This is the first of four projected volumes entitled 10,000 Famous Freemasons, a much needed Masonic research project, sponsored by the Missouri Lodge of Research.
Perhaps the title is misleading, for the men listed herein, in the main, have not been famous primarily for their contributions to Freemasonry, but they are 10,000 famous or interesting personalities who have made their names in other fields. However, they have been, or are, members of the fraternity. There are hundreds of professional Freemasons and thousands of Masonic dignitaries who will not be mentioned. Their biographies have been inscribed in the various proceedings and annals of Freemasonry and will not be given here. A few national heads, founders and Masonic authors will be the exceptions.
These volumes do not cover any particular country or time, but, on the contrary, are world-wide in scope and cover the famous men from the beginnings of Freemasonry down to, and including, the present year.
