Page Five



    By 1785 Lexington assumed the semblance of a frontier metropolis. Rob-
ert Parker, later a charter member of Lexington Lodge, was made first survey-
or, Bros. James Bray and Robert Megowan, established the first and second
taverns and lodging houses. The sign of the Megowan Inn, was a Sheaf of
Wheat, a Masonic symbol that is stiil seen on the Seal of Lexington, even to
its proximity to running water, which in this case may be presumed to be
"Town Branch," which was a considerable "creek" in those days.













    In 1783 Virginia had divided Kentucky into Fayette, Jefferson and Lincoln
Counties, the first district judges being John Floyd and Samuel McDowell.
The following year, 1784, was held the first of a series of conventions at Dan-
ville, of which Samuel McDowell was President and Thomas Todd, who was
later a charter mce.ber of Lexington Lodge was Clerk. The purpose of the con-
"entions was to seek Statehood and autonomous government for Kentucky.
    The second convention included among its delegates Robert and Levi
Todd, James Trotter and Caleb Wallace, afterward concerned with the organi-
zation of Lexington Lodge. This met May 3. 1785. The third convention met