Last updated: Dec. 18, 2022. HN
1737
Philadelphia Masons
Hazing prank
June 15, 1737. The first known hazing death in America. Daniel Rees was hazed on June 13, 1737, and died of burns and shock two days later. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-02-02-0036
Daniel Rees was killed by thrown boiling liquid during a faked initiation in which he had to kiss the backsides of the pranksters and submit to other indignities.
Freemason Benjamin Franklin’s reputation was tarnished in The American Mercury when he admitted to laughing at the cruel prank instead of ordering the hazers to desist.
The entire tale is told in Hank Nuwer’s “Hazing: Destroying Young Lives” (Indiana University, 2018).
1890 (January)
Royal Arch Masons
Huntington, W.V.
Death during initiation for the Royal Arch degree
The Rev. J. W. Johnson of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Huntington, WV died of injuries days after he fell to his death during a climbing stunt during his initiation.
1896 Iowa Elks
Hazing Prank
Bizarre death of Edward W. Curry following an “initiation” by the Elks. He was “accidentally” fried in an electric chair stunt. Cause of death was blood poisoning due to infection. He died November 19, 1896. He was an Iowa state Democratic party chair at the time of death.
1899
Toledo, Ohio
Catholic Young Mens Association
Rough hazing resulting in fatal lung hemorrhage On his deathbed Charles Steinie accused members of punching him in the dark as the cause of his wounds that led to his death. The May 16, 1899 death of Charles Steinele, Catholic Young Men’s Association; Toledo, Ohio. During physical hazing during the initiation, he was hit and tripped. “When the lights were turned on, he had a hemorrhage of the lungs. He never recovered from this, and they occurred frequently until he died.” The Lindsborg Record (Kansas), May 19, 1899; (and many other newspapers)
1899
Carbondale, Illinois
Select Knight of the Royal Arch (a trade society for liquor sellers and salesmen)
Killed during initiation by explosive device
During initiation ceremonies, a sort-of “paddle” with a gun barrel four inches long was employed with a single 32-calibre cartridge that explodes upon an intentional tap. Apparently, traveling salesman Gus Giesek, the initiation’s master of ceremonies, accidentally mishandled the device and shot William Lafayette Deason (1849-1899), a Civil War veteran, in the right hip. Infection set in and Deason “died in awful agony,” according to the article “Initiation KIlled Him,” Mercersburg (Pa.) Journal, December 1, 1899.
1902
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Woodmen of the World
The organization paid Mrs. Mary J. Lewis $2,500 for his death by necrosis after being injured in an initiation. [Sedalia Weekly Democrat, Nov. 6, 1902]
1913
Birmingham, Alabama
Loyal Order of Moose
Hazing deaths Initiates Donald A. Kenny and Christopher Gustin were being given a prank initiation in which both thought they had consented to a branding. Although they passed out, the initiation continued with deadly consequences, according to the Pittston Gazette (July 25, 1913).
1929
Chicago, Illinois K
Knights of Columbus Initiation death
Tossing candidates into the air on blankets and so on was once a common form of horseplay during initiations. John C. Van Sistine, 25, suffered a broken neck. Van Sistine had been married during the previous year.
1934
Camden, N.J.
Colored Els of Camden
Samuel A. Wilson died after being strapped into an electric chair.
1942
Baltimore
Independent Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks
Physical hazing
Cephas Mills, 19, an African-American youth, died during his initiation by some 30 members. He was placed on an electrified hot seat with current set high enough to kill him. It was under police investigation. I am trying to find out if anyone was charged with a crime. Newspaper account below.
1945
McKeesport, PA
Colored Elks Lodge,
Initiate Allen Singleton died of a massive heart attack while members were shocking him with an electric razor. Members were released after an investigation. Source: Pittsburgh Post Gazette, July 5, 1945.
2004
Patchogue, NY
Southside Masonic Lodge 493
Shooting death during hazing
Accidental shooting death of new member A shooting during a bizarre “William Tell” ritual with live ammunition at Southside Masonic Lodge 493 killed William James, 47. The shooter served no prison time.