Nathaniel Byrd Gafford

Born, January 18, 1912, in Hopkins County, Texas, on a farm. Attended Grade School in Brashear, Texas; High School in Commerce, Texas; East Texas State Teachers College in Commerce, Texas; and Kansas City College of Osteopathy and Surgery in Kansas City, Missouri. Married Beulah Mae Armstrong on May 26, 1934. They have one daughter, married to Rev. George McCall, and two grandchildren. They reside in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Taught in the Public Schools for five years. Has practiced Osteopathic Medicine for twenty-five years. Has taken an active part in York Rite Masonry for the last ten years.

Has been a member of the First Christian Church since 1928.

Raised a Master Mason in York Lodge No. 563, Kansas City, Missouri, on November 16, 1943. Demitted to Sulphur Springs Lodge No. 221 in 1947. Served as Master in 1968-69.

Exalted in Sulphur Springs Chapter No. 63 in 1947. Served as High Priest, 1963-64. Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Nebraska. E:Grand Principal Sojourner in 1965-66; R:E:District Deputy Grand High Priest, District 7, in 1967. Elected Grand Scribe in 1967, passed through the Chairs, and was elected and installed as Grand High Priest in 1970 and presided at the Annual Convocation in 1971.

Greeted in Sulphur Springs Council No. 44 in 1947. Received the Super Excellennt Masters Degree in January, 1964. Served as Thrice Illustrious Master in 1964-65, Grand Representative of the Grand Council of New Jersey, Illustrious Grand Marshall in 1964-65

Knighted in DeMolay Commandery No. 20, K. T., at Greenville, Texas, in November 1947. Eminent Commander in 1967-68.

Received the Scottish Rite in September, 1969.

Entered Hella Shrine Temple in November, 1947. Served one year as President of Red River Valley Shrine Association, 1968-69.

Member of the Order of High Priesthood; Order of the Silver Trowel; Knights of the York Cross of Honour; and York Rite College.

Holds Certificates of Proficiency in the Work in the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council.