SDGMKanouseT
THEODORE D. KANOUSE 1838-1927
Grand Master of South Dakota, 1890-1891
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BIOGRAPHY
From "The First 100 Years of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of South Dakota, 1875-1975", Page 46:’'
Brother Theodore Kanouse was born at Lodi Plains, Michigan, March 11, 1838. He attended the public schools in Michigan, afterward moving with his parents to Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. He then lived at Sun Prairie, Watertown, and Appleton, all in Wisconsin.
He attended the University of Wisconsin for three years. For four years he was Superintendent of Schools in the East District of Dane County, Wisconsin, and secretary of the Wisconsin State Board of Corrections for three years.
Brother Kanouse came to Dakota Territory in 1881 and settled at Woonsocket, engaging in the coal and lumber business. After eight years he moved to Sioux Falls where he became Warden of the State Penintiary, a position he held for several years.
He was raised in Sun Prairie Lodge No. 141 in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, in 1867. He became a charter member of Woonsocket Lodge No. 79 on June 9, 1885. He was a member of the Woonsocket Chapter, Royal Arch Masons.
1891
Brother Kanouse opened the seventeenth Annual Communication at Watertown in 1891 on a word of caution. He said, "With so many fraternal organization existing in the midst of almost every community, and with which many of us have become allied, we may forget the distinguishing features of our Ancient Order. Let us never forget that a man who has not first become a Mason in his heart, though he may tower above his fellows in wealth and influence, is not a suitable stone for the Builder's use."
The Grand Lodge and all Masonry in South Dakota suffered a grievous loss in the death of Past Grand Master George Harper Hand during the year. A special committee presented a suitable memorial to the memory of this beloved brother. Before the Session closed, a committee was appointed to investigate the possibility of erecting a monument honoring this beloved brother.
A set of new Grand Lodge Jewels consisting of 16 pieces in a case were purchased for the sum of $150.00.
The Masonic Funeral Service prepared by the Committee on Ritual was adopted and the Grand Secretary was ordered to have a sufficient number of copies printed.
During the year dispensations had been issued for lodges at Eureka, Warner, Hot Springs, and White. By action of the Grand Lodge charters were granted at the 1891 Session.
A new report was included for the year under the heading Special Fund as follows: Widows and orphans - $257.65 and Grand Charity - $63.15.
