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== WILLIAM H. RODDLE 1850-1929 ==

'''Grand Master of South Dakota, 1899-1900'''

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=== BIOGRAPHY ===

''From "The First 100 Years of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of South Dakota, 1875-1975", Page 64:''

Brother Roddle was born at Paris, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, December 28, 1850. At the age of 18 he left the farm and secured a position as a apprentice m a hardware store in Waseca, Minnesita, where he remained for eleven years. In 1879 he came to Dakota Territory and opened a hardware store at Medary, then the county seat of Brookings County. In October of the same year he went to Brookings when the county seat was moved t that city. Preferring a legal career, he took up the study of law and was admitted to the Bar in 1901. He was a member of the law firm of Hall Lawrence, and Roddle. He served two terms as Secretary of State.	
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On January 1, 1876, he was married to Miss Fannie R. Stevens. Two daughters were born to this union.

He became a Mason in Brookings Lodge No. 24 on October 22, 1881. He was a member of Brookings Chapter No. 18, R.A.M.; Brookings Commandery No. 14; Brookings Chapter No. 15, Order of the Eastern Star; and El Riad Shrine, Sioux Falls.

=== 1900 ===

Grand Master Roddle opened the twenty-sixth Annual Communication at Aberdeen saying, "We are stronger in members and influence then at any time in our history." He complimented the Aberdeen Lodge on their beautiful new Temple saying that it was a magnificent testimonial of their activity and devotion to Masonry.

The Grand Master reported on his trip to Mount Vernon, Virginia; to participate in the Centennial ceremonies in memory of Brother George Washington. He reported a most imposing, impressive, and inspiring occasion.

The Grand Secretary reported a net increase in membership of 168 for the year, thus bringing the total to 4,668. Dispensations had been issued during the year, and charters granted at this session for Unity Lodge, Sioux Falls, and for the Sisseton Lodge. The Grand Secretary said, "In order that we might be better enabled to assist the needy, and not be imposed upon by the large number of cheats and impostors traveling through the country, this Grand Lodge should become a member of The Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada, the cost of which would be one cent per member each year."

A special committee on by-laws reported that one of its members had removed from the jurisdiction and another was absent most of the year making it impossible for the committee to function. On recommendation a new committee was appointed.

A letter was received from Past Grand Master [https://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=SDGMBlattW William Blatt], then of Chicago, saying that he was unable to be present. He regretted that he was unable to carry out his special assignment as Grand Historian and that he must resign the position.

It was moved that the Grand Master-elect appoint a committee of five to consider the advisability of a permanent location for this Grand Lodge and report at the next Annual Communication.

* [http://wigenweb.org/kenosha/biographies/roddlewilliam.html Kenosha County biography]
* [https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/KJ48-WGW/william-henry-roddle-1850-1929 Ancestry.com entry]

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