The First Tyler In Kansas

The first Tyler at a Masonic Lodge meeting in Kansas was a Native American woman. Lydia Walker (Her tribal name was Mendias) served at the station outside while the Freemasons, including her husband Matthew serving as Senior Deacon, met inside. Her house at 350 Troupe in Kansas City, Kansas, served as the Lodge for that first meeting as well as the first meeting place of the Eastern Star in the state.  Ms. Walker eventually became the first Grand Matron of the Kansas Eastern Star.

Light Horse Harry

Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee, a member of Hiram Lodge 59 in Virginia, earned his nickname for his skill as a calvary captain during the revolutionary war.  Having served as Virginia's Governor 1792-95, he gave the famous eulogy of Brother George Washington calling him, "First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen."  Brother Lee was also the father of another famous soldier, Civil War General Robert E. Lee.

Grand Master In Two Hemispheres

Dr. Carlos Rodriguez Jimenez served as the Grand Master of two countries.  He was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Venezuela in 1947, and then served as Japan's first Grand Master beginning in 1957.

A Man Of Incredible Talent

Charles H. Allen, William North Lodge of Lowell, Massachusetts, became the first governor of Puerto Rico after the US freed it from Spanish rule.  A man of incredible talent, he was an accomplished artist, musician and cabinet-maker.  Also an avid gardener, his home, "The Terraces," boasted showcase gardens featuring fountains, a pergola, and a gazebo now located at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Center for Lowell History. Twenty-seven of his landscape and marine paintings are now in Lowell's Whistler House Museum of Art.  As Governor of Puerto Rico, he eliminated the island's debt that had accrued over 400 years of despotic Spanish rule and incredibly left it with over a million dollars in its treasury.

Outstanding Sportsman

John W. Galbreath, University Lodge 631 of Columbus, Ohio, made a fortune in commercial property development.  His business successes, however, were only a means that allowed him to pursue his real passion: sports.  He owned both the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team and Darby Dan racing stables.  As an owner he won three World Series (1960, 1971, 1979) and two Kentucky Derbys (1963, 1967).  Named Outstanding Breeder in 1974, He is one of only four owners to win both the Kentucky Derby and Epson Derby. Oddly, or perhaps as a premonition, this world-class derby winner was born in Derby, Ohio.

Allies And Enemies

Emilio Aguinaldo, Philippine patriot and general, led the only forces ever to fight as both allies and enemies of the United States.  He supported the US in the Spanish-American war, but became suspicious of the US after the war and led his forces in rebellion against US dominance.  Defeated in that effort he eventually became a staunch supporter of the US.  Initiated Jan. 1, 1895 in Pilar Lodge under the Grand Orient of Spain, where he eventually became Master, Brother Aguinaldo retired after the uprising and organized Magdalo Lodge, which met at his residence.  Upon his death in 1964, he had been a Freemason for over 69 years.

Missouri State Flag

Allen L. Oliver, a member of St. Marks Lodge 93, Cape Girardeau, served as Master of the Missouri Lodge of Research in 1955.  He was also President General of the Sons of American Revolution 1946-47 and received the Boy Scouts' prestigious Silver Beaver in 1935. His mother, Marie, designed the Missouri State flag.