Just read a book called Cherokees and Their Chiefs by Stanley W. Hoig and he mentioned that in 1850 a Masonic Lodge was started in Tahlequah. He said many of the tribal leaders were Masons, including John Ross who became a Mason earlier. Thomas Fox Taylor was a Mason (basing this on a Masonic rescue story of his family that happened in Georgia). So, I'm wondering if there is any evidence that Stand Watie was a Mason - or any of his brothers who were murdered - were they Masons? And does the Masonic Lodge in Tahlequah exist to this day?