MovieChat Forums > John Adams (2008) Discussion > Freemasons amongst the Founding Fathers.

Freemasons amongst the Founding Fathers.

posted 13 years ago by skyanimal
5 replies | jump to latest

(This is not meant to stir controversy or conspiracy theories.)

I am curious, since it is known that George Washington, Ben Franklin, and Paul Revere were American Freemasons, with the German Baron von Stueben and French general Lafayette (I'm too tired to check if this is the correct name, sorry if I am mistaken ;) ), there was an obvious presence of the Masons, especially in the fledging army.

I am curious, who else were Masons?

And, should this have been included in the show?

I have not read the book yet (it's on my list), was it mentioned in the text? Could David McCullough be convinced to re-edit his work and include this for "John Adams" and "1776"? (I listened to the audio book of "1776," and heard no mention of Masons.)

"Remember this: It should not have been Edgar, but Kim." - Stephen King in EW.

[–] The_Dying_Flutchman 13 years ago

May I ask why you are so interested in them? Are you doing research for a book or...?

Let it be unsaid: insignificance is the locus of true increpation.

[–] skyanimal 13 years ago

I was channel surfing and saw the History Channel program "History of the Freemasons," and them talking about Benjamin Franklin. (You realize he initiated Voltaire into the Masons?)

I found it fascinating, especially when they mentioned that there were Mason lodges in the U.S. Army under Washington, with regular meetings.

I think that this is a side of the relationships amongst the Founding Fathers that is not discussed and should be included, to give the audiences a broader understanding of what these individuals were doing.

Also, if Franklin recommends Washington to lead the rebel Army, and they are both Masons....

"Remember this: It should not have been Edgar, but Kim." - Stephen King in EW.

[–] Hancock_the_Superb 13 years ago

Here's a pretty comprehensive site:

http://bessel.org/foundmas.htm

I'm not sure why it would need to be included unless you can attach some importance to the fact.

"I shall tread uncommon wary and keep my pepperbox handy."

[–] skyanimal 13 years ago

Wow. Neat website. Thank you.

"Remember this: It should not have been Edgar, but Kim." - Stephen King in EW.

[–] badby1983 13 years ago

I been studying Thomas Paine lately and there is much evidence to indicate that he was connected to freemasonry; he may have even been a Freemason himself, although it isn't confirmed. He sure does have a lot of connections to it.