Joseph Hergus Milans, Grand Pursuivant, 1911

Born October 31, 1877, at Landisburg, Perry Co., Pennsylvania, and has resided in Washington, D. C, practically all his life. He was educated in the public schools and Columbian (now George Washington) and National Universities of this city; received degrees of Bachelor of Laws, 1899; Master of Patent Law, 1900, at Columbian University, and Master of Laws, 1900, at National University; was first admitted to the practice of law before the bar of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia September 19, 1899, and has since become a member of the bar of many of the Federal courts including the Supreme Court of the United States; has for more than sixteen years devoted his practice to the specialty of patent law, being a member of the Patent Law Association of Washington. He is a member of the legal Greek letter fraternity of Phi Delta Phi; is Secretary of the Dime Savings Bank, and a Director of the East Washington Savings Bank, this city.

He was initiated in St John's Lodge, No. 11, July 27, 1900; passed August 24, 1900; raised September 28, 1900, and served as Master in 1904. He is also an honorary member of Temple Lodge, No. 32.

Received the Mark Master's degree in Washington Naval Chapter, No. 6, March 3, 1903; Past Master's degree March 17, 1903; M. E. Master's degree, March 17, 1903; Royal Arch degree, April 21, 1903, and at the present time is serving as Scribe; is a member of Adoniram Council, No. 2, R. & S. M. Orient Commandery, No. 5, K. T., conferred the Order of the Temple upon him June 15, 1903, and elected him Commander in 1909.

He is a member of Martha Chapter, No. 4, O. E. S., and served as Patron in the year 1906.

He is a member of the Royal Order of Scotland, and has for several years been a member of the following Scottish Rite bodies: Mithras Lodge of Perfection, No. 1; Evangelist Chapter, R. C, No. 1; Robert de Bruce Council, K K., No. 1, and Albert Pike Consistory, M. R. S., No. 1. He was elected Junior Grand Steward in 1908, and has been advanced to and is now serving as Grand Pursuivant

Having already attained an enviable position in the professional and business world his unusual ability is proven, and this in connection with his record as a capable and painstaking officer in the several Masonic bodies, gives assurance of a satisfactory and brilliant administration of the office of Grand Master, to which, in the natural course of events, he may attain at an age which would rank him with the little coterie of men who have realized that ambition while comparatively young.

AHGP District of Columbia

Source: History of the Grand Lodge and Freemasonry in the District of Columbia, compiled by W. Brother Kenton N. Harper, 1911.