Lafollette - Charles Clay
Source: Crawfordsville Journal Review 27-Oct-1952 p 3
Funeral Services for Charles Clay LaFollette, 85, one of Indiana's most prominent Masons and the state's oldest undertaker, were held Monday afternoon at the Presbyterian Church in Thorntown. Burial was in Shannondale. Mr. LaFollette, the father of Charles D. LaFollette, Wabash College trustee and former president of the Wabash Alumni Council died Friday at his home in Thorntown. Born on a farm in Boone County sept 19, 1867, Mr. Lafollette was the son of Jacob E. and Sarah E. Young LaFollette. He was educated in the grade schools of Montgomery County and at Wabash College. He also was a graduate of the Indianapolis Business College. In 1893, three years after graduating from the Indiana BC he entered the furniture and undertaking business in Thorntown. He took the first examination ever given in Indiana for an embalmer's license. He was granted license No. 5, which he still held at the time of his death. He had held several offices as a member of the Indiana Funeral Directors' Association. Mr. LaFollette married Mary Emily Campbell of Thorntown in 1893. Mrs. Lafollette died in 1940. Surviving besides the son, Charles D. LaFollette, who is associated with the Corning Glass Works, Corning NY are three grandchildren, Charles, Gerry and Elizabeth LaFollette. A member of the Thorntown Presbyterian Church, Mr. LaFollette served the church as trustee 30 years and deacon 26. He also was a member of the Board of Ruling Elders several years. Mr. LaFollette achieved a Masonic record of outstanding note. Initiated in Thorntown Lodge No. 113 in 1893, he held a life membership in the lodge and served as worshipful master for 10 consecutive years. Mr. LaFollette was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Lebanon Chapter No. 39 in 1905 and greeted a Royal & Select Mason in Boone County in 1909 and Super Excellent in 1911. He was created a Knights Templar in 1905 and served that group as eminent commander two years. Mr. LaFollette gained statewide recognition in serving through the line of grand offices. He was elected most worshipful grand master in 1928. He also held honorary membership in a number of Masonic Lodges in Indiana. He also was an authority on Masonic procedures. - transcribed by kbz