1800s Independent order of Odd Fellows Shield

[zaxfire69]

1800's Independent order of Odd Fellows Shield

Hello everyone. This morning i had a while to detect a site that produced a sweet 1800's I.O.O.F. Belt buckle. Well this morning I went back to the site for awhile and dug this amazing find. It is green patina brass. I haven't had a chance to research exactly what it is, but because of the 3 rings above the eye I do know it is from the Independent order of odd fellows. The 3 links stand for friendship, love and truth. All the other symbols I will have to research to learn the meanings of them. I do know that this exact shield was on the back of my I.O.O.F Patriarchs Militant belt buckle I found earlier in the year. Learned it was from the Late 1800's . I dug this with my Garrett Ace 250 around 4 inchs deep. It sounded off. I am also going to include pictures of the belt buckle previously dug at same site. Notice the shield on the back of the buckle. Could this be the shield. Time and research will tell. Well I am going to post a couple of pictures of it for you guys. I hope it is banner worthy, because I know here in this house it is.

Before cleaning. Cell phone for size comparison.

Belt buckle with shield on back.

 

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[zaxfire69]

Re: 1800's Independent order of Odd Fellows Shield

I stumbled onto something rather interesting while researching what this Odd Fellows item is. It seems a founding father of the Independent order of odd fellows started a lodge here, in my town of Natchez, Ms back in 1837. Thomas Wildey started an encampment here in 1837. I wonder could I have located the encampment he started? There is a building next to the site that was built in the early 1800's ...Now if this were the case, then I would have something. Read this paragraph

On the 3rd of October, 1835, he was made Traveling Agent of the Grand Lodge of the United States and he accepted this appointment. In March, 1837, we find him in Pittsburgh and from Pittsburgh to Wheeling, West Virginia, on through the interior of Ohio, accompanied by the Grand Lodge of Ohio with a band of music, he embarks and makes a triumphant entry into Louisville, Kentucky. In his progress he reaches Natchez on the 25th of April where he establishes a Lodge and forms an encampment. Before leaving, he also institutes the Grand Lodge of Mississippi. Afterwards, entering Alabama, he opened an encampment in Mobile and provided for the institution of Mobile Lodge No. 2.

This is found here.

http://www.ioofnorthpoint.org/founding.html

16th paragraph under Thomas Wildley

 

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[Mike_of_Tenn]

Re: 1800's Independent order of Odd Fellows Shield

Damn BB, why do ya have to make it so complicated...It's a TEASURE! I want to know more!

Mike

 

[JUNKYARD DOG]

Re: 1800's Independent order of Odd Fellows Shield

WOWWWW JYD

 

[BuckleBoy]

Re: 1800's Independent order of Odd Fellows Shield

Zax, wondering about this stuff will drive ya nuts. Two items won't prove a lodge--but they are interesting food for thought. If you want to prove your lodge idea, get off the internet, and get into the old deeds in the Courthouse.

Those pieces you found would look good in Any collection. They are both Way Cool.


Best Wishes,


Buckles

 

[zaxfire69]

Re: 1800's Independent order of Odd Fellows Shield

Zax, wondering about this stuff will drive ya nuts. Two items won't prove a lodge--but they are interesting food for thought. If you want to prove your lodge idea, get off the internet, and get into the old deeds in the Courthouse.

Those pieces you found would look good in Any collection. They are both Way Cool.


Best Wishes,


Buckles

Ok. Buckleboy if I go to the courthouse today what would I be looking for? Who owned the land back in this time period? i have a chance to go to the courthouse today. I will also take a picture of the date on the building that is next to the site. Not the building...Pirates secret...It is nasty weather here today. Sleet and snow in Mississippi. Wife and kids are on a snow day. Yay

 

[BuckleBoy]

Re: 1800's Independent order of Odd Fellows Shield

I'd look for owners' names and then do research on the owners through a genealogical website or the Mormon Archives.


Yeah, weather ain't great here either...



Best Wishes,



Buckles

 

[Bavaria Mike]

Re: 1800's Independent order of Odd Fellows Shield

Very nice finds and what could be an exciting site! There must also be an outhouse there somewhere and probably a trash pit. Dig them out as well and make sure you let us know, pictures are also great!!! HH, Mike

 

[Graham Robert Kent]

I have the same shield of the Odd Fellows circa 1800. I was wondering what it was worth?

 

[{Sentinel}]

That Belt Plate is absolutely Terrific Zaxfire! You should pay to have it restored no question in my mind. If you are interested I can email you the contact info to a friend of mine, Roland Frodigh, who does great work! Congratulations!