JAMES KNOX POLK (Nov 2, 1795 - Jun 15, 1849) 11th President of the United States of America (1845-1849) MASONIC RECORD Initiated: June 5, 1820, Columbia Lodge No. 31, Columbia, Tennessee, Passed August 7, and Raised September 4, 1820. In October he was he was elected Junior Deacon, and Junior Warden December 3, 1821, but there is no record of his having been Master. In 1825 he received the Royal Arch Degree in Lafayette Chapter No. 4, Columbia, Tennessee. On June 24, 1840, he attended the feast of St. John the Baptist celebrated by Columbia Lodge No.8 and Hiram Lodge No.7 at Nashville, and marched with them in procession to a church for Divine Services. On May 1, 1847, he assisted in the Masonic laying of the cornerstone of the Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C. Governor of Tennessee 1839-1841. Presidential Portrait