RIGMJSmith
JERVIS J. SMITH 1801-1864
Grand Master 1859
BIOGRAPHY
From History of Freemasonry in Rhode Island, 1895, Page 320:
This brother, born in 1801, was a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 7, Chepachet, R. I., in which village he resided, in the practice of the medical profession, for a considerable number of years.
The material for an extended sketch of his life is not at hand. Evidently he was an educated and skillful physician, deservedly respected for his many excellent traits of character, and the manner in which he fulfilled the duties of related life.
He was an active promoter of the interests of Friendship Lodge, No. 7, in which body he held the office of Wor. Master for several years. In the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island his abilities and zeal for Freemasonry were recognized, and he was advanced to the highest place. In 1855-56, he was Junior Grand Warden; in 1857-58, Senior Grand Warden; and in 1859, Grand Master. He served creditably in all these and other Masonic offices.
He died at his home in Chepachet, March 10, 1864. His funeral was attended, March 14th, by the Grand Lodge, Grand Master Ariel Ballou presiding. St. John's Commandery, No. 1, performed escort duty. A fitting tribute was paid to his worth by his personal friends, Rev. Messrs. John Boyden and C. H. Fay, both of whom eulogized the deceased in the character of a skillful physician, a noble man, and a true Christian.
Grand Master Ballou, in announcing to the Grand Lodge the death of Past Master Smith, said: "It was our privilege to attend him during his last illness, and to afford him such aid as our humble professional knowledge permitted ; but humanity could not prevent the approach of the silent messenger, death, and calmly and submissively he bowed to the Divine will. You, brethren, had awarded to him the highest honor in your power to confer ; and it was not only in his family, and among the fraternity, that his death brought sorrow and sighing, but also in many a home, where for years, in storm and shine, by day and night, he had administered to the sick, and afforded consolation to those whom his skill could not keep alive; and the large concourse that attended his funeral ceremonies, attested by their silent grief, the deep hold he had upon their affections."
