MOGMHKeene

From MasonicGenealogy
Jump to: navigation, search

HARRY KEENE 1847-1900

HKeene.jpg

Grand Master, 1893-1894

BIOGRAPHY

From Biographies of Past Grand Masters, 1821-1901, by the Grand Lodge of Missouri:

Most Worshipful Brother Harry Keene is recorded in the Grand Lodge annals as Senior Grand Steward in 1886, Junior Grand Warden in 1890, Senior Grand Warden in 1891, Deputy Grand Master in 1892, and Most Worshipful Grand Master in 1893. He was appointed Grand Lecturer for the Twelfth District November 9, 188B, and District Deputy Grand Master October 14, 1887, filling both positions. Was yearly reappointed until his election as Grand Master. He was reputed as one of the few exceptionally proficient in the ritual of Symbolic Masonry.

Brother Keene was born near Bristol, England, September 18, 1847. He attended public schools until fourteen years of age. He then entered a drug store for some years. Was then in the employ of the Bristol and Exeter Railway until his departure for America in 1867. He settled in Chicago, Illinois, only for a few months, when he removed to St. Joseph, Missouri. His first employment was as engineer on the K. C. St. J. & C. B. Railway. This position he resigned in 1877 and engaged in mercantile pursuits until 1888, when he was elected and served as County Judge of Buchanan County during 1889 and 1890. He then engaged with and became an officer of the Uvalde Irrigation, Manufacturing and Water Company of Texas, in which he continued for several years.

Brother Keene was initiated in St. Joseph Lodge No. 78, at St. Joseph, Missouri, August 17, 1874; passed September 7th and raised September 21st of the same year. He was appointed Senior Deacon for 1877 and twice reappointed; elected Senior Warden for 1880 and again for 1882, and Worshipful Master for 1884. The Capitular degrees of Mark, Past and Most Excellent Master he received in St. Joseph Royal Arch Chapter No. 14, on March 24th. He was exalted to the Royal Arch April 14, 1876. He served as Captain of the Host some years. He passed the Circle in St. Joseph Council No. 9, Royal and Select Masters, November 27, 1880, and was elected Thrice Illustrious Master for 1884, and re,elected for 1885. He was created a Knight Templar in St. Joseph Commandery No. 29, K. T., now No. 4, July 15, 1876. May 3, 1889, he was created a Noble in Moila Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., at St. Joseph, Missouri.

Brother Keene died at his home in St. Joseph, Missouri, July 2, 1900. His funeral, July 5th, by his request before death, was conducted by his Lodge. M. W. Brother Joseph S. Browne, Past Grand Master and lifelong friend, officiated as Worshipful Master. The Bearer of Great Lights, Marshal and all the pallbearers were Past Masters of the three Lodges in St. Joseph, and all personal friends of the distinguished deceased.

From Missouri Lodge of Research:

Harry Keene was born near Bristol, England, September 18, 1847. He received his grade school education in Bristol and at the age of fourteen was apprenticed to a druggist. At the termination of his apprenticeship he accepted a position with the Bristol and Exeter Railroad, being employed by them in 1867. He left England in 1867 and came to America.

He first came to Chicago but remained a short time before moving to St. Jospeh, Mo., where he was employed by the Kansas City, St Joseph and Council Bluffs Railroad until 1877, when he was engaged in the mercantile business. During that time he was elected county judge and served in 1889 and 1890.

Brother Keene was initiated in St Joseph Lodge No 78, August 17, 1875, passed September 7th and raised September 21st of that year. He served as Master in 1883. In the Grand Lodge he was appointed Senior Grand Steward in 1886 and was elected Grand Master in 1893. When the Grand Lodge met in St Louis October 10, 1893, Grand Master John Parson was ill and unable to preside and it devolved upon Deputy Grand Master Keene to preside.

Brother Keene's death occurred in his home in St Joseph, Mo., July 2, 1900 at the age of fifty-three. His funeral, July 5th, was, at his request conducted by his own lodge, Past Grand Master Joseph S. Browne officiating. He is buried in Mt Mora Cemetery in St. Joseph.


Missouri Grand Masters