who are the famous freemasons

Numerous prominent historical figures across politics, science, the arts, and military service have been members of the fraternity.

In political and military history, South American independence leaders Simón Bolívar and San Martín were made Masons in Spain and England respectively 1. British political figures include Prime Minister George Canning, Lord Chesterfield, and the Duke of Wellington 1, while American leaders include Postmaster-General John Wanamaker 1 and William Jennings Bryan 1. Benjamin Franklin served as Grand Master of Pennsylvania and printed the first American Masonic book in 1734 2.

Among authors and historians, Edward Gibbon held a Grand Lodge certificate dated 1774 1, and Lord Bulwer-Lytton was a member who authored poetry on the fraternity 1. Sir Walter Besant was initiated in Mauritius in 1862 before helping conceive the Quatuor Coronati research lodge 1. In music and the performing arts, composer Irving Berlin, actor Edwin Booth, composer Jean Sibelius—who composed musical accompaniments for the degrees—and magician Harry Houdini were all members 1.

In exploration and science, polar explorer Rear Admiral Byrd belonged to Kane Lodge No. 454 in New York 1, and botanist Luther Burbank joined in California 1. While scientist Charles Darwin was not a member himself, his grandfather Dr. Erasmus Darwin and most men in his family were 1.

Regarding specific branches and degrees outside the Craft, John Wanamaker received the Thirty-third Degree in the Scottish Rite 1. In the Royal Arch, Davy Crockett's Royal Arch apron was documented by the Grand Lodge of Texas, and William F. Kuhn served as General Grand High Priest, advocating across the United States for the Holy Royal Arch 1.

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