BIRTH OF THE ORDER AND ITS EXPANSION.
While the statement that it was not until late in 1863 the thought entered the mind of Justus H. Rathbone to establish the Order of Knights of Pythias, may seem to be heresy, yet such Is the fact. It is true that it has been claimed that the ritual was written some time during the period between 1857 and 1860, back in the Michigan pineries, but such was not the case. It was in the middle of 1863 that Brother Rathbone conceived the Idea of forming, as he said to some associates, an order based on some "brotherly love story ," and he was especially anxious that the name should have the prefix "Knights." He kept constantly harping on this, until, by pure accident, a stray remark made by a passing acquaintance, on a Monday morning early In the fall of 1863, caused him to turn around to his chum in the office of the Surgeon General (where both were employed), and say, "Ed, I have it-I'll call It the Knights of Pythias." Shortly after, while spending the evening with some fellow members of a dramatic asso-. ciation, a copy of Banim's play of Damon and Pythias was received, and then and there, Brother Rathbone decided to take it as the foundation for the ritual of the Order-that, In short, Is the correct story. That such is the fact, the author knows. When circumstances led him to doubt the reliability of the Michigan romance, he set on foot an investigation-.,-he found in three different por- tions of the country, at points remote from each other, In Minneapolis, Minne- sota; Schenectady, New York, and San Antonio, Texas, three persons who had been comrades of Brother Rathbone during nearly all of 1863. Correspondence and personal interview with each of these elicited almost precisely similar state- ments-all agreeing that they knew of his desire to form such a society, but that he had no idea what it was to be, or what to be called, until the fall of 1863, and that they were with him when he obtained a copy of Banim's play of Damon and Pythias, and decided to use it as a foundation for a ritual yet to be written. Further than that, to two of these parties Brother Rathbone showed the rough draft of the work of the "Page .Degree" and both of them fixed the date of that occurrence by a happening which Is a matter of public record In the District of Columbia, In the War Department-this was in the fall of 1863.
Under circumstances which secured for Brother Rathbone abundant leisure, he commenced the task of preparing the ritual, prosecuted the work to comple- tion, and made his final revision in January of 1864.
It appears from a sworn statement made by Brothers D. L. Burnett, W. H. Burnett, E. S. Kimball, and Robert A. Champion under date of March 6, 1869, that on Monday evening, February 15, 1864, at number 369 F Street, near the corner of 9th Street, Washington, D. C., Brother Rathbone met these gentlemen and read to them the manuscript of the :first, second and third degrees of the Order. Afterwards, this happening became a good deal magni- fled, was written about, and talked of, as a meeting of the "Original Five," cre- ating the impression that the Order of Knights of Pythias originated with this meeting, and that the parties to It were obligated to secrecy. This latter was absolutely Incorrect. This meeting was simply one of friendly conference, and nothing more.
With these preliminary explanations, clearing away the deadwood, we turn to the story of the organization of the Order.
The plan, as originally intended, contemplated only the admission to member- ship of the clerks employed in the different Government Departments at Wash- ington and the organization was to be for their mutual protection. Prominent among those associated with Justus H. Rathbone in this movement, was Abraham Deyau VanDerveer, the first Worthy Banker of the first Lodge and the first Grand Prelate of the First Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, who is still, Sep- tember, 1903, a member of the Order, and a highly intrusted employee of the United States Treasury Department, where he has served for over thirty years.
It has been our privilege for many years to have known Brother A. D. Van- Derveer, have had many conferences, and much correspondence with him re- garding the early happenings, and especially in connection with the writing of the ritual and the first meeting. On these questions, Brothers M. H. VanDerveer , D. L. Burnett, and W. H. Burnett, the only ones of the original thirteen mem- bers still. living, endorse the correctness of the 8tory told by Brother A. D. Van- Derveer. .Knowing this, at our request, he made a written statement as to what took place immediately preceding, and on the occasion of the institution of the first Lodge of the Order, and under that head it is here given. ________
WASHINGTON LODGE NO.1. Washington, District of Columbia. Instituted, February 19, 1864. Became defunct, July, 1865.
The following is an extract from a manuscript written in 1897, by Brother Abraham Deyau VanDerveer, one of the original charter members of the first Lodge. of the Knights of Pythias-the title of the manuscript is: "Recollec- tions of February, 1864," and it was written for, addressed to, and at the request of the author of this work:-
“ My brother (M. H. VanDerveer) and I became acquainted with Justus H. Rathbone some time in the year 1863, and we, being of a musical turn of mind, were often thrown In each other's company and became upon very Intimate terms with (Harry as he was called) Justus H. Rathbone. I think somewhere between the first of February 1864, and the fifth, I met- Brother Rathbone. Then he spoke to me about a secret Order that he desired to organize, at the same time taking some papers from his pocket (which was the ritual) , and told me that there would be a meeting of gentlemen at Mr. Plant's house on D. Street (giving the number), and wanted me to be present. He also interviewed my brother, I think perhaps the day before, and showed him the ritual which he (my brother) read In part. I cannot give the date of the meeting at Plant's house, but think It was on the evening of the 15th or 16th of February; 1864. No business of any Importance was transacted. We who were present were merely notified to be present at the Temperance Hall at 7 :30 o'clock on Friday evening, February 19, 1864. The time came and the gentlemen who were invited were on hand, and while a general conversation was going on. Brother Rathbone sung out 'Lock the door'-the order was obeyed-the door was locked. Brother Rathbone called the gentlemen to order, and stated In a fitting manner for what purpose we were called together-I wish I could recall his words, for they were full of kindness and love. I will here state that the night was very cold, and the temperature uncomfortable, having no fire nor heat of any kind In the hall. Some of the gentlemen were restless, but as they became interested, they warmed up. Brother Rathbone then asked Joseph T. K. Plant to take the chair, and D. L. Burnett was nominated for Secretary. After thus organizing, Brother Rathbone arose and made a further statement that the purpose of this meeting was for the organization of a secret Order; having for its object, friendship, benevolence, and charity. Then the necessary oath was read by Brother Rathbone and administered to them-I well recollect this scene- I almost Imagine I can see them now, all In their different positions-Brother Plant In the chair on a raised platform-Brother Rathbone standing on his left, D. L. Burnett on his right,. and the balance of the gentlemen In a semi-circle In front of the platform, all with upraised arms-after the administering of the oath, It was resolved to name the Order , Knights of Pythias.' Brother Rathbone immediately after reported a ritual for the opening and closing, which had been prepared by him some weeks before, and after being read by Brother Rathbone, was adopted. Then came the election of officers, which resulted as follows: JUSTUS H. RATHBONE.. Worthy Chancellor; JOEL R. WOODRUFF Vice Chancellor; JOSEPH T. K. PLANT.. Venerable Patriarch; DAVID L. BURNETT Worthy Scribe; ABRAHAM DEYAU VAN DERVEER.. Worthy Banker; ROBERT .A. CHAMPION. Worthy Assistant Banker; GEORGE R. COVERT.. Worthy Assistant Scribe; MATTHEW HENRY VANDERVEER.. Worthy Guide; ARISTIDE RODERIQUE, Inside Steward. After appointing one or two committees, the ‘Choral Knights’ rendered some beautiful music, and then adjourned until the evening of February 23, 1864.
“Few If any of us present on that memorable occasion pictured to their minds what would be the result, but now my dear brother, nearly half a million grateful hearts harken to the story of that eventful night.”
So that the record of the fact may be complete, the following is a list of the names of the first members, together with the government departments .where each was employed: JUSTUS H. RATHBONE, Clerk in Surgeon General's office; JOEL R. WOODRUFF, Clerk in Quartermaster General's office; JOSEPH T. K. PLANT, Commissioner of Deeds, representing several states; DAVID L. and WILLIAM H. BURNETT, Clerks in War Department; ROBERT A: CHAMPION, EDWARD S. KIMBALL and GEORGE R. COVERT, Clerks in Surgeon General's office; JOHN S. ROBERTS, Clerk in Medical Purveyor's office; ARISTIDE RODERIQUE, Hospital Steward in Surgeon General's office; MATTHEW H. VANDERVEER, Clerk in Surgeon General's office, and ABRAHAM DEYAU VANDERVEER, Clerk in Adjutant General's office; also a person of the name of Driver, whose occupation was unknown, and regarding whom there appears to have been little record.
* * * As in connection with this chapter, as a part of the story of this period, there is . here given a photo-reproduction of the minutes of Washington Lodge No. 1, from its institution until its demise, only such facts as relate to its birth are noted here. Its complete history and the story of its consolidation with Frank- . lin Lodge No.2, is given in the chapter on the District of Columbia.
At the first meeting, held February 19, 1864, a declaration as to the purpose and objects of the Order was made, the full text of which will be found in the photo-reproductions of the minutes.
For the purpose of preserving them as a part of this record, the following short biographies of the charter members of Washington Lodge No.1, the first Lodge of the Order, are noted here, only the more important facts being given:--
JOSEPH THEOPHILUS KIRK PLANT. The sketch of Brother Plant appears in among those of the Grand Chancellors of th~ District of Columbia.
WILLIAM HENRY BURNETT. Born in Adams County, Ohio, October 10, 1840. In 1842, he moved to Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Went to Washington, D. C., in 1863. Became a cerk ill the War Department in 1864, and afterwards in the office of the Quartermaster General.
DAVID LEWIS BURNETT. Born in Adams County, Ohio, January 4, 1837. As in the case of his brother, in 1842 he removed to Mount Pleasant, Iowa. and, in January, 1863, went to Washington, D. C., where he was appointed a clerk in the War Department, and in 1868 transferred to the Treasury Department.
ROBERT ALLEN CHAMPION. Born in New York City, November 10, 1843. First employed with A. T. Stewart. In 1861, he.enlisted in the Union Army, but was invalided and transferred to the United States Hospital at Germantown, Penn., where he became Chief Steward. In 1863 he was appointed to a position in the office of the Surgeon General at Washington. In August 1873, he went to Edin- burgh, Scotland, but, on September 25, 1873, he died there. His body was brought to Washington for burial.
EDWARD SULLIVAN KIMBALL. Born at Trenton, New Jersey, February 21, 1844. Educated in Maine. Went to Washington, D. C., September 5, 1863, where he was appointed as an Hospital Steward in the army. In 1866, he graduated in medicine from the college in Georgetown, D. C. Now (Oct. 1, 1903), he con- ducts a vocal studio at 938 F. Street, N. W., '7i.lashington, D. C., and is a member of Superior Lodge No. 2'7 of that place.
.ABRAHAM DEYAU VANDERVEER. Born in Roysfield, New Jersey, August 15, 1836. On his father's side, his ancestors came from Holland-on his mother's side, from northern France, and were French Huguenots. He was educated at Somerville (New Jersey) Academy. During 1855-1857, he was a drug clerk. Then he went to St. Louis, Missouri, until the breaking out of the Civil War , when he returned to New Jersey. In July, 1862. he went to Washington, where he enlisted in the Union Army, was promoted to Sergeant, and detailed as a. clerk in the Adjutant General's office. He was honorably discharged, and was promoted to a clerkship in Class One. In 1869, was appointed clerk in tl Interior Department, and, in 1874, transferred to the Treasury Department j connection with the National Bank Redemption Agency, where he has ever sin( been employed. Brother VanDerveer took a very active part in the organizing of the first Lodges of the Order, and did splendid service during that period. He is now (1903), a member of Calanthe Lodge No.11, Washington, D. C.
MATTHEW HENRY VANDERVEER. Born in Roysfield, New Jersey, October 19, 1841. On May 31, 1862, he enlisted in the Union Army as Hospital Steward, and was honorably discharged June 1, 1863, when he was appointed as clerk in Class One in the Surgeon General's office, Washington. In November, 1867, he resigned went to Somerville, New Jersey, where he was appointed Deputy County Clerk which position he held until elected County Clerk, holding that office for ten years. He was then appointed Collector of Internal Revenue for the Third Revenue District of New Jersey. Following this he was elected County Clerk serving five years until November, 1895, when he purchased his grandfather's farm a Modina, Ulster County, New York, where he now (1903), resides and follows a pastoral life.
While the details with reference to the introduction of the Order in other localities, are given in their respective chapters, yet, for the convenience of the reader, the progress of the Order, its introduction into the several States, Ter- ritories, Districts and Provinces of the North American Continent and also in. Cuba, Hawaii and the Philippines, is given here in chronological order. In each case the name, number location, and date of the institution of the first Lodge is given, and, where formed, the place and date of the organization of the Grand Lodge, as follows:-
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA :-Washington Lodge No.1, Washington-instituted February 19, 1864. Grand Lodge instituted at Washington, April 8, 1864.
VIRGINIA : -Alexandria Lodge No.1, Alexandria-instituted February 1, 1865 Grand Lodge instituted at Richmond, October 30, 1868.
PENNSYLVANIA:-Excelsior Lodge No.1, Philadelphia-instituted February 23, 1867. Grand Lodge instituted at Philadelphia, (a) December 13, 1867.
MARYLAND:: Golden Lodge No.1, Baltimore-instituted November 29, 1867, Grand Lodge instituted at Baltimore, (b) March 17, 1868.
NEW JERSEY:-New Jersey Lodge No.' 1, Mount Holly-instituted December 12, 1867. Grand Lodge instituted at Camden, March 16, 1868.
DELAWARE:-Washington Lodge No.1, Wilmington-instituted January 13, 1868. Grand Lodge instituted at Wilmington, (d) May 14, 1868.
LOUISIANA:-Ivanhoe Lodge No.1, New Orleans-instituted February 15, 1868. First Grand Lodge instituted at New Orleans, March 27, 1871. Second Grand Lodge instituted at Monroe, May 6, 1880.
NEW YORK:-'--Rathbone Lodge No.1, New York City-instituted May 18, 1868. Grand Lodge instituted at New York City, October 29, 1868.
CONNECTICUT:-Rathbone Lodge No.1, New Haven-instit1lted November 17, 1868. Grand Lodge instituted at Fair Haven, January 18, 1869.
NEBRASKA:-Nebraska Lodge No.1, Omaha-instituted November 23, 1:868. Grand Lodge instituted at Omaha, October 13, 1869.
OHIO:-Steuben Lodge No.1, Steubenville-instituted March 22, 1869. Grand Lodge instituted at Columbus, July 9, 1869.
WEST VIRGINIA:-Washington Lodge No.1, Martinsburg-instituted April 5. 1869. Grand Lodge instituted at Berkeley Springs, (I) July 5, 1869.
CALIFORNIA:-California Lodge No.1, San Francisco-instituted April 8, 1869. Grand Lodge instituted at San Francisco, September 28, 1869.
ILLINOIS :-Welcome Lodge No.1, Chicago-instituted May 4, 1869. Grand Lodge instituted at Chicago, February 4, 1870.