They are:. Additionally, another five or six signers have from time to time been identified as members of the fraternity based on inconclusive or unsubstantiated evidence. How then does this fit into what has been considered over time as the single greatest act of Treason? This conclusion can be reached simply by reviewing the actions of our forefathers, and their desire for the implementation of the basic tenets which have given the basis for the founding of our nation.
We must necessarily review that document which began it all, The Declaration of Independence. While this document, written by Thomas Jefferson who was himself not a Freemason, it is undeniable that within this document lies some inalienable similarities which unites Freemasons and that which unites our nations under one flag.
While the principles indoctrinated in the core or mission statement of our early nation are not unique to the Freemasons, in fact hey have been the basis of many books and philosophies throughout the ages, of which it is well know Thomas Jefferson to be an apt student it is undeniably true that Freemasons among all others hold these ideals to be essentially necessary to have been brought from the darkness of ignorance and self absorbent thinking into the light of truth and brotherly affection.
The public is sometimes mystified by the ambiguous symbolism used by the Freemasons including nine-point stars, the Egyptian all-seeing eye and two-headed eagles, but Masons are generally open about the principles that guide their organization. After Congress debated and revised the Declaration of Independence, the final document contained a list of grievances for acts contrary to the principles held sacred by Masons as well as all other men who signed the document. Brotherhood is a primary value held by the Freemasons.
Although African-American men developed a separate Lodge in the 18th century, petition for membership is not based on wealth or ethnicity. The authors of the Declaration pledged their lives and their fortunes to each other to accomplish their goal. Representatives who signed the Declaration claimed the crown denied the brotherhood of American citizens with the capture of American seamen who were captured and forced to serve as British soldiers.
Masons who were in the Public eye like George Washington and Ben Franklin did not openly connect their political views to their masonic association. Without any concrete evidence of what the masons believed it has been left open to the speculation and interpretation of later masons and historians.
A view that is shared by all is that mason during the revolutionary period were the ones pushing for America to break away from Great Britain and become its own nation. James Brown wrote this about Ben Franklin "What influence Freemasonry may have had on the life and character of Benjamin Franklin can only be conjecture, but that it did influence him and his contemporaries in the great struggle for American independence seems beyond doubt".
Its seems that even if masonry did not have a set standard of political views and agenda all the men that chose to be a part of it shared some common values and views. Like most of Founding Fathers the freemasons from this time period were men way before their time.
Abolitionists like John Brown railed against the often pro-slavery Masons. Prominent figures including John Quincy Adams , a former president and former Mason, and publisher Horace Greeley joined in the widespread castigation. American Masons were not above engaging in controversial foreign adventures.
In a contingent of American Masons and Mexican War veterans invaded Cuba to foment a rebellion against the Spanish crown. The group failed to gain a foothold and retreated after suffering heavy casualties. Its leaders were later tried in New Orleans for violating U. Today, its reputation is buttressed by an affilation with the Shriners, a related fraternal group noted for its charity and health work.
JSTOR is a digital library for scholars, researchers, and students. Privacy Policy Contact Us You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the provided link on any marketing message. By: Peter Feuerherd. August 3, June 8, Roger Sherman, claimed to have been made a Mason prior to the American Revolution. A Masonic Apron said to be worn by him is in the collection at Yale University.
Descendants, however, say he was not a member of the Craft. There is doubt that this Bartlett is the signer, and records of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts do not show his Lodge affiliation. Philip Livingston, often referred to as a Mason, but this is open to debate. Records of the Grand Lodge of New York do not disclose his name. Several members, named Livingston, are noted in the records of Holland Lodge No.
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