MOGMJFinagin
JOSEPH COOPER FINAGIN 1855-1921
Picture courtesy of Missouri Lodge of Research Archive
Grand Master, 1901-1902
BIOGRAPHY
From Missouri Lodge of Research:
Joseph C Finigan was a native Missourian, born in the City of St. Louis, May 2, 1855. He was educated in public and private schools in the city. During his business career he was prominently identified with the wholesale boot and shoe companies. . He petitioned Occidental Lodge No 163, St Louis and was raised a Master Mason, December 20, 1886, He was elected Master in 1990 and served one term. He was appointed DDGL in 1891 and served three terms. In 1894 he was appointed DDGM and in 1895 was appointed Grand Senior Steward and regularly advanced resulting in his election as Grand Master in 1901. Brother Finigan was compelled to be away from the State for more than half of his administration as Grand Master, presumably in Old Mexico. His experiences in that jurisdiction made him a strong supporter of Mexican Freemasonry.
He was a member of the York Rite, the Scottish Rite and the Shrine.
Brother Finigan's death occurred in Portsmouth, Virginia, on November 2, 1921 and he was buried at Norfolk with full Masonic rites by Seaboard Lodge No. 56 of that jurisdiction, the Grand Lodge of Virginia being represented at the services.
