How do you find your ancestor who was a Freemason?

Answer 1

Apart from finding evidence in a relative's possessions, it can be difficult to determine whether an ancestor was a Freemason. Perhaps the best way to start is to contact a Masonic Lodge near where the ancestor resided. Every Masonic Lodge has records of every man who was ever a Freemason within that Lodge, and can also contact the Grand Lodge under whose jurisdiction they operate to determine whether your ancestor was a member elsewhere within that jurisdiction.

The key is to limit the scope of your inquiry. Submitting a list of ancestors and expecting a response will likely not meet with an answer. Provide specifics: full name, date of birth and death, and so forth. The Lodge secretary will likely be very glad to assist your search, provided you supply sufficient information.

In the United States (as well as in many countries), one can obtain local Lodge contact information from the state Grand Lodges. A great place to start is http://www.masonicinfo.com/grandlodges.htm . Grand Lodges frequently have a Lodge Locator function, which will help you track down the local Lodge.

PLEASE NOTE: It is typically in poor taste to contact a Grand Lodge directly to request information. Try the local Lodge level first, and ask them to escalate to Grand Lodge if you feel certain that your ancestor was a Freemason under that particular jurisdiction.

Answer 2

If you have an ancestor who was a mason, you would know that. But you can open an account on an ancestor search website and found out.