The History of Lodge # 143
Madisonville Lodge # 143 was installed on December 14th, 1844. The lodge started when the town of Madisonville was only 37 years old. It was the first lodge to be chartered in Hopkins County. The first meeting of lodge # 143 was held in the Methodist church. When the lodge went to refreshment, it was moved to the home of Mr. W.M. Hart where a pancake breakfast was served. The cost of membership in 1844 was $2.00 per member. The first officers were:
- W.M. Miller Master
- John Barrett Senior Warden
- Newton Headley Junior Warden
- Hugh McNary Treasurer
- Daniel Brooks Secretary
- James Akean Senior Deacon
- J.B. Barnhill Junior Deacon
- Christoper Witzell Steward and Tyler
W.M. Miller - Founding Master-1844
The genealogy of the lodge carries with it many distinctions throughout the historical record. Madisonville Lodge # 143 members that served in war held significance in the records. Some of the oldest are as follows:
Mexican War - 1848
Thomas W. Campbell
Civil War - 1861 to 1865
The Blue The Grey
George N. Shackleford William B. Arnold
James M. Shackleford Thomas W. Campbell
Clifton Slaton Cpt. John H. Christy
E.R. Simons Cpt. L.D. Hookersmith
Polk Lafoon Sr.
Joesepsh White
Spanish American War - 1898
James L. Birchfield
Thomas E. Finley
Dr. E.B. Hardin
E.B. Hamblet
Polk Lafoon
Walter Powers
Harry Scott
The Madisonville Lodge has records dating back to the first lodge meeting on December 14th, 1844. These records are written in quill and are remarkably in good shape for their age. The picture below are the actual quill pen secretary's notes from the first meeting of Lodge # 143 in 1844.
The lodge was held at various locations until they purchased the current building where the lodge resides. Cornerstone of the building was laid on August 17th, 1907.
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