An incident occurred about this period which fully exemplified to what length the enemies of Freemasonry would go. All sorts of crimes or collusions with crimes were imputed to the craft. Everything that was vile was blamed upon the fraternity.
A murder was committed between Middletown and Hummelstown. Female apparel was found which was recognized as belonging to Sophia Garman, who was missing from her home. Search was made, and some one discovered where the earth had been recently disturbed in the center of which was a branch of a spruce or cedar tree. An investigation resulted in finding the body of the murdered girl.
The people who had been reading everything anti-Masonic at once jumped to the conclusion that this was the work of one who was a Mason. An individual who was last seen with the unfortunate girl was arrested and it was broadcasted that he was a member of Perseverance Lodge, No. 21, Free and Accepted Masons, of Harrisburg. His name was Tom McHenry.
In the course of events, there not being the least evidence upon which to convict him, the accused was declared not guilty.
The outside conclusion then was that the jury must have been composed of Masons and the result could not be otherwise.
The fact is that McHenry was not a Mason nor was a single member of the jury which tried him.
The Stevens investigation continued for nearly a month and ended in nothing.
The men whom the committee tried to impanel would not testify; those who did were pretended renouncers of Masonry. Concerning the real motive of Stevens public opinion was divided.
Stevens would have resorted to strong measures to compel witnesses to testify if he had not seen that the tide of public opinion was turning against the inquiry. To preserve appearances a lengthy report was submitted and adopted.