MOGMWMuir

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WILLIAM D. MUIR 1825-1872

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Grand Master, 1869-1870

BIOGRAPHY

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

Most Worshipful Brother William D. Muir first appeared in the Grand Lodge session of 1864, and was made Chairman of Committee on Unfinished Business, and received the appointment as Senior Grand Deacon, to which he was again appointed in 1865. He at that time represented Cooper Lodge No. 36, of Boonville, as Worshipful Master. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in 1867 he was elected Junior Grand Warden, advanced in 1868 to the station of Senior Grand Warden, and in 1869 he was chosen Most Worshipful Grand Master.

Brother Muir was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, September 12, 1825. His family removed to Cooper County, Missouri, in the fall of 1837, settling on a farm three miles east of Boonville. Brother Muir received his education in the Kemper School in Boonville, and graduated from the law school at Lexington, Kentucky, and later began the practice of his profession in Boonville, Missouri. He married in 1851, also became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, continuing his connection throughout his life.

Brother Muir became active in politics and served as Circuit Attorney. He was nominated to the Legislature, but declined; his death occurred a day or two after the election. He held an extensive law practice throughout the State before the war. During the war he removed to St. Louis and engaged in his profession, but returned to Boonville after the close of the war and resumed practice with his former partner, which continued until his death.

He was seriously afflicted for a year or more with cancerous growth, but bore up bravely until death came to his relief November 7, 1872.

His Masonic record is sadly incomplete, in consequence of the destruction of the Lodge during the war, which makes it impossible to obtain dates. He, however, was made a Mason in Cooper Lodge No. 36, in Boonville, and also took the Royal Arch degrees in the Chapter at that place. He served the Lodge in various capacities and was Worshipful Master a number of years.

Although living three miles in the country he was a regular attendant of the Lodge meetings. In this respect he was more regular after his election as Grand Master than previously. The last Masonic work by him was to confer the Master's degree on his namesake, William Muir Williams, who became Grand Master in 1887. Brother Muir was never again in the Lodge.

His funeral was conducted by the Grand Lodge, the then Grand Master, and his old-time friend, Samuel H. Owens, officiating.


Missouri Grand Masters