For those who ask, "How do I go about writing history?" this is the way Walkes did it. These are extracts from the private journal of the historian.
LOUISIANA JOURNAL
By
Joseph A. Walkes, Jr. FPS
In memory of Past Grand Master Earle L. Bradford
PART 1
1980
I have read with interest comments concerning writing Masonic history, especially of those who think the internet is the key to the subject. Nothing can take the place of pure Masonic research, and the need for verification at each step in the process. In writing the book “Jno. G. Lewis, Jr. – End of an Era: History of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Louisiana 1842 – 1979, I kept a Journal as I do in the writing of all eight of my books, and any others I may write in the future. On Sunday, April 1, 1979 I received news that Sovereign Grand Commander, United Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction and Grand Master Of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Louisiana, Jno (John) G. Lewis, Jr. had died. When I attended his funeral in Baton Rouge a few days later, I decided to write this book. To quote my mentor, Kenneth Roberts from his book “I wanted to write” “… I went back to revising Arundel again, starting from the beginning. That revision, which had begun on the twelfth of May, was not finished until October 18. I re-read the book and re-read it and re-read it, with each re-reading catching repetitions, redundancies and awkward phrase… I have no record of the number of times that book was read in longhand manuscripts revision, typescripts revision. Galley proofs revisions, page revisions, and then again in type, galley proof and page proof and for the revised edition. Certainly it was read more then ninety times. This is set down, not in admiration at my efforts or amazement of my staying qualities, but solely by way of suggesting that there’s more in writing than meets the eye, or than the aspiring writer can obtain from a series of lectures on How to Do It.” I echo the comments of Kenneth Roberts, writing is hard work. When I wrote the Louisiana book I had no computer where paragraphs could be moved around, and changes made effortless, with a checker to catch the misspelled words. I wrote the work on an old beat up typewriter, and if not for the love of the subject the ancient machine, by today’s standard, carried me though. Below are my journal entries of that work.
31 Dec 79: I photocopied letters from Sovereign Grand Commander John G. Lewis, Jr., to Lt. Colonel (LTC) Harvey Newton Brown. Copies of Brown’s letter to Dr. Lewis already on file in my collection of research data that I have been building..
1 Jan 80. I wrote LTC Harvey Brown, El Paso, Texas and Dr. Charles H. Wesley, Washington, DC requesting their suggestions on how to use the various materials received on Dr. Lewis. Requested materials Dr. Wesley had on hand. Wrote Oxford University Press seeking John W. Blassingame’s “Black New Orleans 1860-1880”.
4 Jan: Received photograph of Bro. Jordon B. Noble’s drum from Louisiana State Museum. (I had learned of Bro. Nobles use of the drum during the Battle of New Orleans). Put all of the letters from John G. Lewis, Jr. to me, and my letters to him from 1974-1979 in a separate folder. They make for some interesting reading.
5 Jan: Wrote Robert R. McDonald, Director, Louisiana State Museum for permission to publish the photo of Bro. Nobles drum from the Battle of New Orleans.
7 Jan: Picked up two books “Louisiana in the War of 1812” by Powell A. Casey, which had photo of the “Noble Drum” and “War, Politics and Reconstruction” by Henry Clay Warmoth. It is doubtful they will be of any use.
9 Jan: Received the proceedings of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia 1870-81 (in-complete) still searching to fill in the blank spots I am missing concerning the Prince Hal Grand Lodge of Louisiana. The reason for the Virginia records is to learn what the C.C.F.C.’s reported on La.
15 Jan: Received letter from Louisiana State Museum granting permission to reproduce the photograph of Bro Noble’s drum.
16 Jan: Received a second letter from La. State Museum granting same permission on a one time basis.
19 Jan: Picked up photo of the “Plumbline” (the official organ of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Louisiana) with comments on the announcement of the death of John G. Lewis, Jr.
23 Jan: Received scrapbook from Mrs. Jackson of Baron Rouge the secretary to Grand Master Lewis. The scrapbook belonged to Bro. Lewis, and is much better than the last one she sent me. Will have to study this one and make notes.
28 Jan: Mailed the proceedings of the P.H. Grand Lodge of Virginia back to the Iowa Masonic Library. Don’t expect to return to the John G. Lewis, Jr. book until late next month, as my “Black Square & Compass” work is taking up my time.
1 Feb: Received a letter from Grand Master Earle Bradford, inviting me to the Louisiana Grand Lodge session June 21-26 at Lake Charles, La. He included an invitation to stop in Baton Rouge or New Orleans to look through the literature and documents of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Master sent a copy of a letter he had sent to the Louisiana State Archives Record Division seeking to borrow the microfilm, “Register of Free Persons of Color in New Orleans 1840 – 1864 for me. (I had asked him to write the letter to help in my research). I think this might be of some help to my efforts.
6 Feb: Sent off to the Iowa Masonic Library for the Proceedings of the National Grand Lodge for 1874. So far only have one source for the second Black Grand Lodge in Louisiana, but nothing to show the source of its authorization.
9 Feb: Answered Grand Master Bradford’s letter, stated if the Grand Lodge would sponsor my trip, I would be there. I was hoping to spend at least one day in New Orleans and a couple of days in Baton Rouge, during my stay in Louisiana.
11 Feb: Received from the Iowa Masonic Library the early proceedings of North Carolina. Only found one item of interest concerning Louisiana and made photo copy.
25 Feb: Received a letter from Grand Master Bradford, stating he was pleased over my up coming visit to Grand Lodge, but that Mrs. Jackson, the administrative assistant and Bro Samuel Jenkins would be busy preparing for Grand Lodge.
29 Feb: I answered Grand Master Bradford’s letter. I still wanted to come to Louisiana basically to do research, and did not really need to meet with Mrs. Jackson or Bro. Jenkins.
1 Mar: Typed and completed Chapter 1, “In the beginning – Eureka!” 20 typed pages and 47 footnotes. The footnotes could be nearly as long as the chapter itself. What are missing is the important biographies of the individuals of note during the early days of the Grand Lodge, especially Parsons, Lewis, Dunn, Berry and Nobles. So there is much work to do on this chapter. Made a number of corrections and additions, and I think it is greatly improved.
12 Mar: Going over my manuscript of the John Lewis book making pen and ink changes. Attempting to strengthen what I have done over all. . I need biographies on the actors who formed the Grand Lodge.
15 Mar: Typed seven pages of the Lewis book which when completed will be sent to Grand Master Bradford to review, he continues to make important comments on the work that I send him. I wrote Bradford that I would come to Louisiana in July to do additional research.
17 Mar: Once I complete Chapter One and its footnotes; will tackle the history of the National Grand Lodge, and from there a brief on the second Grand Lodge which it seems Berry created without any authority. At least at this time and place I can find no authority.
18 Mar: It seems that Berry had a “thing” about having a lodge named after him. It looks like Berry was strange, a little power hungry. But it is not for me to say. Wish I could find out more about his private life.
20 Mar: It seems that the references for this Chapter will be quite long, as there is much information, details and explanations needed. I believe in fact, my notes and references for Chapter One will run more than 40 footnotes.
21 Mar: Continue to re-write and add to Chapter One. This Grand Lodge went through pure hell its first five years. It is unbelievable. When I type it up, I will send a photocopy to Louisiana to Grand Master Bradford, but not the footnotes.
22 Mar: Typed approximately 14 more pages of Chapter One, adding and correcting as I go along. Sent after the book Issac Blair Evans, “ The Thomson Masonic Fraud” from the Iowa Masonic Library. It deals with Masonic fraud in Louisiana to see if there is anything of interest I can add to my work. It deals with the Caucasian clandestine side of the house.
24 Mar: I continue to have some concerns as I don’t have materials on the private lives of those who organized the Grand Lodge. Who was John Parson? I read some where that he was a barber. Is this true? Who was Banks? What was their occupation? Surely they had to be outstanding individuals in events that began before the Civil War.
26 Mar: Completed typing Chapter One and began typing the footnotes. Once this is done I can get back to Chapter Two – “The National Grand Lodge.”
27 Mar: Made copies of Chapter One to be sent to Grand Master Bradford in Baton Rouge, and I cautioned him not to reproduce the manuscript. Did not send the footnotes.
I need to begin writing something every day if nothing but a page or two.
10 Apr: Received my Manuscript back from Louisiana, with a letter from Grand Master Bradford praising the first chapter. I need to begin writing something every day if nothing but a page or two. But I have so much mail and other things going on at the same time. Oh well!
11 Apr: Completed finally the reference pages to Chapter One. It was a mess, as I had the notes scattered all over my work book. Included sketches on the life and death of Oscar Dunn. I am pleased with the reference notes, but pledge never again to scatter them as I did. Now I feel I can finally go with the book. Reference notes come to eight pages. Not bad. Began Chapter two – “Nationalism” and completed seven typed pages. Quite happy with the progress and feel this chapter will not take long.
14 Apr: Completed pages 8 and 9 of Chapter two, did a draft of two additional pages, and set it aside as I need to compose a final ending of the chapter. I will give it some thought, as I prepare for Chapter 3. A mystery has come up! It seems that Oscar Dunn may have served as Grand Master twice, 1864 – 7, and 1869 – 70. Not sure of that, will need further research to learn the truth.
15 Apr: Have begun Chapter 3. Wrote three additional pages, to be added to the work, however much work needs to be done on it. I am not happy with the name of the Chapter “The Second Grand Lodge and Union.” Too long, might want to call it “Union” instead. We shall see.
16 Apr: Worked on bits and pieces, building a foundation for Chapter 3. Will call it “A Time to Heal” and base it around the yellow fever epidemic of 1877, as this seemed to have pulled the two Grand Lodges together, with financial contributions coming from various Prince Hall Grand Lodges across the country.
18 Apr: Went to the Command and General Staff Library at Fort Leavenworth, and pulled out two volumes of the Journal of Negro History reference Louisiana both articles by A. E. Perkins, also Edwin Adam Davis’s “Louisiana: A Narrative History”, There are some biographical outlines in both. I also, made a copy of the Proceedings of the Masonic Congress which was held in Chicago, September 4-6, 1877. This was found in my microfilm of the Proceedings of Missouri for 1877.
19 Apr: Sent once again to the Iowa Masonic Library for the early proceedings of Louisiana and Ohio, as I want to include this Masonic Congress into chapter 3. Began to re-read “War, Politics and Reconstruction” by Governor Henry Clay Warmoth, seeking more information on Louisiana.
24 Apr: Received a letter from Grand Master Bradford. He doubts that Oscar Dunn was Grand Master in 1870. He further wrote correctly that the yellow fever had more to do with bringing the two grand lodges together, than any thing else.
29 Apr: Interested in bringing information on the Supreme Council of Louisiana to help close out the chapter as well as its recognition by the Grand Orient of France, and the fact that the Caucasian Grand Lodges in America broke off intercourse with it, because it recognized the Supreme Council of La which had allowed Blacks to be initiated. I think it will be a most interesting chapter with the above and the National Grand Lodge as well. Think it will lead into Chapter three and the formation of Union Grand Lodge. Also want to try to find out why Oscar Dunn became Grand Master the second time. It is quite a mystery.
2 May: Wrote Grand Master Bradford mentioning the number of members of his Grand Lodge who were involved in the affairs of the State of La. I also requested the microfilm “Free Persons of Color” to be sent to me. Explained that his Grand Lodge gave a dispensation to a Spanish speaking lodge to work the degrees of the Scottish Rite, and spoke briefly of the yellow fever epidemic of 1877-78.
3 May: Wrote John W. Blassingame , seeking information where I could locate his book “Black New Orleans 1860-1880, as well as Charles Vincent book . Wrote Yale University where Blassingame is a Professor of History. Keeping my fingers crossed that the letter will reach him, as this is the second time I have written.
5 May: Added three hand written pages to chapter two and another three pages of footnotes. It has taken me some time to come up with the completion of this chapter, and finally decided how this can be accomplished. These three pages complete the history of the National Grand Lodge generally. To continue the chapter will introduce the other Masonic body , the Supreme Council of Louisiana and will present its history and its involvement with Eureka Grand Lodge and the Grand Orient of France. I think this will wind up this chapter with a bang.
19 May: I called the Iowa Masonic Library and asked them to see if they could locate anything on the Supreme Council of La. I received the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of La 1863 – 69 again, so I checked on the Supreme Council of La. As well as the Constitution and by-laws of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, to see if it gave a reason for Oscar Dunn returning to the Grand East again in 1870. However, there is nothing in the proceedings to clear up the mystery.
21 May: Received a letter from William Durow Assistant Librarian of the Iowa Masonic Library. He said he could not find any thing on the Supreme Council of Louisiana. That was very disappointing.
26 May: Completed Chapter Two and will begin work on Chapter 3 “A Time to Heal:, which will deal with the death of Dunn, the formation of the second Grand Lodge, the yellow fever epidemic and the union of the two Grand Lodges.
29 May: Added another page and a half to Chapter 2 concerning the Supreme Council of La and the “claimed” visit to it by Grand Master Oscar Dunn and Lewis Banks together with 26 other “colored” (Prince Hall) brethren. The claim I was sure was false, as Dunn had issued an edict forbidden any correspondence with that body. I will continue to look at that organization to see if any thing further can be added later.
31 May: Completed the entire draft of Chapter 3. A total of 14 handwritten pages and an additional ten footnote pages to add to the work. The death of Dunn takes up 4 ⅓ pages of footnotes. I am rather well pleased with the results.
2 Jun: Began putting together bits and pieces of information for the next chapter which for the time being I will call “Expansion”, which begins with the election of Colonel Lewis, the new order and the demise of the old order. John Parsons, 1st Grand Master, Jacob Norger Past Grand Master, James B. Berry 1st Grand Master of Union Grand Lodge, etc. It must be noted, in an apparent turn about the new Grand Lodge established relations with the Supreme Council of La. Also the chartering of “Nuevo Mundo” (New World) Lodge to work the Scottish Rite in Spanish. I decided to introduce the father, John G. Lewis in this chapter. May go back to the other chapter (two) and bring him up in the background.
4 Jun: J. Henri Burch, C.C.F.C. (Chairman, Committee on Foreign Correspondence) remains an outstanding officer of Eureka Grand Lodge. By 1883 Eureka Grand Lodge begins to number its annual communication from its beginning in 1863, rather then from its union.
5 Jun: Calvin F. Ladd becomes Grand Master and holds this office for ten outstanding years. During this period the Grand Lodge makes much progress. I also note that M. W. J. Henry Webb Grand Master of the Bahamas Island and Deputy to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Grand Master of England visited the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Illinois. I found that visit interesting and decided to throw it in as a blurb though it had nothing to do with Louisiana. Webb had caught a taxi and asked to be taken to the White Grand Lodge of Illinois. The taxi driver may have thought it funny to drop him off where the Blacks were meeting. I would suppose it was quite a shock when Webb alarmed the door and found nothing but Black folks there. Another shocker, was to learn that John G. Lewis (Sr.) was suspended for non payment of dues. This is a natural way to close this chapter, as the next can recount his return and rise to power.
7 Jun: Completed 10 pages of Chapter 4, handwritten pages with footnotes included. Here I just touched the surface. Call it “Expansion” and will follow Charles H. Wesley’s lead from his Ohio history and give all names of the new lodge officers. Included the Supreme Council of La. And the Grand Orient of France minutes. This chapter will be very lengthy and same with its footnotes.
9 Jun: Completed 16 pages in six hours. I added the biography of Robert B. Elliott, Past Grand Master of South Carolina as he installed Calvin F. Ladd into office. Presently on page 26, and still have a ways to go before I complete the chapter. Renamed the chapter “Expansion and Calvin F. Ladd”, however, don’t know how that will work out.
10 Jun: Decided to adopt a change. I note that I wanted to adopt the styled of Kenneth Roberts (I wanted to write (NY, Doubleday & Co., 1949) who also hand writes his drafts using a, b, c. to number his pages, that is 1a, 1b, 1c, which I would think equals one printed page of a book. I decided to read through Bro. Charles H. Wesley’s History of Ohio for pointers. Found quite a lot of helpful hints, I could use. Bro. Wesley goes into much more detail direct from the proceedings than I do. I will adopt this method as well. Received the proceedings of the Caucasian Grand Lodge of New York and noted its report on the Grand Orient of France and the Supreme Council of Louisiana.
12 Jun: Did a little more work on the draft of Chapter 4 which I now call “Building a Permanent Foundation”. I borrowed the title from Dr. Wesley’s history of Ohio. I really couldn’t think of anything else, so plan to go ahead with it. Re-read Charles Wesley chapter of the same name, and will follow his format as it is much better than mine.
17 Jun: Learned why Grand Master Ladd stepped down as Grand Master, he had the grippe which had all but restricted his carrying out his duties. The next Grand Master Ellis A. Williams M.D. seems to also be an interesting subject.
18 Jun: Grand Master Bradford seeking information on the proceedings of 1882, and the “Masonic” windows of St. James AME Church in New Orleans. I had informed him that the widows were presented to the church by the Grand Lodge, and there was much controversy over it by other Prince Hall Grand Lodges.
19 Jun: Began re-writing Chapter 4 and wrote up to page 2a. It will be slow going, need to present more on the Supreme Council of La and the Grand Orient of France and why the Grand Lodge renewed fraternal relationship.
20 Jun: Re-wrote several pages of Chapter 4 and prepared for an initial typing.
21 Jun: Typed 23 pages of Chapter 4 and all in all rather pleased with the results. Still have a little ways to go on the administration of Calvin Ladd.
26 Jun: Learned that PGM E. A. Williams was later discovered to be a fraud, and became involved with the National Grand Lodge and began setting up lodges in La. He was brought up on Masonic charges. He disgraced himself.
27 Jun: Drafted in a few pages on the suspension of John G. Lewis (Sr.), What I have presented is my concept of what happened, as well as to present the words of John G. Lewis himself which I think backs up my view. It should make for some interesting reading.
28 Jun: Received from the Iowa Masonic Library, proceedings of Louisiana 1883 – 92, 1893 – 99, I was missing the years 1892 – 93. I received two articles by James Carter Corbin, C.C.F.C. of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Arkansas which I found quite worthy of consideration. The articles were written in 1855 and 1896.
2 Jul: Typed all of chapter 2 and the reference notes, rather well pleased with the results, though I think the ending stops too bluntly.
3 Jul: Typed up chapter 3 a very short chapter of only a few pages, don’t know what else I can do with it. I noted the following quote from William Huehlmann: “Nothing is as destructive to a writer’s self esteem – and ultimately his ability – as shoddy craftsmanship. Make it well. Whether or not the thing lasts, the care you have taken will be the measure not only of your talent, but of your integrity.”
5 Jul: Completed five typed pages of Chapter 4 and moving to a close of the administration of Grand Master Ladd. I received a letter from Grand Master Bradford concerning my up coming trip to Louisiana.
12 Jul: Typed and completed Chapter 4, a total of 44 pages. I began typing the references which will take a considerable number of pages.
14 Jul: Received “Masonry in Louisiana: A Sesquentennial History 1812 – 1962” by Glen Lee Green and the Proceedings of the Caucasian Grand Lodge of La. 1871 - 72. I always try to read the Caucasian Masonic History if I can to see their response to Prince Hall Freemasonry. Received also “Black New Orleans 1860 – 1880” by John W. Blessingame, Lawrence Block wrote “If you want to write fiction, the best thing you can do is take two aspirin, lie down in a dark room and wait for the feeling to pass.” Of course I wasn’t writing fiction.
17 Jul: Completed about 8 pages of footnotes for Chapter 4, most on the Supreme Council of La. and the Grand Orient of France. It is important that it be received to show, that race, and nothing other than race was the cause of the break with the Grand Orient of France, by the White Masons, though Caucasian Masonry would declare of course this was not the reason.
19 Jul: Completed all of the references to the Chapter 4 a total of 15 pages. I called Sovereign Grand Commander Clayborn who was in Jefferson City, Missouri to inform him that I was going to Louisiana to do research on my book.
25 Jun: Returned the proceedings of the Caucasian Grand Lodge of La. to the Iowa Masonic Library. I was able to use a number of items from their 1871 report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence in regards to the Supreme Council of La. and the Grand Orient of France, to include Bro. Drummond of Maine calling Prince Hall Lodges as “Niggers”. A nice guy!
26 Jun: Arrived in New Orleans, met by Grand Master Bradford. Visited the grave sites of Bro P.B.S. Pinchback, and Bro Oscar Dunn, both important Brethren of Eureka Grand Lodge. We next visited the St. James. A.M.E. Church and attempted to take a photograph of the window donated by the Grand Lodge. Bradford noted that he had been in that church many times, but never knew the window was donated by his Grand Lodge in the early days, when it was Eureka Grand Lodge. Afterwards I took photo’s of the Bi-Centennial Prince Hall Commemorative stone marker on a busy street in downtown. Met with all of the current Grand Lodge officers living in the New Orleans area, and received a hearty endorsement of the Grand Lodge paying my expenses which I was happy to hear.
28 Jul: Spent the entire day at the Amistad Research Center. Arrived at 8:00 A.M, and departed at 4:00 P.M. They were kind enough to roll up a photocopier machine to my table and allowed me to make hundreds of copies without any financial charge. Found considerable amount of material. I learned of the relationship between the Grand Lodge and St. James A.M.E. Church. Will have to redo the first chapter to reflect, the fact that St. James AME was organized through the help of the Prince Hall Freemasons, Jacob Norager, who was from Denmark, James B, Berry and James Hunter. It was the building of the church began in 1848 that in all probability brought Rev. Thomas Stringer to New Orleans, and it was the two above plus Bro. Jordan Noble who received the dispensation to form Richmond Lodge No. 1. That evening I attended Eureka Consistory No. 7. Interesting enough it was probably named in honor of Eureka Grand Lodge and its number 7 is the same number of my Consistory Kansas City No. 7, somewhere in between there is an interesting story why these two Masonic bodies carry the same number. I found myself some what tired.
29 Jul: Traveled to Baton Rouge with Grand Master Bradford. I spent the day at Grand Master Lewis’ office. I found a copy of the proceedings of 1881 that I was missing which will help me to tie up some loose ends. Discovered that Grand Master Lewis had all of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge microfilmed, what a wonderful idea, I wish all of the Prince Hall Grand Lodges would do the same. I met with Bro. Samuel P. Jenkins of the Fraternal Press, which prints the “Plumbline” the oldest continual official organ in Prince Hall Freemasonry. What an interesting and dedicated Freemason he is. I also met with Bro Sadler, a Past Master of my lodge, King Solomon No. 15, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He had become disgusted with Masonry and left it. What a loss.
30 Jul: Stopped by Louisiana State University Press and purchased Charles Vincent “Black Legislators in Louisiana during Reconstruction” and C. Peter Ripley “Slaves and Freeman in Civil War Louisiana”. Visited the grave of John G. Lewis, Jr., and returned to Fraternal Press. Spent the remaining of the day at the Masonic Grand Lodge, where I spent time in the large Masonic library, which was fully stocked and impressive. Noticed all of the volumes of Ars Quatuor Coronatorum , Transaction of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, London, England, from volume 1 to date. I made the suggestion that they hire a student from the campus to set up the library for 3 credit hours. Visited Southern University seeking more research data, and interviewed Mrs. Lewis.
31 Jul: Returned to LSU Press and purchased two books, Joe Gray Taylor’s Louisiana Reconstruction 1863 – 1877” and Howard Ashley White’s “The Freedman Bureau in Louisiana”. I spent most of the day going through the microfilm: “Register of Free Colored Persons 1840 - 1857”. I found a number of Prince Hall Masons on the microfilm rolls. I began examining some of the papers of John G. Lewis, Jr. There is so much only could look though some of the materials. Will have to return to Louisiana to do a more detail search effort No doubt that it will take about two weeks. I will have to attempt to get a grant from the United Supreme Council to help me return to do more research on Lewis. One thing for certain that the trip was more than worth while. I can not imagine any one attempting to write a book without visiting the site where the subject lived. Had supper with Past Master Ben and Theresa Sadler, she was always a great cook at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, they loved children, and worked very hard with the Missouri Prince Hall Builders an youth organization organized by my Grand Lodge. I am very tired, and look forward to returning home tomorrow.
1 Aug: Spent most of the day going through Harry Wilson – John G. Lewis, Jr. correspondence. I made a number of copies of their letters. As well as some work by Wilson that might be interesting to print in the Phylaxis Magazine. Think I will nominate the three Harry’s; that is, Harry A. Williamson, Harry E. Davis and Harry Wilson to the Phylaxis Hall of Fame. I visited Southtown Lodge No. 230. I may have encouraged enough brethren to form a Phylaxis Chapter to be named after Jno. G. Lewis, Jr..
2 Aug. I returned home, tired, but feeling good about all of the research material I had found during my trip to Louisiana.
4 Aug: Sent a copy of my book, “Black Square and Compass” to Lester Sullivan of Amistad Research Center for his help in assisting me during my research their. He was an enthused Caucasian that knew the history of Black Louisiana, and didn’t mind telling me all that he knew. I wrote the Secretary of State, Baton Rouge to confirm the incorporation of the Supreme Council of La. I also sent after the second volume of the “History of the AME Church” by Charles Spencer Smith. It contained information on the formation of the St. James AME Church in New Orleans, which I will include in my first chapter, as I re-write it.
15 Aug: Have been studying all of the research data that I brought back, and received a letter from Grand Master Bradford, that a Masonic member of St. James AME has documentation to the fact that Eureka Grand Lodge was established in St. James.
19 Aug: I wrote the New Orleans Public Library seeking information from the Register of Taxes for Jacob A. Norager, James Berry, John Parsons and Lewis Banks. I also asked about Gardners “New Orleans Directory of 1866 and 1880 concerning the same individuals. I wanted no stones unturned in my research effort. I answered Grand Master Bradfords letter to the fact that St. James AME Church was founded by Prince Hall Freemasons.
22 Aug: Received a letter from the Secretary of State of La. That they had no record of the Incorporation of the Supreme Council of La, however in the photocopy portion attached to the letter they are listed, along with the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, then known as Eureka Grand Lodge and the Caucasian Grand Lodge of La. I sent letter requesting copies of the incorporation papers of the Supreme Council of La., and Eureka Grand Lodge. Persistence is the key to good research.
26 Aug: Completed reading Charles Vincent “Black Legislators in Louisiana during Reconstruction”. It was truly a source of much information for me. I will be using it for much background information.
25 Aug: I received a letter from Sovereign Grand Commander Dr. Clayborn in answer to my appeal for financial assistance to complete the book. He suggested that I submit a request for a grant from the Charitable Foundation. I filled out the forms that he sent me for $3,000 dollars, though I could not complete all of the questions they requested. There is no doubt about it I needed some financial assistance, if I was to return to Louisiana.
1 Sep: I received a letter from the New Orleans Public Library in answer to my first letter of inquiry to them. They sent information on the deaths of Lewis Banks, James B. Berry, Jacob Norager and John Parsons. All very helpful to my effort’s .to gather up all of the material I could find for my book.
5 Sep: Received the incorporation papers of the Eureka Grand Lodge of La, and the Supreme Council of La, with both of these documents signed by Oscar Dunn as Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate. The documents came from the Secretary of State.
8 Sep: Received a letter from Bro. Henry Dove, President of the Charitable Foundation of the United Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction, informing me that my request for $3,000 grant to assist in my research for my work on the Jno. G. Lewis, Jr. book could not be considered this year as it had arrived too late, but he would hold it over to next year. I expressed to him by mail that I knew that my request was late when I sent it, and was grateful that he would hold it over until the next year.
22 Sep. Received information on Lewis Banks from the New Orleans Public Library, that he died Saturday, June 30, 1900 at age 60.an important piece of information that would find its way in my book.
11 Oct: Departed for Florida for the United Supreme Council annual session in Orlando, and met with Dr. Clayborn, the Sovereign Grand Commander who informed me that the Charitable Foundation approved my request for a grant and they would pick up the tab so I could return back to Louisiana and further research on this work concerning their Past Sovereign Grand Commander.
28 Nov: Finally received copies of the death certificate of Jacob A. Norager and James B. Berry. I can not understand the reason for the long delay. Norager’s certificate raises more questions then it answers. He was a native of Denmark, yet behind his name is “Col” which could be a military rank of “Colonel” or it could be “Colored”. I would think it means “Colored”. J.A. Rogers wrote concerning “ Demark”: “James Dietz in his autobiography (1655 – 1738) tells of his instance of intermarriage in Denmark. He says, “I was greatly amazed when we came at night to a great noble’s house, where we found a coal-black, finely dressed woman and three tawny-yellow children. Everything was magnificent. I should never have dreamed that this was the wife of Master Gansberger …. He had married this lady, his wife, at the King’s Court, she being of Moorish origin.” (“Sex and Race: Negro – Caucasian Mixing in all Ages and all Lands”, Vol. 1 (NY, J.A. Rogers, 1967) P. 192. Perhaps, I should not have been surprised that the good Brother was born in Denmark.
11 Dec: I wrote once again for a copy of the death certificate of John Parson. Included were photocopies of all checks that I had sent to the Office of Vital Records, New Orleans to show that I had already paid for what I had requested.
12 Dec: I decide to leave this work, Jno. G. Lewis, Jr. – End of an Era, for a while, however it is within my very soul, and screaming to come out, to be placed on paper, to be shared with the world. However any good writer knows that he must set the work aside for a few days, and then return to it. I do not know of any one else who would do it better than me, as I learn my craft as I go along.. Yet I feel I must wait until January to approach the work again. To approach the work with a fresh outlook that would be needed to revitalize me. Each day, my thoughts return to the manuscript and this is good, as this will be my “masterpiece,” if there is such a thing. The true history and life of an outstanding Freemason and his family, father and brother, and their involvement with the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, for over three quarters of a century makes us all proud to be Prince Hall Freemasons.
20 Dec: Wrote Grand Master Bradford for his help in procuring research data from the New Orleans Public Library. He suggested that I should contact his wife for help. I will see if this materializes. Also wrote to the University (my Journal does not give the name) seeking to find out what they had in there Special Division Section and collection.
To be continued.