J. E. Hershberger papers

Collection – Box: 1

Identifier: MS-0051

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

The J. E. Hershberger papers mainly consist of the organization correspondence between J. E. Hershberger, Brigadier General Commanding, Ohio Brigade, Uniform Rank of the Knights of Pythias, and various officers in the Ohio and Michigan Uniform Rank.

Dates

Creation: January 1922-May 1926

Extent

0.46 Cubic Feet (1 legal size archive box)

Creator

Hershberger, James E. (Person)
Knights of Pythias. Uniform rank. Ohio (Organization)

Scope and Contents

The J. E. Hershberger papers exclusively pertain to the Ohio Uniform Rank of the Knights of Pythias. Dating from January 1922 to May 1926, the bulk of the correspondence deals with the first two years in which Mr. Hershberger served as Bragadier General Commanding of the Ohio Brigade (1922 and 1923).

This collection provides information concerning the responsibilities of Brigadier General Hershberger including: receiving reports and monies from various Ohio Uniform Rank Companies, applications for commissions, mustering reports, Brigade meetings, resignations, and dispatching General Orders.

The J. E. Hershberger papers are arranged in chronological order, combining both incoming and outgoing correspondence. This solved the problem created by Hershberger's arrangement, whereby carbon copies of outgoing correspondence were often typed on the reverse side of incoming correspondence.

Included in this collection of correspondence are miscellaneous items: proposed legislation circular and two muster reports.

Biographical / Historical

Biographical information concerning J. E. Hershberger presently is unavailable.

The founding of the social and fraternal Order of the Knights of Pythias is attributed to Justus H. Rathbone, who on February 19, 1864, organized the first lodge in Washington, DC. Friendship, charity, and benevolence are the three basic principles of the organization, and the story of the friendship of Damon and Pythias is the basis for its lessons and ritual.

One of Rathbone's objectives for founding the new organization was an attempt to alleviate some of the hatred caused by the Civil War. Impressed with the teachings and rituals of the Order, President Lincoln advised the organization to apply for a national charter through the United States Congress. Subsequently, through the May 5, 1890 enactment by Congress, the Supreme Lodge of the Knights of Pythias was incorporated and thereby became the first fraternal order to be chartered in this manner.

The organization of the Knights of Pythias is comprised of a Supreme Lodge, having jurisdiction over the so-called "supreme domain" and over local lodges; fifty-five grand lodges with secondary jurisdiction over the lodges within states, provinces, and other areas; and over three thousand subordinate or local lodges.

The Knights of Pythias have several recognized auxiliaries: The Pythias Sisters, the Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan, and the Junior Order Princes of Syracuse.

The J. E. Hershberger papers pertain to yet another aspect of the Knights of Pythias: the Uniform Rank, which is the military feature within the Order. Using the army as a model, the Uniform is similarly organized, drilled, uniformed, and disciplined. Its ranks are recruited from members of the Order who are both in good standing and have attained the rank of Knight.

In little over one hundred years, the Order of the Knights of Pythias has grown to embrace more than three thousand subordinate lodges throughout the United States and Canada.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was acquired with the City of Tiffin municipal records by Louis Rock, Local Records Specialist, and Ann Bowers, University Archivist.

Processing Information

Rebecca A. Harkema, Graduate Assistant, Department of History, Bowling Green State University, processed the collection and completed the finding aid.