These two pieces come from a small group of items recently acquired that are identified to Major John W. Toppass of Missouri.

The brass badge is a two-piece item. The top bar is a scroll surmounted by the year “1900.” In the scroll itself is “CINCINNATI.”

Suspended from the top bar is an almost keystone shaped drop with a triangle at center of a sunburst with Hebrew lettering at center of the triangle. Around the edges is “GRAND CHAPTER RAMASONS MISSOURI.” Back of drop is marker marked. Top bar still has the original pin.

With the badge is a good-sized brass lapel button approx. 0.75 of an inch wide with an engraved face that has a compass and ruler with the letter “G” at center.

Both pieces are in excellent condition.

John W. Toppass was born in Indiana on November 30, 1834.

On July 31, 1861 he was commissioned 1st Lieutenant of Company L, 7th Missouri Cavalry and was shortly afterward made Captain of Company C. Toppass would serve in that position until April 18, 1864 when he was made Major of the 1st Missouri Veteran Cavalry. He would be mustered-out on September 1, 1865.

During his service Toppass saw action in several small skirmishes and a few bigger ones including Marks Mill and Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

After the war he went into the men’s clothing and accessories business. He was active in the GAR serving as Commander of the Tindall Post #49 in Chillicothe, Missouri. He also served as postmaster and was also a Mason. He died in Chillicothe on September 14, 1916 and is buried there in Edgewood Cemetery.  [AD]

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