Robert Williams Peckham
Better known as
Rob Morris
Born: August 31, 1818
Died: July 31, 1888
Below you will find several links to articles and websites that give information on the life and works of the Founder of the Order of the Eastern Star, Dr. Rob Morris.
Dr. Rob Morris
Master Builder of
the Order of the Eastern Star
Recovering a Rite: The Amaranth,
Queen of the South and Eastern Star
I copied this out of an article I found on the web when I first began researching information on Rob Morris, I only cut this part out of the article, as it was the only reference made to Dr. Morris. The only changes to the original text is in spelling and editing to fit the page. Remaining Prayerful, Sis. Joyce

The real origin of the Eastern Star, like Masonry, will always be shrouded in mystery. Many researchers believe it had a French origin as early as 1703. By some, this is claimed to be the first inception of "Female Masonry" or "Androgynous Degrees"  also known as co-masonry, where both men and women sit in meetings together.

There appeared at this time, to be a demand for "Side Degrees" or Degrees conferred on ladies, and quite a list sprang up --"Heroines of Jericho", "Danger in the Dark", "Tall Cedars of Lebanon", etc. These were extensively used but soon fell into decay, for lack of lasting worth.
As to the real origin of Eastern Star Degrees in its Initiatory form, there is not the least shadow of doubt that the honor belongs to Dr. Rob Morris and its real origin comes under the First Era. Dr. Morris had traveled many years. He had written many books on Masonry which are now valued references in many Masonic Libraries.

Never quite satisfied that all the good in Masonry should be confined to men, Dr. Morris felt that Masonry should be for the whole family. But by the laws of that Ancient Order, women are not eligible for its degrees. Knowing he could not change the Ancient Landmarks of Masonry, Dr. Morris sought some method by which women could share with the Masonic Brother the same inspiration that "prompts man to noble deeds."

Although he harbored these feelings for years, it wasn't until 1850, while confined to his home after an accident, that Dr. Morris fully developed the Eastern Star Degrees in their present initiatory form. During this time, he carefully thought out the symbolism and significance of the floor plan and the corps of officers. He conferred the degrees upon his wife and daughters, and some neighbors, presumably having an idea to clothe the ladies with certain words or signs whereby they might make themselves known to Master Masons.

These signs and so-called mysteries of the Order were communicated freely to all Master Masons and their relatives. Dr. Morris and other prominent Master Masons gave many lectures and conferred the degrees on many ladies throughout the nation.
Little Red School House
Books by Rob Morris
Lights & Shadows of Freemasonry
Poetry of Freemasonry
Freemasonry in the Holy Land or
Handmarks of Hiram's Builders (1875)
Lights and Shadows of the Mystic Tie (1889)
Tales of Masonic Life
Remaining Prayerful,
Sis. Joyce
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Who is  Prince Hall and what does he have to do with it?
OES PHA
This is a copyrighted picture,
used with permission of the owner.
Raymond Dotson, PP, PM
He has written to me asking me to add this link:
http://masonicsites.org/oes54/founder.htm