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RICHARDS, CHAUNCEY SLEEPER 1841-1895

R.W. Chauncey Sleeper Richards was born at Chester, New Hampshire, Dec. 9, 1841, where he resided for the first twenty years of his life. He received his education in the public schools of his native town, graduating at the Chester Academy.

In 1861 he removed from Chester with his father's family, to Danvers, Mass., where he resided until his death. He was for many years associated with his father in the grocery business at Danversport, afterwards buying an interest in a large coal firm in the same town. Upon retiring from that business, he obtained a situation in the Boston Custom House, where he held the position of Inspector. He was a man who possessed the confidence of his townsmen, as shown by their electing him repeatedly to positions of honor, and trust. He has served as Selectman, Water Commissioner, Fire-ward, and was one of the Trustees of the Danvers Savings Bank. He was a valued member of the Universalist Society, and was one of its Trustees.

He was married to Alice G. Black, daughter of Moses Black, of Danvers, May 25, 1»65. He leaves a widow and five children, two sons and three daughters. The sons are members of Mosaic Lodge, and the names of both are found, on its roll as officers for the ensuing year.

He was first a member of Amity Lodge, where he was raised in August, 1864. He was demitted Sept. 23, 1871, at the formation of Mosaic Lodge, of which he was a Charter Member. He was elected Worshipful Master of Mosaic Lodge, and served in that position for the years 1885-6.

He was exalted in Holton Royal Arch Chapter, July 11, 1872, and was M.E.H. Priest in 1884-5. April 19, 1883, he was knighted in Winslow Lewis Commandery, and served as Captain of the Guard in 1886-'87-'88. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for the Eighth Masonic District for 1894, and re-appointed in 1895, holding the position at the time of his death. He was buried with Masonic honors on the twenty-ninth day of November, 1895, by Mosaic Lodge, Winslow Lewis Commandery and Amity Lodge acting as escort. The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge was represented by Most Worshipful Grand Master Edwin B. Holmes; R.W. J. Albert Blake, Past Junior Grand Warden; R.W. Charles H. Littlefield, D.D.G.M., Tenth District; and R.W. Samuel L. Sawyer, Special District Deputy for the Eighth District.

R.W. Brother Richards was a man beloved by all who knew him. Possessing a sunny disposition and a generous heart, he was always stretching forth the willing hand to help the weak, raise up the discouraged, and lighten the burdens of the afflicted. Many can testify to benefits received from his kind words and sympathy. He was a devoted and loving father and a good husband, and we extend our sympathy to his bereaved family.

Brother Richards in his last sickness was called upon to endure far more than the usual suffering of humanity. Confined to his room from the twenty-second day of July, he began an unequal fight against the progress of the disease which was to take his life; enduring the greatest agony through those weary days, and suffering almost beyond the control of reason; yet, it is said, that in the presence of his children he maintained such control of himself, for their sakes, that they frequently felt on leaving his bedside that he was on the road to restored health.

He passed away on the evening of November 26, entering into the reward prepared for him in that country from whose bourne no traveller returns. The last offices performed for the dead are useful for the consideration of the living, and if we, by remembering his many virtues, are taught to develop our own feelings of brotherly love and kindness for each other, then his life and death will not have been in vain.

Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL L. SAWYER,
Committee.

RICHARDSON, CHARLES H. 1848-1913

From Proceedings, Page 1913-35:

R.W. CHARLES HENRY RICHARDSON was born in Northfield, Mass., Jan. 21, 1848, and died in the City of Lowell, Feb. 24, 1913.

Brother Richardson was what is commonly termed "a self-made man." Compelled when a mere boy to earn his own living, he spent his early years on a farm, at the same time making good use of every educational advantage. In 1860 he entered the Lowell Machine Shops, at first receiving fifty-eight cents per day for his labor. Though greatly interested in his machine-shop work, at the first call of his country, he went with Luther Ladd to the counting room to be paid off. He was with Ladd, Whitney, and Taylor, who lost their lives in the passage of the Sixth Regiment through Baltimore. He returned to Lowell Aug. 25, 1861, and on September 7 he re-enlisted in the Twenty-Sixth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers and served through the entire Rebellion, being discharged in 1865, with the rank of Lieutenant. On his return to Lowell, he went back to the Lowell Machine Shops, remaining until June 3, 1869, when he entered the employ of the Lawrence Hosiery Machine Shop.

By repeated promotion he was made assistant superintendent of the plant in 1886. November 3, 1888, he became agent of the Appleton Mills in Lowell. In 1898 he became agent of the Lancaster Mills at Clinton. Retiring from active mill life in 1907, he was appointed to serve the unexpired term of Bro. Francis Bigelow as County Commissioner of Middlesex County. He was continued in this office until his death.

Brother Richardson received the Masonic Degrees in Pentucket Lodge of Lowell in 1867 and was its Worshipful Master in 1876, 1877, and 1878. He was District Deputy Grand Master of the Eleventh Masonic District in 1885 and 1886. He received the Capitular Degrees in Mount Horeb Royal Arch Chapter in 1877 and was its High Priest in 1883 and 1884. He received the Cryptic Degrees in Ahasuerus Council, of Lowell, and was its Master in 1884 and 1885. He received the Templar Orders in Pilgrim Commandery, of Lowell, in 1881, and was its Eminent Commander in 1886 and 1887.

Brother Richardson was eminently successful in dealing with labor. He never refused to arbitrate a matter which threatened trouble; of dignified bearing, and of positive character, he never invited controversy. As a Mason, he was zealous, painstaking, and faithful. He filled his various positions with honor to himself. reflecting great honor upon the Fraternity. Two sons and two daughters survive him, who may be assured of our sympathy in their great sorrow.

RICHARDSON, FRED BORDEN 1870-1936

From Proceedings, Page 1936-142:

Right Worshipful Brother Richardson was born in Abington, September 1, 1870, and died in Brookline June 28,1936.

He was educated in the public schools of Abington and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Taking up his residence in Brookline, he entered the employ of an engineering firm and later became assistant superintendent of the Brookline highway department. He was elected Town Clerk in 1928 and remained in that position until his death. He was a past President of the Massachusetts Highway Association and its Treasurer at the time of his death.

Brother Richardson was an active member of the Harvard Congregational Church, having served it as head usher, deacon, and for many years Treasurer.

Brother Richardson took his Masonic degrees in Beth-Horon Lodge in 1895 and was its Master in 1915-16. He was a Charter member of Brookline Lodge in 1921, and was its first Secretary, serving until failing health compelled his retirement in 1934. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for the Brighton Fifth Masonic District in 1929 and 1930, by appointment of Most Worshipful Herbert W. Dean.

By his passing the town loses a useful citizen and our Fraternity a valuable, loved, and honored member.

RIDEOUT, EDGAR S. 1867-1936

From Proceedings, Page 1936-103:

Right Worshipful Brother Rideout was born in Lawrence October 1, 1867, and died in Beverly March 10, 1936. Brother Rideout was educated in the Lawrence public schools and took up bookkeeping as an occupation. For a time he was Assistant Postmaster at Lawrence. He removed to Beverly in 1911 and entered the service of the United Shoe Machinery Company, remaining with it until his death.

Brother Rideout was interested and active in community affairs, political and social. For many years he was Associate County Commissioner of Essex County, and a Director of the Beverly Chamber of Commerce and member of the Beverly Y.M.C.A. corporation. He was an active member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church-long a vestryman and Senior Deacon at the time of his death.

Brother Rideout took his Masonic degrees in Phoenician Lodge in 1890 and was its Master in 1896 and 1897. He took an active part in the formation of Budleigh Lodge in 1927, and was its Master under Dispensation and under Charter. He was District Deputy Grand Master for the Eleventh Masonic District in 1904 and 1905, by appointment of Most Worshipful Baalis Sanford.

He was a Past High Priest of Mt. Sinai Chapter, Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Lawrence Council, Past Eminent Commander of St. George Commandery, and Past Sovereign Prince of Lowell Council, Princes of Jerusalem.

Brother Rideout was not one of those Masons who allow their interest to lapse with the attainment of Past rank. It remained keen to the end. In his passing the Fraternity loses a loved member who has served it well and the community loses a very useful citizen.

ROBINSON, WILLIAM CLARK 1834-1887

From Proceedings, Page 1887-71:

By the death of William Clark Robinson, the Masonic Fraternity of Northampton has lost one of its most useful members, and his family, consisting of a wife, son and two daughters, has been bereft of a kind husband and father.

He was born in the city of New York, June 28, 1834, and removed to Springfield, Mass., in 1838 or '39, where he received a common-school education. During his school-boy days he was a favorite of the late Hon. E. D. Beach, of Springfield, who kindly gave him full access to his excellent library. Bro. Robinson freely availed himself of this opportunity, and in his later years often referred to this kindness, speaking with pride of the fatherly advice of Mr. Beach.

His parents were of English descent. His father, Capt. William Robinson, commanded the good ship Scotland, plying between New York, and Liverpool, Eng. He was lost overboard during a fearful storm, leaving a wife and three sons, William C. being the oldest. At the age of sixteen years he accepted a situation in the Springfield Bank, in which position he won and retained the confidence of the officers of the Bank. After six years of service he resigned and accepted a clerkship in the Continental Bank of New York City. At the expiration of one year he accepted an election to the cashiership of the Conway Bank, Conway, Mass. After filling this office for two years, he resigned to accept a similar position in the Hampshire County National Bank, of Northampton, Mass. He was one of the founders of, and a valued officer in, that Bank. At the expiration of two years he resigned, to accept the office of Secretary and Treasurer of a gold and silver mining company in New York City. Subsequently he entered the service of the Mass. Mutual Life Insurance Co., of Springfield, Mass. For seventeen years, or until his decease, he labored earnestly and faithfully in its employ. He was repeatedly advanced, received new trusts and responsibility and was assured that his labors were appreciated and approved.

Bro. Robinson was for a quarter of a century a communicant in St. John's Episcopal Church, Northampton; for many years a vestryman, and for fifteen years its senior warden. His loss is deeply mourned by the church. His presence was sunshine, and his many labors, advice and genial manner are sadly missed, not only by the church, but by the entire community of Northampton.

In Freemasonry he was a tower of strength in the District in which he formerly lived. He was made a Mason in Mountain Lodge, Shelburne Falls, Mass., July 20, 1861. While living in Conway, though he had to travel eight miles over a mountainous road, his zeal prompted him to be present at all regular Lodge meetings. It is said that Rising Sun Lodge, of Conway, owes to a great extent its present existence to the earnest efforts of Bro. Robinson.

He received the Capitular degrees in Franklin R.A. Chapter, Greenfield, Mass., in 1862. This Chapter was located twelve miles from his residence, and was reached only by private conveyance. Yet Bro. Robinson's name appears upon the Chapter register oftener than the names of many Companions who lived in the near vicinity of the place of meeting. He became a member of Northampton R.A. Chapter in 1864; served as Scribe and as King; was elected Secretary Sept. 3, 1879, and was reelected, and served until his death. He also joined Jerusalem Lodge, by dimit, in 1864; and, after serving as Junior and Senior Warden, was elected Worshipful Master, October 31, 1876, also in 1877; filling each office most acceptably to the members of the Lodge. He was elected Secretary of the Lodge in 1885; was reelected in 1886, and held that office at the time of his decease. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of District No. 10 in 1879 and again in 1880. He had a very pleasant way of meeting the Brethren of his District, and was always a welcome visitor. In December, 1885, he was appointed Corresponding Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, and was reappointed in 1886.

Bro. Robinson was created a Knight Templar in June, 1880, in Northampton Commandery; served as Junior and Senior Warden, and was also Prelate for two years. Bro. Robinson was a kind and genial man; a true and sympathizing friend ; a respected citizen and a devoted Mason. He will be greatly missed in every circle in which he was wont to move; but we trust that our loss is his eternal gain.

From Proceedings, Page 1887-129:

William Clark Robinson was born in the city of New York, but, with the exception of five or six years, his life was spent in his adopted State of Massachusetts, and for the last seventeen years he lived in Northampton, holding honorable positions with the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Springfield. He was one of the most respected and useful members of Saint John's Episcopal Church, of Northampton, where for fifteen years he had been Senior Warden, and his presence is greatly missed throughout that community. He was made a Mason in 1861, receiving his degrees in Mountain Lodge, of Shelburne Falls. He was constant in his attendance, even at the cost of much personal comfort; and his interest in the Lodges in that District contributed largely to their success. He held important offices in Jerusalem Lodge, and in Northampton R.A. Chapter and Northampton Commandery. In 1879 he was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of District No. 10, and in December, 1885, he was appointed Corresponding Grand Secretary of this Grand Lodge. To this office he was re-appointed only a few months before his death.

Sincere in his faith, true in his friendship, earnest in his Masonic duties, and upright as a man, Brother Robinson will be long remembered by his friends and associates.

ROOT, ALBERT B. 1858-1937

From Proceedings, Page 1937-219:

Right Worshipful Brother Root was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts, June 13, 1858, and died in Dixfield, Maine, October 2, 1937.

He was taken as a child to Dixfield, the old home of his family, and attended the public schools there. At the age of 17, armed only with some letters of introduction, he came to Boston alone to seek his fortune. His first employment was with a firm who manufactured horseshoes. A few years later he set up a horseshoeing business of his own. In this business he made an excellent reputation which led to his election as President of the Master Horseshoers Association of America.

The coming of the automobile caused him to abandon his business, and he made his hobby the reproduction of antique furniture and dealing in antiques, his vocation for the rest of his life. On the death of his mother in 1924, he returned to Dixfield and there remained.

He was elected to the Legislature in 1900, but served only one term as he found political life distasteful.

He was raised in St. John's St. John's Lodge in 1889 and was its Master in 1900-1901. He was District Deputy Grand Master for the First Masonic District in 1906 and 1907, by appointment of Most Worshipful John Albert Blake.

One of Right Worshipful Brother Root's most marked characteristics was his desire for perfection in whatever he did. On this characteristic his business success was founded, and his Masonic career was equally marked by it. Although so long absent from Boston, he occasionally visited his Lodge, keeping old friendships warm and making new ones. His passing is mourned by many.

Distinguished Brothers