Jacksonville Review – August 2026

JUNE’S HISTORY SATURDAY presentation by Pam Smith and Lynn Ransford explored the fascinating history of two of the seven sections of the Jacksonville Cemetery: the Improved Order of Red Men and the Independent (German) Order of Red Men. In costume as Amelia Schmitt and Hanoria Cimborsky, the ladies traced the Order of Red Men’s origins to the Sons of Liberty (Boston Tea Party), a political organization patterned after the democratic governing body and terminology (e.g. tribes/chiefs) of the Iroquois Confederacy (after which our founding fathers are also said to have patterned aspects of the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution). Reflecting the respect, and even reverence, in which many Native American customs were held at the time, the Sons of Liberty eventually became the Society of Red Men and then the Improved Order of Red Men, changing their focus from political action to mutual benefit (including cemetery burial).

When an 1850 dispute caused an east-coast German-speaking tribe to break from the organization, the Independent Order of Red Men was formed and became quite successful. By 1870, both Orders had tribes in Jacksonville, Oregonian-Pocahontas No. 1 (Improved) and Jacksonville Stamm No. 148 (Independent) as did, by 1885, the women’s auxiliary of the Improved Order (Degree of Pocahontas). The latter emphasized the virtues of kindness, love, charity and loyalty to nation ascribed to their Native American princess namesake.

The Orders of Red Men were very popular fraternal, social and benefit organizations and counted many leaders of the community among their members. They worked together and with the Haymakers Association to build Red Men’s Hall (California and 3rd St.) and staged major patriotic celebrations over the years. Though no longer active in Jacksonville, the Improved Order and Degree of Pocahontas are active nationally and focus on support for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Hanoria and Amelia also shared the life stories of many members of the Orders of Red Men during their talk and on the well-attended gravesite tour to both cemetery sections. This was a well-researched, insightful and interesting presentation and tour, and we thank Lynn and Pam for another wonderful morning of History Saturday!

History Saturday in the Cemetery, Saturday, August 8, 10-11:30am, “Artists and Art in the Cemetery”—No advance registration is required. May not be suitable for the very young. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. There is no fee for the tour, however donations supporting our programs are greatly appreciated.

Marker Cleaning Workshop, Saturday, August 15, 9am-noon—Come learn the latest techniques to safely clean and preserve the grave markers in our cemetery. This is a hands-on workshop, so dress accordingly. Bring a stool to sit on, plus sunscreen and a hat.

All Events—Meet at the Sexton’s Tool House, top of Cemetery Road. Parking within the cemetery.

Please check our website at friendsjvillecemetery.org for future events and programs.

Featured image: Hanoria (Lynn Ransford) and Amelia (Pam Smith) at History Saturday, June 2026. Photo: Dick Meyers