James Henry King

vincent@coloradofreemasons.org To Me Today at 1:39 PM Hello Mr. King,

Here is the information I was able to find regarding James King. We show him as being a member of Laramie Lodge No. 18, which received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Colorado effective September 28, 1870. Brother King was Initiated on April 2, 1870, Passed to the Degree of a Fellowcraft on 6 May 1870 and Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on May 27, 1870.

Below is a little history on the Lodge and its creation:

The Union Pacific railroad platted the townsite of Laramie City in 1868. The day after tracks to Laramie were completed the first train unloaded a “strange assortment of humanity and materials” typical of a frontier town.

Within two years 28 Masons petitioned the Grand Lodge of Colorado to establish a regular lodge. They were granted dispensation on January 31, 1870, The lodge held 15 stated and 43 called communications, Initiated 29 brothers, Passed and Raised 22 before the chartering on September 28, 1870.

Laramie Lodge No. 18 was host when the Grand Lodge of Wyoming was organized by the four lodges in the territory of Wyoming December 15, 1874. Three of these were Colorado bodies. The other was affiliated with Nebraska, (in other words, they received their charter from Nebraska).

The new Laramie Lodge No. 3 of Wyoming furnished four of the new grand officers.

Finest fraternal relations have always existed between Laramie Masons and their brethren in Colorado. On August 2, 1961, actual centennial of the Grand Lodge of Colorado, a telegram of felicitations was sent to Collins Lodge No. 19 at Fort Collins which was chartered on the same date as Laramie, No. 18.

Mr. King, I hope the information I provided helps you in your endeavor to find a history on your G.G. Grandfather.

Thanks and have a great day.

Vincent Johnson Curator Colorado Masonic Library and Museum Association D. 719.623.5346 O. 719.471.9587 F. 719.484.8993

James King fought in the Civil War as a teenager, then traveled west in 1867. In addition to farming, he worked as a Teamster or wagon driver. (Source) : Brent Alexander Cruz Family charts.