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FRANK A. BROWN 1855-1924
Grand Master of South Dakota, 1902-1903
BIOGRAPHY
From "The First 100 Years of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of South Dakota, 1875-1975", Page 70:
Frank A. Brown was born at Marengo, McHenry County, Illinois, October 31, 1855. He attended the common schools and later graduated from the State University at Champaign in 1878. He taught school for a time at Rockford, Illinois. In 1882 he came to Dakota Territory where he practiced law and dealt in real estate at Watertown, Clark, Huron, and finally settled in Aberdeen. 1n 1902, along with his brother, he organized the Brown Brothers' Bank in Aberdeen.
He was married November 15, 1878, at Rantoul, Illinois, to Miss Laura Elizabeth Bailey. To this union three sons and two daughters were born. His wife passed away in 1912 and he remarried in 1914 to Mrs. Belle B. Fisher.
He was raised in Clark Lodge No. 42 on February 23, 1885, demitted in 1887 and affiliated with Aberdeen Lodge No. 38 on March 6, 1888. He was a member of Aberdeen Chapter No. 14 and was elected Grand High Priest in 1910. He was a member of Watertown Council No. 4 and Damascus Commandery No. 10. He served as Grand Commander in 1895. He belonged to Oriental Consistory No. 1, Yankton, was a Past Potentate of the Shrine, and a Past Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star of South Dakota.
1903
When Grand Master Brown opened the twenty-ninth Annual Communication at Deadwood in 1903, he was greeted by a large number of delegates, Grand Officers, and permanent members. Part of this was due to the fact that the Grand Lodge was paying actual car fare from their respective locations to Deadwood. The amount was $2,000.24 for transportation.
A net increase of 306 members was recorded for the year, bringing the total membership to 5,444. It prompted the Grand Master to say, "The year just closing has been one of great Masonic activity. Our local lodges are prosperous to a degree unknown in recent years."
A dispensation had been issued for a lodge at Hartford but because of the late date of issue it was continued for another year. New Masonic Temples were dedicated at Chamberlain and Yankton.
LODGES
None.
