SkiKing76
Registered User
Hi all,
Here is a paper I wrote and presented in Lodge about Nathan P. Langford, a Mason from Minnesota and his role in bringing Masonry to Montana, the discovery of Yellowstone National Park and leading the Minnesota Historical Society. I hopy you enjoy it. Any mistakes or mis attributions are my own. Thanks.
Minnesota, Montana and Yellowstone: A common connection
Presented in Lodge May 7, 2014 – LEO Matthew Fuller, Minnehaha #165
Early Days
Many brothers have made their mark on the history of the United States. Brother Nathaniel Pitt Langford is one of those men.
Brother Langford was born in Westmoreland in upstate New York in 1832, and moved west to Minnesota in 1854, initially settling in the Lake Pepin area. By 1855 he was a cashier in the banking house of Marshall and Company. By 1858 he was cashier for the State Bank of Minnesota. Most importantly Langford was obtained his Masonic degrees in Minnesota during this time. This provides the starting point of our story.
Westward bound
In the early 1860’s Silver and gold was discovered in the West. By June of 1862 Langford set out for the Montana Territory as a member and officer of the Northern Overland Expedition to establish a wagon road to the Salmon River mine regions of the Rocky Mountains via Fort Benton.
Langford and the wagon train headed west through the plains with no serious challenges. As they neared the end of their journey a group of riders dressed as mountain men approached. The mountain men had no ill intentions and one rider struck up a conversation with the group. This rider inquired about the wagon train, its ownership, where it originated, and if there was a “H.A. Biff” as a member of their train. Langford over heard this and caught up with the rider, and offered him the token and word of a Master Mason. Having both identified each other as Masons they each had a man they could trust. Their talk turned to their lives, backgrounds and the town of Bannack, the mining town where Langford was headed.
Masonry in Montana – the “3”
As the journey grew towards it conclusion the expedition camped on the Mullan Road near the summit of the Rockies. The beauty of the spot so moved Langford, and knowing of two other Masons in the party, wished to commemorate their arrival. So with Brothers George Charlton and George Gere, also Minnesota Masons ascended the summit and held an informal lodge meeting. With Langford acting as Worshipful Master the first every lodge of Master Masons was held in Montana Monday September 23rd 1862. To this day Montana Masons meet at Mullan Pass in August to hold an annual outdoor lodge to remember and celebrate the event.
Vigilantes and the “77”
With the continued influx of miners and fortune seekers into the territory, the area grew faster than government could keep up. Miners soon found themselves being robbed and murdered by the “Road Agents”. This period of Montana history brings us to the “3-7-77” legend and its connections to Brother Langford and Masonry.
At this time Bannack was a lot like any other frontier town…tents came first then simple wooden buildings, sprouting up overnight. Saloons, along with a hotel, barber and stores and eventually the Masonic lodge. Brother Langford was part owner and builder of the saw mill in town. While growing Bannack was isolated and far from the territorial jurisdiction and without any form of government.
Langford sought out those he could trust – his fellow masons. One such person was Bro. William H. Bell, a mason from St. Louis. In November of 1862 Bell became sick with fever, and it was his last request to have a Masonic funeral conducted by Bro. Langford. Bell’s body was taken to a cabin of a Bro. CJ Miller, while Langford spread the word for the assistance of brothers in the area. So many brothers came they moved to a larger cabin. Langford conducted the ceremony with 76 brothers in attendance. Counting the deceased Bro. Bell these 76 brothers became the “77” in the “3-7-77”
Now these brothers realizing their numbers began to hold tyled lodge meetings in the security and secrecy of the mountains.
In 1863 a man named Henry Plummer, who came to Bannack, originally from New England by way of Nevada City. Plummer had been elected Marshall of Nevada City, but trouble in 1857 forced him to move on. Plummer gunned down a man in a claim of self defense, but the jury believed he was involved with the dead man’s wife. Convicted of murder, his health deteriorated and eventually received a pardon. By this time Plummer was a drinker, gambler and fighter, resulting in another man shot down. This time Plummer fled California into Washington State then into Montana Territory on the stories of the golden riches.
By now the lawlessness in the area was beginning to grow and the current sheriff wasn’t up to the task. Plummer used his smooth talking ways and experience as a lawman to be elected to the position in May of 1863. Plummer had charisma and intelligence, and could break up fights and settle disputes, but also had a personality that could turn on a dime. Plummer also wouldn’t allow anyone to challenge his authority as the “Law and Order” in town, to the point some wanted to nominate him to Deputy US Marshall for the Idaho Territory. Bro. Langford saw through this and blocked the nomination, earning the ire and hatred from Plummer.
Plummer, hearing of the Masonic meetings sent his spies to try to infiltrate the meetings only to turn away from the meetings. It was also at this time that Langford and other citizens pondered the idea that if Plummer was a Law and Order sheriff why was crime growing and not being deterred. The conclusion was reached that Plummer was somehow involved. It was also pointed out that Plummer was absent whenever a robbery occurred.
The fall of 1862 saw a flash point in the robbery and murder of a miner on stage. Other Stage riders suspected a certain local hoodlum. The community, including the masons, was outraged at the brutality of the killing and discussed what to do at length. The hoodlum was apprehended by a group of citizens from Virginia City (Bannack’s neighbors). Prior to this trial, a small group of citizens, all masons, met in secret. The outcome of this meeting was the formation of a vigilance committee. Seeing the need for a tightly bound group, seven members swore their allegiance to restore law and order to the area. On December 22, 1863 a oath of vigilance was administered by Wilber Sanders, nephew of the new Chief Justice of the territory, Sidney Edgerton. Both were masons from Ohio. Here we get the “7” in the “3-7-77”.
The Vigilance Committee numbers swelled with many Masons, including Langford, joining up.
The captured hoodlum, on the gallows, quickly gave up his compatriots, resulting in the capture of other outlaws. These outlaws in turn also talked, giving up their ring leader Plummer. A group of Vigilantes were dispatched to round up Plummer. Plummer did not flee, instead thought he could talk his way out of the situation. On January 10th, Plummer and some of his gang were hung on the Bannack Gallows.
It should be pointed out that the Vigilante movement continued into the 1870’s and eventually was driven down by the establishment of regular law enforcement and legal system. There is also doubt as to the true involvement of Plummer, as to whether he was guilty or not.
This legacy of the “3-7-77” persists to this day as a symbol of Montana History.
Yellowstone
Between 1864 and 1870 Bro. Langford was appointed Collector of Internal Revenue and National Bank Examiner for the Montana Territorial Government.
In 1870 Langford was a member of the Washburn-Langford-Doan expedition which explored the regions of northwestern Wyoming that would soon become Yellowstone National Park. During this expedition, members made detailed maps and observations of the Yellowstone area, including wildlife, mountain climbing and lake exploration. The group visited both the upper and lower Geyer Basins, and witnessed the regularity of one geyser, which was named “Old Faithful”. Langford and Doan scaled one mountain in the Absaroka Range, and eventually named Mt. Langford.
Bro. Langford was also named the first superintendent of the brand new Yellowstone National Park. There was no salary, no funding and no means to enforce laws against poachers, miners and others, causing Langford to leave the post, as needing to make a living, only entered the part twice in his five years as superintendant. Langford was forced out due to political pressure under the call of neglect in 1877.
Back in MN – MN Historical Society
Returning to Minnesota Bro. Langford began a new career as historian of the West. He wrought a number of books related to the Vigilantes, the exploration and development of Yellowstone. He also served as President of and on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Historical Society. Bro. Langford was also heavily involved in the establishment of Saint Anthony Park in St.Paul. His name graces a city park to this day. Langford died in October of 1911 and is buried in Oakland Cemetery in St.Paul.
Conclusion
Bro. Langford lived a full and exciting life. A lifelong Mason, Langford was instrumental in helping to establish Masonry in Montana, acting as Master of Helena Lodge No. 3, and as Grand Lodge Historian. There is evidence of Langford being involved with the Scottish rite in Minnesota as well in his later years.
His name is well known in Montana and in Minnesota, and we should dwell fondly on his legacy to the Brotherhood, the Craft and his impact on US History.
Sources:
1) Tim Bryce website, http://www.freemasoninformation.com/2009/04/montana-3-7-77-how-freemasonry-tamed-a-territory/
2) Wikipedia
Nathaniel P. Langford
Washburn-Langford-Doan Expedition
3-7-77
3) Minnesota Historical Society website, http://www2.mnhs.org/library/findaids/00805.xml
4) Grand Lodge of Montana Website, http://www.grandlodgemontana.org/
5) Bannack Lodge website, http://www.bannack3777.com/
6) Empson, Donald L. (2006) The Street Where you live. Minneapolis Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press, p.159 ISBN 978-0-8166-4729-3
Here is a paper I wrote and presented in Lodge about Nathan P. Langford, a Mason from Minnesota and his role in bringing Masonry to Montana, the discovery of Yellowstone National Park and leading the Minnesota Historical Society. I hopy you enjoy it. Any mistakes or mis attributions are my own. Thanks.
Minnesota, Montana and Yellowstone: A common connection
Presented in Lodge May 7, 2014 – LEO Matthew Fuller, Minnehaha #165
Early Days
Many brothers have made their mark on the history of the United States. Brother Nathaniel Pitt Langford is one of those men.
Brother Langford was born in Westmoreland in upstate New York in 1832, and moved west to Minnesota in 1854, initially settling in the Lake Pepin area. By 1855 he was a cashier in the banking house of Marshall and Company. By 1858 he was cashier for the State Bank of Minnesota. Most importantly Langford was obtained his Masonic degrees in Minnesota during this time. This provides the starting point of our story.
Westward bound
In the early 1860’s Silver and gold was discovered in the West. By June of 1862 Langford set out for the Montana Territory as a member and officer of the Northern Overland Expedition to establish a wagon road to the Salmon River mine regions of the Rocky Mountains via Fort Benton.
Langford and the wagon train headed west through the plains with no serious challenges. As they neared the end of their journey a group of riders dressed as mountain men approached. The mountain men had no ill intentions and one rider struck up a conversation with the group. This rider inquired about the wagon train, its ownership, where it originated, and if there was a “H.A. Biff” as a member of their train. Langford over heard this and caught up with the rider, and offered him the token and word of a Master Mason. Having both identified each other as Masons they each had a man they could trust. Their talk turned to their lives, backgrounds and the town of Bannack, the mining town where Langford was headed.
Masonry in Montana – the “3”
As the journey grew towards it conclusion the expedition camped on the Mullan Road near the summit of the Rockies. The beauty of the spot so moved Langford, and knowing of two other Masons in the party, wished to commemorate their arrival. So with Brothers George Charlton and George Gere, also Minnesota Masons ascended the summit and held an informal lodge meeting. With Langford acting as Worshipful Master the first every lodge of Master Masons was held in Montana Monday September 23rd 1862. To this day Montana Masons meet at Mullan Pass in August to hold an annual outdoor lodge to remember and celebrate the event.
Vigilantes and the “77”
With the continued influx of miners and fortune seekers into the territory, the area grew faster than government could keep up. Miners soon found themselves being robbed and murdered by the “Road Agents”. This period of Montana history brings us to the “3-7-77” legend and its connections to Brother Langford and Masonry.
At this time Bannack was a lot like any other frontier town…tents came first then simple wooden buildings, sprouting up overnight. Saloons, along with a hotel, barber and stores and eventually the Masonic lodge. Brother Langford was part owner and builder of the saw mill in town. While growing Bannack was isolated and far from the territorial jurisdiction and without any form of government.
Langford sought out those he could trust – his fellow masons. One such person was Bro. William H. Bell, a mason from St. Louis. In November of 1862 Bell became sick with fever, and it was his last request to have a Masonic funeral conducted by Bro. Langford. Bell’s body was taken to a cabin of a Bro. CJ Miller, while Langford spread the word for the assistance of brothers in the area. So many brothers came they moved to a larger cabin. Langford conducted the ceremony with 76 brothers in attendance. Counting the deceased Bro. Bell these 76 brothers became the “77” in the “3-7-77”
Now these brothers realizing their numbers began to hold tyled lodge meetings in the security and secrecy of the mountains.
In 1863 a man named Henry Plummer, who came to Bannack, originally from New England by way of Nevada City. Plummer had been elected Marshall of Nevada City, but trouble in 1857 forced him to move on. Plummer gunned down a man in a claim of self defense, but the jury believed he was involved with the dead man’s wife. Convicted of murder, his health deteriorated and eventually received a pardon. By this time Plummer was a drinker, gambler and fighter, resulting in another man shot down. This time Plummer fled California into Washington State then into Montana Territory on the stories of the golden riches.
By now the lawlessness in the area was beginning to grow and the current sheriff wasn’t up to the task. Plummer used his smooth talking ways and experience as a lawman to be elected to the position in May of 1863. Plummer had charisma and intelligence, and could break up fights and settle disputes, but also had a personality that could turn on a dime. Plummer also wouldn’t allow anyone to challenge his authority as the “Law and Order” in town, to the point some wanted to nominate him to Deputy US Marshall for the Idaho Territory. Bro. Langford saw through this and blocked the nomination, earning the ire and hatred from Plummer.
Plummer, hearing of the Masonic meetings sent his spies to try to infiltrate the meetings only to turn away from the meetings. It was also at this time that Langford and other citizens pondered the idea that if Plummer was a Law and Order sheriff why was crime growing and not being deterred. The conclusion was reached that Plummer was somehow involved. It was also pointed out that Plummer was absent whenever a robbery occurred.
The fall of 1862 saw a flash point in the robbery and murder of a miner on stage. Other Stage riders suspected a certain local hoodlum. The community, including the masons, was outraged at the brutality of the killing and discussed what to do at length. The hoodlum was apprehended by a group of citizens from Virginia City (Bannack’s neighbors). Prior to this trial, a small group of citizens, all masons, met in secret. The outcome of this meeting was the formation of a vigilance committee. Seeing the need for a tightly bound group, seven members swore their allegiance to restore law and order to the area. On December 22, 1863 a oath of vigilance was administered by Wilber Sanders, nephew of the new Chief Justice of the territory, Sidney Edgerton. Both were masons from Ohio. Here we get the “7” in the “3-7-77”.
The Vigilance Committee numbers swelled with many Masons, including Langford, joining up.
The captured hoodlum, on the gallows, quickly gave up his compatriots, resulting in the capture of other outlaws. These outlaws in turn also talked, giving up their ring leader Plummer. A group of Vigilantes were dispatched to round up Plummer. Plummer did not flee, instead thought he could talk his way out of the situation. On January 10th, Plummer and some of his gang were hung on the Bannack Gallows.
It should be pointed out that the Vigilante movement continued into the 1870’s and eventually was driven down by the establishment of regular law enforcement and legal system. There is also doubt as to the true involvement of Plummer, as to whether he was guilty or not.
This legacy of the “3-7-77” persists to this day as a symbol of Montana History.
Yellowstone
Between 1864 and 1870 Bro. Langford was appointed Collector of Internal Revenue and National Bank Examiner for the Montana Territorial Government.
In 1870 Langford was a member of the Washburn-Langford-Doan expedition which explored the regions of northwestern Wyoming that would soon become Yellowstone National Park. During this expedition, members made detailed maps and observations of the Yellowstone area, including wildlife, mountain climbing and lake exploration. The group visited both the upper and lower Geyer Basins, and witnessed the regularity of one geyser, which was named “Old Faithful”. Langford and Doan scaled one mountain in the Absaroka Range, and eventually named Mt. Langford.
Bro. Langford was also named the first superintendent of the brand new Yellowstone National Park. There was no salary, no funding and no means to enforce laws against poachers, miners and others, causing Langford to leave the post, as needing to make a living, only entered the part twice in his five years as superintendant. Langford was forced out due to political pressure under the call of neglect in 1877.
Back in MN – MN Historical Society
Returning to Minnesota Bro. Langford began a new career as historian of the West. He wrought a number of books related to the Vigilantes, the exploration and development of Yellowstone. He also served as President of and on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Historical Society. Bro. Langford was also heavily involved in the establishment of Saint Anthony Park in St.Paul. His name graces a city park to this day. Langford died in October of 1911 and is buried in Oakland Cemetery in St.Paul.
Conclusion
Bro. Langford lived a full and exciting life. A lifelong Mason, Langford was instrumental in helping to establish Masonry in Montana, acting as Master of Helena Lodge No. 3, and as Grand Lodge Historian. There is evidence of Langford being involved with the Scottish rite in Minnesota as well in his later years.
His name is well known in Montana and in Minnesota, and we should dwell fondly on his legacy to the Brotherhood, the Craft and his impact on US History.
Sources:
1) Tim Bryce website, http://www.freemasoninformation.com/2009/04/montana-3-7-77-how-freemasonry-tamed-a-territory/
2) Wikipedia
Nathaniel P. Langford
Washburn-Langford-Doan Expedition
3-7-77
3) Minnesota Historical Society website, http://www2.mnhs.org/library/findaids/00805.xml
4) Grand Lodge of Montana Website, http://www.grandlodgemontana.org/
5) Bannack Lodge website, http://www.bannack3777.com/
6) Empson, Donald L. (2006) The Street Where you live. Minneapolis Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press, p.159 ISBN 978-0-8166-4729-3
