To supplement the earlier remarks by "JDPastMaster," the Secretary of every local Masonic Lodge should have a copy of a book listing most of the Lodges around the world. These are organized by the location and the Lodge name, but unfortunately cannot provide an address for each local Lodge. That information must come from the Grand Lodge. However, the names and addresses of the Grand Secretaries in every State, Province and country are also included. Inquirers should be aware that most Grand Secretaries do not have a large staff and the records, especially the oldest ones, may not be computerized. Thus, a hand search for member information may be necessary. In some cases, records may have been destroyed (e.g., by fire, flood, etc.). Local Lodge records, if available, can often provide some personal information, such as addresses, spouse, children, occupation, etc. Because of the personal nature of some information, it may not be possible to obtain a copy of the actual petition for membership. In many countries, especially in England and Scotland, Masonic records go back some 400 years, so they can be an excellent resource. I will be glad to advise anyone who needs assistance in obtaining information on Masonic relatives. It is probable that other fraternal organizations could furnish similar information on their members. Don Davidson Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA

Thanks Don for the info on the records. I am trying to tie a child to William Ellis DAVIDSON born about 1816 in Barren County, KY. His headstone at Hills Chapel Cemetery, Izard Co. Arkansas has the Masonic Emblem. He died May 19, 1857 and an inventory of his estate was ordered July 14, 1857. William Ellis DAVIDSON was married to Drucilla C. Hill Sept. 13, 1838. I'm hoping to find a daughter Isabelle born about 1855 in Arkansas, also a son Westal and daughter Mary F. I wasn't sure whether the records would show family members names. Thanks! I am anxiously awaiting a response from Lodges in Arkansas. For Barbara NORKUS there was a W.B. DAVIDSON on the roster for Allen Lodge No. 24, Glasgow, Barren County, Kentuck in 1852 W. B. Davidson, Allen Lodge No. 24 (1852) Thanks Again Don!! Cecil Jones

This must be William Ellis: 1850 LAWRENCE COUNTY ARKANSAS Dw #74 Richwood's Twp Davidson William E. 33 m Kentucky Davidson Drucilla C. 32 f Kentucky Davidson Mary F. 11 f Davidson Westil H. 07 Wilson Isaac 20 m Mary B. At 10:30 AM 2/28/01 -0800, you wrote: >Thanks Don for the info on the records. I am trying to tie >a child to William Ellis DAVIDSON born about 1816 in >Barren County, KY. His headstone at Hills Chapel Cemetery, Izard Co. >Arkansas has the Masonic Emblem. >He died May 19, 1857 and an inventory of his estate was >ordered July 14, 1857. > >William Ellis DAVIDSON was married to Drucilla C. Hill >Sept. 13, 1838. I'm hoping to find a daughter Isabelle born >about 1855 in Arkansas, also a son Westal and daughter >Mary F. > >I wasn't sure whether the records would show family >members names. Thanks! I am anxiously awaiting a >response from Lodges in Arkansas. > >For Barbara NORKUS there was a W.B. DAVIDSON >on the roster for Allen Lodge No. 24, Glasgow, Barren >County, Kentuck in 1852 >W. B. Davidson, Allen Lodge No. 24 (1852) > >Thanks Again Don!! > >Cecil Jones > > > >==== DAVIDSON Mailing List ==== >DAVIDSON - DAVISON - DAVISSON Web Page >http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~genea/davidson.html > > >