Commemorative medal celebrating the semi-centennial (50th anniversary) of the Grand Lodge of Illinois (1840-1889). Features Abraham Jonas (first Grand Master) and John C. Smith (current Grand Master). The medal also commemorates Jonas as the first Grand Master in Illinois. Jonas was the first Jew to settle west of the Alleghenies (1819), served in the state legislatures of Kentucky and Illinois, was the first Jewish resident of Quincy, and served as postmaster (1849-1853). A friend of Abraham Lincoln, Jonas was appointed postmaster again from 1861 until his death in 1864. John C. (Corson) Smith was an American general, state treasurer, and lieutenant governor of Illinois. The medal includes a ribbon.
Subject: Jews--Illinois
No additional authority information available for Jews--Illinois.