1879 INDIANA GRAND LODGE PAST GRAND MASTERS GOLD AND JEWELED ODD FELLOWS MEDAL

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1879 INDIANA GRAND LODGE PAST GRAND MASTERS GOLD AND JEWELED ODD FELLOWS MEDAL:
$6750.00

This medal was awarded to

WILLIAM RALPH MYERS June 12 1836-April 18 1907

Mr Myers was born in Ohio and moved to Anderson Indiana with his parents in October 1836

William Myers was the surveyor was Madison County Indiana from 1858-1860

During the Civil War, William enlisted as a private in Company G, 47th Regiment, of the Indiana Volunteer Infantry

He was promoted to Ordealy Sargent, Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant and then Captain. He served a total of 4 years and 3 months

After returning from the Army Myers taught school and eventually became the Superintendent of Public schools in 1868 and 1869. He also served as a school board member from 1871-1879.

During this time period, William Myers attended Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1871 and established a Law practice in Anderson

William Myers had a very extensive career within Indiana Politics

He was elected as a Democrat to the 46th Congress of United States (March 3 1879-March 2 1881) as representative from Indiana’s 6th congressional district. Myers was not re-elected 1880 as the 6th districts representative.

Myers was appointed by the governor to the Secretary of State of Indiana and served two terms of service from 1882-1886

Also in 1886 Myers purchased “The Anderson Democrat” newspaper and worked as its editor.

In 1891 Myers was an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for governor. But was later appointed to the Office of Secretary of State of Indiana again 1892-1894

Myers resumed the practice of Law thereafter and was a Leader of his Anderson home.

Myers died in Anderson, Indiana on April 18, 1907 and was interred in the East Maplewood Cemetery

This International Order of Odd Fellows Past Grand Master Medal was presented to Mr. Myers by the Grand Lodge of Indiana. No absolute date for the medals presentation has been found.

The medal is inscribed as follows

Presented to

W.R. Myers

Grand Master 1877-8

by the

Grand Lodge I.O.O.F. of Indiana

as a token of love and

appreciation

It is my ASSUMPTION that the medal was presented to him in 1879, however depending upon election proceedings it could have 1878

The Crown Jewels are Topaz, along with four stones on the gold medallion.

The jewels on the sword handles are Red Ruby’s and Blue Sapphires

The crown itself has no kt marking, but was declared 14kt or possibly 18kt Gold by appraisers

The medallion appears to be 10kt or possibly 14kt Gold with the words, Friendship,Love,Truth,Indiana in enamel paint.

The swords, scrolls, PGM, and Mr Myers initials, which are in script letters hanging below the PGM all appear to be a COPPER/GOLD ALLOY? including the center of the medallion where the hand is located

Item is in fantastic condition high level of patina

The only flaws being the single missing topaz stone from the crown and the missing stone from the hand.