Knights of Jericho
Sometime between 1845 and 1850, a group known as the Knights of Jericho was founded at Lansingburgh, New York, as an adjunct to the Sons of Temperance. The new organization was designed to attract young people who were too young to become regular members of the Sons but too old to be in any way interested in the Sons’ juvenile auxiliary, the Cadets of Temperance. Like the Cadets, the new society admitted both females and males. Unlike the Sons, its oath or obligation included, in addition to the absolute abstinence pledge, a promise to “use all honorable means to prevent their [alcoholic beverages’] manufacture or use or the traffic therein.”
Whitaker, Francis Myron. A History of the Ohio Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, 1874-1920. 1971. Ohio State University, PhD dissertation. 91. https://etd.ohiolink.edu/!etd.send_file?accession=osu1486721557802612&disposition=inline
☞ The new Lodge of Knights of Jericho, recently established in this place, are doing a custom-house business. The lodge is increasing in numbers rapidly.
Lansingburgh Democrat. March 31, 1853: 2 col 3.
Festival of the Order of Knights of Jericho at Lansingburgh.
From the Lansingburgh Gazette.
Our citizens are generally aware that there is in this village a Lodge of the Temperance order called Knights of Jericho. This Lodge is composed of some of our most substantial people, and includes both males and females of 15 years and upwards.—On Thursday evening it was invited to a supper at Lansing’s Hall, by the National Chief Daniel Cady, who is the founder of the Order. The members and other invited guests assembled at the Lodge room and thence, headed by the Lansingburgh Brass Band, marched to the Hall. The rich uniform of the band, the tasteful regalia of the men and the beautiful scarfs of the ladies contributed to give the procession a very fine appearance. The spacious hall was divided into two parts lengthwise, one being occupied by benches and the other by two long tables and one short table at their head. The company then gathered around the tables, and, after an invocation from Rev. C. W. Hewes, passed an hour very agreeably in discussing the merits of the beautiful and elegant repast provided by Mr Cady. The tables, pillars and walls were beautifully adorned with evergreens and flowers, and the whole getting up evinced a long purse, a generous soul, and an experienced hand.
We learn that the Knights, though a new Order, are already established in several States, and are rapidly increasing. Great caution is intended to be exercised in the admission of members. The reception of ladies is a peculiar feature, but we are told that reports from the places in which it has been tried are, without exception, highly favorable to the practice. The Lodge in this village is in a very flourishing condition, and though but a few months old, has already done yeoman service in the temperance cause.
Troy Daily Whig. July 14, 1853: 2 col 4.
The new Lodge of Knights of Jericho in this village has grown up so fast, since ladies have been admitted to membership, that a larger room has become necessary in which to hold its meetings. Lansing’s Hall is to be fitted up for its use.
Lansingburgh Democrat. August 11, 1853: 2 col 5.
The following persons were installed officers of Fidelity Lodge of Knights of Jericho on Monday evening:—
John Ames, Worthy Chief.
S. E. [Seneca Etheridge] Sterry, W. Vice Chief.
Artemas Wood, Recorder. [Artemas R. Wood (1803-1857) or his son Artemas Wood (1833-1864)]
David Humphrey, Financial Recorder.
J. S. Wheaton, Treasurer.
W. A. Alexander, W Marshall.
Ira Davenport, W. D. Marshall.
Rev. E Taylor, Chaplain.
John Campbell, Right and M. S. Hedges, Left Supporters.
Geo. Bradshaw, W. Sentinel.
Milo S. Thompson, W. J. Sentinel.
Lansingburgh Democrat. September 15, 1853: 2 col 3.
There are two Temperance organizations in this village, at the present time.—the Sons of Temperance; and the Knights of Jericho. The former has existed for several years—the latter is of recent origin here, altho’ it has existed in other places for some time. The Knights admits ladies to membership and in this they differ from any other Secret organization, with which we are acquainted. Daniel Cady, Esq., of this village is entitled to the credit of originating this order, and is now the Most Grand Worthy Chief, of the Grand Lodge of the United States.
Lansingburgh Democrat. September 22, 1853: 3 col 4.