The Civil War years

 

Returning to G. Haven Stephens's article, we learn about the Worshipful Masters who led the lodge through the years of and immediately following the Civil War.

"Masonry was passing through a trying time caused by the Civil War and its effects.  The business of the lodge was taken over by Hiram Beckwith, one of a family which had played an important part in the early history of Danville and whose father’s first name was the source of the name of Danville, (Dan Beckwith).  He was elected in 1863, at a time when every strong healthy man of proper age had answered the call of his country.  Many received their degrees in a limited time before going.

General Carnahan, who distinguished himself as a soldier, was one of those who had all degrees conferred on him in one day.  Dues were remitted on all men in the service and the lodge sent supplies and clothing at various times for their comfort.  It was a trying time but Masonry weathered the storm and proved in every way that its members were loyal, true Americans, fighting for one cause—the saving of the Union.

City’s First Dentist Is Master

In 1865, Jasper C. Winslow became master of the lodge.  He was a lineal descendant of Governor Winslow of the Massachusetts Bay colony, a Mayflower descendant.  One of the first locomotive engineers in the United States, he came to Danville as master mechanic of the Wabash Railroad when the division point was moved from State Line here.  Later, he became the first dentist in our city.  He was the first mayor under the present charter and organized and was a vestryman of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

With his other talents, he was a naturalist and his geological researches embraced matters which will be forever a part of geological science.  He was known as a man who was a leader in all things looking to the betterment of the community and his brethren as the lodge cooperated in all his undertakings. He was so successful in his leadership as master that he was honored by being reelected year after year and Masonry went forward, becoming a greater influence than ever for the upbuilding of all good things in the community.

The record of W. D. Reynolds, the next master, merits some space in this brief history.  He became the master following Jasper C. Winslow.  He was a jeweler and opened the first jewelry store in Danville.  This was an innovation for the town and proved a busy place in the business district."