Page Title

Text Box: Modern Chillicothe was Ohio's first capitol, but it was never the site of a former Shawnee town. In 1796, Nathaniel Massie laid out the town on the Scioto River. This community grew quickly, becoming a center of political influence within the Northwest Territory. Massie himself chose to settle in Chillicothe, along with other influential men in the territory, such as Thomas Worthington and Edward Tiffin. The town originally consisted of 456 lots. Massie promised to give away for free one hundred lots to the first settlers. By late 1796, several taverns, stores, and artisan shops already existed. In 1800, the territorial capital moved to Chillicothe, and in 1803 when Ohio became a state, the city continued as the center of government. The reason why Chillicothe played such an important

Text Box: role in early state government was its central location as well as the prominent men, like Tiffin and Worthington, who resided in the town. The city continued as Ohio's capital until 1810, when state government moved to Zanesville. Brother Massie was admitted to Scioto Lodge #2 December 3, 1806 and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason April 29, 1847.

Text Box: Thomas Needham was the first candidate initiated into Scioto Lodge #2 on March 19, 1806. First observance of the Celebration of St. John’s Day December 27, 1805 Nathaniel Willis was the first Junior Warden and charter member of Scioto Lodge #2. He is purported to have participated in the Boston Tea Party dressed as an Indian. Thomas Kirker was raised in 1807 and was the second Governor of the State of Ohio 1807-1808 Thomas Worthington, Governor 1814-1818, was admitted into Scioto Lodge #2 in 1815 Duncan McArthur, Governor of the State of Ohio 1830-1832 was raised in Scioto Lodge #2 in 1807. William Creighton, first Secretary of State of Ohio was raised in 1807 and served as Worshipful Master in 1819. Henry Brush, prominent Judge and Congressman was raised in Scioto Lodge #2 in 1808 and was Worshipful Master in 1809 and served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio from 1813—1817. Philemon Beecher was raised in Scioto Lodge #2 in 1807 and was a judge and Deputy Grand Master in 1817 and later Grand Treasurer from 1810—1812. William W. Irwin was raised in Scioto Lodge #2 in 1807 and later became Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio in 1825 Levin Belt, the first Mayor of the City of Chillicothe was raised in Scioto Lodge #6 in 1807. He served as Worshipful Master in 1818 then as Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Ohio in 1813 and 1814 John Carlisle, prominent merchant was raised in 1808. David Kinkead, merchant was raised in 1808 and was Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Ohio 1813—1817. Robert Kercheval was raised in Scioto Lodge #2 in 1810 and later served as Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ohio 1813—1817. Jacob Burnet was admitted a member of Scioto Lodge #2 in 1810 and was Deputy Grand Master from 1810—1812.

Page 4

Nathaniel Massie

Scioto Lodge #2—Notable Notes

Scioto Lodge #6 F. & A.M.—

A Milestone in History