Barkoczy, Helene, Countess Hadik.

Barkoczy, Helene, Countess Hadik. Heiress of Count Johann Barkoczy of Hungary, born 1833, married Count Hadik in 1860. She inherited an extensive Masonic library and soon mastered and became an admirer of Masonic principles. She may have thought of herself as somewhat a man because she was the only heir to her father, the Hungarian Count, thus occupying the place normally that of a son. In 1875, she managed in some way to be admitted to Lodge Egyenloseg, but the Grand Lodge of Hungary disapproved and took prompt action against the violation of Masonic law. Proceedings were taken against all who had taken part in the initiation and all were found guilty and expelled from the Society. The names of the officers of the lodge were struck from the roll and the other members were suspended for various periods. On March 10, 1876, the Grand Lodge declared the admission of the Countess illegal, forbade her admittance to any lodge under penalty of revocation of charter, and ordered the Countess’ certificate of membership to be confiscated whenever presented.