Bucks, Noble Order of.

The Noble Order of Bucks was formed about 1722-23 as an imitation of Freemasonry and, accordingly, it adopted signs and tokens as means of recognition, administered an obligation to candidates and possessed a ritual of ceremonies. It traced its origin back to Nimrod, King of Babylon, which legend was also related in the Masonic Gothic Constitutions, and the members directed their talents primarily to feasting and drinking, social affairs and harmless pranks. Their presiding officer was called Noble Grand, who appointed two Deputies and four Rangers, each Ranger appointing two Foresters. Those 15 composed the officers of the lodge. Though the Bucks had little substantial resemblance to Freemasonry and were not seriously in opposition to it, they were regarded by the public as rivals. The Bucks existed for many years, for a book published in 1773 refers to their 50th anniversary. Some verses published in 1810 refer to the Bucks, Gregorians, and Masons as follows:
”Griggs and Gregorians here their meetings hold,
Convivial sects, and Bucks alert and bold;
A kind of Masons but without their sign;
The bonds of Union--Pleasure, Song and Wine.”
A Masonic song ran thus:
”The Horn’d Buck and Gallican,
As the Monkey imitates the Man,
Their Clubs do Lodges call;
While ancient Masons know full well,
No fools like these amongst them dwell,
No, no, nor ever shall.”

Another versifier of the time credited the Bucks with ”drinking, wenching, gambling, f*ghting and free thinking.” Since the origin of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows is shrouded in some doubt and their head officer is Noble Grand, there has been some supposition that the latter succeeded the Bucks. At least the later order may have been recruited from the remnants of the dissolved Bucks.