Articles & Documents

Famous Masons L to Z

Throughout history some of the most influential men have been members of Freemasonry. Browse the list below to read more about these famous Masons. Use the alphabetical guide to skip to a particular letter.

L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

[L]

  • Ladd, Dr. Joseph - Pioneer in Rhode Island on behalf of the mentally retarded.
  • Lafayette, Marquis de - French soldier and politician, he took part in the American Revolution as a close supporter and friend of Brother George Washington.
  • Lake, Simon - Engineer who built the first submarine to operate successfully in open sea.
  • LaGuardia, Fiorello - American politician, the major airport in New York City is named in his honor.
  • Lamar, Joseph R. - US Supreme Court Justice
  • Lamar, Mirabeau B. - American politician and diplomat, he was the 2nd President of the Republic of Texas and later served as Minister to Nicaragua.
  • LaMay,Curtis E. - U.S. General
  • Land, Frank S. - In 1919, founded the Order of DeMolay, a fraternal organization for young men aged 12-21. Originally a group of fatherless boys, DeMolay quickly grew and was 'adopted' by Freemasonry in the United States. Today DeMolay is international in scope and millions of boys and men still refer to the founder of the Order as "Dad".
  • Laurens,Henry - Signer of the Articles of Confederation
  • Lawrence, J. B. - Vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention and Secretary-Treasurer of the Home Mission Board for 30 years.
  • Lawrence, James - A US Navy Captain at age 31, he bravely commanded the Chesapeake against the frigate Shannon in the War of 1812. He was buried with Masonic and military honors.
  • Lawton, Henry Ware - US Civil War Medal of Honor winner, he was a Major General at the famous charge of the Rough Riders at San Juan Hill by Bro. Col. Theodore Roosevelt. He was killed in a battle against insurgents in the Philippines and has been honored by them on a postage stamp issued in 1966.
  • Leidy, Joesph - Naturalist, known as the "father of American paleontology".
  • LeJeune, John A. - Major General, U.S. Marine Corps and 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps (1920-1949) he earned the proud title of "the greatest leatherneck of them all".
  • Lemon, Mark - English founder and Editor of Punch Magazine
  • Leopold I - King of Belgium
  • Lewis,John L. - Labor Leader
  • Lewis, Meriwether - American soldier and explorer who, with fellow Mason William Clark conducted the first overland exploration of the West and Pacific Northwest. He also served as Governor of the Louisiana Territory and was proclaimed a National Hero. He was the first Master of St. Louis Lodge #111.
  • Lillie, Gordon - "Pawnee Bill" - US Frontiersman and showman, an occasional partner to Mason "Wild Bill" Cody
  • Lincoln, Elmo - First actor to play 'Tarzan of the Apes' (1918)
  • Lindbergh, Charles - American aviator who made the first solo transatlantic flight.
  • Lipton, Sir Thomas - British merchant and yacht racer who opened a successful chain of grocery stores in Great Britain and established tea processing factories in England and the US.
  • Liszt, Franz - Composer
  • Livingston, Robert R. - American statesman and diplomat, he was a member of the Continental Congress, was on the committee which drew up the Declaration of Independence and was a co-negotiator for purchase of Louisiana Territory.
  • Lloyd, Harold C. - Entertainer and American silent film actor
  • Long, Odel Squier - Clerk of the Supreme Court of West Virginia for 30 years.
  • Lord, John Wesley - Bishop, United Methodist Church
  • Lott, Trent - US Senator from Mississippi and former Senator Majority Leader.
  • Loving, Oliver - "Dean of the Texas trail-drivers". The Goodnight-Loving Trail was named in his honor.
  • Low,Titus - Methodist Council of Bishops President
  • Lyons, Theodore A. - Baseball pitcher who struggled to bring credibility back to the shattered Chicago White Sox out of their scandal-ridden period in the early 1900s.

[M]

  • MacArthur, General Douglas - A former US Chief of Staff, he commanded the Allied Forces in the South Pacific during World War II. He promised the Filipino people "I shall return" to save them from the occupying Japanese Forces. He was ultimately removed from military leadership by another Mason, President Harry S. Truman.
  • MacDonald, Sir John A. - The first Prime Minister of the Dominion of Canada (1867-1873 and 1878-1891 when he died in office). Began the creation of rail service across Canada.
  • MacLean, John B. - Founder of MacLeans Magazine.
  • Macoy, Robert - Publisher and organizer of Eastern Star
  • Macquarie, Lauchlan - Major General and the first governor in Chief of New South Wales. During his twelve years in office he raised NSW from a prison camp to a thriving colony.
  • Macy, Rowland Hussey - Owner of a small dry goods store in Haverhill, Massachusetts, he was the founder of R. H. Macy & Company, New York City.
  • Malmskog, William - First amputee firefighter in California history.
  • Marsh, Daniel L. - (1880-1968) Clergyman and Educator. President of Boston University, 1925-1952; Chancellor of Boston University, 1951-1968; Doctorates from many colleges and universities but was a down-to-earth and friendly person. The huge dome of Marsh Chapel named in his honor dominates the campus of Boston University on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston.
  • Marsh, Henry - First Black Mayor of Richmond, Virginia (1977)
  • Marshall, George C. - American soldier, diplomat and politician. He served as Secretary of State from 1947-1949 and organized the European Recovery Plan most often referred to as the "Marshall Plan" for which he received the 1953 Nobel Peace Prize.
  • Marshall, James W. - Discovered Gold at Sutter's Mill California 1848
  • Marshall, John - A former Grand Master of his Grand Lodge (Virginia), he served as Chief Justice U.S. Supreme Court 1801 - 1835 and firmly established the judiciary branch of US government.
  • Marshall, Peter - Presbyterian pastor of churches in Georgia & Washington, DC, Chaplain of the US Senate and author of such books as 'Mr. Jones, Meet the Master'. His biography is entitled "A Man Called Peter".
  • Marshall, Thomas R. - 22nd Vice President of the United States.
  • Marshall, Thurgood - The first Black to be appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States
  • Marx, Harpo - Entertainer
  • Mason, William Castein - A physician who practiced both medicine and Masonry actively in his native city of Bangor, Maine from the date of his graduation from Harvard University to the day he laid down his working tools. The statement is literally true for within 48 hours of his passing, he performed an extremely difficult operation of which 30 years before he was one of the founders. Named in his honor is the main auditorium of Maine's second largest hospital where he practiced all his life. (Mason Auditorium at Eastern Maine Medical Center.)
  • Massey, Hart - Massey-Ferguson farm equipment
  • Mathews, Stanley - US Supreme Court Justice
  • Mathewson, Christopher "Christy" - Sportsman
  • Mayer, Louis B. - Film producer who merged to form Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
  • Maynard, David S. "Doc" - Pioneer settler doctor who named the city of Seattle, Washington. He helped create the Washington Territory.
  • Maynard,Ken - Actor
  • Mayo, Dr. Charles - One of the brothers who began the world-famous Mayo Clinic, recognized as the first 'medical group practice' in the United States.
  • Maytag, Fredrick - Headed the company which produced farm equipment, the now little-known Maytag car and the first washing machine capable of being operated by an outside power source.
  • McAdam,John L. - Roads
  • McCall, Abner V. - President, Chancellor and President-Emeritus of Baylor University in Texas, he also served as the First Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention (1979-80) and a long-time leader of the Organization of Baptist Colleges and Universities. He wrote "In thousands of meetings of Freemasons and of Baptists stretching back 60 years, I have seen nothing that made my belief and work in the Fraternity of Freemasons incompatible with my belief and work as a member of a Southern Baptist church."
  • McCarthy, Glenn H. - Famous Houston oilman, known as "king of the wildcatters"; built the Shamrock Hotel and was the basis for the character of Jett Rink played by James Dean in the 1956 film "Giant"."
  • McCown, John - Confederate General who died while attending his lodge meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas
  • McCoy, Clyde L. - Inventor of the 'wah-wah- trumpet and talented musical arranger.
  • McHenry, James - Was a surgeon in the American Revolution and private secretary to Generals Washington and Lafayette. Fort McHenry, Maryland, of "Star Spangled Banner" fame was named after this U.S. Secretary of War.
  • McKenzie, Dr. Parker Paul - A Kiowa Indian, he created an alphabet and recorded the words, grammar and syntax to provide a written language for Kiowa. At the time of his death in 1999, he was the oldest living Kiowa.
  • McKinley, William - The 25th President of the United States (1897-1901). His presidency was marked by the Spanish-American War (1898), the annexation of Cuba and the Philippines, an open-door policy with China, and the passage of the Gold Standard Act (1900). He was assassinated by an anarchist in Buffalo, New York.
  • McLean, John - Associate Justice (1829-1861)
  • Mclellan, Archibald - Editor-in-Chief, The Christian Science Monitor.
  • McLemore, Richard A. - President of Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi.
  • Melchior, Lauritz - One of the world's foremost Wagnerian tenors.
  • Mellon, Andrew - Financier, public official, philanthropist; He helped found the Union Trust Company of Pittsburgh (1898), the Gulf Oil Corporation (1895), the Pittsburgh Coal Company (1899), the Aluminum Company of America, and the company that built the Panama Canal locks. He served as Secretary of the Treasury under three presidents and stressed policies aimed at reducing the national debt. He forged agreements with European governments for repayment of their World War I debts and served as ambassador to Britain (1932--33). In 1913 he established the Mellon Institute for Industrial Research and he endowed the National Gallery of Art (1937).
  • Mellos, Nicholas - Senior Chief Petty Officer, US Navy. He was the senior enlisted person on the P3 airplane which was rammed by a Chinese jet and forced to land in China in 2001. In addition to being awarded the Air Medal, Senior Chief Mellos was one of only two crew members awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his bravery and leadership during their captivity. (The other MSM went to the aircraft's Commanding Officer.) Bravo Zulu, Senior Chief
  • Menninger, Dr. Karl A. - Psychiatrist famous for treating mental illness and headed the Menninger Foundation until his death in 1990.
  • Menninger, Dr. William - Psychiatrist with the Menninger Clinic, Topeka, Kansas. Was active with the Boy Scout movement and in 1934 wrote the "Skipper's Handbook" for Sea Scout Leaders.
  • Menzies, Sir Robert - 12th Prime Minister of Australia
  • Mercherle, George Jacob - Founder of State Farm Insurance
  • Mesmer, Franz Anton - practiced Mesmerism, the precursor of hypnosis in modern psychotherapy.
  • Mfume, Kweisi - U. S. Congressman and President and CEO of the NAACP.
  • Michelson, Albert Abraham - Successfully measured the speed of light in 1882. For this and other pioneering work in optical instrumentation, he became the first American scientist to win a Nobel Prize (1907).
  • Minton, Sherman - US Senator and Supreme Court Justice from 1949-1956.
  • Mitchell, Edgar D. - US Astronaut who flew on the Apollo 14 mission.
  • Mix, Tom - Champion rodeo rider, soldier and cowboy, he stared in over 400 western films
  • Mokranjac, Stevan - Serbian composer (18560-1914)
  • Molson, John - Founder of Molson Breweries.
  • Monroe, James - The fifth President of the United States (1817-1825), whose administration was marked by the acquisition of Florida (1819), the Missouri Compromise (1820), in which Missouri was declared a slave state, and the profession of the Monroe Doctrine (1823), which declared U.S. opposition to European interference in the Americas.
  • Montgolfier, Jacques Etienne - Co-developer with his brother of the first practical hot-air balloon.
  • Montgomery, Richard - First general officer of the (US) Continental Army to be killed in battle (in the attack on the British fort at Quebec City).
  • Moody, William H. - Supreme Court Justice
  • Moore, David - Well known Baptist pastor in Southeastern New Mexico until his death in 1992 at the age of 103.
  • Morris, Rob - Lawyer, educator, 'Poet Laureate of Masonry', and founder of the Order of the Eastern Star.
  • Mozart, Leopold - Father of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
  • Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - (1756-1791) Austrian composer considered among the greatest and most prolific composers in history. Of his more than 600 compositions, the finest works, including his last three symphonies (1788) and the operas Don Giovanni (1787) and The Magic Flute (1791), were written in the last five years of his short life.
  • Murphy, Audie - Most decorated American Soldier of WWII, he also achieved fame as an actor in movies (Westerns). An autobiographical movie was made of his heroic combat exploits.
  • Murrow, Joseph Samuel - Southern Baptist Home Missionary - and the 'Founder of Freemasonry in Oklahoma', he is said to have established more than 100 churches.

[N]

  • Naismith, James - Canadian-born American sports educator who invented the game of basketball.
  • Navikov, Nikolay - Russian journalist who debated with Tzarina Ekaterina the Great and a publisher who published more books than ever before in history.
  • Neilsen, Neils F. F. Jr. - For decades, Brother Neilsen fought to preserve the 'Old Man of the Mountain', the state symbol of New Hampshire. This huge granite formation is emblazoned on articles throughout New Hampshire. He was honored by being named 'Caretaker-Emeritus' of the monument. Sadly, in 2004 despite the many years and untold hours of labor to ensure that the elements would not destroy the monument, the 'Old Man' after standing in place for untold millennia, collapsed and broke apart.
  • Nelson, Samuel - Supreme Court Justice
  • New, Harry S. - Postmaster General of the United States who established Airmail
  • Newman, Robert - Revolutionary War Patriot. He was the Sexton of Christ Church (Old North), Boston, when lanterns were hung for Paul Revere. He served as Grand Tyler for the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
  • Newton, Joseph Fort - Christian Minister and Masonic Author
  • Newton, Louie D. - President of the Southern Baptist Convention; Vice President of the Baptist World Alliance; served 27 years on the SBC Executive Committee.
  • Nicholas, Samuel - First American Marine Corps officer, he was also considered the first Commandant of the Marines. He owned the Tun Tavern which the Corps considers their birthplace and which was also the meeting place of the first lodge in Pennsylvania.
  • Nicholson, Samuel - American Navy and first Commander of the famous frigate, U.S.S. Constitution.
  • Nickerson, LtGen Herman Jr., USMC - Former Commanding General, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and Commander of I-Corps theater of operations in Vietnam
  • Nunn, Sam - Respected former U.S. Senator from Georgia. For seven years, he Chaired the Armed Services Committee.

[O]

  • O'Bannon, Pressley Neville - As a U.S. Marine Lieutenant and Mason, he placed the first 'Stars & Stripes' on foreign soil in defense of US national interests. His heroic achievement was the basis for the line in the Marine Corps hymn, "...to the shores of Tripoli."
  • O'Higgins, Bernardo - the Liberator of Chile. Educated in England but returned to his country to lead them in their fight for independence form Spain.
  • Olds, Ransom E. - American automobile inventor and manufacturer. Founded the Olds Motor Company which produced the Oldsmobile.
  • Oppenheimer, David - Mayor of Vancouver who had the foresight to preserve and enormous tract of land for use as a park, dedicated to Lord Stanley, yet another Freemason.
  • Otis, James - American Revolutionary politician and publicist. Famous for "Taxation without Representation is Tyranny"

[P]

  • Paine,Robert Treat - Signer of the Declaration of Independence
  • Paisley, Brad - Top U.S. country singer and songwriter.
  • Palmer, Arnold - Golf Professional who for years set the example to make golf a 'gentlemen's' sport
  • Papst, Charles F. - Coined the term "Athletes Foot"
  • Parker,Frank - U.S. General
  • Paterson, William - Associate Justice (1793-1806)
  • Peale, Rev. Norman Vincent - American cleric, founder of "Guidepost", and known for his famous book, "The Power of Positive Thinking"
  • Peary, Admiral Robert E. - First man to reach the North Pole (1909)
  • Penney, J. (James) C. - US retailer who donated large amounts of money to charity
  • Pepper, Claude - US Senator from Florida, he was an active supporter of rights for senior citizens and when he died in 1989 he was the oldest man ever to serve in Congress.
  • Perham, Joe - Legendary Maine humorist, Joe is a storyteller, speaker, writer and actor. He's also a Past Master of his lodge in Maine. A great act if you can get to see his performance.
  • Perkins, Jacob - Early American Engraver and Engineer; emigrated to England in 1819 and established the bank note firm of Perkins, Fairman and Heath; this firm produced the first British postage stamps, including the famous "Penny Black".
  • Perry, Matthew - American Naval hero, he commanded one of the first steam ships and made a famous expedition to the Far East opening it for trade.
  • Pershing, John Joseph - ("Black Jack") American Army General who led the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe during World War I. In 1921, he was given the rank of General of the Armies, a rank only conferred once.
  • Peter the Great - Emperor of Russia
  • Phillips, John Henry Lawrence - Bishop of Portsmouth,1960-1975, Provincial Grand Master Hampshire & Isle of Wight Lodges, 1975-1979
  • Pickett, General George E. - Commanded the Confederate lines at the US Civil War battle of Gettysburg and led the final assault.
  • Pike, Albert - Pioneer, explorer, Confederate General, he re-wrote the rituals of the US Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite Bodies.
  • Pike, Zebulon M. - Discovered the great peak that bears his name. He was killed in action at Toronto during the War of 1812. (Note: there is some controversy about whether the Freemason was Zebulon Pike or his son.)
  • Pinchot, Bronson - Popular American actor, well-known for his "Balki Bartokamous" character in the television series 'Perfect Strangers' which ran from 1986-1993. He also starred in a mini-series of Stephen King's 'The Langoliers' as the murderous Toomey and continues to accumulate film credits and plaudits. Became a Mason in Harford Lodge #445, Pennsylvania in December, 2002.
  • Pintard, John - Founder of the New York Historical Society
  • Pitney, Mahlon - US Congressman and later Supreme Court Justice
  • Plongeon, Augustus Le - Archaeologist. First to survey and excavate at Chitchen Itza.
  • Poinsett, Joel R. - First U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and an amateur botanist who developed the flower: Poinsettia.
  • Polk, James Knox - Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Governor of Tennessee and eleventh President of the U.S.
  • Pope,Alexander - Writer
  • Potter, Henry Codman - Anglican Bishop of New York 1887-1908.
  • Pound, Roscoe - Dean, Harvard University School of Law; President International Academy of Comparative Law. He served as a Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and was considered an outstanding authority on Masonic jurisprudence. A charter member of 'The Harvard Lodge'.
  • Powell,Dick - Actor
  • Preble, Edward - Commander of USS Constitution and US Navy hero, he was one of the first five commissioned Lieutenants at the creation of the US Navy. At the commissioning of a new warship named in his honor, the ship's Commanding Officer and members of the crew as well as the Grand Lodges of Maine and Massachusetts laid a wreath at his grave in Portland, Maine.
  • Preston, William - Author of Illustrations of Masonry.
  • Pullman, George - Inventor and businessman, he built first sleeping car on train which became a standard throughout the world.
  • Purdy, George I. - One of the most well-respected businessmen in post-WWII Japan. His autobiography - A Summer for a Lifetime - is one which should be read by Masons and non-Masons alike and talks at length about the importance of Freemasonry in his life.
  • Pushkin, Aleksandr Sergeyvich - Famous Russian poet and author who, among other works, wrote "Boris Godunov".
  • Putnam, Israel - One of four Major Generals at the start of the Revolutionary War, he was the only one to serve throughout. He is remembered for his order to his troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill: "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes." His son joined Freemasonry as well.
  • Putnam, Rufus - American Revolutionary War General, 'Father of the Northwest Territory' and First Grand Master of Masons in Ohio.

[Q]

  • Quezon, Manuel L. - First President of the Philippine Senate, first Commonwealth of the Philippines and first Grand Master of Philippine Freemasonry.
  • Quitman, John Anthony - Legislator, Governor or Mississippi and US Congressman, he served as Grand Master of Masons.

[R]

  • Rangel, Charles - U.S. Democratic Congressman from New York
  • Ransom,Paul L. - U.S. General
  • Rašín, Dr. Alois - Resistance fighter and Czech Republic economist. The first act of Czech law is in his handwriting. In 1923, Rašín was to become the first Czechoslovak victim of communist terror.
  • Reed, Stanley F. - US Supreme Court Justice (1938-1957)
  • Reid, Sir George - 4th Prime Minister of Australia
  • Reilly, John Good "Long John" - Professional US baseball player for Cincinnati 1880-1891.
  • Reuss, Theodor - Occultist and head of O.T.O. Grandmaster of Rite of Memphis-MisraÔm, 1913
  • Revere, Paul - American silversmith, engraver and Revolutionary hero who on April 18, 1775 made his famous ride to warn "The British are coming!" as celebrated in a poem by Longfellow. Revere was a Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
  • Rhodes, Elisha Hunt - If you saw filmmaker Ken Burns' epic production 'The Civil War', you are surely familiar with this name! Brother Rhodes diary was one of the chief sources quoted throughout and in it, he speaks of an incident at Gettysburg where he witnessed Union soldiers retrieve the body of a 'Rebel' and give it a proper burial because they had determined that he was a brother Mason. Rhodes states that he did not understand these actions but within a year he joined the fraternity while on leave in Rhode Island and in 1892-1893 was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island.
  • Richards, Michael - The talented actor most popularly known as "Kramer" from the Seinfeld television series. In November, 2006, he exploded in a racist rant that has received unfavorable publicity around the world.
  • Richardson, Elliott - Decorated soldier (Bronze Star & 2 Purple Hearts), he held many top governmental posts. As Attorney General of the United States, he resigned in what became known as the 'Saturday Night Massacre' rather than carry out President Richard Nixon's orders to fire Watergate Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox who had been investigating White House wrongdoings.
  • Richardson, Kermit - Master, The National Grange 2003
  • Richet, Charles Robert - French physician, physiologist and metaphysician, he was the co-discoverer of the medical phenomenon which he named anaphylaxis and in 1913 received the Nobel Prize for physiology.
  • Rickenbacker, Eddie - American aviator who was the most decorated combat pilot of World War I and later became president of Eastern Airlines.
  • Rickey, Branch - US baseball executive most remembered as the General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, he created the 'farm system' for developing players and he hired Jackie Robinson to break the 'color line' in baseball.
  • Ridgeway, General Matthew B. - US Army Chief of Staff.
  • Riley, Bishop Charles Owen Leaver - Anglican Archbishop, Grand Master of District Grand Lodge of Western Australia 1904-17, 1920-29.
  • Ringling Brothers - All 7 of these famous Circus brothers and their father were Masons.
  • Rizal, José - "The George Washington of the Philippines" who was a patriot, poet, novelist, physician, and active Mason. Today one finds monuments to Rizal nearly everywhere in the Republic of the Philippines.
  • Roberdeau,Daniel - Signer of the Articles of Confederation
  • Robinson, "Sugar Ray" - American prizefighter and six time world champion (once as a welterweight and five times as a middleweight)
  • Rockne,Knute - Sportsman
  • Roemer, Buddy (Charles E.) - Louisiana Governor 1988-1992.
  • Rogers, Roy (Leonard Franklin Slye) - "King of the Cowboys". American singer and actor who played a singing cowboy in motion picture Westerns. Always wearing the white hat, Rogers played the hero who never killed his opponent but rather would shoot him in the hand to wound him. On his grave is proudly displayed the Cross of his faith and his 33rd Degree Masonic emblem.
  • Rogers, Will - Actor and beloved Humorist; noted for his wry, homespun commentary on society and politics.
  • Roman, Charles Lightfoot - Canadian physician, one of the first in the field of industrial medicine, served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in Canada and apparently was the first African American to head a 'mainstream' Grand Lodge in North America (1952).
  • Roosevelt, Franklin D. - Governor of New York and 32nd President of the United States, he was the only US president to be reelected four times. He brought his country out of the Great Depression, guided them through World War II and died in office. He was succeeded by another Mason, Harry S. Truman.
  • Roosevelt, Jr.,Theodore - U.S. General
  • Roosevelt, Theodore - Hero of the Spanish-American War, Governor of New York, Vice President and when President (and Mason) William McKinley was assassinated, he became the 26th President of the United States. Winner of the Nobel peace prize.
  • Root, Joseph Cullen - "Giant of American Fraternalism" Responsible for the establishment of Modern Woodmen of America and other Woodmen groups.
  • Ross, Edmund G. - United States Senator who cast the one impartial vote of "Not Guilty" thus saving President (and Brother) Andrew Johnson from impeachment and preserving the American system of Constitutional government.
  • Rudolph, Donald E. Sr. - US Medal of Honor recipient - the highest award for military valor given by the United States - for heroic action during action in the Philippines during World War II. He was a member of Minnesota Chapter #25 National Sojourners until his death in May, 2006.
  • Rumford, William Byron - California legislator, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Berkeley, California.
  • Rusk, John W. - Gained national prominence as "Uncle Sam", he was a regular fixture in any event involving the Nation's Capitol in his striped pants, top hat and stilts.
  • Russell, Richard B. - US Senator and member of the "Warren Commission" investigating the assassination of President Kennedy.
  • Rutledge, John - Chief Justice (1795), Associate Justice (1789-1791)
  • Rutledge, Wiley B. - Supreme Court Justice (1943-1949).

[S]

  • Salten, Felix- Creator of Bambi
  • Saltonstall, Leverett - Three term Governor of Massachusetts and US Senator for 21 years.
  • Sanders, Colonel Harland - Fried chicken magnate, his Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets are found world-wide. He perfected his Original Recipe® of 11 secret herbs and spices in 1939. When he died in 1980, his body laid in state in the Rotunda of the Kentucky State Capital.
  • Sarnoff, David - Russian-born American broadcasting executive, he started as an office worker with Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company, which was later absorbed by the Radio Corporation of America. Rising to the top ranks of RCA, he organized the National Broadcasting Company, the first permanent broadcasting network, as part of RCA.
  • Savalas, Telly - Actor who became famous as the bald police detective who was strong on the outside but gentle inside - and always had a lollypop in his mouth. His brother George was an actor also.
  • Sayers, Joseph Drayton "JD" - Methodist Layman, Adjutant General of the Confederate Army, US Congressman and Governor of Texas
  • Schadow,Johann G. - Prussian Court Sculptor
  • Schaefer, Julius Earl - Founded the company which later became Boeing's Wichita plant and oversaw production of large volumes of aircraft during World War II
  • Schalk, Ray (Raymond William) - During an 18-year career as a catcher, primarily with the Chicago White Sox, he established many league records for fielding. Nicknamed "Cracker," he was an honest member of the "Black Sox" club that conspired to lose the 1919 World Series. In 1955 he was elected to baseball's Hall of Fame
  • Schenck, Joseph - Part of the best-known two-man vaudville singing team of Van and Schenck
  • Schirra, Walter M. - Made a "Mason at Sight" by the Grand Master of Masons of Florida, he carried several Masonic items with him on his Apollo 7 flight and was the command pilot on the history-making Gemini 6 flight which made a rendezvous with the already orbiting Gemini 7 spacecraft, the first rendezvous of two manned, maneuverable spacecraft.
  • Schmidt, Milton C. "Milt" - Professional Hockey Player; awarded the national Hockey League's highest award "The Hart Trophy - Most Valuable Player" 1951.
  • Schmitt, George J. - Chicago business magnate
  • Schmuck, Elmer N. - Episcopal priest, he served as Protestant Episcopal Bishop of Wyoming from 1929 until his death in 1936.
  • Schoonover, George - Founder of "The Builder".
  • Schumer, Charles E. - U.S. Congressman from Brooklyn, NY
  • Schweizer,J. Otto - Sculptor
  • Sciubba, Elvio - Chief Controller, Italian Treasury Department.
  • Scott, Sir Walter - Novelist and poet, his journal is an important record of the times in which he lived.
  • Seaton, Scott - American film actor. Seen in 'Joan of Arc' (1948) and Donovan's Reef (1963)
  • Sellers, Peter - English actor and comedian, his popularity was unrivalled as the incompetent Inspector Clouseau in a series of films that began with The Pink Panther (1963) and extended beyond his death to The Trail of the Pink Panther (1982). He received an Oscar nomination for 'Being There' (1980).
  • Service, Robert W. - Canadian poet among whose works are "The Cremation of Sam McGee"
  • Sexson, William Mark - Ordained Minister and, in 1922, founded the Order of Rainbow for Girls
  • Sheffield, James E. - First Black Circuit Court Judge appointed in the City of Richmond, Virginia
  • Shirra,Walter - Astronaut
  • Sibelius, Jean - Finnish composer whose symphonic poems reflect a romantic and intensely nationalistic approach to music. One of his most famous pieces is the tone poem, Finlandia (1899). Brother Sibelius composed a whole ritual music covering all degree work in Craft Lodges (Opus 113, Musique Religieuse) and is the only complete ritual music for organs and vocalist.
  • Simcoe, John Graves - Hero of the Revolutionary War, Founder of Ontario and Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, Canadians annually celebrate Simcoe Day in August.
  • Simmons, Robert - U. S. House of Representatives 2000. Formerly Connecticut State Representative.
  • Simpson, Russell - Prolific American film actor, he had a long career spanning from 1914 to 1959. 'Beloved by all who knew him'.
  • Sitter, Carl L. - U. S. Congressional Medal of Honor winner, he was a Marine Corps Company Commander at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir at Hagaru-ri during the Korean War. At the time of his death, he was attending Virginia Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Education and was scheduled to receive his Master of Divinity Degree a month later.
  • Skelton, Richard Bernard "Red" - Entertainer, Comedian, Clown, Artist, Mason "Good Night and God Bless" Brother Red will be remembered countless decades hence for his hilarious family comedy. When others used obscenities to get a 'cheap laugh', he kept high standards and refused to follow. He was always 'the clown' - including with the Shrine as well as an accomplished artist and painter. His clown paintings are exceptional pieces of art which command high prices.
  • Smith, John Stafford - Composer, and musical scholar, born in England. He wrote vocal music, and the tune of "The Star-spangled Banner', the US National Anthem.
  • Smith, Joseph - Founder of the Mormon Church.
  • Smith,Jonathan Bayard - Signer of the Articles of Confederation
  • Soboleff, Walter A., Rev. - Tlinglit American Indian, Presbyterian Minister, spiritual, business and community leader in Juneau, Alaska
  • Sousa, John Philip - U.S. Marine Band leader from 1880 - 1892, he wrote numerous marches including the US's 'national march', "The Stars and Stripes Forever".
  • Spanos, Alex G. - Owner of the San Diego Chargers professional football team and founder of 10 companies that bear his name, Bro. Spanos is one of the US's greatest businessmen.
  • Spruill, Lionell - Presently a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Served as Grand Master for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia 1994-1996.
  • Stafford, Robert T. - United States Senator from Vermont, he never lost an election in a career that spanned 41 years and touched every rung in the political ladder in Vermont, a feat not matched since. His contribution to education while in the Senate resulted in the Stafford Loan program which bears his name.
  • Stafford,Thomas - Astronaut
  • Stanford, (Amasa) Leland - Railroad builder and government official; he became governor of California (1861--63) and a founder and president of the Central Pacific Railroad (1863--93). He made a fortune, and, with his wife, founded and endowed Leland Stanford, Jr., University (1885) in memory of their only son (who died in 1884 at age 15). He drove the gold spike linking the US continent's railroad lines.
  • Stanley, Sir Frederick Arthur - A keen sportsman, he originated the Stanley Cup to encourage winter sports in Canada. Today, it is the most important award in professional hockey given to the team winning the National Hockey League championship.
  • Stanton, Edwin M. - Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of War (Member of Steubenville Lodge #45)
  • Stassen, Harold E. - Governor of Minnesota (the youngest governor ever elected at the time), he held many positions in government including service in Eisenhower's cabinet.
  • Stennis, John - United States Senator from Mississippi from 1947 to 1988. He was replaced in this office by another Mason, Trent Lott.
  • Stephens, William D. - Mayor of Los Angeles, Congressman and Governor of California 1917-1927.
  • Stewart, Potter - Supreme Court Associate Justice (1959-1981)
  • Still, Andrew T. - American physician who devised treatment of Osteopathy.
  • Stillwell,Joseph - U.S. General
  • Stimson, Mark - Self-taught real estate agent, he created the largest network of real estate companies in the state of Maine.
  • Stockton,Richard - Signer of the Declaration of Independence
  • Stone, Arthur - American motion picture actor of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s.
  • Story, Joseph - Associate Justice (1811-1845)
  • Stotz, Carl E. - One of the three founder of Little League Baseball, it has has grown into the world's largest organized youth program.
  • Stout, Herald - Rear Admiral & World War II hero, in 1993 a guided missile destroyer was named in his honor (USS Stout - DDG-55).
  • Stratton, Charles - 'General Tom Thumb' - American entertainer and circus performer, he reached 3 feet 4 inches in height at maturity.
  • Stukeley, William - Archaeologist and Antiquarian
  • Stutz, Harry C. - President, Stutz Motor Car Company.
  • de Sucre, Antonio Jose y Alcala - Served as a General under Brother Simon Bolivar in Peru, he became the secpmd President of Bolivia in 1825 and was named President for life. He resigned three years later and while traveling to Ecuador to be installed President of that country, was assassinated. Well known for his efforts in the liberation of Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.
  • Sullivan, Sir Arthur - Entertainer; The latter half of 'Gilbert and Sullivan'.
  • Sumarkov, Alexandr Petrovich - Russian dramatist and poet. Though largely based on contemporary French models, his plays mark the emergence of Russian theater.
  • Summerall,Charles P. - U.S. General
  • Swayne, Noah H. - Supreme Court Justice
  • Swift, Johathan - Clergyman and satirist, he wrote Gulliver's Travels
  • Switzer, Carl "Alfalfa" - Child actor star of the "Little Rascals" series
  • Symington, Stuart - First Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, he was approved for nomination for high office by the Senate six times without a dissenting vote. He later served as Senator from Missouri.

[T]

  • Taft, Alphonso - U.S. Attorney General and Secretary of War.
  • Taft, William Howard - Civil governor of the Philippines, Secretary of War, Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court and twenty-seventh President of the U.S.
  • Tea, Richard - Civil War hero and Medal of Honor winner. So conspicuous was his record as a soldier during that War that he was accorded the distinction by Congress of being permitted to enter either the Senate Chambers or the floor of the House and enjoy any privilege of either. He was a long time member and Past Master of Aztlan Lodge #4, Prescott, Arizona.
  • Teets, John W. - Chairman and President of Dial Corporation
  • Temple, Lewis - Noted Black Abolitionist whose basement served as a way station on the 'Underground Railroad'.
  • Thayer, Sylvanus - Father of the U. S. Military Academy - West Point
  • Thomas, Danny - Entertainer / Founder of St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Mr. Thomas often told the story of how physicians at his hospital explained to him the need for a very unique therapy for a patient at St. Jude's which was only available at a Shrine Hospital. Mr. Thomas told the doctors to proceed with the treatment, regardless of the cost. When he was advised that there would be no cost, Mr. Thomas was shocked and vowed to find out more about this organization. Shortly thereafter, he petitioned and became a Mason. Prior to his death, he was featured in videos and wrote articles praising the good works of Freemasonry.
  • Thomas, Dave - Founder of the very popular Wendy's Restaurants, publicly he was the grandfatherly star of commercials. Both privately and publicly, however, he did extensive work promoting the cause of orphans, something he had been in his own youth. The hamburgers at Wendy's are square as a reminder of Dave's motto: "Never cut corners." Dave was active in the Scottish Rite Philanthropies including their Children's Hospital program. His mentor in the restaurant business was another Mason, Col. Harland Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame.
  • Thomas, George Henry - US Civil War Major General, he was known as "the Rock of Chickamauga" but has been given short shrift by history. He was profiled in the March, 2007 issue of the Smithsonian's Magazine.
  • Thomas, Isaiah - Firebrand of the American Revolution and founder of the American Antiquarian Society, he served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
  • Thomas, Lowell - American radio commentator during both World Wars and broadcast a nightly news program for over 45 years (1930-1976). He wrote and lectured widely on his travel adventures and brought Lawrence of Arabia to public notice.
  • Thorvaldsen, Bertel - Noted Danish sculptor
  • Thurmond, J. M. - Mayor of Dallas, Texas 1879-1880.
  • Thurmond, Strom - The longest-serving United States Senator
  • Thurston, Howard - Top magician in the U.S. from 1908 until his death in 1936
  • Tillis, Mel (Lonnie Melvin) - Country and Western performer of renown. Coins tossed into the fountain of the Mel Tillis Theatre in Branson, Missouri are divided equally between the Scottish Rite's Childhood Language Disorders Program and the Shrine's Hospitals. Bro. Tillis is also an aspiring painter and has created a wonderful piece with a Masonic theme.
  • Todd, Thomas - Supreme Court Justice (1807-1826)
  • Tompkins, Daniel D. - Vice President of the United States, his bust is in the Senate wing of the U.S. Capitol.
  • Trachtenberg, Stephen J. - President, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
  • Travis, Colonel William B. - American military leader who commanded the Texans who died in defense of the Alamo.
  • Trimble, Robert - Supreme Court Justice
  • Truett, George W. - Pastor of the First Baptist Church, Dallas (1897-1944); President of the Southern Baptist Convention; President of the Baptist World Alliance.
  • Truman, Harry S. - A U. S. Senator from Missouri (1935-45), his personal integrity helped him get reelected in 1940 despite the exposure of the Missouri machine's corruption. He came to national attention heading what was called the Truman Committee, which investigated government wartime production and saved taxpayers millions of dollars. He became vice-president in 1944. Truman became the thirty-third President of the United States with the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, another Mason; he would go on to win a close election in 1948. He served as Grand Master of Masons - the highest position in Freemasonry - in Missouri 1940-1941. When he visited lodges all over the country, he preferred to be introduced as a Past Grand Master rather than as President.

[U]

  • None that we know of. Know any "U" famous Freemasons? Let us know!

[V]

  • Van Hollen, J. B. - Attorney General of Wisconsin & Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin (2007)
  • Vinson, Frederick M. - American Jurist who served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1946-1953.
  • Vivekananda,Swami - Religious Leader
  • Voltaire - François-Marie Arouet - French Enlightenment essayist and philosopher.

[W]

  • Wadlow, Robert Pershing - Tallest human on record being almost 9 feet tall, Wadlow was proud of his early acceptance by DeMolay and from his activities there, determined to be a Mason also. Looked at by many as a 'freak', DeMolay and Masonry helped Wadlow maintain a sense of normalcy for which he and his parents were extremely grateful. The US's Public Broadcasting System has produced a documentary which places great emphasis on Brother Wadlow's Masonic affiliations and includes many pictures of him as a DeMolay officer.
  • Wagner, John Honus - "The Flying Dutchman", he is considered the greatest shortstop in the history of baseball.
  • Wagner, Sidney - Hollywood cinematographer. 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' (1946) was among the many films he photographed.
  • Wagner,Richard - Composer
  • Wainwright, Jonathan M. - US Army General and the hero of Battan.
  • Walker, Charlie - Country music singer and legendary member of the Grand Ole Opry
  • Walker, William - LtCol, Confederate Army he was the first Master of Eastern Star Lodge in Louisiana and served as a District Deputy Grand Master. Killed in 1864.
  • Walkes, Jr., Joseph A. - Author of numerous publications particularly involving Prince Hall Freemasonry and founder of the Phylaxis (Prince Hall Masonic research) Society.
  • Wallace, Governor George C. - Alabama governor and US Presidential Candidate who was nearly assassinated and spent his remaining years in a wheel chair and in constant pain.
  • Wallace, Henry A. - Vice President of the United States, 1941-1945. Author of many books on both agriculture and politics including 'Statesmanship & Religion' and 'Whose Constitution'.
  • Wallace, Lewis (Lew) - American military leader and writer. During the American Civil War, he served in the Union army and reached the rank of Major General. At the close of the War, he was a member of the court that tried those accused of conspiring to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. His novel, "Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ" won him a nationwide reputation.
  • Walton,George - Signer of the Declaration of Independence
  • Wanamaker, John - A statue of this Mason stands outside of Philadelphia's City Hall. His expertise in business led to his appointment as Postmaster General and he established rural free delivery and parcel post. The University of Pennsylvania conferred upon him a Doctor of Laws degree shortly after the end of World War One. Their citation referred to Brother Wanamaker as: "Philanthropist, statesman, eminent in the councils of the nation, Christian Leader, and constructive genius who on the basis of the Golden Rule, by thought and practice has revolutionized the business methods of merchants of the world."
  • Ward, Rev. John - First of the Episcopalian faith to enter Missouri and organize his people.
  • Warner, Glen Scobey "Pop" - Famous football coach, credited with originating the single and double wingback formations.
  • Warner, Jack - One of the brothers who created the American motion-picture production company known as Warner Brothers. They were the first to use sequences of sound in a silent feature film.
  • Warren, Earl - Succeeding another Mason (Frederick Vinson), Warren served as Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court from 1953 to 1974 and led in sweeping changes in civil rights and criminal law.
  • Warren, Joseph, M.D. - Noted physician and American Revolutionary War General. Led the troops in the 'Battle of Bunker Hill' where he was killed. At the time of his death, he was serving as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts.
  • Warren, Sir Charles - Archaeologist. Surveyor of Herod's Temple
  • Washington, Booker T. - Educator and author.
  • Washington, George - As General of the Armies of the colonies, he led the revolution which created American independence. As the first President of the United States, his leadership was crucial to establishing the 'tone' for the United States. His love of Freemasonry is documented by his close reliance upon other Masons in the execution of his duties. Following his death, his widow sent locks of his hair (a common practice of the time) to Masons throughout the country and such revered treasures were the object of great appreciation. To this day, a lock of his hair sent to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts is carried in a golden urn preceding the entry of the Grand Master at the Annual Meeting of the Grand Lodge.
  • Watson, Thomas J. - American inventor and businessman who was President and Chairman of International Business Machines (IBM) from 1914-1956.
  • Wayne, John - "The Duke" - One of the most popular actors of recent years. His 'manly' roles helped define a generation.
  • Webb, James E. - NASA Administrator.
  • Webb, Matthew - First man to swim the English Channel (1875).
  • Webb, Wellington - Mayor of Denver, Colorado.
  • Weitz,Paul - Astronaut
  • Wentworth, Benning - Colonial Governor of New Hampshire; Portsmouth NH merchant; gave 500 acres of land to Dartmouth College; Bennington, Vermont is named in his honor.
  • Wentworth, William Charles - Well known for his exploration expeditions into the interior of New South Wales, he was also the editor of the first newspaper in Australia.
  • Wesberry, James P. - Pastor of the Morningside Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia for 31 years; Recording Secretary of the Georgia Baptist Convention for 20 years. Died in 1992.
  • Wescott, Joseph H. - Former Deputy Commissioner, Pennsylvania State Police (retired 2000).
  • Whipple,William - Signer of the Declaration of Independence
  • White, William - President of Baylor University 1948-1961; Executive Secretary and later President of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
  • Whiteman, Paul - American conductor who introduced symphonic jazz to a general audience and became known affectionately as the "King of Jazz". He commissioned Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue'.
  • Wilder, Charles P. ("Pa") - Father of Laura Ingalls who immortalized him and her family in her books. Like "Pa", "Ma Ingalls" and sister Carrie were members of the Eastern Star as was daughter Laura.
  • Wilder, Lawrence Douglass - First elected Black Governor in the US from the State of Virginia.
  • William I - King of Prussia
  • William II - King of the Netherlands
  • William IV - King of England
  • Williams, Egbert "Bert" - Actor and comedian. Half of the comedy duo Williams & Walker. Formed the Lafayette Players in New York City as a theatre company that presented works by, for and about black people through a special arrangement with Brother Florenz Zigfeld.
  • Williams, Jonathan - Colonel, United States Army; he was the first Superintendent of the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.
  • Wilson, Robert - Member of the Texas Republic Senate during the 1830s and twice candidate for President of the Republic of Texas.
  • Wing,Leonard F. - U.S. General
  • Wood, Grant - American painter famous stylized realism and "American Gothic"
  • Woodbury, Levi - Governor of New Hampshire, US Senator, Secretary of the Navy, Secretary of the Treasury and Supreme Court Justice. Woodbury County Iowa is named for him.
  • Woods, William B. - American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court from 1880-1887.
  • Woodward, Carl R. - President of Rhode Island State College when it became the University of Rhode Island in 1951.
  • Wootton, Percy, M.D. - President, American Medical Association (1997)
  • Wyler, William - American motion-picture director, known for his many meticulously crafted, award-winning films. In 1936 he was signed by American producer Samuel Goldwyn, beginning a ten-year collaboration that created pictures including Dead End (1937), Jezebel (1938), Wuthering Heights (1939), The Little Foxes (1941), Mrs. Miniver (1942), and The Best Years of Our Lives (1946). The latter two films won Wyler his first two Academy Awards for best director, also earning the awards for best picture.
  • Wynn, Ed - Movie actor and comedian, he introduced "Carmel Comedy Caravan".

[X]

  • None that we know of. Know any "X" famous Freemasons? Let us know!

[Y]

  • Young, Andrew - Former United Nation's Ambassador and Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia
  • Young, Brigham - Led the pioneers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Mormons) to Utah.
  • Young, Cy - American baseball player, he pitched for 22 seasons and was, perhaps, the greatest pitcher in the history of the sport. He pitched the first 'perfect game' in modern baseball.

[Z]

  • Zanuck, Darryl F. - Co-founder of 20th Century Productions in 1933, his movie productions made him a legend. The memorial by his family notes his Masonic affiliation above all other accomplishments!
  • Zigfeld, Florenz - His Ziegfeld's Follies began in 1907.