MOGMFJesse
FRANK R. JESSE 1863-1927
Picture courtesy of Missouri Lodge of Research Archive
Grand Master, 1915-1916
BIOGRAPHY
Frank Russell Jesse was born in the ancestral home in Audrain County, May 19, 1963. He was brought up on the farm attending district school and high school in Mexico, Mo. He attended William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo. and the University of Missouri were he studied law. He immediately took up the practice of law and was twice elected prosecuting attorney of Audrain County, serving from 1889 to 1893. He continued his practice and moved to Webster Groves Mo. in 1914.
He was married to Miss Mildred Beulah Williams and they had three children
He was initiated in Mexico Lodge No 544, Mexico Mo., January 28, 1896 and raised March 27, 1896. He served as Master in 1900 and 1901. He was DDGM and DDGL of the 27th District from 1901 to 1910. Following his removal to St Louis he affiliated with Algabil Lodge No 544. Jesse was appointed Grand Pursuivant of the Grand Lodge by Grand Master Short in 107 and advance to the station of Grand Master in 1915. In May 1921, owing to the age and ill health of the Grand Secretary, John Parsons, Jesse was appointed by Grand Master Olaf Lucas as Grand Secretary, a position he held until his death.
He was an active member of both the York and Scottish Rites.
His death occurred August 29, 1927, following an operation in St Luke's Hospital, St. Louis and funeral services were held in the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Wednesday, August 31, 1927, the Grand Lodge having been opened in specific communication by Grand Master John Pickard. Active pallbearers were Past Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge. Religious services were conducted by Rev. Harold Reader, and Masonic services by Past Grand Master, Wm. W. Martin. There was an escort of one hundred Knights Templar from St Louis Commanderies. Interment was in Lake Charles Cemetery, St Louis County. It is interesting to know that his last words were "I am not afraid to die."
