In compliance with request of petitioners from various Tribes
in Kentucky, Great Chief of Records of the Great Council of the
United States, Charles C. Conley, acting Great Incohonee, and Past
Great Sachem William C. Conley, of Pennsylvania, acting Great
Chief of Records, appeared in the wigwam of Miantonomo Tribe,
No. 1, hunting grounds of Lexington, on the 27th sun of Hunting
Moon, G. S. D. 404, for the purpose of kindling the Great Council
fire of Kentucky.
After appropriate remarks of instruction had been given by
the two Great Chiefs, the following named Past Sachems, who responded
to the call, were marked as present:
Miantonomo Tribe, No. 1—J. B. Mendenhall, John Armstrong,
Oscar R. King, J. R. McConnell, Past Great Sachem T. A. Hornsey,
Willie Walker, Henry Vogt, R. Eason, Frank L. Smith.
Onequa Tribe, No. 2—R. W. Jones, J. W. Holler.
Wyandotte Tribe, No. 3—T. M. Russell.
Winona Tribe, No. 4—W. B. Wilkerson, Wm. Metcalfe, J. Hull
Davidson.
Paughcaughnaughsinque Tribe, No. 6—John I. Winter, W. E.
Fite, J. W. Crumbaugh.
Hiawatha Tribe, No. 7—E. G. Van Zandt, J. H. Young, A. F.
German.
Osceola Tribe, No. 19—W. C. Diederich.
As Past Sachems McConnell, Diederich and Mendenhall had
been admitted to other State Great Councils, the acting Great Incohonee
appointed Past Sachem McConnell as Great Guard of the
Forest, pro tem.; Past Sachem Diederich as Great Guard of the
Wigwam, pro tem.; and Great Sannap, pro tem., was filled by Past
Sachem Mendenhall.
The acting Great Incohonee, assisted by the acting Great Chief
of Records and Past Sachem Mendenhall proceeded to constitute
the Great Council of Kentucky, which was consummated at 12
o'clock high sun.
The following named Great Chiefs were then elected or appointed
and raised up:
| J. B. Mendenhall, of No. 1 |
Great Sachem |
| J. R. McConnell, of No. 1 |
Great Senior Sagamore |
| W. E. Fite, of No. 6 |
Great Junior Sagamore |
| J. Hull Davidson, of No. 4 |
Great Prophet |
| Frank L. Smith, of No. 1 |
Great Chief of Records |
| A. F. German, of No. 7 |
Great Keeper of Wampum |
| J. B. Mendenhall, of No. 1 |
Gt. Rep. to G. C. U. for two great suns |
The Great Sachem-elect appointed:
| John I. Winter, of No. 6 |
Great Sannap |
| Thos. M. Russell, of No. 3 |
Great Mishinewa |
| W. C. Dienerich, of No. 19 |
Great Guard of Wigwam |
| R. W. Jones, of No. 2 |
Great Guard of Forest |
The Great Sachem announced the following committees:
On Laws—P. G. S. Thos. A. Hornsey, Great Senior Sagamore
J. R. McConnell and Great Junior Sagamore W. E. Fite.
On Credentials—Great Prophet J. Hull Davidson and Past
Sachems E. G. Van Zandt and R. Eason.
The committee on Laws recommended that the laws of the Great
Council of Pennsylvania be adopted by the Great Council of Kentucky,
and after some slight amendments they were adopted.
The Committee on Credentials reported Past Sachems P. T.
Farnsworth, of No. 1, John D. Walker, of No. 2 and Charles Scott,
of No. 4 as being in the forest with proper credentials, and recommended
they be admitted, and they were admitted and received
the Great Council degree. It was voted that an appropriation of
two hundred fathoms be made for the expense of the Great Chiefs
for the ensuing term.
The Great Chief of Records was authorized to prepare an original
design for a seal and to procure the seal as soon as possible.
The following resolution was unanimously adopted:
Resolved: That in expression of its appreciation of the invaluable
services performed by the Great Chief of Records of the Great
Council of the United States, Charles C. Conley, acting Great Incohonee,
and Past Great Sachem William C. Conley, of Pennsylvania,
acting Great Chief of Records, who have so ably and courteously
assisted and instructed the Great Council of Kentucky during
its course of organization, the records of the Great Council
shall contain this resolution expressive of its gratitude for their
distinguished services.
The various bills and expenses incident to institution were ordered
paid, leaving a balance in the wampum belt of seven fathoms,
six feet and two inches.
It was voted to kindle the next council fire in the wigwam of
Paughcaughnaughsinque Tribe, No. 6, at Augusta.
Following are the statistics of the Order at the time of institution—Whole
number of Tribes, 10; Tribes not reporting, 2; adopted,
265; admitted by card, 12; withdrawn by card, 4; suspensions,
10; rejections, 9; total membership, 638; Past Sachems, 71.
Council of the Degree of Pocahontas—Minneola, No. 1, at Ashland;
Minnehaha, No. 2, at Lexington.
The Great Sachem announced the appointment of standing
committees for the ensuing great sun, as follows—
Finance—J. Hull Davidson, No. 4; Thomas M. Russell, No. 3;
John I. Winter, No. 6.
Law and Usage—W. E. Fite, No. 6; W. C. Diederich, No. 19;
Willie Walker, No. 1.
Returns and Reports—R. Eason, No. 1; T. A. Hornsey, No. 1;
John D. Walker, No. 4.
Board of Appeals—E. G. Van Zandt No. 7; W. C. Diederich,
No. 19; J. W. Crumbaugh, No. 6.
The council fire was then quenched in ample form.
The second Great Sun Council fire of the Great Council of
Kentucky, Improved Order of Red Men was kindled in the wigwam
of Paughcaughnaughsinque Tribe, No. 6, at the 10th run rising of
the 12th sun of Flower moon, G. S. D. 405, with Great Sachem
J. B. Mendenhall presiding. All of the elective Great Chiefs were
present except A. F. German, Great Keeper of Wampum.
The Great Sachem appointed the following named brothers as a
committee on Credentials—John I. Winter, of No. 6, John Armstrong
of No. 1 and J. W. Crumbaugh, of No. 6.
The committee on credentials reported representatives present
with proper credentials from Tribes, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 17,
and 19, and recommended that they be recognized and seated as the
representatives from their respective Tribes, which was concurred in.
The committee also reported the following named Past Sachems
as being in the forest for the first time with proper credentials and
recommended that they be admitted and receive the Great Council
Degree, which was agreed to:
Miantonomo, No. 1—H. H. Wilson.
Onequa, No. 2—J. W. Scobee.
Wyandotte, No. 3—W. C. Pelham and D. P. Ort.
Winona, No. 4—L. E. Pearce.
Paughcaughnaughsinque, No. 6—J. W. McKibben, W. E.
Hamilton, Thos. M. Gray and N. Feagan.
Cherokee, No. 8—Chas. A. Lang.
Osceola, No. 19—Conrad Gensler.
Past Sachem Michael Grau, of No. 17, having previously been
admitted to the Great Council of Ohio, was also admitted to a
seat in the Great Council of Kentucky.
The records of the last Great Council were approved as printed.
The Great Sachem then began reading his long talk, and we
make the following extracts therefrom:
"I herewith submit the report of my official actions between
27th Hunting Moon, G. S. D. 404, at which time this G. C. was
instituted, and 11th Flower Moon, 405.
The Order in this reservation has enjoyed a season of prosperity,
and the membership has, through hard work, been greatly
increased. The following new Tribes have been instituted:
Shawnee, No. 9, Louisville, on the 10th of Worm Moon;
Mohican, No. 11, Bowling Green, on the 24th of Plant Moon, and
three Tribes will be instituted before the close of this moon.
All of our Tribes, with the exception of Miami, No. 17, and
Tecumseh, No. 5, have greatly increased their membership, as will
be seen from the report of the G. C. of R.
I regret to say that some opposition on the part of some of
the members of Cherokee Tribe, No. 8, has been manifested in
regard to fee paid to organizers, and this matter will, in all probability,
be presented by their representatives for your consideration
at this session.
Hiawatha Tribe, No. 7, labored under the impression that no
other Tribe could legally be instituted in the hunting ground of
Louisville without first obtaining their consent, and it was necessary
for me to summon the Great Chiefs to meet with that Tribe
on the sleep of the 28th of Snow Moon, and after considerable discussion
the matter was amicably adjusted, and they have since
prospered."
The Great Sachem then recounted appointment of Deputies for
each Tribe, dispensations granted, decisions rendered and visitations
made.
Among his recommendations were the following:
"That the salary of the Great Chief of Records be increased to
three hundred fathoms." This was approved by the finance committee
and concurred in by the Great Council.
That the Great Sachem be allowed to draw on the Great
Keeper of Wampum for the expenses of that stump, from time to
time, as they may become necessary." This was agreed to after
fixing the limit at one hundred fathoms.
GREAT COUNCIL OF KENTUCKY--SECOND SESSION, AUGUSTA, MAY 12-13, 1896.
Great Chiefs Seated--N. Feagan, G. of W. Frank L. Smith, G. C. of R. W.
E. Fite, G. Sr. Sag. J. R. McConnell, Gt. Sachem. J. B. Mendenhall, Gt.
Prophet. J. I. Winter, G. Jr. Sag. John Armstrong, G. K. of W.
The Great Chief of Records in his report said:
"The work of a full great sun has been crowded into the short
space of four and one-half moons, owing to the peculiar time of
kindling our first Great Council fire.
The placing of the Great Council upon a footing to transact
business has required me to cause to be printed not only the records
of the first Great Council, but also the laws, blanks for dispensations,
reports, credentials, stationery, etc., that will not have to be
done again for many great suns.
Having been authorized by the Great Council to prepare an
original design for a seal, I set about the same, and caused a skillful
draftsman to carry out my ideas in an India ink drawing, from
which seals were engraved on wood in two sizes, and a die sunk and
the seal properly prepared. The design proved a difficult one to
execute and was quite expensive, yet when I considered that it was
to last for all time as the Great Seal of the Great Council of Kentucky,
I felt warranted in making the expenditure, as the design
has been highly commended by the Great Chiefs to whom it was
submitted.
I beg to submit for the consideration of the Great Council
the system I have adopted for listing, by means of a card catalogue,
the entire membership of the Order in this reservation. I
have caused to be printed two thousand cards like sample filed herewith.
These cards are filled out, one for each member, with all
the information obtainable as to the history and rank in the Order,
and are filed alphabetically. This system, started from the institution
of the Great Council and kept up to date from the semi-great
sun's reports from Tribes, will enable the G. C. of R. at a
moment's notice, by referring to the catalogue, to tell the Tribe
to which any brother named may belong, when and where he was
adopted, advanced, raised and exalted; also whether or no he is a
Past Sachem, and if he has been admitted to the Great Council
of Kentucky. It will also show if he has ever been suspended, reinstated,
withdrawn, readmitted, etc., with dates in every case. In
the future, I am of the opinion this will prove to be of inestimable
value. I now have the catalogue of the Order in a complete
state up to the first of Plant Moon.
In order that this system may be carried out in every particular,
I have prepared a special report blank, which, if the Chiefs
of Records of Tribes will be particular to comply with, will enable
the list to be kept complete and accurate.
I have been unable to obtain any report for the last term from
Tecumseh Tribe, No. 5, or even an answer to any of my letters,
though the last one was registered to insure its receipt by the
C. of R."
The Great Chief of Records made the following recommendations:
1st. That the Card Catalogue system, as inaugurated by the G.
C. of R., be approved and adopted.
2nd. That the report blank in connection therewith be approved
and adopted, and Tribes be required to report in accordance
therewith.
3rd. That each Tribe be required to place on file with the
G. C. of R. a copy of their by-laws in printed form.
4th. That the price schedule of supplies as printed in the first
records be approved and adopted.
5th. That the G. C. of R. be forbidden to furnish or supply
any individual members of the Order with any supplies whatever,
except it be a question book and necessary literature for the purpose
of instituting new Tribes and charter supplies to new Tribes,
and to Tribes only when ordered under the seal of the Tribe, and
in no case unless paid for when ordered, in current funds.
These five recommendations were reviewed by the committee
on the state of the Order, approved by them and were then adopted
by the Great Council.
The following statistics are drawn from the report of the Great
Chief of Records: Whole number of members at time of institution,
623; adopted since, 525; admitted by card, 3; reinstated, 2;
suspended, 7; withdrawn, 4; number of members in Tribe failing
to report, 17; whole number at present time, 1,125; rejected, 19;
Past Sachems, 76; Past Great Sachems, 3; Tribes at institution,
10; Tribes instituted, 2; Tribes failing to report, 1; Tribes in good
standing, 11; balance in hands of Great Keeper of Wampum,
$117.02.
The Great Sachem appointed the following committees:
On State of the Order—H. H. Wilson, No. 1; J. W. McKibben,
No. 6; W. C. Pelham, No. 3.
On Charters—Charles A. Lang, No. 8; R. Eason, No. 1; D. P.
Ort, No. 3.
On Grievances—John I. Winter, No. 6; J. R. McConnell, No.
1; L. E. Pearce, No. 4.
The long talks of the various Great Chiefs were referred to the
proper committees.
Telegrams of congratulation were ordered sent to the various
Great Councils holding concurrent councils.
A special committee was appointed to make arrangements for
having the Great Council photographed.
The Committee on Law and Usage recommended that the various
dispensations granted by the Great Sachem be approved, and
they also reported having approved of the by-laws of several Tribes,
and the report of the committee was concurred in.
The Committee on Charters recommended that charters be issued
to Shawnee Tribe, No. 9, at Louisville, and Mohican Tribe,
No. 11, at Bowling Green, which was approved.
The Committee on Returns and Reports reported having examined
the reports of the various Tribes, and finding them correct
in the main, recommended that they be approved, and the report
was concurred in.
The Finance Committee reported having examined the reports
of the Great Chief of Records and the Great Keeper of Wampum
and found them correct, and their report was concurred in.
The Mileage Committee reported the mileage account of the
Great Chiefs and Representatives, and their report was approved
and warrants for the payment of the same were ordered drawn.
The election of Great Chiefs resulted as follows:
| J. R. McConnell, No. 1 |
Great Sachem |
| W. E. Fite, No. 6 |
Great Senior Sagamore |
| John I. Winter, No. 6 |
Great Junior Sagamore |
| J. B. Mendenhall, No. 6 |
Great Prophet |
| Frank L. Smith, No. 1 |
Great Chief of Records |
| John Armstrong, No. 1 |
Great Keeper of Wampum |
| Thos. M. Russell |
Gt. Rep. to G. C. U. S. for 1 great sun |
The Great Sachem-elect made the following appointments:
| R. Eason, No. 1 |
Great Sannap |
| W. C. Diederich, No. 19 |
Great Mishinewa |
| N. Feagan, No. 6 |
Great Guard of Wigwam |
| J. W. Scobee, No. 2 |
Great Guard of Forest |
The foregoing were duly raised up at the proper time by Past
Great Sachem J. Hull Davidson, of No. 4.
It was voted that the Great Council kindle its next council fire
in the wigwam of Osceola Tribe, No. 19, at Ashland.
Great Sachem Mendenhall took occasion to officially thank
Paughcaughnaughsinque Tribe, No. 6, for its munificent gift of
a Past Great Sachem's jewel in a few well chosen words.
The matter of the solution of the financial problem for the ensuing
six moons was referred to a special committee as follows:
John D. Walker, of No. 4; Chas. A. Lang, of No. 8; R. Eason,
of No. 1.
It was voted that the Great Representatives be instructed to
vote for and use their influence in favor of the anti-saloon law
before the Great Council of the United States. Rep. Chas. A.
Lang, of No. 8, wished to be recorded as voting nay.
The Special Committee on Finance recommended that the Great
Chiefs be instructed to borrow five hundred fathoms to meet the
necessary demands upon the Great Council, and their recommendation
was adopted.
It was ordered that the Great Chiefs take immediate steps to
incorporate the Great Council of Kentucky.
Rep. Chas. A. Lang, of No. 8, presented a complaint from Cherokee
Tribe, No. 8, regarding the disposition of the fees collected
from charter members of that Tribe, and it was ordered that the
whole matter of the investigation of the differences between the
Louisville Tribes and the Great Council of Kentucky be referred
to the incoming Committee on Appeals and Grievances.
The bonds of the Great Chief of Records and the Great Keeper
of Wampum were presented and approved.
The following resolution was adopted:
Resolved: That organizers of Tribes in this reservation shall
be allowed as commission and fee for services rendered in institution,
one-half the fees collected from charter members, the said
fee to be for his own use, and all other wampum collected, after
deducting the necessary expenses of institution, such as traveling
expenses of instituting chiefs, charter fee, etc., shall be paid into
the wampum belt of the Tribe by the organizer, and he shall make
an itemized statement of said expenses.
The following resolution was also adopted by a unanimous rising
vote:
Resolved: That the thanks of the Great Council be extended to
Paughcaughnaughsinque Tribe, No. 6, for the use of their wigwam
for the meeting of this Great Council, for the very efficient
manner in which its members have entertained the members of this
body, and to the kind ladies and citizens of Augusta for the elegant
banquet given, as well as for all the numerous courtesies which
we have received at their hands. We beg leave to assure them, one
and all, who have in any way contributed to our pleasure while in
their midst, that we shall ever look back with pleasure to our
meeting in their beautiful city.
Great Sachem McConnell announced the following appointments
on standing committees for the ensuing great sun:
Finance—Conrad Gensler, No. 19; J. Hull Davidson, No. 4;
John I. Winter, No. 6.
Law and Usage—W. C. Diederich, No. 19; W. E. Fite, No. 6;
Willie Walker, No. 1.
Returns and Reports—Chas. A. Lang, No. 8; R. Eason, No. 1;
Thos. Cassida, No. 19.
Appeals and Grievances—L. E. Pearce, No. 4; Thos. M. Russell,
No. 3; R. W. Jones, No. 2.
The council fire was then quenched, to be rekindled in the wigwam
of Osceola Tribe, No. 19, at Ashland, at the 10th run, rising
of the 11th sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 406.
The third Great Sun Council fire of the Great Council of Kentucky
was kindled in the wigwam of Osceola Tribe, No. 19, on
the 11th sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 406, at the 10th run, 30th
breath, rising of the sun, Great Sachem J. R. McConnell presiding.
All Great Chiefs were present except John Armstrong, Great
Keeper of Wampum, and N. Feagan, Great Guard of Wigwam.
The Great Sachem made the following appointments, pro tem:
Great Guard of the Wigwam, John D. Walker, No. 4.
Great Keeper of Wampum, Mat. M. Gay, No. 18.
The Great Junior Sagamore reported the credentials of the following
named Past Sachems as being in proper form, and they
being in waiting were introduced and instructed in the Great Council
Degree.
Miantonomo, No. 1—W. B. Eason.
Onequa, No. 2—J. W. Shearer.
Wyandotte, No. 3—Frank H. Bromley.
Winona, No. 4—C. M. Chasteen.
Paughcaughnaughsinque, No. 6—Geo. H. Bandle.
Hiawatha, No. 7—H. C. Rhodes, J. G. Sewell.
Cherokee, No. 8—Chas. D. Meyer, James Schrepper, Albert
Spies, Herman V. Cohn.
Shawnee, No. 9—Wm. A. Crader, Louis Vissman.
Mohican, No. 11—T. B. Wright.
Totewa, No. 14—John Hafendorfer.
Calumet, No. 18—Matt. M. Gay.
Osceola, No. 19—C. E. Horrocks, J. F. Horstman, Thos. F.
Cassida, M. A. Rodgers.
The records of the previous Great Council were approved as
printed.
The Great Sachem then read his long talk. Therein he reported
the institution of the following Tribes.
Iroquois Tribe, No. 12—at Hopkinsville, on the 28th of Flower
Moon, G. S. D. 405.
Totewa Tribe, No. 14, at Owensboro, on the 4th of Buck Moon,
G. S. D. 405.
Otego Tribe, No. 15, at Paducah, on the 21st of Sturgeon Moon,
G. S. D. 405.
Seminole Tribe, No. 16, at Henderson, on the 25th of Sturgeon
Moon, G. S. D. 405.
Calumet Tribe, No. 18, at Mt. Sterling, on the 14th of Hunting
Moon, G. S. D. 405.
Choctaw Tribe, No. 20, at Corbin, on the 22nd of Plant Moon,
G. S. D. 406.
A list of 128 questions had been propounded to the Great Sachem
by Miantonomo Tribe, No. 1, to which he made answers in
his long talk, and they were reviewed by the Committee on Law
and Usage, approving the Great Sachem's decisions in most cases
and altering and reversing them in some instances. These decisions
formed the digest of the Great Council of Kentucky at that
time.
The Great Sachem said: "Having received due notice that
Brother J. B. Mendenhall, of Paughcaughnaughsinque Tribe, No.
6, had been expelled from all rights and privileges of said Tribe,
I declared his office of Great Prophet and Great Representative to
the G. C. U. S. vacant and appointed P. G. S. Thos. A. Hornsey,
of No. 1, as Great Prophet, and Past Sachem Chas. A. Land, of
No. 8, as Great Representative to the G. C. U. S.
On the 7th sun of Plant Moon I learned that Seminole Tribe,
No. 16, had ceased to kindle its council fire, and was contemplating
disposing of their rituals to pale faces. I therefore appointed Bro.
G. B. Vargason, of Totewa Tribe, No. 14, as a special Deputy to
visit Henderson and arrest their dispensation and secure all property
of said Tribe, and to get possession of rituals at all hazards."
The Great Sachem also reported the expulsion of E. G. Van
Zandt, of Hiawatha Tribe, No. 7.
He reported a list of dispensations granted, which were approved
by the Great Council, after having been reviewed by the
proper committee.
He also said: "On the second sun of Corn Moon, 405, I received
appeal of E. G. Van Zandt from the action of Hiawatha
Tribe, No. 7, in expelling him from the Order, which I have referred
to the Board of Appeals. Also that of J. B. Mendenhall,
from Paughcaughnaughsinque Tribe, No. 6, which is in the hands
of the Board of Appeals for their consideration.
During the past great sun one Tribe has ceased to kindle its
council fire, that of Tecumseh Tribe, No. 5. Heroic efforts were
made by Great Chief of Records F. L. Smith to keep their council
fire burning, but to no purpose."
Among the recommendations made by the Great Sachem were
the following:
"That this Great Council define explicitly what is the legitimate
expenses of organizer in instituting Tribes." This matter was referred
to a special committee, who reported a code of rules to govern
organizers for the ensuing great sun, and to come up for consideration
as an amendment to the by-laws of the Great Council
at the next Great Sun Council.
"That Section 1, Article XVII, of the Constitution of Tribes
be amended so as to read as follows: 'No person shall be adopted
into a Tribe of the Order, except a free white male, of good moral
character and standing, and of the full age of eighteen great
suns.'" This matter was discussed at some length, and the Great
Sachem finally ruled that it must lay over one great sun and would
be in order at the next Great Sun Council.
"That the Chiefs of Records of this reservation be more prompt
in forwarding their six moons' reports and per capita tax to the
Great Chief of Records, immediately after the 31st sun, Worm
Moon, and 30th of Corn moon of each six moons." This recommendation
was concurred in by the Great Council.
"That Past Sachems be required to procure and wear regalia
according to their rank as Past Sachems in this Great Council,"
and this recommendation was adopted.
"That the decisions of this Great Council be adopted as a code
and digest for the government of Tribes in this reservation," which
was agreed to.
"As new Tribes, after being instituted, are so often left with
but a faint idea of the workings of the Order, that the Great Sachem,
or some one properly qualified, visit them at least within six
moons after institution, to instruct them in the work, or designate
some Past Sachem for this work when he cannot do it himself."
The recommendation was adopted.
"I recommend that the dispensation issued to Seminole Tribe,
No. 16, be revoked, and that the incoming Great Sachem take
proper steps to receive and recover all books and paraphernalia belonging
to the Tribe, and the same measure in regard to Iroquois
Tribe, No. 12." The subject matter was referred to the incoming
Great Sachem with instructions to endeavor to revive the council
brands before arresting the dispensations.
The following extracts are made from the report of the Great
Chief of Records:
"I am pleased to report that there has been a marked improvement
in the matter of reports from Tribes, yet several of the
reports received are neither complete nor correct. As the Tribes
and chiefs become more accustomed to their duties I believe this
matter will adjust itself. The card catalogue is now nearly complete,
containing the names of members of every Tribe in the
reservation to date except Iroquois, No. 12, and Choctaw, No. 20.
No report has ever been received from No. 12 at Hopkinsville,
and communications from brothers in those hunting grounds lead
me to believe the Tribe is defunct. I received a report from Seminole
Tribe, No. 16, of Henderson, for the term ending 30th of
Corn Moon last, but no tax, there being none due from them at
that time. Since then I have been unable to get any communication
from their Chief of Records. Otego Tribe, No. 15, of Paducah,
has made no report for the last six moons' term, and repeated
speaking leaves to its C. of R. during the past moon have
elicited no response. I have no other intimation that the Tribe
is not in good condition.
At the last Great Sun Council I was empowered to have the
Great Council incorporated, and the same has been done, and the
articles legally recorded. Herewith I append the incorporation
papers:"
These Articles of Incorporation, formed and entered into to
incorporate The Great Council of Kentucky of the Improved Order
of Red Men, of the State of Kentucky, an order instituted for the
purpose of affording relief to such of its members as may be suffering
from sickness, distress or other causes, for the furtherance of
the general welfare of the members thereof, for the better government
of the Order, and for the more effectual accomplishment
of the charitable objects which are to be furthered by the Order and
this corporation.
1.—The name of the corporation shall be the Great Council of
Kentucky of the Improved Order of Red Men.
2.—The object for which this corporation is formed is to perpetuate
the legal existence of the Great Council of Kentucky of
the Improved Order of Red Men, to have a corporation with the
legal capacity to sue and be sued, to contract with and be contracted
with, to pass the necessary laws for the government of the
Tribes belonging to and under the jurisdiction of this Great Council,
to purchase, hold, mortgage and sell real personal property,
to incur debt sufficient to carry out its purposes, and to afford relief
to such of its members as may be in distress, and to accomplish
charitable aims as are consistent with the constitution and
continued existence of the Improved Order of Red Men.
3.—Its principal office shall be located in the city of Lexington,
county of Fayette, State of Kentucky.
4.—The private property of the members of the corporation
shall not be subject to the debts of the corporation.
5.—No stock or shares shall be issued, and no dividends or
profits shall be divided.
6.—The existence of the corporation shall commence from the
signing of these articles and the filing of same in the office of the
Secretary of State of Kentucky; and the corporation shall continue
in existence for a period of 25 years.
7.—The officers of this corporation for the present shall be
J. R. McConnell, of Lexington, Great Sachem; W. E. Fite, of Augusta,
Great Senior Sagamore; John I. Winter, of Augusta, Great
Junior Sagamore; J. B. Mendenhall, Great Prophet; Frank L.
Smith, of Lexington, Great Chief of Records; and John Armstrong,
of Lexington, Great Keeper of Wampum; and they shall hold their
offices for such terms as the corporation may by by-laws determine,
and until their successors are elected in accordance with the said
by-laws.
8.—That the said corporation shall from time to time establish,
make and put into execution such constitution, by-laws, rules and
regulations as may be passed from time to time by the Great Council,
and may revoke, annul, alter and amend them at pleasure, provided
that they be not repugnant to the constitution and laws of
the United States, or of the State of Kentucky, or to the provisions
of this act.
9.—That these articles be formed and this corporation made for
the benefit of all persons who are now members in good standing
of the Great Council of Kentucky of the Improved Order of Red
Men, in the State of Kentucky, and they shall be members of said
corporation without any further act on the part of those who sign
these articles, and for their benefit from this corporation.
Signed and acknowledged this 16th day of June, 1896.
| J. R. McConnell, Great Sachem. |
| W. E. Fite, Great Senior Sagamore. |
| John I. Winter, Great Junior Sagamore. |
| J. B. Mendenhall, Great Prophet. |
| Frank L. Smith, Great Chief of Records. |
| John Armstrong, Great Keeper of Wampum. |
The Great Chief of Records, continuing his report, said: "On
the 24th of Hunting Moon, G. S. D. 405, I received the charter
and effects of Tecumseh Tribe, No. 5, of Harrodsburg. At the
last Great Council the Great Chiefs were authorized to borrow five
hundred fathoms. No such loan was ever negotiated, and the G.
C. of R. and the G. K. of W. were left to adjust matters as best
they could. I issued Great Council notes to creditors to the total
amount of $376.50, all of which are now paid, and the Great Council
now has a small balance in its wampum belt, with all debts paid.
Following are the statistics of the Order in this reservation to close
of term ending 31st Worm Moon, G. S. D. 406:
Whole number of members as per last report, 1,142; adopted
since last report, 468; reinstated, 2; admitted by card, 17; suspended,
204; expelled, 4; withdrawn, 24; deceased, 9; present membership,
1,388; gain, 246; rejected, 17; Past Sachems, 116; Past Great
Sachems, 4; number of Tribes at last report, 11; Tribes instituted,
6; defunct, 1; whole number of Tribes, 16; Tribes making no report,
3; Tribes in good standing, 13; balance in Great Council
Wampum belt, $73.04."
The Board of Appeals reported that they had carefully examined
the appeal of E. G. Van Zandt from the action of Hiawatha
Tribe in expelling him, and sustained the action of the Tribe.
Also in the appeal of J. B. Mendenhall, from the action of Paughcaughnaughsinque
Tribe, No. 6, in expelling him, the committee
made the same finding.
A new law was proposed providing for the consolidation of two
or more Tribes in the same hunting grounds.
The Finance Committee recommended, "That this Great Council
issue mileage vouchers to the Representatives and Great Chiefs
entitle to same, said mileage vouchers to be turned in as per capita
tax by the Tribe of which the brother is a member," which was
agreed to.
The Committee on Charters recommended that charters be issued
to the following Tribes:
Calumet Tribe, No. 18, of Mt. Sterling.
Choctaw Tribe, No. 20, Corbin.
Totewa Tribe, No. 14, Owensboro.
The Great Council then proceeded to the nomination and election
of Great Chiefs, which resulted as follows, and they were
raised with impressive ceremonies at the proper time by Past Great
Sachem Thomas A. Hornsey.
| W. E. Fite, of No. 6 |
Great Sachem |
| John I. Winter, of No. 6 |
Great Senior Sagamore |
| W. C. Diederich, of No. 19 |
Great Junior Sagamore |
| J. R. McConnell, of No. 1 |
Great Prophet |
| Frank L. Smith, of No. 1 |
Great Chief of Records |
| John D. Walker, of No. 4 |
Great Keeper of Wampum |
Great Sachem Fite announced the following as Appointive
Chiefs:
| J. W. Scobee, of No. 2 |
Great Sannap |
| H. C. Rhodes, of No. 7 |
Great Mishinewa |
| Fred J. Kramer, of No. 19 |
Great Guard of Wigwam |
| John Hafendorfer, of No. 14 |
Great Guard of the Forest |
| Thomas M. Russell, of No. 3 |
Great Rep. to G. C. U. S. |
An amendment to the general laws was proposed providing for
a penalty for Tribes failing to make reports in accordance with
the law.
An amendment to the general laws was proposed to reduce the
per capita tax.
Much time was taken in the discussion of the many decisions
of the Great Sachem, and they were finally adopted with some
changes.
The Finance Committee then made the following report: "We
have carefully examined that portion of Frank L. Smith's report
which properly comes to our committee, and find the same true
and correct—all vouchers being attached. We find the books and
accounts of this Great Chief in excellent shape and we tender him
our thanks for his help rendered this committee by the simplicity
and fullness of his books and accounts and vouchers. We recommend
the adoption of the Great Chief of Records' report. We have
carefully examined the books and vouchers of the Great Keeper
of Wampum, and find the same correct, and recommend the adoption
of his report with this exception: We advise that the note
dated Jan. 20, 1897, payable to the Elite Stationery Co., for
$135.25, and on which there appears a credit of $85.00, be referred
to the incoming Finance Committee." Action on the foregoing
report was deferred until after the report of the Committee
on State of the Order had been received.
The Committee on State of the Order recommended that the
reports of the Great Chief of Records and the Great Keeper of
Wampum be referred to the incoming Finance Committee for careful
investigation, which was agreed to.
The following resolution was offered, which was made a special
act for the ensuing great sun, to be considered at the next Great
Council as an amendment to the general laws:
Resolved: That the Great Sachem, and he for his Deputy, give
a bond to the amount of $500.00 with three good signatures, for
the faithful performance and settlement of all expenses in organizing
Tribes in this reservation.
An amendment to the constitution governing Tribes was proposed
reducing the minimum age for eligibility to membership to
18 great suns.
The point was raised that at the last Great Council the salary
of the Great Chief of Records was raised to three hundred fathoms,
and that the act was not regular, it requiring an amendment to
the by-laws to apply, and that the resolution would not hold for
the next great sun. The Great Sachem ruled the point well taken,
and on motion it was voted that the salary of the Great Chief of
Records for the ensuing great sun be one hundred fathoms.
An amendment was offered to increase the salary of the Great
Chief of Records to two hundred fathoms.
A special dispensation was ordered issued to Miami Tribe, No.
17, permitting said Tribe to kindle its council fires once each moon.
A special committee was appointed to formulate a code of laws
to govern the organization of new Tribes.
It was unanimously voted to accept the invitation of Onequa
Tribe, No. 2, of Winchester, to kindle the next Great Sun Council
fire in its wigwam.
A vote of thinks was extended to Osceola Tribe, No. 19, for its
hospitality in entertaining the Great Council.
The special committee on formulation of laws governing organizers
presented a report embracing a code of laws, which was adopted
for the ensuing great sun, to be considered at the next Great
Council as an amendment to the general laws.
The Great Sachem announced the following appointments of
standing committees:
Finance—Chas. D. Meyer, of No. 8; C. M. Chasteen, of No. 4;
L. E. Pearce, of No. 4.
Law and Usage—W. C. Pelham, of No. 3; C. E. Lyddane, of
No. 2; O. R. King, of No. 1.
Returns and Reports—H. C. Rhodes, of No. 7; Willie Walker,
of No. 1; Charles A. Lang, of No. 8.
Board of Appeals—T. B. Wright, of No. 11; Watt. M. Gay, of
No. 18; Charles A. Lang, of No. 8.
The council fire was then quenched, to be rekindled in the wigwam
of Onequa Tribe, No. 2, hunting grounds of Winchester, at
the 10th run, rising of the 10th sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 407.
The fourth Great Sun Council fire of the Great Council of
Kentucky was kindled in the wigwam of Onequa Tribe, No. 2,
hunting grounds of Winchester, at the 10th run, rising sun of the
10th sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 407, all the elective Great Chiefs
being present. Great Sachem W. E. Fite presided.
The Great Junior Sagamore reported the credentials of the
following named Past Sachems as being correct, and they being in
the forest were introduced and received the Great Council Degree:
Miantonomo, No. 1—H. A. Daniel.
Onequa, No. 2—M. E. Pearce, H. Lundberg.
Wyandotte, No. 3—J. Harry Richardson.
Winona, No. 4—F. M. Taylor, J. J. Finigan.
Paughcaughnaughsinque, No. 6—W. G. Knoedler.
Hiawatha, No. 7—J. W. Jarboe.
Cherokee, No. 8—G. W. Hinesley.
Shawnee, No. 9—B. W. Bierbaum.
Mohican, No. 11—J. C. Willett
Totewa, No. 14—Charles Oderman, H. W. Miller.
Calumet, No. 18—R. A. Chiles.
Osceola, No. 19—Ed Ballard.
Indianola, No. 21—W. A. B. McNutt.
Representatives' credentials were recognized from Tribes Nos.
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 18, 13, 21.
The Great Sachem appointed the following committees:
On Charters—Thos. A. Hornsey, of No. 1; H. V. Cohn, of No.
8; R. W. Jones, of No. 2.
State of the Order—Frank L. Smith, of No. 1; Ben C. Nunn,
of No. 14; R. Eason, of No. 1.
The minutes of the previous Great Council were approved as
printed.
The Great Sachem in his long talk said: "I have no flattering
report to make; yet I thank the Great Spirit and many loyal brothers
that the Order is in as good condition as it is, for Redmanship
in Kentucky has had a fight for existence, instead of being buoyed
up by the strong hand of co-operation and fraternal love."
He reported that on the 7th of Hunting Moon, 406, he received
the resignation of Frank L. Smith as Great Chief of Records, which
he accepted, and appointed Chas. D. Meyer, of No. 8, to fill out
the unexpired term, and that Bro. Meyer qualified and was raised
on the 11th sleep of Cold Moon in the wigwam of Cherokee Tribe,
No. 8.
"While I have the honor of reporting to you but one new Tribe,
yet I feel that one good Tribe is worth half a dozen that after a
short time become a burden and a worry to the Great Council to keep
them alive. On the sleep of the 9th sun, Buck Moon, G. S.
D. 406, aided by our Great Senior Sagamore, Bro. John I. Winter,
and the degree team of Paughcaughnaughsinque Tribe, No. 6, I
instituted Indianola Tribe, No. 21, at Minerva, with 24 charter
members."
The Great Sachem recounted a list of dispensations granted and
visitations made, showing that he had sat around the council fire
of nearly every Tribe in the reservation.
He made the following recommendations:
That a charter be granted to Indianola Tribe, No. 21, at Minerva.
Agreed to.
That immediate and definite action be taken in regard to Otego
Tribe, No. 15, at Paducah; Iroquois Tribe, No. 12, at Hopkinsville,
and Seminole Tribe, No. 16, at Henderson, as it is possible
to save one or more of these Tribes if this Great Council sees fit
to take the steps necessary to do so. It was ordered that the incoming
Great Sachem visit these Tribes and endeavor to relight
their council brands, and that an appropriation of 90 fathoms be
made to cover his expenses.
"That this Great Council take such steps as will in the future
prevent the organization of new Tribes and leaving them bankrupt.
Too much attention cannot be given to this." With reference to
this recommendation the Great Council at the proper time passed a
code of laws governing the organization of new Tribes.
The Finance Committee reported as follows:
"We have examined the books and accounts of the Great Chief
of Records, Chas. D. Meyers, and the Great Keeper of Wampum,
John D. Walker, and find the same correct up to date. We recommend
that the Great Chief of Records have a new set of books
gotten up at the expense of the Great Council." They also recommended
the payment of current accounts and mileage of Representatives
and Great Chiefs, all of which was concurred in.
The amendment proposed at the previous Great Council providing
for the giving of a bond by the Great Sachem in the sum of
five hundred fathoms was brought up by the Committee on Law
and Usage and decided to be inexpedient and unnecessary.
Laws governing the organization of new Tribes were adopted,
which are in force at the present time and a part of the general laws.
The Committee on Law and Usage reported favorably on the
following amendment to the general laws, and recommended its
adoption, but the records do not show that any action was ever
taken in the matter: "That the Great Chief of Records shall receive
for his services the sum of two hundred fathoms per great
sun, to be paid monthly."
The Committee on Law and Usage reported adversely on the
proposed amendment to admit pale faces of eighteen great suns of
age, and their recommendation was adopted and the proposed law
defeated.
It was moved and seconded that Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas
be allowed representation in this Great Council, but that
the Representatives must be Past Sachems and pay their own expenses,
but the motion was tabled.
The Great Council was invited to kindle its next Great Sun
Council fire in the hunting grounds of Louisville, and the invitation
was unanimously accepted.
It was moved and seconded that "Our Representatives to the
Great Council of the United States be instructed to vote against
any liquor legislation," but the question was laid on the table.
The following amendment to the general laws was proposed to
lay over one Great Sun for action: "Resolved: That the by-laws be
changed by striking out Section 4, Article XX." This would have
the effect of relieving Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas from
paying per capita tax.
An amendment was proposed, to lay over one great sun for
action, providing for the election of Great Chiefs on the second
sun of the great sun session instead of the first.
It was voted that the Great Keeper of Wampum be authorized
to borrow the necessary amount to pay the running expenses for the
ensuing year.
Great Representative Thomas M. Russell, of No. 3, presented
a report, from which we extract the following:
"The question of importance to our Great Council at the late
session of the Great Council of the United States was the action
of the Committee on Appeals in the Van Zandt case, which decision
will be found in the records of the G. C. U. S. of G. S. D. 406,
page 493, in which they sustain Mr. Van Zandt's appeal, giving
as a reason for so doing that he did not receive the notices of the
charges. I personally talked to Brother Gregory, chairman of the
committee, and while he believed that Van Zandt had committed
things unbecoming a Red Man, he said that the law was very plain
and they could not deviate from it."
The following is extracted from the report of the Great Chief
of Records:
Number of members at last report, 1,174. adopted, 76; admitted
by card, 9; reinstated, 23; suspended, 109: withdrawn, 16; expelled,
1; deceased, 3; present membership, 1,209; gain since last report,
38; pale faces rejected, 1; amount in Great Council wampum belt,
$252.42.
Brother C. C. Conley, Great Chief of Records of the Great
Council of the United States, was then introduced and received
with the usual honors. After an appropriate address he proceeded
to raise the elective and appointive Great Chiefs as follows:
| John I. Winter, of No. 6 |
Great Sachem |
| W. C. Diederich, of No. 19 |
Great Senior Sagamore |
| Willie Walker, of No. 1 |
Great Junior Sagamore |
| W. E. Fite, of No. 6 |
Great Prophet |
| C. E. Lyddane, of No. 2 |
Great Chief of Records |
| John D. Walker, of No. 4 |
Great Keeper of Wampum |
| H. V. Cohn, of No. 8 |
Great Sannap |
| Louis Vissman, of No. 9 |
Great Mishinewa |
| E. E. Bennett, of No. 11 |
Great Guard of Forest |
| John Hafendorfer, of No. 14 |
Great Guard of Wigwam |
| Enos Spencer, of No. 8 |
Great Rep. to G. C. U. S. |
The Great Sachem announced the standing committees as follows:
Finance—W. S. Roberts, of No. 7; C. M. Chasteen, of No. 4;
Louis Vissman, of No. 9.
Law and Usage—W. C. Pelham, of No. 3; E. E. Bennett, of
No. 11; Ben C. Nunn, of No. 14.
State of the Order—G. A. Ellerkamp, of No. 9; George Hinesley,
of No. 8; Samuel G. Dorr, of No. 11.
Returns and Reports—H. C. Rhodes, of No. 7; T. B. Wright,
of No. 11; H. W. Ray, of No. 3.
Board of Appeals—L. E. Pearce, of No. 4; J. G. Sewell, of No.
7; George Dehler, of No. 8.
Appropriate resolutions of thanks were then adopted thanking
Onequa Tribe, No. 2, for its hospitality and Brother C. C. Conley
for his distinguished services and counsel during the burning of
the council brand.
The council fire was then quenched, to be rekindled in the
hunting grounds of Louisville, at the 10th run, rising of the 9th
sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 408.
The fifth Great Sun Council fire of the Great Council of Kentucky,
Improved Order of Red Men, was kindled in the wigwam of
Cherokee Tribe, No. 8, in the hunting grounds of Louisville, on
the 9th sun of the Flower Moon, G. S. D. 408.
Representatives were present from Tribes Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7,
8, 9, 11, 14, 18, 19, 21.
Alonzo Walker was appointed official stenographer to report
the proceedings of this Great Council.
The following named Past Sachems were admitted for the first
time:
Hiawatha, No. 7—S. O. Knoche, W. B. Leatherman, J. W.
Jarbee, M. M. Harbeson.
Cherokee, No. 8—L. S. Leopold, W. S. Marshall, H. W. Stockhoff,
L. P. Rammers.
Shawnee, No. 9—J. C. Boardman, H. W. Bohmer, B. W. Bierbaum,
W. M. Evans, G. A. Ellerkamp, E. M. Miller.
Mohican, No. 11—J. L. Small.
Totewa, No. 14—B. Rosenthall, H. W. Miller.
Osceola, No. 19—C. A. Malone.
The minutes of the previous Great Council were approved as
printed.
The Great Sachem then presented his long talk, in which he
said: "The Great Book says that whom the Great Spirit loves
he chasteneth; the Red Men of Kentucky certainly stand very close
to the big heart of the Great Spirit, having been greatly tried in
the fires of ignorance, stupidity and greed. But, brothers, methinks
I see behind the dark cloud that has long enveloped Kentucky
Redmanship a silver lining, denoting the rising of the sun of prosperity.
I believe the dross has been separated from the gold; I
believe the day is not far distant when I shall see Kentucky Redmanship
where it belongs numerically. To see my beloved Order
on its proper plane in Kentucky will amply repay me for many
weary day's labor in our vineyard."
The Great Sachem then recounted the appointments made and
dispensations granted by him, as well as the decisions he had made,
all of which were referred to the proper committees, as were also
the long talks of the Great Chief of Records and the Great Keeper
of Wampum.
The Committee on Law and Usage reported recommending that
the Great Council concur in and adopt the recommendations of the
Great Sachem, and the report was agreed to.
The amendment to the by-laws proposed at the last session, relieving
Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas from taxation, was
adopted.
The following proposed amendment was the cause of much
discussion, but was finally defeated by a small margin:
"No brother shall be eligible to the Chieftaincy of Great Sachem
unless he has served one term as an elective Chief of a Great
Council; nor to the Chieftaincy of Great Prophet unless he has
served in the Chieftaincy of Great Sachem."
An attempt was made to change the date for kindling the Great
Sun Council fire, but without success.
The incoming Great Sachem was directed to take immediate
steps to close up the affairs of Iroquois, Otego and Seminole Tribes,
they each being reported defunct.
The Finance Committee made its report approving the accounts
of the Great Chief of Records and Great Keeper of Wampum, and
ordered mileage that was to be paid those entitled thereto. The
committee strongly recommended that the Great Sachem visit every
Tribe in the reservation.
Lexington was selected as the next hunting grounds in which
to kindle the Great Sun Council fire.
A rising vote of thanks was extended to Great Chief of Records
Lyddane for having waited until there was sufficient wampum in
the belt before drawing his salary, in order that the per capita tax
might be paid promptly.
The Committee on the State of the Order made its report, in
which it noted the fact that there had been a diminution in the
membership for the past great sun, but that, notwithstanding, the
Order was in a healthy and vigorous condition. It recommended
that the incoming Great Chiefs be more zealous in making official
visitations.
Amendments to the general laws were offered, to lay over one
great sun, to "admit pale faces 18 great suns of age," and also to
grade the representation of Tribes according to their membership.
Bro. T. A. Hornsey, as the Senior Past Great Sachem present,
raised the following named Great Chiefs:
| W. C. Diederich, of No. 19 |
Great Sachem |
| Willie Walker, of No. 1 |
Great Senior Sagamore |
| Gustav A. Ellerkamp, of No. 9 |
Great Junior Sagamore |
| John I. Winter, of No. 3 |
Great Prophet |
| C. E. Lyddane, of No. 2 |
Great Chief of Records |
| John D. Walker, of No. 4 |
Great Keeper of Wampum |
| John Hafendorfer, of No. 14 |
Great Sannap |
| E. E. Bennett, of No. 11 |
Great Mishinewa |
| James Schrepper, of No. 8 |
Great Guard of Forest |
| R. A. Chiles, of No. 18 |
Great Guard of Wigwam |
Bro. H. C. Rhodes, of No. 7, Great Representative to the G. C.
U. S. for two great suns.
Great Keeper of Wampum Walker announced that after all
bills payable at this Great Council had been settled the wampum
belt would be empty, but that there would be no debt.
After the Great Prophet had invoked the Great Spirit, the
council fire was quenched.
A special session of the Great Council was called at Louisville
on the 5th sun of Hunting Moon, G. S. D. 408, and the Council
fire was kindled by special dispensation from the Great Incohonee
in the absence of the Charter of the Great Council. Great Senior
Sagamore Willie Walker presided.
The special session had been called for two purposes. First, to
investigate charges that had been preferred against Great Sachem
W. C. Diederich, accusing him of having conspired with certain
organizers to do illegal acts, and to have otherwise acted in violation
of the law respecting the organization and institution of Tribes.
Second, to adjust a dissention among the chiefs and members of
Hiawatha Tribe.
Representatives were present from Tribes Nos. 1, 4, 7, 8, 9,
and 14.
After due investigation of the charges against Great Sachem
Diederich, it was ordered that they be withdrawn, and the same
being done, Great Sachem Diederich was conducted to his stump
amidst applause.
The commissions of J. B. VanZandt and W. E. Fite as organizers
were revoked.
After a thorough investigation of the affairs of Hiawatha Tribe,
the same were adjusted, and the council fire of this special session
was quenched.
The sixth Great Sun Council Fire was kindled in the Hunting
Grounds of Lexington, at the 10th run, rising of the 8th Sun of
Flower Moon, G. S. D. 409.
All Great Chiefs were present and the representatives of 27
Tribes. The gross attendance was 95 Past Sachems.
Great Sachem W. C. Diederich then read his long talk, in which
he said, "I entered upon the duties of the office with a firm determination
to devote my best endeavor to the upbuilding of our
beloved Order in the Great Reservation. Finding I had not much
time to devote to the upbuilding of our Order, I had the pleasure
of appointing Brother John B. VanZandt as my Organizer, and the
progress he has made will be seen in his report. I have, during
my term, had some unpleasantness. It has not all been smooth
sailing, but now peace and harmony reign once more. I have tried
to fulfil my obligations to the best of my ability and the Great
Spirit has safely guided me through."
The Great Sachem reported having visited nearly every Tribe in
the reservation, the institution of a number of new tribes, a few
dispensations granted and decisions made.
The State Organizer, J. B. VanZandt reported the institution
of 19 new tribes, as follows:—Hiokatoo, No. 5, Louisville; Wahoo,
No. 10, Louisville; Wabee, No. 13, Louisville; Choctaw. No. 15,
Louisville; Montezuma. No. 16, Louisville; Tecumseh, No. 12,
Louisville; Mohawk, No. 20, Louisville; Chippewa, No. 22, Louisville;
Delaware, No. 23, Lebanon; Black Hawk, No. 24, Springfield;
Matamora, No. 25, St. Matthews; Wyoming, No. 26, Danville;
Seneca, No. 27, Stanford; Dakota, No. 28, Junction City; Onondaga,
No. 30, Lancaster; Manitou, No. 31, Eminence; Iroquois,
No. 32, Pittsburg; Massasoit, No. 33, LaGrange; Montauk, No.
35, East Bernstadt.
Great Chief of Records C. E. Lyddane in his long talk said:—"In
no other reservation has Redmanship increased to such an
extent during the past great sun as in Kentucky. Council Fires
have been kindled in the metropolis, in the country towns and in
the mining villages." From his report is gleaned the following:
Number of members adopted, 1015; reinstated, 29; Admitted by
card, 10; suspended, 176; withdrawn, 34; expelled, 3; deceased,
9; present membership, 2018; number of working tribes, 36;
amount disbursed by tribes for relief, $1,525.36; for funeral
benefits, $343.00; for other purposes, $7,386.80; total worth of
tribes, $9,247.06.
The Great Council then went into the election for Great Chiefs.
W. C. Diederich, of No. 19, was elected Great Prophet, there
being no other nominations.
Willie Walker, of No. 1 was elected Great Sachem, no others
being nominated.
G. A. Ellerkamp, of No. 9 was elected Great Senior Sagamore,
with no other nominations.
W. C. Pelham, of No. 3 was elected Great Junior Sagamore,
with O. R. King, of No. 1, S. C. Moore of No. 7 and John Ropke,
of No. 8 also in nomination.
C. E. Lyddane, of No. 2 was elected Great Chief of Records
without opposition.
John D. Walker, of No. 4 was elected Great Keeper of Wampum
by acclamation.
Louis Vissman, of No. 9 was elected Great Representative to the
Great Council of the United States for two great suns, E. E. Bennett,
of No. 11 and J. R. McConnell, of No. 1 being also in nomination.
Danville was selected as the place for the kindling of the next
council fire, Maysville and Owensboro being also in nomination.
A resolution was introduced and adopted to elect a General State
Organizer.
After one of the most spirited races of the session, John Hafendorfer,
of No. 14, was elected over J. B. VanZandt, of No. 9.
This was the first time an official Organizer had been selected by
the Great Council, heretofore it having been considered entirely
within the power of the Great Sachem to regulate the matter to
suit himself, the theory being that the Great Sachem was the
official Organizer, and it was his privilege to appoint such deputies
as he thought proper.
An amendment to the laws was adopted permitting membership
of palefaces 18 great suns of age, with the proviso that such applications
should bear the endorsement of parent or guardian.
A resolution was offered providing for representation of tribes
in the Great Council according to membership, but the matter was
laid on the table.
Charters were ordered issued to all Tribes instituted during the
previous great sun.
On the recommendation of the Committee on Returns and Reports
it was ordered that in the future the organizer of a new
Tribe shall file a written report of its institution within one moon
thereafter.
On the recommendation of the Committee on the State of the
Order it was ordered that no "Supervisory District Deputy Great
Sachems having authority over tribal Deputies be appointed."
The following resolution was unanimously adopted:—"The roll
of Great Chiefs and Representatives shall be called at the close of
each sun's session and no brother shall be entitled to mileage unless
he shall answer thereto."
It was also ordered that the Great Sachem be required to visit
every Tribe in the Reservation at least once during his term, and
the finance committee was directed to set aside an amount sufficient
to cover expenses incurred. This would be quite an expensive
matter if followed in the present day, and the Great Sachem's
term would have to be extended to cover more than one sun or
it would be impossible for him to comply with the law.
Past Sachem Frank L. Smith was allowed a small fee for his
services as Assistant Great Chief of Records, being the first recognition
of such a sub-chieftaincy.
The Great Sachem ruled that representatives of Tribes not having
been instituted two moons and not having paid tax were not entitled
to mileage. The fiscal great sun at that time ended the
30th of Worm Moon, and the Great Sun Council was held then as
now the second Tuesday in Flower Moon, and but few tribes were
thus deprived of mileage for their representatives.
The Finance Committee recommended the allowance of mileage
to 38 Great Chiefs and Representatives, amounting to $161.70, an
average of $5.22 to each.
The Great Sachem's expense account of $97.37 for the great sun
was allowed.
A controversy between Tippecanoe Tribe, No. 29 and Hiawatha
Tribe, No. 7, regarding a claim of the latter against the former
that certain Hiawatha members had taken membership in Tippecanoe
without leave or license was adjusted by ordering that such
members take cards from Hiawatha Tribe. It would seem that
the matter should have been settled in a different manner, as it is
not possible for dual membership to exist, and the brothers in
question were members of either one tribe or another, and as
membership of a Red Man in another Tribe is impossible without
the depositing of a card, it should have been ruled that the brothers
were still members of Hiawatha Tribe and subject to its laws in
every respect.
Past Great Sachem J. R. McConnell raised the following named
Great Chiefs:—
| Willie Walker, of No. 1 |
Great Sachem. |
| G. A. Ellerkamp, of No. 9 |
Great Senior Sagamore. |
| W. C. Diederich, of No. 19 |
Great Prophet. |
| C. E. Lyddane, of No. 2 |
Great Chief of Records. |
| John D. Walker, of No. 4 |
Great Keeper of Wampum. |
| W. B. Eason, of No. 1 |
Great Sannap. |
| Wm. A. Crader, of No. 9 |
Great Mishinewa. |
| M. M. Harbeson, of No. 7 |
Great Guard of Wigwam. |
| Geo. W. Griffith, of No. 11 |
Great Guard of Forest. |
Past Great Sachem McConnell appointed Thos. M. Russell and
Henry W. Ray, of No. 3, to raise the Great Junior Sagamore
elect, W. C. Pelham, to his stump in the council chamber of his
Tribe.
Former organizer J. B. VanZandt presented petitions for charters
for Irondequoit Tribe, No. 38, at Hardinsburg and Choctaw
Tribe, No. 39 at Bardstown, and it was ordered that charters be
granted the tribes as soon as instituted.
Great Sachem Walker announced the appointment of the following
committees:—
On Finance.—John M. Shely, of No. 1; Chas. A. Hess, of No.
10; J. M. Martin, of No. 2.
On Laws and Usage.—Ben. C. Nunn, of No. 14; E. E. Bennett,
of No. 11; Frank L. Smith, of No 1.
On Returns and Reports.—Henry W. Ray, of No. 3; W. E.
Grubbs, of No. 28; Michael Grau, of No. 17.
On Appeals.—Wm. M. Evans, of No. 9; R. A. Chiles, of No.
18; H. V. Cohn, of No. 8.
On State of the Order.—John Ropke, of No. 8; W. A. Waters,
of No. 24; J. W. Scobee, of No. 2.
After thanks had been given to Miantonomo Tribe for its courteous
entertainment of the Great Council, and to Past Great
Sachem Diederich for his services as Great Sachem, the Great
Prophet said a prayer, and the Council Fire was quenched.
Prior to the kindling of the council fire, the Great Council was
called to order at the Opera House by Past Sachem V. Freeman,
chairman of the local committee, and after an invocation by the
Rev. J. O. Vaught, in a few well chosen remarks he introduced
the Hon. William Jennings Price, who delivered an address of
welcome, which was a beautiful word picture. This was appropriately
responded to by Great Sachem Willie Walker, after which
the guests were dismissed and the Seventh Great Sun Council
Fire of the Great Council of Kentucky was kindled in the Wigwam
of Wyoming Tribe, No. 26, Hunting Grounds of Danville.
All of the Great Chiefs were present and twenty-six Past Sachems.
Frank L. Smith was appointed Assistant Great Chief of
Records.
The Great Council Degree was conferred upon forty-one Past
Sachems in waiting, and thus the total attendance at the session
was 78.
Representatives were present from 42 Tribes and but two were
unrepresented.
Great Sachem Willie Walker, in his long talk said—"The past
great sun has wrought most magnificent results and shows what
human desire and harmonious action can accomplish. Where the
banner of thirty-six Tribes and one council of the Degree of
Pocahontas hung in the breeze, there now triumphantly floats,
kissed by the winds of heaven, thirty-one additional emblems, and
one of the Degree of Pocahontas." He may well have been proud
of his record, for not until five great suns had passed was it even
equaled. He also said—"One of the most exalted things a man
can do is to succor the distressed, feed the hungry and clothe the
poor, and especially to care for the widows and orphans. We
should by all means begin a fund for the establishment of a Widows'
and orphans' Home for our Order. I suggest that a committee
of five be appointed to formulate a plan by which we can
establish this fund and that they report at this Council." This
was the first mention in the Great Council of Kentucky of this
subject, soon destined to be one of the most important objects of
legislation, and Great Sachem Walker has the credit of its inception.
After having made several other important recommendations,
given a list of his appointments of Deputies, a digest of decisions
and opinions rendered, he closes with a glowing tribute to deceased
Past Sachems John R. Shely, of No. 1; R. W. Jones, of No.
2 and Joe Gast, of No. 18.
The Great Chief of Records Lyddane reported as follows:—
Adopted since last report, 1564; reinstated, 38; admitted by
card, 23; suspended, 266; withdrawn, 69; expelled, 22; deceased,
28; present membership, 3,196. Disbursed by Tribes for
relief, $3,921.43; for burial of the dead, $1,065.00; for other purposes,
$15,025.86; total worth of tribes, $13,478.09.
Great Keeper of Wampum John D. Walker reported there being
$1,851.64 in the Great Council wampum belt.
The Great Sachem made appointments on the standing Committees
as follows, to fill vacancies:—
Finance—W. S. Cramer, of No. 1; Lawrence Leopold, of No. 8;
L. Vissman, of No. 9.
Law and Usage—D. N. Zimmerman, of No. 4.
Appeals—H. S. Chase, of No. 28.
State of the Order—Henry Schwieters, of No. 8; J. R. McConnell,
of No. 1; Jas. R. W. Smith, of No. 63.
Charters—R. F. Arnett, of No. 1; L. W. Zweydorf, of No. 7;
S. T. Noe, of No. 24.
The following named Great Chiefs were elected for the ensuing
great sun:—
Willie Walker, of No. 1 was elected Great Prophet without opposition.
Gustav A. Ellerkamp, of No. 9, was elected Great Sachem, there
being no other nominations.
W. C. Pelham, of No. 3 was unanimously elected Great Senior
Sagamore.
H. J. McFarlan, of No. 33, was elected Great Junior Sagamore,
other candidates being E. B. Ryan, of No. 4; Lee W. Zweydorf,
of No. 7; O. R. King, of No. 1.
C. E. Lyddane, of No. 2 was re-elected Great Chief of Records
without opposition.
John D. Walker, of No. 4 was unanimously re-elected Great Keeper
of Wampum.
Willie Walker, of No. 1, Lawrence S. Leopold, of No. 8 and John
Hafendorfer, of No. 14 were elected Great Representatives to the
Great Council of the United States.
It developed later that Kentucky was entitled to only two of the
three Great Representatives elected, and thus credentials were not
issued to Past Sachem Hafendorfer, he being the last to be elected.
F. W. Jones was unanimously elected State Organizer.
Owensboro was selected as the next place for kindling the Great
Council Fire, in the Wigwam of Totewa Tribe, No. 14.
Great Sachem Willie Walker announced that contributions had
been received from Kentucky Tribes for the relief of the sufferers
from the Galveston flood amounting to $242.50, which had been
forwarded to the Relief Committee.
GREAT COUNCIL OF KENTUCKY—SEVENTH SESSION. DANVILLE, MAY 14-15, 1901.
The Committee on Law and Usage recommended that there be
some means adopted to bring about more uniformity in Tribal by-laws,
and suggested that a model code be prepared as a guide to
new tribes especially.
A resolution to amend the laws so as to allow Tribes representation
according to membership was defeated.
Great Mishinewa Wm. A. Crader, for the special Committee appointed
at the last Great Council to adjust the differences between
Tecumseh Tribe, No. 29 and Hiawatha Tribe, No. 7 reported that
the matter had been amicably settled.
Past Sachem John Hafendorfer, who had been elected State Organizer
at the previous Great Sun Council presented a report, in
which he stated he had appointed F. W. Jones as Chief Deputy
Organizer, and that credit was due to Bro. Jones for the work that
had been accomplished, thirty-one new Tribes having been instituted.
The Finance Committee reported having found the books and
accounts of the Great Chief of Records and Great Keeper of Wampum
correct, and made the following recommendations, all of
which were concurred:—
That fifty fathoms be appropriated for the relief of the Galveston
flood sufferers.
That mileage be allowed all members of Standing Committees.
This was the first time members of the Standing Committees had
been paid.
That the Great Sachem be authorized to appoint a State Exemplifier,
and that $500.00 be appropriated for the use of the Great
Sachem and the Exemplifier. The Great Sachem appointed Past
Sachem Frank L. Smith, of No. 1 to this position, which he has
held by re-appointment each Great Sun to the present time, 1908.
That a special Committee of three Past Sachems be appointed
to investigate the matter of a Widows' and Orphans' Fund and report
at the next Great Council. The Great Sachem appointed on
this Committee, O. R. King, of No. 1; W. M. Evans, of No. 9; and
H. V. Cohn, of No. 8, together with the incoming Great Sachem,
ex-officio.
The Committee on Charters recommended that charters be issued
to the following named tribes, they having been instituted
during the past Great Sun: Cataraugus, No. 36, Livingston; Red
Hawk, No. 40, Falmouth; Shabbona, No. 46; Somerset; Oconee,
No. 47, Bloomfield; King Phillip, No. 48, Hustonville; Shingawassa,
No. 50, Bardfordsville; Comanche, No. 51, New Haven;
Ta wa-wa, No. 52, Vine Grove; Minewa, No. 53, Beaver Dam;
Kentucky, No. 54, McHenry; Tioga, No. 55, Sturgis; Huron, No.
56, Versailles; Standwaitee, No. 57, Earlington; Blazing Arrow,
No. 58, Madisonville; Sagwa, No. 59, Lawrenceburg; Otego, No.
60, Paducah; Wichita, No. 61, Mayfield; Waukee, No. 62, Fulton;
Pequod, No. 63, Louisville; Lotowana, No. 64, Midway; Maumee,
No. 65, Paris; Sagamore, No. 66, Hickman; Black Foot, No. 67,
Frankfort. Juanita Council, No. 3, D. of P., Louisville. No charter
was issued to Minetonka Tribe, No. 49, it being reported defunct.
It was reported that Shawnee Tribe, No. 9 and Tecumseh Tribe,
No. 12, both of Louisville, had consolidated, and it was ordered
that a charter be issued to the new Tribe as Tecumseh Tribe No. 9.
A resolution to establish the minimum fee for adoption and degrees
at ten farthoms ($10.00) was defeated.
Upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee, mileage
was allowed to Great Chiefs, representatives and members of standing
committees, sixty in number, amounting to $473.50, being an
average of $7.89 per capita.
An amendment to the general laws fixing the minimum fee for
adoption at eight fathoms was presented to be considered at the
next Great Council.
The contract for printing proceedings was awarded to A. J.
Domeck, of Louisville, at 75 cents per page.
An amendment to the general laws providing for the election of
Great Chiefs by the "Australian Ballot", all Past Sachems to participate,
the election to take place in the wigwams of the various
Tribes was presented to lay over one Great Sun. This proposed
law was styled by its opponents the "Goebel" law of Redmanship.
It was ordered that portraits of all deceased Past Sachems, members
of this Great Council, be printed in the records, together with
a memorial.
The Great Chief of Records was instructed to prepare a roster
of all members of the Great Council, to be kept in a book provided
for that purpose, and to have it present at each Great Council.
It was the sense of the Great Council that the Great Council of
the United States be invited to kindle its next Great Sun Council
Fire in the Reservation of Kentucky.
Past Great Sachem J. R. McConnell raised the Great Chiefs
elect, as follows:—
| Gustav A. Ellerkamp, of No. 9 |
Great Sachem. |
| W. C. Pelham, of No. 3 |
Great Senior Sagamore. |
| H. J. McFarlan, of No. 33 |
Great Junior Sagamore. |
| Willie Walker, of No. 1 |
Great Prophet. |
| C. E. Lyddane, of No. 2 |
Great Chief of Records. |
| John D. Walker, of No. 4 |
Great Keeper of Wampum. |
Upon assuming his stump, Great Sachem Ellerkamp was presented
with a handsome Great Sachem's regalia by Past Sachem
F. L. Smith, in behalf of his many friends and Brothers.
The Great Sachem announced the appointment of Great Chiefs
as follows, and they were raised in due form:
| W. M. Evans, of No. 9 |
Great Sannap. |
| John W. Riley, of No. 11 |
Great Mishinewa. |
| Ed. L. Hays, of No. 26 |
Great Guard of Wigwam. |
| Harry F. Davis, of No. 15 |
Great Guard of Forest. |
An amendment to the laws was offered providing that organizers
should submit a list of all proposed charter members of a new Tribe,
to all Tribes in the same hunting grounds where same was to be
instituted in hunting grounds already containing one or more
tribes. Consideration was deferred one great sun.
The Great Sachem announced the following standing committees
for the ensuing great sun:—
Finance—Henry Schwieters, of No. 8; M. M. Harbeson, of No.
7; Henry W. Ray, of No. 3.
Law and Usage—Wm. A. Crader, of No. 9; Frank L. Smith,
of No. 1; L. D. Owen, of No. 8.
Returns and Reports—N. G. Mothershead, of No. 57; C. S. Hill,
of No. 23; E. E. Reno, of No. 41.
Appeals—M. H. McCorkle, of No. 43; F. A. Gould, of No. 10;
D. R. Breeding, of No. 50.
State of Order—A. J. Domeck, of No. 16; C. A. Melone, of No.
9; Chas. A. Wheeler, of No. 48.
After extending a hearty vote of thanks to the Chiefs and members
of Wyoming Tribe, No. 26 for the many courtesies shown the
Great Council, the council fire was quenched.
This Council Fire was kindled in the wigwam of Totewa Tribe,
No. 14, Hunting Grounds of Owensboro, at the tenth run, 45th
breath, rising of the 13th sun of Flower Moon, G. S. D. 411. All
of the elective Great Chiefs were present.
Previous to the kindling of the Council Fire welcoming exercises
were held in the Court House, where Past Sachem S. W.
Bedford, of No. 14, as chairman, introduced Mayor Yewell and Bro.
LaVega Clement, who delivered addresses of welcome responded to
by Great Sachem Ellerkamp, when the meeting adjourned to the
council chamber of Totewa Tribe.
The Great Sachem made appointments as follows to fill vacancies
in the appointive Great Chiefs:—
| George W. Griffith, of No. 11 |
Great Mishinewa. |
| Lee W. Zweydorf, of No. 7 |
Great Guard of Wigwam. |
| Chas. R. Brent, of No. 8 |
Great Guard of Forest. |
The Great Sachem stated that he had been requested to appoint
a Chief's Degree member of No. 14 as official stenographer of the
Great Council, but the brother not being a Past Sachem, he
could not be admitted. A motion being made that the Great Council
Degree be conferred upon the Brother in question, the Great
Sachem ruled the matter out of order.
It was then ordered that the Great Council go into the nomination
and election of an Assistant Great Chief of Records. Prior
to this session, the Assistant to the Great Chief of Records had been
appointed by that Great Chief.
Frank L. Smith, of No. 1 and J. G. Sewell, of No. 7 were placed
in nomination, but Past Sachem Sewell declining to serve if elected,
the remaining candidate was elected by acclamation.
The following were appointed a Credential Committee—Great
Junior Sagamore H. J. McFarlan, assisted by Con Trouth, of No.
7; H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11, and C. M. Chasteen, of No. 4.
This Committee reported recommending the admission of 47 Past
Sachems in waiting, and the recognition of the representatives of
37 Tribes. The total attendance at this Great Council was 101.
From the Great Sachem's Long Talk, the following is quoted:—
"To my regret I am compelled to say, that the growth of the
Order is not as phenomenal as that of the two previous great suns
when a gain of 1500 members was made, but still I am proud to
state that, what a few moons ago seemed a probable loss in membership
is reverted into a gain, and where the membership one year
ago was 3269 we now have 3525 members. Since last Great Council
Delaware Tribe, No. 23, at Lebanon, Ononga Tribe, No. 34 at
Covington, Red Hawk No. 40 at Somerset, Tawawa, No. 52 at Vine
Grove, Sagwa, No. 59, at Lawrenceburg, Wichita, No. 61, at Mayfield,
Waukee, No. 62 at Fulton, and Black Hawk, No. 24, at
Springfield have become defunct. After due investigation to ascertain
the cause of so many Tribes quenching their council fires,
I find that the most of the trouble can be found in the following
three causes: First, lack of proper instruction; Second, the organizer
did not exercise enough care when soliciting charter members
for new tribes, placing therein members objectionable to a
majority; Third, Tribes numerically and financially weak would
overreach themselves in the matter of buying paraphernalia, then
finding themselves involved would attempt to give a pow-wow, and
instead of bettering themselves would plunge deeper in debt and
dissolution would follow. To the credit of Bro. F. W. Jones it
must be said that he exercised splendid judgement as to the character
of the charter members of the tribes he instituted during the
past great sun."
The Great Sachem enumerates his visitations, appointments of
Deputies, and decisions rendered. From the recommendations
offered by that Great Chief we quote the following:—
"The Articles of Incorporation need to be revised and I would
urge immediate attention to this matter.
The minimum fee for the three degrees should be placed at
ten fathoms.
The fee for adoption in Councils of the Degree of Pocahontas
should be fixed. The laws are at present vague.
The Great Council should empower the Great Sachem to appoint
an instructor or Exemplifier, and fix his compensation. A
little wampum invested in this manner will materially enlighten
and strengthen weak and tottering Tribes."
The Great Sachem recounted the memorial services held by the
Louisville Tribes on the death by assassination of President
Wm. McKinley, and paid tribute also to the memory of Past
Sachems Wm. A. Metcalf, of No. 1 and Thos. Wendroth, of No.
17, who had passed to the great beyond since last Great Council.
The institution of fifteen new Tribes by State Organizer F. W.
Jones is recounted, and also of two Councils of the Degree of
Pocahontas.
The following consolidations are recorded:
Minewa, No. 53, of Beaver Dam with Kentucky, No. 54, of
McHenry, the council fire of the former being quenched forever.
Pequod, No. 63, with Hiawatha, No. 7, both of Louisville, the
Council fire of No. 63 being quenched forever.
Red Jacket, No. 44, with Hiawatha, No. 7, both of Louisville,
quenching forever the council fire of Red Jacket, No. 44.
Tippecanoe, No. 29, with Cherokee, No. 8, both of Louisville,
the former going of existence.
Tecumseh No. 9, which had already absorbed Shawnee No. 9 and
Tecumseh No. 12, with Cherokee, No. 8, the former quenching its
council fire forever.
An extended review is made of the efficient work done by Special
Deputy Great Sachem Wm. A. Crader in visiting weak and defunct
Tribes, endeavoring to revive where possible, and where not possible
closing the Tribes by quenching their council fires forever.
The following were appointed to fill vacancies in Standing Committees:—
State of the Order—Ben C. Nunn, of No. 14; Edw. L. David,
of No. 5.
Great Keeper of Wampum John D. Walker made his report
showing balance in wampum belt of $2,537.37.
The Great Chief of Records presented his Long Talk, from which
we make the following extracts: Members adopted since last report,
1221; admitted by card, 110; reinstated, 35; suspended, 513;
expelled, 2; withdrawn, 55; deceased, 25; disbursed by Tribes for
relief, $5,247.45; for burial of the dead, $1,050.00; for other purposes,
$17,152.19; amount invested by Tribes, $7,742.08; total
worth of Tribes, $17,079.23.
The election of Great Chiefs was then entered into, with the
following results:—
Gustav A. Ellerkamp was unanimously elected Great Prophet.
W. C. Pelham, of No. 3, being the only nominee for Great Sachem
was elected by acclamation.
Horace J. McFarlan, of No. 33, was elected Great Senior Sagamore
without opposition.
H. H. Denhardt, of No. 11, was elected Great Junior Sagamore
on the third ballot, other candidates being W. A. Crader, of No.
8, L. L. Bebout, of No. 60, and O. R. King, of No. 1.
C. E. Lyddane, of No. 2, being the only candidate, was unanimously
elected Great Chief of Records.
S. C. Moore, of No. 7 was elected Great Keeper of Wampum,
there being no other nominee. John D. Walker, the former encumbent
having served five great suns successively was given the
honors of a Past Great Sachem, and he declined to be a candidate
for re-election.
Past Great Sachems G. A. Ellerkamp and John D. Walker
were elected Great Representatives for two great suns each. Other
candidates in nomination being F. W. Jones, of No. 14 and John
Hafendorfer, of No. 14.
The Great Sachem announced the following appointments to fill
vacancies on Committees:—
Appeals—J. M. Clifford, of No. 10; Ben H. Schrader, of No.
5; W. B. Eason, of No. 1.
Charters—J. G. Sewell, of No. 7; C. A. Woolfolk, of No. 7;
L. L. Bebout, of No. 60.
It was ordered that the matter of organization of new Tribes
for the ensuing Great Sun be left in the hands of the Great Sachem,
he to appoint such organizer or organizers as he might deem for
the best interests of the Order.
Maysville was unanimously selected as the place for kindling
the next Great Sun Council Fire.
The special Committee appointed at the last Great Sun Council
to present a plan for the establishment of a Widows' and Orphans'
Fund presented a report embodying the text of a law and recommended
its adoption, but its consideration was deferred one great
sun that the matter might be referred back to the tribes for thorough
discussion therein. The bill, as recommended by this Committee
was adopted four great suns later with some slight modifications.
The Committee on Law and Usage reported having prepared a
model code of by-laws for the use of Tribes, and they having been
promulgated by the Great Sachem were already in use by many
Tribes.
A law was enacted establishing the minimum fee for adoption
at eight fathoms, it formerly being three fathoms.
An amendment to the law was adopted requiring organizers to
submit a list of all candidates for charter membership to all tribes
in the same hunting grounds.
The Great Representatives to the Great Council of the United
States made a written report, which was the first time this had
been done.
State Organizer Jones reported having instituted fourteen new
Tribes, and gave data in regard to each.
It was ordered that the Great Representatives invite the Great
Council of the United States to kindle its Great Sun Council Fire
in 412 in the hunting grounds of Louisville.
The bill proposed at the previous Great Sun Council, providing
for the election of Great Chiefs in the Council Chambers of Tribes,
by the "Australian" ballot, was reported on adversely by the Committee
on Law and Usage, and thus the so-called "Goebel" bill
was defeated.
On the recommendation of the Committee on Laws and Usage,
it was ordered by the Great Council that Tribes must pay benefits
to a disabled brother as long as his disability should continue. It
had been the custom of Tribes to provide by a by-law to that effect
that benefits should cease after a stated period. The ruling
also provided that the minimum amount of benefits to be paid
should be a sum equal to the dues of the brother that might accrue
during his disability, or in other words, enough to keep the brother
in good standing. Later the Great Council of the United States
fixed the minimum amount at one fathom per seven suns.
A resolution was adopted requiring the financial Great Chiefs
to give bond in an indemnity bonding company, and that the Great
Keeper of Wampum should be paid a salary of fifty fathoms per
Great Sun.
The Finance Committee, among other recommendations offered
the following which were agreed to:—
That the Assistant Great Chief of Records be allowed fifty
fathoms for his services.
That the printing for the ensuing Great Sun be awarded to the
"American Red Man" at 95 cents per page.
That five hundred fathoms be appropriated for the use of the
Great Sachem for the best interests of the Order.
The minimum fee for adoption in Councils of the Degree of
Pocahontas was fixed at one fathom.
Charters were granted the following new Tribes:—Otawa, No.
68, Olive Hill; Powhatan, No. 69, Carrollton; Sioux, No. 70,
Louisville; Little Ha Ha, No. 71, Owenton; Morning Star, No.
72, Fordsville; Warsaw, No. 73, Rockport; Floating Canoe, No.
76, Richmond; Shawnee, No. 77, Georgetown; Grand Glaze, No.
79, Monterey; Ptocawa, No. 80, Louisville; Yosemite, No. 81,
Louisville; Appalachia, No. 82, Pineville; Passyunk, No. 83, Harrodsburg;
Spotted Wolf, No. 84, Coalton; Red Cloud, No. 85,
Warsaw; Big Eagle, No. 86, Sanders; Alfaretta Council, No. 4,
Louisville; Prairie Flower, No. 5, Newport.
On the recommendation of the Finance Committee mileage was
allowed the Great Chiefs, Representatives, and Members of Standing
Committees, amounting to $610.47, being paid to 68 individuals,
an average of $8.97 per capita.
An amendment was proposed to be considered at the next Great
Sun Council advancing the minimum fee for adoption to fifteen
fathoms.
A resolution was adopted instructing the Great Representatives
to endeavor to have a change made in the grip.
An emblematic Tomahawk was ordered presented to Totewa
Tribe, No. 14, in commemoration of the present session of the
Great Council in its wigwam.
It was ordered that a committee of two be appointed to prepare
new Articles of Incorporation, and the Great Sachem appointed
Lawrence S. Leopold, of No. 8, and H. J. McFarlan, of No. 33.
Great Representative Lawrence Leopold presented a ring to Great
Sachem 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. |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 $6.771/2 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.
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
$6.771/2 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.
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.