-OBITUARY-

At a meeting of the Members of the De Soto Lodge No. 32, called for the purpose, and held at Pierceville on the 6th June [1857] inst, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted, to wit:
    WHEREAS, De Soto Lodge has been, and still continues to be, in a suspended and disorganized state since the breaking out of Indians hostilities, and consequent breaking up of the settlements in 1856.---
    And, Whereas, during that time, it has pleased Almighty God, is the inscrutable purposed of His providence, to remove from the lodge on earth, to the company and fellowship of the Lodge above (as we humbly trust) our honored and beloved brethren James B. Hogans (was and still acting W.M., of De Soto Lodge, at the time of his death,) and Thomas H. Parsons (past and still acting J.W., at his death, and S.W. elect for 1856.)  And whereas the members of the De Soto Lodge, from their scattered and disorganized condition, have not been able to give that funeral attention to the rites and ceremonies which properly belong to deceased members of the Lodge, be it therefore Resolved by the members present
    1. That, We take method of expressing our sincere and heart-felt sorrow for the death of our highly respected and much beloved brethren James B. Hogans and Thomas H. Parsons.
    2. That, In their death, De Soto Lodge and the community at large have sustained a serious loss, and their memory will be ever most warmly cherished by us.
    3. That, We tender to the brethren of Tampa Lodge our warmest thanks for the truly fraternal attention bestowed upon our W.M. James B. Hogans, in his funeral ceremonies.
    Signed in behalf of the member of De Soto Lodge present.
John Eubanks,
S.W. & W.M. Elect for 1856
Wm. M. Garrison, Sect.



Transcription of Masonic Obituary from
June 13, 1857 article in authors private collection- Transcribed by Jeff Cannon