MAOtherBrothersV
VAN RIPER, THOMAS 1838-1910
From Proceedings, Page 1910-178:
Bro. Thomas Van Riper, Secretary of Mount Holyoke Lodge, South Hadley Falls, was born in New York City, Nov. 17, 1838. He learned the trade of bookmaking when a very young man, and followed that trade until his death. He saw some service during the Civil War, being a member of the Eighth Regiment of New York Militia.
Brother Van Riper received the Masonic degrees in Polar Star Lodge of New York City, in 1866, and withdrew to become a member of Mount Holyoke Lodge. He was elected Secretary of Mount Holyoke Lodge in November, 1883, and held that office until his death with the exception of one year. He was deeply interested in the Masonic Home, and worked earnestly for its endowment. His last official act was to give a receipt for a contribution to the Home. He was a painstaking Secretary, a faithful Brother, and a Freemason whose fraternal work survives.
On Saturday, Oct. 1, 1910, after he had finished his day's work, and while resting quietly by his door, he passed to the world beyond.
