils to found Homes for their widows' and orphans. The resolution
was offered by Great Senior Sagamore Russell.
A Committee, consisting of Past Great Sachems Willie Walker, Ellerkamp
and McFarland was appointed to escort to the Council Chamber Great
Chief of Records Wilson Brooks, who had been delegated to represent
the Great Incohonee at this session. The committee performed its
duties, and Acting Great Incohonee Wilson Brooks was received with due
honors.
The Great Sachem appointed the following as a committee on Charters:
H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11; D. A. Cross, of No. 60; J. G. Renaker, of
No. 37.
Mention had been made by the Great Sachem in his long talk of
the terrible disaster to the hunting grounds of San Francisco by
earthquake, and of an appeal for aid for sufferers from same. The
Great Chief of Records reported that subscriptions to the amount of
$295.45 had been received and forwarded to the Great Sachem of the
reservation of California.
As at the previous Great Sun's Council an entirely new Code of laws
had been adopted, the Judiciary Committee (formerly Committee on Law
and Usage) had been instructed to continue as a Committee on Revision,
and at this session, quite a number of amendments were reported by
that committee, tending to improve and "smooth up" the laws, and were
adopted.
Another attempt was made to change the time for kindling the Great Sun
Council fire from Flower Moon to Hot Moon but without success.
It was claimed that the Articles of Incorporation as printed in the
new Code were faulty, and never having been recorded were not in
force. The Great Representatives to the Great Council of the United
States were appointed a Committee to prepare new Articles and to have
them recorded.
A resolution was offered to amend the laws in such a manner that the
voting franchise should be limited to Representatives of Tribes only.
This resolution was laid over for one Great Sun, but caused great
commotion, as heretofore all Past Sachems had been qualified to vote
upon all questions and in the election for chiefs, except when the
representative vote might be demanded on a measure of legislation.
The representatives to the Great Council of the United States were
instructed to endeavor to have the laws of the G. C. U. S. amended so
as to provide for biennial instead of annual sessions.
The Great Council went into the election of Great Chiefs with the
following results:
Dan H. Russell, of No. 10 was elected Great Sachem by acclamation.
Robert L. Page, of No. 80 was elected Great Senior Sagamore without
opposition.
Joe H. Kemper, of No. 18 was elected Great Junior Sagamore on the
first ballot, W. H. McDonald, of No. 111 being also in nomination.
Lewis L. Bebout was unanimously elected Great Prophet.
Henry Wood Ray, of No. 3 was elected Great Chief of Records for the
Fourth consecutive term, Ben. C. Nunn, of No. 14, being also in
nomination.
Herman V. Cohn, of No. 8 was elected Great Keeper of Wampum, S. C.
Moore, of No. 7, who had filled the chieftaincy for four consecutive
terms being defeated for re-election by a narrow margin.
L. L. Bebout, of No. 60, Lawrence S. Leopold, of No. 8 and H. J.
McFarlan, of No. 33; were elected Great Representatives, the others in
nomination being R. L. Page, of No. 80 and Willie Walker, of No. 1.
The Charter committee recommended the issuing of charters to the
following named Tribes and Councils: Shawnee, No. 77, Georgetown;
Tuscarora, No. 124, Tyrone; Antigo, No. 128, Claysville; Mendota, No.
131, Corinth; Oneida, No. 132, Cherokee; Paduke, No. 133, Murray;
Logan, No. 134, Ewing; Wahbee, No. 135, Yocum; Wamsutta, No. 136,
Dan; Tuscola, No. 137, Warfield; Connewago, No. 138, Fallsburg;
Uppowoc, No. 139, Maytown; Uchees, No. 140, Rockdale; Tonnuluka,
No. 141, Millers Creek; Nevada, No. 142, Flat Gap; Chickasaw, No.
143, Paintsville; Algona, No. 144, East Bernstadt; Algonquin, No.
145, Berry; Shawnese, No. 146, Cave City; Elkatawa, No. 147, Ford;
Natchez, No. 148, Glenwood; Oniska, No. 149, Middlesboro; Cohota, No.
150, Louisa; Ocono, No. 113, at Campton, to replace one destroyed by
fire; Collo Kene Council, No. 11, D. of P.; Chanzeck, No. 129, of Lee
City, and Lechawa, No. 130, of Mize, were not granted charters, their
council fires having become extinct.
The Finance Committee reported mileage paid to 111 members, amounting
to $752.38 being an average of $6.77-1/2 per member.
Lexington was selected as the next place for kindling the Great Sun
Council fire, Newport and Frankfort being in nomination.
The question on the limitation of franchise to representatives only
was taken up and lost by a Tribal vote of 47 ayes to 16 nays, it
requiring a four-fifths vote to pass the resolution.
The bill to limit the franchise was again offered to be considered at
the next Great Suns Council.
Acting Great Incohonee Wilson Brooks then raised the Great Chiefs,
appointing Past Great Sachem G. A. Ellerkamp as Great Tocakon.
Dan H. Russell, of No. 10 Great Sachem.
Robert Lee Page, of No. 80 Great Senior Sagamore.
Joe H. Kemper, of No. 18 Great Junior Sagamore.
Lewis L. Bebout, of No. 60 Great Prophet.
Henry Wood Ray, of No. 3 Great Chief of Records.
Herman V. Cohn, of No. 8 Great Keeper of Wampum.
A. Englehardt, Jr., of No. 8 Great Sannap.
L. H. Roberts, of No. 10 Great Mishinewa.
Val. J. Baader, of No. 17 Great Guard of Wigwam.
M. L. Levin, of No. 22 Great Guard of Forest.
Great Sachem Russell announced his appointments on Standing Committees
as follows:
Member of Board of Appeals for three great suns--T. Hiter Crockett, of
No. 67.
Trustee of Widows' and Orphans' Home Fund, for three Great Suns--Chintz
Royalty, of No. 38.
Finance--Henry Schwieters, of No. 8; T. J. Tierney, of No. 80; Chas. A.
Hess, of No. 10.
Judiciary--W. H. McDonald, of No. 111; R. A. Chiles, of No. 18; A. J.
Steele, of No. 10.
State of the Order--Ben C. Nunn, of No. 14; Frank Hartman, of No. 5; L.
Rosenfield, of No. 98.
Returns and Reports--Jacob Gross, of No. 5; Hugo Schultz, of No. 25; S.
T. Rabold, of No. 11.
The appointments of the Great Sachem on Board of Appeals and Trustee of
Widows' and Orphans' Home Fund were unanimously approved.
After appropriate resolutions of thanks to Blackfoot Tribe, and when the
Great Prophet had said a prayer, the Great Council fire was quenched.
=1907.=
THIRTEENTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
The Thirteenth Great Sun's Council fire of the Great Council of Kentucky
was kindled in the Auditorium at Woodland Park, Hunting Grounds of
Lexington, under the auspices of Miantonomo Tribe, No. 1, at the 11th
run, 30th breath, rising of the 14th sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 416.
Before the council fire had been kindled addresses of welcome and
response were delivered by Hon. Thos. H. Clay, acting for Mayor Combs,
Great Sachem D. H. Russell, Chief Wallace Muir, of No. 1, and Past
Sachem T. Hiter Crockett, of No. 67.
All of the Great Chiefs were present, eight Great Representatives, eight
Past Great Sachems, and 153 Past Sachems.
Great Chief of Records Henry W. Ray appointed Frank L. Smith, of No. 1
as Assistant Great Chief of Records.
Great Sachem Russell appointed Past Sachem Sam Marcus, of No. 8 as a
member of the Committee on Returns and Reports to fill a vacancy.
The same Great Chief appointed the following to constitute a Committee
on Charters:--Con. Trouth, of No. 7; H. J. McFarlan, of No. 33; Geo. S.
Wiemer, of No. 6.
Great Junior Sagamore Joe H. Kemper reported the presence of 131 Past
Sachems in the Forest with proper credentials, and they were admitted
and received the Great Council Degree. The total attendance at this
Great Council was 268.
The roll call of representatives revealed the presence of the
representatives of 110 Tribes out of 145 eligible to representation.
Great Incohonee W. A. S. Bird of the Great Council of the United
States was admitted and received with the Grand Honors of the Order.
Great Sachem Russell presented his long talk in print, and the
following quotations will be found of interest, revealing the
condition of the Order at that time:--
"Our membership now numbers over eleven thousand, with forty-five
new Tribes and three new Councils. Redmanship stands in Kentucky
unchallenged as one of the greatest benevolent fraternities of
modern times, commanding the respect of all acquainted with its
accomplishments, the admiration of all who know its purpose and the
affection of all who participate around the council brands of our
Tribes.
The oldest truly American fraternity has grown greater, stronger and
better in our Reservation and its present position fills with pride
those who have assisted in its marvelous growth during the past Great
Sun, and every member must rejoice in his affiliation with such a
powerful thoroughly American organization.
The Great Sachem, assisted by the brothers of all the Tribes in
Jefferson County, organized a mammoth class adoption of 500 palefaces,
and on the sleep of the 28th of Beaver Moon, G. S. D. 415, in the
presence of Great Incohonee W. A. S. Bird, more palefaces were adopted
than at any one time in the history of the Order in Kentucky."
The Great Sachem offered many recommendations for the consideration of
the Great Council, in the nature of amendments to the laws, particularly
regarding the matter of sick and funeral benefits, and among these
recommendations the following:--concerning the clause forbidding
electioneering:--"This portion of Kentucky Laws is unreasonable,
inasmuch as it does not give to the members of our Order the privileges
usually accorded to an American citizen. No harm can be done, and no
wrong committed by the publicity of the personal wishes of a brother of
our Order."
Great Sachem Russell records a vast amount of business transacted,
decisions made, appointments, etc., and concludes the records of a
remarkable administration as follows:--
"We come to this Great Council with every Tribe having reported and
paid its per capita tax, and when the great number of Tribes in this
reservation is considered, it is a remarkable condition, and it is due
to the enthusiastic fraternal spirit that exists in the hearts of every
Red Man in our Reservation.
The American Flag, the emblem of Freedom, renews in every Red Man's
heart the true American spirit that was breathed into the souls of the
Sons of Liberty and which later proclaimed for them their Independence.
The spirit of Liberty was the foundation of the greatest fraternity of
modern times and this same spirit of freedom that prompted the Sons of
Liberty has been given additional force by the presence of the Stars and
Stripes in the council chambers of the various Tribes, and engenders
more thorough fraternal and patriotic feeling than any one emblem. I
suggest that the Great Council of Kentucky give each and every Tribe on
the night of institution this emblem of freedom, so this same spirit
will be injected into the hearts of all the newly adopted brothers."
From the long talk of the Great Chief of Records the following
statistics are taken:--adopted since last report, 2,853; admitted by
card, 81; reinstated, 145; suspended, 1,623; expelled, 14; withdrawn
by card, 95; deceased, 65; present membership, 8,933; Number of tribes
last report, 109; new tribes, 31; tribes resuscitated, 5; tribes extinct
since last report, 17; whole number of tribes Jan. 1st, 1907, 128.
Disbursed for relief, $13,721.55; for burial of the dead, $2,941.50; for
other purposes, $41,566.25; invested by Tribes, $49,872.96; Total worth
of Tribes, $78,001.86.
The Great Council of the United States had, since the last session of
the Great Council of Kentucky, adopted an enabling act, permitting
State Great Councils to legislate for the care and maintenance of
Widows, Orphans and Aged Red Men, and a bill was now introduced
with the following title, being quite similar to the one previously
enacted by the Great Council of Kentucky, but which had been declared
unconstitutional by the supreme authority:--
"A bill, to provide for the support of Widows and Orphans of deceased
Red Men, and of Aged Red Men, and the ultimate establishment of a Home
for the same."
In one respect the bill was quite different from the former, in that it
provided for the immediate relief of beneficiaries, a portion of the tax
proposed to be levied to be set aside for that purpose.
As has been recorded on these pages, there were two factions in the
Great Council, each eager for the adoption of relief laws, but with
different ideas as to the application of the same. On the one side were
those who desired the immediate establishment of a Home or Institution,
while on the other was the party desiring the care and support of its
beneficiaries within the homes of individuals. The bill now presented
provided for the trial of the latter plan, while a fund was being
accumulated for the adoption of the former in the future. After
discussion in the Committee of the whole and protracted debate on the
floor of the Great Council the bill was adopted by a Tribal vote of 85
ayes to 11 nays.
The per capita tax was increased from 60 inches per great sun to 80
inches, fifteen inches of which to be set aside for the relief fund, and
5 inches of this to be devoted to immediate relief if required.
Great Sachem Russell immediately appointed the three members of the
Board of Trustees of the Widows', Orphans' and Aged Red Men's Relief
Fund, as provided in the enactment, as follows:--H. C. Yunker, of No. 7
for one Great Sun; Ben Rosenthall, of No. 14 for two Great Suns and Sam
Marcus, of No. 8 for three Great Suns, the Great Sachem and Great Chief
of Records being also members of the Board ex-officio.
A bill was presented providing for the reduction of the commission to be
paid to organizers of new Tribes, but it failed to pass.
The contract for printing for the ensuing great sun was awarded to the
Louisville Anzeiger Company of Louisville.
Upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee mileage was paid to
147 Great Chiefs, Representatives and members of Standing Committees,
amounting to $970.86, being an average of $6.77-1/2 to each.
The old committee on Widows and Orphans reported having in its
possession the sum of $472.68.
A bill was presented for future consideration providing for a maximum
amount to be paid for benefits when the dues of the beneficiary are paid
in advance, and a minimum when not so paid.
Great Sachem Russell was presented with a beautiful emblematic ring, on
behalf of his many friends in the Order.
The famous "Disfranchisement Bill" was withdrawn and thus came to an end
a measure which promised to cause much dissension.
The Committee recommended that charters be issued to the following
named forty-five Tribes and three Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas,
which was the largest number of Tribes ever instituted under the
administration of any Great Sachem of Kentucky, and the only list
excelling in number that under the administration of Willie Walker, in
1901. This record also excelled any record ever made by any other State
Great Council.
Minnewa, No. 151, Whitehouse; Ontario, No. 152, Flat Lick; Black
Eagle, No. 154, Gray; Rowena, No. 155, Hopkinsville; Stillwater, No.
156, Russellville; Delaware, No. 157, Blanche; Metacom, No. 158,
Corbin; Shenandoah, No. 159, Logmont; Saranac, No. 160, Richardson;
Iron Star, No. 161, Trosper; Yazoo, No. 162, Boston; Chicora, No. 163,
Shepherdsville; Tuskeno, No. 164, Hellier; Ouray, No. 165, Oakdale;
Geronimo, No. 166, London; Silver Arrow, No. 167, Lebanon Junction;
Susquehanna, No. 168, Inez; Spotted Elk, No. 169, Island; White Bear,
No. 170, Williamsburg; Red Crow, No. 171, Rockhold; Kill Buck, No.
172, Elizabethtown; Choctaw, No. 173, Wilton; Washtella, No. 174,
Fonde; Wanalanset, No. 175, Sadieville; Cheyenne, No. 176, Chenoa;
Kiowa, No. 177, Osie; Lackawaxen, No. 178, Borderland; Pewakee, No.
179, Luzerne; Uncas, No. 180, Bolts, Fork; Piute, No. 181, Culbertson;
Maumee, No. 182, Graham; Cahoosic, No. 183, Leitchfield; Scioto, No.
184, Covington; Kickapoo, No. 185, Big Clifty; Potomac, No. 186,
Glasgow; Sequepah, No. 187, Drakesboro; Ohio, No. 188, Hartford;
Conanchet, No. 189, Halsey; Tawawa, No. 190, Centertown; Owasso, No.
191, Cleaton; Bogohama, No. 192, Princeton; Mashingomisha, No. 193,
Blaine; Oklahoma, No. 194, Chambers; Trade Water, No. 195, Dawson
Springs; Wenonah Council, No. 12, Tyrone; Wahneta, Council, No. 13,
Blanche; Nenemoosha Council, No. 41, Bell Jellico.
New Charters were also granted Petewa Tribe, No. 41, at Central City and
Mohawk, No. 20, at Shelbyville.
The election for Great Chiefs resulted as follows:--
Robert Lee Page, of No. 80 was unanimously elected Great Sachem.
Joe H. Kemper, of No. 18 was elected Great Senior Sagamore without
opposition.
W. H. McDonald, of No. 111 was elected Great Junior Sagamore on the
second ballot, other candidates being H. J. Northcutt, of No. 184 and
Harry J. Phillips, of No. 10.
Dan H. Russell, of No. 10 was unanimously chosen Great Prophet.
Henry W. Ray, of No. 3 was unanimously elected Great Chief of Records
for the fifth consecutive term.
Herman V. Cohn, of No. 8 was elected Great Keeper of Wampum without
opposition for the second consecutive term.
Dan. H. Russell, of No. 10, W. A. Crader, of No. 8, John H.
Boschemeyer, of No. 8 and H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11 were elected Great
Representatives for two Great Suns each, and Chas. A. Hess, of No. 10
and H. J. McFarlan, of No. 33 for one Great Sun each, other candidates
being Willie Walker, of No. 1; H. C. Rhodes, of No. 60; Louis Vissman,
of No. 8.
Frankfort was selected as the place for kindling the next Great Sun
Council fire, though the Finance Committee recommended St. Matthews.
Great Sachem Russell appointed members of the new Committee on Degree of
Pocahontas, which had been created by an enactment, as follows: L. H.
Roberts, of No. 10; Christ Schwitzer, of No. 17; Warren Wilson, of No.
91.
Great Sachem elect Page announced that he should consider the term
of the appointees as having expired with his being raised to the
Chieftaincy of Great Sachem, and would then appoint a new Committee.
Great Incohonee W. A. S. Bird, being obliged to leave, authorized Past
Great Sachem G. A. Ellerkamp to raise the newly elected Great Chiefs.
The question of quorum was then raised, and it being found that not a
quorum was present, further business could not be entertained, and Past
Great Sachem Ellerkamp proceeded to raise the Chiefs, first appointing
Past Great Sachem Willie Walker as Great Tocakon.
Robert Lee Page, of No. 80 Great Sachem
Joe H. Kemper, of No. 18 Great Senior Sagamore
W. H. McDonald, of No. 111 Great Junior Sagamore
Dan H. Russell, of No. 10 Great Prophet
Henry Wood Ray, of No. 3 Great Chief of Records
Hermann V. Cohn, of No. 8 Great Keeper of Wampum
P. J. Nelligan, of No. 80 Great Sannap
Lee W. Zweydorf, of No. 7 Great Mishinewa
L. H. Roberts, of No. 10 Great Guard of Wigwam
Val. J. Baader, of No. 17 Great Guard of Forest
The Great Sachem announced the following appointments of Standing
Committees:--
Board of Appeals for three Great Suns--D. A. Cross, of No. 60.
Finance--T. J. Tierney, of No. 80; Henry Schwieters, of No. 8; S. C.
Moore, of No. 7.
Judiciary--Sebastian Stone, of No. 56; Joe C. Lykins, of No. 113; R. A.
Chiles, of No. 18.
State of the Order--John M. Clifford, of No. 10; Wm. Stoeckel, of No.
93; Geo. S. Weimer, of No. 6.
Degree of Pocahontas--Warren Wilson, of No. 91; H. J. Northcutt, of No.
184; W. E. Coleman, of No. 78.
Returns and Reports--Claude B. Terrell, of No. 90; G. Michael, of No.
22; Chas. Stout, of No. 19.
State Exemplifier--Frank L. Smith, of No. 1.
After suitable resolutions of appreciation of the courtesies shown by
Miantonomo Tribe, No. 1, and when the Great Prophet had said a prayer,
the council fire was quenched.
=1908.=
FOURTEENTH GREAT SUN COUNCIL.
At the tenth run, rising of the 12th sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 417,
there gathered in the Legislative Chamber of the State Capitol, the
Past Sachems of the Kentucky Tribes, visiting and local Red Men, when,
under the auspices of Blackfoot Tribe, No. 67, of Frankfort, addresses
of welcome to the Great Council of Kentucky were delivered by Hon. Jas.
T. Buford, in behalf of Mayor Hume, Past Sachem T. Hiter Crockett, of
No. 67, and Lieut. Governor Cox, responded to by Great Prophet D. H.
Russell, and Great Junior Sagamore W. H. McDonald, of Barbourville.
At the close of the introductory ceremonies, and when the visitors had
departed, the Great Sun Council fire was kindled in ample form, all
Great Chiefs being present and all Great Representatives, eight past
Great Sachems and two hundred and five Past Sachems.
Great Sachem Robert Lee Page appointed Past Great Sachem L. L. Bebout
and Past Sachem Henry Yunker to assist Great Junior Sagamore W. H.
McDonald in the inspection of credentials.
It being evident that the Legislative Hall was to small to accommodate
the Great Council, it already being crowded with the old members, and
the new not having been introduced, it was decided to adjourn to the
Skating Rink, where the future sessions were held.
The record of the previous Great Council was approved as printed, when
the Great Sachem presented his Long Talk, the Credential Committee not
being ready to report. The document being in print was distributed and
much interest was manifested in its perusal. The following extracts will
be of especial interest:--
"My work is done--my labors over. It has been a Great Sun of labor, but
a labor of love, and one that has the best efforts of my mind and heart.
I have sought to render efficient and faithful service, and, while the
year has not been free from perplexities and responsibilities, I trust
that I can return unsullied the regalia you bade me wear. It is an
honor to wear the insignia of our Brotherhood--of the Fraternity which
has done and is doing so much for man and country, but with power and
influence come responsibilities, and this Great Order needs the care,
support and helping hand of all who constitute its household.
To your efforts am I able to report the largest gain in membership
and the largest number of new Tribes organized than ever before in the
history of this Reservation. In fact, it has been said that Kentucky has
made the best record of any Reservation in the United States. The Order
has prospered beyond precedent or prophecy.
Pure religion and undefiled before the Great Spirit is this--To visit
the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself
unspotted from the world."
"Inspired by this Spirit, animated by this faith, exemplifying these
noble precepts by acts of helpfulness, Redmanship has, for many Great
Suns, been a living power within this land, and at the close of this
Great Sun has the confidence of, and dwells in honor among a free,
enlightened people.
We honor a wonderful past, and rejoice in a prosperous present, yet we
know that the work of the Order has not ended, and that so long as time
shall last, and the enemies of society endure, it will be necessary for
this and similar Orders to exist. The need of good men, honest men, men
who believe in manhood and in brotherhood, who know responsibilities and
can assume them, was never greater than today. This Order has given us
men who have lifted human burdens and have lived to help, aid and assist
their fellow man.
We have a strong, vigorous and constantly expanding organization. The
past with its lessons, its struggles, its successes, is ours. We live in
sunlight now; fortune has favored us; the skies are bright with promise;
surely at the close of this Great Sun, we can sincerely and honestly
repeat:
Oh Great Spirit from out whose hands,
The Great Suns fall like grains of sand,
We meet today, united, free,
And loyal to our land and Thee,
To thank Thee for the era done
And trust Thee for the opening one."
Concerning the Long House, the Great Sachem said: "As yet, the manner of
raising wampum for this purpose has not been decided upon. The location
of the Long House in this Reservation means far more for the Kentucky
Redman than we realize. It means that each Great Sun Louisville will
be the Mecca for a large number of the most influential members of our
Order. In addition to this, it will be of great financial benefit to
the Red Men and paleface merchants of Kentucky's metropolis, and, while
more directly beneficial to them, is indirectly beneficial to you. This,
however, should not be considered in comparison to the good that will
result to the Order here."
Among the recommendations of the Great Sachem were the following:--
That a tax be levied for the purpose of raising a fund for the
erection of a Long House in Louisville by the Great Council of the
United States.
That some action should be taken whereby each member of the Order can
be supplied with a copy of the laws.
That the time of holding the Great Sun Council should be changed from
Flower Moon to Cold Moon.
That the law requiring the Chiefs of Tribes to be bonded through the
chieftaincy of the Great Chief of Records be abolished.
That the salary of the incoming Great Chief of Records be increased
from five hundred fathoms to nine hundred fathoms.
That a code of laws governing the Trustees of the Widows', Orphans'
and Aged Red Men's Relief Fund be adopted.
After reciting a long list of opinions and decisions rendered, the
Great Sachem enumerates the sixty-five Tribes and three Councils of
the Degree of Pocahontas instituted during his administration, with
dates, and names of Organizers and Instituting Chiefs.
After recounting the dispensations granted by himself and his
Deputies, Great Sachem Page closed his admirable Long Talk as follows:
"In discharging my duties I have been made a better Red Man and a
better man. I love my fellow-man more to-day than I did one Great Sun
ago. I shall never cease to lend my humble aid and assistance to the
cause of this great fraternity.
In conclusion I trust that in passing judgment upon my efforts and
work you may be able to say: 'He hath done what he could, and in the
best manner he knew how.'"
The following statistics are from the Long Talk of Great Chief of
Records Henry W. Ray:--
Membership last report, 8,933; adopted, 4,486; admitted by card,
122; reinstated, 227; suspended, 1,647; expelled, 21; withdrawn
by card, 109; deceased, 91; present membership, 11,950; number of
Tribes last report, 128; tribes instituted, 58; extinct since last
report, 6; whole number of Tribes Jan. 1, 1908, 180; gain in tribes,
52; disbursed by Tribes for relief, $16,904.12; for burial of dead,
$4,103.30; amount invested by Tribes, $70,500.79; amount in wampum
belts of Tribes, $33,075.79; total worth of Tribes, $103,576.78;
expenses of Great Council for great Sun, $9,611.46; balance in Great
Council wampum belt, $2,208.01.
The Great Representatives to the Great Council of the United States
presented a report of the transactions of the Great Council of
particular interest to the Great Council of Kentucky, and particularly
as to the legislation in regard to the proposed Long House. The
following was reported as having been adopted by the Great Council of
the United States:
"Be it resolved by this Great Council of the United States: That a
committee of three of its members be appointed to devise ways and
means for the erection of the Long House, to be erected at Louisville,
Kentucky, and to report at the next session of this Great Council.
Be it further resolved, that said Committee shall consist of the
present Great Incohonee as Chairman and two Past Great Incohonees to
be selected by the Great Incohonee and to serve at no expense to this
Great Council."
The Credential Committee then reported having approved of the
credentials of 175 Past Sachems who were in waiting in the Forest, the
same were admitted and instructed in the Great Council Degree. The
same Committee also approved of the Credentials of the representatives
of 143 Tribes. The total attendance was 343 Past Sachems.
A speaking leaf was then read from Great Incohonee W. A. S. Bird,
announcing the appointment of Past Great Sachem D. H. Russell as his
special representative, and the credentials were acknowledged. Acting
Great Incohonee Russell was then received with the usual honors.
Great Sachem Page announced the following appointments to fill
vacancies on Standing Committees:--
Degree of Pocahontas--Henry Lyons, of No. 166, Vice W. E. Coleman, of
No. 78.
State of the Order--W. E. Buck, of No. 60, vice Wm. Stoeckel, of No.
93.
Past Sachem Albert Miller, of No. 1 presented the Great Council with
two emblematic Tomahawks his own handiwork.
Great Sachem Page appointed the following as a Committee on
Charters:--N. G. Mothershead, of No. 57; Joe Woodruff, of No. 195; J.
W. DeHart, of No. 8.
The Finance Committee reported the following recommendations which
were concurred in:
That the books and accounts of the Great Chief of Records, the Great
Keeper of Wampum and the Trustees of the Widows', Orphans' and Aged
Red Men's Relief Fund, having been audited and found correct, be
approved.
That the sum of two thousand fathoms be appropriated from the funds of
this Great Council for the use of the Great Sachem in the performance
of his duties.
That the Kentucky Red Man and American Red Man be declared to be the
official journals of this Great Council, and that the sum of one
hundred and fifty fathoms be appropriated to each.
That no appropriation be made for salary of Assistant Great Chief of
Records for the ensuing great sun.
That Mileage be paid to the Great Chiefs, Representatives and Members
of the Standing Committees, amounting $1,457.01, an average of $8.18
to each of 178 individuals.
The Judiciary Committee reported having approved of the by-laws of 53
Tribes and Councils.
The following amendment to the laws was unanimously adopted it being
mandatory, in conformity to a requirement of the Great Council of the
United States:--No paleface following the occupation of saloon keeper,
bar tender, liquor dealer or professional gambler shall be eligible
to membership in a Tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men.
Great Senior Sagamore J. H. Kemper, who until this time had been
absent, entered the Council Chamber and was given a fraternal
reception.
The Great Chief of Records was authorized to have printed in
convenient form the Constitution governing Tribes.
The Great Chief of Records was authorized and instructed to attend the
sessions of the Great Chief of Records Association, at the expense of
the Great Council.
A model code of by-laws was authorized, under which new Tribes are
required to work at least six moons after instituted.
The law requiring the Great Chief of Records to notify all Tribes of
all suspensions was repealed.
The law requiring the financial chiefs of Tribes to be bonded in a
specified bonding company was repealed, leaving it to each Tribe to
make its own selection of a Company.
The salary of the Great Chief of Records was increased from 500 to 900
fathoms per great sun.
An amendment was presented to provide for additional revenue for the
purpose of erecting a Widows' and Orphans' Home, but action on same
was deferred for one great sun.
An attempt to provide for the appointment of official organizers was
defeated.
The Board of Trustees of the Widows', Orphans' and Aged Red Men's
Relief Fund reported a code of laws to govern that Body, and the
disbursement of relief, which was unanimously adopted.
The report of the Secretary of that Board, Bro. Sam Marcus, shows,
total amount in the Home Fund $1,122.51; total amount disbursed for
relief, $73.00; total balance in relief fund, $312.07.
A bill was presented reducing the amount to be paid organizers to
$2.00 for each paleface, but was defeated.
Lexington was selected as the place for the kindling of the next
great sun council fire, Bowling Green and Elizabethtown being also in
nomination.
Past Great Sachem L. L. Bebout in a characteristic speech presented
Great Sachem Robert Lee Page with a beautiful and costly silver
service, the joint gift of many Tribes and individuals. Great Sachem
Page responded, expressing his heartfelt appreciation of the handsome
tribute.
Great Junior Sagamore W. H. McDonald presented a Great
Representative's sash to Acting Great Incohonee D. H. Russell, which
that Great Chief accepted in appropriate terms.
Great Prophet Russell, in behalf of Past Sachem N. Bierman, of
Cherokee Tribe, No. 8, offered as a reward for faithful work for the
Order an emblematic Ring to the member of the Order who shall bring
into his Tribe the greatest number of new members in each Great Sun,
counting from each Great Council.
The contract for the printing for the ensuing great sun was let to The
Louisville Anzeiger Company, the Record being the base, at $1.00 per
page.
The run having arrived for the election of Great Chiefs, the Great
Sachem announced that when tellers were required to receive and count
ballots, each candidate in nomination for Chieftaincy should have the
privilege of appointing one of the tellers in his race.
Past Great Sachem H. H. Denhardt presiding, the election took place,
resulting as follows:
Robert Lee Page was unanimously elected Great Prophet.
Joe H. Kemper, of No. 18 was elected Great Sachem by acclamation.
W. H. McDonald, of No. 111 was elected Great Senior Sagamore, there
being no other candidates in nomination.
Homer J. Northcutt, of No. 184 was elected Great Junior Sagamore,
Wm. A. Grader, of No. 8, being also in nomination, and lost by small
margin.
Frank L. Smith, of No. 1 was elected Great Chief of Records, other
candidates in nomination being T. J. Tierney, of No. 80; J. M.
Holstner, of No. 10 and C. F. Melton, of No. 81. Henry W. Ray, the
retiring Great Chief of Records, having served for five consecutive
great suns, was awarded the honors of a Past Great Sachem and declined
to be a candidate for re-election.
Herman V. Cohn, of No. 8, was elected Great Keeper of Wampum for the
third term, M. M. Redding, of No. 64 being also in nomination.
Four Great Representatives to the Great Council of the United States
were elected, each to serve for two great suns as follows:--Past Great
Sachem Robert Lee Page, of No. 80; L. L. Bebout, of No. 60; G. A.
Ellerkamp, of No. 8 and Henry Wood Ray, of No. 3. Other candidates
in nomination were Past Great Sachem H. J. McFarlan, of No. 33; Past
Sachem Lawrence S. Leopold, of No. 8; Past Great Sachem John D.
Walker, of No. 1; Past Sachem Chas. A. Hess, of No. 10.
A bill was presented and passed increasing the per capita tax to be
levied upon Tribes to five feet each six moons, the additional ten
inches to be set aside as a special fund to aid the Great Council
of the United States in the erection of a Long House, or permanent
headquarters in the hunting grounds of Louisville.
Great Sachem Page announced the appointment of Henry C. Yunker as a
member of the Board of Trustees of the Widows', Orphans' and Aged Red
Men's Relief Fund for three great suns.
Upon the recommendation of the Committee, charters were granted to the
following named New Tribes and Councils:--Ogallala, No. 196, Polsgrove
Landing; Nipsit, No. 197, Pilgrim; Suwanee, No. 198, Trinity; Shawmut,
No. 199, Jattie; Merrimac, No. 200, Hammond; Adirondack, No. 201,
Clifford; Walla Walla, No. 202, Calhoun; Creek, No. 203, Dayton;
Arapahoe, No. 204, Providence; Brule, No. 205, Clay; Naugatuck,
No. 206, West Naugatuck; Monon, No. 207, Stamping Ground; Saginaw,
No. 208, Denton; Pewawbeek, No. 209, Hopper; Sangamon, No. 210,
Manchester; Emahaka, No. 211, Morganfield; Weshaway, No. 212, Wofford;
Agawam, No. 213, Catlettsburg; Manhattan, No. 214, Jellico; Wahnahton,
No. 215, McCarr; Kearsarge, No. 216, Aberdeen; Tuscahoma, No. 217,
Charley; Chicotah, No. 218, Dekoven; Incas, No. 219, Fletcher;
Petaluma, No. 220, Lily; Samoset, No. 221, Majestic; Canonicus, No.
222, Gallup; Kennebec, No. 223, Meek; Watstika, No. 224, Marion;
Santana, No. 225, Pikeville; Itaska, No. 226, Rumsey; Monadnock, No.
227, Slick Rock Creek; Ozark, No. 228, Elkhorn City; Tuskaloosa, No.
229, Benton; Ioka, No. 230, South Carrollton; Ninegret, No. 231, Elk
Lick; Anawan, No. 232, Big Creek; Napanee, No. 233, Muddy Branch;
Pocasset, No. 234, Uniontown; Waco, No. 235, Oneida; Kokomo, No. 236,
Danleyton; Tonkawa, No. 237, Sebree; Tecumseh, No. 238, Tannery;
Pokonoket, No. 239, Bush; Erie, No. 240, Fork Ridge; Kiowon, No. 241,
Slaughtersville; Ramona, No. 242, Sawyer; Chicopee, No. 243, Bonanza;
Washoan, No. 244, Onton; Horicon, No. 245, Morgantown; Alleghan,
No. 246, Burnwell; Nokonan, No. 247, Ashbyburg; Beaver, No. 248,
Allen; Kewanee, No. 249, Greenville; Genesee, No. 250, Hunnewell;
Chessapeake, No. 251, Dixon; Tonikan, No. 252, Madisonville;
Kenaway, No. 253, Harlan; Casco, No. 254, Beaver Dam; Canadawa,
No. 255, Barnetts Creek; Atabaska, No. 256, Cromwell; Waukesha,
No. 257, Teague; Cayuga, No. 258, Maplesville; Dekorra, No. 259,
Ingram; Catawissa, No. 260, St. Charles. Councils of the Degree of
Pocahontas:--Aletah, No. 15, Middlesboro; Minnewawa, No. 16, Jennings;
Leola, No. 17, Georgetown.
A bill was presented, to lay over one great sun, providing for a
reduction in the fee for admission by withdrawal card.
Acting Great Incohonee D. H. Russell, assisted by Past Great Sachem G.
A. Ellerkamp, as Great Tocakon, raised the Great Chiefs as follows:--
Joe H. Kemper, of No. 18 Great Sachem
W. H. McDonald, of No. 111 Great Senior Sagamore
Homer J. Northcutt, of No. 184 Great Junior Sagamore
Robert Lee Page, of No. 80 Great Prophet
Frank L. Smith, of No. 1 Great Chief of Records
Hermann V. Cohn, of No. 8 Great Keeper of Wampum
Ben C. Nunn, of No. 14 Great Sannap
A. Englehard, Jr., of No. 8 Great Mishinewa
W. E. Buck, of No. 60 Great Guard of Wigwam
L. H. Roberts, of No. 10 Great Guard of Forest
Great Sachem Kemper announced the appointment of Past Sachem Geo. W.
Hinesley, of No. 8 as a member of the Board of Appeals for three great
suns.
Following were the appointments on Standing Committees:
Finance--Henry Schwieters, of No. 8; R. F. Arnett, of No. 1; Roy C.
Scott, of No. 18.
Judiciary--Robert T. Crowe, of No. 33; Claude B. Terrell, of No. 90;
Chas. A. Davis, of No. 111.
State of the Order--W. B. Dillon, of No. 166; R. S. Hunter, of No. 11;
John J. Sandmann, of No. 70.
Degree of Pocahontas--J. M. Clifford, of No. 10; W. Fred Thomas, of
No. 3; T. J. Tierney, of No. 80.
Returns and Reports--Sebastian Stone, of No. 56; V. M. Hainline, of
No. 18; T. H. Sanders, of No. 89.
The thanks of the Great Council were extended to Robert Lee Page, for
his dignified, fair and impartial rulings, and to Blackfoot Tribe for
its hospitality.
Past Great Sachem's Jewels were presented to Henry Wood Ray and
Robert Lee Page, and when the Great Prophet had said a prayer, the
council fire was quenched.