Among those who had become members of the Red Men, though ignorant of its pernicious customs, were Geo. A. Peter and William T. Jones, as well as a number whose names it is unnecessary to record, yet admiring the beauties of its aboriginal ceremonies, determined to revive the society upon a basis of sobriety, virtue and mutual assistance in time of need.
Several preliminary meetings were held, at which plans, rules and regulations for its government were discussed and adopted, and the Tribe was duly organized under the title of Logan Tribe, No. 1, Order of Improved Red Men, having for their motto, "FREEDOM, FRIENDSHIP AND CHARITY."
The presiding chief was styled the Sachem, and the others graded as Sagamores, Prophet, Chief of Records, Keeper of Wampum, Guards of the Forest and Wigwam, Sanaps, Warriors and Braves. They also later prefixed the word "Worthy" to the titles of the chiefs.
Dates were computed according to the Jewish method, using the year of the world, or, as it was called, the "Grand Sun of the world." A year was a "grand sun," and continued to be so styled until 1868, when it was changed to "great sun."
A calendar or table of nomenclature was established, practically the same as that now in use. The chiefs of the Tribes were elected every three moons, which continued to be the custom for many "grand suns."
After Logan Tribe had been in existence for about one great sun, and there had also been instituted Metamora Tribe, No. 2, it was deemed advisable to apply to the Maryland Legislature for a charter, so that the Tribe could be recognized as an important body. Brother John F. Weishampel, Sr., was appointed to draw up the petition, and in so doing prepared the papers in the name of the "Improved Order of Red Men," thus transposing the original title, "Order of Improved Red Men." None of members seemed to notice the alteration in the name and it therefore remained so.
Soon after the organization of Metamora Tribe, No. 2, it was deemed best to form a higher body, and therefore on the 20th sun of Flower Moon, G. S. 5595, the Grand Council of Maryland was organized.
Pocahontas Tribe, No. 3, was instituted three great suns later, and the Order was now firmly established and seemed on the high road to success and prosperity.
In September, 1841, a new Tribe was instituted under the name of Metamora Tribe, No. 4, the old Tribe, Metamora, No. 2, having forfeited its charter and become defunct. Metamora, No. 4, did not last long for a difficulty arose between the Tribe and the Great Council of Maryland, and the membership withdrew and formed the nucleus of the organization known as the Independent Order of Red Men, composed entirely of Germans.
Several additional Tribes were established by the Great Council of Maryland, and on November 4, 1845, there having previously been established three Tribes in the District of Columbia, the Great Council of Maryland granted a charter to the Great Council of the District of Columbia, and it was established on that day.