Acknowledgement
The substance of information contained in this booklet is from old records and the Brethren. Valuable aids as to dates are taken from "150 Years of Freemasonry in California", Charles F. Adam's "Notes and Diaries", "Unveiling Marble Tablet to Pioneer Fraternalism Program", and Leon O. Whitsell, Past Grand Master and Chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic History.
The Committee
Dan Norton.................................................................................................................................................................Chairman
Jon Gray.................................................................................................................................. ..................Assistant Chairman
Ralph Prater.................................................................................................................................................Worshipful Master
Bob Daley...............................................................................................................................................................Past Master
Ralph Whitely..........................................................................................................................................................Past Master
Jon Gray.................................................................................................................................. ..................Assistant Chairman
Ralph Prater.................................................................................................................................................Worshipful Master
Bob Daley...............................................................................................................................................................Past Master
Ralph Whitely..........................................................................................................................................................Past Master
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INTRODUCTION
The fidelity and perseverance of Forbestown's old time Masons are bearing fruit as the Lodge celebrates one hundred fifty years of Masonry. During all those years when many towns in this area were reduced to ghost towns, faithful Brethren tramping the snow and storms, sometimes taking most of the day, have kept Forbestown Lodge alive.
The Lodges visit old Forbestown Hall, bringing their candidates and raising them to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, an honor and privilege the candidate should cherish throughout life.
The old building with meetings held on the ground floor, the antiquity of its furnishings and Officers' Jewels, always invite much comment.
The preservation of its pioneer atmosphere will be maintained , and in time to come will be of increasing interest to Masonic brethren everywhere.
The Committee has prepared this booklet to present highlights and happenings covering Forbestown Lodge No. 50 during its first 150 years of service.
A photograph of Forbestown lodge No. 50 in its present state is depicted on the following page.
The Lodges visit old Forbestown Hall, bringing their candidates and raising them to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, an honor and privilege the candidate should cherish throughout life.
The old building with meetings held on the ground floor, the antiquity of its furnishings and Officers' Jewels, always invite much comment.
The preservation of its pioneer atmosphere will be maintained , and in time to come will be of increasing interest to Masonic brethren everywhere.
The Committee has prepared this booklet to present highlights and happenings covering Forbestown Lodge No. 50 during its first 150 years of service.
A photograph of Forbestown lodge No. 50 in its present state is depicted on the following page.
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MEETINGS
In the 1850's and early 60's it was customary among the mountain lodges to meet on the night of a full moon or the night preceding the full moon. It was not always easy for the officers and members of a lodge to determine the exact date of meeting, so Grand Lodge carried a chart of "Moon dates" in the Proceedings as late as 1918. The last chart carried the legend: " Lodges whose by-laws provided for Stated Meetings on or preceding the full moon, will meet as noted below during the year 1918."
Forbestown met on Saturday night of or preceding the full moon as late as 1924. The reason for having meetings by the moon dates was for the members to have moonlight to travel to and from the lodge. For a while previous to 1860 Forbestown met in an abandoned reservoir by light of the full moon, due to the fact that the Lodge building had burned on August 1, 1861. The fire destroyed the record, books furniture, and all things belonging to the Lodge except the charter.
Today Forbestown holds its stated meetings on the 4th Tuesday night of each month.
(Sept. 2011 - note: Lodge is now held on the 1st Saturday of the month @ 7:30p.m.)
Forbestown met on Saturday night of or preceding the full moon as late as 1924. The reason for having meetings by the moon dates was for the members to have moonlight to travel to and from the lodge. For a while previous to 1860 Forbestown met in an abandoned reservoir by light of the full moon, due to the fact that the Lodge building had burned on August 1, 1861. The fire destroyed the record, books furniture, and all things belonging to the Lodge except the charter.
Today Forbestown holds its stated meetings on the 4th Tuesday night of each month.
(Sept. 2011 - note: Lodge is now held on the 1st Saturday of the month @ 7:30p.m.)
MARBLE TABLET
The Masonic Lodges of the Golden West are founded upon the same broad patriotic principles that have been the inspiration of other Lodges in older states of the Union. Each state has its history. Into that history is interwoven a narrative of deeds performed by a mighty race of men and women who frontiered and pioneered the pathway for the countless thousands to follow.
However, we feel that no state is filled with more real romance and real tragedy than our own California, and no part of California is filled with more real romance and real tragedy than our own Forbestown of Butte County.
We therefore feel, as children of this golden State, that it is our sacred duty to perpetuate and revere the memories of these pioneers.
On September 28, 1930 the Marble Tablet on the southwest corner of the Lodge was unveiled commemorating Pioneer Fraternalism. Past Master S. Vaughn of Forbestown Lodge No. 50 was Master of Ceremonies.
However, we feel that no state is filled with more real romance and real tragedy than our own California, and no part of California is filled with more real romance and real tragedy than our own Forbestown of Butte County.
We therefore feel, as children of this golden State, that it is our sacred duty to perpetuate and revere the memories of these pioneers.
On September 28, 1930 the Marble Tablet on the southwest corner of the Lodge was unveiled commemorating Pioneer Fraternalism. Past Master S. Vaughn of Forbestown Lodge No. 50 was Master of Ceremonies.
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The Tablet is of Italian Marble, probably purchased in New York or Boston and cut there and shipped around the horn to San Francisco, then by steamer to Marysville and by pack mule to St. Louis, Sierra Co., where it was place on the hall and used by the several Lodges there at the time. The reason we feel sure this particular piece came from Italy is that the Vermont white quarries were not open at that time. However, the slab here with the historical data is of Pittsford Italian marble from Vermont. The cost to land this tablet at St. Louis was probably $250, packing from Marysville probably cost more than the shipping charges from Italy to the United States and from the east to San Francisco combined. The Tablet weighs over 300 pounds and likely cost more than the regular freight charge for packing, owing to the risk involved.
It was related by Jesus Bustillos, whose son Joe is a Past Master of Jefferson Lodge, that this slab was brought in by pack mule in the early 1850's.
When the ground on the town site of St. Louis was subjected to hydraulic mining, this slab went down in the sluices and was afterward recovered by Rebecca Carmichael and used for many years for a doorstep. After her home was deserted, it was discovered by J.C. Bevins, Secretary of Alturas Lodge No. 80, I.O.O.F. of La Porte, who, in company with A.T. Gould, Past Master of Jefferson Lodge, brought it out to Fraternal Hall at La Porte, where it served for several years until November 1929 when at the instigation of J. A. Vaughn, it was brought down by E.F. Keith and is now here, where we hope it will rest for all time.
It was related by Jesus Bustillos, whose son Joe is a Past Master of Jefferson Lodge, that this slab was brought in by pack mule in the early 1850's.
When the ground on the town site of St. Louis was subjected to hydraulic mining, this slab went down in the sluices and was afterward recovered by Rebecca Carmichael and used for many years for a doorstep. After her home was deserted, it was discovered by J.C. Bevins, Secretary of Alturas Lodge No. 80, I.O.O.F. of La Porte, who, in company with A.T. Gould, Past Master of Jefferson Lodge, brought it out to Fraternal Hall at La Porte, where it served for several years until November 1929 when at the instigation of J. A. Vaughn, it was brought down by E.F. Keith and is now here, where we hope it will rest for all time.
OFFICERS' JEWELS
The Jewels of Forbestown Lodge are among the most unique and famous of all California Masonry. The silver was mined aobut 1868 or 1869 in the mines of Virginia City, Nevada, by John W. Mackay, and given to the Gibsonville Lodge. About a year later George Kahrs, a jeweler and Treasurer of the Gibsonville Lodge planned and drew up the design and made the Jewels. When the Gibsonville Lodge and the Forbestown Lodge merged, the Jewels came into possession of the present forbestown Lodge. They have been displayed at Grand Lodge on several occasions and are of special interest to visitors.
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LOCATION, HISTORICAL OVERVIEW AND DEDICATED
INDIVIDUALS OF THE FORBESTOWN LODGE NO. 50
Location
Taking its name from a mining camp established by B.F. Forbes in 1850, this little lodge is located in Forbestown, about twenty-five miles east of Oroville.
Forbestown is located about the same distance from Marysville. Roads traverse some very interesting country. On the way from Oroville, one passes the famous Black Bart Monument.
The elevation is approximately 3000 feet and is considered a strategic location for recreation and summer-homes.
In the early days mining was the dominant industry in the area Butte County's first quartz mill of importance was erected in Forbestown in 1851 by the Sutter Quartz Company. It was a 16-stamp mill and cost considerably over two thousand dollars. It was not a paying venture and in 1853 was turned into a sawmill. This ran for two years and was abandoned.
Forbestown developed rapidly and prospered. In 1853 it was spoken of as second only to Bidwell in size, population and trade. The miners were considered among the richest in the state. They were generally "dry diggings". Forbestown had several fine stores, four large hotels, a sawmill and a quartz mill. The population at one time exceeded four thousand,
The first stages to Forbestown ran from Marysville. After they had been discontinued Chas. Baird established tri-weekly stages from Oroville to Forbestown in 1857.
Forbestown had two large fires. In January 1860 a large part of the business portion was destroyed leaving only the National Hotel and three stores. The town was built up better than before, after the fire. However, 18 months later a worse fire occurred. The present lodge hall was one of the few remaining structures, and was formerly a hardware store.
Forbestown is located about the same distance from Marysville. Roads traverse some very interesting country. On the way from Oroville, one passes the famous Black Bart Monument.
The elevation is approximately 3000 feet and is considered a strategic location for recreation and summer-homes.
In the early days mining was the dominant industry in the area Butte County's first quartz mill of importance was erected in Forbestown in 1851 by the Sutter Quartz Company. It was a 16-stamp mill and cost considerably over two thousand dollars. It was not a paying venture and in 1853 was turned into a sawmill. This ran for two years and was abandoned.
Forbestown developed rapidly and prospered. In 1853 it was spoken of as second only to Bidwell in size, population and trade. The miners were considered among the richest in the state. They were generally "dry diggings". Forbestown had several fine stores, four large hotels, a sawmill and a quartz mill. The population at one time exceeded four thousand,
The first stages to Forbestown ran from Marysville. After they had been discontinued Chas. Baird established tri-weekly stages from Oroville to Forbestown in 1857.
Forbestown had two large fires. In January 1860 a large part of the business portion was destroyed leaving only the National Hotel and three stores. The town was built up better than before, after the fire. However, 18 months later a worse fire occurred. The present lodge hall was one of the few remaining structures, and was formerly a hardware store.
Historical Overview
The Forbestown Lodge has hung on through thick and thin while sister Lodges of neighboring diggings have lost their identities in consolidation or surrendered their charters altogether. It still meets on the ground floor of a 142-year-old building that it rented only temporarily in 1862, after its first hall had been destroyed by fire. This last
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feature gives it the added distinction of being one of the very few California Lodges meeting on the ground floor.
Unfortunately, there are no accounts of how Forbestown Lodge got along during its first six and one-half years. The fire that swept its hall on August 1, 1861, also destroyed its records up to the previous December, and all things belonging to the Lodge except the charter. But, according to Sherman and the Grand Lodge Proceedings, it received its dispensation from Grand Master Radcliff, January 11, 1854, and its charter May 3rd of the same year. H. Sprague who withdrew a ltittle over a year later was first Master, and E. Feller and F.B. Sparks respectively Senior and Junior Warden and A. Walker, Secretary.
Nor are the records for the next two decades much more revealing. The Lodge continued, despite many fluctuations, to increase in membership till 1878, after which some significant changes took place.
Forbestown, long described as "a center of mining activities", began to decline. Its diggings slowly played out and its people moved elsewhere. The once bustling camp of over four thousand inhabitants gradually deteriorated. Its building rotted and crumbled into ruins. In time, barely a dozen souls living on adjacent hillsides would call it home. Its post office would be visited mainly by curious sightseers
There is no question that this sort of thing had an adverse effect on the Lodge. But, peculiarly, it was also responsible for the prolongation of its life. Brethren abandoning similarly affected diggings, had begun a slow retreat for the hills above. As early as 1858, Polar Star Lodge No. 90, on Poor Man's Creek near Onion Valley, Plumas County, went extinct and its members had the choice of affiliating with Jefferson Lodge No. 97 at Rabbit Creek (now La Porte), in the same couny, or with St. Louis Lodge No.86, at St. Louis, in Sierra County. By 1882, when St. Louis Lodge ceased to labor under its own name, it consolidated with Gibsonville Lodge No. 158,at Gibsonville. Gibsonville Lodge lasted until 1908, and then lost its identity to Jefferson Lodge. And, in 1926, Jefferson Lodge took its final step into history as its members voted to consolidate with Forbestown; the only Lodge between Onion Valley and Oroville that had stood like the Scriptural house built on the rock.
The merger with Jefferson Lodge caught Forbestown on the upswing of one of its many fluctuations and increased its membership from 40 to 59. Together with an increase of 3 members by 1929, it gave the Lodge the highest member of Master Masons on its roll since 1878. This enabled it to fight a still uncertain battle until the coming of the lumber industry to nearby hills that brought an influx of new people, and helped increase the membership to its present enrollment of 88.
Unfortunately, there are no accounts of how Forbestown Lodge got along during its first six and one-half years. The fire that swept its hall on August 1, 1861, also destroyed its records up to the previous December, and all things belonging to the Lodge except the charter. But, according to Sherman and the Grand Lodge Proceedings, it received its dispensation from Grand Master Radcliff, January 11, 1854, and its charter May 3rd of the same year. H. Sprague who withdrew a ltittle over a year later was first Master, and E. Feller and F.B. Sparks respectively Senior and Junior Warden and A. Walker, Secretary.
Nor are the records for the next two decades much more revealing. The Lodge continued, despite many fluctuations, to increase in membership till 1878, after which some significant changes took place.
Forbestown, long described as "a center of mining activities", began to decline. Its diggings slowly played out and its people moved elsewhere. The once bustling camp of over four thousand inhabitants gradually deteriorated. Its building rotted and crumbled into ruins. In time, barely a dozen souls living on adjacent hillsides would call it home. Its post office would be visited mainly by curious sightseers
There is no question that this sort of thing had an adverse effect on the Lodge. But, peculiarly, it was also responsible for the prolongation of its life. Brethren abandoning similarly affected diggings, had begun a slow retreat for the hills above. As early as 1858, Polar Star Lodge No. 90, on Poor Man's Creek near Onion Valley, Plumas County, went extinct and its members had the choice of affiliating with Jefferson Lodge No. 97 at Rabbit Creek (now La Porte), in the same couny, or with St. Louis Lodge No.86, at St. Louis, in Sierra County. By 1882, when St. Louis Lodge ceased to labor under its own name, it consolidated with Gibsonville Lodge No. 158,at Gibsonville. Gibsonville Lodge lasted until 1908, and then lost its identity to Jefferson Lodge. And, in 1926, Jefferson Lodge took its final step into history as its members voted to consolidate with Forbestown; the only Lodge between Onion Valley and Oroville that had stood like the Scriptural house built on the rock.
The merger with Jefferson Lodge caught Forbestown on the upswing of one of its many fluctuations and increased its membership from 40 to 59. Together with an increase of 3 members by 1929, it gave the Lodge the highest member of Master Masons on its roll since 1878. This enabled it to fight a still uncertain battle until the coming of the lumber industry to nearby hills that brought an influx of new people, and helped increase the membership to its present enrollment of 88.
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Dedicated Individuals
These events would never have come to pass if it had not been for the ingenuity and bulldog courage of three old-time brothers, William John Schultz, Charles Francis Adams and Garrett C. Daley, Sr., who brought the Lodge through its darkest days. They had heard somewhere that unless a Lodge held a certain number of meetings a year, it would have to surrender its charter, and they were determined that such a thig should never happen to Forbestown. The membership might be scattered all over the state so badly that anything even remotely resembling regular attendance was out of the question, but so long as Will Schultz, Charlie Adams, and Garrett Daley could get to the hall, Lodge would be held. It might be a trifle irregular, but it would still be held.
In a letter dated at Clipper Mills, February 13, 1941, Adams generously gives Schultz full credit for saving the Lodge. Among the things he wrote: “Will was sure loyal to his Lodge, and to the Fraternity. Several years before he had his delivery hore and wagon, he used to walk to Lodge, a distance of ten miles, and I don’t tink he missed a meeting. From about 1910 to 1918, the Lodge had a hard struggle. Some years we did not hold over the required t meetings and then we would have to urge every member in reach to be there. Qite a number of times Will and I would drive down with his delivery outfit, and go up to the Lodge room and sit there till nine o’clock, maybe one other appearing, but not enough to open Lodge, then we would go back to the hotel and go to bed and the next day drive home. On one of these “no meeting” tip I said to Will _ ‘It looks to me like we will have to surrender our Charter.” Will came right back, “Never!” and I never mentioned it again and he sure is deserving the credit for Forbestown No. 50 of being alive today.”
It was characteristic of Adams to give all credit to somebody else and play down his own part. But another version of the same story, not intended for print, puts him in a more prominent position and perhaps conforms a little more to fact.
Adams had just as hard a time getting to Lodge as Schultz did, and many a time they walked the ten miles across the mountains together. Early on the day of meeting, they would set out from home and on reaching the Lodge hall, they would open the doors to let it air out, and sit by the pot-bellied stove. Maybe another brother would show up, as Adams said, but occasionally, they were the only ones present. And there they would sit, talking about one thing and another, till along about seven-thirty o’clock, when Schultz would look at his watch and say, “Well, I guess it’s about time to open Lodge, Charlie.” With that he would go up to the East and Adams would take the Senior Warden’s chair.
What followed was a sight to behold. Those two old brothers would proceed to open Lodge as well as could be done under the circumstances, with Adams shuffling from
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station to station, responding to the questions of one officer and giving the response of another. When it was time for the Secretary to read the minutes, Adams would do it. He also would report on petitions, if any and mention the visitors present as per the Tiler’s register, which was all right provided nobody got inquisitive over the penmanship of the signatures in the register. Maybe he would report that a certain widow was in need of another cord of stove wood and would make a motion that warrant be drawn on the Treasury for the necessary amount to pay for it. Or perhaps he would suggest that the Lodge remit the dues of a brother who had been sick and out of work for some time. Then, when the last item of business had been taken care of he and Schultz would close Lodge just as they had opened it.
And, for all the Grand Secretary ever knew, Forbestown was a venerable little mountain Lodge, regular in its reports and carrying on in an efficient, businesslike manner.
As a visitor sits in the little Lodge hall at Forbestown, his mind wanders back over the events of a century. He thinks of the alter, the lights, old record books and other paraphernalia of the Lodge. Some of them, still in use, are from the Lodges at Rabbit Creek, Gibsonville, and St. Louis. The rods and the emblems surmounting them are homemade. And the hands that fashioned them have long since moldered to dust.
In looking over the roster of Forbestown Lodge since the day of its organization, the historian is most naturally interested in the names of will Schultz, Charlie Adams and Garrett Daley. For, as noted elsewhere, it was these three brothers who held the Lodge together. All three had lived in the hills for years and were of the material that makes the best Masons.
Schultz was born in a little mining camp called Newark, not far from Gibsonville, August 2, 1867. When he was about five years old he moved to a point near Clipper Mills where his father had bought a tannery. A year later, this tannery was destroyed by fire and the elder Schultz bought a hotel in Clipper Mills. Here, young Will grew up and attended school long enough to master sufficient reading, writing and arithmetic to enable him to get through life without too much difficulty. He then went to work at any kind of employment he could find – mining, lumbering or ranching. But, what Schultz lacked in schooling he did not miss in education. Not caring much for sports or mixing with people he devoted practically all of his spare time to reading. People around Clipper Mills remembered him as always carrying a book of some sort. As a result of this self-education, he became a remarkably well-informed man on a great variety of subjects.
As he came of age, it was only natural that he should consider becoming a Mason. His father and most of his worthwhile acquaintances belonged to the Craft, so why not
And, for all the Grand Secretary ever knew, Forbestown was a venerable little mountain Lodge, regular in its reports and carrying on in an efficient, businesslike manner.
As a visitor sits in the little Lodge hall at Forbestown, his mind wanders back over the events of a century. He thinks of the alter, the lights, old record books and other paraphernalia of the Lodge. Some of them, still in use, are from the Lodges at Rabbit Creek, Gibsonville, and St. Louis. The rods and the emblems surmounting them are homemade. And the hands that fashioned them have long since moldered to dust.
In looking over the roster of Forbestown Lodge since the day of its organization, the historian is most naturally interested in the names of will Schultz, Charlie Adams and Garrett Daley. For, as noted elsewhere, it was these three brothers who held the Lodge together. All three had lived in the hills for years and were of the material that makes the best Masons.
Schultz was born in a little mining camp called Newark, not far from Gibsonville, August 2, 1867. When he was about five years old he moved to a point near Clipper Mills where his father had bought a tannery. A year later, this tannery was destroyed by fire and the elder Schultz bought a hotel in Clipper Mills. Here, young Will grew up and attended school long enough to master sufficient reading, writing and arithmetic to enable him to get through life without too much difficulty. He then went to work at any kind of employment he could find – mining, lumbering or ranching. But, what Schultz lacked in schooling he did not miss in education. Not caring much for sports or mixing with people he devoted practically all of his spare time to reading. People around Clipper Mills remembered him as always carrying a book of some sort. As a result of this self-education, he became a remarkably well-informed man on a great variety of subjects.
As he came of age, it was only natural that he should consider becoming a Mason. His father and most of his worthwhile acquaintances belonged to the Craft, so why not
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himself? His chance to join came while he was clerking in the store at Forbestown in 1894, and the readiness with which he was accepted was a tribute to his character. He was entered October 21, 1893, passed November 18, 1893 and raised December 16, 1893.
The circumstances surrounding Schultz being made a Mason were most unusual. He was raised in a stated meeting and elected Junior Warden of the Lodge the same evening. There are two accounts of how this came about. One has it as the result of the high esteem in which his brethren held him. The other points toward politics. According to it, Forbestown Lodge had a Secretary of several years standing whose bookkeeping methods were not giving complete satisfaction. Somewhere, this Secretary heard a rumor that Schultz had been proposed for the office of Secretary as soon as he became a Master Mason. And it seemed substantiated by the fact that certain brothers ha prevailed upon the Master to postpone the annual election of officers’ till after Schultz was raised.
Though the Secretary’s abilities may have been open to question, there was nothing wrong with his astuteness. Not to be caught napping, he did a bit of electioneering among his friends in the Lodge and persuaded them to nominate Schultz for Junior Warden. Accordingly, on the evening of the election, after Schultz had been raised, he found himself nominated for Junior Warden. Too late, the “Schultz faction” knew it had been outwitted. It could not go back on its candidate, regardless of what office he had been nominated for, which left the Secretarial field wide open to the incumbent.
The following year, Schultz regularly moved up to Senior Warden, but owing to sickness of the newly elected Master, served as Master pro tem every meeting but one. Then, in 1896, he became Master in fact and did not vacate the office till twenty-nine years and four months later.
Thus, William John Schultz became the greatest Master in the history of Forbestown Lodge, serving as such over forty percent of the life of his Lodge up to the time he vacated office.
During most of the time that he was Master, Schultz lived in Clipper Mills, where he earned a modest living by combining the occupations of post master, insurance agent, Ford agent, and proprietor of a store dealing in knickknacks, stationery, tobacco and lunch stuff for miners. Everybody who knew him knew he was a Mason. As Charlie Adams puts it, “he always acted strictly upon the Square.” Consequently, he had the confidence of everybody he dealt with.
Schultz died while residing at Clipper Mills, October 18, 1926. A photograph of William Jon Schultz Master is depicted on the following page.
The circumstances surrounding Schultz being made a Mason were most unusual. He was raised in a stated meeting and elected Junior Warden of the Lodge the same evening. There are two accounts of how this came about. One has it as the result of the high esteem in which his brethren held him. The other points toward politics. According to it, Forbestown Lodge had a Secretary of several years standing whose bookkeeping methods were not giving complete satisfaction. Somewhere, this Secretary heard a rumor that Schultz had been proposed for the office of Secretary as soon as he became a Master Mason. And it seemed substantiated by the fact that certain brothers ha prevailed upon the Master to postpone the annual election of officers’ till after Schultz was raised.
Though the Secretary’s abilities may have been open to question, there was nothing wrong with his astuteness. Not to be caught napping, he did a bit of electioneering among his friends in the Lodge and persuaded them to nominate Schultz for Junior Warden. Accordingly, on the evening of the election, after Schultz had been raised, he found himself nominated for Junior Warden. Too late, the “Schultz faction” knew it had been outwitted. It could not go back on its candidate, regardless of what office he had been nominated for, which left the Secretarial field wide open to the incumbent.
The following year, Schultz regularly moved up to Senior Warden, but owing to sickness of the newly elected Master, served as Master pro tem every meeting but one. Then, in 1896, he became Master in fact and did not vacate the office till twenty-nine years and four months later.
Thus, William John Schultz became the greatest Master in the history of Forbestown Lodge, serving as such over forty percent of the life of his Lodge up to the time he vacated office.
During most of the time that he was Master, Schultz lived in Clipper Mills, where he earned a modest living by combining the occupations of post master, insurance agent, Ford agent, and proprietor of a store dealing in knickknacks, stationery, tobacco and lunch stuff for miners. Everybody who knew him knew he was a Mason. As Charlie Adams puts it, “he always acted strictly upon the Square.” Consequently, he had the confidence of everybody he dealt with.
Schultz died while residing at Clipper Mills, October 18, 1926. A photograph of William Jon Schultz Master is depicted on the following page.
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Long Tenure of William John Schultz
William John Schultz was initiated into the Forbestown Lodge on October 21, 1893, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft November 18, 1893, and raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason, December 16, 1893, in Forbestown Lodge No. 50. He was Master of the Lodge twenty-nine years and four months. His record, in terms of years, stands second only to William Adams of Hornitos Lodge no. 98.
It is a rare privilege to serve a year as Master of a Masonic Lodge. To be called upon to guide the destinies of a lodge over a long period of years is considered an unusual recognition of outstanding ability on the ritual and management of Lodge affairs.
No story on Schultz would be complete without and account of his good friend and brother Charlie Adams, to balance it. Adams was born at the Adams’ family home near Clipper Mills, March 12, 1864 and lived in that vicinity all of his life, save for a few months in the Yukon Territory in 1901. He first appeared in Forbestown returning to Grand Lodge in 1906, listed as Junior Warden, and for some years after 1909, served as Secretary and was Master in 1934. When not mining, farming or lumbering, it is said that he passed most of his tine rambling through the hills, doing good for somebody. If the widow of a deceased brother needed help, Adams saw that she got it. If a brother was sick, Adams visited him. If a brother was dying, Adams comforted him and saw that he received a fitting burial service. Walking, riding horseback or poking along in Schultz’s delivery wagon, Adams covered every road and trail through the hills in the discharge of his self-imposed fraternal duties. It was small wonder that the people of that region loved him with all their hearts till his death on December 23, 1948.
Another old stand-by of Forbestown Lodge was Robert Foster, born in Ayrshire, Scotland January 1, 1849.
Foster, a ship’s carpenter was made a Mason in Patrick St. Mar’s Lodge No. 117, in Glasgow, April 7, 1873. He abandoned the sea in 1876 and settled in Virginia City, Nevada, where he affiliated with Virginia Lodge No. 3. As he followed the vocation of miner and shaft timber-man in various scattered about Nevada, he affiliated with several other Lodges –Dayton No.4, Silver Star No. 5 and Escurial No. 7. In 1899 he moved to Gibsonville, California, to work for the Feather River Gold Gravel Company and in 1890 affiliated with Gibsonville Lodge No. 158. Serving as Junior and Senior Warden of this Lodge, he was in line for Master when it consolidated with Jefferson Lodge No. 97. And it was through Jefferson Lodge that he entered Forbestown Lodge in the Consolidation of 1926.
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Brother Foster received his fifty-year button in Forbestown Lodge, August 2, 1930.
One early brother, Rollin C. Gaskill, who was made a Mason in Forbestown Lodge in 1855, served in various offices of the Lodge both before and after his two terms as Master in 1859 and 1860. He is listed as Senior Deacon in 1856 and 18576; Secretary in 1858; Treasurer in 1861; and Steward in 1862. He later moved to Oakland where he affiliated with Oakland Lodge No. 188, and for years was agent for wells Fargo & Co. During his residence in Forbestown, Gaskill served as State Senator from Butte County from 1862-1865. He died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 2, 1889, while on his way home from Triennial Conclave of the Knights Templar, in Washington, D.C.
Another member of Forbestown that played an important role in the Lodge was Jeremiah A. Vaughn. Initiated in November 1887, in Clintonville Lodge No. 482, El Dorado Missouri, passed to the degree of Fellowship January 1888, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason /February 25, 1888. He was a charter member of Amity Lodge No. 343, Filley, Missouri, and was Master of the same Lodge in 1898. He affiliated with Forbestown Lodge in December 1925 and was elected Senior Warden in 1928. Jeremiah A. Vaughn was installed as Worshipfull Master of Forbestown Lodge No. 50 in January 1929. He was 32nd degree Mason and was honored with the rank of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in the Scottish Rite in October 1937. He was installed as Grand Bible Bearer of the Grand Lodge of the State of California October 1938. Many of the members will remember Brother Vaughn as ably steering the lodge through some of its tough years.
Still another and very recent old-timer of Forbestown Lodge, was A.F. Robbins who was called from labor June 19, 1954, at the age of 83.
Brother Robbins was one of Forbestown’s most ardent members, having served as an officer of the lodge most of the years that he was a member of Forbestown. Brother “Robbie,” as he was better known to the Brethren, had a kindly humor that caused many to prefer his company. He always was ready to help out and his advice was good. He lived the teaching of Masonry.
Because of these ardent, enthusiastic brothers whose “confidence was too deeply rooted to be shaken by the vicissitudes of fate” and who were determined to persevere, an entire century and a half of Masonic Service in this picturesque, historic community has continued without interruption.
That we are here to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Forbestown Lodge is proof that their confidence was well founded.
One early brother, Rollin C. Gaskill, who was made a Mason in Forbestown Lodge in 1855, served in various offices of the Lodge both before and after his two terms as Master in 1859 and 1860. He is listed as Senior Deacon in 1856 and 18576; Secretary in 1858; Treasurer in 1861; and Steward in 1862. He later moved to Oakland where he affiliated with Oakland Lodge No. 188, and for years was agent for wells Fargo & Co. During his residence in Forbestown, Gaskill served as State Senator from Butte County from 1862-1865. He died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 2, 1889, while on his way home from Triennial Conclave of the Knights Templar, in Washington, D.C.
Another member of Forbestown that played an important role in the Lodge was Jeremiah A. Vaughn. Initiated in November 1887, in Clintonville Lodge No. 482, El Dorado Missouri, passed to the degree of Fellowship January 1888, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason /February 25, 1888. He was a charter member of Amity Lodge No. 343, Filley, Missouri, and was Master of the same Lodge in 1898. He affiliated with Forbestown Lodge in December 1925 and was elected Senior Warden in 1928. Jeremiah A. Vaughn was installed as Worshipfull Master of Forbestown Lodge No. 50 in January 1929. He was 32nd degree Mason and was honored with the rank of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in the Scottish Rite in October 1937. He was installed as Grand Bible Bearer of the Grand Lodge of the State of California October 1938. Many of the members will remember Brother Vaughn as ably steering the lodge through some of its tough years.
Still another and very recent old-timer of Forbestown Lodge, was A.F. Robbins who was called from labor June 19, 1954, at the age of 83.
Brother Robbins was one of Forbestown’s most ardent members, having served as an officer of the lodge most of the years that he was a member of Forbestown. Brother “Robbie,” as he was better known to the Brethren, had a kindly humor that caused many to prefer his company. He always was ready to help out and his advice was good. He lived the teaching of Masonry.
Because of these ardent, enthusiastic brothers whose “confidence was too deeply rooted to be shaken by the vicissitudes of fate” and who were determined to persevere, an entire century and a half of Masonic Service in this picturesque, historic community has continued without interruption.
That we are here to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Forbestown Lodge is proof that their confidence was well founded.
12
Past Masters of Forbestown Lodge No. 50
1854.................................................................................H. Sprague
1855 (-1858?)............................................................A.G. Simpson 1859 & 1860..................................................................R.C. Gaskill 1861 - 1866.........................................................Nathaniel D. Plum 1867.................................................................Wallace H. Chappell 1868 & 1869.......................................................Samuel T. Bowers 1870.......................................................................Alfred Thompson 1871 - 1874.........................................................Nathaniel D. Plum 1875 & 1876...............................................Alexander E. Anderson 1877.....................................................................Nathaniel D. Plum 1878..................................................................David W. Braddock 1879............................................................Gaylord S.W. Twogood 1880 - 1884............................................Andrew Jackson Hankins 1885 & 1886..............................................Gaylord S.W. Twogood 1887 & 1888................................................Ralph Waldo Emerson 1889.........................................................................Willard C. Bean 1890 - 1894.......................................................Thomas H. Dodson 1895........................................................Andrew Jackson Packard 1896 - 1924.....................................................William John Schultz 1925 & 1926.......................................................Walter Paris Bean 1927..................................................................Roger Robert Daley 1928............................................................Richard Henry Kingdon 1929......................................................................James A. Vaughn 1930.............................................................Garrett Clarence Daley 1931...............................................................................Burt Mansell 1932.................................................................Arthur Truman Gould 1933.................................................................John Donnan Vance 1934...........................................................Charles Francis Adams 1935.....................................................................Sidney Byron Dial 1936...........................................................Charles Earl Fernandez 1937......................................................................Joseph W. Vance 1938............................................................James Maurice Popper 1939.......................................................................Myron Moskowitz 1940........................................................................Bernard Goeken 1941...........................................................Charles Worden Adams 1942....................................................................Walter W. Johnson 1943..............................................................................Jack Popper 1944...........................................................Osborne Bainard Green 1945.........................................................................Silas A. William 1946.................................................................John Donnan Vance 1947.........................................................................Robert F. Hines 1948...................................................................Andrew Allen Reed 1949.............................................................................Fred Bauman 1950.............................................................James Wesley Derrick 1951.................................................................Lloyd Hilman Nugent 1952.............................................................................Ben A. Taylor 1953......................................................................Arthur Leon Ritter |
1954.....100th Anniversary.................................Clive B. Hubbell
1955..............................................................................Everette Hall 1956............................................................................Charles Zirion 1957............................................................................Clive V. Slack 1958..................................................................................Roy Brown 1959.........................................................................Elmo H. Kilgore 1960......................................................................Ralph V. Whiteley 1961...................................................................Harry J. Liebhauser 1962........................................................................Harold Masteller 1963.......................................................................Wm Bill Whiteley 1964................................................................Orrin W. Dauernheim 1965..............................................................George W. Fernandez 1966....................................................................Sanford N. Grubbs 1967........................................................................Robert M. Daley 1968....................................................................Clarence W. Daley 1969..............................................................................O'Dell Elkins 1970..................................................................Raymond V. Whitely 1971.........................................................................Frank R. Wright 1972.........................................................................Ralph W. Prater 1973........................................................................Donald L. Brown 1974........................................................................Raleigh Roberts 1975............................................................................Clinton Helms 1976..........................................................................Paul W. Burkett 1977 & 1978..............................................................John J. Wright 1979..............................................................................Verris Gibbs 1980............................................................................Marvin Larson 1981........................................................................John G. Ivancich 1982.............................................................................Lloyd Stuchal 1983........................................................................John G. Ivancich 1984 & 1985........................................................Howard Hodgson 1986.........................................................................Verland R. Rich 1987.......................................................................Robert E. Gilbert 1988.........................................................................Verland R. Rich 1989 & 1990.....................................................Leslie A. Chapman 1991 & 1992..........................................................Robert E. Gilbert 1993 -1995...........................................................Howard Hodgson 1996 - 2000...........................................................Robert E. Gilbert 2001-2003...........................................................................Jon Gray 2004...150 Year Anniversary...Current Master Ralph W. Prater |
13
THIS BOOKLET IS DEDICATED
TO THE LODGES WHICH CONSOLIDATED WITH
FORBESTOWN LODGE NO. 50
POLAR STAR LODGE NO. 90
Forks of Poor Man's Creek
Grand Master William J. Howard granted a dispensation October 4, 1855, to sundry Brethren at Poor Man's Creek, Plumas County, for a Lodge to be known as Polar Star Lodge U.D., and at the seventh Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, May 8, 1856, a charter was granted to them as Polar Star Lodge No. 90. The Grand Lodge granted them permission to change their location to Onion Valley, Plumas County, in 1857, but because of removals and withdrawals it was unanimously voted, at a stated meeting held May 1, 1858, to surrender their charter, which the Grand Lodge accepted on the 17th day of May 1858. This territory subsequently came under the jurisdiction of the St. Louis Lodge, No. 86 which later consolidated with Gibsonville Lodge, No. 158.
Lowest Membership 11 - 1858
Highest Membership 14 - 1856
ST. LOUIS LODGE NO. 158
St. Louis
A dispensation was granted by Most Worshipful Wm. H. Howard, Grand Master, on July 13,1855, to sundry Brethren at St. Louis, Sierra County, to be known as St. Louis charter was granted as St. Louis Lodge, No. 86. St. Louis Lodge was one of the best mountain Lodges in the state. Its activity was grand and its membership at one time reached over seventy Master Masons. The enthusiasm among the Brethren was high, but mining interest gradually failing, and the Lodge being reduced to thirty-eight members; it resolved to consolidate with Gibsonville Lodge. No.158, at Gibsonville, the united Lodge to be known as Gibsonville Lodge, No. 158. This act of consolidation was confirmed by Grand Lodge on October 11, 1882.
Lowest Membership 18 - 1897
Highest Membership 83 - 1867
GIBSONVILLE LODGE NO. 158
Gibsonville
A dispensation was granted by Grand Master William C. Belcher July 26, 1862, to Brethren at Gibsonville, Sierra County, to open and hold a Lodge at the place May 14, 1863, and the Grand Lodge issued them a charter as Gibsonville Lodge, No. 158. (It is interesting to note that Jacob S. Gould, father of A.T. Gould of Forbestown Lodge, No. 50, was long a member of Gibsonville Lodge and also a Past Master. Robert foster of Gibsonville Lodge later became a member of Forbestown Lodge by consolidation.) Gibsonville Lodge incorporated with Jefferson Lodge, No. 97, in the year 1897.
Lowest Membership 18 - 1897
Highest Membership 83 - 1883
JEFFERSON LODGE, NO. 97
La Porte
A dispensation waas granted by the Most Worshipful Grand Master William H. Howard December 22, 1855. On May 8, 1856 a charter was granted as Jefferson Lodge, No. 97, to be located at Rabbit Creek, Sierra County. By the legislature of California, rabbit Creek, Sierra County, fell within the new boundaries of Plumas County and the town was christened La Porte in 1858. In 1862 the records and other property of this Lodge were destroyed by fire. Jefferson Lodge consolidated with Forbestown Lodge, No. 50, in July 1926. There were sixteen members in good standing. At that time Cleveland H. O'Rourke was Worshipful Master and Richard H. Kingdon, Secretary.
Lowest Membership 15 - 1897
Highest Membership 61 - 1863
TO THE LODGES WHICH CONSOLIDATED WITH
FORBESTOWN LODGE NO. 50
POLAR STAR LODGE NO. 90
Forks of Poor Man's Creek
Grand Master William J. Howard granted a dispensation October 4, 1855, to sundry Brethren at Poor Man's Creek, Plumas County, for a Lodge to be known as Polar Star Lodge U.D., and at the seventh Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, May 8, 1856, a charter was granted to them as Polar Star Lodge No. 90. The Grand Lodge granted them permission to change their location to Onion Valley, Plumas County, in 1857, but because of removals and withdrawals it was unanimously voted, at a stated meeting held May 1, 1858, to surrender their charter, which the Grand Lodge accepted on the 17th day of May 1858. This territory subsequently came under the jurisdiction of the St. Louis Lodge, No. 86 which later consolidated with Gibsonville Lodge, No. 158.
Lowest Membership 11 - 1858
Highest Membership 14 - 1856
ST. LOUIS LODGE NO. 158
St. Louis
A dispensation was granted by Most Worshipful Wm. H. Howard, Grand Master, on July 13,1855, to sundry Brethren at St. Louis, Sierra County, to be known as St. Louis charter was granted as St. Louis Lodge, No. 86. St. Louis Lodge was one of the best mountain Lodges in the state. Its activity was grand and its membership at one time reached over seventy Master Masons. The enthusiasm among the Brethren was high, but mining interest gradually failing, and the Lodge being reduced to thirty-eight members; it resolved to consolidate with Gibsonville Lodge. No.158, at Gibsonville, the united Lodge to be known as Gibsonville Lodge, No. 158. This act of consolidation was confirmed by Grand Lodge on October 11, 1882.
Lowest Membership 18 - 1897
Highest Membership 83 - 1867
GIBSONVILLE LODGE NO. 158
Gibsonville
A dispensation was granted by Grand Master William C. Belcher July 26, 1862, to Brethren at Gibsonville, Sierra County, to open and hold a Lodge at the place May 14, 1863, and the Grand Lodge issued them a charter as Gibsonville Lodge, No. 158. (It is interesting to note that Jacob S. Gould, father of A.T. Gould of Forbestown Lodge, No. 50, was long a member of Gibsonville Lodge and also a Past Master. Robert foster of Gibsonville Lodge later became a member of Forbestown Lodge by consolidation.) Gibsonville Lodge incorporated with Jefferson Lodge, No. 97, in the year 1897.
Lowest Membership 18 - 1897
Highest Membership 83 - 1883
JEFFERSON LODGE, NO. 97
La Porte
A dispensation waas granted by the Most Worshipful Grand Master William H. Howard December 22, 1855. On May 8, 1856 a charter was granted as Jefferson Lodge, No. 97, to be located at Rabbit Creek, Sierra County. By the legislature of California, rabbit Creek, Sierra County, fell within the new boundaries of Plumas County and the town was christened La Porte in 1858. In 1862 the records and other property of this Lodge were destroyed by fire. Jefferson Lodge consolidated with Forbestown Lodge, No. 50, in July 1926. There were sixteen members in good standing. At that time Cleveland H. O'Rourke was Worshipful Master and Richard H. Kingdon, Secretary.
Lowest Membership 15 - 1897
Highest Membership 61 - 1863