Difference between revisions of "MAOtherBrothersB"

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(BARTON, REUBEN 1772-1848)
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He will be greatly missed in both banking and Masonic circles.
 
He will be greatly missed in both banking and Masonic circles.
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== BARTON, HENRY H. 1793-1874 ==
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* MM 1823, WM 1827-1829, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsLodge The Massachusetts]
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* ''DDGM, '''[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MABoston1_1835-1848 Boston 1], 1837, 1838''
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* Grand Pursuivant 1830-1832
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* Junior Grand Steward 1833
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* Signed [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassDec1831 Declaration of 1831]
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''From Liberal Freemason, Vol. I, No. 11, February 1878, Page 336:''
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Henry H. Barton was born in Boston, Mass., June 27, 1793, and died in Lyme Centre, N. H., December 12, 1874. He embraced Masonry in early life, and became a member of St. Andrew's Chapter, of Boston, in 1830.
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In a note from his widow, a second wife, written shortly after his death, she says: "I will send you a slip of paper that he used to keep as a sort of memorandum, at a time when it was very hard for the poor in Boston. He told me that he used to put by what little money he could every Saturday night, until he got live dollars, and then would send it to some benevolent gentleman or lady to help the needy. He said he never told any one before, but that it was his way to do all he could for every one."
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We print a copy of the paper referred to, and submit it to our readers as a commendable example of a good man and Mason, whose old age was frequently cheered by his Masonic Brethren and Companions.
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It will be noticed that these several sums were given in the same month and year, and indicate how much the donor must have done in charitable contributions.
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<blockquote>
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"Watchman, what of the night?"<br>
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Appearances betoken gloom and sorrow for the poor.
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</blockquote>
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<blockquote>
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Boston, Oct., 1S37. <br>
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<br>
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''Respected Sir'', — By applying the enclosed sum in alleviating the temporal miseries of any suffering child of Father Adam within the orbit of your benign influence, you will confer a favor on<br>
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<br>
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Yours, with esteem,<br>
''One of the Odds and Ends of Mortality.''<br>
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<br>
Rev. Mr. Sargent. $5.00.<br>
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<br>
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''"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me."''<br>
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<br>
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<br>
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Boston, Oct., 1837.<br>
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<br>
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''Respected Sir,'' — By applying the enclosed discount from my charity coffer to the excellent objects of the Farm School, you will confer a favor on<br>
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<br>
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Yours, with respect,<br>
''One of the Odds and Ends of Mortality.''<br>
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<br>
Wm. Hales, Esq. $5.00.<br>
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<br>
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''"Blest Providence, whose parent power'' <br>
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''All being gives, for all provides,''<br>
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''Oh! through yon dark and dripping cell,''<br>
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''Where Sorrow's outcast offspring weep, ''<br>
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''Flash, as when Peter's fetters fell,''<br>
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''And bid the woes that grieved them sleep!"<br>
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<br>
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<br>
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Boston, Oct., 1837. <br>
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<br>
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''Respected Madam,'' — By applying the enclosed rag to the purchase of good cloth for the relief of suffering humanity, you will confer a favor on<br>
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<br>
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Yours, with esteem, <br>
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''One of the Odds and Ends of Mortality.''<br>
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<br>
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Mrs. Dyer, ''President of the Female Samaritan Society'', $5.00.<br>
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<br>
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''"Mons. Tonson. Come again!!"''<br>
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''To place his mite on the altar of Charity.''<br>
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<br>
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<br>
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Boston, Oct., 1837. <br>
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<br>
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''Respected Sir,'' — By dispensing the enclosed sum for the temporal relief of suffering humanity, you will confer a favor on<br>
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<br>
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Yours, with esteem,<br>
''One of the Odds and Ends of Mortality.''<br>
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<br>
Rev. Jos. Tuckerman. $5.00.<br>
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<br>
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''"Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this" little rag!''<br>
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<br>
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<br>
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Boston, Oct., 1837. <br>
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<br>
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''Respected Sir,'' — By applying the enclosed sum to the temporal relief of some suffering brother or sister, so that they may exclaim as above, you will confer a favor on<br>
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<br>
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Yours, with esteem,<br>
''One of the Odds and Ends of Mortality.''<br>
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<br>
Rev. C. F. Barnard. $5.00.<br>
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<br>
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''"That thus we may with patience bear our moderate ills,''<br>
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''and sympathize with others suffering more."''<br>
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<br>
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<br>
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Boston, Oct., 1837.<br>
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<br>
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''Respected Sir,'' — By applying the enclosed amount to the temporal relief of some suffering brother or sister of the great family, you will confer a favor on<br>
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<br>
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Yours, with esteem,<br>
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<br>
''One of the Odds and Ends of Mortality.''<br>
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<br>
Rev. F. T. Gray. $5.00.
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</blockquote>
  
 
== BARTON, REUBEN 1772-1848 ==
 
== BARTON, REUBEN 1772-1848 ==

Revision as of 13:18, 17 September 2015

Contents

BACON, FRANCIS L. 1837-1859

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVIII, No. 6, April 1859, Page 191:

Lowell, March 26, 1859.

Bro. C. W. Moore — The enclosed Resolves were adopted by Pentucket Lodge at meeting held March 17th, 1859, and which by vote of Lodge, I was instructed to send to you for publication in your Magazine.

Yours fraternally, C. E. A. Bartlett, Secretary, Pentucket Lodge.

  • Whereas, in the Providence of the Grand Architect of the Universe our beloved young Brother, Francis L. Bacon, has been called to his home in the spirit land, whereby the long cherished hopes of his parents have vanished, and they now mourn his departure, and in sorrow consign his once lovely, but now mouldering form, to the quiet sleep of death; therefore
  • Resolved, That we tender to the mourning family our sympathy and heartfelt sorrow in this hour of bereavement and affliction, and especially to our Brother, the father of the deceased, in his many afflictions, and to his worthy companion, that she may be sustained in her weakness and restored from her prostrated illness. Upon all relatives and friends we invoke the blessing of him who hath power to wipe tears from all eyes, and through whose power we trust they will finally be reunited in love, to part no more forever.
  • Resolved, That though as Masons we mourn the loss of this young Brother from our Lodge, we rejoice in the blissful thought, that with the eye of faith we can see his spirit in that Grand Lodge above, where the Supreme Ruler of the Universe forever reigns."
  • Resolved, That by this affliction we are forcibly taught the great uncertainty of life, and of the vast importance of a more strict observance of the elevating principles and requirements of our beloved Institution and of the Christian religion.
  • Resolved, That the furniture and Jewels of Pentucket Lodge be draped in mourning for thirty days.
  • Resolved, That the Secretary send these Resolutions to Brother C. W. Moore for publication in the Freemasons' Magazine, and that he furnish the bereaved family a copy.
  • Whereas, in the dispensation of events, it has pleased our Supreme Grand High Priest, to remove from among us by death, our worthy and highly esteemed Companion, Francis L. Bacon; in view of his many virtues we cannot forbear to publicly express our deep sorrow at this affliction in the loss of one who became early impressed with a favorable opinion of Order, and ever continued to evince a high regard for it. In this bereavement the community has lost a worthy and exemplary young man; the parents a dutiful and obedient son, and this Chapter and the fraternity, a zealous and faithful Companion and Brother — therefore
  • Resolved, That the members of Mount Horeb R. A, Chapter have received with grief the announcement of the death of Companion Francis L. Bacon, a worthy member of this Chapter.
  • Resolved, That this Chapter will manifest its respect for the memory of the deceased, and its sympathy with his bereaved friends, by draping the Chapter-room in mourning thirty days.
  • Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to forward a copy of these Resolutions to the father of the deceased, and to the editor of the Freemasons' Magazine, for publication.

A True copy of preamble and resolutions adopted by Mount Horeb R. A. Chapter at a meeting held at Lowell, Mass., on Monday evening, March 14th, 1859.

AttestWm. F. Salmon, Secretary.

BACON, HORACE S. 1869-1915

From Proceedings, Page 1915-93:

R. WOR. HORACE S. BACON was born in Lowell, October 29, 1869, and died at his residence in Lowell April 8, 1915.

He received his early education in the schools of Lowell and passed the bar examination after pursuing a course of study at Boston University. He practiced law for a number of years. He was appointed Register of Deeds of Middlesex County suceeding the late Captain Thompson, and served out his term of office.

Brother Bacon was Recording Secretary of the Lowell Historical Society, a member of Old Middlesex Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, and of the Vesper Country Club.

Brother Bacon received the degrees in Freemasonry in Kilwinning Lodge, Lowell, in 1896, and was its Master in 1904 and 1905. He served as Grand Pursuivant in the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in 1906 and was District Deputy Grand Master of the Eleventh Masonic District in 1908 and 1909. He was a life member of Mother Kilwinning Lodge of Scotland, also a member of the Committee on Curiosities of the Craft eight years from 1908 to 1915. He was exalted in Mt. Horeb Royal Arch Chapter of LoweII, June 8, 1896, and was its High Priest in 1911, and District Deputy Grand High Priest of District No. 9, in 1914. He took the degrees of Ahasuerus Council of Royal and Select Masters in Lowell in 1897. He received the orders of Knighthood in Pilgrim Commandery, K.T., of Lowell, in 1897 and was its Eminent Commander in 1911 and 1912. He was its Recorder from October, 1912 to his decease. He was a member of the Lowell Lodge of Perfection, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, of the Lowell Council, Princes of Jerusalem, and was Most Wise Master of Mt. Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix; also he was a member of Massachusetts Consistory 32°.

I quote the language of his life-long friend, R.W. Brother Stevens:

"As we sat in the house of mourning on Sunday last around the casket which contained all that was left of one of the noblest of men, we could. not help thinking how much it would have pleased Horace S. Bacon if he could know the place he held in the hearts of friends and associates, both old and young, who had gathered there to pay tribute to his memory. How it would have gratified him could he have been conscious that in the genuine manliness and generosity of his life he had so deeply touched the humane nature of hosts of people whom he had met in a business and in a social way. Perhaps in the divine economy of things his spirit was cognizant of the strength of the bonds of affection we cherished for him and the sorrow we feel that we shall see him no more."

From New England Craftsman, Vol. X, No. 7, April 1915, Page 253:

One of the saddest events that we have been called to record in a long time is the death of Brother Horace S. Bacon, a well known citizen and active Freemason of Lowell, Mass.

Brother Bacon committed suicide Thursday, April 8th, Apparently he had everything to live for, a comfortable financial condition, a good home with wife and two children, an educated mind and expectation of a long and active life, being only forty-six years old. In our present issue we print a contribution from his pen. He was a valuable friend in this direction, sending us with frequency, items of information and news. It is said that he had suffered for the past few months from nervous trouble which had become acute, though his friends did not suspect, from his appearance, that he was under such a mental strain.

BACON, JOEL LYMAN 1937-1906

From New England Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 7, April 1906, Page 234:

Brother Joel L. Bacon died Sunday morning, February 25, at his late residence, Jamaica Plain. He was born in Barre, Aug. 15, 1837. The greater part of his life was spent in Boston. He was employed by the city government, ten years as head farmer at Deer Island, and nine years as superintendent at the almshouse, Austin Farm. For the past eighteen years he had been in business in Roxbury, being the senior member of the firm of Bacon & Tarbell, stable keepers, on Warren Street. Last fall he sold out his interest in the firm and purchased a periodical store at Woolsey Square, Jamaica Plain. He was a member of Joseph Warren Commandery, Knights Templars. He was active in political matters, being vice-president of the Alliance for two years. For more than a year he had been in failing health. The immediate cause of his death was heart disease. He leaves a widow, a daughter, Mrs. Albert N. Pond oi Bridgewater, one grandson, and two brothers, George E. Bacon of Bridgewater and David Bacon of Athol.

BAGLEY, EDWARD C. R. 1875-1937

From Proceedings, Page 1947-127:

Right Worshipful Brother Bagley was born in East Boston July 22,1875, and died in Winthrop August 8, 1937.

Brother Bagley was left fatherless at the age of six. Supporting himself largelv by his own exertions, he managed to secure a substantial education in the East Boston schools. He studied law for a time, but gave up professional aspirations to enter the wholesale clothing business. He served in the Boston City Council from 1904 to 1906, in the House of Representatives from 1906 to 1908, and in the Senate for the four years following.

Brother Bagley's distinguished service was as Deputy Director of Prisons in the Department of Correction, to which post he was appointed in 1916. Here he made a national reputation. as a penologist. He was very successful in dealing with prisoners, basing his work on a conviction that regeneration could be brought about more successfully by scientific approach than by abstract moral appeals. He added to wide sympathy a keen appreciation of human nature and a firm and upright character.

Right Worshipful Brother Bagley was Raised in Baalbec Lodge March 7, 1905, and was its Master in 1920. He was also a Charter member of Everett C. Benton Lodge. He was District Deputy Grand Master for the Third Masonic District in 1922 and 1923, by appointment of Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince and Most Worshipful Dudley H. Ferrell.

His great accomplishments made him an outstanding and respected figure in the community, and his thoroughly lovable character won hosts of devoted friends. In his passing the state loses a useful citizen and the Fraternity a shining ornament.

BAILEY, GOLDSMITH FOX 1823-1862

Goldsmith_Bailey.png

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXI, No. 7, May 1862, Page 255:

At the Regular Communication of Aurora Lodge, at Fitchburg, Mass., on Monday evening, May 18, after appropriate exercises on the death of Hon. G. F. Bailey, who was a member of the Lodge, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted :—

  • Whereas the Supreme Architect of the Universe has been pleased, in his wisdom and mercy, to remove our worthy and much beloved Brother, the Hon. Goldsmith F. Bulky, from the cares and trials of earth, to meet Him in the Grand Lodge above, where toil and pain shall cease, — Therefore be it by us
  • Resolved, That we deeply mourn the departure of our worthy Brother, the late Hon. Goldsmith F. Bailey, whose high integrity of character commands the respect of all who enjoyed the happiness of his friendship while living, and for whose Masonic faithfulness, the members of Aurora Lodge will fondly cherish his memory in death.
  • Resolved, That in the demise of our worthy Brother, the community has lost an exemplary citizen, the legal profession a bright and shining light, the Commonwealth a true and faithful Representative in Congress, society a social friend, and Masonry one of its most endeared members.
  • Resolved, That we tender our warmest sympathies to the family and friends of our deceased Brother, sod would especially commend them to Him who has promised to be a father to the fatherless, and the widow's God, and ask permission to mingle our grief with theirs, over our lost and loved Brother.
  • Resolved, That as a token of respect and esteem for our Brother, and as a faith-fed testimonial of our grief at his loss, the Jewels and Furniture of the Lodge be draped in mourning for the space of thirty days.
  • Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and accompanying resolutions, be furnished the bereaved family, placed upon the records of the Lodge, and published in the Masonic Magazine.

Wikipedia page

BAKER, RUEL d. 1848

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. VII, No. 4, February 1848, Page 128:

We deeply regret the duty which a sudden visitslion of an all-wise Providence has imposed upon as, of mourning the loss of an esteemed friend and excellent Mason, by the death of W. Bro. Ruel Baker. He died at his residence in this city, on Monday afternoon, Jan. 17th, of pleurisy and lung fever, after an illness of one week.

At the time of his death, Br. Baker was the G. M. of the Grand Encampment of Mass. and Rhode Island, and D.G.H P. of the Grand Chapter of this State. He was also one of the Stewards of the Grand Lodge, and Treasurer of the Boston Encampment, and of Columbian Lodge. His funeral took place on the 30th ult. at the Hollis street church, where public ceremonies were performed, in the presence of a large assemblage of Brethren and friends. The body was then taken to Mount Auburn.

The deceased was a warm-hearted and zealous Brother, and his loss will be severely felt by the Fraternity iu thia city, by whom his funeral was generally attended. We regret that our room does not, this month, admit of a more extended notice.

BAKER, STEPHENS 1791-1883

  • MM 1816, St. John's #1, Wilmington, NC
  • Charter Member 1824, Liberty

From Proceedings, Page 1883-228:

Bro. STEPHENS BAKER was born in Beverly, November 14, 1791. He received the first three degrees in Masonry in a Lodge in Wilmington, N . C , in 1816, and was a member of Amity Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, in Beverly, at the time of his death. He died September 27, 1883, aged ninety-one years, and ten months, and was the last survivor of the signers of the Protest living in Beverly.

A signer of the Declaration of 1831.

BAKER, WILLIAM LIONEL 1875-1906

From New England Craftsman, Vol. II, No. 2, November 1906, Page 78:

Brother William L. Baker, a prominent young Boston attorney and club man, died at his home in Brookline, Nov. 3d., after a week's illness. Mr. Baker was born in Syracuse, N. Y., Aug. 13, 1875, son of former Mayor Baker of that city. He was educated in the New York public schools, the University of New York and the New York law school, subsequently taking a postgraduate course at the Harvard law school. He was admitted to the bar in 1897, and had up to the time of his death been engaged in the practice of his profession in Boston. He was an officer in Beth-Horon Lodge, a member of St. Paul's Chapter and Boston Commandery.

BALDWIN, BENJAMIN D. 1786-1867

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVI, Vol. 10, August 1867, Page 319:

The deceased died at the residence of his daughter, in Saugus, on Wednesday, July 24th, aged 81 years, and was buried at Mt. Auburn on the 26th. The funeral was largely attended by relatives and friends, and the ceremonies of interment were performed by St. Andrew's Lodge, of this city, assisted by the officers of William Sutton Lodge, of Danvers. The masonic services were read by R.W. Br. Parkman, of the former, in the Chapel of the cemetery.

Brother Baldwin was the senior member of St. Andrew's Lodge, having been admitted to membership in 1820. He was also a member of St Andrew's Chapter, and of the Boston Encampment, and has always been a zealous active, and useful Mason. He was much beloved by the members of his Lodge, and highly respected by all who knew him.

BALDWIN, JOSIAH d. 1853

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XII, Vol. 8, June 1853, p. 253:

The following resolutions, offered by the R. W. Br. Winslow Lewis, in token of respect for the memory of the excellent Brother whose decease they record, were unanimously adopted by the Grand Lodge of this State, at its communication in March last.

  • Resolved, That this Grand Lodge, while in the heartfelt demonstration of respect for the memory of one of her permanent members, is not unmindful of the loss of him who in the humble capacity of Tyler of this body, has faithfully and devotedly served the cause of Masonry for a period extending to the life of a generation.
  • Resolved, That the late Josiah Baldwin has left to us, and to his family, the inestimable legacy of a good name. The trait most conspicuous was uniform and consistent conscientiousness, exemplified in his long devotion to duty. He reverenced its dictates in the smallest as well as the greatest things; and was thus entitled to the commendation of his Great Master, "well done, thou good and faithful servant! thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee a ruler over many. Enter thou into the joys of thy Lord."
  • Resolved, That we condole with the bereaved family in the loss of their respected and venerable head. May the mantle of his devotion to duty and conscience fall especially upon him who is connected with us and with them, and though neither wealth nor high station may be the result here, the better wealth, the more glorious place, will be gained hereafter.

BANCROFT, AMOS 1768-1848

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. VII, No. 10, August 1848, p. 319:

Pepperell, June 26, 1848.

Sir Kt. Moore,—"A great man hath fallen in Israel." Died in Boston, July 12th, Dr. Amos Bancroft, of Groton, Mass., in the 82d year of bis age. While crossing near the head of State street, he was knocked down by a horse and carriage, the approach of which, being very deaf, he did not hear—and the injury thus received resulted in his death within a few hours. He was a son of Capt. Edmund Bancroft, of Pepperell—the man who sent his sons and journeymen to fight the battles of their eountry, for the sacred cause of freedom. Amos, being quite a lad, and not old enough to wield a musket, was kept on the farm. One day, while riding a horse to plough, the horse took fright, mad went at the top of his speed, with the plough attached to him, until he came to a high fence, and stopping suddenly, threw him a number of feet on a heap of rocks. He was taken up for dead, but by skillful treatment, soon recovered.

To this incident in his life be owed his education. He graduated at Harvard College in 1791; studied medicine under Dr. Oliver Prescott, sen., of Groton, and Dr. Hurd, of Concord; practised in that profession at Westford and at Weaton; removed to Groton in 1811, where he lived until death summoned him from the terrestial Lodge below, to repose ou the bosom of his Maker in the celestial Lodge above. He received the degrees of Freemasonry in Middlesex Lodge, Framingham, Mass. He always spoke in the highest terms of the Masonic Institution, and during the antimasonic excitement, he stood like a lower of strength in defence of the Masonic flag. Thanks be given to the Almighty Architect, that nag is still floating on the battlements, where it will remain until the consummation of all things. As a Physician, for judgment and skill in the healing art, be had not a superior in New England. He was for many years a counsellor in the Massachusetts Medical Society. A large circle of relatives and friends are left to mourn his sudden death:

" Catch, oh catch the transient hour,
Improve each moment as it flies;
Life's a short summer, man a flower—
He dies—alas! how soon he dies!"

Yours, fraternally, Luther S. Bancroft.

BANCROFT, EDMUND DANA 1821-1896

DanaBancroft.JPG

GRAND MASTER'S ADDRESS, DECEMBER 1896

From Proceedings, Page 1896-219:

Wor. Edmund Dana Bancroft, of Ayer, a Grand Lecturer of this Grand 'Lodge for thirteen years, died on Wednesday afternoon, August 12th last, from the effects of sunstroke. He was nearly seventy-five years of age. He was present at the last Communication of this Grand Lodge, and took part in its debates. No subject of importance came before this Grand Body in which Bro. Bancroft did not take deep interest. It was this intense interest which caused him to write me a letter of ten pages under date of July 4, 1896. It was upon the subject of music, which was before this Grand Lodge for consideration at the Communication in June last. He concluded by speaking very kindly of the present condition and work of our Grand Lodge, and said: Writing you has made this fourth of July very delightful to me. He was a conservative, judicious and zealous Mason.

From Proceedings, Page 1896-221:

There is nothing idle or unmeaning in the words of our ritual which impress upon us thoughts of mortality. The hour-glass and scythe are no longer emblems, but stern realities, as we pause at the graves of those who have walked beside us and whose voices we can still hear uttering words of friendship, of encouragement and of inspiration.

In. the death of Wor. Bro. Bancroft, the Grand Lodge and the Fraternity lose one of their most loyal members. For more than a generation he has been a regular attendant upon our Communications, and during all that period he has been an office-bearer in this Body or in one or more subordinate Lodges.

Edmund Dana Bancroft was born in Pepperell, Sept. 6, 1821. He received a common-school education, and was a teacher for some years in his native place and in towns adjoining. In 1858 he entered the employ of the railroads meeting at Groton Junction, now Ayer, as station-master, holding the position twelve years. He was next in business as an insurance agent, representing his district in the Legislatures of 1871 and 1872, and was State Senator in 1879. He was postmaster from 1883 to 1887, and for a time an officer of U.S. Customs.

His Masonic life dates from his initiation in Aurora Lodge, Sept. 8, 1856. He was elected to membership in St. Paul Lodge in November, 1857, and became its Worshipful Master less than two years later, holding the office for three years. At the time of assuming the Chair in St. Paul Lodge, he ha,d concluded a year as Master of Trinity Lodge, U.D., and had been for six months the Master of Excelsior Lodge, U.D., afterwards chartered as Caleb Butler Lodge. In October, 1865, he was appointed Master of Charles W. Moore Lodge, U.D., and upon the granting of its charter, he withdrew from membership in St. Paul Lodge to serve two years more in the East of Charles W. Moore Lodge. He was dimitted from this Lodge in 1870, was again elected to membership in St. Paul Lodge, and was its Worshipful Master from 1872 to 1874. In 1876 he was Master of Boylston Lodge, U.D. This record shows that in the early part of 1859 he was presiding over two Lodges under dispensation, that in the latter part of that year he was placed at the head of a chartered Lodge while still Master of a Lodge under dispensation, and that in all he was the Worshipful Master of five Lodges. In addition to this, he was in charge of the work of Caleb Butler Lodge for some months while its Master was absent at the time of the Civil War. In 1874, retiring from the East of St. Paul Lodge, he was elected its Secretary, and continued in that office until his death.

He was Junior Grand Steward in 1861, and Grand Lecturer from December of that year to the close of 1874. By election as proxy, he held a seat in the Grand Lodge during the remainder of his life. The importance of his services can hardly be overestimated. He was a prominent figure in his section of the State during the revival of Masonry there. His gravity of deportment, manifesting itself in thought, speech and action, and his untiring, energetic enthusiasm exerted a decided influence, and in his intercourse with the Craft as Grand Lecturer he received the respect due to one who in addition to these traits gave evidence of being a careful and conscientious student of the ritual. He was entitled to the highest praise for his labors in retaining the true work and resisting the introduction of innovation in the years preceding the authoritative establishment of the ritual by the Committee of 1874.

Wor. Bro. Bancroft received the Chapter degrees in Thomas Chapter in 1858, and held for a year the office of King. He was the first Eminent Commander of Jerusalem Commandery, and had received the thirty-third degree in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

In 1845 he married Mary Park Morse, who died in 1860. Four daughters, the children of this marriage, survive him: Mrs. M. J. Tucker, of Boston; Mrs. Jacob P. Hazen, of Shirley; Mrs. Anna Richardson, of Washington, D.C.; and Mrs. James A. Beatley, of Roxbury. In 1861 he married Phoebe Bridge Barrett, who died in 1895. His domestic life was a happy one. It seemed to be pervaded by that music in which he delighted, and which was his contribution to public worship as the organist for many years of the Unitarian Church. He believed in music and song as an essential feature at all Masonic gatherings, and his whole life was a song in harmony with his surroundings. His mental faculties were not obscured by age. His latest work was as a collaborator in the preparation of a centennial history of St. Paul Lodge, to which he was devoting a regular part of each day. This undertaking he left unfinished. He died Aug. 12, 1896.

His death was induced by the severe heat of the second week in that month, and the fatal attack occurred while on his way from Ayer to Shirley, to bring home his children and grandchildren, who had been absent for the day. His Brothers of the Mystic Tie assisted in paying the last sad offices to his remains. His funeral was held at the Unitarian Church, in Ayer, and he was buried at Shirley.

The limits of this sketch will not permit of an extended analysis of his character, even if we considered ourselves qualified to place it on record. All who knew him can testify to his ability, to his unswerving integrity, and to the acquired habit of self-watchfulness which he had so made a part of himself that it dominated and controlled his every word and act. But those who were admitted, to closer familiarity with him like to recall something more: the spirit of loyalty he always manifested to his Brethren and friends, his kindly affection towards them, even while he grieved at times over their differences of opinion, and the eagerness with which he sought the opportunity to reconcile such differences. They love to remember that, even after death had laid his hand upon him, his last conscious efforts were in trying to complete the work he had undertaken to do for others.

We can say no more than to express our belief that when he began his new life as the youngest Entered Apprentice in the Celestial Lodge, he might justly have been greeted by the same words he had so often addressed to others, and told that he stood in that presence a just and upright Mason.

Respectfully submitted,
THOS. W. DAVIS,
ALBERT J. ATWOOD,
HOWARD M. DOW,
Committee.

COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION, JULY 1897

From A. A. S. R., Council of Deliberation, 07/03/1897:

Ill. Bro. Edmund Dana Bancroft was born in Pepperell, Mass., Sept. 6, 1821. He was educated in the public schools, and was a teacher several years in his native place and in towns adjoining. In 1S58 he entered the employ of the Fitchburg Railroad Company as station master at Groton Junction, now Ayer, holding the position twelve years. He was next in business as an insurance agent, and was postmaster of Ayer from 1883 to 1887. He represented his district in the Legislatures of 1871 and 1872, and was State Senator in 1879. For a time he was an officer of the United States Customs in Boston.

Brother Bancroft was raised a Master Mason in Aurora Lodge, Fitchburg, Oct. 21, 1850, and was elected to membership Jan. 5, 1857. He was elected a member of St. Paul Lodge, Groton, Nov. 30, 1857, and Oct. 17,. 1859, was elected its Wor. Master, holding the office three years. When dispensations were granted to Trinity Lodge. Clinton, Sept. 23, 1858, Excelsior Lodge, constituted as Caleb Butler Lodge, Ayer, March 25, 1859, Charles W. Moore Lodge, Fitchburg, Oct. 10. 1865, and Boylston Lodge, West Boylston, Feb. 8, 1876, Wor. Bro. Bancroft served as presiding officer under the several dispensations. Upon the granting of a charter to Charles W. Moore Lodge, he withdrew from St. Paul Lodge Sept. 24, 1860, to serve two years in the East of Charles W. Moore Lodge He dimitted from this Lodge Dec. 20, 1870, and affiliating again with St. Paul Lodge served as its Wor. Master from October, 1872, to Oct. 19, 1874, when he was elected secretary of the Lodge and continued in that office nearly twenty-two years until his decease. He was elected an honorary member of St. Paul Lodge Sept. 24, 1860. He conferred the degrees on one hundred and thirty-five candidates.

In the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts he was appointed Junior Grand Steward Dec 27, 1860, and Grand Lecturer Dec. 27, 1861, serving thirteen years to Dec. 29, 1874.

He was exalted in Thomas R. A. Chapter, Fitchburg, Sept. 22, 1858, and served as King in 1863 and 1865.

He received the degree of R. and S. Master in Hiram Council, Worcester, May 12, 1859.

He was knighted in Pilgrim Commandery, Lowell, May 4, 1859. He served as Em. Commander of Jerusalem Commandery under the dispensation dated March 8, 1864. Under its charter, dated May 5, 1805, he was installed as its first Em. Commander, Oct. 13, 1865, serving two years. He was Grand Lecturer in the Grand Commander; of Massachusetts and Rhode Island in 1865 and 1866, and from Oct. 27, 1871 thirteen years to Oct. 31, 1884. He conferred the orders of knighthood on fifty candidates.

In the A. A. Scottish Rite he received the degrees in Lowell Lodge of Perfection, Lowell Council of P. of J., and Mt. Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix March 3, 1863, and the degrees in Massachusetts Consistory, then of Lowell, April 2, 18U3. He was created a Sov. Grand Inspector-General, 33°, and an honorary member of the Supreme Council of the Nor. Mass. Jurisdiction in Boston, May 19, 1865.

Ill. Bro. Bancroft was married in 1845 to Mary Park Morse, who died in 1860; their four daughters are still living. In 1861 he married Phoebe Bridge Barrett, who died in 1895. His mental faculties were unimpaired by age. His latest work was as a co-laborer in the preparation of a centennial history of St. Paul Lodge, to which he devoted a regular part of each day, and which he left unfinished. He died Aug. 12, 1896, his death being induced by exposure to the severe heat while on the way from Ayer to Shirley.

From the record of his Masonic career it will be apparent that Brother Bancroft was a devoted Mason, and through a long period of years gave much time and attention to the prosecution of Masonic work. Everything which came to his hands was thoroughly done, and his personal influence was widely and most favorably felt in Masonic circles. He was a man of unimpeachable character, much respected and beloved in the community in which he lived, and his virtues as a man and citizen were recognized wherever he was known.

Respectfully submitted,
B. W. Rowell,
Theo. H. Emmons,
Seranus Bowen,
Committee.

BANCROFT, JONATHAN 1761-1848

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. VII, No. 4, February 1848, p. 125:

Died Dec. 10th, Col. Jonathan Bancroft, in the 87th year of his age.

Col. Bancroft served his country during the war of the American Revolution. He enlisted when quite a lad, under Lieut. Edmund Bancroft, of Pepperell, (his oldest brother,) as his waiter. His brother soon died in Charlestown, of the small pox, and was buried on the west side of Bunker Hill. After this heart-rending scene, young Jonathan bad to take his pack and gun, without the instructions of an affectionate brother. He was stationed at West Point at the time of Arnold's treason. Two of his brother soldiers belonging to the same company helped row Arnold down the Hudson river, and put him on board the British sloop of war Vulture. He witnessed the execution of the accomplished Major André, the pride of the Royal Army, and has stated that he was the handsomest man that he ever saw. He had the honor to hail the great Washington, when on sentry on the banks of the Hudson, and order him to give the countersign, at the bayonet's point. He was soon selected to join the Light Infantry commanded lby the darling child of France, the magnanimous La Fayette; and during their toilsome marches through the Carolines and Virginia, when they were pressed by the British Army under Lord Cornwallis, LaFayette would address his soldiers in language like this: "O! my brave Light Infantry! I must Adjutant you a little tonight." He was at the taking of Lord Cornwallis and his army at Yorktown, and was stationed near the American flag when a grape-shot from the British cannon, cut the staff and it fell on to him and Cprl. Hart, of Lynn, then a brother sergeant with him in the army. One says to the other, "Who has got it?" "Both," was the answer. They placed it on the breast-work, and the terrible pas de charge was heard from the right to the left wing of the American army. They penetrated through the British lines and carried them at the point of the bayonet.

It is meet for us, as Masons and patriots, to remember the deeds of such men. The last man who belonged to the flower of Washington's Army, in this section of the State of Massachusetts, has gone. God, and Washington, were on his lips while his senses remained.

"How sleep the brave who sink to rest
With all their country's honors blest!"

Yours, fraternally, Luther S. Bancroft.

BANCROFT, LUTHER 1771-1854

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIV, No. 1, October 1854, Page 9:

Dear Sir Kt. and Br.— I wrote yon a few days ago, a short obituary notice of my father, but I did not see the notice in the last number of the Magazine. Will you have the goodness to insert the following?

Brother Luther Bancroft died suddenly, September 22, 1854, aged eighty-three years and five months. Br. Bancroft was the youngest son of Capt. Edmund Bancroft, of Pepperell, — the man who belonged to the Provincial Congress, at Watertown, in the days that tried "men's souls." Every son of his, old enough to wield a musket, had to fight for liberty under such commanders as Col. William Prescott, of Pepperell, and Washington!! On the never to be forgotten 19th of April, 1775, my father, being only four years old, remembers seeing Mr. William Tarbell (the nearest neighbor of his father.) coming into the house hastily and saying " Captain! the regulars have arrived at Concord! Where is Edmund?" "He has just set out to go down East," said my grandfather, (to what is now called the State of Maine, as he owned a lot of land there.) "Go, Jonathan," he says to his next oldest son, "and call him back — he has not got out of hearing." Jonathan soon came within hailing distance. His Brother, with a tiger bound sprang for his equipments at the house — bid farewell — and joined Capt. John Nutting's company of minute-men of Pepperell.

That company, seventy-five in number, arrived at the Foot of the Rocks, so called, in Lexington, on the same day, before sundown. They did not get the news in Pepperell until nearly 3 o'clock, P. M. On the memorable 17th of June, 1775, his father was aiding and assisting in conveying refreshments and ammunition to Col. Prescott's forlorn hope, on Breed's Hill, until the British landed and made their first charge. He was then ordered to retire and keep out of danger. His oldest son, Edmund, was there, and was appointed a Sergeant Major by Col. Prescott.

On the day of my father's death, he exhibited a powder horn, to a gentleman of Pepperell, bearing date 1737, carved with curious devices, and the initials E. B., a present to his father, from Mr. Robinson Lakin, of Pepperell. His oldest Brother carried it by his side, at the battle of Bunker Hill! He related to the reverend gentleman a thrilling incident, of that birth day of our liberty, about his eldest Brother and Lieut. John Mosher, of Capt. John Nutting's company of minute men. After the third charge of the British, orders were given by Colonel Prescott for "every man to take care of himself. A great many of our men did not bear the order, and fought with the butts of their muskets until they were nearly surrounded by the enemy. Lieut. Mosher, and Edmund, left the redoubt at the same time side by side ; they had proceeded but a short distance, when Mosher says to Edmund, "let us separate, — one or both are soon dead men!"' "Do you see that British grenadier beside of a post, bringing his musket to a level?" "My gun is not loaded," says Lieut. Mosher. "Mine is," says Edmund, who in an instant placed his death sight upon his musket and the grenadier was no more!

The above was related to my father by Lieut. John Mosher, after the close of the revolutionary war. The gun which his Brother Edmund had in the battle of Bunker Hill shows the marks of hard usage — it is kept as a precious relic of that never to be forgotten day. His oldest Brother was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Continental Army, and was soon appointed a captain, but fell a victim to that awful scourge the small pox, which raged in the American camp, June 25th, 1777, in the twenty-ninth year of his age. His body slumbers near the vicinity of Bunker Hill, without a stone to mark the place of its lone rest. His writings of those days are very interesting. I obtain from them what I cannot from history. Jonathan, his next oldest Brother, was his waiter when he died — he served during the war of the American Revolution, as has been mentioned in a preceding number of this Magazine. Thomas Bancroft, the next Brother in order, was an enterprising farmer, in Pepperell. Amos Bancroft, the next Brother in order, was a distinguished Physician. He resided in the town of Groton, Mass., and was accidentally killed in State Street, Boston, a few years since — this name will be found in a preceding number of the Magazine. Luther Bancroft, the youngest, and last Brother, was an operative, as well as a speculative Mason! He received a severe injury from his sister by a hatchet, when about three years old, which severed the two middle and forefingers from his right hand.

He learned to spread "that cement, which unites a building into one common mass." Many an edifice in Boston and the New England States, will tell of his work when that hand has returned to the dust. We cannot conceive how this exquisite specimen of creative omnipotence should be limited in its existence even for a few years, when monuments of human art survive the shock of ages.

He was initiated into our holy Order of Freemasonry in 1797, and took the three degrees the same year, in St. Paul's Lodge, Groton, Mass., Rt. W. M. James Brazer, presiding. He wore the regalia of the Order when the Lodge was consecrated, — and he fondly hoped to attend our last annual meeting, which happened a few days after his death. One solitary pillar was there with us, — Br. John Walton, of Pepperell, — the other, Br. Jonathan Loring, of Groton, was not able to attend. Only two yet linger on the verge of the grave to tell us of that auspicious day. During the rage of Anti-Masonry, Br. Bancroft was true to the institution, as the rays of the sun, are true to tangent lines. I trust his soul has been raised by the "Lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world," to that blissful Lodge above where death can never enter — and there, with kindred spirits, to spend a happy eternity! The four Brothers lived, each one of them, to see between eighty and ninety years, In calling the names of our Brethren at our annual meeting, the answer comes from the Tyler of Eternity — gone home!

Yours fraternally,
Luther S. Bancroft.

BARNARD, GILBERT 1818-1858

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVII, No. 9, Page ---:

Died in Andover, Mass., on the 5th day of June, Brother Gilbert Barnard ; and at the first regular communication of St. Matthew's Lodge, of which he was a member, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :—

  • Whereas, The Brethren of St. Matthew's Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, learn with deep regret the demise of our lamented Brother, Gilbert Barnard, that he has been called from earthly labor to partake, we trust, of the blessings of the celestial Lodge, whose Great Master ever liveth; and while we deplore his loss amongst us, be it
  • Resolved, That the same heartfelt sympathy experienced for our departed Brother be extended to his bereaved family, who have thus sustained an irreparable loss; and that in our condolations we would assure them that his memory is an evergreen planted in our hearts; and of our hope, that like as the holly survives the frosts of winter, so he surmounts the decay of nature, and stands among the accepted before the throne of God, where we all hope to meet.
  • Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the Freemasons' Monthly Magazine, and a copy transmitted to the family of our deceased Brother.

M. Sands, Sec'y St. M. L.
Andover, June 24th, 1858.

BARRETT, CHARLES 1788-1885

From Proceedings, Page 1885-120:

COL. CHARLES BARRETT died at the residence of his son, at Ashburnham, Mass., at the ripe old age of ninety-seven years. His name appears as Senior Warden of Social Lodge, October, 1826. Temperate, industrious, gentlemanly, he lived a vigorous life, and retained his mental faculties to a remarkable degree. He died highly honored.

BARRETT, CHARLES BENJAMIN 1824-1906

From New England Craftsman, Vol. II, No. 4, January 1907, Page 155:

Brother Charles B. Barrett, of Boston, died suddently December 15, from a complication of diseases made acute by the effects of an automobile accident which happened last November.

He had been a member of De Molay Commandery, K. T. for many years, which body conducted his funeral service at his late residence.

Mr. Barrett was one of the oldest members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in point of membership. He also belonged to the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Association, and the Unitarian Society. He had been in business at 15 North Market street for about fifty years.

BARRON, FRANK T. 1852-1931

From Proceedings, Page 1931-24:

R.W. Brother Barron was born in Boston June 13, 1852 and died at his home in Malden February 1, 1931. Brother Barron's business life was spent in the coal business. At the time of his death he was sales manager for the City Fuel Company.

Brother Barron was Raised in Henry Price Lodge February 23, 1887 and was its Master from 1899 to 1901. He was a Charter nember of the The Lodge of Stirling in 1911. He was District Deputy Grand Master for the Third Masonic District in 1910 and 1911 by appointment of M.W. Dana J. Flanders. Brother Barron held membership in the several bodies of the York and Scottish Rites. He was constant in his service in Grand Lodge where his constant presence as Proxy for Henry Price Lodge and a member of the Committee on Records made him a familiar figure among us. We shall deeply miss his kindly presence.

BARROWS, WILLIAM H. 1863-1933

From Proceedings, Page 1933-438:

Right Worshipful Brother Barrows was born in Pittsfield, March 13, 1863, and died there September 20, 1933.

Brother Barrows was educated in the Pittsfield schools. For many years he was the Pittsfield agent of the American Express Company. In 1906 he entered the employ of the Berkshire County Savings Bank, and in 1911 was made manager of the Massachusetts Savings Bank Life Insurance Department of the Berkshire County Savings Bank, remaining in that position for the rest of his life.

Brother Barrows took his degrees in Crescent Lodge in 1891 and was its Master in 1900. He was a Charter member of Pittsfield Lodge in 1927. ln 1921 and 1922, he was District Deputy Grand Master for the Sixteenth Masonic District, by appointment of M. W. Arthur D. Prince.

Brother Barrows was a member and Past High Priest of Berkshire Royal Arch Chapter, a member and for many years Recorder of Berkshire Council, Royal and Select Masters, and a member and Past Commander of Berkshire Commandery, Knights Templar. Brother Bamows was also a member and past presiding officer of each of the three Scottish Rite bodies in Pittsfield, and a member of Connecticut Valley Consistory. He was coronetted an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council 33°, in 1914.

Brother Barrows was widely known among Masons and deservedly popular wherever known. For many years he was a tower of strength to the Fraternity in Berkshire County, and he will be deeply mourned and greatly missed.

BARSS, WILLIAM RAYMOND 1884-1943

From Proceedings, Page 1943-18:

Brother Barss was born in New Germany, Nova Scotia, on February 15, 1884, and died at his home in Belmont, Massachusetts, on January 20, 1943.

He was educated in Pictou Academy and Acadia University in Nova Scotia, the University of Toronto, Yale University and the Yale Graduate School. In the latter, he received the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Physics, and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Psi Fraternities.

After serving as Instructor in Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for a period of fifteen years, he entered the firm of Barss, Knobel and Clark as Acoustics Engineer. Among the many notable structures on which he acted in the latter capacity is the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade, Boston.

He was raised in Wooster Lodge No. 79 of New Haven, Connecticut, on March 15, 1911, and dimitted on August l0, 1921, to become a Charter Member of Richard C. MacLaurin Lodge of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He served that Lodge as Master in 1926.

He served as District Deputy Grand Master of the (Cambridge) 2nd Masonic District in 1937 and 1938, by appointments of Most Worshipful Grand Masters Claude L. Allen and Joseph Earl Perry.

He was a member of all the Scottish Rite Bodies in Boston. Since February 1940, he was Superintendent of the Boston Masonic Temple and also Director of Education of the Grand Lodge, two unrelated positions, but both of which he filled with marked ability and success.

Quiet and unassuming, soft spoken and mild of manner, yet withal ever willing and eager to serve his fellowman! It was a rare privilege to be associated with him and to receive his ever ready and excellent advice. The many messages of condolence which came to us upon his passing were proof indeed of the place he held in the affections of his Brethren.

"Sleep on, dear friend, such lives as thine
Have not been lived in vain,
But shed an influence, rare, divine
On lives that here remain."

BARTLET, DAVID GARDINER 1860-1918

From Proceedings, Page 1918-273:

R. W. DAVID GARDINER BARTLET was born in Newburyport, Mass., April 9, 1860, and died suddenly at his home in Lynn September 28, 1918. He received the Masonic degrees in Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16, of Plymouth, New Hampshire, in 1883. Having removed to Lynn, he affiliated with Golden Fleece Lodge of that city May 20, 1895. He was appointed Marshal of that Lodge in January, 1899, and, after continuous service, was its Master in 1910 and 1911. He was District Deputy Grand Master of the Eighth Masonic District in 1913 and 1914. For some years he served as an Associate Member of the Board of Masonic Relief and was a member at the time of his decease.

In 1913, under the direetion of M.W. Everett C. Benton, R.W. Brother Bartlet was advised to make an effort to interest some of the Brethren in Swampscott relative to the formation of a new Lodge in that town. December 8, 1913, he visited the home of Brother Clarence B. Humphrey where, with seven good Brethren, the real foundation of Wayfarers Lodge was laid. December 19, 1913, a second visit was made by him and twenty-two Brethren assembled in the interest of a new Lodge. February 19, 1914, he placed the petition for a Dispensation for Wayfarers Lodge in the hands of the Grand Secretary. March 5, 1914, with Brother Harry E. Stilphen as Marshal, he went to Swampscott and duly Instituted Wayfarers Lodge by delivery of the Dispensation to the petitioners. He wrote, "Among my many pleasant duties as District Deputy Grand Master my relations with Wayfarers Lodge stand most pronounced."

I narrate these facts in detail because they are taken from an aceount written by R.W. Brother Bartlet himself. Of his early life we have no information. In Lynn he was first engaged as a car conductor and, after a short service, became a member of the police force of that city; at the time of his decease he was Deputy Chief of Poliee.

When the decease of Brother Bartlet became known to the City Government the flags on the city buildings were placed at halfmast: the City Council was convened: resolutions of respect and sympathy were adopted by the Council and heartfelt eulogies were made by the members. It was well said that Brother Bartlet's "personality endeared him to all who knew him. He combined great fidelity to duty with a singular kindness of manner in all his dealings." "He was big in body and large of soul." "He was always ready to do something good for everybody."

Such has been our own experience with Brother Bartlet. He was a devoted husband and father, a true friend, a faithful officer, just and sympathetic, who always stood for the best interests of the eommunity. He was a grand type of a true Freemason, studious, zealous, workful. His Masonic influence - because of his Masonic ability and character - was far-reaching and brought added honor to the Fraternity. The last summons came like a flash, but it found him prepared to go leaving a clean and honorable record.

BARTLETT, CHARLES A. 1852-1913

From Proceedings, Page 1913-75:

CHARLES A. BARTLETT was born in North Bridgewater, Jan. 9, 1852, and died at his home in Lancaster, March 30, 1913.

He received his education in the public schools of Templeton where he went in 1862 to live with his grandfather. He resided in Clinton from 1871 to 1905. In 1884 he was appointed on the police force of that town, and in 1888 was appointed by the high sheriff of Worcester County a deputy sheriff. He held this position continuously until his death, except during three years. In 1905 he removed. to Lancaster and occupied his newly bought farm. He served Lancaster three years as a member of the Board of Health.

Brother Bartlett became a member of Trinity Lodge of Clinton in 1863, and served as Master in 1886 and 1887. He was District Deputy Grand Master of the Twelfth Masonic District in 1890 and 1891. He had also been High Priest of Clinton Royal Arch Chapter of Clinton, and Eminent Commander of Trinity Commandery, K. T., of Hudson.

He was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Episcopal, for many years, and served as a vestryman, warden, clerk, and treasurer. He has also been a delegate of the parish to the diocesan conventions. Thus Brother Bartlett spent the days of a very busy life. The Church, the State, the County, and our Fraternity received his conscientious efforts for progress and peace. He loitered not by the way, but was active and earnest in his manifold duties. He is worthy to receive the welcome response: "Well done, good and faithful servant."

From New England Craftsman, Vol. VIII, No. 7, April 1913, Page 236:

Deputy Sheriff Charles A. Bartlett died recently at his home in Lancaster, Mass., after a year of failing health. He was born January 9th, 1852, at North Bridgewater. He lived in Clinton many years. In 1905 he moved from Clinton to Lancaster and had served Lancaster for three years as a member of the board of health, and for four years had been on the Republican town committee. Mr. Bartlett became a member of Trinity Lodge of Masons when he was twenty-one years of age. He afterward held all the offices in the lodge. He had been High Priest of Clinton Royal Arch Chapter and Eminent Commander of Trinity Commandery, K. T., of Hudson, and had been the Deputy of the Grand master in the Twelfth Masonic District. He was a member of Hiram Council, Royal and Select Masters, Worcester Lodge of Perfection, Goddard Council, Princes of Jerusalem; Lawrence Chapter, Rose Croix, and the Massachusetts Consistory, 32d degree. He had been member of the Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal) for many years, and had served as a vestryman, warden and clerk and treasurer. He was an original member of the Clinton Historical Society, which he had served as curator. For twenty years he was a member of the Clinton Choral Union and its treasurer for eighteen years.

BARTLETT, CHARLES LESTER 1881-1912

From New England Craftsman, Vol. VII, No. 11, August 1912, Page 368:

Brother Charles Lester Bartlett, one of the most popular young men and a Mason of Marlboro, Mass., lost his life by drowning, July 20. As has been said the accident "was the heartbreaking terminal of a merry outing." Brother Bartlett, with a friend was in a canoe which was overturned by a gust of wind and both were thrown out. Both coming up grasped the canoe but were forced to let go by another gust which overturned the canoe the second time. Brother Bartlett attempted to swim to the shore but he did not reach it. His companion clung to the canoe until he was rescued.

Charles Lester Bartlett was the son of the late ex-Mayor and Mrs. Emily Chadwick Bartlett and was born in Marlboro, Feb. 10, 1881. He attended the public schools and was graduated from the Marlboro high school, class of 1898. Even at school he was a favorite and leader and took a leadin; part in the class play produced at the high school assembly hall. His death is the first in the class of '98.

After leaving school he attended a commercial college in Boston and began work for a grain dealer of South Acton. He later worked as bookkeeper at the First National Bank. He entered the employ of Rice & Hutchins 11 years ago and gradually worked into the position of assistant superintendent, a position he filled with satisfaction to the firm and with the good will of the help. He was a member of United Brethren Lodge. Houghton Royal Arch chapter and Trinity Commandery. He was master of the lodge when the organization celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1909. He was excellent king in Houghton Royal Arch chapter and warden in Trinity commandery. He also belonged to the Union club. He is survived by a mother and brother, Fred M. Bartlett.

No one has ever died in the town whose death has cast greater gloom. The local paper paid tribute to his Lrorth in most generous terms saying:

The old proverb that true royalty needs no crown, found an example in his case. If he was invested in the ■deepest purple or laden with the most lavish riches, greater praise could not be given him.

In the general feeling of sorrow Iwhich overhung the city since the announcement of his death, hardly any person spoke only in terms of the highest enconiums.

Rich and poor, young and old, men land women, all loved to speak in [terms of endearment about the young man. He was so modest, so generous, so courteous to everybody that it seemed that the entire city wept.

Many a story was told of his good qualities, some little incident was repeated and then the tear would moisten the eye and visit the cheek.

He was a sturdy, robust specimen of physical development, and was a young man of happy disposition. When he had power, he used it with discretion.

He was faithful to those for whom he worked and those who worked for him. He was honest, brave and true. If he had a fault, it was far in the background.

The funeral of Brother Bartlett was held on the following Thursday in the Congregational church which was filled to the doors by relatives and friends. The Masonic burial service was performed at the graveside by Past District Deputy Grand Master George H. Hall, who was master of the lodge when Brother Bartlett was initiated.

BARTLETT, FREEMAN CHARLES 1869-1942

From Proceedings, Page 1942-233:

Brother Bartlett was born in Bowling Green, Virginia, on October 6, 1869, and died in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, on April 30, 1942.

He attended the schools of New York City and Davenport, Iowa, and soon after graduation entered the employ of Charles H. Davis, Civil Engineer, Yarmouth, continuing there for a period of fifty-three years.

He took an active interest in town affairs, serving as a member of the Advisory Board and Finance Committee for a period of twenty years. He was also active in church work and in the Boy Scout movement.

He was made a Mason in Howard Lodge of South Yarmouth on November 10, 1906, and served as Worshipful Master in 1914 and 1915. He also served as Treasurer from 1928 until his retirement in 1941.

He was High Priest of Orient Chapter, R. A. M., in 1923 and 1924 and served as Chaplain from 1926 until his death.

He was a charter member of the Past Masters' Association of the Thirty-second Masonic District and served as President in 1923.

In Grand Lodge, he was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the (Hyannis) 32nd District in 1939 and 1940 by Most Worshipful Joseph Earl Perry.

Masonic burial services were conducted in the Hyannis Federated Church on Sunday, May 3, 1942, by the officers of Howard Lodge.

Of a quiet and unassuming personality, Brother Bartlett won the esteem of his Brethren and fellow citizens by his faithful service and ready response to every call made upon him and has now but gone on to join

"the choir invisible
Of those immortal dead who live again
In minds made better by their presence."

BARTON, CHARLES A. 1874-1933

From Proceedings, Page 1934-21:

Right Worshipful Brother Barton was born in Wickford, Rhode Island, October 1, 1874, and died in Worcester, October 20, 1933. Brother Barton was a banker and at the time of his death was President of the Worcester Bank and Trust Company.

Brother Barton took his Masonic. degrees in Solomon's Temple Lodge in 1901 and was its Master from 1905 to 1907. He was District Deputy Grand Master for the Nineteenth Masonic District in 1909 and 1910 by appointment of Most Worshipful Dana J. Flanders. He became a Charter member of Rose of Sharon Lodge in 1929 and held membership in that, as well as Solomon's Temple Lodge, for the remainder of his life.

He was also a member of Saint Elmo Royal Arch Chapter, of Whitinsville, and of Woonsocket Commandery No. 24, K.T., of Woonsocket, R. I.

He will be greatly missed in both banking and Masonic circles.

BARTON, HENRY H. 1793-1874

From Liberal Freemason, Vol. I, No. 11, February 1878, Page 336:

Henry H. Barton was born in Boston, Mass., June 27, 1793, and died in Lyme Centre, N. H., December 12, 1874. He embraced Masonry in early life, and became a member of St. Andrew's Chapter, of Boston, in 1830.

In a note from his widow, a second wife, written shortly after his death, she says: "I will send you a slip of paper that he used to keep as a sort of memorandum, at a time when it was very hard for the poor in Boston. He told me that he used to put by what little money he could every Saturday night, until he got live dollars, and then would send it to some benevolent gentleman or lady to help the needy. He said he never told any one before, but that it was his way to do all he could for every one."

We print a copy of the paper referred to, and submit it to our readers as a commendable example of a good man and Mason, whose old age was frequently cheered by his Masonic Brethren and Companions. It will be noticed that these several sums were given in the same month and year, and indicate how much the donor must have done in charitable contributions.

"Watchman, what of the night?"
Appearances betoken gloom and sorrow for the poor.

Boston, Oct., 1S37.

Respected Sir, — By applying the enclosed sum in alleviating the temporal miseries of any suffering child of Father Adam within the orbit of your benign influence, you will confer a favor on

Yours, with esteem,
One of the Odds and Ends of Mortality.


Rev. Mr. Sargent. $5.00.

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me."


Boston, Oct., 1837.

Respected Sir, — By applying the enclosed discount from my charity coffer to the excellent objects of the Farm School, you will confer a favor on

Yours, with respect,
One of the Odds and Ends of Mortality.


Wm. Hales, Esq. $5.00.

"Blest Providence, whose parent power
All being gives, for all provides,
Oh! through yon dark and dripping cell,
Where Sorrow's outcast offspring weep,
Flash, as when Peter's fetters fell,
And bid the woes that grieved them sleep!"


Boston, Oct., 1837.

Respected Madam, — By applying the enclosed rag to the purchase of good cloth for the relief of suffering humanity, you will confer a favor on

Yours, with esteem,
One of the Odds and Ends of Mortality.

Mrs. Dyer, President of the Female Samaritan Society, $5.00.

"Mons. Tonson. Come again!!"
To place his mite on the altar of Charity.


Boston, Oct., 1837.

Respected Sir, — By dispensing the enclosed sum for the temporal relief of suffering humanity, you will confer a favor on

Yours, with esteem,
One of the Odds and Ends of Mortality.


Rev. Jos. Tuckerman. $5.00.

"Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this" little rag!


Boston, Oct., 1837.

Respected Sir, — By applying the enclosed sum to the temporal relief of some suffering brother or sister, so that they may exclaim as above, you will confer a favor on

Yours, with esteem,
One of the Odds and Ends of Mortality.


Rev. C. F. Barnard. $5.00.

"That thus we may with patience bear our moderate ills,
and sympathize with others suffering more."


Boston, Oct., 1837.

Respected Sir, — By applying the enclosed amount to the temporal relief of some suffering brother or sister of the great family, you will confer a favor on

Yours, with esteem,

One of the Odds and Ends of Mortality.


Rev. F. T. Gray. $5.00.

BARTON, REUBEN 1772-1848

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. VIII, No. 3, January 1849, p. 95:

Died, in Millbury, Oct. 5th, Capt. Reuben Barton, aged 76. Br. Barton was buried on Saturday, the 7th inst., with the usual Masonic formalities. Hie funeral was attended by Olire Branch Lodge, of Sutton, (of which he was a member) and Morning Star Lodge, of Worcester. There were a large number of Brethren present. The Masonic ceremonies were performed in a very interesting and impressive manner by D. D. G. M. Chenery, and appeared to produce a good impression upon the Fraternity, and others, of whom there were many in attendnnce.

Our venerable Brother Barton has long been known as a firm friend and active and zealous member of our ancient Institution; he has stood hy her through evil and through good report; and in- the troublesome times of anti-masonic excitement, when many around him were bending lo the blast of the whirlwind of fanatical fury which was passing over them, he stood like the sturdy oak, unmoved, and unwavering amid the storm. He tins lived through the darkness of the night to see the sun of Masonry again arise in ail its original splendor, and has now gone to his rest, honored and lamented by his Brethren; while others who sacrificed their principles and their honor before the moloch of an unrighteous and misguided public sentiment, live to receive tbe scorn of Masons and all honorable men. He has left us an example of an upright and honest man, a good citizen, and a faithful Mason, which we shall do well to copy. W. B. N.

BASSETT, ISAAC AUSTIN 1843-1907

From New England Craftsman, Vol. II, No. 6, March 1907, Page 236:

Brother Isaac Austin Bassett, well-known in the wholesale business district, a Knight Templar and representative of a family long and honorably known in eastern Massachusetts, died at his home in the Commonwealth Hotel, Boston, February 10, of a fall he received a few days before.

Brother Bassett was born in South Wellfleet March 28, 1843. When about 19 years old, Brother Bassett entered the employ of the Continental Mills Company of Lewiston, Me., and remained with that concern through the ensuing 45 years of his life, being chief accountant in the mill's Boston office at the time of his death.

He was a member of Lafayette Lodge of Masons, Mt. Vernon Royal Arch Chapter and Joseph Warren Commandery, K. T., and other societies.

BATCHELDER, CHARLES H. 1854-1919

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XIV, No. 5, February 1919, Page 157:

Charles H. Batchelder for more than a quarter of a century an awning manufacturer, died suddenly Sunday, February 16th, at his home on Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester. He was born in Dorchester sixty-four years ago and had lived there nearly all his life. He was a 32d degree Mason, a member of Columbian Lodge, St. Paul's Royal Arch Chapter and Joseph Warren Commandery, K. T., and belonged also to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. For many years Mr. Batchelder was prominent in the Order of Pilgrim Fathers, in which he had held all the important offices. He is survived by his widow, two daughters, the Misses Louise and Allison Batchelder, and by a son, Charles H. Batchelder, Jr.

BATES, CHARLES 1812-1852

From Proceedings, Page V-404, 09/08/1852:

Whereas the Supreme G. Master above, the wise disposer of human affairs, has seen fit to remove from us, by death, since the last meeting of this Body, our beloved Bro. Chas. Bates one of the G. Lecturers of the State of Mass, and as this solemn providence carries with it the language of Divine admonition, therefore

Resolved. That in the death of our highly and deservedly esteemed Brother, the Masonic Fraternity at large, and this G. Lodge particularly have experienced a loss of one of their brightest ornaments, and the valuable services of one of their best working officers.

He loved our Institution, and proved that love by the accuracy of his work and his faithfulness at his post, and his death leaves a vacancy in our ranks not easily filled.

Resolved, That while the memory of our departed Brother will long be cherished with the warmest recollections, it is our strong desire to attain a similar Masonic excellence, and to possess those virtues, which adorned his character.

Resolved, That this G. Lodge sympathize most deeply with the bereaved family of the deceased, and devoutly commend them to the protection and fatherly care of him, who has styled himself the God of the widow, and the friend of the fatherless.

For the Com.
STEPHEN LOVELL.

  • MM 1842, WM 1847-1850, Mount Lebanon
  • Grand Lecturer 1851-1852
  • Bio in History of Columbian Lodge, p. 364

BATES, EZEKIEL 1795-1871

EzekielBates.jpg
A portrait which hangs in the Lodge-hall of Ezekiel Bates Lodge

From Moore's Freemasons' Monthly, Vol. XXX, No. 6, March 1871, Page 169:

The venerable and Worshipful Brother, the late Ezekiel Bates, died at his home in Attleboro, March 17, aged seventy-five; and his obsequies were solemnized on the Monday following, with Masonic honors and much circumstance, under the immediate direction of the Bristol and Ezekiel Bates Lodges of that town, assisted by a delegation consisting of nearly one-half of the members of the Lodge of St. Andrew, in which institution at Boston, the deceased had been a member since November 16, 1826; his name standig second on the roll of the living in that Lodge. The interment took place at Mt. Auburn, whence the honored remains were carried by the Brethren of St. Andrew's, acting as a guard of honor.

A Masonic funeral is always solemnly impressive, often exceedingly imposing. Freemasons are ever ready to render these last honors to their dead, with the full performance of all the rites belonging to this beautiful and touching ceremonial of the ancient Order, but adapting their service, with graceful courtesy, to social, private and popular exigencies, as they properly arise from time to time in our growing demonstrative communities, the Fraternity sometimes forbear to press upon the attention on all occasions, the complete sublime Masonic ritual. Such was partially the case at these obsequies, nevertheless, the blending of tokens of popular respect to the memory of Bro. Bates, the interweaving of townsmen's evidences of love and regard into the emblematic thread of ancient ritualistic Masonic ceremonial, did heighten in happy measure the very appropriate whole of an occasion, which it was the privilege of our respected Brethren of Bristol and Ezekiel Bates Lodges to inaugurate and conduct in a most admirably acceptable manner.

On the arrival of the procession, - having in escort the remains, the family and friends of the deceased in carriages, - at the door of the Congregational Church of East Attleboro', the spacious house began to be filled in due order. At this point Rev. Bro. W.H. Cudworth, of Boston, preceding the corpse as it was borne up the broad aisle, recited the burial service; the ninetieth Psalm was then sung, and after prayer Mr. Cudworth read the fifteenth chapter of 1st Corinthians, after which he delivered an extemporaneous address. The pastor of the church next gave out an appropriate hymn. This was followed by the chanting of some scripture selections, and the passing of the audience at large, before the pulpit for a last view of the face of the departed one. Lastly the brethren were called up, and in solemn march deposited each one after the manner of Masons, the sprig of Acacia, - that emblem which reminds us of the immortality of the soul. The remains of Bro. Bates were now formally committed in charge of St. Andrew's Lodge; the procession was reformed, and the cortege bore its way to the railroad station.

The day was clear. The funeral ordering in good taste. Nature seemed to smile beneficently on the bright closed record, the well rounded finish of an upright character, which, in the fulness of years and honors, she has beckoned upward, amid the parting tributes of a whole community, to the perfect Lodge above!

We are wont to feel a certain sense of hallowed exaltation a Masonic funeral occasion in the country. It was eminently so on this Monday in Attleboro', in the presence of those last rites to the memory of our glorious old associate, in the presence also of the profound regard of a community and respected brotherhood to the sterling character of Ezekiel Bates. We had our private griefs too, manifold and quick. Recollection, - the snapping of a tie half a century strong, never sundered till now! All this was vivid, chastening indeed to our thoughts. Another and another is taken, and we remain still as before, the oldest named on the roll.

This article must not close without a mention of the general appreciation with which the eloquent reading of the sublime chapter in Corinthians, and the no less eloquently discriminating address of Mr. Cudworth were received by the entire Fraternity who participated in this ceremony. It was not to be expected that the orator could present all the characteristics of our Bro. Bates as they shone upon his fellows of St. Andrew's; nor in the short acquaintance vouchsafed, know the full measure of his firmness, his judgment, his patience, his tact in softening all asperities from differences of opinion; his invariable good humor, his kindness, his stern fidelity in important and delicate trusts; but for all this, there was a sincerity, a heartiness, a grand fervor with sensibility in the scene before him, displayed by Bro. Cudworth on this occasion, which not only will endear him to the audience who heard him, but its recollection will remain as a tribute to that gentleman's real capacity. Neither shall our whole duty have been done in this connection, if an expression of the thanks of the Boston brethren present at Attleboro' is withheld from Bristol and Ezekiel Bates Lodges, for their considerate hospitality, together with the warm appreciation of the dignified and handsome courtesies extended them from first to last to the brethren and strangers present within their gates.

W. Bro. Ezekiel Bates, on the proposition of the late Bro. Zephaniah Sampson, was initiated in St. Andrew's Lodge on June 9, 1825, passed the same evening, raised September 8, and admitted to membership November 16, 1826. He served as Master of the Lodge for the years 1833-4. Bro. Bates was a member of St. Andrew's Chapter of this city, in which he was admitted a member in November, 1832. Besides his Masonic affiliations, and an unusual interest and activity in numerous organizations, Brother Bates was a member of the Mechanics' Charitable Association, which he joined in 1827, and he was at the time of his death, the sole survivor of three petitioners for the charter of the celebrated Mechanics' Mutual Insurance Company, and continued a Director in that Company until his removal to Attleboro' some twenty years since. He was born at Hanover, Mass., November 5, 1795, and was the youngest of fifteen children, two of whom survive.

From Moore's Freemasons' Monthly, Vol. XXX, No. 8, June 1871, Page 251:

Report on the death of Comp. Ezekiel Bates.
Adopted by St. Andrews Royal Arch Chapter, Boston, April 1st, 1871.

An old man full of years, having more than accomplished the days allotted to the children of men, has passed away! another from the rapidly decreasing ranks-that designate a former generation of Masons, has been taken from us. Comp. Ezekiel Bates departed this for another, and let us trust a better world, at his home in Attleboro, March 17.

Our departed friend received the three degrees in Masonry in St. Andrew's Lodge in 1827 and in 1834 became its Master. In the same year he took the Capitular degree in this Chapter, and in 1862 was made an honorary member thereof.

Although but rarely an officer in the bodies of his affiliation, his interest was as active and his zeal as manifest as though the responsibility of office ever attached to him. lie was not so much noted in the institution as a cunning craftsman, nor did he seek place or preferment, but he practiced in his daily life the teaching's of the institution and by his influence and example, especially in the time of our adversity, when the evil days came upon us, he did much to encourage the strong and strengthen the wavering brethren in breasting the waves of a popular but blinded and malignant prejudice. To many of our older. members of the Chapter he was intimately and affectionately known; but his face of late years has been seen but rarely at our meetings. The accompaniments of declining years admonished him that the day of his active manhood had passed away-and the season was approaching when he too, following the common, destiny of man, should be called hence. Again and again he rallied in his last encounter with the destroyer, but finally yielded, passing tranquilly "through nature to eternity."

"Nor deem that kindly nature did him wrong
Softly to disengage the vital cord;
When his weak hands grew palsied, and his eye
Dark with the mist of age — it was his time to die.

In conclusion your committee beg leave to submit the following resolutions —

  • Resolved, That in the death of Companion Ezekiel Bates we bid adieu to one, who in his day and generation was a faithful servant and lover of this institution; who practiced its tenets and revered its virtues; who believed in the application of its teachings to the duties of life and en-| forced that belief by daily habit and custom.
  • Resolved, That we recall with much satisfaction the many pleasing traits! that characterized our Companion, his frank and kindly greeting, and the genial sympathies that marked his intercourse with his brethren.
  • Resolved, That this expression of our sentiments be entered upon the record of our Chapter and a copy thereof forwarded to the family of our deceased Companion.

WILLIAM W. BAKER,
JOHN McCLELLAN,
MARLBOROUGH WILLIAMS,
Committee.

FindAGrave Memorial

BATES, THEODORE C. 1843-1912

TheodoreBates.jpg

From Proceedings, Page 1912-25:

Wor. THEODORE C. BATES, of Worcester, was born in North Brookfield, Mass., June 4, 1843, and died at his residence in Worcester March 11, 1912.

After graduating from the North Brookfield High School, he attended Pinkerton Academy in Derry, N. H. On leaving the Academy he taught school in his native town and at the age of twenty-three came to Boston, and engaged in the crockery business. In 1876 he entered into partnership with David H. Fanning in Worcester. The firm did an immense business, becoming one of the largest in the United States. He was probably the first large manufacturer in the United States to adopt the system of weekly payments. Brother Bates afterwards became interested in steam and street railways, electric light companies and banks. He was a captain of industry. He was active in civil and political affairs, being a member of the House of Representatives in Massachusetts in 1878 and of the Senate in 1882. He was chairman of the Republican State Committee for six years and a delegate to the Republican Convention in Chicago in 1884.

Brother Bates received the Masonic degrees in Golden Rule Lodge, of Stanstead, Canada, affiliated with Quinsigamond Lodge of Worcester, Aug. 23, 1873, and was Master of that Lodge in 1880 and 1881. He served the Grand Lodge as Corresponding Grand Secretary in 1882 and 1888, and was repeatedly appointed on important Committees. He made the original motion in Grand Lodge for the establishment of a "Charity Fund," which resulted in the formation of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust. He was elected a member of the first Board of Trustees in 1884 and served until Jan. 1, 1903, a period of eighteen years.

An indomitable worker, Brother Bates gave much of his time and influence in early days to the Fraternity. His marked financial ability was actively employed in maturing plans for the reorganization of Grand Lodge finances and the establishment of the Masonic Charity Fund.

BAULDRY, LYMAN CARLETON 1870-1942

From Proceedings, Page 1942-24:

Brother Bauldry was born in Bourne, Massachusetts, on April 2, 1870, and died at his home in Fairhaven on January 30, 1942.

As a young man, he entered the employ of the Pairpoint Corporation of New Bedford and remained there until ill health caused his retirement a few years ago.

During the forty-seven years of his residence in Fairhaven, he took an active interest in civic affairs, holding many offices of trust.

He was raised in George H. Taber Lodge on June 2, 1902, and served as Master in 1914. On March 8, 1916, he became a charter member of Abraham H. Howland Jr. Lodge and served as the first Master in 1916 and1917. In 1929 and 1930, Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean appointed him District Deputy Grand Master of the New Bedford 30th Masonic District, a position which he held with distinction.

He was exalted in Adoniram Chapter, R.A.M., of New Bedford, but dimitted to become a charter member of Fairhaven Chapter, serving later as its High Priest. He was also a member of New Bedford Council, R.&S.M., and of Sutton Commandery, K.T.

He is survived by his widow, one son and two grandchildren.

Brother Bauldry was an earnest and devoted Mason and a very active one until ill health compelled his retirement. His many friends deeply mourn his passing, but rejoice in the memory of a life that was unselfish and inspiring in its service to his fellow man.

BAXTER, IRA 1798-1853

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIII, No. 1, November 1853, Page 29:

The following resolutions were passed at a meeting of the Fraternal Lodge, Barnstable, Mass.-

Whereas, by a dispensation of the Great Grand Master of the Universe, our Br. Ira Baxter has been raised from this to the Celestial Lodge above, therefore

  • Resolved, That as members of Fraternal Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, we mourn the departure of this our Brother, and sympathize with his afflicted family in the loss they have sustained.
  • Resolved, That as Masons, we submit to this decree of our Great Grand Master, with the fond hope that we shall meet at last in the Great Grad Lodge, where parting shall be known no more.
  • Resolved, That we will endeavor to imitate and practice the virtues of our deceased Brother, and to live as he lived - in peace with all men.
  • Resolved, That as a testimony of our respect for our deceased Brother, we will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.
  • Resolved, That these resolutions be entered in the records of this Lodge, and that the Secretary be instructed to forward a copy of them to the family of our deceased Brother; also, to the Freemasons' Magazine, and to each of the County papers for publication.

BAXTER, SYLVANUS (SYLVESTER) 1799-1861

From Proceedings, Page VI-402:

Resolved, That the decease of the late Hon. Sylvester Baxter, has removed from this G. Lodge one of its most honored members, whose life was protracted to a mature age of usefulness to his fellow citizens, and to societies with which he was associated, but more especially to this time honored Order.

Resolved, That in the important relation to his masonic brethren as Dist. Dep. Grand Master, he ever manifested an unwearied zeal, and a fidelity worthy of imitation, and that this G. Lodge deplore the loss of one of its most estimable officers.

Resolved, That we sympathize with the Masonic community of the District under his jurisdiction, in this dispensation, which has deprived them, especially of him who was to them a most generous and faithful Bro. and to his bereaved family we tender our condolence, that he, who was its loved Head, has been removed from that home on earth, which his presence ever made happy, but still can rejoice that they, that we, that all who knew him, have the assurance that from his well spent life he has a Home above, "eternal in the Heavens".

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXI, No. 1, October 1861, Page 23:

This estimable Brother died at his residence in Hyannis, (Cape Cod,) on Wednesday evening, Sept. 25th, aged 62 years. He was at the time of his death District Deputy Grand Master for the 8th Masonic District of this Commonwealth, which office he had held for several years. He was a faithful and earnest Mason, and greatly beloved and respected by the Brethren. "He was," says one who knew him intimately (the Editor of the Barnstable Courier), in his social and business relations, "a man of frank and noble nature, and his acquaintance was quite extensive. For many years a successful shipmaster and shipowner, he long since acquired that competence which enabled him to retire from the profession of his earlier life. He was always respected and beloved, and ever took an active and influential position in every society or association with which he became connected. He will be greatly missed in the Society with which be worshipped—Rev. Mr. Pope's ; nor will his loss be less severely felt by the Masonic Fraternity.

"His funeral was attended from the Universalist Church in Hyannis, on Saturday last, (Sept. 28,) at which time a most impressive sermon was delivered by Rev. R. S. Pope, with whom he had been so long and so well acquainted. His text was from Proverbs, 18th chap. 1st verse:—

"'Boast not thyself of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.'

"Hon. Geo. Marston served as Marshal.

" he ceremonies at the tomb consisted of the Order of the Masonic Ritual, admirably performed by Grand Master W. D. Coolidge, Esq., of Boston, and a prayer by Rev. Mr. Bacon, of Centreville.

"Capt. Baxter bad long been a member of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and the following gentlemen were present at his funeral as representatives, viz.: William D. Coolidge, M. W. Grand Master; Jesse P. Pattee, as R. W. D. G. M.; William H. Sampson, as S. G. W.; Isaac Cary, as J. G. W.; Jabez W. Barton, as G. Treas.; Lovell Bicknell, as G. Sec.; Z. L. Bicknell, as G. Marshal ; Eben F. Gay, G. Tyler.

"Capt. Baxter has for years held various offices of trust and responsibility, and was recently a member of the Senate of Massachusetts, and at the time of his death was Deputy Collector and Inspector at the Port of Hyannis; and the sympathy for his loss was best attested by the immense concourse assembled at his funeral, which was one of the largest ever attended in this section of the State.

"The representatives from the Grand Lodge remained in town until Monday, and expressed themselves as pleased with their visit to this section, although coupled with duties of so melancholy a nature. They are men distinguished for their intelligence and gentlemanly bearing — noble representatives of a noble association."

At the close of the funeral services on Saturday, the members of Fraternal Lodge met at Masonic Hall in Hyannis, and chose a committee of three to report a series of Resolutions, expressive of the sense of the meeting upon the death of Brother Baxter. The Resolutions were unanimously adopted as follows:—

Fraternal Lodge, Hyannis, Sept. 28, A. L. 1861.

Again has the messenger of Death invaded our Brotherhood. Another member has been suddenly called away. Our dearly beloved and "elder Brother, Past Master Sylvester Baxter, has finished his work, and "entered in, through the gates, into the city" where all good and true Masons shall dwell together forever, in the fullness of Light. In view of this afflictive dispensation, it is therefore

  • Resolved, That in the death of this well-known and honored Brother, the whole Masonic Fraternity of this State, has suffered bereavement.
  • Resolved, That in the decease of this endeared and lamented member, this Lodge has sustained a loss the greatness of which we cannot yet comprehend, and which will be easily recalled, and impressed on our hearts, at every communication and assembly of this Masonic body, for many years to come.
  • Resolved, That even now, in the suddenness of our affliction and the freshness of our grief, we remember his high appreciation of the worth of Masonic labor and learning; his faithful, intelligent and eminent services in many posts of Masonic duty ; his constant, punctual, and patient attendance on all Masonic occasions, and his zeal, fidelity and accuracy as a workman; his sincere and unfailing temper of fraternal affection; the warmth of his friendship, the depth of his sympathy, the benevolence of his heart, the integrity of his character, and his worthy example in all the relations of life.
  • Resolved, That we hereby express to his stricken widow, to his orphaned children, and to the again broken band of brothers and sisters of which he was so cherished a member, our truest and deepest sympathy and condolence.
  • Resolved, That these expressions of our feelings on this sad occasion be entered on our records; and that a copy of the same be transmitted to the family of our departed Brother, and to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and to the Boston Encampment of Knights Templars ; and that they be published in the newspapers of the County.

S. B. Phinney,
Geo. Marston,
Geo. W. Doane,
Committee

BAYLIES, FRANCIS 1783-1852

220px-Francis_Baylies.png

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XII, No. 2, December 1852, p. 62:

We announced the death of this distinguished Brother, at his residence in Taunton, last month. His funeral took place on the Saturday afternoon following his decease, from his private residence, with many demonstrations of public sympathy and regard. "The Masonic Fraternity, with which the deceased had been long associated as a zealous member and ardent defender, and whose interest he had been [called to preside in quality of Grand Master, at the death of the late Major Benjamin Russell, took occasion to notice the bereavement in an appropriate manner, and to pay a last and touching tribute to his memory." The services were performed by Rev. Thomas R. Lambert, one of the Grand Chaplains of the Grand Lodge.

Bro. Baylies, as stated above, was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of this state, but circumstances compelled him to decline the honor, and he was never installed. He was, however, a faithful Brother, and his services as a Mason, will long endear his memory to his Brethren. He had been much in public life, - was for several years Member of Congress, and subsequently Minister at Buenos Ayres. He was one of the strong men of the State.

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XII, No. 3, January 1853, p. 85:

A reader provided the magazine with a report from the New Bedford Mercury.

Upon the annunciation of his death, the bar of the Old Colony then attending the Law Term of the Supreme Judicial Court in Taunton, met and passed the following resolutions, and requested Timothy G. Coffin, Esq., of New Bedford to present them to the Court.

In the discharge of that melancholy duty, Mr. Coffin arose, and thus addressed the Court: -

"May it please your Honors: - Ere the funeral knell of the obsequies of our illustrious brother - the foremost man of all this world - has ceased to sound, we are called upon to listen to the sad intelligence, that another eminent brother has been summoned to the world of spirits. The last evening, the Hon. Francis Baylies, the oldest member at our bar, died, and all that remains to us, is his lifeless corse - his spirit is safely "lodged above these rolling spheres."

"The bar of this County have deeply felt the calamity which has again taken from their side another of their number, whom they loved, esteemed and honored, and as an expression of their feelings, they have adopted resolutions, which they have requested me to present to your honors.

"You will pardon me, I trust, if I obtrude upon your notice, for a brief space, my own opinion of him whose death we all lament. I knew him intimately for many years, and I loved him much. He was truly a gentleman, and every quality which should grace that character, he possessed in an eminent degree. He was a statesman, and while aiding in the councils of his country in our State Legislature, and as a Member of Congress, his course was marked by unexampled industry, and unswerving integrity. His views upon public measures, were clear, sound and conservative. One of the greatest men who has presided over this nation, selected him to represent the sovereignty of his country, at a foreign Court, and while discharging the important duties of that responsible position, he displayed the qualities of a sagacious diplomatist, and the firmness of an honest man.

"He was a scholar. His love of literature was an inherent characteristic of his life, and he has left us the evidence of his untiring application, which will live and endure through time. As the historian of the Old Colony, he has made himself a name that shall never perish, while the name of the Old Colony shall remain - while the memory of things connected with it shall exist, so long will the name of its historian be cherished and honored.

"He was a sound lawyer and an eloquent advocate, and while engaged in the practice of our profession, he was distinguished for his ardent devotion to the interest of his clients - faithfulness to the Court, and courtesy to his brethren. But above all - I again repeat, he was the polished gentleman, the true friend, the affectionate centre of the domestic circle, a firm believer in God and his Christ, an honest man. No man could be taken away whose death would cause a greater void in this community, or whose memory will be more revered.

"But he has gone, and why should we complain? He has left a name that will be cherished in the memory of the living circle of his friends, and honored by each succeeding generation who shall seek to know of the Old Colony through the page of history. Death has claimed the man -

"Death! Thou great proprietor of all, 'tis thine
To tread out empire, and to quench the stars;
The Sun himself by thy permission shines
And one day thou shalt pluck him from his sphere."

"To us who stand within striking distance of this great proprietor of all, the voice which comes from the dead is, "Be ye also ready; for in an hour when ye think not, the Son of Man cometh."

He then read the following resolutions :-

The members of the Bristol Bar, having received with the deepest sorrow, the sad intelligence of the decease of the Hon. Francis Baylies, are desirous of testifying their respect for the memory of their departed brother, and and uniting their sympathies with that of a bereaved family and community; therefore

Resolved, That in his decease we are called upon to mourn the loss of a sincere friend and esteemed fellow-citizen - a patriot and statesman whose public services have reflected high honor upon himself and his country, - an accomplished scholar, who, by his varied acquirements and solid judgment, deservedly ranks among the brightest ornaments of American literature - a gentleman whose generous heart and noble bearing through a long life, have won the love and veneration of his townsmen, of the Bar, and of the Commonwealth.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the family of our deceased brother, together with an assurance of our heartfelt and respectful sympathy in their severe affliction.

May it please your Honors, I am instructed by the Bristol Bar, to ask of this Honorable Court, that the resolutions I have now presented, may be entered upon the records of the Court, and laid up among the archives of the County, as a perpetual memorial of their esteem, respect and love for their deceased brother.

The Chief Justice, in behalf of the Court, responded in an appropriate and feeling manner, alluding in terms of respect to the many important civil stations which the deceased had formerly filled, as indications of the confidence reposed in his ability, uprightness and integrity, both by his own State and the nation. The Court cheerfully acceded to the request of the Bar, and ordered the resolutions to be entered on the records of the Court, that the evidence might be forever perpetuated of the high esteem, love and respect entertained towards the deceased, by his brethren of the Bristol Bar.

Note on Timothy Coffin: Raised Union (Nantucket) 1810; Charter Member Star in the East, WM 1840, 1841, signatory of the Declaration of 1831; died 1854).

On Saturday, Oct. 30th, the remains of our distinguished Brother were interred with Masonic honors.

The Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, the Rev. Thomas R. Lambert, was present in full regalia, and performed the funeral services, in a most solemn manner. Brothers J. J. Loring, T. G. Coffin, W. A. F. Sprout, A. Baylies, W. Crossman and F. Phillips, were pall bearers.

Lodges from Taunton, New Bedford, and other towns, assembled to pay the last duty to their deceased Brother. Of their numbers, I cannot speak. But of their sorrow, I can. No heart in that solemn assembly, which was gathered in the Lodge, to wear the cassia and deposit it with their deceased Brother, but felt a renewed and deepened interest in the bond that bound the living to the dead.

We buried our Brother with Masonic honors in due form, and our hearts went out in unison with the ceremonies - and in those ceremonies we meant, what no heart can know or understand, except he be, what the deceased was - a Brother!

Hereafter, I may take occasion to write a memorial of our deceased Brother which may be worthy of your notice. At present, I have only time to give you a short narrative of the honor, which public sentiment and fraternal regard, paid to his memory.

FROM THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY OF KING DAVID LODGE, JUNE 1998

Born October 16, 1783, and commencing the practice of law in 1810 - the year he officiated as Register of Probate for the first of seven years - Francis Baylies was raised in King David Lodge November 7, 1810. He was an outstanding orator, writer, produced two volumes of the Plymouth Bay Colony and had handwritten the first history of Taunton that was lost in a printing shop fire that destroyed one side of Main St. in 1838. Lost in the fire at the Court House were early records of births, deaths and marriages that were the property of the First Church and loaned to the town.

He had served a term in Congress and was appointed by President Andrew Jackson and sent to Argentina to settle a fishing dispute with that country and American fisherman. He failed but was summoned by the Grand Master to deliver the eulogy to our Bro. and Gen. Lafayette who had died in 1834. He was given the title of Right Worshipful and in December 1834, was elected Grand Master. When the day for installation of Grand Lodge officers arrived a courier appeared with a note in which Bro. Baylies had given a reason for his refusal to serve. The note was never found but Grand Secretary Charles W. Moore took umbrage to Bro. Baylies and suggested he (Baylies) feared for his political career.

Elected to the House of Representatives of the Massachusetts General Court Bro. Baylies filibustered for two days against a bill at its second reading that had it passed, would have outlawed Freemasonry in the Commonwealth. Nowhere in Grand Lodge records, or in the book Stalwart Builders authored by M. W. Thomas S. Roy, or in the Freemasons' Magazine that was the work of Bro. Charles Moore, can there be found reference to Bro. Baylies talk that saved Freemasonry. Your historian spent some hot summer days in the below-ground level repositories of the State House to read the Clerk's book that recorded that talk by Bro. Baylies. My late friend and once fellow newsman, State Senator John F. Parker made it possible. I have those talks in print. Many state legislators who were Masons heard the talks, but they never reached Grand Lodge for publication or acclaim. They were publicly printed in the Columbian Reporter in its weekly papers of April 22 and 29 and May 6 and 13 of 1835 in Taunton.

The stone cottage that fronts our Lodge room was the home of Francis Baylies from 1836, when he purchased it from Joseph L. Lord, who as Taunton's seventh postmaster had it built in 1831-32. Our Charles R. Vickery was the next appointed postmaster when Taunton had only 6000 inhabitants. Bro. Baylies occupied the stone cottage until his death October 28, 1852. Masons came from great distances to attend his funeral. His daughter, Harriet, lived there a short time until an auction disposed of some of his property. Masons marched through the streets to Plain Cemetery, Broadway for his burial. His grave, in desperate need of care today, is next to that of Samuel Crocker, the last surviving charter member.

BEAN, HENRY E. W. 1879-1930

From Proceedings, Page 1930-277:

R.W. Bro. Bean was born in Portland, Maine, May 6, 1879, and died in Somerville April 21, 1930. Bro. Bean passed his early years in Claremont, N. H., where he was educated in the public schools. When about twenty-three years of age he came to Boston where he entered the service of the Rand-Avery Supply Company, where he remained for more than twenty-five years. The last years of his life were spent in the service of the Boston Herald where he held a very responsibie position in the department of composition.

Bro. Bean was initiated in Hiram Lodge No. 9, of Claremont, N. H., September 4, 1900, passed December 12, 1900, and raised February 13, 1901. He dimitted from Hiram Lodge No. 9, May 3, 1904 and took membership in Mt. Tabor Lodge October 20, 1904. He served his Lodge as Master in 1916 and 1917 and was in his second year of service as District Deputy Grand Master for the Boston Third Masonic District at the time of his death.

Bro. Bean was an active member of the First Universalist Church of Somerville, and was president of the Men's Club.

Bro. Bean is survived by his widow and one daughter. Bro. Bean was a home lover whose outside interests were confined to his church and Freemasonry, to both of which he gave zealous and faithful service. Quiet and unassuming in manner, he was yet a wise and competent executive. His sudden and untimely death was a grief to his many friends and a distinct loss to the Fraternity.

BEARD, JAMES FRANKLIN 1849-1906

  • MM 1882, WM 1889-1891, Soley

From Proceedings, Page 1906-107, in Grand Master's Address:

I have also the painful duty of announcing the decease of Bro. James Franklin Beard, Chairman of our Board of Auditors. Brother Beard was born in Reading, Mass., Oct. 1, 1849, and died suddenly at his residence in Somerville, July 2, 1906.

Early in his youth the family moved to Charlestown. He attended the public schools and graduated at the High School in 1867. He entered Dartmouth College in 1868, but was compelled to leave at the end of the second year on account of sickness in his family. The love borne him by his classmates appears in the fact that on the unanimous petition of his class, at their Twenty-fifth Anniversary, the Faculty of Dartmouth College granted him the degree of Bachelor of Arts.

For twenty years he was engaged in mercantile affairs and in 1892 he was elected cashier of the Somerville National Bank, which position he resigned in 1900 to accept the office of Treasurer of the city of Somerville, He held that office at the time of his decease.

Brother Beard received the Masonic degrees in Soley Lodge, Somerville, in 1881-82, and was Worshipful Master of that Lodge in 1889, 1890 and 1891. He was elected a member of our Board of Auditors, Dec. 12, 1900, and was its Chairman at the time of his death. He held various positions in DeMolay Commandery, K.T., and at the time of his decease was Generalissimo of that Body.

Funeral services were held at the Unitarian Church, Somerville, on Friday, July 6. The City Hall, which was draped in black, was closed, and the flags on the public buildings, in the parks, and many private residences were placed at half-mast. The bells were tolled at the fire houses, striking once a minute for fifty-six minutes, the number denoting Brother Beard's age.

The loss which the city of Somerville, his friends, his family and our Fraternity have suffered in his sudden death is very great.

From New England Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 10, August 1906, Page 457:

Brother James F. Beard, City Treasurer of Somerville, Mass. died July 2. He was a past master of Soley Lodge, a member of Somerville Royal Arch Chapter and second officer of De Molay Commandery K. T. His funeral was attended by the city government and hundreds of prominent citizens and friends. He was a man greatly loved by his brethren and highly respected by all who knew him.

From Somerville Annual Report, 1907:

James F. Beard was born in Reading, Mass, October 11, 1849.

Early in his life his father removed to Charlestown, where he received his education. In 1868 he entered Dartmouth Col— lege, but owing to sickness in the family, he was obliged to leave at the end of two years.

In 1874 he took charge of the office and finances of the firm of Harrison, Beard & Co., furniture manufacturers, with whom he was associated for nearly twenty years.

He moved to Somerville in 1879.

In 1887. while still in the furniture business, he was elected secretary and treasurer of the Somerville Co-operative Bank, and at the time of his death he was director of the corporation.

In 1892, when the Somerville National Bank was formed, he was elected cashier, which position he held until his election as city treasurer on August 9, 1900.

In 1886 he was elected to the Somerville school board, and in 1900 was president of the board.

He held from time to time positions of trust and honor in various organizations, all bf which he filled with a faithfulness and honesty of purpose which made him respected by all with whom he came in contact.

His death on July 2, 1906, after a few hours’ illness, came as a great shock to the community, but the memory of his kindness and courtesy to all and his faithfulness to life's duties will always be remembered.

BEARD, JOSIAH 1798-1885

JOSIAH BEARD, of Waltham, died February 6, 1885. He was born in 1798, in Francestown, N.H., and was made a Mason in the town of Dublin, now Peterborough, N.H., in 1821. Becoming a resident of Saco, Maine, he affiliated with Saco Lodge No. 9, at that place, in 1827, serving the Lodge as W.M. in 1828-29. On the 16th day of April, 1856{?}, he became a member of Monitor Lodge, having established his residence at Waltham. During the anti-Masonic excitement of 1830-31-32 he remained with the faithful of the Craft, being one of the twelve signers of Waltham to the Declaration of of the Freemasons in 1831. Bro. Beard was an honored citizen, occupying positions of trust in connection with the financial and municipal interests of the town, and being highly esteemed for his personal and business qualities and unswerving integrity.

Note: Josiah Beard was named Waltham's first Fire Chief in 1844, and the Josiah Beard House is on the National Register of Historic Places.

BECKWITH, WALTER PARKER 1850-1905

From New England Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 2, November 1905, Page 68:

Brother Walter P. Beckwith, Principal of the State Normal School at Salem, Mass., died Oct. 13. He was a frequent contributor to educational and other papers on matters pertaining to education, and was widely known as a sound and logical writer. He was at one period assistant secretary of the American institution of instruction. He was a member of Berkshire Lodge.

BEERS, ROMANUS E. 1844-1907

From New England Craftsman, Vol. III, No. 4, January 1908, Page 151:

Brother Romamis E. Beers, 66 years told and a veteran of the Civil War, died at his home in Everett, Mass., November 13. Brother Beers was a member of Palestine Lodge, a Royal Arch Mason and a Knight Templar.

BELCHER, ELIJAH 1776-1857

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVI, No. 6, March 1857, Page 191:

Whereas it has pleased an all wise Providence to remove by death from among us our much esteemed and worthy Brother Elijah Belcher, aged 81 years. Brother Belcher faithfully sustained his relation to Masonry for more than half a century, being the first one proposed and initiated in Rising Star Lodge, fifty-seven years ago. For many years he was a constant attendant on the regular meetings of the Lodge, but of late by reason of bodily infirmities has not attended. As a Mason he was always uniform and consistent, firm and unyielding, whom no sophistry could beguile or artifice deceive. He was a kind and obliging neighbor, a social friend, and esteemed by all who knew him as an upright and honest man.

In life he was admonished by the Plumb and acted on the Square, but the Grand Leveler, Time, has called him to mingle with his kindred dust: — Be it therefore

  • Resolved, That in the demise of our worthy Brother the community has lost an exemplary citizen, society a social friend, and Masonry one of its most endeared members.
  • Resolved, That although our venerable Brother has passed away on the level of time to that Temple not made with hands, where, when faith is lost in sight and hope ends in fruition, we shall meet him again to part no more forever.
  • Resolved, That these resolutions be entered on the journal of the Lodge as a token of the esteem entertained of our deceased Brother.
  • Resolved, That we extend our condolence to the family of our deceased Brother in their bereavement, and that a copy of these resolves be sent to them, and a copy to the Editor of the Masonic Magazine at Boston, for insertion, signed by the Secretary.

Stoughton, March 6, 1857.
Ansel Capen, Secretary.

BELCHER, JONATHAN 1681-1757

Jonathan_Belcher.jpg

  • MM in England in 1704; first American-born Freemason
  • Member 1736 of First Lodge

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXVIII, No. 2, December 1868, Page 33:

In our issue for October last, we spoke of the early history of Masonry in the Province of New Jersey, and incidentally using the name of Governor Belcher, intimated an intention of referring, at an early occasion, to his connection with our Order while a resident of Massachusetts. But before proceeding to do so, we may be allowed to remark generally, that the establishment of the Grand Lodge in Boston in 1733, was an event which seems to have been received with universal favor and encouragement by all classes of the community. It was a popular movement, and the ablest and most distinguished gentlemen of the Province soon began to enroll themselves among its members. And it is a notable fact, that between the date above given, and the closing of the Revolutionary War, the names of a very large majority of the master minds who inaugurated and successfully accomplished that great movement, are to be found in the record-books of the Lodges that had been established in Boston in the intermediate time. We do not undertake to account for this on any other ground, than the high character which the Institution early assumed, and the dignified and unexceptionable manner in which its affairs were conducted. A recital of the names which might be given from the records, in confirmation of this, would be of very little interest to the general reader, unaccompanied by such historical notices as would be necessary to illustrate their individual characters, and to indicate their private and public relations. For such sketches we have neither the leisure, nor the room in our pages to spare.

We may, however, mention such names as Governor Belcher; Jeremy Gridley, the king's attorney and the most eminent lawyer of his day in the country; his brother, Maj. Gen. Richard Gridley, the engineer at the reduction of Louisburg in 1746, and who also constructed the fortifications at Lake George in 1756; was with Wolfe on the Plains of Abraham in 1758; and erected the fortifications at Bunker's Hill in 1775: James Otis, one of the leading and ablest patriots of the Revolutionary period; Gen. Joseph Warren, of imperishable memory; Paul Revere and John Cutler, to whom, and the sturdy mechanics of Boston whom they led, the whole country owe a debt of gratitude, for effective services rendered in the early days of the great struggle which separated us from the oppressions of the mother country; and among the merchants, such men as John Hancock, Thomas Oxnard, John Rowe, and a long list of others equally distinguished among the business men of their profession. But our present purpose is with Governor Belcher.

He was born in Boston in 1681, and was the son of Andrew Belcher, who rendered efficient service in the IndianWars of 1675. He entered Harvard College at an early age. and graduated in 1699; soon after which he went to Europe, where he spent several years. On his return, he established himself in business as a merchant. He, however, engaged early in political life, and in 1729 was sent as an agent of the Province to England, where he discharged the duties of his commission with so much ability, that in the following year he was appointed to the Government of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, which appointment he held for eleven years, when he was superseded. He then again went to England, and so far succeeded in vindicating his official conduct from unfounded charges which had been made against him, as to obtain the appointment of Governor of the Province of New Jersey, where he arrived in 1747, and where he died ten years after, in the 76th year of his age.

In referring to his removal from the office of Governor of Massachusetts, Barry, in his excellent history of the period, says:— "The opposition of Mr. Belcher to the currency schemes of the Province, and his agency in their defeat, rendered him obnoxious to their numerous favorers ; and these, joined to other measures, afforded a sufficient inducement to his enemies to solicit his removal. By forged and anonymous letters, and the help of unscrupulous falsehoods, his friends in England were prejudiced against him; and, as he had failed to fulfill the expectations which had been formed of him, little difficulty was experienced in obtaining the consent of the lords of trade to his displacement. How far he would have succeeded in the management of affairs under the new state of things about, to be introduced, it may be difficult to say. His qualifications for the chief magistracy were certainly as good as those of his predecessors. He was a native of New England, and acquainted with its institutions, and, to a certain extent, imbued with its prejudices. He had early enjoyed the advantages of a good education, which were improved by travel, and by intercourse with intelligent circles in Europe. Graceful in his person, and generous in his hospitality, he was a favorite with all with whom he associated; and ambitious of distinction, he was enabled by his wealth to gratify his taste for public display. Condescending in his manners, he was popular with the masses ; and, though he was a known friend to the prerogative, and a moderate supporter of the claims of the crown, he was not suspected of disloyalty to liberty, or of a want of regard to the welfare of New England."

We are unable to say where or in what Lodge Governor Belcher was admitted into the Masonic Fraternity. His admission, however, took place in 1704; at which time, he was in Europe. But it is evident, from the annexed correspondence, that he early connected himself with the "First Lodge in Boston," and that he took so great an interest in its welfare, as to command the respect and gratitude of its members. The correspondence was occasioned by his being superseded in the office of Governor of the Province :—

"Thrice Worthy Brother,— We, being a Committee appointed by the Mother Lodge of New England held in Boston to wait on you, take this Opportunity to acknowledge the many favours you have always showed (when in Power) to Masonry in General, but in a More Especial manner to the Brethren of this Lodge, of which we shall ever retain a grateful Remembrance.

As we have had your Protection when in the most Exalted Station here, so we think its Incumbent on us to make this acknowledgement, having no other means to testify our Gratitude but this; and to wish for your future Health and Prosperity, which is the sincere desire of us, and those in whose behalf We appear, and permit us to assure you we shall ever remain,

Honored Sir,
Your most Affectionate Brethren and Humble Servants.
Peter Pelham, Secretary, in behalf of the Committee."

To the above the following answer was returned : —

"Worthy Brothers,— I take very kindly this Mark of your Respect.

It is now Thirty Seven years since I was admitted into the Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, to whom I have been a faithful Brother, and a well wisher to the Art of Masonry.

I shall maintain a strict friendship for the whole Fraternity, and always be glad when it may fall in my power to do them any services.

J. Belcher."

Mr. Belcher was succeeded in his office as Governor of the Province by Governor Shirley, who appears not to have been a Mason. The Brethren of "The First Lodge," however, having long enjoyed fraternal intercourse with their Brother Belcher, were naturally solicitous to establish similar relations with the new Executive. To this end the following correspondence took place, and was published in the papers of the day. Though not exactly pertinent to the matter in hand, we think it of sufficient interest to justify its insertion in this connection :—

"May it please your Excellency, — We, being a Committee appointed by the Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons of the Mother Lodge of America, held in Boston, presume to wait upon you with the utmost Sincerity, to congratulate you on your advancement to the Government of this Province, and to assure your Excellency that our Desire is that your administration may be successful and easy.

We have had hitherto the Honour of His Majesty's Governor being one of our Ancient Society, who was a well wisher and faithful Brother to the Royal Art of Masonry.

And, as it has been the Custom for men in the most exalted Station to have had the' Door of our Society's Constitution always opened to them (when desired), we think it. our Duty to acquaint your Excellency with that Custom, and assure you that we shall cheerfully attend your Excellency's Pleasure therein; and as we are conscious that our society are legal and faithful Subjects to his Majesty, so we may reason ably hope for your Excellency's Favour and Protection, which is the Request of Your Excellency's most obedient humble Servants, Peter Pelham, Secretary, in behalf of the Society."

To which his Excellency was pleased to return the following answer : —

"Gentlemen, — I return the ancient and honorable society my thanks for their address, and invitation of me to the mother Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in America: and they may rest assured that their loyalty and fidelity to his Majesty, will always recommend the Society to my favour and protection.

W. SHIRLEY."

This correspondence is marked with great delicacy on both sides. It does not appear, however, that the Governor either then or afterwards, availed himself of the invitation so courteously extended to him. If not personally the rival, he had been elevated to the distinguished place he occupied by the political enemies of Governor Belcher. Between the two there was a radical difference of opinion on important questions of public interest, and in respect to which he had every reason to suppose the Lodge were in warm sympathy with Governor Belcher and his friends. He therefore did that which every sensible and prudent man holding his high position would have done under similar circumstances. The connection would not have embarrassed him, but that he did not know.

On the arrival of Governor Belcher in New Jersey to assume the duties of Governor of that Province, the Grand Lodge forwarded to him the following congratulatory letter : —

"Thrice Worthy Brother, — It was with the greatest pleasure and the utmost Satisfaction We Received the News of your Safe Arrival at your Government of the Jerseys; and from a just Sense of the distinguishing marks of your Esteem shown to the Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, when you filled the Chair of Government in this Province (which upon all Occasions we doubt not but you would still Continue,) We cannot but hope the sincere and hearty Congratulations of Our Lodge on your present happy accession, may meet with a favourable acceptance.

You have sufficiently distinguished your adherence to our Three Grand Principles in your Firm attachment to his Majesty's Person and Government, which (with joy we find) has preferred you to a second Commission (an uncommon Instance of Royal favor) and as the weight of so great a Charge must be attended with many concerns, so we heartily wish a happy Concurrence of anything that may Render your Administration satisfactory to your Prince, Advantageous to your People, and Easy to yourself, so that full of Days and full of honor (which but little survives our actions) you may finally meet with a reward of that Honor and Happiness which will be as Internal as inconceivable. —

By Order of the Right Worshipful the Provincial Grand Master of North America, and the Right Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Fellows of the Lodge held in Boston, New England, September 3d, in the year of Masonry 5747, Annoque Domini 1747.

Charles Pelham, Secretary."

To this Governor Belcher returned the following admirable answer : —

To the Right Worshipful Thomas Oxnard Esq., Provincial Grand Master of North America,
The Right Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Fellows of the Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Seciety of Free and Accepted Masons In Boston."

"Right Worshipful Brothers, — I have with much pleasure received your respectful Congratulation of my Safe Arrival to this Government, dated from your Lodge in Boston ye 3d of last month. — From the Testimonials I carried with me to London from your Lodge, I was Received by the Right Honorable the Grand Master; and at the Lodges where I attended, as a Worthy Brother: I shall always with great Alacrity show Respect and Kindness to any one that may fall in my way, who is a Brother of the Society of Free and Accepted Masons; and I am the more Gratified in the King's Repeated Grace and Favour as it does me double Honor, in Clearing my Character from all Imputation, and sets me at the head of this fine Province, and may Reflect some honor on the Society of Free and Accepted Masons that the King has so publickly justified the Conduct of a Brother in his administration of the Government of two of His Majesty's Provinces In New England for eleven years together.

I am much obliged to the Brothers of your Lodge for their kind Wishes of my welfare and Prosperity in the Arduous affairs of Government, but above all that they extend them to my Obtaining a reward of honor and happiness that shall be Eternal. — I have been received by the Good People here with uncommon marks of Respect and Kindness, which I shall return by all such acts of Goodness in my Power, as may most of all contribute to their Interest, and to their quiet and satisfaction.

May you Right Worshipful Brothers, and all and every one of your Lodge live long in much health and Ease, and in such other Circumstances of Life as you would wish for your Selves, and when this Life must be Exchanged for One that will have no end, May you all be Happy through the Mercy of God in Jesus Christ Our only Lord and Saviour; Amen.

From Kingswood House in the City of Burlington (New Jersey),
this sixth day of October, in the year of Masonry 5747, Annoque Domini 1747.
J. Belcher."

We can follow the Masonic history of our Brother no further; and here his active interests in the Fraternity probably ceased. It could not well have been otherwise, for at the time when he entered upon his new duties, there was not a Lodge in the Province of New Jersey, nor was there one, so far as we are informed, established there until 1762, — five years after his death, — when the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, through its Grand Master, issued the necessary authority for one at Elizabethtown.

As we have already stated, Governor Belcher continued to preside over this Province until his death in 1757. Being highly educated himself, he took a deep interest in the general subject of education, and contributed by his means and influence in extending the usefulness of Princeton College. As a magistrate, he was popular with the people over whom he presided, and at his death left the fragrance of an honorable and useful life.

BENNETT, CHARLES W. 1864-1934

From Proceedings, Page 1934-224:

Right Worshipful Brother Bennett was born in Fitchburg, March 2, 1864, and died there September 23, 1934.

Brother Bennett was a descendant of colonial and revolutionary ancestry. The family has been prominent in Fitchburg for generations, and our Brother weil maintained the family tradition. Educated in the public schools of Fitchburg, he entered the shoe manufacturing business, becoming the head of a large concern and continuing there until his death.

His interest in public affairs was very great. He was the President of the Fitchburg Art Center, successfully carrying it through two fires and financing the building of its present home. He was active in the management of the Burbank Hospital, Vice-chairman of the Worcester North Savings Bank, and Past President of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a leading member of the Unitarian Church and first President of the local chapter of the Layman's League. Among his other activities were the presidency of the Fitchburg High School Alumni Association, directorship in the Fitchburg Chapter of the Red Cross, and membership in the Fitchburg Historical Society and several clubs.

Brother Bennett became a member of Charles W. Moore Lodge in 1885 and was its Master in 1894. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for the Thirteenth Masonic District in 1911 and 1912 by appointment of Most Worshipful Dana J. Flanders and Most Worshipful Everett C. Benton. He was a member of Thomas Royal Arch Chapter and a member and Past Commander of Jerusalem Commandery.

His death removes a loved and honored leader in our Fraternity and in the community.

BENT, EUGENE P. 1872-1929

From Proceedings, Page 1929-114:

Brother Bent was born in Belle Isle, Nova Scotia, May 23, 1872, and died at his home in Southviile, May 3, 1929.

Brother Bent came to Massachusetts in his youth and entered the employ of the American Express Company at Chicopee Falls. After some years of service there he removed to Brookline, where he was in the service of the West End Street Railway Company. In 1909, he took up his residence in Southville, where he conducted a successful poultry and egg business for the remainder of his life.

He was married to Miss Mabel Wallace in 1899. Mrs. Bent died in 1927, leaving two unmarried daughters, Eugenie and Marguerite.

Brother Bent was a popular and respected citizen and served a term of three years as assessor for the town of Southborough, of whieh the viliage of Southvilte is a part.

Brother Bent was raised in St. Bernard's Lodge on December 8, 1915. At the following annual meeting he accepted appointment to a minor office in the Lodge and progressed in its service until he became Worshipful Master in 1920, serving in that office two years. He was District Deputy Grand llaster for the Twenty-fourth Masonic District in 1926 and 1927, by appointment of Most Worshipful Frank L. Simpson.

Quiet and unassuming, faithful in the fulfiIlment of every obligation and conseientious in the discharge of every duty, he was one of those who make the strength of Freemasonry and of the community.

BERGER, MOSES 1844-1914

From New England Craftsman, Vol. X, No. 4, January 1915, Page 136:

Moses Berger, a member and former officer of Germania Lodge of Boston died December 20, at the age of 70 years. He had been clerk in the office of the Assessing Department several years. He was born in Germany and came to this country when a young man.

BERRY, HORACE WILLEY 1834-1915

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XI, No. 1, October 1915, Page 30:

Brother Horace W. Berry of Eastport, Maine, a life member of Joseph Warren Lodge died September 27, 1915, at the age of 81 years. He was the pioneer of the piano business in Boston, having established the well known firm of H. W. Berry & Co., 45 years ago.

In his younger days Mr. Berry was a well known singer and often sang with Mrs. Raymond, better remembered as Annie Louise Cary, both being members of th& same quartet. He also had been a member of the Handel and Haydn Society and his ability as a vocalist brought him forward at the time of the Peace Jubilee. Mr. Berry was the last of nine children and was a bachelor.

His funeral was held at Haverhill, Mass., October 1, 1915. A beautiful floral tribute was sent by the lodge. Interment was at Forest Hills.

BERRY, JOHN KING 1854-1927

From Proceedings, Page 1928-37:

R.W. Brother Berry was born in Randolph, November 8, 1854. In early life he removed to Roxbury and during the remainder of his life was a resident of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Cambridge, where he had resided for about ten years preceding his death. He was a graduate of the Roxbury Latin School and Harvard University, class of 1876. He studied law at Boston University but did not take a law degree. Before his course was completed he was admitted to the bar and engaged in practice under the firm name of Berry & Upton, his partner being Right Worshipful Eugene C. Upton. This association was continued until his death, December 18, 1927.

He was entered in Washington Lodge May 18, 1880; passed June 10, 1880; and raised September 9, 1880. He served Washington Lodge as its Worshipful Master in 1887 and 1888, and was District Deputy Grand Master for the Fourth Masonic District in 1903 and 1904, by appointment of Most Worshipful Baalis Sanford. Right Worshipful Brother Berry's active interest in the concerns of his Lodge continued to the end of his life. His advice was constantly sought and was always helpful. Never taking advantage of his position in past rank to intrude himself into the rule and government of his Lodge, he was always ready to render any service that could be asked of him.

Right Worshipful Brother Berry was a useful citizen, a wise and conservative lawyer, and a very true friend to those who were fortunate enough to eome within the circle of his acquaintance.

BEVINGTON, THOMAS 1847-1915

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XI, No. 2, November 1915, Page 67:

Brother Thomas Bevington, a well known citizen and Mason of Lawrence, Mass., died after a brief illness, Thursday Oct. 28th at the age of 68. He had lived in Lawrence fifty years. He was active in every department of Freemasonry. He was a Past Master of Tuscan Lodge, Past High Priest of Mt. Sinai R. A. Chapter, Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Lawrence Council R. and S. Masters and Past Commander of Bethlehem Commandery, K. T. He was also active in serving the Scottish Rite having been at the head of the Princes of Jerusalem in Lowell. He was crowned an honorary 33° Mason several years ago. He was an effective ritualist and an excellent worker in every Rite. Brother Bevington was highly esteemed in business and as a friend and brother. He was genial and courteous and will be greatly missed by a host of associates.

BICKNELL, J. LEONARD 1890-1940

From Proceedings, Page 1940-218:

Brother Bicknell was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, on October 20, 1890, and died there on June 16, 1940, following an emergency operation for a ruptured appendix.

In 1907 he entered the employ of Alvin Hollis in the coal business; in 1913 he became a partner, and in 1922 took over the business, continuing until his death. He was very active in all things that concerned the welfare of Weymouth and her citizens. His diligent interest, his ability, and his willingness to be of service won for him the deep respect and affection of all with whom he was brought in contact.

He was raised in Orphan's Hope Lodge on April 16, 1913, and served as Master in 1921-1923. He was elected Secretary in 1936, and served in that ofice until his passing. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the (Quincy) 26th District on the 27th of last December. For his outstanding service to the Craft, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, and it was presented to him on April 13,1939; by Right Worshipful James S. Collins, District Deputy Grand Master of the 26th District.

He was a member of Pentalpha Royal Arch Chapter, Temple Council, R.& S.M., South Shore Commandery K.T., and of the Scottish Rite Bodies in Boston. In 1921 he became a Charter Member of Wessagusset Lodge. In addition to his fraternal activities, he served in the following organizations: Trustee of the Weymouth Hospital; Trustee of the Old South Union Congregational Church; member of the Boston Commercial Club, Retail Fuel Institute of Boston, South Shore Fuel Dealers Association; Director of the Weymouth Trust Company, and Chairman of the appropriation Committee of the Town of Weymouth.

A loving husband and father, a faithful friend, and a wise counselor, he is mourned by a host of friends.

BICKNELL, LOVELL 1793-1874

From Proceedings, Page 1875-14:

At the Stated Communication of our Grand Lodge, held in Boston on the 29th of December last, the death of Worshipful Brother Lovell Bicknell, Grand Standard-Bearer, was announced by the Most Worshipful Grand Master; and the undersigned were appointed a committee to prepare resolutions suitable to the event. In pursuance of that duty we beg to present the following report: —

Prefatory to the resolutions hereto subjoined, it seems appropriate to give in brief the biography of our deceased Brother — one who for the greater part of his long, useful, and virtuous life was an earnest, faithful supporter of Freemasonry. Lovell Bicknell was born in the town of Weymouth, in this State, where was his home from the time of his birth to his decease. The date of his birth was January 2d, 1793. He was town treasurer for several years, and was always prominent in town affairs. He was not a church member, but his relations were with the Methodists. He with his family attended the Methodist church, and several of its members were of that church's communion. In his younger days he followed the sea, and was, during the war of 1812, captured from an American privateer by a British cruiser and taken into Halifax. Here he found himself a fellow-prisoner with our late Brother "Father Taylor," the Rev. Edward T. Taylor, who was Chaplain of our Grand Lodge in the years 1834, 1835, 1836, 1837, 1840, and 1841.

His death occurred on Monday morning, December 14th, 1874. His sickness was short in duration. On the 9th of that month he attended the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, when he was apparently in as good health as usual. On the following morning, at seven o'clock, he was attacked by the enemy of mortality, — Death. Afterwards, he was unable to speak; though it is thought that at times he was conscious of things occurring around him.

The newspapers published in the vicinity of his residence contain obituary notices which are highly eulogistic of his character; showing how he was appreciated as a man and citizen where he was best known. " The Old Colony Memorial " (published at Plymouth), " The Weymouth Weekly Gazette," and "The Helping Hand" (of East Weymouth), each contributes its testimonial to the worth of our departed Brother. -

Under date of Dec. 17, 1874, " The Old Colony Memorial" thus refers to him: —

"Quite a delegation of Plymouth Lodge A.F. and A.M., went to East Weymouth yesterday (Wednesday) to attend the funeral of Lovell Bicknell, Esq., who died in that town on Monday morning last, at the ripe age of eighty-two years. Mr. Bicknell was an honorary member of Plymouth Lodge, and during the anti-Masonic excitement of fifty years ago was one of the staunchest defenders of the Institution.

"He was a most estimable gentleman, widely known in Masonic circles, and held in the highest respect by the Fraternity in this town, for whom in return he cherished the warmest regard, and seldom failed of being present at their gatherings on public or official occasions."

The following is copied from the "Weymouth Weekly Gazette," of Dec. 18, 1874 : —

"The recent death of Mr. Lovell Bicknell, one of the oldest and most prominent residents of Weymouth, a man who throughout a long life has maintained an honorable and upright character, and whose loss is deeply lamented by an extensive circle of friends, claims a record of respectful and grateful remembrance. His last disease, of which he had some weeks since experienced premonitory symptoms, was paralysis, which attacked him on Thursday, 10th inst., immediately prostrating his strength and depriving him of the power of speech, and the use of a portion of his body. He lingered, gradually failing, until Monday morning, when his strength being exhausted, enfeebled nature yielded, and he sank serenely into the arms of death. The obsequies of the deceased were attended by a large concourse of people, the whole community seeming desirous of paying their last tribute of respect to one so long known among them. For nearly fifty years he was an enthusiastic member of the Masonic Fraternity, and his Brethren of that Order were present, in large numbers, at his funeral on Wednesday last, the following organizations being in attendance: Delegation of Grand Lodge of Mass., Old Colony and South Shore Commanderies and a delegation, from Brockton Commandery, Knights Templars; Orphan's Hope Lodge, East Weymouth; Delta Lodge, Weymouth; and delegations from Plymouth Lodge, Plymouth; Konohassett Lodge, Cohasset; and Old Colony Lodge, Hingham. The services were held in the Methodist Church, appropriate Masonic ceremonies having been previously conducted in the Lodge-room of Orphan's Hope Lodge. The church was filled to repletion with friends and neighbors of the deceased and the various organizations. The body reposed in a rich black walnut casket, and the face of the dead wore a very pleasant and life-like expression. A beautiful wreath of rare cut flowers lay upon the lid of the casket. The services commenced with singing, by the Masonic Choir, of the Psalm, 'The Lord has been our dwelling place in all generations,' followed by the reading of selected portions of Scripture by R.W. Rev. Charles H. Titus. Prayer was then offered by Rev. S. L. Gracey; and, after a chant, ' Thy will be done,' by the choir, the same clergyman addressed the audience, giving a brief general reminiscence of the life and character of the deceased, speaking of him in his various relations as a citizen, a public official and a man.

"An address was then delivered by R.W. Rev. C. H. Titus, Recording Grand Secretary, who rendered a faithful and touching tribute of respect arid affection to the deceased, speaking at length of his personal excellences of character, and especially of his steady and intense devotion to the cause of Masonry, — he having joined the Order at the time the anti-Masonic tornado was sweeping over the land, — his zeal and love for the Institution continuing unabated to the hour of his death. Its principles of liberality, charity and brotherly love were ever exemplified in his life. Beneath his somewhat rough exterior there beat an affectionate and sympathetic heart. He realized that the grand aim of Masonry is 'to relieve the distressed, to soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries, and to restore peace to their troubled minds;' and these principles he put into practice in his life. He was held in high regard by his Brethren. For some years he had held the office of Grand Standard-Bearer in the Grand Lodge, and his Brethren of that Body will deeply lament the loss of a true and faithful Brother. The speaker concluded by urging upon all the necessity of a preparation for death, and expressing the hope that they might so live as to meet the departed Brother in the celestial Lodge above, where the 'Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.' The services closed with singing by the choir.

"From the church the remains were escorted to the Village Cemetery, where they were consigned to the silent grave. Here the service was solemn and impressive. Past Grand Master William T. Coolidge pronounced a brief eulogy, and the impressive burial service of the Order was performed, and the sacred scroll deposited.

"Thus ended a mortal life of eighty-two years, and thus, in joyful hope of the resurrection of the body, he was committed 'earth to earth,' 'ashes to ashes,' 'dust to dust.' When such men die the wholesome influence of their good example survives them. It becomes an inspiration to the living, stimulating and quickening them to good works.

The sweet remembrance of the just
Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust.'"

From the "Helping Hand," of January 1, 1875 : —

"We cannot allow this issue of our paper to go out without expressing a sorrow, that we felt in common with the entire community, at the death of one of our oldest and most honored citizens, Mr. Lovell Bicknell. His kindness of nature, and genial, cordial manners, and useful life, marked him as a man to be missed from any community. His funeral was attended by the Masonic Fraternity, and our church was crowded to its utmost in accommodating the many friends who desired to attend the public funeral services. We shall miss him from our streets, and the social gatherings in our church."

Thirteen years ago, the deceased made the request of Past Grand Master William T. Coolidge to conduct the Masonic rites over his grave, should the latter be the survivor. It is needless to say that this duty was discharged by Brother Coolidge in a feeling and impressive manner befitting the solemn occasion.

Brother Bicknell was raised in Orphan's Hope Lodge on the 10th of October, 1826, and exalted in Pilgrim Chapter on the 27th of May, 1864. He was admitted into the Order of the Temple, in Old Colony Commandery, on the 9th of September, 1864. The degrees of R. and S. Master were conferred on him in Abington Council, on the 13th of May, 1870. He was Junior Warden of Orphan's Hope Lodge in 1855, 1856 and 1857, but declined another election.

Notwithstanding Brother Bicknell reached the great age of fourscore years and two, his bodily and mental vigor was such as seemed to controvert the psalmist, whose words are: "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow." . . . That did not appear to be our Brother's experience. He was even boastful of his strength until within a few days of his death. Throughout his life he had been in a remarkable degree exempt from sickness; which denoted a strong physical constitution, which few men enjoy. During the past autumn he was present at most of the Lodge meetings held in District No. 16, for the official visits of the District Deputy Grand Master of that District, R.W. Edward Avery. His Masonic enthusiasm carried him last year to Philadelphia, at the time of the dedication of the magnificent Masonic Temple in that city. Whenever it was possible he made it a point to attend a Masonic celebration on Saint John's day.

We all know with what zest he participated in the celebration of the annual GRAND FEAST of our Grand Lodge. At the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge held on the 8th of September, 1869, the letter which follows was read: —

M. W. WILLIAM S. GARDNER, ESQ., Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts: —:

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER,—You will please to hand the within bond for one hundred dollars to our worthy Grand Treasurer, as a gift to the Grand Lodge towards cancelling the debt to that amount on our noble Temple.

Yours fraternally,
LOVELL BICKNELL.

The generous gift was acknowledged by a vote of the Grand Lodge. The generosity of the donor is the more striking, because he was not a "rich man" in the common acceptation of the term. Had the spirit which prompted this act pervaded the Fraternity throughout the Commonwealth, "our noble Temple" would have long since been released from its encumbrances; affording us the opportunity to devote the whole of the income from it to the general charities of the Brotherhood.

Brother Bicknell was installed as Standard-Bearer of the Grand Lodge on the 29th of December, 1868. From that time until his decease he was present at all of our Quarterly and Stated Communications, excepting four. So regular an attendance would be creditable to a young man; but that an octogenarian should thus energetically follow the line of his duty affords an example which every Mason, young or old, should endeavor to imitate.

We propose the resolutions following for the adoption of the Grand Lodge: —

Resolved, That the members of this Grand Lodge mournfully realize that in the death of Worshipful Lovell Bicknell they have lost an earnest, faithful and exemplary associate; one who, for half a century, cherished the humane principles of Freemasonry with "freedom, fervency and zeal."

Resolved, That it is with unfeigned satisfaction we contemplate his long earthly career, which affords so many examples of uprightness, kindness, and steady devotion to his duty and principles, worthy of our imitation.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be communicated to the family of our late Brother, with an expression of our deeply-felt sympathy in their bereavement. All of which is respectfully presented by the committee.

JOHN T. HEARD,
W. T. GRAMMER,
WILLIAM J. STEVENS,
Committee.

Lovell Bicknell's grave

BICKNELL, ZACHARIAH LOVELL 1820-1899

From Proceedings, Page 1899-45:

Since our last Quarterly Communication the Supreme Grand Master has summoned another aged and faithful Brother from his field of useful labors, to that mysterious future which no human eye can penetrate, and from whose bourn no traveller ever returns.

ZACHARIAH LOVELL BICKNELL, our late Grand Standard-Bearer, was born in East Weymouth, Mass., June 28, 1820, and died in the same town May 18, 1899, aged 78 years 10 months and 20 days. He was the son of Lovell and Rebecca (Dyer) Bicknell. His early education was received in the common schools of his native village, supplemented with a few years' study in Derby Academy, Hingham Mass., from which he graduated. He was apprenticed to the trade of a carpenter, and on attaining his majority followed that occupation until the year 1850, when he entered the office of Henry Loud, in East Weymouth, as a bookkeeper, which position he occupied until 1864, when he embarked in business for himself, and continued in a general merchandise vocation for thirty years, when afire destroyed his store and stock of goods. In consideration of his advancing years, and somewhat impaired health, the business was not resumed, but for a few years longer he continued to look after an insurance business which he had conducted for some time as a secondary matter, and this he was compelled to abandon, owing to failing health, about two years ago; since that time the decline has steadily gone on, until death came.

Few men in Norfolk and Plymouth Counties were better known and respected than Brother Bicknell. He was honored by his townsmen with nearly every office in their gift, regardless, of party politics. For nearly twenty years he served on the board of selectmen. He was one of the assessors of the town; was auditor on the school board for several years, a trustee of Tufts Library, and chief of the fire department. He represented the town of Weymouth in the Legislature, in 1861, and again in 1891; was appointed by President Buchanan as postmaster, and under President Cleveland served again in the same capacity, and during the interim acted as postmaster, although not at the head of the department. During the war of the rebellion, from 1861 to 1865, his services were of incalculable value, in filling the town's quota, and looking after the interests of men at the front, and their families at home.

Brother Bicknell was one of the founders of the East Weymouth Savings Bank, and for many years was a member of the board of trustees, board of investment, and president of the bank. He was a trustee of the camp-meeting association at Cottage City. In all these positions of trust and responsibility, by which he was brought into close relations with his fellowmen, he exemplified the principles of charity and brotherly love, and by his genial and unassuming manner, amiable qualities, good judgment and tact, made himself beloved by all who came within the range of his personal influence. His counsel and advice were often sought, and cheerfully given, to those in trouble or affliction, and many a heart has been soothed and comforted by his kind and encouraging words. His religious affiliations were with the Methodist church, with which he had been closely identified, as one of its most efficient workers, for forty-five years, having served in nearly every official capacity known to the church.

But Brother Bicknell was best known to us as a member of our Fraternity; one who was deeply interested in our Institution, and a constant and faithful supporter of the Order, taking an active and prominent part in its affairs, his love for, and interest in, Freemasonry was sincere and heartfelt. He was raised to the degree of Master Mason in Old Colony Lodge, of Hingham, March 9, 1855, from which he was demitted in May, 1856, and was one of the petitioners for, and largely instrumental in, the restoration of the charter of Orphan's Hope Lodge, of East Weymouth, in 1856, and was its first Worshipful Master under the new regime, filling the chair during the years 1857, '58 and '59. He was District Deputy Grand Master by appointment of Grand Master Winslow Lewis, serving for the year 1860, and again in 1861 under the administration of Grand Master Coolidge, his District being at that time No. 5. In 1867, '68, '69 and '70 he again served the Grand Lodge in the same capacity, under Grand Masters Dame and Gardner, two years each, having charge of District No. 16.

June 13, 1877, he was appointed Grand Standard-Bearer by Grand Master Everett, and has continuously filled that position under successive Grand Masters to the time of his decease ; and during all these years, until the tottering, feeble frame denoted that the "silver cord" was about to be "loosed," was a constant attendant at the Communications of the Grand Lodge. His last appearance with us was at the Quarterly Meeting March 9, 1898.

His affiliation with other branches of the Order is herewith recorded. He received the degrees of Capitular Masonry in Pilgrim Chapter, of Abington, Mass., being exalted to the degree of Royal Arch Mason Dec. 16, 1861, and was demitted from Pilgrim Chapter in June, 1870, to become a charter member of Pentalpha Chapter, of Weymouth. The degrees of Cryptic Masonry were conferred upon him by Abington Council Royal and Select Masters in June, 1870. He was a charter member of Old Colony Commandery No. 15, and received the Orders of Knighthood while the Commandery was working under a Dispensation, as follows: Order of the Red Cross Feb. 19, 1864. Orders of the Temple and Malta April 1, 1864. He was elected Eminent Commander March 29, 1869, and served in that capacity until April 24, 1871, taking a demit May 8, 1871, to unite in forming South Shore Commandery, No. 31, at East Weymouth, and serving as its Eminent Commander in 1870, '71 and '72. He was made an honorary member of Old Colony Commandery June 5, 1871. The degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, from the fourth to the thirty-second inclusive, were conferred upon him in Boston Lodge of Perfection, Giles F. Yates Council Princes of Jerusalem, Mount Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix, and Massachusetts Consistory, and he was made a life member of the Consistory March 20, 1863.

Thus, in the fulness of years, in the maturity of a life prolonged beyond the common endurance of human existence, our Brother has passed on, over the dark river, to the Celestial Lodge beyond, leaving to us the rich legacy of a well-spent life, rounded to an honorable close. May the mantle of his devotion to duty and conscience fall upon and abide with us!

The obsequies were held over his remains at East Weymouth, on Saturday, May 20, at the Methodist Episcopal Church, where he had worshipped for more than half a century. Public services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. A. W. Kingsley, assisted by Rev. Lewis B. Bates, D.D., of Boston. The auditorium was filled to its utmost capacity with persons who had been associated with him in mercantile and other circles. Beautiful flowers, tributes of affection from organizations and friends, completely covered the body; and his immediate family, though shrouded in cypress, could smile as they looked out through their tears, at the garlands of regret which these his Mends, plaintively placed upon his bier. Business was suspended throughout the village, flags on public buildings were at half mast, and evidence of mourning was seen on every hand. The whole community joined with the bereaved family in paying the last sad tribute to the memory of an honored citizen, a kind husband and indulgent father, a worthy Christian and an enthusiastic Mason. His rest will be sweeter and the crown brighter for his life of faithfulness and duty. The Masonic burial service then followed, conducted by the Worshipful Master of Orphan's Hope Lodge (Bro. Joseph Chase, Jr.) , assisted by Bro. M. E. Hawes, Chaplain. The Grand Lodge was represented by a delegation consisting of R.W. Sereno D. Nickerson, Past Grand Master ; R.W. Henry K. Dunton, Senior Grand Warden; R.W. William H.H. Soule, Past Junior Grand Warden; W. Bro. D. J. Strain, Grand Steward; and R.W. Frank D. Thayer, D.D.G.M. of the 25th District and suite. At the conclusion of these services, the body of our departed Brother was taken from the church, and under escort of South Shore Commandery, Orphan's Hope Lodge and other organizations, was conveyed to Fairmount Cemetery, and tenderly laid to rest in the family lot. A widow and three married daughters survive him. Thus one by one are the members of the Grand.Lodge gathering home, passing

"Out of the shadows of sadness
Into the sunshine of gladness,
Into the light of the blest;
Out of the land very dreary,
Out of a world sad and weary,
Into the rapture of rest.

" Out of to-day's sin and sorrow,
Into the blissful to-morrow,
Into a day without gloom;
Out of a world filled with sighing,
Land of the dead and the dying,
Into a land without tomb."

Fraternally and respectfully submitted,
BAALIS SANFORD,
FRANK D. THAYER,
JOSEPH CHASE, Jr.,
Committee.

BIGELOW, GEORGE C. 1831-1859

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVIII, No. 9, July 1859, Page 287:

At a communication of Morning Star Lodge, held at Masonic Hall, May 10th, 1859, the following resolutions were accepted and adopted :—

  • Resolved, That in the death of our beloved Brother, Geo. C. Bigelow, Morning Star Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons is deprived of the presence and counsel of one of its most esteemed, efficient, and worthy members.
  • Resolved, That while we bow reverentially before the inscrutable decree which thus early closes a useful and an honorable life, we cannot but deeply deplore the loss sustained by the Craft in the extinguishment of one of its bright and shining lights. Honoring Masonry, as he did, by his true and faithful observance of its teachings, illustrating its sacred precepts in all his transactions with his fellow-men, and keeping ever in view the truly Masonic discharge of "his duty to God, his neighbor, and himself," we learned, in the general estimation of his daily life, that Goodness is beauty in its best estate; and that while, with the deep sorrow which wrings the heart when the good and the true are cut off from among those who knew and loved them, we mourn, as Brothers mourn, his early death; we grieve for him — not as for one dead, but only gone before!
  • Resolved, That we share the deep affliction now resting upon the household of our departed Brother, and that we tender to them in this, their hour of grief, to the widow, the parents, the brethren and kindred, an assurance of our heartfelt sympathy and grief for their bereavement, while we would respectfully remind them, as among the consolations which death affords, of the blameless tenor of the life of him they mourn, of his fidelity to every trust, public and private, and consequent love and honor and troops of friends which on earth attended him — that to such as him Death is the crown of life! opening the portals to that immortal life to which he trustingly and humbly looked forward.
  • Resolved, That, in token of our respect for the memory of our deceased Brother, now, as we devoutly trust, free and accepted among the hosts of the celestial Lodge above, the jewels of this Lodge shall be draped in mourning for the term of sixty days from the date of our next regular communication.
  • Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to present to the family of the deceased a copy of these resolutions.
  • Voted, That the above resolutions be offered to the daily papers of this city, also to the Masonic Magazine for publication.

John Field, Secretary p. t. Worcester, May 15, 1859.

BIGELOW, W. JONATHAN 1825-1907

From Proceedings, Page 1907-157:

W. Jonathan Bigelow, Past Master of Mount Olivet Lodge, Cambridge, and District Deputy Grand Master of the Second Masonic District in 1879, 1880 and 1881, was born in Conway, Mass., Jan. 1, 1825, and died in Boston, May 12, 1907. After leaving school, he established himself in the shoe business in Boston in 1845, which he carried on for about ten years, when he engaged in the fruit and produce business. He continued in this over fifty years. He was a member of the House of Representatives of this State in 1887 and was also a member of various social and political clubs. He.was a zealous Mason, a sympathizing friend, and a citizen ever loyal to the best interests of the City, the State and the Nation.

BILLINGS, HARRY LeROY 1885-1943

From Proceedings, Page 1944-23:

Brother Billings was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on December 15, 1885, and died in Cambridge on December 1, 1943.

In 1909 he received the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania and practiced in that State for a short time, later removing to Cambridge, where he continued his practice until his death.

He was raised in Mizpah Lodge of Cambridge on November 11, 1918, and served as Master for the years 1934 and 1935. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the (Cambridge) Second District by Most Worshipful Joseph Earl Perry and thus served during the years 1939 and 1940.

His services to Dental Societies and to Masonry were untiring and his own personal interests and convenience never prevented him from rendering full service to any call made upon him. His life should serve as an example to his Brethren in Masonry to live up to the tenets oftheir profession and to render unselfish service.

We shall miss our Brother, but his memory will ever live in our hearts, who mourn his untimely passing.

"Sleep on, O friend, until the waking day,
And ever we, who loved thy presence here,
Will keep for thee, through changes manifold,
A tender memory, growing with the years."

BIRD, BENJAMIN COOLIDGE 1825-1915

From New England Craftsman, Vol. X, No. 6, March 1915, Page 216:

Brother Benjamin C. Bird, probably the oldest tyler of a Masonic lodge in Massachusetts, died Friday, March 19, at Derry N. H. Brother Bird was a member of Union Lodge, Dorchester, Mass., and had served tyler of that body more than 50 years, also officiated in the same capacity for other Masonic bodies. In Derry, where he resided at the time of his death, simple services were conducted by Rev. George W. Farmer, pastor of the Congregational Church, after which the body was brought to the Masonic Chamber, Dorchester, and Worshipful Master Fred C. Murfeldt and officers of Union Lodge conducted the ritual for their comrade, more than 200 taking part in the ceremony. There was singing by a quartet and a reading of Bird's Masonic record by the Master of the lodge. The ushers and pallbearers were members of the lodge.

Mr. Bird was born Oct. 15, 1825, and until two years ago was a resident of Dorchester. He was the only Massachusetts Mason who owned a tyler's jewel, presented him by Union Lodge under special dispensation from the Grand Lodge. So far as known, he was the oldest tyler in point of service in in the United States.

He was a member of Rabboni Lodge, Dorchester Royal Arch Chapter and St. Stephen's Royal Arch Chapter, which were represented at the services. Mr. Bird, as an officer in the Boston Protective Company, took an active part in the great Boston fire of 1872.

BISSELL, WASHINGTON 1820-1923

see Boston Herald April 24, 1921 on membership card

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XVI, No. 7, May 1921, Page 214:

Bro. Washington Bissell of Great Barrington, Mass., oldest college alumnus, oldest Freemason, and one of the oldest, if not the oldest, person in Massachusetts, was born in Rochester, N. Y., April 17, 1820. He has just passed the one hundred and first anniversary of his birth in comparative health and contentment. He graduated from Union College in New York in 1846, and the degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him by that college in 1920. He is a lawyer by profession, having been admitted to the bar in New York in 1848. He said to a Craftsman reporter recently, "I have smoked and smoked and it never seemed to hurt me. In fact, I think it has helped me to live and enjoy life for more than a century." His memory is very acute concerning public men and events of nearly a century ago. But once (last year) has he missed voting for a whig or Republican candidate for President since 1844. His first Presidential ballot was for James Knox Polk.

Bro. Bissell received his Masonic degrees in Cincinnatus Lodge, Great Barrington, Mass., in 1859, and on the 101st anniversary of his birth he was visited by Bros. Sanford, Church and Collins for the purpose of conveying the best wishes of the Fraternity and a bouquet of flowers.

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XVIII, No. 7, April 1923, Page 213:

Washington Bissell, aged 102, said to be the oldest Mason, oldest college graduate and oldest retired lawyer in the United States, died at Great Barrington on March 23. He would have been 103 years old April 16.

He was graduated from Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., in the class of 1846 and practiced law in New York State and Connecticut.

Mr. Bissell recently said that he had smoked since he was 12 vears old and figured it helped prolong his life. He used liquor moderately.

BLACKIE, JOHN 1835-1907

  • MM 1863, Libanus Lodge, Somersworth, NH
  • Member 1882, St. John's (Boston)

From New England Craftsman, Vol. III, No. 5, February 1908, Page 193:

Brother John Blackie, a well known Mason of Boston, and member of St. John's Lodge, Boston Council and Boston Comtuaudery, died December 12.

BLANCHARD, FRED MILLIKEN 1877-1944

From Proceedings, Page 1944-205:

Brother Blanchard was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on May 8, 1877, and died in Boston on September 15, 1944.

His business career of over half a century was spent in the wool trade, and as an active member of the Boston Wool Trade Association, he served as a director of the National Wool Association.

He was raised in Dalhousie Lodge on November 20, 1907, and served that Lodge as Master in 1913. In 1920, feeling that there was need of another Lodge in Newton, he took an active interest in the formation of Norumbega Lodge, of which he served as Master U.D., and also in 1921.

He was a member of Newton Royal Arch Chapter, Cryptic Council and Gethsemane Commandery, serving as Eminent Commander in the latter body in 1920.

In the Grand Lodge, he served as Junior Grand Steward in 1915, and as District Deputy Grand Master of the 5th Masonic District in 1922 and 1923, by appointment of Most Worshipful Arthur D. Prince.

He served as president and treasurer of the Newton Masonic Association, holding the latter office at the time of his death, and was a moving factor in the successful effort to clear the indebtedness of the Newton Masonic Temple.

He was an active and efficient worker in the Cenffal Congregational Church of Newton, serving as Deacon and Moderator for many years.

His Masonic career was one of keen interest, always working for the benefit of the Craft and its high ideals. His host of friends will miss the warmth of his smile and his understanding personality.

"We mourn his loss.
His works are his memorial."

BLANCHARD, WILLIAM C. 1833-1878

Presented by William Salmon, Proxy for Ancient Landmark Lodge of China; Proceedings, Page 1878-79:

Bro. Blanchard was born in Charlestown, Mass., July 1, 1833, and went to Lowell when sixteen years of age. He and I were young men together, and I knew him well before he sought his fortune across the sea. He was always wide awake and full of energy. Somewhat impulsive, he sometimes gave offence, but seldom made enemies, for his large heart would soon make amends for the hasty word. He took great interest in our Institution, and as a Mason has left a bright record.

He was initiated in Ancient York Lodge, Lowell, in the fall of 1855, and made a Royal Arch Mason in Mt. Horeb Chapter, two years later. In 1859 he engaged with Olyphant & Co. of China, and remained in Shanghai until his decease, serving for the last few years of his life as a pilot. His mark upon Masonry in China will remain for many years, and his memory long be cherished by those for whom he so zealously labored.

The Dispensation for Ancient Landmark Lodge of Shanghai was issued by the M.W. Grand Master of this State, in Dec., 1863, Bro. Blanchard being its first Senior Warden, and its second Master under charter. He for several years held the office of Deputy for China under this M.W. Grand Lodge, and at the time of levying the "Temple Tax" worked so earnestly that the full commutation fee for every member of Ancient Landmark Lodge was collected and sent home. He took a prominent part in the formation of Keystone R.A. Chapter (U.S. jurisdiction), and was High Priest thereof. In 1867 he received the Order of Knighthood in Celestial Encampment of Shanghai (English jurisdiction), and in 1870 held the office of Eminent Commander. In 1874 he received the degrees of the Scottish Rite, as appears from a diploma issued by the Supreme Council of Scotland.

Last Friday I received, through the mail, from the U.S. Consulate at Shanghai, the Masonic diplomas and certificates issued to Bro. Blanchard, some twenty in number, showing the position he held among his Brethren in China, being an active or honorary member in all the Bodies there. His great interest, however, centred in Masonry under American control, and he was in correspondence with me touching the formation of a Commandery with an American charter.

Such is the brief record of one who has caused Masonry to thrive in the "heathen land," and who, though poor in worldly possessions, has by his zeal and, energy laid up a rich, enduring treasure, and left the imprint of his work to redound to the credit of this M.W. Grand Lodge that he loved so well.

BLISH, GEORGE W. 1837-1906

From New England Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 9, July 1906, Page 401:

Brother George W. Blish, a member of St. Andrew's R. A. Chapter of Boston and for many years one of the best known teachers of elocution in Boston, died May 23d in Plymouth, N. H., at the Emily Balch Cottage Hospital, of kidney trouble. For many vears he conducted the Blish School of Oratory in Boston. He was a native of La Salle, Ill., and served in both the army and navy in the civil war.

Prof. Blish established the earliest school of elocution in Boston. He belonged to Boston Commandery, K. T., and was also a member of Benjamin Stone, Jr., Post 68, G. A. R.. of Dorchester.

BLODGETT, ALBERT NOVATUS 1848-1923

From Proceedings, Page 1923-313:

R.W. ALBERT NOYATUS BLODGETT closed a long life of quiet usefulness on the third day of July, 1923. He was born in Guilford, Vt., February 18, 1848. His active life was spent in the practice of his profession as a physician in Roxbury.

He was Initiated in Lafayette Lodge, September 3, 1880, Crafted October 11, 1880, and Raised November 8, 1880. After passing through the several offices he served Lafayette Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1887, 1888, and 1889. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Fourth Masonic District by M.W. Charles C. Hutchinson, and served in 1897 and in 1898. He brought to the duties of this office the faithfulness and efficiency which distinguished all that he did.

His interest in the affairs of Lafayette Lodge remained unabated until the end of his life. He was Historian of the Lodge at its fiftieth anniversary, June 1, 1915. The careful and painstaking history which he prepared on that occasion is a mine of valuable information concerning Masonic men and matters in that part of Boston during the period covered. It was later prepared for print and will be found in the appendix to the printed Proceedings for 1919.

Dr. Blodgett's life was the uneventful life of the general practitioner in medicine, a life whose service is not conspicuous and is crowned neither by fame nor great reward, but brings comfort and happiness to a wide circle of those who are favored by its ministrations. The last few years of our Brother's life were clouded by ill health and during that period he was little seen among his Masonic Brethren, but his memory remains undimmed.

BLOOD, COLBURN 1789-1860

  • MM 1814, Pentucket
  • Involved in the reorganization of the Lodge in 1845

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVIII, No. 8, June 1860, Page 255:

At a Stated Meeting of Mount Horeb Royal Arch Chapter, held at Masonic Hall, in Lowell, March 30th, 1860, the following resolutions were adopted :—

  • Whereas, it hath pleased the Supreme Architect of the Universe, to remove, by death, our worthy Companion Col. Colburn Blood, Therefore
  • Resolved, That it is with emotions of profound sorrow, that the members of Mt. Horeb Chapter recognize the solemn dispensation of Divine Providence, which has deprived them of one of their oldest and most valued associates, by the decease of our Past High Priest, Comp. Colburn Blood.
  • Resolved, That the exalted character which he ever sustained and exhibited through life, as an upright Mason, and a good and useful citizen, has endeared his memory to the Masonic Brotherhood, as one who has prominently honored the institution, of which he was an ardent friend and ornament.
  • Resolved, That the Members of Mount Horeb Chapter, respectfully tender to the bereaved family of their lamented friend and Companion, the deepest and most heartfelt sentiments of sympathy and condolence, on the present mournful occasion.
  • Resolved, That these resolutions be placed on the Record of the Chapter, and that the blank page immediately following be inscribed with the name, time of death, and age of our departed Companion.
  • Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, attested by the Secretary, be forwarded to the family of the deceased, and to the Masonic Magazine for publication. A true copy.

Attest, I. E. Short, Secretary.

BLOOM, ANDREW RUDOLPH 1871-1913

From New England Craftsman, Vol. VIII, No. 8, May 1913, Page 272:

Brother Andrew Bloom, a well known Mason and resident of Hyde Park, Mass., died April 12 at the age of 42 years.

In his associations with the Masonic Fraternity he was a member of Hyde Park Lodge, A. F. and A. M., Hyde Park Council, R. and S. M., Norfolk R. A. Chapter, and Cyprus Commandery, K. T., of Hyde Park; Boston Lafayette Lodge of Perfection, Giles F. Yates Council, P. of J., Mt. Olivet Chapter of Rose Croix, Massachusetts Consistory, 32d degree, A. A. S. R. He was also enrolled in Aleppo Temple of the Mystic Shrine.

BODFISH, DAVID LOUIS 1864-1942

From Proceedings, Page 1943-17:

Brother Bodfish was born in Wareham, Massachusetts, on January 19, 1864, and died in the Wesson Hospital, Springfield, on December 29, 1942.

After graduation at the Wareham High School, he entered the mercantile field and remained in that line of business in Wareham, Bridgewater and Palmer until 1910. In his later years he became Superintendent of State Highways in the Falmer District and held that position until his retirement in 1935.

He was raised in Social Harmony Lodge of Wareham on October 9, 1885, and dimitted on February 12, 1892; affiliated with Fellowship Lodge of Bridgewater on February 22, 1892, and dimitted November 12, 1892. Removing to Palmer, he affiliated with Thomas Lodge on November 26, 1894, and served as Worshipful Master in 1897 and 1898.

He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the old 17th Masonic District by Most Worshipful Baalis Sanford.

BOLSTER, SOLOMON A. 1835-1907

From Proceedings, Page 1907-20:

W. Solomon A. Bolster, for twenty-one years justice of the Roxbury Court, died at his residence in Roxbury, Feb. 28, 1907. He was born in Paris, Me., Dec. 10, 1835. He read law with his cousin, William W. Bolster, in Dixfleld, Me., and graduated at the Harvard Law School in 1859. In September, 1862, he enlisted in the Twenty-third Regiment of Maine Volunteer Infantry and was commissioned a Lieutenant. Upon the expiration of his term of enlistment, he settled in Roxbury and resumed the practice of law. He was an able and impartial justice ; a faithful and zealous Freemason. He held various Masonic offices, the duties of which he discharged with fidelity and ability. At the time of his decease he was the Standard-Bearer in this Grand Lodge and a Commissioner of Trials.

From Proceedings, Page 1907-21:

Amid the active and strenuous duties of our lives we pause now and then to mourn the loss of one of our number who has fallen out of the ranks, call attention to his death, indulge our grief and express our sorrow, love and esteem:

"To drop a sympathetic tear
And lay a flower upon his shrouded bier."

Brother Bolster died at his home on Cobden street, Roxbury, on the twenty;eighth day of February after a lingering but painless illness, and the funeral was held on Sunday, March 3d, in the Walnut Avenue Congregational Church, attended by a large concourse of citizens, soldiers, Masons and the general public. Rev. Dr. Plumb, pastor of that church, paid a glowing and eloquent tribute to his character .as a man and public spirited citizen.

Brother Bolster was born in Paris, Me., Oct. 10, 1835, and was educated in the public schools of his native town, and the Oxford Normal Institute. Afterwards he attended two terms at the Chandler Scientific School of Dartmouth College. His law studies were pursued in the office of his cousin, Wiliiam W. Bolster in Dixfield, Me., and in the Harvard Law School, where he was graduated with the regular degree of LL.B. in 1859. and was admitted to the Bar that year at Paris, Me., and to the Suffolk Bar, in this city, April 24, 1862.

In September, 1862, he enlisted for nine months in the Twenty-third Regiment Maine Volunteers, and on November 15th was commissioned second lieutenant of his company. After the war he became connected with the Massachusetts militia, and was appointed Judge Advocate June 29, 1867, with the rank of Captain of the First Brigade; March 22, 1870, he was commissioned assistant inspector general, with the rank of Major; Aug. 15, 1876, he was commissionecl assistant adjutant general with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.

Upon his return from service in the Civil War be resumed the practice of law in Roxbury, and rapidly rose to an established position in his profession. He first held court as a special justice May 30, 1867, and prior: to that he was clerk pro tem, many times; for many years, during the long illnesses of Judge Wheelock, he held court between 1872 and 1885. He was appointed Justice of the District Municipal Court in Roxbury in April 1885, to succeed Judge Henry W. Fuller and from that time until within a few months of his death was an able, impartial and upright administrator of the law.

Brother Bolster was prominently identified with various organizations as a member. He was Past Commander of Post 26, G.A.R.. and belonged to the Massachusetts Military Older of the Loyal Legion. He was also president of the Roxbury Military Historical Society in 1893 and 1894, and president at the time of his decease of the Joseph Warren Monument Association. He was also Past Commander of the Old Guard of Massachusetts.

Brother Bolster's Masonic career commenced in South Paris, Me., where he was initiated, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Paris Lodge, No. 94, Aug. 3, 1863. He was admitted to membership in Washington Lodge, Roxbury, Jan. 21, 1864, and was Worshipful Master of that Lodge in 1877 and 1878. He was D D.G.M. of the Fourth Masonic District in 1890, 1891 and 1892. He was appointed Grand Standard-Bearer of this Grand Lodge in 1906 and 1907 and Commissioner of Trials for the same years.

He was exalted to the degree of Royal Arch Mason in Mount Vernon Chapter of Royal Arch Masons May 5, 1870, and was High Priest in 1876 and 1877. He was advanced to the degree of Royal and Select Master in Roxbury Council May 21, 1877, and was Thrice Illustrious Master in 1888 and 1889. He was knighted in Joseph Warren Commandery of Knights Templar Jan. 22, 1871, and was Eminent Commander in 1879 and 1880. He received the thirty-second degree of the Ancient and Accepted. Scottish Rite Feb. 22, 1889. He also was a member of the Masters Association of the Fourth Masonic District.. He was D. D. G. H. Priest of the Grand Chapter in the years 1886 and 1887.

As an officer in the military service of our country during the Civil War and afterwards in the militia of our Commonwealth; as an honest and able counsellor, as an honorable and upright Judge, as a Mason actively interested in the good works of the Fraternity as a generous patron of everything that stood for the promotion of morality, education and patriotism, and as a citizen who was ever ready to do his full share for the advancement of all that tended towards a higher and a better standard of Citizenship, Brother Bolster's life was marked by a sincere desire to be serviceable to his fellow-men.

He lived the life of a consistent, earnest and honorable Christian gentleman. His private charities were extensive, and he gave freely, wisely and unostentatiously. No one will ever know the full extent of this work, but many a household, many a good cause, and many a worthy individual mourns the loss of a kind, generous and sympathetic friend.

Such a life, such a character, is indeed a loss to the whole community. He has left a place that can be but partially filled. His labors here are finished, and he has entered into the higher life beyond, hut his memory and his influence remain with us, and are still potent. He has passed through the gateway that separates mortality from immortality.

We extend to his wife and family our deepest and most sincere sympathy; participating in their joy for what he was and in their sorrow for their loss. It is not necessary for us to know mole than this, that he is still under the protecting care of our Heavenly Father.

"There is no death! What seems so is transition;
This life of mortal breath
Is but a suburb of the Life Elysian
Whose portal we call death."

Submitted by the Committee,
JOHN CARR,
JOHN A. McKIM,
EDWIN H. OLIVER.

From New England Craftsman, Vol. II, No. 7, April 1907, Page 275:

Judge Solomon A. Bolster, for the past 22 years justice of the Roxbury, Mass. municipal court, died Feb. 28, at his home, 10 Cobden Street, Roxbury.

Early in August Judge Bolster was taken ill with enaemia, and since that time has been confined to his home.

There was no more familiar or better known resident of Roxbury than Mr. Bolster. His law practice and his long experience on the bench in the Roxbury District made him wonderfully familiar with the conditions of the poor and unfortunate in Roxbury, and his decisions and his dispensation of justice, tempered with mercy and an understanding of all the poor had to deal with, made him very popular.

Solomon Alonzo Bolster was a native of Maine, born in Paris, Oxford County, December 10, 1835. He was educated in the public schools and at the Oxford Normal Institute in his native town. His law studies were pursued in the office of his cousin, William W. Bolster, in Dixfield, Me., and at the Harvard law school, where he graduated in 1859. He was admitted to the Maine bar in Paris the same year. Shortly afterward he was admitted to the Missouri bar at Palmyra, Mo., and in 1862 to the Suffolk bar.

In September, 1862, he enlisted for nine mouth's service in the civil war, joining the 23d regiment, Maine volunteers, being commissioned as second lieutenant. Upon his return he resumed his law practice in the Roxbury district and early acquired an established position in the profession. He was appointed to the bench as justice of the Roxbury district court in April, 1885.

After the war he became connected with the Massachusetts militia, in which he served for many years through various grades. He earned the rank of captain of the 1st brigade, on March 22, 1870, was appointed assistant inspector-general with the rank of major, in 1876 was made assistant adjutant-general with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

He was a member of many fraternal organizations, a member of Thomas G. Stevenson Post 26, G. A. R., Order of the Loyal Legion, and the Pine Tree State Club. He was a past master of Washington Lodge, past high priest of Mt. Vernon chapter, past master of Roxbury council and past commander of Joseph Warren Commandery. K. T. He was a 32d degree Mason in Scottish Rites and had been district deputy grand master in the 4th Masonic District and District Deputy Grand High Priest of the First District. He was also a member of the Grand Chapter.

BOURCHIER, HUGH PLUNKET d. 1885

From Proceedings, Page 1885-122:

R.W. HUGH PLUNKET BOURCHIER, of Valparaiso, Chili. Under date of May 11, 1885, R. W. David Trumbull, D.D., District Deputy Grand Master for the District of Chili, announces the death of R.W. H. Plunket Bourchier, a member of Bethesda Lodge, at Valparaiso, Chili, and thrice its Worshipful Master. He was D.D. Grand Master of the District during the years 1874 and 1875. Bro. Bourchier was one of the most prominent members of the Craft in Chili, esteemed in foreign and native circles and Lodges. Tributes of respect and sympathy were forwarded from many sources. His loss will long be felt in Masonic and other circles. Bro. Bourchier was a native of Gibraltar, and was forty-eight years of age.

BOWMAN, SELWYN Z. 1840-1928

From Proceedings, Page 1928-303:

R.W. Selwyn Z. Bowman was born May 11, 1840, and died September 30, 1928. Brother Bowman was raised in John Abbot Lodge May 2, 1865, and was its Worshipful Master from 1870 to 1872. At the time of his death he was probably the senior living Past District Deputy Grand Master. He served as District Depnty Grand Master for the old 2nd Masonic District in 1873 by appointment of M.W. Sereno D. Nickerson, and again in 1878 by appointment of M.W. Charles A. Welch. Of late years owing to his great age and infirmities he has not been active in Masonic circles although preserving his interest to the last.

He was educated in the public schools of Charlestown, and in Harvard University from which he was graduated in the class of 1860. He immediately began the study of law and practiced that profession actively until within a few years of his death. He had lived in Somerville sinee his graduation from college, and in 1872 was the first City Solicitor. He was elected to Congress in 1877 and served two terms. He had also served in the State Legislature as a Representative and as Senator. In all his activities as a citizen, as an Attorney, and as a Legislator, as well as in his Masonic relations, he was an eminently useful and valuable member of the Community. He came to the end of a very long life full of service and honors.

BOWSKI, GUSTAV 1872-1942

From Proceedings, Page 1942-168:

Brother Bowski was born in New York City in December 6, 1872, and died in the Santa Maria Hospital, Santiago, Chile, on April l4, 1942.

As a young man, he left New York for business in South America and located permanently in Santiago in 1919, as representative of the Bristol Myers Company. He took a deep interest in the American Society of Chile and in the American Chamber of Commerce, serving as Secretary of each organization for many years.

Brother Bowski was raised in Ezel Lodge No. 732, Brooklyn, New York, on March 8, 1917, and dimitted on January 28, 1926. He affiliated with Huelen Lodge of Santiago on February 12, 1926, and served as Master in 1930 and 1934. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Chile District in 1940 by Most Worshipful Joseph Earl Perry and served in that position until his death.

Masonic funeral services were held at his late residence in Santiago on April 15, 1942. The following excerpt from a tribute appearing in The South Pacific Mail of Santiago shows the esteem in which he was held by his fellow citizens: "The American colony of Chile has lost one of its most valuable and best beloved members. America has lost one of its staunchest and truest citizens."

Freemasonry too has lost an able and faithful member, a worthy leader of his Brethren. His example will certainly inspire his Brethren to close ranks and go forward in the good work.

BOYD, JOHN P. 1791-1871

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XXX, No. 10, August 1871, Page 318:

John P. Boyd, Esq., died in Portland, Maine, July 20, aged 80. He was the last surviving member of the class of 1812 of Bowdoin College, and with one exception the last survivor of the Grand Lodge of Masons at its organization in 1820. In early life he was an able lawyer, and later cashier of the Casco Bank, and afterwards president of the Canal Bank.

BOYDEN, ARTHUR C. 1852-1933

From Proceedings, Page 1933-100:

Right Worshipful Brother Boyden was born in Bridgewater September 27, 1852, and died there March 15, 1933.

He was educated in the public schools of Bridgewater, Bridgewater Academy, and Amherst College, from which he was graduated in 1876. After teaching for three years in the Chauncy Hall School in Boston, he joined the staff of the Bridgewater State Normal School, of which his father was Principal. He remained in the service of that school until his death, succeeding his father as Principal in 1906.

Brother Boyden took his Masonic degrees in Fellowship Lodge in 1882 and was its Master in 1896. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for the Twenty-fourth Masonic District in 1902 and 1903, by appointment of Most Worshipful Charles T. Gallagher and Most Worshipful Baalis Sanford.

Brother Boyden was emphatically, to use an old phrase, "a scholar and a gentleman." He was widely known and highly esteemed as a leader in his profession. Firm when firmness was called for, he was kindly and sympathetic, and was loved as well as respected by the thousands of scholars who passed through his hands. In the Lodge he was always a wise adviser and a trusted leader. Passing in the fulness of years, he leaves a splendid record of a useful life.

BOYDEN, WALTER W. 1839-1907

From New England Craftsman, Vol. II, No. 12, September 1907, Page 471:’’

Brother Walter W. Boyden, member of Gate of the Temple Lodge and St. Matthews's R. A. Chapter, So. Boston, and a member of Boston Commandery K. T. more than 42 years, died July 26. He was an earnest Mason and a regular attendant at the meetings.

BOYNTON, LEVI 1804-1854

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIV, No. 2, November 1854, Page 62:

Pepperell, Oct. 31, 1854.

Br. Moore — Brother Levi Boynton, a Past Junior Warden of St. Paul's Lodge, Groton, Mass., died at Pepperell, Oct. 26th, aged 50 years. Brother Boynton had resided in the island of Cuba for a number of years, where he had accumulated a handsome property by his industry. On his return to his native town, Pepperell, he applied for admission into our holy temple — was unanimously received, and has been ever since an active member, until a few months before his death. On his death-bed he wished to have his remains transferred to the house of silence with Masonic honors — not that it would affect his immortal soul, but that our solemn ceremonies would have a tendency to make men better. His wishes have been granted by obtaining a dispensation from the M. W. Grand Master, Rev. George M. Randall.

His remains were conveyed into the Unitarian Church, by his request, under the escort of St. Paul's Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, clothed in the regalia of the Order, with suitable mourning, where the funeral services, in part, were performed by the W. M. Luther S. Bancroft, in a solemn and impressive manner ; after which the Rev. Charles Babbidge, clergyman of the parish, offered a suitable prayer for the occasion. The remainder of the Masonic services were performed at the grave, where a large collection gave attention to what was said by the W. Master. The grave! What is it? The door to the celestial Lodge where our Brethren and Divine Master, are waiting to receive us, with songs of transport; and where the soul will be at liberty to range the beautiful universe of God. Bro. Boynton leaves no wife; she died a few years ago. An only son, a lad about 10 years old, is left without a father or mother to guide him in the way he should go; "God be merciful to him and bless him." Let Brother Masons have an eye to him - be a father to him - it is our duty.

Yours fraternally, A Brother Mason.

BRACKETT, SILAS WELLINGTON 1856-1906

From New England Craftsman, Vol. II, No. 1, October 1906, Page 39:

Brother Silas W. Brackett died at his home in Roxbury, Mass., September 24. He was a past eminent commander and held several other high offices in masonic bodies. He was a member of Washington Lodge and Mt. Vernon Chapter of Masons, Joseph Warren Commandery, Knights Templar; Roxbury Lodge, R. & S. M., and The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.

BRADLEY, ALBERT EMERSON 1848-1929

From Proceedings, Page 1930-67:

R.W. Brother Bradley was born in Danville, N. H., April 15, 1848, and died in Hyde Park November 29, 1929. Brother Bradley was a direct descendant of one of the original settlers of Danviile in 1640. He was educated:in the district and private schools of Danville and then went to the New Hampton fnstitute, from which he was graduated in 1871. After a period of district school teaching he moved to Boston and engaged in the leather business. In 1877 he beeame a teacher in the Bryant and Stratton Commercial School where he remained thirty-two yearB retiring in 1919.

In 1874, Brother Bradley married Kate Evelyn Cole, of New Hampton, N.H., who, with five children and five grandchildren, survives him.

Brother Bradley was a very active worker in the Hyde Park Methodist Church, serving as Secretary and Treasurer: of the parish for more than thirty years.

He found his diversion in music, being an aceomplished singer and cello player, and active in the llandel and Haydn Society and the Hyde Park Orchestral CIub.

Brother Bradley received. his Masonic degrees in Gideon Lodge No. 84, of Kingston, N. H., in 1869. In 1876 he affiliated with Merrimack Lodge and in 1883 he took a dimit and affiliated with Hyde Park Lodge. He was Master of Hyde Park Lodge in 1889 and 1890 and was District Deputy Grand Master for the Twenty-second Masonic District in 1894 and 1895 by appointment of M.W. Otis E. Weld and M.W. Edwin B. Holmes.

Brother Bradley was a member and Past High Priest of Norfolk R. A. Chapter and Grand King in 1900. He was also a member of Hyde Park Council and Cyprus Commandery No. 39,.K. T.

This brief sketch shows the genial and amiable qualities of this good man and Mason, qualities which endear his memory to many hearts.

BRAY, JOHN 1761-1829

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVIII, No. 12, October 1859, History of St. Andrew's Chapter; Page 364:

Major JOHN BRAY was born in Boston, on the 4th of August, 1761. He was by occupation a cooper, and served his apprenticeship at Boston and Charlestown. He was a culler and packer of fish, having at one time eighteen journeymen and apprentices. His place of business was on Spear's Wharf, which he owned. As one of the three weighers and gaugers in the Boston Custom House, who where then paid by fees, he has been heard to say that his share, on one occasion, was $750 for a month. After General Lincoln resigned the office of Collector, Major Bray was removed by his successor for his political opinions, and afterwards lived at his ease on bis income. In his youth he had but small advantages of acquiring an education. Tbis he often lamented and gave his children (twelve in number,) opportunities for obtaining knowledge that were denied to him.

In August, 1823, Major Bray, in company with his wife, was robbed on the Medford turnpike, by the notorious Michael Martin, of fourteen dollars in money and his gold watch. This last led to his discovery. Martin rode up to his chaise, on horseback, presented a horse-pistol to his breast, and demanded his money and watch, which were given him. Mrs. Bray wore a gold watch also, and asked if be wanted hers, when he replied that he only robbed gentlemen.

The only civil office which Major Bray ever held was that of Selectman of the town of Boston. He was more conspicuous in the military line, being a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company ; Ensign in 1793, and lieutenant in 1798. He was one of the founders of the Columbian Artillery ; elected its first Senior Lieutenant, and succeeded Col. R. Gardner as Captain, and afterwards promoted to the office of Major of the Sublegion of Artillery. He accumulated a valuable property, and died on the 12th of August, 1829, aged sixty-eight.

Companion Bray was received as a member of the Chapter, December 24, 1800. He was also a member of the Rising States Lodge, and at one time its Master. He was an open hearted man, a firm and lasting friend, and distinguished for his many acts of benevolence and sympathy.

BREWER, CLIFFORD M. 1872-1940

From Proceedings, Page 1940-220:

Brother Brewer was born in Portland, Maine, on April 15, 1872, and died in Nerrton, Massachusetts, August l, 1940. He was educated in the public schools of Portland, and in a business college of that city. After five years in the employ of a banking house in Portland, he came to Boston and becime connected with Kidder, Peabody & Company, Bankers, where he remained until the time of his death.

For the past ten years he had been a resident of Newton, but prior to that time he resided in Medford, where he took an active interest in local affairs. He served Medford in several minor offices, finally as Alderman and then as Mayor. He was a Trustee of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Medford Savings Bank, and a Director of the Medford Cooperative Bank. For many years he took an active part in the Lawrence Light Guard of Medford, and was an Honorary Member at his death.

He was a member of the Second Congregational Church, West Newton, and funeral services were held there August 3, 1940.

He was raised in Mount Hermon Lodge on March 2, 1905, and served as Master in 1915-1916. He was Disrict Deputy Grand Master of the 6th Masonic District in 1917 and 1918. He was also a rnember of Mystic Royal Arch Chapter, Medford Council, R.& S.M., Boston Commandery, and the Scottish Rite Bodies of Boston.

His varied and prominent activities well show that he was a man who was interested in whatever would advance the wellbeing of his fellow men.

BREWER, WILLIAM DADE 1825-1905

From New England Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 1, October 1905, Page 31:

Brother William Dade Brewer, died at his home in Newton, Mass., April 15, 1905. He was a member of Ml. Lebanon Lodge of Boston in which he was initiated June 14, 1858. He believed in the usefulness of Freemasonry and warmly advocated its principles. He demon strated his faith in the institution by bequeathing $5000 to the charity fund of his lodge.

BRIDGMAN, PAUL R. 1872-1934

From Proceedings, Page 1934-22:

Brother Bridgman was born in Belchertown, August 12, 1872, and died in Springfield, January 31, 1934.

Brother Bridgman became a member of Eden Lodge in 1897, being then Assistant Post Master at Ware. He was Master of Eden Lodge in 1904 and served as District Deputy Grand Master for the Nineteenth Masonic District in 1911 and 1912, by appointment of Most Worshipful Dana J. Flanders and Most Worshipful Everett C. Benton. Brother Bridgman left Ware for Springfield in 1927, and dimitted from Eden Lodge. He did not affiliate elsewhere.

BRIGGS, OLIVER LEONARD 1833-1917

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XII, No. 10, July 1917, Page 357:

Oliver Leonard Briggs, a well known business man and Freemason died on Friday, July 6th, after a prolonged illness. He was a member of Boston Commandery, K. T., and in the present issue of this publication will be found an account of a presentation of a State flag by himself and son to that body. Brother Briggs was 84 years old, but despite his advanced age had continued to conduct his business affairs until a short time before his death. He suffered from heart disease for more than a year.

Born in Westmoreland, N. H., Mr. Briggs received his early education there, and at a commercial school in Boston where he came in 1850. He became a bookkeeper for James B. Dow, the publisher, and in. 1861 entered the book business himself, opening a store at the corner of Washington and Essex streets. He remained in the book trade about ten years and then began the manufacture of billiard tables with which his name became prominently identified. For more than, half a century Mr. Briggs had been engaged in the manufacture of billiard and pool tables at 68 Essex Street.

He is survived by a son, Frederick Huntington Briggs.

BRIGHAM, DANIEL TAYLOR 1840-1908

From New England Craftsman, Vol. III, No. 11, August 1908, Page 399:

Worshipful Daniel Taylor Brigham, charter member and past master of the Joseph Webb Lodge Boston, died June 17th.

Brother Brighanj was born in Lancaster. Mass., May 30, 1840. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and in a private school. He also received an academic course. lie was a dentist by profession and located in Boston, but retired from practice about five years ago. He was made a Mason in Adelphi Lodge, South Boston, in 1875. He held several offices in Joseph Webb lodge and was Worshipful Master in 1870. He was always interested in his lodge and added much to its welfare. His funeral was attended by his lodge.

BROCK, ALBERT GARDNER 1862-1938

From Proceedings, Page 1939-69:

Albert Gardner Brock was born in Nantucket March 6, 1862, and died there December 15, 1938.

Right Worshipful Brother Brock's first employment was as a clerk in the post office. After a short service there he became a clerk in the Pacific National Bank with which he remained throughout the remainder of his life. He became Cashier at the age of twenty-four and President in 1915. He built up a large insurance business and, with other citizens, took over two struggling gas and electric companies, combined them, and built up a strong and flourishing concern. He was for forty-eight years a Trustee of the Nantucket Institution for Savings and served also as Treasurer of the Nantucket Atheneum and President of the Coffin School Corporation. Although he never held public ofice, he was universally recognized as the leading citizen of Nantucket.

He became a member of Union Lodge in 1884 and was its Master in 1893 and served as District Deputy Grand Master for the Twenty-seventh Masonic District in 1901 and 1902 by appointment by Most Worshipful Charles T. Gallagher. He was awarded the Joseph Warren Medal in 1934.

He was a member of all the Bodies of both the York and Scottish Rires, serving Isle of the Sea Royal Arch Chapter as Secretary for fifty-four years. He was active in numerous social and civic organizations.

The local paper said of him, "His removal from earthly life is a great loss that will be felt by the financial institutions of the town, by the many who have for years gone to him for advice and counsel, and by thousands of Islanders and summer residents who have had the privilege of his friendship and associations."

His life was a fine example of sturdy American manhood and vital Masonic principle. The whole Fraternity is the poorer for his passing.

BROOKS, ASA 1800-1864

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XVIII, No. 2, December 1863:

Blackstone, Nov. 23d, 1858.

At the Annual Communication of Blackstone River Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, Nov. 16th, 1858, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted ; —

  • Whereas it having pleased the Grand Master of the Universe to remove to that "bourn from whence no traveler returns," our late Brother Asa Brooks — therefore
  • Resolved, That in the death of our beloved Brother Asa Brooks, Blackstone River Lodge has lost one of its most faithful members.
  • Resolved, That we tender our deepest sympathy to the widow and friends of our departed Brother.
  • Resolved, That as a mark of our esteem for the deceased, the jewels of this Lodge be draped in mourning for the space of three months.
  • Resolved, That the Secretary furnish the family of our deceased Brother, with a copy of these resolutions, and that they be offered to the Freemasons' Monthly Magazine, and Woonsocket Patriot for publication.

Attest,
J. P. Pillsbury, Sec.

BROOKS, JOHN 1752-1823

MAJOR GENERAL JOHN BROOKS
By Prof. Gilbert Patten Brown, D. C., Ph.D., LL. D.

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XVII, No. 10, July 1923, Page 306:

To the lover of history, romance and Anglo-Saxon valor the land of the Pilgrim and Puritans is held most dear. Its sons have been brave and its daughters fair.

At the will of kings and priests and other "divine rulers" the soil of the old world has been stained by the blood of patriots. Here in the new world an altar has been raised for the oppressed of all races, nations, creeds and tongues. It was the fathers of the Revolution that gave us that altar. Those men were Master Masons. Their deeds are their most fitting monuments.

There are a kind of men on this old planet of ours that occasion make. In all ages those men have been considered great by their contemporaries. Not always have those men been born leaders. The subject of this sketch is one of those rare men who would have made good in spite of circumstances.

Born at quaint Medford, Mass., May 31, 1752, John Brooks until 14 years of age worked on his father's farm and at irregular intervals attended the village school. Then he was apprenticed to Dr. Simon Tufts, the family physician, to be educated for the medical profession. In 1773 he began the practice of medicine at Reading, Mass. He was a son of Caleb Brooks and Ruth Albree, his wife, whom he had married on March 1, 1750. She was born Mar 17, 1718 at Medford, Mass.

The paternal emigrant ancestors of John Brooks was Thomas Brooks, who settled in old Watertown, Mass., in 1031 and was made a freeman in 1030. John, Brooks In 1771 married Miss Lucy Smith, an orphan and most charming and beautiful.

Gen. Brooks was a school mate of the eminent Count Rumford, Col. Loami Baldwin was also one of his early associates. He was at the battles of Concord and Lexington as a captain of local militia. Maj. Gen. John Brooks, M. D. the eleventh Governor of Massachusetts who succeeded Bro. Caleb Strong was made a Mason in American Union Lodge of the American Revolutionary Army Aug. 20, 1779, in the dress of his rank, then a lieutenant-colonel. In 1779 Washington sent him to Boston to get recruits for the regiments already in the service. When there he obtained from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts a charter to form a lodge in the Continental Army. The American Union Lodge had been chartered by this old and honorable grand lodge and was the second lodge to be instituted in the American troops.

"Washington Lodge, No. 10," founded by Col. Brooks was the 4th Masonic body to be chartered in the patriot forces. Its charter bore the date of Oct. 6, 1779.

At the following March meeting of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts which fell on the evening of the second, met at Free Mason Hall. Col. Joseph Webb was in the East and Lieut. Col. Paul Revere in the West, no Tories were present and every chair was filled by a patriot. Col. Brooks was escorted to the East and introduced as the "Master of Washington Lodge." A portion of the records of that meeting read:

"Brother Col. John Brooks laid before the Grand Lodge a list of the officers and members of Washington Lodge for this year." In the Revolutionary Army it was commonly called "Washington Lodge No. 10." Gen. John Greaton, Gen. John Paterson, Col. William Hull and other eminent New England patriots assisted Col. Brooks in his Masonic activities in this lodge during the evening of the American Revolution. Lei us look at him as a soldier.

When news came of the march of the British to Lexington he ordered out a company of militia that he had been drilling for some months, and led them at the Battles of Concord and Lexington. Here he distinguished himself.

He received a major's commission in the provincial army for his bravery in battle. On the evening of June 16, 1775, he assisted in fortifying Breed's Hill, but was not present at the battle of June 17th. being sent on foot with a message from Colonel Prescott to General Ward.

Dr. Brooks was made Lieutenant Colonel of the 8th Massachusetts Regiment in 1777 and took an active part in all the battles of the Northern army, which brought about the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne. He also saw service with Gen. Washington and was at Valley Forge.

A colonelcy was given Major Brooks in 1778 and he again distinguished himself in June of that year at the Battle of Monmouth. He was second only to Gen. Baron Steuben as a tactician, and after the latter came Inspector General of the Continental Army Colonel Brooks was associated with him in establishing a uniform system of drill in the army.

When the war ended Colonel Brooks settled In Medford and resumed the practice of medicine. For many years he was a Major-General of the Massachusetts militia.

In 1788 he was a member of the State convention that ratified the Federal Constitution. President Washington appointed him Marshal of the district and Inspector of Revenue in 1795.

From 1812 to 1815 Colonel Brooks was Adjutant General of the state and in 1816 he was elected to the governor's chair. After being elected for seven consecutive terms he declined to serve longer.

Gen. John Brooks succeeded Gov. Bro. Strong. He was governor from 1816 to 1823. He was in command of a regiment at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 and after the battle wrote a friend, "We have met the British and Hessians and have beat them; and not content with this victory, we have assaulted their entrenchments and carried them. At the Battle of Monmouth after he had wintered at Valley Forge in 1777-1778 he acted as adjutant-general of the Continental Army and rendered invaluable service. At Newburgh near the close of the war after having received and obeyed an order from the Commander in-chief, Gen. Washington, Col. Brooks said, "Sir. I have anticipated your wishes and my orders are given." The red-headed old General with tear filled eyes grasped the hand of the Massachusetts Colonel and said, "Col. Brooks, this is just what I expected from you."

In the ten Masonic Lodges in the army, Col. Brooks was very active during the latter part of the war. In 1780 In delivered a most noteworthy Masonic oration while the army was yet at West Point and when Col. Joseph Webb (Grand Master of Massachusetts Masons) was in command of that encampment, and Gen. Washington and many other officers were present. 
The degrees of LL. D. and M. D. were given him by Harvard University in 1816. He was president of the State Medical Society from 1817 till his death, which occurred March 1, 1825. His library was bequeathed to the society.

General Brooks published an oration delivered before the Massachusetts Society of Cincinnati (1787); a discourse before the Humane Society (1795); a eulogy on Washington (I860); and a discourse on pneumonia (1808).

The writer has visited the old graveyard at historic Medford, Mass., where sleeps Major General John Brooks, M. D., who like his military and Masonic associate, General Henry Dearborn, M. D., had rather be on the firing line than giving out drugs to the wounded patriots. He was one of General Washington's most trusted friends. His memory was of a high order.

At the encampment of Valley Forge Col. Brooks and Lieut. Colonel Dearborn were close in Masonic circles. Lieut. Col. Dearborn had recently been made a Master Mason in St. John's Lodge No. 1 of Portsmouth. X. H. in the dress of his rank. They frequently attended the meeting of the St. John's (Regimental) Lodge and of the American Union Lodge in the snow bound camps at Valley Forge. They were termed by Gen. Peter Mulhenberg (also an army made Mason) as the "Two Doctor-Colonels, John and Henry." Gen. Dearborn rests without an epitaph in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Watertown, Mass. and no Masonic Lodge bears his name. There should be a lodge of Freemasons in Massachusetts named in honor of John Brooks. The family has figured in all of our American wars. Lieutenant John Brooks, U. S. N. a son of Gen. Brooks was killed by a cannon ball at the Battle of Lake Erie, Sept. 18, 1813 under Commodore Oliver H. Perry. U. S. N. He was buried on an island in Lake Erie and his remains were finally removed to Fort Shelby, in the City of Detroit, Michigan. When a "Solemn and sublime" procession followed the body to its last resting place.

We read in biography that at the death of George Washington, Gen. Brooks was "sad at heart" and that on the title page of a well known journal appeared this language. "An Eulogy on General Washington, delivered before the inhabitants of the town of Medford. agreeably by vote, and at the request of the committee, on the 19th of January, 1800. By John Brooks, A. M. M. M. S., and A. A. S. printed by Samuel Hall, No. 58 Cornhill, Boston."

On June 16, 1905 the Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolution placed a tablet to memory of John Brooks on the savings hank building in old Medford, Mass., to mark the spot where once resided this great man, reading as follows, "On this site stood the house of John Brocks, born 1752, died 1825, Distinguished Citizen, Physician, Patriot, Captain and Major 1775-1776, Lieut.-Col. 1776-1783 in the American Revolution. Brigadier-General 1792-1796 United States Army. Major-General 1786-1796. Adjutant-general, 1813-1816. Massachusetts Militia. Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1816-1823, Honorary A. M., M. D. and LL. D. Overseer, Harvard College."

This tablet placed by the Massachusetts Society Sons of the American Revolution in 1905. Historic Medford, Mass., is a pleasing place to visit in merry summer time. Many of the pioneers of the Republic lived there in the dim old long ago. It was a prosperous ship-building place half of a century ago. The families of Fitch and Poole were tanners there in the late days of the Colonial period. There today the romping little children are pleased to tell the story of John Brooks to all tourists. It is a household name in that beautiful, cultured and Anglo-Saxon City on the historic river Mystic.

BROWN, ALEXANDER 1863-1906

From New England Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 11, September 1906, Page 473:

Brother Alexander Brown, aged 43, died September 3 at the Auburndale Inn, of which he had been manager for the past five years. He was, for ten years previous to taking charge of the Inn, superintendent of the B. A. A., the occupancy of which position gained him a wide acquaintance among club men throughout the country. He was a member of Germania Lodge, A. F. and A. M., and Aleppo Temple, Mystic Shriners.

BROWN, BENJAMIN 1795-1865

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXIV, No. 7, May 1865, p. 216:

This venerable Brother died at Nantucket on the 16th .Match. The end event was appropriately noticed at a meeting of Union Lodge, by the W. Master, Chas. H. Jaggar. Esq., as follows:—

Brethren:—It has again pleased the Almighty Disposer of events, to call from our midst our venerable friend and Brother, Benjamin Brown, who died on Thursday, March 16th, at 11 o'clock, A. M., at the age of nearly seventy-five years, after a protracted illness of many months.

Our old and much esteemed Brother was made a Mason, in Union Lodge, in the year eighteen hundred and eighteen, and has consequently been identified in word and work, with our Organization for nearly half a century, and has ever been noted during that period, for his unselfish interest in all that related to the welfare of his own Lodge, as well as for that of the Order throughout the length and breadth of the world. To our Grand Lodge he was wholly devoted, always being ready and willing to inculcate the wise precepts which emanated therefrom. During his connection with our Order he has filled many offices of trust with singular fidelity and zeal, and with an eye to the best interests of our Masonic Institution. Our deceased Brother was at one time, District Deputy Grand Master, and has represented us in various communications of the Grand Lodge, in a manner highly creditable to himself and his constituents. We may safely say that he has been one of the great lights of our Institution, always ready by word and precept, to carry forward our good cause. To him we are largely indebted for the high order and standing of onr individual with her mother and sister Lodges. We have been wont to look up to him for instruction and advice, and can safely say that we have derived from him a valuable fund of Masonic information, with which his mind was so well stored ; always finding him ready and willing to impart the same to benefit an individual Brother or his Lodge; and to all such it seemed to be his chief delight to afford assistance in learning the arts and mysteries of Masonry, and in enabling them to become masters of their profession, and Masons in word as well as deed.

Our lamented Brother was a worthy member of the Supreme Council, R. A. Chapter, and various other Masonic Bodies; and by his death they have sustained the loss of one of their lime honored members. During his long illness his mind dwelt constantly on the Institution of which he had been so long a member and bright ornament. His chief regret was that he could not again visit his Lodge, to join in its stated assemblies—and participate in our proceedings. Almost up to his last moments he made inqniries of his Brethren, what was done at the Lodge at the last meeting. To the cause of Masonry almost his whole life, heart and soul have been dedicated and devoted. I think he was one of the original few whose names are on the renewed Charter under which this Lodge exists. He was one of those who, in the dark days of Masonic history, stood firm and steadfast to his faith and allegiance; and he has enjoyed the happy satisfaction of seeing its sure rise and progress from the depression which attended its course, to a favorable standing among the useful institutions of our own country and the nations of the world. Of the ancient history and laws which have governed our Order, from almost its first foundation, he had a lively, a vivid recollection. In thus taking leave of our departed friend and Brother, we sincerely commend his spirit to the care and keeping of that Great and Supreme Architect of the Universe who forever presides, and forever reigns, in that Celestial Grand Lodge above.

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXIV, No. 7, May 1865, p. 223:

Union Lodge, Nantucket, Mass., March 23d, 1865.

  • Resolved, That rejoicing in the overruling hand of Divine Providence, we commend our Brother to the Great and Supreme Architect of the Universe.
  • Resolved, Whereas it has been the will of the Great Architect of the Universe, to remove from time to eternity, our venerable friend and Brother, Benjamin Brown, esteemed not only as a noble and useful citizen, but as a worthy Brother, whose cardinal principles, not only in profession, but practice, were Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love.
  • Resolved, That in an unspotted Masonic life of nearly half a century, he has presented us an example worthy of our emulation, and an exhibition of the influence of the sublime principles of the Order in the character of a consistent Christian Mason.
  • Resolved, That while as Masons we deeply mourn his absence from our Lodge, we rejoice in the hope that, though his body lies mouldering in the dust, hit spirit blooms in endless day,—" in that Grand Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe forever presides, forever reigns."
  • Resolved, That while we mourn his loss, it is not without the happy reflection, that his Masonic teachings have produced a lasting influence on the members of Union Lodge.
  • Resolved, That in the death of our late Brother, a bright and shining light in Freemasonry has been extinguished.
  • Resolved, That this Lodge, and the Masonic Fraternity in general, deeply deplore this melancholy dispensation of the Divine hand.
  • Resolved, That the Jewels and Furniture of Union Lodge, be clothed in mourning for the usual period of time.
  • Resolved, That the Secretary present a copy of these Resolutions to the family of our deceased Brother.
  • Resolved, That a copy of these Proceedings be transmitted to the editor of the Freemasons' Magazine, respectfully requesting that the same may be published.

Attest, Chas. P. Swain, Secy.

BROWN, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 1828-1908

From New England Craftsman, Vol. III, No. 11, August 1908, Page 399:

Brother Benjamin F. Brown an old merchant and manufacturer of Boston died June 13. He was a member of Winslow Lewis Lodge and its treasurer for many years, he was associated in office in Mount Olivet Chapter Rose Croix and died on the same day and buried from the same church as Brother William H. Guild whose death is reported in this issue. (Note: the church was not mentioned in the Guild memorial.)

BROWN, B(ENJAMIN). WESLEY 1857-1918

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XIII, No. 6, March 1918, Page 186:

B. Wesley Brown, assistant superintendent of the Boston Masonic Temple, died at his home, 9 University Road, Brookline, in his 61st year.

Mr. Brown for many years was tyler for St. Andrew, Columbian, Winslow Lewis and Eleusis lodges. He was associated with the staff of the temple superintendent for 20 years. He is survived by his wife and a brother.

Floral tributes from the Boston Masonic Temple associates, Pequossette, Columbian, St. Andrew, Eleusis and Winslow Lewis lodges, as well as others from personal friends, surrounded the bier at the funeral in Mt. Auburn Chapel, Sunday afternoon, February 24. He was Past Master of Pequossette and Tyler of the other four Masonic bodies.

Rev. George J. Prescott, rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd and Past Master of Columbian Lodge, officiated. The Masonic burial ritual was conducted by Worshipful Master Willie1 W. Norcross and Chaplain Cornelius C. Hodges, with responses by the membership of Pequossette and others of the Craft. There were no bearers.

In the large assemblage were Grand Master Leon M. Abbott, Past Grand Warden Oliver A. Roberts, District Deputy Grand Master George H. Dale, Senior Grand Deacon George T. Wiley, Supt. George W. Chester of the Masonic Temple, Worshipful Master Elmer C. Read of Columbian Lodge, Past Masters John C. Hurll of St. John's Lodge and Philip T. Nickerson of Winslow Lewis Lodge, in addition to many from lodges of the 5th Masonic District.

BROWN, CHARLES E. 1851-1932

From Proceedings, Page 1932-110:

Brother Brown was born in Concord in 1851 and died there April 3, 1932.

Brother Brown was educated in the Concord public schools and at Comer's Commercial College in Boston. He was in the dry goods business for twenty-five years. Later he was treasurer of the Middlesex Institution for Savings, at Concord, and a director of the Concord National Bank. He served the town as Selectman, Town Treasurer, and Town Clerk, and represented the Concord district in the Massachusetts Legislature in 1897 and 1898.

He was initiated in Corinthian Lodge April 7, 1873, passed May 12, 1873, and raised June 30, 1873. He was Master of Corinthian Lodge in 1880, 1881, and 18B2, and served as District Deputy Grand Master for the Eleventh Masonic District in 1883 and 1884, by appointment of Most Worshipful Samuel C. Lawrence and Most Worshipful Abraham H. Howland, Jr..

He was a member of Walden Royal Arch Chapter and of Boston Commandery, Knights Templar.

His death, full of years and honors, removes a prominent and venerated figure from the life of his native town and from the circle of our Masonic fellowship.

BROWN, HENRY P. 1869-1908

From Proceedings, Page 1908-16:

W. Henry P. Brown, of Nantucket, was born in that town Oct. 16, 1869, and died there Feb. 21, 1908. His illness was comparatively short and his death quite unexpected. He was one of Nantucket's most popular and influential young men - one that Nantucket can ill afford to lose, and one whose place in the business and social relations of the town it will be hard to fill. Whole souled, kind and generous-hearted, he was at all times ready and willing to assist in any movement which would benefit Nantucket or her people. His prospects were of the brightest, and he has left in his native town a reputation for business integrity, industry and kindness which are a monument to his memory,

Brother Brown was initiated in Union Lodge, Nantucket, Feb. 2, 1891, and became a member April 6, 1891. He held appointed offices in the Lodge from Nov. 7, 1892, to Nov. 4, 1895, when he was elected Junior Warden and served two years. He was Senior Warden in 1898 and. 1899, and Worshipful Master in 1900, 1901 and 1902. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Twenty-seventh Masonic District Dec. 27, 1905, and served in that office till Dec. 27, 1907.

BROWN, HENRY WALTER 1857-1917

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XIII, No. 2, November 1917, Page 58:

Henry W. Brown, a license commissioner of Gloucester, Mass., is dead, at Devereux Mansion, Marblehead. He was 59 years of age and until recently he was a partner of D. C. Ballou & Co. of Magnolia, general contractors.

He was a member of Tyrian Lodge of Masons, William Ferson Chapter and Bethlehem Commandery. He leaves a wife and two married daughters.

BROWN, HUGH WALLACE 1821-1906

From New England Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 7, April 1906, Page 235:

Brother Hugh Wallace Brown, formerly a well-known carpenter and builder oi the Roxbury district, died March 4, at his home, 55 Ouincy Street, Roxbury, Mass., aged eighty-eight. Mr. Brown was a member of the Odd Fellows and Masonic societies, and also of DeMolay Commandery, Knights Templars .

BROWN, SAMUEL W. 1804-1859

From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, Vol. XIX, No. 3, January 1859, p. 94:

Brother SAMUEL W. BROWN.

Masonic Hall, Lowell, Nov. 16th, 1859.

At a regular meeting of Pilgrim Encampment of Knights Templar, held this evening, the following Preamble and Resolutions were offered on the death of Sir Knight Samuel W. Brown, which were adopted :—

  • Whereas, Pilgrim Encampment, by the dispensation of an all-wise and mysterious Providence, has been called to mourn the lots of a worthy and valiant Knight in the recent decease of Sir Samuel W. Brown, therefore the Sir Knights of this Encampment, in Asylum assembled,
  • Resolved, That for the first time since the establishment of our Encampment, a link in the chain of our fraternal circle has been severed, and we as Sir Knights, are called to assemble around the last resting place of the remains of a worthy Companion of this Encampment.
  • Resolved, That in the decease of Sir Knight Samuel W. Brown, this Encampment baa lost a true and worthy Companion and a brave and valiant Knight, and this community a worthy and respected citizen, who in the various relations of life has maintained his part with the honor of a man, and the fortitude of a Christian.
  • Resolved, That these resolutions be placed upon the record of the Encampment, and that the blank page immediately following, be inscribed with the name, age and time of death of our departed Companion.
  • Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, attested by the Recorder, be forwarded to the family of the deceased, and to Moore's Magazine for publication.

A true copy.
Attest, Geo. W. Bedlow, Recorder.

BROWNING, ROBERT WILLIAM 1840-1922

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XVII, No. 6, March 1922, Page 177:

Bro. Robert W. Browning, at one time chief of Police of Marlboro, Mass., died suddenly on Thursday Feb. 9, at the residence of his daughter Mrs. Walter S. Leland, Draper Ave., Arlington, Mass.

Bro. Browning was a 32nd degree Mason and had always been keenly interested in all that pertained to the welfare of the Craft.

His services as an official of the Massachusetts Reformatory at Concord, were highly appreciated as the testimonial of a high official at Concord will show, who said: "The respect in which he was held by those who had long known him intimately, was evident from the large delegation of officers present at his funeral from the reformatory. And of other friends from Concord, they would wish the Arlington people to know something of the special esteem and honor in which Bro. Browning, was held by his life-long associates." The funeral services were held in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

BUCKLEY, WILLIAM ALBERT 1863-1908

From New England Craftsman, Vol. III, No. 11, August 1908, Page 399:

Brother William A. Buckley a well known business man of Boston and a member of Charity lodge Cambridge, St. Andrews R. A. Chapter and Boston Commandery died suddenly June 5th. He was born in Portland, Maine June 25, 1863.

BUNKER, CHARLES W. 1849-1912

From Proceedings, Page 1912-176:

R.W. CHARLES W. BUNKER was born in Nantucket, June 24, 1849, and died at his residence in Arlington, Sept. 30, 1912. He attended the public schools in his native town. When a young man he came to Boston, seeking employment, which he readily found. For the past twenty-five years he was in the employ of the Shepard Norwell Company, of Boston, where he was a valued employee and enjoyed the esteem of his employers.

Brother Bunker was twice married. Both wives are dead, but he is survived by one son.

He received the Masonic degrees in Hiram Lodge, of Arlington, in 1886; was its Master in 1897 and 1898, and District Deputy Grand Master of the Sixth Masonic District in 1900 and 1901. He was also Secretary of Hiram Lodge four years, 1908-1911.

Brother Bunker was a faithful and conscientious Mason, deeply interested in the prosperity and welfare of his Lodge, and was a Brother so earnest, faithful, and efficient, that he will be greatly missed in Masonic circles.

BUNTON, HENRY S. 1848-1926

From Proceedings, Page 1926-53:

R.W. Bro. Bunton died full of years and honors on January 28th at his home in Hyde Park. He was born in Manchester, N. H., April 6th, 1848, being a descendant of the Roger Conant and Jewett families. At the age of fifteen he went to Point Lookout to assist his father who was a surgeon in the United States Army, and not long afterward he enlisted in the 7th New Hampshire Regiment, from which he was honorably discharged after a year of service.

He became a resident of Hyde Park in 1866, where he became associated with Robert Bleakie in the woolen business, rising to the position of the Treasurer of the Webster Woolen Company, of which Mr. Bleakie was President. He was one of founders of the Hyde Park Savings Bank, instituted in 1888, and served as its first Treasurer. At the time of his death he was Vice President of the bank and a member of its Investment Committee. He became Town Treasurer in 1875, holding the position for thirty years, and was Town Auditor for five years, and for eight years a member of the School Committee. He was a member of Timothy Ingraham Post No. 121, G. A. R., of which was elected Commander in 1874. For two years he was a Warden of Christ's Episcopal Church.

He became a member of Hyde Park Lodge in 1869 and was its Worshipful Master in 1872 and 1873. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for the Thirteenth Masonic District in 1882. A redistricting of the state took place at that time and his second year of service as District Deputy Grand Master, in 1883, was for the Twenty-second Masonic District. For many years he was Treasurer of Hyde Park Lodge, holding that position at the time of his death. He was interested and active in other branches of Freemasonry, and in them held many offices.

R W. Brother Bunton was one of the best known and best loved Masons in his locality. His kindly presence and faithful service will be sorely missed.

BURDICK, STARR ALBERT 1877-1944

From Proceedings, Page 1944-142:

Brother Burdick was born in DeRuyter, New York, on October 15, 1877, and died at his home in West Newton, Massachusetts, on July 29, 1944.

After graduation at Alfred University of Alfred, New York, he became a teller in the bank at Alfred, later becoming Sales Manager of the Spicer Universal Joint Company of Rochester, New York. In 1917 he became Treasurer of Kennedy's, Inc., of Boston and held that position until his death.

He was raised in St. John's Lodge of Boston on May 14, 1920, and served as Master in 1931 and 1932, later serving as Treasurer.

He served as District Deputy Gqand Master of the (Boston) 1st Masonic District in 1933 and 1934, by appointment of Most Worshipful Curtis Chipman, Grand Master.

Serious minded, having a deep interest in his fellow man, he took a keen interest in Freemasonry and gave liberally of his time and talents. We shall miss his genial presence at our various meetings.

"Father, in Thy gracious keeping
Leave me now, Thy servant, sleeping."

BURKE, EDMUND 1824-1874

EdmundBurke.jpg

From New England Freemason, Vol. II, No. 1, January 1875, Page 45:

Captain Edmund Burke, who died in Somerville, Mass., Dec. 20th, had been for many years engaged in the trade with the Azores, and had made upwards of fifty voyages from Boston to Fayal; his record being remarkably free from disasters, while the regularity and speed of the passages testified to his efficiency as a skilful navigator. An incident of his seafaring life, which gained him great credit at the time, was the saving of some three hundred and six persons from the British ship Gratitude, on the first of January, 1866, which vessel was discovered at sea in a sinking condition. They were rescued from the unfortunate vessel after great difficulty, and safely transferred to the barque Fredonia, commanded by Captain Burke. In the performance of this noble work Captain Burke was obliged to throw overboard nearly the whole of his cargo of fruit, in order to make room for the men, women and children, just saved from the sinking wreck.

The survivors were brought to Boston, and its citizens soon after united in presenting to Captain Burke a purse of $5000 as a testimonial of his gallant conduct on the occasion. The British Government also gave him a gold chronometer, and the other officers and crew of the Fredonia likewise received a gift of money.

During the secession war, Captain Burke narrowly escaped capture on several occasions, while the rebel cruisers were hovering on the track to the Western Islands. The wrath of Semmes of the Alabama had been greatly excited in consequence of Mr. Dabney's refusal to furnish coal for the blockside runners at Fayal; and as the latter gentleman was the owner of the Fredonia, the rebel Semmes declared that he would destroy that vessel if it took six months to accomplish it. On one occasion he waited off Fayal to intercept her; but Captain Burke, taking advantage of a stormy night, ran in by him and reached the harbor in safety. Semmes waited outside three days after this successful feat, before he learned that the Fredonia had escaped. Captain Burke was a very popular commander, and the many invalids and pleasure travellers whom he h:is transported to and from the Azores will remember the uniform kindness and courtesy they received from him on their ocean voyage. He was a member of John Abbot Lodge, of Somerville.

Biographical Sketch

BURLEY, WILLIAM 1755-1822

From History of Freemasonry in Beverly, Massachusetts, 1779-1824, Page 12:

Captain William Burley, a noted resident of Beverly, in his time, was, according to the statements of some of the older members of Liberty Lodge, a member of the Craft in Beverly in the Revolutionary times. Whether he was a member of Amity Lodge, or visited it, we cannot prove or disprove from official documents. Captain Burley was with Washington at White Plains, N. Y., and was in Service at several other places. He was a benefactor of the Public Schools of Beverly. He was the father of Mr. Edward Burley, who lived in the present Historical Society House in Beverly, and willed that building and a sum of money to the Historical Society.

BURLINGAME, ANSON 1820-1870

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From Proceedings, Page 1870-99:

"For more than twenty years I have enjoyed the acquaintance and friendship of our departed friend and Brother, Anson Burlingame. I knew him as a friend of liberty, and the eloquent and successful defender of the rights of man. In an association where I had the honor to officiate as a corporate officer, he was one of our original corporators, and one of our earliest trustees, ever discharging the duties of his position with honor to himself, and his associates. This position lie accepted because of his regard for the middling classes, and especially of the poor. With him, poverty was no crime.

"Certainly, if there is one human trait above another, it is that of sympathy for the poor and oppressed. Our Brother possessed this ennobling trait, regarding always the rights, and manifesting, at all times, a tender interest for the welfare of others. He was an aristocrat of the old school, and such alone are the true democrats everywhere. Men may have knowledge, money, influence, and not be gentlemen. The true gentleman, the man of culture, of refinement, the kind hearted, the considerate, is not often found among the ambitious rich, who give of their abundance for a name, — the bat-eyed of this generation; such are too cold, cheerless, and designing, to be gentlemen. Mr. Burlingame was well born and well bred. He sought after 'goodness and truth.' That which so distinguished him above many others, his geniality and devotion to the interests of man as man, and his lofty courage and abiding integrity, were a part of his noble nature born with him. Possessing such rich qualities, he was a good Mason, and was received and known as such wherever he sojourned.

"It was my pleasure to meet him soon after his arrival home, as minister to China. His experience in that distant land was deeply interesting. Nothing, he said, but the existence of a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, working under a Charter from our venerable Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, reconciled him to the loneliness and responsibilities of his situation. Here he met with kindred spirits; here, surrounded by representatives of all nations, he found a cordial welcome. The last hours he spent in China were with his masonic brethren, on which occasion he addressed a large and deeply-affected assembly.

"Thus much in memory of Anson Burlingame, the noble, the gifted, the friend of the poor, the true Mason, the courteous Knight.

"Brothers, at such a time as this, those grand old words come surging up, full of hope and strength for all, —

'Unto thyself be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou can'st not then be false to any man.'"

Wikipedia article

BURNHAM, GEORGE THOMPSON 1863-1943

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From Proceedings, Page 1943-74:

Brother Burnham was born in Peabody, Massachusetts, on January 30, 1863, and died in Braintree on May 22,!943, where he had resided for the past fifty-five years.

In his earlier life he was engaged in the insurance business, with offices in Boston, but for the last twenty years, he was employed by the Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance Company as an inspector.

Brother Burnham was raised in Delta Lodge of Braintree on October 9, 1894, and served as Master in 1908 and 1909. At the time of his death he was Marshal of Delta Lodge, an office which he had held for over twenty-five years.

He served as District Deputy Grand Master of the (Quincy) 26th Masonic District in 1934 and 1935, by appointments of Most Worshipful Grand Masters Curtis Chipman and Claude L. Allen. In 1939 he served as Grand Pursuivant by appointment of Most Worshipful Joseph Earl Perry and during that year was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

In the collateral bodies he was a member of Pentalpha Royal Arch Chapter, Temple Council, R. & S. M., and South Shore Commandery, K.1.

Funeral services were held in the First Congregational Church of Braintree on May 22d, followed by Masonic burial services in charge of Delta Lodge. The large attendance and the beautiful floral tributes gave evidence of the very high esteem in which he was held by his Brethren and his fellow citizens.

George Burnham, for so he was known by all, was a faithful friend and earnest worker, both in his Masonry and in his church, a pillar of strength who never neglected any call for service. Dearly beloved by all, his passing leaves us saddened but inspired by his example of unremitting service to his fellow man.

"He is gone
As the night cometh down on the summer hillside,
As the stars fade away in the blue of the dawn,
So softly he died."

BURNS, PAUL STEVENS 1875-1946

From Proceedings, Page 1946-295:

Brother Burns was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, on March 11, 1875, and died suddenly at his summer home in Duxbury on October 14, 1946.

At the age of fifteen, he entered the employ of the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York as an office boy in the Boston office. His marked ability and diligence won rapid progress for him until he became manager in l9l4 - a position which he held until his retirement in 1940. He had an active interest in civic affairs in his native city, having served on the School Board and as a Director of the Somerville Hospital.

Brother Burns was raised in Soley Lodge on June 22, 1896, and served as Worshipful Master in 1906 and 1907. He affiliated with Corner Stone Lodge of Duxbury on September 2, 1933, and continued as a member until his death. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Sixth Masonic District in 1915 and 1916 by Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson, and was awarded a Masonic Veteran's Medal in 1946 for fifty years of continuous Masonic membership.

Our Brother was always deeply interested in anything Masonic and his advice, always sound and conservative, was sought and freely given. He served for many years as a Director of the Somerville Masonic Building Association and rendered valuable assistance in that position.

An active and useful life is closed, but the memory of Paul Burns will linger long in the minds and hearts of those he served so faithfully.

BURRELL, ALFRED AUGUSTUS 1838-1913

From New England Craftsman, Vol. VIII, No. 12, September 1913, Page 414:

NEC 8-12, 09/13, p414

Alfred A. Burrell, a well known Mason and resident of Milford, Mass. died September 14th after a prolonged illness. Several years ago while on his way to a meeting of Mt. Lebanon R. A. Chapter, he suffered a shock from which he never recovered, one side remaining paralyzed, confining him to his home practically all the time.

Brother Burrell was born in South Scituate, Mass., December 27th, 1838. He had lived in Milford many years. He was initiated in Montgomery Lodge, February 8th, 1860. He was a member of Mt. Lebanon Chapter forty-eight years and was High Priest 1882-4. He was knighted in Milford Commandery in 1865 and was Eminent Commander 1886-8. He was Grand King of the Grand R. A. Chapter of Massachusetts in 1891. His memory will be cherished by many warm friends who esteemed his character and loved his companionship.

BURRELL, HERBERT LESLIE, 1856-1910

HERBERT LESLIE BURRELL, M.D., one of the leading members of the medical - profession in New England. He was born in Boston April 27, 1856; attended the public schools and was graduated from the Harvard Medical School. In 1885 he became one of the regular surgeons of the City Hospital; consulting surgeon at Carney Hospital, and visiting surgeon of the Children's Hospital. In June, 1907, he was elected to the of the American Medical Association.

Brother Burrell was medical director of the First Brigade, M.V.M., with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and was chief surgeon of the hospital ship Bay State during the Spanish War.

Brother Burrell received the Masonic degrees in The Massachusetts Lodge in 1878 and became a member of the Lodge March 28, 1878. He was Worshipful Master in 1885, and served as District Deputy Grand Master of the First Masonic District in 1886.

He was ardently devoted to his profession; a sterling man of kind and sympathetic nature; a citizen interested and active for the public good, and a Brother wedded to the principles of our Order. He died April 26, 1910, leaving a widow and two young sons, with whom, in their sorrow, we sincerely sympathize.

BURTON, RONALD EUGENE 1936-2003

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From TROWEL, Winter/Spring 2005, Page 32:

Judging from today’s mass media coverage of sporting events — especially football — it’s difficult to remember that New England did not have its own professional football team until 1960. In that year, the Boston Patriots team was established, later to be renamed the New England Patriots. It was indeed fortunate that the Patriots’ first draft pick in their initial season was a young man named Ron Burton.

Ronald Eugene Burton was born on July 25, 1936 in Springfield, Ohio. His early years were not easy, and his mother died when he was only twelve years old. He was taken in by his grandmother, who was eking out a subsistence level existence as a Pentecostal minister. Her abiding faith and trust in the Lord stayed with and influenced young Ron for the rest of his days.

In high school Ron soon established himself as one of the school’s outstanding football players, and was named an All Ohio and All American High School Football Star in 1954 and 1955. He received scholarship offers from 47 colleges around the country. Ron selected Northwestern, a Methodist University in Chicago, where he became one of that university’s all-time football greats. Twice named NCAA Back of the Year, he also sang regularly in the chapel choir; he graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree. All of his children would eventually graduate from Northwestern as well.

Nineteen-sixty was also the year Ron Burton played in the Shrine East-West Game. In 1990 he would be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. As soon as he graduated, he was drafted by the Patriots, and was a running back for the next six years, scoring 19 touchdowns in 69 games.

During this time, Burton married JoAnn Jourdan. They had four sons: Stephen, a sports anchorman; Phil, a reporter; Ron, Jr., a member of the Red Sox staff; and Paul, a minister; their only daughter, Elizabeth, is a children's’ author.

While still with the Patriots, Ron was already a strong advocate of helping kids, especially those from the inner city. Motivation became a focus of his life: he strove to move people to become better. After retiring from football in 1966 at age 30, Ron was nominated by the Greater Boston Junior Chamber of Commerce as one of the ten outstanding young men of the year. He joined the ABC-TV sports commentators team for the college football game of the week. After being a candidate for Massachusetts Secretary of State, Ron became a member of the state Republican Finance Committee, and was an alternate at their national convention. His motivational activities also paid off in the business world. He joined the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company sales force, becoming a million dollar producer and a member of the President’s Honor Club.

Burton applied himself to learning all he could about the business. He received the prestigious designation of Chartered Life Underwriter in 1993. This required the passing of a series of ten rigorous college-level courses on the intricacies of the life insurance business. Ron also continued his charitable and motivational activities. In 1985 he bought 305 acres of land in Hubbardston, with the intention of turning it into a summer camp for underprivileged boys and girls, mostly from the inner cities. Ron knew this kind of life first hand, and was determined to help in any way he could. The Ron Burton Training Village not only houses and feeds 125 eleven to seventeen-year-olds for five weeks each summer, but also teaches love and respect through sports, physical fitness, and basic education. In the past ten years, more than 1,500 children have benefited at this remarkable camp.

Ron Burton’s high ideals and aspirations could not have been better suited to those found in Masonry, and he petitioned Rabboni Lodge in Milton for the Degrees, receiving his Master Mason Degree on February 21, 1984. He received his 32nd Degree in Scottish Rite, and joined Aleppo Shrine that same year.

In 1987 Bro. Burton became Worshipful Master of Rabboni Lodge. He was created a 33rd Degree Honorary Member of the Supreme Council of Scottish Rite in 1994. His continuing involvement in inspirational and charitable activities were recognized on June 20, 2000, when he was awarded the Joseph Warren Medal by the Grand Lodge.

In 1999, at the age of 63, Ron Burton was diagnosed with bone cancer, and told that he had at best three years to live. He was determined to make the most of what time he had left, and continued his activities. In 2001, the Valley of Boston honored him by naming its April Scottish Rite class the Illustrious Ronald E. Burton, 33º Class, and including a special Sports Luncheon in the day’s festivities. Many sports and media notables, as well as Masons paid tribute to Burton — the athlete, the man, and the Mason.

In April of 2002, Ron was able to attend a special one-day class of his Lodge at the Grand Lodge building in Boston. All four of his sons were initiated, passed, and raised with Grand Master Donald G. Hicks, Jr. present.

Ron Burton died on September 13, 2003, four years after his diagnosis. He had been helping others for over 40 years, and never ceased those efforts. In addition to his camp, he was involved with the Boy Scouts of America, Catholic Charities, the Jimmy Fund, Salvation Army, the Shrine Burns Institute, and other philanthropic organizations. He had often spoken at Aleppo Temple’s annual North-South High School All-Star football game dinner, among many other services he rendered to youth. It is impossible to fully assess the positive impact he had on so many young people; his good works will be sorely missed, and Wor. Ron Burton will long be remembered as a truly dedicated man and Mason.

BUSH, J(OHN). STANDISH FOSTER 1850-1922

  • MM 1886, Columbian
  • Grand Standard Bearer 1902, 1903

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XVIII, No. 1, October 1922, Page 27:

Dr. J. Foster Bush, who died Oct. 20 at Hartford, Conn., was formerly of Boston, whera he was identified with hospital practice. Dr. Bush was born in Burlington, Vt., June 4, 1850, the son of Solon W. and Theoda Foster Bush. He attended the Burlington schools and was graduated from the Roxbury Latin School, his parents having removed to Boston when he was fourteen years of aga. He took special courses at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Cornell University and then entered the Harvard Medical School, where he received his M. D. in 1874.

In 1883 Dr. Bush was appointed house surgeon in the Massachusetts General Hospital. He was for many years surgeon to the Boston Dispensary. He was one of the councillors of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Dr. Bush was prominent in Masonic circles. He was a member of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and was a past commander of St. Bernard Commandery, K. T. He was first commander of the Boston Council, American Legion of Honor, and was later grand treasurer and supreme representative of the Grand Council of the Legion of Honor of Massachusetts. On June 4, 1875, Dr. Bush was married to Miss Josephine M. Nason. They had two children, Ella A. and Theodore F. Bush.

His funeral, which was largely attended, was held at the Chapel at Forest Hills Cemetery at 2.30 p. m. Tuesday, October 24.

BUTLER, J(OHN). ALBERT 1857-1908

From New England Craftsman, Vol. III, No. 6, March 1908, Page 235:

Bro. J. Albert Butler, one of the best-known hotel men of Boston, died February 6. Mr. Butler was a native of Chelsea, where he was born 51 years ago. Bro. Butler was a member of Winslow Lewis Lodge of Masons.

BUTLER, WILLIAM ARTHUR 1859-1910

From Proceedings, Page 1910-137:

HON. WILLIAM ARTHUR BUTLER was born in Byfield, Feb. 4, 1859, and died in Georgetown, 26, 1910. He attended the common schools of his and adopted towns, and, after studying law, was to the Essex Bar in 1882. He served as Representative in the Legislature of 1888, and as Senator in 1900 and 1902, and held other civil offices of responsibility. He was clerk of the town of Georgetown five years.

Butler received the Masonic degrees in Charles C. Dame Lodge, of Georgetown, in 1887 and 1888; was Junior Warden in 1890 and 1891, Senior Warden in 1892 and 1893. and Master in 1894 and 1895. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of the Ninth Masonic District in 1901 and 1902. He was exalted. in King Cyrus Chapter of Newburyport, March 8, 1892, and became a member the same day. He was knighted in Newburyport Commandery, K.T., June 16, 1892, and was Commander in 1903 and 1904.

Brother Butler was an upright citizen, a true friend and a worthy Brother. He had many genial qualities, and a host of friends throughout this State will lament his passing away in the prime of life.

BUTLER, WILLIAM FREDERICK 1840-1906

From New England Craftsman, Vol. I, No. 6, March 1906, Page 219:

Brother William F. Butler, a Past Master of Joseph Warren Lodge of Boston, at his home in Dorchester, February 10th. Brother Butler retired from business several years ago. He was a member of Joseph Warren Lodge, St. Andrew's R. A. Chapter, Boston Council R. S. Masters and Boston Commandery K. T.

BUTTRICK, SAMUEL BARTLETT 1801-1887

From Proceedings, Page 1887-130:

Still another loss to the Masonic Fraternity comes in the death of Bro. Samuel Bartlett Buttrick, who, for over sixty years, was an earnest, working member of our Order. He was born in Gorham, Me., in 1801, but in 1823 he removed to Salem, Mass., where the remainder of his life of eighty-six years was spent, and where he was honored by his friends and the community. He was one of the signers of the original Declaration made by the Masons of Salem during the dark days of 1829 and 1830.

The debt of gratitude we owe to those who were faithful, in the time of trouble does not grow less with the passing years. Let us who profit by their struggles honor their memory.

  • MM 1828, WM 1847, Essex

BYAM, RAYMOND STRATTON 1839-1906

From New England Craftsman, Vol. II, No. 5, February 1907, Page 196:’’

Brother Raymond S. Byam, the veteran expressman of Canton, Mass., is dead. He was born in Chelmsford 67 years ago but had lived in Canton 40 years. He was a war veteran and had been a selectman of his town. He was a member of the New England Expressman's League, of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, a member of Blue Hill Lodge A. F. & A. M. of Canton, of Mt. Zion Royal Arch Chapter of Stoughton and of Joseph Warren Commandery, Knights Templar, of Roxbury.


Distinguished Brothers