Independant Order of Knights of the Horse

[Gypsy Heart]

Could someone give me a clue on what The Independant Order of Knghts of the Horse would be Where they would have a Grand President? And a pin? Established 1884 in Arkansas?
Thanks Everyone !

 

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[PBK]

It sounds as if you're probably familiar with the brief references to this group in Goodspeed's histories of various northwest Arkansas counties. However, if not, a quick Google of "Goodspeed" + "Knights of the Horse" should produce some hits.

There was also a group known as the Knights of the Horse-Shoe in Virginia (and perhaps elsewhere) in the 1700's, with a little gold horseshoe as a token of membership. However, I have no idea whether the two are related.

If you're able to find out more about them, I hope you'll post the info here.

 

[Gypsy Heart]

I have tried finding any additional references to this? for the past several years, with no luck, other than Goodspeeds mention of it along with a short handwritten story by a local historian, who knows nothing more on it. It is driving me crazy....My gggguncle? evidently was a founding member of it in Arkansas (he would have been in his 60's) ,as well as other relatives? , but I have nothing other than a few handwritten pieces from them reguarding this.....I do find it interesting that there is a possible? order in VA,as their families originally owned land there in the late 1700's . I know nothing of FreeMasons ...Would this be related?...I do know they met as a lodge Doesnt say in a lodge...says as a lodge?

 

[PBK]

There may not have been any direct Masonic link. In the late 1800's there were literally hundreds, if not thousands, of fraternal orders and societies, and many referred to their local chapters and meeting places as "lodges." However, there may well have been some Masonic influence for a couple of reasons. First, many of the other, newer orders borrowed heavily from Masonic rituals and traditions in creating their own. Second, it was common for men to belong to a number of such orders simultaneously: a Mason might also belong to the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, etc.

Also, there is some indication that the Knights of the Horse-Shoe were around at least as late as the Civil War and fervent supporters of the Confederate cause. "Beechenbrook : A Rhyme of the War" by Margaret J. Preston, published in 1865, contains the line, "For ye're 'Knights of the Horse-Shoe'?ye're Sons of the South!" So, who knows? Maybe some Knights of the Horse-Shoe went West with the war as far as Arkansas, and in time became so "Independent" that they threw the "Shoe"!

 

[Bushido Dude]

OOPS, hit a wrong button there, ehem, morning Gypsy! Figured i'd try to help you out a little here...

"In 1884, Charles Dennis organized the "Independent Order of Knights of the Horse" with G. B. Scott as Grand President. On 23 November 1886, Infanta Lodge #437 was organized having these charter members: J. B. Morris; W. C. Cluck; H. A. Reynolds; J. B. Scott; R. M. Wood; J. B. Guinn; J. W. Rawlins; S. B. Smith; H. C. Ledbeter and Williams Easterling."
(http://members.aol.com/arhistory/joyarticles/aurora.htm)

.... Now after finding that i figured ok, now what, we know who they were but not what they did....

"The Knights of the Horse were basically a vigilante group that went after horse thieves during that time period. The article I found said, ?If you stole a horse and the Knights of the Horse got you, they tightened a noose around your neck until you couldn?t repent your sins anymore.? YUK!! "
(http://www.rootsweb.com/~arwcags/Newsletter/2005/Feb2005/Feb2005.htm

...I also found alot of Obituaries from the late 1800's mentioning peoples membership to the order as well as others including the masons and other social groups. Pretty nifty stuff there. Had fun doing the research,thanks
-Jerred-

 

[Gypsy Heart]

I really appreciate the help on this. I have my doubts tho that the Knights just took care of horse thieves.I think they were pretty active in handing out justice as they saw fit for a host of crimes as well as being benevolent in many cases. From letters and documents and family memories passed down ....,they seemed to be involved in helping widows,orphans as well as tar and feathering and hanging. Hmmmm.This is an interesting search and I can use all the help I can get on it. So thank You !

 

[Southcacalaky]

Can't help on this one, sorry, HH Art...