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JOHN ALBERT CLEAVER 1860-1934

Grand Master of South Dakota, 1900-1901

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BIOGRAPHY

From "The First 100 Years of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of South Dakota, 1875-1975", Page 66:

John A. Cleaver, the twenty-seventh Grand Master of Masons of South Dakota, was born at Havana, Illinois, October 28, 1860.

He lived at Havana where he received his education until 1885 when came to Dakota and took up his residence in Huron for five years. He spent the next three years in Lincoln, Nebraska. He lived for two years at Pekin, Illinois, then returned to Huron where he was engaged in the wholesale implement business. With his busy schedule he found time to serve as Mayor of Huron.

He became a Mason in Huron Lodge No. 26, January 1, 1890. He was also a Companion of Huron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, serving as Grand High Priest.

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1901

As Grand Master Cleaver opened the twenty-seventh Annual Communication at Sioux Falls in 1901, a welcome was extended on behalf of Minnehaha Lodge and Unity Lodge, one of the oldest and one of the newest lodges in the Jurisdiction.

The Grand Master reported that every lodge in the Jurisdiction had had a year of unusual prosperity. Some of the lodges had been obliged to hold all night sessions to clean up the work of accumulated degrees. The net increase in membership for the year was 211. He stated further that nothing could add so much to the interest of regular meetings as good clean-cut work in the ritualistic ceremonies, followed by a good social time.

The by-laws of the Grand Lodge provide that at the beginning of each Annual Communication the Grand Master should appoint the following committees for the duration of the Communication: 1. on Credentials, 2. on Grand Master's Address and Reports of Grand Officers, 3. on Work of Lodges under Dispensation and Petitions for Charters, 4. on Chartered Lodges and their Returns, 5. on Grievances and Appeals, 6. on Masonic Jurisprudence, 7. on Finance, 8. on Grand Lodge Library, 9. on Mileage and per diem, 10. on Unfinished Business, 11. on Ritual, 12. on Obituaries, 13. on Resolutions, and 14. on Foreign Correspondence.

Grand Master Cleaver in his recommendations suggested that the Jurisprudence Committee be appointed by the Grand Master at any time during the year so they might have time to investigate and properly consider many of the items referred to them. Also, that as little change as possible be made m the personnel of the Committee from year to year.

During the year dispensations had been issued and charters granted at this Session: for lodges at Alcester, Selby, and Conde. The cornerstone for a new Masomc Temple had been laid at Deadwood.

A call tor assistance was received from the Masons and Masonic Bodies of Jacksonville, Florida, where fire had destroyed many Masonic Temples and lodge rooms. An appeal was sent to the South Dakota lodges by the Grand Secretary and the sum of $190.00 was contributed.

The Committee on Permanent Location reported, "We do not think it expedient to locate this Grand Lodge permanently at any place, at this Session."

Word was received during the Session that the Grand Secretary of Iowa, Most Worshipful Brother T. S. Parvin was very ill at his home in Cedar Rapids.

During the year the Grand Lecturer, Brother Benjamin Ives, had gone to Milwaukee to review and refresh his memory on the work with Brother M. L. Young, author of our adopted work. On his return it was decided to hold schools atvarious points in the state. His report showed that he held 44 such schools.

On June 12, 1901, a meeting of interested Masons who were attending the twenty-seventh Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota at Aberdeen met to decide whether they should organize a Masonic Veterans' Association. It was decided to effect such an organization. They met the following day and elected officers as follows: President - Albert W. Coe, P.G.M.; First Vice-President - Oscar S. Gifford, P.G.M.; Second Vice­ President - Edward T. Taubman; Treasurer - John L. Turner, Secretary­ Socrates Drew; and, Marshal - Frank Kunerth. Twenty-eight signed as charter members. For membership a Mason must have been a member for 21 years and be in good standing.

LODGES

None.

Grand Masters of South Dakota