County of lodge: Mercer County
Location of lodge: US-67 & 170th Ave., Preemption
Date built: November 27, 1917
"On November 27, 1917, Brother Isaac Cutter, grand secretary, dedicated the new Masonic Hall at Preemption, Illinois.
"The present war crisis brings new problems to be solved. In many
lodges the question has arisen as to the dues of soldier-members. Under the law there is no provision for their remission. There is but one cause for
this and that cannot apply to men in the service. There is every reason
for keeping the boys at the front in good standing in their lodges at home. Under the stress of army and naval service and the uncertainties incident to
this, many men may overlook the payment of their dues. The lodge cannot now remit the dues without violating the law. This should be so amended
that it would be obligatory on lodges to keep them in good standing. I, therefore, recommend that all men who are in the active service either in the army or navy, be exempt from the payment of lodge dues while in the
service.
"Dues received from lodges: ....Urbana 157...$465.000...
...Preemption 755 ....$100.00.....
"Contributions to the War Relief Fund:...Preemption 755 -- $86.00..." ~ PROCEEDINGS OF THE Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, SEVENTY-NINTH ANNUAL MEETING HELD AT CHICAGO, OCTOBER 8, 9 AND 10, 1918
"Preemption Lodge, No. 755, A.F.A.M., was organized June 27, 1877, under dispensation, and so held meetings till October 21 of the same year, when they received their charter from the grand lodge. The charter members were W. C. Gray, Henry H. Hayford, James H. Seyler, H. H. Hammond, Wm. Steinhauer, Geo. Bartlett, B. W. Thompson, J. B. Harris, jr., Wm. H. Hickock, Samuel Bailey, S. F. Everett, Geo. C. Gray, Leander Stiles, John Weiler.
"The following officers were appointed under dispensation and elected when organized and chartered : Wm. C. Gray, W.M.: James H. Seyler, S.W.; Joseph B. Harris, J.W.; B. W. Thompson, S.D.; Samuel Bailey, J.D.; S. E. Everett, Treasurer; H. H. Hayford, Secretary ; H. H. Hammond, Tyler ; Geo. C. Gray and John Weiler, Stewards. They now have a membership of twenty-six. with seven on the way to full membership. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, with the present board of officers : James H. Seyler, W.M.; W. J. Armstrong, S.W.; H. H. Hammond, J.W.; Wm. Steinhauer, Treas urer ; W. W. Hickock, Secretary. Regular meetings are held on Friday evenings on or before full moon in each month. They have lost one member by death, Bro. Geo. Bartlett, who died in Kansas in 1881." ~ Illinoia Anchestors
Jonathon Gaunt discussed in this book on Google Book showing the lodge number.
".... Member of the Masonic Order, Preemption Lodge No. 157, Preemption, Ill, and the family attend the Methodist church...." ~ Find-A-Grave for Jonathan Gaunt